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Tuesday, September 16, 2025
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MOVIE REVIEW: PUSS IN BOOTS

Long before he even met Shrek, the notorious fighter, lover and outlaw Puss in Boots becomes a hero when he sets off on an adventure with the tough and street smart Kitty Softpaws and the mastermind Humpty Dumpty to save his town. This is the true story of The Cat, The Myth, The Legend.

PRO’S

  • Great animation ,Dreamworks studio at its best.
  • Antonio Banderas was perfect as the voice of Puss in Boots.
  • Lots of funny moments for the kids to enjoy.

CON’S

  • There was an unnecessarily long “dance off”  scene that really added nothing to the plot.
  • The story was too predictable

FAVORITE QUOTE

Puss in Boots: Fear me if you dare!

  1. Humpy Dumpty: You got any idea what they do to eggs in prison? I’ll tell you this. It ain’t over easy.
  2. Ohhh Cat: OOOOHHH!
  1. Jill: Is it true a cat always land on its feet?
  2. Puss in Boots: No! That is just a rumor spread by dogs!

CONCLUSION

If you are a fan of the Shrek movies you will enjoy this one. I would have preferred  the spin-off to be about Donkey , but i guess Puss in Boots has a more interesting back story .

It had some silly humor but thats what you expect from a kids movie. Its a nice family movie for the holiday season.

RATING

3 out of 5

 

 

BY KAPA187

Suspend presidential polls, VJ tells MMD

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File:Vernon Mwaanga with Rupiah Banda during the campaign

VETERAN politician and former parliamentary chief whip, Vernon Mwaanga, has asked the MMD national executive committee (NEC) to immediately rescind its decision to elect the acting president and leave such mandate to the national convention.

Mr Mwaanga gave his advice in a letter to MMD national secretary, Richard Kachingwe. Mr Mwaanga also said that recent revelations of financial scams have dented the image of the former ruling party and that individuals from the previous Government should be made to account for their actions inthe management of public resources.

The MMD, last month, invited applications from members wishing to contest the party presidency following the decision by former president, Rupiah Banda, to step down.

According to the letter dated November 29, 2011, Mr Mwaanga said it was clear from the tone of the members that the party could only elect a credible and confident president through the national convention or a mini-convention.

According to sources from the MMD secretariat, the party has so far received applications from former Finance and National Planning minister, Situmbeko Musokotwane, former Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister, Felix Mutati; MMD national youth chairman, Moses Muteteka and Zambia’s former high commissioner to Canada, Nevers Mumba.

Former Foreign Affairs Minister, Kabinga Pande has in the past also been mentioned as a possible candidate.

Mr Mwaanga said the MMD should inspire confidence in its leader by using the national convention which mandated a president with powers and decisions to raise resources and consolidate its hold as it prepared for elections.

“It is important to be seen to be listening to our officials and members by not going ahead with the decision to elect an acting president and instead concentrate on organising funds for a convention or, better still a mini-convention sometime in 2012,” Mr Mwaanga said.

He said the MMD should, in the meantime, allow the national chairman to act as president while the deputy should assume the position of chairperson and other members could assume the resultant vacant positions.

Mr Mwaanga said because of insufficient funds, the MMD should allow members to elect a president at provincial and district levels while NEC members could vote in Lusaka and that the electoral commission could tally such results.

He said democracy in the former ruling party would not suffer through such a measure and also advised members to avoid blaming the NEC for the loss in the September Presidential and general election because it was only in power for three months before elections.

Mr Mwaanga said the previous NEC that served from 2005 to 2011 was in power for a longer period and witnessed the decline of the former ruling party until Mr Banda tried to revamp it.

PF parley victory good sign, Lubinda

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File:Patrotic Front cadres on a motor vehicle roof top of when they escorted Sylvia Masebo to file in her nominations in Chongwe

THE ruling Patriotic Front (PF) says the victory in the two Parliamentary by-elections held this week is a clear indication that the Zambian people have started appreciating the policies of the PF administration.

The PF has also challenged the MMD/UPND pact to explain how they won the Chongwe parliamentary seat in the September Presidential and General elections following the heavy defeat they suffered in Monday’s by-election.

