The human Rights Commission (HRC) has dispelled the media reports indicating that the commission is in support of gay rights. Commission spokesperson Samuel Kasankha has stated that the headline of a story published in the Zambia Daily Mail of February 27 which quoted commission chairperson Pixie Yangailo as having stated that HRC for gay RIGHTS did not reflect the content of the story.
He stated that Ms Yangailo was correctly quoted in the story as saying that the Zambian constitution guarantees equality and if the right to education or health is denied based on sexual orientation, the commission will speak against that because no law in Zambia allows that.
The Commission has maintained that people must not be denied of their human rights based on their sexual orientation. Commission spokesperson Samuel Kasankha has however charged that homosexuality will not be entertained in Zambia as it is illegal under section 155 and 158 of the penal code.
Mr. Kasankha explains that the commission will protect people’s rights in the same manner that it protects human rights of all persons including people who are suspected to have commited any crimes and are serving prison terms.
He has emphasized that it is not in the business of peddling criminality but merely ensure the minimum guarantee to those who may be different from the majority.
Opposition MMD presidential aspirant Nevers Mumba has advised the patriotic front government not to be in a rush in drafting the constitution of the country.
Dr. Mumba says the technical committee drafting the constitution should take necessary time to work on a document that will stand a good test of time.
Speaking in an interview with QFM, Dr. Mumba wondered why the committee assured the nation of the first draft constitution when it knew it would be impossible because of the immensity of the job.
He says it is apparent that the PF government wants to impress citizens by promising that the constitution will be ready in a stipulated time.
But Dr. Mumba says it is pointless for the government to make promises because all what the Zambians want is a constitution that will represent their aspirations.
And Young people in the country have advised republican president Michael Sata to give government ministers ample time to explore their potential in their various portfolios.
The operation young vote (OYV) says the minimum period a minister can be given should be at least one year and not what has been experiencing in the PF government.
President Michael Sata has in his four months in office made a number of ministerial reshuffles, with the latest being the transfer of home affairs deputy minister, Obvious Mwaliteta, replacing Miles Sampa, who is now finance deputy minister.
Mr. Sampa was first appointed Lusaka province minister before being moved to Southern province as provincial minister.
OYV Executive Director Guess Nyirenda says the president should instead come out in the open to explain if some individuals in government have failed to deliver instead of keeping them at the expense of the people of Zambia.
Mr. Nyirenda tells QFM in an interview that young people in the country cannot be relaxed when they are things are not going well in the administration of the country.
THE Nkoya people of Western Province have urged President Sata to officially recognise their chiefs in Kabompo, North- Western Province, and Lukulu and Kaoma districts in Western Province.
Kazanga Kabombo Cultural Association chairman Shiyama Kutoha said in a statement in Lusaka yesterday the government should elevate chiefs Mutondo and Kahare to the status of senior chiefs as there are no family connections between them and the lozi chiefs.
Mr Kutoha said it is important for government to end the domination of the Nkoyas and their chiefs by the Barotse Royal Esteblishment, which was instituted by colonial masters, because it has been a source of conflict between the two ethnic grougs.
“ In order to liberate the Nkoya ethnic group from Lozi hegemony, a separate province should be created covering present Itezhi-tezhi, Kaoma and Lukulu districts. This will guarantee Nkoyas basic rights and freedom of association and speech,” Mr Kutoha said.
He said in 1936, Naliele Native Treasury was established in Mankoya district (now Kaoma) and a Lozi appointed to head it.
Mr Kutoha said this measure greatly eroded the traditional authority of the Nkoya chiefs Mutondo and Kahare in the district. He said their plea as Nkoyas to the government is to free them from Lozi supremacy.
Mr Kutoha said Nkoya-speaking people in Kaoma and Lukulu are being forced to speak an alien language, Silozi, instead of their mother tongue, Shinkoya, when accessing public facilities and services such as health.
He said it is for this reason the traditional governance system being propagated by the BRE and his council in Western Province is colonial in character and does not promote the ethos and principle of equality and self-determination of all ethnic groupings in the province.
Mr Kutoha said this also places the Nkoya under the Litunga and his council when they are not his subjects.
He said in view of this, the Nkoya people are appealing to Government to immediately take the recognition of the named chiefs seriously.
And Mr Kutoha urged government to create another district called Dongwe as claims of tribal superiority by the Litunga and his council over the Nkoya ethnic group are baseless and imaginary, hence the need to directly recognise Nkoya chiefs.
The Roger Chongwe commission of inquiry appointed by President Sata to investigate the January 2011 riots and deaths last week submitted its findings to the President. One of its recommendations is that the government must restore the Barotseland Agreement of 1964.
