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STATUTORY agencies which have for a long time depended on Government grants will have to sustain themselves next year to remove the financial burden on the treasury, Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Bob Sichinga has said.
Mr Sichinga said all statutory bodies will be required to sustain their operations considering that Government has limited resources.
And the Zambia Weights and Measures Agency (ZW&MA) requires about US$ 1.2 million to meet its capital requirement in the medium term and has a statutory debt of K4 billion.
Mr Sichinga said it is long overdue that parastatal companies are weaned off Government financial support to channel resources to other social sectors.
He said this during the familiarisation tour of the ZW&MA offices in Lusaka on Wednesday.
Mr Sichinga said supporting recurrent costs of statutory institutions has become costly on the part of Government due to limited resources.
“Business as usual is over, we all have to pull our socks and roll our sleeves to sustain our institutions. As ZW&MA, you will be entitled to settle all your costs and build a fund that will enable you buy the equipment you require to operate to full capacity,” he said.
Mr Sichinga said the boards appointed in parastatal companies are not there to have fun but help in the management of companies.
“To survive, there is need to change…from 2012 we expect you to be independent and if you want salary increment, work for it. Every deductions taking place whether National Pensions Scheme Authority (NAPSA) or Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) should be remitted,” he said.
Mr Sichinga urged ZW&MA to ensure that all outstanding accrues are settled by the end of the year.
Earlier, ZW&MA chief executive officer Sokwani Chilembo said the agency is working on system failures that date back five years, adding that by the first quarter of 2012 all the agency’s system will be automated.
Mr Chilembo said the key challenge faced by the agency is limited manpower.
Commenting on the debt, he said the company is solvent and has negotiated a timeframe on key statutory obligations that were accrued from 2003 when the agency was formed.
“We have liquidated the principle on NAPSA dues and we are liquidating the principle on the ZRA dues that expires next month. We are current on all other legal obligations,” he said.
The agency’s aim is to improve the range of services provided.
THE British government says it has not asked the Zambian government to legalise gay rights as a pre-condition to receiving aid.
British High Commissioner to Zambia Thomas Carter said the UK government’s provision of development aid to the Zambian government is on the basis of commitment to the reduction of poverty, respect for human rights and issues pertaining to good governance.
Mr Carter said in a statement made available in Lusaka that the British government engages in regular dialogue with its Zambian counterparts to monitor their commitment to progress against underlying principles.
“The UK government’s provision of development assistance to the Government of Zambia is on the basis of its overall commitment to reducing poverty; respecting human rights; improving public financial management; fighting corruption and promoting good governance and transparency,” he said.
He said the UK government raises issues with governments when there are serious and systematic violations of those rights. Mr Carter said to date the issue of gay rights has not arisen with the Zambian government.
His comment follows a statement that was made by UK Prime Minister David Cameron in Perth, Australia, during the Commonwealth heads of government meeting that human rights reform in the Commonwealth was one issue on which leaders failed to reach agreement.
Mr Cameron was reported to have said that countries receiving UK aid should adhere to proper human rights and end a ban on homosexuality.
And the Zambia Episcopal Conference has maintained that homosexuality is wrong and that Zambia as a Christian nation should not support such acts. ZEC spokesperson Paul Samasumo said the Catholic Church has not changed the position it had during the campaign period for last month’s tripartite elections when the issue on homosexuality was at the centre of political debate.
Father Samasumo, however, said in an interview that it is not right to discriminate against people practising homosexuality. “It is clear that we made comments during the campaign period on homosexuality because the Catholic Church regards all homosexual acts as wrong,” he said.
Fr Samasumo said homosexuals need help from the Christian community. He, however, said it is not good for Christians to prejudice people who they think are doing wrong.
ON Wednesday, Chief government spokesperson Given Lubinda said that Zambia will not enact pro-homosexuality laws in a bid to get British aid. Mr. Lubinda said the country would only enact laws supported by its citizens and in line with the Zambian culture.
