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PF leaders would endanger Zambia — UPND

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Siavonga MP Douglas Siakalima

UNITED Party for National Development (UPND) president Hakainde Hichilema’s chief adviser Douglas Syakalima has said Patriotic Front (PF) leaders would be a danger to national stability and development if Zambians made a mistake of voting for them in this year’s elections.

He has also advised the PF leadership to stop basking in past glory that the party was popular because the situation had changed.

Mr Syakalima, who is Siavonga Member of Parliament, said in Lusaka yesterday that the behaviour of PF leaders who rushed to expose what he termed as a confidential document to the public reflected poorly on their leadership qualities.

“Decisions are made by Cabinet in Government, now just imagine that the PF was in Government and if one of the members says let’s declare war against our neighbour based on an individual opinion, the country will be put on fire.

“Professor Clive Chirwa himself regrets that the PF decided to leak a confidential letter which PF secretary general Wynter Kabimba has now gone ahead to publish. What type of a party is PF that is so unethical? The entire PF is so unethical and uncouth,” he said.

He said no amount of propaganda would stop Zambians from believing that the PF had “assassinated the pact.”

Mr Syakalima said Mr Kabimba and some PF leaders had always looked for an opportunity to quit the pact and they had now found it through Prof Chirwa’s letter.

“Evidently, the PF have exited from the pact and Zambians should now judge them for who they are. [pullquote]Mr Sata has reportedly removed Kabwata parliamentarian Given Lubinda as the spokesperson and that he was now sidelining him from party activities for fear of being challenged for the position of party president.

[/pullquote]

“We were genuine partners and intelligently so. Wynter Kabimba has been looking for an opportunity to exit, he tried in Chadiza and Kaoma,” Mr Syakalima said.

He said the PF, through Mr Kabimba and party president Michael Sata, had stopped all the meetings involving the pact working groups that were trying to harmonise the two party manifestos and constitutions.

He said while the UPND leaders were mindful of the ideological differences with the PF, they tried to work with the opposition party to fulfill the wishes of Zambians.

Mr Syakalima insisted that the party leaders were for the idea that they first harmonise the manifestos before rushing to choosing leaders.

“We tried to obey what the Zambians wanted and we don’t regret having gone into a pact with the PF because that’s what Zambians wanted. The only regret is the PF have killed the pact using the most uncouth and unmethodical ways,” he said.

Mr Syakalima said PF leaders should not brag about their past glory because many things had changed since the last elections.

“We had been encouraging our friends that they need to work hard in Luapula because they have lost popularity there and they cannot continue to claim they are the largest opposition party.

“Some of their MPs do not vote with us in Parliament, so how would they claim to be popular?” he said.

Efforts to get a comment from Mr Kabimba failed as his mobile phone went unanswered.

The PF/UPND pact has been rocked by a leadership crisis, which political commentators had concluded is a sign of the end of the opposition alliance.

Meanwhile, Mr Sata has reportedly removed Kabwata parliamentarian Given Lubinda as the spokesperson and that he was now sidelining him from party activities for fear of being challenged for the position of party president.

According to some PF sources, Mr Lubinda was dropped as the party spokesperson because of his pro-pact views, which the top leadership were opposed to.

When contacted yesterday, Mr Lubinda refused to comment on the matter.

Mr Sata, however, confirmed in an interview that Mr Lubinda was removed from the position but dispelled assertions that he was scared of being challenged.

He said Mr Lubinda had been given another position, which was awaiting ratification by the party’s central committee.

Mr Sata said Mr Kabimba was the chief executive and custodian of all party matters, and that he was the right person to speak for the party.

Meanwhile, former PF secretary general Edward Mumbi has said disclosures of alleged witchcraft in the PF are as a result of the party’s refusal to recognise Zambia as a Christian nation.

“The PF through Mr Sata himself is on record stating that they do not support the declaration of Zambia as a Christian nation and if things like witchcraft allegations now start coming out of such a political party, then all what the Zambians can do is just watch and see if their leaders will condemn such vices or not,” Mr Mumbi said in Lusaka yesterday.

[Times of Zambia]

Parliament to start debating Constitution of Zambia bill

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File: Speaker of the National Assembly Amussa Mwanamwambwa ushers President Banda into the Parliament for the official opening

The fifth session of the Tenth National Assembly which adjourned sine die on 26th November, 2010 resumes sitting, Tuesday.

A tight agenda awaits the legislators as they start sitting tomorrow.

The house will start debating the constitution of Zambia bill 2010 and the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill 2010.

