Join our community of SUBSCRIBERS and be part of the conversation.
To subscribe, simply enter your email address on our website or click the subscribe button below. Don't worry, we respect your privacy and won't spam your inbox. Your information is safe with us.
“Where there is no vision, the people perish…”
(Proverbs 29:18, KJV)
TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria
Throughout life, we will always have forces opposing us to try to keep us from becoming all God’s created us to be. And many times, the adversities and unfair situations are set up by the enemy to try to discourage us and deceive us into giving up on our dreams. Today, you may feel like you’re at an empty place in life. Not much is going your way. You’ve been through difficulties and setbacks. But I believe God wants to restore you. He wants to encourage you, and pour out His spirit upon you. He wants to do a new thing in and through you. It doesn’t matter what’s happened in your past, God has something new for your future. I always say, when one dream dies, dream another dream.
Today, remember, God has placed so much inside of you. You have gifts, talents and abilities that no one else has. You may have had more than your share of unfair things happen. But it’s not how you start, it’s how you finish that matters. It’s time to shake off the past and shake off that discouragement. Let faith arise in your heart and keep your dreams alive!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father God, I know that You have chosen me for such a time as this. I may not understand everything that has happened in my past, but I choose to trust in You. I believe that You are working all things together for my good. Give me Your faith so that I can boldly pursue the dreams You have given me in Jesus’ name, Amen.
A drama centered around a promising football running back , Deon (Curtis “50 cent” Jackson), during his senior year in college. Every thing is going his way , he is the best player on his team , he has all the fame ,all the girls , he is about to play for a top team , but all that is taken away when he is diagnosed with cancer. As life changes for him and his family ,he struggles to get back on his feet.he
PRO’S
The best acting 50 cent has ever done , he was really dedicated to the part and it showed in his improved performance.
The story was very gripping , you really feel for Deon and his family and what they go through.
The dynamics in the relationship between Deon and his brother Sean were interesting to watch.
CON’S
The movie has a slow start.
Should have had original music in the movie ,instead of 50 cent’s music , it distracts you from the story.
CONCLUSION
This is a very good music , i was really impressed with Curtis “50 cent ” Jackson , (as he is credited in his movies), acting. Not quite Oscar worthy but most definetly his best work so far. The drastic weight loss shows just how dedicated he was to this movie. He also had his tattoos removed in a painfull procedure . It has a very inspiring story , it is a must- watch movie.
Zambia captain Christopher Katongo said team did its best against Libya and did just enough to qualify to the Africa Cup finals.
Zambia and Libya finished scoreless at Nchanga Stadium in Chingola in the two sides crucial and final 2012 Africa Cup Group C decider.
“We know Zambians didn’t want a nil-nil result, they wanted the goals,” Katongo said in a post-match interview at Nchanga.
“We tried our best the goal was not forthcoming.
“I know Zambians wanted to see Zambia to go to the Africa Cup. That’s the most important thing. Today we tried our best am sorry to Zambia but we will are still going to represent Zambia at the Africa Cup of Nations.”
Zambia found the going difficult against a plucky Libya who defended with steel in the first half and came out of their shell in the second period to attack in stealth fashion in the second half.
Zambia’s major highlights in the match came firstly in the 39th minute when Libyan goalkeeper Samir Abodl in spectacular style denied strikers Collins Mbesuma and James Chamanga in quick succession.
Abodl was again on hand in the 45th minute to stop defender Nyambe Mulenga’s close-range shot before the first half came to a close.
In the 53rd minute, Chamanga amazingly blasted his close-range shot onto the post with Abodl nowhere in sight.
Not even the arrival of super sub Emmanuel Mayuka could conjure a goal and found Abodl and Libya’s defence in non-compromising mood.
Information, Broadcasting and Tourism Minister GIVEN LUBINDA
Government has asked all workers in the country to stop engaging in unnecessary protests and work stoppages.
Information, Broadcasting and Information Minister Given Lubinda observes that work stoppages and protests are a cost to the nation.
Mr. Lubinda says Government is determined to come up measures aimed at addressing issues associated with the minimum wage.
Mr. Lubinda was speaking at a press briefing in Lusaka on Friday.
He says Labour Minister Fackson Shamenda will soon announce the acceptable minimum wage.
In another development, Mr. Lubinda who is also Kabwata MP, says President Sata can not be reckless to appoint Colonel Panji Kaunda as MP if he did not qualify.
His comments come in the wake of increased media reports questioning why President Sata appointed Col Kaunda who is said to be bankrupt.
Mr. Lubinda challenged the media to engage in research work before publishing articles of such a nature adding that Colonel Kaunda is not bankrupt as reported.
