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President Michael Sata is deeply saddened by the death of Princess Nakatindi Wina, a renowned politician and former cabinet minister in the inaugural MMD administration.
In his message of condolences to the Wina family, President Sata says the Princess, had offered many years of dedicated service to the country and the cause of women emancipation.
The President observed that Princess Nakatindi Wina provides great lessons that women can with determination, achieve whatever goals they set for themselves.
Mr Sata has eulogized the Princess as one of the pioneering women in the struggle and later one of the advocates of the re-introduction of plural politics in Zambia.
The President says Government will stand by the bereaved family and render every possible form of assistance.
Mr Sata prays that God grants the bereaved family comfort and strength as they mourn the departed heroin.
This is according to a statement released to ZNBC news by State House Special Assistant for Press and Public Relations, George Chellah.
Princess Nakatindi Wina died on Thursday at Milpark Hospital in South Africa.
And president Sata is deeply saddened at the untimely death of Malawian President Bingu Wa Mutharika, following a cardiac arrest.
In his letter of condolences to the newly inaugurated Malawian President, Joyce Banda, Mr Sata has expressed his deep sense of shock and sadness at the death of President Mutharika.
He says Zambians feel profoundly sorry for the loss of a true friend and shares Malawi’s sadness during this period of enormous pain.
The President stated that Zambia particularly remembers the President for the many years he spent in the country during his tenure as Secretary-General of COMESA.
President Sata says President Mutharika’s sudden death is a great loss not only for the people of Malawi, but for the Southern African region and the continent as a whole.
The Head of State stated that President Mutharika, will also be remembered as a great reformer who championed the cause of humanity and dedicated his life to selfless service up to the time of his death.
President Sata says the President will be solely missed by all who knew him for the ideals that he firmly stood for.
By Kaseba (Literary and research journalist and Editor of upcoming‘A Concise Dictionary of Common Names of Zambia)
Movement for Multi Party Democracy (MMD) National Secretary Major Richard Kachingwe has said his book, “The Last Hours of RB” was inspired by press distortions that MMD and former President Rupiah Banda resisted to concede defeat to Patriotic Front (PF) in the 20th September, 2011 tripartite elections.
Major Kachingwe who is organising the MMD national convention scheduled for 25th May, 2012 and in court in defense of MMD elections materials acquisitions, said in an interview with Kaseba (co-presented with Kawang’u Muzhina) during recording on yesterday of ZNBC Radio Two programme, “Book Spectrum” to broadcast on Monday 20:30.
“I was inspired by distortions in the press, local and international, that MMD and RB did not want to concede (defeat). At that time, as National Secretary, I was closer to RB. We moved with him everywhere. And even the night they were counting we were together. …I wanted to clear the air and say it were not so.[pullquote]UNIP has opened an ANC and UNIP archive, developed a professional catalogue, and digitalised thousands of documents of ANC and UNIP documents from 1959-1991. The archive is the second largest political archive in Zambia after The National Museum[/pullquote].
“I thought it is important, the international community respected Zambia for their democratic transition or handover of power. But then, in the midst of that (there were) distortions. I wanted to clear that air, there was no such resistance. Everything was law governed and we were prepared to hand over power in a decent way, to give the Zambian people what they wanted. There was no time where it appeared he was not going to concede,” he said
Major Kachingwe’s MMD in 1991 defeated UNIP and President Kenneth Kaunda conceded defeat before official results whereas President Banda conceded defeat after official results to defuse electoral tension and suspense in Zambia.
In the book, interview and according to President Banda in Boston University (BU) in USA, Kachingwe said MMD and RB were (still) shocked by the election defeat but were willing to concede and hand over power. RB in his first lecture at Boston University counted the peaceful handover of power to PF and President Sata as part of his legacy.
The radio interview also touched on topics outside the book including MMD precedent of third president Levy Mwanawasa’s lifting of second President Chiluba’s immunity and Dr Chiluba’s arrest of first President Dr Kaunda, the fourth President Banda’s legacy as much as MMD loss of steam in its initiated fight against corruption.
