THE Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia is calling on Justice Minister Wynter Kabimba and Defence Minister Geoffrey Mwamba to step down following revelations linking the two to alleged corrupt activities.

The Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) confirmed receiving complaints about the alleged corruption by the two ministers and has since launched investigations.

The probe has also been welcomed by the Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) as well as the National Energy Sector Allied Workers Union (NESAWU).

EFZ executive director Pukuta Mwanza appealed to President Michael Sata to ask the two ministers to step down to pave way for investigations by the ACC.

Reverend Mwanza who was speaking in Chingola yesterday during a church service, said it was prudent and in the interest of the nation that the two ministers stepped down from their ministerial posts to allow for the investigations.

The clergy said the authorisation by the President to investigate his serving Ministers showed how credible the PF Government wanted to be to the people of Zambia and an indication that there were no sacred cows in the new regime.

“We as the church then are encouraged to support the corruption free Government. This in turn will post development. But the challenge is that the two Minister cannot be investigated fully if they are still serving,” he said.

Rev Mwanza said the President would show commitment if he asked the duo to step down as they should not hold public offices during investigations.

He said the fear was that investigations could be interfered with if the duo were holding on to their offices on account of them holding senior Government offices.

In a separate interview, ZCTU president Leonard Hikaumba said the investigations indicated that no one was above the law.

He said the investigations would end people’s speculations over the corruption allegations against the duo.

“We are looking at the rule of law and what we want to see is that wherever a Government official is alleged to have committed some offence and if there is an issue out of it, they should not be shielded,” Mr Hikaumba said.

He advised the ACC to conduct the investigations thoroughly and professionally, adding that Government should ensure it provided a platform for the probe.

The NESAWU in welcoming the investigations said it had taken keen interest in Mr Mwamba’s case because it had a large membership from ZESCO.

NESAWU general secretary Manson Mutambo said his union would institute independent investigations into the allegations apart from the probe being conducted by ACC to find out how the tender procedure was being handled at the parastatal company.

Mr Mwamba is accused of manipulating ZESCO to award his company and others where he has interest, a one -year contract worth K36.7 billion to supply and deliver nine, 10 and 12 meter -wooden poles.

He said the union was in support of President Sata’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption and would help the Government fight corruption adding that the fight was not just for Government but individual Zambians should also join the fight to rid of the country of the evil vice.

“We are not going to sit idle when ZESCO is being mentioned in corrupt acts. We shall make sure that the company is not involved in corrupt activities,” he said.

Defense Minster Geofrey Mwamba’s Former Campaign Manager in Kasama Central Constituency in the 2011 tripartite elections,Mr Nathan Ilunga, has accused the media of trying to paint GBM as the most corrupt of the two Ministers accused of corruption.

In a statement released to the Mr Illunga said that unlike GBM who is being accused of soliciting for a bribe, Justice Minster Wynter Kabimba is being accused of receiving a kick back , which according to him is worse that what GBM is being accused of.

Below is the full media statement.

PRESS STATEMENT

7TH OCTOBER, 2012

RE: CORRUPTION INVESTIGATIONS AGAINST DEFENCE MINISTER GEOFFREY BWALYA MWAMBA,MP.

I am very disappointed that of the two ministers being probed of allegations of corruption, GBM’s case is being given prominence and portrayed as so serious while that of Wynter Kabimba is played down and only highlighted in a small way inside GBM’s story.

GMB’s company (ARIZONA) which he has left to family members to run now that he is in Government is said to have been registered with the Registrar of Companies in 2003 meaning that it is a well established legal business entity which gas engaged in genuine lucrative transactions in the past.

The other fact is that GBM is not alleged to have solicited or lobbied a contract from the Ministry of Defence where he has direct influence.

In my own understanding and I stand to be corrected here, soliciting and/or lobbying can’t be more grievous in nature than receiving kick-backs which Kabimba is alleged to have been involved in. Therefore shadowing Kabimba’s case and giving prominence to a simple allegation of soliciting or persuading which sounds civil is clear enough to discern what is being schemed against GBM.

