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Patriotic Front Secretary General Wynter Kabimba has assured the nation that Zamtel has not been nationalized. Mr Kabimba has maintained that nationalization is not the policy of the ruling party.
The PF secretary General said at a PF-Civil Society Organisation meeting that the 75 per cent stake repossessed from Lap Green of Libya was done, because the transaction was corruptly executed.
And Commerce Minister Robert Sichinga has declared that government will not entertain corruption and unprofessionalism among civil servants. Mr Sichinga says government will make every effort to uplift the welfare of the people.
He says Zambians are yearning for development which has eluded them over the years Mr Sichinga said this when he launched his Ministry’s 2011-2015 strategic plan at Sandy’s Creation in Lusaka.
Speaking at the same occasion, Information, Broadcasting and Labour Minister Fackson Shamenda says the strategic plan was a critical tool for good management and governance.
Mr. Shamenda says the plan will help enhance government’s responsiveness to the needs of the Zambians.
And Acting Permanent Secretary at the Management Development Division Ndashe Yumba has observed that the country is experiencing relative economic stability.
United party for National development president Hakainde Hichilema (l) greets President Sata during the funeral service of late Princess Nakatindi Wina at the Cathedral of the Holy cross in Lusaka
United Party for National Development Youths in Lusaka Province have been angered by suspected PF cadres who tried to attacked their leader Hakainde Hichilema.
UPND provincial youth leader Brian Mizinga has accused President Michael Sata of having sponsored the PF cadres to threatened the UPND leader during a funeral service for Princess Nakatindi Wina.
Mizinga claims that the Police officers failed to protect the UPND members and their leader from the unruly PF cadres that threatened to beat up Mr. Hichilema.
He noted that the UPND will not allow the PF cadres to continue attacking their leader adding that it is important that all Zambians are respected despite their political affiliations.
KAPA187: When did you first fall in love with Hip-Hop and what your motivation to take it seriously?
Chanda Mbao: Man…that takes me way back. I first started listening to Hip-Hop via the West Coast classics by Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube and Tupac. Snoop and Cube kept me constantly entertained and had incredible production but Tupac really took it to an emotion level for me. After that, I got into Nas when I first heard ‘It Aint Hard to Tell’—I think that’s when it happened. I loved that song, that album and, to this day, Nas is my favorite MC.
KAPA187: Do you feel like the other elements of Hip-Hop culture such as break dancing and graffiti are fully embraced?
Chanda Mbao: No they’re not. It’s a shame because Hip-Hop is not really complete without them—the thinkers behind the culture recognized:
1. The MC
2. The DJ
3. The graffiti artist
4. The B-boy / B-girl
5. The knowledge
To be honest, I had been listening to the music (Rap) my whole life and hardly knew anything about the other elements until I lived in Spain. It really gave me a whole new perspective; one would never think it but the Hip-Hop culture in Spain is strong. France has a very prominent movement too—it’s funny because now I live in the US and it seems like a lot is being forgotten here as well. It’s bitter-sweet living in the new generation.
KAPA187: What sets you apart from other rappers?
Chanda Mbao: Where do I start? In one sentence: I’m a tri-lingual Zambian rapper who works in investment banking in Miami. I think my story’s pretty unique. A lot of people comment on my style of dress too. I wear suits very often and I am not a fan of tattoos, jewelry or baggy clothing. I prefer a nice pair of loafers and some fitted jeans.
More importantly, I’m distinguished by the fact that I choose not to swear in my raps—I think it’s important that my family can listen to the music I make. Thankfully, this choice has made it easier for me to connect with many people who traditionally avoid rap because they find it vulgar or abusive. My goal is to have all the wit and wordplay without being so hard on the ears.
KAPA187: How has travelling a lot and experienced different cultures affected your music? Can Zambians still relate to your music?
