Advertisement Banner
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
Advertisement Banner
Home Blog Page 4795

RB warns against Parallel Voter Tabulation

62
President Banda

President Rupiah Banda has said it was criminal for persons and organisations that are not confirmed by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to compute and tabulate election results.

President Banda said the Electoral Commission of Zambia was the only institution that was legally mandated to compute and tabulate election results.

He has, therefore, warned people and organisations intending to tabulate results of this year’s Presidential and Parliamentary elections without permission from the ECZ that they would be committing an offence.

“Any person who therefore computes and tabulates results other than those confirmed by the ECZ is not only usurping the power of the ECZ but committing a criminal offence,” he said.

ZANIS reports that President Banda said this at State House today when he swore-in Justice Ireen Mambilima as new ECZ Chairperson, Justice Timothy Kabalata, who is new Anti-Corruption Commission Chairperson and Edward Musona, who has been appointed Deputy Chairperson of the Industrial Relations Court.

The President explained that according to the Constitution of Zambia, the ECZ was an autonomous constitutional body allowed to supervise and conduct general elections.

Article 76 (1) of the Zambian constitution states that there will be established an autonomous Electoral Commission to supervise the conduct of Presidential and Parliamentary elections.

Mr. Banda further advised those who wished to support Zambia in conducting and observing the elections that ECZ was an autonomous body and the only constitutionally recognised institution to conduct elections.

“No other institution, whether public or private, is permitted to perform any function relating to the conduct of elections in the country, including computation of results,” he stressed.

President Banda added that organisations that would help in monitoring elections this year should exercise secrecy during voting and counting of results until the ECZ declared the results.

He was referring to Regulation 15 (6) (f) of the Electoral (Conduct) regulations which states that monitors shall maintain secrecy with reference to any matter affecting voting and counting of votes and shall not by themselves or through their organisations declare the results of any election before declaration by the ECZ.

“Further, Regulation 14 (1) of the Electoral (Conduct) Regulations specifically directs all media broadcasting election results to avoid unfounded speculation which may cause instability and prohibits the media from publishing unconfirmed elections results,” he said.

President Banda has meanwhile, restated his position on the Parallel Vote tabulation (PVT) and said no one should be allowed to conduct this kind of exercise in this year’s elections.

The President expressed confidence that the newly appointed ECZ chairperson would not allow anybody to carry out the PVT which he said was a recipe for chaos in the country.

“As you take up your position Justice Madam Mambilima, I have no doubt that you will conduct these polls to the latter of the law,” he said.

And President Banda assured the nation that he would, in accordance with the law, render maximum support to the ECZ to conduct the upcoming presidential and general elections in the highest degree of transparency.

He said Government has invited the international community to come and observe and monitor this year’s elections because his regime had nothing to hide.

He told Justice Mambilima that her reappointment to head the ECZ was testimony of how successfully she conducted the 2006 elections.

President Banda said the approval of Justice Mambilima’s reappointment by all stakeholders showed how highly regarded she was in terms of heading the ECZ and conducting elections.

“The proximity of Presidential and General Elections also left me with no choice but to look for somebody who was very familiar with the operations of the ECZ,” he said.

He pointed out that the ECZ was an important institution in Zambia’s democracy hence it required to be manned by people of high integrity.

The President said it was important that the ECZ should be headed by people of integrity in order for the public to accept the efficacy of the election results.

“I therefore have no doubt that in my mind that you have the nation’s support and that you will lead the ECZ to yet again successfully hold free and fair elections,” he said.

President Banda thanked Justice Mambilima for consenting to serve at ECZ for the second time in the space of four years.

Justice Mambilima takes over from Justice Florence Mumba who recently resigned after workers at ECZ revolted demanding that she leaves the Commission.

On Justice Timothy Kabalata, President Banda said he had no doubt the experienced retired judge would serve the Anti-Corruption Commission with dignity.

He said it was important that corruption was fought in order to foster the country’s development.

And President Banda described Mr Musona as a hardworking Zambian who provided his service to promote justice in the country.

He said Mr. Musona would continue to work hard even at the Industrial Relations Court.

