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The Faz annual general meeting has been postponed to April 30.
Faz president Kalusha Bwalya said at Mubende Lodge in Luanshya where his faction was holding his AGM that Super Division and division 1 matches will kick-off as scheduled on April 2.
The decision to postpone the meeting was reached on Friday that involved Faz, NSCZ, Fifa and senior governement officials who mandated Faz to make the announcement.
“We do not want to risk the lives of our affiliates so we have decided to postpone the meeting to the 30th of April,” Bwalya said in his address to the delegates in Luanshya on Saturday afternoon.
“We should correct this sickness that we have in Zambia where were administrators take the glory.”
“We want other members to be present because football is not about me Kalusha Bwalya football is about Zambians.”
The Andrew Kamanga faction attended the other AGM that was held at Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka and was recognized by the National Sports Council of Zambia while the Luanshya meeting was observed by two FIFA officials.
Government has reiterated its commitment to promoting domestic tourism through cultural exchanges.
Tourism and Natural Resources Minister Catherine Namugala says domestic tourism is a necessity for the country because it buffers the hospitality industry during off-seasons for international tourists.
Ms Namugala says this is why Government highly values the role museums play in interpreting the country’s heritage through their research, collections, preservation and exhibitions.
The Minister said this last evening in a speech read for her by Tourism Deputy Minister Moses Mwangala during the official launch of Imbusa Mu Kalale programme, cultural forum aimed at invoke traditional expressions especially among the youth.
ZANIS reports that the programme is an initiative of the Lusaka National Museum in collaboration with the Chalilubemba Cultural Institute.
She said Government in the Sixth National Development Plan has ensured that museums are highly engaged in the development of creative industries which involve the establishment of community museums.
Ms Namugala noted that the Imbusa Mu Kalale has a dimension of promoting local tourism because it provides a forum for cultural exchanges through acquisition, sharing and application of knowledge.
Speaking earlier, Lusaka National Museum Director George Mudenda stated that the museum will continue to foster synergies with other organisations such as the Chalilubemba Cultural institute in a bid to preserve the country’s heritage.
Mr Mudenda also noted that the essence of introducing public programmes like the Imbusa Mu Kalale is to diversify tourism products from wildlife to other forms such as cultural tourism.
At the same occasion, Chalilubemba Cultural Institute Director Emmanuel Chishimba said the programme has the potential to attract tourists and researchers into the country and thereby contributing to the growth of the tourism sector.
Mr Chishimba thanked Government for coming up with positive policies which has helped the tourism industry to thrive.
New Revolution Party (NRP) President Cosmo Mumba is admitted to the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) for suspected ulcers and pancreatitis.
Dr. Mumba who confirmed his admission from his hospital bed said he was admitted on Wednesday this week.
He told ZANIS in an interview that he is admitted in the G-ward Bed number eight.
“I am sick but l am yet to recover. I’m admitted here at the UTH in G-ward bed number 8,” Dr. Mumba said.
But when contacted for a comment, UTH Public Relations Manager Pauline Mbangweta said she could neither confirm nor deny that Dr. Mumba was admitted at UTH because she was in Kabwe attending to other national duties..
“I can’t comment on the health of Dr. Mumba. Currently l am in Kabwe attending to other national duties,” she said.
Livingstone City Council earlier this week resumed work after three weeks of strike.Council spokes person Emmanuel Sikanyika said workers finally agreed to resume work after a directive from Southern Province Minister Elijah Muchima.
In addressing the workers, Mr. Muchima said he had found time to come and hear the problems and grievances of the workers despite the fact that he was supposed to have traveled to Lusaka for Parliament.
He told the workers that he was just a new Minister in the province but in the shortest time he had faced numerous challenges among them were the riots in Mazabuka in which where four people were killed and the strikes in Livingstone.
The Southern Province Minister admitted that he was greeted with confusion but that it did not bother him because a leader should face challenges so that he works on them.
He castigated the people who were behind the confusion and squabbles at the council over salaries and service delivery.
He said the people who suffered most were the residents of Livingstone because of the non-service delivery.[pullquote]One street vendor said that ever since the council workers went on strike last week, his business has improved and said she wish the council would be on strike for an even long time[/pullquote]
He also said there was need to leave politics aside so that real work was done and services are given to the people of Livingstone.
The Minister charged that there was poor management at the council thus it was important to get rid of an individual than let the majority suffer.He said if the Town Clerk was a problem, there was need to discipline her.
