The movement for multi democracy MMD has expressed shock on the suspension on three high court judges by President Michael Sata.

MMD acting president Michael Mabenga says that the manner in which the decision was made raises serious questions on the judicial process in Zambia.

Mr. Mabenga says decisions regarding the suspension of judges are of great magnitude and are exceptionally rare.

He says that such drastic decisions are only fearfully entertained after thorough reflection and due consideration of all possible harmful effects they will have on the system of arbitration.

He says that while the MMD believes in an aggressive fight against corruption is necessary and that judicial reform is required, arbitrary and fragmented executive decisions should not be taken that give the impression that the president is seeking to protect certain stakeholder partisan interest in disregard of the integrity of the bench.

Mr. Mabenga says that though the MMD might not be privy to the full facts regarding the cases itemized as a term of reference for the said tribunal, the party believes that the hurried nature and timing of the action taken leads itself to suspicion that they are other fundamental wrongs and injustices that may be committed as a result of the presidential decision.

QFM

Zambia today joined the rest of the world in commemorating the International Labour Day. In Lusaka, Republican President Michael Sata who arrived at the freedom statute at 10: 20 hours local time graced the event.

In his address, President Sata disclosed that officers working for a named defence wing were allegedly offered poor conditions of service to its employees compared to other defence forces.

M. Sata said there is need to harmonise the disparities among the defence forces so as to motive them.

He further said he is not impressed with the salary structures for workers at the National Assembly and he requested the Speaker to consider tabling the matter in parliament.

He added that workers who opt to go on work stoppages should utilise the normal established channels of bargaining as it was retrogressive to the nation and the practice should be avoided at all costs.

The Head of State also presented awards to some of the deserving workers and reiterated government’s commitment to addressing the plight of workers in the country such as reviewing the statutory instrument on labour laws, ending casualization and child labour.

Mr Sata advised employers in the country to adhere to labour laws but emphasised the need Union Labour leaders to approach management in resolving impasse at work places.

Mr Sata regretted that HIV/AIDS was robbing the nation out of productive people whose inputs were invaluable.

Speaking earlier, Information, Broadcasting and Labour Minister Fackson Shamenda disclosed that he will soon be announcing the minimum wage for the public service workers in the country.

Mr Shamenda said government is aware of the ‘long sufferings’ that retirees go through but was quick to assure that his ministry is working round the clock to address the problem.

Mr Shamenda, who is also Chief Government Spokesperson, ticked off opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) leader Hakainde Hichilema for his continued attacks on the government of the day.

He said the opposition leader is frustrated and ‘off side’ and does not know how government operates.

Mr Hichilema is quoted in one the tabloids published today that Zambians should brace themselves for more intimidation and sufferings.

Zambia Congress of Trade Union President Leonard Hikaumba demanded for a full-scale transformation of the national economy that puts the interests of the people first and guarantees the respect for human rights.

Mr Hikaumba urged the PF government to seriously address social injustices of high poverty levels, inequality, discrimination and exploitation in working places.

He lamented that despite Zambia ratifying the major international labour Organisation conventions on promoting and protection of fundamental rights, a lot of Zambian workers have not benefited as provided for in the Conventions.

He warned that his organisation would evaluate the PF government next year to account for its six months after settling down in power from the latter, MMD government.

This year’s labour day is being commemorated under the theme“ Enhancing workers’ rights for sustainable national development”.

And in Chipata, the Zambia Congress Trade Union(ZCTU ) has expressed concern over the low turnout at this year’s International Labour Day celebrations in Chipata district in eastern Province.

ZCTU Secretary General Roy Mwaba said the low turnout is an indication that most employers in the district do not encourage their workers to participate in the important day which is celebrated World over.

Mr Mwaba was speaking at this year’s International Labour Day Celebration held at David Kaunda stadium in Chipata this morning whose theme is “Enhancing Workers Right for Sustainable National Development,”

He urged government to ensure that employers in the region allowed their workers to participate fully in Labour Day celebrations.

The ZCTU National Secretary has since reiterated ZCTU’s commitment to work with the government of the day to improve workers condition of service.

And officiating at this year’s International Labour Day celebration Minister of Defence Geoffrey Mwamba said government requires a committed workforce to contribute to the growth and expansion of the companies, organizations and public sector in the country.

Mr Mwamba stated that government is aware that the process of having committed workforce will contribute to the sustainable economic development of the nation.

He stated that there is need to address the work culture of employees which is currently characterized by unproductive practices such as absenteeism, reporting late for work and also lack of respect for superiors among other concerns.

He said to address the negative attitude towards work, government is developing and implementing strategies that will inculcate a positive work culture.

And speaking at the same function Zambia Federation of Employers (ZFE) representative Wamui Changani said the federation has received numerous complaints from foreign investors who have already invested in the country that the Immigration Department is refusing to issue work permits for expert employees.

Mr Changani said the complaint is that even when the companies meet the legal requirements as provided for in section 65 of the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) which allows a foreign investor who has invested a minimum of US 250,000 to employ five expatriates there is rigidity from the department.

He said the reality is that there is a serious skill shortage in a number of fields in the industry and over restriction on the employment of required number of experts in managerial and technical positions may retard development of industry in the country.

ZANIS

Vice President Guy Scott has called on Zambians in Diaspora to seriously consider investing some of the resources back home.

Dr Scott noted that Zambia requires its citizens who have acquired a lot of knowledge and experience to help develop the country.

ZANIS reports that speaking when he addressed Zambians resident in Britain at the Zambian High Commission in London last night, Dr Scott said Zambians abroad were an important resource of knowledge and experience required to move the country forward.

The Vice President said Zambia was in dire need of exposure to the outside world especially through its people living in many lands.