“David Cameron must be reminded of what we agreed when we met in Paris for the Paris Declaration. Cameron was there, I was there,” said Mr Lubinda, an opposition parliamentarian at the time the Paris Declaration was penned.
He added: “When we met in Ghana, we came up with the Accra Agenda for Action and both those declarations are that no country will use its aid to influence the policies of an aid receiving country.”
He said Zambia was a sovereign state and would make independent decisions on which laws to enact.
“It is wrong for Mr Cameron to try and use aid as a way of influencing policies and laws of Zambia or any other country for that matter,” said Mr Lubinda.
“Zambia will not be pressured to formulate laws or policies by any foreign government,” Mr Lubinda told Lusaka-based Hot FM Radio
The Foundation for Democratic Process has demanded for a clear roadmap from government on the new constitution.
FODEP Executive Director, Mcdonald Chipenzi says it is not enough for government to just promise to deliver a new constitution without a roadmap.
He has told Muvi TV news that Zambians are anxious to know when a committee of experts tasked with delivering the constitution will be constituted.
Justice Minister, Sebastian Zulu recently stated that the constitution making process is not about the document but its quality.
President Michael Sata promised to enact a new constitution for the s country within three months. In his inaugural address to Parliament , President Sata said that he would constitute a committee of experts to analyse the recommendations of all previous constitutional review commissions and come up with an inclusive draft law.
“We are committed to delivering a new people-driven constitution within 90 days,” said Mr Sata who campaigned on a populist platform and was looking to capitalise on MMD’s failure to enact a new constitution after a lengthy process that gobbled billions of Kwacha in allowances to the NCC delegates.
The Movement for Multiparty Democracy(MMD) has condemned the move by the ruling Patriotic Front(PF) to petition over 50 seats in the just ended parliamentary elections. MMD Spokesperson, Dora Siliya has accused the Patriotic Front of attempting to weaken the opposition by opting to petition results of 50 parliamentary seats. She has further stated that the MMD will reject maneuvers to take the country back to one part state.
Yesterday, 51 Patriotic Front (PF) losing Parliamentary candidates in the September 20, 2011 general elections petitioned the election results in their respective areas.
The losing candidates have asked the court to nullify the election of the incumbent members of Parliament (MPs), saying their election to Parliament was null and void.
They also want the High Court to order for fresh elections, alleging that elections were marred with corrupt practices, intimidation, vote buying, and bribery.
And the MMD denied assertions of a power vacuum or struggle in its ranks and it has further formally announced the party presidency vacancy. Ms Dora Siliya has also announced that aspirants have up to this month-end to apply. Ms Siliya has further stated that the decision also goes for the vacant National Executive Committee positions.
Ms Siliya has attributed the MMD’s loss in the 20th September general elections to its failure to relate with the needs of urban areas. Ms Siliya has outlined water supply, improved sanitation and unemployment as among the needs the MMD did not meet.
Mufulira Wanderers dreams of promotion are looking bleak after second placed Indeni edged closer to taking up the second promotion slot from Division 1 North.
Indeni on Wednesday beat third placed Prison Leopards 2-0 home win in Ndola in a rescheduled week 31 game.
The Ndola side who have not been in the Super Division since 2001 need just a draw in their final scheduled league game this weekend to secure promotion and join Konkola Mine Police from Division 1 North in the top-flight next season.
Mine Police secured their promotional debut with two games to spare during the Independence Day holiday weekend.
Indeni have 62 points from 33 games while Prisons are a distant third on 53 while Wanderers 4th on 51 points.
Wednesdays Rescheduled Division 1 Results
North
Indeni 2- Prisons 0
Mufulira Wanderers-Bresmer United*
*Bresmer failed to travel
South
Lusaka City Council 1- Lusaka Tigers 2
National Assembly 0- Freedom Rangers 0
Luena Buffaloes-Senanga Leopards*
Senanga failed to travel
Defence minister Geoffrey Mwamba (in white) is helped to disembark an army gaun carrier after practicing how to shoot during the sound of war officer cadets battle demonstration in Ndola
DEFENCE Minister Geoffrey Mwamba has said Zambia has a capable army with the ability to defend the country.
