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Rupiah Banda’s former Senior private secretary Rapson Chilufya has defected from the opposition MMD to join the ruling patriotic Front party.
Mr Chilufya said that he has left the MMD because of its undemocratic tendencies a situation he said has also caused division within the party.
Mr Chilufya was speaking at a press briefing this morning where he called on the lifting of his former boss’s immunity, saying that there would be nothing strange if the immunity of the former leader is lifted.
He said that lifting of Mr. Banda’s immunity whom he described as a fairly good leader would allow the former head of state to clear his name from any allegations of corruption leveled against him.
The former private secretary further called on all the law enforcement agencies to ensure that they prosecute all the former leaders that will be found to have engaged themselves in corruption at the expense of the Zambian people.
Mr. chanda who also served in the Levy Mwanawasa government in similar capacity noted that the late president was determined to fight corruption but that fight against corruption lost political will when Rupiah Banda became president.
Nkana keeper Lennon Muma is set to join Zambia’s 2012 CAF Confederation Cup representatives Red Arrows.
Nkana Chairman Patrick Njobvu has confirmed to LT Sports in Kitwe the club and Arrows have concluded talks over the transfer of the former Lusaka Dynamos netminder.
“For sure Lennon is going to Red Arrows,” he said.
“Arrows have approached us over Lennon and the player is interested in joining them.
“Talks have been concluded, so what is remaining is the signing just the signing of the contract.”
And Green Buffaloes have recalled striker Edward Musebo from demoted Kalewa.
Kalewa secretary Emmanuel Makoleka who confirmed said Musebo has been transferred back to Buffloes together with his team mates Mervin Sinkala and Ken Ng’ambi.
Kalewa spent just one season in the Faz Super Division last year when the Ndola club made its top flight debut.
Zambia this morning beat South African Premiership club Jomo Cosmos 7-0 in a training game in Benoni.
The game was Zambia’s first training camp in South Africa since setting up training camp in South Africa on December 27.
Coincidentally, four of Zambia’s goals were scored by former Cosmos players.
Green Buffaloes midfielder Felix Katongo scored while his brother Christopher added one goal.
Further goals from Clifford Mulenga, Collins Mbesuma, defender Hichani Himoonde and his TP Mazembe club mate Given Sunguluma.
The team will play its penultimate friendly game on Tuesday in Pretoria against South Africa at Atteridgeville when Herve Renard is expected to name his final 23-man team.
Missing from selection will be Israel based striker Roger Kola of Ashod FC who was dropped after he failed Renard’s deadline to be in camp.
Meanwhile, Zambia will later wrap-up their training camp in South Africa on January 14 against Namibia and departs for Equatorial Guinea three days later.
EXAMINATIONS Council of Zambia (ECZ) director, Chekani Sakala has with immediate effect been suspended following reports of alleged financial impropriety, maladministration and abuse of office at the examinations body.
Education, Science and Vocational Training Minister, John Phiri who announced Mr Sakala’s suspension has also dissolved the ECZ council and requested the Auditor General’s office to carry out a forensic audit at the council.
Dr Phiri said during a media briefing at the ministry in Lusaka yesterday that following articles which appeared in the Sunday Times of Zambia of November 6, 20 and 27, 2011 in which the workers alleged that a senior ECZ official was involved in financial impropriety, maladministration and abuse, he constituted a team to investigate the allegations.
The investigation team comprised officers from the Directorates of Human Resources and Administration, Standards and Curriculum, Planning and Information, Education and Specilaised Services, Procurement and Accounts Units.
The objectives of the investigative team whose findings were reported on January 3, 2012, were to establish whether the allegations leveled against ECZ were true, make appropriate recommendations and report on any related matters of interest.
“From the report, it is evident that there was financial impropriety, maladministration and abuse of office at ECZ but further investigations would be necessary,” his said.
Dr Phiri said based on the report the investigative team submitted, he decided to immediately suspend Mr Sakala in accordance with the ECZ and Public Service Disciplinary Codes and allow for further investigations.
“In exercise of the powers vested in me as Minister, pursuant to Provisions of Article 4 of the Examination Council of Zambia Act, CAP 137 of 1983 of the Laws of Zambia, I have dissolved the Council of ECZ with immediate effect. A new Council will be announced soon to foster continuity in the operations at ECZ,” Dr Phiri said.
He said to make further investigations and verifications; he requested the office of the Auditor General to carry out a forensic audit at ECZ and urged them to expedite their work.
