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Lusaka International Airport: The building and work ethics

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The sun setting over the Lusaka International airport

by Gerald Nkisu Katayi

Lusaka International Airport is the gateway to many destinations around the world from Zambia. Even though it is an “International Airport” there is nothing international about it. The main building called Lusaka International Airport which is supposed to be a symbolic building is nothing but a historical monument. Upon arrival as Zambians coming home, our embarrassment is that, one is met by the desolate, lifeless, ancient-looking main airport building.

Why is the government not doing something about revamping this old building? Let them give it a befitting overhaul as this building has served us well over the years. Whilst it may be structurally sound and fit for basic purposes; it has indeed been neglected somewhat and is crying out for a full face-lift. Is the government comfortable with the perceived level of ‘third world infrastructure?’ Our counterparts have been elevated to ‘developing world’ status with stunning airport buildings to present to the world, but Zambia is still “the real Africa.”

The ugliness of the airport is not limited to the dilapidated building; work ethics and services rendered at this airport are of great concern. Cohesion, intimidation, and begging by workers are so rampant. Each time I go on vacation, something sinister shows up at the airport. I had 23x3kg luggage allowance round trip; when leaving Lusaka, I only had 1×30 kg. I was told my bag was “overweight,” that I should pay and buy another bag for the extra 7kg. I showed the benefits of my ticket, the officer just glanced at it. I had to trash the 7 kg.

On another trip an airline had changed my transit dates. Initially I was supposed to transit in London for two days before connecting to Zambia. On my way back the lady at the airport demanded a $100 for the “change of dates.” I tried to explain, but she was adamant. I had to contact the airline who came to my rescue.

This other time, I had bought dry fish. I was told to “throw” it away because it was not “allowed” at my destination. I asked this officer to take the fish from my bag and throw it away as I was not going to do so. I went through with my fish.

Whilst at the airport, I gave some money to a friend for my project before he left. After my bags were checked in; an officer asked me for money. I don’t have, was my response. “I just saw you giving money to the man who was with you,” he insisted. Well, what has that got to do with you? And how can I just be giving money to strangers? I walked away.

My bags went missing each time I come through South Africa. I was advised to check with the airport the following day. By them holding my bag(s) and I picking the bags the following day; I become a sacrificial lamb; money exchanged hands as though my bags were being delivered to my residence. Last December my bag went “missing,” I was given a form to fill in and check with them the following day. I looked at this lady in the face and told her to give me my bag or else I will make a lot of noise because I knew what was going on…A few minutes later my bag was “found.”

Words like, “you are leaving us hungry,” “you are the people enjoying out there,” “leave me something for lunch” etc. are repeated by workers as one leaves the airport. There’s too much greed at this airport; this attitude will tarnished the image of Zambia if it continues.

Government maintains stance on windfall taxes

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Finance and National Planning Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane

Government has maintained its stance that it will not re-introduce the windfall taxes on mining companies. Finance and National Planning Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane said the windfall tax was an illusion and a mistake on the part of government.

Dr. Musokotwane said the scrapping off of such taxes on mining companies has been done in the best interest of the mining sector in the country.

The minister said the move will in the next five years trigger about one third of government’s revenue collection from the mining sector.

He has assured Zambians of a fair share of wealth in the mining sector through other taxes that exist adding that it will not be fair to impose exorbitant taxes that no other country in world charges.

Dr. Musokotwane said government will be creating a problem by overcharging mining companies as this will discourage investment in new undertakings.

The minister was speaking last evening when he featured on a QFM’s Monday Nite Live program.

QFM

PF cadres storm TV stations

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PF cadres

PATRIOTIC Front cadres at the weekend stormed two privately-owned television stations, Muvi and Mobi, to register their grievances about a programme produced by freelance journalist ChandaChimba III dubbed Stand Up for Zambia.

But the MMD has condemned the PF cadres for trying to intimidate the media.