In the same programme, Comrade Anamela accompanied by his research officer Elina Nyirenda said UNIP has opened an ANC and UNIP archive, developed a professional catalogue, and digitalised thousands of documents of ANC and UNIP documents from 1959-1991. The archive is the second largest political archive in Zambia after The National Museum.
“We have worked in the last 20 years in the opposition to preserve this very important historical heritage. We not only hold UNIP historical materials but also the ANC material because…following the Choma declaration (in 1973) United Nation Independence Party and African National Congress merged. The ANC materials became part and parcel of UNIP materials,” said Vice UNIP President Anamela.
Further, UNIP, is considering a name change from United Nation Independence Party to United Nation Integration Party. UNIP broke away from Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula’s ANC to found ZANC, the forerunner of UNIP which later outlawed and absorbed ANC.
Every year in the ruins of what was once North America, the evil Capitol of the nation of Panem forces each of its twelve districts to send a teenage boy and girl to compete in the Hunger Games. A twisted punishment for a past uprising and an ongoing government intimidation tactic, The Hunger Games are a nationally televised event in which “Tributes” must fight with one another until one survivor remains. Pitted against highly-trained Tributes who have prepared for these Games their entire lives, Katniss is forced to rely upon her sharp instincts as well as the mentorship of drunken former victor Haymitch Abernathy. If she’s ever to return home to District 12, Katniss must make impossible choices in the arena that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.
PROS
Very good acting by the young cast
It has a very gripping and original story
CONS
Some of the CGI (computer generated images) were not done so good.
If you have never read the books before you may be lost in the beginning of the movie.
FAVORITE QUOTES
President Snow: Hope, it is the only thing stronger than fear. A little hope is effective, alot is dangerous. This fact is fine, as long as it’s contained.
Peeta Mellark: You’re our mentor. Don’t you have any advice? Haymitch Abernathy: Yes. Embrace the probability of your imminent death.
CONCLUSION
The hunger games is a very entertaining movie. Having not read the book before, i did not know what to expect .What i got was a great original story , excellent acting , impressive visual effects and costumes, and fantastic action scenes. This movie may be seen in the same light as Harry potter and Twilight, but it does have some more mature themes. It handled themes such as politics , feminism and religion . It is a great movie that the whole family can enjoy.
“He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen”
(Matthew 28:6, NIV)
TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria
We have a reason to celebrate every day because we serve a God who is alive and filled with resurrection power! Not only did He resurrect Jesus from the dead, but He wants to extend His resurrection power to every area of your life, today!
Maybe you have a dream to get out of debt, pay off your house or be free from that burden of lack, but it looks like it’s impossible in the natural. Business is slow. The economy is down. You’ve gone as far as your education allows. But God is saying, “I’m not limited by those things. I’ve got resurrection power. I can give you one break that will thrust you to a new level. I can open up doors that no man can shut. I can bring talent out of you that you didn’t know you had. I can cause people, for no reason, to go out of their way to want to be good to you.”
Your part is to keep believing today, knowing that He wants to bring you into supernatural increase. Remember, He is risen, He is alive, and He is faithful to His Word. Trust Him today and let His resurrection power work in your life!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father God, thank You for Your resurrection power at work in my life. Today, I give You my broken dreams, disappointments, failures and setbacks, trusting that You will breathe Your life into me. I trust that You have a good plan for my future, and You are leading me into total victory in Jesus’ name. Amen!
File:Chief (Mwene) Mutondo of the Nkoya people of Kaoma Western Zambia. Photo by D. Namenda
The Nkoya-speaking people of Mongu, Kaoma and Lukulu districts have distanced themselves from calls that Western Province should secede from Zambia.
The decision was arrived at during a meeting that took place in Kaoma on April 7, 2012 involving indunas, senior village headmen and subjects to discuss the resolutions passed by the Barotse National Council during their April 7- 8 meeting in Limulunga.
