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There will be nothing wrong to cite Mpombo in K3.3 bn scam, Mulongoti

Entertainment Editor
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Works and supply minister, Mike Mulongoti has said there is nothing wrong with the Drug Enforcement Commission DEC to implicate former defense minister, George mpombo in the just unearthed K3.3bn scam at the defense ministry.

The DEC yesterday announced the unearthing of a scam in which 98 companies made claims worth k3.3 billion for the supply of goods and services to the ministry of defense without supporting documents.

The disclosure is said to have been made as a result of the ongoing verification exercise of claims of supply of goods and services to government department.

Government Critics have taken this as a ploy to silence the former defense minister who is also kafulafuta member of parliament, George mpombo.

But Mr. Mulongoti said that there is nothing wrong if he is only being asked to account based on the fact that he was once a civil servant.

Mr. Mulongoti said that everyone must own up to the laws of this country and begin to respect regulations that are in place as laid down by the constitution of this land.

He has also urged Zambians against castigating law enforcement agencies in the country stating that they are put in place to ensure that the law is followed to the later and if they find faults, it is their duty to ensure that culprits are dealt with.

The WORKS and Supply Minister said that the general public demands are certain level of accountability from senior government officials and if there seems to be a problem with how funds are utilized; those responsible should be taken to task.
[ QFM ]

The Weekend in Pictures

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1.

Vice president George Kunda listens to former president Kenneth Kaunda at the funeral of the late All People's Congress Party leader Ken Ngondo

2.

First Lady Thandiwe Banda with South African First Lady Bongi Ngema-Zuma during the tour of the Freedom Park

3.

President Jacob Zuma welcomes Zambian President Rupiah Banda during his two day state visit to South Africa.

4.

South African President Jacob Zuma with President Rupiah Banda during Mr Banda's state visit to that country

5.

President Introduces His delegation and other embassy staff to President Jacob Zuma in South Africa

6.

Tourism Minister Catherine Namugala and South African Minister of Water and Environment Edina Mulewa exchange memorandums of understanding after a signing Ceremony

7.

Heritage Party leader Godfrey Miyanda and Forum for Democracy and Development leader Edith Nawakwi meet vice president George Kunda at the funeral of the late All people's Congrees Party leader Ken Ngondo.

8.

Mandevu Member of Parliamen Jean Kapata presents a donation of various groceries to Young Women's Christian Association representative Jucy Lungu in Lusaka

9.

Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister Fashion Phiri shakes hands with Finnish Ambassador to Zambia Sinikka Antila at the commemoration of the Finland National Day in Lusaka

10.

Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister Fashion Phiri toast with Finnish Ambassador to Zambia Sinikka Antila at the commemoration of the Finland National Day in Lusaka.

11.

Pupils from St Maurice Community School hold trees for planting during a tree plaNting event organized by the LIONS club of Mulungushi in Lusaka.

12.

Workers, management and board members at Bizonite firm in Ndola inspect works at the Wood processing plant

13.

Vice president George Kunda and UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema shake hands.

14.

Some female judges wait to be sworn-in by President Banda at State House

15.

Some female judges and other judiciary staff pose for a photograph after a workshop in Lusaka

16.

Cardinal Medardo Mazombwe celebrating his first mass as a Cardinal in Lusaka.

17.

Cardinal Medardo Mazombwe celebrating his first mass as a cardinal in Lusaka

18.

Chief Justice Ernest Sakala presents a gift to Cardinal Medardo Mazombwe during a celebration mass in Lusaka

19.

Vice president George Kunda greets Cardinal Medardo Mazombwe during the cardinal celebration mass in Lusaka

20.

Some catholic women pay traditional homage before cardinal Medardo Mazombwe during his first celebratory mass in Lusaka

21.

Vice president George Kunda during body viewing of the late All People's Congress Party leader Ken Ngondo in Lusaka

22.

