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Government loses bid to adopt 9 member committee

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Finance Minister Alexander Chikwanda

THE Government yesterday lost its bid to have Parliament adopt a nine-member committee of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) for the first session of the 11th National Assembly after the motion was subjected to a vote by division. The opposition garnered 61 votes against Government’s 60.

The members of Parliament (MPs) whom Finance and National Planning Minister Alexander Chikwanda proposed to be members of the committee were Chipangali MP Vincent Mwale (MMD), Christopher Mulenga of the Patriotic Front (PF), Mulumelume Imenda of the Alliance for Democracy and Development (ADD), Patrick Mucheleka (Independent), Chifita Matafwali (PF) and Highvie Hamududu of the United Party for National Development (UPND). Others were Gabriel Namulambe (MMD), Mwansa Mbulakulima (MMD) and Austin Milambo (UPND).[pullquote]Leader of the opposition in the House, Felix Mutati in his debate said as much as the opposition was not against the names, it still felt uncomfortable to endorse them as the Government had not categorically stated the fate for the position of secretary to the Treasury[/pullquote]

Presenting the motion, Mr Chikwanda said PAC conducted a critical role in the usage of public funds and therefore called on MPs to support the members proposed for the committee. He said PF was serious about the fight against corruption and would ensure that reports produced by the Auditor General’s office were dealt with and culprits brought to book unlike what used to happen in the past.

The minister said it was therefore cardinal that Parliament approved the committee so that the fight against corruption could be stepped up through its oversight role. However, leader of the opposition in the House, Felix Mutati in his debate said as much as the opposition was not against the names, it still felt uncomfortable to endorse them as the Government had not categorically stated the fate for the position of secretary to the Treasury.

Mr Mutati argued that as far as the opposition was concerned, the Government had not stated if the position of secretary to the Treasury was still in existence or not, and that if it still existed, the bearer was supposed to be sworn in publicly. “The coordinating ministry, which was the ministry of Finance, should put its house in order and one key position was that of secretary to the Treasury. “That position is key to PAC. Under the Public Finance Act, the secretary to the Treasury appoints other office holders but under the current state the whole system is distorted,” Mr Mutati said.

He said the opposition would not have problems endorsing the names of the selected members for as long as the anomalies were rectified. “Speed is important but order is crucial and we have no choice but to have the position of secretary to the Treasury,” Mr Mutati said. In winding down the debate, Mr Chikwanda admitted that there was an oversight but stressed that the permanent secretary appointed was ably handling the affairs of the ministry as well as the roles of the secretary to the Treasury.

[Times of Zambia]

Engage More Young People in Leadership and fighting corruption – YALI

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File:Some Lusaka based pupils captured during the national youth symposium in Lusaka

Reflections of Zambia’s Independence Struggle

The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), a growing coalition of young African leaders established after President Obama’s Forum with Young African Leaders in Washington D.C, is calling upon Zambians to reflect on the crucial role youth leaders exhibited during Zambia’s struggle for independence and encourages young people to build their capacity to promote democratic ideals based on political tolerance, co-existence, the rule of law, fair and equal justice.

As young leaders we call upon the newly-elected Patriotic Front (PF) Government to ensure more young people are given a chance to actively participate in Zambia’s democratic governance and decision-making as well as in developing new strategies to address challenges youth face in post-independence Zambia. We request that our leaders heed the advice from one of Africa’s great sons, Kofi Annan who said, “No one is born a good citizen; no nation is born a democracy. Rather, both are processes that continue to evolve over a lifetime.Young people must be included from birth. A society that cuts itself off from its youth severs its lifeline; it is condemned to bleed to death.”

As YALI we know that young people have a body of experience unique to their situation, and they have views and ideas that derive from this experience. Young people are social actors with skills and capacities to bring about constructive solutions to their own problems. We sadly note the failure or even refusal by our governments to recognize the legitimacy of young people’scontribution to programmes, policies and decision-making. Much of government policy has a direct or indirect impact on young people day-today lives, but seldom are young people consulted or considered in these decisions which affect their present and future well-being. YALI is troubled by this trend.

