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.
THE Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) has said Dr Guy Scott does not only qualify to be Vice-President but in fact qualifies to act as President of Zambia in the absence of Mr Sata.
This has been disclosed by LAZ honorary secretary Paulman Chungu in a statement issued in Lusaka yesterday.
“Our position is that Dr Guy Scott is perfectly qualified to be Vice-President and in the absence of the President, for whatever reason, to perform the functions of the office of the President as provided for in the constitution,” Mr Chungu said.
Mr Chungu said following the discussion and debate around the legal propriety of the appointment of Mr Scott as republican Vice-President, LAZ “applied itself to the relevant provisions of the constitution and also studied the position the Attorney-General has taken.”
Recently, former Vice-President George Kunda threatened to mount a legal challenge against the appointment of Dr Scott as republican Vice-President on grounds that his parents were not Zambian.
Mr Kunda, a state counsel and former LAZ president, threatened to take Dr Scott to court to determine whether President Sata should not appoint somebody else in that position.
President Sata scoffed at Mr Kunda’s interpretation of the law and Attorney-General Mumba Malila on Wednesday said there was nothing constitutionally amiss in appointing Dr Scott as Vice-President and that he could actually act in the President’s absence. The President described Mr Kunda as the ‘dullest’ lawyer in the world for failing to correctly read the law.
Mr. Malila said: “In the event that there is a vacancy in the Office of the President in terms of Article 38 of the Constitution or in case of temporary absence of the President in terms of Article 39 of the Constitution, the Vice-President could act as President even if he may not meet the qualification for election to the Office of President. What he cannot do is to stand as President.”
Some have described Mr Kunda’s statements as bordering on racism which must not be allowed to creep into Zambian politics.
MINISTER of Local Government, Housing, Early Child Education and Environmental Protection Nkandu Luo has warned that government will retire local government officers involved in corruption and fraud, to protect the integrity of councils.
Professor Luo said in an interview in Kitwe yesterday that transferring council officers involved in dubious activities to other stations will not restore sanity in local authorities. She said government is working to ensure that all fraudulent activities in local authorities are brought to an end.
“All those who are being investigated for illegal activities if found wanting, will be retired. We are not going to transfer them to other districts because that does not help. We want to restore integrity in local authorities,” Prof Luo said.
She said investigations into allegations of mismanagement against town clerks at Kitwe City Council, Mongu Municipal Council and Kabwe Municipal Council have been concluded and the findings have been submitted to her office.
Prof Luo, however, said council officers under investigation will be given an opportunity to exculpate themselves, before any action is taken. She said government wants to ensure that local authorities operate in a transparent and efficient manner, for the benefit of the people.
Prof Luo said some local government officers have allegedly amassed wealth dubiously and own more than 10 pieces of land. She said during the MMD rule, local authorities experienced the worst form of abuse of resources and illegal allocation of land.
“Our officers in the local authorities are the richest if you did not know. Some of them own more than 10 pieces of land. They even have properties around the city which they obtained fraudulently,” Prof Luo said.
She said government will not hesitate to confiscate land which was irregularly obtained, to bring sanity to the local authorities. She said government is currently conducting a land audit in all parts of the country, to establish how much land was obtained illegally.
Prof Luo is sad that illegal settlers in Kitwe have encroached on most of the land meant for development projects. “We are just from Chimwemwe where we found a young girl building a house on land designated for a play park. We would like to warn all those who acquired land illegally to surrender it before the law visits them,” she said.
VICE-PRESIDENT Guy Scott yesterday recommended that political parties should limit their stay in office to at least 10 years to avoid being complacent.
Dr Scott said 10 years is enough and not wamuyayaya (eternal) as the case was previously. It was in reference to the UNIP reign of 27 years under first President Kenneth Kaunda.
This was the first time a senior Zambian political leader was discussing publicly the limiting of a political party’s stay in office instead of rolling out a strategy to stay in office forever as Zambia’s democracy continues to grow.
Dr Scott, who calls himself a Chola Boy (right-hand man of President Sata), cracked the audience with laughter over a breakfast meeting when he fluently recited a Bemba saying that goes: “Koswe nga akokola mung’anda ala lya nakasuba (when a mouse overstays in a house, it openly eats during the day).
