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Last Wk/Weekend in Pictures
My position has been twisted by the MMD-Sata
Patriotic Front leader Michael Sata has questioned of what benefit it would be for him to legalize homosexuality if elected President in this year’s elections.
Speaking when he appeared on QFM this morning Mr Sata said, in Zambia, being a Christian nation, homosexuality is unheard of.
Mr Sata said that the marriage act does not allow people of the same sex to get married. He said that his position on homosexuality has been twisted by the MMD stating that what he said in an interview with the Danish journalists was that there are laws in Zambia which restricts Zambians from engaging in homosexual acts.
Mr Sata said that the people want to tarnish his image by scandalizing him that he wants to legalize homosexuality when he comes into power.
And Mr Sata has challenged the United Party for National Development (UPND) to write to his party and point out their differences over the collapsed PF/UPND pact.
He said that as far as he is concerned the PF/UPND pact is still in existence because the UPND has not written to his party informing them about the pullout from the pact.
And speaking on the same programme United States based Bishop Edward Chomba has maintained that it is not necessary for Zambia to continue being a Christian nation.
[pullquote]But Mr Emmanuel Mwamba who called in during the programme maintained that Bishop Chomba is married to five wives and that he is wanted in the United States for bigamy.[/pullquote]
Bishop Chomba added that there was need to allow for debate on whether Zambia should continue being a Christian nation or not.
He has also denied allegations by second republican president Fredrick Chiluba’s spokesperson Emmanuel Mwamba that he is married to five women and that he was excommunicated.
But Mr Emmanuel Mwamba who called in during the programme maintained that Bishop Chomba is married to five wives and that he is wanted in the United States for bigamy.
He also maintained that Bishop Chomba was excommunicated.
QFM
Discriminatory remarks irk Chipata women’s body
CHIPATA District Women’s Lobby Group has castigated village headmen in Kasenengwa Constituency urging their subjects not to vote for any women candidate as a parliamentarian during this year’s polls alleging that women have failed them in the past.
Last Tuesday, more than 54 village headmen drawn from senior Chief Nzamane, Madzimawe, Mishoro and Chiefs Chikuwe issued a statement that they would not support any woman to contest for Kasenengwa parliamentary seat.
Senior Chief Nzamane’s representative, headman Kapachika said they would not support any woman who is going to be adopted.
Former first lady Vera Tembo is the incumbent Member of Parliament (MP) for Kasenengwa Constituency.
Chipata District Women’s Lobby Group chairperson, Diana Tonga said in Chipata yesterday that the statement by the headmen condemning female parliamentarians was unfair to the women.
Ms Tonga said it was unacceptable for village headmen to start demonising female parliamentarians ahead of the 2011 tripartite elections.
She said women parliamentarians have never failed but have performed extremely well than their men counterparts.
Ms Tonga said there were a lot of men who had failed to perform in their positions as MPs.
“The statement by some village headmen in Kasenengwa Constituency that female candidates should not be supported during the elections is not fair, I took it to be a very strong statement. Women have also performed exceptionally than some male counterparts,” Ms Tonga said.
She said the village headmen should learn to support female candidates in order for Zambia to meet the 30 per cent mark for women representation in decision-making positions as required by the Southern African Development Community Protocol.
Ms Tonga said her organisation was currently training women and encouraging them to run for various positions in this year’s elections. Ms Tembo declined to comment.
UNZASU regrets taking part in NCC
The University of Zambia Students Union UNZASU has expressed regret for sending representatives to the National constitution conference.
UNZASU outgoing committee member Kelvin Chitala says the whole process fundamentally damaged and compromised the image of UNZASU before the eyes of the national and international community.
In a statement to QFM radio, Chitala observed that it is unfortunate that tax payer’s money was criminally used to pay the NCC delegates who did not even yield any positive results.
Chitala observes that due to its incompetence, government has reached its dangerous levels as it has made a lot of costly mistakes within a short period of time.
He notes that the failure to reintroduce the windfall taxes, the massive pollution on the Copperbelt, the criminalization of the parallel voting tabulation and the questionable acquittal of second republican president Frederick Chiluba, among others, have been setbacks in the development of the country’s economy.
Chitala says the setback has resulted in the poor delivery of services due to none monitoring of the civil service.
He observes that if government had the interest of the people it would have either used part of the money to sponsor poor students who are facing deregistration due to non-payment of tuition fees at the university, bought drugs and improve the hospitals or even work on the impassable roads.
QFM
BoZ terminates Credit Suisse, six others stake in Finance Bank
THE Bank of Zambia (BoZ) has terminated all shareholders’ interests in Finance Bank Zambia Limited (FBZ) including the 40 percent stake owned by Credit Suisse (Netherlands) B.V.