The resolutions were submitted to the on-going two-day Nkoya National Council (NNC), which is expected to close this evening at Chilombo ceremonial grounds in Kaoma.[pullquote]Nkoya Royal Establishment chairperson Edwin Nkomesha described the call for secession as primitive and selfish coined to enrich a few people through the collection of royalties from non-Lozi-speaking people[/pullquote]
Former Mongu Municiple Council director of administration Crispin Mungonge, who read the resolutions on behalf of the Nkoya-speaking people in Kaoma, said the Nkoyas resolved that all sub-chiefs from the Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE) who represent the Litunga in Nkoya land should be banished immediately.
He said the BNC was afraid of claiming the areas along the line of rail because they knew that agitation to secede lacked merit.
They urged the Government to create an 11th province involving Kaoma, Lukulu, Kasempa, Mumbwa, Mulobezi and Itezhi-Tezhi to keep them from destroying peace in the nation.
“The Nkoyas also resolved that the two Lozi chiefs imposed on the Nkoyas at Naliele and Namayula be withdrawn forthwith. The Nkoya chiefs to be recognised are Chief Kahale and Mutondo as senior chiefs,” Mr Kalihongo said.
Nkoya Royal Establishment chairperson Edwin Nkomesha described the call for secession as primitive and selfish coined to enrich a few people through the collection of royalties from non-Lozi-speaking people.
“All well-meaning Lozi-speaking people should join us in rejecting this call,” Mr Nkomesha said.
Chief Moomba of Southern Province, whose area falls within Barotseland, said a meeting took place last week in his area to discuss the BNC’S resolutions and the people rejected the call for secession.
Chief Mwene Kangombe of the Nkoya-speaking people in Kasempa District said both Northern Rhodesia and Barotseland were buried on Independence Day in 1964 and the debate was archaic.
As he addressed the crowd of about 3,000 people, his indunas displayed a banner that read “One Zambia one nation for ever”.
Chief Fututu of Lukulu District called on the Government to facilitate the removal of all BRE sub-chiefs in Lukulu, including Kabangu, Lianganga and Mayankwa.
Fact File:
September 29, 2011
President Sata appoints a nine-member commission of inquiry to probe the January 14, 2011 riots in Mongu and pardons all the people who were arrested by the police over the incident.
February 23, 2012
President Sata tells chairperson of the commission of inquiry appointed to probe the chaos in Mongu that left 19 people dead that he was reluctant to restore the Barotseland Agreement of 1964.
March 27-28, 2012
The Barotse National Council (BNC) meets and resolves to secede from the rest of Zambia citing the abrogation of the 1964 Barotseland Agreement by the then government of Dr Kenneth Kaunda.
March 29, 2012
Home Affairs Minister Kennedy Sakeni warns that the resolutions were treasonable, especially that they bordered on the formation of a State within a State. Vice-President Guy Scott tells Parliament the same day that the resolutions were irresponsible and unacceptable.
March 31, 2012
Police in Mongu warn and caution the Ngambela Wainyae Sinyinda and Induna Mukulwakashiko Batuke Imenda over the resolutions by the council which, among others, proposed self-rule for Western Province.
April 5, 2012
Police in Western Province uncover a plot in which Barotse Freedom Movement (BFM) chairperson Nyambe Namushi, 63, and a local business person Raymond Mukanda were allegedly linked to the recruitment of retired police offices to form the Barotse police wing.
April 4, 2012
Ngambela Sinyinda tells Times of Zambia agitation for secessionism should be stopped to pave way for dialogue but denies his own story, saying he never spoke to the newspaper.
April 7, 2012
The Nkoya and Kazanga groups who cover two districts in Western Province convene their National council to disown calls for secessionism.
File: Princess Nakatindi Wina (l) and her husband Sikota Wina before a press briefing at their resident in Lusaka
The late Princess Nakatindi Wina has been accorded a State funeral, Secretary to the Cabinet, Evans Chibiliti has said.