Commenting on the PF’s victory in Chongwe and Nakonde, party chairperson for local government and housing, Given Lubinda, said the triumph was a testimony that Zambians appreciated policies of the new Government.

He said in an interview yesterday that the two Parliamentary seats previously held by the MMD party were easily scooped by the PF due to the confidence that the electorates had in President Michael Sata’s leadership.

The victory by the PF in the two by-elections brings the total number of elected members of Parliament to 62. The PF also has an additional eight nominated MPs.

Mr Lubinda, who is Information, Broadcasting and Tourism minister, said Chongwe and Nakonde residents wanted to benefit from various development policies the PF Government was implementing, hence they decided to elect PF MPs.

“As PF, the victory in these two constituencies which were held by MMD is a clear indication that the ruling party is now growing from strength to strength.

“This victory means PF is on the move and Zambians are appreciating policies that this new Government is putting in place, hence people in those constituencies, this time, around decided to vote for PF,” he said.

The Chongwe parliamentary seat was scooped by Sylvia Masebo while the Nakonde seat went to PF’s Abel Sichula.

The Magoye seat was scooped by the UPND candidate Oliver Mulomba.

Mr Lubinda said Zambians elected the PF Government because they knew President Sata was a capable leader to transform and uplift their livelihood after suffering for many years.

“Zambians are happy with the 2012 National Budget because it aims to put more money into their pockets. This is why they also decided to elect new PF MPs to take development to their areas,” he said.

And in a separate interview, PF national chairperson Inonge Wina said the MMD should learn a lesson that the use of underhand methods to win elections was bad for a democracy and should refrain from such actions.

[Times of Zambia]

Sanitation considered a waste of resources in Zambia?

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CLEAN TOILETS HEALTHY NATION

By Gerald Nkisu Katayi

A healthy nation can be identified by her clean toilets.
Reports indicate that 2.6 billion people worldwide are without access to adequate sanitation. According to the Zambian government’s 2000 census, just fewer than 15 percent of Zambia’s 1.8 million households had access to flush toilets or ventilated improved pit latrines.

The importance of clean and safe dispose of human waste in rural Zambia is received with mixed feelings. Discussing the matter is seen as taboo in many traditions. A lot of villages don’t have toilets; defecation in done in the bush. The “civilized villagers” build their toilets and showers a distance from their houses. It is very interesting to note that mostly, the latrines have a brick wall superstructure while the showers have straw walls which can be interpreted as privacy during defecating is much more important than privacy during showering.[pullquote]For the past 20 years the population of Lusaka has been growing, new buildings have been built but no public toilets[/pullquote]

It was reported in the recent past that some non governmental organization built latrines in rural Zambia, but the locals could not use them, instead they turned them into corn storage. As Zambians immigrate from the country side to the city they bring with them the same mentality-anti toilet!
In urban slums the same problem exists. In these unplanned housing most latrines are of poor standard. Sanitary facilities are deemed to be a waste of money by most landlords and the few that do serve the sprawling slums are simply holes overflowing with human waste and maggots. No flush, no porcelain seat to sit on, no toilet paper. No soap, no water; Just a hole.

Lusaka business district is no different. Apart from the toilets in market places the whole city has one public toilet, the one in Kantondo Street. The building housing the toilet is ancient; inside it is pathetic. Water from the old drums used for “flushing” is on the holed floor. Where does the money collected from the users go? The smell is unbearable; graffiti on the walls is done with human waste. One of the graffito by the urinary read “The future generation of this Nation depends on what you are holding in your hands right now.”

For the past 20 years the population of Lusaka has been growing, new buildings have been built but no public toilets. This leaves street vendors and visitors alike with nowhere else to go; most of them are forced to simply defecate in hall ways, others into a bag which gets thrown into the nearest gutter.
The question is what are the city fathers doing concerning this matter? What about the city planners, the mayor and the counselors? Are they of the same mind that toilets are not important?

What about these people with anti-social behavior who urinate, write on the wall with their excreta and defecating outside the toilet? It is completely unacceptable for anyone to act in this manner.
These criminals have no respect for others. They should be prosecuted and civic education given to the residents. The misuse of public toilets leaves patriotic Zambians with no pride in their city. Zambians are one of the best dressed people on planet, it is sad to see them humiliated by these ill informed criminals and self seeking civic leaders.

