Police in Livingstone have summoned former United Party for National Development (UPND) Southern Province chairperson, John Chidyaka, for allegedly issuing a statement likely to cause tribal wars in Zambia.

Mr Chidyaka, who was in the company of his lawyer, John Kapepe of MAK partners, arrived at Livingstone Central Police at 09.30 hours with senior party officials both at the district and constituency levels giving him suppoprt.

Mr Kapepe told journalists in Livingstone today outside the Livingstone Central Police that his client had been summoned to the police station for him to help with investigations.

Mr Kapepe said the former UPND provincial chairperson was summoned on allegations
that he was promoting tribal war in the country between Bembas and Tongas.

He explained that his client refuted the charge and explained that the case would not go to court.

Mr Kapepe said that unless his client had publicly urged all the Tongas to fight the Bembas in the country there was no base for the charge.

He explained that the police are still investigating the matter.

UPND Livingstone district spokesperson, Neto Halwabala, said the move to summon Mr Chidyaka is one of the many efforts by the PF government to intimidate the opposition.

Mr Halwabala said this is just a political move by the PF to bring down the UPND
but charged that it will not work.

“The PF is looking for storm in a tea cup using the police in the country and that it is a passing phase,” he said.

Mr Chidyaka looked calm and collected after the police interview that ended at 11.50 hours in Livingstone.

ZANIS

The Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ) has said that the acquittal of Mr Henry Kapoko and his accomplices is very suspect. In a Pastoral letter to released to the media, where they have addressed a number of issues, CCZ encouraged the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC), who have expressed that they would appeal this case, to boldly go ahead and do it in a way that it will be a water tight case.

The CCZ wondered who could have embezzled the Funds at the Ministry of Health.

Below is the full statement

A PASTORAL LETTER

NOVEMBER, 2012

1.0 Preamble

We, the Heads of Churches under the umbrella of the Council of Churches in Zambia met on 7th November, 2012 to reflect and to deliberate on a number of matters pertaining to the livelihood of the people in Zambia especially the poor. We also took time to interrogate national issues as we see them unfold in the nation which have direct bearing on the well-being of our country Zambia and impact negatively on the lives of the Zambian people. We also deliberated on governance issues in general.

We continue to reaffirm our role in the Nation as people who advocate for social justice, peace and development and as such we intensely endeavor to protect the interests of the majority of the voiceless people in Zambia. Our inspiration always comes from the prophetic voice according to the word of God. We believe we are obliged to bring to the nation an enlightened Christian opinion on issues affecting the spiritual, physical, social and well-being of Zambians and we offer a holistic ministry for human dignity informed by God’s truths and God’s desire that all may live a life of abundance.

2.0 State of Politics in Government

2 Sam 23.3b-4 “……. He who ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God. And he shall be like the light of the morning when the sun riseth, a morning without clouds, as the tender grass spring out of the earth, by clear shining after rain.” (2 Sam 23.3b-4)

The Council of Churches in Zambia continue to believe that the government still has good will from the people of Zambia. The same good will Zambians exhibited during the last general elections when the Government was ushered into office in September, 2012. We hasten to say, however, that we are concerned with the direction in which the Government is leading our Country Zambia. This concern has been prompted by the way the Government has set itself to repeat all the things that the Zambians said they did not appreciate in the previous governments. This trend is a threat to the aspiration of the Zambian people who had hoped to see new dispensations, new ideologies, new work ethics, new values and new focus on the improvement of the lives of the people. People believed the promise of a better Zambia.

So far indications are that not much has changed as we continue to see concentration on the well-being of the leaders rather than the led. The leadership wrangles, in full view of the nation, perpetuated by very senior members of Government are an indicator of lack of vision, insight and discipline in the government ranks. The hostility and the language used are destructive. This state of affairs is disheartening and should not be tolerated by the party in government. Zambians are not interested in wrangles of people jostling for positions, but only want to see proper and long lasting development in the nation as they were promised before the elections. The wrangles are only taking away people’s confidence in the government. We call upon the President to bring these wrangles to an immediate stop. The news on conflict in our media should be replaced with plans of where and how the government intends to develop Zambia and lead her out of her poverty. This is the basic reason that the Zambians voted the current government into power; to bring long lasting development that takes precedence over all personal, selfish desires of individuals.

3.0 Fight Against Corruption

2 Peter 2:19 – While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.

The acquittal of Mr Henry Kapoko and his accomplices is very suspect in our view to say the least. This takes away the confidence that people have in the government to effectively fight corruption.

This is not the first time that a high profile case has just fizzled out of the face of the earth. We want to encourage the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC), who have expressed that they would appeal this case, to boldly go ahead and do it in a way that it will be a water tight case.

The Zambians would like to see the case dealt with to its logical conclusion. It concerns the loss of billions of Kwacha meant for the well-being of Zambians and for the case to be disposed off in the manner that it has been is very sad and very suspicious.

This case, if not properly determined will only erode confidence of the people who generously provide the resource for the betterment of the people of Zambia especially those living with HIV/AIDS.

