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General Godfrey Miyanda has expressed his concern about Fifa’s official view on the Faz wrangles.
Gen Miyanda said in a statement that Fifa was not fair in its judgment by siding with the Kalusha Bwalya executive in the over the crisis and inviting his faction and government to Zurich on December 21 to discuss the impasse.
“Fifa is wrong, double wrong to have endorsed the meeting in Kabwe before both meetings had taken place,” General Miyanda said.
“FIFA should have waited for and demanded for factual reports from the two groups. It is the same FIFA that advised them to reach the two-thirds threshold but later changed the goal posts. Clearly the FAZ arithmetic is wrong.”
And the General wondered what really amounted to government interference after republican president Rupiah Banda, who is also Faz Patron, recently called for dialogue between Kalusha and leader of the November 26 ECM Andrew Kamanga just months after playing a pivotal role in Dario Bonetti’s appointment as Zambian coach.
“He has been claiming that he did not want to interfere in Faz matters,” the General and former republican vice president said.
“But not so long ago, when Faz was about to recruit the Italian coach, and the public was against that, Patron Banda intimidated everyone by saying that if that coach was not recruited he would not continue to raise funds for Faz. I am very sure that if the Patron had called the two groups to a meeting before their ECM’s they would have responded positively. Now it may be too late because the horses have already bolted from the stable. What is necessary is first to rein them in, which is the purpose of this statement.”
Information and Broadcasting Services Minister Ronnie Shikapwasha, Heritage Party leader Brigadier General Godfrey Miyanda and his wife Angela and the clergy sing hymns at the commemoration of the 18th anniversary of the declaration of Zambia as a Christian Nation at the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Lusaka.
It is encouraging that some of the suggestions made by Zambians regarding the contemplated new Republican constitution are incorporated into the just-released Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill, 2010. We are clearly getting closer to the enactment of a Republican constitution that will stand the test of time!
I, however, wish to make a few comments and suggestions (relating to a sample of Articles in the Bill cited above), which are designed to make the Bill more acceptable to the majority of Zambians, and more credible in the eyes of the international community.
The Preamble:
The first three paragraphs of the Preamble should read as follows:
“We, the people of Zambia, by our representatives assembled in our Parliament,
ACKNOWLEDGE the supremacy of God Almighty;
UPHOLD the right of every person to enjoy that person’s freedom of conscience or religion; …”
There is no country in the world today that can claim to be a Christian nation in its national constitution other than the State of Israel. But, unfortunately, the Holy Land DOES NOT even have an official religion! And only 2.1% of Israelis are designated as being Christian, while 76.3% are designated as being Jewish, 16% as being Moslems, and so forth.
What is really driving us to this level of religious fanaticism? Is it not enough to acknowledge the supremacy of God Almighty in the constitution?
Anyway, the Republican constitution should be a neutral document that should not appear to discriminate against atheists or pagans, or those who believe in Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, or Jainism. All these segments of Zambian society have a genuine stake in the Republican constitution and, therefore, deserve to be respected in spite of the fact that they are currently not as large as their Christian counterparts.
Christian Values and Principles:
Article 144 of the Bill, which is about Christian Values and Principles, should be removed because “directing the policies and laws towards securing and promoting Christian values” or beliefs which it espouses would be inconsistent with “upholding the right of every person to enjoy that person’s freedom of conscience or religion” that is enshrined in the Preamble.
It is also not consistent with what is enshrined in Article 201(2)(a) of the Bill, which states that a political party shall not be founded on a religious basis, among other things. If it would be permissible for the national government to generate “policies and laws towards securing and promoting Christian values …,” why would it be wrong for a political party to fashion its existence and contemplated policies and laws that would have a religious bearing?
There is also a contradiction between Article 201(2)(a) cited above and Article 201(1)(g), which states that “A political party shall promote the objectives and principles of this Constitution and the rule of law,” which would essentially include the promotion of Christian values and principles!
By the way, there are no such things as “Christian values” or “Christian principles.” I know this because am actually a devout Christian! It is, therefore, not a good idea to load the Republican constitution with such unconventional terms.