The mortality rate is very high in Lusaka because of poor sanitation. Cases of diarrhea and cholera are claiming lives every rainy season simply because toilets are not prioritized by those in leadership. Sanitation yields huge economic benefits due to increased productivity, savings on healthcare costs and prevents environmental pollution. If this country is going to be healthy it should start with clean and safe sanitation.

Kunda refuses to respond to questions , but submits statement to the Mongu Inquiry body

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Vice President George Kunda

The commission of inquiry into the Mongu riots of January 14, this year on Thursday morning took former vice president George Kunda to task over what role the former government played in the riots.

The commission wanted Mr. Kunda to explain why the former government allowed the police to use live ammunition.

However, Mr. Kunda opted to submit before the Roger Chongwe commission a statement he presented to parliament on February, 25 on the Mongu riots.

The former vice president then refused to respond to other questions referring to the statement he issued in parliament.

At some point tempers rose as Mr. Kunda accused some commissioners of having taken a position on the matter.

Former home affairs minister Mkondo Lungu says the action taken in Mongu which led to the shooting of two people and over one hundred arrested was taken as a result of the reports received from the security wings.

[ZNBC]

Sata gives Technical Committee freedom to decide whether Referendum will be necessary

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President Michael Sata

President Michael Sata says the Technical Committee tasked to draft the new Republican Constitution should determine whether the national referendum will be part of the road map.

Mr Sata says it will be up to the Committee of Experts to ascertain and recommend whether there will be contentious issues to be referred to the National referendum.

He was speaking when he swore in the Technical Committee Chaired by former Chief Justice Annel Silungwe at State House on Thursday.

President Sata says the experts should not be bothered by the referendum because its Not part of their terms of reference.

He also says the Technical Committee which officially begins its work on Thursday, will determine its own work time frame.

And speaking in an interview with ZNBC news soon after being sworn in, Technical Committee Chairman, Justice Annel Silungwe promised to deliver a people driven constitution.

Meanwhile President Sata has cautioned newly appointed deputy ministers to resist the temptation of abusing imprest allocated for official duty.

Mr Sata says Ministers should not draw and abuse imprest to acquire lavish things like talk time and suites at the expense of serving the people.

The President said this when he swore in Gender Deputy Minister Emerine Kabanshi and Mushinga Province Minister Malozo Sichone at State House in Lusaka on Thursday morning.

And Mr Sata has dismissed as baseless and unfounded UPND president Hakainde Hichilema’s allegations suggesting that the Head of State single sourced Apollo construction to rehabilitate State House.

Mr Sata says he has no details about the contract on the rehabilitation of State House and where the cement is being bought from.

Others, sworn in, were Deputy Special Assistant to the President for Press and Public Relations Amos Chanda, newly appointed Gender Permanent Secretary, Kashiba Mutale and Public Policy Analyst at Cabinet Officer Victor Peni.

Vice President Guy Scott, Defense Minister Geofrey Mwamba and Secretary to the Cabinet Joshua Kanganja witnessed the swearing ceremony.

[ZNBC]

China to help Zambia rehabilitate the Tazara line and link it to Angola

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China says it will help Zambia rehabilitate the Tanzania-Zambia Railway line and link it to Angola.

This will enable Zambia to have a direct passage from the Atlantic Ocean to the Indian Ocean.

Chinese Minister of Commerce Chen De Ming says this will be done because china considers Zambia a favorable investment destination and wants to contribute its development.

Mr. Ming says being a landlocked country, Zambia’s development is highly dependent on the development of its transport infrastructure and logistics.

He says once completed the project will link the Eastern and Western parts of the continent and help accelerate Zambia’s industrialization process.

The Chinese Minister noted that the port of Dar-es-Salaam will also need to be overhauled as there will be an increase in Cargo going to Zambia.

Mr. Ming says China has already done a feasibility study on the project, which is yet to be submitted to President Hu Jintao.

He said this on Wednesday when he called on Zambia’s First Republican President Kenneth Kaunda at Diaoyutai State Guest House in Beijing.

And Dr. Kaunda assured the Chinese government of a good working relationship with President Michael Sata describing him as an honest and truthful person.

Dr. Kaunda says President Sata is going to work with China just he himself did when he was President of Zambia.

