Munali Patriotic Front aspiring candidate Nkandu Luo has stated that she will ensure that she addresses challenges that student at the three learning institutions, the University of Zambia, (UNZA), the National Resources Development College (NRDC) and the Chainama College of health sciences, face once elected into office.

Professor Luo says with her experience as an academician, she is fully aware of the challenges that students at the learning institutions face adding that she will ensure she encompasses her experience to improve the conditions.

In an interview with QFM, Professor Luo noted that it should be fully understood that education is not only about buildings but for one to receive quality education, there is need to ensure that human resource at the institutions is adequate.

Professor Luo says she will ensure that she also addresses complaints of UNZA students of prolonged programs without proper justification.

QFM

Heritage Party president Godfrey Miyanda has urged his critics NOT to discourage him from pursuing his dream of becoming Zambia’s president.

Brigadier General Miyanda says despite his unpopularity in past elections, his love for Zambia and respect for law gives him the strength to go on in a competitive political atmosphere.

He says he is well qualified to be president of the country and urged those undermining his ambitions to remember that politics is a dynamic game.

General Miyanda was speaking in Lusaka on Saturday when he made an appearance at the Press Freedom Committee Forum.

He was answering questions as to why he has continued to race for higher office despite his poor performance.

AND the Heritage party president has called on people not to discourage others vying for higher office as they have every right to do so.

ZNBC

MMD National Youth chairman Moses Muteteka says the party will not protect any youth that will engage in violent activities.

Mr Muteteka says it is irresponsible for youths from any political party to engage violence which can disturb the peace and unity the country has enjoyed over the years.

He told ZNBC on Saturday that the MMD leadership will not tolerate anyone engaging in violence because the party has been preaching peace for some time now.

Mr Muteteka has advised parties against using youths as tools in their quest to attain political mileage.

And Mr Muteteka has called for the suspension of distribution and sale of alcohol sachets popularly known as tujilijili.

He says most of the people involved in violent activities are youths who are under the influence of alcohol.

ZNBC

The opposition Patriotic Front has barred its parliamentary candidates from appearing on ZNBC’s Race to Manda Hill programme.

Dr Scott says the PF feels that the programme will not have any impact because it is aired very late with few people watching it.

He has also cited alleged biasness by the presenters as one of the reasons.

Dr Scott says aspiring candidates will only appear on other programmes on other television stations.

He was speaking in an interview soon after addressing a rally in Kabwata on Saturday.

And Patriotic Front leader, Michael Sate, has urged his candidates in Southern province to serve the people diligently once voted into office.

Addressing a public rally in Livingstone’s Villa grounds on Saturday, Mr. Sata urged the aspiring candidates to speak for the masses and improve the welfare of civil servants.

He says people have lost faith in the role of MPs and that it is the duty of those who are going to be elected to restore the trust by addressing people’s needs.

The PF leader also said that Zambia can only be a better place if all Zambians work together as a united team with one goal of developing the country.

Among those who were present at the meeting included, Judith kapijipanga, Susan Sikata, Willie Nsanda and Livingstone candidate Joseph Akafumba.

ZNBC

Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) leader has observed that lack of industries in that country that can process copper ore has cost the Zambians employment opportunities.

Edith Nawakwi has wondered the government can allow the copper to be leaving the country in its role state.

Ms. Nawakwi notes that diversification of the mining activities can help boost employment opportunities for the Zambian people.

She adds that local people have not been benefiting from the mining industry adding that there is need for the locals to empowerment and see to it that they participate in the mainstream economy.

And Ms. Nawakwi has advised the media not to entertain statements that border of character assassination.

She observes that the media in the country focuses so much on what she termed as vindictive reporting adding that the media is expected to publish stories that will give the Zambians valuable information.

And the National Restoration Party (NAREP) has concluded the final draft of its election manifesto 2011 to 2016 which is set to be launched soon.

This follows the release of the preliminary version on 17th August in Lusaka that was subjected for public comment.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Qfm in Lusaka, NAREP acting national secretary Charles Mwenya has described the submissions of the public on what should be contained in the manifesto as overwhelming.