Fellow young African leaders further join calls by the Zambian peoples for members of Parliament to commit themselves to delivering a new Constitution that shall demonstrate their true aspirations and the will of a people who, for 47 years, have been subjected to governance under Constitutions which raised controversies.
It is our view that the theme for this year’s independence celebration, “Rejuvenating our prosperity, patriotism and fight against corruption,” offers our young people a chance to reflect on the challenges faced by pre-independence youth leaders and their patriotism during the struggle. YALI is proud to note that persons our country calls “founding fathers and mothers” were in their youth when they worked toward independence. Simon Kapwepwe was only aged 26 when he became a founding member of the Northern Rhodesian African Congress. Harry Nkumbula was aged 35 when he was elected President of the Northern Rhodesian African Party. At the same time, we remember Mainza Mathias Chona, who became the first President of the United Nations Independence Party when he was only 29 years old. Even Zambia’s first Republican President, Dr. Kenneth Kaunda, was only 27 years when he became Organising Secretary for Northern Province in the Northern Rhodesian African National Congress. By age 29, he ascended to the position of Secretary General of the African National Congress (ANC). At the age of 40 he became Zambia’s first Republican President and to date remains the youngest person to hold the office post-independence. Both former President Rupiah Banda and newly-elected President Sata were both in their twenties when they entered politics. Like the others presented here, both have gone on to make tremendous contributions to Zambia. If anyone can appreciate the value of youth and hard work, it is men such as these who were afforded leadership opportunities so many years ago.

While is important to appreciate our history and the role youth have played in the struggle, we cannot forget the struggle facing post-independence youth. It is our role to ensure that our leaders too do not forget their responsibility to Zambia’s youth. The profound difficulties faced by young people in Zambia must be subjects of serious concern for the new government. Illiteracy, poverty, HIV/AIDS, substance abuse and discrimination are just a few of the challenges facing young Zambia. In all provinces young people deal with increased unemployment and insecurity at work, greater family instability, and reductions in social welfare programmes. Youth is characterized by uncertainty and risk.

As opposed to trends during the struggle, our post-independence era has witnessed more young people being relegated to the backwaters of decision-making in both political parties and government. Furthermore, the numbers of young people participating in key decision-making positions have continued to dwindle. Instead of being prepared for leadership, youths are being used as political vuvuzelas.

In meeting these challenges and rejuvenating our prosperity and patriotism, we urge young Zambians to work hard and dedicate themselves to fighting injustices such as corruption. YALI believes that a living democracy must not end with young people casting a vote at a ballot box, but instead it must provide ongoing opportunities for young people to have their voices heard and participate in decisions that impact themselves and their country.Independence Day is our day to celebrate our democratic achievement as a nation and begin to appreciate that youth participation in decision-making often leads to better decisions and outcomes.

Andrew Ntewewe

YALI Board Chairperson
Young African Leaders Initiative

Home minister ‘checks in’ incognito at immigration office

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Home Affairs Minister Kennedy Sakeni
Home Affairs Minister Kennedy Sakeni

Home Affairs Minister Kennedy Sakeni yesterday took a surprise visit at the Immigration Headquarters offices in Lusaka. Mr Sakeni who was flanked by Home Affair Deputy Permanent Secretary for administration Willie Mangimela found the customer care service department with a handful of staff as most of the chairs and tables were empty.

He told the Chief Immigration Officer Anderson Phiri that he was dismayed with what he saw during a conducted tour of the customer care service.
ZANIS reports that Mr Sakeni said Government laws stipulate that Government workers report for duty at 08:00 hours and not later than 08:00 hours.

The Minister has since challenged workers to change their work culture and refrain from reporting late for duties as evidenced from findings of his surprise visit to the institution.

Mr Sakeni described late coming as a bad habit that should not be entertained. During the briefing, Chief Immigration Officer Anderson Phiri said the department has improved in its operations adding that it has moved from the 10th position of being corrupt 3rd place.

Mr Phiri told the minister that the institution is under staffed with the current workforce of 575 adding that an additional 850 officers should be employed.

He pointed out that for the department to be more efficient, it needs adequate transport to conduct its operations.Mr Phiri bemoaned that most border control posts in the country have no transport a development he said inhibits the effectiveness of the department.

Meanwhile, Mr Phiri has appealed to the minister to consider reviewing some of the contracts Government has signed with foreign firms. He complained that most of the contracts signed by Government made it very difficult for the department to professionally carry out its work as its hands are tied.

ZANIS

Two nabbed over theft of K740 million FRA maize

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POLICE on the Copperbelt have arrested two truck drivers who allegedly diverted 11,200 by 50 kilogramme bags of maize belonging to the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) worth more than K740 million.

