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Traders without stands conduct business from parking lots at the new Soweto market in Lusaka.
The Patriotic Front-PF in Lusaka District has warned its members to stay away from markets and bus stations.
The Patriotic Front has also advised members to stay from usurping functions of the local authority.
District Chairman Ashell Kampengele has threatened that the party will discipline any member found to be allocating land illegally.
Mr. Kampengele says bus stations, markets and the allocation of land is the mandate of local authorities.
Mr. Kampengele was speaking in an interview with ZNBC News in Lusaka.
He says the party leadership will not take kindly reports of illegal land allocation.
Mr. Kampengele says the PF wants to operate differently from the former ruling party which empowered its cadres to grab land from innocent people and operate bus stations.
Policy Consultant Bob Sichinga says it is imperative that the new government re-introduces windfall tax so that all Zambians benefit from the wealth in the mining sector.
Mr Sichinga says the new government should also ensure that investors do not externalize all the profits they make in the sector but use the money for development.
He says the new administration should remain committed to broadening the tax base and indentify different social groups and determine how much tax each group can pay according to their earnings.
Mr Sichinga was when he appeared on the ZNBC television programme, Kwacha Good morning Zambia on Saturday in Lusaka.
He says the Patriotic Front is aware that there is no system in place to get taxes from the informal sector and has urged the new administration to create a new system that will embrace all sectors.
Mr Sichinga says it is important that government broadens the tax base in order to reduce the tax burden on the formal sector.
The Electoral Commission of Zambia -ECZ- has released the final list of elected Members of Parliament following the September 20th tripartite elections.
The Patriotic Front -PF- has taken 60 seats from the 148 seats which where contested for.
Of the 60, 8 are female while 52 are males.
The ruling party has 18 seats on the Copperbelt, 14 seats in Northern province, 13 seats in Luapula province, 8 in Lusaka, 3 in central province, and 1 seat each in Eastern and North Western provinces.
The MMD is second after taking 55 seats with 6 being female and 49 are male members of parliament.
28 seats have gone to the UPND with 2 female MPs and 26 male legislators.
The Alliance for Democracy and Development -ADD- together with the Forum for Democracy and Development has 1 seat each.
3 seats have been taken up by independent members of parliament.
This is according to a summary statement issued by ECZ Public Relations Manager Cris Akufuna in Lusaka on Saturday.
National Assembly elections did not take place in two constituencies in Nakonde and Magoye because of the death of some contesting candidates.
The two constituencies will hold deferred elections.
President Michael Sata has commended the church for the role it played in ensuring that the nation holds peaceful and violent free elections.
President Sata said his Government commends the church for preaching love, peace and reconciliation.
He said his Government will be governed by biblical teachings based on the Ten Commandments.
The President was speaking in Lusaka today when he addressed congregants at Saint Ignitius Catholic Parish.
He told the congregation that his Government will also embrace the fight against corruption because one of the Ten Commandments states that ‘thou shall not steal.”
The President on this score warned that his government will persecute any one who steals irrespective of his or her social-economic status or party affiliation.
President Sata who is a Parishioner of Saint Ignatius Parish thanked the church for their consistence and contribution to his ascending to Republican presidency in the last ten years.
He assured the church that his Government would adopt the catholic doctrine and discipline of services to the people.
The head of state said he would ensure equal distribution of wealth among all Zambians, saying he would not want to see a situation where his children have three meals a day while others had none.
He also emphasized the need for people across the country to love one another and embrace reconciliation.
Earlier, President Sata and wife Dr Christine Kaseba were blessed by the congregation and prayed for by Father Charles Chilinda.
Fr. Chilinda blessed the first couple as they knelt at the alter at who added the 08:15 and 10:00 hours mass knelt before the alter and
prayed to God to give President Sata wisdom, knowledge and right judgment for him to effectively govern the people of Zambian.
And Father Chilinda urged Mr Sata to embrace all Zambians and desist from seeking retribution but love, peace and reconciliation.
He further stated that the Presidents crusade against corruption would not be successful if people do not get rid of corrupt practices.
“Corruption starts from within us. You can cry about the lack of medicines in hospital but if you steal medicines in hospitals, can the patients be able to access these medicines”, he said.
And Father Chilinda who acknowledged Mr Sata as the first Catholic President for Zambia said people voted for President Sata because they know that he is a hard worker and would deliver on his promises.
Father Chilinda has since given President Sata a new title dubbed “Servant King” and urged people never to refer to him again as King Cobra.
