Why Zambian tourism marketing has failed

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March 23, 2011

By Percy Mabvuto-Ngwira, MSc in International Rural Development – Tourism Development UK.

lusaka_sunday_market3 — File: Assorted Zambian crafts for sale at the Lusaka Sunday Market

In the year 1996, the government reclassified the tourism sector from a social to an economic category. This was a recognition of the sector’s potential to contribute to economic development in terms of, Inter alias, foreign exchange earnings, employment and income generation, contribution to government revenues, promotion of rural development and as well as perform the role of sustainable development catalyst (Tourism Policy for Zambia,1999). Fifteen years down the road, we are still singing about the countries’ tourism potential.

The government within this policy provisions has tried its best to realign the industry. In terms of marketing the policy states that “The marketing and promotion of the country’s tourist attractions shall continue to be the responsibility of Zambia National Tourism Board (ZNTB).The Board shall be transformed into a purely marketing entity. Its regulatory and licensing functions shall be transferred to the Tourism Management Directorate at the Ministry of Tourism. The new organisation shall retain its autonomous status and with improved funding be able to better carry out its marketing, sales promotion, public relations and image building and publicity functions.” In line with this on 30th November, 2007 the Zambian Parliament Enacted the Zambia Tourism Board Act No. 24 of 2007 of the Laws of Zambia. This Act is entitled as “An Act to provide for the establishment of the Zambia Tourism Board and define its functions; to provide for the promotion and marketing of Zambia as a tourist destination within and outside Zambia; and to provide for matters connected with or incidental to the foregoing.”

Despite all these efforts by government; Zambia in partially and largely Zambia Tourism Board has failed to market the tourism potential of this great nation. Every year before drafting the Tourism Department budget, the Zambia Tourism Board and the tourism industry at large asks for extra budget for marketing Zambia ‘abroad’ as a tourist destination of choice. Marketing, according to them, is the most important issue in tourism, and, therefore, it follows that it should be large-scale and consistent.

Annually government has provided Zambia Tourism Board with ‘enough funding’. For example in the year 2011 budget Minister of Finance and National Planning Hon. Musokotwane MP, has been very kind to Zambia Tourism Board “Mr. Speaker, prospects remain bright for our tourism sector over the medium-term, in line with a projected uptake in global tourism. For Zambia, tourism continues to represent a key source of jobs, prosperity, and competitiveness, particularly in rural areas. To continue the development of this sector, I have allocated K63.3 billion in 2011.The main focus in the sector will be to take full advantage of the recovery in global tourism to reposition Zambia as a premier nature, wildlife, and cultural tourism destination. This will be done through increased marketing activities, for which I have allocated K12.8 billion.”

Despite this kind of funding, ZTB has hit a decade-long plateau of failure to make Zambia a destination of choice. People in the tourism field explain that a large marketing budget or funding is not enough. A serious, well targeted and constantly evaluated marketing plan is needed as well, and this, they claim, can only be drafted through industry-wide cooperation, mainly through establishing a national tourism partnership with cross cutting partners in various industries.

Zambia Tourism Board has failed us, in coming up with a National tourism Marketing plan that will stand a test of time, incorporating marketing strategies for both Local and International markets. One of the most important steps a business or country can take to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of their tourism marketing efforts is to develop a written marketing plan. This plan will guide their marketing decisions and assist them in allocating marketing resources such as money and personnel time. Most importantly to be included is a method for evaluation and change.

With ZNTB then and now ZTB, we have never seen evaluation and change in their annual tourism ‘marketing plans’. Unless there is anyone to prove me wrong, I have never witnessed at any point where ZTB carries out a marketing survey at the airport, at an exit point or any other place in Zambia; asking the tourist how they enjoyed their stay in Zambia and if they would come back again. With all their international marketing efforts ZTB has never given this nation annual figure of tourists who come due to their international marketing efforts.

