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National Democratic Focus (NDF) president Ben Mwila yesterday said Patriotic Front president Michael Sata should withdraw his alleged lie on a Radio Phoenix programme last month that Chadian President Idris Derby Itno was in the country for a business meeting with President Rupiah Banda.
Mr Mwila challenged Mr Sata to withdraw the lie because he was aspiring for presidency which requires respect, honesty and statements based on facts instead of making unfounded allegations against his political opponents.
PF secretary general Wynter Kabimba referred the query to Mr Sata saying what he said on the radio station was not a party matter. Mr Sata’s mobile number was unreachable.
In an interview in Lusaka, Mr Mwila said following the clarification by State House chief of staff Austin Sichinga that Mr Derby had never been to Zambia lately, Mr Sata should exhibit a level of responsibility to the people of Zambia instead of telling lies.
He wondered why Mr Sata should seek political advances from telling lies and paint the head of State in bad light without consideration for the impact of the lies.
Mr Sata made a telephone call to a let the people talk programme last month which featured United Party for National Development president Hakainde Hichilema and announced that he had information that Mr Derby was in Mfuwe to discuss business deals with President Banda.
Mr Mwila said, however, that Zambians expect a high level of maturity and integrity for opposition leaders in their exercise of politics.
Mr Mwila said it was risky to entrust the affairs of Zambia in the hands of Mr Sata because of his desire to tell lies without regard for respect.
He warned that the integrity of the country was also at stake if Mr Sata became president and urged Zambians to reject him in next year’s elections.
Mr Mwila said Zambian opposition leaders were not concerned about integrity which was the highest consideration before one can aspire for leadership.
Mr Mwila said Mr Sata’s intention all the time was to incite the people of Zambia against the Government and does not care how that intention is achieved.
Mr Mwila said Zambians should by now have started judging the quality of politicians and liars should be rejected even by their own supporters.
On Friday, State House described as malicious and false allegations that President Banda last month met Mr Derby in Mfuwe to discuss oil supplies.
Dr Sichinga said the president of Chad has not been to Zambia recently, and has not discussed oil supplies with anyone.
Dr Sichinga said before Mr Banda went to Mfuwe, his special assistant for Press and public relations Dickson Jere issued a statement that the president was going on a working visit, during which he was to meet investors.
The Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has said the historic annualised rate of inflation recorded during the month of June is a sticking point that President Rupiah Banda’s prudent economic efforts had exceeded the economic policy measures of the previous administrations.
ZCTU secretary general Roy Mwaba said in an interview in Lusaka yesterday that previous efforts had been consolidated to speed up economic growth coupled with high productivity but there was now evidence that the current Government was making the right decisions.
He said the combination of President Banda, Finance and National Planning Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane and Commerce Minister Felix Mutati had proved to be the best for Zambia.
Central Statistical Office director Effrida Chulu announced last week that Zambia has tapped a historic annualised rate of inflation at 7.8 per cent which was the lowest in three decades.
The drop in inflation was spurred by a decrease in prices of food such as mealie meal, fresh vegetables, and dried kapenta which helped push down Zambia’s annual inflation rate, to 7.8 per cent in June from 9.1 per cent in May.
Of the total 7.8 per cent annual inflation rate in June 2010, food products in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) accounted for 1.9 percentage points, while non-food products accounted for 5.9 percentage points.
The reduction in the annual rate of inflation as measured by the CPI was attributed to the downward spiral of prices for food items which include maize grain.
The only time the rate came down to about eight per cent was in 2006 when late President Levy Mwanawasa as in power.
Mr Mwaba said the Government now needs to work on measures that would ensure that sound economic figures trickle down the ordinary Zambians and the workers.
Mr Mwaba said the 15 per cent salary hike for public service workers was too low and it was important in future to consider a higher percentage to allow the workers benefit from the economic growth.
He said the 15 per cent salary rise was given just when the cost of fuel and electricity tariffs were increased which has left the workers with little benefit from their efforts.
Mr Mwaba said good economic decisions were historically very difficult to make but recent efforts had shown that the Government knows what was good for Zambia.
