MMD national chairperson for women’s affairs Catherine Namugala has said Patriotic Front (PF) president Michael Sata is enjoying ad hoc levels of popularity he has repeatedly experienced since 2006 and people joining him will regret their actions.

Ms Namugala reminded Zambians that 21 ministers, senior MMD officials resigned to form a formidable political party in 1991 but they all went down.

She said former Works and Supply deputy minister Lameck Mangani, her predecessor Sylvia Masebo, former minister of Works and Supply Mike Mulongoti and former chairperson for Lands Judith Kapijimpanga would enjoy temporally popularity but must prepare for their downfall.

In an interview in Lusaka at the weekend, Ms Namugala said a lot of people got carried away by the public rallies addressed by Mr Sata despite repeatedly losing all the previous elections after creating wrong impressions about his popularity.

Ms Namugala, who is minister of Tourism, Environment and Natural Resources, said the Government of President Rupiah Banda would forge ahead after elections while Mr Sata would continue with his usual rantings and living in fantasy.

She said the PF did not have any future because its senior leadership did not have any programme and their flare would end soon.

“They will enjoy some headlines in their favourite newspaper but Zambians know that about 21 senior leaders, including 12 ministers and the former vice-president resigned from our party to form their own party but where are they?

The same will happen to these people like Mr Mangani, Mr Mpombo, Ms Masebo and the rest,” Ms Namugala said.

She said people were being cheated by the crowds that turned up to attend Mr Sata’s big rallies.

She said Mr Sata was not attracting big rallies for the first time and the PF leader would always lose elections.

Ms Namugala said President Banda’s performance, especially the construction of schools, roads and health centres country-wide had already campaigned for him.??She said the Zambian people knew what President Banda was capable of doing and would not leave a performer for a man who had no vision for the country.

And MMD chairperson for finance and economic affairs Situmbeko Musokotwane has said the people of Luapula Province have changed after the MMD delegation received a high-profile reception during the 12-day tour of the province. Dr Musokotwane said Mr Sata’s campaigns were failing because the Government had implemented everything that he promises to do if elected president.

Dr Musokotwane said Mr Sata was not clear with what he wanted to do for the people and had ended up backtracking on many policy issues that he previously stood for.

He said the people of Zambia would not accept to be cheated again following President Banda’s decision to implement what he promised in many areas while other development projects were being lined up.

Meanwhile, MMD Copperbelt provincial chairperson Joseph Chilambwe has said Mr Sata should not be misled by the artificial rally crowds but start preparing how he is going to stomach the worst defeat in the 2011 elections because the electorate had seen that he had become irrelevant to the current politics.

Mr Chilambwe said Mr Sata had allegedly become irrelevant to the country’s political landscape because he did not articulate issue of national development.??The MMD provincial chairperson said the claims that PF had taken Eastern Province were wishful thinking because it would never be a reality.

He said PF had resorted to cheap propaganda of claiming that it was becoming popular everywhere by using borrowed crowds, when the party was falling apart because of alleged poor leadership.

“Serious-minded Zambians have seen that Mr Sata is not a leader who can drive the country’s economy forward and so, no matter what kind of propaganda the PF leader and his allies put up, the MMD will scoop the 2011 elections,” Mr Chilambwe said.

[Times of Zambia]

THE Ngoni-speaking people of Eastern Province have said the appearance of Paramount Chief Mpezeni at a rally addressed by Patriotic Front (PF) president Michael Sata was not an endorsement of the opposition leader’s candidature.

Chief Madzimawe, who is chairperson of the House of Chiefs, said he had an audience with the paramount chief who explained that he would have attended the rally even if it was addressed by United Party for National Development (UPND) president Hakainde Hichilema.

He said he was certain that the people of Chipata would attend all rallies, including the ones to be addressed by President Rupiah Banda since people wanted to listen to the leaders for them to vote wisely.

Paramount Chief Mpezeni appeared at a public rally addressed by Mr Sata at Feni Village in Chipata where he greeted the cadres but Chief Madzimawe said the paramount chief had made it clear during the public rally that his appearance should not be misconstrued as endorsing Mr Sata.

“Paramount Chief Mpezeni cannot endorse Mr Sata. The fact that he appeared at a rally does not mean that he is supporting PF but that is his village, he can greet his people. I have spoken to him and I am still making efforts to speak to him. He never endorsed Mr Sata,” Chief Madzimawe said.

He said the paramount chief would attend all rallies where he had been invited, especially that it was held in his village.

Meanwhile, Chief Madzimawe said Mr Sata’s huge rallies in Eastern Province were not a measure of popularity, especially that voting was secret and people were making their decisions on who to vote for on the basis of the messages during rallies.??He said rallies were held in selected corners of the?province and careless talk that PF was gaining ground in the province was inaccurate.

“How can you hold a rally in one corner of Chipata and claim that the whole province is supporting you? People will attend all rallies and do not get surprised if the next rallies by MMD or UPND at the same venue will be bigger than the PF ones,” chief Madzimawe said.