He said the mayor has appointed an acting Town Clerk Mr.Clement Chisanga who is the Director of Planning at the council.
A check yesterday at the Council offices found workers busy working in their respective offices.
And a worker who opted to have his name withheld said that the workers will go on a protest should they see Ms Dras Neves in the Council premises.
Livingstone City Council Workers have been on strike for the last three weeks demanding the removal of the Town Clerk Ms Dras Neves. Ms Neves was fired by the Mayor Aggrey Njekwa but later reinstated by Minister of Local government Brian Chituwo.At this the council workers vowed not to return to work but resume the strike till Ms Neves was removed.
The street vendors took advantage of the absence of council workers and started trading in the corridors as early as 12 hours.Normally street vendors start trading in the evening from 19 hours when council workers have knocked off.One street vendor said that ever since the council workers went on strike last week, his business has improved and said she wishes the council would be on strike for an even longer time, adding that selling vegetables is her only source of income.
The Food Reserve Agency (FRA) says it may increase maize exports to Zimbabwe following the reports of food shortages in that country.
The FRA has so far exported over 230,000 metric tonnes of white maize valued at over 39 million US dollars.
In a statement, FRA Public Relations Assistant, Michael Mazakaza has stated that the Agency has also sold over 57,000 metric tonnes of white maize on the local market valued at over 10.3 million US dollars.
Mr. Mazakaza has stated that the maize exports to Zimbabwe may be on Government to Government basis as the FRA will use existing diplomatic channels.
Among countries to which the FRA has sold its maize are Zimbabwe, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Namibia and Mozambique.
Meanwhile the FRA says it is anticipating a good crop during the 2011 marketing season.
[ MUVI ]
Armed bandits on Thursday evening shot dead a man and injured two others in a robbery mission in Ngombe compound in Zambia’s capital Lusaka.
The incident happened around 20:00 hours when the armed bandits snatched undisclosed sums of money from a named talk time dealer before they shot him dead as he tried to confront them.
After the bandits shot dead the named talk time dealer some eye witnesses attempted to pursue them but where caught up in the shooting incident.
Two of those that attempted to chase the bandits were shot at.
The duo that sustained gunshot injuries in the stomach and hand have since been admitted to the university teaching hospital UTH.
The Zambia police service’s spokesperson Ndandula Siamana has indicated that the police service has launched a manhunt for the fugitive bandits.
[ MUVI ]
President Banda says he is ready to take up the challenge of the position of party president at the MMD national convention to be held in Kabwe.
The President said this in Lusaka on March 25 when he successfully filed nomination papers for party president at Mulungushi International Conference Centre.
“I have successfully filed in my nomination and I am ready for battle. As you can see, I already have my campaign team, so I am ready for the convention and the ultimate election,” he said.
Mr Banda, who was accompanied by First Lady Thandiwe, arrived at the venue around 09:30 hours.
President Banda’s candidature was proposed by MMD North-Western Province chairman Pinakin Patel and seconded by Central Province chairlady Grace Mulando. His election agent is Central Province MMD chairman Boyd Mutonka.
Meanwhile, MMD member Nason Msoni has dropped his intention to run for the MMD presidency.
Mr Msoni said in a statement issued on March 25 that in the near future, he will join hands with other politicians seeking the way forward for Zambia.
The electoral commission, chaired by Lusaka lawyer Christopher Mundia, scrutinised President Banda’s membership and also checked his receipt for the nomination fee of K10 million before allowing him to leave.
“You will be hearing from the electoral commission soon,” Mr Mundia told President Banda.
Mulungushi International Conference Centre was a hive of activity as hundreds of MMD members turned up in solidarity with the President.
President Banda was in high spirits and took some time to greet most of the members and danced to a popular MMD tune, chwelela.
And Vice-President George Kunda also filed his nomination papers for the position of party vice-president. Mr Kunda, who was escorted by his wife, Ireen, filed his papers around 12:00 hours.
Others who filed their nominations included Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services Lieutenant-General Ronnie Shikapwasha (chairman security), Minister of Works and Supply Gabriel Namulambe (elections chairman), Minister of Livestock and Fisheries Bradford Machila (chairman lands), Minister of Local Government and Housing Brian Chituwo (chairman local government), Minister of Mines and Minerals Development Maxwell Mwale (chairman mines).
