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Drug Enforcement Commission spokesperson John Nyawali tlking to journalists outside the commission's offices in Lusaka
The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) says it has arrested two pastors from Bethel City Church in Lusaka for being in possession of over 70, 000 US dollar counterfeit notes.
DEC Public Relations Manager John Nyawali disclosed in a statement to ZANIS that the two pastors, Pastor Collins Kashingwa, 31 and Pastor Nkambe Chasha 29 were arrested from Ody’s filling station along great east road after they were found with a total of 77, 200 US dollar of counterfeit notes.
Mr. Nyawali stated that the two clergymen who ministers at Matero congregation of the Bethel City Church had the counterfeit notes on their bodies and wanted to sell them to unsuspecting members of the public.
He said the two pastors had the counterfeit notes in hundred dollar bills.
And Mr Nyawali also revealed that DEC arrested an employee of Ministry of Agriculture in Solwezi for being in possession of counterfeit notes.
He said the suspect named as Charles Manjimela, a driver, was arrested from town centre along Cairo road in Lusaka after a long trail.
Mr. Nyawali said all the suspects have been detained in police custody awaiting commencement of trial.
At least 15 people yesterday in the morning narrowly escaped death when a mini-bus they were in overturned after a tyre burst on the Great East Road in Lusaka.
The accident happened near University of Zambia footbridge when the mini-bus, which was coming from Kaunda Square hit into a street-light pole after a tyre burst.
Just last week, a 3rd Year University of Zambia student died at the same spot after being hit by a speeding car
[ MUVI ]
SOME Ndola and Lusaka residents have welcomed Zesco’s countrywide installation of free solar geysers.
The residents have since urged the opposition against perceiving this as a political campaign because it will benefit all households regardless of political affiliation.
In Lusaka Paul Kabinga hailed the project saying it would go a long way in reducing on the expenditure of electricity.Mr Kabinga said that for a long time now, people had been consuming a lot of electricity by boiling water using electricity.
“This is a good initiative because we will cut electricity and save for sale to other industries like the mines that consume a lot of power,” he said.
George Zulu of Kabulonga thanked Zesco for introducing the geysers saying the intention was of great benefit to the country and the Zambian populace.
“If we want to save electricity it is vital that Zesco takes this initiative, we have abundant sunshine and yet we do not utilise it, so it is a good thing and we must support it fully until it’s fully implemented,” he said.
President Rupiah Banda recently launched Zesco’s electricity power supply initiatives for residential customers throughout the country aimed at providing reliable supply and cutting bills by close to 40 per cent.
In Ndola, Steven Chipindi said the decision to introduce the free geysers would be helpful to the majority of the people who spent a lot of money on charcoal, firewood and electricity charges.
Mr Chipindi said the distribution of the geysers was a clear demonstration of President Banda’s commitment to bettering the people’s lives within the short term that he had been in office.
He said through his hard work, President Banda had managed to come up with initiatives which had helped change people’s lives.
[ Times of Zambia ]
Vice President Goerge Kunda has commeneded ZESCO Limited for its impressive social responsibility work citing the construction of a high school in Siavonga at a cost of K 8 Billion Kwacha.
Mr Kunda said as Zambia’s economic growth rate continues to be sustatined at 7 percent per annum, it is important for the utility electricty company to expand the power supply to mining companies and other industries as well as her suppy for exports to other countries.
He said it was pleasing government that ZESCO has embarked on a project to increase power supply at Kariba North Bank at a cost of 400 Million United States Dollars and two other projects at lower Zambezi and Itetshi-teshi in Southern Province respectively.
The Vice President said this at Lusiwashi Power station in Serenje today where he addresed the public rally. It was at the same venue where he officially announced his candidature as MMD parliamentary candidate for Muchinga Constituency in this years elections.
He said ZESCO management should ignore criticisms emanating from the opposition leaders who were not happy that Government was helping the poor in society.
The Vice President further commended ZESCO and the Rural Electrication Authority ( REA ) for doing a a good job, adding that the two entities should connect schools , health posts and Chief’s palaces to the national grid.
He said so far, Government has electrified Chieftainess Serenje’ s palace in Srenje district in Cetral Province.
And the Vice President says figures accusing the MMD government of being corrupt were just jealous because of the good works the of President Banda’s administration has so far done for the people of Zambia.