Qualifications of Presidential Candidates:
The requirement in Article 34(1)(c) of the Bill that presidential candidates should have been resident in Zambia for 10 consecutive years preceding any given presidential election are clearly designed to exclude certain individuals from contesting the Republican presidency. It is obvious that this Clause could not have been included in the Bill if the MMD presidential candidate in the 2011 general elections—that is, Mr. Rupiah Banda—had been working or studying in a foreign country over the last 5 or so years.
What is really the rationale for such a Clause? Apart from mimicking other countries which have a similar requirement in their national constitutions, what is it supposed to achieve?
There are many reasons why Zambians temporarily reside in foreign countries, such as to pursue studies, to work for the Zambian government in foreign missions, to work at foreign-based branches of companies registered in Zambia, to pursue investment opportunities, to seek employment due to the widespread unemployment currently obtaining in the country, or to serve the country at the African Union, SADC and COMESA regional offices.
These are all good reasons why some Zambian citizens have, now and again, found themselves temporarily residing in foreign countries. Why, then, should their native country’s constitution deny them the opportunity to vie for the Republican presidency?
Besides, there is really nothing sinister about Zambians who may happen to reside in foreign countries for 10 years prior to any given presidential election. In fact, we should consider it a blessing to have citizens who have lived in foreign countries to contest the Republican presidency because of their wide exposure, as bystanders, to the strengths and weaknesses of different modes of governance applied in different national settings.
Technically, the requirement affects even citizens who are currently serving our beloved country in foreign countries, such as Dr. Nevers Mumba and Dr. Inonge Mbikusita-Lewanika, and politicians like Mr. Tilyenji Kaunda who, I believe, conducts a business in neighboring Zimbabwe. Or is there going to be subsidiary legislation designed to exempt such people from the requirement?
No Amendments, Please!
From the beginning of the on-going constitutional process, there has been a general clamor by Zambians for a completely new Republican constitution. Any deviation from this expectation is, therefore, autocratic and a reflection of the political malfeasance which has become ingrained in our beloved country over the years. And, by and large, Zambians expect the new Republican constitution to include the following:
(a) Provision for the appointment of ministers by the Republican President from among persons qualified to be elected as members of parliament, but who are not members of parliament;
(b) Provision for the election of the Republican President under a system where the winning candidate should receive not less than 50 percent plus one vote of the valid votes cast;
(c) Provision for the Republican Vice President to be elected as a running mate to any citizen seeking to be elected as Republican President;
(d) Provision for a consultative, transparent and accountable debt contraction law designed to give power to Parliament to oversee and approve all loans to be contracted by the government on behalf of Zambians; and
(e) Provision for religious neutrality by removing the declaration of Zambia as a Christian nation and any related Articles and Clauses.
If these concerns cannot be addressed now, we should hold the forthcoming tripartite elections under the 1996 constitution in its current form. There is really no wisdom in trying to push through a constitutional Bill which has so many contentious issues and inconsistencies—the kinds of issues and inconsistencies which are predictably going to elicit nationwide demonstrations and potentially culminate in losses of property and human life.
Sweden and Zambia celebrate 45 years of diplomatic relations and development cooperation this year. The Embassy of Sweden in Lusaka will shed light on this by a variety of activities – during the Swedish Week 6-12 December – encompassing all aspects of Swedish-Zambian relations, such as trade and commercial ties, development cooperation, political dialogue, cultural exchange and more. The Swedish Week further aims at promoting Sweden and Swedish businesses, Swedish policies in various sectors, Swedish openness and Swedish culinary traditions.
On the program are activities such as-
* Swedish movies,
* open doors at the Embassy of Sweden (for the public and media to meet our staff, scrutinise our development cooperation in accordance with the Swedish principle of public access and accountability),
* possibilities to share views on corporate social responsibility (CSR) with Swedish businesses,
* promotion of Innovations Against Poverty (a Swedish program that challenges the private sector to develop products and services to fight poverty and climate change),
* seminars on maternal health and human rights,
* consultative forum on child rights and the private sector,
* exhibition about Sweden as one of the world’s most innovative countries,
* seminars on women in agriculture and about Zambian youth,
* the possibility to get to know more about Swedish literature both for children and adults,
* fund raising for the Dag Hammarskjöld school in Ndola.
* Swedish traditional cooking at the menu at the InterContinental Hotel,
* the Embassy will also launch a Celebratory Publication where the Swedish-Zambian relations over this period are depicted from many angles.
and much more!