Speaking after he witnessed the ‘sound of war’ officer cadets’ battle demonstration yesterday at Tug Argan Barracks in Ndola, the minister said he was happy to see that the country had a well equipped army. “From what I have seen, you’re a capable army. We are able to defend ourselves,” he said.
He encouraged the army to continue with its intensive training, saying the Government was also committed to addressing the army’s plight in various units. Mr Mwamba said the officers should remain disciplined in the execution of their duties.
“We know your challenges, and we are going to address them. I have been briefed by the army commander about some of your challenges,” he said. He said the Patriotic Front (PF) Government was committed to making sure that every Zambian had a share in the national cake.
And Zambia army Commander Paul Mihova thanked the minister for witnessing and participating in the Sounds of War demonstration. Lieutenant General Mihova said the Zambia Army was next year going to conduct a much bigger war demonstration in Lukanga where the Commander-in-Chief President Michael Sata would be invited.
And the Army Commander thanked government for its commitment to addressing the plight of the army. “The officer cadets are passing out next month. We are happy that you came to see what we do in the barracks,” he said.
And Brigade Commander Milton Njolomba said some of the officers would be involved in planning and execution of war which is why it was important to initiate them to the sound of war. “It’s important to understand the weapons you are using so that you may use them correctly,” he said.
During the sound of war exercise, eight bombs were dropped by Zambia Air Force fighter jets. Each of the bombs cost K10 million. Other weapons were used to fire at target areas in the training area.
[Times of Zambia]
Patrotic Front cadres on a motor vehicle roof top of when they escorted Sylvia Masebo to file in her nominations in Chongwe
More than 50 Patriotic Front (PF) losing Parliamentary candidates in the September 20, 2011 general elections have petitioned the election results in their respective areas.
Out of 68 losing candidates who have questioned the results, the PF has petitioned 51 while the opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) has petitioned 11, with MMD querying five and a losing independent candidate petitioning one.
The losing candidates have asked the court to nullify the election of the incumbent members of Parliament (MPs), saying their election to Parliament was null and void.
They also want the High Court to order for fresh elections, alleging that elections were marred with corrupt practices, intimidation, vote buying, and bribery.
In some cases, the losing candidates have also joined the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), saying the electoral body neglected its statutory duty of protecting them while in other cases, two losing candidates from different political parties have petitioned the winning candidates.
Those that have petitioned the results are losing PF Nyimba candidate Augustine Mwanza, who has asked the Chipata High Court to nullify the election of MMD’s Forrie Tembo while Ikelenge PF losing candidate Victor Kayekesi has petitioned the election of Elijah Muchima (MMD).
Losing MMD candidate for Kaoma Central Austin Liato and PF’s Enock Kaleka have petitioned the election of Antonio Carlos (UPND) while PF candidate Lameck Mangani (Chipata Central) has petitioned the election of Reuben Phiri, who won under the MMD ticket.
Losing candidate for PF in Lukulu West Eileen Imbwae has asked the court to nullify the election of MMD’s Misheck Mutale, while Emmanuel Chilubanama (PF), who was the losing candidate for Lunte has petitioned the election of MMD’s Felix Mutati.
UPND losing candidate for Solwezi Central Watson Lumba has asked the court to nullify the election of MMD’s MP, Lucky Mulusa.
Losing UPND candidate in Livingstone Frederick Chuunga and Josephs Akafumba of PF have both petitioned the election of MMD’s Lukulo Katombola, while PF losing candidate for Chitambo, Chanda Mutale has petitioned the election of MMD’s Mushili Malama.
Others that have petitioned the elections are UPND losing candidate for Petauke Central Cuthbert Phiri, who is petitioning former MMD spokesperson Dora Siliya, while PF’s Patrick Mwanawasa has petitioned the election of Evans Chishiba (MMD) for the Kafulafuta seat.
UPND losing candidate for Mufumbwe Elliot Kamondo has asked the court to nullify the election of Steven Masumba (UPND), PF’s Christabel Ngimbu has petitioned UPND’s Kakoma Wahuma in the Zambezi West seat.