President Sata was accompanied by Kanyama Member of Parliament, former works and supply deputy minister Lameck Mangani and other senior PF officials.
By B Mutale
Many of us peace advocates are saddened to learn that with a simplistic mind, you are politicking the wave of terror launched on MMD members who are fellow Zambians when everyone has been of the view that an era of new beginning has dawned.
It’s unbelievable to read your response on the wave of terror fellow Zambians are going through since MMD conceded defeat following the ballot verdict. Your response to the press has been without sense of maturity leaving many Zambians hopeless.
Be careful with this nonsense of justifying the lynching and vandalism on opposition MMD members’ homes. You sound like a drunkard who doesn’t realize that Zambia can be combustible if leadership fails to prevail on miscreants. Your immaturity is inimical to our young democracy and well deserved national credentials.
Did MMD falter to peacefully concede defeat and allow a historic transition? Did you want them to adulterate democracy for fear of this nonsense you are politicking about where you are defending the lynching of fellow Zambians for their political values when they have not committed any crime?
Be warned that this reckless behavior has propensity to create unnecessary upheavals in the country against the wishes of every peace loving Zambian. Every non-PF Zambian as do the 1.1 million + voters that voted PF want to give PF space to work for the good of Zambia and not get occupied with some avoidable national crisis.
[pullquote]Did MMD falter to peacefully concede defeat and allow a historic transition?[/pullquote]
Zambians are set to give uninhibited time to your regime to prove on the 90 days miracles and not shadowing terror groups again those not sharing your political values.
You have been left with a fat Surplus and a burgeoning economy, please keep your eyes on the clock and start steering the country to prosperity instead of terrorism. Unless President Sata puts his foot down through mature leadership and arrest this nonsense now, you may find your hands too full with some crisis ponderous in magnitude.
The situation has potential of destabilizing the country in a blink of an eye and ruining Zambia’s well earned peaceful democratic credentials which every responsible leader need to Guard jealously and use it as our national capital in the international arena.
If this lawlessness is not arrested now, don’t blame neo-liberal media houses likely to jump on it and start painting your Government as hopeless and a replicate of Uganda’s Field Marshal Dada Idi Amin everyone feared for Zambia in the Sata candidacy. Let mature leadership prove the widely held perception wrong and not make those who have always brought it up vindicated.
When MMD trounced UNIP in 1991, there was no such kind of terrorism on UNIP that lost the election as the PF era has started with. We shudder to know what will happen in the first 90 days program unless this is it we were promised. Where do you want these Zambians to go to if not to remain free opposition members in democratic Zambia?
If these Zambians feel over abused, they could simply slip through some borderline and launch a long struggle for self defense and survival. Don’t think your ascending to power means you have addressed the disaffection in the country.
[pullquote]In a country with 5.1 million registered voters less than 2.8 million voted, leaving the majority disillusioned and apathetic should worry you more. [/pullquote]
In a country with 5.1 million registered voters less than 2.8 million voted, leaving the majority disillusioned and apathetic should worry you more. Many Zambians are susceptible in their quest for a future and dignity.
Those being persecuted needlessly, in pursuit of self defense with no choice could resort to regrouping. These people could turn a biggest threat to national peace. Zambia with majority poor remains vulnerable to internal threats. You need to show leadership in managing the challenges of the country. Zambia is not PF and PF is not Zambia.
Be advised to sober up now and understand your responsibilities.
President Rupiah Banda hands over the instruments of power to President Michael Sata as Chief Justice Ernest Sakala looks on at the inauguration ceremony at the Supreme Court in Lusaka
Zambia’s long-standing president stands down after losing an election… a sign that the continent’s fortunes might be changing for the better.
Even in this remarkable year of uprisings and unpredictable events, it was an inspirational moment that revealed the pace of change sweeping Africa.
The veteran leader of a country whose party had become entrenched in office and been plagued by corruption allegations handed over the presidency after losing an election.
In a continent where all too often presidents cling on to power by any means necessary, Zambia’s Rupiah Banda conceded defeat on Friday with astonishing grace and dignity.
“My generation, the generation of the independence struggle, must now give way to new ideas – ideas for the 21st century,” he said, with tears in his eyes.
His generous message of reconciliation and unity was greeted with relief in a former British colony that has been relatively stable since gaining independence, especially given flickers of violence sparked by slow counting of votes. After half a century in the public eye, the 74-year-old said he would go home to play with his children.
