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UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema-Accused of being undemocratic
United party for national development UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema has charged that the ruling Patriotic Front has grown the appetite to ridicule Zambians.
Mr. Hichilema has further charged that the fight against corruption under the Michael Sata led government is mere deception.
He says some appointments the president has made do not collate with the stance he has taken on the corruption fight.
Mr. Hichilema adds that as much as his party supports the corruption fight, it should be fought with action and not words.
And Mr. Hichilema has advised the government not to politicize the fight against corruption.
Mr. Hichilema says the fight against graft should be conducted in a professional manner and not in a selective manner.
Mr. Hichilema was speaking this morning on Let the People Talk on Radio Phoenix.
Father Frank Bwalya has charged that MMD presidential aspirant Nevers Mumba cannot be trusted with the leadership of the party.
Father Bwalya has described Dr. Mumba as a shameful lair, who cannot be trusted to run the affairs of the former ruling party,
Father Bwalya, who is the executive director of Get Involved Zambia, said that it was a pity and shameful for a leader to lie that he was cleared by the auditor general’s report while he served as Zambia’s high commissioner to Canada.
In an interview with QFM radio, Fr Bwalya said that Dr. Mumba has been exposed of his lies even before he attempts to take over the presidency of the former ruling party.
He has further questioned the rational behind Dr Mumba’s defence of former president Rupiah Banda against alleged corrupt activities.
He said that it was clear knowledge that the former head of state might be linked to corruption.
Father Bwalya has advised the MMD leadership to think clearly on the type of leader they would want to have.
He adds that Zambia needs political leaders who are clean and have a better vision for the country whether in opposition or the ruling party.
KONKOLA Copper Mines (KCM) says it has suspended operations at Fitwaola Open Pit to facilitate transitioning to underground mining.
About 267 people operating at Fitwaola Open Pit recently lost their jobs after KCM allegedly terminated a contract with Moolmans, the company they were working for.
Moolmans management said they terminated the contracts of the employees following the action KCM took.
But KCM head of public relations,Joy Sata said in response to a Press query yesterday that the company had temporarily suspended operations at Fitwaola to facilitate transitioning to underground mining.
“KCM wishes to advise that open pit operations at Fitwaola have been temporarily suspended in order to bring forward the transitioning to underground operations,” Ms Sata said.
She said due to operational challenges specific to open pit mining of the Fitwaola ore body, the mine had experienced three stoppages in its short life of less than six years.
Ms Sata said Fitwaola ore was more amenable to underground mining and that was being actively reviewed.
She said mining at Fitwaola was initiated shortly after Vedanta took over at KCM in August 2005 and operations contracted out in April 2006.
[Times of Zambia]
Zambia Police spokesperson Elizabeth Kanjela(courtesy Africa Review)
THE Zambia Police Service yesterday said former Zambian high commissioner to Canada Nevers Mumba should prepare answers to allegations of impropriety about his work at the embassy in Toronto and avoid making accusations that he was being victimised to undermine his presidential ambitions.
This was after Dr Mumba told a crowd of supporters outside the Force headquarters in Lusaka that he was being victimised for the purpose of grounding his political career and the former ruling party, but vowed that he would remain strong and revamp the party ahead of the next presidential and general elections in 2016.?[pullquote]Nevers Mumba said his appearance at the police marked the end of politics of hate and victimisation which he said was not good for a democratic country[/pullquote]
Police Service spokesperson Elizabeth Kanjela told journalists at her office in Lusaka yesterday shortly after Dr Mumba appeared before a team of investigators that the former high commissioner should not complain of victimisation but allow the law to take its course.
She said police did not have anything personal against the former Zambian envoy to Canada, who briefly appeared before a team investigating allegations of financial impropriety while he served as head of mission in Toronto.
President Michael Sata recently disclosed that Dr Mumba would be investigated over allegations of irregular transactions while in Canada but the former vice-president has denied the allegations.
Dr Mumba said he was being victimised to divert MMD’s attention from reorganising itself and concentrate on dealing with the court case.
The former vice-president said his appearance at the police marked the end of politics of hate and victimisation which he said was not good for a democratic country.
