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Stand up for the Champion

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President Michael Sata receives instruments of power from outgoing President Rupiah Banda as Chief Justice Ernest Sakala looks on at the inauguration ceremony at the Supreme Court in Lusaka
President Michael Sata receives instruments of power from outgoing President Rupiah Banda as Chief Justice Ernest Sakala looks on at the inauguration ceremony at the Supreme Court in Lusaka
By A Zyambo
“Duty, honor, country: Those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be. They are your rallying point to build courage when courage seems to fail, to regain faith when there seems to be little cause for faith, to create hope when hope becomes forlorn” –these where the words of the General of the US Army Douglas MacArthur, I echo the same words as our nation makes news headlines worldwide on most international media.

Headlines not because Zambia has won the world cup, not because, not because of a great invention, not because of a civil war, but simply because of a giant step of peace, so hardly ever seen, where the outgoing president coming from one party accompanies the winning president from a different party and exchange the instrument of power.

WOW! What gesture!

I first of all congratulate President H.E Michael Chilufya Sata and wish him all the best as he delivers what he promised Zambians. Let us all give him the due support that he will require as president of Zambia, for indeed Zambia comes above all.

You will however agree with me that besides Sata’s triumphant win,another champion here is Rupiah Bwezani Banda, hero he is indeed,freely accepting defeat all to the benefit of Zambians, all for the sake of peace, he willfully conceded defeat. No Zambian could fail to be deeply moved by such a tribute as this, no Zambian be it PF, UPND, NAREP, HP,UNIP or MMD to mention but a few, no Zambian be it young or old, male or female could resist the yearning to standing in ovation as the old man RB stood by Michael Chilufya Sata at the inauguration of the latter.

An act that shocked the whole world, as almost everyone anticipated post election violence to erupt.

The two leaders accompanied by the father of the nation Dr Kenneth Kaunda, showed us that Zambia is everything, that Zambia is bigger than any human being, they showed us their patriotism to this nation,something that’s lacking in the young generation.RB indeed showed us that his duty was and is to serve Zambian, and that his COUNTRY means more to him than being in power, that the lives of Zambians mean more than anything else. That Honor is bestowed through peace.

And indeed I salute him, he has set a very good example, a landmark that every politician, every young politician growing up will live to rememeber,not only in Zambia ,not only in Africa but indeed the world at large.

Rupiah Banda stands today as CHAMPION, champion he is for sure, champion of peace,”karonga wa mutendere” as it is said in my native language to mean prince of peace, and I salute him. For that gesture was a great step in ensuring peace and shutting down all the speculations and evil motives of violence both from the MMD’s and PF’s camps.

Undeniably RB has shown Zambians that: Those three hallowed words in my introduction (Duty, honor, country) reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, and what you will be. His love for his country, the honor that he bestows, and his duty towards all Zambians will definitely earn him a place in the beautiful seats of history where the likes of Mahatma Gandhi, Abraham Lincoln, Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr and the likes are.

As Mahatma Gandhi puts it Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.I feel strongly that RB will be of good use to Mr Sata when it comes to offering advice,as he is a great states man.

RB has indeed showed us that and I urge youths to emulate him and learn from his immense wisdom, for he is a man worth of admiration, for he is champion and will forever be CHAMPION!

Probability of success

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By Gray Soko

The perseverance of the PF since its inception in 2001 has finally paid off. It must also be to its credit that it understood how the average person thinks. Whilst others tried to trivialize PF’s messages of “more money in your pockets” or “lower taxes” as simplistic and intellectualized the growth in GDP/GNP, single digit inflation rates, economic growth rates, Direct Foreign Investments, foreign reserves etc the PF’s message was about the basic needs and challenges of the people. In a country with very high poverty and unemployment levels, this message found resonance with the people and they voted accordingly.

The PF’s perseverance and momentum can be seen from its growth in popularity from the 2001 elections when it won only one(01) parliamentary seat against MMD’s sixty nine (69); in 2006 it increased the number of seats to forty three (43) against MMD’s seventy three (73) and in 2011 won sixty six (66) beating MMD’s fifty five (55).This momentum has been “like the tension of a bent crossbow, its timing like the pulling of the trigger” ( Sun Tzu’s strategy).[pullquote]You cannot do the same thing that has failed, ie. fragmentation, and expect a different outcome in 2016[/pullquote]

The PF went through scathing media attacks and challenges especially from the public media, mostly targeting the personality of its leadership rather than its vision. The PF also suffered dissentions, notably from the so-called rebel members of parliament. However, it managed to protect itself and survive long enough for the opportunity to present itself as a prospective next government in the September elections.

