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Foreign Affairs and Tourism Minister Given Lubinda
Foreign Affairs and Tourism minister Given Lubinda has clarified that patriotic front secretary general Winter Kabimba has no position in government.
Mr. Lubinda says as far as he is concerned, there is no government declaration stating that Mr. Kabimba is third in government.
He says the only statement made by President Michael Sata made was that Mr. Kabimba will be third in protocol at state functions.
Speaking in an interview with QFM, Mr. Lubinda says President Sata’s statement does not in any way mean that the PF SG has a position in government.
He says people should not fall in traps being set by the UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema and MMD presidential aspirant Nevers Mumba, who he says are only cheating themselves.
THE Patriotic Front (PF) Government is on course to attain economic development and ensure Zambians benefit, chief Government spokesperson Fackson Shamenda has said.
Mr Shamenda, who is Information, Broadcasting and Labour Minister, said in Lusaka that the PF administration was committed to improving the welfare of Zambians.
The minister said in the last seven months that the party had been in Government, it had managed to score various economic and social gains.
Mr Shamenda said the zeal to fight corruption was a pillar to ensuring that the country’s wealth was shared equally among Zambians and that there would be no sacred cows in the crusade.
He said President Michael Sata’s administration would not be derailed by criticism from members of the opposition but would focus on developing the country and better the living standards of the people.
“Development does not take a short time to attain but we are determined to stick to what we promised the people and we are doing it and we have achieved a lot in the short period that we have been in office,” Mr Shamenda said.
He reiterated the Government’s commitment towards guaranteeing that mineral wealth was equitably shared.
He said improved conditions of service for public service workers underscored the importance the PF attached to the welfare of workers.
Mr Shamenda said the reinstatement of the abuse of office clause in the Anti-Corruption Act was another milestone which would entail that no one was above the law in the country.
On the political front, Mr Shamenda said the Government would continue to provide an environment for all political players to participate, but emphasised the need for constructive criticism to help steer Zambia’s democracy in the right direction.
“This Government is caring and is not reckless, we shall continue to provide for the people and we will not go backwards on our promises but we will ensure we give the Zambians the dignity they deserve,” he said.
THE opposition MMD has announced that Lusaka Province chairperson, William Banda has left the party and has been replaced with his deputy Charles Mumena in an acting capacity.
Mr Banda is said to have met with the party provincial executive committee earlier in the day where he announced that he was no longer interested to be at the helm of the party in the province.
“I want to inform the nation that I have received a report from the Lusaka executive that William Banda has stepped down and I want to accept his decision on behalf of the party,” MMD national secretary Major RichardKachingwe said
The general secretary said now that Mr Banda had left, the party in Lusaka would now rebrand by exercising civility and stop harassing people in the name of politics.
Mr Banda, a close ally of former president Rupiah Banda, has been a controversial figure in MMD, especially in the run-up-to the 2011 presidential elections with many people accusing him of perpetrating violence.
Meanwhile, MMD has said that it has no intention of introducing the position of the vice-president at the forthcoming convention despite calls by some members to re-create the second highest party office.
And former Works and Supply minister, Mike Mulongoti has charged that it is foolish for the former ruling party to scrap the vice-presidency position in an effort to please some individuals.
Party chairperson, Michael Mabenga, who is acting president, said in an interview during the week that the extraordinary convention set for May 25 would not look at introducing the position of vice-president.
The MMD froze the position ahead of the 2011 presidential elections when it became apparent that late former vice-president George Kunda was set for defeat by Mr Mulongoti, who was not favoured by the national executive committee.
Mr Mulongoti was subsequently expelled from the MMD although many analysts believe that lack of vice-president has thrown the party into a leadership crisis following the retirement of its leader Rupiah Banda.
Former national vice-president Enoch Kavindele, who is aspiring for the party presidency, said lack of second-in-command had worked to the disadvantage of the MMD, adding that time had come to re-introduce the position.
However, Mr Mabenga was adamant that the former ruling party was in a crisis and vowed not to re-introduce a vice-president during the convention, that will simultaneously be held in the country’s 10 provinces.
“The position of vice-president is not there. It will not be done during the convention. We don’t need it now because we have the party chairperson,” Mr Mabenga said.
“I am surprised that some people are saying that we are in a crisis, what crisis? There is no crisis whatsoever and we are geared for the convention where we will be electing the new president.”
Mr Mabenga, who defended the use of the provincial conventions to elect the president, also announced that the new leader would be required to amass 50 per cent plus one vote in line with the party constitution, failure to which there would be a run-off.