According to a Government gazette No 815 of 2010, posted on the BoZ website, the bank says the acquisition of 40 percent stake by Credit Suisse in FBZ, appears to be a lending transaction because of the underlying agreements that were not disclosed to the bank.
The central bank says among other things, the agreements guaranteed a return to Credit Suisse on the investment.
The gazette states that other shareholders apart from Credit Suisse Investment (Nederland) B.V whose contracts were terminated are Finsbury Investment Limited of Ndola, Clarkwell Limited of Tortilla and British Virgin Islands.
Others are Job Albert Samuel of Canada, Estate of the late Pat BwalyaPuta of Ndola and Patrick Chamunda.
“It is hereby notified for public information that the BoZ in exercising powers contained in section 81(i) (c)( i) and (ii) of the Banking and Financial Services Act (BSFA) CAP 387(“ BFASA”) did on the 10 th day of December, 2010 take possession of FBZ with effect from 16:00 hours.
“It is further notified that in exercise of the powers conferred upon the BoZ by section 84 A (g) of the BFSA, and pursuant to the Resolution and Order of the BoZ board passed on December 10, 2010, the bank did on the 22 December 2010 terminate with immediate effect the shareholder interest in FBZ of all and each of the listed shareholders,” it read in part.
And BoZ has started the process of evaluating firms that showed interest to acquire FBZ after the process of the bank’s sale began last month.
BoZ head of public relations Kanguya Mayondi said the public will soon be informed on the outcome after the evaluation process has been completed.
[Zambia Daily Mail]
Sunday Football Round-up: Lucky’s Luckless Run Ends
Lucky Msiska on Sunday recorded his first back-to-back competitive wins as Under-23 coach after a luckless run in the 2011 All-Africa Games qualifiers.
Msiska’s team beat Rwanda Under-23 in Kigali in their Olympic Games qualifier.
Zambia beat Rwanda 1-0 to advance 2-1 on aggregate to the second round of the qualifying phase on the road to the London Olympic Games football tournament finals.
POWER, ROAN GO TOP
Power Dynamos and Roan United shared a three-way lead in Week 1 of the MTN/FAZ Super Division season.
Both Power and Roan both won by similar 2-1 wins today to join Red Arrows who beat Nkana by the same margin at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka on Saturday.
Power beat newcomers Green Eagles 2-1 in a Week 1 fixture played at Arthur Davies Stadium in Kitwe thanks to goals from midfielders Luka Lungu and Josphat Nkhoma in the 47th and 86th minutes respectively.
Eagles striker Aubrey Zulu scored the Choma sides consolation goal.
Meanwhile, Roan travelled to Ndola where they beat Forest Rangers 2-1 at Dola Hill while across town at Musa Kasonka Super Division debutants Lime Hotspurs drew 1-1 with Konkola Blades.
PF threatens to ‘sort out’ Chanda Chimba III
The Patriotic Front (PF) has threatened to ‘sort out’ Chanda Chimba III over his television programme “Stand Up for Zambia” which is aired on the national broadcaster ZNBC.
And PF Secretary General Wynter Kabimba has condemned the recent acts of violence among MMD and PF cadres in Lusaka.
PF vice president Guy Scot said the party is saddened by Mr. Chimba’s continued attacks on its party president Michael Sata which he said is meant to discredit him.
Mr. Scot said at a press conference in Lusaka today that was also attended by party cadres and leaders that the party will sort out Mr. Chimba for his attacks.
He has, however, expressed displeasure with the courts entering a nolle prosequi against two Chinese managers at Collum Coal Mine in Sinazongwe who allegedly shot at some mine workers last year.
Mr. Scot argued that it was not right that the case was discontinued for lack of evidence when the workers were purely shot at and injured.
And PF Secretary General Wynter Kabimba has condemned the violence by his cadres saying that the party does not condone any form of violence from its members.
He said the party wants to be a peaceful political party which will attract and accommodate everyone with positive ideas.
Mr. Kabimba has meanwhile stated that his party will fight back against any attacks from the MMD.
“If PF members are provoked by the MMD cadres as was the case in the Kamwala incident they have the right to defend themselves against such thuggery and we have sufficient numbers to execute such a campaign successfully,” he said.
He has also stated that the party will implicate government and the MMD over any harm that will befall its president following reports of planned of abductions.
Mr. Kabimba has also condemned hate speeches by some organization against its leader Michael Sata.
He said there is need to stop this act as it has resulted in fights in other countries.
[pullquote]“If PF members are provoked by the MMD cadres as was the case in the Kamwala incident they have the right to defend themselves against such thuggery and we have sufficient numbers to execute such a campaign successfully,” he said.[/pullquote]
Meanwhile, Former UNIP Secretary General Reverend Alfred Banda has announced his resignation from the former ruling party to join the PF.
