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Sampa special member – RB

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PRESIDENT Banda has described Kelvin Sampa who was disqualified from contesting the position of MMD national youth chairman at the just ended national convention as a “special” member of the ruling party.

Officially closing the MMD second extraordinary convention at the Mulungushi Rock of Authority in Kabwe on April 7, Mr Banda said after being barred from participating in the elections, MrSampa did not speak ill of the party.

Mr Banda said unlike others who said all sorts of unpalatable things about the MMD, Mr Sampa remained at the convention centre and pledged continued support and loyalty to the ruling party.

“When I was going to vote, I saw Mr Sampa and paused to shake hands with him. These are the kind of members we need. You are a special member,” he said.

Mr Banda said a good member remains loyal to his party even after being disciplined.

[pullquote]Mr Sampa was disqualified and suspended from the party for allegedly bouncing a K12 million cheque which was supposed to be a donation to the ruling party in March last year.[/pullquote]

Mr Sampa together with former MMD national youth chairman Patrick Musonda were on April 5 disqualified from contesting positions at the convention on grounds that they were not in good standing with the ruling party.

Mr Musonda filed nomination papers for the position of MMD chairman for transport and communications.

Mr Sampa was disqualified and suspended from the party for allegedly bouncing a K12 million cheque which was supposed to be a donation to the ruling party in March last year.

He also allegedly solicited funding from a co-operating partner using the name of the MMD.

Meanwhile, Mr Sampa said in an interview shortly after the closure of the convention that he is humbled and honoured by President Banda’s remarks about him.

Mr Sampa said after being disqualified, he remained calm and decided not to be vengeful against the MMD.

He said his desire to be MMD youth national chairman was not based on personal interests but the interests of young people in the country.

Mr Sampa said he had pumped a lot of money into his campaigns and was confident of winning the position but he has put whatever happened to him in God’s hands.

“The decision to deny me participation in the elections broke me but I remained calm. I have been loyal to the party and the President and what he said about me has vindicated me.

“MMD members should not engage in politics of vengeance and hate, which are retrogressive,” he said.

[Zambia Daily Mail]

Kunda, VJ appointed MMD NEC members

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Vernon Mwaanga

PRESIDENT Banda has nominated six members into the MMD national executive committee (NEC), including Vice-President George Kunda and Parliamentary chief whip Vernon Mwaanga.

The six were nominated by President Banda and approved by the new NEC in their first meeting held after the closure of the national convention on April 7.

Mr Kunda, who was earlier vying for the party vice-president, a position which has been abolished, is one of the two trustees nominated by the President, in accordance with the amended MMD constitution.

The new MMD constitution gives the President power to nominate two trustees and 10 other members, bringing the total number of nominees into the party’s supreme decision-making body to 12.

Speaking to journalists after the NEC meeting, Mr Banda said he had decided to nominate Mr Kunda and former MMD national secretary MrMwaanga as trustees.

Others nominated as members of the NEC are Kenneth Chipungu, Suresh Desai, Maggie Musonda and Annie Chungu.

President Banda said the other members will be nominated at a later stage.

Meanwhile, MONICA KAYOMBO reports that the MMD says the scrapping of the party vice-presidency would not affect the performance of the party.

Speaking in an interview yesterday, MMD chief whip Mr Mwaanga said the position of vice- president in the MMD has remained frozen since 2005.

“MMD members felt that the party hierarchy was top heavy but that the decision by the party to finally abolish the position will not in any way affect the performance of the party,” he said.

Mr Mwaanga said the MMD has always been effective, even during the time the vice-presidency was frozen and he expects that the ruling party will remain formidable with the election of a new executive.

He also commended delegates to the MMD national convention for exhibiting the highest level of discipline before and during the election of NEC members.

Mr Mwaanga said the convention is a sign that the MMD is still united and ready to face challenges that would come its way.

Mr Mwaanga said, as an individual, he would continue putting in his best to ensure that the party continues benefiting from his expertise.

[Zambia Daily Mail]

Nakonde District scores a first in having the first ever Child Friendly Court in the country

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School children

A CHILD friendly court, the first of its kind in Zambia, is to be established at Nakonde’s new magistrate’s complex in Northern Province.