In 2005 we had government funded visit Zambia Campaign to date we do not know how many tourists came and how much foreign revenue was earned due to this promotion. Then came 2010 FIFA World Cup where ZTB travelled around the world holding marketing shows. Again no figures on how many international tourists came due to their efforts. Honestly if ZTB could take time and stop to take stock of what they are doing, we could have seen an improvement in the marketing of Zambia as a destination of choice. It is very embarrassing that Zambia failed to take advantage of the first ever FIFA World Cup on the African soil to market itself as a destination of choice; to thousands of soccer fans from around the world that descended on South Africa, to witness this historical event. It is also a shame, that as a country we have failed to take advantage of the internal problems that has been faced by our competitor Zimbabwe in the last five year. Worse with local marketing, ZTB has clearly failed to capture the local market.

Another problem with ZTB’s marketing strategies is its focus on markets that do not need any additional push to come and visit Zambia. Tourism efforts for a long time and in recent years have focused on the European (British), Americans and South Africans. These target markets do not justify the marketing efforts because so many efforts have been put there already. Focusing more marketing efforts on emerging economies like China, India, South Korea, Brazil and Mexico is a strategic prudent move.

If as a country we want to witness tourism sector’s potential to contribute to economic development, it is a mistake to focus all our tourism marketing efforts on the international markets. The new ZTB needs to focus on tourism that perhaps has a local orientation, but with international guaranteed tourists, that comes to Zambia to tour the country, to buy curios, and visit museums and spend their money in the country to the benefit of the local people.

Panji Kaunda as is an embarrassment -Kunda

General News

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March 23, 2011

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VICE-PRESIDENT George Kunda has described Colonel Panji Kaunda as an embarrassment to the country’s defence forces for advocating violence ahead of this year’s tripartite elections.

The Vice-President said when he launched the MMD Copperbelt card renewal exercise in Kitwe on March 22 that Col Kaunda is an embarrassment and a bad example to the armed forces.

“He is a trained soldier and is supposed to be a disciplined professional but Panji is an embarrassment to our defence forces. How can he advocate violence?” Mr Kunda asked.

He said Government has restrained itself because Col Kaunda comes from a dignified family.

[pullquote]“We are not responsible for that if he (Col Kaunda) is broke. He must work hard,” Mr Kunda said.[/pullquote]

“Up to now, we owe it to KK (Dr Kenneth Kaunda), the father of this nation, who gave us free education. Dr Kaunda has taught us about non-violence and this is the name and reputation that Panji Kaunda is destroying,” Mr Kunda said.

He said Col Kaunda is advocating violence because he is broke. “We are not responsible for that if he (Col Kaunda) is broke. He must work hard,” Mr Kunda said.

He said it is unfortunate that Col Kaunda is associating with Mr Sata, who promotes homosexuality and violence. Mr Kunda warned Col Kaunda that Government will take him on if he continues on the same path.

[Zambia Daily Mail]

Petitioners wasting their time-Shikapwasha

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March 23, 2011

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CHIEF Government spokesperson Ronnie Shikapwasha says those picketing Parliament for constitutional changes before the 2011 elections are wasting their time because the National Constitutional Conference (NCC) has made binding decisions on the matter.

Lieutenant General Shikapwasha said Government will move according to what was discussed by over 500 delegates at the NCC.

“Everybody who was interested in this process would have attended the NCC, including the same people who are picketing Parliament,” he said.

Gen Shikapwasha said NCC delegates decided that the issue of 50 percent plus one vote will go to a referendum. The 50 per cent plus one vote is a proposal that a party should only form Government after garnering 50 per cent plus one vote.

“Those who were picketing are much fewer, compared to the 13 million Zambians who sent their representatives to the NCC,” he said.

Gen Shikapwasha said the issue of a vice-president being a running mate should not even arise because it went to a vote during the NCC sittings, and was dropped.

He said other issues will be debated in Parliament, and members of the public are free to sit in and listen to the MPs.