The National Constitution Conference -NCC-which was constituted under the NCC Act, handed over its draft constitution and report to Justice Minister, George Kunda who is also Vice President in August 2010.

Mr. Kunda announced in November last year that the process of enacting the new republican constitution had started, by publishing the proposed legislation in the government gazette.

Parliamentary Chief Whip Vernon Mwaanga, Monday told ZNBC News that he is confident that the house will complete debating the constitution during the five weeks it will sit.

Mr. Mwaanga said this is because the house will be following recommendations of the NCC.

Meanwhile, the house will be without the input of former Works and Supply Minister Mike Mulongoti whose nomination was revoked on Saturday by President Banda.

Former Sport, Youth and Child Development Deputy Minister Maynard Misapa will also NOT be part of the parliamentary business after he voluntarily relinquished the Mporokoso seat to join the opposition Patriotic Front after being dismissed from his Ministerial position in December last year.

The house will also scrutinize Presidential appointments which have been put before parliament for ratification.

[ZNBC]

Kamanga Group “Blocked” From Filing Motion At Faz

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Simataa Simataa
Attempts to file in a no confidence vote motion as a members’ item through Faz today to be put on the agenda at the March 26 FAZ annual general meeting in Kitwe failed.

The Andrew Kamanga-led group general secretary Simataa Simataa said at a press briefing at Chita Lodge in Lusaka on Monday afternoon that Pemba United,  Mazabuka United and Amakumbi ‘s motions were ignored at Football House.

“Today we attempted to deliver on behalf of three clubs members’ items. What transpired at Football House in the last hour is most unfortunate,” Simataa said.

“The first person was refused service on account he did not had no an identity card. The second person who had an identification card was told these letters are addressed to the (Faz) general secretary and only the general secretary can receive them.”

Simataa said he later made the third attempt to file in the motions through the Faz register but was also told only the Faz general secretary George Kasengele can receive them.

However, Simataa also drew a blank when he later went to Kasengele’s office at Football House.

“it is most unfortunate that the motions could not be received today but attempts will be made tomorrow, the day after and the day after until they are received by Faz,” Simataa said.

He said Faz decision to snub the motions was not only disrespectful to all councilors and general public but also to Fifa and government who agreed on this at the tripartite meeting held in Zurich on December 20.

Simataa said they will also send copies of the members’ item to government, Fifa and Caf during the next 24 hours.

K12 billion for health workers

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file: Nurses at UTH

Government has released K12 billion towards offsetting the K120 billion debt owed to health workers in the country.

The Ministry of Health owes health workers in leave travel, long service and repatriation benefits among others.

Health Workers Union of Zambia General Secretary Lewis Mukosha confirmed the development in an interview with ZNBC News in Lusaka, Monday.

Mr. Mukosha said government has made an undertaking to offset the debt for his members.

He has asked provincial medical officers countrywide to compile audited lists of health workers that are owed.

Recently health minister Kapembwa Simbao announced that Government had set aside funds to liquidate the debts owed to health workers.

And Mr. Mukosha also disclosed that about K134 billion has been set aside for health workers in the Sixth National Development Plan.
[ZNBC]

RB tours Eastern province

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File:President Rupiah Banda

President Rupiah Banda will this week launch the construction of the K97 billion Chipata – Lundazi road in the Eastern province.

This will be during his five day tour of the province.

The President who is expected in the province, Wednesday will travel to Lumezi Constituency in Lundazi District where he will flag-off the repairing and tarring of the road.

President Banda is also expected to officially open the newly constructed Protea Hotel in Chipata before proceeding to Sinda, where he will inspect some infrastructure projects which include a new bridge.

This is contained in a statement released to ZNBC news in Lusaka, Monday by the President’s Special Assistant for Press and Public Relations, Dickson Jere.

Mr Jere says the projects highlight President Banda’s commitment to building a better future for Zambia, by establishing security, stability and prosperity for all Zambians.

He said the President has worked successfully to create strong foundations on which to build tomorrow’s Zambia.

Mr Jere said the President will also hold a public meeting where he will deliver his message of peace and unity ahead of the General Elections later this year.

While in Eastern Province, President Banda will also join his family members in unveiling a tombstone of his late mother, Mrs. Sera Banda, who is buried at his farm in Chipata.

President Banda will be accompanied to Eastern Province by Finance and National Planning Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane and other Senior Government Officials.

Since coming into office in November 2008, President Banda’s Government has constructed and rehabilitated several kilometres of road and built 87 new bridges.

