The Meteorological department has been challenged to improve the mode of dissemination of information on weather forecast in order to help people in rural areas especially farmers prepare adequately and make informed decisions over any eventualities that may be anticipated to be experienced.
Monze District Development Coordinating Committee (DDCC) challenged the meteorological department that information on whether forecast was not reaching people in remote areas of the district.
This came to light during a special DDCC meeting held at the District Council Conference unit in Monze on Friday where the meteorological department briefed members on the seasonal rainfall forecast for 2012-2013 seasons.
The DDCC members indicated that the flow of information on climate and whether conditions was poor and needed to be improved upon because the challenges of climate changes were adverse and needed to be addressed in an effective manner.
They said the meteorological department must consider providing extension services in rural parts of districts in order for everyone to easily access information and updates on whether forecast.
They called on the department to also improve the network with intermediate in order to enhance the flow of information on whether and climate.
And Southern Province Meteorological Officer Dalton Nanja told the DDCC in Monze that his department was doing everything possible to come up with a better early warning system on weather forecast.
Dr Nanja said that the department had embarked on a new system of disseminating information on weather forecast and other climate conditions.
He disclosed that government had funded a sensitization program which enabled the department continue providing information to people along the line of rail with an extension to rural and the remotest parts of the province.
Dr Nanja said that the meteorological department was also working closely with the media in trying to reach many people with information on climate conditions.
He however explained that the 2012/2013 between October, November and December season Southern Province will receive normal to below normal rainfall.
Dr Nanja said that for the period January, February and March Southern province will have a high chance of receiving normal rainfall.
He said that the department was going through all districts of the province sensitizing people on the 20120/2013 seasonal rainfall forecast.
Police in Kalomo are holding two suspects in connection with a leakage of grade seven examination papers in Mapatizya schools zonal centre which were intended to be leaked to would be examined pupils.
Both the district administration, education authorities and police sources confirmed the development to ZANIS in separate interviews with the leakages reported to have occured early last week.
The two suspects are said to be from Kamukeza basic school where a named senior teacher is alleged to have ripped off from each five sachets containing the grade seven examination papers which were taken to the examination centre before the commencement of the examinations and harboured them to a local villager and the scum was noticed by vigilant members of the public who notified concerned authorities which led to the arrest of the duo.
District education board secretary, Webster Mwiinga who confirmed the incident said the incident was unfortunate adding that his department would not tolerate such behaviour among his staff while the two suspects are still in police custody and would appear in court soon.
Earlier, the district education examination security committee warned against the teaching fraternity of any possible mal- practices over the exercise following the previous year’s poor performance which saw Kalomo recording the second last in the entire country being second from Lukulu district.
The Zambia Music Copy-write Protection Society (ZAMCOPS) says it is shocked by the death of renowned Zambia musician Albert Silwimba, popularly known as Alubusu.
ZAMCOPS Board Chairman Edify Hamukale says the gap left by Alubusu will be difficult to replace.
Hamukale said his organization is making frantic efforts to easy the burden of the bereaved family.
“The death of Alubusu is shocking. His contributions to the music industry will sadly be missed by us other musicians. As ZAMCOPS, we’re making arrangements to easy the burden of the bereaved family,” Hamukale said.
Alubusu who started his music career in the 90?s died yesterday in a fatal road traffic accident along the Lusaka/Mongu road.
Alubusu came on the scene with a smash hit called ‘Bwela Panyumba’.
The accident happened between 23:00 hours and 03:00 hours yesterday at Miulwe area 35 kilometers away from Mongu when Alubusu who was driving a motor vehicle BMW registration number ALE 8235 failed to negotiate a curve due to excessive speed.
The vehicle careered off the road and overturned 100 meters from the tarmac road after hitting into several trees in the bush and rested on one big tree.
The deceased was found trapped in the wreckage of the vehicle and Police Officers with the help of villagers used axes to break the metal to retrieve the body.
His death comes as a shock to many Zambians who loved his music among them the Zambia Association of Musicians.
Alubusu’s body is lying in Lewanika General Hospital mortuary in Mongu, Western province.