The question we are asking is; if Mr Kapoko is not the embezzler then who is? This case must not be allowed to just go away. Someone must be held responsible for the disappearance of the money meant for development.

4.0 By-Elections

Mathew 5:9 – Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called the children of God.

We have noted the tendency by the new government to use the same language that has been used over the years to intimidate Zambians during the elections, to frighten the electorate into submission with statements like “we shall not bring development to this place if you do not vote for our candidate”. This type of campaign messages is erroneous and unacceptable. Many people in Zambia contribute to the national resource basket in terms of paying all kinds of taxes and therefore whether they vote for one party or another they are all entitled to development because they are all Zambians. Governance issues are not the same as party issues. Government’s role is to develop the country on behalf of all Zambians. Politicians must take note that all people have the right to freely elect leaders of their choice as this is their constitutional right and should not be deprived of their livelihood because they voted for a different party.

Misuse of government resources, just like before, continues unabated. The sudden appearance of relief food, quick fix development belongs to the past and is not expected of the Government which promised Zambians new type of politics.

The Council of Churches is encouraged with the campaigns in Mufumbwe. It is our prayer that these by-elections will proceed and conclude in a non-violent manner. All parties who are taking part in the elections must exercise maximum maturity, self-control, self- restraint by all means. We are encouraged by the political parties demonstration of maturity in Mufumbwe which has been done in a non violent manner so far. We have said this before and we say it again that we will not accept members of parliament who to go Manda Hill riding on the blood-soaked backs of poor innocent Zambian due to selfishness and impunity of some politicians. We will accept nothing short of clean politics for a change in this country.

5.0 Gender Based Violence

Ephesians 4:31-32 – Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamour and evil speaking be put away from you with all malice. And be ye kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

The Council of Churches in Zambia will participate together with other stakeholders in the forthcoming 16 days of activism through a worship service, TV and radio programmes, bible studies, youth indabas. This occasion we believe provides a good platform for the church fraternity to show commitment to reducing Gender based violence which has become endemic in the nation. We, therefore, call upon all our member churches to ensure that they all participate in their various locations in this important programme. It has become imperative that we join forces with the government and other stakeholders to fight this ugly phenomenal in our country. As a church we should ourselves take serious steps in embracing GBV programmes in all our churches. This requires that we not only participate in the 16 days of activism but that we make it our business to put this matter on top of our programmes as it has a huge bearing on the improvement of quality of lives for the people, reduction of poverty and enjoyment of dignity for all as God intented it to be.

We wish all Zambians well.

Signed by: The Rev Suzanne Matale
General Secretary
For and on behalf of the Heads of Churches of CCZ member-churches

Zambia Gospel artist resently released 2 new singles “Giant killer” and ” No rent”

GIANT KILLER

No Rent 

By Kapa187

Bond’s loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her. As MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost.

PROS

• Great story line and fast paced action.
• Daniel Craig was awesome from the acting to the stunts to the suits .
•   Stunning cinematography and  a stirring music score
•  Silva is a throwback to a more traditional Bond villain, with equal parts creepy sensuality, intelligence, and psychopathy, and a touch of physical deformity for good measure.

FAVORITE QUOTE

Q: What were you expecting, an exploding pen?

James Bond: Some men are coming to kill us. we’re going to kill them first!

1. James Bond: 007 reporting for duty.
2. M: WHERE THE HELL HAVE YOU BEEN?!
3. James Bond: Enjoying death.

Conclusion

This was one of the best Bond movies in recent memory . It focused less on gadgets and womanizing and more on the dramatic and action packet story . The film has great stunts & thrills – you’ll see this in the long opening sequence. All the characters are great, from the MI6 team members to the villain (Silva) who acts like a traditional Bond villain.

In my opinion Casino Royale remains the best of the recent Bonds, with Skyfall just a notch below it.

Rating

5 out of 5

By Kapa187

Suspended former Patriotic Front Lusaka Province chairperson Davis Chama has charged that party Secretary General Wynter Kabimba will never be a Presidential candidate on the Patriotic Front ticket, in what appears to be a sustained war of words between the Kabimba and GBM camps.

Mr. Chama has told Qfm News that PF members will not allow the party to be hijacked by people who recently joined the party like Mr. Kabimba and current Lusaka province PF chairperson Geoffrey Chumbwe.

He has categorically stated that PF members will not allow newcomers to destroy the party.

And Mr. Chama has challenged Mr. Kabimba to immediately discipline Mr. Chumbwe for publicly attacking and subjecting a senior member of the cabinet to public ridicule.

He says Mr. Chumbwe has personally attacked Defence Minister Geoffrey Mwamba and that his line of attack is similar to that perpetuated by the PF Secretary General and Justice Minister Wynter Kabimba on his fellow cabinet minister.

Mr. Chama adds that the statement in yesterdays Post Newspaper attributed to Mr. Chumbwe as having said that Mr. Mwamba will never be President of Zambia makes sad reading and is a confirmation of the division being created in the party.

He says he is aware of Mr. Kabimba’s plan to bring divisions and frustrate the founding members of PF and bring in their identified Presidential candidate.

