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.

ZANIS

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.

ZANIS

US President Barack Obama congratulated Zambia yesterday on its “historic” elections and said he looked forward to working with incoming leader Michael Sata.

The polls in Zambia, one of the few African countries to have the ruling party change democratically twice since independence, were marred by sporadic violence, but the US leader said it commended the southern African nation “for building on your commitment to multiparty democracy.”

“Zambia’s Electoral Commission, political leaders, civil society, and above all its citizens all contributed to this important accomplishment,” Obama said in a statement released by the White House.

He also hailed outgoing leader Rupiah Banda’s “contributions to Zambia’s democratic development,” and his “admirable acceptance of the will of the Zambian people.”

Observers said the violence, which left two people dead on Thursday had not compromised the elections, and found no evidence of fraud in the voting.

Scores of police on horseback or in riot helmets stood by, but Banda’s speedy concession of defeat diminished the chance of more unrest.

“The hard work of a living democracy does not end when the votes are tallied and the winners announced,” Obama warned.

“Instead it offers the chance to reconcile and to advance greater security and prosperity for its people.

“I hope that all Zambians will find common ground as you address the challenges and seize the opportunities facing your country and our world.”

[AFP]

Chief Justice Ernest Sakala Friday afternoon swore in Mr Sata as Zambia’s Fifth Republican President at the Supreme court grounds in Lusaka.

This was at a ceremony that was attended by former heads of state and Foreign dignitaries accredited to Zambia and thousands of Zambians.

Former Republican President Rupiah Banda handed over the instruments of power to Mr. Sata which include an orange flag and the country’s constitution.

Speaking after he was sworn in, Republican President Michael Sata called for the spirit of reconciliation and love in the country.

President Sata also called on Zambians not to engage in any acts of violence as it can divide the country and erode its development.

Mr. Sata appealed to Zambians to bury the past and start afresh in the spirit of reconciliation and love.

He has thanked the Zambian people for giving him a five year mandate to rule the country.

Mr. Sata reiterated his commitment to the people of Zambia that he will bring development within ninety days.

He also hailed the Electoral Commission of Zambia for conducting a peaceful, transparent, free and fair election despite the many challenges that the commission faced.

And President Sata has vowed to Stamp out corruption in the country, saying his government will not tolerate any acts of corruption.

He also assured the people of Zambia that the rule of the law shall always prevail.

President Sata says social justice will be the corner stone of his governance system.

Mr Sata becomes Zambia’s fifth President after amassing beating nine other contestants in the race which ended into voting on Tuesday 20th September.

His party the Patriotic Front got over 60 parliamentary seats out of the 150 that the country has.

[ZNBC]

Amukema was born and bred in Zambia , but is now based in Australia .  He has a clothing store called  Grill’d Teez Clothing . He recently opened a store in his home country ,Zambia.

“Grill’d Teez Clothing is the quintessential symbol of the urban rebellion expressed through clothing. We use nothing but the finest fabric and provide a platform unification of different cultures which is not restricted or bound by any law or social norm! We clash colours if we want to, can go baggy or formal and aren’t afraid to experiment for your wearing pleasure! ” 

KAPA187: What 5 words best describe you?

Amukema : Resilient Passionate, Rebelious, Cunning, Caring

KAPA187:  What made you want to have a clothing store , what was your inspiration.

Amukema My greatest inspiration is my love for clothes and looking good. My father always told me when i was young that everytime i left the house i was reprsenting the family. so i always wanted to look my best.

KAPA187: What demographic is your label targeted towards?

Amukema :My label is targeted at the affluent part of society..those who appreciate good quality well styled clothing young or old.. All the clothes are limited edition and are made from the exceptional fabric. This is why our slogan for Africa is smarter than your average rebel. Because all of us young or old have a michevious or say devious side that we like to hide.. this clothing allows you to express it while still look classy and grown.

KAPA187: What attracts people to your label , what is unique about it?

Amukema  :My label is unique because of its ability to evovle by fashion forward and trendy. We are an urban brand but our clothes are a classy smart casual look for men and women. they are all like the fashion blue print “the little black dress”. you can basically dress it up or dress it down.so most of the garments could be worn out to the club but also to work.

KAPA187: Tell us about the day you opened your store in lusaka , how did it feel? and how was it like to make your first sale.

Amukema  : The day i opened the zambian store was a very emotional experience for me. I had always dreamt of doing it and to see it all unfold was amazing.  making that first sale was brilliant, realissing people are actually willing to spend ther hard earned money on something created is a wonderful eeling. it makes it worth it. not the money .. just that they appreciate your effort.  The store is located at 22 Old brentwood Drive Long acress by the way.

KAPA187: You are currently based in Australia , how did that come about?

Amukema  :I  came to Australia in 2003 and went to Univervisty at the Univeristy of Notredame, where i graduated with a double Degree in Commerce.

KAPA187: What would you say are the not-so obvious drawbacks of living outside of your home country and building an business?

Amukema  :Only one real drawback really was Capital (Money). if you have any other drawback then business is not for you. 🙂

KAPA187: Which clothing line do you look at and think “one day we will be as big as that one” ?

Amukema  :I don’t really look at any clothing line id like to emulate, i just want to improve my own brand everyday so i can sell more garments than the day before.

KAPA187: What two pieces of advice would you give someone who wants to start there own clothing label?

Amukema  :Heheeh.. don’t do it unless you are totaly commited to it. Its a very capital intesive business and is a gamble. The honest truth is just dont get discouraged by kncok back .. people will believe in it if you do!:)

KAPA187: Do you have any hidden talent that not many people know about?

Amukema  :hmm talents well… can’t really comment about the bedroom cause i’m married. apart from that none really..hehehe

KAPA187: Where will you be in the next 10 years?

Amukema  :I ‘ll be the head of one of the biggest brands in Africa and parts of Europe:) God willing!

KAPA187: Do you have any style tips for our readers

Amukema  :Style tips are very easy.. don’t follow any rules except know you body shape and exploit the colours that look good against your skin tone and whateva you do dress with confidence.

On the 7th of october Grill’d Teez Clothing will be hosting the first of a monthly v.i.p party ,  and they will have a playstation tournament (FIFA 11) on the 21 of october.

For more information about the clothing and events Like the Grill’d Teez Clothing page on Facebook.

BY KAPA187