Even those calling for resignation are targeting their missiles at GBM alone but I want to say that GBM should not resign because under the circumstances there is no reason for that.

Yesterday on Saturday the 6th October, 2012 a large group of Kasama residents comprising marketers and other citizens staged a peaceful demonstration in solidarity with GMB and urged him to soldier on with his head high since they believe he is not corrupt but a powerful business person.

The demonstration was covered by both the public and private media so that the whole nation knows how the people of Kasama feel about the saga but this has been played down too except for Radio Mano, a community radio station disseminated this information within their catchment area but for other media houses it’s like there is an invisible hand conjuring up tricks so that they continue to reporting negatively about GBM.

Lastly, the same purported invisible hand or group of GBM’s rivals seem so determined to plot his downfall by peddling corruption allegations and set the system against him since they know the man at the helm of the system his Excellency President Michael Chilufya Sata is allergic to the vice.

Don’t’ worry GBM they are just jealousy and fearful of you and if God is for you who are they to tarnish your image and profile which you have toiled form over a substantial period of time to raise to such high levels.

Signed
Nathan Ilunga (Mr)
Former Campaign Manager for GBM in Kasama Central Constituency
(2011 tripartite elections)
KASAMA

By D.Chikwanda
As a citizen of the beloved mother Zambia, I thought its time I also added my voice to the current debate on Christian nation declaration.Before I go any further, let me make it clear that I am not a catholic nether am I a protestant but a Zambian and a son of God.

Why do I have to make this clarity? Well, it’s because I have observed that this debate seems to be a battle between Catholics and Protestants, it’s a battle of supremacy and pride between these two religious groupings.

The declaration of Zambia as a Christian nation was by Fredrick Chiluba who was a protestant and when Sata (a catholic) won the elections he promised to rule this country based on the catholic doctrine. This issue seems to be stretching far beyond a clause in our constitution and I am deeply convinced that they are bigger powers trying to influence this debate: for or against. But as for me, I want to add my voice to this debate as a common Zambian, based on my personal understanding and conviction.

In my submission I want to disagree with those that are against the declaration, especially the arguments that Catholic clergymen have put up so far. Specifically, I want to respond to the article by Fr.Gabriel Mwanamwalye (I must say that am a big fan of his Insights articles) in the post newspaper of 24th September, 2012 dubbed “Christian nation debate: acta non verba.” In this article Fr.Gabriel argues that almost 21 years after the Zambia was declared a Christian nation, as a nation we have nothing to show for it and he also says that faith without works is dead. The clergy further pointed out evil acts currently prevailing in this country such as corruption,poverty, murder, politics without principles and so on. He uses these
as a point of argument against the declaration of Christian nation. It is true that some things that are currently happening in this nation do not reflect Christian values, but is this reason enough to get rid of the declaration? Certainly not! From my understanding the declaration does not mean perfection it’s simply an acceptance as a nation that we believe in the life of Jesus Christ and recognize his supremacy and of course this must be shown in our works as well.

In ancient times Israel was declared a nation of God but that did not mean everyone in Israel was faithful but they accepted God and believed in his powers as a nation. All of us we call ourselves children of God but that does not mean we are perfect, sin will distance us from God but it does not make us cease to be his Children.Truly what is happening in our country is disheartening but instead of us denouncing that declaration we must start striving to live up to Christian standards. The clergy must devote their time towards teaching people to obeys God’s laws and live up to those standard instead of condemning the declaration. Let us also bear in mind that we are living in the last days but that does not mean there are no people who believe or live up to the standards of God. Instead of asking what the declaration has done we must be asking ourselves as churches what we have done to improve the situation in the nation. In other words it’s like the clergy are admitting that we have failed to live up to Christian values therefore let us become liberal.