Meanwood proprietor Mike Zulu (l) about to present a cheque to the Nc'wala traditional ceremony organising committee in Lusaka

23.

LIONS club of Mulungushi president Nebert Mbewe plants a tree with Maurice Community School Coordinator Sister Cecilia Makasa in Lusaka.

Mkushi farmers cry foul over delayed fertiliser delivery

Entertainment Editor
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File:Some peasant farmers sieving their maize harvest.

Mkushi South Member of Parliament, Sydney Chisanga has expressed grave concern over the delay by Nyiombo Investments in releasing Urea fertiliser to the local farmers.

Speaking in an interview with ZANIS today, Mr. Chisanga said, Nyiombo’s delay in releasing fertiliser to farmers in Mkushi of Central Province was worrying, as the farmers would in turn be set back in planting.

He said the Government had played its part by paying the company for the commodity which was not being delivered to the farmers in good time, for unexplained reasons.

The Parliamentarian feared that the development may negatively affect the food security not only in Mkushi, but also the entire nation in addition to denying the farmers in the area, a steady income to sustain their families and sending their children to school.

He lamented that the delayed delivery of fertiliser to the farmers in Mkushi may result in poor maize harvest during the next harvesting season.

Mr. Chisanga,however, thanked Government for the timely delivery of seed as well as D Compound fertiliser, which he said was being procured from the revamped Nitrogen Chemicals of Zambia (NCZ).

24,000 small scale farmers were earmarked to benefit from the Farmer Input Support Programme in the 2010-2011 farming season in Mkushi District.

[ ZANIS ]

Corporate world called on to support Zambian film industry

Entertainment Editor
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File:Comedian Bob Nkosha on stage acting as a prostitute called Dolika a fundraiser dinner dance

Acting District Commissioner, Godwin Sanjase has called on business houses to join hands in supporting the film industry in Zambia.

Mr. Sanjase was speaking during the official closing night of the VIEW SPECIAL IMAGES FILM FESTIVAL (VSIFF) at the weekend held at the Arts Café in Livingstone.

He said that films not only offered entertainment, but also could be used as powerful tools to address the many challenges affecting humanity.

The Acting District Commissioner said Government was ready to support the development of art through the National Arts Council of Zambia and commended Vilole Images Production for organising the event in a well coordinated manner.

He further commended Opportunity Zambia, the sponsors of the festival.

The festival started on 27 November, 2010 and ended on the 3rd December 2010.

And Vilole Images Production Director, Catherine Musola Sasekete called on local film producers to work together, if the film industry was to be improved in the country.

[ ZANIS ]

Updated: Zambia To Face Ethiopia in Cecafa Cup Quarterfinals

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Zambia will face Ethiopia in Tuesdays Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup quarterfinals in Dar es salaam.

Ethiopia finished third in Group C behind defending champions and Malawi.

Zambia topped Group A on seven points with two wins and a draw with the highlight of their preliminary round games coming on Friday when they beat Somalia 6-0.

Meanwhile, the other quarterfinal matches, Malawi face Cote d’Ivoire, hosts Tanzania take on  Rwanda while defending champions Uganda face Zanzibar.

Magande’s party is no threat

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Former minister of Finance and National Planning Ng’andu Magande
Former minister of Finance and National Planning Ng’andu Magande

POLITICAL stakeholders in the country have expressed mixed feelings over the formation and launch of the political movement, National Movement for Progress (NMP), by former Minister of Finance and National Planning Ng’andu Magande.

United Party for National Development (UPND) spokesperson Charles Kakoma has described the formation of NMP as a pipedream and a serious misjudgment of the prevailing political scenario in the country.

Mr Kakoma said in an interview in Lusaka that Mr Magande must have considered combining forces with any of the major political forces in the country.

He said although the UPND respects Mr Magande’s democratic right to vie for any political office, history shows that political parties formed on the eve of general elections have never succeeded.