Meanwhile, Mr Mulongoti said the method the MMD would be using to elect the leader of the party would be illegal because it did not conform with the party constitution.
He said in a separate interview during the week that the party constitution stipulated that the president of the party could only be elected at a national convention and wondered how credible the new leader would be.
“Speaking as a legal mind I think the MMD has a constitution which should deal with the issue of an extraordinary convention, which also gives power to elect the president. So the convention may be right but it’s illegal according to the constitution,” he said.
Political analyst, Alex Ng’oma said the decision by the opposition MMD to use provincial conventions to elect its next leader was a clear indication of a lack of democracy in the former ruling party.
Dr Ng’oma charged that the excuse of lack of money as the reason for failing to hold an extraordinary convention to elect a new leader did not stand because the MMD had demonstrated its wealth prior to the 2011 elections.
“The provincial conferences process is less credible than the main convention. This is like divide-and-rule tactic by the MMD and they are showing that there is no democracy in the party.
“If they (MMD members) claim that there is no money, then this is very strange because they showed the whole world that they were a wealth party in the run-up to the elections last year,” he said.
The former ruling party, which is fighting to clear its name after being labeled a corrupt institution, is set to elect a new leader following the retirement from active politics by Mr Banda.
Apart from Mr Kavindele, six other members who include Nevers Mumba, Felix Mutati, Kabinga Pande, Kapembwa Simbao, Moses Muteteka and Situmbeko Musokotwane are interested to lead the MMD.
Chris Farraday (Mark Wahlberg) long ago abandoned his life of crime, but after his brother-in-law, Andy (Caleb Landry Jones), botches a drug deal for his ruthless boss, Tim Briggs (Giovanni Ribisi), Chris is forced back into doing what he does best- running contraband-to settle Andy’s debt. Chris is a legendary smuggler and quickly assembles a crew with the help of his best friend, Sebastian (Ben Foster), for one final run to Panama and back, hoping to return with millions in counterfeit bills. Things quickly fall apart and with only hours to reach the cash, Chris must use his rusty skills to successfully navigate a treacherous criminal network of brutal drug lords, cops and hit men before his wife, Kate (Kate Beckinsale), and sons become their target.
PROS
Good acting by Mark Wahlberg.
Gripping story-line with many twists and turns
It is unpredictable movie that keeps you guessing what will happen next.
CONS
At some points in the movie you may get lost because of the numerous twists in the story.
FAVORITE QUOTE
Chris Farraday: You think you’re the only guy with a gun?
Tim Briggs: Tell him not to dump it in the water!
CONCLUSION
Contraband is a very entertaining action thriller . Mark Wahlberg plays a working class action hero in this gritty but convoluted story about double-dealing smugglers, wharfside corruption and family revenge.
On 25 April 2012, the legal team representing Henry Banda filed two letters with several United Nations Special Rapporteurs requesting Urgent Appeals be addressed to the Government of Zambia regarding politically motivated accusations against Mr. Banda and harassment and threats against his legal counsel, Robert Amsterdam.
“These documents are the first of many appeals we are preparing before international bodies to expose the unlawful conduct of the Zambian
government in the Henry Banda matter, and highlight the ongoing abuses of power by the ruling party to attack and weaken the political opposition,”said Mr. Amsterdam.
“The allegations reported in the media against Mr.Banda are completely without grounds, and the fact that the government has publicly lied concerning his whereabouts and has refused to respond to our questions should raise obvious concerns.”
This is contained in a statement made available to Lusakatimes.
The request for Urgent Appeals concerning Zambia’s unlawful treatment of Mr. Banda was addressed to the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and Association, the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and Expression, and the Chair-Rapporteur of the Working Group on Arbitrary Detentions.
A separate request for Urgent Appeals was also sent to the Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights Defenders and the Special
Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers on behalf of Mr.Amsterdam in response to various threats, harassment, and defamation by
government and party officials in the media, which is alleged as a violation of Mr. Banda’s right to counsel.
According to the letter, “Mr. Banda’s imminently threatened detention,extradition and prosecution would accordingly violate his rights under
Article 9.1 (right to liberty and freedom from arbitrary detention),Article 19 (freedom of opinion and expression), Article 22 (freedom of
association) and Article 25 (a) (right to take part in the conduct of public affairs) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political
Rights, to which Zambia has been a State Party since 1984, among other international instruments guaranteeing these rights.”
