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Kabwe Warriors troubled season continued on Saturday when they stayed put in third from bottom in the relegation zone of the Faz Super Division table.
Warriors went down 1-0 at Railway Grounds in Kabwe where they hosted fellow struggling side Nchanga Rangers.
Moreover, the match also marked Peter Mwila’s first day on the job after the late shock announcement of the dismissal of coach Humphrey Malikoni.
Nchanga won the game thanks to a 55th minute goal scored by Fanwell Mwape.
Elsewhere, defending champions Zesco United played out to a scoreless stalemate away to Forest Rangers at Dola Hill.
In Maamba, league leaders Red Arrows played out to a scoreless draw away to fourth from bottom Green Eagles.
At Edwin Emboela Stadium in Lusaka, second placed Power Dynamos lost 1-0 to host Nkwazi thanks to a 3rd minute goal scored by Lawrence Lubinda.
In Chililabombwe, Konkola Blades also stayed put in third place after finishing scoreless against Roan United.
Meanwhile, Zanaco joined town mates Nkwazi with a home win after beating Nakambala Leopards 2-0 at Sunset Stadium in Lusaka thanks to a brace from teenage striker Moses Phiri who found the target in the 4th and 90th minutes.
Nakambala and Zanaco exchanged places on the table with the latter moving from fifth to fourth and both teams locked on 25 points.
The New Generation Party (NGP) has not welcomed the adoption of patriotic front rebel members of parliament by the ruling MMD to contest four seats in Lusaka.
Speaking during a briefing at the party secretariat in Lusaka today, NGP president Humphrey Siulapwa called on MMD Kabwata parliamentary candidate Peter Machungwa to retire from active politics.
Mr. Siulapwa said Dr. Machungwa has been serving as parliamentarian for a long time now and that it is time to leave politics for the young people.
He says his party will not campaign for the four PF rebel members of parliament adding that they have to step aside.
Mr. Siulapwa adds that it is prudent for the four PF rebel MPs adopted to contest Lusaka seats on the MMD ticket to retire as his party will not support any of them.
NINE Children are feared dead after a dugout canoe in which they were travelling capsized on Kafue River in Mpongwe district on Friday.
Copperbelt police commanding officer Martin Malama confirmed the accident which occurred in Chief Machiya’s area in Mpongwe.
Dr Malama said the canoe was being paddled by a 14-year-old boy who is the only survivor.
He said the children were following their parents who had gone to Chief Machiya’s palace.
“I would like to confirm an accident in which nine children aged between two and 11 years are feared dead after the dugout canoe capsized as they were crossing the Kafue River,” Dr Malama said.
He named the victims as Milina Mukwemba, 7, Sylvia Kabwe, 11, Peggy Kabwe, 8, Christine Kabwe, 6, Stella Kabwe, 2, Yvonne Kasensa, 10, Miniver Kasensa, 7, Falesi Kasensa, 3, and Webby Kasensa aged 6.
Dr Malama said only the body of Stella Kabwe has been retrieved.
He said the paddler of the canoe was the only survivor.
“The other eight bodies are still missing,” Dr Malama said.
Meanwhile, CHIMWEMWE MWALE reports that the death toll in Friday’s bus accident in Chilanga has risen from six to seven.
And four of the bodies of the accident victims have been identified at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) mortuary.
Both Zambia Police Service spokesperson Ndandula Siamana and UTH public relations manager Pauline Mbangweta confirmed the development in separate interviews in Lusaka yesterday.
Six people died on the spot on Friday while 39 others sustained injuries when a 76-sitter bus they were travelling in overturned near Chilanga Main Bus station.
The accident happened around 19:00 hours when the bus hit a tipper truck.
Ms Siamana said those whose bodies have been identified are Mercy Muzuha, Joy Gili, Agness Palaza and Lydia Haluperi, all of unknown addresses and ages.
She said the only accident victim admitted to the UTH intensive care unit (ICU) has been identified as Anna Mudume, 41.
Ms Siamana said the driver of the bus is still on the run and police have launched a manhunt for him.