[ZNBC]

Four Chinese denied bail

12

Four Chinese nationals arrested in Luanshya last week and charged with defiling Zambian girls, have been denied bail.

Magistrate Chitundu Kalungu says the accused are free to apply for bail at the High Court pending trial set on December 5.

A defence lawyer from Nkana Chambers applied for bail on behalf his clients submitted that the accused persons are of fixed abode and granting them bail will not in any way prejudice the prosecution.

The lawyer says in the bail application that his clients are willing to abide by all the conditions which the court has put in place.

Last week nine under-age girls alleged that they were sexually abused by the four Chinese in exchange for money.

The accused appeared in court on Monday this week, charged with defilement.

Copperbelt Deputy Police Commissioner Milner Muyambango says the number of girls who were allegedly defiled has reduced to seven from the initial nine.

Mr. Muyambango has explained that the police have no evidence that the other two girls were sexually abused.

[ZNBC]

Liato Sympathizers brutally descended on journalists

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Former Labour Minister Austin Liato

Sympathizers of former Labour Minister Austin Liato brutally descended on journalists at the Lusaka Magistrate Court on Thursday.

The assailants who were in the company of suspected MMD cadres led the onslaught on journalist after Mr Liato appeared for plea.

Meanwhile Mr. Liato has pleaded not guilty to the charge of receiving stolen property.

This is after Mr Liato took plea before Chief Resident Magistrate Joshua Banda.

Particulars of the offense are that Mr Liato between September, 1 and November, 24 allegedly received 2.1 billion Kwacha knowing it was feloniously obtained.

He has however been granted 50 Million Kwacha cash bail with two working sureties in their own recognisance.

Mr Liato has also been ordered to surrender his passport to the court as part of the bail conditions.

Magistrate Banda granted Mr Liato bail following an applications by defence lawyer, Nelly Mutti.

Ms Mutti contended that Mr Liato’s charge was bailable and that he was of fixed abode.

Mr Liato is remanded in custody until he fulfills the bail conditions.

[ZNBC]

Tom Hardys’ Warrior Workout

For the movie, Warrior, Tom Hardy had to get into the shape of his life to play the character of Mixed martial arts fighter Tommy.

Hardy used an unorthadox training method to bulk up fast. his trainer said “Throughout the day you need to send constant signals to your body, so that it adapts in the direction you point it in. It’s better to do 10 press ups every hour than 100 in a single burst. If you do things often enough, your body adapts for the task you set it, and you evolve.”

These exercises four times a day – when you wake up, at lunchtime, when you get home from work/school and before bed. It should only take about 20 minutes, but don’t rush. Use light weights and move slowly through the exercises, concentrating on perfect form. Start by doing it in the morning and evening, and then gradually add the other sessions in. If you want to pile on muscle as soon as possible, you’re going to have to get used to working out little but often. “Remember,there are no shortcuts.”

THE WORKOUT

The circuit

Perform these 3 exercises back-to-back
sets of 10 reps, then 7 reps, then 5 reps, then 3 reps, each with no recovery time between each movement
Press-ups
  • Perform the first set with your hands shoulder-width apart.
  • For the next set, do it with your forefingers and thumbs forming a ‘diamond’ shape below your chest.
  • For the third set, have your hands wider than shoulder-width apart.
  • And for the final set, ball your fists and rest on your knuckles.

 

Shoulder flies

  • Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding a  dumb bell in each hand, palms forward.
  • Raise your arms through 180 degrees, maintaining your palm position, until your fists meet above your head.
  • Lower to the start position.
  • To increase difficulty, up the weight or stand on one leg

 

Dips

  • Sit on the ground, legs straight in front of you, and grab the seat of a chair with your hands behind you (fingers pointing towards your body).
  • Keep your back straight and push down on the chair to raise your backside off the floor until your arms are extended.
  • Lower yourself until you are almost touching the floor. That’s one rep

 

The Bridge

  • Gain back flexibility, a powerful neck and massive core strength. Only move on to the next level when you are confident of your strength, or you risk a neck injury.
  • Stage 1

  • Lie on a mat, with your feet on the ground, knees bent.
  • Lift your hips off the mat.
  • As you do this bring your hands to your ears, palms on the floor, fingers pointing to your feet.
  • Do 10 reps, then 7 reps (counting 1 at the top), then 5 reps (counting to 3 at the top), then 3 reps (counting to 5 at the top).

