Second republican President Dr Frederick Jacob Titus Chiluba was today put to rest at Embassy Park in Lusaka.

The burial started with a funeral programme at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Lusaka Monday morning.

Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation carried live the proceedings of the funeral.

Zambians countrywide watched the funeral and burial live on screens mounted at in various places.

Speaking during the burial, President Banda said the death of second republican president Dr Frederick Chiluba has taken Zambian by surprise.

And President Banda appealed to all Zambians still holding ill will against Dr Chiluba to learn to forgive one another.

President Banda said he was one of the last people to see Dr Chiluba at his request before proceeding to mourn his maternal uncle Mr Mwase Banda in Chipata.

Mr Banda said when he met Dr Chiluba, their talk was about the country, after which Dr Chiluba wished president Banda a safe trip to Chipata.

President Banda said the death of Dr Chiluba has prematurely robbed Zambia another leader, because not too long ago, the country lost Dr Levy Mwanawasa.

President Banda said he found it difficult that Dr Chiluba has died because the parting of a friend is always a sad occasion.

Mr Banda said Zambians will always remember Dr Chiluba for the many good things he did among them the house empowerment programme.

Dr Chiluba from early life believed in seeking equality and justice.

And president Banda praised Dr Chiluba for laying Zambia’s foundation for today’s development.He said the development Zambia is recording today is as a result of Dr Chiluba’s economic reform and privatisation programmes.

Mr Banda said his government and that of Dr Mwanawasa have continue to build on the foundation laid by Dr Chiluba and the MMD.

President Banda also thanked first republican president Dr Kenneth Kaunda for accepting defeat in the 1991 elections and said he is also praying that Zambia will continue having free and fair elections, in memory of Dr Chiluba.

He says since the 1991 multiparty elections, Zambia has held three free and fair elections, a legacy that Dr Chiluba has left.

Mr Banda has further eulogized Dr Chiluba for introducing Press Freedom Zambians enjoy today.

Mr Banda is also appealing to Zambians to pray for Regina Chiluba and children.

He says the family will now need the support of society as the person they leaned on is no more.

Mr Banda has commended both local and foreign mourners who turned out in numbers to witness the burial of Dr Chiluba.

At regional level, Mr Banda says Dr Chiluba worked hard to strengthen SADC and COMESA

Dr Chiluba has been put to rest at Embassy Park in Lusaka, where Dr Levy Mwanawasa is buried.

Mkapa

And former President of Tanzania Benjamin Mkapa saID he and Dr Chiluba worked hard to strengthen economic and bilateral relations.

Mr Mkapa said as a result, Zambia’s economic impact initiated by Dr Chiluba has not only been felt by Zambians, but SADC and the African Union.

Mr Mkapa said Dr Chiluba was not only at the centre of the labour movement in Zambia, but also a pioneer of the country’s democracy.

And Mr Mkapa commended President Rupiah Banda and his government for according Dr. Chiluba a dignified state funeral.

Mr Mkapa has also called on Zambian to remain united following the death of Dr Chiluba.

Church Service

Earlier in the day, President Rupiah Banda led thousands of people to the funeral church service of Second republican president Dr Frederick Chiluba at the cathedral of the holy cross.
First lady Thandiwe Banda, vice president George Kunda, his wife Ireen, Democratic Republic of Congo president Joseph Kabila and cabinet ministers were also in attendance at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross.
Other foreign dignitaries include Zimbabwean prime minister Morgan Tsvangirai, Zimbabwean vice President Joyce Mujuru, and former Tanzania President Benjamin Mkapa and Katanga governor Moses Katumbi.
The body of Dr Chiluba arrived at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross at 09:10 hours from Mulungushi International Conference centre where it lay in state for two days.
Dr Chiluba’s body was carried on the Howitzer 105 mounted on the gun cortege from Mulungushi International Conference through Great East road into Addis Ababa to the Cathedral of the Holy Cross.
Officers from the defence forces lined up the street from Mulungushi to the cathedral and each saluted as the cortege carrying Dr Chiluba’s casket passed.