Chanda Mbao: It’s affected my music in a lot of ways. For example, right alongside Hip-Hop my biggest love is Bossa Nova music from Brazil. It speaks to my soul. I actually have a track on ‘The Syllabus Mixtape’ called ‘Summer in Brazil’ where I rap in Portuguese and pay homage to the beauty of the country and the people. I call it my Bossa Nova flow. I already mentioned a little of what I learned about Hip-Hop in Spain…man, the list can go on for a while.
It’s funny because I never thought Zambians would be so accepting of my music. However, I’ve been surprised to get a warm response. They like that I represent an image that’s so true to who I am. I don’t rap about cars, clothes, jewelry, ghetto life or any of the subject matter that I feel Zambians dismiss as foreign. They see that, although I don’t rap in vernacular,I’m extremely proud of my heritage; anyone who pays attention will realize that. I represent Zambia everywhere I go and gladly accept the task of teaching people all around the world how to pronounce ‘Chanda Mbao’.
KAPA187: ‘The Syllabus Mixtape’ that will be coming out soon will be released via weekly downloadable tracks. Why did you decide to go this route?
Chanda Mbao: We live in a time where music lives for a much shorter period than it used to. The internet gives listeners so many options and they are constantly inundated with new material. The only way to stay relevant is to give them just enough to keep wanting more and then not wait too long until you give them the next taste, especially with mixtape material. By observing the numbers and my own listening behavior, I find a week to be the optimal cycle. Also, I decided on the theme of ‘The Syllabus’ as inspired by college life—there’s got to be class every week to keep the students engaged.
KAPA187: Tell us about your ‘Midnight Lightz’ project. What can you fans expect from it?
Chanda Mbao: It’s going to be crazy. It will feature production by me, Swiss-based Phamone, Atlanta-based Neutraal and a few others. My goal is to strike the balance between the Southern sound of where I’m currently living—a sound I enjoy when it’s done right—and the more New York/Detroit-influenced sample-based sound. The lyrics will be witty as always with a few more introspective songs. People will really see my soul on a few of the tracks. I can’t wait for the people to hear it.
KAPA187: Your single ‘Runway Girlfriend will be out on 31st May. Tell us the concept of the song.
Chanda Mbao: I don’t want to give too much away but there’s a lot in the works. The song is produced by Phamone who I mentioned before. In all seriousness, he is THE BEST producer that I’ve had the pleasure of working with hands down. Anywhere in the world. Part of his talent is his amazing versatility; he’s currently finishing a project under the name ‘…as Sampson’ that focuses on a variety of electronic genres, including Filter-House and Nu-Disco. People need to check that out (http://www.soundcloud.com/as-sampson).
As for ‘Runway Girlfriend’—it’s the lead single and I’m actually working on a video with a director that has worked with Diddy and Big Sean so it’s going to be incredible. Furthermore, my engineer mastering the record did Rick Ross’s ‘Hustlin’ track as well as Young Dro’s ‘Shoulda Lean’ so the quality is guaranteed to be superb. What I will say about the concept is that it’s an ode to a beautiful girl and to all the beautiful girls around the world. It will be on iTunes soon, ladies.
KAPA187: How do you balance your music and education?
Chanda Mbao: I’m a believer that in life success goes to those who master the art of juggling. We are all complex beings with many interests and goals. The only way to succeed is to learn how to perform on various fronts and education has always been a top priority for me, thanks to my mother. I’m inspired by the Renaissance man who could do it all and so I just strive to push myself to grow in every area. I would say the number one factor in one’s success is who they surround themselves with; when your friends are signed artists who have songs with Flo-Rida and Ne-Yo and are also attending medical school, you are pushed to stay on your A-game. That’s what life’s about: pushing yourself. The plateau is your enemy.
KAPA187: Who are your favorite Zambian artists at the moment and why?
Chanda Mbao: Besides …as Sampson, I have a ton of respect for what Zone Fam are doing because they hit the nail on the head as far as fusing a Zambian sound with Hip-Hop. I love that they rap in vernacular and English—even though that’s not my sound as an artist, I really appreciate it. I also think it’s extremely important how professionally they are managed from a social media an internet standpoint when compared to other local acts. Holstar is doing a great job managing them.