Minister of Education Dora Siliya (chairperson publicity and information), Minister of Science, Technology and Vocational Training Peter Daka (chairman transport), Minister of Labour and Social Security Austin Liato (chairman labour), Minister of Finance and National Planning Situmbeko Musokotwane (chairman finance and economics), Minister of Agriculture and Co-operatives Eustarckio Kazonga (chairman agriculture) and Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Mutale Nalumango (chairperson labour) also filed their nominations.
Others are Deputy Minister of Local Government and Housing Moses Muteteka (national youth chairman), Lusaka businessman Goodward Mulubwa (national treasurer), Kelvin Sampa (national youth chairman), Sylvia Masebo (national women’s chairperson), acting MMD national secretary Chembe Nyangu (deputy national secretary).
Dr Musokotwane, Mr Machila and Mrs Nalumango entertained MMD cadres as they danced to the amusement of all.
And later in the day, Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Felix Mutati filed nomination papers for the position of national chairman for commerce, trade and industry, along with Southern Province Minister Elijah Muchima for national chairman for defence and security.
Deputy Minister of Community Development and Social Services Friday Malwa filed national chairman for art and culture and former Copperbelt MMD provincial chairman Terence Findlay for national trustee.
Meanwhile, President Banda has said Government supports the stance taken by the African Union (AU) concerning the bombings in Libya.
“Zambia is a member of the African Union which supports the resolutions of the United Nations (UN) Security Council, and I am a member of the AU,” he said.
in Mumbwa being implemented by the Mumbwa district council.
President Rupiah Banda
President Banda says the decision to freeze the position of the MMD party vice-president can only be made at the national convention.
The President said this in response to queries from journalists on the status of the party’s vice-presidency.
“I am not aware of the freezing of the position of party vice-president. Somebody jumped the gun. That decision has to be made by the convention. I was also surprised to see it in the paper,” he said.
And acting national secretary Chembe Nyangu said proposals for the freezing of the position of vice-president will be tabled at the national convention.
“There was an element of trying to freeze the position but the decision can only be made at the convention. A few members thought that the position was creating problems, so they proposed amendments for it to be scrapped but the decision will be made at the convention,” he said.
“I am not aware of the freezing of the position of party vice-president. Somebody jumped the gun. That decision has to be made by the convention. I was also surprised to see it in the paper,” he said.
Mr Nyangu said MMD members who wish to contest the position are free to do so.
“So far we have Vice-President George Kunda and Patrick Musonda, who are interested in the position and they will be allowed to file their nominations,” he said.
Mr Nyangu, however, said some members feel strongly that the position must be scrapped or frozen and the matter would be debated at the convention.
He also said only members who are in good standing with the party will be allowed to contest positions at the convention.
“Even those who are not in good standing can attempt to file nominations but they will not be accepted,” he said.
Those who are on the blacklist, according to Mr Nyangu, include Katuba member of Parliament Jonas Shakafuswa, Kafulafuta MP George Mpombo, former Minister of Works and Supply and MMD elections chairman Mike Mulongoti and former Lufwanyama councillor David Kalutwa.
And commenting on the decision by the court to throw out Mr Mulongoti’s injunction against the MMD, Mr Nyangu responded, “He had it coming.”
Mr Mulongoti had filed an injunction asking the court to restrain the party from accepting nominations from any member, to protect his right to be elected to a party position.
High Court judge Nigel Mutuna argued that Mr Mulongoti was suspended from the MMD and he had no rights to protect.
[ Zambia Daily Mail ]
FIRST Lady Thandiwe Banda says the launch of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) Corporation outlet in Zambia signifies the country’s emergence as a global business destination and recognises its tremendous potential for international business.
Mrs Banda said the launch has brought employment opportunities for the Zambian people.
She was speaking when she officially launched KFC Zambia at Manda Hill in Lusaka on March 25.
“I know that KFC has high standards of training and will share knowledge that is valuable for all in the service industry,” she said.
Mrs Banda said the skills to be provided by KFC will be useful to many young people in the country.
She called on KFC to take an interest in helping the less privileged.
Mrs Banda is hopeful that KFC will see the good will from yesterday’s occasion as an indication of the need to open up more branches in other parts of the country.
She urged investors to continue spreading the good word that Zambia welcomes foreign investment, bringing much-needed skilled and quality jobs for the Zambian people.
At the same function, Minister of Commerce and Trade Industry Felix Mutati said Government will continue providing mechanisms to lift the Zambian economy.
Mr Mutati said global grants received from the international community will help anchor investments in the country.
He urged investors such as KFC to continue investing in Zambia.
KFC director CobusPrinsiloo said his restaurant is committed to extending its business to other provinces to serve more people.