He said it was not possible for any leader of a political party to address a rally and people do not turn up because attendance helps them make informed choices about leaders.

Chief Madzimawe said the Ngoni Royal Traditional leadership had been encouraging people to elect leaders who would provide development to the people.

He said President Banda had shown the zeal to address the needs of the Zambian people by launching a programme to construct schools, roads and hospitals but the Zambian people would judge on their own.

[Times of Zambia]

Kanyama Patriotic Front Member of Parliament Colonel Gerry Chanda has observed that the country will be in big trouble should Zambians fail to change government in the forthcoming general elections.

Mr. Chanda says people in his area have for a long time suffered due to the negligence of the ruling MMD.

He says as area member of parliament, he is trying his best to improve the livelihoods of his people but noted that it is challenging as government withholds constituency development funds.

Mr Chanda said that it is government that that explain why the CDF is not released to help address the number of challenges being faced by citizens.
[ QFM ]

President Rupiah Banda has sais a team of senior government officials constituted to look into the issue of the Barotse agreement has made good progress in its work.

In a statement released last evening by his special assistant for press and public relations Dickson Jere to brief the nation on the Barotseland agreement and the ongoing dialogue between government and the Barotse royal establishment, President Banda says he expects the team to conclude its work in the near future.

President Banda says following the presentation of the Barotse national council resolutions, his government has been actively dealing with the issue, and calls on the people of western province and Zambians to appreciate the efforts government is making.

He added that dialogue with the Barotse royal establishment has continued even after the presentation of the resolutions for purposes of seeking clarity on various issues so that the matter is concluded in a manner that is realistic and satisfactory to all concerned parties.

Mr. Banda has also commended the Barotse national council for emphasizing the fact that it is not secession from the rest of Zambia which is being advocated.

President Banda, however, described as unfortunate that inspite of the Mongu fracas early this year,some politicians have continued to take advantage and tried to hoodwink the people of western province into believing that the issue of restoration of the Barotse agreement of 1964 can be resolved overnight.

[ QFM ]

CHIENGI member of Parliament Katele Kalumba has warned that the few ‘treacherous’ individuals who are still scheming to resign from the MMD will live to regret because President Banda and the MMD still enjoy public confidence.

Dr Kalumba, who is former MMD national secretary, said in an interview from Chiengi yesterday that Zambians are too intelligent to change Government because President Banda’s administration is delivering on its promises to the people.

“President Banda still has many strategic options in his political armoury to boost even further public confidence in his leadership and the ruling party, the MMD. I believe days are numbered for the few traitors who continue to betray President Banda’s confidence,” Dr Kalumba said.

He said the MMD is still strong and popular because of its prudent economic management and consistency on policy.

“Because of the MMD’s size and long history of leadership, there are bound to be people who feel that perhaps the cat calls for change by the opposition are loud enough to scare the voting public and that opportunity is beckoning on the other side.

“It is my firm belief that the moment has not arrived. Zambians are too intelligent to give up something that is working for them,” Dr Kalumba said.

He said the strong economy, difference in the style of leadership between President Banda and Patriotic Front (PF) president Michael Sata and MMD’s consistency on policy are indicators of the outcome of this year’s tripartite elections.

Commenting on Mr. Sata’s claims that the PF is taking over Eastern Province and former deputy minister of Works and Supply Lameck Mangani’s defection to the PF, Dr Kalumba said the MMD has experienced similar situations in the past but they have had no real negative impact on the ruling party.

[pullquote]“It is my firm belief that the moment has not arrived. Zambians are too intelligent to give up something that is working for them,” Dr Kalumba said.[/pullquote]

“Significantly, I believe that the people of Eastern Province are still in the saddle of power after belonging to the opposition for a long time. I wish to give myself a little credit on this that it took a long time for me personally and others in the MMD to persuade the people of Eastern Province to leave UNIP and join the MMD,” Dr Kalumba said.

He said he does not think that the people of Eastern Province are about to give up stewardship of the MMD which is in charge of national affairs.

“I know that the east is composed of very significant population entities from Chama, Chadiza, Mtenguleni, Nyimba and Mambwe but I still believe that with intelligent leadership in the province, it is possible to unify them behind the MMD leadership. Unity of leadership in the province will have a positive impact on the other provinces,” Dr Kalumba said.

He said Mr Mangani’s resignation from the MMD is not insurmountable and can be repaired if the party remains united in its work, purpose and strategy.

“We have had similar losses before and we have been able to reduce the damage by intelligent and informed strategising,” Dr Kalumba said.

Meanwhile, JIMMY CHIBUYE reports that Zambians for Empowerment and Development president Fred Mutesa has urged Zambians to be wary of recycled politicians who don’t deserve a vote.

Dr Mutesa said in a statement issued in Lusaka yesterday that any leader who has been in Parliament for more than ten years should be retired during the elections.

He said Zambians should not entertain politicians who jump from one political party to another.

