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Change Life Zambia Executive Director Father Frank Bwalya has commended former works and supply Minister Mike Mulongoti for his bold stance on democracy.
Father Bwalya says Mr Mulongoti should be commended for the stance he has taken to preach democracy in the ruling MMD even before he was fired.
He says if the former works and supply minister had wanted, he would have chosen to defend the undemocratic tendencies of the ruling MMD.
Father Bwalya says Mr Mulongoti’s decision to sacrifice his well-paying job and presidential favours are some of the attributes Zambian politicians should emulate.
He added that Mr. Mulongoti’s conduct that subsequently led to his suspension from the party pending expulsion shows that he is a man who believes in democracy.
Father Bwalya further says that he has always known the MMD party to be undemocratic from the way it conducts its activities.
Father Bwalya hoped the undemocratic treatment Mr. Mulongoti has suffered at the hands of the MMD will help him in his political future.
[ QFM ]
Two women of Kande village in Kalabo District in Western province have been brutally murdered by a suspected mental patient.
Police say the women were stabbed to death by a man identified as Veila Kashweka 45, of the same village.
Spokesperson Ndadula Siamana says police suspect the man was under the influence of drugs when he went on rampage killing the women and setting five houses on fire.
Ms Siamana says the man has been taken to Mongu Hospital to determine his mental status.
She has identified the victims as Mulako Mutumba 24 and Chinyama Muulo 63.
Ms Siamana said the suspect has been charged with two counts of murder and is in police custody.
[ ZNBC ]
File: President Banda reading the speech in Parliament (in English)as First Lady Thandiwe Banda follows proceedings
A Linguistic Expert Dr. Nkolola Wakumelo has expressed concern over the use of English in Parliament.
Dr. Wakumelo who is a Language and Linguistics Lecturer at the University of Zambia says a lot of people have not been able to participate in parliamentary debates due to the use of the Foreign Language.
She has called on Parliament to allow vernacular in parliament to ensure that people’s views are taken on board.
It has been observed that some parliamentarians with great ideas refrain from the debates due to the language barrier.
It has also been observed that the use of English at an early age in childhood is detrimental to the preservation of mother languages.
In some urban areas in Zambia, there is a growing trend among educated parents to teach their children English before they learn their original language.
To make matters worse, most gadgets that children play with use English for instructions of operations.
With this realization, the world yesterday commemorated International Mother Language day with focus on Information Communication technologies.
Should Zambian parents teach their children their local languages and discourage the use of English in the home?
Lawyers representing Second Republican President Frederick Chiluba’s spokesperson Emmanuel Mwamba have asked the high court in the matter in which he is facing contempt of court charges to acquit and set him free.
This is the case in which Mwamba is alleged to have authored two documents deemed contemptuous as they were analyzing evidence of murder suspect Mathew Mohan.
Mwamba denies that he is the author or publisher of the said documents.
Simeza, Sangwa and Associates have submitted that the procedure adopted in the case is a novel and without any foundation at law.
Making their submissions yesterday, the lawyers say it is a violation of the Constitution hence it will be unsafe to find Mwamba guilty under the circumstances.
They added that the nature of the contempt involved in this case is known as contempt by publication as it emanates from the anonymous articles, which were published, as the order of the Court reads “by the Zambia Watchdog on the internet on 22nd October 2010, and 2nd November”.
They noted that for one to be convicted for such type of contempt, the prosecuting authority must prove the actus reus and the mens rea.
The lawyers state that the facts of the case are largely not in dispute adding that the proceedings were triggered by first prosecution witness Amos Malupenga.
They submitted that Malupenga was upset by the article headlined: “Mathew Mohan: Has his Testimony Damaged the Judiciary: A Murder case that threatens the judicial system”, an article published on the Zambia Watchdog website and which he read on 27 October 2010.
The lawyers stated that Malupenga immediately called the accused and accused him of being the author of the article.
They claimed that Malupenga was enraged because the article linked the Post newspaper to the Mohan case.
Mwamba’s lawyers further submit that Malupenga made it clear to the accused that he was going to expose him.
[ QFM ]
UNITED Party for National Development (UPND) president Hakainde Hichilema’s chief adviser Douglas Syakalima has said Patriotic Front (PF) leaders would be a danger to national stability and development if Zambians made a mistake of voting for them in this year’s elections.