“There is no doubt that he is doing this out of frustration with the MMD. We respect his decision but history has shown us that forming a political party on the eve of elections does not work. How do you form a political party ‘two days’ before elections?” Mr Kakoma asked.

Mr Kakoma charged that Mr Magande, who was Chilanga Member of Parliament (MP) until he was expelled from the ruling MMD a couple of months ago, has no political base anywhere in the country.

He said that Mr Magande is allegedly trying to use the late UPND president Anderson Mazoka’s strategy of launching the political party in Solwezi.

Mr Kakoma said history will not repeat itself for Mr Magande.

“He (Mr Magande) is trying to repeat history. He wants to make North-Western Province his base but it will not work because he has no political base anywhere in this country,” Mr Kakoma said.

He said that Mr Magande’s NMP has joined a long list of ‘paper political parties’ that do not have a following.

“At the moment, the people of Zambia have settled for three major political parties – the MMD, PF and UPND – and these are the only parties with a following. The people of Zambia will only have a choice of their leaders from these three parties,” Mr Kakoma said.

MMD national chairman Michael Mabenga said Mr Magande is free to form a political party in accordance with Zambia’s rule of law and democratic tendencies.

Mr Mabenga said, however, that the formation of his political party is not a threat to the ruling MMD as the latter is a giant well poised among all political parties in the country to scoop the 2011 general election.

He said this in an interview from Western Province yesterday.

United National Independence Party (UNIP) vice-president Njekwa Anamela said the formation of NMP and Mr Magande’s intention to contest the 2011 elections are welcome in a democratic dispensation.

Mr Anamela said UNIP is, however, not threatened by the formation of NMP, saying its launch is a mere addition to Zambia’s competitive political environment.

He said, however, that although it is the nature of multi-partism to have many parties competing, it is ideal to have few formidable parties to enable the majority to make an effective choice.

[Zambia Daily Mail]

Mpondela bounces back as ZAAA boss amid confusion

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ZAMBIA Amateur Athletics Association (ZAAA) president Elias Mpondela yesterday retained his position unopposed during the association’s elective annual general meeting at Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka.

Almost the entire executive committee members retained their positions in the elections that were earlier surrounded by controversy when two presidential aspiring candidates, Kennedy Mubanga and Jonathan Chipalo were denied entry into the proceedings of the AGM.

Mubanga and Chipalo both of OCAF athletics club were barred from attending the meeting and were only called in at the time of elections when the National Sports Council of Zambia (NSCZ) sports development officer James Kunda requested.

Kunda, who was the returning officer, requested the duo be allowed in to exculpate themselves when it came to light that both were not eligible to contest.

General secretary Phil Kubombela, who also retained his position, said Mubanga, the senior sports development officer at the Ministry of Sport, Youth and Child Development was not eligible to stand and needed clearance from his employers.

But Mubanga defended his position, citing other officers at the ministry who are also serving as executive committee members in different sports associations.

After a 15-minute debate on the legitimacy of Mubanga’s candidature, the councillors agreed that he challenges Mpondela but his nomination was later thrown out, leaving Mpondela as the sole candidate for his position.

Chipalo, whose suspension was lifted by the NSCZ, refused to attend the meeting even after he was called saying he needed to consult his club.

Chipalo was denied entry into the meeting as he was allegedly perceived not to be in good standing with the association.

He, however, indicated that he will appeal and did not hide his displeasure over what transpired.
“This is unacceptable, we should not operate like this,” he said.

The top three positions were retained by incumbent candidates that had Lieutenant Colonel-Godwin Chenda retaining the vice-presidency after amassing a total of 45 votes against his only rival George Goma who managed 34 votes.

Goma also contested for the general secretary’s position but was beaten by incumbent Kubombela who amassed 54 votes against Goma’s 22 while Joackim Nyoni managed a paltry five votes.

