Join our community of SUBSCRIBERS and be part of the conversation.
To subscribe, simply enter your email address on our website or click the subscribe button below. Don't worry, we respect your privacy and won't spam your inbox. Your information is safe with us.
File: Former President Rupiah Banda addressing a public rally
Minister of Information, Broadcasting and Labour Fackson Shamenda has said that former President Rupiah Banda will not be paid his retirement benefits as long as he remains in active politics. He said the law is clear regarding the payment of benefits to former Presidents.
Mr Shamenda said this following Mr Banda’s remarks that he will continue to be president of MMD until a new leader is elected at the convention in April.
Mr Banda declared that he will continue to support the former ruling party even after a new leader is elected. But Mr Shamenda said Mr Banda should be wary of the consequences of his decisions.
“It’s up to him (Mr Banda). If he wants to continue participating actively in politics, he should bear the consequences of doing so,” he said.
Meanwhile, media bodies have castigated Mr Banda for accusing the public media of being reduced to mouthpieces of the government.
Press Association of Zambia president Andrew Sakala said Mr Banda is aware of the fact that himself, his press aide Dickson Jere and former Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services Ronnie Shikapwasha allegedly used to give directives to public media heads.
“In fact, it is under Mr Banda that there was interference in the operations of the public media. I am talking from facts because I worked for the Times of Zambia and I was dubiously retired for standing up for the truth,” Mr Sakala said in an interview yesterday.
Mr Sakala said it is unfortunate that former leaders are now crying foul over media coverage when they had turned the same institutions into propaganda tools for their selfish interests.
He said Mr Banda and the MMD lost an opportunity to transform state-owned media into better public media institutions by meddling in their operations.
Zambia Union of Journalists president Anthony Mulowa expressed disappointment with the former President’s remarks on the public media.
“I don’t see any sense in Mr Banda’s comments on the public media. He abused the media. It is disappointing that he can cunningly accuse the media under the PF Government of being biased,” he said.
Mr Mulowa said every Zambian knows how Mr Banda’s administration reduced the state media to propaganda tools.
He said Mr Banda should sober up and accept the loss of power to President Sata, instead of attacking public media organisations which are now operating professionally.
Zambia Union of Broadcasters and other Information Disseminators president Martin Maseka said Mr Banda should not cry foul now, after failing to implement media reforms.
THE Human Rights Commission (HRC) will speak against the discrimination of people on the basis of sexual orientation, chairperson Pixie Yangailo has said.
Reacting to comments made by a section of Zambians yesterday after United Nations secretary general Ban Ki-Moon called for respect for sexual orientation, Ms Yangailo stressed that the Commission will oppose discrimination based on sexual orientation.
“The Zambian Constitution guarantees equality and if the right to education or health is being denied based on sexual orientation, the Commission will speak against that because no law in Zambia allows that,” she said in an interview from Livingstone.
She said what is prohibited in Zambia is sexual activity between people of the same sex, and in that case the law should take its course.
“People need to be sensitised about this topic because it is new and many people are arguing from a point of ignorance. Sexual orientation has different categories, there are people who are transgender, lesbians, bisexuals and this is all alien for Zambians,” she said.
She added that even members of the Human Rights Commission members need to be educated about sexual orientation, for them to educate the masses.
Mr Ban, who is visiting Zambia, said on Saturday that no one should be stigmatised or discriminated against on the basis of their sexual orientation.
He said this when he paid a courtesy call on first republican President Kenneth Kaunda at his Office in Kabulonga.
The UN chief observed and regretted that the rights of some people were trampled upon, instead of being respected.
And a youth in LUSAKA has called on government to reject any proposals for the recognition of gay rights in the country.
Langson Ng’umbu who undertook a lone protest against calls for gay rights walked from NIPA to Mass media complex where he aired his misgivings.
Ng’umbu said the bible has made it clear that sodomy is evil and that it is wrong for people to go against the dictates of God.
He told ZNBC in Lusaka on Sunday that western countries championing gay rights are bent on destroying the Africa culture.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon has been championing calls for African governments to recognize gay rights.
CHAIRPERSON of the commission of inquiry into the Mongu riots Rodger Chongwe has urged Zambians, especially the people of Western Province to be patient and allow the Government to study and digest the report and avoid making uninformed comments on the matter.
Dr Chongwe said it was unfair for the Nkoya Royal Council and the Kazanga Cultural Association to reject a report that they had not yet read. He said in Lusaka yesterday that it was unfair for members of the public to start making comments on a report that had not yet been made public. Comments by Dr Chongwe come in the wake of some commentaries by some politicians over President Michael Sata’s initial response that his Government would be reluctant to restore the Barotseland Agreement of 1964.