Ealier , the Vice President toured Lusiwashi Basic School where a new teachers house was nearing completion and assured the school headmaster and the people present that Government would assist in having the house completed.
Mr. Kunda said in addition,, a 1 by 3 classroom block would be construcetd at the school using the CDF drawn from Muchinga constituency.
He urged the local people to contribute 25 percent by moulding burnt blicks, assuring the people that the stracture would be finished within a shortest possible time.
Mr Kunda stated that Government would also provide desks, cement,roofing sheets, doors, windows and other necessary materials for the school.And Vice- President Goerge Kunda also donated two footbals at Muchinga Community School.
The Vice President Goerge Kunda utilised the opportunity to verify his voter card details at Musumani Basic School.
And Yersteday, the Vice president filed in his application for adoption as as aspiring MMD Member of Parliament for Muchinga Constituency.
The Vice President was accompanied by Central Province Minster Ackimson Banda, MMD party Provincial Party Members and his senior Private Secretary Kenneth Ngosa.
Meanwhile, The Vice President has donated three(3) footballs to a youth club in the area ,in addition to donating a set of jerseys.
He also donated three footballs to Lusiwashi Basic School as well as a set of jerseys much to the delight of the pupils.
File: President Banda talks to journalists before he left for Turkey at Lusaka international airport
PRESIDENT Banda is today expected to leave for Botswana where he is due to chair a Southern African Development Community (SADC) mediation meeting on Madagascar.
This is contained in a statement issued in Lusaka yesterday by special assistant to the President for press and public relations Dickson Jere.
Mr Jere said Mr Banda was mandated by southern African heads of State and government, who met in Namibia two weeks ago to convene a special meeting of all political parties in Madagascar at the SADC secretariat in Gaborone.
President Banda is the current chairman of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Co-operation.
“The meeting is expected to discuss and agree on the proposed road map for the peace process in Madagascar,” he said.
Mr Jere said SADC chairman Hifikepunye Pohamba, who is also Namibia’s President, will be among the leaders to attend the meeting.
The gathering will also receive a report and proposed roadmap from former Mozambican President Joachim Chissano, who is the mediator in the political crisis in Madagascar.
He said President Banda will be accompanied to Botswana by Foreign Affairs Minister Kabinga Pande and other senior Government officials.
Mr Jere said the presidential delegation will return to Zambia after completing the scheduled business in Botswana.
Meanwhile, AUBREY MUSUUMBA and JOHN NGOMA report from Gaborone that Zambia’s High Commissioner to Botswana Marina Nsingo says Madagascar has gone through challenging political situations which SADC is attempting to resolve.
Ms Nsingo said in an interview here that it has proved to be difficult in the past to meet all the stakeholders in the Indian ocean island and SADC thought it wise to meet them outside Madagascar.
Madagascar is in a political crisis following an uprising that toppled the democratically elected President Marc Ravalomanana, who is currently exiled in South Africa.
The country is now being managed by a caretaker government, the High Transitional Authority headed by 36-year-old Andry Rajoelina whose government the international community, including SADC, does not recognise.
Cardinal Medardo Mazombwe celebrating mass as a cadinal in Lusaka.
MEDARDO Cardinal Mazombwe says the Catholic church is not at loggerheads with Government and has no intention of differing with the authorities.
Cardinal Mazombwe said only a few individuals in the church are antagonising government and the church will not be distracted by the individuals in its mandate to do the will of God.
“There are certain individuals who have chosen to be what they are, no matter what you tell them. We will continue to preach love and those who have chosen not to follow God’s commandments will face God’s judgment,” Cardinal Mazombwe said.
He said this shortly after he conducted mass at Saint Faustina Catholic parish in Lusaka yesterday.
Cardinal Mazombwe said individuals in the church who may be perceived to be fighting Government may fall but the church will continue, as it is a creation of God.
Cardinal Mazombwe encouraged parishioners to show mercy to those who offend them.
And in a Homily earlier, Pope Benedict XVI’s Apostolic Nuncio to Zambia Nicola Girasoli said it is important for Christians to show tolerance and promote reconciliation.
“This can only come about when Christians exercise mercy and forgive those who offend them,” he said.
Ambassador Girasoli appealed to Christians to grow in mercy.