 

Child Justice Forum National Chairperson for mobilisation Kenneth Mulife disclosed this in Nakonde yesterday, when his team from Lusaka comprising officers from the Judiciary, Child Justice and Child Protection departments paid a courtesy call on Nakonde District Commissioner Billy Silwimba at his office yesterday.

Mr. Mulife said the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) will finance the project meant to enable a juvenile witness give testimony in a friendly way.

Mr. Mulife said, the Child Friendly Court will be fitted with a Cross Circuit Television (CCTV) system, plasma screens and the other necessary equipment to facilitate the giving of evidence by a child in a most friendly manner.

The Child Justice National Chairperson for Mobilisation said, the idea of a Child Friendly Court was copied from Malawi where he said it was working effectively, adding that the Child Friendly Court enables a child witness to give credible testimony without fear.

And Mr. Silwimba said the people of Nakonde were very happy with the honour they have been given to be the first in Zambia to have a Child Friendly Court fitted with modern equipment to facilitate the giving of evidence in a friendly manner.

Mr. Silwimba assured the team from Lusaka that the facilitate would be taken care of, adding that stringent measures would be put in place to protect the facility.

The District Commissioner also paid growing tribute to UNICEF for its continued support in children programmes in the country.

The Lusaka team together with members of the Nakonde Child Justice Forum later inspected the Juvenile court room at the new magistrates’ complex and agreed on how the equipment should be mounted.

And Child Protection Specialist Ngosa Lesa said, she was happy to note that there were no juvenile remandees at Nakonde police station at the time of the visit.

Ms. Lesa said the situation simply showed that the police were now protecting the juveniles by ensuring that they were not mixed with adult remandees.

ZANIS

Kalabo traders angered by increase in stall fees

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About 200 traders in Kalabo District yesterday trooped the District Administration offices to protest against the increased stall license fee which is now at K140 000, they claimed was exorbitant.

The aggrieved traders at marched to the DAOs around 09 00 hours yesterday, ululating, singing solidarity songs, hooting and carried placards with one reading: “We want license fees reduction 2011.’’

The traders mainly from the Kalabo main business district later handed in their letter signed by their Secretary Samuel Masiye which was airing their concerns over the increased Stall license fees to District Commissioner Jeff Nalishuwa.

The contents of the letter obtained by ZANIS read in part that “the District Council was charging K140 000 annual stall licence instead of K50 000 charged by Mongu District Council.”

This is despite the fact that Kalabo District has less business activities than that of the provincial headquarters.

The letter furthermore read that, ”transport was expensive in Kalabo which has to date no banks”.

The traders said all payments of workers salaries were made in Mongu where the shopping was done from, further disadvantaging the Kalabo business community and saw no justification why Kalabo Council should charging an exorbitant stall licence fee of K140 000.

In response, Kalabo District Council Secretary Jones Wamulume said it was surprising for the Kalabo business community to complain over the stall licence fee now, when that was the amount that they have been paying since January 2009.

He added that there was even a circular from the Local Government Ministry instructing the council to increase the stall licence fees.

ZANIS

Government commends Kansanshi mining PLC

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Government has commended Kansashi Mining PLC for its contribution to the development of the country.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary Ambassador Lucy Mungoma says apart from the taxes to government, Kansanshi Mine has, through its elaborate and comprehensive social responsibility programmes helped to uplift the living standards of the people in Solwezi and North Western Province as a whole.

ZANIS reports that speaking when the Zambian Envoys abroad toured the mine in Solwezi yesterday, Amb.Mungoma said government is proud of the many contributions the company was making towards changing the face of the province.

FLASHBACK:Kansanshi mining PLC general manager Sean Whittone (l) Kwalela Lamasala (c) and ZCCM-IH acting CEO John Kaite hoist the dummy cheque for Kansanshi's first US$3 million dividend to government.

She noted that through the massive contributions in the areas of health, Education, road infrastructure, employment creation, among others, Kansanshi was helping the local people appreciate the value of the investment in the area.

Ambassador Mungoma said the various programmes the company was conducting in the province and Solwezi in particular are important in both its survival and that of the local people.

She appealed to other investors to seriously consider putting in place programmes that directly benefit communities in which they operate.

She said this was the only way people can appreciate such investments.

