By Chanda Mapoma
In my eyes
The continent of Africa is heart-shaped
And it’s history, a love letter to it’s promise
I definitely
See peace in the jigsaw pieces of our destiny
Child
Hang on to the wings of your die hard dreams
Why not fly?
I see inside of you the burning hope that their spit couldn’t douse
Let loose your braids and free your mind
Smile
If for no other reason then because your past has passed
I see a pyramid on your grave
It would be a shame if you lay in it
With your mind still enslaved
Princess
Rest assured that the beat in your chest
Is what keeps the world dancing

I see your strength in generations
First class girl from a third world nation

Bare your chest and let your heart song sing
The spirit yearns (only)
The simple things

They say the eyes are a window to the soul
So
I’m going to kneel by the banks of the Nile
And stare, wide eyed at my reflection
Don’t disturb me until I glimpse my purpose
Until we see that we are the brain drain if we came
For greener grass
But alas
Who do you expect to irrigate your motherland?

I see independence actually meaning something
The ‘dependence’ we are in ‘in’
Is in many ways worse
Than the curse
Of colonialism

I see young Africans who put their God before their flag, and their flag before themselves.
I shield my eyes from the sun
Set at an angle unique to home
‘till I realize that’s only the light
from the future we must own.

Seven Patriotic Front Lusaka Constituencies are demanding the resignation of Kabwata Member of Parliament who is also Foreign Affairs minister Given Lubinda.

Speaking at a press briefing on Friday morning, Matero constituency chairman Morgan Ng’ona flanked by Mandevu, Munali and Chawama constituency chairmen, said the party is disappointed with Mr Lubinda’s conduct.

Mr Ng’ona has accused Mr Lubinda of betrayal and treachery.

He says the party will recall any member of parliament that is not observing party rules.

The PF constituency chairmen have threatened to force MR. lubinda out of office he reports for work on Monday.

But when contacted for a reaction, Mr. Lubinda says he had no comment.

Patriotic Front Secretary Wynter Kabimba recently gave a seven day ultimatum to Mr. Lubinda within which to exculpate himself on allegations of disloyalty to the party.

BUT Mr. Lubinda says he has exculpated himself over his alleged collaborating with opposition UPND and MMD Members of Parliament to discredit some of PF’s decisions and policies.

Central Province Permanent Secretary, Anne Sinyangwe, has warned local authorities against using the Presidential directive on street vending as an excuse for the influx of street vending in the province.

Mrs Sinyangwe said when President Michael Sata allowed street vendors to continue trading in the streets until alternative areas are found for them he did not mean that the traders, who already have trading spaces in the markets, should leave the markets to trade outside.

The Permanent Secretary said what the head of state meant was that people who wanted to trade but had no places to display their merchandize should temporarily be allowed to trade on the streets until an alternative place is found.

She said this does not mean that even districts with fewer traders and available markets, like Itezhi-tezhi, should trade on the streets.

Mrs Sinyangwe said there is no need for marketeers in Itezhi-tezhi to move to the streets because the district already has two spacious markets that can accommodate a lot of traders.

She said she is aware that the council recently constructed the New Masemu Market to allow more people with business prospects to trade in.

The Permanent Secretary, therefore, directed the council to ensure that street vendors in the district relocate to the markets to ensure cleanliness in the area.

[pullquote]The Permanent Secretary said what the head of state meant was that people who wanted to trade but had no places to display their merchandize should temporarily be allowed to trade on the streets until an alternative place is found.[/pullquote]

Mrs Sinyangwe said the council should not use President Sata’s directive as an excuse for the many misdeeds happening on the streets because the President’s statement was directed to a few people in places where all the markets were fully occupied.

She said it is understandable for big cities like Lusaka and Kitwe to record high levels of street vending because they have a considerable population and most of the markets are filled unlike in smaller districts.

She further directed the council to apply the guidelines in the Local Authority Act and ensure that high levels of hygiene are maintained to avoid diarrhoeal diseases, especially now that it is rainy season.

Mrs Sinyangwe also directed the council to improve sanitation at the markets, install street lights and use the Keep Zambia Clean and Healthy campaign vehicle for the intended purpose.

And the Permanent Secretary has appealed to the women marketeers at the New Masemu Market to form women’s clubs and apply for loans in order for them to boost their business.

She said the women should seize the opportunity as it is the only way through which government can empower them with more money in their pockets.

Mrs Sinyangwe also urged youths to equally come up with their clubs and engage in economically viable activities so as to attract government intervention.

She said it is time the women and youths of Itezhi-tezhi rose to the occasion and applied for funds through the Office of the District Commissioner rather than sit and complain that the government has neglected them.

Earlier, New Masemu Market Committee Chairperson, Peter Ng’andwe, complained that despite the adequate space in the markets, street vending was growing at a fast rate in the district.

Mr Ng’andwe said as a result, there was too much litter in the streets which, if not controlled, will have a great effect on people’s health in as far as contracting contagious diseases like cholera, dysentery and typhoid is concerned.

He also complained against the poor sanitation, lack of running water and security lights at the market.

Mr Ng’andwe also wondered why, despite the availability of the Keep Zambia Clean and Health Campaign vehicle, the marketeers were forced to ferry the garbage at the market using their own means.

He complained that the vehicle was being abused by the local authority as it was being used to ferry beer to the Council Motel and for other purposes than sanitation activities.

ZANIS

Chief Government Spokesman Kennedy Sakeni says it is a pity that the five opposition parties, led by the MMD have continued congregating at meaningless press conferences for the sole purpose of whimpering about non-controversial issues.

Mr. Sakeni , who is also Information and Broadcasting minister, said in a statement today that, it is becoming clear that the MMD and their miniature partners, namely the UPND, ULP, ADD and ZDDM are a lost cause, that are grappling for some relevance in the country’s political landscape.

The MMD finds itself led by a leader whose legitimacy as head of the party has come under severe test and whose credentials are extremely questionable, given his turncoat history and career.

The UPND and its leadership does not command sufficient respect from the Zambians and lack the necessary credibility to judge the PF government.

[pullquote]It is becoming clear that the MMD and their miniature partners, namely the UPND, ULP, ADD and ZDDM are a lost cause, that are grappling for some relevance in the country’s political landscape.[/pullquote]

It is laughable that ADD, ULP and ZDDM should even merit a platform to talk on serious national issues. The question Zambians may need to ask themselves is whether these three non-entities represent anybody’s interests.

“ These three parties are personal corners of their leaders without any following whatsoever, ‘ he said.

He said the government wishes to assure Zambians that progress is being made in terms of governance and development.

The political atmosphere has improved tremendously from the time PF took over and the economy has continued to grow. Therefore time for politicking is well behind us.

ZANIS