Mr Chibiliti said in a statement in Lusaka yesterday that the Government had sent Minister of Gender and Child Development, Inonge Wina to South Africa to be with the bereaved family.
Mr Chibiliti said arrangements were being made in consultation with the family to bring the body back to Zambia.
Princess Nakatindi, who served the country in various capacities, including that of minister of Community Development and Social Welfare between 1993 and 1994, was evacuated by the Government last month to South Africa’s Milpark Hospital for specialist treatment.
“Late Princess Nakatindi Wina who died on Thursday in South Africa has been accorded a State funeral by Government. The Government has sent Gender Minister, Inonge Wina to South Africa to be with the bereaved family while arrangements are being made in consultation with the family to bring her body back home as soon as possible,” Mr Chibiliti said.
And messages of condolences have come in over the death of Princess Nakatindi, with freedom fighter Mama Chibesa Kankasa describing her as a great influence in shaping Zambia’s politics.
Mama Kankasa said she was greatly saddened by the dea th of the princess and called on women in Zambia to turn out in numbers to mourn her.
She said she had known Princess Nakatindi as a humble and dedicated person and called on the family, in particular her husband, Sikota
Wina, to remain strong during the trying moment of bereavement.
“I was shocked to hear of her death, the country has lost a great woman who was influential in shaping the country’s political life.
Zambia has been robbed of a daughter who played a critical role in Zambia’s revolution,” she said.
She said young women in Zambia could learn a lot from Princess Nakatindi’s life and the commitment she exhibited as a wife and a
mother. United Liberal Party (ULP) president, Sakwiba Sikota said the princess’ death was very sad both for the nation and at a personal
level.
“She was my cousin and it is very sad that she has died. She was a person who will be remembered for her selflessness. She accommodated
anyone and helped many people, that is the kind of person she was.
“She fitted in with anyone. She came from a family of political activism and she contributed to bringing democracy in this country.
Princess Nakatindi will be greatly missed,” Mr Sikota said.
A pupil from Luanshya Copper Mines on the business end of a rock ban and Maheu food drink after an energetic performance during the re-opening of Luanshya Copper mines. Zambia Dec 2009
Mining has for many years single handedly driven the Zambian economy with copper being the protagonist among the several metals in the country.
Up until 2008, there has been no examining eye which had been laid on the books of accounts to check mine companies’ income and taxes paid to or received by Government. The first Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative report for Zambia was targeted for 2008, a year that was one of the most challenging for both Government and the mining companies.
The reconciliation exercise was undertaken to help the Zambian Government identify the contribution that the extractive industry is making to the economic and social development of the country. In turn, this will help the Government to realize the potential the mineral resources have to the country through improved resource governance.
EITI is a global initiative that promotes better governance in countries rich in oil, gas and minerals and seeks to reduce the risk of diversion or misappropriation of funds generated by the development of a country’s extractive industry resources.
In 2008, the Government complained that mining companies were not paying enough taxes and then introduced a windfall tax but that was hit badly as the global financial recession battered the mining industry. This saw copper prices plummeting to one of the lowest points ever and subsequently saw several jobs being lost, investment in mining dwindling, while some mines were completely abandoned.
Performance of the sector was reflected in the first EITI Reconciliation Report based on 2008 audited accounts in February 2011.
The report revealed huge discrepancies in terms of how much the mines claimed to have paid to the Government and how much the Government’s receiving agencies confirmed to have received. With public attention focused heavily on the EITI, the 2009 report had to produce better results knowing all mines would have to be at their best as well as Government wings to avoid being exposed on the handling of public resources.
In Zambia, the mining industry has been the economic and social backbone of the economy and it is ranked as the world’s seventh largest producer of copper and the second largest producer of cobalt. Its contribution in terms of the total exports reached USD 822 million despite the country being heavily reliant on the mining of copper and cobalt but efforts now are being focused on diversifying the economy into an industrial and manufacturing base. In addition, the Zambian economy has been growing at an average rate of 6% in recent years with real Gross Domestic Product growth of about 6.6% in 2011.