“He (driver) was not at the accident scene and could probably be still on the run and normally we automatically launch a manhunt although in most cases the drivers eventually hand themselves to the police because usually it is just confusion that occurs in them at the scene,” Ms Siamana said.
And Ms Mbangweta said the latest victim died on the operating table.
She said most of the accident victims are Zimbabweans.
“We received six brought in dead (BID) and unfortunately we lost one just when she was being operated on just after being rushed to the theatre. Among the fifteen admitted, 10 are females while five are males. We received 67 and we have discharged 50 after they were checked,” Ms Mbangweta said.
And KAPALA CHISUNKA reports that a fire yesterday destroyed property worth millions of Kwacha at the Kobil lubricant warehouse in Lusaka on Malambo road.
The fire is said to have started slightly after 16:30 hours and the fire brigade was called when initial efforts to quench it using on-site fire-fighting equipment failed.
The Lusaka City Council fire-fighters sought help from the Airport Fire Brigade to help put out the raging fire, but by 18:30 hours last night the fire was yet to be brought under control.
According to eye witnesses, only a security officer was at the premises when the fire started.
“Lusaka City Council fire fighters who were immediately notified by management arrived at the scene around 17: 00hours but failed to quench the fire as they ran out of water,” one source said.
By the time reinforcements were arriving, most of the building was gutted while the company managers and employees watched helplessly.
Veteran politician Vernon Mwaanga waves MMD party slogans during a campaign rally in Luanshya in 2008 elections
VETERAN politician Vernon Mwaanga says the MMD’s adopted parliamentary candidates for this year’s tripartite elections are a winning team.
Mr Mwaanga said the opposition is panicking after seeing the high calibre and credibility of the parliamentary candidates the MMD is floating in all the constituencies.
He said in an interview that the list of the adopted parliamentary candidates is a team that will see President Banda and the MMD remain in Government.
The MMD has released the list of its adopted parliamentary candidates that has seen the inclusion of professors, doctors, economists, academicians, social scientists, engineers, lawyers, and businessmen among others.
Mr Mwaanga said President Banda will have a wide option in selecting ministers that will form his first new cabinet after having largely inherited late President Mwanawasa’s cabinet in 2008.
Mr Mwaanga, who is Parliamentary Chief Whip and political strategist, said the MMD list of candidates has left opposition political parties in panic because they know that they are up against a formidable and credible team of candidates.
He said opposition political parties are startled by the rich and experienced team the MMD has assembled.
He stated that the difference between the MMD candidates and those that will be adopted by the opposition will be like day and darkness.
Mr Mwaanga said President Banda and the MMD are headed for victory in the coming general elections because of the confidence the people have in the ruling party.
He said there have been many political analysts who have placed President Banda and the MMD ahead of other presidential aspirants and that it will not come as a surprise for the Head of State to be re-elected with a wider margin than in the previous election.
Mr Mwaanga said all indicators are pointing to President Banda as the most preferred candidate.
He said contrary to assertions that the ruling party had difficulties in its adoptions because most of the applicants were not appealing, the MMD had a lot of credible aspirants wishing to stand on the party’s ticket.
Mr Mwaanga said the ruling party has left out a lot of credible candidates because not all of them could be adopted.
He said the MMD has a large reservoir of human resource and that it not possible for the party to lack people to adopt.
Mr Mwaanga also dispelled assertions that most MMD members avoided to apply for constituencies in Lusaka because they feared losing to the PF.
He said Lusaka Province had about 47 applicants for the 12 parliamentary seats.
“So to assert that the MMD did not have people to adopt in Lusaka is not factual and a fallacy. We had 47 applicants for Lusaka Province and you would be surprised that for the local government seats, we have more than 200 aspirants wanting to be part of the MMD leadership at local government level. It was a difficult job for the national executive committee (NEC) to select candidates,” Mr Mwaanga said.
He said he was involved in the interviewing process of aspiring candidates in Lusaka Province.
ZAMBIA has begun reaping the benefits of privatising Zanaco with the former parastatal bank paying Government a dividend of K8 billion for the year 2010.
The bank has also paid back to Government K5 billion, which was lent to its employees to buy shares as it changed from State to private ownership.