“So far it is only some summary recommendations that people are reading in the press. The best would be that hey demand that Government should expedite its part and release the report. In fact, they must ask Government to publish the report,” he said.
He said the public should wait for President Michael Sata and his Cabinet to read and digest the report so that they could react to it. He said some people were making public statements on the report out of ignorance which he said was not healthy.
“For now the report is still confidential as the only people who know what we wrote are ourselves as the Commissioners and the President. He appointed us and gave us specific Terms of Reference of what we were to do.
“It will thus be unfair for any association to make statements out of ignorance. The Nkoya Royal council made submissions to the commission so it will be unfair for them to turn around. Don’t blame the messenger before he report is published,” he said.
He said instead of making uninformed statements the public should demand that the should Government publish the report just like they did with the Zamtel report. He said it was clear from the public comments that Zambians were anxious about the findings in the report.
THE Nkoya Royal Council and the Kazanga Cultural Association rejected the recommendations of the Rodger Chongwe-led Commission of Inquiry into the January 14, 2011 Mongu killings.
National chairman of the Nkoya Royal Council Edwin Nkomesha said that those championing the restoration of the Barotseland Agreement are merely fuelling anarchy in Western Province.
Mr Nkomesha said this yesterday at a joint press briefing between the Nkoya Royal Council and the Kazanga Cultural Association.
[pullquote]“We are extremely disappointed with the manner in which Dr Chongwe presided over the matter. We never expected such a highly distinguished lawyer to mislead the President and the nation at large,” Mr Nkomesha said.[/pullquote]
“We are extremely disappointed with the manner in which Dr Chongwe presided over the matter. We never expected such a highly distinguished lawyer to mislead the President and the nation at large,” Mr Nkomesha said.
Mr Nkomesha said that the Nkoya people consider the Barotseland Agreement to be divisive and in favour of only one ethnic group in Western Province over many other ethnic groups.
“The agreement is null and void, so we should go for a referendum so that Zambians can vote because this issue cannot be confined to a family tree,” he said.
And speaking at the same briefing, His Royal Highness Chief Mweene Mutondo of the Nkoya people said since 1964, the Nkoya have been under pressure over the Barotseland Agreement.
Chief Mutondo says it is not just the Nkoya alone but other tribes, including the Chokwe and Luvale in Western Province, who have also been negatively affected by the Agreement.
He says assuming the Barotseland Agreement is restored, the benefits will not trickle down to other tribes in the province.
Chief Mutondo further suggests to the Zambian Government that a separate province, to be known as Kafue, be created in order for the sidelined tribes of Western Province to re-establish themselves there.
“We are only interested in development not quarrels, so those who want to secede can do so but we are not part of them,” he said.
Alliance for Democracy and Development (ADD) president Charles Milupi and Heritage Party president Godfrey Miyanda were yesterday reported as saying that the Patriotic Front (PF) Government cheated the people on the restoration of the Barotseland Agreement of 1964.
Receiving the report from Dr Chongwe last week President Sata said he would be reluctant to recommend the restoration of the Barotseland agreement as it would open a Pandora box.
Meanwhile an anti-HIV/AIDS Campaign activist in Kabwe has supported the move by Mr Sata to oppose the recommendations over the restoration of the Barotse Agreement.
In a statement released yesterday Anti AIDS/HIV Campaign Society Director Darius Chungu said Mr Sata’s move was a step in the right direction in maintaining peace and unity in the nation.
Mr Chungu urged and advised the Government not to restore the Barotse Agreement as it would destabilise the peace and unity Zambia had been enjoying since independence.
He said if the agreement was to be allowed then all provinces would ask to secede from the central Government and as a result there would be confusion in the country.
Transparency International Zambia (TIZ) says it is disappointed with the appointment of cadres as district commissioners.
TIZ executive director Goodwell Lungu said it is sad to note that President Michael Sata is slowly backtracking on most of the pronouncements he made during campaigns.
Mr. Lungu said President Sata has every right to appoint anyone regardless of political affiliation but states that he needs to keep his word of appointing cadres to public office.
Speaking in an interview, Mr. Lungu said TIZ will watch the president very closely so that he does not do the opposite of what he promised.
When it comes to building muscle, some men are more equal than others.
Basically we all fall into one of three body types, each of which requires a different approach to bulking up. It is all too easy to forget this and get sidetracked by exciting looking training styles.