Most activities are open to the public and free of charge.
Zambia’s Ambassador to the EU, Dr. Inonge Mbikusita-Lewanika yesterday led scores of European members of Parliament (MEPs), royal families and other dignitaries from across Europe in fervent prayer for secular Europe to return to the God of the Bible and Christian values on which the European continent was founded.
At a packed annual prayer breakfast for members of the European Parliament held at the EU parliament in Brussels, Dr. Mbikusita-Lewanika beseeched God on behalf of Europe to remember the continent in mercy and save it from a moral crisis and economic woes.
The prayer breakfast, also a global event held in major cities of the world, was a gifted opportunity for the Zambian Embassy in Brussels to connect with several members of the European parliament.
Speaker after speaker on the prayer breakfast’s theme: Serving like Jesus in public life, lamented Europe’s fall from moral grace and challenged members of the European parliament to take a stand for Jesus Christ in the public sphere so that Europe could return to the faith of its founding fathers and mothers and the Christian values that enabled it send missionaries across the world where they pioneered education and health sectors.
This is contained in a statement to ZANIS from the Zambian mission in Brussels signed by Assistant Secretary for Press Samuel Ngoma.
And in his main message, Liechtenstein’s former Ambassador to the EU, Prince Charles-Louis de Merode, regretted that prayer in the high strata of society was now more seldom and rebuked those who were putting Jesus Christ on the back-seat of public life.
He challenged Europe’s secularists to take a cue from its wintry dark weather under cloudy skies which by no means meant there was no sun behind the clouds. “In the same way, we may not see God but that does not mean He is not there. Faith is an act of realism,” said Prince Merode.
One after another, the European dignitaries warned that for as long as there was no morality, there would be no real values in Europe as God had been taken out of the public sphere and the huge onus was on MEPs to now let their light shine.
Later, Dr. Mbikusita-Lewanika was chosen to be a panelist in a continued discussion after the breakfast within the EU premises where discussants shared similar cries, burdens, values, fire and hope for Europe to stand up against the continent’s vices such as drug abuse, hedonism, teenage delinquency, abortion and gay marriages.
Western Province Permanent Secretary Seth Muleya addressing the Grade nine pupils at Ndoka Basic School in Kalabo District
By Wesley Ngwenya
This week all the examination classes in Zambia would have finished writing their final examinations. The examination classes, in Zambia, are grade seven, grade nine, and grade twelve. These grades have to go through a week to a month of continuous rigorous testing with each exam sometimes lasting up to three hours.
Every year, there are allegations of exam malpractices all over the country as students and teachers alike are under pressure of meeting the expectations of parents and administrators. This month, I ran into several groups of grade twelve students who were actually reviewing exam papers that had leaked. Apparently, this was happening in Chilenje, Kabwata, Matero, Chelston and pretty much all over Lusaka. This got me thinking—do we really need these examinations? Or rather, are examinations the best way to evaluate academic performance?
It is very clear that exams, in Zambia, have lost their purpose. If exams are there to eliminate students so that they do not progress to the next grade then maybe they can be justified. However, if they are intended to distinguish students who are outstanding academically to those who are not then they are obviously way off the target.
Our current education system in Zambia revolves around exams. Students in primary, secondary and even college spend their time focussing on the final exams. There is little or no time for creativity during their time in classes. Students don’t have the luxury of exploring their interests and stretching their minds. It’s all exams exams and exams. How can a two hour exam determine how good of a student you have been in the last twelve years? Surely, it is time our educators revised our system. We need our students to be able to pursue their interests. Let them work on projects and be more innovative. There are quite a variety of areas that our students can be involved in within our country. I would be eager to see our students in secondary school pursue interests in environmental issues, botany, mining, irrigation, climate change, e-commerce, and many more.
Instead of having an exam oriented syllabus, there is need to focus on continuous assessment. Then students would focus on issues that are relevant to them. I have been recently learning a lot about the various names of Zambian birds from the children of my American friends. I feel ashamed of myself that I cannot name more that ten varieties of our birds and yet we have thousands of varieties here in Zambia. Many of our students have not seen a lion or many of our beautiful wildlife but they are expected to write lengthy essays, during exams, about the wildlife in Zambia. Many of our students have never seen a test tube but they are expected to use them during their final exams. What is, therefore, the use of these exams, to make them fail?
