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Finance and National Planning Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane
GOVERNMENT says it will raise more revenue from mining taxes after the mining audit for the three major mining firms is finalised.
And Mopani Copper Mine (MCM) says it will invest US$800 million in the operation of the company in the next five years.
Minister of Finance and National Planning Situmbeko Musokotwane said the mine audit is progressing well for First Quantum Minerals, Konkola Copper Mine and Mopani mine saying Government hopes to benefit more after it is completed.
“All the three firms are expected to be audited and we hope issues will be resolved, hopefully we will be able to raise more taxes coming out of this,” he said.
Dr Musokotwane was speaking during a BBC World Debate recording programme under the theme ‘Does Mining Benefit Africa’, on last Thursday at Mulungushi International Conference Centre.
He said Government commissioned the tax audit through the Zambia Revenue Authority saying it is unfortunate that data leaked before the results of final audit is released.
He called for value addition to copper if the country is to create more jobs for the people.
And MCM chief executive officer Emmanuel Mutati said the company had by April this year employed 20,000 employees with a total investment of US$1.2 billion in all its operations.
Mr Mutati said the firm has also set aside US$4.5 million to construct 1,800 toilets for its employees to be completed in August this year.
He further explained that the firm gets revenue based on the prevailing copper prices on the London Metal Exchange (LME) as opposed to speculations that the firm pays less for its commodity on the international market.
The audit revealed that Glencore AG, the purchaser, determines prices and that some copper from Mopani is sold under an “odd” contract with copper in one instance being sold at 25 percent of official prices at LME.
In other words, they are not paying taxes over 75 percent of the copper ‘sold’ to Glencore under that contract.
United Kingdom former Secretary of State Clear Short said African governments must let the people know the amounts of profits realised from the mining sector and ensure that they benefit from the skyrocketing commodity prices.
FORMER Patriotic Front secretary general Edward Mumbi says no one has barred PF president Michael Sata from attending Dr Chiluba’s funeral and it is surprising that the opposition leader has not been to the funeral house.
Mr Mumbi also alleged that some agents of The Post newspapers have been carrying concealed recorders to tap conversations from unsuspecting mourners.
“No one can stop anyone from attending a funeral. That is not true,” Mr Mumbi said.
Mr Mumbi said it is strange that Mr Sata has not yet visited the funeral house. He said all opposition political leaders have been to the funeral house, except for Mr Sata.
He also said it is irresponsible for PF to hold a political rally in Western province in the face of the death of Dr Chiluba.
Mr Mumbi said Zambians should judge the kind of leadership the PF can make if they cannot respect the funeral of Dr Chiluba who brought economic liberalisation to Zambia.
“It is unfeeling for any political leader to continue with their campaigns when the nation is in mourning,” he said.
PF founder member Samson Zulu has condemned the decision by the PF to shun former President Frederick Chiluba’s funeral, CHRISTINE CHISHA reports.
Mr Zulu, who is a former PF member, said the decision by PF not to attend the funeral is a clear indication that they are ungrateful for what DrChiluba did for its leader Michael Sata who was given an opportunity to serve in his Cabinet in various portfolios.
“This has vindicated me. I have been issuing warnings to Zambians that Mr Sata is an evil man who believes in vengeance and violence. It is clear that his decision not to attend Dr Chiluba’s funeral was out of hatred for the man,” he said.
“To have compassion is a distinctive attribute of every human being, especially a leader who is aspiring for the Presidency,” Mr Zulu said
And former Mandevu Constituency PF treasurer Alex Mulenga said Mr Sata should come out in the open and issue a statement, speaking through Lusaka Province PF chairman Davies Chanda.
Mr Mulenga said in the Bemba culture, when there is a funeral people bury their differences and come together to mourn with one accord.
He said Mr Sata should be aware that he has injured the people of Luapula by his party’s decision not to attend the funeral.
Meanwhile, United Liberal Party (ULP) president Sakwiba Sikota has condemned the PF for holding a political rally in Lukulu last Saturday, despite the death of Dr Chiluba.
And ULP deputy national information and publicity chairman David Zimba described the decision of the PF as “uncanny and inhuman”.
Mr Sikota said it is disappointing that the PF ignored the announcement that Dr Chiluba, who governed Zambians for 10 consecutive years, had died.