Identify your type, brush up on the principles of lean muscle that apply to you, and get started on the most efficient workout of your life.
the running man
Bodybuilders refer to these guys as ‘hardgainers’. They struggle to pack weight onto their lean bodies simply because they’re not predisposed to store muscle. To defy nature, just load up – at the gym and in the kitchen.
The Rules
Keep it intense Go for lower reps and heavy loads, Try using free weights instead of machines.Aim to get 48 hours rest between sessions for recovery.
Feast not famine You need to eat, and eat a lot. Protein smoothies, nuts and brown rice help raise calorie consumption.
Easy on the CV People with this body type have high metabolisms so they need to limit their cardiovascular exercise if they want to gain size.
the unit
These heavy-set types have soft, stocky bodies and sluggish metabolisms. Weight gain is not a problem, but shifting fat can be. Go hard and fast in the gym, and on the protein, for the right sort of bulk.
The Rules
Rev your engine People with this body type need to boost slow metabolisms. When lifting, you want 10-12 reps with moderate weights and less recovery time.Add short, hard bursts of cardio to blitz fat.
Superset This means exercises paired back-to-back with a reduced recovery time of about 45 seconds, Work opposing muscles such as biceps and triceps by pairing bench presses with tricep extensions.
Set a carbs curfew People with this body type do well on high protein, high fibre and good fats, So limit carbs to immediately after your workout.
the natural athlete
Some are born lucky: thses add muscle mass with relative ease. Stick to high-intensity workouts and you’ll be buying the first round before the rest of us have hit the showers. Frankly, it’s the least you could do.
The Rules
Hit the compounds Work on multiple muscle groups with deadlifts, chin-ups, bench presses and squats, These moves exploit your natural strength.
Turn up the volume You can handle the highest volumes of cardio and resistance training, Aim for three cardio sessions and four weights sessions a week and you’ll be amazed at the results.
Plan your protein A palm’s worth (e.g. a chicken breast) per meal and half a palm (a large yoghurt) for snacks, Carbs aren’t an issue.
Two investors have so far shown interests to take over the operations at the defunct Albidon Munali Nickel mine in Mazabuka.
Mines and Natural Resources Minister Wilbur Simuusa says government has made head ways in ensuring that a potential and suitable partner is found for the mine.
Speaking in an interview with ZANIS in Lusaka last week, Mr. Simuusa said currently government is just scrutinizing the investors to ensure that an appropriate partner who will improve the operations at the mine is found.
Mr Simuusa noted that the current problems at the mine need an effective and efficient investor who will be able to work hard and improve the situation.
He explained that government will make sure that it advises the investor on how best they can improve and address the problems.
Mr. Simuusa cited poor working conditions as one of the problems that needed urgent attention hence government will strive to ensure that the investor who will be selected is properly advised for the betterment of the workers welfare.
He added that government is also interested in finding a partner that will be able to retain the entire workforce.
Mr Simuusa further disclosed that despite the mine not doing any productions workers have continued to receive their salaries.
The Minister stressed that this was in line with government policy of promoting job creation for the people in the country.
Munali nickel mine last year in November halted production citing cash-flow problems caused by lower global nickel prices as well as operational disruptions at Zambia’s sole nickel miner.
According to the management mine suffered a spate of operational disruptions since early last year, ranging from miners’ strikes to accidents, leading to several stoppages.
To minimize losses, the company halted output pending a restricted program as well as an investment partner to recapitalize the mine.
However, government described the halting of production at the mine as premature as it was not informed before such a decision was made.
File: Friday Malwa (L) arrive for the opening of Parliament
Former Community Development and Social Welfare Deputy Minister in the Rupiah Banda administration, Friday Malwa has resigned from the opposition Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) and joined the ruling Patriotic Front (PF).
Mr. Malwa who is also former Kapiri Mposhi Member of Parliament (MP) resigned yesterday citing increased corruption and victimization in the former ruling party.
Mr. Malwa and eight former District and Constituency Executive Committee members announced their resignation yesterday after they handed over their MMD membership cards to PF Kapiri Mposhi Central Ward Councilor, Mathew Nyirenda.
The former Deputy Minister said he had decided to resign from the MMD to join the PF because of increased corrupt tendencies and victimization in the former ruling party against him and other members holding divergent views on how the party should be ran.
He said that he and some executive committee members who have resigned have been victimized and labeled as PF sympathizers for some time now and were merely fulfilling the wishes of their accusers by joining the ruling party.