He has also advised the PF leadership to stop basking in past glory that the party was popular because the situation had changed.
Mr Syakalima, who is Siavonga Member of Parliament, said in Lusaka yesterday that the behaviour of PF leaders who rushed to expose what he termed as a confidential document to the public reflected poorly on their leadership qualities.
“Decisions are made by Cabinet in Government, now just imagine that the PF was in Government and if one of the members says let’s declare war against our neighbour based on an individual opinion, the country will be put on fire.
“Professor Clive Chirwa himself regrets that the PF decided to leak a confidential letter which PF secretary general Wynter Kabimba has now gone ahead to publish. What type of a party is PF that is so unethical? The entire PF is so unethical and uncouth,” he said.
He said no amount of propaganda would stop Zambians from believing that the PF had “assassinated the pact.”
Mr Syakalima said Mr Kabimba and some PF leaders had always looked for an opportunity to quit the pact and they had now found it through Prof Chirwa’s letter.
“Evidently, the PF have exited from the pact and Zambians should now judge them for who they are. [pullquote]Mr Sata has reportedly removed Kabwata parliamentarian Given Lubinda as the spokesperson and that he was now sidelining him from party activities for fear of being challenged for the position of party president.
[/pullquote]
“We were genuine partners and intelligently so. Wynter Kabimba has been looking for an opportunity to exit, he tried in Chadiza and Kaoma,” Mr Syakalima said.
He said the PF, through Mr Kabimba and party president Michael Sata, had stopped all the meetings involving the pact working groups that were trying to harmonise the two party manifestos and constitutions.
He said while the UPND leaders were mindful of the ideological differences with the PF, they tried to work with the opposition party to fulfill the wishes of Zambians.
Mr Syakalima insisted that the party leaders were for the idea that they first harmonise the manifestos before rushing to choosing leaders.
“We tried to obey what the Zambians wanted and we don’t regret having gone into a pact with the PF because that’s what Zambians wanted. The only regret is the PF have killed the pact using the most uncouth and unmethodical ways,” he said.
Mr Syakalima said PF leaders should not brag about their past glory because many things had changed since the last elections.
“We had been encouraging our friends that they need to work hard in Luapula because they have lost popularity there and they cannot continue to claim they are the largest opposition party.
“Some of their MPs do not vote with us in Parliament, so how would they claim to be popular?” he said.
Efforts to get a comment from Mr Kabimba failed as his mobile phone went unanswered.
The PF/UPND pact has been rocked by a leadership crisis, which political commentators had concluded is a sign of the end of the opposition alliance.
Meanwhile, Mr Sata has reportedly removed Kabwata parliamentarian Given Lubinda as the spokesperson and that he was now sidelining him from party activities for fear of being challenged for the position of party president.
According to some PF sources, Mr Lubinda was dropped as the party spokesperson because of his pro-pact views, which the top leadership were opposed to.
When contacted yesterday, Mr Lubinda refused to comment on the matter.
Mr Sata, however, confirmed in an interview that Mr Lubinda was removed from the position but dispelled assertions that he was scared of being challenged.
He said Mr Lubinda had been given another position, which was awaiting ratification by the party’s central committee.
Mr Sata said Mr Kabimba was the chief executive and custodian of all party matters, and that he was the right person to speak for the party.
Meanwhile, former PF secretary general Edward Mumbi has said disclosures of alleged witchcraft in the PF are as a result of the party’s refusal to recognise Zambia as a Christian nation.
“The PF through Mr Sata himself is on record stating that they do not support the declaration of Zambia as a Christian nation and if things like witchcraft allegations now start coming out of such a political party, then all what the Zambians can do is just watch and see if their leaders will condemn such vices or not,” Mr Mumbi said in Lusaka yesterday.
File: Speaker of the National Assembly Amussa Mwanamwambwa ushers President Banda into the Parliament for the official opening
The fifth session of the Tenth National Assembly which adjourned sine die on 26th November, 2010 resumes sitting, Tuesday.
A tight agenda awaits the legislators as they start sitting tomorrow.
The house will start debating the constitution of Zambia bill 2010 and the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill 2010.
The National Constitution Conference -NCC-which was constituted under the NCC Act, handed over its draft constitution and report to Justice Minister, George Kunda who is also Vice President in August 2010.
