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A campaign to bring accused war criminal Joseph Kony, the fugitive head of Uganda’s Lord’s Resistance Army rebels, to justice has gone viral on the Internet.
The hashtag ‘#stopkony’ was among top trending topics on Twitter on Wednesday.
The campaign was launched by the non-profit group Invisible Children with an emotional 30-minute video which has been viewed more than 7.3 million times on YouTube and attracted more than 150,000 comments.
‘Invisible Children’ and ‘Uganda’ were also among the top trending topics on Twitter on Wednesday. A number of celebrities joined the campaign by tweeting links to the video and promoting the campaign.
“JOSEPH KONY, leader of the Lords Resistance Army is located in Uganda, and abducts children to murder their parents. He takes girls and forces them to be sex slaves. He has abducted over 30,000 children and forces them to be soldiers. FEW know his name and even FEWER know his crimes. Make him FAMOUS. 99% of the world are not aware and without spreading awareness we will NOT be able to catch the rightful attention ”
Parliament yesterday unanimously approved the abolition and creation of Government ministries and departments recently established by President Michael Sata.
Vice- President, Guy Scott said the President had constitutional powers to realign Government ministries and departments to make them more effective.
Ministry of Education, Science and Vocational Training now becomes Ministry of Education, Science, Vocational Training and Early Education.
The other ministry created are the Ministry of Lands, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection. It was previously called Lands, Energy, and Water Development.
Ministry of Mines and Natural Resources is now called the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Water Development.
The Ministry of Local Government, Housing, Early Education and Environmental Protection has been changed to Ministry of Local Government and Housing.
Supporting the motion, leader of the opposition, Felix Mutati (MMD) said the decision by President Sata to abolish and establish the Government ministries and departments would foster efficiency in the civil service.
Mr Mutati, who is Lunte MP, said the opposition resolved to support the decision as it would streamline operations of the Government ministries and departments
[Times of Zambia]
File:Lusaka economist Chibamba Kanyama talking to young people during a youth conference in Lusaka
Economist Chibamba Kanyama has been appointed Director-General of the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC).
Mr Kanyama, who once worked for the national broadcaster, takes over from Mr Joe Chilaizya.
Information, Broadcasting and Labour Minister, Fackson Shamenda announced at a media briefing in Lusaka yesterday that Mr Chilaizya has been redeployed into foreign service.
“Mr Kanyama is the new Director-General for ZNBC and his appointment is with immediate effect. This follows the deployment of Mr Joe Chilaizya by his Excellency the President Mr Michael Sata in the foreign service,” he said.
Mr Shamenda thanked Mr Chilaizya for the valuable service he rendered as ZNBC Director-General during the last five months.
“As we thank Mr Chilaizya, we welcome Mr Kanyama who as you all know is not new to ZNBC and the media fraternity in general, having worked at the national broadcaster for a number of years,” he said.
Mr Kanyama is a senior journalist and an economist.
A Higer luxury bus that was allegedly used by former president, Rupiah Banda, during last year’s campaigns has been seized by law enforcement officers in Lusaka.
The bus that was going round with registration number ALC 4686 during Mr Banda’s election campaigns has resurfaced with a personalised registration number, ZNE 2113.
Spokesperson for the Government investigative wings, Charity Chanda, said the bus was impounded in Lusaka on Monday.
The bus was found in Makeni area where it was seized together with a Toyota Hilux 4×4.
Ms Chanda could not say from whose premises the vehicles were found, saying investigations had started to establish the source of money used to procure the property.
Administrative assistant in Mr Banda’s office, Mikatazo Wakumelo declined to comment on the matter because Mr Banda was in Chipata attending a funeral.
Security wings have been investigating suspected corruption and theft in the previous administration and more than 40 motor vehicles belonging to the MMD have been impounded.
The MMD has contested the seizure in court.
President Michael Sata in December instructed the law enforcement agencies to investigate the source of US$ 1 million (more than K5 billion) held in an account for Mpundu Trust which was linked to Mr Banda and his family.
The directive came in the wake of revelations that Mpundu Trust had unexplained funds in one of the commercial banks in the country.
File: Father Frank Bwalya addressing a PF rally during the run up to the 2011 elections
By Fr Frank Bwalya (EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR – GIZ)
Get Involved Zambia (GIZ) wishes to add its voice to the current debate in Zambia regarding appointment of “party cadres” to public service or government positions.