[ Times of Zambia ]
Mrs Thandiwe Banda and Grace Mugabe (second from l) with other African First Ladies
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An unidentified pupil from Lusaka hugs First Lady Thandiwe Banda after motivational talk at State House
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Lusaka Police Commanding officer Greenwell Nguni (r) and spokesperson Bonny Kapeso (l) inspects AK 47 riffles recovered during an operation in Lusaka
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Lusaka Police Commanding officer Greenwell Nguni and spokesperson Bonny Kapeso inspects AK 47 riffles recovered during an operation in Lusaka.
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Children performing a play during the Commemoration of the Voluntary Counseling and Testing in Chipata
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Women queue up for voluntary counseling and testing during the commemoration of VCT day in Chipata
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Some of the Zambian soldiers at Arakan Barracks in Lusaka on parade before leaving for Sudan to participate in a peacekeeping mission.
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Science and Technology Minister Brian Chituwo (l) and UNZA vice chancellor Professor Steven Simukanga (r) inspect a machine in Lusaka
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Workers from the Disaster management and mitigation unit securing tents that were uprooted from the temporal site where Lusaka floods victims were camped near the Independence stadium
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The temporal site for Lusaka flood victims which has now been closed at the Independence Stadium. Here, some structures that remained standing before its complete close down.
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Vernon Mwaanga meets former Zambian envoy to Mozambique George Chulumanda at the Congolese national day in Lusaka
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Some Congolese nationals resident in Zambia follow speeches during their country's national day in Lusaka
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President and First Lady Thandiwe during the Congolese national day in Kinshasa
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Congolese President Joseph Kabila greets President Banda and First Lady Thandiwe during that country's national day in Kinshasa
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Defence Minister Kalombo Mwansa (c) after inspecting a parade for Zambian soldiers who going for a peacekeeping mission to Sudan at Arakan Barracks in Lusaka
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Vernon Mwaanga arrives for the Congolese national day in Lusaka.
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The temporal site for Lusaka flood victims which has now been closed at the Independence Stadium. Here, some structures that remained standing before its complete close down.
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President Joseph Kabila during his country's national day in Kinshasa
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Some Chipata residents in a march during the Commemoration of the Voluntary Counseling and Testing
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First Lady Thandiwe poses for a photograph with pupils after a motivational talk at State House
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President Banda,First Lady Thandiwe and Football Association of Zambia president Kalusha Bwalya pose for a photograph with pupils after a motivational talk at State House
Teams on Saturday turned up at pitches across the Faz Super Division only to find no referees to officiate their games.
And the pay boycott by referees has now spread to the lower division with all division 1 matches this weekend also suspended after match officials in the lower tier also joined Super Division comrades in the stay-way.
No refs, no game, was the characteristic echo at all Super Division stadiums at home and away on July 3.
Fuel was wasted by Zesco United, Power Dynamos, Konkola Blades and Choma Eagles who all made the long journeys to Lusaka.
Also burning fuel for nothing in the opposite direction were Kabwe Warriors, Green Buffaloes and Lusaka Dynamos who traveled to the Copperbelt hoping to face their opponents in week 14 fixtures.
This is despite reassurances’ by Faz on Friday who ignored at their own peril the aggrieved match officials threats to boycott that no whistle will be blown on Saturday.
Meanwhile, a Referees Association of Zambia official has said they will continue with the boycott until Faz shows seriousness with dealing with the match officials concerns.
A 45-YEAR-OLD woman has told a local court that she suspects that her husband has been having an affair with his female cousin whom he brought into their matrimonial home to take care of his domestic needs.
Grace Sakala of Lusaka’s John Laing township said this in a case in which she sued her husband Diva Ng’uni, 60, of the same township, for divorce.
Sakala told the court that problems in their marriage started in 1998 when her husband started insulting her in the presence of the children and he decided to bring his cousin from the village.
She said Ng’uni referred to her (Sakala) as a useless woman and that he shifted from the matrimonial bedroom to the sitting room.
Sakala said Ng’uni started returning home late and he told her not to question where he had been, why he was returning home late and why he was sleeping in the sitting room.
She also said he stopped eating the food that she prepared for him and stopped making love to her.
Sakala said that this went on for 18 months.
“Every time I asked him why he refused to eat the food I prepared for him and to make love with me, his answer was: `I have a cousin whom I have called to come and make me happier than you do’,” Sakala said.
She said Ng’uni no longer loves her.
Sakala said she tried to have the matter resolved with the help of elders, but to no avail because in the presence of other family members Ng’uni pretends to be a good husband.