But the recommendation has received mixed reactions with Patriotic Front secretary general Wynter Kabimba accusing Dr Chongwe of going beyond the terms of reference President Sata gave the commission.
Some ethnic groups within Western Province, led by the Nkoyas, have categorically opposed the recommendation. President Sata and his Cabinet are yet to study the report and announce government’s position.
NO PERSON is born homosexual as some people believe, psychologist-cum-sex therapist Katele Kalumba and urologist Francis Manda have said, adding their voices to the raging debate on homosexuality.
Behavioural Scientist and sex therapist Katele Kalumba has said that homosexuality is a matter of choice because it is a learnt behaviour according to scientific research.
Dr Kalumba said some people are lured into it because of the money that is involved in the vice. He said some people get into the practice of homosexuality because of Western influence, which they tend to feel is the modern way to live.
Dr Kalumba said people adopt the lifestyle as a response to the socio-economic environment around them. Historically, Dr Kalumba said, only men went to mining areas where few women were available.
He said for example, Lamba women around the Copperbelt area in those days were too few to meet the sexual needs of men.
“In fact, men and women were not allowed to live together. As a result men were all forced to live together leading to homosexual practices,” he said. Dr Kalumba said because of men being isolated from women for long periods, they resorted to having sex among themselves, which was induced by the environment.
Zambia has lately been locked in a debate on homosexuality after United Nations secretary general Ban Ki-moon on his visit to Zambia called for respect for people’s sexual orientation.
And Dr Manda of the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) in Lusaka said homosexuality is developed when people are exposed to pornographic material while others do so through peer pressure.
He said homosexuality is usually induced by consensual sex between members of the same sex.
“When a man starts having sex with another man, and the two agree, he may eventually find himself being sexually-attracted to his fellow men instead of women. Once this happens then that person has become a homosexual,” Dr Manda said.
Dr Manda said homosexuality should not be confused with sodomy, which is when a man forcibly has sex with another male person without that person’s consent. “Sodomy is forced sex by one male on another, which is why it is a criminal offence in Zambia,” he said.
Dr Manda said homosexuality is more prevalent in urban areas where people are exposed to different cultures. “Even if Zambia has prohibited pornographic material, a number of people, especially in higher institutions of learning, have these materials, hence practising what they are seeing,” he said.
Dr Manda said in Zambia, some foreigners find it easy to lure young men into homosexual acts because of high poverty levels in the country. He said the boy-child is in danger of falling prey to homosexuality through enticement by some of the foreigners who have come to Zambia in the guise of community work.
Dr Manda said the absence of insaka for the boy-child in urban areas exposes him to the risk of experimenting different forms of sexuality because there is no guidance from elders, unlike the girl-child who is usually counselled by traditional counsellors and elders upon attaining puberty.
He said homosexual acts pose a high risk to HIV infection because of bruising caused by anal penetration. Dr Manda said the anus is very tight and may tend to bleed if subjected to too much pressure.
“Even in prison, HIV infection rates are very high due to sodomy. Way back prisons were our number one source of blood donors, but now we find that three quarters of blood samples are contaminated with HIV because of the practice,” he said.
He said if homosexuality is allowed, then the country can expect increased HIV infections. Dr Manda said gay people should enjoy their human rights and that it is wrong to isolate them and design laws specifically for them.
He said gay people need counselling because they suffer from mental disorder that comes from exposure to pornographic material or peer pressure.
Part of the crowd that converged to meet the Ngambela when he arrived in Mongu
by Mungandi wa Muwina-Mungandi and Charles Nyambe
Everything happened; singing, dancing, ululating, sloganeering (Bulozi ki bwa luna) and “symbol waving”(lwa pumeha) as the heaven opened up with a heavy down-pour. This happened on Friday 2nd March 2012 when the Ngambela of Barotseland, Honourable Clement Sinyinda met hundreds of people who came to welcome him to Mongu on his return from his first trip outside Barotseland since his installation. In Si-Lozi, we would say “nyewa-nyewa nji nyewa-nyewa!
This spontaneous event brought together people of Mongu when they caught wind that the Ngambela had arrived in Mongu on the material day.Some of the people gathered at the welcome Mongu post near Hollywood hotel from as early as 13hrs until the Ngambela arrived two and half hours later.
The Ngambela was compelled to come out of his PAJERO to greet the ululating, dancing and jubilant crowds of, children, women youths and men as Induna Namamba, Mr. Matongo gave a brief speech to welcome the Ngambela and his entourage back home. In his brief welcome address, Induna Namamba informed the Ngambela that the people who had gathered to welcome him were happy to see him back and were expectant to hear the details of his tour of duty outside Barotseland.