The former parliamentarian said he had also resigned in order to support the PF fight corruption because he could not do so in the MMD which he claimed had embraced the vice at all its party levels.
Mr. Malwa who was not adopted to re-contest the Kapiri Mposhi seat in the 20th September, 2011 polls said the MMD has lost direction and will never regain its past reputation.
And Mr. Malwa has revealed that he could not be adopted to re-contest the Kapiri Mposhi seat because he refused to corrupt some officials in the party who demanded outrageous amounts of money from him and other members who wished to contest various positions at ward and constituency levels.
Mr. Malwa urged all his supporters to also resign from the MMD and join the PF charging that the MMD is a corrupt party which thrived on lies.
He said he will soon put up a program aimed at de-campaigning the MMD in Kapiri Mposhi district to ensure that the party is completely wiped out in the area.
VICE PRESIDENT Guy Scott, Defence minister Geoffrey Mwamba and Muchinga province PF chairperson Jimmy Sinyinza
Vice President Guy Scott says government will consider subsidizing the production other crops other than maize.
Dr Scott says this is in an effort to promote crop diversification in the country.
He explained that government has been subsidizing maize production at the expense of other cash crops.
The Vice President was speaking on Saturday night when he met the business community in Chipata.
Dr Sscott has also called on the business community to supplement government’s efforts of creating jobs for the people.
And Local Government Minister Nkandu Luo says local authorities are not yet ready to implement the decentralization policy.
Professor LUO says councils need capacity building if they are to effectively implement the decentralization policy.
Meanwhile, Traditional leaders in the Eastern Province have pledged to work with the Patriotic Front government in developing the country.
Paramount Chief Mpezeni of the Ngoni speaking people says chiefs have an obligation to work with the government of the day.
The traditional leader said this at a breakfast meeting through his representative Chief Nzamane in Chipata on Sunday morning.
Paramount Chief Mpezeni hosted a breakfast in honour of Vice President Guy Scott and his delegation.
And Dr. Scott says government is serious about restoring the authority of traditional leaders.
And Chieftainess Nkomeshya of the Soli people expressed concern about a circular, which was issued last December indicating that no government official will be invited to be guest of honour at traditional ceremonies.
She explained that traditional ceremonies are a fora, where both government and traditional leaders discuss issues.
But Minister of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs Inonge Wina says government is ready to dialogue over the matter.
File:Mongu residents gather at Limilunga to witness the arrival of the Nalikwanda during the Kuomboka ceremony.
By Elisha K Musoma (ZRP president)
Our people from Western province should blame themselves for allowing themselves to be fooled or lied to by President Sata and PF during campaigns because there’s no single person or political party in Zambia that can decide on behalf of all the Zambians on whether Barotse land should secede from the rest of Zambia.I believe it’s even time we begun as Zambians to air our views concerning this issue truthfully and without fear.
Of course president Sata and Pf made a very big mistake to mislead our people in Western province by lying to them that if they voted for, they would honour the Barotse agreement which in natural meaning meant Barotse separating from the rest of Zambia because this is what most of our people from that province have been crying for, for a while.
However, the ones to blame are the people themselves because like I said no single person or political party can determine on behalf of the majority Zambians concerning Barotse issue and the answer that president Michael Sata has given regarding Barotse land issue though not welcome, is the correct and an honest one and I feel it’s also even time our people from western province knew the truth once and for all that Zambia will always remain a unitary state forever.
I do not say that with pride or jealous, but if the truth has to be said, there will be no secession in Zambia or it would have already happened and those who will come from anywhere and promise our people in Western province of Zambia would just be lying to them. So what our people from western province like those from other provinces should be asking for is development.
President Sata said if he went ahead and allowed the secession of western province from the rest of Zambia, what would prevent for instance Mwata Kazembe,paramount chief Chitimukulu, Paramount chief Mushili or Paramount chief Kanongesha among others to ask for the same.It is quite true because even they, were all kings before independence who were just reduced to paramount chiefs and senior chiefs respectively by the UNIP government after independence and some of these chiefs like Kazembe, Chitimukulu and Mushili have larger areas of land than that of even western province.
Further more in law there’s a doctrine of IMPLIED REPEAL, a concept in a constitutional theory which states that where an ACT of parliament
conflicts with an earlier one, the later ACT takes precedence and the conflicting part of the earlier one is repealed.ie no longer law.
What am trying to say here is that whilst we may agree that Barotse land was one time a separate entity, there is also over whelming evidence in our constitution of Zambia that clearly states that Zambia shall remain a unitary state, rendering any claim for the secession of western province null and void.