Zambia published its second reconciliation report covering the 2009 financial accounts which disclosed the extractive industries’ contribution to the Zambian economy amounting to ZMK 2.6 trillion for the period under review. It is important to note that the Government reported receipts are K31.4 billion less than the extractive mining companies reportedly paid to Government in the 2009 as stated in the reconciliation report.
Mr Moore Stephens an independent reconciliator, Konkola Copper Mines Plc declared taxes amounting to ZMK 729.2 billion as compared to ZMK 726.5 billion in receipts with the Government resulting in a difference of ZMK 2.75 billion.
Mopani Copper Mine’s payment was less by ZMK 11.8 billion from what was receipted by Government and Lumwana Mining Company Limited paid a total of ZMK 229.2 billion and Government received ZMK 227.5 billion highlighting a discrepancy of ZMK 1.7 billion. NFC Africa Mining Plc paid a total of ZMK 105.8 billion to Government agencies on the other hand the Government receipted ZMK 107.9 billion with a difference of ZMK 3.8 billion.
The report observed that Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines-Investment Holdings paid ZMK 9, 1 55 million and Government received ZMK 9,188 million. Nevertheless, the number of extractive companies identified in the scoping study conducted was significantly higher than the number of extractive companies reconciled during the first EITI reconciliation exercise.
In the 2009 reconciliation report, a total of 28 extractive companies were covered as compared to 16 in the previous report, a sign that the code of secrecy’ had been decoded and laid done away with. The extractive companies selected amounted to approximately 99 per cent of the total mineral taxes received by the Zambia Revenue Authority in the 2009 report.
Kansanshi Mining Plc under reported a total of ZMK 639,792 million and Government reported to have received ZMK 641,396 million from Kansanshi Mine recording a discrepancy of ZMK 1,604 million.
As well, First Quantum Mining and Operations Limited under reported ZMK 226,039 million compared to 228,597 million received by ZRA with Chibuluma Mines under reporting ZMK 62,937 million and Government claiming to have received a higher figure of ZMK 63,559 million respectively.
Red Arrows brought Indeni back down to Earth after rallying from 1-0 down to secure a late 3-1 away win over the promoted Ndola club.
Both sides went into the break scoreless before Jack Mwanza had put Indeni ahead in the 59th minute.
Midfielder Mwape Mwelwa leveled scores in the 74th minute while ex-Nakambala Leopards striker Lubinda Mundia scored a late brace in the 85th and 90th minutes.
Arrows have maximum six points from their opening two games as they seemingly recover from their early exit from this year’s CAF Confederation Cup.
Arrows coach George Lwandamina now turns his gun sights on Zanaco whom they host on Easter Monday at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka.
Zanaco were 1-0 winners at home over promoted ad still winless Napsa Stars at Sunset Stadium in Lusaka.
Henry Banda scored that games’ only goal from the spot three minutes before halftime after defender Vincent Mangamu handled the ball inside the box.
RESULTS
07/04/2012
Nchanga Rangers 2-Konkola Mine Police 2
Konkola Blades 2-Roan United 1
Green Buffaloes 3-Nkana 1
Forest Rangers 0-Green Eagles 1
Indeni 1- Red Arrows 3
Zanaco 1-Napsa Stars 0
Postponed:
Power Dynamos-National Assembly
File: Princess Nakatindi Wina (l) and her husband Sikota Wina before a press briefing at their resident in Lusaka
Zambia for Empowerment and Development (ZED) president Fredrick Mutesa has described the late princess Nakatindi Wina as a heroine of the Independence struggle.
Commenting on the death of Princess Nakatindi who died on Thursday at Mill Park Hospital in Johannesburg South Africa after a heart related operation; Dr. Mutesa said the late princess was a steward for Independence struggle and the political fraternity at large.