Gen Shikapwasha said those who are picketing Parliament just want money from donors.

[pullquote]Gen Shikapwasha said those who are picketing Parliament just want money from donors.[/pullquote]

He also warned Citizens Forum representative Simon Kabanda and his group against predicting violence.

“These same people are the ones who want to cause violence, which nobody wants,” he said.

A handful of members of the civil society on March 22 picketed parliamentarians demanding constitutional changes before the 2011 general elections.

Mr Kabanda presented a petition to Parliament, stating that three constitutional amendments have to be made before Zambia goes to the polls.

These include the period within which to swear-in the president-elect, the winning threshold for the president and the appointment of the republican vice-president.

Mr Kabanda said the petition is an expression of the feelings of some people from different parts of the country.

He said so far, 14,000 signatures in support of the constitutional changes have been obtained countrywide.

Mr Kabanda presented the petition to Mfuwemember of Parliament Mwimba Malama (Patriotic Front) who was escorted by Chifubu MP Berina Kawandami (PF) and Kanchibiya MP Davies Mwango (PF).

[Zambia Daily Mail]

RB deserves gratuity’

General News

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March 23, 2011

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THE MMD on the Copperbelt has said it would be counter-productive for Zambians to have elected President Banda in the 2008 presidential election to serve for three years and deny him gratuity for the period he has served.

In a statement released on March 22, MMD Copperbelt vice publicity secretary William Wilima said President Banda deserves gratuity because he has served the nation diligently.

Mr Wilima was responding to Colonel Panji Kaunda’s threats recently that President Banda would not get his gratuity if the Patriotic Front comes into power.

“Since Mr Banda was elected directly by the people of Zambia to lead them and he has carried out his duties diligently, he rightly deserves to be paid all that is due to a worker,” the statement reads in part.

Mr Wilima said laws are made for people and because of this fact, unforeseen circumstances are order of the day and laws are prone to amendments.

“Everyone who works deserves to be paid,” Mr Wilima said.

Mr Wilima said as a hard-working person, President Banda deserves to be paid his salary, allowances, gratuity and all other benefits.

He said a lot of people are aware that Col Kaunda’s bitterness against President Banda is just ‘sour grapes’. Col Kaunda has of late been attacking President Banda and his government.

“This is the same man who regretted turning down President Mwanawasa’s request to him to join Government. He was not willing to leave his party UNIP,” Mr Wilima said.

Mr Wilima said Col Kaunda’s “myopia” has been exposed since he is no longer in UNIP. He said Col Kaunda should stop being envious of President Banda, saying power is God-given.

[Zambia Daily Mail]

Standard and Poor’s allocates Zambia a B+ rating in its draft report.

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March 23, 2011

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ANOTHER international credit rating company has assigned Zambia a B+ rating in debt sustainability.

Minister of Finance and National Planning Situmbeko Musokotwane said Standard and Poor’s has allocated Zambia the B+ rating in its draft report.

Standard and Poor’s is one of the world’s best three professional companies which assesses countries worldwide on various parameters including political stability and economic performance.

“We have received a draft report from Standard and Poors, which has given Zambia a B+ rating on the impossibility of failing to honour external obligations,” Dr Musokotwane said.

He said this at Government Complex in Lusaka on March 22 shortly after touring part of the building under construction.

The rating comes soon after another reputable ratings agency, Fitch, assigned Zambia a B+ rating in economic growth and political stability, among other areas.
Dr Musokotwane said the latest rating puts Zambia in an advantageous position to access finance from all over the world quickly for investment.

He said the Standard and Poors rating is an indication that the economy is continuously recording growth.

Dr Musokotwane said Zambia’s economic growth translates into an increase in the country’s capacity to borrow internationally and locally. He said the rating will give institutions worldwide confidence to lend money to Government, companies and individuals in Zambia.

“When you are rated B+, you have a sticker that this is a B+ country. Institutions from different parts of the country find it easy to lend money to Government, companies and even individuals,” Dr Musokotwane said.