MMD President Nevers Mumba addressing the media in Mufumbwe
The Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) has accused the ruling Patriotic Front (PF) of planning to fan anarchy and violence in Mufumbwe ahead of Thursday’s parliamentary by-election.
MMD President Nervers Mumba says his party is aware that there is a bus heading to Mufumbwe carrying about 60 cadres from Copperbelt province to go and cause confusion prior to the polling day.
Dr Mumba said the opposition political parties in Mufumbwe should not be held responsible for any confusion or violence that might erupt in the course of the campaigns.
Dr Mumba told journalists in Mufumbwe that the PF should take full responsibility of any confusion that will occur in the area.
The MMD leader said so far campaigns have been peaceful and that the people of Mufumbwe will not accept violence this time around.
He said the MMD and its supporters are ready to defend themselves fully should the PF go ahead with the alleged attacks on MMD.
“We are aware of the plans by the PF to cause confusion in this by-election, I want to warn that we are ready to defend ourselves and defend ourselves to the fullest” said Dr Mumba.
Dr Mumba also alleged that PF has dispatched over 15 government vehicles for use in the plot.
He further alleged that the number plates for the said vehicles have been removed to avoid them being recognised.
Meanwhile, Dr Mumba has said that the people of Mufumbwe are determined to vote for the MMD because the PF have failed to honour their promises.
He said the MMD/UPND campaign team has done what it needs to do to win the by- election.
“Victory for us is certain. We have campaigned and still campaigning to convince the people of Mufumbwe on why they should vote for Stanford Mulusa” he said.
Dr Mumba said Mr Mulusa is a man of integrity who would effectively represent the people of Mufumbwe in parliament.
But PF Deputy Campaign Manager in the Mufumbwe by- election Newton Malwa has described Dr Mumba’s allegations as a total fabrication aimed at diverting people from real issues.
He advised Dr Mumba to stop making alarming statements he can’t substantiate.
He alleged that the MMD has resorted to lies and fabrications because the atmosphere in Mufumbwe is not suitable for them to claim victory in the November 8th by-election.
Mr Malwa said its wrong for the MMD to accuse the PF of using government vehicles when it is them using controversial vehicles bought using government resources prior to the 2011 general elections.
Mr Malwa called for issue based campaigns as opposed to character assassination and mudslinging.
In the election scheduled for Thursday, the MMD is fielding Stanford Mulusa, PF is fielding Steven Masumba while UNIP is fielding Steven Kamwendo.
Christopher Katongo is the last man standing from Zambia for the 2012 African Footballer of the Year award.
The striker from China club Henan Jianye will battle with eight West Africans and one North African for this year’s honours.
Katongo is vying for the CAF Player award against the Ivorian trio Arsenal striker Gervinho, Didier Drogba including reigning CAF Player of the year award holder Yaya Toure.
Cameroon midfielder Alex Song, Gabon striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Ghana’s Andre Ayew, Nigerian midfielder Mikel Obi and Moroccan Younes Belhanda complete the shortlist.
And on the African-based Player of the Year Award, the TP Mazembe duo of Rainford Kalaba and Stophilla Sunzu will battle with three other contenders for that accolade.
The legendary Mohamed Aboutreika of Egypt, Tunisian Yousse Msakni and his Cameroonian club mate at Esperance Yannick N’Djeng are all vying for the continental prize.
Power Dynamos on Sunday bumped Zanaco from the top of the table after winning their penultimate Faz Super Division game at home against Napsa Stars in Kitwe.
The 2011 Faz Super Division champions beat Napsa 2-1 at Arthur Davies Stadium to close the two-point gap between themselves and Zanaco and move to the top on 59 and 58 points respectively after 29 matches played.
All three goals came in the opening 35 minutes of the first half with Power midfielder Emmanuel Chimpinde putting Power ahead in the 23rd minute before Simon Bwalya made it 2-0 in the 35th minute.
Napsa scored their consolation goal of the game in the 43rd minute through Mike Silayvwe.
Power now have a another date with destiny in Lusaka this time with Red Arrows on November 10 in a match they need to win to retain the title for a second successive season.
