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PF petitions 50 seats and call for nullification of election results

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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.

[Times of Zambia]

I assaulted no-one – James Banda

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James Banda

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.

[Zambia Daily Mail]

Last week/Wkend in Pictures

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1.

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

Zambian Independence day celebrations in China

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The Manny Pacquiao workout

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 .

 

BY KAPA187

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forcing subscribers to use credit for Internet bundles within a given time is illegal-CCPC

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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.

[Zambia Daily Mail]

MMD caused mines industrial unrest-Mines Minister

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Lunshya Copper Mines (LCM)

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.

[Zambia Daily Mail]

Zambezi Airlines ‘flouted’ aviation laws – Lubinda

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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.

[Zambia Daily Mail]

Shikapwasha apologises for ungodly words against Sata and HH

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Former Information Minister Ronnie Shikapwasha
Former Information Minister Ronnie Shikapwasha

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.

[Zambia Daily mail]

The Role of Government in Independent Zambia

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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.

UTH suspends surgeries as Ventilation system breaksdown

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Operating theatre at UTH

The central ventilation system in the main theater at the country’s largest referral hospital-UTH-has broken down.

The system malfunctioned about three days ago resulting in the suspension of vital life serving operations.

UTH Managing Director, Lackson Kasonka has attributed the breakdown of the ventilation system to the high temperatures being experienced in Lusaka.

He explains that the system in the theater has been failing to cool forcing management to switch it off to avoid effects on other machines.

Dr. Kasonka says everything is being done to avert the problem.

He however says surgeries in other wings like the Maternity ward are being done.

Several patients who are being turned away following the malfunction in the ventilation system have complained over the development.

[MUVI TV]

My experience with Zambezi Airlines

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File:Two Zambezi Airlines planes on the tarmac at Lusaka International Airport

By K.Cooke

My wife was booked on to Zambezi Airlines flight on Friday 28th of October. She arrived at the airport at 0600hrs and proceeded to check in, only to be told that the flight was delayed until 1300hrs, then 1330, then 1400, then 1530 then they would be flying on Air Zimbabwe at 1600, then they were now flying on the plane returning from Tanzania at 1630 and finally that the flight would be at 2000hrs.

At or around 2000hrs she boarded the flight and they finally left for Johannesburg only to have to return to Lusaka due to an engine failure. Upon arrival back at the airport most of the passengers were told that there was no accommodation and that they should sleep on the floor.

The following morning the airline still did not know when they would fly out so my wife purchased a new ticket, as did most passengers,with SAA and around 0730 they departed.

Firstly I would like to point out that the way people were treat was a disgrace and it shows what a sorry state of affairs Zambian aviation is in. However, being the founder of Equatair Airlines and having been chased and harrassed out of Zambia after establishing a Zambian airline and after being resident for 20 years, I must confess to feeling a certain smugness and satisfaction.

Zambia, sadly has ended up with the aviation industry that the government deserve and it is sorrow for the people of Zambia that I truly feel.

Power In Season-ending Bombshell

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Power Dynamos are in a conundrum as to who to gets credit for their success this season in one of the 2011 campaigns best kept secret.

It has just emerged that technical advisor Fordson Kabole and not coach Beston Chambeshi has been in charge of the team since late April.

According to sources at Arthur Davies Stadium in Kitwe, Kabole was reappointed as head coach since Week 4 after Power lost 1-0 away to Konkola Blades while Chambeshi reverted to the ambiguous position of coach and not assistant coach.

“It seems couldn’t do anything but now they have a situation where one coach who was thrust into the limelight is on the verge of getting all the credit and is a potential coach of the year candidate,” the source at Arthur Davies said.

When contacted, Power officials refused to comment on the situation.

Chambeshi took over as head coach at the start of the season after Kabole, who guided Nchanga Rangers to the title in 1998, went into semi-retirement after being at the helm in the 2010 campaign.

Should Power win their first league title in 11 years this weekend, it will be interesting to see who will be credited for the feat.

Power currently top the Faz Super Division table on 53 points and need a win away to Zanaco on Saturday in their penultimate league game to clinch the title.

Moreover should that happen, Power a double beckons when, in a fortnights time, they face Konkola Blades in the Barclays Cup final on November 19 at Arthur Davies.

Renard Names 22-Man Team For Nigeria Friendly

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Zambia national soccer team coach Herve Renard

Jonas Sakuwaha is out while Felix Katongo is in for Zambia’s friendly away to Nigeria on November 15.

Announcing the team today at Football House in Lusaka, coach Herve Renard said he was aware of Sakuwaha’s profile but would be considered for future engagements.

“They are a lot of good player’s maybe he will be considered for the CECAFA Cup I am not sure,” the Frenchman said.