KAPA187: What have been your best and worst experiences in your life?
Chanda Mbao: I always focus on positives and I love my life. I’m living the dream and have nothing to complain about. I am extremely thankful to God for my good fortune and I wouldn’t even know where to start counting my blessings. One thing I always look back on with pride, though, is the time I spent working at Goldman Sachs Investment Banking in New York. It was a great learning experience that challenged me to push myself and perform alongside some of the smartest people in the world. I will always remember that.
KAPA187: In 10 years I will be ……
Chanda Mbao: A business owner in Zambia. I have big plans to come back home and work on some projects that I have been planning for a while now. I am planning everyday and I am excited for the day I can make my ideas a reality. Step by step, though.
President Michael Sata consoles Sikota Wina at the funeral service for the Late Princess Nakatindi Wina
In a letter to his late wife Sikota Wina says Princess Nakatindi taught him the true meaning of love.
He said a part of him has been broken following her death.
Mr Wina also commended government for according his wife a dignified funeral.
Their son Wina Wina read the letter on behalf of his father.
The President Sata called for unity among Zambians when he addressed mourners at the funeral church service for the late veteran Politician Princess Nakatindi Wina at Lusaka’s Cathedral of the Holy Cross.
Before addressing the mourners, President Sata asked Bauleni Catholic Parish Main Choir to sing a song “Tutemwane” which stresses the need for people to love one another.
Mr Sata says the Wina family contributed to the development of the country.He has urged Zambians to visit Mr Sikota Wina more often to encourage him.
President Sata consoles Sikota Wina at the funeral service for the Late Princess Nakatindi Wina held at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross
Mr Sata who was accompanied by First lady Christine Kaseba arrived at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross at about 09:30hrs.
First Republican President Kenneth Kaunda, Former First lady Maureen Mwanawasa, former freedom fighters, and cabinet ministers were among those attending the church service.
Others who attended the funeral service were UPND President Hakainde hichilema, NAREP President Elias Chipimo Junior, Forum for Democracy and Development -FDD-President Edith Nawakwi, and Heritage Party President Brigadier General Godfrey Miyanda.
And First Republican President Kenneth Kaunda said the Wina family contributed a lot the “One Zambia One nation” motto.
Dr. Kaunda explained that the late Princess Nakatindi Wina understood and accepted the great teaching of “love your neighbour as you love yourself.”
Princess Nakatindi’s body will be flown to Mwandi, in Sesheke soon after the church service today.
She will be buried in Mwandi on Saturday.
Princess Nakatindi died last week on Thursday in South Africa after a heart related operation.
She is survived by her husband Sikota Wina, five children and 11 grandchildren.
She has been accorded a state funeral and government has declared today April 13th as day of national mourning.
Information, Broadcasting and Labour Minister Fackson Shamenda says it is dangerous for trade union leaders to talk about the minimum wage.
Mr. Shamenda said the minimum wage is meant for people who work as domestic workers and therefore trade unions who represent workers in public and private institutions do not qualify to comment on the minimum wage.
He said he never used to talk about the minimum wage when he was a trade union leader because he understood that it was outside his jurisdiction to do so.
Mr. Shamenda was speaking in Lusaka yesterday during the launch of the strategic plan for the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry for the period 2011-2015.
He said government was looking at the minimum wage sector based so that the wages for the different sectors can be varied.
He said if the minimum wage was to be made uniform for the different sectors, it would mean that workers in certain sectors will to have their wages reduced so as to be at par with workers in the other sectors.
Mr. Shamenda noted that this situation would undoubtedly not appeal to many workers especially in sectors that pay well.
Lately, some trade union leaders have been pestering government to announce the new minimum wage following President Michael Sata’s directive to the Minister of Labour late last year to revise the minimum wage in order to accord workers decent salaries.
Defense Minister Geoffrey Bwalya MwambaTHE Government has procured eight K-8P jets to improve operations of the Zambia Air Force (ZAF).
The aircrafts were purchased from the China National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corporation (CATIC).