The Ngambela’s vehicle, PAJERO arriving at Welcome to Mongu near Lyambai College.
In response Induna Katema, Mr. Lubasi, thanked the crowds for warm welcome and unity of purpose demonstrated adding that this is as it should always be. He further informed them that the Ngambela has had a very fruitful and successful trip which saw him visiting Livingstone, Choma and Monze towns in Southern Province including Lusaka his first stop. While these formalities were taking place, a heavy downpour ensued; usually taken to symbolize blessings and good will according to Lozi beliefs. In spite of the rains, neither the crowds nor the Ngambela and his entourage of Indunas were moved.
Induna Katema further informed the people who had come to welcome the Ngambela that full details of the trip will only be availed to the public after the Litunga has been fully briefed as per Lozi tradition and culture. Thereafter, the Ngambela’s motorcade escorted by several vehicles carrying hundreds of jubilant people took off for Limulunga . Upon reaching the Mongu Central Business District, the convoy stopped to facilitate the Ngambela greeting people who had lined up the road and those standing in shop corridors. The same took place at Kapulanga popularly known to the locals as “Baghdad” before the convoy proceeded on the Limulunga Road. The whole route from ‘Welcome to Mongu’ Post to Limulunga was lined up by people wanting to have a glimpse of the ‘Minyolui’
The crowd braving the rains to catch a glimpse of the Ngambela
The Indunas advised the accompanying vehicles to turn back after Malengwa because the Royal Village had a funeral of Bo-Ma Inonge (the Muoli Imwambo of Imutakwandu Mbikusita Lewanika II and Mother to Akashambatwa and Inonge Mbikusita Lewanika etal) but the people insisted to continue in the convoy up to the entrance of the Royal Village. As a result a compromise position was taken that the accompanying hundreds of people should only go as far the crocodile farm in Mabumbu area. Unfortunately due to the euphoria that had gripped the people, they did not seem to be willing to turn back even upon reaching the agreed point. Given the circumstance, The Ngambela and Indunas took a decision not to proceed into the Royal Village but instead return to Mongu. This return journey was characterised by the earlier pomp and splendor.
Reflecting on the spectacular events of the arrival of the Sope in Mongu from his first tour of duty on that Friday afternoon, one cannot but conclude that there is certainly a strong wind blowing over Barotseland similar to the ‘wind of change’ referred in the run up to the political emancipation of Africa as in the words of the British Prime Minister, Harold Macmillan: “The wind of change is blowing through this [African] continent, and whether we like it or not, this growth of national consciousness is a political fact. We must all accept it as a fact, and our national policies must take account of it.”
Indeed it is true Ki Nako! What was true for Africa then is true for Barotseland now.
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace…”
(Isaiah 55:12, NIV)
TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria
The word “enthusiasm” comes from the Greek word “entheos.” “Theos” is God. When you’re enthusiastic, it simply means you are full of God. When you get up in the morning excited about your future, recognizing that day is a gift and go out with a spring in your step, pursuing your goals and passionate about life, then God will breathe in your direction. Studies even tell us that people who are enthusiastic get better breaks. They’re promoted more often. That’s not a coincidence. When you’re full of passion, you have the favor of God.
Remember, God didn’t breathe His life into us to drag through the day. He didn’t create us in His image, crown us with His favor, and equip us with His power to just go through the motions of life. You may have had some setbacks, the wind may have been taken out of your sail, but this is a new day! God wants to breathe new life back into you. If you’ll get your fire back, get your passion back, the wind will start blowing once again. When you’re in agreement with God, He can cause the winds of favor to shift in your direction!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Heavenly Father, thank You for another sunrise, another day, another opportunity to praise You and pursue the dreams You’ve given me. Help me to stay filled with Your joy which is strength so I can serve You with my whole heart in everything that I do in Jesus’ name. Amen.
— Joel & Victoria Osteen
Royal Leopards of Swaziland this afternoon dumped Red Arrows out of the Confederations Cup after beating them 1-0 in the return leg at Mavuso Sports Complex in Manzini. Barry Steenhamp scored the lone goal in the 60th minute ensure the home side progressed to the next round via a 1-0 aggregate.
The two teams played to a scoreless draw at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka during the first leg.
Minister of Education, Science and Vocational Training John Phiri has disclosed that K19.5 billion has been set aside for rehabilitating the University of Zambia (UNZA).
Dr. Phiri says the institution requires serious rehabilitation in order to make the environment betters for learning.