He said Zambia is not the only country that has been assessed by a professional international credit rating company. He cited other countries such as South Africa, Kenya, Ghana and Nigeria which have already undergone assessment by credit rating companies.

Fitch, assigned Zambia a B+ sovereign rating in recognition of the huge economic strides the country has taken under President Banda.

Zambia received the fourth-highest non-investment grade rating supported by a stable outlook from Fitch.

Zambia’s economy expanded over seven percent last year, up from 6.4 percent in 2009. Growth has been driven by increased mining output, transport, communication, construction and agriculture.

The rating followed fast on the heels of global recognition for Zambia’s economic achievements in the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation’s 2011 ‘Doing Business’ report.

In the report, Zambia was named as one of the world’s top 10 reformers for ease of doing business. Zambia is also projected to be one of the world’s top 10 fastest-growing economies for the 2011-2015 period.

Meanwhile, Dr Musokotwane said he is happy with the progress Shanghai Construction General Company is making in completing the construction of the unfinished part of the Government Complex which includes a banquet hall, conference centre and offices.

Shanghai chief project engineer Jerry Zhong said the construction will be completed by September this year. Dr Musokotwane said the facility is important to the country’s economic growth as it will boost the country’s tourism.

He said the conference centre and banquet hall, with seating capacities of 1,000 and 1,900 respectively, will be the biggest in the country.

Dr Musokotwane said currently, Government is bidding for the 2013 African Development Bank conference to be held in Zambia, possibly at the Government Complex.

He urged the private sector to invest in expanding the country’s hotel and lodge accommodation to prepare for the boom expected in the tourism sector when the conference centre and banquet hall are operational.]

The unfinished part of the Government Complex is being constructed through the US$28,000 loan Government contracted from China last year.

[Zambia Daily Mail]

Zambia power sector to add $2.57bn.to GDP

Economy

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March 23, 2011

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THE Zambian electricity industry is expected to contribute US$2.57 billion to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) by 2015 from US$1.30 billion due to increased mining activities.

The electricity industry has developed following increased mining activity and currently consumes 50 percent of the country’s generated capacity, Frost and Sullivan energy and power system’s research analyst Salima Zyambo has said.

“Ever since the government opened the mining industry to foreign investment, it has grown tremendously,” he said.

Mr Zyambo told Marketwire, a US electronic public relations publication, that success of the mining industry has rippled into other industries such as manufacturing creating a number of opportunities for the electricity industry.

Marketwire states that despite the market boosters, low foreign direct investment (FDI) and electricity tarrifs could restrict the market’s expansion.

“The fast-paced growth of Zambia’s economy is expected to cause power demand to outstrip supply which will make it imperative to increase the country’s installed capacity,” he is quoted as saying.

Mr Zyambo further states that Zesco’s inability to generate funds internally due to sub-economic electricity tariffs makes the state utility heavily dependent on FDI for power infrastructure construction projects.

Mr Zyambo noted that increasing electricity tariffs and further improving investment incentives for potential investors will improve FDI inflow into the country.

“Providing potential investors with inducement and raising tariffs such that they are cost-reflective will go a long way in attracting the much needed FDI,” he says.

The research finding also says that reduced tariffs may prevent foreign investors from investing in construction projects, which stops the establishment of capacity enlargement projects.

“The success of the industry has rippled government’s goal of achieving 66 percent electrification by 2030”, he told Marketwire.

[Zambia Daily Mail]

Barclays removes ATM withdrawal charges

Economy

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March 23, 2011

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BARCLAYS Bank has stopped charging fees when its customers withdraw money using automated teller machines (ATM).

Managing director Saviour Chibiya announced the development on March 22 during a media breakfast at
Greek Olive club in Kitwe.

“We have decided to stop charging our customers when they are withdrawing their monies using ATMs.