Mr Prinsiloo said KFC serves over 12 million customers in a day, with a turnover of US$11 billion.
FOUR miners at the Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) Nchanga Open Pit Mine in Chingola have died after they were buried alive while excavating a heap of soil.
Copperbelt police commanding officer Martin Malama said in an interview in Kitwe on March 25 that police have retrieved three bodies and are still looking for one more.
Dr Malama said the accident happened at about 15:30 hours on March 26.
“Three bodies have been retrieved and we are remaining with one. The accident happened while the miners were excavating a heap of soil,” Dr Malama said.
FLASHBACK: President Banda interacts with a mother and her baby at Chipata Clinic in Lusaka
PRESIDENT Banda yesterday commissioned a K12 billion new Mumbwa District Hospital with a call on the district health management team to devise new and more effective ways of looking after public infrastructure.
The President has also assured paramedics in the country that Government is paying serious attention to the various challenges they face.
Mr Banda said the district health management team in Mumbwa should take good care of the new hospital and equipment to enhance health service delivery.
“I urge you to try to develop new and more effective ways of looking after this public property which we will all need from time to time,” he said.
Mr Banda said the commissioning of the new district hospital in Mumbwa is an affirmation of another great achievement Government has recorded and for the people of Zambia.
He said the new hospital is another demonstration of what Government is accomplishing to improve health service delivery to the people.
“As a caring Government, we listened to the people of Mumbwa, who desired to have a new and bigger hospital built in the district. You will agree with me that the MMD Government is a listening government and continues to address the needs of our people in the country,” he said.
Mr Banda said Government has in the last two years built hospitals, health centres, health posts, training schools and houses for medical staff to enhance access to quality health care.
He said Mumbwa has for many years depended on an old hospital which had only 76 beds which could not properly cater for patients and that overcrowded small wards made it difficult for medical staff to provide proper care for patients.
Mr Banda said the challenges compelled Government to release funds to construct a new district hospital with 200 beds.
The President said Government has so far constructed 12 staff houses, including four medium cost and eight low cost.
Mr Banda said Government is also building other health facilities in Mumbwa’s Mpusu, Naluvwi, Namabanga, Kayanga, Shimbizyi, Siachele, Kapepe and Nalusanga.
He said in the next few months, he will commission Lusaka General Hospital and district hospitals in Kapiri Mposhi, Samfya, Chadiza, Lumwana, Kaputa, Mufumbwe and Kaoma.
The President said Government is constructing a total of 33 hospitals countrywide.
Mr Banda said Government has procured ultra-modern equipment for hospitals so that some major medical challenges are dealt with within the districts.
He said the purpose is to reduce the stress and pressure of travelling to the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka to seek medical treatment.
“Another goal is to provide an environment conducive for the recovery of patients and good working conditions for medical staff,” he said.
And Mr Banda said Government is aware of the strenuous nature of the work of paramedics and the heavy sacrifices that are unique to caring for people in crisis.
He said Government is actively procuring equipment and other facilities, improved conditions of service, incentives and other services.
“I wish to assure you that my Government is paying serious attention to the various challenges you face on a daily and indeed nightly basis,” he said.
Mr Banda thanked traditional rulers in the district for their support which made the construction of the new hospital a reality.
“I extend my appreciation to you, your Royal Highness Senior Chief Shakumbila for organising the donation of an ambulance to the hospital. This is what society expects to see from all community leaders and what you have achieved is highly commendable,” he said.
Earlier, Central Province Minister Ackimson Banda said the people of Mumbwa have for many years longed for a modern hospital and the new one is a demonstration of Mr Banda’s commitment to addressing the plight of the growing population in the district.
In a vote of thanks, community representative HlazoKapapa said the people of Mumbwa consider the construction of a new hospital as a gift from the government.
Ms Kapapa said the construction of the project was initiated by the local community with the help of member of Parliament Brian Chituwo who was then Minister of Health.
She thanked Mumbwa district council for providing a plot where the new hospital is built.
Meanwhile, President Banda on March 25 officially launched the street lighting project in Mumbwa being implemented by the Mumbwa district council.
Zambia Police have declared Faz annual general meeting venue in Kitwe at Moba Hotel a no-go area for any delegates.
In a statement released today, ZP spokesperson Ndandula Siamana said the decision was taken in the interest of keeping the public order following intelligence reports that unnamed people were planning to disrupt the AGM.