He said in an interview in Lusaka yesterday that all politicians should understand that there is a time to set aside politics and unite when death strikes.
“I am very saddened that the PF went ahead to hold a political rally despite the death of Dr Chiluba. This is un-Zambian because what I know is that when such a person dies, politicians should unite and not only think about going to State House” Mr Sikota said.
He called on all Zambians to put political differences aside and mourn Dr Chiluba who fought hard for the re-introduction of multi-party democracy in Zambia.
“Dr Chiluba was not an ordinary person but a national leader from whom most of our leaders benefited greatly. The PF rally in Lukulu shows how uncanny and inhuman the party’s leaders are,” Mr Zimba said.
He said it is unusual for a political party to hold a rally when such an important person dies.
Mr Zimba called on leaders to work in harmony despite differences in opinions and ideologies.
And Die Hard Team for RB and MMD national co-ordinator Bowman Lusambo said the PF’s decision was wrong because Dr Chiluba was regarded as a father of the nation.
“We had lined up some social programmes in Bwacha, Kabwe Central and Roan constituencies but we decided to postpone them because of Dr Chiluba’s death.
“This is because he was a national leader and there is no way any well-meaning Zambian would go ahead with social programmes, especially those of a political nature,” he said.
Mr Lusambo called on fellow youths to heed President Banda’s call on every Zambian to mourn Dr Chiluba in peace and harmony. He advised youths not to be used to incite violence.
He said President Banda has proved to be a peacemaker.
On Saturday, PF leaders Given Lubinda, Guy Scott, Jean Kapata and Mumbi Phiri went ahead to hold a political rally at Fernando showgrounds in Lukulu.
FLASHBACK: PF and UPND youths during youth day celebrations when the parties where in the defunct PACT
PATRIOTIC Front (PF) president Michael Sata has reportedly made a dramatic U-turn and is now seeking reconciliation with the United Party for National Development (UPND) for a possible revival of the defunct political alliance.
Mr Sata is seeking to reconcile with the UPND because he has realised that the MMD will win this year’s elections if the PF does not get into a pact with the UPND.
This is according to an impeccable PF insider who revealed details of a meeting Mr Sata held with his party members on June 13 at the PF secretariat.
The turn-around was precipitated by advice United States Secretary of State Hilary Clinton gave during her recent visit during the AGOA meeting when she met some opposition leaders privately.
The source said during the meeting, Mr Sata launched a scathing attack against fellow party members saying the PF should not have destroyed the pact with the UPND.
Mr Sata said he regrets the move to let the UPND pull out of the pact, especially that during his meeting with United States Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, he was advised that the opposition should be united.
“To this effect, some senior party officials including Kabwata member of Parliament Given Lubinda, PF national chairperson Inonge Wina and consultant Bob Sichinga told Mr Sata to meet UPND president Hakainde Hichilema privately to discuss the possibility of reviving the pact,” the source said.
Mrs Clinton reportedly observed during her meeting with Mr Sata that unseating an incumbent government in most African countries including Zambia is difficult unless the opposition is united.
Mr Sata told his members that Mrs Clinton advised that the opposition should avoid being fragmented and work together to remain strong.
But UPND spokesperson Charles Kakoma said his party is not interested in reviving the PF-UPND pact because the alliance is a dead issue.
Mr Kakoma said in an interview yesterday the UPND has not received any invitation from the PF and it is not privy to information on a possible revival of talks between the two parties.
“We are not interested in reviving the pact. As far as we are concerned, the PF-UPND pact is dead. Our main focus now is the 2011 elections with Hakainde Hichilema as our presidential candidate,” he said.
Mr Kakoma said MrHichilema also met Mrs Clinton but the US Secretary of State did not raise any issues about the opposition merging.
He said the UPND has no time to discuss the PF-UPND pact and has concentrated on campaigning for this year’s elections.
And Committee of Citizens executive director Gregory Chifire said the UPND would be doing injustice to itself if it got back into a pact with the PF.
Mr Chifire said the UPND should not entertain thoughts of reviving the pact with the PF because it can do better without Mr. Sata’s party.