President Michael Sata talks to First Republican President Kenneth Kaunda
PRESIDENT Michael Sata yesterday left for South Africa to attend the African National Congress centenary celebrations.
Mr Sata who left in the morning was seen off by Vice-President Guy Scott, Defence Minister Geoffrey Mwamba, Mines Minister Wylbur Simuusa and defence chiefs.
The ANC will on Sunday clock 100 years and Mr Sata is among several leaders invited to attend the centenary celebrations. The president is scheduled to return after the event.
First Republican president, Kenneth Kaunda is happy that he played a major role towards the liberation struggle against apartheid in South Africa.
In a statement released by First secretary for Press at the Zambian mission in South Africa, Patson Chilemba, Dr Kaunda has noted that the centenary celebrations of the African National Congress (ANC) were a great part of African history.
Dr Kaunda is in South Africa to attend the 100 years of existence of the ANC at the invitation of the South African government together with President Michael Sata.
Dr Kaunda’s administration hosted the ANC headquarters at the height of the liberation struggle.
He was speaking to journalists on arrival at Bloemfontein Airport yesterday where he said he was grateful for having been invited and was looking forward to being part of the celebrations.
And Dr Kaunda said Africa needed a strong South Africa politically, economically and health-wise, especially in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
He said Africa was looking forward to a strong South Africa that would lead the struggle, just like during the freedom liberation struggle.
“I feel very strong, very happy, continue to build South Africa. We need to grow, to grow fast,” he said.
Upon arrival in South Africa, Dr Kaunda was accorded VIP treatment and driven by police escort to a villa in Bloemfontein’s Woodland Hill.
Dr Kaunda is among several eminent personalities who have been invited for the celebrations.
Mr Chilemba said Mr Sata was also being awaited in Bloemfontein, and would be among several Heads of State who would attend the celebrations.
South Africa, particularly Bloemfontein, has been a hive of activity as the city prepares to host celebrations of the oldest political party in Africa which has graced the likes of Nelson Mandela, Thabo Mbeki, Walter Sisulu, Oliver Tambo and others.
THE Zambia Daily Mail has put up its defence against the former Vice-President’s law firm, George Kunda and Company and Mrs Irene Kunda.
Mr Kunda accused the newspaper of ‘falsely’ and ‘maliciously’ publishing an article that his company is alleged to have received K190 million from Zamtel.
But the Mail has maintained the article published on November 25, 2011 is not false and malicious as it is an accurate reflection of proceedings of the press conference held by the Minister of Justice Sebastian Zulu when he presented a report of findings into the sale of Zamtel to President Sata, which he said was marred with “irregularities” that bordered on “illegality” in some instances.
This is contained in a defence filed by Zambia Daily Mail company secretary George Zulu in the Lusaka High Court on Tuesday.
Minister of Information Given Lubinda on Thursday told reporters in Lusaka that a special probe team investigating Mr Kunda—again headed by State Counsel Zulu—shall soon return with a report.
“The Zamtel transaction which was bigger took the inquiry only about three weeks so I don’t think the probe on Mr. Kunda will take any time longer than that…it should be out very soon,” Mr. Lubinda said.
The Zambia Daily Mail, in its defence, submits that its article “focused on issues of non-declaration of interest by the former Vice-President and Minister of Justice and Attorney General, in the transaction done by his law firm involving State enterprises and whose payments were for the benefit of the first plaintiff, in which the second plaintiff and Mr Kunda had a vested interest.”
The newspaper is also aware that Mr Kunda appeared on Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation news and said the commission of inquiry to investigate payments to his law firm was not necessary because it would be a waste of taxpayers’ money as “records on payments made to his company “existed” at the Ministry of Justice, where he worked as Minister of Justice and Attorney-General.”
The newspaper also distanced itself from Mrs Kunda, who has sued with her law firm as it never mentioned Mrs Kunda by name or otherwise.
The Zambia Daily Mail has denied allegations that it injured the law firm and Mrs Kunda in their character, credit, professional reputation and standing and is ready to defend itself in court.
The newspaper can also show that several attempts to verify the story with Mr. Kunda were futile as he refused to talk to a Zambia Daily Mail reporter and efforts to amicably resolve the matter were also disregarded by the duo who rushed to issue a court process.
The Zambia Daily Mail seeks the court’s action to dismiss Mr Kunda’s claim with costs unless he drops the suit.
On December 22, Mr Kunda commenced libel proceedings against the Daily Mail and he is claiming compensatory and exemplary damages.
He is also claiming an injunction restraining the Zambia Daily Mail whether by its management, servants and/or agents from further publishing and printing the defamatory words complained of, or any similar libel concerning them.