And Mr. Lubinda says Government is happy with the election of Judge Patrick Matibini as the Seventh Speaker of the National Assembly.
He says the Patriotic Front-PF is happy and pleased with the outcome of the voting by new MP’s.
Mr. Lubinda says the ruling party’s desire has come to pass.
Judge Matibini polled 78 votes against Richard Kapita who polled 77 vote
Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Hakainde Hichilema has congratulated Judge Patrick Matibini on his election as Speaker of the National Assembly.
Mr. Hichilema says Judge Matibini’s election is a good achievement.
Mr. Hichilema was speaking in an interview with ZNBC News in Lusaka on Friday.
The UPND Leader has also congratulated Deputy Speaker Mkhondo Lungu and Chairperson of the Committees of the whole house Chifumu Banda on their election.
Mr. Hichilema, who proposed his vice Richard Kapita for the position of Speaker, thanked Members of Parliament for taking part in the vote.
And Mr. Hichilema says time is ripe for the country to have a new constitution.
Mr. Hichilema Says the new constitution should have a 50 per cent plus one threshold, in order for the country to enjoy a majority president.
He says the 50 per cent plus one threshold will unite the country further.
Police in Lusaka are investigating Former Finance Minister, Situmbeko Musokotwane for allegedly using public funds to procure over one thousand bicycles.
Police Public Relations Officer, Ndandula Siamana says police have so far confiscated hundreds of bicycles from Dr Musokotwane’s residence in Lusaka west.
Ms Siamana has told ZNBC News in Lusaka that police suspect public funds could have been used to buy the bicycles.
Ms Siamana could not state what the bicycles were used for but says a statement is yet to be taken from the Former Finance Minister.
Vice President Guy Scott has revealed that the PF government will table the Freedom of Information bill before Parliament within 90 days. Dr Scott was speaking to Journalists at State House shortly after witnessing the swearing in of Lieutenant General Paul Mihova as Army Commander.
Dr Scott said that there was no reason for opposition political parties to frustrate the Patriotic Front in Parliament.
Dr Scott who is leader of government business in the house said that the PF will only table progressive bills aimed at delivering development to people of Zambia.
The Vice President said that he saw no reason why any elected Members of Parliament should frustrate progressive pieces of legislation such as the Freedom of Information bill.
Dr Scott says if the opposition in Parliament deliberately blocks bills which will be tabled by the PF, the ruling party will have no choice but to tell the Zambian people what their elected representatives are doing in Parliament.
TAZARA managing director Akashambatwa Mbikusita Lewanika
Tanzania Zambia Railways Authority -TAZARA- Managing Director Akashambatwa Lewanika has written to President Michael Sata indicating his willingness to step down as Managing Director for the joint national railway company.
Mr Lewanika says he has decided to offer himself to be replaced because the effective operations of the TAZARA Managing Director require political will and support.
He has noted that with the coming in of the new government in Zambia, there is need to appoint a new Managing Director and that he is willing to step aside.
And Mr Lewanika says TAZARA needs over 7-hundred million US dollars to meet its financial requirements.
Mr Lewanika told a media briefing in Lusaka on Friday that of the total amount of money required to ensure the smooth running of TAZARA, over 4-hundred Million US Dollars should come from the government of Zambia.
He says this should be so, because the survival of TAZARA is critical to the Zambian economy.
Mr Lewanika has pointed out that TAZARA has a lot of challenges which need to be addressed by both the government of Zambia and Tanzania.
By D.Phiri
Indeed, Zambia celebrates another benchmark in its democracy. Mostly,credit is to the people of Zambia and the mature political players involved. However, I would like to bring to the fore, a very pertinent matter which has for a long time been relegated to the periphery in the governance agenda in Zambia. That is, the Childrens agenda. Adult Zambians have spoken, and democracy has answered their call. However,we have the unheard voices; whose right to vote is not yet but they are a critical constituency in the Zambian demographics.
As of 2007, the Zambia demographic and Healthy Survey (ZDHS) stated that Zambia has a young population with 50 per cent of the total population under the age of 15 whilst the least age group of 0 – 4 years comprised of the largest proportion of the population at 19 per cent (p. 13). Therefore, many children are being impacted in reality by the social, economic, and political realities of the day than adults. It can be assumed by the population demographics that they tend to be affected more.
However, their voices seem to continue to be unheard. The government and other NGOs who purport to work in this area need to reflect on this matter at this early stage of government transition. Whilst children cannot vote, how can the government ensure that childrens perspectives, concerns, views and experiences be taken into consideration as a serious governance agenda? Political structures from the time of campaigns are not easily accessible to
children, and were it is done, seems to be top dressing and not mutually interactive with children to get their perspectives.