[pullquote]“Every time I asked him why he refused to eat the food I prepared for him and to make love with me, his answer was: `I have a cousin whom I have called to come and make me happier than you do’,” Sakala said.
She said Ng’uni no longer loves her.[/pullquote]
She said that a “few days ago” she found her husband dressing up in the spare bedroom used by his cousin. She said that Ng’uni also spends a lot of time with his cousin in the same room.
“I could not believe it because I regarded Ng’uni’s cousin as my own sister whom I trusted very much and consulted over various issues,” she said.
In defence, Ng’uni told the court that he did not have much to say because he was waiting for the court to formally grant divorce.
He said, however, that he has had many problems with Sakala apart from her being too lazy to cook and to do other household chores.
Ng’uni said his cousin from the village was already home and she would be taking care of the home.
Senior presiding magistrate Edward Tembo, sitting with magistrate Hildah Chonya, granted divorce and ordered Ng’uni to pay Sakala K6 million as compensation in monthly instalments of K200,000.
[ Sunday Mail ]
A 52-YEAR-OLD woman has asked the Lusaka Boma local court to grant her divorce because her husband allegedly keeps a magic snake in their matrimonial bedroom to boost his business.
This was heard in a case in which Easter Bwalya of Kaunda Square Stage II sued her husband, Johnston Chilekwa, 60, of the same township for divorce because he often threatens to kill her using his snake.
“Chilekwa also refuses to make love with me as he gets instructions from the snake. My husband tells me that this is for his business and that if I am unhappy about it I can leave him and go and live with my children,” she said.
Bwalya said Chilekwa has also told her that traditional healers have told him his snake should decide when he should make love.
She said sometimes he behaves like a mad person and threatens to kill her.
[pullquote]“Chilekwa also refuses to make love with me as he gets instructions from the snake. My husband tells me that this is for his business and that if I am unhappy about it I can leave him and go and live with my children,” she said.[/pullquote]
Bwalya said Chilekwa has also told her that if she continues to live with him, she will not know how death will strike her.
She said Chilekwa concentrates more on business than on his domestic responsibilities, including love-making.
“Every time I ask him why he refuses to make love with me, the answer is: `business first and things like sex come last because I have my boss who gives me instructions’,” she told the court.
Bwalya said Chilekwa’s strange behaviour started in 1997 when he got a shop at city market. He now has three shops.
Bwalya also said that she once found some charms in the house and Chilekwa told her that they were for boosting his business and that she should not reveal this to anyone.
She said in 2007, Chilekwa began to behave like a mad person and would chase her from home. She would later return home but before long, he would chase her again.
“I am tired of my husband’s behaviour. I cannot continue living like this. Every time he chases me, I go to my daughter’s place,” Bwalya said.
She said this pattern of living continued until she eventually moved out permanently and stopped talking about her husband’s business.
Bwalya said she tried to have the matter resolved with the help of her husband’s relatives, but to no avail.
She said that she now wants the court to grant her divorce.
In defence, Chilekwa told the court that he loves Bwalya very much and he is not ready to divorce her.
Chilekwa said Bwalya is a quiet and understanding woman and that he would not want to lose her.
He said, however, that all that Bwalya had stated as her reasons for wanting a divorce was not true.
Chilekwa said Bwalya just likes staying with their daughter.
In passing her judgment, senior presiding magistrate Elipher Mwewa warned Chilekwa that charms are a source of marriage breakdowns.
Magistrate Mwewa, who was sitting with senior magistrate Gastone Kalala and Martha Tembo, granted divorce and ordered that Chilekwa pays Bwalya K15 million for maintenance in monthly instalments of K500,000.
The economic association of Zambia EAZ has cautioned that the increment in electricity tariffs and fuel prices will negate the positive impact of the reduced inflation rate that the nation has been recording lately.
EAZ executive director, Alexander chileshe said that failure to keep an eye on the hikes in the prices of these two components of the energy sector may just prove, retrogressive in ensuring that economic growths that Zambia is realizing, trickles down to the people.
Dr. Chileshe noted that it is important for government to deliberately lay down perimeters to set how high the prices can shoot up in order to protect the poor Zambian and enable them to benefit from the reductions in inflation rate.
He said that the 7.8% that inflation rate has been placed at for the month of June, 2010 is good news for the economy of this country but efforts should be invested in ensuring that money now becomes more valuable in buying terms.