MMD committee for party modernisation national chairman Chiwele Maimisa said the action by PF cadres was not only an attempt to silence the media, but also an indicator of what would happen if the PF formed Government.

Mr Maimisa told ZANIS in an interview in Lusaka on March 6 the PF does not respect press freedom and will do anything to try and intimidate the media.

He said if PF cadres are not happy with Mr Chimba’s programme, they should ask their president, Michael Sata, to refute the contents of the programme.

Mr Maimisa said Zambia enjoys the freedom of the press and, therefore, Zambians should not allow the PF to silence the media.

Mobi news editor Chenda Sendeme confirmed that PF cadres on March 6 went to the station to present a statement concerning their displeasure over Mr Chimba’sStand up for Zambia programme.

“The cadres came to present their statement, airing their complaint on the programme presented by Chanda Chimba III,” she said.

Muvi TV managing editor Costa Mwansa confirmed that PF cadres went to the station to issue a statement complaining against the content of Mr Chimba’s programme.

“Yes, they came in to the station like any other group comes in, and they expressed their views on Chanda Chimba’s programme and we aired them,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Youth Student Movement has condemned the acts by PF youths, saying the act is barbaric and uncivilised.

Movement secretary general Tobias Kafumukache said in an interview in Lusaka on March 7 that PF youths should dialogue with Mr Chimba and not storm the TV stations to present their grievances.

Mr Kafumukache said PF youths should not use barbaric means to solve their problems because Zambia is a civilised country.

“We strongly condemn PF youths for storming Muvi and Mobi in the manner they did because this goes to show that they do not have ideas on how to dialogue,” he said.

Mr Kafumukache said it is surprising PF youths want to physically sort out Mr Chimba when PF president Michael Sata is on record as having said that he is happy the freelance journalist is campaigning for him.

Zambia Union of Journalists (ZUJ) general secretary Angela Chishimba said political parties must educate their members on the role of the media.

Ms Chishimba said journalists are not politicians and their profession must be respected like other professions.

[Zambia Daily Mail]

HH is experienced enough to be Republican President

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The United Party for National Development (UPND) has said its leader Hakainde Hichilema Hichilema has enough experience in leadership to make a very good President.

UPND Secretary General Winston Chibwe said time has come for the country to have a new crop of leaders because old politicians have failed to deliver development to the people despite claiming to have political experience.

But when asked to clarify on the alleged pull out of the UPND from the pact, the UPND secretary general declined to comment.

The UPND has reportedly pulled out of the PF/UPND pact which has been rocked by wrangling between the two parties.

Meanwhile the UPND has said the proposals made by the party chairperson for International Relations Professor Clive Chirwa on the UPND-PF pact have not been discussed at the party’s national management level.

UPND secretary general Winston Chibwe said Professor Chirwa’s proposals were just one of the many proposals that were made but that the PF was quick to publicize them.

Mr. Chibwe was reacting to a statement made by UPND Luapula province coordinator Jones Mutimushi that that the proposals made by the Professor Chirwa on the pact are realistic and that the UPND president should accept them.

QFM

RB off to South Africa

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President Banda talks closely to vice president George Kunda

President Rupiah Banda is in South Africa at the invitation of Thomson  Reuters Foundation to speak at its first ever Africa Investment Summit.

The President who left aboard the Presidential Challenger Monday afternoon is accompanied by First Lady Thandiwe Banda.

He was seen off by Vice President George Kunda, Defence Chiefs and some Cabinet Ministers.

President Banda has been invited by the foundation, which is a leading global news and information company, to speak at its first ever Africa Investment Summit to be held in South Africa.

The President is expected to join top politicians, Executives and investors to explore the opportunities and challenges facing investors in Africa.

The inaugural Africa Investment summit will be held from the 7th to 10th of March 2011.

Reuters Bureau Chief for Southern Africa, Marius Bosch said foreign investors and many Reuters clients are increasingly interested in Zambia and its investments prospects.