Rev. Banda who resigned from UNIP and was heading a UNIP revival forum announced his resignation together with MMD Kabwata constituency Secretary Emmanuel Chanda at the press briefing in Lusaka today.
He said he decided to resign because he feels the PF is the only progressive political party.
ZANIS
Kachimba cautions labour leaders against frustrating investments
Labour and Social Security Deputy Minister Simon Kachimba says people elected as union leaders should not use their positions to frustrate investors and those in management.
Mr. Kachimba says union leaders should contribute to the growth of their companies and ensure productivity continues.
He added that dialogue should be the direction which unions must take as opposed to work stoppages.
ZANIS reports that Mr. Kachimba, who was speaking to union representative at Lafarge Plc in Chilanga yesterday, said when the company makes losses and decides to start retrenching workers, union leaders will have no one to blame but themselves.
He said the role of unions should be part of management and contribute to the
efficient running of companies.
Mr. Kachimba said government’s role is that of coming in as a mediator when management and workers fail to reach a conclusion.
He also appealed to management to sensitize workers on reasons why it has decided to retrench
workers.
Mr. Kachimba said government is aware that management has laid out plans to reduce the work force at Lafarge and it is important that workers are prepared adequately for the exercise.
He said although government is discouraging the practice, if certain factors are contributing then it has no problem.
The labour deputy minister also commended Lafarge plc for having taking safety of workers as a priority.
He said it was gratifying that the company has been recognized internationally for its safety standards.
And Company Managing director Fola Esan thanked the minister for having found time to visit the plant and discuss with the workers’ representatives.
He said it was pleasing that the company has managed to create a good working relationship with government.
Mr. Esan said the company is also happy with the investment climate it is enjoying saying Larfage has continued to enjoy conducting its business and is doing fine in the country.
He said management will ensure that it addresses some of the labour issues that have arisen so that the workers’ morale does not affect productivity.
Mr. Esan explained that the plan to retrench some workers started last year with the Ndola plant where the company has since downsized the workforce.
He said factors such as modern machinery and technology which the company is using in its production does not require more people as it is now self automated.
Mr. Esan also said the company has decided to downsize the number of casuals and other supporting staff whose work can still be carried out by other workers in order to make the company more efficient and productive.
He disclosed that not more than 70 workers will be retrenched by April this year.
ZANIS
Be a Dream Releaser
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“Be devoted to one another in love…”
(Romans 12:10, NIV)
TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria
Think about the people God has placed in your life. They’re not there by accident. God brings people to you for a purpose. We should live with this awareness that, “I am here to add value to people. I am here to help them succeed.” Don’t go around always thinking, “I wonder what that person can do for me. I wonder what they have to offer.” No, we should have the attitude, “What can I do for them? How can I help them come up higher? Can I teach them something I know? Can I connect them with someone who can help them?” Don’t make the mistake of going through life ingrown. Instead, be a dream releaser. Use your talent, your influence and your experience, not just to accomplish your goals, but to help release a dream in someone else.
Remember, there is nothing more rewarding than to lay down at night knowing that you helped someone else become better. You not only fulfilled your purpose for that day, you did your best. It may have just been a two-minute phone call where you encouraged someone; but when you live as a dream releaser, you’ll see your own dreams come alive as well!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father in heaven, thank You for equipping me to be a blessing to others. Show me ways to be a dream releaser and help others to rise up higher. Help me to use my influence to encourage others and honor You always. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
— Joel & Victoria Osteen
Zesco Utd In Al Ahly CL Rendezvous
Zesco United will face record six time African club champions Al Ahly of Egypt in the second round of the Caf Champions League.
The two sides will meet in the second round, first leg on April 23 at the Trade Fair Grounds in Ndola.
Al Ahly booked their second round place after a 2-1 aggregate win over SuperSport United of South Africa.
SuperSports’s 1-0 win at home on Saturday evening in Polokwane was not enough to see them through.
Zesco on the other hand beat Young Buffaloes 2-0 away in Manzini on Saturday evening to complete a 7-0 aggregate win over the Swaziland club.
Willie Nsanda calls for a stop on the MMD running bus stations.
Proprietor of the Zambia – Botswana coach services Willie Nsanda has warned the MMD party cadres against trying to cause confusion at bus stations by claiming ownership.
Mr. Nsanda says markets and Bus station should be free from political interference because they service the public and not political parties.
Mr.Nsanda also noted that the MMD government should ensure that their political cadres are stopped from causing commotion at the bus station adding that business owners will not allow cadres to disturb their businesses.
He added that should the government fail to intervene in the matter the business owners will do whatever it takes to protect their investments.
Recently, MMD cadres in Lusaka announced that they had taken charge of the bus station in the city so as to restore sanity.