As for the UPND and the “small parties” ( Heritage, FDD, ADD, Narep, ZED ) the message should be clear that they should seriously consider their probability of success as individual parties. The UPND has dropped to third place in parliamentary seats since the late Mazoka. UPND and the “small parties” should only join battle when there is a probability of winning and be courageous enough to retreat without shame if the battle is unwinnable. The ‘grand coalition” which was mooted by General Miyanda rather late in the day should be nurtured now if there is to be a unified opposition or credible alternative government in waiting. You cannot do the same thing that has failed, ie. fragmentation, and expect a different outcome in 2016 and beyond. There are brilliant persons in these parties and they should critically assess their opportunities and weaknesses in order that they add value to our democracy and governance.

In his farewell speech RB called on the MMD not to be disheartened and that it should reflect on any mistakes it may have made and learn from them. He cautioned that if this was not done, the MMD did not deserve to contest for power again. Quite obviously the MMD will be under post traumatic stress for some time to come especially after its massive election campaign and favourable media and poll predictions of victory based on “economic growth” which many believe has not trickled down to the people. There is also the possibility of MMD going the UNIP way and being relegated to political history.

I have no regrets of leaving the PF-UPND PACT-HH

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United Party for National Development leader Hakainde Hichilema

United Party for National Development (UPND) President Hakainde Hichilema has said that he does not regret having left the PF-UPND pact as the decision was a collective one.

Mr Hichilema urged the ruling Patriotic Front (PF) to assert the rule of law so as to restore order and stability in the country during the period of its celebration and noted that some PF cadres have opened a war path of political retribution and vengeance on citizens whom they consider as enemies.

Hichilema said the destruction of property and violent attacks by PF members is unacceptable and the ruling should make its position profoundly clear and known on this matter and called on the newly elected administration to use its constitution mandate and obligation to guarantee the enjoyment of constitutionally entrenched human rights by citizens.

The UPND leader who was speaking when he addressed his first post 2011 election media briefing at Pamodzi hotel yesterday challenged PF to prioritize policy implementation as the time for political promises is over, adding that the ruling party’s 90 days expires on December 23 and Zambians will appreciate all fulfilled promises as a Christmas gift.

Hichilema urged President Michael Sata and his team to ensure they deliver all election campaign promises such giving citizens a constitution within 90 days, free education, jobs for youths, and restoration of the Barotse agreement.

Commenting on the future of his party, the UPND President said his party is now Zambia’s number one dominant, powerful and most reliable opposition force to offer checks and balances, and also logical advice on various challenges the country is faced with.

Union cannot state whether sale of Finance Bank should be reversed-FFTUZ president

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Federation of Free Trade Unions of Zambia (FFTUZ) president Joyce Nonde-Simukoko
t Joyce Nonde-Simukoko

The Federation of Free Trade Unions of Zambia (FFTUZ) president Joyce Simukoko has advised the new government to disclose the reasons why Finance bank was sold to FirstRand bank of South Africa.

Mrs. Simukoko added that the reasons why Finance bank was sold are not well known and therefore the union cannot state on whether the sale of the bank should be reversed or not.

She however wondered why Finance bank had always found itself in trouble under the MMD government.

Meanwhile, the union has commended President Michael Sata for highlighting the terms under which the Chinese investors are expected to operate in the country.

Mrs Simukoko said that the previous government gave to much power to the Chinese investors resulting in the exploitation of the workers in the country.

[pullquote]Mrs. Simukoko however noted that even the local business owners are also culprits of ill-treating of workers in the country through low wages.[/pullquote]

Mrs. Simukoko however noted that even the local business owners are also culprits of ill-treating of workers in the country through low wages.

The trade unionist says it is important therefore that the new government also ensures that workers rights are respected irrespective of who the employers are.

QFM

MMD members leaving the party are weak hearted -Nyangu

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MMD Deputy National secretary Chembe Nyangu

The opposition MMD has described party members that have resigned after the party’s election defeat as weak hearted.

MMD deputy national secretary Chembe Nyangu tells QFM that those resigning after the party lost to the ruling PF party are merely proving that they were not committed to the party.

Mr. Nyangu notes that living the party following its loss to the PF is not a solution but that instead members need to sit down and reflect on where the party could have gone wrong.

He adds that the MMD will continue to participate in politics and that it still has chances of bouncing back to power after 2016.

Mr. Nyangu has however congratulated the PF for emerging victorious and has wished all those that are living the MMD the best.