So as ZRP, we would like to urge all well-meaning Zambians not to give false hope to our people in western province that one day they will be
allowed to be separated from Zambia, but instead help them understand so that, that is settled once and for all in their minds to avoid bloodshed like what happened.
Lastly we would also like to urge our people from western province to stop wasting their energies on asking for secession, but instead ask
for development of the province and allow other investors to invest in that part of Zambia like in any other province.They made a mistake to buy into the lies of president Sata whom they have known for years and instead of them keep on crying, they should learn some good lessons from it so that next time no one fools them again. Zambia is a unitary state and shall remain so forever so don’t be fooled again.
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful”
(John 15:2, NIV)
TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria
In life, we all go through a pruning process. God will prune our lives so that we can bear much fruit. To “prune” means something is cut away, something is removed. In other words, maybe a good friend that you counted on moved to another city. Maybe a business shut down that you were connected to, or a relationship went a different direction.
Friend, God knows what you need in your life in order to grow and flourish. Sometimes when things happen that we don’t understand, we have to just trust that He is working behind the scenes preparing you for increase, preparing you to go to another level. Don’t put a question mark where God has placed a period.
When you’re going through transition, don’t get bitter. Don’t get down and think it’s the end. Don’t start thinking that you’re a failure. Have the attitude, “God, I let this go knowing that it was only temporary provision, and what You have in my future will be greater than what I’m letting go of.” If you will accept the change and stay in faith, God will open new doors. He will bring new opportunities, new friendships, and take you to another level of His glory!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father, thank You for loving me enough to work in my life. Today I release the things I don’t understand into Your hands. I believe that You are working behind the scenes on my behalf. I believe that You have good things in store for my future. I choose to wait on You and trust You now and forevermore in Jesus’ name. Amen.
— Joel & Victoria Osteen
Ban Ki Moon, Former Vice President George Kunda and President Michael Sata share a light moment at State House while Given Lubinda looks on
United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon says people with different cultural backgrounds need dignity and respect. Mr. Ban notes homosexuals, lesbians and gays are people whose rights need to be dignified and respected by mankind.
ZANIS reports that the UN Chief said this in Lusaka today when he paid a courtesy call on First Republican President and Dr. Kenneth Kaunda at his Office in Kabulonga.
Mr. Ban observed and regretted that people’s rights were trampled upon instead of being respected. He thanked Dr. Kaunda for uniting Zambia and that he has become a source of inspiration to Africa and the world-over in terms of leadership and wise counsel.
Mr. Ban called for equal and fair treatment because the United Nations body respects human dignity and basic human rights. He further disclosed that UN cares for people living with HIV/AIDS and he was happy with the government’s strides in combating the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
Mr. Ban said Zambia was on track and pledged to work with the Zambian government to achieve and realize the 2015 UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)in the coming years. Mr. Ban was accompanied to Dr. Kaunda’s Kabulonga Office by Foreign Affairs Minister, Given Lubinda and other senior government and UN officials.
And Dr. Kaunda said the visit by the UN chief has given Zambia a formidable ground to stand on.
Dr. Kaunda said Zambia continues to cherish the principles and purposes of UN which inter-alia enables humanity to co-exist in peace and harmony through promotion of peace, international co-operation and understanding.
Earlier, President Michael Sata hosted a luncheon for United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon. Mr. Ban made the observation that presidential elections especially in Africa have become a source of conflict. Mr. Ban said that elections should be used as democratic mechanism to choose leaders and has since commended Zambia for having held democratic elections last year.
Mr. Ban added that this year, 25 elections are expected to take place in Africa and has hoped that the nations holding elections will emulate Zambia by having a peaceful transition of power. He added that it was an honor for him to be accorded an opportunity to address national assembly yesterday and also commended the Zambia for its commitment towards addressing global issues such as poverty, climate change, and hunger among others.
Mr. Ban has advised the Zambian government to reduce dependency on foreign aid. Mr. Ban said that Zambia and other developing countries should find ways of generating wealth locally saying this is key attaining national development.
And President Sata noted he was pleased to host Mr. Ban was also comes from a country that is on record of having faced challenges similar to those that Zambia is experiencing. The President also commended Mr. Ban for his commitment to promoting peace and enhancing women empowerment.
Former President, Rupiah Banda has accused the ruling PF of engaging in acts of abuse of authority. He said that the PF has of late made questionable decisions that reflect abuse of power.