Acting Copperbelt police commanding officer Milner Muyambango confirmed the incident in Kitwe on Monday.

“We have arrested two truck drivers who diverted two trucks carrying maize belonging to FRA and the trucks crossed Kasumbalesa border post where they disappeared,” he said.

Mr Muyambango said the two men are allegedly working with some officials from FRA to steal maize from the agency.

He named the suspects as Chela Chileshe and Lucas Nkoma, both of Ndola. Mr Muyambango said the two were arrested when they tried to divert about 1,900 bags of maize at a road block in Chambishi.

“They were transporting maize from Lupama satellite depot to the main depot in Chambishi when they were arrested. The officials from Lupama called the main depot officials to find out whether they had received the consignment, but to their surprise they were told that no maize had been delivered. That is when the police officers were involved and a road block was mounted and the two men were arrested,” he said.

Mr Muyambango said the duo has been charged with theft of goods in transit and will appear in court soon. He said police managed to recover the 1,900 bags of maize while the other consignment has not been found.

Meanwhile, police on the Copperbelt are looking for unknown people who allegedly stole copper that was in transit from Shemaf mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Mr Muyambango said the truck carrying the copper was found abandoned near Luanshya turnoff and that the driver is at large. He said the police are being helped in their investigations by the driver’s helper.

“We have not arrested the lorry boy. He is just helping us with information that we need to bring the culprits to book. The driver is the one who is at large,” Mr Muyambango said.

[ZANIS]

Chinese companies pay better salaries than some Zambian companies-Chinese Ambassador

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Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Yuxiano Zhou

CHINESE Ambassador to Zambia Zhou Yuxiao says most Chinese companies follow local labour laws and pay their employees better salaries than some Zambian companies in a major twist of events as labour tensions at companies owned by Chinese business houses escalate.

“Most of them (Chinese employers), maybe about 90 percent, observe the Zambian laws including those on tax and import and export. And we pay better salaries to local staff than some Zambian companies,” he said.

Mr Zhou said this through his political officer at the embassy Wang Hongyu in Lusaka yesterday.

He was commenting on remarks attributed to him in media reports on Monday that Chinese companies follow labour laws and pay their workers better than some Zambian companies.

This comes in light of the work stoppages in different parts of the country recently involving different companies, including Chinese-owned, over poor conditions of service.

But some Zambians working for Chinese companies or shops in Lusaka’s Kamwala area dismissed the envoy’s claims of better perks saying they remain “under-paid” and sometimes overworked or plainly abused by their Chinese supervisors.

One worker who sought anonymity said in the company of his colleagues: “These people are difficult. They used to pay us between K150,000 and K200,000 per month. After President Michael Sata’s directive to review the minimum wage, they have on their own increased the salaries to between K300,000 and K500,00 despite the huge profits we make for them per day.”

Meanwhile, the Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) says it is happy that its affiliates have embarked on an all-out campaign to recruit new members.
ZCTU president Leonard Hikaumba said in an interview yesterday the congress has so far received good reports from two of the affiliates.

“The recruitments are going well, already we have received impressive reports from the Hotel and Catering Workers Union and the National Union for Commercial and Industrial Workers,” Mr Hikaumba said.

He recently appealed to the affiliates to take advantage of the favourable environment Government has created to capture unionised workers who do not have union representation.

Mr Hikaumba said the recruitment campaign is gaining momentum.

He said workers should not fear at all to join trade unions because the law will protect them. “We’re urging those workers who may face victimisation by employers to report to us or the Ministry of Labour, Youth, Sport and Gender,” he said.

[Zambia Daily Mail]

Sata takes Dr Joshua Kanganja to task for giving illegal contracts to Brigadier Generals and Colonels

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Secretary to the Cabinet Joshua Kanganja (R)
Secretary to the Cabinet Joshua Kanganja (R)

PRESIDENT Sata has directed that contracts of 13 brigadier generals and about 15 colonels in the defence forces be terminated with immediate effect because they are occupying offices illegally.

“All these people should leave offices now, but pay them up to December because they are in their offices illegally. I don’t have the power to give a contract; I only have the power to give a contract within the law. The Defence Act does not permit me; the Pension Act does not allow me. How do you, Secretary to the Cabinet, go and prepare a statutory instrument and give to somebody to sign? You are cheating the people in uniform,” he said.