Losing Chisamba PF candidate Oswald Chulu has petitioned the election of Moses Muteteka (MMD), while PF losing candidate for Feira James Pastor has asked the court to declare the election of MMD’s Levy Ngoma as null and void.
In Kapoche, PF losing candidate Paradious Sakala has petitioned the election of MMD’s Nicholas Banda, while Godfrey Banda (PF) has petitioned the election of independent Joseph Lungu in Msanzala Constituency in Eastern Province.
In Northern Province, Giles Yambayamba, the PF losing candidate for Senga Hill wants the court to cancel the election of MMD’s Kapembwa Simbao, while PF’s losing candidate for Mbala, Evaristo Simfukwe has petitioned the election of Mwalimu Simfukwe of MMD.
The PF losing candidate for Chilanga Geoffrey Chumbwe has asked the court to nullify the election of MMD’s Keith Mukata, while Kaweche Kaunda of the PF who lost the Malambo seat has questioned the election of MMD’s Maxwell Mwale.
PF’s Ingrid Mpande has petitioned MMD MP for Mkushi, Mutale Musonda and ECZ as first and second defendants, respectively.
Maina Wamunyima (PF), the losing candidate for Senanga Central has asked the court to nullify the election of Likando Mufalali (UNIP), Mutomena Mubiana (PF) is petitioning the election of MMD’s Poniso Njeulu (UPND) in Sinjemela Constituency while MMD’s Richard Simbula has petitioned the election of UPND winning candidate for Mangango, Robert Chiseke.
Others are MMD’s Maurice Munembo (Nalikwanda), who has petitioned MMD’s winning candidate Geoffrey Lungwangwa, Truman Simuyuwa (PF), who lost the Liuwa seat and has petitioned the election of MMD’s Situmeko Musokotwane while in Sikongo, losing PF candidate Kufuka Kufuka has questioned the victory of MMD’s Ndalamei Mundia.
The PF petitioners are represented by KBF and Partners, MNB, Dumisani Tembo and Company, Messrs Andrea Masiye and Company, Messrs Ellis and Co, Chola Chama Legal Practitioners, Messrs Fred Jere and Company, and AD Mwansa Mumba and Company, among others.
The UPND petitioners are being represented by Messrs Mwiimbu and Company, while the MMD is represented by George Kunda and Company, among others.
James Banda yesterday pleaded not guilty to a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
The son of former President Rupiah Banda is accused of assaulting banker Noel Nkoma.
Banda told the magistrates court he never assaulted former Finance Bank Zambia Limited director, Mr. Nkoma.
Appearing before chief resident magistrate Joshua Banda, a stone-faced and calm looking Banda denied having assaulted Mr. Nkoma, bringing to an end speculation that the complainant had withdrawn the case after an ‘unspecified’ out of court settlement.
When magistrate Banda read the charge to Banda also known as ‘Jimbo’ by colleagues, the former President’s son said, “I do understand the charge and I deny it”.
Banda, 51, a businessman, of house number 34, Mutende Road, Woodlands in Lusaka is alleged to have assaulted Mr. Nkoma on October 12.
He stands charged with assault ‘occasioning actual bodily harm’ contrary to section 248 of the Penal Code chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.
Banda is represented by Lusaka lawyer Lubinda Linyama.
Clad in a navy blue smart suit with elegant marching shoes, Jimbo was seen off and on with friends such as Mr. Edward Mumbi, an MMD cadre and Mr. Gregory Chifire a supporter of the MMD who runs a civil society group in Lusaka.
Magistrate Banda said after James took plea that trial dates have been mutually agreed by both parties and the accused will appear in court on November 28 for mention.
He extended James’ police bond to November 28 saying trial will commence on December 13.
And the prosecution said they will call five witnesses in the matter.
James is accused of having assaulted Mr. Nkoma on October 12 after a spat at the up-market five star Taj Pamodzi hotel in Lusaka. The court room was packed.
President Sata and government officials pose for a photograph with Chinese diplomats and investors
2.