The United States has the SAT or ACT tests which are “sort of” used by some colleges for admission. However, in college, you do various things in your chosen major to earn your degree—you attend classes, do assignments, projects, research papers, group discussion, focus groups, presentations, field trips, internships, tests, exams, and many more. I remember that I had an exam on Friday and was graduating of Sunday. This was possible because my exam was only a small component of the whole course. On the other hand, here in Zambia, our colleges are infested with exams. Students are forced to do certain things such as having an affair with their professors so they can make the grade. Professors at our colleges and universities have become so powerful because they hold the key of success for many of their students. A professor can choose to fail if they don’t like you or you refuse to have a relationship with them.
Sadly, many other colleges have mushroomed in Zambia so long you are able to pay them exam fees. I checked out one of these colleges where the registrar told me all I needed do was pay a few thousand dollars then I can get a few books and go study at home. After that come back in December to write the final exams and you get your MBA hmmm! Sounds interesting, absolutely not. Sounds familiar, absolutely. That’s not exactly what I envisioned I would have to do to earn my MBA.
Our schools are graduating people who are unable to write a business plan, solve a simple mathematical problem, interpret basic information let alone articulate themselves in our official language. Little wonder why we have mediocre minds in positions of leadership in Zambia. I say it is time to do away with these ridiculous exams and introduce continuous assessment in all levels of our education system. Maybe we can introduce boxing. Yes boxing where we pair each other and knock each other down and the winner advances to the next grade. Can you imagine how many world class boxers would come out of Zambia as a result? Better than getting a distinction in school but you cannot afford to go to college or find a job, right?
The United Nations UN says 226 adults and 25 children get infected every day in Zambia.
UN Resident Coordinator Kanni Wignaraja, however, said that it is gratifying to note that most men are voluntarily choosing circumcision while mothers are accessing services to prevent passing HIV to their infants .
Ms. Wignaraja also stated that only 15 percent of adults in Zambia know their HIV/AIDS status.
She was speaking at the commemoration of World AIDS Day in Lusaka today.
Ms. Wignaraja said milestones reached in Zambia have been made possible because of the existing unity among families, communities, government, and cooperating partners.
She has since called on all cooperating partners not to discriminate anyone with the diseases as death is possible in everyone’s lifetime.
On the global level, Ms. Wignaraja said new HIV/ AIDS infections have reduced by 20 percent.
The UN Resident Coordinator said that there are less people who are being infected with HIV and dying from the pandemic.
Ms. Wignaraja has noted that with commitment and solidarity, the fight against HIV/AIDS is assisting the world community to pay more attention against the epidemic.
“As stated by the United Nations Secretary General, we have significantly reached the first part of the Millennium Development Goal 6—by halting and beginning to reverse the spread of HIV. We must continue to chart a new and bold path ahead,” She said.
A 17-year-old pupil of Kasama Boys High School died on the spot after being struck by lightning.
The incident happened on Monday evening following heavy rains experienced in the District.
Kasama Boys High School head teacher Alex Mulenga confirmed the death of a grade eleven pupil whom he named to ZANIS in an interview, yesterday.
Mr. Mulenga explained that the pupil met his fate while he was returning home from Newtown area.
The body of the deceased is lying in Kasama General Hospital mortuary awaiting burial.
In a related development, a one by three classroom block at Musenga Basic School in Kasama has had its roof blown off by heavy rains coupled with strong winds.
This came to light when Mr. Mwansa and Ms. Mvula visited the school yesterday to check on the extent of the damage to the school infrastructure.
The DC assured school authorities that government would soon repair the damaged infrastructure so that lessons at the school could continue without disruption.
File:Football association of Zambia president Kalusha Bwalya arrives late for a press briefing at Football House in Lusaka
The Kalusha Bwalya-led FAZ faction has threatened to report the November 26 bloc to the police for allegedly purporting to be speaking on behalf of Football House.
“The Football Association of Zambia has noted that in the last few weeks there has been a group of people acting and purportedly speaking on behalf of the association as we as engaged in the illegal and unauthorized use of the Faz name, logo and letterheads,” Faz general secretary George Kasengele said in a statement.