He also challenges government and stakeholders in the economy to invest time and examine the benefits that might come with this drop in the country inflation rate.
Dr. Chileshe has however called government to see to it that there is effective reduction in food prices with the current rate that inflation is standing at.
He said that it is evident that the rate dropped due to the fact that the nation recorded a maize crop bumper harvest this year and therefore food prices should see a reduction.
He said that this will easily help government translate this growth into something tangible for the people.
On Thursday, the the Central Statistical Office (CSO) reported that Zambia’s inflation slowed to 7.8 percent year-on-year in June versus 9.1 percent in May, mainly due to a lower food prices.
Bank of Zambia Governor Caleb Fundanga said last month that Zambia would likely achieve its target of 8 percent inflation by the end of the year despite higher fuel prices and a planned rise in electricity tariffs.
“The (June inflation) decline is attributed to the decrease in some food prices such as maize meal, maize grain, fresh vegetables and dried Kapenta (dried fish),” CSO said in a statement on Thursday.
The CSO also said Zambia registered a trade surplus of 762.9 billion kwacha in May compared with another surplus of 1.1 trillion kwacha in April.
Zambia harvested 2.7 million tonnes of white maize in 2009/2010, beating last season’s harvest of 1.9 million tonnes, to leave a surplus of 1.1 million of the staple grain, according to a government crop survey.
But although food prices have trended downwards, analysts see inflationary pressures from higher power costs, particularly if power utility Zesco is granted a 36 percent tariff increase.
President Ian Khama of Botswana has called for improvement of goods and services in southern Africa to enhance competitiveness in the region.
Lieutenant-General Khama has also said the bilateral and trade relationship between Botswana and Zambia has continued to grow over the past five years for the benefit of the people in the two neighbouring countries.
Speaking when officially opening the 46th Zambia International Trade Fair in Ndola yesterday, President Khama called for diversification of economies in the region in order to create competitiveness and growth.
“Let us restructure our economies so that we can diversify and create competitiveness and I want to commend the Zambian government for the manner they handled the country’s economy during the global financial crisis,” President Khama said.
He said the 6.3 percent economic growth Zambia recorded is as a result of diversification and good policies put in place by Government.
President Khama said small, medium and large-scale entrepreneurs are key to the growth of any country’s economy.
He also said that regional integration will not be achieved without improvement of communication in Southern African Development Community (SADC).
President Khama commended Zambia for supporting the construction of Kazungula bridge to link Zambia and Botswana across the Zambezi River in Kazungula.
“We shall not be able to achieve regional integration if we do not improve communication and that is why we should support construction of Kazungula Bridge,” President Khama said.
“Zambia and Botswana have a special relationship, founded by our founding fathers of the two countries and there is need for us to build on this for the benefit of our people,” he said.
President Khama said the planned introduction of direct flights from Lusaka to Gaborone in August this year will increase trade between the two countries.
He has also called for respect of tenets of democracy by elected leaders in the SADC region.
He said SADC leaders should work together in protecting the economic and political stability in the region.
“Elected leaders have a duty to protect the economic and political stability of the region. We also need to practice good democracy by respecting the will of the people,” Gen. Khama said.
Speaking earlier, President Banda said Zambia and Botswana have continued to enjoy cordial and bilateral relations for the benefit of the people in the two countries.
Mr Banda said the two countries will continue to work together for the benefit of people in Zambia and Botswana.
“Botswana is truly a sister-country and it is united with the people of Zambia in many areas including blood and culture…and the way we solve problems,” Mr Banda said.
Earlier, President Banda led hundreds of people and dignitaries to receive Gen. Khama at the Ndola International Airport.
Gen. Khama was accorded a 21-gun salute before he inspected a guard of honour.
Later, President Khama, accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs Kabinga Pande, Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Felix Mutati and Minister of Home Affairs Mkhondo Lungu, toured selected stands at the ZITF.
Among stands he toured were those for the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, National Pensions Scheme Authority, Zesco Limited, Energy Regulation Board, Ministry of Commerce Trade and Industry and the Bank of Zambia.
I am inclined to believe that, Zambians do not care for anything that bares a “Public” tag to its name; Public schools, Public markets, Public parks, Public art, Public toilets; amazingly most Zambians don’t even care about Public funds. However, it is very upsetting to see how wasteful the government is becoming with Tax-paid and Donor- funded public funds and keeps on denying it.