“Especially you parishioners, you really need to grow more and more in Christian mercy. To forgive as Christians means we are supposed to be ready to forget,” he said.
Before conducting mass, Archbishop Girasoli blessed the Garden of Hope containing a symbolic tomb for Jesus.
Those who attended the blessing of the garden included Chieftainess Nkomeshya Mukamambo of the Soli people of Lusaka province.
Last month, President Banda denied attacking the Catholic Church, saying the church is made up of individuals who support the party and others who do not support it.
President Banda, who was speaking in a message read for him at the ordination of the new Bishop of Mongu Evans Chinyemba, said at no time has he attacked the church and accusations that he is against Catholics are not true.
MMD national secretary Richard Kachingwe recently announced that the MMD was ready and willing to dialogue with the Catholic church to iron out misunderstandings.
Major Kachingwe said the differences were not necessary as they could easily be resolved at a round table.
And KANYANTA KATONGO reports that St Ignatius Jesuit Community Superior Father Charles Chilinda has urged political parties to emulate President Banda’s stance of not attacking the church.
Fr Chilinda said yesterday that Mr Banda’s position is welcome because it is good for the maintenance of peace and unity. He also said it is important for political parties to reconcile and pave way for development.
Fr Chilinda was speaking in an interview yesterday after mass at St Ignatius parish in Lusaka where he read the pastoral letter issued by Zambia Episcopal Conference (ZEC) president Bishop George Lungu last month.
It was agreed that the letter would be read in all Catholic parishes on ascension Sunday which fell yesterday.
Fr Chilinda said the church would continue preaching peace, love and unity.
“I urge politicians to reconcile as a sign of peace and unity. Reconciliation and forgiveness is the only medicine for peace and unity,” he said.
Fr Chilinda said the church exists to promote a strong relationship with Government and that the Catholic church will voice its opinion but will not side with any political party as it stands for truth and love.
The pastoral letter said, among other things, that the Catholic teaching does not promote homosexuality because the act is unchristian.
“Homosexual acts are seriously wrong and sinful. Under no circumstances can homosexual acts be approved,” he said.
The letter said the fact that the Catholic Church makes a distinction between the homosexual act and homosexual orientation or inclination does not amount to promoting homosexuality.
Concerned Mutendere Township residents have pledged their support of President Rupiah Banda and the MMD party ahead of the 2011 tripartite elections.
The residents told ZANIS in an interview that from the various social economic achievements that President Banda has achieved in less than three years of being in the country’s highest office, they have decided to shift their support to the ruling party and its government.
Speaking on his colleagues’ behalf, Mr Cheleo Mususkwa said the residents have realised that it doesn’t pay to vote for the opposition PF in an elections other than the ruling MMD.
Mr. Mususkwa said as a result of voting for the PF councillor, the area has expirienced a series of under development with the looming water crisis.
He added that people in the area might be frustrated if this crisis persists especially that this is an election year. He advised the MMD to treat the water shortage with the political will it deserves saying he and his other colleagues are confident in the leadership of the President Rupiah Banda to successively address the situation.
” People in Mtendere township no longer supports PF but they have shifted camp to MMD and with this water shortage scenario in the area, people might be frustrated as you know,water is life”, Mr Musukwa said.
And another resident , Everlyn Namatama suggested that government should ensure that the Lusaka Water and Sewerage Company (LWSC ) that the water crisis in Mtendere township is given a serious attention.
Mrs Namatama said children has since stopped going to school due to water blues which has severely hit the township for the past three weeks now.
She said LWSC was not doing enough to address the problem in the township, accusing the water utility company of playing double standards.
Her colleague Cheleo Musukwa expressed his fear of a disease outbreak in the area saying the water drawn from the stream is so contaminated.
Mr. Musukwa told ZANIS that residents in the area are so frustrated to an extent that they are relying on government to intervene before any life is lost.
He complained that there is no single communal tap in Mtendere township like their counterparts in Kaliliki and Kalingalinga townships where he said safe drinking water is not a problem in these areas.
Efforts to get the utility company Public Relations Manager Simon Mwale to comment on the matter proved futile by press time time as his mobile phone was out of coverage area.
Zambia remained in command of Group C after Comoros collected their first points of the 2012 Africa Cup qualifying campaign at home against Libya.