“We are impressed with the level of investment here and the initiative of ensuring that the local community benefits directly from this investment.

“It is our wish as government to see as many of our investors as possible create opportunities for our people because this is the only way such investment can be appreciated,” she said.

She explained that the tour of the mine and other areas was meant to expose Zambian envoys abroad to key sectors of the economy.

Tomorrow the delegation is expected to visit the Kasumbalesa Boarder Post and later proceed to visit the Nansanga farm block in Mkushi Central province.

And Dean of the Zambian envoys abroad, Dr. Inonge Mbikusita-Lewanika expressed happiness at the level of commitment Kansanshi Mining Plc has exhibited towards the development of Solwezi and North Western Province.

Dr. Mbikusita-Lewanika, who is also Zambia’s Envoy to Belgium said the Zambian envoys abroad will do their best to further market the country as an investment destination.

She also said the tour of the mining operations at the mine would enable the envoys confidently articulate issues surrounding the operations of the mine and the mining industry as a whole.

She was particularly impressed that apart from making profits, the company was seriously investing in Education which she said was key to the growth of the economy.

Earlier, Kansanshi Mining Plc Head of Public Relations, Godfrey Msiska told the delegation that his company was continuing to enjoy cordial working relations with government and the surrounding community.

Mr. Msiska also assured the diplomats that Kansanshi will continue designing programmes that will directly benefit the local community.

He said currently the company has set aside over K30 billion to be spent in areas of education, health among others.

Mr. Msiska also said that the company would soon commence works to revamp Solwezi Hospital and turn it into a modern health facility.

He further said that the company intends to increase its copper production levels from about 245,000 tonnes to 400,000 by the year 2014, making it the third largest copper producer in the world.

ZANIS

Mbesuma Answers His Insecurity With Goals

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Collins Mbesuma on Wednesday scored goals number 7 and 8 of the season in his low-key return to action.

The Zambian striker scored a brace in Lamontville Golden Arrows 4-2 home win over struggling South African defending champions SuperSport United.

Mbesuma was on target in the 23rd and 61st minutes and could have had a hat trick had he not failed to covert a penalty that he won in the 50th minute.

His brace help Arrows to move into 9th place on 30 points with four games left to play.

Mbesuma who started the match came off with four minutes left on the clock to play.

The strikers goals came after Mbesuma’s personal concerns that his future at Arrows whom he joined in January was insecure after being left out of the team since mid-March.

Junior Golfers Falter In Namibia

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Zambia’s junior golfers failed to make any impact at the just ended African Junior Golf Challenge in Namibia and none of them even managed to make the eight-player all-star team.

Zambia finished 6th after stumbling in the final round of the 4-day event on Wednesday from 5th where they have been hovering since the tournament began on Sunday in Windhoek.

Team South Africa retained their title inspired by Hayden Porteus thanks to his dominance in the individual event from start to finish.

South Africa won by 16 strokes with a total of 847 while Namibia finished second.

Zimbabwe were 3rd on 897, 4th was Kenya on 954 while Mauritius exchanged places with Zambia to finish on 983 and 993 respectively.

And the composition of the Africa Junior all-star team saw Namibia with three players while Zimbabwe and Kenya have two players each in the team.

Mauritius has one golfer in the side that will play in a four-team junior tournament to be hosted by South Africa that will also see England and Canada taking part.

STATS

Africa Junior Golf Challenge
Final Individual Scores
1 Hayden Porteus (SA) 270,
2 Christiaan Bezuidenhout (SA) 281,
3 Glen de Waal (Namibia) 284,
4 Roux Jeffery (Namibia) 285,
5 Martin Rohwer (SA) 296.

Final Team Scores
1 South Africa 847
2 Namibia 863
3 Zimbabwe 897

ZCTU warns Shoprite

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The Zambia Congress of Trade Unions-ZCTU- has requested Shoprite management to immediately withdrawal letters written to Union officials and some workers for taking part in a country-wide strike last week.

ZCTU President Leonard Hikaumba has warned that the labour movement will not allow intimidation of workers by employers.

Mr. Hikaumba says he has received reports that Shoprite management has written letters to workers directing them to show cause why disciplinary action cannot be taken against them.

He says it is unfortunate that management has failed to adhere to the memorandum of understanding which stated that no worker must be intimidated.