Dr Scott was speaking during a question and answer session at a working breakfast at Hotel Intercontinental, hosted by the Patriotic Front (PF) Women’s League. Dr Scott caused more laughter and earned himself applause when he added that the “rat actually graduates from eating during day time to flipping through television channels.”
University of Zambia lecturer Gerald Mwale said he was encouraged by Dr Scott’s statement on limiting the duration a party can stay in office at a time that most parties want to remain in office forever.
“This is very encouraging and ought to be commended because it shows that the current crop of politicians have a life beyond politics,” Mr Mwale said. “They don’t want to make politics as their economic livelihood as the case has been in the past… this type of thinking must be encouraged,” he said.
Dr Scott said it is easy to lose focus when one overstays, adding: “We constantly need to review Governments and for me, 10 years in power is enough.”
He said it is critical for Government to change hands in good time to enhance democracy. Dr Scott said economic prosperity is closely linked to political change. The MMD stayed in power for 20 years in which it changed Presidents three times.
He also disclosed that Government is working on plans to list more public companies on the Lusaka Stock Exchange (LUSE).
He was responding to a question from Luse chief executive Beatrice Nkanza, who wanted to know if Government intends to list more public companies on the local bourse in order to boost its growth.
“As soon as the ministries of Commerce and Finance work out policy memorandum, the Government will release huge chunks of public companies on the stock market,” Dr Scott said.
Dr Scott said the PF Government believes in a free market and will encourage privatisation.
“What we are fighting is the bogus privatisation that happened in the past two to three years. We don’t wish to repeat the mistake,” Dr Scott said. He said the PF Government will be happier with honest privatisation.
Dr Scott said during the last three years, selective rules were applied on certain foreign investments. He said there were special deals on taxation, immigration and other selective rules.
He said the PF Government will treat all foreign investments equally. And PF secretary-general Wynter Kabimba, who also attended the breakfast meeting, said it is criminal for political parties to use Government resources for their operations.
“We have tried to completely separate the party from Government. We will not dip our fingers into Government coffers,” he said. Mr Kabimba said the party is on an intensive recruitment drive for more members.
“We need more educated and dedicated members to join our party. We want people who can help to develop this country,” he said. Others in attendance were ministers for Defence Geoffrey Mwamba, Mines Wylbur Simuusa and Traditional and Chiefs Affairs Inonge Wina, among others.
Dr Scott also said President Sata should have actually become President in 2000 and not 20 years later after being “dribbled” and that as “his chola boy, I always knew he would lead the country one day.”
Ex-Zambia coach Dario Bonetti says he is excited to see Chisamba Lungu make the cut for the 2012 Africa Cup.
20 year old Chisamba will be making his Africa Cup debut at this year’s tournament to be co-hosted by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.
“I’m happy for Chisamba Lungu because I first called him in Cecafa tournament last year when nobody know him,” Bonetti said.
Chisamba of Ural Sverdlovsk Oblast in Russia is one of five other players including midfielder Jonas Sakuwaha from El Merriekh in Sudan going to the Africa Cup for the first time.
Meanwhile, Bonetti said he was shocked to hear that TP Mazembe striker Given Singuluma and midfielder Justin Zulu of in Israel were dropped for the Africa Cup trip.
“I’m very sorry for Given and Justin,” he said.
“I think the national group will miss Singuluma and Zulu’s quality.”
Meanwhile, Zambia face Namibia on Saturday in what is expected to be Chipolopolo’s final training game before heading to Equatorial Guinea on January 18.
The match will be played at Rand Stadium in Johannesburg and kickoff will be at 16:00 hours.
All the players are certified fit with the exception of defender Joseph Musonda who is a doubt due to a hamstring problem that has dogged him for the last one week.
The injury has seen him miss Zambia’s 7-0 win over Jomo Comos last Saturday and the 1-1 draw with South Africa on Wednesday.
Kitwe United spokesperson Dorothy Sampa has revealed the municipality-sponsored outfit plans to maintain coach Fred ‘Schemer’ Siame ahead of the 2012 Division One North campaign.
United missed out on winning promotion after finishing 9th on the log with 44 points.
They have failed to bounce back to the Super Division since it was demoted in 2006.
Sampa said the Garden Park side is satisfied with the performance of Siame who joined the Buchi Boys last year following the indefinite suspension of his predecessor Lawrence Mweemba on disciplinary grounds.
“We don’t have plans of making changes to our technical bench,” she said.