[ QFM ]
SFH bemoans low condom use in the country
Society for Family Health (SFH) has disclosed that statistics for condom use among non regular sexual partners in the country currently stands at 54 percent.
SFH Partnership for Integrated Social Marketing (PRISM) Director of Programme Operations, Charles Kalonga said this means that the remaining percentages of sexually active persons are not using condoms resulting in the increase of the HIV/AIDS and other Sexually Transmitted Infections.
Mr. Kalonga was speaking during the launch of re-branding of new maximum condom promotion and award presentation in Lusaka last night.
He reiterated his company’s commitment to working closely with the government and private sector in promoting healthy behaviour through social marketing.
Mr. Kalonga has since urged the men folk to consider going for male circumcision as a way of protecting themselves and their partners from spreading HIV/AIDS and STIs in the country.
He, however, encouraged men to take up the challenge of going for male circumcision and continue using condoms adding that the fight against the pandemic can only be won through concerted efforts.
Earlier, Society for Family Health Executive Director, Mannaseh Phiri presented awards to two journalists, Masuzyo Chakwe of the Post Newspapers and Kennedy Ngondwe a freelance journalist for their role in highlighting issues of HIV/AIDS and male circumcision.
Dr. Phiri also awarded RCF Investments of Matero Township for selling over 5.3 million condoms and Bank of Zambia for being the most consistence buyers of condoms for its employees.
Recently, Society for Family Health (SFH) Zambia, who are producing and distributing the male maximum condom in the country, re-launched a new version of the condom which it described as strong; triple tested, and does not break.
The new version of the condom is a three (3) ply lubricated latex condom.
[ ZANIS ]
Nkana Lose on Day One
Nkana began the 2011 Super Division season on a low note after losing 2-1 away in a Week 1 fixture to Red Arrows at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka today.
Dube Phiri opened scores in the 24th minute before his team mate Danny Sibanda made it 2-0 two minutes before the break.
Warren Kunda scored Nkana’s consolation goal just before the half time whistle.
And across town at Woodlands Stadium, Kalewa’s Super Division debut began with a 0-0 away draw at Green Buffaloes.
However in Mazabuka, promoted Nakambala Leopards enjoyed a sweet 1-0 home win over Nkwazi courtesy of a Webester Mulenga goal.
The remaining league games will be played on Sunday.
Woman strips naked to prove her innocence
Business at Senama market in Mansa District came to a halt last evening when a pregnant woman stripped naked in the market shelter after she was accused of stealing a Fifty Thousand Kwacha by her fellow trader.
The woman decided to strip naked after she failed to convince her accuser that she had not stolen the money.
The duo was selling vegetables at the market when they picked up a quarrel after one of them lost a K 50,000 and accused her friend of stealing the money.
ZANIS reports that after a prolonged argument, the woman who accused her counterpart of having stolen the money demanded that her friend produces all the money she had so that she could identify her K 50, 000 note.
It was at this point that the accused woman decided to strip naked in the full view of people who had gone to watch them argue and those that went to buy assorted items.
She told ZANIS that that she stripped naked to show her accuser that she did not steal her money. One of the on lookers who sort anonymity said it was shameful for a woman to resort to stripping naked in presence of men and children at the market.
She said it was unjustifiable for the accused woman to remove all her clothes in public even if she was pressurized by her friend.
Meanwhile, other women expressed displeasure at the event but condemned the woman who had accused the other of stealing the money for not listening to her friend’s explanation.
They said it would be more important for the women in question to settle their wrangles at the police station than reaching the extent of stripping naked in public.
ZANIS
Delimitation Commission sittings to continue – Akufuna
The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) says it will continue with its delimitation process despite the constitution of Zambia bill failing to pass through the second reading in Parliament.
ECZ Public Relation Manager, Chris Akufuna says the ECZ will continue sitting as a delimitation commission to review constituency boundaries but will not effect an increase in the number of constituencies.
“Following the failure of the constitution of Zambia bill to go through the second reading in parliament as require by article 79 of the constitution, the electoral commission of Zambia wishes to inform the public that it will continue sitting as a delimitations commission to review constituency boundaries with effecting an increase in the number of constituencies,” he said.
He stated that the commission will also continue receiving submissions on the numbers of constituencies in the remaining districts in order to have a complete database for future use.
Mr. Akufuna said this in a press statement made available to ZANIS in Lusaka today.
He explained that the delimitations sittings were made to collect information on how stakeholders wanted to have the number of constituencies increased from the current 150 to 225.
Mr. Akufuna said the programme for the delimitation sittings in the rest of the provinces still remain the same.
He has since advised the public to prepare their submissions in readiness for the sitting.
ECZ has so far sat in Lusaka, North Western, Copperbelt, and Central provinces.
ZANIS