The letter continues, “The threats and intimidation against his lawyer and human rights defender, Robert Amsterdam, violate Principle 16 of the Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers, and Articles 9.3(c) and 12.2 of the United Nations Declaration on the Right and Responsibility of Individuals,Groups and Organs of Society to Promote and Protect Universally Recognized Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms.”
A 9 year old boy of Makululu settlement in Kabwe has died after he was allegedly tortured by a police reservist at Kamanda Police Post, on suspicion of stealing a cell phone and K90,000.
But Central Province police commissioner Solomon Jere denied that the boy identified as Misheck Mumbi was tortured, saying his death was caused by meningitis.
Residents of Makululu are angered over the alleged torture of the boy and are demanding a thorough investigation into the matter.
His family has disputed postmortem results showing that the death was as a result of meningitis.
Misheck, who died on April 10 and his younger brother Patrick, aged four, were reported to have been detained at Kamanda police post on April 9 for about ten hours and were allegedly tortured over the missing cellphone and the K90,000 stolen from a shop at Kamanda market.
The boy’s mother Gift Njovu, grandmother Joyce Ngulubi and some neighbours on Thursday besieged the office of Kabwe district commissioner Patrick Chishala, demanding that the police tell them the truth about the circumstances leading to Misheck’s death.
“This child was not sick. I want to know how my son died,” Ms Njovu said.
[pullquote]Misheck, who died on April 10 and his younger brother Patrick, aged four, were reported to have been detained at Kamanda police post on April 9 for about ten hours and were allegedly tortured over the missing cellphone and the K90,000 stolen from a shop at Kamanda market[/pullquote]
She said Misheck died on the way to Kabwe General Hospital after complaining that he was feeling unwell and that the matter was reported to Kabwe police station on April 14 but nothing has been done.
And the DC, Mr Chishala, said he is not happy with the manner in which the police have handled the matter and he has not seen any report yet despite requesting for one.
“The police and the community are now at loggerheads, the police have created a rift with the community,” Mr Chishala said.
When contacted on the matter, Dr Jere said postmortem results indicated that Misheck died of meningitis and was never tortured as his mother was claiming.
“If there is foul play, we will investigate the matter. What we have at hand indicates that police officers were not responsible for this death.
It was caused by meningitis,” he said.
Dr Jere said Misheck was held in police custody from 15:00 hours to 18:00 hours and he developed a fever at home.
[Daily Mail]
Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE) prime minister commonly known as Ngambela, Clement Sinyinda, who disclosed that this years Kuombokaa ceremony has been cancelled.He said the event will not take place because of the emerging ‘full moon’. He said it is against Lozi tradition to hold the Kuomboka under a full moon.
The cancellation of the ceremony has also been attributed to insufficient water levels. Ngambela Sinyinda says the BRE regrets the cancellation of the annual traditional event, which also attracts regional and international tourists.
“The full moon is about to emerge and so it is impossible for us to hold the event as it is against our tradition,” he said.
Ngambela Sinyinda said a survey conducted by the Kuomboka ceremony organising committee headed by Induna Inete established that the water levels are not good enough for the event.
Kuomboka means moving from the flooded plains to the dry highlands and is dependent on the depth of the water level in order to accommodate the Nalikwanda, the Litunga’s royal boat.
“We spent most of our time organising the Barotse National Council (BNC) meeting last month and we realised we have very little time to prepare for the Kuomboka. And as you may be aware, we usually do not hold this event in May, so we regret the cancellation of the event this year,” Ngambela Sinyinda said.
[pullquote]We spent most of our time organising the Barotse National Council (BNC) meeting last month and we realised we have very little time to prepare for the Kuomboka[/pullquote]
And it is exactly one month since the BNC meeting resolved that Western Province would secede from Zambia and mandated the BRE to put in place a transition process, leading to the take-over of all government functions in Western Province.
When asked to comment on the progress towards the realisation of the BNC resolution, Ngambela Sinyinda declined to comment on the matter.
“No, no, no, I do not want to comment on that matter,” he said.
The BNC meeting cited Government’s failure to honour the Barotseland Agreement of 1964 as its reason to call for the breakaway of Western Province from Zambia.
Meanwhile, Minister of Defence Geoffrey Mwamba says there is no need for panic among the people of Mongu over the Zambia Air Force (ZAF) jets that have been flying over the town.
Mr Mwamba said the flying of the trainer fighter jets is normal routine for ZAF.
He said in an interview monitored on Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation news yesterday that there is nothing sinister about jets flying over Western Province.