“We want to give an opportunity to our coaches to perform well this season,” Sampa added.
She said United’s failure to win promotion cannot be blamed on coaches but on the financial challenges the team faced last season.
“It will be unfair to judge the performance of our coaches because of financial problems we faced last season. There were delays in paying allowances to players,” Sampa said.
Minister of Labour, Sports and Y Chishimba Kambwili (L)
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has refuted media reports that diplomats complained about the conduct of the immediate past Minister Chishimba Kambwili prompting President Michael Sata to carryout a mini-cabinet reshuffle.
Public relations officer Mushaukwa Lubinda has told QFM that Mr. Kambwili’s transfer to the ministry of labour, Youth and Sport is not as a result of the alleged complaints from the diplomats.
Mr. Lubinda says the decisions to move Mr. Kambwili is based on the fact that he performed exceptionally well thereby contributing to the improvement of working relations between the ministry and diplomatic corps.
He adds that the ministry is grateful to Mr. Kambwili for his dedication to service and that the ministry also remains confident that he will equally excel in his new portfolio.
In today’s edition, the Post has carried a story stating that diplomats complained about Mr. Kambwili’s behavior.
Libya’s LAP Green says it is keen to have the current situation surrounding Zamtel resolved as soon as possible.
In a statement released to QFM,LAP Green Chairman Wafik Shater says they welcome any opportunity to work with the Zambian Government to secure a swift and positive outcome that benefits both Zambia and Zamtel.
Mr Shater says LAP Green sees a very positive future for the company under the joint ownership with the Zambian government, and looks forward to further growing the business and to continue making a major contribution to the Zambian economy.
He says LAP Green is deeply committed to the future of Zamtel, and that since acquiring the company for $257 million in June 2010,they have quadrupled its subscriber base,securing more than 800,000 subscribers by the start of 2012.
Mr Shater states that a vibrant Zamtel is helping to satrenghten the Zambian telecoms sector through competition and choice.
He adds that since June 2010,over 1,700 jobs have been created at Zamtel including distributors.
United Party for National Development, UPND president Hakainde Hichilema
Republican President Michael Sata has described as useless a letter written to him by UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema dated 27th December, 2011 with regards the opposition leader’s Kabulonga house, NO. F/488A/14/A/3.
In his letter of reply to the UPND leader dated 11th January,2012 obtained by QFM,President Sata, in acknowledging receipt, said that he expected more meaningful correspondence from leaders of political parties which will assist solving the problems facing the country.
President Sata said that was unfortunate, when people that have never been cadres, just ascend to the top of a political party from nowhere. They do not understand the problems facing the country apart from problems facing their pockets, the president said.
In his letter to the President, Mr Hichilema observed that President Sata’s habit of abusing,demeaning,ridiculing and wrongly accusing innocent and defenceless citizens had worsened.
He pointed out that President during a visit to Mazabuka in November 2011 made wild allegations about him including allegations that he wrongly acquired his family house he is occupying in Lusaka’s Kabulonga residential area.
[pullquote]“You will have to look at the old cases like the privatisation of Roan Mine, Kajem Mine, Lima Bank and Intercontinental Hotel in Livingstone. All these are cases that are stinking with corruption,” Mr Sata said[/pullquote]
Mr Hichilema refuted that he has never been a liquidator of Lima Bank contrary to the President’s insinuations, AND that the said house which he says he bought through public tender has never belonged to Lima Bank.
He stated that the law should take its course should it be established that he wrongly acquired his house.
And yesterday, in apparent reference to HH who, at the time of the fast-track MMD privatisation programme under late President Frederick Chiluba’s administration, was working at Grant Thornton, President asked the new Director of Public Prosecution Mr Mutembo Nchito to go beyond existing cases of corruption and open some files from the past such as those involving the sale or privatisation of Roan Antelope Mining Corporation (RAMCOZ), Kagem Mine, Lima Bank and Hotel Intercontinental in Livingstone which the President feels were corruptly sold.
“You will have to look at the old cases like the privatisation of Roan Mine, Kajem Mine, Lima Bank and Intercontinental Hotel in Livingstone. All these are cases that are stinking with corruption,” Mr Sata said
The four companies were privatised by Grant Thornton, an international accounting and consulting firm, which United Party for National Development president Hakainde Hichilema, was a managing partner.
Mr Hichilema has constantly said the sale of the companies was above board.