And Justice Mambilima said she was ready to take up the challenge of leading the ECZ even in the midst of workers who caused the resignation of her predecessor.

In their oaths, all the three that were sworn in pledged to faithfully and truly serve in their positions without fear or favour, affection and ill-will.

The trio further swore to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of Zambia as established by law.

ZANIS

Abraham Mpaka (Aliases: Ndapuka Shilongo ) Biography

30

passport of accused killer Abraham Mpaka.
Ndapuka Shilongo was born in Southern Africa some 43 years, where he did his elementary, secondary, high school and university studies. He obtained a Bachelors of Arts in Economics in Africa before moving to Europe where he studied in France’s prestigious University of Paris I and obtained a B.A in the French Language as a Major and the Portuguese as an option. He left France and went to England to do his Masters degree. He moved to the US in this decade where he is pursuing his doctorate. He is trilingual.

Ndapuka worked in his native Africa in several capacities serving his people diligently before joining politics. He is energetically fighting for the dignity of the black man no matter where he is found.

The reason of him writing this book is to share his experience when he was scammed of a very large sum of money by the Nigerian 419 crooks. He has given out facts no law enforcement agency has ever heard of. This book is the bible of 419 criminals. It has given not only the names of the materials the criminals use but how they use them. A detailed account of how the Saudi Ministry of Religion was scammed by Nigerians of $432 million, how the Brazilian bank, Banco Noroeste do Sao Paulo, Brazil was scammed of $242million and how Mouar-al Ghaddafi of Libya was scammed of $120 million. President Omar Bongo also lost about $200million to these thieves.

It explores the origin of 419, in Nigeria, and gives the factors that have given rise to this monster in Nigeria. The corruption in Africa and the active role of the Western Democracies with their diabolical, deceptive, intentionally- ill-conceived policies of the International Monetary Funds and the World Bank for Africa are responsible for the high crime rates in Africa and Nigeria in particular.

In his book, the Nigerian 419 Scams, A disgrace to Western Civilization, Ndapuka traces the origin of scams and other criminal activities, which were started by the Roman Catholic Church. The world in the 1990s saw how criminals were decapitating the hands of children and women in Sierra Leone and was horrified. The sad truth is, the Catholic Church started this practice during the Inquisition in Mexico and Peru in order to get gold and Silver from the Incas and Aztecs. Also, the tricks, lies and crimes committed by Nigerians 419 scammers, today like, human and drug trafficking, prostitution, scams, money laundry were started and are still carried on by the Catholic Church. Nigerians learned all these despicable crimes from the Church.

Courtesy www2.xlibris.com

Books:

THE NIGERIAN 419 SCAMS, A DISGRACE TO WESTERN CIVILIZATION (BEYOND SCAMS AND GREED ) By: Abraham Mpaka

http://www.amazon.com/Abraham-Mpaka/e/B001JS6NAI/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1

ISBN10: 1-4257-6465-7 (Trade Paperback 6×9)
ISBN13: 978-1-4257-6465-4 (Trade Paperback 6×9)
ISBN10: 1-4257-9235-9 (Trade Hardback 6×9)
ISBN13: 978-1-4257-9235-0 (Trade Hardback 6×9)

Pages : 172
Book Format :Trade Book 6×9
Subject :
TRUE CRIME / General

Details from official detective investigations and other sources

Visa that apparently belongs to accused killer Abraham Mpaka

Mpaka has made claims that he is a doctor, an FBI agent, and has attended the prestigious Université de Paris.

Current Age:  46
Height:  5’7″
Weight: 150 lbs
Hair (Color, Description, Facial Hair) : Black
Eyes: Brown
Other Phys. Characteristics: Mpaka has dark, defined lines across his forehead.

Traits and Habits: Mpaka claims he is from Lusaka, Zambia. He allegedly speaks three languages.Last Seen: North Miami Beach , FL
Other Possible Locations:Miami , FL
Mpaka may be applying for a new job in South Florida. Police believe he may try to leave the country, possibly bound for Haiti. Mpaka is known to ask churches for money, food and support.

Abraham Mpaka “America’s Most Wanted” arrested for a 2008 Florida murder

64

Abraham Mpaka
On the run for a little more than two years, a man accused in the murder of a North Miami Beach woman was taken into custody over the weekend in Minnesota thanks to a tip to a popular TV crime show.