The President was speaking at State House yesterday when he swore in permanent secretary in the Ministry of Chiefs Affairs Coillard Chibbonta and 10 provincial commissioners of police.

The commissioners of police include Solomon Jere (Central), Mary Tembo (Copperbelt), Joyce Kasosa (Luapula), Grace Chipalila (Eastern), Charity Masambo-Katanga (Lusaka), Mary Chikwanda (Northern), Eugene Sibote (North Western), Antoneil Mutentwa (Western), Brenda Muntemba (Southern) and Standwell Lungu (Muchinga).

“Why allow 13 brigadier generals and 16 colonels occupying offices illegally? You are giving them the money which should have gone to police to strengthen the establishment of the police. If you look at these policemen, some of them do not even have badges of ranks.

“If you want them to retire at 60 or 65, amend the law, the law will protect them, not you. They are not supposed to survive on who is in office, let the law protect them,” he said.

[pullquote]“If you want them to retire at 60 or 65, amend the law, the law will protect them, not you. They are not supposed to survive on who is in office, let the law protect them,” he said.[/pullquote]

“On 13th May, my brother wrote an illegal letter giving contracts to 13 brigadier generals and about 14 or 15 colonels and issued a statutory instrument number 38. The laws of Zambia are not amended by statutory instrument. If you want to amend the Defence Act, Cap 106, you go to Parliament. If you want to amend the Pensions Act you go to Parliament, but unfortunately I want to address Dr [Joshua] Kanganja and your colleagues: be brave, say no, don’t just say yes when I say anything because you drafted this statutory instrument for Rupiah Banda, my predecessor, when you knew very well that it was illegal. You never amend any law by statutory instrument.

“We have had lots of extravagance in this country, and we have to change. The people who deserve money, we don’t give them the money because some of these police officers, since they left training school, they have never received their annual uniforms because in the police, every year you are supposed to receive a kit. I don’t think you even parade your kit because you have nothing to parade. I saw Muntemba wearing her shoes, that’s not a pair of police shoes she was wearing,” he said.

President Sata vowed to follow the commissioners’ work closely. “I will follow you because the job you are going to do is the job I know very well. I was properly trained than some of you people, and I won’t tell you I am coming, you will just see me arriving,” he said.

Mr Sata said he is disappointed that after 47 years of independence, the police establishment has not been filled. “We have a shortage of 12,000 men and women. That is why I have decided to promote all of you to commissioner level because the authority of the police is on your shoulders,” he said.

Mr Sata urged the commissioners to take criticism and do their job.

[pullquote] “I will follow you because the job you are going to do is the job I know very well. I was properly trained than some of you people, and I won’t tell you I am coming, you will just see me arriving,” he said.[/pullquote]

And addressing the Commissioner of Police at State House, Mr Sata directed him to keep the surrounding of the premises clean. “Are you not ashamed that every time I am driving, I stop because of a dry stick, and you are there as my Commissioner of Police. And if you look behind this building, it is very dirty. Look at the surrounding of this place.

“And yesterday, that programme finished at about lunch time and the tents are still there, and you are still here. Where is the security? You claim you are Commissioner of Police at State House, those tents they are still there,” he said.

And Mr Sata has directed Mr Chibbonta to visit all chiefdoms and establish the living conditions of traditional leaders. “If I can remember very well, a long time ago when I was minister of Local Government, the allowance I gave them that is what they are still having as if there has been no government,” he said.

And Inspector General of Police Martin Malama commended President Sata for appointing more women as commissioners of police. “It’s a great relief as a police service to see that out of the 10 provinces, we have six commissioners appointed who are ladies. This is groundbreaking for us because these ladies are very capable,” he said.

[Zambia Daily Mail]

Konkola Mine Police Promoted to Faz Super Division

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Chililabombwe will have the rare privilege of having two teams in the Faz Super Division in 2012 following the promotion of Konkola Mine Police with two games to spare.

The Chililabombwe side is the first Division 1 team to secure promotion to the Super Division next season where they will join their sister club Konkola Blades.

Mine Police will also be making their Super Division debut after they were awarded a walkover win against Kabwe United on Monday.

This is after United failed to travel to Chililabombwe to play their Division 1 North Week 22 game.

Mine Police rise from 63 to 66 points, a threshold that only second placed Indeni can attain.

Indeni are on 55 points with a game in hand from 31 games played, Prison Leopards are third on 55 points while Mufulira Wanderers are a distance fourth on 48 points.