President Rupiah Banda recently charged that co-operating partners should not blackmail his government by withholding donor support. Rupiah promised that he would not allow diplomats who present credentials to him to continue holding his Government to ransom by using threats to withhold funding as a way of resolving challenges facing various sectors of the economy. He boosted that Zambia was a sovereign State, where donors themselves choose areas they would like to fund and the Government never forces them.
What is disappointing and worrying is that such a mouthful, however, hopeless statement came from a president whose government is marred with corruption and equally dependent on donor support.
[pullquote]While we appreciate that Zambia is a sovereign state it does not means that Rupiah and his government should go on rampage to abuse public funds and not expect anyone to question it.[/pullquote]
While we appreciate that Zambia is a sovereign state it does not means that Rupiah and his government should go on rampage to abuse public funds and not expect anyone to question it. In any case it is not the duty of the donors to hold the government accountable. It is the right and duty of every proud Zambian to ensure that Public funds are spent in an accountable and transparent manner.
As if Rupiahs arrogance towards the donor community was not enough to blemish his government’s reputation and deprive the poor Zambians of any help. Citizens Committee Executive Director Gregory Chifire also carelessly charged that the donor community was just crying out too loudly over its demands for accountability of the resources it provides to Zambia. This statement is not only hopeless but childish, because like the former, it does not only shows lack of appreciation but frustrates the efforts of the donor in trying to assist the country in areas of national development. Perhaps as echoed by the chairperson of Denmark’s foreign affairs committee, Marion Pedersen, there are indeed other countries that would need and put donor money in good use.
The donors are not just crying out for nothing; let’s have a recap at some recent reports of misappropriation of public funds as reported in the media;
1. Commissioner of police Graphael Musamba has said investigations into the K27 billion corruption scam at the Ministry of Health are still on. The post; October 20,2009
2. “Former human resource manager in the Ministry of Health Henry Kapoko and nine others were on Thursday arrested by the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) on fresh charges of theft by public servant, theft and money laundering amounting to over K4 billion”. The Post; October 31,2009
3. The Auditor General (AG)’s report is out – this time for the year ending 2008, revealing rampant misuse of funds in foreign missions, some government ministries and the Zambia Police Service. The Post; Feb 14 2010.
4. “The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has arrested opposition Patriotic Front Ndola Central Member of Parliament Mark Mushili for alleged money laundering involving over 6 billion Kwacha”. Lusakatimes; June 18, 2010.
5. “The recent Auditor Generals audit report on Road Development Agency has revealed that the agency misappropriated about US$250 million (K1.4 trillion) which was released for various road works in the country”. Lusakatimes May 23, 2001
6. “About K1.7 billion at the Lusaka City Council (LCC) has allegedly been misused and police and the Anti-Corruption Commission have moved in to investigate the matter”. Lusakatimes, June 29,2010
7. “The Anti-money Laundering Investigations Unit (AMLIU) of the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC)has unearthed a scam involving over K2 billion of fake claims for supply of goods and services to Government departments.
The scam was discovered during the on-going verification exercise of outstanding bills for the Ministry of Defence and Home Affairs”. Lusakatimes; June 29, 2010
Needless to say this list can go on and on, It just indicates that the people of Zambia should also stand up to put an end to this ruthless and senseless abuse of public funds. I am afraid if we continue to stand aside and think that anything “public” is not worth protecting, the majority of the population will continue wallowing in abject poverty and the Re-“public” of Zambia would soon become a failed state.
Cheaters never prosper? Luis Suárez punches the ball off the line to deny Ghana a last-minute extra time winner... Photo: REUTERS
Africans all over Africa and the world are tremendously disappointed at Ghanas unceremonious defeat against Uruguay. To say we feel robbed is an understatement.There is no doubt in anybody’s mind that Ghana were cheated out of the World Cup. As Dominic Adiyiah headed the ball goalwards in the final second of extra time in their quarter-final against Uruguay on Friday night, the Black Stars appeared destined for glory. The ball’s trajectory insisted that they were to become Africa’s first representative ever to reach the competition’s semi-final. Then Uruguay’s Luis Suarez stuck out a hand and palmed the certain goal away. Which wasn’t really on, since he was not the goalkeeper.[pullquote]I made the best save of the tournament.
[/pullquote]
The referee spotted the infringement and awarded Ghana a penalty, as well as sending Suarez off.