In my conclusion let me answer the question that Fr. Gabriel raised in his article, the question was “it is almost 21years after Fredrick Chiluba declared our country as a Christian nation, what have we to show for it? The answer is simple: we have peace and love in our nation. 1peter 4:8 says “Above all things have intense love for one another, because love covers multitude of sin.” And John 13:34-35 says “I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another just as I have loved you and by this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love among your selves.” I believe as a nation this is what we have done, even visiting tourists have appreciated us for our love which has lead to peace. This has been shown in smooth transition of political power and it can also be seen in our patience towards bad leadership in this country because the bible says ‘love is patient.’
Besides if I may ask what harm has the declaration caused so far?

Fr.Gabriel in his article says faith without works is dead but what we must realize is that there is a difference between a declaration and
faith. Faith in the Bible is describe as a substance of things hoped for; meanwhile a declaration on the other hand means a pronouncement,so as a nation we are simply making a pronouncement that we recognize the supremacy and existence of Jesus and that we believe that he came to earth and died for our sins and it also means that we submit to his teachings and principles but this does not mean that citizens automatically become perfect or angels. Even in churches including Catholics there are people engaging in illicit activities but we can’t say that we should get rid of the church but we strive to
educate members and praying that God can touch their hearts and bring them to repentance.This is what we should be doing as a nation instead of having petty debates on the declaration. Let us pray to God to help us as a Christian Nation to become a nation that will live up to a true meaning of Christianity. Let us pray for our leaders, let us pray for one another and let us pray against all kinds of evil prevailing in this nation.

A practical example of what we have to show for as a Christian nation is the way we responded towards the issues of homosexuality that arose after the visitation of the UN secretary General.Catholic priests included rose up and said we can’t allow such a practice in our country because we are a Christian nation. The declaration is thorn in the flesh of those that want to introduce dirty practices such as homosexuality and as a nation we must guard our nation and the declaration jealously. Well this is my personal view on the matter and I intend to share with many Zambians with hope that they share my views as the drafting of the new constitution progresses.

May the Good lord bless this nation and its citizens.

Chizongwe Technical High School in Chipata district in Eastern province last evening pocked US $5,000 after scooping the 2012 Schools Debate Competition.

This was after the Chizongwe debate team beat their opponent, Kasisi Girls’ Secondary School of Lusaka.

Kasisi Girls’ Secondary School came runners-up in the tournament and they were given 100 litres of Decotex paint.

This is according to the live programme beamed at the Pamodzi Hotel in Lusaka on Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) television and monitored by ZANIS in Lusaka.

ZNBC Assistant Public Relations Officer, Mpunga Simukwae, who was the director of programmes, congratulated Chizongwe Technical High School for their splendid performance to win the prize.

“May l take this opportunity to thank the sponsors of this programme and also for making it a success. Great thanks goes to Chizongwe Technical High School for emerging the winner of 2012 Schools debate,” Mrs Simukwae.

Mrs Simukwae further said the competition had attracted a number of players and urged pupils to be pro-active in current affairs programmes in their respective school.

The debate competition was sponsored by Decotex, a local paint manufacturing firm, Exams-Made-Easy and ZNBC.

ZNBC Director General, Chibamba Kanyama, Zambia Information Communication Technology Authority, ZICTA and Decotex officials including the school authorities from the two learning institutions also attended the event and witnessed the prize-giving ceremony.

ZANIS

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“The Lord your God will thrust them out from before you and drive them out of your sight, and you shall possess their land, as the Lord your God promised you.”
(Joshua 23:5, AMP)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

We all have giants or obstacles that try to keep us from possessing what God has promised, especially in our dreams. We have two choices: we can quit and live in mediocrity, or we can fight and take hold of the victory.

In the Bible, the children of Israel were camped right next door to their Promised Land. God had already told them He would give them the victory; all they had to do was go in and fight for the land. But, when they heard how big their opponents were, they had such a weak, defeated mentality that they just gave up. Their attitude was, “What’s the use of even trying? We’ll never defeat those people. We might as well just stay out here in the wilderness.” They settled for mediocrity because they weren’t willing to fight.