North Miami Beach police plan to release more details Monday concerning the arrest of 46-year old Abraham Mpaka. The 16-year-old daughter of the woman who was killed said she was shocked when she heard the news.

“At first I didn’t believe it,” Tatiana Paul said. “I didn’t believe it but then I was elated. I just … I started crying.”

Mpaka, a native of Zambia, is accused of stabbing his ex-girlfriend Coty Paul, 43, to death on December 26th, 2008. She was found stabbed to death at a friend’s apartment.

Mpaka was featured on the television show “America’s Most Wanted” three times before his arrest. According to police, a woman who read a story about him on the show’s website thought he looked like a friend’s boyfriend. She called the show’s tip line who in turn contacted police.

“Through her we were able to make contact with the FBI in Minnesota,” Detective Tray Lystad said. “He was arrested at a library in Hastings a suburb of Saint Paul without incident.”

Mpaka remains in a Minnesota jail.

Authorities said they have surveillance video of Mpaka purchasing the knife he used to murder her from a Walmart.

“Without a doubt this gentleman is diabolic,” Chief Rafael Hernandez Jr. of the North Miami Beach Police Department said. “A nefarious predator. He’s a predator and we are very, very happy that we got him out of the streets.”

Lystad said Mpaka confessed.

Authorities are trying to have extradited to North Miami Beach.

Courtesy CBS Local Media

AVAP asks Government to consider printing ballot papers locally

12
Anti Voter Apathy (AVAP) executive director Bonnie Tembo(L)

The Anti-Voter Apathy (AVAP) has called on Government to consider printing this year’s ballot papers locally to serve national resources.

 

AVAP Executive Director Bonny Tembo said in an interview with ZANIS that printing ballot papers locally using Government Printers is cost effective and secure as opposed to printing from abroad.

Mr. Tembo observed that it is cheaper and more convenient for observers from Civil Society organisations and political parties to monitor the printing process to ensure transparency than from South Africa where ballot papers have been printed in the past.

He said Government Printers has the capacity to print ballots adding that Government and the Electoral Commission of Zambia should start preparing in consultation with electoral stakeholders.

He stated that if the ballot papers are printed in Zambia this year, ECZ should also begin to source for its own printing machine to be printing ballot papers without the involvement of Government.

And commenting on the collapse of the opposition Patriotic Front (PF)/United Party for National Development (UPND) pact, Mr. Tembo said the demise of the pact is an opportunity for the ruling MMD to win with a landslide.

He, however, noted that the death of the pact which he said had a lot of following should not result in voter apathy adding that pacts and coalitions in Zambia have never brought about any meaningful change.

ZANIS

MMD sets March 25 as nomination date

55

The ruling Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) has set March 25, this year as the date for filing-in of nominations for members wishing to contest various positions in the party structure at the forthcoming party convention slated for April 5.

Party Spokesperson Dora Siliya announced at a press briefing in Lusaka today that the filing of nominations would be done at Mulungushi International Conference Centre (MICC).

Ms. Siliya said the filing-in of nominations would only be one day and advised party members from across the nation to travel to Lusaka if they were eligible to contest at the upcoming MMD extra-ordinary party convention slated for 5th to 7th April, 2011 in Kabwe, Central Province.

ZANIS reports that Ms. Siliya, who was flanked by MMD Acting Chairman for Elections Gabriel Namulambe further advised party members to apply to the Acting National Secretary Chembe Nyangu before March 25th failure to which they would not be eligible to contest positions in the party.

“The date for filing in of nominations is March 25th, at the MICC. Party members standing for positions in the party should travel to Lusaka because the filing in of nominations will be conducted for only a day and members vying for positions in the party must apply to the Acting National Secretary, Mr. Nyangu before the extra-ordinary party convention set for 5 – 7th April, 2011, “ Ms. Siliya said.

Ms. Siliya, who is also Minister of Education, maintained that only sound members of good standing with the party would be considered for positions.

And Ms. Siliya disclosed that the party has invited stakeholders from the private sector including political parties outside the country to come and witness the MMD extra-ordinary party convention.

