THE MMD has described Patriotic Front (PF) leader Michael Sata’s failure on Saturday to pay a courtesy on the Lozi King, the Litunga, in Western Province where he was holding campaign meetings as lack of respect for chiefs in the country.

Mr Sata, who held campaign meetings in Mongu on Saturday, angered the Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE) because of his failure to pay a courtesy call on the Litunga.

Several Mongu residents also expressed disappointment with Mr Sata’s behaviour to recognise the Litunga.

MMD spokesperson Dora Siliya said Mr Sata’s failure to respect significant role chiefs played signified that he would even forget about the traditional rulers if he came into power because he does not care for them.

In an interview yesterday, Ms Siliya said MMD was not surprised with Mr Sata’s actions to disrespect the Litunga and that such behaviour revealed he was a misplaced leader who should not be accorded national responsibilities.

She said chiefs played a critical role in promoting unity and peace in the country and that it was for this reason President Rupiah Banda and his MMD Government had continued to work closely with all traditional leaders.

“We are not surprised with Mr Sata’s behaviour because he has always been like that.
He cannot be entrusted with leadership responsibilities and now Zambians know what type of a leader Mr Sata can be,” said Ms Siliya.

She said Zambians should not take Mr Sata as a serious leader because he had shown that he could do nothing to improve the welfare of traditional leaders if elected as president.

After receiving condemnation for not paying a courtesy call on the Litunga, Mr Sata yesterday went and paid a courtesy call on Mukwae Mbwanjikana but this infuriated the people even more.And the people of senanga have described Mr Sata as a leader full of rhetoric.

The people spoken to after Mr Sata’s rally in Senanga yesterday said they were shocked that Mr Sata had nothing to talk about apart from making wild allegations which he would not substantiate.

This was after Mr Sata had alleged that the MMD had allegedly registered foreigners from Zimbabwe, Angola, Namibia and the Democratic Republic of Congo as voters in this year’s elections.

The people were also surprised that Mr Sata could lie to the people of Senanga that President Banda had been in office for 20 years when in actual fact the president had only been in office for the past two years.

In his speech, Mr Sata claimed that President Banda had allegedly failed to develop Western Province in the past 20 years he had been in office.

At the same rally, former Sports minister William Harrington who is eyeing Senanga Constituency on the PF ticket was booed when he tried to claim that he was capable of developing the area if elected.

And a former UPND official Nabiwa Imikendu who recently defected to the PF complained to the people for not responding to the PF slogan at the rally.

Earlier, before the rally, taxi drivers queued at Moto Moto Villa where Mr Sata was having lunch to be given money for 20 litres of fuel meant to go round Senanga and transport people to the rally.

[Times of Zambia]

The Drug-Enforcement Commission (DEC) has arrested a 41-year-old businessperson of Maramba Township in Livingstone for trafficking in more than 300 kilogrammes of cannabis.

DEC public relations manager John Nyawali said Mubita Kekelwa was arrested from his house as he was preparing to transport the contraband to Namibia.

DEC has also arrested a 23-year-old businessperson named as Kenneth Zuzi of Malota Township in Livingstone for trafficking in cannabis.

Mr Nyawali said Mr Zuzi was found with more than 200 balls of loose cannabis which he was selling and he was a major supplier of cannabis in the township.

Meanwhile, 500 kilogrammes of cannabis was seized in the last seven days country-wide and 95 people arrested in connection with the psychotropic substance.

Among those arrested was a 33-year-old Tanzanian national who was found with 22 rolls of Malawian gold, a type of cannabis well-known for its high potency.

Mr. Nyawali said Juma Hussein Shaban was arrested from Chililabombwe town centre after being trailed from Kasumbalesa border on his way to Namibia from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Others arrested were a grade nine pupil of Sesheke High School, who was found with an undisclosed quantities of cannabis.
[ Times of Zambia ]

The MMD in Lusaka has dispelled allegations that party spokesperson Dora Siliya insulted Catholic bishops in Mpika recently when she toured development projects in the district.

MMD provincial information and publicity secretary Greenock Lupambo said in a statement that allegations that MsSiliya insulted the clergy in Mpika are not correct.

Mr Lupambo said on the contrary, Ms Siliya said good things about the Catholics and how they are working closely with the government of the day.

“It is however surprising to learn from some sections of the media that she used abusive language. The truth is that she never uttered any abusive language. What she did was just to comment on homosexuality, a subject which is ungodly and against the Zambian laws,” he said.

“Why is it that out of 600 clergymen in the Catholic church, only seven of them are busy decampaigning the MMD government. If they continue they will just bring the name of the Catholic Church into disrepute,” he said.

Mr. Lupambo said it has become apparent that the seven bishops are the only ones calling for change of Government, leaving everyone to wonder what makes them think that change is inevitable.

He has challenged the bishops calling for change of government to leave the pulpit and join the political arena.

Mr. Lupambo said the role of the clergy is to win back lost souls, not to call for change of government every Sunday.
[ Zambia Daily Mail ]

Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) member Nason Msoni has charged that revelations by former Ambassador Milton Phiri that President Banda is not qualified as Republican President should not be ignored.

