SOME youths of the ruling Patriotic Front (PF) in Ndola yesterday surrounded and locked up the office of Tazama Pipelines managing director Largeman Muzelenga demanding his removal to pave way for investigations into revelations by the Wynter Kabimba Commission of Inquiry on the alleged loss of K2 trillion in fuel procurement.

The youths led by Ndola Central Constituency youth chairperson Muma Musonda surrounded Tazama House in the central business district in Ndola as early as 07:30 hours and vowed not to allow Mr Muzelenga enter the building.

The Daily Mail crew that rushed to Tazama House found PF youths instructing the secretary to the managing director to lock the office and not to allow him in the office.

The youths entered the building and forced the secretary to lock the door to the MD’s office and demanded for the keys.

However, quick response from the police prevented the youths from seizing the office keys from the secretary.

The police officers later asked the youths to leave the building.

And addressing the youths, Copperbelt commissioner of police Mary Tembo appealed to PF youths not to take the law into their own hands.
Ms Tembo also warned Tazama staff not to remove any files from offices until investigations are concluded.

“Please air your views using the right channels and respect the law. Now that you have aired your views, investigations will be constituted,” she said.

The Wynter Kabimba Commission of Inquiry into the Energy Regulation Board has recommended that former President Rupiah Banda, his son James and some former senior government officials be investigated over the K2 trillion oil procurement losses.

Tazama Pipelines Limited has submitted to Government suggestions for the construction of new loading facilities to double the storage capacity to meet the increasing demand of petroleum products in the country.

And Tazama has also submitted that Government considers relocating residents in the neighbouring Old Regiment township to enhance security around the area.

Tazama director of operations and engineering Majah Kikula said the storage capacity is inadequate to meet the increasing demand for the commodity.
“The storage capacity here is only 10 tanks and that is not enough to meet the increasing demand for petrol and diesel from oil marketing companies,” he said.

Mr Kikula said this during a tour of the fuel terminal by the Parliamentary Committee of Lands, Water and Energy Development in Ndola yesterday.
He said most of the storage facilities are run-down with a lot of leakages since the company took over operations of the terminal in 2007.

Mr Kikula also revealed that in 2010, one of the tanks got perforated on top and rainwater mixed with diesel contaminated more than 200 cubic litres of gas oil.

“We have so far renovated almost all the tanks and the planned construction will help us have enough stocks because at the moment we cannot meet the consumer demand,” Mr Kikula said.

He said a lot of rehabilitation has been undertaken at the terminal and that by September this year, operations will increase.
Mr Kikula said sometimes Tazama and Indeni are subjected to import petrol to meet the high demand of the commodity.
He attributed the increase in demand for the commodity to mining activities and the high number of people acquiring motor vehicles.
And Mr Kikula said some residents of the Old Regiment township are terrorising tanker drivers by draining fuel from the trucks and stealing goods from the truckers.

“This is a restricted area and we applied to Government to have the people living close to Indeni and Tazama to move away. As you can see there are always trucks surrounding this area, so it is not safe to have people living around here,” Mr Kikula said.
And parliamentary committee member James Kapyanga, who is also Kabwe Central member of Parliament, commended the management of Tazama for working hard to meet the increasing demand for petroleum products in the country.

[Daily Mail]

PRESIDENT Sata has appointed managing director of Professional Insurance Corporation George Silutongwe as a new chief executive officer of the Zambia State Insurance Corporation (ZISC).

Mr Sata announced Mr Silutongwe’s appointment in a letter dated April 19, 2012 to the Minister of Finance and National Planning Alexander Chikwanda.

“I congratulate you on your well-deserved appointment and I am confident that you will perform to my expectations and that of the Zambian people in general,” Mr Sata said in a statement issued by Ministry of Finance and Planning spokesperson Chileshe Kandeta yesterday in Lusaka.

Between 1980 and 2011, Mr Silutongwe served in other capacities in the insurance industry.

He was managing director of Professional life Assurance Limited, deputy director of Zambia Insurance Business College Trust and assistant general claims manager at ZSIC.

Mr Silutongwe is a chartered insurer who also holds a Master of Business Administration Degree from Lincoln University, United Kingdom (UK).
Mr Silutongwe is also an associate of the Chartered Insurance Institute, a member of the Institute of Risk Management, UK, and fellow of the Insurance Institute of Zambia.

In another development, the Zambia Union of Financial Institutions and Allied Workers (ZUFIAW) has implored Government to quickly appoint boards for National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA) and Workers Compensation Fund Board (WCFB) to rekindle the process of salary negotiations.