 


 

Stage 2

  • Push to the extended position from stage 1.
  • Press through your hands, lift your shoulders off and allow your head to tilt back so the top of it rests on the floor.
  • Push from your heels onto your toes.
  • ALL your weight should go through your toes and hands, NOT your head.
  • Follow the rep count as before.

Stage 3

  • As your flexibility increases, rest 90% of your body-weight on your hands, and allow your head to carry 10%.
  • Slowly increase this session by session until you can carry more weight on your head than your hands.
  • Rep count as before. Warning: do not rush or you risk damaging your neck.

Stage 4

  • When you are able to carry all your bodyweight through your head, raise into the bridge position without using your hands for support.
  •  Keep them close to the side of your head in case they are needed for stability, and perform the same set/ rep count as before

Stage 5

To be performed ONLY when stage 4 is easy.

  • Assume the extended bridge from stage 3, holding a light barbell across your chest, or a 2kg dumbbell in each hand. Perform 5 bench-press movements (or 5 chest flies with the dumb-bells).
  • As it gets easier, increase the weight

Abdominal workout

This develops core strength and the size and power of your abs from the top to the bottom. Again, start with stage one and increase the difficulty as you get stronger.

Stage 1

  • Lie on a mat, with your legs together, hands clasped behind your head.
  • Lift your head and shoulders and hold.
  • Then, tighten your abs and lift your legs.
  • Lower to the start position.
  • Do sets of 10 reps, then 7, then 5, then 3

Stage 2

  • Perform the movement from stage 1, then, at the top of the position, bend your knees and pull them in to touch your elbows.
  • Then straighten your legs and lower back to the starting position, flat on the mat. Do set/reps as before.

 

Stage 3

  • Perform the movement from stage 1, then, at the top, pull your knees in to touch your elbows – but, don’t bend your legs.
  • Much harder, right? Move your legs back to the start, then lower everything back to the mat. Do sets/reps as before.

Stage 4

  • Take an 8kg kettlebell and push the tip of your left shoe through the handle.
  • Wrap your right foot around to hold it in place, then perform the movement from stage 1 with the kettlebell weighing your legs down. Do sets/reps as before.

BY KAPA187


 

RB’s son James acquitted

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James Banda

LUSAKA Chief Resident Magistrate Joshua Banda has acquitted former President Rupiah Banda’s son James of assault and warned him to desist from engaging himself in similar activities in future because it might land him in serious trouble.

The Magistrate, who acquitted James on one count of assault yesterday following the withdrawal of the complaint, said the courts were overwhelmed with cases of assault offences which were an indication that people had stopped resolving issues amicable.

“If a complaint from the complainant is true that you assaulted him, I will urge you to desist from such violent activities, they are unproductive, unhealthy and might land you in serious problems, please desist,” the Magistrate said. This was in a matter in which James was charged with one count of assault contrary to the laws of Zambia. He is alleged to have assaulted former Finance Bank corporate affairs director, Noel Nkhoma.

The magistrate said the complainant made the application to withdraw the matter on the strength of Section 201 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC) which states that if a complaint at any time before a final order was passed in any case under this part and satisfied the court that there were sufficient grounds to permit the withdraw of the case, the court would allow the withdraw and acquit the accused.

And in acquitting the accused, Magistrate Banda said the court was satisfied that there were sufficient grounds to permit him to withdraw the case and acquit Mr Banda. “It is abundantly clear from the provisions cited that the court possesses absolute discretion in allowing a withdrawal on sufficient grounds or promoting and facilitating reconciliation between the complainant and the accused,” he said.

Mr Nkhoma had informed the court that the matter before court was a matter that he had voluntarily withdrawn because he was part of the family and had decided to reconcile with James.

[Times of Zambia]

Women MPs want GBV case non-bailable

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Community Development, Mother and Child Health Deputy Minister Jean Kapata

Community Development, Mother and Child Heath deputy minister Jean Kapata has said women parliamentarians will lobby Government to make all cases of violence and defilement against women and girls non bailable.