Before we state our position, we wish to make it clear that our understating of a “party cadre” is that he or she is a fulltime and devoted member of a political party who spends a lot of personal time and even resources in organizing and campaigning for their political party. We think this is the original good meaning.
Unfortunately, the term “party cadre” acquired a very negative connotation under the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) regime. It came to be associated with violence, incompetence,corruption, abuse of authority, intolerance, human rights violation and partisan narrow mindedness, to mention but a few.
Given the original good meaning of the term “party cadre” it is our considered view as GIZ that there is nothing wrong about appointing party cadres to public service or government positions as long as they possess the required qualifications. Such party cadres should also have a record of competence and they should be committed to national goals that transcend narrow partisan interests.
However, we wish to categorically state that belonging to the ruling party in itself should not be a qualification and neither should it be a disqualification. As such, we see no problem with President Michael Sata appointing loyal party cadres who organized the Patriotic Front (PF) and campaigned for this once minority party under very hostile conditions.
It should be appreciated that these party cadres fully share in the vision and programmes of the PF as expressed in their party manifesto which is the basis for the social contract that the PF party has signed with Zambians that gave them the mandate to govern.
It is not true that the practice of appointing cadres doesn’t happen elsewhere in the world. The truth of the matter is that it happens everywhere including India, America, England and many other so-called advanced democracies.
We think that even those who are against this practice today would do the same if given a chance to form government.
Against this background, it is our considered view that we need to insist on qualification, competence, professionalism and patriotism.
However, we oppose appointment of party cadres to constitutional offices such as that of Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and Solicitor General.
We also oppose appointing cadres to senior civil service positions such as that of Secretary to the Cabinet. Moreover,we believe that it is wrong to appoint party cadres to head vital state institutions such as the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC).
We are happy that President Michael Sata has not gone against this.
Finally, we urge Mr Sata to ensure that he embraces every principled Zambian who is ready to support his PF-led government. He should always conduct himself as a statesman and love everyone including those that want him to fail.
Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Wendy Sherman listens to Vice President Guy Scott during a meeting the the Vice President's office
Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Wendy Sherman has commended Zambia for embarking on a constitutional reform process with the end goal of strengthening democracy through a more even distribution of power.
Under Secretary Sherman has challenged the youth to remain engaged throughout the process.
She has also encouraged the Zambian government, Technical Committee, and National Assembly to work closely with civil society throughout the process, to educate Zambians about the implications of reform measures, and to interact substantively with all levels and regions of society in an inclusive dialogue that will result in a durable constitution that enjoys broad consensus, particularly young people.
During her visit, she met with head of the Constitutional Technical Committee, Chairman Annel Silungwe and met with national leaders, civil society, youth, prominent female leaders, and journalists.
The Under Secretary exchanged views, underscored U.S. interests, and explored ways to strengthen collaborative efforts that promote good governance, economic growth, regional security, social development, and human rights.
In her address, Under Secretary Sherman announced that the United States government plans to provide $1.26 million in new assistance aimed at strengthening good governance and supporting institutions working toward constitutional reform.
She noted that support would be offered to the Technical Committee, the National Assembly, and civil society organizations. Under Secretary Sherman said the United States seeks to support those working toward constitutional reform to find ways to bolster the capacity of civil society and public institutions, and to further the goal of ensuring peace and prosperity for all citizens
In her meeting with Vice President Guy Scott, Under Secretary Sherman lauded Zambia’s peaceful democratic transition as a model of democracy.
In her discussions, Under Secretary Sherman urged continued public engagement on issues related to shared foreign policy priorities, including transparent anti-corruption efforts focused on institutional reform and elimination of gender based violence.
Under Secretary Sherman is the highest ranking U.S. official to visit since Zambias peaceful democratic transition in September 2011.
Her visit highlights the long-term U.S. commitment to Africa and strengthens the strategic partnership between the United States and Zambia.
Zambia coach Herve Renard has accepted Clifford Mulenga’s apology after the Bloemfontein Celtic forward was expelled from the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations for disciplinary reasons.
However, Renard warned in Lusaka Wednesday that no player was bigger than the team. He is one of the Zambian players for the national team. We have accepted his apology. He is like the many thousands of Zambian players,Renard said.