Our customers will now be withdrawing their money using ATMs for free starting next month,” Mr Chibiya said.

He said the bank was merely responding to the cries of customers who requested the bank to consider waiving the service charges.

“We are a listening bank and what we have done is respond to our customers who talked to us questioning why we can’t stop charging them when they are withdrawing their money from ATMs.

As Barclays Bank we believe that we have led the way and we expect other banks in Zambia to do the same,” he said.

Mr Chibiya said the bank is investing heavily in technology, a move aimed at improving its services.

He said the bank will continue working with its customers in meeting their needs and is committed to modernising its operations.

“We have the largest network countrywide, we have 55 branches countrywide.

We have increased our sales terminal points to about 1,100 countrywide,” he said.

Mr Chibiya also said the Copperbelt Province plays an important role in the economic development of the country and will continue driving Zambia’s economy for many years.

He, however, said that his bank believes there is need to diversify the economy and called on other sectors to rise to the challenge.

Mr Chibiya said the bank is taking its services closer to the people and it will continue rolling its new services to the public.

“We will continue implementing policies that are aimed at improving our operations. We are investing in infrastructure and will continue doing what is best for our customers,” he said.

[Zambia Daily Mail]

Parliament petitioned over constitution

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March 22, 2011

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Two Civil society Organizations (CSOs) have handed over a petition containing over 14 thousand signatures on the new constitutional bill to Parliament.

Citizens Forum executive secretary Simon Kabanda and Get Involved Zambia (GIZ) executive director Fr Frank Bwalya led a sizeable crowd of people who gathered outside Parliament to present the petition with placards with messages to Members of Parliament (MPs) while a heavy presence of police kept vigil.

The two CSOs are demanding for the inclusion of the contentious clauses that include the 50 percent plus one threshold for the winning Presidential candidate, having a Presidential running mate and swearing in of the President-elect in 90 days as opposed to the current 24 hours system.

Presenting the petition Citizens Forum Executive Secretary Simon Kabanda called on all members of parliament to heed to people’s wishes.

Three MPs who include Chifubu Member of Parliament Susan Kawandami, Mwimba Malama of Mfuwe and Kanchibiya parliamentarian Davis Mwango received the petition.

And receiving the petition, Mfuwe MP Mwimba Malama assured the CSOs that their petition will be tabled before the house.

Meanwhile GIZ Executive Director Fr. Frank Bwalya said the three contentious clauses are critical to this year’s elections.

Fr. Bwalya expressed hope that MPs will respect what the people who voted them into power want.
[ QFM ]

Four feared dead on Zambezi River

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March 22, 2011

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Four people are feared dead in Chavuma district in North Western Province after a boat they were travelling in capsized owing to heavy currents on the Zambezi River.

The boat was carried away by heavy currents and capsized as the quartet was crossing the Zambezi River from Chavuma Boma to Sanjongo on Monday.

District Administration Officer Mangalilo Sheyama confirmed the incident to ZNBC in a telephone interview on Tuesday.

Mr.Mangalilo said among those feared dead is a teacher James Solochi, his son and two other unknown people.

A rescue operation has been launched for what may seem too late to save life.

Meanwhile, Mr. Mangalilo says Chavuma District is experiencing heavy floods as a result of the rise in the water levels on the Zambezi River.
[ ZNBC ]

8 Western Province UPND Leaders defect to PF

Rural News

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March 22, 2011

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PF national chairperson Inonge Wina addresses the rally — PF national chairperson Inonge Wina y

By Lusakatimes

A total number of 8 Provincial UPND leaders in Western Province yesterday defected to Patriotic Front (PF).

This was disclosed by Patriotic Front National Chairperson Inonge Wina in Mongu .

Mrs. Wina said a group of UPND top Provincial leaders which was lead by Induna Imbwae Imikendo included Kanz Mundia UPND Provincial Chairman, Cornel Makumba trustee, David Muzinda Provincial Vice Chairman, Miss Inonge Mubuyaeta Provincial Chairlady, Miss Rosemary Munalula provincial Vice Secretary and Publicity Secretary Teddy Chimbinde.