President Sata with Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Zhou Yuxiao outside State House
3.
President Sata with Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Zhou Yuxiao during the luncheon he held for Chinese investors
4.
President Sata receives gifts from the Chinese
5.
President Sata makes a toast
6.
President Sata about to sample some Chinese dishes
7.
President Sata talks to Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Zhou Yuxiao
8.
Russian Ambassador to Zambia Boris Malakhov talks to Chief Justice Ernest Sakala and his wife
9.
Information, Broadcasting and Tourism minister Given Lubinda interacts with Chinese investors
10.
A policeman tries to recue equipment from the ZANAMA offices at Chisokone market in Kitwee
11.
President Sata when he signed the book of condolences in at the Saudi Arabian Embassy in Lusaka . On the right is Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Zambia Hassan Atta
12.
Finance Bank chairman Rajan Mathani and lawyer John Sangwa making submissions during the sitting of the tribunal on the sale of Zamtel and Finance Bank
13.
Chairman for the committee on the sale Zamtel Sebastian Zulu and Ministry of Justice permanent secretary Mbololwa Muyaba at the sitting in Lusaka
14.
President Sata arrives for the Thanks giving mass at St Ignatius
15.
President Sata with Lameck Mangani and Defence minister Geoffrey Mwamba
16.
The mass procession enters the church before the start of the Thanks giving mass at Saint Ignatius
17.
President Sata with Lameck Mangani and defence minister Geoffrey Mwamba.
18.
Community development deputy minister Jean Kapata greets President Sata ,Lameck Mangani and defence minister Geoffrey Mwamba
19.
President Sata talks to catholic priests Fr Joe Kearney and Charles Chilinda
20.
President Sata kneels in prayer at Saint Ignatius catholic church
21.
President Sata addressing congregants at Saint Ignatius catholic priest
One of the most well known boxers today is Manny Pacquiao . Even if you dont follow boxing ,you will have still heard about him. He is arguably the best pound for pound boxer in the world , Zambia’s very own Hasting Bwalya can attest to that , after being in the ring with him.
Pacquiao’s small stature shows you that true knockout power is not about how big you are. It’s about being fast with your hands, strong through your body and sharp with your feet. Endurance is very important.
THE WORKOUT
For core strength do the following;
Rocking crounches
Do 30 reps
How its done;
Lie down on the floor or a mat
tuck your knees in so that they touch your elbows.
Rock forwards so your shoulders come away from the floor, then rock backwards.
Use your core to control the motion for punch-stopping abs.
One legged gym ball press up
do 3 sets of 10reps.
How its done;
Do a press up with one leg on a gym ball.(you can use a chair if you don’t have a gym ball)
the other in the air and use your core control to stop the ball from rolling.
It improves upper body strength, balance and power.
Swiss ball roll
do 3 sets of 8reps
How its done;
Place both feet on top of a large gym ball.
using your abs to control the motion, breathe in and roll the ball towards your torso with your legs.
Exhale and roll the ball back to the starting position.
For punching power do the following;
Bar-press
Do 3 sets .
Holding an unweighted barbell with shoulder width overhand grip.
Raise it to shoulder level, and bring it to your chest.
Explode the bar away and back to your chest 20 times, ensuring your arms don’t lock out, but extend fully.
Sandbag carry
Do 2 sets
How its done;
Carry a 40kg bag of sand or meali meal or what you can find.
Cradle the bag like it is a big baby and keep your back straight.
Power walk from one end of the room to the other. Do it for 30 seconds (1 minute as your fitness increases)
For footwork do the following;
Skipping
How its done;
First warm up and get used to the movements with out a rope quickly bouncing from one foot to the other.
As you improve, add the rope and keep to the time, getting faster as your technique increases. Skip for three minutes in total.
Quick step
How its done;
Standing on one leg , kick the other leg back , forward then across your leg.
Then quickly switch legs and do the same on the alternate
. Skip for 3 minutes. Rest for 4 minutes, then repeat the whole circuit. Aim for 3 circuits in total.
just because you train like him doesn’t mean you should fight like him .
