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TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all”
(Psalm 34:19, NKJV)
TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria
Isn’t it good to know that we serve a Deliver? You might feel afflicted today, but God is working to bring you out of that difficult situation. It may not be in the way you thought, but you have to trust that God has your best interest at heart.
An affliction is defined as the cause of persistent pain or distress. I know that afflictions can take on many forms — a sickness or hardship, a temptation, a coworker or family member. There are so many things that can come against us, but God promises in His Word that no weapon formed against us shall prosper! Those afflictions are only temporary. Stand in faith believing that God is on your side, and you and God are a majority! It doesn’t matter what your circumstances look like, get up every morning and say, “This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it. My Deliverer is coming!”
As you stand and trust the Lord, He will deliver you out of all your afflictions, and you’ll see His hand of blessing in every area of your life!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father in heaven, thank You for being my deliverer. Thank You for making me righteous through the blood of Jesus. I trust that You have a good plan for me, and You will deliver me out of all affliction in Jesus’ name! Amen.
— Joel & Victoria Osteen
President Sata shakes hands with MMD presidential aspirant Dr Nevers Mumba.(Courtesy State House media)
Government has taken a swipe at MMD aspiring presidential candidate Nevers Mumba over his utterances and the role he played in Friday’s fracas at the funeral service for former vice president George Kunda.
Minister of information and broadcasting Fackson Shamenda says government has sufficient information that Dr. Mumba played a part in the confusion that transpired at the church service.
Mr. Shamenda says it is unfortunate that Dr. Mumba has chosen to castigate and call government names without looking at the positive development it has embarked on.
And speaking at the same press briefing Foreign affairs minister Given Lubinda has called on Dr. Mumba to restrain himself and focus on his political career.
But Dr. Mumba has denied causing the fracas.
Dr.Mumba says he was inside the church building and wondered how he could have been part of the confusion outside.
The requiem mass for former Vice-President George Kunda, who was put to rest yesterday at Lusaka’s Leopards Hill Memorial Park, briefly appeared like it would get messy when opposition MMD and Patriotic Front (PF) cadres almost turned on each other on the sprawling grounds of the Cathedral of the Child Jesus.
The scenario prompted President Michael Sata to publicly ask the Inspector-General of Police Stella Libongani to deal with the trouble-makers and restore respect to the funeral as hundreds gathered to pay their last respects to the late Kunda.
“I have just received information that there are some youths outside wearing T-shirts saying ‘don’t kutina’ who want to cause confusion but I’ve learnt from KK (Kenneth Kaunda) not to respond to attacks…with me, when I respond, my tongue can be sharp,” he said before asking Ms Libongani to ensure there was order outside.
Don’t Kutina is a slogan used by Pastor Nevers Mumba’s supporters in the MMD. The cadres, donning their respective party regalia, which for the MMD, included some emblazoned with the words ‘don’t kutina’, tried to outdo each other in drumming and singing, with each group attempting to gain entry into the Cathedral.
But with the police discerning the potential for physical conflict if the cadres were let inside quickly separated them. However, that still did not stop them trying to outdo each other. A few officers tried to explain to the rival groups that they should respect the church premises and the sorrowful occasion.
A few, however, saw this in different light and wanted to send the message that they were the loudest, if not the strongest group.
Fortunately, the police, who were calm despite their patience being stretched beyond what seemed normal, explained to the cadres that this was no occasion to play politics.
“This is our funeral, we don’t know why you have even allowed these PF cadres to come here in such large numbers and start singing here,” a woman, clad in an MMD chitenge material bearing the portrait of former President Rupiah Banda, was heard telling a police officer.
On the other hand, another man who had PF chitenge wrapped round his shoulder and was involved in an argument with a woman warned that if the MMD wanted to provoke them, they would be met head-on as they are used to such scenarios, having spent 10 years in the opposition.
Some Power Dynamos supporters have accused senior players at Arthur Davies of undermining caretaker coach Beston Chambeshi.
The accusations came after Power were held to 2-2 home draw by Forest Rangers in Saturday’s Super Division Week Four enounter at Arthur Davies Staduim in Kitwe.
A pocket of Power supporters who camped outside the VIP section after the game claimed that some senior players at the club are not putting in their best in the last two matches following the recent firing of veteran coach Fordson Kabole.