She said 1,500 delegates were expected to attend the convention including other stakeholders from neigbouring countries, whom she did not mention.

Ms Siliya stated that the ruling party was a democratic party, transparent and accountable to the Zambian people unlike other opposition political parties that she described as a ‘one-man-run’.

She further disclosed that K4 billion would be spent at the convention and added that preparations have reached an advanced stage.

She said sub-Committees have been established such as Catering, Accreditation as well as the Security and Mobilisation Commissions to ensure that there was smooth running of the convention.

And MMD Acting Chairman for Elections Gabriel Namulambe said only fully paid-up members should file their nominations.

Mr. Namulambe, who is also Works and Supply Minister, however, urged party members to support their party as it prepared for the tripartite polls later this year.

Meanwhile, MMD has doubled nomination fees for presidential and national Executive Committee (NEC) members.

Party Spokesperson Dora Siliya announced that the fees for the position of president have been adjusted from K5 million to K10 million, vice-president from K2.5 million to K5 million while those of NEC members would be K2.5 million.

MMD National Trustee and Republican Vice-President George Kunda has shown willingness to contest the vice presidency of the party.

Ms. Siliya explained that her position of Information and Publicity Secretary in the ruling party comes by appointment and she was not contesting.

“You may be aware that my position remains the same and lam not standing,” she said.

ZANIS

Zesco, Rangers Caf Cup Round-Up

6

Zesco United’s opponents Young Buffaloes of Swaziland have decided to take a trans-continental bus ride to Ndola ahead of this weekends Orange Caf Champions League clash.

Young Buffaloes are due to start off today from Manzini today.

The team is expected to arrive in Ndola by Thursday morning after a stopover in Lusaka on Wednesday.

Zesco will host Young Buffaloes at the Trade Fair Grounds in Ndola on Saturday in a first round, first leg match.

Club secretary Justin Mumba confirmed the match will be played at Trade Fair and not Arthur Davies in Kitwe where they played their preliminary round first leg match against Liga Muculmana on January 29 whom they eliminated 3-2 on aggregate.

Zesco played their match at Arthur Davies while rehabilitation works were being carried out at Trade Fair.

Meanwhile, Nchanga Rangers have returned from their two-week training camp in Pretoria, South Africa.

Rangers will spend the night at Edinburgh Hotel in Kitwe today before traveling to Lubumbashi on Wednesday by road.

The Chingola side will on Friday afternoon in Lubumbashi face Lupopo in an Orange Caf Confederation Cup first round, first leg match.

ZNBC faces unfortunate criticism – Mupeso

67
File: A ZNBC outside broadcast van capturing the ncwala live

Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation -ZNBC Director General Eddie Mupeso says it is unfortunate that the national Broadcaster has continued to be accused of favouring the ruling MMD in its coverage of news.

 

Mr Mupeso says ZNBC has no reason NOT to cover the opposition if their statements border on development and selling of their manifestos.

Mr Mupeso says it must be appreciated that there is a lot of development news from Government ministers than the opposition and therefore it is impossible to ignore such news from the ruling party.[pullquote]Ambassador Egawa says he is happy that the National Broadcaster has put the equipment to good use despite most of it being obsolete.[/pullquote]

Mr Mupeso says the national broadcaster will however continue to abide by the electoral code of conduct as it covers this year’s election.

He has assured political players that ZNBC will provide equal coverage in this year’s elections.

He was responding to Japanese Ambassador to Zambia Akio Egawa who wanted to know ZNBC’s Editorial policy.

Ambassador Egawa called on Mr Mupeso on Tuesday in Lusaka to tour ZNBC studios.

And Ambassador Egawa pledged his country’s support in the digital migration of ZNBC.

The Ambassador said his country assisted in the construction of the Mass Media complex at inception.

Ambassador Egawa says he is happy that the National Broadcaster has put the equipment to good use despite most of it being obsolete.

Save the Children launches report

6

Save the Children-Zambia has launched the Baseline Study Report on the National Child Protection System in Zambia.

The Report which was released in Lusaka today under the theme: ‘Protecting Children in Zambia from violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation,’ revealed that many Zambian children have continued to face multiple protection problems.