Mr. Mwenya says the party has also received submissions from Zambians in the Diaspora adding that this is a clear indication that people are in need of a comprehensive roadmap for developing the country.

He has therefore rubbished an opinion poll conducted by Synovate Research Company which has discovered that 93 percent of Zambians have not read manifestos of any political party that is taking part in the tripartite elections.

The NAREP acting national secretary explains that the document has spelt out the important benchmarks that his government will follow to improve the country’s economy with regards to investing in people.

QFM

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him”
(1 Corinthians 2:9, NKJV)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

One thing I’ve learned is that you cannot out dream God. When God brings a dream to pass that He’s placed in your heart, it’s going to be greater than you ever imagined. It’s going to be bigger, better and more rewarding. You could say: God’s going to supersize your dream!

Your dream may be to just get well, to be able to get around like you used to. That’s good, but God thinks bigger. When He supersizes that dream, you’ll not only be able to walk, you’ll be able to run! Your dream may be to just keep your marriage together. But God’s dream is to make your marriage happier and more fulfilling that it’s ever been before. Your dream may be to just pay your bills each month, but God’s dream is to give you an abundance so that you not only have enough for your needs, but you have money left over to be a blessing to other people! Today, have faith in God. Trust Him because He has good plans for you, and He is ready to supersize your dreams!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

God, I thank You for Your good and precious promises. Thank You for Your faithfulness to me. Help me to supersize my thinking and supersize my dreams so that my heart and mind can begin to grasp all that You have in store for me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

— Joel & Victoria Osteen

Police have warned that they will arrest any person found in possession of offensive weapons at political public meetings.

Assistant commissioner in Charge of Operations Solomon Jere says political party cadres who have developed a habit of wielding knives, machetes and stones at any slight provocation will face the wrath of the law.

He says police will not tolerate the use of weapons especially as the country goes to the polls next month.

Dr Jere also urged members of the public to report any violence to an emergency call center which has been set up at the police headquarters.

On Sunday machete wielding Patriotic Front cadres kept vigil at their rally held at the Freedom Statue in Lusaka.

Other cadres where armed with catapults.

During the same rally PF Secretary General Wynter Kabimba directed party cadres to hit back hard at political opponents if provoked.

And Inspector General of Police Francis Kabonde has warned politicians and members of the public against circulating rumours that border on national security.

Mr. Kabonde told a media briefing on Friday that the police will deal firmly with anyone found spreading rumours orally or through the print media.

He says spreading false information has the potential to bring anarchy and civil unrest in the country.

He has dismissed allegations by Kanyama constituency PF candidate Colonel Jerry Chanda that the ruling MMD has invited soldiers from Zimbabwe to reinforce ahead of the tripartite elections.

Mr. Kabonde says the allegations by Colonel Chanda are currently under investigations.

He has appealed to Zambians not to take seriously any rumours and avoid being excited over the current political debates among political players.

The Inspector General of Police further urged political parties and candidates not to go to the extremes in their political campaigns as this can lead to provocation and intimidation.

Mr. Kabonde says the Police will provide maximum security to all political parties before, during and after the elections, adding that it is not true that the Police have been impartial in dealing with erring party cadres.

ZNBC

Standard Bank Group has predicted victory for President Rupiah Banda in the September 20 general elections.

The research wing of Standard Bank says President Banda and the MMD will emerge winners of the 2011 elections, supported by the positive economic outlook.

The bank says the country’s per capita growth has been accelerating since President Rupiah Banda assumed office in 2008.

This is contained in the August 9, Standard Bank Group Africa Research report for Zambia.

The report however notes that the elections have put pressure on the kwacha which it anticipates to weaken as the political discourse gets heated up.

The bank expects the kwacha to move to K5,250 to one dollar.

Standard Bank Group becomes the third institution to tip President Banda as winner in the September 20 polls.

Early this month the Economic Intelligence Unit predicted for the fourth time running that President Banda will emerge winner in this year’s general elections.

Last week SYNOVATE, a leading research firm in the SADC region also predicted that President Banda will win the September polls with 42 percent.

ZNBC