The Zambia Daily Mail’s editorial team has maintained that it shall uphold high ethical standards in its pursuit for the truth and justice and report matters, only in the interest of the nation and that it would always, were possible, contact each and every person mentioned in a story as long as they agree to talk.
The Zambia Daily Mail also maintains that attempts to cow it with law suits will not deter it from reporting on matters of public interest.
Mapepala road in Serenje district under construction
GOVERNMENT has assured the people of Luapula Province that it will complete all on-going road rehabilitation projects that were started by the MMD government.
And government has earmarked eight major roads in Luapula for feasibility studies to enhance inter-district connectivity with neighbouring Northern Province.
Deputy Minister of Communications, Transport, Works and Supply Mutaba Mwali said on Thursday that the Patriotic Front (PF) government will ensure that all on-going road rehabilitation projects are completed before new ones can be initiated.
“It is the policy of the PF government and President Michael Sata is committed to ensuring that all on-going road projects are completed and new ones started because a better road network is important to the development of the country,” Dr Mwali said.
The minister was responding to concerns raised by members of the District Development Coordinating Committee (DDCC) in Samfya over some road rehabilitation projects that have been suspended after change of government.
According to members of the DDCC, the Twingi-Mabo-Yamba road, which was being worked on at a cost of K900 million, has been suspended because only K300 million was provided for the project while the balance of K600 million has not yet been released.
The DDCC members also told Dr Mwali, who is on a familiarisation tour of on-going road rehabilitation projects and those planned for feasibility studies in Luapula, that another K4.8 billion Kafubashi road project was also suspended.
But Dr Mwali said government will not abandon all road infrastructure projects that are on-going as clearly indicated by President Sata in his speech when he opened Parliament last year.
“Going by the President’s speech when he opened Parliament, it is the PF government’s policy to ensure that Zambians are given a better road network. This means we will not abandon even the road development projects left by the previous government,” Dr Mwali said.
And Road Development Agency (RDA) regional engineer George Manyele said work on the Twingi-Mabo-Yamba road has not been suspended, but only delayed due to competing needs for the inadequate equipment under Rural Roads Unit.
Mr Manyele said the initial K300 million released was spent on the project and that RDA is now waiting for the remaining K600 million to be disbursed to complete work on the road.
On the K4.8 billion Kafubashi project, Mr Manyele said the construction of a causeway was completed despite minimal delays due to the wet conditions on the project site.
PF Secretary General and spokesperson Wynter Kabimba
THE Patriotic Front (PF) says it may reverse “all” the wrongly awarded contracts that were entered into illegally by the former MMD government in various sectors, party secretary general Wynter Kabimba has said.
Mr Kabimba said the MMD government committed many mistakes during its tenure of office and that the PF government has started “correcting” them.
“All Zambians know that the sale of the US$257 million Zamtel to Lap Green of Libya was not done in the best interest of Zambia,” Mr Kabimba said.
“The President is even failing to have private conversations with other Heads of State because the security system of the country has been sold to another country.”
“The sale of the Zambia Telecommunications Company Limited (ZAMTEL) by the previous administration to Lap Green of Libya has put the country’s communication security at risk,” he said.
PF Secretary General Wynter Kabimba said the sale of ZAMTEL to a foreign country was not done in the best interest of citizens and that the PF was resolved on correcting such wrongs.
“It is a well known fact by all Zambians that the sale of ZAMTEL to Lap Green of Libya was not done in the best interest of Zambians. As PF Government, these are wrongs that we want to correct, in the best interest of the nation,” Mr Kabimba said.
He said ZAMTEL was a significant communication service provider and needed to be handled prudently to avoid placing the country’s communication system at risk.
[pullquote]“The President is even failing to have private conversations with other Heads of State because the security system of the country has been sold to another country.”[/pullquote]
Mr Kabimba said that the MMD acted against the will of Zambians to sell ZAMTEL.
Mr Kabimba said; “These are the wrongs that we want to correct, in the interest of the nation.”
He was speaking on the Radio Phoenix programme “Let the people talk” with veteran journalist Frank Mutubila from Lusaka yesterday
He also said the PF is ready to work with opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) to foster economic development in Southern Province.
Mr Kabimba said government is willing to work with the UPND to enhance development in Southern Province.
He said the PF does not perceive UPND “as an enemy” of the government and that it is more than ready to work with the opposition party in implementing development projects in the province.
Mr Kabimba said the PF is happy that some UPND members have shown willingness to work with the ruling party.