Davison Mung’ambata got a massive 59 votes against Christopher Chaponda’s 18 to retain his treasurer’s seat.

The vice general secretary position went to Maureen Nkolomwe who got 56 votes against Joseph Chikolokoso’s 25.

Committee members are Vincent Kaposa (57), Getrude Gamela (50), Moses Phiri (49) and Mutale Mpepo (33).
Mpondela thanked the council for their confidence in him and pledged to continue taking athletics to greater heights.

The long-time serving ZAAA president said his executive intends to strengthen relationships with the corporate world in its bid to develop the sport.
“We want to ensure we strengthen our relationship with the business community,” he said.

[Zambia Daily mail]

Mutati challenged to apologize over windfall tax remarks

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Commerce minister Felix Mutati

Commerce Minister Felix Mutati has been challenged to apologize for saying that Zambians don’t understand windfall tax.

Chingola Central Member of Parliament Wilber Simusa has said that Mr. Mutati insulted Zambians for alleging that Zambians don’t understand windfall tax.

He said that it was unfortunate that the Minister of high caliber could issue such a statement on behalf of the government.

Mr. Simusa believes that Zambians understand the windfall tax unlike what the Minister said this week.
He said that Zambians wanted to seriously benefit from the mining activities that were taking place in the country.

He said that it is quite unfortunate that the Zambian government had failed to clearly explain on the proceeds it made from the mining activities.

He added that it was a must that the Minister of Commerce Trade and Industry apologize for the comments he made.

QFM

For Your Own Sake

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TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins”
(Matthew 6:14–15, NIV)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

In life, we all have unfair things that happen to us. We can choose to hold on to the hurt, become bitter and angry, and let it poison our future; or, we can choose to let it go and trust God to make it up to us. You not think that you are able to forgive because someone hurt you so badly. You might say, “Joel, you don’t know how I was raised.” “My ex-spouse caused me a lot of pain.” “This friend betrayed me.” “I just can’t let it go.” But realize, you don’t forgive for their sake; you forgive for your own sake. When you forgive, you are taking away their power to hurt you. But if you hold on to that offense and stay angry, you are only poisoning your own life and disconnecting yourself from God.

Forgiveness is like a door on your heart. If you shut the door and refuse to forgive, then God cannot forgive you. But when you open the door and allow forgiveness to flow from you, then His forgiveness can flow into you. Choose to forgive and open the door to receive God’s life, peace and healing today.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father God, thank You for the gift of forgiveness that sets me free. Help me to truly understand what it means to forgive so I can receive Your forgiveness. Search me today and have Your way in my heart. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

— Joel & Victoria Osteen

Saturday Zambian Football Round-up

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The interim Faz executive committee has named its two representatives for Fifa tripartite meeting in Zurich on December 21.

Interim Faz president Andrew Kamanga and his general secretary Simataa Simataa will represent the November 26 faction at Fifa headquarters in Switzerland.

The duo is expected to leave for Zurich on December 19.

Fifa has summoned two representatives each from government, the Faz interim executive and Kalusha Bwalya’s beleaguered regime for a high level meeting to try and resolve the impasse affecting Zambian football.

ZAMBIA U20  DRAW

The Zambia under-20 team this afternoon drew 2-2 with Angola in both sides opening Cosafa Youth Championship match played in Lobatse today.

Zambia will need to beat Mauritius in their final group C game on December 8 to stand a chance of reaching the semifinals.

The team will be watching closely Angola and Mauritius game on Monday to have a rough idea as to their destiny in the tournament in which they are defending champions.

MMD is desperate to hold on power – PF

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Patriotic Front Nchanga Member of Parliament Wilber Simusa has charged that the MMD is desperate to hold on power.

Mr. Simusa said that it is quite unfortunate that the MMD is claiming to be in talks with the UPND over the alliance between both parties.

He said that he has had interactions with the UNPD members and they have denied having talks on the perceived alliance with the MMD.