Speaking during the launch, Sport, Youth and Child Development Minister, Kenneth Chipungu said Zambian children have continued to face challenges of alcohol and drug abuse, inadequate access to quality health, education and impact of disease.

Mr. Chipungu said these challenges have posed a great concern to the country and was limiting young people from realising their potential.

He called for more investment in child survival, protection and development for the attainment of national development.

Mr. Chipungu said this in a speech read on his behalf by his Deputy, Mundia Ndalamei.

He however, stated that Government had remained fully committed to the improvement of children’s welfare in the country.

He said Government had included a chapter on children and youths in the Sixth National Development Plan (SNDP) and was also reviewing legislation pertaining to children to ensure maximum sentence for perpetrators of child violence.

Mr. Chipungu added that Cabinet had also approved the establishment of Zambia Council for the Child which he said would strengthen coordination and regulatory framework.

And speaking earlier, Save the Children Deputy Country Director, Petronella Mayeya bemoaned lack of specific child protection policies in the country.

Ms. Mayeya said although the country had ratified many key international instruments on child protection and human rights, there were still gaps as these instruments have not been domesticated or turned into law.

“Although Zambia has ratified many of the key internationals instruments related to child protection and human rights, there are gaps in the domestication of this into national law. There are a number of pieces of legislation that cover matters related to children, yet currently no single legislation exists that harmonizes approaches and clearly outlines roles and responsibility,” she said.

She cited other problems as the conflict in laws between customary and the statutory law on issues like early marriages.

He said more needed to be done to address this especially that children made about 54 percent of the country’s population.

The study was also conducted in two other countries in the region; South Africa and Swaziland.

[ZANIS]

MISA calls for separate removal procedure of ECZ members

3
File: Vernon Mwaanga poses for a picture with ministry of foreign Affirs permanent secretary Tens Kapoma in Lusaka

Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Zambia Chapter has submitted that a different procedure from that of removing judges from office be provided for when removing members serving on the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ).

 

MISA Zambia Chapter Chairperson, Daniel Sikazwe said the procedure must be different as ECZ was not part of the judiciary and its members did not carry judicial functions.

Mr. Sikazwe said this in his submissions to Parliament on the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill 2010 to a Parliamentary Select Committee Chaired by Parliamentary Chief Whip, Vernon Mwaanga in Lusaka today.

The MISA Chief further submitted that Article 193 (2) did not make any provision of what happens in the event that names submitted by the Select Committee were not ratified by the National Assembly.

Mr. Sikazwe said to avoid a lacuna, there was need to provide for such as provision in the constitution.

And on registration of voters, Mr. Sikazwe observed that there was general apathy of voters’ registration saying the exercise was only done in anticipation of elections.

He said this was contrary to what was provided under the current laws that provided for continuous voter registration.

On funding of political parties, MISA Zambia submitted that the funds should only be used to financially assist political parties and urged recipients not to view it as a business venture.

He said the money must be used by political parties and the money be made available at all times.

And Parliamentary Select Committee members, Katombola Member of Parliament Regina Musokotwane and her Sinda counterpart, Levy Ngoma also contributed on the submission.

And receiving the submissions, Parliamentary Select Committee chairperson, Vernon Mwaanga, assured MISA Zambia Chapter that the committee would incorporate all issues raised in its final report to Parliament.

Mr. Mwaanga thanked MISA Zambia Chapter for appearing before the Committee to submit towards the constitutional making process.

[ZANIS]

Minister proposes CDF increase

18
Presidential Affairs Minister Ronald Mukuma (r)

A senior Government official has proposed that the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) be increased from the current K720 million to K1 billion if its impact was to be felt by all constituents in the country.

 

Presidential Affairs Minister Ronald Mukuma who is also Kabompo East Member of Parliament said the increment would help Government fund many developmental projects in various constituencies using the CDF.

Mr Mukuma said this over the weekend after touring a one by three classroom block being constructed at Mayawu Middle Basic at an estimated cost of K27 million and another one by three classroom block under construction at Kapidi Basic schools which received K14.8 million respectively from Constituency Development Funds (CDF).

