THE MMD has warned of disciplinary action against Members of Parliament (MPs) who have been appointed deputy ministers by the ruling Patriotic Front (PF).

MMD national secretary, Richard Kachingwe said in an interview in Lusaka yesterday that the ‘treacherous’ MPs had been given enough time to reflect on their actions and that the party was now going to take disciplinary action against them.

But when contacted for a comment, Elijah Muchima who is an MMD MP for Ikeleng’I in North Western province said it was a fact that he was working with the Government in trying to develop the country.

Mr Muchima said the idea of appointing MPs from the opposition to ministerial positions was not strange to the MMD which equally did the same under the leadership of former President Mwanawasa and former President Rupiah Banda.

He said Mr Banda appointed Mkhondo Lungu as minister of Home Affairs at the time he was United National Independence Party (UNIP) MP for Lundazi constituency.

Mr Muchima said people in his constituency were happy with his appointment as deputy Lands, Energy and Water Development deputy minister.

“This is all about national development. I don’t want my district which is a rural district to lag behind. I am working for the people of Zambia and want to contribute to the governance of the country,” he said.

Mr Muchima said leaders should work in unity in the quest to develop the country.

Major Kachingwe however, said MPs should decide whether to join the PF or remain members of the MMD.

“Time is running out and they (MPs) must make up their minds. Do they belong to MMD or PF. They have a tendency of camping at State House. These are treacherous and vacillating MPS.

“The party’s patience has now run out and very soon they will be shown the exit door,” he said.

He said the people of Zambia and posterity would harshly judge the MMD MPs who had been given jobs in the Government. Maj Kachingwe said the people had elected the MMD MPs so that they
could offer checks and balances to the PF Government but that they had abandoned their role.

“At the level of MP, you are honourable and this requires that one should stick to principles. You can’t betray your own constituency which put you in office,” he said.

He appealed to the electorate not to give such members a second chance as they had abused their trust.

When reminded that the MMD government under the leadership of President Levy Mwanawasa also appointed MPs from the opposition to serve as cabinet and deputy ministers, Maj Kachingwe said the
conditions were different because the PF’s decision was aimed at weakening the opposition.

He said the appointments were being done with impunity saying the ideal way was for the ruling party to consult the party before appointing their MPs.

Maj Kachingwe said the party would soon be writing to the affected MPs informing them of the next course of action.

Meanwhile, Maj Kachingwe has said preparations for the party Convention were going on well and that the fund raising committee had so far met twice to strategise on financing.

He urged members to donate generously when the fundraising events were on so that the Convention to elect the party’s leadership would be a success.
“This party is down but not out. We will bounce back in the next five years as the Government has failed to fulfill their promises in 90 days,” he said.

He said once the party mobilises funds, a one month notice as per requirement in the party constitution would be issued as regards to the date and venue for the convention.
Maj Kachingwe urged party members to remain vigilant and work hard in the New Year.

[Times of Zambia]

The Foundation for Democratic Process has called on the Technical Committee on the constitution to ensure that submissions on the independence of the Anti-Corruption commission are upheld.

FODEP Executive Director McDonald Chipenza told the media in Lusaka yesterday that the committee should ensure that the independence of the ACC is guaranteed by the new constitution.

Mr Chipenza added that even the appointment of the ACC Director General should not be left to the President but that it should be given to an independent committee.

And commenting party on funding, Mr Chipenzi says the new constitution should also provide for party funding as a way of avoiding an uneven political playing field.

The Opposition United National Independence Party has also backed calls for the introduction of party funding.

UNIP Vice President Njekwa Anamela said that state funding of political parties will level the playing field and also give legitimacy to political parties.

Mr AAnamela noted that the current scenario is says it is not only his party which shares that viewed by many politicians as one that favours the ruling party only.

Zone Fam is starting 2012 with a bang by releasing a video called “Ma Danger” by one of the members , Jay Rox.

Jay Rox has an easily recognizable flow so it is easy for him to stand out from the group . Doing a solo record does not mean the group is breaking up , they are just exploring their individual talents .