She said the eight former leaders defected from UNPD because they were not consulted by Mr. Hakainde before he decided to pull out of the Pact adding that they agree with Professor Clive Chira’s proposal of sharing positions according to the formula of 60% and 40% allocation of parliamentary seats and that Mr. Sata be President of the pact.

Mrs. Wina further said that the former UPND leaders felt that PF is stronger and more popular on the ground than the UPND saying their joining the Patriotic front will enhance the chances of removing MMD from power.

She also said that about 153 United Party for National Development (UPND) party cards were surrendered to PF.

Mrs. Wina has also called on the People of Western Province to join hands with the PF regardless of their party affiliations to enable Mr. Sata win this year’s tripartite elections.

She encouraged all the people who have defected to PF and others who have indicated to follow suit to feel at home.

Katongo Arrives at Pretoria Training Camp

Sports

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March 22, 2011

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The Zambia national team has been boosted by the arrival of more players to almost complete the roll of call-ups ahead of Sundays 2012 Africa Cup Group C qualifying clash away to Mozambique.

Zambia and Mozambique clash on March 27 at Machava Stadium in Maputo.

Topping the list of players arriving over the last 24 hours at the teams Pretoria training camp is Christopher Katongo of Xanti in Greece together with Emmanuel Mayuka of Swiss club Young Boys.

Six players led by Rainford Kalaba from TP Mazembe in DR Congo have also made the journey to South Africa for the training camp.

The team is now awaiting defender Francis Kasonde of Al Hazm in Saudi Arabia and midfielder Justin Zulu from Israel second division club Hapoel Rishon LeZion.

Zambia will be camped in Pretoria at the High Performance Centre for five days and leave for Maputo on Friday.

Team:

Goalkeepers: Kennedy Mweene (Free State Stars, South Africa), Jacob Banda (Zesco United) and Kalililo Kakonje (TP Mazembe, DR Congo)

Defenders: Francis Kasonde (Al Hazm, Saudi Arabia), Nyambe Mulenga (Zesco United), Stoppilla Sunzu, Emmanuel Mbola, Hichani Himoonde (All TP Mazembe, DR Congo), Kampamba Chintu (Bidvest Wits, South Africa) Joseph Musonda (Golden Arrows, South Africa), Dennis Banda (Green Buffaloes),Jimmy Chisenga (Red Arrows), Thomas Nyirenda (Konkola Blades)

Midfielders: Rainford Kalaba (TP Mazembe, DR Congo), Noah Chivuta (Free State Stars, South Africa), Isaac Chansa (Orlando Pirates, South Africa), Venacious Mapande (Al Moqaweloon Al Arab, Egypt), Fwayo Tembo (FC Basel, Switzerland), William Njovu (Hapoel Ironi Kiryat Shmona, Israel),FelixKatongo (Al Ittihad, Libya)

Forwards: Rodger Kola (AS Ashod, Israel),Christopher Katongo (Xanthi, Greece), Clifford Mulenga (Bloemfontein Celtic, South Africa),Collins Mbesuma (Golden Arrows, South Africa), James Chamanga (Dalian Shide, China), Given Singuluma (TP Mazembe, DR Congo) Emmanuel Mayuka (Young Boys, Switzerland), Chisamba Lungu (FC Ural Sverdlovsk Oblast, Russia)

Speculations about impending UNZA closure false-Siliya

General News

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March 22, 2011

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Dora_Siliya — MMD Spekesperson and Education Minister Dora Siliya

Speculations that the University of Zambia will close for six months this year are false and baseless.

According to the Ministry of Education, there are no intentions to close UNZA for the alleged period by some media houses and individuals.

Education Minister Dora Siliya has told a media briefing in Lusaka that her office or UNZA administration has not issued any instructions to close the highest learning institution in the country.