ZUFIAW General Secretary Joyce Nonde Simukoko commended Government for appointing a new director general for NAPSA and commissioner for WCFB.
Mrs Simukoko also said in an interview that several parastatal organisations have been operating without boards, which has negatively affected the decision-making process.

She said the whole process should be completed by putting in place boards so that the decision making process is not affected.
“Right now salary negotiations have stalled. There are decisions that management cannot make. That is why it is important to have boards in place,” Mrs Simukoko said.
She called on Government to quickly put in place all boards in the affected parastatals to ensure that management issues that remain unattended could be addressed.
“It is so frustrating, that is why workers get angry and act that way,” Mrs Simukoko said.
On Monday, Information, Broadcasting and Labour permanent secretary Amos Malupenga appointed Mr Charles Mpundu as director general for NAPSA and Elizabeth Nkumbula as commissioner for WCFB.

[Daily Mail]

Urban Chaos was founded in 2009 by childhood friends Mwamba Mulenga aka (32 Karat) and Terrence Makondo (Swayvy) in their first year at the University of Zambia.  Joined later in that year by Mass Communications student Ben B (real name Benson Witika), the trio started off making tracks off basic equipment in their room.  Within no time at all, the group began to establish a buzz around campus as being the most legit hip-hop act around.  The roster was completed in 2011 with the additionof J-pryd, and now Urban Chaos seek to solidify their place as hip-hop’s new wonder boys.

32Karat

In addition to being the group’s main beat-maker, 32 Karat brings a wealth of experience and freshness to Urban Chaos’ sound.  Arguably one of Zambia’s best freestylers (as evidenced by his winning K2million courtesy of MTN at the last Cypher), Mwamba is a gifted lyricist with a natural knack for punchlining and creative wordplay.  3 is also a talented footballer who once did a stint with Cardiff FCs youth academy in Wales, where he spent part of his childhood.

Ben B

Ben B has always had a passion for entertainment and is probably the most versatile of the group.  He combines the ability to sing in different styles with a very convincing rap delivery.  He also doubles as a presenter on UNZA Radio.  A true linguist, Ben’s verses inspire and entertain even the most sceptical of listeners.  Ben sees himself shining bright in Africa in the very near future as he really appreciates all music coming from the continent.

J-Pryd

Born in Kitwe but raised in Foxdale Estates Lusaka, Pride Michael Phiri is the Urban Chaos lyrical genius.  The soft-spoken Information Systems student counts Lupe Fiasco as his major influence.  Devoutly Catholic, J-Pryd listens to a lot Christian music; Lecrae and Tedashii in particular.  J-Pryd is easily the most poetic of the group, often seasoning Nsenga into his smooth Nyanja delivery.  Much has been said in underground circles about his potential to become the next huge emcee in Zed, and he relishes the chance to impress.

Swayvy

Swayvy contributes a distinctively unique rap style developed through years of carefully studying the classic hip-hop artists.  Swayvy can also boast of his very credible skills as a beat maker, having done the lions share of the production on early Urban Chaos projects, as well as providing the beat for the soon to be released banger “Mfumu” which includes a Ruff Kid sample.  Swayvy cites Lil’ Wayne as a major influence, inasmuch as he tries not to sound like him.  A commerce student and Kalundu resident, Swayvy counts cars, junk food and soccer as his other interests.

The group scored their first real success when they released the song “Esther Phiri”.  The song received a fair amount of attention on Lusaka radio stations and the underground circuit.  Things began to slow down when 32 and Swayvy transferred to CBU and Mulungushi respectively.  Plans to record an album were shelved as it was almost impossible to coordinate recording sessions with conflicting school calendars.

Now under the wing of former Q FM and X.Y.Z heavyweight stretch.dj the group has rediscovered their passion and are forging ahead with plans to release their mixtape “D.O.A: Death of Audiotape “ as well as 32 Karat’s solo project “the Mixtape Called the Album”.  2012 indeed looks bright for the young talented starlets, as they hope to bring nothing but the very best for the listening public.  Fans can expect collaborations with established acts as well as videos by the end of the year as well as their very first LP in the first quarter of next year.

THE MUSIC

Uli so

By Kapa187

Chisamba Member of Parliament Moses Muteteka has been implicated in the financial anomalies at Chibombo District Council.

This came to light when Chibombo District Council officials appeared before the Parliamentary Committee on Local Government to answer audit queries involving about K255 million unaccounted for Constitution Development Funds (CDF).