“Mr Sata is panicking and he will do anything to become president of Zambia. If the revelations are true, then it confirms that Mr Sata wants to ride on Mr Hichilema’s back to achieve his goals. Our advice to the UPND is not to entertain MrSata and the PF,” he said.
Zanaco will go into the week-long period of national mourning leading the Faz Super Division table.
This is after Power Dynamos failed to return to the top of the table after being held to a goalless home draw in their dramatic Copperbelt derby on Sunday against defending league champions Zesco United at Arthur Davies Stadium in Kitwe.
Power are second and level on points with Zanaco on 22 points but the latter beat the former to top spot thanks to a superior goal difference.
Zesco had a man sent off after striker Jackson Mwanza was red carded for poking in Power defender Kamuzati Kabwe in the eye in the first half.
In the second half, the spotlight fell on Power midfielder Kennedy Mudenda who missed a penalty denying the home-side the three points against their 10-men visitors from down the Dual Carriageway in Ndola.
And at Konkola Stadium in Chililabombwe, Nkana were thumped 2-0 away by their hosts Konkola Blades where Ephraim Banda and Maybin Chishimba were on target.
Mighty Mufulira Wanderers returned home to Shinde smiling after a fruitful weekend and rare away visit in Lusaka to help maintain their unbeaten run in Faz Division 1 North this season.
Mighty were in the Capital on Saturday where they were guests of struggling Lusaka Dynamos at Queensmead Stadium.
Dynamos were left heartbroken after James Mumba scored the game’s lone goal in the early minutes of the two sides Week 15 game.
Wanderers are third on 22 points as they battle for that second promotional spot with second placed Kitwe United coached by Fred “Schemer” Siame who beat Prison Leopards 3-1 at Garden Park on Sunday.
President Rupiah Banda has declared seven days of national mourning for late second Republican President Dr Frederick Chiluba who died in the early hours of Saturday.
President Banda has announced that the period of national mourning starts on June 20th, and will run through to next week Monday the 27th June.
Secretary to Cabinet Dr. Joshua Kanganja has also announced that the former Head of State will be buried on Monday June 27 in Lusaka.
Dr Kanganja says in a statement issued to ZNBC News on Sunday that during the period of national mourning all flags will fly at half mast.
He also says that all radio and television stations must play solemn music between 06 and 18 hours.
Dr Kanganja has also directed that all activities of entertainment nature should be suspended or cancelled.
Meanwhile, Dr Kanganja has informed organizers and the public that Africa Public Service Day activities which were scheduled to start tomorrow have been postponed.
And First lady Thandiwe Banda Sunday morning visited the funeral house of the Former President Dr Frederick Chiluba.
The First lady arrived at Dr Chiluba’s Kabulonga Residence shortly after 10 hours.
The First lady who was accompanied to the funeral by Tourism Minister Catherine Namugala joined scores of mourners who have gathered to convey their condolences over the demise of the former President.
And scores of people have continued to visit Dr. Chiluba’s funeral house to convey their condolences.
People from walks of life including the Church, Civil Society Organizations, members of parliament and senior government officials are gathered at the funeral house.
“I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak His praises”
(Psalm 34:1, NLT)
TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria
When you woke up this morning, what was the first thing that you thought of? Did you start the day expecting God’s goodness, or is there a circumstance that is overwhelming you and consuming your thoughts?
Today, I want to encourage you that no matter what you are facing, choose to praise to the Lord. Choose to declare His goodness. Your words have tremendous power, and they open the door for either God to work in your life or the enemy to work in your life. Don’t magnify your problems today, magnify your God!
Scripture says that God inhabits the praises of His people. When you praise Him, He shows up and all the forces of the enemy have to flee! There’s no foe that can stand against you in the presence of Almighty God!
Why don’t you take a few moments right now and set the tone for the day by praising God and speaking words of faith over your future. Thank Him for His goodness, faithfulness and love. Praise Him at all times because He is good and worthy, and watch how He transforms every area of your life!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father in heaven, I choose to bless You at all times. I choose to set the tone to receive Your favor, grace and mercy. Thank You for Your faithfulness to me at all times! In Jesus’ Name. Amen!
United Party for National Development (UPND) president Hakainde Hichilema says no-one can take away the role late former President Frederick Chiluba played in restoring multi-partism in Zambia.