Dr Mumba arrived at the Force headquarters accompanied by lawyers Sakwiba Sikota of Central Chambers and Sunday Nkonde of SNB Legal Practitioners.
Mr Sikota told journalists that police were not ready for Dr Mumba and asked them to return for questioning on Tuesday next week.
Mr Sikota condemned police for summoning his client before they could gather evidence to charge him.
“The police have told us that they have nothing against Dr Mumba so we are wondering why they called him here.
They are on a fishing expedition but we will give them time and come back on Tuesday,” Mr Sikota said.
He said the Government had made a lot of pronouncements which had painted Dr Mumba in bad light and wondered why they had no evidence at this stage.
But Ms Kanjela said the allegations by Dr Mumba that he was being politically victimised were inaccurate.
She said the police had the right to summon any citizen even without a reason because such was part of investigations.
Ms Kanjela said police had secured an appointment with Dr Mumba for Tuesday next week and that their action to invite him even before they were ready was necessary during investigations.
“We asked him to come to the police and we have gotten an appointment for next week on Tuesday. There is nothing wrong with that. We are not accusing him of anything because we work with the people so we must meet them,” Ms Kanjela said.
[Times of Zambia]
File:Former Vice president George Kunda greets MMD cadres before addressing a rally at Kaseba in Muchinga constituency
LOSING Muchinga Constituency Patriotic Front (PF) parliamentary candidate John Chama has petitioned the election of former vice-president George Kunda as Member of Parliament for the area.
Mr Chama petitioned in Kabwe High Court that contrary to the said declaration by the returning officer Manase Phiri, Mr Kunda was not validly elected.
Mr Kunda, who stood on the MMD party, polled 6,292 votes while Mr Chama got 1,307.
In his petition obtained by the Times in Kabwe yesterday, Mr Chama alleged that the campaign by Mr Kunda was characterised by widespread acts of undue influence, bribery, abuse of State resources, vote-buying and all manners of electoral malpractices contrary to the Electoral Act number 12 of 2006 and Election Code of Conduct Statutory Instrument number 52 of 2011.
He claimed that throughout the campaign period, Mr Kunda allegedly engaged in a campaign which targeted Government and community schools by donating bicycles to such institutions directly and not through the District Education Boards (DEBS).
Mr Chama cited the numerous donations of bicycles to various Government and community schools in the constituency which he said were received by head teachers and deputy head teachers.
Some of the schools which allegedly received Atlas bicycles were Milulu, Chieftainess Mailo, Nsomaula, Kanona, Muchinga, Chitankwa,Kaseba, Chibale, Koffi Kunda and Nchimishi Basic schools.
Others were Muchinga Community School and Mambwe Locha School.
He claimed that the former Republican vice-president dished out money to the electorate on September 19 and 20 through MMD ward officials and was allegedly using a Zambia Air Force helicopter throughout the campaign illegally as he ceased to hold the position following the dissolution of Parliament on July 28, 2011 while he (Chama) was using his personal vehicle.
He said Mr Kunda was allegedly being helped by some civil servants to campaign while more than five double- cab police vehicles with police officers were allegedly transporting the electorate to and from MMD rallies.
In his petition, Mr Chama also claimed that former Serenje district commissioner Stanley Chibwana was being used as an interpreter for Mr Kunda’s MMD rallies.
He alleged that Mr Kunda was being assisted by Chief Mailo within Muchinga Constituency to campaign and claimed that the traditional leader threatened to chase away from his chiefdom any of his subjects that would vote for the PF.
The petitioner stated that as a consequence of the illegal practices committed by Mr Kunda and his agents, the majority of the voters were prevented from electing a candidate of their choice.
Mr Chama is being represented by Messrs Mumba Kapumpa Advocates while Mr Kunda is being represented by Sunday Nkonde and Bwalya Mubanga from SBN legal practitioners.
Hearing of the application has been set for December15, 2011.
Meanwhile, three PF petitioners have filed notices of intention to have their petitions withdrawn in the Lusaka High Court.
Those that have filed notices to withdraw include Kapoche losing candidate Paradious Sakala, losing candidate for Siavonga Lovemore Kanyama and the losing candidate for Luangeni, George Zulu.