Meanwhile, Monze district commissioner Joyce Nondo Musokotwane is appealing for anyone with a PF membership card to sell it to her.

[pullquote]Monze district commissioner Joyce Nondo Musokotwane is appealing for anyone with a PF membership card to sell it to her.[/pullquote]

Speaking in an interview, a senior messenger in the moffice of the district commissioner said Mrs. Nondo has been looking for a PF card three days of PF’s rule in government.

The officer said the DC is ready to work with the government of the day and is willing to hold PF membership.

“The madam is asking for where she can buy a PF card and she has asked me to find anyone with information”, the officer said.

“You know that these DC’s are cadres who are appointed by politicians not that thery are senior government officials, but yes they are but for me, they are just cadres”, he added.

“Even me i was surprised when i heard this but i cannot blame her because these DC’s do not know their fate after change of government and I don’t think MMD will ever claim the governance of the country.

I think MMD will be the next UNIP and people should never be cheated that these two former ruling parties will ever rule Zambia again,” the officer added.

QFM

Pirates Uncertain of Isaac Chansa’s Return

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Orlando Pirates say they are not sure when Zambia international midfielder Isaac Chansa will return to action.

Pirates PRO Mickey Modisane told kickoff.com that Chansa is still not 100 per cent fit.

“Isaac Chansa is not 100 percent fit. The good thing is that he is now training with the rest of the team and this shows us that he has almost completely recovered,” Modisane told Kickoff.com.

“The difficulty with such situations is that you risk worsening the extent of the injury if he starts playing too soon. This has happened with some players so the coach has to be very cautious.”

Chansa has been out of action since late July and is set to also miss Zambia’s final 2012 Africa Cup Group C qualifier against Libya on October 8 at Nchanga Stadium in Chingola.

SA To Host 2013 Africa Cup

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South Africa will host the 2013 Africa Cup tournament.

Caf announced today that the decision was reached during Tuesday’s executive committee meeting held in Cairo.

The development will see South Africa swap hosting of the Africa cup with previous bid winner Libya.

“The Executive Committee also decided on the swapping between Libya and South Africa for the 2013 and 2017 respectively, considering the current political situation prevailing in Libya.
This means that South Africa will host 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and Libya, 2017 Africa Cup of Nations,” Caf said in a statement.

South Africa will also host the 2014 CHAN tournament instead of Libya.

Meanwhile, Caf also handed the 2014 Africa Womens Championship to Namibia.
Niger will host the 2015 Under-17 Cup while Madagascar will stage the same tournament two years later.

And Senegal will host the Caf Under-20 Championship in 2015.

Hospitality industry to be audited to check if investors comply with labour laws

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Immediate past president of the Hotel, Catering and Allied Workers Union of Zambia (HCAWUZ) Mubiana Sitwala says a labour audit would soon be carried out in the hospitality industry in Livingstone.

Mr Sitwala said this is in a bid to check whether the investors in the hospitality industry are abiding by the country’s labour laws.

ZANIS reports from the Tourist capital, that the former HCAWUZ President said this in an in an interview, today.

He said whilst investors are welcome to invest in the country, they should never be allowed to abuse the labour laws.

”We are advising our investors that we are not against any investor in the country and that we will receive them with open hands but we will not tolerate any investor who will abuse our rights and who will not respect the labour laws of the country,” he said.

Mr Sitwala further noted that it was important for the investors to ensure that they abide by the labour laws.

He said if investors are not sure with the country’s labour laws, they should consult from labour officials whom he said were better placed to advise them.

Mr Sitwala said most of the workers working in the hospitality industry in Livingstone were on contract contrary to the labour laws of the country.

ZANIS

Mongu Pensioners demand their dues

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Public Service retirees in Mongu have appealed to the new government of President Micheal Sata to intervene in their pension salaries.

The irate pensioners say that they have not been paid their pension salaries at ZANACO branch in Mongu District .

ZANIS reports from Mongu that Pensioners’ spokesperson Nyambe Mwilima confirmed the development in an interview, today.

Mr. Mwilima, a former lecturer at Mongu College of Education, bemoaned that it is regrettable that the Pension Fund has to date not paid any of the pensioners in the area.

Mr. Mwilima said that as pensioners living in the financial difficult times needed their pension salaries to help them deal with family needs.

He said that pensioners were suffering a lot, complaining that their pension salaries were very low and that it was being delayed.

The team has since appealed to the pension fund to quickly release their pension salaries in order to reduce on their sufferings.