Special Assistant to the President for Press and Public Relations Dickson Jere said in a statement released to ZNBC ahead of the President’s departure that delivering economic prosperity to all Zambians has been at the heart of President Banda ‘s policies.

Mr. Jere said the President and his government have worked successfully to build strong foundations for tomorrows’ Zambia.

Great achievements have been made in improving economic stability.

[ZNBC]

One billion Kwacha for Chiluba’s House

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Flashback: Former president Frederick Chiluba talks to Chief State of Protocol Bob Samakai after the funeral of late former Minister Gabriel Maka in Lusaka

The Ministry of Works and Supply has an allocation of 1-billion Kwacha in this year’s budget, to start constructing Second Republican President FREDERICK CHILUBA’s house.

 

Works and Supply Permanent Secretary WATSON NG’AMBI said this in an interview in Lusaka on Monday.

Mr NG’AMBI however said the Ministry is waiting for the Office of the Second Republican President and the Ministry of Lands to identify land where the house for the former Head of State will be built.

He says once Dr. CHILUBA and the Ministry of Lands agree on the land, his Ministry is ready to start construction works.

Mr. NG’AMBI said works on Dr CHILUBA’s house had stalled because the former Head of State preferred his house to be constructed on BAOBAB land on Kafue road.

However the BAOBAB land belongs to Legacy holdings a situation which has necessitated the Ministry of Lands to take up the matter of negotiating with Legacy Holdings or identifying another piece of land.

ZNBC

Weekend Scorecard: Rangers Beat Pirates

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Nchanga Rangers this afternoon beat Orlando Pirates in their first friendly match on their two-week pre-season training camp in South Africa.

Rangers beat Pirates 2-0 at Johannesburg Stadium this afternoon.

The two sides were 0-0 going into halftime before Rangers scored both their goals in the last 25 minutes of the match.

Floyd Phiri was first on target in the 68th minute before Lewis Macha got the second and final goal for rangers 10
minutes before fulltime.

Rangers are scheduled to play Amatuks this on Tuesday in Pretoria in their second friendly game.
Samuel “zoom” Ndhlovu Charity Shield Final

06/03/2011

Arthur Davies Stadium, Kitwe
Zesco United 3 (Kangwa Chileshe 40″, Aflred Luputa 45″, Innocent Mwaba 81″)-Nkana 0
TOP SCORERS

06/03/2011
Kangwa Chileshe (Zesco): 4

Lewis Macha (Nchanga Rangers): 3

Portipher Zulu (Zesco United): 2

Innocent Mwaba (Zesco United): 1
Alfred Luputa (Zesco United):1
Enock Sakala (Zesco United): 1
Dears Kakunta (Green Buffaloes): 1
Chakwa Lungu (Zesco United) 1
Jackson Mwanza (Zesco United):1
Alfred Luputa (Zesco United): 1
William Chinse (Nkana): 1
Raynold Kampamba (Nkana): 1
Allan Kombe (Nkana): 1

NSCZ to meet FAZ

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National Sports Council of Zambia chairman Chifumu Banda

The National Sports Council of Zambia will soon engage the Football Association of Zambia on the inclusion of a vote of No Confidence notice on the agenda of the FAZ AGM.

This follows FAZ’s refusal to include the motion on the agenda as agreed during a meeting held with FIFA last year.

National Sports Council of Zambia Chairperson CHIFUMU BANDA says the role of the National Council of Zambia and the ministry of Sports who attended a meeting in Zurich was to ensure the motion was included on the agenda.

BANDA said the Sports Council will issue a comprehensive statement on the matter.

He said in an interview that it is the wish of the Sports Council that the problems that have rocked FAZ come to an end for the development of football in the country.

On Saturday, FAZ Interim General Secretary SIMATAA SIMATAA said the Kalusha Bwalya led FAZ executive had rejected the vote of no confidence motion by Mazabuka United to be included on AGM agenda.