Comoros pulled off what is probably the shock result of the weekend in the Africa Cup qualifying series with 1-1 home draw against Libya this afternoon.
This was Comoros first point in the qualifiers from four games played in Group C.
The draw sees Libya drop to second place on eight points, one less than leaders Zambia who beat third placed Mozambique on four points 3-0 at home on Saturday in Chingola.
Mozambique next travel to Libya while Zambia visits Comoros in the penultimate round of Group games in September.
A Gwembe resident , who recently wrestled with a crocodile to save his wife , has called on government to respond to members of the general public in the area to crop the reptiles that have been attacking people and animals in the area.
A Mr. Hamatuba said the fishing communities are living in fear of crocodile attacks and that their livelihoods are at stake.
He said crocodiles’ population has abnormally increased that the starving crocodiles are now coming out of water to hunt for human beings, livestock, and he described the situation as serious.
Narrating his encounter with the reptile last week to ZANIS in Gwembe, Choice Hakalima 36 of Hamatuba area in Gwembe District said barely a week passes without a crocodile attack or death related incidence on the lake shores.
Mr. Hakalima said his wife, Maureen Ketani 29, had gone to draw water in the shallow waters along the lake near her home when a crocodile pounced on her and dragged her into the deeper waters of the lake.
Hakalima narrated to ZANIS that he was home at the time when he heard people wailing desperately as they watched the reptile drag his screaming woman into the water.
He said upon arriving there, people told him that his wife had been caught by a crocodile and that it had dragged her under the water.
In a split of a second, Hakalima dived into the river in search of his wife. He said under the water, he saw a dark long figure of a crocodile with his wife’s leg between its teeth and swam in its direction.
Hakalima then grabbed the reptile from beneath its belly width and wrapped his hands around it to force it to shallower waters in order for him to gain resistance against the crocodile.
He described the whole ordeal as a miracle.
Hakalima said the reptile became wilder when he forced his entire hand into its mouth in an effort to release its grip on his wife.
He said with his hand still in the mouth of the beast, the crocodile rolled and twisted its entire body in an attempt to chop off both his hand and that of his wife, Hakalima ordered his wife to hit the crocodile with a stick that was floating near her.
It was at that moment that the crocodile ripped off its teeth from the woman and directed its fury on the rescuer.
He said it narrowly missed his leg as its teeth only bruised his thigh snatching a piece of his trousers and swam back into the deeper waters.
Hakalima who was then exhausted and bleeding from the cuts he sustained in the process of rescuing his wife, picked her seriously injured wife out of the water and rushed her to the hospital.
A check by ZANIS found Ketani, a mother of five still nursing a deep wound on her right thigh and several other cuts on her hands and legs at Gwembe District Hospital.
First Lady Thandiwe Banda has urged all Cultural Associations countrywide to uphold progressive traditional values and practices that promote good governance.
And the First lady has advised the different traditional ceremonies’ organisers throughout the country to consider combining their ceremonies of similar languages and purpose.
Senior Chief Ishindi of the Lunda people of Northwestern Province on his part says traditional ceremonies represent and explains one’s cultural background and identity.
Mrs. Banda said it is important for the cultural organisations in the country to be in the forefront of promoting values such gender equality, care for the extended family, respect,and care for the elderly.
The First Lady pointed out that if traditional values are embraced, it will no doubt promote development of the communities and the nation at large.
She said traditional ceremonies are good platforms for the promotion and preservation of the folklore and indigenous knowledge.
Mrs. Banda said through traditional ceremonies, children, adolescents and tourists alike are able to assimilate the country’s customs, music, dance, and cultural practices of ethnic groupings.
The First Lady said this in a speech read on her behalf by Community Development and Social Services Deputy Minister Donis Mufalari .
This was during a fund raising dinner dance for the Lunda Cultural Association at the Taj Pamodzi Hotel in Lusaka last evening.
This is in readiness for this year’s Lunda Lubanza ceremony, in Zambezi District.
Speaking at the same function, Senior Chief Ishindi of the Lunda people of Northwestern Province said traditional ceremonies represent and explains one’s cultural background and identity.
The Senior Chief also noted that traditional ceremonies were also a source of cultural practice that brings people together and unites them as one.
Senior Chief Ishindi commended government for the support it has been rendering towards for hosting of the Lunda Cultural Traditional Ceremony.