Mr. Banda has questioned the PF motive in petitioning all the parliamentary seats it lost to the MMD yet the Presidential results for the said constituencies were accepted. He has cautioned the PF against making the same mistakes his party made while noting the importance of learning from each others’ backgrounds.
Mr. Banda warned the ruling party against using the Police to abuse the rights of people.
Meanwhile Mr. Banda has urged his party to remain strong and to be the voice for the voiceless. He was speaking during the party’s 2012 card renewal exercise. And MMD National Chairperson, Michael Mabenga has threatened to take action including engagement of the police against erring members of the party.
And the MMD has said that the accolades showered on the country by visiting United Nations-UN-Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon is due to the policies the party implemented while in government.
MMD Lunte MP Felix Mutati who is also leader of the opposition in Parliament says the MMD implemented sound economic policies which are bearing fruits. The UN Chief addressed a special session of parliament yesterday where he noted some achievements the country has scored on the economic and political fronts.
Meanwhile, Mr. Mutati who is eyeing the MMD top job says the former ruling party’s campaigns have not recorded any hooliganism from the five camps. Five Presidential contenders have so far shown interest in taking over from Rupiah Banda as MMD president.
The contenders are Felix Mutati, MMD Chisamba MP Moses Muteteka and Kasempa law maker Kabinga Pande. Others include MMD’s Liuwa MP Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane and former Zambia High Commissioner to Canada Dr. Nevers Mumba.
President Michael Sata Receiving the Commission of Inquiry report from the Chairman Dr Rodger Chongwe at State House
The movement for the Restoration of the Barotseland agreement (MOREBA) has said that it is disturbed with what it describes as President Sata’s off the cuff reaction to the recommendation for the restoration of the Barotseland agreement.
MOREBA Chairperson, Mutungulu Wanga said that President Sata is on record both prior to his election as President and shortly after to have undertaken to restore the agreement within 90 days of his Presidency.
He said that the President never gave preconditions for honoring the agreement and was categorical that the treaty is a reality that any sane person cannot dispute. Mr. Wanga said that his organization is therefore embarrassed by the President’s Chameleon like stance over a matter he publicly committed himself to.
He added that the President’s grounds for developing cold feet over the restoration of the Barotseland agreement are a non-starter as the treaty is a contract between two parties and has no room for a third party.
Mr. Wanga said that the people of Barotseland cannot be denied what belongs to them by right because of what other people do not have. This is contained in a statement signed by Mr. Wanga and his secretary, Mungandi Mungandi and made availed to media today.
And Chief Mwana Mutondo of the Nkoya people of western Province has hailed president Sata for rejecting the restoration of the Barotseland agreement. The Chief claims restoring the agreement would have benefited the minority.
He has distanced the Nkoya people from the secession demands saying the move would segregate people on tribal grounds. Chief Mwana Mutondo was speaking at a media briefing in Lusaka today.
President Sata has u-turned on his pledge to restore the Barotseland agreement saying such a move would bring confusion as all the provinces would demand autonomy.. President Sata said that he was reluctant to grant the restoration of the Barotseland agreement contrary to his pledge during campaigns for the September 20th polls. This is also despite recommendation by the Commission of Inquiry in to the Mongu riots, which has recommended the restoration of the agreement.
An unidentified man transports a bag of mealie meal on a bicycle
Mealie meal prices in Mwansabombwe palace of Mwata Kazembe and surrounding areas in Kawambwa district have been reduced by K25, 000.
A check by Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) in Mwansabombwe yesterday discovered that a 25 kilogramme bag of breakfast meal from APG milling company which was previously selling at K70, 000 is now selling at K45,000
The check also revealed that a 25 kilogramme bag of roller meal is now costing K35, 000 from the previous K65, 000.
And Thomas Chingele who was found selling the commodity also told ZANIS a five kilogramme of breakfast and roller meal is selling at K6, 000.00 and K5, 000.00 respectively.
Mr Chingele said people in the area are happy at the drastic reduction of mealie meal prices attributing this to good governance of the Patriotic Front (PF) government.
He thanked the PF government for facilitating in the reduction of mealie meal prices saying this has enabled many people in the area afford the commodity.
Mr Chingele said people in the area had suffered enough and the reduction in price could not come at a better time than now.
Mr Chingele however, could not give other reasons for the immediate reduction in price of the staple food but said the source also had a similar reduction hence the chain reaction to the benefit of consumers.
Efforts to get a comment from APG milling company failed as the contact phone number was not going through at press time.