He says she made tremendous contributions to the political landscape of Zambia during her time and that her death must be a unifying factor in the country.
Dr Mutesa says Princess Nakatindi’s death is a great loss to the nation and he has since expressed his condolences to the Wina family.
The ZED president has also urged Malawians to remain united following the death of their sitting President Bingu Wa Mutharika.
And Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) president Alex Ng’oma says Zambia has yet again lost a gallant patriot who labored tirelessly to fight for the country’s freedom.
Dr. Ng’oma who is also a political scientist tells Qfm in an interview that Princess Wina will greatly be remembered for her contributions to Zambia’s political and social development.
Princess Nakatindi was evacuated to South Africa after it became evident that she required urgent specialist Medical attention and passed away on Thursday at around 22:30 hours after a heart related operation.
Power Dynamos yesterday checked in at the Rabi Hotel in Lubumbashi instead of the Hotel du Centre where they had a reservation.
The Kitwe side that engage TP Mazembe on Sunday arrived at 17:00 hours and opted for the Rabi Hotel in what has been interpreted as the first of mind games that will precede the highly anticipated clash.
Meanwhile, Moise Katumbi, chairman of TP Mazembe, led his charges into a prayer session as the four time African Champions looked to God to aid them in Sunday’s tie.
The TP Mazembe website reports that the Ravens went into the valleys of Kafubu where Bishop of the Diocese Gaston RUVEZI Sakania-Kipushi led the ceremony.
Winner over two legs will qualify to the next stage.
CAF has named a Kenyan group of whistle-men to handle the game on Sunday.
File:Mongu residents listening to the proceeding to the Barotse National Council in Limulunga Royal Village
We refute the claims by the Zambian police force that Mr. Namushi Nyambe and Mr. Lubasi Mukamba have been involved in recruiting retired security personnel to give military training to some Barotse people. We see this as an attempt by the state to tarnish our peaceful image as Barotse activists and thereon find an excuse to harm us in any way possible. Such machination will not help the situation the country of Zambia is currently in concerning Barotseland.
We have always pointed out that solving this issue does not need any violence at all and it is the state that, to no avail, has always used violence to silence us. The Barotse people are still committed to peace and will not engage in any dealings that may jeopardize that position.
We, however, would like to warn the Zambian government that any use of violence against our people will only make a bad situation worse. Our position is clear. We have chosen to disengage with Zambia and we have given reasons for that.
We do not overlook the fact that Zambian security forces which have been amassed in Barotseland have been professional so far by not inciting our people. This is the behaviour we expect from the State.
There is, therefore, no reason for us to undermine the existing tranquillity by doing what we know very well that will only result in the suffering of our people yet again. What happened on 14th January 2011 must not be allowed to repeat itself. The State must avoid negatively capitalising on mere rumours. We expect the said investigation to be complete soon and the Zambian public be told of their outcome.
This is contained in a statement by Shuwanga Shuwanga (BFM International Relations ) received by Lusakatimes.
Earlier this week a joint team of Security wings in Western Province recorded a warn and caution statement for two Kaoma based Barotseland Activists for allegedly trying to recruit security officers for new Barotseland.
Provincial Police Commissioner Fanwell Siandenge confirmed the development and identified the duo as Leonard Mukamba 72 and Chairman for the renowned Barotse Freedom Movement (BFM) Namushi Nyambe aged 63 years.
Mr. Siandenge said the two who cooperated during the questioning are alleged to have approached a named retired security officer to recruit and train people for the said new Barotseland as security officers.
A Professor of economics at the University of Zambia has urged Members of Parliament to ensure that the Anti Corruption Commission Bill of 2012 is passed.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Qfm news, Professor Vankentesh Seshamani says progressive Bills that are aimed at alleviating escalating levels of graft must be supported by all well meaning Zambians.
Professor Seshamani has however charged that policies will only bear positive fruits when they are implemented.