[ZNBC]

Sata’s comical acts continue

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By Daimone Siulapwa

IF some of these stories were not true, they could have been useful material for comedians like Bikiloni, Difikoti, Bob Nkosha, Chibwe Katebe, Dangerous Joburg and others to use during their stand up comedy performances.
But unfortunately, the stories are factual. And if these comedians were to pick on any of the material for their performances, then they would merely be using second-hand material. Maybe, they may even have to negotiate with the copyright owner. Although he has not patented them, copyright is copyright, and they would just have to respect that. And knowing how quick he is to rush to court, they are better of watching from the distance as real comedy competition comes their way.

Indeed, for those of us who are unable to go to the Lusaka Playhouse to watch some comedy performances, we can safely say, we have not missed that much. Mr Michael Chilufya Sata has provided plenty of it. Sad thing is that these comedy performances by him are not meant to amuse the public. They are real action, a reflection of his character. Had Mr Michael Chilufya Sata, leader of the opposition Patriotic Front (PF) been becoming these antics at, say, the Lusaka Playhouse, Chingola Arts Society (CAS), Kitwe Little theatre, Mufulira Arts Council, Lowenthal Theatre or RADOS, then certainly they would have been laughable. But they are not laughable, because, apparently, this is a man who intends to become the Head of State for this youthful country of slightly 13 million people.

Mr Sata’s antics in the political arena are many, that to go through all them, would probably an effort worth a book. But since this is an election, it is only proper and fair that a close scrutiny is made of our leaders. All the leaders!

But first Michael Chilufya Sata.

While his antics are many, we shall start or even restrict ourselves with his latest. Mr Michael Chilufya Sata, having woken up in the morning last Tuesday, decided to do what most active citizens do, scan through the daily newspapers. Upon stumbling on the government-owned and State-controlled Zambia Daily Mail, he took particular interest. Not because the publication was as usual loaded with stories praising government for this and that, but because the lead story belonged to him.

Apparently, Chiefs in Luapula province where Mr Sata had just completed a tour had rejected him, and even refusing to meet him. The only one who managed to meet him is Chief Mumpolokoso, and even his case, it was only after he forced his way past the chief’s retainers. As if that was not enough, most lodge owners refused to accommodate Mr Sata, telling him that they did not have space even when they had, thereby forcing the PF leader to shelter at some Catholic guest house.
Apparently, the chiefs all had refused to meet Mr Sata until he apologises to Paramount Chief Chitumukulu, whom he had disparaged. Well, this story, not the first against him in the local media as there have been countless others including in the private press, was enough to unnerve Mr Sata. He could not take it any more. But what was he supposed to do?

Well, he thought fast and furious, the best way is react to the story is to drive all the way to the Zambia Daily mail on Longolongo Road and confront the newspaper. The newspaper in this case would have been to see either the chief reporter on the news desk or the news editor who would have then instructed a reporter to get Mr Sata’s reaction to the story. As to whether that reaction would have come in the manner Mr Sata would have loved it, is another matter altogether. The other alternative was for Mr Sata to make a written response, which could, if he wanted, have been circulated to all media houses. Even more, Mr Sata would have simply called for a press briefing at which he would have clarified the story, if at all there was any that was needed. More still, he would have gone to the Post newspaper, which seemingly has a sympathetic ear to him and made his reaction. But no, that would not be enough for Mr Sata; he needed the Zambia Daily editorial management to know how he really felt. And the best way to do so is not to walk to the newsroom as he has done in the past. Instead, he would right upstairs were the editorial management team of senior editors were having their daily meeting and confront them. And that he did, first knocking, and then entering and pouring out his feelings.

Surely, there must be other civilized and acceptable ways of dealing with a bad press than this. Mr Sata has been in the public limelight for way too long that he should know how to deal with the press. His conduct, to say, the least was unacceptable, unstatesman-like and does befit a person aspiring to be republican president. And by the way, it is not the first time Mr Sata is displaying this kind of behaviour. For at one he time, he forced his way to the Secretary to the Cabinet demanding that he be declared President and be sworn in accordingly.
Simply put, what drama this country has been made to put up with from so-called political leaders.

Attacks on Kunda, tantamount to disparaging appointing authority – Siliya

Guest Editor
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The Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) spokesperson Dora Siliya has charged that negative criticism targeted at Republican Vice President George Kunda is tantamount to criticizing the appointing authority.

Ms. Siliya who is also Education Minister says that following the national Executive committee (NEC) meeting on Saturday, it was critical that dismissed the Works and Supply Minister Mike Mulongoti had to be suspended as MMD chairman for elections.

She says there is need to restore discipline in the ruling party adding that all members have to follow the ideals of the party.