In 2011, Power also clinched the title in Lusaka last year on the penultimate day of the season with a 1-0 win over Zanaco at Sunset Stadium.
Zambian Musician Albert Silwimba, 37, popularly known as Alubusu, died on the spot in an accident which happened on Mongu – Kalabo road.
The accident happened between 23 00 hours yesterday and today 03 00 hours at Miulwe area 35 kilometers from Mongu Town.
He was driving a motor vehicle BMW registration number ALE 8235 Silver in color.
The deceased was found trapped in the wreckage of the vehicle and officers with the help of members of the public used axes to break the metal to retrieve the body.
The accident happened due to excessive speed when the driver lost control of the motor vehicle after failing to negotiate a curve and careered off the road and overturned 100 meters from the tarmac road after hitting into several trees in the bush resting on one big tree which also fell.
The body is lying in Lewanika General Hospital mortuary.
He will remembered for his contribution to Zambian music and his hit songs such as “Bwela Panyumba”
Green Buffaloes on Saturday recorded their first win in five weeks after beating Konkola Mine Police 2-0 away in the Faz Super Division match played at Konkola Stadium in Chililabombwe.
This result is expected to be a relief to Buffaloes who last won on October 6 when they beat now demoted Indeni 1-0 at home.
Buffaloes captain Dennis Banda scored from a long range free kick after 56 minutes while second half substitute Michael Bulaya scored the clincher two minutes later as Buffaloes silenced Mine Police in the border town.
The main highlight of the first half came in the 38th minute when Mufulira referee Benard Chabala disallowed Buffaloes’ goal by striker Sirak Musebo.
Chabala ruled that Musebo had fouled Mine Police keeper Evans”Nkalamu” Chewe before tapping in a shot.
The two teams went into the half time break 0-0 thanks to Chewe made some outstanding saves to prevented Buffaloes in the first 45 minutes.
Buffaloes have increased their tally to 42 points while Mine Police are sitting on 35 points.
The President made Mr Masumba to kneel before hundreds of people who turned out for the rally at Matushi grounds to ask for their votes.
By Rev Kapya Kaoma
“We fought for Independence, we achieved Independence. But Independence is empty if it doesn’t deliver. If the ordinary people are not eating well, ordinary people are not getting employment, ordinary people can’t have health facilities, ordinary people can’t get education facilities, then that Independence is hollow.”
These were the words of the late visionary politician Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe – Zambia’s first vice President after parting with Kenneth Kaunda’s United National Independence Party (UNIP) to form United Progressive Party in 1971. Kapwepwe’s attempt to democratically dislodge Kaunda from power attracted the wrath of UNIP cadres – who sadistically harassed and threw rotten vegetables at him. Soon thereafter, UNIP cadres opted for one-party rule. In 1980, Kapwepwe died a disappointed person. Yet his prophetic words are true today as they were in the early 1970s.
Since then, only political cadres connected to power holders have enjoyed the fruits of independence. For ordinary people, independence is awfully meaningless. After 27 years in power, UNIP left millions of people in indescribable poverty. As for the Movement for Multi-party Democracy’s 20 year reign, millions of people lost jobs while politicians robbed the nation millions of dollars. No wonder Sata’s Patriotic Front rekindled our hopes in 2011. But so far, signs are that only cadres are getting more money in their pockets. Day after day, our children are going to bed without food and dying from curable diseases. Our towns have no safe drinking water and sanitation is at its worst. Hospitals have no drugs and colleges have no text books; yet politicians’ salaries are increased. Worse still, our country is failing to create good paying jobs for its citizens while neo-colonial “investors” abuse us at will. [pullquote]It is ironic that on October 24, 1964, we rejected British repressive rule but adopted the very laws and tactics colonialist employed on us.[/pullquote]
Unfortunately, Zambia seems to follow the law of nature – the older our nation grows, the more things deteriorate. At 48 years, Zambia has lost all her vitality. After 48 years of independence, the country can’t even perform basic DNA tests; later on provide quality health services in the nation. The best we have done is develop two distinct health care systems; one for the rich and another for the commoner. While commoners attend workforce and technologically starved government clinics and hospitals, the rich and well-connected cadres attend private hospitals. Should these hospitals fail to meet their needs, they are transferred to government funded University Teaching Hospital’s (UTH) “high-costs” or “fee paying sections.” If UTH fails to address their ailment, they are airlifted to South Africa for specialist treatment on public funds.