Week 32 Results and Fixtures

24/10/2011

North
Zesco Luapula 0-Chambishi 0
Nkwiza 3-Mufulira Police 0
Mufulira Wanderers 4-Lusaka Dynamos 0
Kalulushi Modern Stars 1-Mufulira Blackpool 1
Luanshya United 2-Bresmer United 0
Konkola Mine Police-Kabwe United*
*Walkover win after Kabwe United failed to travel
Mining Rangers 2-Chindwin Sentries 0
Prison Leopards 3-Kitwe United 0
26/10/2011
Ndola United-Indeni

South
Paramilitary 4-Big Roma 1
Mazabuka United 2-Kalomo Jetters 0
Lusaka Tigers-Young Green Eagles
Kafue Celtic 1-Riflemen 0
Profund Warriors 1-City of Lusaka 1
26/10/2011
Freedom Rangers-Nampundwe
Lusaka City Council-National Assembly
Luena Buffaloes-Senanga Leopards
Livingstone Pirates-Petauke United

Justice Minister Summons Dora Siliya to answer allegations on the sale of Zamtel

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Opposition MMD Spokespern Dora Siliya
Opposition MMD Spokespern Dora Siliya

The Commission of Inquiry tasked to investigate the sale of Zamtel and Finance Bank has asked Former Communications Minister Dora Siliya to avail herself before the commission and answer the allegations leveled against her over the sale of Zamtel.

Mr Zulu, who is also Justice Minister, said that the rule of natural justice demands that Ms Siliya appears before the Commission to give her side of the story on the sale of Zamtel.

This follows allegation by Transparency International Zambia(TIZ) that the sale of Zamtel was illegal and that there was blatant disregard for the law when disposing off the company.

TIZ Executive Director Goodson Lungu alleged that former Communications Minister Dora Siliya usurped the powers of Zambia Development Agency by signing a Memorandum of Understanding for the sale of the telecommunications firm.

Mr Lungu was speaking when he made a presentation before the commission of Inquiry set up to investigate the sale of Zamtel, which started sitting in Lusaka on today.

He said that the former Minister did not get consent from the Zambia Procurement Authority to go ahead with the sale of Zamtel, which was blatant disregard for legal advice on the matter.

Mr Lungu also said that the former Minister over committed herself by agreeing on a five percent sale commission to RP Capital for the evaluation of Zamtel assets.

Meanwhile, the inquiry into the sale of Finance Bank to First National Bank will delay because the matter is in court. The Commission of Inquiry tasked to investigate the sale of Zamtel and Finance Bank, says it cannot investigate the sale of the Bank until the case is disposed off in the courts of law.

Commission Chairperson Sebastian Zulu made the ruling after Finance bank Chairperson Rajan Mahtani and his Lawyer John Sangwa has told the commission that Finance Bank Shareholders have instituted three legal suites against the Bank of Zambia over the transaction.

Mr Zulu has asked Mr Sangwa to avail the commission the details of their legal suite against the Bank of Zambia.

ZNBC

Power, Nkana Seperated In Barclays Cup Semifinals

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Archrivals Power Dynamos and Nkana have been separated in the Barclays Cup semifinal draws made today.

According to the draws made at football House in Lusaka, Power Dynamos will play Red Arrows in a Barclays Cup semifinal doubleheader at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka.

The two sides will meet in the first kickoff at 13:00 hours this Saturday.

Nkana will cap the day with an all-Copperbelt semifinal affair a 15:00 hours kickoff against Konkola Blades.

Winners will face-off in the final on November 19 at Arthur Davies Stadium in Kitwe.

In the quarterfinals, Nkana beat 2010 Barclays Cup runners-up Zanaco 2-0, Blades and Arrows also won by the same margin against Nakambala Leopards and Indeni respectively.

2009 winners Power on the other hand defeated Luena Buffaloes 7-0 in their last 8 game.

The Butterfly Effect – Case for Decentralisation

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Fetching Fire wood still remains a way of living in many rural areas of Zambia

By Gray Soko

It is said that when the mathematician and meteorologist Edward Lorenz presented his theory of the Butterfly Effect he was literally laughed out of the room. The theory of the Butterfly Effect suggested that the flapping of the butterfly’s wings may create tiny changes in the atmosphere that may ultimately cause a chain of events leading to large scale alteration of events such as the path of a tornado or delay, accelerate or even prevent the occurrence of a tornado in another location. His theory has now been accepted as valid in mathematical and meteorological applications. It is all about starting with small steps.