In some cases, we have read in media were political players have laughed at other party rallies attended by children. Is it a sign of political
failure when children attend rallies to hear what government is doing in their country? Children are social agents, who are part of the
overall political environment and are largely affected by political activities and outcome. It should be well known that children contribute severally to the political economy of the country but due to such discriminative tendencies their contribution and stake is not seen and respected.
As the new government settles down and creates its structures, we are watching with keen interest what changes they make in structures that will be pushing forward the childrens agenda. The question has always been, ‘which government wing holistically moves the childrens agenda forward!’ Fuzzy and unclear structures in the government characterized the system that has been tasked to handle childrens affairs. In most instances, childrens programming was subsumed in other adult activities and as such never made substantial impact at all.
Previously, we had Ministry of Sport, Youth and Child Development (MSYCD), Ministry of Community Development and Social Services (MCDSS) and Ministry of Education (MoE) as the main structures handling childrens affairs in various aspects. These were aided by several committees that had duplicative mandates. However, this system was fraught by serious duplication of efforts, lack of precision in handling child affairs, inefficiency and subsequent poor delivery.
This is evident in the ONLY report CRC/C/11/Add.25 (instead of 3-4) delivered to the United Nations Committee on the rights of the child
in 2001. With the current merging of ministries, we hope that structures that will coordinate the holistic programming in child welfare and development will be visible. With expertise and competence in working with various NGOs in making childrens voices, views,perspectives and concerns audible through various creative programming that lessens the distance between local people and technocrats.
In addition, allocation of financial and competent human resources to programming in this area has been very inadequate. It is a huge challenge for the very inefficient systems to carry out their mandate when they are insufficiently resourced. In this regard, it is hoped that the ‘newly created structures’ will be sufficiently resourced to ensure that programming in childrens welfare is well resourced in terms of finances and human resources. With the start of the national budget debates in parliament, I hope that concerned government wings and related structures will be allocated sufficient funds to sufficiently attend to concerns and needs of this large and vital, but usually unheard constituency of the Zambian population.
It should not be assumed that addressing adults concerns addresses childrens concerns as well, for childrens concerns and perspectives as independent social agents in our society are in many ways and instances different.
Zambia seek revenge on Saturday when they host Libya in the two sides 2012 Africa Cup Group C decider at Nchanga Stadium in Chingola.
Libya beat Zambia 1-0 in the first leg played exactly a year ago in Tripoli to hand Dario Bonetti his first defeat in charge of Chipolopolo.
Since then, Zambia has been undefeated in Group C recording back-to-back wins over Mozambique and Comoros who are both out of the qualifying race.
A draw will be enough for Zambia to see them through to the January tournament to be co-hosted by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.
Zambia are on 12 points while Libya, who are undefeated in Group C despite their upheavals at home, are a point adrift of their hosts.
Bonetti welcomes back two key players from injuries namely Dutch-based striker Jacob Mulenga of FC Utrecht and Orlando Pirates midfielder Isaac Chansa.
Mulenga should start in attack together with Collins Mbesuma and James Chamanga.
Chansa could be in line to take up Rainford Kalaba’s place in midfield who is out of this match due to suspension.
Meanwhile, Saturday’s meeting will be the sixth between the two teams since their first encounter in the 1982 Africa Cup semifinals that Libya won 2-1.
Zambia both teams are even despite Libya coming into this match with a 1-0 advantage.
Both sides have won and lost two matches each and one draw although Libya are still without an away win against Zambia.
Loser of the game could still qualify for the tournament as one of the best five runners up.
Zambia National team Coach giving Instructions to Players
President Michael Sata, has said that Zambia national soccer team’s victory over Libya in this Saturday’s Orange 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Chingola would be the best present for his September 20 presidential election triumph.
The President has challenged the Group C table-topping Chipolopolo to go for an outright win over second-placed Libya who, if taken lightly, may just spring a surprise and secure a berth at the Gabon-Equatorial Guinea finals.
“Although my election victory demands hard work and not celebration or presents, I will be happy to receive a present from our national football team; and that should be in the form of victory over Libya and, consequently, qualification to the 2012 Africa Cup finals,” stated President Sata.
The Head of State observed that although playing at the Africa Cup is always a tough undertaking, he is confident that coach Dario Bonneti’s squad has enough depth to scalp the continent’s heavyweights and go a step further than the quarter-final finish achieved at the 2010 edition.
President Sata is hopeful that while the Government will play its part in helping prepare the team, the Football Association of Zambia will equally ensure that all officials, the technical bench and players are all committed to repaying the Zambian tax-payer with remarkable results.