Receiving the two cheques on behalf of Government in Lusaka, Minister of Finance and National Planning Situmbeko Musokotwane said the privatisation of Zanaco has proved successful.
Dr Musokotwane said before the bank was privatised, Zambians were getting low benefits from it.
“Zanaco at that time was a drain on the taxpayers because we were not getting anything out of it. After deciding to re-align our involvement with Zanaco by selling just part of it, we are now seeing the benefits in terms of dividends. We are also seeing the benefits in terms of improved service to the public.
“This is what we expected. Before privatisation people were peddling stories that employees were going to lose their jobs and that branches were going to be closed. But the number of employees has increased from 1,100 to over 1,300, and more branches have been opened,” Dr Musokotwane said.
He said the lesson that Zambians must learn from the privatisation of Zanaco is that they should be careful with people who encourage them to be satisfied with the status quo even when they have seen problems.
Earlier, Zanaco managing director Martyn Schouten said the K8,085,000,532.00 dividend the bank paid yesterday brings the cumulative dividend paid to Government in the past three years to K18.7 billion since the bank was privatised in 2008.
Mr Schouten said last year Zanaco declared a dividend of K32.340 billion, which translates into K28 per share from K21 per share in the previous year.
He said Zanaco recorded a profit of K113 billion in 2010, and that the bank is enjoying financial sustainability, which has seen consistent rise in its profits.
“This achievement is a sign of growth in the business and underscores the bank’s commitment to deliver increased value to all its shareholders. This also reaffirms Zanaco’s strong financial performance arising from, among other things, transparent corporate governance policies put in place as well as committed focus by its employees to service customers,” Mr Schouten said.
He said Zanaco continues to be one of the leading banks in Zambia and is committed to banking the unbanked populace of the country.
In line with the bank’s success, Zanaco was recently awarded ‘Best Bank in Zambia 2011’ by Euromoney Awards in Excellence for both its increased profits and lending since privatisation; for successfully developing its franchise in rural areas, increasing branches and automated teller machines, and introducing new services such as mobile branches on trucks and mobile phone banking.
In April 2007, Rabobank acquired a 49 percent stake in Zanaco following the government’s decision to privatize the bank. In 2008 the bank was listed on the Lusaka Stock Exchange, thus successfully concluding one of Zambia’s largest privatisations.
Amy Winehouse was found dead in her home on 23 july 2011. The official cause of death will be made public after the autopsy ,but it is believed to be due to a drug overdose.
She rose to fame in 2006 with her smash single “Rehab“. The song is about an addict who refuses to go to rehab despite appeals by her loved ones. The song earned her 3 Grammy awards for Record of the year , song of the year , and Best female pop vocal performance.
Her album“Back to Black” was released in October of 2006. It was a soulful /jazz influenced album . The album was critically accliamed and went to number 1 in many countries including England and US.
The album earned her a Grammy award for Best pop vocal album and was nominated for Album of the year.
TEARS DRY O THEIR OWN
This song samples marvin Gaye’s “aint no mountain high enough”
Back to Black
The title track from her album. Amy’s sultry video is both beautifully and artistically shot in black and white and compares in imagery a doomed love affair with that of a funeral
Just Friends
Another good song , this one talks about an ended relationship , as she askes “…when will we get the time to be just friends?”
She was troubled but you cant deny that she was extreamely talented .
“For this I will give you thanks and extol You, O Lord, among the nations; I will sing praises to Your name”
(2 Samuel 22:50, AMP)
TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria
In this life, anytime you begin to succeed and walk in the blessing of God to the fullness, people are going to criticize. People will judge you. People will be jealous. But you know what? That’s their problem. Don’t apologize for what God is doing in your life. When you make excuses for God’s goodness, when you downplay His blessings and favor or call it luck or coincidence, really, that’s an insult to our God. The scripture says in Deuteronomy that “It is the Lord that gives you the power to get wealth.” That means God is the One giving you the ideas. He’s the One that’s giving you the creativity. He’s giving you the strength to succeed. He gave you the favor. He gave you the good breaks. As long as you stay humble and give Him all the credit, you have nothing to apologize for. Our job as believers is to make Him known. We should be examples of His goodness, peace, hope, joy and life.