Banda deserves to be called one of Africa’s big men. His fine words offer the sharpest possible reproach to the generation that has dominated the political landscape of Africa with often such dreadful consequences.
Given the demographics, the desire for change is irresistible. Democracy is spreading across the entire continent, bringing peace and increased prosperity in its wake. It has been given a huge boost this weekend by an old man in Zambia throwing down a challenge to the generation that freed their nations from their colonial rulers.
The refusal of another president to give up power in the Ivory Coast provoked a civil war and huge media coverage. The actions of Mr Banda attracted minimal discussion. In the long run, however, they show the real face of a changing continent.
Former Southern Province Minister Daniel Munkombwe (L)
Veteran politician Daniel Munkombwe has congratulated President Michael Sata on his election as republican president.
ZANIS reports Mr. Mukombwe saying in an interview at his Kabebya farm in Choma today, that he has every hope that Mr Sata will meet the expectations of the Zambian people.
He has urged President Sata to accommodate all people irrespective of past political inclinations.
Mr Munkombwe also implored the new government. To consolidate on the economic gains of the previous administration.
He said he has no doubt that Mr Sata will deliver on his promises because the new president is not only action oriented but also committed to the cause of the poor.
Mr Munkombwe said having worked with Mr Sata in the UNIP government, he knows the republican president as a man who is frank and hard working.
The civil servants and allied workers union of Zambia (CSAWUZ ) in the Northern Province has congratulated President Michael Sata on his election as the fifth republican president.
ZANIS reports the Union regional secretary Doreen Mukuka says the public service workers in the northern province
were ready to work with President Sata and support his 90 days development strategy for the country.
Mrs. Mukuka said in an interview in Mungwi , today, that President Micheal Sata is a visionary leader who has always wished to see a proficient and productive public service.
She added that his election as president of this country would now provide him an opportunity to implement his party’s vision.
Mrs. Mukuka has wished President Micheal Sata God’s guidance and strength as he assumes the highest office.
President Sata was yesterday sworn in as Zambia’s fifth president by Chief Justice Ernest Sakala at the Supreme Court before a sea of his PF supporters and ordinary citizens.
The occasion televised live by the national Television station, the ZNBC, was also attended by many political leaders and First Republican President Dr. Kenneth Kaunda.
Meanwhile, the CSAWUZ in the Northern Province says it stands ready to work with President Micheal Sata to stamp out corruption in the civil service.
Ms. Mukuka says corruption was a serious scourge that had brought down the performance of the civil service.
Reacting to President Micheal Sata’s inaugural speech on Friday, Mrs. Mukuka has advised the president and the Patriotic Front government president to deal with the root causes of corruption in all public institutions.
“Our new president must spread his fight against corruption to all government institutions because none of them is an exception.” Mrs. Mukuka stressed.
President Micheal Sata in his inaugural speech at Supreme Court on Friday declared his government’s fight against corruption.
President Sata said corruption was a cancer which needed to be stopped all cost.
And several civil servants talked to in Mungwi district in the Northern Province have expressed different expectations and opinions regarding the changes that the PF government was likely to introduce
in the country.
On governance, some civil servants have said they hoped to see a full decentralization of government functions to ensure expedience and efficiency especially when it came to resource allocation.
They said they wished to see councils in the country to play a full administrative role on government affairs in districts and provinces.
“The path of the righteous is level; O upright One, you make the way of the righteous smooth”
(Isaiah 26:7, NIV)
TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria
Being righteous means that we are in right standing with Almighty God. It’s a very powerful, spiritual position. When we choose Jesus, we choose righteousness. But, we have to make the decision to live righteously each and every day.
Righteous living is simply following God’s ways. It is the evidence that we have faith in Him. When we follow God commands, it proves that we believe Him. It keeps our faith alive because faith without action is dead or useless. Not only that, righteous living keeps us growing in God and closes the door to the enemy. It makes our prayers powerful and effective. When we honor God and His Word above all else, it pleases Him, and He promises to make our way smooth.
Today, take time to search your mind and heart. Be determined to live, think, speak and act the way God does! Invite the Holy Spirit to reveal to you any areas that need adjusting. Let His righteousness flow through you today so you can keep your faith alive and move forward into the abundant life He has for you.
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father in heaven, I commit to You every area of my life — my mind, my will and my emotions. Reveal to me anything that isn’t pleasing to You. Show me Your ways so that I can walk with You and live righteously all the days of my life, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
The inauguration of President Michael Sata.{picture by Dr.Simuyemba}
Lusaka residents have advised the Patriotic Front (PF) Government and its supporters against seeking revenge for the wrong things the former administration, the Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD) would have done to them during their tenure.