He was responding to a caller who wanted to know if the PF government perceives some people in the UPND as enemies.
But Mr Kabimba said despite the political differences that existed between the two parties in the past, the PF government is working hard to unite all the 73 tribes in Zambia to promote peace and unity and spearhead development in all parts of the country.
“The Patriotic Front doesn’t have enemies in the UPND or other opposition parties. We want to work with our brothers and sisters in the opposition. We are happy that UPND has supported us in some of the governance issues.
“We are inviting them to work with us so that we can develop this country. Let us put all our political differences aside and unite for the sake of development,” Mr Kabimba said.
He also said the PF government remains committed to fighting corruption in the country.
He assured the nation that the PF will continue to pursue and implement pro-poor social and economic policies, which will help to improve living standards.
Meanwhile, the UPND has welcomed Mr Kabimba’s call for the two parties to work together.
Spokesperson Charles Kakoma said the UPND is happy that the ruling party has extended an olive branch to it.
Mr Kakoma said the move taken by the PF will help to promote unity and development not only in Southern Province, but in all parts of the country.
He said the UPND is happy that the PF has shown political maturity by inviting the opposition to work with it in implementing development projects around the country.
“We have accepted this olive branch which has been extended to us and we are pledging to work with the PF government for the purpose of fostering development in our country,” he said.
Zambia will play a friendly against Namibia next week in Johannesburg.
The game will be played on January 14 at a venue to be announced by Faz.
That friendly will come just three days after Zambia play South Africa in another warmup at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville.
And Faz vice president Boniface Mwamelo said Football House has approached Sierra Leone about playing another friendly game before traveling to the Africa Cup.
Meanwhile, Zambia tomorrow face Jomo Cosmos in a training game in Johannesburg.
Zambia who set up training camp in Johannesburg are due to leave for Equitorial Guinea on January 18 ahead of their opening Group A game againt Senegal on January 21 in Bata.
Vice President Dr. Guy Scott has advised Mining companies operating in North-western province to seriously consider matters relating to the country’s labour laws.
Speaking on arrival at Solwezi Airport today, the Vice President said management and employees at Kansanshi Mine should come to an agreement so that operations at the mini can continue running normally.
He said he decided to visit Kansanshi Mine to get first hand information on the work stoppage that has rocked the mine in last two-days.
The Vice President is also scheduled to visit Lumwana Mine after touring Kasanshi all in Sowelzi district, the provincial capital of North-western province.
Dr. Scott was received at Solwezi Airport by Provincial Minister Josephine Limataa, Senior government and Patriotic Front officials.
The Vice President was accompanied to Solwezi by Labour, Youth and Sport Minister Fackson Shamenda, Mines Minister Wilbur Simuusa, Foreign Affairs Minister Chishimba Kambwili and other senior government officials.
Former Education Minster Dora Siliya will avail herself before the investigations team at the former taskforce offices for questioning on Monday 9th January, 2012 at 08:30 hours.
Ms Siliya’s Lawyer Sakwiba Sikota has told QFM that this against the medical doctors’ advice for his client to take several weeks of complete bed rest following her admission to hospital yesterday as a result of a condition she developed in April 2011 and for which she is on medical advisory to have surgically corrected.
Mr Sikota explains that Ms Siliya’s condition worsened while she was in South Africa, and that it was during this time that a call out was left at her home, prompting her to travel back to Zambia in order to attend to the call out against medical advice.
He says this aggravated her condition leading to her being admitted to hospital yesterday.
Mr Sikota says his client has decided has decided to override medical advice and avail herself to the team of investigators on Monday because of the speculation in the media regarding her being unfit to attend police interrogations.
And Mr Sikota says it is disappointing that the police seem to have already made up their minds to arrest and charge his client without even hearing from her.
He says this is evident from the story carried in the Post Newspaper of Thursday 5th January 2012.
He states that the arrest and charging of his client has therefore been decided already and that Ms Siliya is resigned to this new way of conducting police investigations through the press.
Mr Sikota has likened the prevailing situation in Zambia to the McCarthyism era in the 1950?s in America where a general witch hunt was started.
He says it is hoped that his client will either be charged for the motorized bicycles belonging to My Home Town that were taken from her home or the police will release the same.
He adds that police have had over a month to deal with what he says is a very simple and straightforward issue.
File:Western Province Minister Nathaniel Mubukwanu doing a sack race during the launch of the (SADC) and Integrated Campaign on Malaria, Maternal, Newborn Child Health Nutrition week at Mongu Independence Stadium in Mongu
Western Province Minister Nathaniel Mubukwanu says he cannot wait to see the province graduate from the poorest to one the most developed province in the country.