Who can blame those who celebrated Zambia’s birth in 1964 for looking back at the romantic era of colonialism? “Gone are the days,” they mumble, “when we ate three meals and received proper medical care.” Rather than celebrating black-rule, they are now missing the days when a white man ruled Africa – nurturing the myth that only a muzungu can develop our nation. Is this what freedom fighters envisioned when they risked all for our nation – a country where people will be haunted by perpetual poverty?Patients sleeping on the floor at a ward in UTH
Don’t get me wrong. I am not endorsing the boycott of independence celebrations. Opposition leaders’ refusal to attend this year’s independence celebrations was an insult to those who sacrificed for mother Zambia. October 24 is a sacred event that ought to propel us into pursuing national ideals. So for Nevers Mumba and Hakainde Hichilema to politicize such an important event is immaturity at its best! That said, “What is independence without economic empowerment?”
I fully understand the role international factors play in economic development. However, Zambia’s underdevelopment is mainly our own making. When it comes to addressing poverty, our leaders are not serious. Today, our economy is worse than the one that existed in 1960s. The political atmosphere is not better than colonial rule. Freedom of expression and association are still luxuries in our great nation. Our social services are the most awful – ranking 28th among the world’s poorest nations.
Each government has promised to fight Zambia’s poverty and underdevelopment. No sooner than the people demanded their due share of the nation’s fortune than successive governments employed state machinery to bully them into uttermost silence. The police, anti-corruption commission, the army and courts – structures meant to promote good governance have promoted bad governance instead. They have allowed cadres to exist without the fear of the law. Criminals who stole millions of dollars are constantly reappointed to political office while poor people are incarcerated for expressing their views on matters of governance. The recent love affair between the PF and the Public Order Act is nothing new to Zambian politics. Both UNIP and MMD used this act to terrorize opponents while shielding their corrupt cadres. It is ironic that on October 24, 1964, we rejected British repressive rule but adopted the very laws and tactics colonialist employed on us.[pullquote]One wonders what qualified Vera Chiluba, Dora Siliya and now GBM and Kambwili to hold ministerial positions. The same can be said about countless ministers, deputy ministers, permanent secretaries and worse still those who sit in our embassies across the globe. Under the cadre political syndrome, unwavering loyalty and not job performance secures one’s position. Everything the “big” man says passes without question.[/pullquote]
As a consequence, we have a cadre driven government – the situation that has led to what I term, “a cadre political syndrome.” Shouting party slogans “the loudest” qualifies one to cabinet position – offices meant to formulate and direct policies. One wonders what qualified Vera Chiluba, Dora Siliya and now GBM and Kambwili to hold ministerial positions. The same can be said about countless ministers, deputy ministers, permanent secretaries and worse still those who sit in our embassies across the globe. Under the cadre political syndrome, unwavering loyalty and not job performance secures one’s position. Everything the “big” man says passes without question. It is this problem that has led to constant reshuffles and mismanagement of national resources in our 48 year history. Cadres with a sense of dignity to respectfully disagree with the appointing authorities are usually fired without notice. Yet those who sing praises to the president and misdirect policies at various levels of government simply recycled to other ministries.
But this syndrome is not limited to PF. Those who follow Zambian politics know that Nevers and HH are equally supreme rulers or dictators, whose rulings are final. As party presidents, they dictate who contests elections and remote control their MPs in parliament. To be a democratically elected MP is to dance to the tune of the party president – independent thinking is downright disobedience. Be it PF, MMD and United Party for National Development, opposing the party president warrants expulsion from the party and ultimately losing elected office.