ZANIS

Mulyata dismisses media reports of communal tap uprooting

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File: Former Mongu cenral MP Joseph Mulyata waves the MMD party symbol after filling in hi Nomination

The Movement for Multiparty for Democracy (MMD) losing candidate for Mongu Central Constituency Joseph Mulyata has denied media reports that he uprooted a communal tap in the area after losing the elections.

Mr. Mulyata says he dismisses the report with the contempt it deserves by the Post Newspaper that he uprooted a communal tap that was installed using Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

ZANIS reports the losing MMD Parliamentary candidate said this in an interview, in Lusaka, today.

He explained that it is false that he uprooted the communal tap that was installed using CDF because the tap belongs to his lodge.

He furthermore said that it was the Patriotic Front (PF) supporters who broke in the MMD campaign centre and stole the party’s campaign materials worth K 150 million.

Efforts to get the PF Secretary General Winter Kabimba to comment on the matter failed by broadcast time.

However, Mr. Mulyata explained that after breaking into the campaign center, they proceeded to Mulyata lodge and uprooted the tap that they found outside near the lodge about 5 kilometers from Mongu town.

He said the tap was mainly installed for the people that live within the surrounding areas of his lodge so that they would not disturb the supply of water at the lodge.

Mr. Mulyata, who lost to PF’s Nathaniel Mubukwanu, stated that it was very unfair for the reporter to write on a story that he has not verified adding that it is important to verify and have facts.

He has however disclosed that one of the supporters that stole the campaign materials has been apprehended by the police.

Mr. Mulyata said that the supporters should be celebrating their victory instead of stealing their opponents’ campaign materials.

ZANIS

Mubangalala backs NSCZ’s decision on NFL

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Former Football Association of Zambia ( FAZ ) General Secretary Samson Mubangalala says he National Sports Council of Zambia ( NCSZ ) ’s decision to not to register the embattled National Football League ( NFL ).

ZANIS sports reports Mubangalala saying in an interview in Kabwe today that it was proper that the NCSZ decided not to recognize the Andrew Kamanga Interim committee ‘s NFL.

Mubangalala stated that the NSCZ was backing a wrong faction and that it is high time sanity was
restored to the 2011 football season.

“The NFL is a non starter and it’s good the national sports council has realised that,” Mubangalala stated.

Mubangalala, who is also former Kabwe warriors and Zambia railways team manager, has also appealed to the new government to change the state’s approach towards football in Zambia.

Last Saturday, NSCZ spokesperson Smart Mwitwa announced that the council could not register two Associations running the same sport stating that the FAZ constitution had no statutes to register the Kamanga led National football league NFL.

Samson Mubangalala served as FIFA general secretary in the David Phiri led FAZ executive from 1981 to 1985 and national coach for athletics from 1971 to 1979 when he resigned and is also on record for being the first indigenous Zambian to serve on the Executive Committee of Northern Rhodesia amateur athletics and cycling association.

ZANIS

William Banda moved to Lusaka

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William Banda moved to Lusaka

Detained embattled MMD Lusaka province chairman William Banda has been transferred to Lusaka central police.

This follows Mr. Banda’s arrest and detention at Chipata central police station yesterday.

Lusaka division commanding officer Mhlakeni Zulu has confirmed the development to QFM.

Mr. Zulu says Mr. Banda was transferred from Chipata police in the morning and is currently in custody at Lusaka central police.

Mr. Banda was yesterday apprehended by Patriotic Front cadres in Chipata and later handed over to police.

The MMD provincial chairperson is alleged to have been the master minder of the violence that erupted in the country during the reign of the former ruling party, the Movement for Multi-party democracy Development (MMD).

Meanwhile Evangelical Youth Alliance International Executive Director Reverend Moses Lungu is seeking forgiveness from the Patriotic Front government,its leadership and the general public for any act of defamation against President Michael Sata during the time he was in the opposition.

Reverend Lungu has appealed to President Sata and the PF leadership to forgive him in a case he injured them in his process of participating in debate on issues that affected citizens.

Speaking to QFM this afternoon from his hiding location, Reverend Lungu has appealed to the ruling Patriotic Front government to forgive him for any mischievous deeds he committed stating that it would not be right to avenge evil for evil.

He has since appealed to the new government to consider forgiving all those considered to have hurt them so as to forge ahead in taking the country forward.

Reverend Lungu has also commended republican President Michael Sata for pledging his government’s commitment to the welfare of young people in the country. QFM

Clifford, Sakuwaha Back For Zambia

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Dario Bonetti has released a 24-man squad to face Libya on October 8 their crucial 2012 Africa Cup Group C qualifier at Nchanga Stadium in Chingola.