Kasengele said those using any registered Faz trademarks face prosecution for criminal conduct and will be reported to the police.
“The Football Association of Zambia will therefore not hesitate to take action against those involved in such illegal vices this will include reporting such people to the appropriate action,” Kasengele said.
The November 26 bloc led by Andrew Kamanga has yet to open a registered physical address and have said they will do so in due course.
The Word Bank has called on the Zambian government to identify expenditure that is going to have a positive impact in reducing the effect of poverty.
World Bank Senior Country Economist Julio Revilla has observed that poverty levels in Zambia remain high in rural areas despite the country recording a reduction from 68 percent in 1996 to 59 percent in 2006.
Dr. Revilla said this in Lusaka today during the 2010 Zambia Public Expenditure Review Workshop organized by the World Bank in collaboration with government and other cooperating partners.
He said poverty reduction is a difficult goal to achieve through the budget process on annual basis adding that government should concentrate on public goods such as education and health.
And Finance and National Planning Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane said that per capita income of the people has remained low and that government is focusing its attention on improving the living conditions of the majority Zambians.
Dr. Musokotwane said in a speech read for him by his Permanent Secretary Anthony Undi that government has stepped up efforts to accelerate investment in infrastructure development and social sectors.
He said the structure of the economy has been transformed with the private sector playing a significant role and that GDP growth has been high and sustained at 5 percent since 2003.
[ QFM ]
A 44- year-old man in Shangombo district in Western Province has died after his wife allegedly stabbed him with a knife.
Western Province Police Commanding Officer Peacewell Mweemba confirmed the incident to ZANIS in Mongu today that Feela Sindala of Mboolo village in chief Mulangu was allededly stabbed by his wife.
Mr. Mweemba also identified his wife as Masiye Musiwa of Kakula village Chief Mulangu in Shangombo district.
He said Sindala and his wife Masiye picked up a domestic quarrel which ensued into a fight.
Mr. Mweemba narrated that in the process Masiye allegedly got a knife and stabbed her husband all over his body resulting in his death adding that his body had since been buried.
He said Masiye who is currently in police custody has being charged with murder and will appear in court soon.
In another incident, a 36- year -old man of Sesheke district of Western Province was yesterday found dead in his house.
Mr. Mweemba identified the deceased as Nickson Mulamfu Kapopwe, a teacher at Sichili High School in Sesheke district.
He said Kapopwe was discovered dead by his neighbours who later reported the matter to police.
The Police Chief said the postmortem revealed that Kapopwe sustained cuts on his forehead.
He said police suspects a foul play adding that an investigation has been launched into the matter.
[ ZANIS ]
The very fluid FAZ saga took a turn today after rival FAZ president’s Kalusha Bwalya and Andrew Kamanga met on Tuesday morning in Lusaka.
Interim general secretary in the Kamanga administration Simataa Simataa confirmed the two met at an unnamed location at which his camp handed Kalusha their six-points for dialogue.
“In the spirit of dialogue and to find an amicable solution to the situation that we find ourselves in, my president Mr. Andrew Kamanga met Mr. Kalusha Bwalya this morning,” Simataa said at a press briefing held at Zamcom Lodge in Lusaka at 16:00 this afternoon.
“In their meeting, there was a six point issues discussed from our side.
“We implored on Mr. Kalusha Bwalya and his group to recognize the interim as per the emergency council meeting of Friday 26 November, 2010.
“The second one was that we commence the process of legitimizing our mandate by following due process of communicating with FIFA.”
Simataa said the ball was in Kalusha’s hands to accelerate that process with FIFA or not.
“This process can be made easy by Mr. Kalusha Bwalya, whom FIFA has recognized, to facilitate a tripartite meeting between ourselves and himself,” Simataa said.
“Then thirdly, we wanted to make it clear that threats of banning members from interim committee will not be accepted. We further stressed to him that if he wants to ban us, let him ban two-thirds.
“Fourthly, we indicated to him that we have a delicate situation if he has support, he only carried one third for this delicate process to be managed.
“Fifth, the issue of FIFA ban being pushed by his executive, the dissolved executive, shouldn’t be pushed any further.
“And finally, We have called an elective annual general meeting on the 19th of February at which he is welcome to stand like all other members of FAZ.
“That’s where we left it and that’s were we concluded.”