The irate supporters who were prevented from going near the dressing room by the police cited captain Joseph Sitali and midfielder Kennedy Mudenda as some of the players who are said to be against Chambeshi.
“We want to see the players. We know that some of them are failing ba Beston,” said one of the supporters.
But coach Chambeshi refuted claims that he is being undermined by some players.
“No, I am in control and the team is intact. All the players are following my instructions ,” said the Nkana legend.
FAZ Super Division Week Five
21/04/2012
Konkola Mine Police 1-Nkana 1
Power Dynamos 1-Forest Rangers 1
Zesco United 1-Roan United 1
Nchanga Rangers 2-Indeni 1
Napsa Stars 0- Konkola Blades 1
National Assembly 1-Zanaco 1
Red Arrows 3-Green Buffaloes 1
Green Eagles 0-Nakambala Leopards 1
Henry Banda’s International lawyer Robert Amsterdam says his client is ready to answer questions from investigators on condition that the interrogation takes place in South Africa.
Henry is wanted for questioning in connection with the engagement of RP Capital Group to evaluate Zamtel assets and the subsequent sale of the company to Libyas LAP Green Network.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Q-FM from his base in Washington DC, Mr Amsterdam says the questioning of his client does not need to happen in Zambia.
He says he does not want to subject his client to what other MMD leaders have been subjected too.
Mr Amsterdam says since Zambian investigators want to investigate Henry they should travel to South Africa to interview him.
He adds that the Zambian government should come up with a case against Henry instead of defaming him through the press.
And reminded that his client is wanted for questioning in connection with the sale of Zamtel, Mr Amsterdam said he would be publishing some documents on Zamtel which he described as one of the most successful privatization in the history of Southern Africa.
He said the allegations against Henry on Zamtel are a joke.
He further stated that Zamtel will go down in Zambian history as one of the most costly political moves by any Zambian government.
A Man in Solwezi killed his girlfriend and later committed suicide, Police have confirmed.
The man has been identified as Kennedy Mufwata of Kyawama compound in Solwezi. He is suspected to have killed his girlfriend, Malian Chibwe, 30, of Mufumbwe with whom he had a son aged nine months.
Mr Mufwata is said to have confessed to the victim’s relatives who reside in Solwezi about the killing and later took his life by drinking an unknown poison.
This is according to a statement released in Lusaka yesterday by police spokesperson Elizabeth Kanjela.
She said the victim’s father, Aaron Chibwe, reported the matter to Solwezi police.
Ms Kanjela said Mr Mufwata was staying with his girlfriend but left for his home town after the child was born due to constant differences.
On Wednesday the suspect was seen by Malian’s relatives and it is suspected the same night, the two together with their child left for an unknown place.
“The following day on April 19, around 05:00 hours, Kennedy went to some of Malian’s relatives based in Solwezi and told them that he had murdered her. He further told them the place where the murder took place in Mufumbwe,” she said.
Ms Kanjela said Malian’s body was found at a proposed site for a new market in Mufumbwe.
The fate of the baby is not known.
Malian’s body is in Mufumbwe hospital while that of her boyfriend is in Solwezi General Hospital.
Meanwhile police have recovered a stolen Toyota Corolla registration number ACP 5076 between Solwezi and Chingola.
Ms Kanjela said the vehicle was stolen on April 19 from a taxi driver identified as Gideon Mukwemba.
File:Information Minister Fackson Shamenda (l) and Post newspapers owner Fred Mmember clench hands after a meeting in Lusaka
Government says PF officials that could have engaged themselves in corrupt practices the time they were in MMD government will not be spared from prosecution.
Government spokesperson Fackson Shamenda says there will be no sacred cow in the fight against corruption adding that the PF government has taken a risk by reinstating the Abuse of authority clause in the ACC act.
Mr. Shamenda has further urged Dr. Nevers Mumba to desist from engaging in activities that have the potential to breach peace in the country.
He claims that the government has information that Dr. Mumba allegedly organized the youth to cause confusion yesterday at the Cathedral of the child Jesus during the funeral mass for the late George Kunda the former vice president.
Mr. Shamenda was speaking during a press briefing at his office in Lusaka today.
And Mr. Shamenda has maintained that government will not respond to continued attacks by Henry Banda’s Lawyer Robert Amsterdam because they are political.