Today, don’t shrink back from giving God all the credit. Don’t downplay your blessing. Thank Him and praise Him for what He’s doing in your life now and what He will do in your future. Make Him known and give Him all the glory!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your hand of blessing upon my life. I give You all the glory, honor and praise because I know that every good and perfect gift is from You. I open my heart and mind to receive what You have in store for me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
89 ,real name, Webster Chilikwela, is a rapper/producer. He has been doing music since 2004 with a group called The HooD BoyZ, the group consists of; 89, Dot Com and Shizzo. They do a variety of music but mostly Crunk, Hip Hop & R n’ B.
KAPA187 : Hi ,welcome to the interview. Tell us about yourself.
89: My stage name is 89, as you can tell I got it from the year I was born because that was the Genesis of Webster. I am a multi talented artist or should I say entertainer because I produce, that is, record, edit and master the tracks on my own. I can rap, sing and dance. I mostly do crunk which is hip hop but more aggressive, fun and more entertaining, and R&B .
For my new mixtape am doing a variety of Genres such as Dance, Jazz, Hip Hop, Kwaito, R&B, Crunk, Accapella .That is to show the world that Zambia is progressing music wise and that music has no limit, in the sense that anyone can do anything if they put their mind to it and portray the right attitude.
KAPA187: Where do you get your inspiration for your music?
89: I get my inspiration from Busta Rhymes because of the way he plays with words and rhymes, Lil Jon because his loud and diverse music, Timberland because no matter what kind of instrumental he makes, someone can still tell that his the one who made it, Polo da Don because he fuses soul with hip hop or R&B and Usher because he adds that smooth R&B feel no matter what kind of style his doing and his a great dancer or should I say performer.
KAPA187: “Crunk” was made famous by Lil jon , but has since reduced a bit in popularity. What do you bring to the table that will make people love it again?
89: I make my music danceable, fun, less gangstar or violent but still keep that crunk touch. I sometimes fuse in rock, R&B or jazz to keep the listener entertained
KAPA187: What has been your biggest achievement so far?
89: My biggest achievement has been making it this far in school coz most people drop out or give up in the course I’m taking(NCC at ZCAS) and also learning how to play a piano.
KAPA187: What separates you from other producers/rappers?
89: As compared to other producers i’v met so far in Zambia, im not hard headed, I take criticism and advice into consideration, I keep an open mind, love to try out new things, I can direct people where they go wrong in a song in order for them to come out perfect . Also , I can write, dance and sing
KAPA187: Do you have a favourite song that you have made, and why is it your favourite?
89: My favourite song right now is “am on” which I did recently. It’s going on my new mixtape “am on” which will be in stores soon. This song is talking about where I came from, how I got started with this whole music thing, my life style and one thing is that I never lie about what I talk about. I just keep it real.
KAPA187: Do you use real instruments when producing your music.
89: I use a keyboard to make instrumentals and sometimes a guitar to avoid my music sounding electronic because live music sounds better
KAPA187: Can you explain the process of making a song, from the production to the lyrics, where do you get your inspiration?
89: When it comes to making a song, I usually start with the instrumental and I usually come up with the ideas of the instrumentals by the way am feeling that day, cause I use music as an escape route from the real, as an expression to the way I feel.
After an instrumental is made, I get started with the lyrics by reading books, watching movies or listening to music that suit the mood am in. Then I record it over and over until am satisfied. Three days later, I edit and master the songs. I then play it to people who don’t know me and ask them what they think. I never even tell them that its a zambian who did the song. A good song with me usually takes about a week and a half to be done.
KAPA187: Besides music what other interests do you have.
89: I love computers, graphics and cars.
KAPA187: If you could have any super powers what would it be and why.
89: Lolz, I would love to have the power of teleportation so I can be places in a matter of seconds like the jumper (movie), travelling sometimes is tiring.
KAPA187:.What does the future hold for 89?