The trio made their notices to have their petitions withdrawn pursuant to Section 99 (1) of the Electoral Act number 12 of 2006 and that specific reasons were advanced to that effect.
Mr Sakala had petitioned the election of MMD’s Nicholas Banda, while Mr Zulu petitioned the election of independent MP Charles Zulu for Luangeni Constituency.
Mr Kanyama had petitioned the election of United Party for National Development (UPND)’s Kennedy Hamudulu as MP for Siavonga. More than 70 losing parliamentary candidates for various constituencies had petitioned the Lusaka High Court to nullify the election of their opponents, citing electoral malpractices.Of those that petitioned, more than 50 were filed by the ruling PF while the opposition MMD petitioned five seats.
The opposition UPND petitioned 11 while two seats were petitioned by independent candidates.
[Times of Zambia]
Zambians are in for another treat this holiday season as Liquideep will be bringing the Biggest Party of the year to Zambia , Featuring Zone Fam, at The Olympic Youth Development Centre in Great North Road on the 24th of December
Time: 20:00 Hrs Tickets: ZMK150,000 Available at Sounds Outlets.
SETTLE FOR LESS
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvDLQKC99_U BY KAPA187
Finance and National Planning Minister Alexander Chikwanda (r) exchanges documents with visiting Vice Foreign Minister of the Peoples’ Republic of China Zhai Jun at the signing ceremony of an economic and technical cooperation grant and loan agreement in Lusaka.
In his sudden u-turn over Chinese investment, President Sata has called for continued closer ties with China.
Sata who met with Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister Zhai Jun in Lusaka yesterday called for continuous cooperation and exchange with China.
He recalled the long history of friendship between Zambia and China, saying at the beginning of Zambia’s independence, China helped Zambia build a railway linking Tanzania and Zambia, which is regarded as a road of freedom. Through the railway, the Zambian people started to learn about and understand China.
In recent years, funds and aid from China play an important role in local economic and social development.
Zambia is willing to be a continuous development partner and further strengthen cooperation in the sectors of agriculture, education and infrastructure construction, the president said.
Zhai said since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Zambia, the two sides have always enjoyed mutual understanding, with both countries supporting each other in core issues and helping each other in national development.
Both sides have witnessed fruitful achievements in fields of economy, trade, agriculture, mining and infrastructure construction.
The deputy foreign minister called for joint efforts of the two sides to further develop understanding and exchange among people, so as to deepen all-weather friendship between China and Zambia.
Meanwhile China has given Zambia K75.3 billion for poverty reduction programmes out of which K43.3 billion is a grant while K32 billion is an interest-free loan.
Minister of Finance Alexander Chikwanda said the money will be used on programmes that are of a priority in nature within the context of the Sixth National Development Plan.
He was speaking yesterday in Lusaka at the signing of economic and technical co-operation agreements.
“The grant and loan facilities will, therefore, be put to good use to ensure maximum benefits are derived in the fight against poverty. Zambia greatly admires the strides made by China in uplifting the standard of living of its people…” Mr Chikwanda said.
He said Zambia and China share identical views and positions on many international and regional issues of common interest, adding that Zambia is glad to see China’s success in coping with the recent global financial crises.
Mr Chikwanda said Zambians are grateful for the assistance China has continued to render to Zambia in many areas of development.
He cited construction of the TAZARA railway line, the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium and the Lusaka General Hospital as some of the examples of China’s commitment to continuing cementing friendship with Zambia.
Mr Chikwanda said Zambia has positioned itself to ensure it maximises benefits arising from the 2009 Africa-China Declaration, where the Chinese government made available US$10 billion to finance a series of projects in Africa from 2010 to 2012.
He said Zambia is also gratified by the China-Africa Development Fund to establish a regional office in Zambia with an investment outlay of US$1 billion.
“In this regard, the Government of the Republic of Zambia reiterates its desire to access Chinese financial assistance and technical expertise to extend the TAZARA railway line to Angola,” Mr Chikwanda said.