Mr. Msoni says it is prudent for the MMD to seek for true and honest answers from President Banda who he says has several times admitted and stated that he was born in Zimbabwe.

The MMD member has added that what appears to be more serious is the allegation that both his parents hail from outside this country.

He says these allegations puts in danger the sovereignty and security of this country.

Mr. Msoni further says it is shocking that people who are not bonafide citizens of this country should cling to power and fight for the presidency of this country at all costs.

He has reiterated his call on the MMD to start searching for the alternative candidate adding that it is obvious that if anyone files an injunction against President Banda, it could complicate chances of the party in retaining power.

QFM

SOME civil society organisations have said it is shameful for Caritas Zambia, a Catholic Church organisation, to organise and help the Patriotic Front (PF) on the campaign trail in Western Province.

Leadership in Development executive director Moses Kalonde has challenged Mongu Caritas Zambia director, Nathaniel Mubukwanu to openly join active politics instead of using the organisation to champion his alleged political agenda.

He said in an interview in Lusaka yesterday that Caritas Zambia is contradicting its role by being partisan.

“If Caritas Zambia wants to get into active politics, they should just join politics and stop confusing people that the institution is a non-governmental organisation trying to help the needy,” Mr Kalonde said.

On Sunday, sources revealed that Caritas Zambia allegedly organised Mr Sata’s campaign meetings in the province.

Committee of Citizens executive director Gregory Chifire said it is sad for Caritas Zambia to side with the PF when it is supposed to help the needy.

Mr Chifire said Caritas Zambia management should resign because it has failed to be non-partisan.

Forum for Leadership Search executive director Edwin Lifwekelo said Caritas Zambia’s involvement with the PF confirms fears that the organisation wants to use the pulpit to champion its political agenda.

Mr Lifwekelo said Zambians should be wary of Caritas Zambia which has allegedly taken a dangerous stance of active politics.

And the House of Chiefs said it is sad that PF president Michael Sata failed to pay a courtesy call on the Litunga.

House of Chiefs chairperson chief Madzimawe said it is displeasing that Mr Sata failed to see the Litunga, especially if it is established that he did not even attempt to make an appointment to meet him.

“If the Barotse Royal Establishment has complained that he did not go before it to let it know of the reason he has gone to Western Province, then I think it is not right,” he said.

He said as political leaders step up their campaigns ahead of the forthcoming general elections, they should not overlook traditional leaders.

“Those vying for political office should humble themselves and be welcomed by traditional leaders of the areas in which they go to campaign,” Chief Madzimawe said.

Meanwhile, Western Province Minister, Richard Mwapela says people in the province have not forgotten that Mr Sata betrayed them over the Barotseland Agreement of 1964 when he served in Cabinet.

Mr Mwapela said from Mongu yesterday that MrSata and then Legal Affairs Minister Rodger Chongwe opposed the BA when the Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE) raised the issue during former President Frederick Chiluba’s reign.

“Mr Sata and Dr Chongwe were part of the ministerial committee which concluded that the Barotseland Agreement is stale and that the government should not recognise it. That statement is still fresh in the minds of the people of Western Province and he (Mr Sata) should know that the people of Western Province still remember that,” Mr Mwapela said.

He said MrSata allegedly wants to use the Barotseland Agreement to gain political mileage in the province but the people know his initial stance over the issue.

He, however, said MrSata’s alleged trick of attempting to use the agreement for political expedience will not work because the people know that he does not even recognise the BRE’s authority.

Mr Mwapela said it is unfortunate that the PF leader is counting on the agreement to garner support in the province when he initially opposed the BRE, which was the signatory to the agreement through Litunga Sir Mwanawina Lewanika.

He said the people of Western province should not be misled by Mr. Sata’s inconsistency on key national issues.

Mr Mwapela said before the 2006 general elections, MrSata promised to drop all charges against DrChiluba if voted into power.

He said the PF leader has now turned against Dr. Chiluba just because of the latter’s support for President Banda and his administration.

Mr Mwapela said the people who attended the PF leader’s rally at Blue Gums ground merely wanted to catch a glimpse of him and that he should not believe that they will vote for him.

He urged the people of Western Province to rally behind President Banda.

[Zambia Daily Mail]

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“Dear brothers and sisters, be patient as you wait for the Lord’s return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen.”
(James 5:7, NLT)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

God has put dreams and desires in every person’s heart. But most times, there’s a season of waiting involved. Maybe you’re waiting for a relationship to improve; waiting to get married; waiting for a promotion; or waiting to overcome an illness. Much of life is spent waiting. But there’s a right way to wait and there’s a wrong way to wait. Too often, when things don’t happen on our timetable, we get down and discouraged or anxious and fretful. That’s because we’re not waiting the right way.

Notice that today’s verse doesn’t say if you wait, it says as you wait. The fact is we’re all going to wait. It goes on to say that we should consider how the farmer waits — patiently and eagerly. We’re not supposed to sit around discouraged; we’re supposed to be hopeful, positive and full of expectancy!

