Government has warned that it will revoke operating licences of all radio stations airing political campaign songs before the date for this year’s tripartite elections is announced.

Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services Ronnie Shikapwasha said in Lusaka on April 8 that Government will not take kindly to some radio stations airing political campaign messages because it is against the Electoral Code of Conduct.

“Both public and private radio stations are bound by the provisions of the code not to air campaign materials before the President announces the election date,” Lieutenant General Shikapwasha, who is also chief Government spokesperson, said.

He was reacting to a Patriotic Front campaign song aired by Radio Phoenix yesterday at the end of a special programme featuring PF president Michael Sata.

Lt-Gen Shikapwasha said President Banda has not yet announced the date for the 2011 polls and Government will, therefore, revoke operating licences for radio stations currently airing political campaign messages for breaching the Electoral Code of Conduct.

“It is wrong for radio stations to air political campaign messages, including songs, when the date for elections is not yet known.

“I have also heard that there is a radio station in Northern Province which has started airing political campaign material. This is against the electoral code of conduct and Government will be left with no choice but to revoke operating licences,” he said.

Lt-Gen Shikapwasha said all radio stations should stop airing campaign materials and wait for the Republican President to announce the election date.

He said all media houses must adhere to the rules specified in their operating licences.

“I want to advise all media houses in the country to stick to the rules and regulations contained in their operating licences as well as the code of conduct to avoid conflicts with the licensing authority, which happens to be my ministry.

“Government has stated that it won’t interfere in the operations of media institutions, including radio stations, but let me make it clear that it is against the law for radio stations to air political campaign songs before the date of elections is announced by the President,” Lt-Gen Shikapwasha said.

He appealed to Zambians to remain calm and peaceful as the nation goes to the polls.

The PF campaign song alleges that Zambia has been destroyed by the MMD government and urges citizens to vote for the opposition party.

The song goes on to state that Government has sold Zamtel and alleges that the money has not been seen to benefit Zambians.

At the end of the programme, Mr Sata insisted that the campaign song be aired.

“Excuse me, can you put our advert. It is not over, put our advert,” Mr Sata prodded the host of the programme as he wound up the discussion.
[ Zambia Daily Mail ]

Patriotic Front Leader Michael Sata has condemned the decision by Director of Public of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Chalwe Mchenga to enter a Nolle Prosequi in a case involving two Chinese nationals who shot at 13 miners at Column Coal mine in Sinazongwe district.

Mr. Sata said that  it was unfortunate that the current Constitution does not protect the interests of the Zambian people.

And the PF leader has charged that once in government, his party will harmonize all the recommendations of the Constitution Review Commissions that have taken place in the country to come up with a document that will stand a test of time.

Featuring on Radio Phoenix program in Lusaka today, Mr. Sata said that  as supreme law of the land, the Constitution should protect defenceless people in the country.

He said  now that the Constitution amendment Bill which had people’s aspirations deleted has failed, the only weapon that Zambians have is through the ballot ahead of this year’s tripartite elections.

Mr. Sata has also called on Members of Parliament to pay allegiance to the Zambian people adding that the country is far much below its neighbors in terms of development.

QFM

Minister of Home Affairs Mkhondo Lungu has confirmed that government has procured anti riot equipment to enable security wings quell any riotous situation that may arise in the country without using live bullets.

Mr. Lungu said government has among other things procured rubber bullets for use by police officers during such situations to avoid any loss of life.

He reiterated his statement that government strongly condemns the use of live bullets in putting down riotous situations.

Mr. Lungu said it was irrational for some security officers to use live bullets to curb violence especially if the rioters are not armed.

He said police and other security officers are being sensitized to be able to use common sense when dealing with such issues.

He however urged the members of the public to always cooperate with security wings and desist from engaging into riotous activities.

Mr. Lungu also noted that there was need to sensitize the people at large against violent activities.

The minister stressed that the police exist in order to protect human life and property hence the need to co-exist.

The police have also been equipped with bullet proof vests to guard them against being killed when they exchange fire with criminals.

ZANIS

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]

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.

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

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 ]

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 ]