Minister of information, Broadcasting, and Labour Fackson Shamenda says government has better things to do than to engage in exchange of words with Mr. Amsterdam.
Foreign affairs minister given Lubinda has advised Mr. Amsterdam to follow the due process of the law if he has issues against the state.
He adds Henry Banda should realize that there is no government in the world can fail to get an individual that could have committed any crimes against its people.
File: Former Zambia Army Commander Lieutenant General Wisdom Lopa (left) and Zambia National Service Commander Major General Anthony Yeta
Three former defence service chiefs have pleaded not guilty to theft by public servant involving K1.5 billion.
The money was meant for defence operations during and after last year’s tripartite elections won by the Patriotic Front.
The three are former Zambia Army commander Wisdom Lopa, former Zambia Air Force commander Andrew Sakala and former Zambia National Service commander Anthony Yeta.
Lieutenant General Lopa, Lieutenant General Sakala and Major General Yeta denied the charge yesterday when the matter came up for plea before principal resident magistrate Wilfred Muma.
Gen Lopa, Gen Sakala and Gen Yeta are jointly charged with theft by public servant contrary to Section 272 and 277 of the Penal Code Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.
It is alleged the trio between September 16 and September 21, 2011 in Lusaka, serving in the Ministry of Defence, stole K1.5 billion belonging to the Ministry of Defence.
“The court has entered a plea of not guilty in respect of the three accused persons. The matter will come up for commencement of trial on May 18, 2012,” Mr Muma said.
The three generals were arrested and charged last month by the Joint Government Investigations Team at Woodlands Police Station, which granted them K 50 million bond with two working sureties each.
‘I’ll do it tomorrow… that was my quick response when someone would ask me to do something that I didn’t feel like doing. I would find every reason to put things off for tomorrow.
Once I got to look at my life with brightness and found out how to achieve things for myself in life, I quickly realized, that that response was not going to work and that I was headed for being a classic procrastinator. That realization forced me to change the way I thought about my responsibilities and goals.
It’s so easy to say “I’ll do it tomorrow…”and you can say that everyday… that way you put things off indefinitely.
The first and most important step to achieving my goals was to change my attitude and thinking. I discovered that whenever I would say “I’ll do it tomorrow…” I was really thinking about how painful doing something would be.
Most of us, both as individuals or businesses have this kind of thinking. We tend to push things off for a later time. The only problem with this way of thinking, usually results in nothing being done because we subconsciously are denying ourselves the pleasure of fulfilling something.
Instead of thinking about the benefits and how completing a goal would improve our lives, or make things better for us – We focus on the painful process of completing a goal. We do this because we have programmed ourselves that change is difficult. We need to re-program our thinking, by always being aware of what we are thinking of.
For you to achieve what you want in life you need to choose to change your thinking (you always have a choice in life) and this will bring a new way on how you view and achieve your goals.
Saying “I’ll do it tomorrow…” was no longer allowed. Once I followed this process I got more done, I was quick and I was efficient.
There is no harm in changing your negative thoughts into positive. Give yourself a challenge, start today by doing something positive. (Call that client that you have been telling yourself “I WILL DO IT TOMORROW”. Say hallo to that person that you have been wishing to say hallo to but have been putting it off).
We all try to avoid certain things and put things off until “tomorrow”… but often “tomorrow” never comes and you never get anything done.
Now by applying this same thought process you’ll put an end to procrastinating and you’ll stop putting things off for “tomorrow.”
Stop putting things off for “tomorrow” get more done in less time. Become the person everyone wants to come to because they know that when they come to you, you always finish what you start. Start achieving your goals sooner. Stop procrastinating today. You are capable of achieving the greatest goals you can imagine… Don’t let self-doubt and procrastinating stop you from success.
Tip -When you change the way you look at things the things you look at change.
File:Maybe now we won't see these scenes anymore.In this picture effluent from a blocked sewer pipe flowing freely in the streets of Kabwata suburbs in Lusaka
On May 10, 2012, the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and the Zambian government are scheduled to sign the US$354.8 million five year Compact.
It is expected that through the Compact, the Lusaka Water Supply, Sanitation and Drainage (LWSSD) project will provide Lusaka residents greater access to water and better water supply, sanitation and drainage services by extending and improving select water supply and sanitation and through an improved drainage networks, lower flooding.
