President Rupiah Banda has said that the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) will emerge stronger and united from its national convention which begins on tomorrow in Kabwe.

President Banda said that after the convention the party will continue to preach peace and unity as it has done in the past.

The President was speaking when he addressed thousands of people at a public rally held at new Kapiri Mposhi market grounds on today.

The President said that he wanted this year’s elections to be held in a peaceful atmosphere where people will be free to exercise there rights.

Mr Banda said that even investors who come into the country testify to the peaceful atmosphere which prevails in Zambia.

The President further said that he will not be distracted with his pursuits to develop the country by negative critiques from some sectors of society.

Meanwhile, the president’s convoy and that of the vice president has moved from Kapiri to Mulungushi University the venue for the MMD convention.

Preparations at Mulungushi University in Kabwe, Central Zambia where the landmark Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) sixth extraordinary convention is billed to officially open tomorrow are progressing well.

A check at the venue by ZANIS this morning found work on various sections among them accommodation, health and communication had reached an advanced stage with workers in different categories putting finishing touches to structures.

Security at the venue is tight with people entering the Convention Centre going through the check point formalities while vehicles were equally undergoing screening.

A Media centre was also being prepared while a mobile hospital had equally been stationed to provide health services.

The Convention which is scheduled to be officially opened by President Rupiah Banda is expected to usher in new office bearers for the country’s ruling party’s top leadership portifolios which include the Party presidency, vice presidency, National Secretary, Elections Chairman and various organs of the MMD.

The high level meeting which would run from April 5 to 7 under the theme: Fulfilling The Promise of Good Governance and Prosperity for all Zambians’ was also expected to be attended by eminent figures from various sectors including Zambia’s envoys to missions abroad.

The MMD recently held Provincial conferences in all the country’s nine provinces as a precursor to the Convention to be attended by about 1, 372 delegates. The Provincial Conferences ushered in new executive committees which constitute an electoral college to decide on the MMD’s leadership at the convention ahead of this year’s upcoming Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Government elections.

The ruling party has undertaken various exercises to consolidate MMD structures leading to the convention with the Provincial Conferences being preceded by the national membership card renewal.

The nine Provincial conferences passed resolutions that President Banda be the preferred candidate for the party’s top position which has since been endorsed by the National Executive Committee.

President Banda who has been acting Party President since the demise of President Levy Mwanawasa in 2008 recently filed in his nomination papers for the party presidency at Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka.

Other party members eyeing various positions also undertook the exercise.

During a media briefing recently, MMD Spokesperson Dora Siliya said that the party was planning to mobilise about K4 billion to be spent at the convention.

The ruling party has also categorically stated that only those in good standing with the party would be allowed to attend the convention in line with the MMD’s constitution which stipulates that ‘’only people who are members of the party and are in good standing will contest for positions and attend the convention.”

This convention is being held six years after the April 2005 gathering where late President Mwanawasa was elected Party President with the position of MMD Vice presidency being frozen following reports that some candidates at the convention engaged themselves in bribery.

Meanwhile, Forum for Progressive Politics (FPP) has wished President Banda and the MMD party a very successful convention.

FPP Secretary General Charles Kafumbo in a Statement to ZANIS today asked God to guide the President and the MMD at the convention.

ZANIS

A CATHOLIC Church Priest in Lusaka has urged the people of Zambia to vote for a presidential candidate who will bring development and better their lives in this year’s general elections.

St. Joseph Catholic Church Parish Priest Fr. Gabriel Mwanamwalye said people should critically analyse all presidential hopefuls offering themselves to be voted into office this year saying some of them were not honest.

Speaking when United Party for National Development (UPND) president Hakainde Hichilema attended Mass in New Kanyama Township yesterday morning, Fr. Mwanamwalye said political leaders should desist from insulting one another at the expense of national development.

He also implored politicians to deal with issues of tribalism that have characterized some political parties and advised them to embrace one another.

Fr. Mwanamwalye also called on political leaders not to use young people to peddle violence during campaigns.

ZANIS

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

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.

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

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

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

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 ]