The French coach expelled Mulenga from the team on January 30 in Malabo after the striker broke team curfew with four other players and went out drinking a day after Zambia beat Equatorial Guinea 1-0 in their final Group A game.
“We have to keep the spirit, in football it does not matter what name you are, you just have to be efficient all the time.
I can assure you no one player will play for the Chipolopolo if he thinks he is the best player in the World he said. Renard could however not say if the one-time CAF African Young Player Award winner would be recalled for Zambias next engagement.
A week ago, Mulenga apologised to Renard, the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), his team mates and the country for his misdemeanour at the Africa Cup.
The Africa Cup trophy hits the Copperbelt this weekend on its second leg of its nationwide tour.
The trophy is expected in Ndola Wednesday evening ahead of private view on Thursday in Ndola.
“The trophy will be in Ndola tonight, tomorrow there will be a private viewing by provincial leaders and other dignitaries,” Faz communications officer Erick Mwanza said.
On Friday the Africa Cup trophy will be on display in Ndola before stopping over in Kitwe on Saturday and later move on to Solwezi.
No views have yet been announced for Africa cup trophy’s public display.
Mwanza said the trophy will also be on display at the Faz annual general meeting set for March 31 at Moba Hotel in Kitwe.
The trophy has just completed its first leg nationwide tour after a three-day stop in Southern Province where it stopped over in Livingstone, Choma and briefly in Kalomo.
THE Registrar of Societies has rescinded the decision to de-register the MMD in the interest of good governance and democracy.
The MMD has engaged Hobday Kabwe & Company to help resolve the issue of close to K400 million in outstanding arrears from annual returns.
Registrar of Societies, Clement Andeleki, said Mr Kabwe had requested his office to see how best they could resolve the arrears which have accumulated since 1993.
He said in the interest of good governance and in order to prevent the declaration of 55 parliamentary seats vacant, his office would discuss other ways through which the K390 million could be settled.
“I have been approached by several stakeholders involved in good governance and democracy not to deregister the party as this would be an injury to the young democracy and the economy of the country more especially that we recently held elections,” he said.
He said his office had written several reminders to MMD from as far back as 1993 about its obligation to pay annual returns.
Mr Andeleki availed the Times of Zambia copies of the reminders which date back to 1993 with the most recent one being in 2007 when MMD was still in power.
He also availed the Times of Zambia copies of the application by the MMD to register 156 branches countrywide of which the Registrar of Societies gave the party certificates to this effect.
“All the documentation concerning these transactions is available and we have also forwarded the accumulated bills of the amount to the party lawyer who has since confirmed receipt,” he said.
He said the move was not politicall y motivated but was a requirement for the party to remit annual returns.
And copies of correspondence obtained by this newspaper indicate that the then Registrar of Societies in 1993, a Mr C.M. D. Zulu, wrote to the MMD on November 16, 1993 reminding the party that it had not submitted annual returns from the time it was registered on January 4, 1991.
“This circular serves to remind you to submit the same immediately failure to which will constitute penalties against office bearers,” the reminder read.
Another letter dated February 2, 2007 and signed by then Registrar of Societies, Jones Mwelwa, also reminded the MMD on the need to register its branches countrywide.
Mr Mwelwa said it was a legal requirement under Section 6 (1) of Cap 119 of the Laws of Zambia and SI No 48 of 2004, pursuant of rule No 22 of Section 38 of Cap 119 that all branches of registered societies or organisations, churches and political parties be registered by his office.
The Jesuit center for theological reflections JCTR has expressed concern over the inconsistency in government policy pronouncements has been a source of concern.
Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection Programmes Manager Geoffrey Chongo says that inconsistency in the PF government promised the people of Zambia on the windfall tax.
Mr. Chongo said that after the PF got into power,the Minister of Finance suddenly announced that government was not going to reintroduce windfall tax. Mr. Chongo said that that the PF government also while in opposition and even after getting into power promised that they would increase their stake in the mining companies but today Zambians are being told it is not government policy.
He said that it is this policy inconsistency among other factors that has led Fitch to downgrade Zambia’s economic outlook. He has noted that the Minister of Finance has acknowledged that there is inconsistency in policy pronouncements in his Government and he has blamed this development on some top government officials.
He said that there is therefore urgent need to address this inconsistency and assure markets that there is no policy shift and not simply dismiss Fitch’s concerns as inglorious opinion. Mr. Chongo has added that it is also misleading for Government to say that Fitch’s recent economic outlook downgrade is inconsequential to the Zambian economy.