President Michael Sata with former Malawian President Bakili Muluzi during his private visit to Zambia
2.
President Michael Sata is embraced by former Malawian President Bakili Muluzi at State House
3.
President Michael Sata talks to former Malawian President Bakili Muluzi at State House
4.
President Michael Sata talks to former Malawian President Bakili Muluzi at State House
5.
President Micheal Sata is welcomed at the Bloemfontein Military Base in South Africa for the ANC centenary celebrations
6.
President Sata and First Lady Dr. Christine Kaseba on arrival at Bloemfontein in South Africa to attend the ANC Centenary celebrations
7.
President Sata and his South African Counterpart Jacob Zuma at the Vista University in Mangaung for the ANC Centenary Gala Dinner
8.
President Michael Sata with other African Heads of State and Government officials during ANC 100th anniversary at Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein,South Africa
9.
President Sata and his Malawian counterpart Bingu Wa Mutarika embrace each other at Bleomfontein Military Base in South Africa. There has been a diplomatic row between the two leaders
10.
A makeshift Seventh Day Adventist Church building in Hillview Park in Lusaka was vandalized by a family which is claiming ownership of the piece of land upon which the structure has been erected. Hillview Park SDA Church assistant administrative elder Ketson Kandafula said it was the third time since its construction two years ago that the structure was being vandalized and that efforts to seek police intervention had proved futile
11.
A makeshift Seventh Day Adventist Church building in Hillview Park in Lusaka that was vandalized by a family which is claiming ownership of the piece of land upon which the structure has been erected.
12.
An explosion on January 3rd ripped through an oxygen plant at the Universal Mining and Steel Plant in Kafue. Above is part of the building which took the brunt of the explosion.10 workers were injured one of them required an amputation of his leg.
13.
An explosion on January 3rd ripped through an oxygen plant at the Universal Mining and Steel Plant in Kafue. Above, onlookers sift through the damaged building which took the brunt of the explosion
14.
An explosion on January 3rd ripped through an oxygen plant at the Universal Mining and Steel Plant in Kafue. Above is part of the building which took the brunt of the explosion.
15.
President Michael Sata shakes hands with British High Commissioner to Zambia Carolyn Davidson (r) as her husband High Commissioner Thomas Carter (second from r) and Chinese Ambassador Zhou Yuxiao (l) look on during an annual cocktail party for the diplomatic community at State House
16.
President Michael Sata interacts with ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions accredited to Zambia during an annual cocktail party for the diplomatic community at State House
17.
President Michael Sata talks to outgoing Vatican Ambassador to Zambia Nicola Girasoli during an annual cocktail party for the diplomatic community at State House
18.
President Michael Sata listens to Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Zhou Yuxiao during an annual cocktail party for the diplomatic community at State House
19.
President Michael Sata talks to Nigerian High Commissioner to Zambia Folake Marcus-Bello during an annual cocktail party for the diplomatic community at State House
20.
Former Senior Private Secretary of former Republican President Rupiah Banda, Rapson Chilufya, announces his resignation from the opposition the Movement for Multi Party Democracy at a press briefing in Lusaka
21.
MMD spokesperson Dora Siliya accompanied by sympathizers leaves the former Taskforce on Corruption offices in Lusaka
22.
Zambia Police spokesperson Elizabeth Kanjela talks to journalists after MMD spokesperson Dora Siliya was quizzeed at the former Taskforce on Corruption offices in Lusaka
23.
Police impounded a truck load of bicycles which were suspected to have been bought using stolen money by former Mines Minister Maxwell Mwale. Here the truck parked at Chipata Police station. Its was impounded from Mr Mwale's house in Mambwe district.
24.
Police impounded a truck load of bicycles which were suspected to have been bought using stolen money by former Mines Minister Maxwell Mwale. Here the truck parked at Chipata Police station. Its was impounded from Mr Mwale's house in Mambwe district.
Government has dismissed assertions that its imminent repossession of Zamtel may erode investor confidence in the country.
Outgoing Foreign Affairs Minister Chishimba Kambwili wondered how investors would lose confidence to invest in the country when all Government was doing was to clean up the process of investment.
Mr. Kambwili said it was clear that the sale of Zamtel was fraudulent as reflected in the report of the Commission of Inquiry that was set up to probe the sale of the telecommunication company to LapGreen of Libya.
He told the media that the report indicated that the deal was marred with corruption.