The team list released today by Faz has a couple of shockers with the inclusion of non-performers from abroad.

Defenders Davies Nkausu and Hichani Himoonde of SuperSport United in South Africa and TP Mazembe of DR Congo respectively have been named to the team despite seeing little play time at their respective clubs.

And they are recalls for Clifford Mulenga from Bloemfontein Celtic in South Africa and Jonas Sakuwaha from Sudan giants El Merreikh.

Meanwhile, the bench is also keeping its fingers crossed on whether Holland-based striker Jacob Mulenga of FC Utrecht will be released by his club.

Mulenga only returned to competitive action last month after an 8-month injury layoff and earlier Utrecht asked that the striker be excused from the game against Comoros on September 4 as a precautionary measure.

And key midfielder Rainford Kalaba of TP Mazembe will miss the game due to suspension while Isaac Chansa is still out on a recovery path after sustaining an injury in July while in action for Orlando Pirates.

Zambia go into camp in Kitwe on October 2 while Libya are expected to arrive in the country on October 4 and will be based in Chingola.

Team

Goalkeepers: Kennedy Mweene (Free States Stars, South Africa), Kalilo Kakonje (TP Mazembe, DR Congo), Jacob Banda (Zesco United)

Defenders: Hichani Himoonde, Stophila Sunzu, Francis Kasonde, Emmanuel Mbola ( All TP Mazembe, DR Congo), Chintu Kampamba (Bidvest Wits, South Africa), Davies Nkausu (SuperSport United, South Africa), Nyambe Mulenga (Zesco United), Joseph Musonda (Golden Arrows, South Africa)

Midfielders: Clifford Mulenga (Bloemfontein Celtic, South Africa), William Njobvu (Hapoel Kiryat Shimone, Israel) Thomas Nyirenda (Konkola Blades), Justin Zulu (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel), Noah Chivuta (Free States Stars, South Africa)

Strikers: James Chamanga (Dailan Sade, China), Christopher Katongo (Henan, China), Given Singuluma (TP Mazembe, DR Congo), Jonas Sakuwaha (El Merreikh, Sudan) Fwayo Tembo (FC Basel, Switzerland), Collins Mbesuma (Golden Arrows, South Africa), Jacob Mulenga (FC Utrecht, Netherlands), Emmanuel Mayuka (BSC Young Boys, Switzerland).

Justice Mambilima calls on PF govt to decentralize the Commission

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ECZ Chairperson Ireen Mambilima

Electoral Commission of Zambia Chairperson Justice Irene Mambilima has called on the Patriotic Front Government to decentralize the operations of the Commission.

Justice Mambilima says there is need to decentralize the Commission to district level by employing full-time officers to avoid some of the challenges faced during the just ended tripartite elections.

She says having people at district level employed by the ECZ on a full-time basis would enhance the efficiency of the Commission in conducting elections.

Justice Mambilima has also called on the new government to ensure that the Commission is funded to ensure that it carries out the continuous voter registration exercise in accordance with the law which was enacted about 10 years ago.

And Justice Mambilima has denied threatening to resign as ECZ Chairperson for being pressurized by some MMD officials during the announcement of election results.

She says at no time did she threaten to resign.

[QFM]

Sata renames three Airports

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President Sata arrives for the swearing-in ceremony of his senior private secretary Francis Chalabesa at State House

Newly elected Republican President Michael Sata has renamed three International Airports in the country with immediate effect.

President Sata made this announcement at State House this morning when he swore in Francis Chalabesa as principal private secretary.

The President said Lusaka International Airport will now be called Kenneth Kaunda International Airport renamed after Zambia’s first President while Ndola International Airport has been renamed after second Republican vice President late Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe.

President Sata has also renamed Livingstone International Airport after late Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula,a Northern Rhodesian nationalist leader who assisted in the struggle for the independence of the country from the British colonial masters.

He said there is need for Zambians to reconcile with the past adding that the country is what it is today because of men and women who struggled hard for Independence.

And President Sata has expressed confidence that Mr.Chalabesa will perform to his expectations due to his vast experience in the office of principal private secretary.

The President further congratulated Mr. Chalabesa for his appointment and wished him well in his endeavors.

And newly appointed principal private secretary Francis Chalabesa pledged to pay allegiance to the Republican Constitution and work to serve the Zambian people.

Mr. Chalabesa served in the same capacity for a decade under late second Republican President Fredrick Chiluba’s reign.

[QFM]

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