89: Well you’re hearing from a soon to be a masters in computing holder. In the future, I want to have managed to upgrade my studio to the fullest where I record a proper song and shoot a proper video. I wana work with the hottest artist in the game such as, J Cole, Wale, T-Pain, Drake, lil Wayne, M.I, Ice Prince, Timbaland, polo da don, busta rhymes, usher, Justin beiber, lil Jon and bun b I jus wana b a super producer and this new mixtape, am going to use it to market myself to the public
Zambian women as powerful as men
MMD Zambezi East Member of Parliament Sara Sayifwanda says the adoption of few women as candidates for the forthcoming general elections should not be blamed on the party.
Ms. Sayifwanda, who is also Gender and Women in Development Minister, says it is unfortunate that women did not spread to contest in other constituencies in the country.
Speaking in an interview, Ms. Sayifwanda says women in the party made a mistake to crowd up in one constituency to contest for the same seat.
Ms. Sayifwanda noted that it is not helpful for women to just fight for one constituency when the country has 150 constituencies they can stand on.
She appealed to women in other political parties to spread to other constituencies instead of heaping up in one constituency.
And Ms. Sayifwanda expressed confidence of maintaining her constituency seat.
She says with the 110 infrastructural projects initiated in her constituency, electorates in her area will have a reason to vote for her.
Ms. Sayifwanda, however, noted that her re-adoption was not an easy process adding that it was the toughest of the 150 constituencies.
Economic consultant Bob Sichinga says that a number of MMD members are currently uncomfortable with the type of leadership being exhibited in the ruling party.
Mr. Sichinga said that a number of the MMD members have observed that the party is not what it was in the past.
He said that the MMD will see a lot of members leave the party and join other progressive political parties.
Mr. Sichinga in an interview with QFM radio added that the MMD has lost the credibility it had in the past.
He added that the high political party officials who have left the party recently is not surprising because it was foreseen.
He said that the current leadership in MMD is being coupled with favoritism which has brought some uncertainty on other political party members.
He said that this is clear confirmation that the MMD has run its course and is leaving power this year.
Mr.Sichingasaid that from his observation, most Zambians want to change of government, which he confidently says will take place.
[QFM]
“Jock of the Bushveld”, South Africa’s first 3-D movie, set to enchant global audiences with the world’s favourite dog story
Hollywood came to Johannesburg this week for the world premiere of South Africa’s first fully 3-D animated movie, Jock of the Bushveld. And the movie goes on release in Zambia on Friday, July 29, at Sterkinekor cinema, Arcades, Lusaka.
Five years in the making, the film tells the true story of a brave dog’s adventures and is set to enchant global audiences while showcasing South Africa’s burgeoning animation and film industry.
With Hollywood stars Donald Sutherland, Ted Danson, Helen Hunt and Canadian rocker Bryan Adams joining forces with South Africa’s world-class animators, a whole new generation will be thrilled by the dog that brings a little bit of South African heart to fans everywhere.
‘Jock’ has captured the hearts of millions ever since Sir Percy Fitzpatrick first wrote about the plucky dog’s escapades in the South African bush over 100 years ago.
Jock of the Bushveld is directed and produced by South African Duncan MacNeillie. The stellar cast of voices is supported by Nobel Laureate Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu who gives spiritual guidance to Jock as the voice of Tata, while acclaimed musician Johnny Clegg provides the stirring soundtrack. The film’s personalities are dominated by international stars including Donald Sutherland as the movie’s narrator, Bryan Adams voicing Jock, Helen Hunt who is the voice of Jock’s mother Jess, and Ted Danson.
“Jock of the Bushveld gives South Africa an opportunity to promote the development of our film industry and to tell our stories. We are really excited to see this industry continuing to grow and flourish,” said Miller Matola, CEO of Brand South Africa. “We have the skills, expertise, creativity and capacity to create internationally-recognised film and animation right here in South Africa. Possibility, diversity and creativity is what South Africa and its film industry stands for.”
According to Matola, the film is a prime example of how the creative industries can be a source of foreign direct investment for South Africa, who said the country’s skill base, culture and heritage made it uniquely positioned to be a leader in world-class film production. Additionally, the film and television industry is a contributor to overall job creation, generating jobs both directly in the industry but also in support sectors.