And Provincial Permanent Secretary Augustine Seyuba has warned that he will not tolerate the miss application of public funds under his administration.
Speaking in Kaoma on Thursday during a stakeholder’s consultative meeting held at the Trades Training Institute hall, Mubukwanu said government is in hurry to bring meaningful development to the Province hence the need for all stakeholders to work together as a team.
Mubukwanu said he is confident that the current least developed province will record significant development by the end of his tenure of office. He said there is need for all stakeholders to participate fully in changing the bad record the province has had for a long time.
“It is possible to bring development to this province, the problem is that in the past people did not take keen interest in putting their heads together, you cannot bring development to any area if you resort to work in isolation” said Mubukwanu.
Mubukwanu thanked Senior Chief Amukena, Chief Mutondo and Chief Kahare for attending the meeting, he said traditional leaders are partners in development hence they should never be left out in discussing programmes aimed at developing the Province.
Meanwhile, Seyuba said misapplication of resources meant for developmental programmes is one of the factors that has contributed to the under development of the province, he revealed that practices ranging from, unretired imprest and fuel misuse have been prominent in the province’s audit reports.
“ I want to state clearly to you all here that I will not condone the abuse of moneys meant for development under my administration, we know all of you that have such tendencies, some of you have been drawing both petrol and diesel for the same vehicle, and you think we don’t know ” Seyuba added.
Seyuba said he will monitor all government resources closely and ensure that funds are utilized as allocated for.
“As the head and controlling officer of all government funds in this province, let me emphasize that moneys meant for developmental projects will be channeled towards that strictly,” he added.
Former Luena Member of Parliament Charles Milupi after launching his new political party in Lusaka.
Chief Government spokesperson Given Lubinda has questioned the capacity in which Alliance for Democracy and Development (ADD) leader Charles Milupi is quoted suggesting that western province should be separated from Zambia if the Barotseland agreement of 1964 is not restored.
Mr. Lubinda says Mr. Milupi should realize that such sensitive matters can not be negotiated in such a poor style as he is suggesting.
Responding to QFM, Mr. Lubinda says it is also surprising to note that people in western province calling for the restoration of the Barotseland agreement are not agitating for secession but that such calls are coming from ordinary individuals.
He has since advised Mr. Milupi to present his suggestions to the commission looking into the Barotseland agreement, but wonders whether anyone will give him support on his secession suggestions.
GOVERNMENT says it will consider a full listing of ZCCM-Investment Holdings (ZCCM-IH) shares on the Lusaka Stock Exchange (LuSE) after the restructuring exercise is finalised.
ZCCM-IH has been a quoted company on LuSE for a long time and there are calls from various stakeholders to have the firm fully listed for the public to participate in the ownership.
Minister of Mines Wilbur Simuusa said a positive decision will be made as soon as the restructuring exercise is completed.
“Yes we are considering that (full listing) although it will be done after the restructuring process is completed. We have to ensure that the books, the balance sheet are worked on to enable us to do it,” he said.
Mr Simuusa said this in an interview in Lusaka on Wednesday.
He said ZCCM- IH has not posted profits or given dividends since its inception over 10 years ago and Government plans to re-brand the organisation to make it operate profitably and promote local participation in the ownership and management of mining assets.
He said a meeting will soon be convened with a technical committee to map out a way forward.
The minister, however, said currently Government is not in a position to decide whether the firm’s shares should be fully listed on the local bourse.
Mr Simuusa said ZCCM-IH is an important unit which, if properly managed, can help the country realise huge benefits from the mining resources.
Zambians for Empowerment and Development (ZED) President Fred Mutesa
Zambians for Empowerment and Development (ZED) President Fred Mutesa has observed that the Patriotic Front government’s fight against corruption will be in vain if the right channelS are not followed.
Dr. Mutesa said that the fight against corruption should not merely be a matter of accusing people of corruption without producing tangible evidence of the allegations.
He says the Patriotic Front government should fight corruption in a more professional manner by allowing investigative wings to carry out their functions freely rather than rushing to make unsubstantiated allegations in the media.
Dr. Mutesa says the PF government should fight corruption in a right way because Zambians believe in justice and fair play.
He tells QFM that being the head of State does not give President Michael Sata any powers to accuse people of wrongdoing without proper evidence.
The ZED president has since advised the PF government to let investigative wings in the country to investigate matters, and if there is enough evidence take the matters to court for the culprits to be prosecuted.