Mr Hichilema spoke shortly after visiting the funeral house in Kabulonga yesterday.
“We can’t take away the fact that he led Zambia into multi-partism which we are trying to develop,” he said.
Mr Hichilema said Dr Chiluba played a critical role in the transition from one party state to multi-partism.
“In politics, we have different opinions but there is no difference of opinions in death. Whatever differences we have we should unite,” he said.
Mr Hichilema urged Zambians to desist from focusing on judging DrChiluba because God is the only one who will judge people.
“It’s very unfortunate and we ask the family to accept our sincere condolences, and wish them strength. He was my next door neighbour but I didn’t hear of his illness. I left for my programmes only to be told that he had passed on,” he said.
Mr Hichilema said Dr. Chiluba did what he could for the people of Zambia during his tenure of office.
Former Minister of Finance and National Planning Katele Kalumba said people may have different beliefs and conflicting emotions about Dr Chiluba but that this should not divide them.
“Let us remember that death is an equaliser because it can happen to anyone and because it can happen to anyone…it helps us to reconcile ourselves to our conflicting emotions and to realise that every human being at one time has to die whether they were considered evil or angels,” Dr Kalumba said.
He said a dead man has no opportunity to make his case to the people to convince them on his positive virtues.
“The honourable thing for Zambians is to forgive and forget. If Dr Chiluba hurt anybody, my prayer to Zambians is please forgive him and if he pleased anybody, my prayer to Zambians is please tell his story and remember him,” Dr Kalumba said.
He said Dr Chiluba served the country within the limits of the talents that God gave him.
“So my prayer is that we should try and remember some of the good things that Frederick Jacob Titus Chiluba did for Zambians.” Dr Kalumba said.
“As someone who served under him for 10 years …as someone who persuaded me to come back home to join the fight for multi-party democracy and as someone who joined in at the Garden House Motel together with everyone and as someone together with Donald Chanda who advised him of his own strategy at that meeting, I can only feel a deep sense of loss because a part of my own personal history that I treasure most has been lost.”
Dr Kalumba, who is also former MMD national secretary and Chiengi Member of Parliament, added: “He has gone to rest and to answer the Lord’s call, let one positive grain of seed grow in the hearts of a thousand stars, young men and women who believe that democracy must never die.”
And MMD Luapula Province chairman Emmanuel Chungu said that the province has been robbed of a gallant son of the soil.
“We are very saddened by his death. We have lost the knowledge he has accrued as a father and as a politician. As a party we relied so much on his guidance. His demise is not only a loss to us as a party and people of Luapula but for the nation at large,” Mr Chungu said.
Former First Lady Maureen Mwanawasa said it is a sad moment for Zambia.
She said it is devastating for a country to lose two leaders concurrently.
Mrs Mwanawasa said as a person who ruled Zambia for ten years, Dr Chiluba achieved a lot for the country which could not be described in minutes.
Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) president Edith Nawakwi has described the late former President Frederick Chiluba as a statesman who sacrificed to turn Zambia into a democratic nation.
She also said Dr Chiluba gave the Zambian people hope by empowering them with houses, giving them hope for the future.
“He was a colleague and friend who gave us counsel. He sacrificed to turn Zambia into what it is today. His self-determination and belief as a head of state gave a solid foundation of a democratic dispensation in Zambia,” she said.
She said Zambians are devastated because it is hardly two years since the death of President Mwanawasa.
Ms Nawakwi said it is difficult for President Banda, who has seen the passing on of two Presidents.
She also said DrChiluba contributed to brokering peace in the region.
Ms Nawakwi said without Zambia turning into a democratic nation, there would have been a crisis in the region.
“He worked hard for Angola to attain peace and stability. Lusaka saw the birth of the future of Angola,” she said.
She described Dr Chiluba as a kind and caring person who visited the sick.
And National Restoration Party (NAREP) president Elias Chipimo said the legacy many people will remember Dr Chiluba for is having been at the helm of the drive of multi-partism.
“We owe our gratitude to the role he played to bring about multi-party politics,” he said.
MrChipimo said D rChiluba also spear-headed economic drive.
“I remember the late former President saying that he ate Structural Adjustment Programme in the morning, afternoon, and evening. He made decisions that he thought were right,” he said.