SIMATAA who is also Amakumbi Stars proprietor however said only Mazabuka United had written to FAZ to include the vote of no confidence motion at the March 26 FAZ Annual General Meeting and not the two thirds majority.

SIMAATA said the petitioners had therefore called for an Emergency Council Meeting in Ndola on March 25, 2011 for members to make their final decision.

And FAZ Vice President Boniface Mwamelo also confirmed that that only MAZABUKA united had written to the association and NOT the two thirds majority to have the vote of no confidence included as an agenda item at the March 26 AGM in Kitwe.

Mwamelo said FAZ was however still open to receive submissions and requests from clubs for inclusion on the agenda of the AGM.

ZNBC

Gender minster warns women involved in drug trafficking curtails cartels

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Gender Minister Sarah Sayifwanda talks to United Nations Development Programme Country Director Viola Morgan

Gender and Women in Development Minister Sarah Sayifwanda has warned Zambian women involved in drug trafficking curtails cartels to desist from the practice.

Mrs Sayifwanda says women should instead engage in other development activities such as agriculture.

Mrs. Sayifwanda says Government is saddened by the increasing number of Zambian women involved in drug trafficking and illegal activities saying that this trend is denting the name of the women folk in the country.

The Minister was speaking in Lusaka on Monday during the International Women’s Day motivational talk hosted by Standard Chartered Bank Zambia.

She said there are a lot of things that women can engage themselves in to raise funds other than drug trafficking.

“As the country joins the rest of the world in commemorating the International Women’s Day which falls tomorrow (Tuesday) Zambian women should learn from other countries who have strived to succeed by engaging in meaningful
Activities”, she said.

Mrs Sayifwanda encouraged women staff at the bank to compete for higher posts as their male colleagues.

She said women staff and the rest in the country should shy away from contesting various positions in their work places and respective political parties.

She observed that all the Ministries and Constituencies headed by women have performed better which only indicates that women are better leaders.

Mrs Sayifwanda said government has shown its commitment to championing issues affecting women by creating a gender desk and a Ministry of Gender to represent women in Cabinet.

And Standard Chartered Bank Managing Director Mizinga Melu observed that women have contributed greatly to the world’s Growth Domestic Product (GDP).

Ms. Melu however says despite their valuable contribution, women globally do not enjoy the full benefits in the workforce as the wage gap remains sizeable with women earning 15 percent less than men for the same job.

The bank’s Managing Director noted than the unemployment levels of women is also higher than that of men.

She has called on companies to adopt measures to support stronger female talent pipelines.

[ZNBC]

Panji Kaunda challenged to name people Levy sent to ask him to join MMD

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Panji Kaunda

The African Institute of Democracy and Good Governance AIDGG has challenged Colonel Panji Kaunda to name the people the late President Levy Mwanawasa sent inviting him to join the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD).

AIDGG Head of Public Relation Thabo Kawana has challenged Colonel Kaunda to name the emissaries which the late president sent promising him the post of vice presidency if he joined the MMD in order for the people of Zambia to believe his story.

Mr Kawana has also called on Colonel Kaunda to tone down on his statements in the media. He told ZNBC News in Kitwe today that Colonel PanjiI’s continued use of the term “bloodshed” in his media interviews is not good for the peace of the nation.

He said that Colonel Kaunda has continued to issue inflammatory statements to the media which have the potential to incite violence in the country especially among the youths.

Mr Kawana was reacting to a story in today’s edition of the Post Newspaper story in which Colonel Kaunda was quoted as saying that the MMD would kill to stay in power.

He said that Colonel Kaunda is free to participate in the political debate of country without referring to killing every time he issues a statement to the media.

ZNBC

Stay way from Zambian politics, Katumbi advised

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FLASHBACK: President Banda with DRC Katanga Governor Moses Katumbi at the Umutomboko ceremony in Mwansabombwe.