Mr. Kunda announced in November last year that the process of enacting the new republican constitution had started, by publishing the proposed legislation in the government gazette.
Parliamentary Chief Whip Vernon Mwaanga, Monday told ZNBC News that he is confident that the house will complete debating the constitution during the five weeks it will sit.
Mr. Mwaanga said this is because the house will be following recommendations of the NCC.
Meanwhile, the house will be without the input of former Works and Supply Minister Mike Mulongoti whose nomination was revoked on Saturday by President Banda.
Former Sport, Youth and Child Development Deputy Minister Maynard Misapa will also NOT be part of the parliamentary business after he voluntarily relinquished the Mporokoso seat to join the opposition Patriotic Front after being dismissed from his Ministerial position in December last year.
The house will also scrutinize Presidential appointments which have been put before parliament for ratification.
Simataa Simataa Attempts to file in a no confidence vote motion as a members’ item through Faz today to be put on the agenda at the March 26 FAZ annual general meeting in Kitwe failed.
The Andrew Kamanga-led group general secretary Simataa Simataa said at a press briefing at Chita Lodge in Lusaka on Monday afternoon that Pemba United, Mazabuka United and Amakumbi ‘s motions were ignored at Football House.
“Today we attempted to deliver on behalf of three clubs members’ items. What transpired at Football House in the last hour is most unfortunate,” Simataa said.
“The first person was refused service on account he did not had no an identity card. The second person who had an identification card was told these letters are addressed to the (Faz) general secretary and only the general secretary can receive them.”
Simataa said he later made the third attempt to file in the motions through the Faz register but was also told only the Faz general secretary George Kasengele can receive them.
However, Simataa also drew a blank when he later went to Kasengele’s office at Football House.
“it is most unfortunate that the motions could not be received today but attempts will be made tomorrow, the day after and the day after until they are received by Faz,” Simataa said.
He said Faz decision to snub the motions was not only disrespectful to all councilors and general public but also to Fifa and government who agreed on this at the tripartite meeting held in Zurich on December 20.
Simataa said they will also send copies of the members’ item to government, Fifa and Caf during the next 24 hours.
President Rupiah Banda will this week launch the construction of the K97 billion Chipata – Lundazi road in the Eastern province.
This will be during his five day tour of the province.
The President who is expected in the province, Wednesday will travel to Lumezi Constituency in Lundazi District where he will flag-off the repairing and tarring of the road.
President Banda is also expected to officially open the newly constructed Protea Hotel in Chipata before proceeding to Sinda, where he will inspect some infrastructure projects which include a new bridge.
This is contained in a statement released to ZNBC news in Lusaka, Monday by the President’s Special Assistant for Press and Public Relations, Dickson Jere.
Mr Jere says the projects highlight President Banda’s commitment to building a better future for Zambia, by establishing security, stability and prosperity for all Zambians.
He said the President has worked successfully to create strong foundations on which to build tomorrow’s Zambia.
Mr Jere said the President will also hold a public meeting where he will deliver his message of peace and unity ahead of the General Elections later this year.
While in Eastern Province, President Banda will also join his family members in unveiling a tombstone of his late mother, Mrs. Sera Banda, who is buried at his farm in Chipata.
President Banda will be accompanied to Eastern Province by Finance and National Planning Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane and other Senior Government Officials.
Since coming into office in November 2008, President Banda’s Government has constructed and rehabilitated several kilometres of road and built 87 new bridges.
IF some of these stories were not true, they could have been useful material for comedians like Bikiloni, Difikoti, Bob Nkosha, Chibwe Katebe, Dangerous Joburg and others to use during their stand up comedy performances.
But unfortunately, the stories are factual. And if these comedians were to pick on any of the material for their performances, then they would merely be using second-hand material. Maybe, they may even have to negotiate with the copyright owner. Although he has not patented them, copyright is copyright, and they would just have to respect that. And knowing how quick he is to rush to court, they are better of watching from the distance as real comedy competition comes their way.