His handball with the score at 1-1 gave Ghana a penalty in the last minute of extra-time but Asamoah Gyan sent his spot-kick crashing off the crossbar to give the Uruguayans a reprieve which they exploited by winning a penalty shoot-out. Suarez’s basketball moment proved that, ultimately, cheats prosper.
Many of the 84,000-strong crowd were incensed as they saw Ghana’s romantic dream of becoming the first African team to reach the semi-final shattered before witnessing Uruguay’s Suárez being carried shoulder high from the pitch.
Suárez made matters worse by echoing Diego Maradona’s triumphant boast after his handball goal downed England in 1986.
“The ‘Hand of God’ now belongs to me,” he said. “I made the best save of the tournament.
“There was no alternative for me. This was the end of the World Cup and when I saw Gyan miss the penalty it was a great joy. I thought ‘it is a miracle’. We were still alive.
“The way in which I was sent off today was worth it.”
Fifa considered extending Suárez’s one-match ban but, having reviewed the incident, it decided it did not merit more punishment, which means Suárez could still play in the World Cup final if Uruguay beat Holland in the semi-final in Cape Town on Tuesday.
Should Uruguay beat Holland and make it to next Sunday’s final, the return of Suárez might cause embarrassment for Fifa, as its fair play code states: “Winning is without value if victory has been achieved unfairly or dishonestly. Cheating is easy, but brings no pleasure.”
Fifa spokesman Pekka Odriozola said Fifa’s disciplinary code gave the committee the option of a longer ban for ‘unsportsmanlike conduct’.
Uruguayan officials were forced to defend themselves against accusations of cheating and cynicism by an angry host nation.
“It is not fair to say we cheated our way to victory,” protested Uruguay coach Óscar Tabárez.
“It was instinctive. He misses the next game and has paid for the consequences.”
But Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac described it as “really shocking. A football injustice”.
Gyan was adamant that Adiyiah’s header had crossed the line before Portuguese referee Olegário Benquerenca awarded the spot kick.
“The ball went in, it did cross the line,” he said, despite video evidence to the contrary. “If it was our day, the referee would have seen it and whistled as a goal.
“I would say Suárez is a hero now in his own country, because the ball was going in and he held it with his hand. He is a hero now.”
“The vision is yet for an appointed time…”
(Habakkuk 2:3, NKJ)
TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria
God has planted seeds of greatness on the inside of you. He has predestined that those things in your heart come to pass. You may have had more than your share of unfair things happen in your life. You probably have plenty of reasons to just settle where you are. But understand, the depth of your past is an indication of the height of your future. In other words, if you’ve been through a lot of negative things in the past, it just means that your future is bigger and brighter and greater than you can even imagine. It’s your time to step out and embrace all that God has for you!
Are there dreams and promises that you’ve let go of? Are there things that God has placed in your heart that you’ve given up on? Today is the day to give your dreams a new beginning. Today is the day to allow faith to rise in your heart. Remember, what’s happened to you is not nearly as important as what’s happened in you. Today, you are stronger and wiser than ever before. It’s your time and your season to move forward into the destiny that God has prepared for you!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Heavenly Father, thank You for the destiny that You have deposited into my heart. I choose to stand in faith knowing that You are working behind the scenes. Give me strength and wisdom to follow Your leading so that I can embrace all that You have for me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Former Finance Minister Ngandu Mangande
The ruling Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD) Party says it is sick and tired of the gross misconduct of the self proclaimed faction of George Mpombo and N’gandu Magande and that the National Executive Council (NEC) is in the process of throwing them out of party.
Former Defense Minister George Mpombo and his counter part Former Finance Minister N’gandu Magande have been at logger heads with the party Leadership the NEC because of there continued criticism of the decisions and policies of their Party.
Party National Chairman Micheal Mabenga said the Party would make sure the dual are expelled from the party.
He accused the dual of creating an impression to the public that the Party is marred by factions contrary to the real situation obtaining on the ground.
He also charged that the two who are both members of Parliament have ceased to be factors of the party and that their services are no longer required.
He said the party is tired and sees no point in harboring people who do not appreciate what the party is doing.
[ QFM ]
The foundation for democratic process FODEP has challenged the electoral commission of Zambia ECZ to quickly address the financial impediments that are negatively impacting the continuous Voter Registration Process (VRP).
Recently it was reported that the process which has less than 75 days to go, was in Monze brought to a halt owing to inadequate resources.