And LUCAZ Chairman Albert Kayeyi disclosed that K 30 million was needed for the Association to successfully host this year’s Lunda Cultural Traditional Ceremony on August 20.
Mr. Kayeyi said the main objective of the Lunda Cultural traditional ceremony was to uphold customs, culture,and economic development.
Meanwhile, the First lady has advised the different traditional ceremonies’ organisers throughout the country to consider combining their ceremonies of similar languages and purpose.
Mrs. Banda said by combining the ceremonies of similar languages and purpose, it will ensure effective utilization of resources.
The country has over 73 tribes and ethnicity each with its unique customary and tradition practices and ceremonies.
The Ministry of Health has assured citizens of adequate drugs in the country.
Health spokesperson Kamoto Mbewe says the ministry does not anticipate any drug stock out this year as the ministry is putting all measures in place to ensure there is enough drugs in the country.
Dr. Mbewe says currently, the country has sufficient drugs to last up to September this year and is working out measures to procure more.
He also disclosed that the ministry is procuring third line ARV drugs for patients in need of the third line treatment.
The health spokesperson says contracts have already been signed for the procurement of the drugs and are expected in the country soon.
[ QFM ]
Trial in the case in which seven Mpulungu residents have been charged with several offences involving arson, malicious damage to property and naming a person to be a wizard is set to resume tomorrow in the Mpulungu magistrates’ court.
To appear before Mpulungu magistrate Miyato Muyambango tomorrow are Stephen Mazimba, 47, Kapela Mazimba, 20, Austin Mazimba, 18, Mwalola Mazimba, 17, Wisdom Sikazwe, 18, John ‘baby’ Musonda, 22 and John Mpepo, 18, all of Musende village.
In the first count, the seven have been charged with naming a person to be a wizard contrary to section 3 (a) of the witchcraft act CAP 90 of the laws of Zambia.
Particulars of the offence are that on 17th May, 2011, the accused jointly and whilst acting together with others unknown did accuse Dyson Mazimba, a resident of the same area to be a wizard.
In the second offence, they have been charged with Arson contrary to section 328 (a) of the penal code CAP 87 of the laws of Zambia.
On the same day, the accused are said to have wilfully and unlawfully set fire to Mazimba’s house until it burnt to ashes.
The property has been valued to be worth over K8m.
In the third and last count, the seven accused persons caused malicious damage to property an offence contrary to section 335 (1) of the penal code CAP 87 of the Laws of Zambia.
They are said to have jointly and whilst acting together with others unknown wilfully and unlawfully damaged the dwelling house of Flotia Kabwe, a property worth K300, 000.
When the matter came up for plea last week, the seven pleaded not guilty prompting the court to set trial for 7th June, 2011.
The seven people have been remanded in police custody.
ZCCM IH , a listed investment company on the Lusaka Stock Exchange, has announced this week that t the company’s board accepted the offer from Barrick Gold Corporation, the Canadian company to buy its stake which will result in a cash realization in excess of USD 160 million. ZCCM IH owns a total 2.28% in Lumwana Copper Mines in Zambia and Jabal Sayid in Saudi Arabia as at March 21st 2011.
The initial investment for ZCCM IH cost USD 30 million in 2006 and therefore the potential return of investment is in excess of 400% during the period 2006 to 2011.
Meanwhile, Equinox Minerals Limited Board of Directors has with immediate effect resigned from the firm following the takeover its shares by Barrick Gold Corporation.
Equinox Minerals President and Chief Executive Officer, Craig Williams has complimented the board for its outstanding contribution, which he says have built Equinox into a leading global mining company.
Mr. Williams, along with David McAusland, David Mosher, Jim Pantelidis and Tony Reeves have resigned from the Equinox Minerals Limited Board.
This is contained in a web press release by Equinox Minerals obtained by Zambia News and Information Services in Solwezi today.
The statement says Rick McCreary, Jamie Sokalsky, Kelvin Dushnisky and Rob Krcmarov have been appointed to the Board and Jennifer Mazin has been appointed as the Assistant Company Secretary.
“Equinox announces that, following the satisfaction of all conditions to the offer by Barrick Gold Corporation to acquire all of the common shares in Equinox at a price of C$8.15 per share by way of takeover bid, the below changes have been made to the Equinox Board of Directors (“Board”) effective immediately.