ZAF Commander Eric Chimese said the jets would enhance the military wing’s ability to monitor the stability of the country.
Defence Minister Geoffrey Mwamba said the Government would also procure helicopters soon.
Mr Mwamba said during handover of the jets at Mumbwa air base yesterday that the Government was committed to ensuring that peace continued to prevail in the country.
The pilots of the jets showcased various aerobatic displays such as flushing of different colours that connotated the Zambian and Chinese national flags.
The minister said ZAF should utilise the aircrafts to defend and protect the country.
“For the lifespan of the aircraft to be guarantee, spares for maintenance need to be provided as and when required. We call upon CATIC to render due and timely support in this regard,” he said.
In November last year, there was another handover of a fleet of upgraded K-8 aircraft by CATIC to ZAF.
Lieutenant General, Chimese said Zambia’s flourishing sectors like mining, had put pressure on ZAF to intensively monitor those wanting to bring instability and sabotage the mining activities.
“We are witnessing increased mining activities and as ZAF, we have to ensure that we monitor those coming and going out of the country,” he said.
He said the inventory of Chinese aircraft ranged from transportation aircraft to fighter jet trainers which include MA-60, Y-12 and K-8 aircraft.
CATIC vice-president Liu Jianhai said his company had provided Zambia with different aircrafts and other services since 1979.
He was happy that the pleasant relations Zambia and China had continued.
VETERAN politician Sikota Wina weeps as he is flanked by First republican president Dr Kenneth Kaunda, deputy Minister of Health Dr Patrick Chikusu (second from left) and Minister of Gender Inonge Wina (left) at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport yesterday
THE body of the late Princess Nakatindi Wina who died in South Africa on Thursday last week arrived yesterday at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport aboard a South African Airways cargo plane.
President Michael Sata has declared today as the day of national mourning for the late veteran politician, while burial would take place on Saturday in Sesheke District.
Her husband Sikota Wina, Gender Minister Inonge Wina and other family members were on the plane carrying the body which arrived at 12:25 hours.
Several people who included Government officials, members of Parliament (MPs) family members and friends were on hand to receive the body.
Notable among the people were First Republican president Kenneth Kaunda, Information, Broadcasting and Labour Minister Fackson Shamenda, and Foreign Affairs and Tourism Minister Given Lubinda.
Others were MMD acting president Michael Mabenga, party aspiring presidential candidates Felix Mutati and Enoch Kavindele were also present and so were former Labour minister, Austin Liato, MMD chairperson for women’s affairs Catherine Namugala, and former Community Development minister Michael Kaingu.
A church service would be conducted for the late Princess today at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Lusaka after which the body would be flown to Mwandi in Sesheke for burial tomorrow.
PRESIDENT Michael Sata was yesterday angered at the decision by Cabinet office to arrange presentation of a report on National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA) in the absence of the chairperson Sebastian Zulu.
Mr Sata asked Finance and National Planning Minister Alexander Chikwanda where he got Mr Chibiliti and Mr Mulonga as the two stood mute side-by-side.
“Mr Chikwanda, where did you get these two people? There is a lot of dust which is swept under the carpet,” President Sata said.
President Sata said Cabinet Office was “disorganised” and wondered why the presentation of the report was delegated to Home Affairs Deputy Minister Ngosa Simbyakula.
Referring to Dr Simbyakula, the President said; “I did not appoint any one of these to be chairperson of this committee.”
Mr Sata expressed disappointment with Secretary to the Cabinet Evans Chibiliti and his deputy Teddy Mulonga who were present at State House.
President Sata cancelled the presentation ceremony as members of the committee and invited guests stood ready in the hall.
The technical committee was constituted to probe NAPSA’s bid to finance the Zambia National Building Society (ZNBS) development of Central Arcades and refurbishment of Society House to the tune of US$98 million.
Mr Zulu is in Durban, South Africa attending a meeting on the African Peer Review Mechanism.
Speaking after the deferment of the ceremony, Permanent Secretary for administration at Cabinet Office Annie Sinyangwe said the ceremony would be held when Mr Zulu returns from South Africa.