MA DANGER

BY KAPA187

The vacationing Chipmunks and Chipettes are turning a luxury cruise liner into their personal playground, until they become ‘chipwrecked’ on a remote island. As the ‘Munks and Chipettes try various schemes to find their way home, they accidentally discover their new turf is not as deserted as it seems.

PRO’S

Interesting kids movie ,with some funny moments.

CON’S

• If you haven’t watched the first two Alvin and the chipmunks movies , you will be a bit lost in this one. There is no back story or explanation about the talking chipmunks.
• There is too much singing and too many pop culture references that add nothing to the plot of the movie.
• Jenny Slate’s character, Zoe , was not really necessary as she seemingly did not do anything until the end of the movie.

FAVORITE QUOTE

• Dave: Are you going to charge me twenty five dollars a bag?
• Flight Attendant: Of course not sir. It’s twenty five dollars for the first bag and forty dollars for each additional bag.

CONCLUSION

I originally had low expectations for this movie , but it was actually a pretty good movie.  The storyline was flat and predictable , but for a kids movie its ok. Its a great movie to take your kids to , they will really enjoy it.

RATING

1 out of 5

 BY KAPA187

Inspector General of Police Dr Martin Malama has removed roadblocks to avoid corruption practices after the police service were cited as the most corrupt. Dr Malama was speaking yesterday morning on ZNBC TV’s Kwacha Goodmorning Zambia programme. Dr Malama said fighting corruption is not a political party’s fight but a national cause.

He further said that the corruption fight is not retributive but it is aimed at those that had stolen from the country. “The fight against corruption is not retribution, I am not from a political grouping that makes it partisan. The corruption fight looks like retribution but that is not what we are after. We are after those that have stolen from the public so that we can create a strong future” Dr Malama said.

And the police chief said that the fight against the Kitwe notorious guys called the JERABOS is now in the police’s favour by looking at the number of cases which are in court.

“If you look at the court records you will see that the zambian people are winning and some of the big names that you used to hear of are in court”, the Inspector General said.

Meanwhile the Inspector General of police has said that officers handling riots should not be armed. “People with riotous behaviours are not our enemies they are our brothers and sisters, they are not criminals, we should attend to them with minimum force” Dr Malama said.

He also stated that the police service are collaborating with other law enforcement Agencies to make sure that Zambians and visitors ensure safety on the road.

Chiefs and Traditional Affairs Minister Inonge Wina says it is vital for the Patriotic Front (PF) in Western Province to acknowledge the amount of work in the province as that party celebrates it victory.

AND Provincial Minister Nathanial Mubukwanu has appealed to the PF membership to emulate President Michael Sata in the fight against corruption.

Mrs. Wina said the party should apply more effort in ensuring that it grows in the region hence the need to strengthen its mass recruitment.

“You are therefore called to duty to yet again to ensure that we strengthen the party by mass recruitment. To achieve this we need to be a disciplined party all the time,” she emphasized.

She was speaking in Mongu last night when she graced the official opening of the Patriotic Front Christmas and New Year party that was organized by the District Committee and held at Mongu Trades Training Institute main campus.

Mrs. Wina who is also PF National Chairperson and Nalolo Member of Parliament noted that as a new party in government, there lies a huge responsibility to develop the country based on equitable distribution of power and resources.

The Minister pointed out that the challenge of developing the Western Province and country at large calls for resources, huge commitment, strong dedication, hard work and tolerance from all Zambians irrespective of their Political affiliation and social culture position including class and gender.

“In this regard, we must lead by example. Let us ask ourselves of what we can do for the party rather than what the party can do for us,” Wina added.

She commended the district committee for organizing the Christmas and New Year part whose aim was to promote social interaction and party unity saying it is a bed rock for recruitment.

Mr. Mubukwanu noted that the PF party has formed government at a time when people have great expectations in the province.

He said the development of the province will depend on the party’s good conduct, governance, hard work as well as a spirited commitment towards the fight against corruption.

“The development of this province depends on our conduct as a party therefore we ourselves should be the seen to be the drivers in the fight against corruption,” Mubukwanu stated.

The Minister has since called on all PF members to team up with the Provincial Administration in order to stay steady fast in developing the province.

Earlier, Mongu District Chairperson Tembo Mulenga thanked the district fundraising committee for working hard in ensuring that the part come to pass.