This is according to a press statement made available to Lusakatimes by Ben Kangwa Press secretary at the Zambian Embassy in Washington.
Speaking when he met the MCC Vice President – Department of Compact Operations Patrick Fine and Andrew Mayock, Deputy Vice President for Compact Operations for East and Southern Africa, Minister of Finance and national Planning Alexander Chikwanda thanked MCC and the United States government for this gesture.
He said, “The Compact will be the single largest investment in the water sector in Zambia since independence.
I also wish to thank the MCC for the technical and financial support that was rendered during the preparation of the Compact.”
Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) provided US$15 million to conduct studies as well as for start up costs for the Accountable entity.
Mr Chikwanda said he was aware that there will be more work to be done after the signing of the Compact.
File:Effluent from sewer lines over-flowing at the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka.
Some of the critical work to be done will include the preparation of detailed design studies for the sub-projects which is expected to be completed in mid June 2012. Thereafter, the procurement of the contractors is expected to take another estimated six months to be completed. The actual construction is expected to begin in early 2014.
“As Government, we are looking forward to the implementation of this project because the existing water and sanitation infrastructure in Lusaka is old and the capacity has been overwhelmed by the rapid growth of over two million compared to 134,000 at independence,” he added.
He noted that the programme only covers Lusaka Province and that the intention of the Government was to leverage for more financing to roll-out the programme to all parts of the country.
Against this background, the Minister said the support of the American Government would be most welcome, especially as the United States continues to lead the world in providing development aid even in the face of the austerity measures in almost all high income economies.
Mr. Chikwanda also assured MCC of the Government’s strong commitment to good governance, particularly the control of corruption, ensuring voice and accountability, civil liberties and maintenance of a conducive economic environment for business.
He stressed that Government would set aside funds for sewer connections for poor households and maintenance of drains in order to ensure that the Conditions Precedent in the Compact were met.
Earlier, MCC Vice President for MCC’s Department of Compact Operations Patrick Fine said his organization was looking forward to working with Zambia in this partnership with excitement.
He noted that Zambia would be the 24th country that his organization would be working with in this partnership but warned that a great deal of work lay ahead if everything envisaged in the Compact was to be completed on time.
“We are very happy with the relationship we have with the new government and we hope that there will be no hitches to the programme,” he said.
THERE was a near punch-up yesterday outside the Cathedral of the Child Jesus during the requiem service for the Late George Kunda, between cadres from rival camps.
The volatile situation prompted President Michael Sata to direct Inspector General of Police Stella Libongani to get outside and supervise her officers to restore order.
Mr Sata who returned to the podium for the second time having finished his funeral speech informed the gathering that he had just received information that some cadres clad in ‘Don’t Kutina’ T-shirts were causing confusion.
The cadres, who were apparently Dr Nevers Mumba’s supporters, heckled at the sight of other members of political parties.
Mr Sata said there was need for peace and order because people were there to mourn and not causing confusion.
According to sources, a group of youths mainly clad in MMD party regalia that had teamed up with their United Party for National Development (UPND) colleagues got infuriated because they could not get into the church which was full at the time.By the time Ms Libongani went outside, calm had already returned as officers had separated opposing camps that almost got locked in a tussle.
Napsa Stars have received a boost ahead of Saturdays league game against Konkola Blades that Faz has cleared Nchimunya Mweetwa and Christopher Musonda to play for them.
Musonda and Mweetwa were handed bans following their involvement in the 2011 Finland match fixing scandal in which nine Zambian players were implicated and tried.
Napsa chairman Richard Nawa said they had received official communication from Faz on Friday informing them that the two strikers could play for the promoted team.
The two players could make their Napsa debuts as early as Saturday when 6th placed Napsa host 13th positioned Blades on Saturday in a Faz Super Division Week 5 game at Edwin Emboela Stadium in Lusaka.
Mweetwa and Musonda have been training with Napsa since the start of the 2012 pre-season.
FAZ Super Division Week 5 Fixtures
21/04/2012
Konkola Mine Police-Nkana
Power Dynamos-Forest Rangers
Zesco United-Roan United
Nchanga Rangers-Indeni
Napsa Stars- Konkola Blades
National Assembly-Zanaco
Red Arrows-Green Buffaloes
Green Eagles-Nakambala Leopards
The refugee status of Angolan refugees in Zambia will cease by June 30 this year and after the expiry date, government will regard the refugees as prohibited immigrants.