The MMD spokesperson, however, acknowledges that it is was hard to make such a decision on Mr. Mulongoti stressing that the rights of an individual in any grouping have to be balanced with those of the majority.

Ms. Siliya further says that it was unfounded for Mr. Mulongoti to publicly issue personal attack on the Vice President and that people should have confidence in the office by showing respect to leaders.

President Rupiah Banda on Saturday dismissed Mulongoti and revoked his nomination as Member of Parliament for issuing public attacks on Vice president Kunda.

President Banda said such conduct is likely to divide the MMD and government.

Meanwhile, UPND vice president Richard Kapita says the dismissal of Mike Mulongoti as works and supply minister is an indication that democracy does not exist in the ruling MMD.

Mr. Kapita questions the motive behind republican president Rupiah Banda’s dismissal of somebody considered close to him.

He says the MMD should have allowed democracy to prevail during its forthcoming convention, other than using intimidation to silencing party members with intentions to challenge for positions at the convention set for 5th to 7th April in Kabwe.

But the Patriotic Front Munali Member of Parliament has welcomed the sacking of Mulongoti from government.

Mumbi Phiri says Mr. Mulongoti has been taught a lesson because he has always thought that he was untouchable.

She says politicians should learn a lesson from Mr. Mulongoti’s political ladder, not think that they own the nation.
[ QFM ]

Movement for Mulongoti’s Dismissal: How a Political Player Got Played

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By Elias Munshya wa Munshya

Nothing makes politics more fascinating than when political manipulators get manipulated by their own manipulation. Chiluba remains a political controversy not so much by the state houses he sold sitting tenants than by the way he was dribbled by his own political dribbling. The self-confessed political engineer tasted the bitter taste of his own medicine when Mwanawasa, the person he specially fashioned, spurned him. Political history has a way of repeating itself, and today it is Mike Mulongoti who is getting to be played by the same game he played against others.

It is undoubted that Mulongoti was a very influential political player. In his admission, President Mwanawasa fished him out of political exile, nominated him to parliament and tasked him with the duty of identifying other political retirees and exiles that could work with the Mwanawasa government. Mwanawasa himself had to go for retirees because he could not fish from a cadre of active MMD members because they were all thoroughly faithful to Frederick Chiluba. Mulongoti got going and his major scoop was identifying a 70-year old retiree from a farm in Chipata. Whatever qualities Mulongoti saw from the Chipata retiree, it was clear that he and Mwanawasa were going to use this Rupiah Bwezani Banda for many months to come. When Mwanawasa won the 2006 elections he quite naturally went to Banda to be his vice-president. Mulongoti’s role had become all but assuring.[pullquote]No party in Zambia holds free and fair intra-party elections. The only fair intra-party elections in Zambia were UNIP’s first post-independence convention in 1968 and the MMD’s first convention in 1991.
[/pullquote]
When Mwanawasa died, Mulongoti wanted to go for the presidency. But realising the hurdle before him, he was happy to settle for the role of kingmaker. He and Tetamashimba made it clear that it was Rupiah Banda who was going to be anointed king. To do this, Mulongoti and Teta became more vocal and frustrated the likes of Magande-Mwanawasa’s preferred successor. But things did not end there, Mulongoti continued with his crusade to the extent that anyone who stood in his way was either fired by Rupiah Banda or out-rightly expelled from the MMD. The most famous exchanges in this endeavour were between Mulongoti and George Mpombo. Mpombo never hesitated to call Mulongoti as “braggadocio.” Banda reciprocated Mulongoti and Teta’s support by giving them a visible role in the party. Additionally, Banda rewarded Mulongoti with senior government appointments.

But Mulongoti’s initial ambition to be president never died down. Come 2011, the only way he could achieve his ambition was aim for the MMD vice-presidency. As a member of the MMD he had the freedom to do that. However, Mulongoti assumed quite wrongly that since he had done Banda such a huge favour, by fishing him from the farm, it was now time for Banda to repay this favour, by fishing Mulongoti from the political farm to the government house. He thought that the only way Banda should show that favour was by either supporting Mulongoti for MMD vice-presidency or by remaining neutral as Mulongoti takes on Republican vice-president George Kunda. But Mulongoti was sadly mistaken. It was time for him to get played, and Rupiah Banda was ready for him.

Mulongoti got played by his own ungratefulness. Banda had already aptly rewarded him by giving him one of the senior cabinet posts. As minister of works and supply, Mulongoti was in charge of all government properties and tenders. Whatever got into Mulongoti’s head to think that Banda owed him more than that contributed to this player getting played.