He has also urged government to strengthen law enforcement agencies in order for the country to recover misapplied public resources.
Recently, parliament unanimously supported the ACC Bill which passed through the second reading stage and once enacted, it will strengthen the corruption crusade.
Who governs and represents the people, traditional leaders or elected officials?
By Maurice Makalu
Like all Zambians, I received the reported decision by the Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE) to resort to dialogue to address the issues surrounding the BA 1964 with joy in my heart. Even now as the Ngambela has refuted that he ever made any statements to suggest rescission of agitation for secession in preference for dialogue, we remain positive and trusting in the wisdom of the leadership in Western Province and government to ensure that the peace, calm and unity that we have always known as a nation endures.
And dialogue is the only way. As such it should become the rule and cease to be seen merely as an option. Even if it has to begin with extremist positions or the highest of tempers, mistrust and acrimony between the parties, there is no problem too big we cannot talk it over.
But aside from the secession resolutions, the BNC has crystallized two governance challenges that we need to address urgently as a multiparty democracy: parallel leadership structures and tribal integration.
a. Parallel Leadership Structures
The BNC was a gathering of around 2,000 chiefs and indunas or headmen. These considered themselves as representing Western Province ahead of 17 MPs and around 146 ward councilors who were elected by 188,519 people out of 394,660 registered voters there. The chiefs felt so representative that they even asked the elected MPs (and Minister) to resign.
Recently, Chief Nkole of Kapiri Mposhi was reported to have ordered the Kapiri Mposhi District Council not to displace his subjects from their farmlands in his chiefdom, denying ever giving HIS land to the state. The chief warned the Council to stop interfering into land issues in his chiefdom and not to undertake any land development works in the area without his permission. The chief said, “I have never signed anywhere that I have given land to the state so do not displace my people from their farms on this land because those are their permanent farms given to them with permits.”
The question is: Who governs and represents the people, traditional leaders or elected officials?
Obviously the answer is both. Zambia therefore must draw clear boundaries between the two. Nyerere in Tanzania opted to ban chiefs altogether to avoid tribalism, farm land squabbles and such. We have decided to retain them. Let us define their role very clearly and sensitise and contientise them so that they do not overstep their boundaries and start unnecessary frictions with elected leadership. It is anti-democracy to place inherited leadership ahead of elected leadership for by its very nature, inheritance is undemocratic. It perpetuates hegemony and marginalization and knows nothing about equality and human rights for all.
[pullquote]It is anti-democracy to place inherited leadership ahead of elected leadership for by its very nature, inheritance is undemocratic. It perpetuates hegemony and marginalization and knows nothing about equality and human rights for all.[/pullquote]
In the modern era, when we speak of “self-determination,” like the BNC is seeking, it does not mean being ruled by a local instead of a foreigner, instead it means being ruled by an elected official. Election, regular popular election, not nationality, defines self-determination (democracy). The Arab Spring is a good example, where rulers ‘for life’ are being shown the exit door. Chief rulership is not self-determination.
So even as we devolve power from the centre to the regions, we must not allow inherited power to interfere with elected power other than through the ballot. It is a recipe for disaster. There is a reason developed democratic countries have confined their chiefs and kings to ceremonial roles only. We too can make our traditional leaders ceremonial leaders; let us have constitutional chieftaincy. Let’s put ‘spanners’ in our governance and development processes all in the name of respecting tradition. Democracy and development are the ‘tradition’ of the future and chiefs must not interfere or be seen to interfere with their traditions of the past.
b. Tribal Integration
The wider Zambian population received calls for secession with trepidation because we have all grown up under One Zambia One Nation, thanks to KK’s one party state and its strong nationalism drive. We have lived and shared together as one people, as brothers and sisters of one family. This however, is slowly being threatened with the emergency of multiparty democracy, where some people see tribalism, a form of hate speech, as part of their freedom of expression and association. Tribalism is raising its ugly head to an extent where some politicians are using it as their strategy in seeking political office.