The Anti Voter Apathy Project (AVAP) has advised foreigners to keep away from Zambia’s political scenario.

AVAP Executive Director Bonnie Tembo has said that the Democratic Republic of Congo Katanga province Governor Moses Katumbi should be reminded that Zambia is both a Christian and Democratic nation and that no one has the right to suppress those with divergent views.

Mr. Tembo said in a democracy a strong opposition and vibrant civil society are necessary to provide checks and balances.

He said Katumbi’s remarks describing opposition leaders as making noise like empty tins is an insult to Zambia’s hard won democracy.

He added that Zambia is in an election year ad does not need foreign interference in the country’s politics.

Mr. Tembo has since advised opposition political party leaders and Zambians to dismiss the statement attributed to Mr Katumbi with the contempt it deserves.

He has further appealed to Zambians to observe law and order to ensure elections are held based on real issues and promotion of clean and peaceful campaigns.

QFM

MMD Youths go for Rupiah

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The youths are optimistic that President Banda will do well because of good policies his Government has put in place to empower youths.

District Youth ChairmanMacpherson Mumba says President Banda’s Government has clearly demonstrated and set aside an agenda for young people’s development.

Mr. Mumba says the youths are now empowered to effectively contribute to the development of the country.

He says most youths in the country are self-reliant because they are beneficiaries of resources from the Youth Empowerment Fund and from the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC).

Mr. MUMBA has also urged youths in the country to play a key role in this year’s elections by ensuring that President Banda is given a fresh mandate in office.

Mr. Mumba told ZNBC News in Mufulira that youths should not be used as tools of violence by selfish political leaders.

The MMD youths in the border town have also declared their support for President Banda and vice president George Kunda at the forthcoming MD party convention.
[ ZNBC ]

Two Zambian women nabbed for drug trafficking

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Two Zambian women have been arrested in Pakistan and South Africa for drug trafficking, the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has said.

DEC spokesperson, John Nyawali said in a Press statement yesterday that, Christine Musonda Banda, 35, was arrested at Benazir Bhutto International Airport in Islamabad after she was found carrying 860 grammes of heroine concealed in her pedicure brushes.

He said Banda, a resident of Libala Stage one in Lusaka, was arrested by the Anti-Narcotics Force during a routine check-in process as she was about to go to Mozambique on an Emirates Airline flight.

She was detained at a prison in Rawalpindi waiting for her case to be concluded.
Mr Nyawali said Banda was believed to have sourced the drugs from Afghanistan.

And a 24-year-old woman has been arrested in South Africa for trafficking in 332 grammes of heroin.

Mr Nyawali said Catherine Mukala was arrested at Oliver Tambo International Airport on her arrival from Pakistan.

He said Mukala had swallowed the heroin as a mode of concealment.
Mr Nyawali said this brings the number of Zambian women arrested abroad for drug trafficking in the last two years to 47 out of which, four have since died in different Asian prisons.

He appealed to Zambians to take advantage of this year’s commemoration of the International Women’s Day to denounce the increasing cases of women drug traffickers and reflect on finding solutions to the growing problem.

Mr Nyawali also said 59 people were arrested countrywide in the last seven days for trafficking in different quantities of cannabis with a total weight of 1.5 tonnes.
[ Times of Zambia ]

Exclusion of the no-confidence vote motion is a defiance to RB, FIFA and CAF

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FAZ interim Committee secretary General Simataa Simataa

AMAKUMBI Stars proprietor, Simataa Simataa has charged that the Kalusha Bwalya led FAZ has defied Republican President Rupiah Banda, FIFA and CAF by excluding the no-confidence vote motion on the agenda for the crucial March 26 annual general meeting (AGM).

Simataa said President Banda, who is FAZ patron, went out of his way to organise a meeting with FIFA at a great cost to help resolve the squabbles that beset the local football administration.