He said Government would leave no stone unturned to rid the country of corruption in order to ensure that all investment transactions coming into Zambia were done in a clean and transparent manner.
Mr. Kambwili urged Zambians to read the report on the sale of Zamtel which Government intends to avail to everyone in order for them to understand the levels of corruption that surrounded the sale of the telecommunications company.
[pullquote]However, he explained that Government had not yet made a decision on Zamtel and had therefore called on Zambians to desist from commenting on the matter until a decision was made by Cabinet.[/pullquote]
He said genuine investors would not lose confidence in investing in Zambia but would rather support Government’s action to clean up corruption in the country.
However, he explained that Government had not yet made a decision on Zamtel and had therefore called on Zambians to desist from commenting on the matter until a decision was made by Cabinet.
Yesterday, former Minister of Finance Situmbeko Musokotwane said that the Patriotic Front (PF) Government risks compensating LapGreen of Libya between US$400 million and US$1 billion if it reverses the sale of Zamtel. Dr Musokotwane said that the compensation will include the US$257 million purchase price, extra investments LapGreen has made and the positive turn around in business.
“We can’t be sure whether this money will ever be recovered because in accordance with the PF manifesto, they will choose party cadres to manage the company. How will the company then remain profitable and protect jobs?
“This type of arbitrary action damages the reputation of Zambia as a destination for investments. It has taken more than 20 years to build confidence in the investor community that an investment made in Zambia is free from political seizure,” Dr Musokotwane said.
He said Libya is part of the capital-rich Middle East, which is exporting capital all over the world, thereby creating jobs for young people.
“Their confidence in Zambia and Sub-Saharan Africa was growing as they seek to diversify their investment from Europe and America. Now, we are busy spoiling all this and we expect to develop our country and create jobs?
“Will it surprise us when our currency begins to lose value quickly as it is doing now because the public is getting nervous about the safety of their money while those planning to invest hold back the inflows of their money into Zambia due to similar fears?” he said.
[pullquote]“Will it surprise us when our currency begins to lose value quickly as it is doing now because the public is getting nervous about the safety of their money while those planning to invest hold back the inflows of their money into Zambia due to similar fears?” he said.[/pullquote]
Dr Musokotwane said by constituting the Zulu-led Commission of Inquiry into the Zamtel sale, President Sata lost an opportunity in failing to appoint independent commissioners who would have provided non-biased views on this important subject.
He said since Mr Zulu and other politicians on the commission were fully aware of President Sata’s public pronouncements on Zamtel sale that it was fraudulent, it cannot surprise anyone that their report had to tow the same line of thinking “or else they would have been sacked from their jobs.”
Dr Musokotwane said findings of the then latest audit report on Zamtel by Ernst and Young, a reputable international audit firm, showed that Zamtel was insolvent with enormous and unsustainable debts against few and obsolete assets.
“Let the PF refute the fact that an insolvent company faces liquidation as was the case with many parastatals before, leaving behind untold suffering by former workers who would remain unpaid for years…let the PF refute that saving the company, jobs and indeed service provided was done in the best interest of the country,” he said.
[pullquote]He said since Mr Zulu and other politicians on the commission were fully aware of President Sata’s public pronouncements on Zamtel sale that it was fraudulent, it cannot surprise anyone that their report had to tow the same line of thinking “or else they would have been sacked from their jobs.”[/pullquote]
He said the US$257 million paid for Zamtel is the best price that Zambia has ever received for any parastatal company ever sold and is seven times more than what was paid for ZCCM units that became Konkola Copper Mines.
Dr Musokotwane appealed to the PF government to settle down, ‘sobre up,’ and focus on developing the country.
“Creating a mindset that focuses primarily on hunting for mistakes committed by the previous Government even where there is no justification just slows down development. Let those same energies be used to develop industries, infrastructure, jobs and business opportunities,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mr. Kambwili, who is now Minister of Labour, has appealed to investors especially in the mining sector to respect the country’s labour laws.
[pullquote]“Creating a mindset that focuses primarily on hunting for mistakes committed by the previous Government even where there is no justification just slows down development. Let those same energies be used to develop industries, infrastructure, jobs and business opportunities,” he said.[/pullquote]
He said it was saddening that investors in the country have continued to disregard the country’s labour laws with impunity.