Mulongoti got played by his own pride. Here is a guy who when he is fired, justifies his arrogance by alleging that he had sacrificed a lot for politics. In fact, he even has the audacity to mention that at the time the MMD was fighting UNIP dictatorship in 1990, he had sacrificed a personal-to-holder car as a marketing manager to join the MMD. While not discounting the contribution he may have made to the fall of Kaunda, Mulongoti should not over exalt his role. There are many people who did not just lose a car, but lost more than that in fighting Kaunda. Pride has a way letting political players get played.

Mulongoti got played by his lack of political calculation. No party in Zambia holds free and fair intra-party elections. The only fair intra-party elections in Zambia were UNIP’s first post-independence convention in 1968 and the MMD’s first convention in 1991. In case of the MMD, except for Arthur Wina, none of its leader has ever guaranteed free and fair elections as currently demanded by Mulongoti. Mwanawasa’s convention is even more interesting in this regard in the sense that due to political manipulations and confusions he unilaterally froze the position of vice-president. He also expelled Nevers Mumba his challenger for the MMD presidency. The only person to survive the great Mwanawasa manipulation is Katele Kalumba and that is because Katele possessed very rare political qualities that Mulongoti should have emulated.

At the ascension of Mwanawasa in 2002, Katele been arrested on a myriad of charges beginning from stealing a motor vehicle to corruption. However, the way Katele got himself back into the MMD’s political limelight offers some wisdom that anyone wanting to challenge an incumbent or the wish of the incumbent should emulate. Mulongoti should have learnt a lesson or two from Katele who in Kabwe walloped VJ Mwaanga for the position of National Secretary.

In spite of all indications that Mwanawasa was supporting Mwaanga for this position, Katele still went ahead to beat Mwanawasa’s preferred candidate. To beat a preferred candidate, Katele never for once insulted Mwaanga and neither did he disrespect Mwanawasa for showing support for Mwaanga. In fact, a week before the convention it was still not certain whether indeed Katele was going to seek the position at Kabwe. Katele instead concentrated on a silent campaign that mixed two important elements: history and tribal balancing. This campaign strategy worked so well that before Mwanawasa realized it, the provincial chairpersons had already settled for a Bemba speaking Katele to be National Secretary. The elections pulled a surprise and Mwaanga had been defeated.

Mwanawasa was not too pleased with the choice of the national convention, however. To not disappoint Mwaanga further, he was ably rewarded with a ministerial position. Telling Mwaanga, “the national convention rejected you.” The relationship between Katele and Mwanawasa could be characterised as the most bizarre of all political relationships in modern Zambian politics. Katele, a criminal suspect and staunch Chiluba loyalist was rubbing shoulders with President Mwanawasa. His political ingenuity and calculation had paid off! If Mulongoti was serious and realistic about campaigning against Kunda who is Banda’s vice-president and Banda’s preferred choice he should have used a little bit more wisdom. He should have used the Katele Kalumba strategy. Mulongoti for failing to heed Katele’s strategy got played!

For now, we wait another opportunity for Mulongoti to get fished from the political doldrums. It may not be for too long however, since politicians have a way of rising from a farm in Chipata to Nkwazi House in Woodlands. Just hoping that next time he gets to play the game Mulongoti will play a fairer game.

High fuel prices, a set back to economic growth – Mpombo

Guest Editor
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Former Defence Minister George Mpombo has observed that the increase in the fuel prices is a set back to the growth of the economy.
Mr. Mpombo says all the economic gains that the country has been recording will be affected in a negatively.

He wondered how the Zambian government will continue preaching about the measures to grow the economy when the cost of living is growing.

He says that good policies that were initiated by the late Levy Mwanawasa will be adversely affected by the current regime.

He added that policies that were initiated by the late president have been bearing fruits, and that it is a pity that the Rupiah Banda administration wants to wipe them out.
[ QFM ]

Witchcraft fears rock PF

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PF Leader Michael Sata

Fears of witchcraft have rocked the opposition Patriotic Front as leaders jostling for adoption as members of Parliament (MPs) have reportedly been seeking spiritual intervention from witchdoctors to give them an edge against their internal and external competitors.

Some very senior members of the party, who were named, have allegedly been trekking to a named neighbouring country to undergo ‘treatment’ to ensure they emerge victorious in the forthcoming presidential and parliamentary elections.

Impeccable sources told the Zambia Daily Mail the development has traumatised some members of the party, who are now living in fear after receiving warnings through some strange spiritual manifestations that they should not contest the elections .