“Unless Zambians open their eyes, the only change they will get is recycling the same shameless politicians,” Dr Mutesa said.

He said some politicians fear the possibility of losing the privileges they have enjoyed in the MMD and are now trying to revive their political careers by joining other parties, hoping the ruling party will lose the polls.

[Zambia Daily Mail]

More than 100 ruling MMD cadres today in the morning severely beat a MUVI TV news crew and further confiscated their equipment.

The respective also almost raped the female journalists, who were among the Muvi TV news crew.The journalists had gone to Nakachenje area in Lusaka West to interview a woman who was attacked by the same MMD cadres, who a few days ago grabbed her land.

Reporter Dainess Nyirenda and Cameraperson, Annita Kalwani, have since suffered internal injuries after they were trampled upon by the cadres.

Driver, Edward Ntele also suffered a deep cut on his forehead and while another cameraperson, Emmanuel Kaluba had his lips cut in the fracas.

By broadcast time, the camera had not yet been recovered from the MMD cadres. Other items confiscated by the MMD cadres include a camera tripod stand, a microphone, 4 mobile phones and undisclosed amounts of money.

However, other MUVI TV reporters, Paul Shalala, Brian Mwale and Bruce Mwale survived the beatings. The matter was quickly reported to Matero police Station and officers were quickly mobilised to the incident scene.

Meanwhile, MMD Lusaka Province Vice Youth Chairman, Watson Mutonga has physically identified the MMD cadres, who assaulted the MUVI TV news crew.

And MUVI TV Managing Editor, Costa Mwansa has described the MMD cadres’ assault as an act of cowardice. This incident brings to 3 the number of harassments against MUVI TV reporters while on duty in the last one month.

Earlier this month, Patriotic Front cadres threatened reporters, In’utu Mwanza and Bruce Mwale while a week ago, Lusaka Division police Deputy commanding Officer, Jackson Simfukwe harassed reporter Paul Shalala.

Meanwhile, the 4 assaulted MUVI TV personnel have narrated the ordeal describing it as uncalled for. Reporter, Dainess Nyirenda says she is no longer free to cover the ruling MMD as its cadres have become violent against journalists.

Cameraperson, Annita Kalwani almost shed tears when describing how she was almost gang-raped. Another cameraperson, Emmanuel Kaluba has said he was beaten badly because of the camera he was holding.Driver, Edward Ntele has also narrated that he was hit with a huge stone on his head making him lose consciousness.

[MUVITV]

Former works and supply deputy minister Lameck Mangani says it is questionable for the ruling MMD to accuse him of causing the Violence in during the Mufumbwe by-election last year.

Mr. Mangani wonders why such reports are coming out now when he has decided to defect to the opposition Patriotic Front.

He tells QFM in an interview that the MMD should have presented to the courts all the evidence if they knew he was the one that caused the violence during the Mufumbwe by-elections.

MMD Eastern province chairperson Kennedy Zulu recently stated that Mr. Mangani, during his tenure as home affairs minister, fueled the violence in Mufumbwe by giving orders to beat up other people.

Mr. Mangani says the MMD should have reported him to the police the time he was still in the party if the allegations are true.

And the Southern African Centre for the constructive resolution of Disputes (SACCORD) says it is pointless for the MMD to apportion blame on an individual for causing the violence in Mufumbwe.

SACCORD information officer Obby Chibuluma says the MMD as the ruling party should be made accountable for all the violence that erupted during the Mufumbwe by-election.
Mr. Chibuluma says it is pointless and disappointing for a party in power to exhibit such irresponsibility.

In an interview with QFM, Mr. Chibuluma says the MMD leadership should instead begin to transform itself into a positive party that seeks to use non-violent means of winning any elections.

QFM

Government will re-introduce the failed constitution amendment bill which failed in the last sessions of parliament.

Vice President George Kunda says the bill failed because it was sabotaged by the opposition.

Mr Kunda says Government is determined to bring the bill back to the house because it contains good and new reforms.

The Vice president made the announcement when he addressed a public rally at Silolo Basic School Grounds in Sesheke District over the weekend.

And Mr. Kunda says the Patriotic Front-PF manifesto has no vision for the country.

Mr Kunda says he has scrutinized the PF manifesto through one of the tabloids and discovered that it contains no policies.

Mr. Kunda has urged the people of Sesheke not to waste their votes on the opposition PF and its leader Michael Sata.

Meanwhile Mr. Kunda has castigated the alliance between Mr. Sata and the Post Newspaper Editor Fred M’membe.

Mr Kunda says the relationship between the duo is premised on vindictiveness.

Mr. Kunda says both Mr. Sata and Mr. M’membe are heartless, thereby finding it easy to collaborate.

He says it is clear that Mr. Sata wants to run a Government of witch-hunting, especially on people who have wealth.

Mr. Kunda wonders what has changed about Mr. Sata whom Mr. M’membe described in past Post Newspaper editions as an extremely corrupt person with no leadership qualities.

[ZNBC]