Dr Scott advised Zambians in England to seriously consider investing some of their earnings into the Zambian economy especially in long term projects.

He said it was sad that most people including Zambians in Diaspora were only interested in short term investments where they wanted to make quick money and leave the country.

“I would be very happy to see all of you who are ready to come back home invest your money in your country’s economy especially in long term investments. Zambia needs all of you to develop,” he said.

Dr Scott said the Patriotic Front (PF) government is ready to listen to new ideas and suggestions on how best things could be done differently than in the past.

[pullquote]“I would be very happy to see all of you who are ready to come back home invest your money in your country’s economy especially in long term investments. Zambia needs all of you to develop,” he said.[/pullquote]

Meanwhile, Dr Scott has appealed to Zambians in the Diaspora to help promote Zambia as a safe and conducive investment destination.

He said many potential investors have very little information about the country and often confuse it with other conflict torn countries on the continent.

Dr Scott noted that this was the only way the country will attract foreign investments.

“Zambia is part of the global community and must be heard and known just like any other country,” he stressed.

Earlier Zambia’s High Commissioner to Britain Bizwayo Nkunika thanked government for the support it has continued to render to Zambians in the United Kingdom.

Lieutenant Colonel Nkunika thanked Dr Scott for finding time to meet Zambians resident in the United Kingdom.

Dr Scott is accompanied to Britain by Commerce Deputy Minister Keith Mukata, Commerce Permanent Secretary, Stephen Mwansa, Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) Director-General Andrew Chipwende and other government officials.

ZANIS

Six-pack, six problems

You don’t have to make it so difficult for yourself. Earning a ripped stomach needn’t require complex exercise machines, dangerous body contortions and 3am protein shakes.Dedication, a good diet and a comprehensive knowledge of exactly how to perform the key core-building moves are all you need to scythe away body fat and build perfect abs. Here, personal trainer Christian Finn details the most common mistakes made with the fundamental six-pack-sculpting moves. Read up and reap the rewards now.

The move: Sit-ups

Mistake 1: Adding a ‘twist’ at the top. “Most people do this because they think it works the muscles on the side of their waists (the obliques),” says Finn. However, a study in the journal Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise measured the activity of the oblique muscles during sit-ups and found they’re just as active without a twist. What’s more, research from the University of Waterloo in Canada found twisting movements impose large compression forces on the spine.Twist and shout indeed.

Fix it: Stick to one plane of movement – avoid twisting at the top.

Mistake 2: Sitting all the way up. Both straight and bent-leg sit-ups impose large amounts of compression on the spine (3,506 and 3,350 Newtons respectively). “The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health has set the action limit for low back compression at 3,300 Newtons; repetitive loading above this level is linked with higher injury rates in workers,” notes Professor Stuart McGill in his book Low Back Disorders. Yet executing a full sit-up puts above this amount of strain on your spine with every rep…

Fix it: Do crunches instead. “Lifting only the upper part of your back off the floor is less stressful for your spine but still works your abs,” says Finn.

The move: Swiss ball crunches

Mistake 1: Sitting too far forward on the ball. “Rather than lie back on the ball, a lot of guys sit upright, lean back slightly, and then almost ‘rock’ backwards and forwards,” says Finn. Rocking, sadly, is not an efficient route to rock-hard abs.

Fix it: Lie back on the ball so you’re looking up at the ceiling rather than across at the wall.

Mistake 2: Using a ball that isn’t fully inflated. If the ball doesn’t have enough air in it, it will flatten as you curl up, which makes the exercise less effective at working your abs.

Fix it: Pump it up! “You should be able to push the ball inward no more than about two inches when it’s fully inflated,” says Finn.

The move: The plank

Mistake 1: Lifting the hips. “When trying the plank for the first time, a lot of people tend to lift their hips towards the ceiling,” says Finn. This might make the exercise easier, but it’ll negate the move’s core-strengthening benefits.

Fix it: “When viewed from the side, your body should form a straight line from your shoulders to your hips to your ankles.” Have a buddy check your form.

Mistake 2: Failing to progress. Let’s face it, the plank is a pretty boring exercise, and if you have a strong core you can be staring at the floor for an elbow-numbing eternity before you feel any strain at the midriff.

Fix it: Instead of just adding seconds to the amount of time you spend on the plank, a better way to make the exercise harder is to remove one of the contact points from the floor. “From the standard four-point plank position, lift one foot off the ground and hold it there,” says Finn. “Make sure to hold your body still, keep your spine in a ‘neutral’ position (avoid arching or rounding) and try to avoid tilting sideways.” Switch legs every 5-10 seconds.

(menshealth.co.uk)

Zambians for Empowerment and Development Leader Fred Mutesa hopes that the suspension of the three judges by President Michael Sata has been done within the confines of the law.

Dr. Mutesa further hopes that the president had been given a sufficient legal counsel before taking what he termed drastic action.

The opposition leader has since challenged the Law Association of Zambia to avail to the nation the correct legal position on the matter.

Dr. Mutesa however, says that it is too early for his party to pass judgement on whether the decisions by President Sata is in line with the demands of justice or not.

Yesterday, President Michael Sata suspended the judges Philip Musonda, Niger mutuna and Charles Kajimanga to pave way for investigations into the allegations of corrupt practices by the three judges.

And as Zambia joins the rest of the world in the Labor Day celebrations, Dr. Mutesa has called for harmonization of relations among the employers, employees and government in the country.

Dr. Mutesa adds that doing so ensure that decision that serve interests of all the parties concerned are taken into consideration.

Dr. Mutesa has also urged the government to quickly finalise the revision of the minimum wage in the country.

[QFM]