Simataa also revealed that FAZ is not registered with the Register of Societies.
“In this case the Football Association of Zambia has been operating illegally,” Simataa said.
“We have decided to correct the anomaly by beginning the process of registration of the Football Association of Zambia. One of the qualifications is to get recommendation from line ministry, which is the ministry of sport.”
Simataa said should the sports ministry give them the recommendation, it should not be construed as government interference.
Meanwhile, tomorrows rescheduled Super Division Week 19 game between Zanaco and Green Buffaloes slated for Sunset Stadium has been postponed.
“The game between Green Buffaloes and Zanaco has been rescheduled because of the consultation process with clubs has not yet concluded we saw no reason why they should start the games and then have three four clubs refuse to play their games,” Simataa said.
“Until that process is concluded, we cannot advise when the league will start.”
PF Leader Mr . Micheal Sata
The Drug Enforcement Commission DEC has recorded a second statement from Patriotic Front leader Michael Sata in connection with the 100,000 United States dollars transaction at Finance Bank.
DEC public relations officer John Nyawali said the second summoning of Mr. Sata by the DEC follows his failure to provide answers when he appeared before investigators last week.
Mr. Nyawali said Mr. Sata was given time to adequately prepare so that he could provide answers to some questions.
And Mr. Sata said the DEC the source of the 100,000 United States dollars he is alleged to have given Change Life Zambia executive director Father Frank Bwalya to de-campaign the Rupiah Banda administration.
The PF leader who arrived at the DEC offices at 09:49 hours, accompanied by his lawyers, PF vice president Guy Scot, party secretary general Wynter Kabimba, and some MPs, left an hour later after being questioned.
He said it is up to the DEC to tell the nation what he has told them.
The DEC public relations manager refused to give details about Mr Sata’s questioning stating that today’s interrogation was part of the on-going investigation.
Police kept vigil at the premises which was clear of carders.
Meanwhile, the commission has expressed disappointment with some members of the public who are issuing statements that it says are misleading.
Mr. Nyawali said politicians should not mislead people by insinuating that the commission is working under instructions to investigate and allegedly persecute people perceived to be not in good standing with government.
He noted that the commission is an autonomous and professional organization which is there to serve the interest of Zambians and not settle political vendettas.
The DEC relations manager said it is quite unfortunate that some people have deliberately chosen not to support the fight against money laundering and drug trafficking by attempting to frustrate efforts aimed at protecting Zambia from becoming a haven for drug traffickers and money launderers.
[ QFM ]
PF Leader Michael Sata (left)
Patriotic Front leader (PF) Michael Sata says chief government spokesperson Ronnie Shikapwasha, the Drug Enforcement Commission and the Zambia police should be ashamed of their allegations that his cadres were the ones that fired tear gas canisters at the police.
Mr. Sata questioned why the Zambia police did not arrest the cadres who they claimed had missiles and tear-gas canisters, to exhibit them to the people.
He noted that tear gas canisters and fire arms are only found with the military personnel and challenged anyone with evidence to substantiate the allegations that the PF is in possession of fire arms to prove the allegations.
Mr. Sata added that it will be only possible that the PF cadres were in possession of tear gas canisters if the police officers personally gave the cadres the canisters, a situation he described as impossible.
Meanwhile, the PF leader has expressed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of late All People,s Congress (APC) party leader, Kenny Ngondo.
Mr. Sata said the opposition has been robbed of one of the vibrant leaders in the opposition.
Mr. Ngondo died in Lusaka yesterday after an illness.
[ QFM ]
Former Inter African Network for Human Rights and Development (Afronet) executive director Ngande Mwanajiti has advised opposition political parties to desist from promoting regionalism.
And United Liberal Party (ULP) secretary general Langton Sichone has said Patriotic Front leader Michael Sata and Lusaka lawyer Rodger Chongwe are courting trouble by supporting the Baroste Agreement (BA).
Mr Mwanajiti said Zambia had recorded massive developments under the leadership of President Rupiah Banda.
Speaking in an interview yesterday from Mwinilunga, Mr Mwanajiti said Zambia needed a leadership with a broader and bigger mindset to sustain the economic development the country was currently experiencing under the leadership of President Banda.
He said Zambia is currently on the right track under the current leadership of President Banda.