FODEP information officer, McDonald Chipenzi warned that if the commission does not give this matter the deserved attention, there is a great possibility that the registration process will not attain its intended goal.
He said that the ECZ should be ready to deal with all the issues that come up in the process in order to ensure that the country reaches its intended goal.
Mr. Chipenzi also indicates that it is important for the commission to be alert and realize that this year’s registration process started on a very low note and the only way to successfully sustain it is by ensuring that it stays adequately funded.
He pointed out that if the ECZ missed this opportunity to get Zambians registered, the after effects of such a decision will only be felt in 2011.
But the effects will be too drastic for the commission to reverse and therefore action should be taken now.
ECZ has also failed to fund the Zambia News Agency (ZANIS) which has the mobile public address system in all the districts through out the country.
Currently most rural places are not aware about the voter registration exercise and in some district ECZ has opted to higher private companies to conduct the publicity instead of using free equipment from ZANIS.
[ QFM ]
Vice President George Kunda talks to American Ambassador to Zambia Donald Booth
Vice-President George Kunda has assured donors of governments commitment to prudently and to effectively use of financial resources.
The Vice- President said the recent reaction against the donor community was a result of the failure by some diplomats to follow the channels of communicating their concerns to Government.
Mr Kunda said Government is committed to good governance, in particular the fight against corruption, adding that it is the reason co-operating partners have continued to render support to Zambia.
The Vice-President said this in Parliament yesterday in response to a question from Mandevu member of Parliament (MP) Jean Kapata (PF).
Ms Kapata wanted to know the current relationship between Government and donors.
Mr Kunda said the relationship between Government and its co-operating partners is warm.
He said co-operating partners have pledged to continue providing financial, material and technical help to Zambia, adding that the relationship will continue to flourish.
“You might have heard in today’s (yesterday) newspapers that the co-operating partners have pledged to continue supporting this country’s developmental programmes. So, you can see that our relationship with donors is still sound,” he said.
Mr Kunda said President Banda’s recent statement about the donor community related to diplomatic etiquette.
[pullquote]
“You might have heard in today’s (yesterday) newspapers that the co-operating partners have pledged to continue supporting this country’s developmental programmes. So, you can see that our relationship with donors is still sound,” he said.[/pullquote]
He accused some diplomats of issuing threats to Government through the media.
Mr Kunda said there are established diplomatic channels through which diplomats can engage Government.
“Let us at all times observe the diplomatic etiquette according to the Geneva Convention. This is what President Banda was talking about recently,” Mr Kunda said.
And Mr Kunda said Government is revising the law on corruption to take into account past experiences.
He said Government is reviewing the law so that corruption cases can be effectively tackled.
Mr Kunda said this in response to a question from Katuba MP Jonas Shakafuswa (MMD), who wanted to know why section 37 of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Act relating to abuse of office has been left out in the revised version.
Mr Kunda said he was not aware of Mr Shakafuswa’s claims.
He wondered where Mr Shakafuswa acquired that information when the bill has not yet been tabled before Parliament.
Mr Kunda said it is a criminal offence for any individual to access information which is classified.
He said when the bill is presented to Parliament, MPs will be accorded a chance to submit their comments, adding that it is prejudicial for any MP to make judgement based on a document which has not yet been tabled before the House.
And Mr Kunda said Government is looking for resources to fund the National Constitutional Conference (NCC) to enable it to complete its work.
The Vice-President said this in response to a question by Kalomo UPND MP Request Mutanga, who wanted to know what Government is doing to source funds for the completion of the Constitution-making process.
The NCC on Thursday announced that it requires funding to enable it to publish copies of the draft Constitution to enable members of the public to submit comments.
Mr Kunda said the Constitution-making process is on course, and that Government is doing everything possible to ensure the NCC is adequately funded.
And Mr Kunda said Government regrets the anomalies experienced in the printing of some pay slips for civil servants, resulting in delayed payment of salaries for June.
He said the authorities responsible are doing everything possible to correct the anomalies so that affected workers are paid.
Mr Kunda said this in response to a question from Katombora UPND MP Regina Musokotwane, who wanted to know what Government is doing to ensure workers are paid their salaries.
And Mr Kunda said it is the intention of Government to buy as much maize as possible from farmers in this year’s marketing season.