Ms Siliya has advised students and people to ignore the unsubstantiated rumours going round the country.

The Minister also revealed that she has received a letter from Munali Member of Parliament Mumbi Phiri who has raised concerns about reports going round that UNZA will close.

But Ms Siliya says UNZA will not close as there are no reasons to warrant the purported closure.

There have been some speculations that UNZA will this year close for six months due to the tripartite elections to be held.

Some people had complained that the intended closure would disenfranchise students, many of them who would be on recess.

ZNBC

HH is not campaigning for RB – UPND

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March 22, 2011

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The United Party for National Development (UPND) has described as baseless and provocative Kafulafuta Member of Parliament George Mpombo’s assertions that its leader Hakainde Hichilema is campaigning for President Rupiah Banda hence his attacks on PF leader Michael Sata.

UPND deputy spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa has said that his party is deeply disappointed with Mr Mpombo’s assertions that the leader is campaigning for President Rupiah Banda when he has been campaigning for himself ahead of the forthcoming alections.

Mr Mweetwa told QFM that Mr Mpombo should concentrate on rebuilding his political career which he said was dealt a serious blow following the recent ward elections in Kafulafuta were the UPND narrowly lost to the ruling MMD despite him campaigning for the Patriotic Front which came third.

He said Mr Mpombo should also concentrate on consolidating his support for the Patriotic Front instead of accusing the UPND leader of campaigning for the incumbent republican President.

He explained that the UPND leader has been visiting different parts of the country campaigning for himself and the party ahead of the polls.

Mr Mweetwa added that Mr Mpombo has a moral obligation having served as Defence minister to conduct himself properly and desist from being inconsistent.

The former defence minister is quoted in today’s edition of the Post as saying that it is clear that the UPND leader has been recruited to campaign for President Rupiah Banda in the forthcoming elections.

And UPND has said that the collapse of the UPND-PF pact does not mean that president Rupiah Banda will win this year’s general elections.

UPND spokesperson Charles Kaoma said that president Banda will lose the forthcoming election because he is the most vulnerable president Zambia has ever had.

Mr Kakoma said President Banda has no support not even from Eastern province where he comes from.

He said that the Zambian people must reflect on what has happened to the UPND-PF pact and realize that their dream to change the government lies in voting for the UPND.

He said Zambians should not despair following the deaths of the pact because it is not the end of the road but remain determined to change government.

In an interview with Qfm, Mr Kakoma added that it was the PF’s agenda for the pact to dissolve because of insincerity and alleged demeaning statements by PF secretary general Wynter Kabimba.

He said the party believes in moving on and that they are working hard to win this year’s general elections.

QFM

FODEP condemns political violence ahead of polls

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Guest Editor

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March 22, 2011

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The Foundation for Democratic Process FODEP says the continued electoral violence being perpetuated by political parties ahead of tripartite elections does not inspire confidence in the electoral process.

FODEP executive director Macdonald Chipenzi says the situation is compounded by the extension of violence against innocent journalists stating that this is a blatant signal of lack of respect for freedom of the press by politicians.

Mr. Chipenzi says FODEP strongly condemns the continued political violence and harassment of media practitioners covering political activities in the country.

He has since appealed to the law enforcement agencies to pursue perpetrators of violence ahead of the elections.

He appealed to all political party leaders to instill discipline in their members.

Mr. Chipenzi explained that for the media to be able to play an effective role in ensuring free and fair elections, political parties should respect the rights of journalists to report election related events free from intimidation and fear of their lives.

He called on the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) and its officials in districts and provinces to provide the media with complete, accurate and timely information about the election process to avoid speculations and suspicions.

The FODEP executive director has further advised the media to refrain from biased coverage and coverage which reinforces the existing prejudices against women and persons with disabilities.

On Saturday PF and MMD cadres clashed at Garden house motel during the PF provincial conference and harassed ZNBC journalists.
[ QFM ]