A serving MP from Luapula Province said he had a frightening experience and almost drowned last month on Lake Bangweulu after the boat he was travelling in suddenly lost power amid a ferocious storm which almost capsized the vessel.

According to the named MP, this happened following numerous warnings by anonymous people that he should quit campaigning.

And another leader within the party is alleged to have been committing incest with his married daughter for witchcraft purposes in an apparent quest to give him good fortunes in his business and political pursuits.

The named leader has raised suspicions among his family members who are wondering how he has amassed a lot of wealth in a short period of time.

The family members said they are worried about his incestuous behaviour and have threatened to expose him.
“The boss is clearly vexed each time his son-in-law delivers the young woman to the office for work. He pours unpalatables bordering on sexuality on him.

“Unfortunately, the young man, maybe for fear of being beaten up, just withdraws quietly, but the whole situation has become very embarrassing and everybody now knows what is going on,” the source said.

And Teddy Kuyela and Kanyanta Katongo report that two Patriotic Front (PF) MPs have advised their colleagues from the opposition party to desist from practicing witchcraft as the party prepares for this year’s tripartite lections.

Luapula MP Peter Machungwa and Matero MP Faustina Sinyangwe said reports of witchcraft in the party are unfortunate and unhealthy to the opposition political party.

They said in separate interviews in Lusaka on February 20 that Zambia is a Christian nation and people practising witchcraft must be condemned by all well-meaning Zambians.

Dr Machungwa said Zambia will continue to be a Christian nation, and urged Zambians to continue to lift their country before Jesus Christ.

He said Zambia is built on Jesus Christ and that the Bible reigns supreme over everything that takes place in the country.
“I personally don’t believe in witchcraft, but I want to advise people who don’t believe in God and those who believe in witchcraft to turn to God because he is the only provider and Savior of humanity.

“Let these people also understand that Zambia is a Christian nation and that it is a sin for them to be practising witchcraft in a Christian nation,” Dr Machungwa said.

And Ms Sinyangwe said allegations of witchcraft will make sad reading to the nation if proved to be true.
“I am a believer and God-fearing person, and personally, I do not believe in witchcraft. It is sad that fears of witchcraft have rocked the party,” she said.

Ms Sinyangwe said if people start thinking about witchcraft, they can start harming one another just for leadership.
[ Zambia Daily Mail ]

MMD leaders welcome Mulongoti’s dismissal

Guest Editor
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Some provincial MMD chairpersons have welcomed the dismissal of Works and Supply Minister Mike Mulongoti for alleged indiscipline and open criticism of President Rupiah Banda and Vice-President George Kunda.

Mr Mulongoti was fired on Saturday for ridiculing Mr Banda and Mr Kunda while the national executive committee (NEC) suspended him for three months pending a review of his conduct.

Mr Mulongoti, whose nomination as member of Parliament was also revoked, was quoted in Saturday’s edition of The Post as saying he was ready to lose his ministerial job and further claimed that he was better than Mr Kunda for the position of party vice-president.

He also claimed that President Banda lacked appreciation for his failure to acknowledge that he allegedly owed his presidency to the now dismissed minister.

Southern Province MMD chairperson Edgar Keembe said the president’s decision to relieve Mr Mulongoti of his ministerial job was welcome because it would foster discipline in the top leadership of the party.
[pullquote]“A political party without discipline cannot stand. Mr Mulongoti knows what went wrong and I think he was wrong,” Mr Namakando said.[/pullquote]

Mr Keembe said there was need for order in the party because it was preparing for the national convention and the general elections, which required more discipline and unity.

Western Province MMD chairperson Simasiku Namakndo said the party needed order and unity, and it was under serious threat with the open attacks against the leadership.

“A political party without discipline cannot stand. Mr Mulongoti knows what went wrong and I think he was wrong,” Mr Namakando said.

He said people should check their conduct as they sought superior positions in society.

Copperbelt provincial chairperson Joseph Chilambwe said discipline was biblical and was meant to instill order in any grouping.

Mr Chilambwe said President Banda showed how much he appreciated Mr Mulongoti by appointing him as minister of Works and Supply, an influential position in the Government, but was surprised by his behaviour.

He said national executive committee members should lead by example and avoid openly attacking the leaders, who enjoy a lot of respect from the Zambian people.

President Banda said the decision to dismiss Mr Mulongoti should serve as a lesson to all in the party, particularly those who were not ready to conduct themselves in a disciplined manner.

And a Copperbelt resident, Elisha Matambo has commended President Banda for firing Mr Mulongoti.