Today, no matter what you are praying for, expect things to change in your favor. Today could be the day that God turns it all around. As you wait with patience and expectancy, you’ll open the door for God to move. He’ll fight your battles, and you’ll see that abundant harvest He’s promised in every area of your life.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father God, today I choose to wait expectantly for You. I trust that You are working behind the scenes on my behalf. I put my trust and hope in You knowing that You have good things in store for my future. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

— Joel & Victoria Osteen

Reverend Masupa says whoever thinks president Banda is corrupt is free to report him the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) and the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC).

He says it will be illegal for president Banda to be accused of being corrupt if the accusations cannot be proved.

Reverend Masupa has since challenged people accusing president Banda of being corrupt to prove and report their allegations to law enforcement agencies.
[ QFM ]

The MMD says Patriotic Front-PF Leader Michael Sata is lying that he will implement the Barotseland Agreement if voted into power in this year’s general elections.

Party Spokesperson Dora Siliya says this is because Mr. Sata did support the Agreement when he was in government.

Ms Siliya told ZNBC News that the people of Western Province should not listen to Mr. Sata’s sentiments on the 1964 Barotse land Agreement.

She says it is unfortunate that Mr. Sata who has been in government before has continued to be inconsistent on national issues.

Ms Siliya has cited the Barotse land Agreement and the constitution making process as some of the issues Mr. Sata has remained inconsistent on.

And Ms Siliya says Mr Sata has failed to denounce violence.

She was referring to Mr. Sata’s failure to denounce reports of two PF members who were recently found with AK47 riffles.

And Patriotic Front Leader Michael Sata and his supporters have accused Oblate Radio Liseli in Mongu of being sympathetic to the ruling MMD.

This was after the opposition leader accompanied by several rowdy supporters demanded that all of them be allowed to enter the radio booth where Mr Sata was due to be interviewed.

According to a reliable source in Mongu, staff at the radio station objected and advised the supporters to wait for Mr Sata outside the building.

The source said this angered both Mr Sata and his supporters who immediately started hailing insults on staff accusing them of being MMD supporters.

But when contacted for comment Oblate radio acting Associate Director, Father Kennedy Sampa and Assistant Production Manager both expressed ignorance on the matter.

Meanwhile the source says some youths in Mongu have distributed fliers urging people not to attend Mr Sata’s rallies in the area.

ZNBC

GOVERNMENT has disclosed that the K1 trillion to be used on an urban roads rehabilitation programme will be paid by mining companies.

Minister of Finance and National Planning Situmbeko Musokotwane said this is money that the mining companies owe the government in taxes.

He said in 2008, mining companies had a dispute with Government over corporate taxes, variable income taxes and mineral royalties but the matter was resolved after meeting, and the mining companies are now paying arrears.

“The arrears that the mining companies are paying have created extra revenue that has been channelled to infrastructure development and rehabilitation of urban roads,” he said.

Dr Musokotwane said another potential source of the money will be the selling of bonds on the international market at US$500 million. Part of this money will be used for the urban road rehabilitation programme.

He said this in Lusaka yesterday during the recording of the Ministry of Finance and National Planning television programme, Culture Remodelling.
The programme also featured Minister of Works and Supply Gabriel Namulambe.

The theme of the programme was infrastructure development, progress and financing arrangements.

Dr Musokotwane said most roads in urban areas have had their useful life, hence the need to rehabilitate them.

He said there is nothing political about infrastructure development, rehabilitation and construction of roads.

He said when an economy is growing, there is always need to grow infrastructure to match the expansion of the economy.

Dr Musokotwane said if it was political, the private sector would not have joined in infrastructure development but they foresee more growth of the economy, which will result in high demand for more and better infrastructure.

He said more investment is coming despite this being an election year because investors have confidence in the government.

Dr Musokotwane said a review of the growth of the economy will be madebetween July and August.

He said the economy is no longer stagnant but is growing and it is only right to improve the infrastructure.

And Mr Namulambe said works on major roads are progressing well because most contractors are on site or just waiting to sign contracts.

He said some of the major road projects are the Chipata-Mfuwe, Sesheke-Senanga, Isoka-Muyombe and for the Kalabo-Sikongo roads.

Mr Namulambe expressed disappointment that some Kitwe residents were stoning the machinery moved to the site to start the road rehabilitation.

He said that the MMD government wants to ensure that more roads are constructed to ease movement of goods and people.

Mr Namulambe said it is a pity that his predecessor, Mr Mike Mulongoti is condemning the construction and rehabilitation of roads on the Copperbelt when he is the one who promised that township roads would be worked on.

He said K19 billion has been allocated for feeder roads on the Copperbelt in this year’s budget and K6 billion has already been released.

Mr Namulambe commended mining companies such as Mopani Copper Mines and Konkola Copper Mines for supplementing Government’s efforts by rehabilitating some township roads on the Copperbelt.

He said President Banda should be commended for initiating and completing development projects started by President Mwanawasa.

He said Mr Banda has shown that he is a responsible leader who wants to improve the lives of all Zambians.

[Zambia Daily Mail]