And visiting Chinese Vice-Foreign Minister Zhai Jun said despite the long distance between the two countries, Chinese people have always regarded Zambians as their brothers and sisters.
“In the long course of our friendship, our two peoples and our two countries have always been supporting each other and helping each other. I am confident that the Chinese people will continue to stand together with the Zambian people in economic and social development,” Mr Zhai said.
He said China is ready to continue supporting and co-operating with the Patriotic Front government to bring about prosperity and create a better future for the two countries.
Police in Kafue have arrested a woman of Chingangauka village of chief Nalwama’s area in Kafue district for allegedly murdering her 70 year old mother -in-law.
The accused has been identified as Febby Chali whose age is unknown while the deceased is Elina Chalebwa.
Police Spokesperson Elizabeth Kanjela says the incident occurred on December 9, 2011 around 14:00 hours when the deceased had gone to her son’s home to settle a dispute which had erupted between him and the wife.
Ms Kanjela told ZNBC News in a statement that the accused become emotional and started beating the mother -in -law who later fell to the ground and died.
Febby Chali is detained at Kafue police station and will appear in court soon .
The body of Elina is lying in Kafue district hospital mortuary.
And a women of Lusaka’s Makeni area today appeared in the Lusaka magistrate court charged with child desertion.
Faides Musonda 23, stands charged with one count of child desertion contrary to the laws of Zambia.
Facts before the court are that Faides being a parent to a child under the age of 16 years, willfully and without lawful or reasonable cause did dump her child and left him without any means of support.
According to court documents the woman left her one and a half year old son alone, at Kauzu tavern in Makeni Konga around 19 hours.
Lusaka magistrate William Banda has set December 16, 2011 as date for plea.
File: President Sata meets Chinese investors at State House
AFTER a peaceful transfer of power in September’s election, Zambia faces the uncertainty of the new government getting laws through parliament and a possible energy crisis that could hit the expansion of Africa’s biggest copper sector.
Investors have been rattled by the doubling of royalties on the base metal to 6% in last month’s budget unveiled by Finance Minister Alexander Chikwanda.
He said that Zambia would not reimpose a windfall tax on miners and the World Bank has said the industry should be able to bear the higher royalties, but the investment climate could sour if the commodity cycle reverses.
Mines Minister Wylbur Simuusa said in London last week that the new royalties could be rolled back if copper prices collapsed.
Former president Rupiah Banda conceded defeat to Patriotic Front (PF) leader Michael Sata, who immediately declared he wanted to change the face of Zambia and would relentlessly fight corruption to ensure resources reached the intended poor.
Mr Sata scrapped the $5,4m sale of unlisted Finance Bank to SA’s FirstRand , launched an investigation into last year’s sale of telecoms operator Zamtel, and Mr Chikwanda told banks to cut interest rates.
Mr Sata’s war with graft has earned him enemies. Mr Banda’s Movement for Multiparty Democracy party and another opposition party say the corruption fight is a targeted persecution of opposition leaders.
The MMD and UPND together have slightly higher numbers in parliament over the Patriotic Front and if they succeed in forming an alliance, the opposition could frustrate Mr Sata’s plans.
In a sign of Mr Sata’s quick action on populist campaign promises, Mr Chikwanda said lending rates in Zambia were “inconsistent” with inflation, which hit 8,1% last month.
The dismissal of Central bank governor Caleb Fundanga with six months to go on his contract has also raised eyebrows among investors, who had approved of his tight grip on prices and oversight of the kwacha currency.
Although analysts say Mr Fundanga’s dismissal had more to do with his cozy relationship with Mr Sata’s predecessors, the delay in appointing his successor is now raising concern.
Zambia has also been hit by electricity shortages, with peak demand of 1580MW against available generation of 1401MW, according to the energy regulator.
High oil prices are also posing a risk to an end-of-the-year inflation target of 7%.
Global oil prices have climbed more than 17% this year and retail fuel prices have risen 11% since February. The $13bn economy is running at more than 6% annual growth but many Zambians say they have missed out.
Zambia’s new government unveiled an expansive 2012 budget last month, with big increases in social spending and farming subsidies to be paid for by a rise in mineral royalties and a debut $500m eurobond.