Council acting treasurer Miriam Moono told the committee that her office was instructed by the Member of Parliament to pay K150 million to SARO Company for the purchase of six hammer mills for the named women organizations in the constituency.

Mrs. Moono explained that when the council procurement officer was sent to collect the six hammer mills at SARO Company, it was discovered that Mr. Muteteka had already collected the four hammers mills and solar panels and bicycles which were not paid for.

She stated that to date the council has no records showing the existence of the said beneficiaries of the hammer mills.

Mrs. Moono also submitted that a CDF vehicle had been procured at the cost of K75 million which she said is registered in the name of Mr. Muteteka under whose custody it is.

And Chibombo District Council secretary Mui Mui Nasilele bemoaned political interference in the administration of Constituency Development funds.

Mr. Nasilele has since attributed the weaknesses in the administration of CDF at Chibombo District Council to interference by area members of Parliament.

[QFM]

By Gray Soko
It is now six months since the PF took over from the MMD and many are still wondering if the PF really has a different vision for Zambia from what the MMD had or is just seeking to improve on the MMD policies.

Some have asked the PF to clearly spell out what its direction for Zambia is. So far the PF has only been clear on what it will not do i.e. it is not for nationalization or introduction of the mining windfall tax. On these points the PF has been very explicit. The question that one begs to ask is whether there is a clear new direction the PF will take to move Zambia forward.

Recently the Minister of Finance said the PF was basically following the MMD 6th Development Plan, this may be because of the short time between the budget implementation and the PF coming to power but there were no major policy shifts indicated when the President opened Parliament either. The approach to the rehabilitation of the road network for example is still following the MMD style of road mending instead of taking a holistic approach to the road and rail network. Unless the network is changed, huge amounts of money will continue to be spent annually on mending roads. We have yet to hear of plans to open up new roads that will be different from the “ Cape to Cairo” network and open up new areas for development. We still hear the same MMD ideas on the agricultural and tourism side. “More money in your pockets” will only be realized if there is a major shift on job creation. We need to hear more about industrialization and value addition and trust Bob Sichinga is working overtime on this and not following the rhetoric of his predecessor.

On the governance side, apart from downsizing the cabinet with an increase in deputy ministers there have been no major changes. The much debated post of District Commissioner is very much in place and is generally being filled by party loyalists rather than professional administrators. President Sata has however indicated he wants the efficiency of the “colonial” commissioners to be reintroduced with the help of the British. There is of course a wish for effective decentralization but as Ms Nawakwi recently observed, unless there are concrete constitutional provisions, we shall continue talking about decentralization for decades without any tangible results. The PF Secretary General has scoffed ideas on federalism because of the “size” of the country which I find rather surprising. I would have expected that he would welcome ideas on how to make decentralization more effective and practicable rather than cling tenaciously to the “manifesto”. It is time we seriously took on board “Think Tanks” to put in place effective programmes and not rely on the self righteousness of party manifestos.
[pullquote]apart from downsizing the cabinet with an increase in deputy ministers there have been no major changes[/pullquote]
The Leader of the Opposition in Parliament (MMD) has come under fire from some MMD constituencies who have perceived him as not offering effective “checks and balances” to the PF. This may be far fetched because as of now there have really been no major policy shifts anyway. The MMD itself is taking a long time to recover from the September 2011 blow and unless a new visionary leader emerges to energise the party, it may be on unstoppable slide into oblivion like UNIP. With its parliamentary seats declining due to successful petitions, we may have a repeat of a defacto one-party state. We still have good political leaders ( General Miyanda, Charles Milupi, Elias Chipimo Jnr, Hakainde Hichilema , Edith Nawakwi ) but until they realize that in their divided small state their ability to influence events is minimal, the political landscape of Zambia will remain the same.

The expectations of the Zambians for the PF government to make a difference are indeed great and after six months of “stabilization” in government I expect the PF government to blaze a new trail for Zambia to move forward. With all our resources, material and human, we should not be where we are in the next five years.

National Restoration party (NAREP) president Elias Chipimo Junior says New Generation Party leader Humphrey Siulapwa needs serious prayers.

Recently, Siulapwa labeled Chipimo as an under five politician.

Mr. Chipimo however says he is very encouraged to see Siulapwa back in the country and is keen to hear what agenda he has for the country.

In an interview with QFM, Mr. Chipimo said whoever decides to make a contribution to the country must be allowed to do so, adding that for now; he will commit Siulapwa’s work under God’s guidance.