Chipata

And hundreds of people in Chipata gathered at the College of Education Main Hall where they followed the live broadcast of the burial procession for Dr. Chiluba on ZNBC Television.
The Main Hall was filled to capacity by people from all walks of life.
Eastern Province Permanent Secretary Eularia Mwale was also part of the solemn gathering which keenly followed the procession on the large public screen.
Dr. Effron Lungu regional manager for Zambia Open University said the country will forever remember Dr. Chiluba because of the many achievements he scored in the political and social arena.
And a Chipata resident Hassan Ashok said the country must come out more united after the death of its second president.

Kabwe

In Kabwe hundreds of people from all walks of life have converged at the Civic Centre to watch second republican president Dr. Frederick Chiluba’s burial procession live on ZNBC Television.
The residents from the church, civil society organisations, political parties and ordinary citizens assembled to follow Dr. Chiluba’s funeral procession on a big screen.
Business in the central part of the town came to a stand still as most of the shops were closed.

President Rupiah Banda had declared today-Monday a public holiday, to allow Zambians witness the burial of Dr Chiluba.
Addressing the gathering Chaplain Sergeant Kelvin Nyirongo prayed that the nation remains peaceful as the country mourns one of its great sons.
Sergeant Nyirongo also asked God to unite all Zambians regardless of their political back ground in order to give Dr. Chiluba a funeral befitting his status.
And Zambia Police Chaplain Sergeant Charity Shula called on Christians not to relent in praying for Dr. Chiluba’s family and the nation during the period of national mourning.
Sergeant Shula says it is important for the country to maintain the spirit of oneness especially at the time when the country is under-going one of its worst moment.

[ZNBC]

President Rupiah Banda this morning led scores of mourners including foreign dignitaries in paying their last respects to second republican president Dr Fredrick Chiluba during a church service at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Lusaka.

And Dr Chiluba’s body has arrived at its final resting place at Embassy Park.

Notable among the foreign dignitaries present include Democratic Republic of Congo president Joseph Kabila, Zimbabwe’s vice president and Prime Minister Joyce Mujuru and Morgan Tsvangirai respectively, former Tanzanian President Benjamin Mkapa and Katanga province Governor Moses Katumbi.

Also present at the church service was first republican president Dr Kenneth Kaunda several senior government officials and opposition leaders.

Dr. Chiluba’s casket arrived at the Cathedral at about 09:10 hours carried on a military gun carriage.

During the church service second republican president Fredrick Chiluba’s widow Regina in a letter of farewell to her husband read on her behalf, described him as a selfless and a humble man.

And her daughter Hulda Chiluba gave a moving glowing tribute.

Defence minister Kalombo Mwansa giving Dr Chiluba’s obituary said the former president should be remembered for the good things he did for Zambia.

Dr. Mwansa says Zambia has lost an inspirational leader and most outstanding citizen of his generation.

He described Dr. Chiluba who was born on 30th April, 1943 as a person who displayed rare courage and determination.

And Bible Gospel Church in Africa (BIGOCA) overseer and Dr Chiluba’s Pastor Bishop Peter Ndhlovu said the late president’s legacy will not be erased in Zambia’s history.

He also described Dr. Chiluba as a genuine born-again Christian who has left a good name.

And the Zambia Congress of trade Unions (ZCTU) has honored Dr. Chiluba who was at the helm of the union for 17 years before becoming republican president.

ZCTU president Leonard Hikaumba presented a ZCTU flag to Dr. Chiluba’s family in recognition of the role he played when he served as ZCTU Chairman-General.

He described Dr Chiluba as a renowned trade union leader.
[ MUVI ]

Some residents of George compound in Lusaka are living in fear after information went round that a local business man has bought the land they are occupying.

One of the residents Diana Mulilo says the man only known as SBJ claims to have bought the land on which they have built their houses.