Mr. Simusa said that the UPND knows that the MMD is a sinking ship and they can’t associate themselves with the UPND.

Mr. Simusa in an interview with QFM radio added that the MMD will stop at nothing to destabilize the Pact.

He said that the MMD knows that it will be out of power next year and it is desperate to hold on to power.

He said that it is the reason that the MMD has started the propaganda of saying that it is holding talks with the UPND on the possible alliance.

[QFM]

New political pact to be formed

Entertainment Editor
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A new political pact consisting of six political parties is yet to be announced.

The new pact likely to be called United Front for Development UFD will consist of ADEDO ZAMUCANO, the National Revolution Party NRP, rebel parliamentarians from both the United Party for National Development, (UPND) and the Patriotic Front (PF) among other political parties.

National revolution party president Cosmo Mumba revealed this development to QFM.

Mr. Mumba said other political parties involved which he described as “Big Fishes” will be announced at a later date after the signing of the memorandum of understanding.

He said the six political parties have decided to merge for unity, peace and development of the country.
Mr. Mumba says the merging of the six parties will bring change to Zambian politics.
[ QFM ]

Bonetti Salute Team

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Dario Bonetti has saluted Zambia’s team work in their 6-0 demolition of Somalia to reach the Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup quarterfinals today in Dar-es-Salaam.

Bonetti said it showed with the performance of four-goal hero Felix Sunzu.

”When the team plays well they make the job of the striker very easy,” Bonetti told satellite TV channel SuperSport in a post-match interview.

The win sees Zambia top Group A on seven points and in commanding position to finish top of their pool thanks to their huge goal difference.

Sunzu struck in the 24th 27, 41st the third via a penalty and 50th minutes to secure Zambia’s passage to the last eight phase while Allen Mukuka added one in the 29th minute.

Zanaco striker Vanicious Mapande confined Somalia to an emphatic defeat with a downward header from a free kick in the 81st minute.

The quarterfinal matches will be played Tuesday and Wednesday.

The Week in Pictures

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1.

Zambian boxing sensation Esther Phiri going for training during her camp in Miami, USA. This is in readiness for Esther's next fight in January 2011

2.

Zambian boxing sensation Esther Phiri captured going though training in Miami, USA. This is in preparation for Esther's next fight in January 2011

3.

Zambian boxing sensation Esther Phiri captured before a training session in Miami, USA.

4.

Zambian boxing sensation Esther Phiri about to take to her heels during training in Miami, USA. This is in readiness for Esther's next fight in January 2011

5.

Zambian boxing sensation Esther Phiri (c) trainer Anthony Mwamba and an unidentified colleague captured during a training session in Miami, USA.

6.

Drug Enforcement Commission spokesperson John Nyawali talking to journalists outside the commission's offices in Lusaka

7.

First Lady Thandiwe Banda with the widow for late All People's Congress Party leader Ken Ngondo, Joyce at the funeral house in Lusaka

8.

The refurbished departure lounge at the Lusaka international airport

9.

Police officers camped at Football House to block a possible take over by the interim and Simataa Simataa led faction

10.

Police officers guarding the Drug Enforcement Commission premises where Patrotic Front leader was being questioned about the US$100, 000

11.

Patriotic Front leader Michael Sata and his Members of Parliament captured before leaving the Drug Enforcement Commission where he was summoned for the second time regarding the US$100, 000

12.

Patriotic Front leader Michael Sata and his lawyers captured before he leaving the Drug Enforcement Commission where he was summoned for the second time regarding the US$100, 000

13.

Former Big Brother housemates and newly married couple Mwisho (l) and Meryl ( r) captured at the Lusaka international airport

14.

Former Big Brother housemates Paloma Manda (l), Mwisho (c) and Meryl ( r) captured at the Lusaka international airport.

15.

Lusaka singer Chembe Mukosa or MC Wabino poses for a photograph

16.