“The jets were recently procured and they are being used to train officers at ZAF, so there is no need for people to panic,” he said.
An activist, Alexander Mwangelwa, is reported to have said that the low flying ZAF jets are causing fear in Western Province.
Mr Mwangelwa was quoted in the Post Newspapers yesterday as saying the people of Western Province should be alert.
MINISTER of Defence Geoffrey Mwamba is demanding K500 million from the Daily Nation newspaper following an article published by the newspaper suggesting that his trucks were used to transport fuel donated to Malawi.
Mr Mwamba is also demanding a written apology and retraction of the article entitled “Malawi to sell oil donated by Zambia” which appeared in the newspaper on Thursday.
This is contained in a letter of demand by Mr Mwamba’s lawyers, Ellis and Company, obtained by the Daily Mail in Lusaka on Thursday.
Mr Mwamba’s decision to demand an apology and compensation is in relation to an extract of the article published in the Daily Nation, which his lawyers have termed as defamatory.
“Our instructions are, therefore, to demand a written apology and a retraction of the said article in so far it relates to our client. Our client also demands to be compensated to the tune of K500 million for the said defamatory words,” reads part of the letter.
Ellis and Company says if the newspaper does give them a favourable response within seven days, they will institute court proceedings for appropriate remedies which will inevitably aggravate costs and attract interest.
Mr Mwamba’s lawyers say the article meant and is understood to mean that their client has abused his office as Minister of Defence by using his personal vehicles to transport the fuel.
The law firm says that the article further means that Mr Mwamba is a corrupt and mischievous person.
Mr Mwamba’s lawyers state that the article means that he used his authority to procure the oil deal to transport fuel to derive financial benefit.
The law firm says that a portion of the article is not correct because Mr Mwamba does not own any fuel tankers, whether registered or not, which are capable of transporting fuel.
The law firm says as a result of the defamatory article, Mr Mwamba has suffered hatred, ridicule and has been lowered in the estimates of right thinking members of the society.
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God”
(Romans 12:2, NKJV)
TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria
Living in victory means that sometimes you have to develop new habits. If you’ve been negative for a long time, you’ve got to re-train your thinking from “I can’t” to “I can;” from “It won’t happen” to “It will happen;” from “I’ll never get well” to “God is restoring health unto me;” from “I never get any good breaks” to “God’s favor surrounds me like a shield;” from “I’ve made too many mistakes. I’m all washed up” to “I’m redeemed and forgiven. My best days are still out in front of me.” It’s like reprogramming a computer. Sometimes you have to wipe off the old, outdated, dysfunctional software and load in something new.
If you’ve spent your days focused on how things won’t work, it’s time to focus on how things will work out! It doesn’t matter how bad it looks, how many people have told you no, or how long it’s been that way, God has the final say. It’s not over till God says it’s over. Shake off the self-pity. Shake off the disappointment. Let go of the old and choose to believe Him. Declare His promises over your life and see His blessing and victory as you align yourself with Him!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father God, thank You for the transformation power in Your Word! Thank You for giving me hope for my future. I choose to trust You, I choose to believe Your word, and I choose to declare Your truth and watch victory unfold in Jesus’ name! Amen.
— Joel & Victoria Osteen
Zesco United lead at the top of the FAZ Super Division table was cut from two to one point after drawing 2-2 away to Nkana.
Zesco stumbled after taking a 1-0 first half lead through a Jackson Mwanza 23rd minute goal before trailing 2-1 until the 88th minute.
Lameck Mwale and Reynold Kampamba handed Nkana the lead with a 45th minute penalty and one goal just after the break respectively.
However, Alfred Luputa scored his first goal of the season in as many games played with a last gasp effort to make sure Zesco when back to Ndola with at least another point.
The draw comes just a week after they were held to a 1-1 draw at home against Roan United at the Trade Fair Grounds in Ndola.
Zesco have 14 points from six games while Power Dynamos are second with 13 points.
Power sneaked into second place after a 2-0 away win over promoted Indeni in Ndola while Red Arrows are third following a scoreless draw at Konkola Blades.
10-man Zanaco huffed and puffed their way to a 1-0 home win over Nchanga Rangers while Napsa Stars bounced back from their home loss against Konkola Blades to draw 2-2 away at Roan United.
Promoted Napsa Stars’ game at Roan was their first outside Lusaka this season after five league matches played into the new season.
Green Buffaloes collected just their second league win of the season at Woodlands Stadium in Lusaka where they beat Green Eagles.