“Mr Craig Williams, Mr David McAusland, Mr David Mosher, Mr Jim Pantelidis and Mr Tony Reeves have resigned from the Board.
” Mr Rick McCreary, Mr Jamie Sokalsky, Mr Kelvin Dushnisky and Mr Rob Krcmarov have been appointed to the Board. Ms Jennifer Mazin has been appointed as the Assistant Company Secretary,” the statement reads.
It furthers says it has also been resolved that the number of Board members be reduced from seven directors to six directors.
Meanwhile, Mr Williams complimented the board for its outstanding contribution, which along with the Company’s dedicated management team have built Equinox into a leading global mining company.
“The Company that I co-founded with the late Dr Bruce Nisbet in 1993 has evolved from a $10 million junior explorer to a major copper miner valued at over $7 billion.
” A credit to all involved in driving Equinox over the last 18 years. I offer my sincere thanks to all who have worked with me over those exciting and stimulating years,” he said.
Equinox Minerals developed and owned a 100 percent large scale copper mine in Zambia’s North-western Province.
File: PF leader Michael sata with villagers during his campaign trail in Milanzi
By Elias Munshya wa Munshya
Michael Sata is undoubtedly the most popular personality in Zambian politics. President Banda has admitted to being charmed by Sata. One of the reasons why Mwanawasa had to order Sata’s medical evacuation to South Africa when he suffered a stroke was due to the likeability or, for a lack of a better term, “the playability” of Sata. Mwanawasa quipped, “It is good to still have you alive”. President Chiluba had such allure for Sata that he affectionately called him “King Cobra.” Kaunda still warms up to Sata. Kaunda’s downfall could have been far much earlier had it not been for Sata’s populist politics as Governor of Lusaka.
Sata’s likeability is not limited to the presidents, however. To the ordinary millions in Zambia, Sata is likeable. When he addresses meetings be it in Lusaka, Luanshya or Lukashya, thousands turn up to see the Cobra. Even in the south where people seldom vote for him, when Sata visits Choma or Kalomo southerners turn up in numbers. Going by the numbers of people who went to see him in Mongu and Kalabo, it seems that the Cobra has charmed the West too. On whether these charms will translate into his election as president this year remains to be seen, however.
Sata’s opportunism is responsible for his popularity. Having noticed a crack in the Barotse wall, he is using it to gain attention in Mongu. Opportunism is a quality derided by many Zambians and yet admired by as many. Sata misses no chance to use people and events for his own benefit. When miners protested on the Copperbelt under the Mwanawasa regime for reasons unrelated to Sata, he claimed responsibility for their action. By so claiming, Sata had identified himself with the suffering of the ordinary folk. Mwanawasa was swift to lock him up for inciting violence and espionage. He was only rescued by the judiciary, even after the DPP had signed a certificate of indefinite detention for espionage—a very serious offence under our laws. To date, Sata has not been called back to answer those charges.
Sata’s alleged moral life also brings him into bracket of the common struggles for many people in Zambia. He does not fit the definition of a man of good morals and neither could “sober manners” be used to describe him. But it is this common flair and common touch that make him popular. No ordinary person would feel adjudged to be in Sata’s presence. Sata’s common flair makes him likeable as a person.
Recently, there had been talk of the need for moral men and women to take over politics. The major champion of this has been Nevers Mumba, who even authored a popular book on the subject “Integrity with Fire”. A stump political speech of Nevers’, centers on allowing people of integrity and character to join and participate in politics. Realistically, however, moral integrity seldom translates into political clout. Zambians do not necessarily like politicians simply because they have good moral character. Mumba’s crusade for more moral leadership is an ideal that lacks common and popular appeal. Given the choice between the ideal man and the real man, people in politics go for a real man since they identity themselves with a real person who faces the same challenges as they do. In politics, people seldom go for the ideal character that makes it difficult if not impossible to become. Thus, between Mumba and Sata, Sata would be more likeable because the masses see themselves in him. This is more reason why using Sata’s family scandals to bring him down has not worked.
Sata is liked because he is seen as a practical person. Robbed of complex theoretical analyses, Sata reduces everything around him to its utility. He is a utilitarian politician par-excellence. For him education should be able to translate into practical benefit. Thus, when he was minister of health he removed all hindrances that made it difficult for Zambia Enrolled Nurses to become registered nurses. He categorically encouraged many ZENs to enrol and become RNs.