Although the doubled mineral royalties will effectively raise revenue in the short term to finance the expenditure, Zambia may be forced to change the taxation method should copper prices fall.
The bond issue is also uncertain with the problems in the Euro Zone.
Despite having largely fulfilled his campaign promise to give Zambians more disposable income through lower taxes, Mr Sata’s critics say he may undertake more measures financed by squeezing investors to please his urban base.
Zambia turned to the World Bank for finance, saying foreign aid and domestic funding were not enough to build the infrastructure needed to underpin economic growth.
Changes to watch for include increased expenditure; statements suggesting policy shifts; and a rise in economic nationalism.
Mr Sata was unlikely to take the path of resource nationalism and fiscal recklessness despite investor unease shortly after the veteran opposition leader was elected, analysts say.
But the government may reverse deals that will be found to have been corruptly agreed on under the previous government.
Zambia has attracted huge amounts of foreign investment, mainly in mining, from emerging markets such as China but many Chinese companies have been hit by strikes over poor pay and conditions since the change of government.
Mr Sata met Chinese investors operating in Zambia at the end of October, easing tensions, but also made clear that the Chinese firms that have ploughed more than $2bn into the mining sector would not get preferential treatment.
Amid concern about copper exporters misreporting the quantities leaving the country, Mr Sata has tightened loopholes, ordering that all export payments are routed via the central bank. He also appointed a new head of the antigraft body.
Zambian police last month charged a former labour minister with receiving stolen property after K2.1 billion kwacha ($414000) was found buried at his farm, in the first high-profile case in a graft crackdown under Mr Sata.
As well as investigating state fuel tenders, Mr Sata has said that Zambia’s cabinet could overturn the sale of fixed-line operator Zamtel to Libya’s LAP Green after a commission of inquiry found that it was illegally sold to the Libyan company.
THE Government has appealed to parliamentarians to formulate polices and ?establish mechanisms that will help improve the status of women and? children in society.
Gender Deputy Minister Emerine Kabanshi said this at a sensitisation ?meeting for female parliamentarians on the Anti-Gender Based (GBV)?Violence Act at Southern Sun in Lusaka yesterday.
The minister said parliamentarians were important players in the fight? against GBV because they had the actual mandate and influence to ?foster change in their respective constituencies.
“Members of Parliament like you are very important players in the ?fight against GBV because you have the actual mandate and influence to? foster change in your respective constituencies,” she said.
Ms Kabanshi added that Parliamentarians had an important role as ?legislators to ensure that they make financial provisions for the? implementation of Anti GBV Act.
The Act provides for the establishment of shelters of excellence for ?victims of GBV, where the victims would be rehabilitated and managed? until they were able to be integrated back into the community.
And Community development, mother and child health deputy minister?Jean Kapata said there was need to make cases of defilement against? children to become non-bailable offences.
[Times of Zambia]
COPPERBELT Minister John Kufuna has said there is need to expand the capacity of the Ndola Central hospital (NCH) Mortuary to end instances of some bodies not being refrigerated.
And the minister has directed government health institutions to stop charging user fees to the public as per government directive.
Mr Kufuna said in Ndola when he made a surprise inspection of the institution yesterday that it was surprising that such a big referral hospital only had a mortuary with a capacity of 35 bodies.
During his inspection in the morning, the minister found about six bodies that had been brought in, lying on the floor and on some trolleys outside the refrigerators.
He said the situation was not good because the dead needed to be kept in better conditions.
“This is obviously what contributes to the bad smell in the mortuary and the Hospital in general,” he said.
Mr Kufuna, however, said that news of more mortuary units arriving at the hospital had given some assurance that the situation would soon improve.
He said the situation in the laundry room was also not pleasant and that the institution urgently needed laundry machines installed to improve its operations.
Mr Kufuna urged management at the hospital to continue improving sanitation and cleanliness so that patients and their minders can have little to complain about.
The minister also expressed displeasure that NCH had continued to charge user fees on the public and told them to immediately stop.
He said user fees were abolished the moment that President Michael Sata declared it and that it was wrong for the hospital to disregard the instruction.