[pullquote]it is time politicians introduced a new kind of politics were instead of pulling each other down, they uplift each other[/pullquote].

He says it is time politicians introduced a new kind of politics were instead of pulling each other down, they uplift each other.

Mr Chipimo states that as a party that represents the future generation, NAREP wants to offer a kind of politics that encourages debate on ideas and not personal attacks.

[QFM]

Government says it will not go back on its promise to come up with a people-driven Constitution which will stand the test of time.

Information, Broadcasting and Labour Minister Fackson Shamenda said in Lusaka yesterday that the ongoing Constitution-making process was not a preserve of a privileged few in society but a process that would embrace all stakeholders before the document is finally adopted.

Mr Shamenda said the Constitution-making process was all-inclusive of sectors in the Zambia.

He said this yesterday during a media breakfast dubbed; ‘Youth Campaign on Constitution- making,’ organised by Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) at Golden Bridge Hotel in Lusaka.

Mr Shamenda said the media should play a key role to inform and educate the public on comments of the draft constitution for them to participate effectively.

“Using their reporting and editorial skills, the media have a responsibility to analyse and help breakdown constitutional and other forms of jargon in the draft constitution in order to enhance public understanding and participation,” he said.

In a speech read for him by his Deputy Minister, Rayford Mbulu, Mr Shamenda said the Government was committed to having a broad-based constitution.

He said the Government was thankful for the support that Zambia had continued to receive from various cooperating partners in the Constitution-making process.

The US Embassy in Zambia recently sponsored three youth leaders from YALI to attend the President’s Forum for young leaders in Washington DC.

Mr Shamenda hailed YALI’s missions of empowering young people to create change through promotion of education, good governance and development of entrepreneurship skills.

“This is a commendable initiative which is in line with Government’s agenda to empower youths so that they contribute meaningfully to national development,” he said.

Constitution Technical Committee Spokesperson, Simon Kabanda, assured that the first draft would be released next week to members of the public for scrutiny and comments.

Mr Kabanda said his team would not extend the framework but work as mandated by President Michael Sata.

He said after releasing the document, people should make comments on various provisions to be received through Constitution conventions at three levels of district, provincial and sector conventions.

Mr Kabanda said the launch of the first draft document would also be accompanied by the launch of a website to enable people forward their comments.

He said the third and final document would be subjected to a referendum. The Constitution of Zambia Bill would be used by Parliament to enact a new Constitution.

YALI board chairperson, Andrew Ntewewe, said the Constitution should include major areas such as backing of human rights, accountability and separation of powers.

He said the Constitutional Technical team should consider extending the days for the public to make comments on the first draft document as young people needed to understand issues more broadly.

US Embassy deputy public affairs officer, Adam Jagelski, said his government would continue to support various initiatives and skills development programmes such as the Constitution-making process and empowering youth.

[Times of Zambia]

The Lusaka high court has set August 10th 2012 as the judgment day for former MMD National Secretary Katele Kalumba and his co-accused. This is in a matter in which Katele Kalumba, former Access Financial Services directors Aaron Chungu and Faustin Kabwe and former Permanent secretary in the then Ministry of Finance and Economic Development Stella Chibanda had appealed against their five year sentence for corruption by the Lusaka magistrate`s court.

A panel of three High Court Judges among them Lusaka high court Judge in charge Jane Kabuka , Justice Nigel Mutuna and Judge Evans Hamaundu set 10th August 2012 as the judgment day because it is earliest date due to the commitments all the judges have.

In 2010, a Lusaka Magistrate Court convicted Dr Kalumba together with six of his co-accused on corruption charges. Lusaka High Court deputy director of court operations Edward Musona sitting as magistrate convicted Dr Kalumba together with his co-accused when he delivered judgment in the long running corruption trial.

The corruption charges relate to the payments made to US security companies Systems Innovation and Wilbain Incorporation involving US$20 million during the time he served as Finance minister in former president Fredrick Chiluba’s Government.

Then Lusaka High Court Deputy Director of Operations Edward Musona who sat as a Lusaka magistrate handed Dr. Kalumba a five-year sentence with hard labour after being found guilty on one count of corrupt practices by a public officer.

Ms. Chibanda was sentenced to 5 years simple imprisonment on 5 out of the 9 corruption charges while Access Financial Services Limited Directors Aaron Chungu and Faustin Kabwe were also jailed for 5 years each with hard labour.

Magistrate Musona said he had sentenced Kalumba to five years imprisonment with hard labour because he had not shown remorse, repentance and regret over his involvement in the matters before the court.

[Radio Phoenix]