Lusaka singer Jordan Katembula or JK captured in action during the Airtel sponsored One8 concert in the USA.

17.

Lusaka singer Jordan Katembula or JK captured in action during the Airtel sponsored One8 concert in the USA

Tribalism in Zambia—Zambians Speak Up

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The girls and boys performing the Tonga traditional dance in Sinazongwe district

By Wesley Ngwenya

This is a subject that continues to make headlines in Zambia especially with our politicians. I am not going to focus on what the politicians are saying or not saying. But let me talk about my experiences interacting with Zambians of various backgrounds, here in Zambia, what they are saying about the Tongas. For some reasons when we talk about tribalism, in Zambia, the Tonga word is almost always in the same sentence. Should it really be like that? Here are the experiences;

No.1

I shared a house in Kabwata area with a single mother of five children. She was a marketeer at Soweto Market. Her ethnicity is Mambwe. During my year or so in that house I heard her make so many outrageous statements about the Tongas. One day, after she stated that Tongas were very selfish people and that is why she cannot vote for a Tonga person, I asked her to name five Tonga people that she knew who were selfish. She was taken unawares, so I helped her. “Can you think of a Tonga person who was your neighbour, workmate, in-law, friend, etc who you knew personally and was selfish?”, I asked. She could not think of any even after giving her several minutes. She later admitted that it was what people were saying. She grew up being told that. Imagine what her children were learning from her. Which brings me to my next experience.

No. 2

This took place when I was playing a basketball game with some guys in the neighborhood. During my break I was on the sideline with a group of 7 to 10 year olds who were watching the game. One boy remarked, “mwamu wona uja atamanga monga chi mutonga”.

In another incident, a group of 7 or 8 year old girls were walking just ahead of me when one girl said, “mutonga a vuta, sini ga kwatiliwe ku mutonga ine.”

No. 3

I was on a minibus headed into town. The bus stopped at a station where the conductor was waiting on some passengers who were not in a hurry to get on the bus. One of the two guys who were seated behind me in the backseat who were drinking chibuku remarked, “so fi tonga”. As if by reflex, I turned around and gave that guy a few blows.

No. 4

On a bus to Livingstone there was a fairly large woman seated a few seats in front of me but on the other side of the isle. I don’t know if she was looking for attention or what but she made several tribal remarks against the Tongas in Chibemba. Somewhere after Monze she was saying things like, “ba tonga oko be kala so kumushi” then later she said something about “ba tonga kushishita.” No one said a word on the bus. I certainly was not in the mood. Can you imagine what would happen to a Tonga making these remarks on a bus to Kashikishi?

These are only titbits of many stories that people on the ground are saying or not saying. It certainly is heartbreaking when you hear a seven year old making such tribal remarks. What does a seven year old know about Tongas? Tribalism in Zambia is deep rooted in our families. We entertain it and love to insult other ethnic groups. In my experience Tongas have been the victims of tribalism. I am yet to find a Tonga who says all these things about whoever. If they do maybe they do so in the confinements of their homes.

What really shocks me about these things is how people can have the courage to make such statements and get away with. Even more shocking is the silence. A person will insult Tongas or Lozis and yet no one stands up to reprimand such a person for the tribal remarks. Why? It is because it has become part of our culture to scorn the Tongas? How about if it were the Tongas who were making all these outrageous statements about other tribes? Will these statements be received with the same silence?

One does not have to be Tonga to respond to this. One just needs to be Zambian. Like I told the people on that bus after hitting that young man. Some started saying so “you are Tonga?” Well, you don’t need to be Tonga to be angry at such hatred against the Tongas. The issue of ethnicity in Zambia is still very rooted in our society. People are still judged by the language they speak or where they come from. We are still long ways to fighting tribalism in this country. We need a cultural revolution for many people to realize that we are all the same despite our various backgrounds. By the way, why don’t Tongas never speak out for themselves? Where are you hiding?

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