Sadly, the cadre political syndrome perpetuates poverty and underdevelopment. One can forgive UNIP for appointing so many cadres to public office. Many Zambians were illiterate and very few understood democracy; later on how the Western economic systems worked. In 1964, we only had 100 university graduates and approximately 1200 School Certificates holders. Today, things have changed. Independent thinkers abound. They are the ones who should head the courts, anti-corruption commission and all sectors of the economy.
Regrettably, such thinkers are dismissed on the basis that they were not among those who shouted party slogans “the loudest” when the party was in opposition. At 48, it is time we got rid of the cadre political syndrome and made independence meaningful for all. Let us visualize the dreams of freedom fighters for mother Zambia. “Like our noble eagle,” let us focus on making all Zambians proud and free.
FILE: President Sata greets Dr Kaunda with Dr Guy Scott, FDD president Edith Nawakwi and Felix Mutati looking on.
The Non-Governmental Organization Coordination Council (NGOCC) says it is shocked by the appointment of FDD leader Edith Nawakwi by President Michael Sata to oversee the bio-fuel investment project in the country.
NGOCC board Chairperson Beatrice Grillo says Ms. Nawakwi owes the women movement a comprehensive explanation on her position on the presidential appointment.
Mrs. Grillo says the women movement is aware of the fact that there is nothing wrong with the opposition working closely with the government of the day but states that what is of major concern with regards this appointment is the level at which these politicians work together.
Speaking to QFM News in an interview, Mrs. Grillo adds that appointments are welcome as long as they do not affect the ability of the opposition to provide the necessary checks and balances to government.
She states that Ms. Nawakwi’s appointment will definitely put her in a very awkward position seeing that she is the top leader of a political party who is expected to provide leadership to the party.
Mrs. Grillo says the women movement is looking forward to having a discussion with the FDD leader to really get a clear understanding of the matter.
The NGOCC board chairperson states that if the FDD leader has truly aligned herself to the ruling Patriotic Front, it will be a blow to the women movement, which she says is trying to advocate for women participation in politics.
ZESCO says it is still investigating the origin of the fire that gutted eight (8) apartments at Kabwe’s Railways Quarters compound.
The power utility company has however, denied allegations that the fire started from the prepaid meters, saying there was no faulty prepaid meter that was installed in any of the apartments.
Speaking in an interview with ZANIS this afternoon, ZESCO Principle Engineer for Kabwe Branch, Bright Mwaipopo said before the incident, the company had never received any verbal or written complaint from the victims indicating that the prepaid meters were faulty.
He said while the company sympathizes with the fire victims on their loss, it also regrets the fact that the victims have decided to put the blame on the prepaid meters even when there is no authentic proof that the fire came from the meters.
He added that preliminary investigations done so far have proved that there was no one in the apartments at the time of the incident and since the entire household property has been engulfed, it is difficult to tell where the fire really came from.
Mr Mwaipopo however, said investigations on the matter are still underway and management will submit a conclusive report to the company headquarters for further scrutiny.
He further advised Kabwe residents to report any notable faults promptly to avoid such incidences in future and also assured the communities where the prepaid meters have been installed that there is no need for alarm as the meters are genuine and safe.
And Kabwe District Commissioner Patrick Chishala said he will lobby for support from the Kabwe business community and other well-wishers in order to assist the fire victims.
Mr Chishala who sympathised with the victims however, urged them to learn from their experiences and move on with their lives even as the matter is being investigated.
Meanwhile, the fire victims are adamant that the fire that destroyed their apartments and damaged their household property came from the prepaid meters.
They alleged that ever since the meters were installed, they have been faulty and they had to this effect, reported to ZESCO on several occasions but that no action was taken by the power company.
The victims who are currently being accommodated by friends and relatives are demanding compensation and one of the victims Christance Chikota insisted that she had been to ZESCO on severally but she received no assistance from the company staff.
On Wednesday, a fire has burnt a block of quarters consisting of eight (8) apartments at Kabwe’s Railways Quarters compound, leaving 11 families homeless.
Three people in Serenje today narrowly escaped death when the newly won Toyota corolla car they were travelling in careered off the road and overturned along the great north road at Chikubula area 46 kilometres from Serenje.