Mr. Hikaumba was speaking on Thursday when he opened the ZCTU Consultative meeting on the failed constitution process in Lusaka.

Zambia Congress of Trade Unions is currently holding a consultative meeting on the failed constitution Amendment Bill and the parallel voter tabulation-PVT.

Meanwhile, ZCTU General Secretary Roy Mwaba says the union will remain objective on national issues.

And in a vote of thanks, Zambia National Union of Teachers-ZNUT General Secretary, Newton Bubala warned that the union will not condone employers violating the rights of workers.

[ ZNBC ]

Nkwazi workers down tools

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Unionized Workers at Nkwazi Primary School in Lusaka have staged a sit in protest demanding improved conditions of service.

The workers are also not happy with the delays in negotiations between management and the Union.

A ZNBC News crew on Thursday found the workers waving placards denouncing the Board Chairperson and the Business Manager.

Basic Education Teacher’s Union of Zambia Nkwazi Branch Chairperson Bwalya Chileshe says the workers want the Board Chairman to address them.

And BETUZ Spokesperson, Hillary Chipango says the union has advised the workers to go back to work.

Nkwazi Primary School Board Chairman Mahesh Amin declined to comment on the matter.

[ ZNBC ]

Kansanshi Mine support to Solwezi Technical High School soars to K860 million

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Kansanshi Mining plc has over the last four years spent about K860 million towards supporting Solwezi Technical High School.

The support the mining company has rendered to the school ranges from donation of laboratory equipment, replacement of broken window panes, rehabilitation of dormitories and classrooms and the latest being the donation of six industrial cooking pots and two conventional cookers with ovens all worth K345 million.

Kansanshi Mine Public Relations Manager Godfrey Msiska disclosed this when he handed over the six industrial cooking pots and two conventional cookers to the school yesterday.

Mr. Msiska said rendering assistance to learning institutions such as Solwezi Technical High School, was in line with the Kansanshi Mine’s social responsibility aimed at empowering the local community within which the company operates.

He said the mining company saw the need to improve infrastructure in learning institutions to ensure that the environment is conducive for studies which would in turn translate into better
results from students.

Mr. Msiska expressed hope that the other players in the corporate world would render similar assistance to improve the conditions in institutions of learning as this was an absolute necessity if the nation was to make unprecedented economic development.

He said Kansanshi Mine realized that the school had been spending substantial amounts of money on rehabilitating the old cookers whenever they broke down, which forced the school to turn to firewood
as fuel energy for cooking food, which he said was not sustainable.

Receiving the donation on behalf of the school, Provincial Education Officer Jennipher Malama said, the gesture made by Kansanshi Mine was a step in the right direction and that it was in line with the government’s policy of Public Private Partnership (PPP).

Ms. Malama said, the donation would go a long way in alleviating the problems the school had been facing, as the equipment would be quickening the preparation of meals in a clean environment.

She urged the school management and the students to guard the equipment jealously.

ENDS/MM/ZANS

COMESA region member countries urged to regard agriculture as the engine of economic growth

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Government says the agricultural sector acts as an engine block for most low-income countries in Africa and contributes about 50 percent of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Peter Daka (R)

Science Technology and Vocation Training Minister said this is the more reason why the Common Market for East and Southern Africa (COMESA) region member states should take a holistic technological approach towards improving the agricultural sector.

Mr. Daka explained that however, many countries in Africa were facing challenges in improving the agricultural industry due to the absence of farming subsides, modern hybrids and the appropriate modern farming equipment.

Mr. Daka said this in a speech ready for him by his Deputy Given Mun’gomba during the official opening of the National Consultative Workshop on Draft Bio safety Policies and Guidelines for (COMESA) region held at Inter Continental Hotel in Lusaka today.

He explained that the use of modern bio safety was the surest way of providing the CMESA region countries with the safe transfer and handling of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) that may have adverse effects on the environment and human health.

He noted that the guidelines were also helpful in providing the means of assessing the food safety of GM foods.

Mr. Daka added that most COMESA member countries were parties to the Cartagena Protocol on bio safety, and that they were obliged to domesticate the policy into national law.