“The Zambia Police service would like to inform FAZ and soccer funs that the Police Service as the regulation authority is mandated by the public order act to advise any person or persons wishing to convene a meeting or procession on the venue, time and place,” she said.
“The Police service has therefore advised FAZ to change the venue for security concerns arising from the information.”
The development has left Faz-led Kalusha Bwalya’s executive in a dilemma with Police told to cordon off Moba Hotel.
Bwalya said that the Kitwe AGM was the only legitimate congress and that the one announced by the National Sports Council of Zambia on Thursday was illegal.
“The decision of the executive committee to proceed with the meeting in Kitwe is meant to stave off a possible ban by FIFA if the meeting is moved to Lusaka as proposed by the NSCZ,” Bwalya said at a press briefing held at Football House on Friday before heading to Kitwe.
President Rupiah Banda has expressed ignorance over reports that the MMD has for the second time frozen the position of Vice-president.
Speaking this morning when he went to file his nominations papers for the MMD Presidency at the Mulungushi International Conference, President Banda says he is not aware of any such development relating to the freezing of the position of MMD vice president.
Mr Banda referred all queries to the party leadership for further clarification on the matter.
He observed that the decision to freeze any party position can only be made by the convention.
The Zambia Daily Mail quoting sources has reported today that the position of MMD vice president has been frozen for the second time ahead of the convention.
Meanwhile President Rupiah Banda has successfully filed in his nomination papers for the MMD Presidency ahead of the party convention slated for Kabwe from the 5th to 7th April, 2011.
Mr. Banda who was accompanied by the first lady and supporters arrived at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre to file nominations at about 10:00 hours amid jubilation from MMD cadres.
And speaking to journalists soon after filing in his nomination papers, Mr. Banda said he was happy that he had successfully filed his nominations and was now ready to battle it out at the forthcoming party convention to be held in Kabwe.
AND The Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) has clarified reports suggesting that the party has frozen the position of party Vice president ahead of the forthcoming national convention scheduled for April 5-7 in Kabwe.
Acting MMD National Secretary Chembe Nyangu told Journalists in Lusaka today that the position of party vice president has not been frozen as reported in the Daily mail and that members are free to file in their nominations for the position.
Mr. Nyangu says freezing the position is one of the suggestions that party members have made with regards to stiff competition that is likely to cause disunity in the party.
He has however admitted that there were some intentions from the party leadership to freeze the position adding that the matter will be tabled at the convention for scrutiny.
Mr. Nyangu adds that should the position be frozen at the convention, the decision on what step to take on aspirants who have successfully filed their nominations will be made at the convention.
Republican Vice President George Kunda and former Kabwe Central Member of Parliament Patrick Musonda are the two candidates who have applied to contest the position of party vice presidency.
AfriConnect Zambia, today announced the commissioning of its direct fibre link to South Africa in its continued effort to provide the fastest internet service to the Zambian public.
And AfriConnect will in the next few weeks be commissioning a second fibre route through Tanzania.
AfriConnect Commercial Director Ian Ferrao said in Lusaka that the commissioning of the Tanzania fibre route makes AfriConnect Zambia, the first Internet Service Provider ISP in Zambia to have multiple fibre routes.
Mr. Ferrao also announced that the company has commissioned 155 mbps of high speed international fibre bandwidth on the network.
At the launch of its new SMT-1 Package in Lusaka, Mr. Ferrao announced “The launch of this service now means our speeds are faster than ever, with low latency to the internet for all customers”.
Mr. Ferrao added that AfriConnect has upgraded its back up capacity to have better protection against fibre cuts and maintenance downtimes.
He said several months after connecting its fibre directly to South Africa offering less than 100 ms latency; customers have experienced faster general internet browsing, video conferencing and internet banking.
And commenting on the company’s expansion programme, Mr. Ferrao said AfriConnect is expanding to Chililabombwe, Mufulira and Luanshya on the Copperbelt Province and Chirundu in the Southern province.
He said under the expansion programme, some towns will have base stations while others will have technical support stations.
He said the towns on the Copperbelt will fall under the Copperbelt hub in Kitwe which now has engineers present to offer support to all its iConnect customers.
And in another development AfriConnect has sponsored Motor Rally Champion Mohammed Issa.
Speaking at the same event company Commercial Director also announced that AfriConnect will support Mr. Issa through a contribution of K20 Million.
He said in line with AfriConnect vision to provide high speed internet, Mr. Ferrao wished Mohammed victory in his upcoming rallies after being affiliated to an ISP that has the fastest speeds in Zambia.