Nakambala Leopards slowly crept out of the demotion zone after a 2-1 home win over winless National Assembly who remain rooted at the bottom of the table on two points.
Week 6 Results
28/04/12
Forest Rangers 0-Konkola Mine Police 2
Nkana 2-Zesco United 2
Indeni 0-Power Dynamos 2
Roan United 2-Napsa Stars 2
Zanaco 1-Nchanga Rangers 0
Konkola Blades 0-Red Arrows 0
Nakambala Leopards 2-National Assembly 1
Green Buffaloes 1-Green Eagles 0
[standings league_id=21 template=extend logo=false]
Ex-international striker Joel Bwalya has been appointed head coach of Faz Division Two North side Luanshya United.
Both Luanshya United Patron Nathan Chanda and Bwalya have confirmed to LT Sports on the Copperbelt.
” As Luanshya United patron, I wish to confirm that Mr. Joel Bwalya is our new head coach. He has since started work immediately,” said Chanda who is also the Luanshya Mayor.
Bwalya is the younger brother to Faz president Kalusha Bwalya.
The former Belgium based player has previously coached at Luanshya Hotspur.
Bwalya is expected to target promotion for the Luanshya Municipal Council sponsored side
FORMER Patriotic Front (PF) Ndola Central Constituency member of Parliament (MP), Mark Mushili and his son, Sydney, have been acquitted by the Ndola magistrate’s court on 27 counts of corrupt practices.
Ndola District registrar, Kelvin Limbani, sitting as chief resident magistrate yesterday acquitted Mushili, 63, and his son, Sydney, 35,both of House Number 32, Dr Darmie Street in Ndola on all 27 counts of corrupt practices.
Passing judgment, Mr Limbani said the evidence before the court showed that some witnesses had interests to serve in the proceedings.
He said from the evidence before the court, it was clear that Anegi Oils Company Limited had a business relationhip with Tazama Pipelines Ltd because fuel was uplifted from Tazama Pipelines based on the business relationship and with the authority of Tazama.
“In totality of the evidence before me and after considering all the circumstances of the case, I have no doubt that the accused persons, jointly and whilst acting together in the respective counts, did not commit the respective alleged counts and I accordingly acquit them of all the charged offences,” Mr Limbani said.
Mr Limbani stated that the liquidation of Anegi Oils was null and void in that the liquidation process raised a lot of issues.
He said the liquidation process was also coloured with irregularities and that the conduct of those involved in the liquidation left much to be desired.
As regards the acquisition of property with proceeds of crime, Mr Limbani said explanations had been given by the defence witnesses for the acquisition as per evidence adduced.
In one of the counts, Mushili and his son were alleged to have fraudulently obtained fuel worth more than K86 million from Tazama pipelines by purporting to show that Anegi Oils had made an initial payment for the purchase of the said fuel, when in fact not.
After the judgment Mr Mushili said he was highly indebted to President Sata for encouraging him to remain strong amidst all the allegations.
He said the charges were however, detrimental to him and his family as well as the PF before it came into power.
“I remained strong as the case was going on. I have never stolen in my entire life but I was labeled as a thief because of politics. I had to wait for the judicial system to determine my case and I am glad that the truth has prevailed,” Mr Mushili said.
And an accountant of Kabwe yesterday appeared in court for assault on another man who allegedly went to enquire about a chicken that had gone missing from his home.
Evans Mumba, 44, of Poleni Township in Kabwe appeared before magistrate Jennifer Bwalya and denied the charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm contrary to the Laws of Zambia.
Mumba, an accountant at Kabwe General Hospital is alleged to have assaulted Mr Teddy Mundia who is alleged to have gone to enquire about a lost cockerel which was seen at his house.
Earlier, State prosecutor Wisdom Hatimbula applied to the court for the revocation of the police bond for Mumba on the basis that its issuance was questionable and was dubiously obtained as its documentation showed that the accused person was remanded in custody and not on bond.
Mr Hatimbula told the court that the police bond in question was obtained with assistance from staff at the judiciary adding that the issuance was irregular as procedure was not followed.
He urged the court to revoke the bond so as to allow the accused person to be remanded in custody and also to give the prosecution team an opportunity to establish how the said document was issued.
Mr Hatimbula argued that the police bond was a document which was supposed to be issued genuinely and that sanity in that regard could only be brought and to determine the authenticity of the document if the matter was investigated.
But lawyer representing the accused Mulilo Kabesha from Kabesha and Company said given the scenario, he was applying for bail from the court considering that his client was of fixed abode and a civil servant who could not jump bail.