In the First Republic KK was literally laughed out of the platform for his “back to the land” and “fuel from grass” ( bio-fuel ) proposals, Sondashi, accredited with no mean insights in local government and constitutional law, was also laughed out of the podium for suggesting a federal system of government to stimulate development in rural areas. The now much discredited NCC even went the opposite direction with proposals for a much larger national assembly. General Miyanda fared no better with his village concept which was laughed at as backward, unscientific and naïve. Interestingly the same village concept is being tried elsewhere in Africa ( Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya for example ) as a means of achieving sustainable improvement in living conditions in rural communities.

In three years’ time Zambia will have cloaked 50 years, half a century of nationhood. The centralized system of government we have had since independence has obviously failed to effectively address the socio-economic problems of the rural areas which still record unacceptably high levels of poverty. Decentralisation has been accepted in principle but over decades nothing tangible has happened. Cabinet ministers from Lusaka still travel to the remote areas of the country to “inspect development projects” when there is on paper a provincial and district administration. The role of the provincial minister and the handful of district commissioners seems to be only that of a welcoming party.

Decentralisation of government may just bring about the butterfly effect in the development of rural Zambia. The initial effects may be small but will initiate a chain of events that will lead to large scale change in the economy. An elected provincial council chaired by a full cabinet minister with chiefs in attendance must be the initiator of development, effectively supervising them and exercising full accountability for the resources from central government. If chiefs have to be relevant, they should have a role beyond traditional ceremonies and the House of Chiefs, which constitutionally is only advisory on matters of tradition and culture. They should play a developmental role in provincial councils. Such an arrangement will provide incentives and jobs for skilled persons and those with political ambitions to start making a useful contribution to the overall development of the country.

More research of course needs to be done to refine ideas we have previously laughed at as untenable ( back to the land, bio-fuel, federal system, village concept etc ) or shelved so that whatever is implemented does not have negative or perverse unintended consequences in our match forward. To borrow Obama’s words on the passing on of the Apple boss Steve Jobs, I feel President Sata “ is brave enough to think differently, bold enough to believe he (can) change ( Zambia ) and talented enough to do it”. Let’s hope the team that will be tasked to look at the constitution will not overlook the urgent need for effective decentralization.

Minimum wage not for unionised workers

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Newly appointed Labour, Sports, Youth and Gender Minister Fackson Shamenda

The ministry of Labour says the revision of the Minimum wage does not include unionised workers.

Labour Minister Fackson Shamenda says unionised workers can only use the minimum wage as a bench mark for their bargaining process.

Mr. Shamenda says the minimum wage caters for workers such as those who work in shops and all those who do not belong to any union.

Meanwhile Mr. Shamenda has told ZNBC News in an interview that the process of reviewing the minimum wage involves a lot of discussions and negotiations with various stakeholders.

He is however positive that his Ministry will come up with the revised minimum wage within the next two months.

President Michael Sata has directed the Minister of Labour to come up with a revised minimum wage.

The minimum wage has for a long time been at K419 000.

Zone Fam Release Fourth Music Video for “Life Is Good”

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Zone Fam have released yet another music video off their debut album “The Business (Foreign Exchange)” for the song “Life Is Good”.

It was made public on the 24th of October 2011, coinciding with Zambia’s 47th Independence Day. The video was directed by Kenny Mumba for GroundXero Productions and was shot on location at News Cafe, Mika Hotel and Arcades Mall in Lusaka.

LIFE IS GOOD

Life is Good is a feel good song Produced by Iceburg of Lusaka, that has a different sound than expected from Zone Fam;

The brings the total number of videos for their album to four with plans to release more before the year’s in end. Zone Fam have been nominated for a Channel O “Most Gifted Newcomer” Music Video award for their video “Shaka Zulu On Em” – These awards take place on the 11th of November 2011 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Rupiah Banda attends Independence day celebrations

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Former President Rupiah Banda
Former President Rupiah Banda

FORMER President Rupiah Banda says he is happy that this year’s independence anniversary has united Zambians while first republican President Kenneth Kaunda has urged Zambians to remain united just as they have been since the country became liberated 47 years ago.

And diplomats accredited to Zambia have congratulated Zambia on her 47th independence anniversary and called for the strengthening of bilateral relations between Zambia and the international community.