He says among the areas that will be rehabilitated is the water and Sanitation problem prevailing at the University of Zambia.
Dr. Phiri says government will continue to support the highest public institutions of learning in Zambia specifically the University of Zambia and the Copperbelt University.
He says government will fulfill its promise of improving water and sanitation at the institution.
He was speaking on Friday when he addressed students at UNZA.
Dr. Phiri added that government will shorten the process of dialogue to quickly improve the water and sanitation at UNZA.
He says the current government is committed to expand both tertiary and secondary education institutions in the country.
The minister pointed that the Patriotic Front manifesto clearly states that government will not give a blind eye to the two institutions but deal with real issues immediately.
Dr. Phiri has meanwhile urged the students to remain united when addressing the challenges which they may be facing to avoid spoiling their future.
Minister of Finance and National Planning Alexander Chikwanda
Minister of Finance and National Planning Alexander Chikwanda has launched a scathing attack on his fellow ministers who have continued to issue statements not endorsed by cabinet.
Chikwanda said that President Michael Sata’s recent cabinet reshuffle proves that Ministers speaking aimlessly will not go unpunished.
Mr. Chikwanda was speaking when he officiated at the 21st annual ball celebrations for the Zambia Institute of banking and financial Services in Lusaka last night.
Meanwhile, Government has refuted media reports suggesting that Fitch Ratings has revised the Outlook on Zambia’s Long-term foreign and local currency Issuer Default Ratings (IDR) to negative.
Mr Chikwanda explained that Fitch has only expressed a ‘series of doubts’ on Zambia’s policy directions affirming that the Issuer Default ratings (IDR) are at B-plus.
On Thursday, Fitch expressed concern at government’s decision to reverse the privatization of ZAMTEL and investigate the privatization of ZANACO.
According to fitchratings.com, Director in Fitch’s Sovereign ratings group Carmen Altenkirch the reversal of the sale of Zamtel without compensating the investing parties has potential of undermining property rights, and further destabilize the country’s growth outlook and macro-economic stability.
However, Mr. Chikwanda took a swipe at Fitch, saying it is not the first time that the ratings group was downgrading a country.
President Michael Sata has siad today that Cabinet will soon give a position regarding former president Mr. Rupiah Bwezani Banda’s entitlements and benefits. This is according a statement made available by Statehouse Special Assistant to the President for Press and Public Relations, George Chellah.
“The law relating to the pension and other benefits conferred on a former Head of State by the Benefits of Former Presidents Act Cap. 15 of the Laws of Zambia as amended by Act No. 21 of 1998 and the circumstances under which the said entitlements and benefits can be withdrawn are irrefutably clear,” President Sata said.
“Therefore, in view of the fact that Mr. Banda has continued to play an active role in politics under the party which he leads, the Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD), the matter of his continued entitlement to draw benefits from the State will be tabled before Cabinet for a decision shortly.”
Meanwhile, President Sata has terminated the contract of Mr. Samuel Chibuye, the Director- General of the Zambia Public Procurement Authority (ZPPA).
“I have found it expedient in terms of public interest to terminate your contract of employment with immediate effect. I wish to thank you most sincerely for the services you have rendered during your tenure from 19th April, 2009,” read President Sata’s letter to Mr. Chibuye in part.
The President wished Mr. Chibuye success in his future endeavours.
Vice president Guy Scott has asked management at Kansanshi mine and workers to resolve their labour dispute in the interest of the country.
Dr. Scott says government is interested to see to it that there is peace and harmony at the mine.
He says management and workers need to urgently resolve the misunderstandings so that it does not affect the country’s economy.
This is the second time in barely two months workers at the mine are downing tools.
Labour minister Fackson Shamenda and north western province minister were among other government officials that attended the meeting.
And Labour Deputy Minister Rayford Mbulu has directed Zambia Sugar to immediately reinstate workers whose contracts were terminated last month.
This was after an administrative error by management which saw the 1-hundred and 84 seasonal workers get double their normal wage.
Speaking during a meeting in Mazabuka, Mr. Mbulu said government is saddened by the management’s decision to dismiss the workers.
At the same function Human Resources Director Doreen Kaunda admitted that Management made a mistake and apologized for the action.
Earlier Mazabuka Member of Parliament Garry Nkombo appealed to the company management to re-engage the ex workers to reduce the high poverty levels in the area
Meanwhile, The Civil Servants and Allied Workers Union of Zambia has refuted media reports that public service workers in the country have been awarded a four percent salary pay rise.
Union President Davy Chyobe has told ZNBC News that contrary to the story which appeared in one of the daily tabloids on Friday the union is still engaged in talks with government on improved salaries for public service workers.