“We have to arrange another day. The President was supposed to receive a report on the acquisition of Farm Number F/382/A/B15 and the financing of ZNBS Central Arcades. But that could not happen because the chairman is not here,” she said.
The technical committee was constituted to probe the suspected financial irregularities in the previous administration which started in 2009 when various potential investors, both local and international approached ZNBS to finance the refurbishing of Society House and Central Arcades.
An invitation to consortia was issued and 11 bought the bidding document on August 11, 2010 but there were allegations that the whole transaction was politically-driven in disregard of the law.
A THIRTY-year-old man is battling for his life in Kitwe Central Hospital after he chopped off his private parts and rippped off part of his stomach in a suicide bid.
The incident happened on Wednesday morning in Ipusukilo Township when Chris Shapi, in a rage, chopped off the reproductive organ before ripping open his stomach, leaving intestines hanging.
As he started pulling the intestines out, neighbours mobilised themselves and disarmed him while he bled profusely and subsequently became unconscious.
Copperbelt commissioner of police Mary Tembo confirmed the incident, while Kitwe Central Hospital (KCH) spokesperson, Grey Chishimba said Mr Shapi was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU).
Mr Chishimba said Mr Shapi was taken to the hospital on Wednesday and that authorities were informed that he had cut off his private parts and stabbed himself in the stomach.
Eye witnesses and sources in the neighbourhood said the victim had complained just before the incident that he was disappointed with his wife who he claimed left him after he ran out of money.
The sources said Mr Shapi had differed with his wife and the two were living separately for a long time.
”We found him trying to pull his intestines two metres away from where he chopped off his manhood,” said a neighbour who declined to be named.
A check by a Times reporter at the hospital yesterday morning found Mr Shapi admitted to the ICU and was unable to talk
A relative found at the bedside, who only identified himself as his uncle, said the man attempted to commit suicide by chopping off his manhood and stabbing himself in the stomach.
“He did that himself and as family we don’t know what led him to do that as he is not talking,” he said.
In Chinsali, another man is battling for his life in hospital after throwing himself into an? on-coming truck in an attempt to commit suicide.
This was after he hacked his wife on the shoulder and chest and left her for dead.
John Ng’uni, 48, fled the home, but residents gave a spirited chase and apprehended him as he struggled to get out of the grip.
Muchinga Province deputy commissioner of police Chilinje Nyirenda said Mr Ng’uni managed to free himself from enraged residents and threw himself onto an on-coming truck and trailer and sustained serious injuries.
Nguni had axed his wife Patricia Nyrirenda on the shoulder and chest and thought she had died.??He jumped in front of the speeding truck as he was being taken to Nambuluma Police Station.
Both Mr Nguni and his wife are admitted to Chinsali District Hospital.
Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Mutembo Nchito has cautioned political parties to ensure that funding of their political systems is free from corruption.
Mr. Nchito says former government leaders are being investigated for corrupt practices resulting from corruption within the political system of a party.
He says serving government leaders should learn from the mistakes of the previous government leaders that it is wrong for them to source for party funding when instead the money is going in individual pockets.
Mr. Nchito stressed that government officials should realize that it is a responsibility of the party to source for political funding and not government members.
He was speaking in Lusaka during the patriotic front and civil society dialogue meeting.
Mr. Nchito says there is need to deal with political corruption; if not, all efforts to fight corruption would be futile.
And Transparency International Zambia (TIZ) Executive Director Goodwell Lungu has advised the Patriotic Front government to avoid being arrogant stating that it was the reason that led to the election loss of the movement for multi-party democracy.
Mr. Lungu says there should be more consultation by President Michael Sata before making constitutional appointments .
Mazabuka Central member of Parliament Garry Nkombo
United Party for National Development UPND Mazabuka central Member of Parliament Garry Nkombo has observed that Republican President Michael Sata seems to have a predetermined outcome of the commissions of inquiry he set up.
Mr. Nkombo said that it was not surprising that the President has on two occasions rubbished the reports of the commissions of inquiry.