[pullquote]“The best way of accounting for our people’s hard-earned money which they always spend on the national team is to play for exceptional results, or else, they will begin to doubt whether the team dserves any more tax payer’s money. We want accountability to show in all that we spend money on,” said the President.[/pullquote]
“The best way of accounting for our people’s hard-earned money which they always spend on the national team is to play for exceptional results, or else, they will begin to doubt whether the team dserves any more tax payer’s money. We want accountability to show in all that we spend money on,” said the President.
President Sata has assigned the Minister of Labour, Sports, Youth and Gender, Hon Fackson Shamenda as his official and personal representative at the footbal match.
South Africa’s FirstRand (FNB) has anounced that it had received formal notification from Zambia’s central bank over the termination of a $5.4 million deal to acquire Finance Bank and would comply with the directive.
“FNB has agreed to this request, and provided the process is within Zambian law, we will continue to engage with BOZ (Bank of Zambia),” it said in a statement.
According to the press statement issued by FNB’s Dr Michael Jordaan, “FNB has now received formal notification that the Bank of Zambia (BOZ) will not proceed with the proposed transaction previously agreed with BOZ, to sell to FNB selected assets and liabilities of Finance Bank of Zambia (FBZ).”
“BOZ have confirmed that they no longer require the services of the FNB staff who were seconded to BOZ to manage FBZ in December 2010, and have taken back the day to day management of FBZ”, read the statement.
The statement continued by saying that BOZ had indicated that they wished to enter into a process with FNB to terminate the existing legal agreement relating to the proposed transaction. FNB has agreed to this request, and provided the process is within Zambian law, we will continue to engage with BOZ.
“The FNB staff seconded to Bank of Zambia are in the process of returning to South Africa. In the meantime FNB Zambia remains committed to growing its current greenfields operations and will continue to focus on supporting its staff and servicing its customers, ” the statement comcluded
Bank of Zambia seized Finance Bank from its shareholders in 2010 for legal violations, including questionable loans. Finance Bank’s chairman has said the seizure was politically motivated.
Zambia will scrap a levy on fuel used to fund strategic reserves, which will now be the sole responsibility of the government, Energy Minister Christopher Yaluma said on today.
“The onus of holding fuel will go into the hands of government. The government will take that risk and will ensure that we do not have shortages. Right now the government has ensured that storage facilities are built across the country,” Yaluma told a media briefing.
He said as a result, the price of petrol would drop to K 8,155 Zambian per litre from K 8,647 a litre while that for diesel would be reduced to K7,566 per litre with effect from midnight.
Bank of Zambia has officially reversed the $5.4 million sale of Finance Bank to South Africa’s FirstRand on today, returning the bank to its previous shareholders.
The move was expected after newly elected President Michael Sata said this week he would stop the sale of Finance Bank to South Africa’s second-largest lender, in his latest move against the policies of the previous administration.
The central bank seized Finance Bank from its shareholders in 2010 for legal violations, including insider lending. Finance Bank’s chairman has said the seizure was politically motivated.
The Bank of Zambia said in a statement that Finance Bank had been handed back to previous shareholders as of today , and that it would continue normal operations.
Information, Broadcasting and Tourism Minister GIVEN LUBINDA
Information, Broadcasting and Tourism Minister Given Lubinda said that Defence Deputy Minister Panji Kaunda qualifies to be nominated in his position.
Commenting on the media reports that Col Panji Kaunda did not qualify to serve as member of Parliament at a Press briefing in Lusaka yesterday, Mr Lubinda said that Col Kaunda’s issue of being bankrupt was addressed when the Former President Kenneth Kaunda paid Hybrid Poultry Farm Limited the amount Colonel Kaunda owed.
Mr Lubinda advised the media that it was important to carry out research on the matter before publishing any story relating to Col Kaunda.
Earlier this week, the Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) Executive Director McDonald Chipenzi said that the appointment of Colonel Panji Kaunda as Member of Parliament and deputy defence minister, contravened article 65 (1)(b) of the constitution because he was declared bankrupt by the courts.
Mr Chipenzi went on to explain that article 65 (1)(b) stated that a person shall not be qualified to be elected as a member of the national assembly if that person is an undischarged bankrupt, having been adjudged or otherwise declared bankrupt under any law in force in Zambia.
The FODEP executive director called on republican President Michael Sata to either reconsider Colonel Kaunda’s appointment or disclose to the nation that Colonel Kaunda is no longer a bankrupt person.
Colonel Panji Kaunda was declared bankrupt by the High Court of Zambia in January 2004 for owing Hybrid Poultry Farm Limited K121,703,436.