THE Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) says forcing subscribers to use credit for internet bundles within a given timeframe by mobile service providers is illegal and service providers risk being prosecuted.
CCPC consumer and public relations director Brian Lingela said the practice is likely to violate section 53(1) of the Act which provides that in a contract between an enterprise and a consumer, the contract or a term of the contract shall be regarded as unfair if it causes a significant imbalance in the parties’ rights and obligations arising under the contract, to the detriment of the consumer.
Mr Lingela said the Act further states that an unfair contract or an unfair term of a contract between a consumer and an enterprise shall not be binding. “Ordinarily, the commission would have to investigate this and assess whether the Act has been violated and if the assessment tests are positive, then parties would have to answer,” he said.
He said this in response to a press query in Lusaka yesterday.
Airtel and MTN have been selling internet bundles and are telling clients to use the bundles within one month failure to which they lose out on the balances a situation which has riled some customers.
Zambia Consumer Association (ZACA) has also bemoaned the high cost of INTERNET bundles charged with unfair conditions attached to internet services by mobile service providers.
Airtel regulatory manager Jerome Kawesha said a comprehensive statement will be issued on the matter by afternoon yesterday. The association has since challenged Zambia Information and Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA) to discharge its mandate and protect consumers.
ZACA executive secretary Muyunda Ililonga agreed with complaints from subscribers and expressed disappointment with telecommunication service providers who have taken advantage of exploiting consumers regarding the INTERNET bundles.
Mr Ililonga is of the view that competition in the telecommunication industry should have order and quality customer care to benefit consumers. He said the association has observed that despite the competition in the sector, telecommunication firms are charging exorbitant high INTERNET charges and are subjecting consumers to unfair conditions.
Efforts to get a comment from ZICTA failed as the international relations manager could not answer her mobile phone since Tuesday.
MINISTER of Mines and Natural Resources, Wylbur Simuusa, has blamed MMD for the industrial unrest across the country, especially in mining firms, saying the now opposition party did not have the interest of workers’ rights when it was in Government.
Mr Simuusa said this in Parliament yesterday when he presented a ministerial statement on the industrial unrest and termination of employment for workers at the Chinese-owned Chambishi Copper (NFCA) mines on the Copperbelt.
“The work stoppages that we are experiencing in the country are an indication that conditions of service for workers in the previous government were not adequately addressed,” he said.
And Mr Simuusa said the PF government has not compelled any company to hike salaries for employees or improve conditions of service for workers.
He was responding to Kasempa member of Parliament Kabinga Pande (MMD), who wanted to know whether an agreement was reached between management and union to award employees K2 million across the board after being pressured to do so by Government.
“It is the duty of my government to ensure that workers’ rights and interests are upheld, and ensure that any negotiation held between the two parties are conducted in a peaceful environment,” he said.
Mr Simuusa said the K2 million salary hike was agreed upon between management and employees after it was established that there was a discrepancy of the same amount in the manner other mines were paying their employees.
“This agreement was reached after taking into account existing salary disparities of about K2 million between the Konkola Copper Mines and NFCA employees.
“The role of government in the negotiations was merely to ensure that the workers’ complaints were addressed in a peaceful manner and avoid work stoppages as they lead to loss of income,” he said.
Mr Simuusa said government would work with investors as partners in development as long as they abide by the law and contribute to the development.
About 2000 workers at Chambishi mine, owned by the NFC mining, went on strike on October 4, 2011 to press for higher wages. Management dismissed them but later reinstated everyone on October 22, 2011 after resolving the differences with government.
Mr Simuusa assured the house that salary negotiations between the two parties will soon resume and will be conducted in a conducive environment.
Minister of Information, Broadcasting and Tourism Given Lubinda
Zambezi Airline has been grounded because it flagrantly ‘flouted numerous’ international and local aviation regulations. This was according to Mr. Given Lubinda, the Minister of Information and Tourism in a Parliamentary address yesterday.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Transport, Works and supply, Yamfwa Mukanga, Mr Lubinda said the airline posed a ‘risk’ to passengers as it operated outside Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) guidelines.