Ms Kapata said the women Parliamentarians would table a private member’s bill in parliament to compel Government to make all cases of violence against women and girls to be non bailable.

Ms Kapata was speaking when she and other officials from her ministry donated assorted cleaning items to Kalingalinga Health Centre and also cleaned Female wards at the Health Center to commemorate 16 days of gender activism. “People that engage in cases such as defilement with young girls are a menace to the public and should not be allowed back in the community but locked up,” she said.

She said the Patriotic Front (PF) Government has intensified its progammes to empower women in income generating activities, agricultural input and financial literacy programmes. “It is believed that with this assistance women can be self sustaining and reduce on unnecessary conflict in a home over the usually limited resources thereby creating an environment of peace in a home,” he said

She said her ministry attaches great importance to the role that women and mothers play in creating a peaceful environment. Ms Kapata urged the community to ensure that violence against women and children was discouraged as it compromises their health and affect their potential to contribute more effectively in homes and the community.

She said the visit to Kalingalinga Health Centre was aimed at demonstrating solidarity for women and the importance of supporting good health in women as opposed to violence which in most cases compromised the health of women and children and hindered peace.

And the ministry permanent secretary Elwyne Chomba said to alleviate challenges that led to violence, there was need for both men and women to live in harmony and solve problems and obstacles in a peaceful and non-violent manner.

[Times of Zambia]

Police charge Liato over K2.1bn

61
Former Labour Minister Austin Liato

POLICE in Lusaka have charged and arrested former Labour Minister, Austin Liato, for receiving stolen property.

Mr Liato, who has remained in police custody since Tuesday after turning himself in, will appear in court today. Investigative wings had no knowledge of Mr Liato’s whereabouts since last week when a combined team of officers from the Zambia Police, Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) unearthed K2.1 billion cash from his farm in Mwembeshi area.

Zambia Police Service spokesperson, Elizabeth Kanjela, confirmed Mr Liato’s arrest in an interview yesterday, saying the charge on the former minister was in accordance with provisions of Section 318 (1) of the Penal Code of the Laws of Zambia.

“Yes the former minister who was detained at Woodlands Police last night, was this afternoon officially arrested and charged with receiving stolen property which is contrary to Section 318 (1) of the Penal Code of the Laws of Zambia. He is expected to appear in court tomorrow,” said Ms Kanjela.

Security wings have been carrying out investigations, including interviewing a number of people, since the discovery of the money which was stashed underground.

Mr Liato was driven to his house in Kalundu soon after reporting at the Task Force offices on Tuesday where officers searched the premises for more than two hours.

The party later drove to Lusaka’s Woodlands Police Station where Mr Liato was detained awaiting charges. On Tuesday, Ms Kanjela had indicated that Mr Liato would only be charged and arrested after further investigations and once it had been established that there was reason for the police to do so.

Mr Liato, who has since been disowned and suspended as national executive committee member by his party, the MMD, arrived at the Task Force offices in the company of his lawyer, Nellie Mutti, Joseph Mulyata, family members and friends.

On Friday last week, a combined team from the Zambia Police Service, ACC and DEC raided Mr Liato’s farm at number 44, Mpampa Settlement Scheme in Mwembeshi area where they conducted an operation and dug out K2.1 billion cash.

[Times of Zambia]

George Bush visits Zambia

80

FORMER United States of America (USA) president, George W. Bush, arrives in the country tomorrow for a two-day visit meant to help raise awareness about health issues.

And Zambia is among several other sub-Saharan countries that will benefit from US$75 million that has been set aside by the American government to assist in curbing cervical and breast cancers.

US Ambassador to Zambia, Mark Storella, announced Mr Bush’s visit in Lusaka yesterday, saying the former US president’s coming to Zambia was aimed at raising awareness around health issues which included breast and cervical cancers as well as HIV/Aids.

Mr Bush will be accompanied by his wife, Laura and their two daughters. Mr Storella said the US was committed to working with Zambia in combating HIV/Aids, breast and cervical cancers.

He said the 43rd US president would be received by Republican President, Michael Sata and later meet with Zambia’s First Lady, Christine Kaseba. Dr Kaseba is a medical practitioner with a good understanding of women health-related issues in Zambia.

Mr Bush will also meet Minister of Health, Dr Joseph Kasonde as well as visit the Cancer Disease Hospital at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH).