Friend, don’t let that be you! The battle you have to fight today is in your mind. You have to change your thinking in order to possess God’s promises. Start choosing thoughts of faith and victory. Declare that you are an overcomer. As you stand and fight and win the battle in your mind, you’ll move forward and embrace the promises and dreams that God has for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, today I come to You believing that You have given me the victory. I will not focus on the obstacles before me; instead, I will focus on You. Help me to stand strong and keep my heart and mind focused on the victory You have in store for me in Jesus’ name. Amen.

— Joel & Victoria Osteen

Government has pledged to work extremely hard in order to provide social amenities such as schools, health institutions and water supply to people in every part of the country.

Deputy Minister in the Office of the Vice President, Harry Kalaba, said all the Zambians should enjoy access to basic needs such as water, education and health services.

Mr Kalaba said it was unacceptable that some Zambians were still lacking safe drinking water, schools and clinics as close to their communities as possible, 48 years after the country attained its independence from colonial masters.

He said this today when he toured Simonga area and Liyemo village in Livingstone rural and the Sikute Resettlement Scheme in Kazungula district in Southern Province.

In Simonga area, Mr Kalaba was saddened that a community of over 3,000 people can be depending on one borehole as a source of water.

The borehole at this area caters for a clinic, a school and a police post apart from the ordinary households.

Mr Kalaba was also disappointed that there was only one teacher at Namapande primary school which caters for the population of over 130 households scattered in the Sikute Resettlement Scheme covering about 10,000 hectares in Kazungula district.

He observed that the community did not have adequate social amenities because it was neglected by the previous government.

“The PF government wants to bring development to all the people regardless of where they live,” he said while attributing the sluggish development in the area to lack of commitment by the previous government.

Mr Kalaba, therefore, promised that government would move swiftly to attend the needs of people in the area.

“There is no place where people live where there is no school, road or clinic. We need to build a clinic here soon,” he said amid applauses from members of the communities who are in dire need of the amenities.

He said government will also attend to the food shortage in the area while the settlers’ other concerns will receive attention after relevant authorities are consulted.

And chairman of the Sikute Resettlement Scheme, which is also known as Namapande, Kalimukwa Likando, outline a number of challenges which included alleged harassment from one organization known as Sikute Trust and the Zambia wildlife Authority (ZAWA).

The challenges were echoed by members of the community.

Mr Kalaba is in Southern Province to get first hand information on the challenges in resettlement schemes and on projects supported by the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) which fall under the Office of the Vice President.

The settlers in Sikute Resettlement Scheme were evacuated from Kasaya which gets flooded every rainy season.

They were resettled in Sikute Resettlement Scheme in 2008 but they still do not have offer letters and title deeds to their 100 by 500 metres plots.

ZANIS

Journalists from four media institutions were yesterday barred from covering an adultery case involving a local court judge.

The case was scheduled to take off at Luanshya main court.

Wynter Machiya who presides at Masaiti local court has been dragged to court by Joseph Njelesani,a water distribution foreman at Kafubu water and sewerage company in Luanshya, who alleges that Machiya had been having an affair with his wife, Veronica Phiri,27.

The visibly annoyed William Nyoni asked the journalists if they had identity cards and letters of authorisation from the relevant authorities for them to attend the court session.

It appeared Mr Nyoni did not want the journalists to cover the court case because it involved a local court judge, who was his superior.

The journalists were forced to follow the court proceedings from the windows as they were denied entry in to the court room.

Mr Nyoni said he was doing so to protect his job as one of his colleagues was fired from his job for allowing journalists in to a court room to cover a similar case.

“Where are your IDs? I am only trying to protect my job. My friend landed into problems for allowing people like you in to a court session such as this one,” Mr Nyoni said.

The affected scribes are from the Times of Zambia, Zambia Daily mail, The Post and Muvi TV.

But acting Luanshya District Commissioner Michael Tandeo expressed disappointment at the action taken by Mr Nyoni adding that the Journalists had a duty to educate and inform the public on such matters.

Mr Tandeo wondered as to what was so special for Reporters not to be allowed to cover Machiya’s case as he had seen journalists cover such cases at the same courts before.