He also disclosed that Zambia had made strides in developing the National framework for bio safety, resulting in the establishment of the National Bio safety Authority (NBA) charged with the responsibility of shaping the bio safety regulations, guidelines and application procedures.

The Minister further called for concerted efforts from all stakeholders if the region was to benefit from bio technology in a sustainable way and in reducing the impact it might have on the farmers or trade.

And Alliance for Commodity Trade in Eastern and Southern Africa (ACTESA) Chief Executive Officer Cris Muyunda said, his organization was cognizant of the controversies surrounding the GMOs in Africa and beyond.

In a speech ready for him by the Director in chare of Trade and Markets Bridget Chilala, Dr. Muyunda stated that it was for that reason that ACTESA would to dialogue and discuss with the various stakeholders in providing information to the public about the issue.

He also emphasized the need to include a diverse crops on bio tech such as cotton and sunflower, which are mainly used for fibre.

He urged the delegates at the workshop to provide effective and constructive solutions to the issue of harmonizing regional interventions relating to all bio safety laws.

ZANIS

The new look MMD executive

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The MMD has ushered into office a new National Executive Committee (NEC) for the next five years.

 

This follows elections conducted at the MMD second Extra-Ordinary Convention at Mulungushi University in Kabwe.

Returning Officer Christopher Mundia announced the results of the new NEC leaders Thursday morning.

President Rupiah Banda who went through an opposed will lead the party.

Lands Deputy Minister Michael Mabenga has retained his position as National Chairman while Major Richard Kachingwe is the new National Secretary, taking over the realms from Dr. Katele Kalumba who did not contest the elections.

Major Kachingwe beat Benard Mpundu to scoop the position of Chief Executive Officer of the party.

Information and Broadcasting Services Minister Lieutenant General Ronnie Shikapwasha is Chairperson for National Security while Education Minister and also MMD Spokesperson Dora Siliya is Chairperson for Informational and Publicity.

Lieutenant Shikapwasha was being challenged by Southern Province Minister Elijah Muchima while Ms. Siliya beat Webby Chipili and Mwata Chikumbi to scoop the position.

Others are Bwalya Chiti Chairman-Legal, Defence Minister Kalombo Mwansa for International Relations, and Local Government Deputy Minister Moses Muteteka as National Youth Chairman.

Chongwe Member of Parliament Sylvia Masebo is the new Chairperson for Women and Development, while Works and Supply Minister Gabriel Namulambe is the Chairman for Elections.

Others are Energy Minister Kenneth Konga, chairman for Energy, Tourism Minister Catherine Namugala as Chairperson Tourism, labour Minister Austin Liato Chairman for Labour and Dr Brian Chituwo Chairman for Local Government and Housing, a ministry he heads.

Goodward Mulubwa is the party’s National Treasurer, Science Technology Minister Peter Daka Chairman for Transport and Communications, and Agriculture Minister Dr Eustarckio Kazonga Chairman for Agriculture and Cooperatives.

The new National Trustees are Evelyn Mwanawasa, Grace Njapau and Clever Silavwe.

Lumba Kalumba beat Dr Patrick Chikusu to scoop the position of chairperson for health.

And President Rupiah Banda has nominated six members of the MMD to the National Executive Committee-NEC-

They include Vice President George Kunda, Parliamentary Chief Whip Vernon Mwaanga, Sports Minister Kenneth Chipungu, Suresh Desai, Margaret Musonda and Anne Chungu.

The President convened the first NEC meeting in Kabwe shortly after the close of the MMD convention where the nominations were passed.

According to the MMD Constitution, the party president is mandated to nominate up to 12 members to the Party’s top organ.

President Banda was speaking to journalists shortly after the first MMD NEC meeting in Kabwe.

And President Banda says the just ended MMD convention has proved that the party is democratic and transparent.

President Banda says the convention is testimony that the MMD embraces the tenets of democracy.

Mr Banda was speaking when he officially closed the second MMD extra ordinary convention in Kabwe on Thursday.

And the President has warned MMD members who are in the habit of double dealings that they will not be tolerated in the party.

President Banda says disciplinary action will be taken against any party member playing double standards.

The President has also warned that any National Executive Committee member found leaking information to the press or the public will be expelled.

President Banda says NEC matters are confidential and should not be leaked to the Press or the general public.