Mr Storella said the USA was committed to fighting breast cancer among women in Zambia because the disease accounted for half of all cancers women in Zambia suffered from. “We are working in a public private partnership to fight breast and cervical cancers,” he said.

The former US president will also be accompanied by representatives from some US pharmaceutical companies who have remedies for breast and cervical cancers. Mr Bush is in Tanzania today where he is part of celebrations commemorating World Aids Day. He will then travel to Zambia tomorrow and later Ethiopia to attend the ICASA HIV/Aids Conference.

Mr Storella said the US had been motivated to work with Zambia because of the commitment the Government and the country had shown in combating breast and cervical cancers. The US has also chosen to work with Zambia because of its increased budget in the health sector.

“The health workers in Zambia are also seriously committed and they are working very hard to save lives despite not having adequate resources to carry out their work,” Mr Storella said.

He said with the assistance from the US Government, many Zambians were now on anti-retroviral therapy and the more than US$100millon put in the malaria initiative through indoor residual spraying, incidences of malaria had reduced by 60 per cent.

He said the US was also committed to improving water and sanitation in Lusaka and would set aside $300 million to improve the situation in Livingstone. USA presidential initiative HIV/AIDS country coordinator, Kristin Mikus, reiterated the USA’s commitment to fighting breast and cervical cancers as well as HIV/Aids in Zambia.

[Times of Zambia]

Govt mends ‘burnt bridges’ with Angola

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Foreign Affairs Minister Chishimba Kambwili (L)
Foreign Affairs Minister Chishimba Kambwili (L)

PARLIAMENT yesterday heard that relations between Zambia and Angola have normalised after President Michael Sata sent First Republican president, Kenneth Kaunda, to apologise over what the previous MMD regime did to that country.

And Parliament has approved estimates of expenditure for the Office of the President, State House and those for the Vice-President’s Office.

Foreign Affairs Minister, Chishimba Kambwili, said he recently went to Angola where he held talks with an Angolan minister who assured him that Angola was now ready to cooperate with Zambia after the head of State apologised.

Mr Kambwili was responding to complaints by Zambezi West MP, Charles Kakoma, (UPND) who said that Mr Sata was wrong to tell the nation that there was tension between Zambia and Angola over what the previous regime did to that country.

Mr Kakoma said that people in his constituency were now living in fear following remarks from Mr Sata that there was tension between the two countries. But Mr Kambwili maintained that Mr Sata was right to inform the nation that there was tension between the two countries.

He said Zambia needed to apologise to Angola for the wrongs it did, hence the move by Mr Sata to send Dr Kaunda as his special envoy. “MMD had a problem with Angola and we apologised and now the relations are good,” Mr Kambwili said.

But former Home Affairs minister, Ronnie Shikapwasha, said Zambia never did anything wrong and there had never been any tension between Angola and Zambia at any time.

Chairperson of the proceedings, Mkhondo Lungu, who had a tough time controlling the debate which was punctuated by numerous points of order, urged members to stick to the debate on estimates of revenue and expenditure for the country.

Mr Kakoma further urged Government to ensure that State House was not turned into a party headquarters for the PF and its cadres. Mr Kambwili said Government has engaged contractors to work on State House grounds saying the previous Government had left it dirty.

Earlier, the House approved estimates of expenditure for the Office of the President and State House amounting to K34bn. The House also approved estimates of expenditure for the Office of the Vice-President amounting to K73, 529,733,630.

Mpongwe MP, Gabriel Namulambe (MMD) and Kalomo MP, Request Muntanga (UPND) called on the Vice-President’s Office to ensure that people in agricultural settlements were given good services and allowed to acquire titles for the land. Vice-President, Guy Scott, assured that Government would do everything possible to address the plight of people in resettlement areas.

Earlier, Mr Lungu curtailed debate by Monze MP, Jack Mwiimbu (UPND) for taking to task, Lusaka Province Minister, Miles Sampa, whom he accused of tribal hegemony in his debate last Friday instead of focusing on the Budget. Mr Mwiimbu said Mr Sampa should be condemned by all Zambians for championing issues of tribal hegemony.

Mr Sampa later apologised for issuing ‘tribal’ remarks.

[Times of Zambia]