The residents claim that the said businessman has bought the land in question to expand his business.

And when contacted, SBJ who refused to give his full names refused having bought the area in question.

However, he accepts having bought some land but away from the concerned residents.

And area Ward Development Implementation Plan Chairperson Gilbert Liswaniso told MUVI TV news that the man is only using his financial strength to disadvantage the vulnerable in the area.
[ MUVI ]

Ruling Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) Chisamba Member of Parliament Moses Muteteka has described the defection of late president Levy Mwanawasa’s son Patrick to the opposition Patriotic Front as a big blow to the Mwanawasa legacy.

The Deputy Minister reveals that he was grooming Patrick for future leadership in the MMD but has described it as unfortunate for Patrick to join the opposition.

Mr. Muteteka, who is also ruling MMD National Youth Chairman and a relative to late President Mwanawasa, said as a family they wished Patrick all the best but as a politician, he will meet him in the forthcoming campaigns.
[ MUVI ]

A few days ago, Patrick joined the Patriotic Front and applied to contest the Kafulafuta parliamentary seat on the PF ticket.

GREEN LANTERN

From the director of James Bond: Casino Royal, comes DC comics Green lantern.

The leader of the Green lanterns crush lands on Earth, before he dies he gives his ring to fighter pilot Hal Jordan/Ryan Reynolds ,despite the council’s general antipathy toward humans.

It’s up to him to save the world and possibly even the entire universe from a dangerous evil force know as Parallax, while also doing battle with an alien-infected mad scientist who is after  Hal’s sometime girlfriend Carol Ferris/Blake Lively.

PRO’S

• Good chemistry between Hal Jordan/Ryan Reynolds and Carol Ferris/Blake lively.
• Ryan Reynolds added some humor to this movie.
• Started off a bit slow but the last parts of the movie were amazing, and will have you on the edge of your seat.
• There were excellent action scenes motivated by a brilliantly added ability  in which the Green lantern/ Ryan Reynolds can visualize any weapon he wants to use in battle

CON’S

• The movie relies too much on CGI , even the Green lanterns costume is CGI and does not look real at all.
• The movie starts off like a documentary , and will have you wondering if you are watching the correct movie.
• The story tends to drag at times, like they ran out of ideas.
• There is a scene where Hal Jordan/Ryan Reynolds goes for a kid’s birthday party; it is not clear where the kid is his son, nephew or brother.  The scene adds nothing to the plot of the movie.
• There is another scene where Hal Jordan/Green lantern asks the other green lanterns for help to save Earth, they agree, but do nothing….

CONCLUSION

While not being a complete disappointment, it leaves you with a feeling that you are not completely satisfied. It feels like more of a warm up to the sequel which should be more exciting.

Don’t get me wrong, I did enjoy the movie, Ryan Reynolds was born to play a super hero, and his natural charisma was a huge asset to the role.

FAVORITE QUOTES

Green Lantern: In brightest day, in blackest night, no evil shall escape my sight! Let those who worship evil’s might, beware my power. Green Lantern’s light!

Hal Jordan/Green Lantern: Sorry I’ve gotta run. Make yourself at home okay, there’s… uhh… water in the tap!

Tomar-Re: The ring turns thought into reality. The only limits are what you can imagine.

BY KAPA187

FIRST republican President Kenneth Kaunda says he is sad to lose two of his successors in a short period of time.

Dr Kaunda told journalists after viewing the body of former President Frederick Chiluba that this is a sad moment for him and the people of Zambia.

He said difficult as it may be, citizens must be as strong as they were when President Mwanawasa died nearly three years ago.

“Let us all be strong and mourn in dignity,” Dr Kaunda said.

In the same interview, Dr Kaunda also said his wife Betty is well and that he does not know who started the rumour that she had passed away on Saturday.

And Bank of Zambia governor Caleb Fundanga said the current economic framework was set up by Dr Chiluba.