ZANIS reports that the Minister said Government must consider increasing the CDF because of the fund’s contribution in supplementing Government efforts to take
development to all parts of the country.

Mr Mukuma expressed happiness that the money was being put to good use and for its intended purpose in his area.

Speaking earlier, Kabompo East CDF Chairperson Zakewu Kositimu disclosed that his committee had set aside K110 million to help fill in any financial gap on any developmental project taking place in the constituency.

Mr Kositimu said the CDF committee in the area was willing to help
finance any project that would benefit the local people.

ZANIS

UPND maintains pact is dead and buried

131
United Party for National Development spokesperson Charles Kakoma (L)

The United Party for National Development UPND has maintained that the PACT with Patriotic Front is dead and buried.

UPND spokesperson Charles Kakoma said that he is surprised with the statement attributed to PF leader Michael Sata that the UPND/PF pact is still intact.

Mr. Kakoma said Mr. Sata’s attitude shows that he has never been serious with the PACT, adding that it is for this reason that he can not believe that the pact is no more.

He said his party has already written official correspondence to the PF over its decision to pull out of the pact.

He said had the PF shown commitment to the pact, the political partnership between the two parties would not have died.

Mr. Kakoma has further maintained that the Patriotic Front is to blame for the demise of the political alliance.

The UPND spokesperson claims that Zambians are upset with the PF for the breakup of the PACT; hence Mr Sata maintaining that the alliance is still intact.

He said his party has already written official correspondence to the PF over its decision to pull out of the pact.

He said what the PF is doing is just public relations, in order to lie to Zambians that the PACT is still in existence when in fact not.

QFM

Livingstone city council saga continues

24
Dr. Brian Chituwo

Workers at Livingstone City Council will not go back to work until their demands are met by the government.

 

Zambia Union of Local Authority and Allied Workers Union-ZULAWU Livingstone Branch Vice Chairperson Kaluba Masese says workers will continue their strike until re-instated Town Clerk Dras Neves is removed.

And ZULAWU Chairman Geofrey Thole says the workers do not want Ms NEVES because of her dictatorial style of administration.

Mr. Thole says Ms Neves has not embraced everyone since her appointment as Town Clerk.

Efforts to get a comment from Ms Neves on Monday proved futile.

Meanwhile the Livingstone City Council on Monday called for another emergency full council meeting to discuss the way forward for Livingstone Town Clerk Dras Neves.

The council dismissed Ms Neves last week but its decision was overturned by Local Government Minister Brian Chituwo.

Livingstone Mayor Aggrey Njekwa says the council wants to follow the right procedure when dealing with Ms Neves issue, hence the need to call for another full council meeting.

Mr Njekwa told ZNBC news that the Council has adhered to the minister’s directive to put in place corrective measures regarding the fate of Ms Neves.

He said the Council has also availed Dr. Chituwo with the minutes of last council meeting which was held last Thursday.

Mr. Njekwa said the Council will deliberate effectively on the demands of the workers and make recommendations to the Local Government Service Commission.

[ZNBC]

NAPSA free to acquire more land

53
Labour Minister Austin Liato

MINISTER of Labour and Social Security Austin Liato says the National Pensions Scheme Authority (NAPSA) is at liberty to acquire more land from Meanwood Development Properties Limited.

Mr Liato said yesterday that President Banda’s administration has nothing to do with siphoning money from parastatals.

Mr Liato said before touring the US$50 million NAPSA Kalulushi housing project in Kalulushi that President Banda’s Government is not interested in getting money from parastatals.

“Those who are criticising the President will not tell you how President Banda has siphoned money out of parastatals,” Mr Liato said.

He said it is unfortunate that some armchair critics have reduced the land transaction between NAPSA and Meanwood Development Properties Limited to tribal politics.

Mr Liato said Meanwood Development Properties Limited proprietor Robinson Zulu is a Zambian who is free to engage in business.

“If there is another business transaction to do with Mr Zulu, he should feel free to take it because he is a citizen,” Mr Liato said

H said NAPSA bought 1,500 acres of land from Meanwood Development Properties Limited at a cost of K50 million per acre which translates into about US$10,000 per acre.