He explained that Rating agencies’ opinion world over have significant impact on individual countries’ economic performance as they influence investor sentiments. He has noted that the growth of the Zambian economy in the last few years has largely been influenced by increased inflow of foreign investment and the PF Government has not shifted from this focus.
He said that maintaining foreign investors’ confidence in the economy thus still remains cardinal to the positive economic outlook of the economy and the fight against poverty.
The JCTR programmes manager has since advised the Zambian Government to positively look at the recent downgrade of Zambia’s economic outlook by Fitch rating and become more systematic and consistent in its policy pronouncement and implementation.
Shoprite Checkers in Livingstone has been closed indefinitely by a combined team of health inspectors from the Ministry of Health and the Livingstone City Council.
Livingstone City Council Public Relations Officer Emmanuel Sikanyika who announced the closure of the store says management has failed to comply with the health regulations as required by the Zambian laws.
Mr Sikanyika says it is wrong for Shoprite Management to continue with its business while rehabilitation are going on.
He says this has impacted negatively on some food stuffs as cement deposits have settled on shelves where food is stored posing a health hazard to the customers.
The health workers who inspected the facility also confiscated some food items from the store.
Shoprite checkers will only open to the public for business after the rehabilitation are complete.
Zaga Lyfe Entertainnment C.E.O born Mukubesa Mundia, aka Petersen, in Lusaka Zambia , entered the Zambian music scene in 2002 as a song writer and backing vocalist for various renowned Zambian artists.
Petersen had his first taste on what was to be an incredible journey by writing ‘goodnight’ for a group called Ba Crazy; the song was an instant hit and was also the title track for the group’s album which featured Petersen on two of the tracks.
His songwriting skills received such a huge response from fans around and instantaneously generated a demand for his creativity amongst other artists. He song released his own music ,and has become a force to recon with in the Zambian music scene
ZFT (Zambias Finest Talents) caught up with the dancehall artist on his most recent visit to London. Find out what happened in this video.
Suspected rabid dogs have gone on rampage biting people in Kasama district and so far 128 cases of dog bites have been reported this year.
Kasama District veterinary officer Dr Isaac Siwale has confirmed the development to Zambia News and Information Services in Kasama.
Dr. Siwale disclosed that last month 67 cases of dog bites were reported while 61 cases were recorded in January, this year.
He attributed the rise in cases of dog bites to numerous dogs straying in neighborhoods’ without proper control by their owners.
Dr. Siwale explained that his office has collected samples from the stray dogs and sent them to Lusaka for further examination to ascertain whether the dogs have rabies or not.
He says if results come out positive, the department of veterinary will quickly embark on a vaccination programme for dogs to prevent the spread of rabies in communities.
[ZNBC]
Zambia continued their rise up the FIFA/Coca Cola World rankings for a second successive month.
The 2012 African champions moved two places from 43rd to 41st on the FIFA rankings released by the games world governing body in Zurich on Wednesday.
However, Zambia maintained 4th place on the CAF rankings for another month while Algeria are 3rd in Africa and 35th in the World.
Africa Cup losing finalists Cote d’Ivoire are first in Africa and 15th in the World while Zambia’s 2014 World Cup Group D qualifiers opponents Ghana are second in Africa and 23rd on the FIFA rankings.
And Zambia’s other Group D qualifiers opponents Sudan and Lesotho are 110 and 160 respectively on the FIFA charts.
More than 600 pupils of Kawambwa Boys Technical High school who abandoned the institution after pupils rioted on Monday, have not returned to the school.
Only 180 of the pupils out of a pupil population 800 have reported back to school.
And Kawambwa District Commissioner, Ivo Mpasa says pupils that will not report to the school within 10 days should consider themselves suspended from the institution.
He told Zambia News and Information Services that although there was extensive damage to school property, the the institution will not close.
Mr Mpasa has urged all parents and guardians to urgently release their children who left the school when the riots broke out.
On Monday, pupils at the technical School rioted and destroyed property worth millions of Kwacha.
The pupils caused damage to the staff room, laboratory, science department, library, store room, dining hall and looted the tuck shop and the acting head teacher’s house.
This was after a group of them were stopped from taking part in inter schools games at Marbel shaw secondary school, after they consumed alcohol.