Matola concluded by saying that the film and television industry is important to South Africa as it plays a central role in communicating ideas, information and opinions: “On a cultural level, it provides us as Africans with a global forum to tell our stories and demonstrate our excellence to each other and the world. That is why South Africa has identified the film and television industry in our latest Industrial Policy Action Plan as a sector to be grown and supported.”
Jock of the Bushveld premiered in South Africa on 19 July 2011.
FINANCE Bank Zambia has instructed SNB legal practitioners to recover US$4,208,938,28 from Mines Air Services Limited, trading as Zambian Airways and its directors over a debt that they guaranteed.
The debt was guaranteed by the Post Newspaper Limited JNC Holdings?Limited under the signatures of Fred Mmembe, Mutembo Nchito and Nchima Nchito.
According to a letter addressed to the Zambian Airways receiver a Mr Kieran Day of Kenya, the debt has been outstanding and now Finance Bank would like to recover the amounts.”We have been retained as advocates for Finance Bank Zambia in the matter and therefore note our interest.
“FBZ has instructed us to formally demand from Mines Air Services Limited T/A Zambian Airways (in receivership) due payment of US$4,208,938 outstanding balance on accounts held by Mines Air Services Limited,” reads a letter dated July 20, 2011 and signed by Mr Sunday Nkonde and obtained by the Times.
According to the letter the payment has to be made in 10 days from the date of the letter.According to the letter the company through Escrow fuel had a balance of US$2,096,842,68 and US$5,112,095,60 on the main overdraft account.
The amount is less the subject of the case between FBZ and Development Bank of Zambia of US$3,000, 000, 000, 00.
And THE Committee of Citizens says Post Newspapers Proprietor Fred M’membe, Mutembo Nchito and his brother Nchima should honour the debt they owe Finance Bank Zambia (FBZ).
Committee executive director Gregory Chifire said it is only proper that the trio pay back the debt because it can go a long way to improve the lives of Zambians.
He said in Lusaka yesterday that it is surprising that the trio have not paid their debt when they have been calling on others, including government, to be transparent in their dealings.
“Development Bank of Zambia (DBZ) money is the people’s money and when people borrow from banks, it is only prudent that they pay back so that others can benefit from the same resources,” Mr Chifire said.
Mr Chifire said the trio should also tell the nation what they did with the money they borrowed from FBZ because it would appear that the finances were not put to good use.
He said the money which the trio borrowed can go a long way in boosting the economy if put to good use.
“US$4 million when properly invested can contribute to economic growth. Therefore, it is only imperative that the money is paid back,” Mr Chifire said.
Mr Chifire said the Mr M’membe and the Nchito brothers should not be politicise the matter because it is purely commercial.
FBZ is demanding over US$4 million from Mr M’membe and the Nchito brothers of JCN Holding Limited, as outstanding balance held by the defunct Zambian Airways at the bank.
Efforts to reach Mr M’membe proved futile at press time.
MMD parliamentary candidate for Nangoma Constituency in Central Province Professor Luke Kanyomeka has died.
MMD Central Province vice-chairman George Kangwa said Prof Kanyomeka died in Namibia in the early hours of yesterday after a short illness.
Mr Kangwa said Prof Kanyomeka was preparing to come back home from Namibia, where he has been working.
He was expected to kick off his campaign.
“He got sick two days ago, and was yesterday (Thursday) rushed to hospital. Later, I was informed that his condition had become worse and to my surprise, I received a message around 05:00 hours today (Friday) that he had died in the early hours. He was just winding up in Namibia so that we can start the campaigns together,” he said.
Mr Kangwa described the death of Prof Kanyomeka as shocking and disturbing.
He said funeral arrangements will be announced after consultations with the family.
And the MMD has picked Daniel Mwila Mutimushi, a Mufulira-based engineer, to contest the Kantanshi parliamentary seat and Chilekwa Munkonge for Kasama Central, bringing the total number of candidates to 150.
Adoptions for the two seats were deferred on Tuesday, when 148 candidates were adopted.