Indeed, for those of us who are unable to go to the Lusaka Playhouse to watch some comedy performances, we can safely say, we have not missed that much. Mr Michael Chilufya Sata has provided plenty of it. Sad thing is that these comedy performances by him are not meant to amuse the public. They are real action, a reflection of his character. Had Mr Michael Chilufya Sata, leader of the opposition Patriotic Front (PF) been becoming these antics at, say, the Lusaka Playhouse, Chingola Arts Society (CAS), Kitwe Little theatre, Mufulira Arts Council, Lowenthal Theatre or RADOS, then certainly they would have been laughable. But they are not laughable, because, apparently, this is a man who intends to become the Head of State for this youthful country of slightly 13 million people.
Mr Sata’s antics in the political arena are many, that to go through all them, would probably an effort worth a book. But since this is an election, it is only proper and fair that a close scrutiny is made of our leaders. All the leaders!
But first Michael Chilufya Sata.
While his antics are many, we shall start or even restrict ourselves with his latest. Mr Michael Chilufya Sata, having woken up in the morning last Tuesday, decided to do what most active citizens do, scan through the daily newspapers. Upon stumbling on the government-owned and State-controlled Zambia Daily Mail, he took particular interest. Not because the publication was as usual loaded with stories praising government for this and that, but because the lead story belonged to him.
Apparently, Chiefs in Luapula province where Mr Sata had just completed a tour had rejected him, and even refusing to meet him. The only one who managed to meet him is Chief Mumpolokoso, and even his case, it was only after he forced his way past the chief’s retainers. As if that was not enough, most lodge owners refused to accommodate Mr Sata, telling him that they did not have space even when they had, thereby forcing the PF leader to shelter at some Catholic guest house.
Apparently, the chiefs all had refused to meet Mr Sata until he apologises to Paramount Chief Chitumukulu, whom he had disparaged. Well, this story, not the first against him in the local media as there have been countless others including in the private press, was enough to unnerve Mr Sata. He could not take it any more. But what was he supposed to do?
Well, he thought fast and furious, the best way is react to the story is to drive all the way to the Zambia Daily mail on Longolongo Road and confront the newspaper. The newspaper in this case would have been to see either the chief reporter on the news desk or the news editor who would have then instructed a reporter to get Mr Sata’s reaction to the story. As to whether that reaction would have come in the manner Mr Sata would have loved it, is another matter altogether. The other alternative was for Mr Sata to make a written response, which could, if he wanted, have been circulated to all media houses. Even more, Mr Sata would have simply called for a press briefing at which he would have clarified the story, if at all there was any that was needed. More still, he would have gone to the Post newspaper, which seemingly has a sympathetic ear to him and made his reaction. But no, that would not be enough for Mr Sata; he needed the Zambia Daily editorial management to know how he really felt. And the best way to do so is not to walk to the newsroom as he has done in the past. Instead, he would right upstairs were the editorial management team of senior editors were having their daily meeting and confront them. And that he did, first knocking, and then entering and pouring out his feelings.
Surely, there must be other civilized and acceptable ways of dealing with a bad press than this. Mr Sata has been in the public limelight for way too long that he should know how to deal with the press. His conduct, to say, the least was unacceptable, unstatesman-like and does befit a person aspiring to be republican president. And by the way, it is not the first time Mr Sata is displaying this kind of behaviour. For at one he time, he forced his way to the Secretary to the Cabinet demanding that he be declared President and be sworn in accordingly.
Simply put, what drama this country has been made to put up with from so-called political leaders.
The Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) spokesperson Dora Siliya has charged that negative criticism targeted at Republican Vice President George Kunda is tantamount to criticizing the appointing authority.
Ms. Siliya who is also Education Minister says that following the national Executive committee (NEC) meeting on Saturday, it was critical that dismissed the Works and Supply Minister Mike Mulongoti had to be suspended as MMD chairman for elections.
She says there is need to restore discipline in the ruling party adding that all members have to follow the ideals of the party.
The MMD spokesperson, however, acknowledges that it is was hard to make such a decision on Mr. Mulongoti stressing that the rights of an individual in any grouping have to be balanced with those of the majority.
Ms. Siliya further says that it was unfounded for Mr. Mulongoti to publicly issue personal attack on the Vice President and that people should have confidence in the office by showing respect to leaders.
President Rupiah Banda on Saturday dismissed Mulongoti and revoked his nomination as Member of Parliament for issuing public attacks on Vice president Kunda.
President Banda said such conduct is likely to divide the MMD and government.