He said Zambia would not have survived the 2008 global financial crisis had Dr Chiluba not liberalised the economy and put in place good policies.

Dr Chiluba’s former press aide Richard Sakala said the death of his former boss has bridged Zambians across political divide.

He said for people like himself (Mr Sakala) that worked with Dr Chiluba, it is consoling to see so many Zambians mourning their former leader.

Former Deputy Minister of Finance in Dr Chiluba’s government, Dan Pule said Dr Chiluba was a good leader who instilled Christian values in his ministers.

Dr Pule said Dr Chiluba would always begin Cabinet meetings with a prayer.

[Zambia Daily Mail]

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“And walk in love, [esteeming and delighting in one another] as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us…”
(Ephesians 5:2, AMP)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

In today’s culture, we don’t often hear the word esteem used very much, yet, scripture tells us to esteem and delight in one another. One definition of esteem is to hold in high regard. That means we are to honor and value one another. Even if we don’t always agree with one another, even if they don’t necessarily act honorably, we are to honor and esteem others because they are valuable in the eyes of God.

Think of it this way: if you had a costly and valuable piece of jewelry, you wouldn’t just wear it to the gym or leave it on the kitchen sink. No, you would treat it carefully. You would put it in a safe place and protect it. Well, when we see others as valuable the way God sees them, we will treat them carefully as well. We should be careful in the way we talk to others. We should look for the good in them and honor them for who God made them to be.

The Bible tells us that the way we treat others is like sowing seed, and it will come back to you. Choose to esteem and delight in one another. Sow good seeds, and you will see a harvest of blessing in your own life in return!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Heavenly Father, today I choose love. I choose to honor the people around me. Help me to see the value in others the way You see the value in me. Help me to esteem and delight in others with my actions and words so that I can be an example of Your love and light. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

— Joel & Victoria Osteen

PRESIDENT BANDA yesterday led thousands of mourners in viewing the body of late second Republican President Dr Frederick Chiluba in a peaceful and sombre mood punctuated by wailing from relatives and members of the public who thronged Mulungushi International Conference Centre (MICC) in Lusaka.

Thousands of other Zambians watched the solemn occasion from big screens mounted at official mourning centres across the country, while others witnessed the event from the privacy of their homes.

President Banda and First Lady Thandiwe, together with Vice-President George Kunda and his wife, Ireen, walked in at about 10:20 hours after which Dr Chiluba’s body was brought in by defence and security personnel.

This was soon after the arrival of the cortege from St Ann’s Funeral Parlour with Dr Chiluba’s body on a gun carriage.

As soon as the brown casket containing Dr Chiluba’s body, draped in the national flag, was brought in, the audience burst out in deafening wails. Covering of the body in the national flag is symbolic that the state accepts the full responsibility for the departed’s burial and his contribution to the nation.

At the end of the burial tomorrow, the flag will be handed over to a family representative.

The defence and security choir sang a solemn tune as the carrying party marched in with Dr Chiluba’s body.

President Banda and Vice-President Kunda, service chiefs, Speaker of the National Assembly, the Chief Justice, Cabinet Ministers, members of Parliament, diplomats accredited to Zambia and the bereaved family received the casket.

Others present were permanent secretaries, traditional leaders, chiefs, opposition party leaders NAREEP president Elias Chipimo, Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) president Edith Nawakwi and United Liberal Party (ULP) president Sakwiba Sikota.

Sobs from the bereaved family and a huge picture of a smiling Dr Chiluba in front of the casket evoked sorrowful emotions from members of the public who filled the MICC’s main auditorium.

The national anthem by the Zambia Army brass band preceded an opening prayer by Reverend Major Moffat Nyambe, who thanked God for the service Dr Chiluba rendered to Zambia.

Maj Nyambe prayed for love and unity in the bereaved family.

Zambia Army chaplain Lieutenant Colonel Vincent Mwenya gave a homily from John 11:25-26, after which President Banda opened the body viewing ceremony, followed by Mr Kunda and his wife Ireen.