In her ruling, magistrate Bwalya ordered the prosecution team to seriously consider investigating the matter and revoked the police?bond in question.
The magistrate later granted the accused person bail of K2 million cash and two sureties and ordered that he be remanded in custody until bail conditions were met.
The accused person has since been detained at Kabwe Central police stations.
The accused person is alleged to have assaulted Mr Mundia on April 21, 2012 who had gone to the accused person’s house to enquire about a cockerel which was seen at his house and that a plank was used to hit him.
File: First Republican President Kenneth Kaunda cutting his birthday cake last year
President Sata has sent a special best wishes message to First Republican President Dr Kenneth David Kaunda on his 88th Birthday.
In a letter to Dr Kaunda, President Sata stated that words alone cannot put across the Zambian people’s happiness as they join Dr Kaunda and his family in these celebrations.
This is according to a press statement made available to Lusakatimes by George Chellah special assistant to the President Press and Public relations.
“You have sacrificed so much for our country just to make us who we are today – proud Zambians. It is gratifying to note that even in advanced age, you continue being the great compassionate citizen of the world we have always known,” read President Sata’s letter in part.
“Your Excellency, like you always remind us: ‘One Zambia, One Nation! Love thy neighbour as you love thyself.’ We commit to these noble principles and guarantee that what you have taught us over the years will be our lead and guide.
“On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Zambia, the people and indeed on my own behalf, I submit my warmest congratulations and best wishes to Your Excellency as you celebrate this great and befitting event. Wishing Your Excellency personal good health and prosperity. Happy Birthday Shikulu!”
President Sata has joined millions of Zambians in remembering the Gabon air crash during which the cream of Zambian footballers died in 1993.
This is a according to a press release made available to Lusakatimes by George Chellah Special assistant to the Presidenton Press and Public relations.
In commemorating the 19th Anniversary of the Gabon air crash, the President paid tribute to the deceased whose place he said remains special in hearts of the Zambians.
“You were the truest heroes of our time and there can be no history in Zambia without mentioning your gallant efforts which ensured our country is placed high on the world football map,” the Head of State said.
The President also urged the current crop of players to emulate the fallen heroes whose dedication to national duty and mark of patriotism was beyond reproach.
“On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Zambia, the people and indeed on my own behalf, I wish the families of the deceased God’s guidance as they remember their loved ones,” the President said.
The Zambia national team was travelling to Dakar for a 1994 World Cup qualifier against Senegal when the plane they were travelling in plunged into the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Libreville killing all on board.
Finance and National Planning Minister Alexander Chikwanda says Zambia has received massive economic support from the international community since the ascendance to power of the Patriotic Front Government.
Mr Chikwanda said contrary to arguments by opponents of the PF government, a lot of countries such as Britain, Germany and Japan among others, have increased their economic support to Zambia.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with ZANIS in London yesterday, Mr Chikwanda attributed the increasing international support to the emphasis that President Michael Sata and his government have placed on issues of good governance such as the fight against corruption.
He said President Sata has made it clear that his government will have no room for corruption adding that he has also been practical on the issue by ensuring that any suspicious activities of corruption are swiftly dealt with.
“President Sata has been clear-cut on the issue of zero tolerance to corruption and this has actually won the hearts of the international community who have supported us regardless of the many challenges their countries were going through,” he said.
He said Zambia is part of the global village and that the country has a duty to improve the livelihoods of the people by talking to other countries and explaining its challenges.
Mr Chikwanda said this is one way issues of poverty could be tackled and some of the needs of the people met.
He, however, said this situation gives the country a challenge of ensuring that all the resources it receives from the international community were diligently and prudently utilised.
Mr Chikwanda said, the PF government, in its scheming of things will endeavour to ensure that finances and whatever resources the country had were properly used.
“All countries in the world were having numerous economic challenges but were working hard to convince their tax payers to have some of their resources diverted to helping countries like ours at great expense so we cannot afford to be careless,” he emphasised.
Meanwhile, Mr Chikwanda has said Zambia should seriously work towards reducing dependence on other countries.
He said it is the responsibility of all Zambians to help develop the country saying it is logical that once donor countries experience perpetual economic challenges their support will also dwindle.
The Finance Minister stated that government was doing its part by heavily investing in sectors such as education to increase the productive capacity of the people.
He said this was important because the people are the most important resource any country can have in their development process.
Mr Chikwanda urged all Zambians to be active players in the development process of the country because no one would do it for them.