ZANIS reports the concerned saying in separate interviews in Lusaka today that the new Government need to avoid the mistakes the MMD Government made when it took over power from UNIP of trying to avenge for all the suffering they underwent during the UNIP administration.
One of the residents, Charles Mweemba said the new administration need to embrace all Zambians and preach the message of peace, co-existence and reconciliation.
“ All Zambians are one regardless of political affiliation or descent and therefore need to work together to foster development for the benefit of all Zambians, “Mr Mweemba.
He said the country has a foundation on which it needs to build on and hence it was imperative that the new Government forgets about vengeance and moves the country forward.
Meanwhile, Mr Mweemba says President Sata has come into power at the right time when a lot needed to be changed in the country such as the high levels of unemployment among the youths, poverty, and diseases among other things.
He said Zambians are eagerly waiting to see all these things changed within the 90 days that the PF government promised the people during its campaigns.
Mr Mweemba has however appealed to the youths and the nation at large to be patient and give the new Government chance to settle down before it starts implementing the promises it made to the people.
He also congratulated the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) for the professional manner it conducted the September 2011 tripartite elections.
He said Zambians now know that if politicians do not perform to expectations, they have the power to vote them out of office.
Another resident Daniel Mate has urged all Zambians to reconcile and embrace one another for the sake of peace and national development.
Mr Mate said all the differences that the different political parties had against one another is water under the bridge now and that they all need to come together and work for the good of mother Zambia.
He also urged the media to be professional in their work and avoid maligning people.
Mr Mate stated that the media need to be truthful in their work because the truth would set everyone free.
And Daniel Phiri urged PF cadres not to take the law in their own hands but to find a better way of resolving the problems and prosecution they faced during the MMD rule.
Mr Phiri said vengeance against opponents would not take the country anywhere but only just end up retarding national development.
Patrick Phiri has said he is happy to see his former club Nkana showing consistency in the Faz Super Division.
The ex-Zambia and Nkana coach said he was confident Nkana will also finish in a respectable position on the table with just 7 games to go before the season ends.
“They are working hard and have done well so far and just hope they can maintain this form,” Phiri said who coached Nkana from 1997 to 2003 and won two league and four cup titles.
“This is my childhood club and it is also like my family.”
Nkana are currently 7th on the Super Division table on 35 points from 23 games played as they attempt to complete their second successive season in the top flight.
The record 11-time league champions were returned to the Super Division last year after a six-year absence following their first-ever demotion in 2004.
Gwembe District Commissioner Raymond Nampindi has refuted media reports of harassments of government workers and himself in particular by the new Patriotic Front ( PF ) government.
ZANIS reports from Lusaka , today, that Mr Nampindi said it was not true that any government worker or resident of the area was being harassed by the PF party cadres.
He said it was not true that the ruling party cadres could barely 48 hours of being in power can start harassing innocent government workers in the District.
He has however assured the nation that his office has launched an investigation into the matter saying that the nation was going to be informed of the outcome through the necessary channels.
However media report in the area allege that the PF cadres led by PF losing Monze Central parliamentary candidate Giver Nsanzya, yesterday stormed Monze District Commissioner Joyce Nondo’s office and demanded that she leaves office immediately, as the reign of terror intensifies.
The report also allege that Mr. Nampindi has handed over the keys to his office for fear of working under the leadership of Sata.
Mr. Nampindi is reported to have handed over the keys to Gwembe Police officer In-charge and left the district to unknown destination.
The PF cadres who were led by Nsanzya wearing the MMD chitenge material, mockingly wept while carrying a coffin labeled allegedly giving the MMD last respect.
Power Dynamos midfielder Patrick Kasunga has been admitted to Wusakile Mine Hospital after he was involved in road traffic accident in Kitwe yesterday.
Power Dynamos Secretary Justin Kapoma who confirmed today said Kasunga popularly known by his nickname “Animal” sustained a fractured thigh bone in the accident.
Kapoma revealed that the left footed midfielder was unconscious when he was taken to hospital after the accident but he is now awake and in stable condition.
He added that the extent of the injury the former Under 20 player suffered is expected to be established when he is taken to the theatre on Monday.
Kasunga who was groomed by Zacks United in Kitwe has played for a number of local clubs among them Chambishi, Konkola Blades and Afrisport.