Service chiefs, Speaker of the National Assembly and Chief Justice and their spouses, ministers, MPs, diplomats, chiefs and the clergy also viewed the body.

Some of the people who served in Dr Chiluba’s Government such as MsNawakwi and former Presidential Affairs Minister Eric Silwamba broke into tears as they viewed his body.

Defence and security officers, who marched in groups of five, preceded Dr Chiluba’s widow, Regina, and children, and ex-wife Vera in viewing the body.

Mrs Chiluba prayed amid sobs, thanking God for the time she spent with DrChiluba.

“From the rising of the sun to the going down of the same, I thank you for the life of your man servant. Father I thank you for the time I spent with my husband. I worship you; you are worthy to be worshipped,” Mrs Chiluba prayed before her son helped her away.

Waving at Dr Chiluba’s picture as she approached the casket, she said: “I loved you so much. I will always love you.”

Dr Chiluba’s children led by his daughter, Mrs Hellen Chiluba Kapapa, wept as they viewed the body.

After this, body viewing was opened to members of the public who flocked to MICC in large numbers.

Columns of mourners in their thousands thronged MICC to pay their last respects to Dr Chiluba.

Dr Chiluba, 68, who died on June 18 at about 00:05 hours, will be put to rest tomorrow at Embassy Park in Lusaka.

He is survived by a widow, Regina, 10 children – Miko, Hellen, Hortensia, Jane, Huldah, Verocia, Darlington, Frederick Junior, Chongo and Kaindu, as well as 21 grandchildren.

[Zambia Daily Mail]

The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Zambia has expressed disappointment and sadness at the Vice-President George Kunda’s assertion that it lacks credibility and has ganged up with Civil Society Organizations, to tarnish the government image.

MISA Acting Chairperson Nalumino Nalumino said in a press statement to Lusaka Times that its disheartening for Mr. Kunda to use Parliament to denounce his organization knowing that MISA has no position to defend itself from the attacks.

Mr. Nalumino said MISA has since written to Vice President to have an audience with him to discuss in details their concerns over their operations.

“We wish to state that MISA Zambia works to promote a sustainable, non-partisan, independent, plural and diverse media that informs and empowers society, promotes democracy, good governance, freedom of expression and media freedom in an ethical, competent, and professional manner,” Mr Nalumino said.

He said MISA has a duty to conduct on-going research and advocacy into the media in Zambia, including the state of media freedom in the country.

Mr.Nalumino said the outcome of the results is published in the book called “So this is Democracy?” which is a survey of media freedom in all the SADC countries where MISA has Chapters.

The MISA Chairperson, however, pointed out that in the 2010 edition of “So this is Democracy?” Zambia was found to have the second highest cases of media freedom violations in the SADC region, second to Zimbabwe.

“When we compile these statistics, we look at the number of times journalists are harassed, beaten, detained, jailed, threatened or suffer any other impediment in their work,” Mr Nalumino said.

He urged people concerned with the methodology of “So this is Democracy?” to study and understand how the statistics are compiled, before dismissing the findings.

Mr. Nalumino noted that the research methodology is proven and is based on reported cases of media violations that are in the public domain.

He said MISA Zambia considers Government as a partner in national development.

Estranged MMD Katuba Member of Parliament, Jonas Shakafuswa has rejoined the opposition UPND.

Mr. Shakafuswa, who was Deputy Minister of Finance but was fired by President Rupiah Banda, is a former UPND member, who defected to the MMD in 2006.

Announcing his defection, Mr Shakafuswa has explained that he had a torrid time in the MMD under President Banda.

Meanwhile, Independent Dundumwezi Member of Parliament, Edgar Singombe and United Liberal Party (ULP) M.P, Batuke Imenda have also joined the UPND.

And welcoming the 3 M.Ps, UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema has described 2011 as a favorable year for Zambia.

MUVITV