“People should judge his legacy based on the many achievements that he recorded. I ask that during this period of mourning, people should reflect with sober minds because none of us is without fault,” he said.
And former vice-president Enoch Kavindele also commended DrChiluba for turning round Zambia’s economy when he took over in 1991.
“The economy was right at the bottom, people had to queue to buy mealie meal and other goods, but he changed that within a short period of time. The developments you see now are as a result of the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP). He believed that once Zambia’s debt was written off, the country would have more resources to develop,” he said.
Mr Kavindele also said Dr Chiluba was instrumental in bringing peace to the region citing an example of the Angola peace agreement which was signed in Zambia.
He said Dr Chiluba was also involved in resolving conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi during civil wars.
FLASHBACK: Mandevu MP Jean Kapata places a red ribbon on Guy Scott
Patriotic Front (PF) leaders Given Lubinda, Guy Scott, Jean Kapata and Mumbi Phiri held a political rally at Fernando Show grounds in Lukulu yesterday.
The rally, at which United Liberal Party (ULP) Member of Parliament for Lukulu Eileen Imbwae defected to the PF, was however attended by mostly children.
The action by the PF has invited the wrath of the general public who have been left wondering what type of leaders they have who fail to respect the death of a former president.
“The behaviour by the PF members is inhuman and un-African and clearly demonstrates the lack of respect that the general leaders in that party have for the death. Their members are a group of selfish individuals who want to go to State House at all costs,” Committee of Citizens executive director Gregory Chifire said.
Mr Chifire said in the African culture, people are expected to show respect when death occurs by postponing or suspending all activities of political or entertainment nature.
However, Mr Chifire said the decision by the PF to proceed with their rally shows that the PF members who hated the late president have continued to show their hatred even in his death.
“Clearly, the PF with their leader are celebrating the passing on of DrChiluba because that is what they have been longing for. That is the only reason they could not suspend their Lukulu rally. This behaviour goes beyond barbaric. They are heartless,” he said.
Leadership in Development executive director Moses Kalonde said the PF’s decision to go ahead with the rally reflects immorality.
Mr Kalonde said a lot of activities have been suspended in respect for Dr. Chiluba and the PF was expected to do the same.
“What was so important that the PF members could not wait to hold their rally in respect for the dead? Zambians should reflect seriously on what the PF has done because this shows that its entire party leadership lacks substance and merit to lead the Zambian people,” he said.
President Rupiah Banda
President Rupiah Banda says late second Republican President Dr. Fredrick Chiluba will be remembered for laying the foundation towards the liberalization of the country’s economy.
Speaking during at a media briefing in Chipata, Mr. Banda says the foundation laid by the former president has led to the present economic growth Zambia is experiencing.
Mr. Banda says Dr. Chiluba will also be remembered for the pivotal role he played in pioneering the re-introduction of mult-iparty democracy in Zambia and the whole Africa.
He also says that during his tenure as president of the Zambia Congress of Trade Union, ZCTU the late Dr. Chiluba built a solid labour movement which extensively advocated for the rights of workers in Zambia and across the world.
And the president says he has constituted a ministerial committee comprising key cabinet ministers to oversee preparations of the funeral and burial arrangements.
The committee is being led by defense Minister Kalombo Mwansa.
Dr. Chiluba died in the early hours of today at his home in Lusaka’s Kabulonga area.
He was first president of the MMD, Movement for Multiparty Democracy, which he led from 1991 to 2002.
[ MUVI ]
Zanaco have gone to the top of the Faz Super Division table for at least 24 hours after beating Green Buffaloes 1-0 away today at Woodlands Stadium in Lusaka.
Wedson Nyirenda’s team lead the table only on goal difference and are level on 22 points with Red Arrows who a beat Kabwe Warriors 1-0 across town at Nkoloma this afternoon.
Fabrice Mbimba scored the games’ only goal in the second half at Woodlands to hand Zanaco the three points.
At Nkoloma, Dube Phiri found his scoring touch again after an almost one and half month drought to help Arrows collect the three points and improve his goal tally to six this season.
In Mazabuka, Nakambala Leopards kept pace with the top two also winning by the same score line and are third on 22 points.