He said the FIFA meeting held in Switzerland on December 20 last year resolved that a no-confidence vote could be tabled at the next FAZ AGM as long as some members requested for its inclusion on the agenda.

Simataa, who is acting general secretary for the Andrew Kamanga-led FAZ faction, said despite FIFA giving guidelines, FAZ opted to go against the Zurich meeting decisions by throwing out the motion.

He said it was shocking that FAZ were being defiant to President Banda, FIFA and CAF as the decisions made at the home of FIFA last year were meant to help end the local leadership wrangles.

On FIFA, Simataa said the world football governing authority was the only body that recognised Kalusha as the legitimate FAZ president but it was surprising that the association could still go against decisions made in Zurich.

During the meeting chaired by FIFA president Sepp Blatter, Simataa said FIFA overruled the FAZ constitution by suggesting that a vote of no-confidence motion could be tabled at the next council meeting.

[pullquote]During the meeting chaired by FIFA president Sepp Blatter, Simataa said FIFA overruled the FAZ constitution by suggesting that a vote of no-confidence motion could be tabled at the next council meeting.[/pullquote]

“FAZ’s decision to exclude the no-confidence vote motion means they have defied the FAZ patron, who is the Republican President Rupiah Banda. They have also defied FIFA, the only body that recognised them (FAZ executive) as legitimate. FAZ has also defied

CAF who were witnesses to the Zurich meeting,” he said.

Simataa said according to the Zambian law and the Sports Council of Zambia (SCZ), the current FAZ executive was dissolved after four officials resigned last year but for the sake of peace, the interim committee subordinated to FIFA’s decision.

The former FAZ president accused the association of also breaching its constitution by throwing out a request from its member, saying it was the right of FAZ members to raise a motion for the agenda.

He said when a FAZ member requested for an item for the agenda, the motion became constitutional as per association’s statutes.
Simataa said as an interim team, they had since notified FIFA and CAF about the development.

He said SCZ and FAZ members had also been informed of a proposed emergency council meeting (ECM) on the eve of the AGM to get the feelings of the councillors.

Last Friday, FAZ general secretary George Kasengele threw out the vote of no-confidence motion requested by Mazabuka United and seconded by Pemba United, saying it was not provided for in the constitution.

At the Zurich meeting attended by Kalusha, Kasengele, FAZ disciplinary committee chairperson Anthony Kasolo, Sport, Youth and Child Development Minister Kenneth Chipungu, SCZ chairperson Chifumu Banda, Kamanga and Simataa, FIFA advised aggrieved members to submit the motion of no-confidence at the council meeting.

[pullquote]Last Friday, FAZ general secretary George Kasengele threw out the vote of no-confidence motion requested by Mazabuka United and seconded by Pemba United, saying it was not provided for in the constitution.[/pullquote]

The FIFA statement reads in part: “During the meeting, it was confirmed that Kalusha Bwalya is the legitimate FAZ president. In the event that some FAZ members want to table a motion of non-confidence against him and his executive committee, such a motion would have to be presented at the next general council scheduled for March 2011, following the proper procedures established in the FAZ statutes.

“As such, if FAZ members would like to lodge such a request for inclusion on the agenda of a council meeting, it shall notify the FAZ general secretary at least 21 days before the date of the meeting. This notification can be copied to FIFA and CAF, which in turn will make sure that it is properly-addressed by the FAZ general secretariat.”

[Times of Zambia]

Diplomat calls for peaceful campaigns ahead of general polls

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South African ambassador to Zambia Moses Chikane has wished Zambians peaceful campaigns as the country prepares for the forthcoming general elections.

Ambassador Chikane says Zambia being a pace setter in African politics, has worked so hard to liberate most countries in the region.

In an interview with Qfm, Ambassador Chikane says tolerance among politicians should excel during and after elections for the maintenance of peace in the country.

The South African envoy has since appealed to electorates and politicians to peacefully conduct themselves during elections.

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