Meanwhile, UPND vice president Richard Kapita says the dismissal of Mike Mulongoti as works and supply minister is an indication that democracy does not exist in the ruling MMD.
Mr. Kapita questions the motive behind republican president Rupiah Banda’s dismissal of somebody considered close to him.
He says the MMD should have allowed democracy to prevail during its forthcoming convention, other than using intimidation to silencing party members with intentions to challenge for positions at the convention set for 5th to 7th April in Kabwe.
But the Patriotic Front Munali Member of Parliament has welcomed the sacking of Mulongoti from government.
Mumbi Phiri says Mr. Mulongoti has been taught a lesson because he has always thought that he was untouchable.
She says politicians should learn a lesson from Mr. Mulongoti’s political ladder, not think that they own the nation.
[ QFM ]
Nothing makes politics more fascinating than when political manipulators get manipulated by their own manipulation. Chiluba remains a political controversy not so much by the state houses he sold sitting tenants than by the way he was dribbled by his own political dribbling. The self-confessed political engineer tasted the bitter taste of his own medicine when Mwanawasa, the person he specially fashioned, spurned him. Political history has a way of repeating itself, and today it is Mike Mulongoti who is getting to be played by the same game he played against others.
It is undoubted that Mulongoti was a very influential political player. In his admission, President Mwanawasa fished him out of political exile, nominated him to parliament and tasked him with the duty of identifying other political retirees and exiles that could work with the Mwanawasa government. Mwanawasa himself had to go for retirees because he could not fish from a cadre of active MMD members because they were all thoroughly faithful to Frederick Chiluba. Mulongoti got going and his major scoop was identifying a 70-year old retiree from a farm in Chipata. Whatever qualities Mulongoti saw from the Chipata retiree, it was clear that he and Mwanawasa were going to use this Rupiah Bwezani Banda for many months to come. When Mwanawasa won the 2006 elections he quite naturally went to Banda to be his vice-president. Mulongoti’s role had become all but assuring.[pullquote]No party in Zambia holds free and fair intra-party elections. The only fair intra-party elections in Zambia were UNIP’s first post-independence convention in 1968 and the MMD’s first convention in 1991.
[/pullquote]
When Mwanawasa died, Mulongoti wanted to go for the presidency. But realising the hurdle before him, he was happy to settle for the role of kingmaker. He and Tetamashimba made it clear that it was Rupiah Banda who was going to be anointed king. To do this, Mulongoti and Teta became more vocal and frustrated the likes of Magande-Mwanawasa’s preferred successor. But things did not end there, Mulongoti continued with his crusade to the extent that anyone who stood in his way was either fired by Rupiah Banda or out-rightly expelled from the MMD. The most famous exchanges in this endeavour were between Mulongoti and George Mpombo. Mpombo never hesitated to call Mulongoti as “braggadocio.” Banda reciprocated Mulongoti and Teta’s support by giving them a visible role in the party. Additionally, Banda rewarded Mulongoti with senior government appointments.
But Mulongoti’s initial ambition to be president never died down. Come 2011, the only way he could achieve his ambition was aim for the MMD vice-presidency. As a member of the MMD he had the freedom to do that. However, Mulongoti assumed quite wrongly that since he had done Banda such a huge favour, by fishing him from the farm, it was now time for Banda to repay this favour, by fishing Mulongoti from the political farm to the government house. He thought that the only way Banda should show that favour was by either supporting Mulongoti for MMD vice-presidency or by remaining neutral as Mulongoti takes on Republican vice-president George Kunda. But Mulongoti was sadly mistaken. It was time for him to get played, and Rupiah Banda was ready for him.
Mulongoti got played by his own ungratefulness. Banda had already aptly rewarded him by giving him one of the senior cabinet posts. As minister of works and supply, Mulongoti was in charge of all government properties and tenders. Whatever got into Mulongoti’s head to think that Banda owed him more than that contributed to this player getting played.
Mulongoti got played by his own pride. Here is a guy who when he is fired, justifies his arrogance by alleging that he had sacrificed a lot for politics. In fact, he even has the audacity to mention that at the time the MMD was fighting UNIP dictatorship in 1990, he had sacrificed a personal-to-holder car as a marketing manager to join the MMD. While not discounting the contribution he may have made to the fall of Kaunda, Mulongoti should not over exalt his role. There are many people who did not just lose a car, but lost more than that in fighting Kaunda. Pride has a way letting political players get played.