Webster Mulenga’s 81st minute goal handed Nakambala the three points against free-falling Nchanga Rangers.
Week 12 Fixtures
19/06/2011
Kalewa-Forest Rangers
Konkola Blades-Nkana
Power Dynamos- Zesco United
Roan United-Green Eagles
Lime Hotspurs-Nkwazi
The Zambia Under-23 national team have bowed out of the race to the London 2012 Olympic Games football tournament qualifiers despite beating 10-man Algeria 2-0 at home in Chingola at Nchanga Stadium today.
Zambia exit the qualifiers 3-2 on aggregate after earlier losing 3-0 away in the first leg played in Algiers on June 3.
And now the future of Zambia Under-23 coach Lucky Msiska, who was in the last team to ever qualify to the Olympics in South Korea that reached the quarterfinals of the 1988 tournament, is in question after failing to guide the team for both the Olympics and 2011 All-Africa Games.
Meanwhile, Zambia took the lead in the 8th minute through Arab Contractors striker Venecious Mapande who benefitted from a cross from Henry Banda.
Cautious Algeria sat back for most parts of the game as Zambia laboured to try and conjure a dramatic upset at home in their bid to keep their Olympic dreams alive.
The second goal came in the 80th minute through Power Dynamos striker Alex Ngonga.
Shortly thereafter, Algerian defender Khelili Sofiane of NA Hussein Dey was sent off for decent.
Then two minutes deep into time added on at the end of the 90 minutes, Mapande failed to lay claim to a brace that would have taken the tie to a penalty decider before hopes were dashed for Msiska’s team.
PATRIOTIC Front (PF) president Michael Sata is seeking to restrain the Zambia Daily Mail and other publications from running stories on his alleged support for gay rights.
Mr Sata has sued the Zambia Daily Mail and two of its reporters over recent articles alleging that he condones homosexuality.
He has asked the Lusaka High Court to grant him an interlocutory injunction restraining the newspaper from continued publication of articles and related stories on homosexuality, about him.
The PF president has sued Wallen Simwaka as first defendant, Rebecca Chileshe as second defendant and the Zambia Daily Mail as third defendant.
This is contained in a writ of summons and statement of claim filed in the Lusaka High Court on Thursday.
The matter has been allocated to High Court judge Jane Kabuka’s court.
Mr Sata is demanding general and punitive damages against the defendants, an order of injunction restraining the defendants from continued publication of stories on homosexuality and related articles in both print and electronic media.
He is also claiming interest on damages at the current commercial bank lending rate, any other relief and costs.
“The contents of the said articles are not true because I have never practised homosexuality and have not associated with any gay person,” Mr Sata said.
He claimed that since he intends to stand as a presidential candidate in this year’s elections, the articles may discredit his reputation and put his character into question.
Mr Sata said unless restrained, it is probable that MrSimwaka, MsChileshe and the Zambia Daily Mail will continue to maliciously malign him.
He said if the publication of the stories continues, it will negatively affect his chances of being elected president of Zambia.
“I undertake to pay damages for any loss the defendants may suffer as a result of the injunction order in the event that this court will hereafter be of the opinion that the order ought not to have been issued,” the PF president said.
Mr Sata said the contents of the Zambia Daily Mail articles of June 14 and 15 headlined ‘Sata’s gay love historical’ and ‘Sata condemned for gay love’, are understood to mean that he is immoral, hypocritical and a liar.
He said he has been lowered in the estimation of right-thinking members of society, both local and international and has suffered ridicule, odium and scandal.
The matter will come up on June 20 before Mrs Justice Kabuka’s chambers for hearing of MrSata’s application on restraining the media from publishing stories about him and his alleged support for homosexuality.
Several government officials, ministers and relatives have gathered at the funeral house of Second Republican President Frederick Chiluba.
Mourners started gathering for the funeral which is being held at the Dr Chiluba’s Residence in Kabulonga early this Saturday as news of his death filtered through.
Dr. Chiluba, 68, died at his home in Lusaka’s Kabulonga area at five minutes after midnight on Saturday.
And Government has constituted a committee of ministers to oversee funeral arrangements for Second republican President Dr. Frederick Chiluba.
The committee is headed by Defence Minister, Kalombo Mwansa.