The airline according to Mr Lubinda employed air crew staff that had not been “cleared” by the DCA, failed or withheld without explanation, to report an air plane ‘fault’ on a local route and allowed pilots to work ‘beyond the stipulated work timetable’. They worked overtime.
Mr. Lubinda in addition said the airline that operated local and international routes flew with ‘faulty oxygen masks’, passengers are supposed to rely on in case of an emergency all against local and international aviation laws. It had to be grounded he stated.
The chief government spokesman, however said, in ‘six to eight weeks’ if the airline rectified all the ‘violations’ he cited, their suspension would be lifted and they could fly once again.
Chibombo law maker Mr Ronnie Shikapwasha, a retired general attempted to place Mr. Lubinda in a ‘tight position’ when he asked him to state for the record when a probe team was instituted to investigate the airline’s air worthiness and demanded a full report as an aviation expert with 30 years’ experience.
In response, Mr Lubinda said that he was not under obligation to present a report regarding the airline. Mr Lubinda candidly reminded General Shikapwasha that he too had not submitted a report (s) regarding an air plane Mr. Lubinda did not mention.
Mr Lubinda also dismissed opposition reports that the grounding of Zambezi Airlines was ‘political’ challenging those making the allegations to substantiate the claim.
Zambezi Airlines, which owes local and international firms more than US$20million, was grounded over the weekend. It became the second local carrier to nose dive in less than five years.
FORMER Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services Ronnie Shikapwasha has apologised to President Sata for the harm he caused him when he was in charge of the ministry and during the September 20 tripartite election campaigns.
Gen Shikapwasha told Parliament on Tuesday politicians called each other names and spoke many injurious words against each other before and during the campaigns. “At this point I want to render unreserved apology to his Excellency Michael Chilufya Sata for the injurious words that I spoke against him. I apologise wholeheartedly,” he said.
Gen Shikapwasha said it is important to respect authority because leadership comes from God. He said God has given President Sata to Zambians and he should be respected.
Gen Shikapwasha also apologised to United Party for National Development (UPND) Hakainde Hichilema for many injurious words he spoke against him.
“I apologise to you, Mr Hichilema, for the many injurious words I spoke to you, some of them parroted,” he said. Gen Shikapwasha, who is also Kembe member of Parliament (MMD), said prayers must continue in Zambia so that there is no witch-hunting to ensure that reconciliation is promoted.
He thanked Merdado Cardinal Mazombwe for his reconciliatory remarks at Saint Ignatius Catholic church last Sunday. Gen Shikapwasha said it is important that the nation reconciles and starts on a new chapter.
And contributing to the President’s speech, Gen Shikapwasha said the speech left out important issues such as the mine taxes, national security and Zambia’s Christian nation status.
And Lieutenant General Shikapwasha has said government did not follow the right procedure when appointing the director general of the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC).
He said the ZNBC Act demands that the position of the national broadcaster’s director general should be advertised, which Government failed to do. “The appointment for ZNBC’s DG was single-sourced and did not give many Zambians an opportunity to compete,” Gen Shikapwasha said.
Bangweulu MP Chifita Matafwali (PF) said it is gratifying to note that President Sata has recognised the need to undertake a review of the Farmer Input Support Programme with a view to establishing whether it is achieving its intended purpose.
Lukulu East MP Christopher Kalila (MMD) said the inclusion of the mother and child health to the Ministry of Community Development will have a negative effect in achieving the Millennium Development Goals on health.
“It is just the same as creating another Ministry of Health because it will lead to the duplication of what the Ministry of Health has been doing regarding mother and child health, which will have a negative impact in attaining the goals on health,” Dr Kalila said.
President Michael Sata talks to First Republican President Kenneth Kaunda
By Henry Kyambalesa
We should be proud that at 47 years of age, our beloved country has continued to be a land of lasting peace and stability. We should, therefore, make an earnest effort to build on Dr. Kenneth D. Kaunda’s concept of “One Zambia, One Nation” in order to create a society in which political, ethnic, cultural, racial, and religious diversity is genuinely appreciated, tolerated and celebrated.