“I am calling upon every Zambian to ensure that Zambia remains a unitary State. Regionalism will not help the country in any way.
“It is literally impossible for any one region in Zambia to dominate any one region or regions,” he said.
Mr Mwanajiti advised people and groupings that were using regionalism to desist from that kind of politicking.
He said Zambians should put into practice the words in the national anthem and in the national motto of ‘one Zambia one nation’.
[pullquote]“I am calling upon every Zambian to ensure that Zambia remains a unitary State. Regionalism will not help the country in any way.
“It is literally impossible for any one region in Zambia to dominate any one region or regions,” he said.[/pullquote]
Mr Mwanajiti, a governance and human rights expert, said he would not join and be part of any entity or organisation that promoted a narrow agenda.
“My responsibility as Ngande lies in ensuring that I add value to whatever is happening in the country.
“I want to state categorically that I shall not join any organisation or entity which seeks to expound or propound ideas which are narrow and not contributing in establishing Zambia,” he said.
He said the people of Southern Province had been held captive by the opposition for a long time.
“It is not only my observation that Zambia is on the right track. The International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank have also confirmed that the country is well on track,” he said.
And Mr Sichone said in Lusaka yesterday that Mr Sata and Dr Chongwe, as senior citizens, should advise knowledgeably about the BA instead of seeking to gain political mileage out of the matter.
“Mr Sata is courting trouble by stating that the BA is real. He is just politicking over this matter and it will make him fail to govern Zambia if at all he wins next year’s general elections. Dr Chongwe, also as a lawyer, is supposed to advise correctly over this matter instead of misleading the nation about it,” Mr Sichone said.
He said the BA matter should not be taken lightly and Mr Sata and other politicians using it to gain political mileage should be condemned.
“ULP is alarmed that many politicians, including Mr Sata, have made the issue of the BA as material enough to use for the 2011 general elections, which should not be the case,” Mr Sichone said.
Mr Sichone said in as much as his party agreed that the agreement had not been resolved, those that were expressing their views should do so with care.
“Zambia is a unitary State and people should not lose focus regardless of their political affiliation, as doing so could compromise our sovereignty,” he said.
He said most of the countries that had decided to take the tribalism stance in politics had ended up in violence and bloodshed.
Mr Sichone said the stand by his party over the matter was that the agreement, in its current state, was not different from the way the Government was advancing development in all the nine provinces of Zambia.
“ULP stands by the Zambian Constitution which does not provide for the dividing of the country into regions, kingdoms or separate states.
“As Zambians, we need to look at development, social engagement, culture and all the things that can help Zambia progress,” he said.
BARCLAYS Bank Zambia has asked 141 managers to reapply for positions that have been merged, upgraded and downgraded while others have been completely done away with as part of a restructuring exercise.
Head of corporate affairs Webster Malido said in a statement yesterday that the newly-created positions would be advertised internally and all eligible employees would be at liberty to apply for the available roles.
[pullquote]“As a result, a total of 141 management positions will be impacted by the re-organisation. No unionised colleagues will be impacted in any way as a result of this exercise,” he said.[/pullquote]
Mr Malido said some roles and positions in the business would be impacted by way of being merged, upgraded, and downgraded while some would completely fall away.
“As a result, a total of 141 management positions will be impacted by the re-organisation. No unionised colleagues will be impacted in any way as a result of this exercise,” he said.
Notwithstanding the re-organisation, all employees in impacted roles remain bona fide employees of the bank until the outcome of interviews for the new roles.
He said employees who might opt not to take up any role in the new structure would be offered a voluntary separation scheme.
He said the transformation of the bank was aimed at attaining full potential in all sectors, particularly the consumer market for which it had successfully built the requisite platform.
Mr Malido said it was right that the bank re-organised the way it managed its business because it had changed the way it dealt with customers and employees.
He said the bank in the last few years had undergone transformation which had seen it grow from 17 branches in 2007 to 56 and from 25 automatic teller machines in 2007 to 151.
Mr Malido said the transformation had seen Barclays Bank Zambia double its employment rate to 1,200 employees to date from only 600 in 2006, making the bank one of the leading multinational employers in Zambia.
[ Times of Zambia ]
General Godfrey Miyanda has expressed his concern about Fifa’s official view on the Faz wrangles.