[pullquote]“Land in Lusaka is very difficult to find, especially to the tune of 1,500 acres which councils do not have. Most of these councillors are busy apportioning land among themselves and think NAPSA can invest in these small pieces of land,” Mr Liato said.[/pullquote]

“In the same area, you will not find land at that price, each person selling land there will not sell it for less than K100 million per acre, so NAPSA negotiated a good deal,” Mr Liato said.

Mr Liato said it is unfortunate that Patriotic Front (PF) Kabwata member of Parliament Given Lubinda is alleging that he has never seen land applications by NAPSA at Lusaka City Council (LCC) when his fellow councillors are allegedly involved in illegal land transactions.

“Land in Lusaka is very difficult to find, especially to the tune of 1,500 acres which councils do not have. Most of these councillors are busy apportioning land among themselves and think NAPSA can invest in these small pieces of land,” Mr Liato said.

He said NAPSA should not be distracted by armchair critics but continue with its investment programme.

Mr Liato said NAPSA’s investment will not only safeguard pensioners’ funds but also help to reduce the housing deficit in the country.

He also commended NAPSA for heeding his directive to invest pension funds instead of keeping the money in bank accounts.

Mr Liato said President Banda’s administration is in a hurry to develop the country and will not be disturbed by unnecessary criticism.

NAPSA board chairman Dominic Mbangu said putting money in bank accounts is not profitable because of the reduced interest rates, hence the decision by NAPSA to invest in housing.

“The best is to invest in building houses which will be sold or rented out. This is why NAPSA is buying land just as we did in Kalulushi to put up houses,” Mr Mbangu said.

He said land in Kalulushi is cheaper than in Lusaka because there is low demand for it.

Mr Mbangu said it is unfortunate that some people have politicised the investment by NAPSA.

Kalulushi housing project manager Bernard Chimata said NAPSA is building 438 housing units on a 40.5 hectare piece of land.

He said the contractor Yangts Jiang is expected to complete construction works in May 2012.

[Zambia Daily Mail]

More condemn Sata on gay rights

112

THE church has vowed to campaign against Patriotic Front (PF) president Michael Sata for advocating gay rights.

And Chief Government spokesperson Lieutenant-General Ronnie Shikapwasha said what Mr Sata is advocating is an abomination and the church must rise against such leaders.

“Churches that believe in Jesus Christ should condemn Mr Sata’s statement because the bible condemns it as an abomination,” he said.

But the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) says there are no legal provisions in the Zambian laws which provide for gay rights.

LAZ president Stephen Lungu said he has never come across any law that supports the rights of lesbians and homosexuals.

He said this on ZNBC news last night.

[pullquote]LAZ president Stephen Lungu said he has never come across any law that supports the rights of lesbians and homosexuals.[/pullquote]

Commenting on reports that Mr Sata supports gay rights, Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ) executive director PukutaMwanza said the church will campaign against political parties and their leaders engaged in advocating unChristian activities such as homosexuality and abortion.

“We are disappointed with news that the PF is supporting same sex marriages. This is alien to Zambia’s traditional values. This is a Christian nation, so it is unthinkable that any leader can promote such things,” he said.

Rev Mwanza said the fact that homosexuality is being promoted and practised elsewhere does not mean it should be permitted in Zambia. He said the church will ensure that gay rights are not enshrined in the republican Constitution.

And Bible Gospel Church in Africa (BIGOCA) overseer Bishop Peter Ndhlovu also said his church will go flat out to campaign against the PF and any other political party promoting gay rights.

“Mr Sata has run out of ideas. If he and the Danish want to propagate gay rights, it will not work in Zambia. The church will not allow the moral fibre of the country to be compromised,” he said.

Efforts to get a comment from Zambia Episcopal Conference (ZEC) and Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ) failed.
ZEC spokesperson Paul Samasumo referred the matter to the general secretary CleophasLungu who threw it back to Father Samasumo.

And CCZ secretary general Suzanne Matale said the church is not ready to respond.

“We will respond when there is something to respond to,” she said.

Meanwhile, some civil society organisations have released copies of CDs containing a clip of a recorded interview of Patriotic Front (PF) president Michael Sata with some Danish officials in which he supported homosexuality.