Mr. Chiyobe says the union is disturbed with the report as it has caused panic and anxiety among its members.
He says the four percent pay rise government is purported to have awarded civil servants is only applicable to workers in grant aided institutions.
Hope for Human Rights has charged that former vice president George Kunda is a racist. This follows the remarks Mr Kunda’s made recently against vice president Guy Scot.
Executive director Smart Chanda says the sentiments by Mr. Kunda in which he also referred to Dr. Scott as a dummy vice president are unfortunate and an indication that the former vice president is still bitter about the loss of his party which subsequently meant him losing the position of vice president which he held.
Mr. Chanda has told QFM that Mr Kunda should show some respect to Dr. Scott because he has the mandate to serve in government from the people of Zambia who elected him as a Member of Parliament.
He says it is wrong for George Kunda to state that the current Vice President is closer to homosexuality than the Zambians are.
Mr Chanda notes that Zambia is a unitary state and that any form of discriminatory statements should not be entertained.
Mr. Kunda during a press briefing recently challenged Dr. Scott to state his position on homosexuality stating that he is closer to the practice than Zambians are.
Bishop John Mambo has welcomed government’s move to come out and state its position on the controversial debate on homosexuality.
Bishop Mambo hopes that the government’s decision to break the silence will bring to an end the debate on homosexuality.
He has also commended the church and other stakeholders for coming out strongly on the issue of gay rights.
He has further advised the Zambian government to concentrate on fulfilling the promises made to the Zambian people during the campaigns.
Bishop Mambo says government should move fast in addressing the issues of development in the country.
US deputy chief of mission to Zambia Stephen Schwartz
THE United States (US) deputy chief of mission to Zambia Stephen Schwartz has said that his government has not asked the Zambian government to legalise gay rights as a pre-condition to receiving aid.
He said the US government’s provision of development aid to Zambia is on the basis of commitment to poverty reduction, respect for human rights and good governance.
Mr Schwartz said the US government engages in regular dialogue with Zambia to monitor its commitment to poverty reduction and other areas.
“The US government’s provision of development assistance to the Government of Zambia is on the basis of its overall commitment to reducing poverty, respecting human rights, improving public financial management, fighting corruption and promoting good governance and transparency,” he said.
Mr Schwartz said the US raises issues with governments when there are serious and systematic violations of human rights.
He said to date, the issue of gay rights has not arisen with the Zambian government, adding that the US will continue to assist the Zambian government, even if the authorities refuse to legalise gay rights in Zambia.
“My government will not cut aid to Zambia and what I can say at the moment is that our development aid to Zambia has increased and we will continue to assist Zambia as we promote human rights for all the people,” Mr Schwartz said.
His comment follows calls by United Nations secretary general Ban Ki-Moon that the Zambian government should discourage discrimination against anyone, based on sexual orientation.
Mr Schwartz said this in Lusaka during the week when he held a governance and public dialogue meeting with students at the National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA).
FORMER Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services Ronnie Shikapwasha and former permanent secretary Sam Phiri have been given 21 days to respond to the surcharge notice issued to them regarding the legal fees incurred by Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) for airing the documentaries dubbed ‘Stand Up for Zambia’ by Chanda Chimba III.
The two were surcharged for allegedly instructing ZNBC to air the highly libellous documentaries in the run-up to the September 20 general elections.
Secretary to the Treasury Fredson Yamba said Lieutenant General Shikapwasha and Dr Phiri were served with the notices on February 24 this year.
Mr Yamba told journalists in Lusaka yesterday that he invoked Section 31 of the Public Finance Act, which provides for the surcharging of erring public officers.
He said his office is waiting to hear from the two former public officers, on the notices served to them.
“We issued them with notices on February 24 regarding the surcharge over the legal fees which were incurred by ZNBC for airing Chanda Chimba’s documentaries,” he said.
On February 23, Minister of Information, Broadcasting and Labour Fackson Shamenda announced that Gen Shikapwasha and Dr Phiri had been surcharged close to K1 billion legal fees ZNBC owes SBN legal firm.
SNB represented ZNBC when individuals sued the national broadcaster for airing Mr Chimba’s documentaries.
Mr Shamenda said Gen Shikapwasha and Dr Phiri have been surcharged about K900 million which they should pay SBN.
This follows investigations which have ascertained that the two instructed ZNBC to air the libellous documentaries, on the agreement that the ministry would reimburse ZNBC expenses on retaining lawyers to defend the national broadcaster.
Mr Shamenda said if Gen Shikapwasha and Dr Phiri fail to settle the bill, Government will withhold benefits owed to them.