The new corolla was recently won by Mr Emmanuel Bwembya of Mulenga Hills in Kasama who was also in the car driven by his nephew at the time of the accident.
ZANIS reports that three of the other passengers identified as Happy Simbeye, Brain Mwamba 32 and Melvis Kafwancha 32 of Location compound in Kasama are currently admitted to Serenje district hospital following the accident.
And a medical officer at the district hospital, Dr Richard Kaki told ZANIS that Simbeye sustained serious head injuries while the other two sustained minor injuries.
The accident which involved an unregistered Toyota corolla which was won in the ongoing MTN promotion happened around 10:00 hours at Chikubula area when the driver of the vehicle Prince Chiluba lost control of the car after he failed to negotiate a corner.
Meanwhile, Chiluba 23, of house no 16/16 Bauleni compound who was the driver of the vehicle escaped un hurt and has since been arrested and remanded in police custody.
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“Do not give the devil an opportunity to work.”
(Ephesians 4:27, ISV) TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria
So many people today are living with less than God’s best because they’ve allowed fear to creep in and take root in their lives. Fear is the greatest weapon the enemy uses to try to hold us back. Fear is not from God. Scripture tells us that fear brings torment. It’s designed to paralyze us and keep us from God’s blessings.
The good news is that God is greater than fear. His power in you is greater than any power that comes against you. But, in order to walk in His power, you have to close the door on the enemy. See, the enemy can’t have access to your life unless you open a door and give him access. That’s why we have to be careful about what we watch, what we listen to, what we read, and what we say. When we open ourselves to fear, we give the enemy opportunity.
If you’ve allowed fear to steal from you in any area of life, today you can be free — you can be finished with fear. Conquering the enemy starts by making the choice to close the door on fear by receiving God’s love and meditating on His promises. Receive His truth and speak His truth. Let Him set you free and lead you into victory as you close the door on fear. A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father, I come to You in faith declaring that I am finished with fear. Thank You for giving me a spirit of power, love and a sound mind. Fill me with Your peace and joy today as I worship You and move forward in Your victory in Jesus’ name. Amen.
— Joel & Victoria Osteen
We are ready for Napsa Stars on Sunday says Power Dynamos coach Beston Chambeshi.
Power host Napsa on Sunday at Arthur Davies Stadium in Kitwe in their penultimate match of the season that they need to win to go top of the Faz Super Division table.
Two points separate leaders Zanaco from Power on 58 and 56 points after 29 and 28 matches played respectively.
A win at home on Sunday against Napsa for Power who beat them 2-1 in the first leg meeting in Lusaka on June 17 will enhance their hopes of successful title defence heading into the last league game next weekend.
“For sure it is a tight race we are almost there and on the right track,” Chambeshi said.
“I think it (The title race) will go as far as the last game of the season.
“I think that this game will be a decider we will take it with a serious approach. They beat us in the first game in Lusaka and we have to win that game and it is not about revenge.”
However, Chambeshi has fitness problems for midfielders Kennedy Mudenda who limped off against Green Buffaloes on Thursday and Thomas Nyirenda in the Barclays Cup semifinals on Saturday.
“They will be fit am sure they will recover for Sunday,” Chambeshi said.
Zanaco suffered from a bout of late season jitters in the race for the Faz Super Division title on Saturday after allowing demotion threatened Roan United to draw 2-2 away at Sunset Stadium in Lusaka.
This result kept champions Power Dynamos’ chances of defending the league title alive as they can displace Zanaco from the top provided they beat Napsa Stars in Sunday’s delayed fixture at Arthur Davies Stadium in Kitwe.
Two-goal hero Elson Mkandawire put Zanaco in front after 19 minutes scoring with a shot that was aided by a hand.
Seven minutes later ex-Chipolopolo striker Davies Mwape equalised for Roan tapping in a free kick from close range.
Just after the restart Roan’s Lyson Sikaonga scored what looked like a winner for the struggling Luanshya side.
But Mkandawire headed in an equaliser 20 minutes to full time.
Zanaco now tops the league with 58 points from 29 matches while second placed Power who have play their Week 29 match on Sunday have 56 points.