Mr. Banda has called for continued unity and love among party members to ensure victory in this year’s tripartite elections.

The President also urged the new NEC members to be humble and serve the party with humility.

[ZNBC]

Kalusha to serve on FIFA Task Force

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Kalusha Bwalya
Kalusha Bwalya
Football Association of Zambia President Kalusha Bwalya has been appointed to serve on the FIFA Task Force football 2014.

The Task Force’s objective is to look at proposals to improve both the attractiveness of football and match control in the elite competitions.

The Task Force will also deal with the laws of the game, refereeing, competition regulations, women football, medicine and fair play.

FAZ Communications Officer Erick Mwanza told a media briefing that Bwalya, who is also a CAF Executive Member, received the appointment letter from FIFA General Secretary Jerome Valcke on Tuesday.

Mwanza says the Zambian legend is delighted to be appointed to serve on the Task Force.

Mwanza says Kalusha Bwalya will travel to Zurich to attend the first meeting which will be held on 10th April 2011.

Meanwhile, FAZ says preparations for the Annual General Meeting (AGM) set for this month end are progressing well.

Mwanza says FAZ is doing everything possible to ensure that the AGM, which will be held in Kabwe, is successful.

He says Football House will also remain open for dialogue and consultations on the AGM.

He says Football House is ready to accommodate all the affiliates, including others he says were misled into attending what he called an illegal gathering at Mulungushi International Conference Center.

He disclosed that some people who attended the Mulungushi International Conference Center meeting have realized the mix-up and are now visiting Football House to renounce and re-affirm their commitment to attending the Kalusha Bwalya led FAZ AGM.

Mwanza also disclosed that the 2012 Nations Cup Qualifiers group C home encounter between Zambia and Mozambique in June will be played at Nchanga Stadium in Chingola.

He says the decision to take the home game to Chingola was arrived at due to lack of a better and bigger stadium in Lusaka and other towns.

He says the choice of Nchanga Stadium will allow for more people to watch the game as it is bigger.

[ZNBC]

OYDC Hosts First International Event

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Youths and Lusaka residents watch sports events at the Olympic Youth Development Centre in Lusaka
The Olympic Youth Development Centre (OYDC) in Lusaka will this weekend host its first major international event.

The $10 million multi purposed sports facility opened last year will host the Africa Zone 6 Junior Basketball Championships that will run from April 8-15.

Centre director Clement Chileshe says the Zone 6 Junior Basketball Championship will be a great test-run ahead of Zambia staging the 2012 SADC Youth Games.

“We need more event hosting exposure in readiness of hosting the Under-20 Zone 6 Games in 2012,” Chileshe said.

“It will also leave Zambian basketball with better human resource through the experience of hosting and organizing the event.

“It is also an opportunity to inspire our young Zambian basketball players to aim higher and learn more from their peers in the region.”

Chileshe added that he hopes the Zone 6 junior basketball tournament will also help raise the profile of the OYDC.

“It is a great opportunity for OYDC to host this youth championship for the region as this is part of the vision of the International Olympic Committee in investing such a facility in Zambia which is position centrally in the region,” Chileshe said.

The OYDC previously hosted the Angola national team for a training camp mid last year who were preparing for their 2011 Caf African Nations Championship qualifier against Malawi.

Nawakwi calls for early dissolution of parliament

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President Banda with FDD leader Edith Nawakwi

Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) president Edith Nawakwi has echoed calls for the early dissolution of Parliament.

 

Ms. Nawakwi says it is unacceptable that the process on which colossal amounts of money were spent has failed to yield desired results.

The FDD leader says the failure of the Constitution amendment Bill to pass through the second reading stage is unfortunate adding that President Rupiah Banda should consider dissolving parliament as soon as possible in readiness for general elections.

Ms. Nawakwi has also accused UPND Members of Parliament of being selfish stating that they benefited from the NCC allowances while pretending to represent the wishes of Zambians which could not be retained in the NCC report.

And Ms Nawakwi says the Rupiah Banda led government has duped Zambians of a document that will stand a test of time as they have shown lack of interest in the country’s future.

She says the failure by the MMD government to enact a new Constitution of Zambia will put the country at the cross roads of becoming a failed state.
[ Times of Zambia ]