Mulongoti got played by his lack of political calculation. No party in Zambia holds free and fair intra-party elections. The only fair intra-party elections in Zambia were UNIP’s first post-independence convention in 1968 and the MMD’s first convention in 1991. In case of the MMD, except for Arthur Wina, none of its leader has ever guaranteed free and fair elections as currently demanded by Mulongoti. Mwanawasa’s convention is even more interesting in this regard in the sense that due to political manipulations and confusions he unilaterally froze the position of vice-president. He also expelled Nevers Mumba his challenger for the MMD presidency. The only person to survive the great Mwanawasa manipulation is Katele Kalumba and that is because Katele possessed very rare political qualities that Mulongoti should have emulated.
At the ascension of Mwanawasa in 2002, Katele been arrested on a myriad of charges beginning from stealing a motor vehicle to corruption. However, the way Katele got himself back into the MMD’s political limelight offers some wisdom that anyone wanting to challenge an incumbent or the wish of the incumbent should emulate. Mulongoti should have learnt a lesson or two from Katele who in Kabwe walloped VJ Mwaanga for the position of National Secretary.
In spite of all indications that Mwanawasa was supporting Mwaanga for this position, Katele still went ahead to beat Mwanawasa’s preferred candidate. To beat a preferred candidate, Katele never for once insulted Mwaanga and neither did he disrespect Mwanawasa for showing support for Mwaanga. In fact, a week before the convention it was still not certain whether indeed Katele was going to seek the position at Kabwe. Katele instead concentrated on a silent campaign that mixed two important elements: history and tribal balancing. This campaign strategy worked so well that before Mwanawasa realized it, the provincial chairpersons had already settled for a Bemba speaking Katele to be National Secretary. The elections pulled a surprise and Mwaanga had been defeated.
Mwanawasa was not too pleased with the choice of the national convention, however. To not disappoint Mwaanga further, he was ably rewarded with a ministerial position. Telling Mwaanga, “the national convention rejected you.” The relationship between Katele and Mwanawasa could be characterised as the most bizarre of all political relationships in modern Zambian politics. Katele, a criminal suspect and staunch Chiluba loyalist was rubbing shoulders with President Mwanawasa. His political ingenuity and calculation had paid off! If Mulongoti was serious and realistic about campaigning against Kunda who is Banda’s vice-president and Banda’s preferred choice he should have used a little bit more wisdom. He should have used the Katele Kalumba strategy. Mulongoti for failing to heed Katele’s strategy got played!
For now, we wait another opportunity for Mulongoti to get fished from the political doldrums. It may not be for too long however, since politicians have a way of rising from a farm in Chipata to Nkwazi House in Woodlands. Just hoping that next time he gets to play the game Mulongoti will play a fairer game.
Former Defence Minister George Mpombo has observed that the increase in the fuel prices is a set back to the growth of the economy.
Mr. Mpombo says all the economic gains that the country has been recording will be affected in a negatively.
He wondered how the Zambian government will continue preaching about the measures to grow the economy when the cost of living is growing.
He says that good policies that were initiated by the late Levy Mwanawasa will be adversely affected by the current regime.
He added that policies that were initiated by the late president have been bearing fruits, and that it is a pity that the Rupiah Banda administration wants to wipe them out.
[ QFM ]
Fears of witchcraft have rocked the opposition Patriotic Front as leaders jostling for adoption as members of Parliament (MPs) have reportedly been seeking spiritual intervention from witchdoctors to give them an edge against their internal and external competitors.
Some very senior members of the party, who were named, have allegedly been trekking to a named neighbouring country to undergo ‘treatment’ to ensure they emerge victorious in the forthcoming presidential and parliamentary elections.
Impeccable sources told the Zambia Daily Mail the development has traumatised some members of the party, who are now living in fear after receiving warnings through some strange spiritual manifestations that they should not contest the elections .
A serving MP from Luapula Province said he had a frightening experience and almost drowned last month on Lake Bangweulu after the boat he was travelling in suddenly lost power amid a ferocious storm which almost capsized the vessel.
According to the named MP, this happened following numerous warnings by anonymous people that he should quit campaigning.
And another leader within the party is alleged to have been committing incest with his married daughter for witchcraft purposes in an apparent quest to give him good fortunes in his business and political pursuits.