Dr Mwansa told ZNBC News in an interview that Zambians should remain calm as the details for the funeral arrangements will be released in due course.
He is also saddened that the country has lost Dr Chiluba who championed multi-party democracy.
And Zambians have paid glowing tribute to Dr. Chiluba for his for his role in the re-introduction of democracy in the country.
A number of people who have called and sent text messages to ZNBC have described Dr. Chiluba as a democrat.
The Press Association of Zambia -PAZA- says the late Dr Chiluba will be remembered for liberalizing the media.
PAZA Vice president Amos Chanda says because of the media reforms implemented under his reign the country has witnessed a proliferation of media houses.
And Dr Chiluba’s former press aide Richard Sakala says Dr Chiluba is an icon who enhanced the country’s political and economic vision.
Mr. Sakala says Zambians will remember Dr Chiluba for the good he did for the country.
And Former Vice President in the Chiluba administration, Brigadier General Godfrey Miyanda says he will remember the late former president as a man who declared Zambia as a Christian nation.
General Miyanda says Dr Chiluba a made a landmark decision to declare Zambia a Christian nation.
General Miyanda also served as education Minister during Dc Chiluba’s rule.
General Miyanda is now Heritage Party President, and says Dr Chiluba will also be remembered for spear-heading multi-party democracy in Zambia.
And The Council of Churches in Zambia -CCZ- has called on Zambians to unite and mourn Former President Dr. Frederick Chiluba with dignity.
CCZ Chairperson Reverend Sussane Matale says Dr Chiluba will be remembered for being at the helm of championing multi-party democracy.
Reverend Matale says that Dr Chiluba played his part and contributed to national development as President.
Reverend Matale was speaking in an interview with ZNBC News in Lusaka on Saturday.
She also appealed to Zambians to set aside perceived differences and unite to mourn the president.
And president Rupiah Banda has hailed the role played by the late Second Republican President Dr Frederick Chiluba in democratizing the country in 1991.
Commenting on the death of Dr Chiluba in Chipata Saturday afternoon, President Banda said Dr Chiluba played an important role in ensuring that peace prevailed in 1991.
He says had it not been for the role Dr Chiluba played; Zambia would have been like other troubled countries on the continent.
President Banda was expected to issue a comprehensive statement on the death of Dr Chiluba later in the afternoon.
Mr Banda is still in Chipata where he is attending burial of his maternal uncle Mwase Banda, 88.
THE Examinations Council of Zambia (ECZ) has nullified results for 311 grades nine and 12 candidates for alleged involvement in examination malpractices last year.
ECZ information, education and communications specialist Ronald Tembo said in a media release in Lusaka yesterday that 231 grade 12 candidates had their results nullified while 80 pupils who wrote their grade nine examinations had also been disqualified.
Copperbelt had the highest number of Grade 12 candidates affected, at 62, while Western Province followed with 45 and Lusaka had 29 candidates in the same grade involved in malpractices.
Mr Tembo said 23 grade 12 candidates were affected in Luapula Province, while Central had 22, North-Western Province 20, Southern 13, Eastern 12, with Northern Province recording five disqualified grade 12 examination candidates.
“In addition to the nullification of results in all the subjects for 311 candidates involved in examination malpractices, ECZ has slapped appropriate penalties to these culprits which include excluding them from writing any examinations conducted by ECZ for a period of two years,” Mr Tembo said.
He said that the nature of the malpractices received by ECZ included receiving assistance from teachers, prior knowledge of the examinations, smuggling of unauthorised materials into the examinations rooms, collusion by candidates, impersonation and obscenity.
Mr Tembo said apart from the 231 candidates at grade 12 level, 13 other cases were still under investigations.
He said the prominent cases in all the provinces were the smuggling of unauthorised pre-written materials which amounted to 128, with the Copperbelt alone recording 128 cases.
Mr Tembo said there was also a high percentage of pupils receiving assistance and that Western and Copperbelt provinces had the highest number of such cases.
At grade nine level North-Western Province did not record any malpractices while Lusaka had the highest number, at 22.
The lowest was Western Province which had five cases.
“Examination malpractices have become the most serious problem threatening the entire fabric of our educational system.
“The resort to malpractices during examinations is harmful for the moral intellectual development of our country,” Mr Tembo said.