But hospital superintendent Dande Malawo said management was awaiting written instructions concerning the user fees.
Dr Malawo also appealed to the minister to assist the institution with accessing the money to be used in its rehabilitation programe.
He said the hospital had only received about K900 million so far out of the K2.1 billion bill of quantities that had been presented.
The minister said he would present the hospital’s case and ensure that the remaining money was made available for completion of the works.
Mr Kufuna said the public should also refrain from vandalising installations especially in ablution blocks in wards, where he found various fittings missing.
[Times of Zambia]
Zesco United defender Nyambe Mulenga has made a rapid recovery from illness and joined Zambia’s 2012 Africa Cup training camp in Lusaka.
Mulenga missed Zambia’s opening week of training due to a bout of Malaria.
The Zesco player was even a doubt for Zambia’s trip to Angola where they will face their hosts this Sunday in a friendly.
Meanwhile, the Cosafa Youth Championship winning trio of Evans Kangwa and Reynold Kampamba from Nkana including midfielder Bruce Musakanya from Red Arrows joined camp on Monday.
The three who arrived by road from Botswana on Monday joined the senior team later in the day in Lusaka.
President Michael Sata has applauded the Zambia National Soccer Team Under-20 for retaining the Metropolitan COSAFA championship in neighbouring Bostwana.
“On behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Zambia, and indeed on my own behalf, I wish to congratulate the Zambia National Under-20s who outclassed our Angolan brothers on Saturday December 10, 2011,” says the President.
President Sata has expressed his hopes that the young players will be inspired by the strong support of many Zambian fans even as they press on for more victories in future.
“This victory by these young and dedicated boys clearly shows that this nation is blessed with immense talent. Without doubt, we are not short of soccer skills and this result further gives us hope that with all stakeholders working together to better manage the sport, the sky is the limit for Zambian football,” the Head of State says.
“Be assured that as long as we continue receiving positive results, my Government will continue to support the team and provide all the necessary requirements as they stride towards other major and more competitive tournaments. I am sure this view is shared by many soccer fans out there.”
ZANIS Sports reports the President saying this in a statement signed by his Special Assistant for Press and Public Relations George Chellah.
The United Party for National Development (UPND) have said they will not be intimidated by the ruling Patriotic Front’s efforts to suppress the opposition in the country.
Party General Secretary Winstone Chibwe says the UPND will be stronger than ever in providing checks and balances to the PF government.
Mr. Chibwe explains to Qfm in an interview that the opposition is still strong despite attempts by government to weaken it by enticing members of the opposition with Ministerial positions.
He says the beauty of democracy is that people have the ultimate decision to make on the performance of a particular party in power.
Mr. Chibwe has since challenged Zambians to assess the performance of the PF since assuming office with regards to their campaign promise of transforming Zambia within 90 days of being in office.
He has also charged that recent defections of opposition members to the ruling PF are stage managed by the PF leadership who he accuses of being bent on weakening the opposition.
Former Zambian high Commissioner to Canada Nevers Mumba this morning presented himself for questioning at the Force headquarters in connections with allegations of financial irregularities at the Zambian mission he was heading.
Police could however not question Dr Mumba.
Dr Mumba was accompanied by his lawyer Sakwiba Sikota to the Police headquarters and a number of MMD supporters.
Mr Sikota expressed disappointment that the Police had summoned his client when they were not ready for him.
And Dr Mumba vowed that he will not bow to politics of witch-hunting and intimidation.
He encouraged his supporters to stand strong and soldier on in the face of alleged intimidation by the PF government.
Meanwhile the Zambia Police have said that they summoned Former Zambian High Commissioner to Canada, Nervers Mumba this morning to secure an appointment with him.
Spokesperson Eelizabeth Kanjela said that the police will question Dr. Mumba on Tuesday next week.Ms Kanjela said police could not chrage Dr Mumba today because they are still investigating the matter.
Ms Kanjela said that Dr. Mumba should not feel harassed or intimidated because it is police routine to call him to the police station.
She has further advised political leaders not to come with cadres to the police station when they come for questioning.
Ms Kanjela said that police will not entertain the presence of cadres at the police station because it is not a political ground