He said that this was an indication that the President wants his own predetermined outcome to be contained in the reports presented to him.
Mr. Nkombo explained to QFM News that the setting up of commissions of inquiry was misplaced as government expected specific outcomes from the inquiries.
He said that the president should be advised on some of the reactions he gives when presented with reports of the commissions of inquiry.
Fired Power Dynamos coach Fordson Kabole has declined to comment on his exit from the team he lead to the 2011 Faz Super Division.
Last evening,Power announced that the club has parted company with Kabole my mutual consent.
When contacted for a comment by phone, Kabole said he has no comment over his departure from Arthur Davies which came two days after Power were eliminated from the CAF Champions League by DR Congo’s TP Mazembe via a 7-1 aggregate scoreline.
“I cannot comment on the matter ,” he said.
The ex-Nchanga Rangers coach referred querries to the power executive committee led by Chairman Owen Silavwe.
“You can talk to the chairman,” he added.
Power have since replaced Kabole with his assistant Beston Chambeshi in an interim capacity.
Veteran Kitwe United striker Chisala “Njonginjo” Mwandama has asked the controversial club supporters to be patient as the Buchi Boys embark on their quest to end their seven-year absence from the Super Division.
On Sunday,a group of seemingly angry Kitwe supporters attempted to storm their team’s dressing room to protest over the 1-1 draw the legendary club recorded against Ndola United in a Faz Division 1 North Week 2 game at Garden Park Staduim.
The supporters who heckled some unpalatables at both the Fred “Schemer” Siame technical bench and the players were only restrained by security personnel who locked the entrance to the dressing room.
Speaking to LT Sports, Mwandama said despite his side’s failure to pick up a win the first two fixtures it was too early for supporters to complain over the team’s performance.
“The supporters must be patient, results will come, we have just played two games,” said the striker, who has been at Garden Park since 2000.
Chisala said Kitwe were among favourites to win promotion to the Super Division this year.
“We are yet to win but we are playing well and we are among favorites to win promotion” he said.
Mwandama added:” We have a good coach who was with us even last season and he has maintained the team.”
The firing of veteran coach Fordson Kabole by Power Dynamos management has attracted the attention of Sports Minister Chishimba Kambwili.
Last evening, Power announced that the club has parted company with Kabole by mutual consent.
Commenting on the development, Kambwili said he was disappointed with Kabole’s sacking which came three days after Power were eliminated from the CAF Champions League by DR Congo’s TP Mazembe via a 7-1 aggregate score line.
“I am disappointed with the indiscriminate firing of coach Kabole by Power Dynamos. It is unfair,” he said.
Kambwili said Kabole’s dismissal is suggesting that Power are blaming the trainer over their champions league exit.
“Everyone at Power must share the blame, the players and the executive instead of singling the coach (Kabole),” stated the ex-Roan United Secretary.
Kambwili added:” Kabole has done a lot for Zambian football.”
And efforts to contact Kabole over his exit have been unsuccessful as his mobile phone is off.
Libya’s LAP Green Network has promised a long legal battle both in Zambia and internationally over its seized 75% shareholding in Zamtel.
The Libyan firm which bought Zamtel for $256 million from the previous MMD government before the PF government reversed the sale, says in a statement released to QFM News that no one should be in any doubt that it will vigorously pursue its full legal rights and interest in Zamtel through the courts in Zambia and internationally, until they have satisfaction.
LAP Green has described the Lusaka high court’s decision on Tuesday to throw out its request to freeze its 75 percent shareholding in Zamtel as troubling.
It says its request was to ensure that the Zambian Government does nothing with its shares as it has been reported it might, until the matter has been properly settled by its Petition in the courts.
LAP Green argues that basic safeguards and reassurances to protect its shareholdings should be in place until the case is resolved.
It adds that its preference is that Zamtel and its equity is returned, so that it can resume making its important contribution to the Zambian people and the Zambian economy.
The Lusaka High Court will hear LAP Green’s Petition on 9th July 2012.