Mr. Kambwili said Government would not hesitate to take punitive action against investors who continued to verbally abuse Zambian workers and offer them bad conditions of service.
He said investors need to respect the culture of the Zambian people saying it was against the Zambian tradition for people to use abusive language.
Mr. Kambwili also urged Zambian human resource managers working with foreign investors to advise their counterparts on how to conduct themselves whilst in the country.
Kapiri Glass Manufacturing (KGM) Limited has signed a K40 billion (US$8 million) loan agreement with the PTA bank to revive the defunct Plant in Central province.
Kapiri Glass Manufacturing Limited Chairman Costain Chilala signed the agreement on behalf of his company while James Kabuga signed on behalf of the bank.
Mr. Chilala said Kapiri Glass Manufacturing Company will create over 400 new jobs once it is fully revived and operational.
However, he complained of the attitudes of many local banks which he said made it impossible for entrepreneurs to borrow funds for long term projects.
Mr. Chilala noted that the attitude of banks in Zambia made it impossible for the country to start an industrial revolution as they charge very high interest rates.
He said banks are not willing to lend people money for long term projects noting that if they do, their interest rates are too high.
Mr. Chilala, who is a renowned local commercial farmer, urged Government to consider introducing deliberate measures to ease borrowing either by creating an industrial development fund or enacting policies that will encourage indigenous entrepreneurs to invest in Zambia.
He further commended the Zambia National Commercial Bank (ZANACO) for funding small scale farmers through the Zambia National Farmers Union.
He said efforts of ZANACO have helped reduce poverty in rural areas.
And Minister of Finance Alexander Chikwanda described the loan agreement as unique noting that it was not often for Zambians to embark on a huge undertaking especially with risks involved in investing.
Mr. Chikwanda noted that the glass manufacturing industry will create employment for the swelling local population and also contribute to growth of the country’s economy.
He was impressed that a pan-African institution bank (PTA) was in the forefront of helping in establishing an industry which he said will produce a series of sophisticated items for the local and regional markets.
He reaffirmed Government’s commitment to supporting the efforts of local investors who endeavour to invest locally.
He commended Mr. Chilala, owner of Kapiri Glass Manufacturing Company, for embarking on a huge project which he said will provide a positive demonstration to other enterprising Zambians.
Mampi is one of the most popular singers in Zambia . She is somewhat controversial but very very talented. She has a voice that stands out on any song.
Her debut album “Maloza” shot her to fame , songs like “Maloza” and “Portable” made her a house hold name.
Mampi recently released her latest album “Natural Born Star” . The album shows Mampi’s growth as an artist
In an interview with the Weekend Post,she had this to say
“Basically the album shows my skills and to show that the talent is in born and natural. A lot of people have been complaining about my silence that I have gone so quiet whereby am not doing much to contribute anything to the music industry but what they don’t know is that every time am quiet it means am occupied with shows such that I do not have time to be in the studio and record. I will be releasing a new video next month for the Walilowelelela song which is a club hit”
MMD National Chairman Michael Mabenga says he is ignorant about claims made by republican President Michael Sata that some Chinese companies are funding the opposition party.
President Sata yesterday morning during the swearing in ceremony for Mutembo Nchito as Director of Public Prosecutions alleged that he has information that some Chinese firms are still funding the MMD.
Mr. Mabenga says he does not blame Mr. Sata for such allegations but puts the blame on people who allegedly lie to him in exchange for job favors.
He SAYS it is important that Zambians do not mislead the president as this has the potential to kill the country’s spirit of patriotism.
Mr. Mabenga says even if Chinese companies were funding the former ruling party, there is nothing wrong if they are doing so out of goodwill.
Meanwhile, Mr. Mabenga has cautioned members of the party to desist from making negative statements pertaining to the activities of the party.
Mr. Mabenga says it is unfortunate that some members of the MMD had resorted to washing dirty linen in public stating that this is not only sending a wrong signal to party members but to the world at large.
He has since appealed to all party members to carry themselves in a respectable manner so as to uphold the party’s good image.
And Former commerce, trade and industry minister Felix Mutati has charged that the country is experiencing economic uncertainty.
Mr. Mutati says the delay by the government to announce the minimum wage has resulted in a certain level of economic uncertainty.
He says the industry players are uncertain on the way forward of because of the minimum wage issue.
Mr. Mutati in an interview has noted that it is important that the government announces the minimum wage in order to clear to the uncertainty.