Sakuwaha is currently in hot form in Sudan with his club El Merreikh where he is perched at the top of the top scorers chart on 18 goals that have inspired the Khartoum giants to the top of the Sudan league table.

Meanwhile, Katongo has also been added to the team for the Nigeria friendly after also making the CECAFA Cup squad.

Katongo of Green Buffaloes has not had much luck in the Zambia setup due to poor match fitness.

Goalkeepers: Kennedy Mweene (Free State Stars, South Africa),Kalililo Kakonje (TP Mazembe, DR Congo)

Defenders: Joseph Musonda (Golden Arrows, South Africa), Davis Nkausu (SuperSport United, South Africa), Jimmy Chisenga (Red Arrows), Nyambe Mulenga (Zesco United), Emmanuel Mbola, Stophira Sunzu, Francis Kasonde (All TP Mazembe, DR Congo)

Midfielder: William Njobvu (Hapoel Kiryat Shimone, Israel), Thomas Nyirenda (Konkola Blades), Noah Chivuta (Free Stars Stars, South Africa), Isaac Chansa (Orlando Pirates, South Africa), Rainford Kalaba (TP Mazembe, DR Congo), Felix Katongo (Green Buffaloes), Clifford Mulenga (Bloemfontein Celtic, South Africa)

Strikers: Emmanuel Mayuka (BSC Young Boys, Switzerland), Jacob Mulenga (FC Utrecht, Holland), James Chamanga (Dalian Shide, China), Collins Mbesuma (Golden Arrows, South Africa), Given Singuluma (TP Mazembe, DR Congo), Christopher Katongo (Henan Jianye, China)

Mobile Internet Bundle charges exobintantly high- Zambia Consumer Association

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A man searching for cell phone network signal

THE Zambia Consumer Association (ZACA) has bemoaned the high cost of INTERNET bundles charged and alleged unfair conditions attached to INTERNET services by mobile service providers.

The association has since challenged Zambia Information and Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA) to discharge its mandate and protect consumers.

ZACA executive secretary Muyunda Ililonga said, “We do agree with complaints from subscribers and we want to express our utmost disappointment with telecommunication service providers who have taken advantage of exploiting consumers regarding the INTERNET bundles,” he said.

In an interview in Lusaka yesterday, Mr Ililonga is of the view that competition in the telecommunication industry should have order and quality customer care to immensely 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.

It is alleged that subscribers using INTERNET bundles from mobile service providers are paying more for less services including forfeiting credit if it is not used within the stipulated timeframe.

Mr Ililonga urged ZICTA to perform to consumers’ expectations of protecting them. He said the performance of ZICTA is very worrisome and not to consumer’s expectations.

Mr Ililonga said telecommunication is a major driver of the economy which require all tumbling blocks to be removed.

He said the major impact arising from high cost of INTERNET bundles is the high cost of doing business which will suffocate the economy.

“ZICTA should discharge its mandate according to expectations of people and be feasible…and take action against erring companies. It should not just concentrate on money collection but protect consumers as well,” he said.

[Zambia Daily Mail]

Zambeef pledge not to increase the price of bread

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ZAMBEEF Product Plc says it will not hike prices of bread as Zambia has sufficient stocks of wheat to satisfy demand and safeguard food security.

Zambeef Group head of public relations Justo Kopulande said recent reports on the hike of bread are unjustified because millers have bought enough wheat to meet the demand of consumers.

“As far as the company is aware, millers have bought enough wheat to meet the demand and therefore do not need to import this commodity,” he said.

According to latest reports from the Zambia National Farmers Union, Zambia has 187,039 tonnes of wheat available in stock which would last for 9.35 months at a consumption level of 20,000 tonnes per month.

He said the company is a large producer of bread and wheat adding that if VAT was to be removed from wheat flour and bread, the price of bread would instantly reduce by 16 percent.

Mr Kopulande said this in a statement made available to the Mail yesterday. He said wheat producers have proposed for an import parity pricing model which represents a fair pricing mechanism.

“ We are aware that the price of wheat has always been an issue ,but what wheat producers are proposing is an import parity pricing model ,which is also a win – win situation for all stakeholders who include producers, millers and consumers,” he said.

He said once the proposed pricing mechanism is implemented,it will solve arguments on the current wheat price.

He said in a decade, Zambeef has invested over US$50 million into Zambia’s food security by ensuring that the country has enough wheat.

“In 10 years, Zambeef has endeavoured to contribute to Zambia’s food security, especially in self-sufficiency in wheat by investing US$50 million in irrigation equipment and farming 8,000 hectares to produce wheat,” he said.

He said dependence on food imports jeopardises national food security.

[Zambia Daily Mail]