He said the Food Reserve Agency has been unable to buy maize from some parts of the country mainly because the moisture content of maize is still high.
Mr Kunda said this in response to a question from Pemba UPND MP David Matongo, who wanted to know why FRA has not started buying maize in some districts.
But Mr Kunda said the high moisture content of maize in some parts of the country has slowed down the buying exercise by FRA.
He said as soon as the moisture content meets the required standard, FRA will buy the maize.
And Mr Kunda said the continuous mobile voters’ registration by the Electoral Commission of Zambia will be conducted in all the polling stations across the country.
He said all the polling stations will be captured as the exercise is mobile and continuous.
Mr Kunda said this in response to Chipili PF MP Davies Mwila, who questioned why ECZ has selected a few polling stations to conduct the exercise.
Meanwhile, Mr Kunda said the 7.8 percent inflation rate which the country has recorded will have a positive impact on the economy.
He said the drop in inflation is likely to result in more lending facilities and reduced interest rate.
Mr Kunda was responding to a question by Bahati PF MP Besa Chimbaka, who asked what effect the drop in inflation will have on the economy.
[ Zambia Daily Mail ]
President Rupiah Banda
State House has described as malicious and false allegations that President Banda last month met the President of Chad, Idris Derby Itno, in Mfuwe to discuss oil supplies.
And State House says a number of statements in the media castigating President Banda’s travels and making assumptions about his itinerary must be dismissed as false and inaccurate.
Chief of staff Austin Sichinga said in a statement yesterday that the President of Chad has not been to Zambia recently, and has not discussed oil supplies with anyone.
Mr Sichinga said before Mr Banda went to Mfuwe, his special assistant for press and public relations Dickson Jere issued a statement that the President was going on a working visit, during which he was to meet investors.
“Ignoring this press release, one of our politicians went to a known radio station and claimed that he knew that President Banda was actually meeting His Excellency Mr Idris Derby Itno, President of Chad, in Mfuwe, and that they were discussing oil supplies.
“Nothing could have been farther from the truth. As the press release stated, the President went to Mfuwe for a working visit, and while there, the President met two visitors, both potential investors who coincidentally happened to be in Zambia and in Mfuwe during that particular visit,” Mr Sichinga said.
He said a number of statements in the media castigating President Banda’s travels and making assumptions about his itinerary must be dismissed as false and inaccurate.
Mr Sichinga said Mr Banda, like other state presidents, is a public figure, and the nation and its citizens have the right to know where he is and what he does.
He said in the recent past, a number of statements have been made in the media, especially on some radio stations, regarding the President’s trips as well as who he has been meeting, but most of them have been incorrect.
Dr Sichinga said that is why the office of the special assistant to the President for press and public relations issues statements whenever the President leaves State House for engagements outside the country.
“At no time have these statements been made or designed to mislead the citizens. Those claiming that the statements from State House are false, and that they know better or are better informed, have been peddling lies. There are no special ‘informers’ among the staff at State House who provide certain politicians with so called accurate information,” he said.
Mr Sichinga said the information the ‘informers’ have put out is not accurate, indicating that they are a figment of some politicians’ imaginations.
He said even when the President left for South Africa and Namibia, a press release was issued detailing the visit to the two countries.
Mr Sichinga said the same politician rushed to a radio station as before, claiming that the President had gone to Cape Town for a review on his knee, which was attended to there the previous year.
It was further claimed that Mr Banda kept his Namibian counterpart Hifikepunye Pohamba waiting for a whole day on the day he was scheduled to arrive.
“Again the statement on the radio was full of inaccurate information regarding the President’s visit. It was clearly designed or meant to mislead the Zambians. The President never travelled to Cape Town on this trip,” he said.
Dr Sichinga said it would have been helpful if claims made by politicians regarding the President’s travels could be substantiated by indicating which doctor attended to him and at which hospital.
He said Mr Banda left Lusaka on Sunday, June 20, 2010 for Johannesburg, where he met South African President Jacob Zuma, and together, they watched the Ivory Coast/Brazil game.
He said the President had private meetings and appointments on June 21 and 22, 2010 in Johannesburg and travelled to Namibia the following day when he was expected, arriving at 09.00 hours, one hour before he was due.
He said it is important for Zambians to remember that the President is elected by citizens of this country and pouring ridicule on the President is ridiculing the many Zambians who elected him into office.
[ Zambia Daily Mail ]