Mr Matambo, who is United Party for National Development Copperbelt chairperson, said Mr Banda had done well to get rid of Mr Mulongoti who he alleged was not a sincere person.
[ Times of Zambia ]

UPND blames PF for pact failure

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The United Party for National Development (UPND) has admitted that the pact with the Patriotic Front has failed, but has blamed the latter for the failure.

And PF secretary general Wynter Kabimba has said his party will only consider being in a pact with a political party that will accept that it is the largest opposition party in Zambia.

UPND secretary general Winstone Chibwe said the two parties have failed to hold any meetings since April last year following PF leader Michael Sata’s letter to his UPND counterpart Hakainde Hichilema ordering immediate suspension of meetings.

The meetings were aimed at discussing the contesting of this year’s elections by the two parties as a single entity.

Mr Chibwe said in Lusaka yesterday that his party was in possession of a letter in which Mr Sata had ordered that the nine committees formed to spearhead the orderly sharing of power and responsibilities by the two parties should stop.

The letter by Mr Sata was written shortly after the Mufumbwe Parliamentary be-election in April last year.
Mr Chibwe said the PF had virtually declared the pact dead by shunning the partnership at a critical moment.

A joint technical group of the UPND and PF had set up nine committees, with the committee of elections and mobilisation being tasked with the responsibility of preparing a roadmap for the selection of the presidential candidate.

Mr Chibwe said Mr Sata did not give reasons for his actions but that he made it clear that PF would no longer be available for further meetings with the UPND.

He said meetings of the joint working group were no longer taking place and the nine committees had been declared redundant.

Mr Chibwe said despite the letter from Mr Sata, the UPND had made several attempts to invite the PF for discussions to resolve their differences but the PF had remained adamant.

He said UPND’s position that Mr Hichilema was the more suitable candidate to lead the pact than Mr Sata would not change.

Mr Chibwe said Mr Hichilema was a credible candidate who could not be compared with Mr Sata.

And PF secretary general Wynter Kabimba has said his party will only consider being a pact with a political party that will accept that it is the largest opposition party in Zambia.

When reached for comment, PF secretary-general, Wynter Kabimba said the PF was no longer available to comment on any business related to the pact.

He said he would not comment on the pact because PF had a huge agenda for the people of Zambia and cut the line.

Meanwhile, Mr Kabimba said in Solwezi during a public rally at the weekend that the PF would only consider being in a pact with a political party that would treat it the largest opposition party in the country.

He said his party would not form a pact with a political party that would weaken it.

“There are some leaders who are coming here saying they are presidents of political parties but I am more experienced than them,” Mr Kabimba said.

And Mr Sata said North-Western was an important province because Zambia derived its name from the Zambezi River, whose source was in Mwinilunga District.

He promised to work on various roads in the province if his party was elected to form government in the 2011 elections.

Mr Sata said his government would construct a dual carriage-way between Chingola and Solwezi and a tarred road from Kalulushi to Kasempa.

[ Times of Zambia ]

Bouncing cheques on high – Boz

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THE Bank of Zambia (BoZ) has expressed concern at the increased levels of bouncing cheques by individuals and companies despite legislation against the vice.

BoZ Governor Caleb Fundanga said the fourth quarter of 2010 had showed an increase in the number of cheques bouncing as a result of insufficiently funded accounts by 5.4 per cent.

Dr Fundanga said the number of bounced cheques had risen to 4,428 as compared to 4,202 in the third quarter.

In the third quarter, the 4,202 cheques had a value of K35.3 billion and the value moved to K36.2 billion in the fourth quarter.

Dr Fundanga urged members of the public to ensure they have sufficient funds in their accounts whenever they issued cheques.

“This will ensure that they do not face criminal charges under the National Payment System Act for bouncing a cheque, dishonest or with intent to defraud,” Dr Fundanga said.

Under the Act, it is a criminal offence to bounce a cheque and an individual can be arrested and prosecuted.

During the quarter under review Zambia witnessed an improvement in the availability of the electronic payment options.

Dr Fundanga said the number of the point of sale (POS) terminals increased by 8.3 per cent to 1,119 compared to 1,033 during the third quarter of 2010.

“The volume of POS transactions also increased by 42.2 per cent to 284,145 when compared to 199,817 in the third quarter. Similarly, values of POS transactions increased by 32.6 per cent to K113.9 billion (third quarter 2010: K85.9 billion),,” Dr Fundanga said.

He said the number of automated teller machine (ATM’s) increased by 4.5 per cent to 489 ATM’s compared to 468 in the third quarter.

The volume of ATM transactions also increased by 5.1 per cent to 6,654,992 in the period under review from 6,333,073.