This is why the government has advised Angolan refugees in Zambia to register for voluntary repatriation.
Home affairs Permanent secretary Max Nkole says the recommendation to declare the end of the Angolan refugee status was reached after a joint consultative meeting.
This was between the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the Zambian government and the Angolan government.
Mr. Nkole said this at Maheba refugee settlement in Solwezi which is home to 8 thousand Angolan refugees.
He says the voluntary repatriation is not negotiable because the situation in their country has normalized in the last 10 years.
Zambia has hosted the Angolan refugees since 1961 when they fled their country due to armed conflict.
UNHCR country representative Joyce Mends-Clore also urged the Angolan refugees to voluntarily register for repatriation as there is no need for them to remain refugees when things have changed in their country.
And Angolan government representative JOAO Francisco has assured the refugees that life in their country has normalized and appealed to them to go back and develop the country.
Republican President Michael Sata has castigated individuals condemning government for not evacuating late former republican vice president George Kunda for specialist treatment outside the country.
President Sata says it is time Zambians started appreciating the quality of services the local health practitioners offer as evidenced by the successful operation on Robiana Muteka.
Mr. Sata says people should always understand that when someone’s time on earth is up, the will of God defeats science.
He was speaking at Lusaka’s Cathedral of the Child Jesus during the church service for the late former republican vice president George Kunda.
President Sata said self ordained pastors, who he said he could not name because they are already known, should not mislead people that government hesitated to evacuate Mr. Kunda for specialized treatment.
He says it is the same self ordained pastors without churches that condemned him for according Mr. Kunda an honorary state funeral.
President Sata says he is not the one to blame for not according late former republican vice president General Christon Tembo a state funeral because he was not the one in power at that time.
And President Sata, in the midst of the church service ordered Inspector General of Police Stella Libongani to quell a possible physical confrontation involving cadres outside the church who said were Dr. Nevers Mumba’s supporters.
Outside the church, cadres especially women from the opposition MMD and UPND bitterly complained of harassment by PF cadres, accusing them of intimidation during the funeral of their own member.
The women bemoaned that the behavior by the PF cadres is unbearable as it was not the case during the reign of the MMD.
The president led thousands of mourners at the church service for the late George Kunda, who died on Monday at the University Teaching Hospital and has since been put to rest at the Leopards hill memorial park.
Those who attended the church service included vice president Guy Scot, Chief Justice Ernest Sakala, Speaker of the national assembly Patrick Matibini, senior government officials, defence and security chiefs and leaders of various political parties.
And in his homily, Cardinal Merdado Mazombwe emphasized the need for faith in the almighty God, regardless of a situation.
Cardinal Mazombwe said death can never separate man from the love of God, as long as he believes.
And MMD acting party president Michael Mabenga said Mr. Kunda’s sudden death is a big blow to the nation but most especially to the party.
Mr. Mabenga says the party is comforted by the teachings of the gospel that no one on earth has got power to alter God’s plans on any man.
He also paid tribute to President Michael Sata and government for honoring late George Kunda, with three days of national mourning.
President Michael Sata with MMD member of Parliament Felix Mutati at the Cathedral of the Child Jesus during the requiem Mass of Late George Kunda in Lusaka
President Michael Sata has thanked the Zambian people for respecting and according former vice president George Kunda a dignified escort.
President Sata however says the family should not listen to self ordained clergymen who were questioning why the former president was not evacuated adding that the will of God defeats science and there is no need for men of God to question his will.
The president was speaking this morning when he led hundreds of mourners in paying their last respects to former vice president George Kunda in a church service at the cathedral of the child Jesus.
President Sata was accompanied by vice president Guy Scott, several cabinet ministers and first republican president Kenneth Kaunda.
Speaking earlier MMD acting president Michael Mabenga has thanked president Sata for being there for Mr Kunda and declaring three days of national mourning.
Mr. Mabenga has urged government to continue with the caring spirit because the country needs the spirit.
Meanwhile, there was a near punch up between PF and MMD cadres which prompted president Sata to order the inspector general of police Stella Libongani to maintain order outside the church.