[pullquote]“Mr Sata has run out of ideas. If he and the Danish want to propagate gay rights, it will not work in Zambia. The church will not allow the moral fibre of the country to be compromised,” he said.[/pullquote]

Committee of Citizens executive director Gregory Chifire has challenged church mother bodies, and particularly the Zambia Episcopal Conference (ZEC), to state their positions on revelations that Mr Sata has promised to enhance gay rights in Zambia.

Speaking at a press briefing in Lusaka on March 14, Mr Chifire said his organisation and the Forum for Leadership Search (FLS) have reproduced CDs they intend to circulate to the church, donors and members of the public.

According to a recorded interview which was played to journalists, Mr Sata stated that the laws of Zambia recognise gays and lesbians.  “The laws are there, all we need is to implement them,” Mr Sata states.

Mr Chifire described Mr Sata as a person who should not be given a chance to rule Zambia.     “This man is not worthy of anyone’s vote,” he said.

Mr Chifire challenged Mr Sata to tell the nation which part of the Constitution has provisions which promote homosexuality. He said Zambia is a Christian nation and it is the duty of every leader to uphold Christian principles, values and cultures.

Mr Chifire said Mr Sata is embracing gay rights to get funding from certain western countries pushing for constitutional recognition of gay rights in African countries.

He said the latest casualty in this scheme is Kenya where some donors used key political elements to sneak gay rights into the constitution.

“We defeated these Western countries at the National Constitution Conference when they wanted to bring these rights through the back door and they will be defeated again by rejecting Mr Sata in the voting booth. Voting for Mr Sata would mean endorsing gay rights in Zambia,” he said.

“We would like to hear what the church, especially the Catholic Church where Mr Sata belongs, have to say about this since it does not support such alien things. We want to know what disciplinary measures will be taken against Mr Sata for issuing these statements in support of homosexuality,” he said.

Mr Chifire said while admonishing Mr Sata, the clergy should give a categorical statement on the dangers of Zambia accepting gay rights which can destroy the moral fibre.

And FLS executive director Edwin Lifwekelo challenged Mr Sata to come out in the open and deny that the voice in the recording is not his.

[pullquote]“All I said is that there are laws restricting people from illicit acts. The laws are adequate to deal with that issue. And in any case, those are trivial issues that should not even arise,” Mr Sata  said.[/pullquote]

Mr Lifwekelo also condemned Mr Sata’s support for homosexuality which is a shame for someone aspiring for the highest office in the land.

He said the people of Zambia should not make a mistake of electing Mr Sata.

“We cannot have a comedian in State House. We need a focused person like President Banda who has performed beyond expectations in two years,” he said.

But Mr Sata said contrary to what is being said about his meeting with the Danish officials, he said there are adequate laws in the country to protect the Zambian people against illicit activities.

“All I said is that there are laws restricting people from illicit acts. The laws are adequate to deal with that issue. And in any case, those are trivial issues that should not even arise,” Mr Sata  said.

Meanwhile, CHARLES MUSONDA reports that the Islamic Supreme Council of Zambia (ISCZ) says it is unacceptable for anyone to embrace sin just for the sake of assuming power.

ISCZ president Suzyo Zimba said in an interview in Lusaka that both the Bible and the Koran do not give homosexuals rights in any society.

“God expects believers to live in a certain way and that is why he has given us laws so that we know what is good and what is bad. If God has not given homosexuals rights, who are we to embrace them? Sin is sin and you can’t embrace it just because you want power,” Mr Zimba said.

[Zambia Daily Mail]

PACT has not collapsed-Sata

178
File: Patrotic front leader Michael Sata

The Patriotic Front (PF) leader, Michael Sata has maintained that the pact has not collapsed adding that it is still in existence.

Mr Sata said that the PF has not yet received any formal letter indication of the UPND’s withdrawal from the pact. He maintained that his party will comment on UPND’s purported decision to break away from the pact after it receives official notification from its partner.

“I don’t comment on gossip, I also just heard from the news that UPND has decided to break away but we have not received official documentation to that effect,” Mr Sata said.

The outspoken opposition leader also refused to comment on allegations by the UPND that the pact failed because of his party.

[MUVITV]