Further the value increased by 71 per cent to K3, 397.3 billion in the same period from K2, 897.6 billion.

The banking sector for the quarter ended December 2010, he said, was satisfactory and the capital position, asset quality and liquidity also performed well.

Dr Fundanga said earnings performance of the sector declined largely on account of an increase in the non-interest expenses.

This was due to increase in staff emoluments, reorganisation costs and additional tax provision.

[Times of Zambia]

Lusaka mayor sells plot at K30m

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Lusaka mayor Daniel Chisenga(R)

ILLEGALITIES in land management at the Patriotic Front (PF)-run Lusaka City Council have deepened with latest revelations that Lusaka Mayor Daniel Chisenga has sold one of the 10 Lilayi plots allocated to his office at K30 million.

The mayor has allegedly sold stand number 38 to Lusaka resident Ernest Mutale who resides in Chunga Township.

According to documents obtained by the Times in Lusaka yesterday, Mr Mutale paid the money to the mayor through an agent identified as Fredrick Bwalya on December 24, 2010.

“I, Ernest Mutale, holder of NRC number 240305/43/1 of Lusaka, plot number 61/17 off Chitanda Road in Chunga here today paid for a plot.

“The sum of K30,000,000 to the mayor of Lusaka through Mr Fredrick Bwalya for Lilayi plots, balance of US$4,500 to be paid directly to Lilayi Housing Scheme,” the hand-written letter states in part.

The letter was signed by Mr Bwalya who, according to the documents, acted on behalf of the mayor.

When contacted for comment, Mr Chisenga said he did not take part in the transaction and would wait for the outcome of investigations by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

The mayor said he would cooperate with the ACC in carrying out its work.

Among the 10 plots allocated to the mayor at Farm 915 was a temporary plot number 38, according to a letter of offer signed by the council’s acting director of legal services, Mumbi Chocho and copied to the town clerk.

The documents further revealed that the council made the resolution to sell the plots in Lilayi on January 3, 2011 through a full council meeting.

Last week, Minister of Local Government and Housing Brian Chituwo said he had received reports that some Lusaka residents had paid a lot of money to various individuals at the council for plots and feared that such people would lose their money.

The Lusaka City Council is serving a three-month suspension and the Government has since appointed Solomon Sakala, the Copperbelt provincial local government officer, as the administrator.

The suspension followed reports that the local authority was involved in illegal land allocations.

The council was allocated 102 plots in Lusaka’s Lilayi area but the 45 councillors got one each and the mayor was allocated 10 plots.

The deputy mayor obtained five plots while members of the public were only allocated 11 plots.

[Times of Zambia]

Kamanga Camp To File No Confidence Vote Item Today

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By Lusakatimes Sports
Faz shadow executive boss Andrew Kamanga has said the no confidence motion will finally be filed as an item on the agenda today Monday, February 21 at Football House in Lusaka ahead of the Faz annual general meeting to be held on March 26 in Kitwe.

Kamanga said on Sunday afternoon at Chita Lodge in Lusaka that they will push for the no confidence vote as the only item on the agenda if Faz will continue not to avail the councilors with the audit report and budget after they failed to dispatch them with the AGM notice as required by the constitution 24 days before the Kitwe congress.

“We have already drafted the motion and we have received overwhelming responses from members who are volunteering to go and submit that motion,”Kamanga said.

“ So this will happen I think, I  can confirm, by the end of the day tomorrow (Monday afternoon) that it should be with Faz. So, we are going ahead and filing that motion tomorrow  (Monday) and we are going to ensure it will be seconded and following up from there, the motion will now become an agenda item.”

He said a copy is going to be sent to Fifa general secretary Jerome Valcke as agreed during the tripartite meeting held at Fifa headquarters in Zurich on December 20.

And Kamanga said councilors have not received the audited accounts within 45 to 24 days as required by the constitution to read through whatever issues and write back in reply as required by the law to add items to the agenda to the Faz general secretary.

“So what we are saying is how are we going to have an AGM where we have  not been given documentation and already this documentation is more than 10 days late, in fact we are running into two weeks late?” he said.

“At what point are we going to comment on the audited accounts? At what point are we going to comment on budget? Now, clearly, that is a serious breach of the constitution. You don’t even have a have chance to analyze anything in 10 or 15 minutes at the AGM there is absolutely no way you are going to add to those.

“The fact that Faz has failed to give us those documents in hand so that we can comment intelligently on them is a serious constitutional breach. We will request the other items to be suspended as in the constitution as required so that the only item we can comment on is the vote of no confidence.”

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