Mr. Mulenga said through fundraising the party was able to donate foodstuff and other materials to Lewanika General Hospital last week.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We have to thank God that we have made it to see another year.  It is up to you to make the best out of 2012 .

Here is how some people around the world brought in the new year.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA

LONDON ,ENGLAND

HONG KONG
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VoJ5exsQfNw
PARIS ,FRANCE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8XV1O_XxCQ

DUBAI , UAE

How did you celebrate the new year ?

BY KAPA187

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“…I will walk within my house with a perfect heart”
(Psalm 101:2, NKJ)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria
This time of year, people often take time to reflect and set goals for the New Year. But have you ever set “perfection” as a goal on your list?

Now, that may seem a little strange or unobtainable to many, but really, in God’s eyes perfection isn’t about performance. In fact, it isn’t about behavior at all. What God is looking for is a heart that is perfect toward Him. Scripture says that man looks on the outside, but God looks at the heart. That means that He is more pleased with someone who has a heart toward Him who may mess up than He is with someone doing all the right things for all the wrong reasons.

The condition of your heart is extremely important to God. When you have a right heart, you are humble before Him. You seek His ways. You get up each day with a desire to please Him. You submit every area of your life to Him, and you are willing to make adjustments and receive correction so you can grow and come up higher.

As you prepare for the coming year, make knowing Him your number one priority. Yield yourself to Him and let Him shape your character. Serve Him with all your might and let your heart be perfect toward Him!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father in heaven, thank You for all of Your blessings in my life. I declare today that You are good and thank You for Your mercy. I set my heart and mind on You and ask that You have Your way in me. Help me to love You perfectly and keep me close to You in Jesus’ name. Amen.
— Joel & Victoria Osteen

GOVERNMENT has constituted a commission of inquiry to investigate the US$8.25 million (about K42 billion) sale of the Zambia National Commercial Bank (ZANACO) to Rabobank of the Netherlands.

In 2006, the Government sold 49 per cent shares in Zanaco to Rabobank after protracted negotiations.

As part of the sale and purchase agreement, Rabobank took over management rights of Zanaco while the Government retained its representation in the bank at board level which included three members from Rabobank, two Government representatives and one representative appointed by board members.

The transaction was conducted by the MMD government under late president Levy Mwanawasa.

Meanwhile, Zanaco Managing Director, Martyn Schouten, says the bank would be readily available to help the commission throughout the process and advised customers that operations would remain unaffected during the period of enquiry.

Mr Schouten said the bank acknowledged the announcement of the formation of a commission of inquiry pertaining to the sale of the bank to Rabobank of the Netherlands in 2006.

“Zanaco wishes to confirm its full cooperation throughout this enquiry to assist in offering a transparent and professional outcome,” Mr Schouten said.

Justice Minister Sebastian Zulu confirmed that President Sata had directed him to appoint a team of officials from the Ministry of Justice and experts from the private sector to investigate what transpired during the sale and how the resources were used.

Mr Zulu said in an interview in Lusaka yesterday that the commission, which he would chair, would commence sittings next month.

“We are putting together a team of experts who will include auditors, prosecutors, bankers and consultants because we want to do a good job,” Mr Zulu said.

The minister said during investigations, transactions that would suggest the prevalence of fraud would be handed over to the security wings.

He said prominent politicians who were influential during the sale of the bank would be summoned to give evidence.

The secretariat of the commission had been set up at the Mulungushi International Conference in Lusaka and that the programme of the sittings was still being prepared.

Zanaco’s 49 per cent shares were transferred to Rabo Financial Institutions Development, (RFID) which is a subsidiary of Rabobank.

The opposition political parties at the time, including the Patriotic Front (PF) and trade unions had opposed the sale, fearing the new owner could cut jobs and close branches in rural areas.

They also felt that the $8.25 million was low for the bank which had an attractive asset value with branches spread across the country including rural areas.

Mr Zulu said there would be no malice in the conduct of the inquiry and was not targeted at former Government officials who served in the previous Government.

He said he would use his experience as a prosecutor to engage people who were directly involved in the sale and ensure appropriate action was taken.

[Times of Zambia]