In this Press Release, I wish to share my views concerning the role of government in independent Zambia. In this endeavor, let us first briefly examine a point of view advocated by the founders of the free enterprise ideology, that a government should have very limited functions.
In their view, “That government is best which governs least.” Essentially, they advocated for a government whose functions are limited to the following: protecting private property, providing for public safety and security, enforcing business and other forms of contracts among individuals and/or institutions, inducing (rather than performing) commercial and industrial activities, and, among other things, facilitating the provision of quality education and health care.
There are, however, many factors which may lead to an increase in the functions of a country’s national government, such as the following: increases in the country’s population, an unprecedented number of demands by various interest groups for government involvement in addressing their needs, and, among other things, problems brought about by a multitude of human-induced and natural calamities.
There is no doubt that these and other factors can put pressure on a government to expand existing public services and facilities and/or to introduce new ones. Franklin D. Roosevelt, United States president between 1933 and 1945, must have had these and/or other similar kinds of factors in mind when he said: “As new conditions and problems arise beyond the power of men and women to meet as individuals, it becomes the duty of … government[s] … to find new remedies with which to meet them.”
Nevertheless, the proper governmental role in a free-market economy, as Michael E. Porter once advised in an article entitled “The Competitive Advantage of Nations,” which appeared in the Harvard Business Review of March-April 1990, should be that of serving as “a catalyst and challenger … to encourage—or even push—companies to raise their aspirations and move to higher levels of competitive performance.”
42nd President of the United States of America, Mr. William J. Clinton, espoused this point of view in general terms when he stipulated his Administration’s desire in the State of the Union Address of January 27, 1998 thus: “[We need to] build a government that [functions as] … a catalyst for new ideas, and, most of all, a government that gives … people the tools they need to make the most of their own lives.”
In serving the business community and other segments of society as a “catalyst and challenger,” a government needs to provide adequately for various kinds of guarantees, inducements and essential services and facilities, such as the following:
1) A well?developed transportation infrastructure and adequate transportation services to industrial, commercial, and residential areas to ease or facilitate the distribution of production inputs and finished products;
2) Adequate public services (including police protection, fire protection, public utilities, and decent housing), as well as telecommunications, educational, vocational, health, and recreational facilities;
3) Equitable sales, corporate, and other taxes, as well as tax concessions and inducements that are more attractive than those in alternative countries or regions which investors are likely to consider for investment;
4) Political and civic leaders who are fair and honest in their dealings with private business institutions, and stable economic policies (including a formal assurance against nationalisation and/or expropriation of privately owned business undertakings by the national government);
5) Political and civic leaders who are genuine and resolute in their fight against the scourge of corruption in governmental and non-governmental settings;
6) Less bureaucratic licensing, import, export, and other procedures, and adequate information about investment and marketing problems and opportunities in the various sectors of a country’s economy and in cross-border markets;
7) A system of justice that is fair, impartial and independent in both word and deed; and
8) A social safety net designed to adequately cater to the needs of economically disadvantaged members of society that is not subject to political meddling or manipulation.
These inducements, services, facilities, and guarantees, among a host of other things, can enable economic units, for example, to operate more efficiently and eventually deliver economic and social outputs to society at reasonable costs and prices.
As Alassane Ouattara (current president of Ivory Coast) once advised in an article entitled “Africa: An Agenda for the 21st Century,” which appeared in Volume 36/Number 1 of Finance and Development of March 1999, therefore, there is an urgent need for national leaders to re-define the roles of their governments away from direct involvement in commercial and industrial activities toward the provision of inducements, guarantees and essential public services and facilities to their primary stakeholders.
Given the many positive changes currently being introduced by the Patriotic Front administration, our beloved country seems to be destined for a brighter future. Together, we can realize the benefits of independence, democracy and economic liberalization, and we can succeed in our quest to create a more democratic, more peaceful, more prosperous, more egalitarian, and more environmentally sustainable society.