Mr Banda, who was in a jovial mood said he was happy to see Zambians showing unity during the celebrations at State House in Lusaka yesterday.

“This is one day that unites all of us, and precious to all of us,” he said. “I was already a young man during the struggle. So, it is good reminiscing for me,” he said.

Asked how it felt to be back at State House after the September 20 general elections that removed him from office, Mr Banda said “I do come here”.

And Dr Kaunda said Zambians must remain united just as they have been since the country became liberated 47 years ago.

Meanwhile, diplomats accredited to Zambia have congratulated Zambia on her 47th independence anniversary and called for the strengthening of bilateral relations between Zambia and the international community.

China, United Kingdom and Nigeria have also supported President Sata’s resolve to fight corruption and allow for developmental projects to take off in a transparent manner.

Chinese ambassador Zhou Yuxio said China will continue to have bilateral relations with the government of Zambia as a new government is a representation of the people’s will.

“China has been friendly with Zambia since its independence and this will continue with China bringing in more investment in the area of technological and infrastructure development,” he said.

Mr Yuxio said former President Rupiah Banda’s presence at the Independence Day celebrations sent a strong message to the international community of the maturity, accommodative and cordial relations existing in the country’s political system.

“That maturity has prompted China to increase its investment and also resolve any conflict that may have arisen, especially in the mining sector,” he said. Mr Yuxio said his government is engaging all mining firms being run by the Chinese to ensure that mutually workable solutions that will meet the interests of both the workers and the employers are arrived at.

And British envoy Tom Carter said the United Kingdom is hoping for a situation where Zambia could move beyond receiving aid and become an economic force in southern Africa.

“We are happy to see this level of development taking place in the country, and what we want to see now is that Zambia should be a top economic player in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern African (COMESA),” he said.

Nigerian ambassador Folake Marcus-Bello said her country has a lot to learn from Zambia in the areas of agriculture and tourism. “We want to open more room for investment so that we can learn more from this country, especially in the area of agriculture, since Nigeria is more reliant on oil as a main source of its income,” she said.

Ms Marcus-Bello said President Sata’s stance to ensure corruption is eradicated will create opportunities for the poor. “If there is no corruption, everything can trickle down to the people, and you will find that every individual will benefit from the wealth that the country has been making in the last couple of years,” she said.

[Zambia Daily Mail]

State to probe Task Force-seized assets, earnings

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One of the lodges seized by the ACC in Roma township

GOVERNMENT says it will track all assets that were collected by the defunct Task Force on Corruption and ensure that all the earnings from the sale of goods that were auctioned are accounted for.

Minister of Home affairs Kennedy Sakeni said in an interview at State House yesterday Government also wants to verify that assets that are claimed to have been given back to their owners were indeed returned.

“We want to make sure that no one benefitted from assets that were confiscated by the Task Force. All goods that were grabbed must be accounted for.

“Government wants to find out whether some of the goods that were confiscated have been given back to the rightful owners in the case of those that were cleared of all allegations of taking part in the plunder of national resources,” Mr Sakeni said.

And Mr Sakeni has said Government has no intentions of re-establishing the Task Force on Corruption, which was disbanded by former President Rupiah Banda’s administration.

He said the fact that security wings are using the building that used to house the Task Force for investigating some alleged cases of corruption does not mean the disbanded institution is coming back.

He said the Anti-Corruption Commission, Drug Enforcement Commission and Zambia Police Service are capable of handling cases of a criminal nature.

[Zambia Daily Mail]

Nkwazi goalkeeper Maybin Phiri hurt

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Nkwazi goalkeeper Maybin Phiri was rushed to Hospital today after hurting himself with just four minutes played in their Faz Super Division game away to Green Buffaloes at Woodlands Stadium in Lusaka.

Phiri crashed into the post while attempting to save the opening goal scored by Buffaloes defender Sanida Zulu.

The goalkeeper, who was replaced by veteran Sydney Tembo, was rushed to Mina Soko Military Hospital where he was admitted overnight.

Meanwhile, Nkwazi kept their very slim chances of survival alive with a late equalizer on 71 minutes scored by Chipungu Musukuma.

Nkwazi moved up from 15th to 14th for at least 48 hours before the remaining Week 27 games are played on Wednesday.

Buffaloes are 6th on 42 points exchanging places with Zanaco who only take to the pitch on Wednesday away to Red Arrows.

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