The named leader has raised suspicions among his family members who are wondering how he has amassed a lot of wealth in a short period of time.
The family members said they are worried about his incestuous behaviour and have threatened to expose him.
“The boss is clearly vexed each time his son-in-law delivers the young woman to the office for work. He pours unpalatables bordering on sexuality on him.
“Unfortunately, the young man, maybe for fear of being beaten up, just withdraws quietly, but the whole situation has become very embarrassing and everybody now knows what is going on,” the source said.
And Teddy Kuyela and Kanyanta Katongo report that two Patriotic Front (PF) MPs have advised their colleagues from the opposition party to desist from practicing witchcraft as the party prepares for this year’s tripartite lections.
Luapula MP Peter Machungwa and Matero MP Faustina Sinyangwe said reports of witchcraft in the party are unfortunate and unhealthy to the opposition political party.
They said in separate interviews in Lusaka on February 20 that Zambia is a Christian nation and people practising witchcraft must be condemned by all well-meaning Zambians.
Dr Machungwa said Zambia will continue to be a Christian nation, and urged Zambians to continue to lift their country before Jesus Christ.
He said Zambia is built on Jesus Christ and that the Bible reigns supreme over everything that takes place in the country.
“I personally don’t believe in witchcraft, but I want to advise people who don’t believe in God and those who believe in witchcraft to turn to God because he is the only provider and Savior of humanity.
“Let these people also understand that Zambia is a Christian nation and that it is a sin for them to be practising witchcraft in a Christian nation,” Dr Machungwa said.
And Ms Sinyangwe said allegations of witchcraft will make sad reading to the nation if proved to be true.
“I am a believer and God-fearing person, and personally, I do not believe in witchcraft. It is sad that fears of witchcraft have rocked the party,” she said.
Ms Sinyangwe said if people start thinking about witchcraft, they can start harming one another just for leadership.
[ Zambia Daily Mail ]
Some provincial MMD chairpersons have welcomed the dismissal of Works and Supply Minister Mike Mulongoti for alleged indiscipline and open criticism of President Rupiah Banda and Vice-President George Kunda.
Mr Mulongoti was fired on Saturday for ridiculing Mr Banda and Mr Kunda while the national executive committee (NEC) suspended him for three months pending a review of his conduct.
Mr Mulongoti, whose nomination as member of Parliament was also revoked, was quoted in Saturday’s edition of The Post as saying he was ready to lose his ministerial job and further claimed that he was better than Mr Kunda for the position of party vice-president.
He also claimed that President Banda lacked appreciation for his failure to acknowledge that he allegedly owed his presidency to the now dismissed minister.
Southern Province MMD chairperson Edgar Keembe said the president’s decision to relieve Mr Mulongoti of his ministerial job was welcome because it would foster discipline in the top leadership of the party.
[pullquote]“A political party without discipline cannot stand. Mr Mulongoti knows what went wrong and I think he was wrong,” Mr Namakando said.[/pullquote]
Mr Keembe said there was need for order in the party because it was preparing for the national convention and the general elections, which required more discipline and unity.
Western Province MMD chairperson Simasiku Namakndo said the party needed order and unity, and it was under serious threat with the open attacks against the leadership.
“A political party without discipline cannot stand. Mr Mulongoti knows what went wrong and I think he was wrong,” Mr Namakando said.
He said people should check their conduct as they sought superior positions in society.
Copperbelt provincial chairperson Joseph Chilambwe said discipline was biblical and was meant to instill order in any grouping.
Mr Chilambwe said President Banda showed how much he appreciated Mr Mulongoti by appointing him as minister of Works and Supply, an influential position in the Government, but was surprised by his behaviour.
He said national executive committee members should lead by example and avoid openly attacking the leaders, who enjoy a lot of respect from the Zambian people.
President Banda said the decision to dismiss Mr Mulongoti should serve as a lesson to all in the party, particularly those who were not ready to conduct themselves in a disciplined manner.
And a Copperbelt resident, Elisha Matambo has commended President Banda for firing Mr Mulongoti.
Mr Matambo, who is United Party for National Development Copperbelt chairperson, said Mr Banda had done well to get rid of Mr Mulongoti who he alleged was not a sincere person.
[ Times of Zambia ]