[QFM]

Zambia has intensified its push to re-establish a national airline to help boost the tourism industry in line with the new government’s plan to re-align tourism as one of the frontline economic sectors.

And London has opened discussions with prospecting investors who are proposing to lease out aircraft to Zambia for the establishment of a national carrier.

Deputy Minister of Tourism and Arts, David Phiri, who is leading the Zambian delegation at the 2012 World Tourism Market (WTM) in London, says it has become evidently clear that the country’s tourism sector will not get to its desired position without a national airline.

This is contained in a media statement issued by the Press Secretary to the Zambian High Commission in London, Amos Chanda.

“The question of connectivity is a central factor in the development of Zambia’s tourism sector. This can only come about where there is a viable national airline.

“There is consensus in both government and industry that Zambia needs a viable national airline and I know that President Sata is keen on this,’ Mr Phiri said.

The Deputy Minister said the PF administration has allocated unprecedented amounts of money to the tourism industry and provided generous tax incentives for the next five years for Zambians wishing to develop tourism infrastructure in national parks.

“What the new government has done is unprecedented in the history of our country and we are determined as a ministry not to fail the President in his bold and broad vision to rejuvenate this important sector of the economy,” he said.

Mr Phiri noted that the efforts to rejuvenate the tourism industry will bear much fruit once the problem of connectivity is resolved through the establishment of a national carrier.

The minister’s delegation includes the Permanet Secretary, Charity Mwansa, Zambia Tourism Board Managing Director, Felix Chaila and senior staff from the ministry.

The deputy minister was expected later this afternoon to host cocktail for tour operators and leading media outlets in London at the Zambia Stand at Excel Centre, UK premier exhibition arena.

The World Travel Market is a global networking exhibition staged annually in London as the leading Global Event for the travel industry providing a vibrant business event with a diverse range of destinations and industry sector to the UK and international travel professionals.

ZANIS

Deputy Minister in the Office of the Vice President Harry Kalaba has called on the Fire Brigade unit in Lusaka to be proactive in the manner they handle infernos and other unexpected disasters in the nation.

Mr. Kalaba said it is saddening to note that the Fire Brigade unit in Lusaka in most cases fail to respond promptly to calamities such as infernos because of inadequate preparations on their part.

He said this when he toured the Fire Brigade Services and the Emergency Response Team in Lusaka today.

The Deputy Minister stated that people’s property has been damaged in unexpected fire breakout and further urged the unit to change their methods of putting out fire as well as other disasters which happen unexpectedly .

He said Government will always provide enough resources to the unit in order for it to operate smoothly on a daily basis.

Speaking after touring the Lusaka Fire Brigade offices yesterday, Mr Kalaba said he was prompted to visit the Lusaka Fire Brigade following the increasing infernos and other disasters that had rocked the city.

He therefore wanted to get first hand information on how the fire fighters operated and that his opinion was that what was obtaining was a reflection of what was happening at other fire brigades countrywide.

He said a paradigm shift and seriousness in the manner the Fire Brigade conducted its work was desired as people had repeatedly been complaining of inefficiency on the part of fire fighters.

People were losing property worth millions of Kwacha through fire outbreaks, adding that such outcries had a negative bearing on Government’s performance.

“Our people have been complaining about it and I think it’s high time that we took our work very seriously, honestly and I think there has to be a paradigm shift in the way we operate some of these things. I want to believe that with the new Government that has come in place, it’s extremely important that we take advantage of the new environment,” he said.

On revelations by Lusaka Fire Brigade chief fire officer Wellington Mulambo that the department currently only had one fire engine to cater for the city, Mr Kalaba wondered how it would quench fires with one fire tender given a situation where infernos broke out in more than one place at one time.

“Let us have a change. I mean, you have only got one vehicle?! So if there are fires in Mtendere, another fire in Kalingalinga and another fire in town it means you will not respond,” he said.

Mr Kalaba told Mr Kangwa and LCC engineering services director Gilbert Sendama to present him with the progress report on Friday at 14:00 hours highlighting new ways of tackling infernos as using old ways was not yielding the desired results.

He directed the DMMU national coordinator to ensure that another fire brigade station was opened as well as use his office to co-sponsor the National Fire Policy to expedite its implementation.

Mr Sendama said the LCC was before the end of this year procuring another fire engine valued K2.6 billion and that the tender process had reached an advanced stage and that it in its 2013 to 2015 budget it had proposed to construct and equip six sub fire stations around the city to improve on fire and rescue services delivery.

Mr Kalaba and entourage which also included Lusaka District Commissioner Ashwell Kampengele later proceeded to familiarise themselves with the operations of the Emergency Rescue Team (ERT) where he assured its commissioner Andrew Stephenson of Government’s commitment in assisting the team’s noble voluntary work of saving lives.

And Disaster Management Unity (DMMU) National Coordinator Patrick Kangwa appealed for close working relationship between the DMMU, Lusaka City Council and the Fire Brigade.

Mr. Kangwa said the office of the DMMU will continue working hand in hand with the fire brigade unit as well as some other concerned stakeholders in times of disasters in the country.

ZANIS