Furthermore, as the BNC showed, chiefs rule over tribes. Despite assertions that Lozi is the ligua-franca of western province, Nkoyas disassociated themselves from what they perceived as a “Lozi” move. They are now also organizing a Nkoya council. God knows which other tribes will organise theirs as well. Mbundas on the other hand attended and presented a long list of complaints of “Lozi” marginalisation of Mbundas, and appealed for Mbunda chiefs to be recognized as senior chiefs as well.
How do we uphold our One Zambia One Nation as a multiparty democracy? We need deliberate government driven and sponsored tribal integration.
This should go beyond tribal balancing in political appointments where it is really hard to have real balance. Rather it should involve having a “National Population (or Tribal) Integration Policy” whose objective should be to integrate the 73 tribes, by deepening our appreciation of the “Ubuntu” that makes us bantu-speaking peoples; the humanity that makes us human.
[pullquote]Having Paramount Chief Chiti Mukulu as guest of honour at the Kuomboka Ceremony, or chief Mukuni at Ukusefya Pang’wena, would go a very long way in bringing Bembas, Lozis and Tongas together[/pullquote].
Among other things, the policy must encourage and facilitate for chiefs, especially paramount and senior chiefs, to attend traditional ceremonies of other chiefs. The policy must prescribe what I can describe as chiefs ‘diplomatic’ relations, where our chiefs can pay each other courtesy calls; the Litunga going on a kingdom visit to Paramount Chief Gawa-Undi just like Presidents go on state visits; with lots of media coverage. On these visits, they should exchange gifts as souvenirs to be displayed in palaces back home so as to be reminded of “my visit to Chief Mukuni of the Tonga people.” This will build a rich tradition of friendship and cultural exchange between tribes, which will cement national unity.
Almost every province now has a community radio station. Let these stations broadcast cultural programmes about Zambian tribes. How about “Imitundu Yesu (Our Tribes)” programme on Radio Ichengelo on the Copperbelt, to discuss cultures of different tribes; or “Your Lozi, Lunda, etc Neighbour” on Radio Lundazi in Eastern Province. These community radio stations can allocate just 30 minutes a week to each of the 7 major tribes, where people of these tribes from within the communities can share their cultures, music, etc and just speak their language on air. After all they are in Zambia; therefore, at home.
Whatever we have to do to integrate and make our One Zambia One Nation more one, let us do it. Let not the Ministry of Traditional Affairs be only about looking after chiefs, their salaries and livelihood, but also bringing our rich tribal diversity closer together. When we sing: “One land and one nation is our cry… All one, strong and free,” we must remember it is an eternal cry, perpetual work in progress.
File: Princess Nakatindi Wina (l) talks to her husband Sikota Wina during a press briefing at their resident in Lusaka
The Princess passed away at around 22:30 hours last night at Mill Park Hospital in Johannesburg South africa after a heart related operation.
Family Spokesperson and also Princess Winas son Wina Wina has confirmed the death of his mother to ZNBC news on Friday morning.
Mr Wina says the Family is devastated by her sudden death.
He thanked President Michael Sata for the timely manner in which Princess Nakatindi was evacuated to South Africa after it became evident that she required urgent specialist Medical attention.
The Family has also thanked all those who have rendered support. Arrangements are being made for the body to return home to Zambia.
Zesco United maintained their hundred per cent start to the new season after beating hosts Nakambala Leopards away in Mazabuka on Friday afternoon.
Zesco beat Nakambala 2-0 to temporally top the table for at least 24 hours ahead of the other six Faz Super Division Week 2 games to be played on Saturday.
Wedson Nyirenda’s side went ahead in the 31st minute when Festus Mbewe headed in a cross from Zimbabwean defender Zelemiseni Moyo.
John Chingandu added the second goal five minutes before halftime firing in from close range.
Zesco, who now have six points from their opening two matches, return to action on Monday when they host Green Buffaloes in Week 3 match at the Trade Fair Grounds in Ndola.