The ruling Patriotic Front (PF) party which has sailed through to victory in the just ended tripartite elections says it is committed to fulfilling the promises of its manifesto.
General Secretary Wynter Kabimba told Journalists that the PF will abide by its manifesto and see to it that it is implemented to the latter.
ZANIS reports that Mr Kabimba who is also expressed joy at the party’s victory said everything that the PF has outlined in the manifesto still stands and will implemented.
‘’Everything we have put in our manifesto still stands and we are going to abide by our manifesto, see to it that our manifesto is implemented to the latter,’’ he said.
He said this shortly, before the inauguration of President Michael Chilufya Sata which took place at the High Court grounds in Lusaka yesterday.
On the just ended election, Mr Kabimba who described the PF’s victory as sweet said lessons to be drawn from the September 20 election is that money is not what wins an election but that the message that the party has for the people and how appealing the message is.
He said if money were a means to win an election, the opposition Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) would have won with a resounding victory.
‘’ Victory is sweet especially when you defeat a ruling party. The lesson drawn from this is that money is not what wins an election.
What wins an election is the message that you have for the people and how appealing your message is to the people,’’ Mr Kabimba said.
He further pledged the party’s commitment to ensuring that the plight of women and youths are addressed.
Deputy Governor for Bank of Zambia responsible for operations Dr. Austin Mwape is currently attending the ongoing 2011 International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank meetings in Washing DC.
Director of Budget at the Ministry of Finance and National Planning is leading the Zambian delegation to the meetings which started on 22nd September and are expected to end on the 26th of September, 2011.
The meetings are among other things focusing on job creation, global economy, gender issues and climate change, the 12th Five Year Plan including the role of financial reform in transforming China’s growth.
This is contained in a statement made available to ZANIS in Lusaka today signed by Secretary to the Press in Washing DC Ben Kangwa.
The delegation will also hold bilateral discussions with other partner financial institutions to discuss Zambia’s reclassification to Lower Middle Income Country.
“ The delegation is also scheduled to meet the African Department of IMF to discuss the preliminary focus of the 2012 budget and the way forward on the economic programme , “ Mr Kangwa said.
He said other meetings will be held with the Fiscal Affairs Department to discuss technical assistance in revenue administration and the public financial management reforms.
Mr. Kangwa noted that the delegation is further expected to meet with the World Bank Director Colin Bruce on strategy and operations of the Africa Region including the International Finance Corporation (IFC).
The IMF and World Bank Board of Governors normally meet once a year between the period of September and October in Washington and in another member country during the third year to discuss the work of their respective institutions.
The meetings give an opportunity to governors to take up matters of business and consult with one another on how current international monetary issues should be addressed among other things.
Chinese officials have given a cautious endorsement of Zambia’s presidential election results, where the winning candidate was highly critical of his predecessor’s economic policies with China.
Beijing has been watching this week’s election results in Zambia closely and anxiously. The African country’s pro-China president, Rupiah Banda, was voted out of office and replaced by Michael Sata, a nationalist politician who campaigned against his rival’s China policies.
On Friday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei would not say if China’s policies towards Zambia will shift now that Banda is out of office.
Hong says China is a friendly country to Zambia and respects the Zambian peoples’ choice, adding that Beijing would like to work with the new Zambian government to promote friendship and expand what he describes as mutual cooperation across the board.
Earlier this week, Hong dismissed claims Beijing financially backed Banda’s re-election campaign.
Chinese investors will be watching Sata closely to see how he approaches China’s expanding stake in Zambia.
Dubbed “King Cobra” for his sharp-tongued views on what he describes as exploitative foreign investors, Sata has often been critical of labor conditions at Chinese mining firms.
In Zambia, Africa’s biggest copper producer, Chinese mining firms had invested $2 billion by the end of last year. China’s largest metals-trading firm offered $6.5 billion for Zamabia’s Equinox copper mine, in April 2011.
China also has a strong presence in retail and other industrial sectors. It competes with locals in a wide range of markets, including chicken farming.
Zambia is home to two of China’s six Special Economic Zones in Africa. A few months ago, the capital, Lusaka, became the first African city to offer Chinese banking in counter deposits and withdrawals in yuan.
China’s growing presence has sparked resentment, especially over accusations of low wages and poor working conditions in Chinese-run businesses.
While Banda argues China is helping to develop Zambia, Sata says Beijing has too strong a grip on the country.
Beijing is awaiting the details of his foreign-investment policy.