Chiluba last year castigated Sata for failure to write MMD minutes in proper English. He crudely compared Sata’s English writing skills to writing “Taiwanese.” But this is now. When Sata was actually writing wrong syntax, Chiluba found no problems with him at all because of the political benefits he derived from having a populist figure as his National Secretary. Zambians do not care about written English as much they do about whether their leader would be able to care practically for their interests. Sata understands very well that politics is not about writing English as much as it is about meeting people in compounds and drinking “katata” with them. Given the choice between a good writer and a caring person, it looks like the people of Zambia like a caring person better.
In these 2011 elections, Sata will be very difficult to beat, partly because people are just frustrated with Banda and partly because of Sata’s personal touch. On the common front, Hakainde Hichilema’s failure to work on popular characteristics has downgraded him to a third level candidate.
What is most telling about HH is the fact to date; Zambians have not been introduced to his wife or to his children. HH might have good reasons for his decision to shield his family from public view. But this is where he misses the point. In politics, you need to show the people that you are just like them. That means that if you have a family, you need to show the people your spouse and your children. Zambians deserve to know and meet and see Mrs Hichilema and their children. If HH continues to hide his family, State House will be unworthy of him. Zambians want to know him, but more than that, they want to know his wife—the way she looks, the way she combs her wetlook or perm and the way she ties her Chitenge. Zambians want to gossip about her. In Zambia, as elsewhere, it is through the gossip of popular figures that ordinary people find connection with them.
Zambians had their own gossip about Mama Betty Kaunda. And about her children, both the well-behaved ones and the naughty ones, like Kambarage. When the stories of Kambarage surfaced, Zambians disliked this Kaunda naughty boy. But Kambarage’s naughtiness only went to show that the Kaunda family, even if he was president, still had common problems that many Zambian families face. Zambians had lots to gossip about Vera Chiluba and her children too. Each time that Castro misbehaved Zambians did not like it, but at least it humanized Frederick Chiluba. Mrs Mwanawasa had her own share of gossip too.
Rupiah Banda’s family life is also very fascinating. Moreover, while some Zambians would dislike his choice of a wife, it is clear that the folder for gossip has gone a long way to reassure the people that the old Rupiah Banda is as human as any other Zambian is. Young Thandiwe has demonstrated the truth of the song, “Age aint nothing but a number.” In our fascination of why she went for a husband old enough to be her own grandfather, we find the answer in the fact that she is as human as any Zambian can be. In fact, many girls from Chipata to Chililabombwe find themselves in situations very similar to hers. And many do choose husbands their senior.
With regard to presidential aspirants, Sata has shown us his wife and the adversities of his children are in the public domain. People have had to make their opinions about Dr. Kaseba. How she looks, what she does, and how passionate she is about seeing her husband get into State House. She is as ambitious as her husband is. She and her husband are quite looking forward to getting into State House. That ambition is a quality that a common person in the compounds of Mongu would expect from an aspiring first family. But as for HH, he has chosen to take the ideal way and shield his family from public glare. HH should learn populist politics from Kaunda, Chiluba and Sata.
I do question whether Michael Sata has the intelligence or the temperament to lead our great nation. But one thing I do not doubt for a bit, is the fact that Sata is a man of the people. He is a common man. And whether Zambians will give him the keys to State House this year remains to be seen. But for now we wait for another one of Sata’s mammoth rallies in Chadiza, Chiwempala and Chaisa. At these rallies, Sata’s message is simple—“change in ninety days” and “more money in your pockets”—populist slogans from a populist politician.
VATICAN Ambassador to Zambia Archbishop Nicola Girasoli
The Vatican ambassador to Zambia Nicola Girasoli has said the Catholic Church is not an enemy of governments but that it is a partner in development and social justice.
Ambassador Girasoli observed that it is unfortunate that the media has recently concentrated on individuals to reflect the opinion of the church on various issues.
He says Zambia is a big family and that there are some people who hold different opinions on various issues.
The Apostolic nuncio, however, charged that the Catholic Church will avoid any kind of involvement in partisan political debates but will always promote, protect, defend human rights, and dignity.
[ QFM ]