President Banda has reiterated that he will only announce the election date when all logistics are in place, to avoid election hiccups.
President Banda said this when he addressed a mammoth rally at Comet Grounds in Kabwe yesterday that Zambians should judge the MMD based on the achievements it has scored.
President Banda said he will not succumb to pressure and make a premature announcement before all logistics are in place.
“They want me to announce the election date but I have said that I will not make that announcement until all logistics are in place because we are trying to avoid hiccups during polls,” Mr Banda said.
He said he wants Zambians to express themselves through free, fair and peaceful elections.
Mr Banda also Zambians to vote for the MMD in this year’s general elections based on its record of achievement which has transformed the country economically.
“I urge you all Zambians to judge us by what we have done for the country. Do not listen to what the opposition is saying. We want to continue to build on our achievements,” he said.
Mr Banda said the MMD is building schools, hospitals and health centres and rehabilitating and constructing roads across the country from Livingstone to Chililabombwe.
He said the ruling party is determined to ensure that Zambia is self- sufficient in food supply and will continue to provide farming inputs for the country to maintain bumper harvests.
“We’ve been able to record bumper harvests in agriculture for two consecutive years and we are building more houses, hospitals, health centres and roads. These are the things people want to have in their communities and my party will continue developing the country,” President Banda said.
He said when Government embarked on a countrywide rehabilitation of roads from Livingstone to Chililabombwe, some opposition parties opposed the idea without acknowledging that the project is meant to benefit Zambians who want better highways.
Meanwhile, President Banda has challenged the Patriotic Front (PF) to tell the nation what happened at its convention if it is a democratic party as it claims to be.
He said the nation is disappointed with the PF for barring the public media from covering its convention.
“At the MMD convention we held here in Kabwe, we invited all media houses, including those who have specialised in calling me names. Even today, they’re here, young journalists are covering us,” he said.
President Banda said the MMD has managed to change leadership because it is a democratic party and said he would not run for leadership again after 2016.
“I guarantee you that if you elect me in the coming elections, I will relinquish my presidency at the end of my term because I come from a democratic party,” Mr Banda said.
He warned Zambians not to make the mistake of electing Mr Sata because if elected, he would want to die as President and democracy will be destroyed.
Mr Banda said Mr Sata is a vicious person who does not deserve votes in this year’s elections.
On housing empowerment, President Banda said he will not be intimidated by critics and will continue to empower Zambians because he has a contract with them.
He said the various programmes he is implementing such as housing empowerment are merely a fulfilment of the contract Zambia gave him when they elected him in 2008.
“I have a contract with the people of Zambia, which will only end after the elections, and if I win, I will continue. I will remain obedient to you,” Mr Banda said.
The President said he will not rest until Zambians are empowered with houses and land.
“It is only natural that if someone wants to win an election, they have to work for the people. The opposition is now becoming jittery because I have fulfilled most of my campaign promises,” he said.
He said it is out of desperation that the opposition is now claiming that he comes from Malawi and yet he has been a leader since 1964.
“We want this year’s election to be enjoyable. Candidates should talk about facts and what they have done for the people, not name-calling,” he said.
Mr Banda said he hopes Zambians are watching educative programmes like Stand-Up for Zambia which are helping to expose the real characters of people like Mr Sata.
Last night (Thursday) I watched Stand-Up for Zambia, and I am glad we have such programmes which bring out the true character of Mr Sata,” he said.
Mr Banda said the MMD is determined to carry its campaigns across the country so that the ruling party can defend the economic and developmental gains.
At the same rally, UNIP secretary general Jemima Banda and 147 members of the United Party for National Development (UPND) in Kabwe defected to the MMD.
Mr Banda urged MMD members to embrace all the people who are joining the ruling party because they have the democratic rights to join the party.
“These people are merely exercising their right. We don’t expect any genuine MMD members to discriminate against new members,” he said.
He also said MPs from the Patriotic Front, UPND, UNIP and other opposition political parties who have been adopted to stand on the MMD ticket should be supported because their decision to work with the ruling party is meant to unite the country.