Meanwhile, the former commerce minister says the transformation of Zambia must be anchored on policy consistence and not transaction intrigue.
He hopes that the PF government could come out of the shell and make policies that are focused.
Former Finance and National Planning Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane
MMD chairman for finance and economics, Situmbeko Musokotwane has challenged the Patriotic Front Government to clearly point out the irregularities in the sale of ZAMTEL instead of generalizing the matter.Dr. Musokotwane was speaking at a press briefing in Lusaka this morning.
Dr. Musokotwane said that the commission of inquiry constituted to look into the alleged illegal sale of the telecommunications company to Libya’s LAP Green, should make its report public for the general public to know the truth.
He has since challenged the Patriotic Front Government to refute the findings of the then audit report by Ernest and Young, an international firm of auditors which he said found ZAMTEL to be insolvent with enormous and unsustainable debt against few and obsolete assets.
And speaking at the same briefing MMD deputy national secretary Kabinga Pande questioned why republican vice president Guy Scott is able to represent President Michael Sata on international fora when he can’t act as President in his absence.
Mr Pande said that Dr. Scott should therefore desist from representing President Sata on international fairs because it proves that he is not capable of doing a good job.
Mr. Pande said that the Foreign Affairs Minister should instead be representing the president on foreign engagements because it is during international fora that important decisions of the country are made.
He has since urged Zambian citizens not to take concerns raised by former vice president George Kunda on Dr. Scott’s status as mere politicking but should instead analyze the issue.
Meanwhile, Patriotic Front (PF) Secretary General Wynter Kabimba has said that the PF government is merely fulfilling the party’s campaign promise to the people of Zambia with regards the Zamtel saga.
Mr Kabimba said that complaints that the PF Government has embarked on a witch-hunt do not therefore arise.
Mr. Kabimba told Journalists in Lusaka today that the PF prior to the September 20th elections made it clear that once in office they will ensure that the sale of Zamtel sale is reviewed and investigated.
He said that the PF will therefore ensure that justice prevails in the Zamtel saga in the best interest of the Zambian people.
Meanwhile, Mr. Kabimba has said it will be up to the party central committee to decide on whether or not to consider adopting former Independent Msanzala Member of Parliament Joseph Lungu who resigned causing the by-election.
He said that the party’s top leadership will meet on Saturday to decide on the forthcoming Msanzala bye- election.
President Michael Sata has announced changes to his cabinet in a mini Cabinet reshuffle.
President Sata has transferred Given Lubinda to the ministry of Foreign Affairs, while Chishimba Kambwili has been taken to the ministry of Labour, Youth and Sports.
Fackson Shamenda is the new minister in the ministry of information, broadcasting and tourism.
Mr Sata said the changes are aimed at improving the efficiency of government.
The changes are the first the President has made at Cabinet level since ascending to the high office following his election victory in the 20th September, 2011 elections.
Meanwhile President Sata has directed Director of Public Prosecutions Mutembo Nchito to extend investigations into the sale of Zamtel, to LAP Green.
President Sata says there is need for the office of the DPP to improve on how they prepare the cases to allow the courts do a good job.
The head of state has also called for thorough investigations of other cases involving the privatization of Roan and Kagem mines, Lima bank and Livingstone Intercontinental.Â
The president says the Director of Prosecution and his team to take to court corruption cases that have been well investigated and prepared to allow the law takes it course.
President Sata was speaking in Lusaka today during the swearing in ceremony of Mutembo Nchito as Director of Public Prosecution.
And President Sata has observed that late President Levy Mwanawasa was betrayed when died by the people he trusted in his will to fight corruption.
President Sata adds that the Late Dr. Mwanawasa was committed and worked diligently to fight corruption but that his good will was abandoned by the Rupiah Banda led government.
The president has since urged the new legal team to ensure that corruption is fought saying the PF government should ensure that it leave the government system better than it found it.
And Director of Public Prosecution Mutembo Nchito has vowed to ensure that the rule of law prevails in the country’s legal system.
Mr. Nchito told journalists that it is important for the law to be applied in a fair and just manner irrespective of one’s status in society.
The DPP has also indicated that he will soon start reviewing all the alleged corruption cases involving former leaders.
Mr. Nchito notes that there is therefore need for the people being investigated to be patient and allow the law enforcement agencies to thoroughly investigate the cases.
