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Second republican president Dr Fredrick Chiluba greets MMD cadres
United Party for National Development (UPND) has described the just ended development consultative meeting of chiefs and parliamentarians from Luapula province, as a sham.
UPND Spokesperson Charles Kakoma toda that the meeting was a sheer waste of tax payers’ money.
Mr. Kakoma said the meeting was exclusive in that it was not meant for all the people of Luapula but only for a few MMD sympathizers.
He said any developmental matter which is meant for all concerned people must be inclusive.
Mr. Kakoma has also described the meeting as too political adding that it had nothing to do with development of Luapula province.
He said the meeting was staged in the name of development consultative to campaign for President Rupiah Banda.
The UPND Spokesperson accused the MMD of abusing public funds because the resources that were used to organise a meeting belong to government.
[pullquote]Mr. Kakoma has also described the meeting as too political adding that it had nothing to do with development of Luapula province.[/pullquote]
He said it was wrong for the MMD as a party to use government money to campaign for President Banda.
The MMD development consultative meeting came to a close yesterday at Mansa Hotel with Second Republican President Dr. Frederick Ciluba pledging to score a second term for incumbent President Rupiah Banda.
[ QFM ]
A five months pregnant woman aged between 21 and 25 years old has been found dead in a room at Nkhumanyandine lodge in Lusaka’s Kalingalinga compound.
The woman only identified as Elizabeth of Lusaka’s Mtendere compound allegedly went to the lodge around 02 hours in the company of a man who is yet to be identified.
A friend to the deceased, Rose Phiri told MUVI TV news that her friend was picked up around 02 hours by a taxi driver from Mayela bar.
And a receptionist at Nkumanyandine lodge, Patrick Mwambafula said an unknown man booked the room where Elizabeth was found dead around 23:30hours on Saturday night.
He says Elizabeth was found dead yesterday morning after the cleaner went to knock but there was no response prompting them to break the window as the door was locked and the key missing.
In a related development a 51 year old man of Lusaka’s Mtendere compound has allegedly committed suicide in unclear circumstances.
Faxon Lukanga who used to stay alone was discovered hanging in his house on Saturday.
A neighbor, Luckson Mumba says Mr. Lukanga was well, but had only complained of lack of food the previous day he spoke to him.
[MUVI TV]
The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has arrested five students in separate incidents for drug trafficking.
DEC public relations manager John Nyawali said in a Press statement three of the five students were from Mansa Trades Training Institute while the other two were from Lukashya Trades Training Institute in Kasama.
He urged authorities in learning institutions to report all suspected cases of drug trafficking to help create a drug-free learning environment.
“The commission would like to urge authorities in learning institutions to be vigilant with activities that happen in their institutions,” he said.
Mr Nyawali also said the commission had in the last seven days seized half a tonne of cannabis and arrested 90 people from across the country for trafficking in various quantities of the psychotropic substance.
TRADITIONAL leaders in Luapula Province have resolved that they will not support political leaders who insult chiefs.
And Vice-President George Kunda has assured the chiefs and members of Parliament who attended the two-day consultative forum in Mansa that Government will implement the resolutions of the forum to promote development in Luapula.
Senior Chief Mushota, who read out the 14 resolutions from the just ended conference at Mansa Hotel yesterday, said traditional leaders will not support leaders insulting them irrespective of their political affiliation.
“As chiefs, we have resolved that we shall not support leaders who are fond of insulting us because when one chief is insulted, it is all chiefs that are insulted. This includes insulting chiefs from other regions,’’ Chief Mushota said.
He urged political leaders who have insulted chiefs to apologise publicly.
The conference also resolved that the people of Luapula Province will only support a presidential candidate associated with development in the province.
Other resolutions were that members of Parliament from the province should speak with one voice irrespective of political affiliation to help steer development in the province.
“We want our MPs to speak with one voice because that is the only way we shall develop the province and the purpose of unity should underpin development projects in the province,’’ he said.
Chief Mushota said the conference also resolved that the province be sensitised so that they can only vote for a leader who will bring development to the province.
He said the conference also agreed that MPs and traditional leaders in Luapula should work together for the benefit of the people in the province.
The conference also resolved to continue working with former President Frederick Chiluba whose contribution to the conference has been described as immense and helpful.
The forum also urged Government to speed up the construction of a bridge on Luapula river to connect Kashiba and Kasenga in Mwense and rehabilitate health, transport and education infrastructure in the province.
Other resolutions called for foreign investors to invest in the mining and tourism sectors in the province.
And Mr Kunda said Government will consider implementing the resolutions from the conference.
He was speaking when he officially closed the conference.
Mr Kunda commended the chiefs and MPs for their participation in the conference.
He said such an initiative should be supported by all key stakeholders because it is aimed at bringing development to the province.
“I wish to commend the conveners of the conference for their foresight in coming up an agenda focusing on the development of Luapula Province,’’ Mr Kunda said.
He also commended the chiefs and MPs for allowing Dr Chiluba to attend the conference.
Mr Kunda said Dr Chiluba has immense experience having served as head of State for 10 years.
He appealed to other provinces countrywide to emulate MPs and chiefs from Luapula Province in order to steer development in other provinces.
Mr Kunda said Government will consider the resolution and will include them in the Sixth National Development Plan which is currently being worked on.
He said Government is happy that the leaders of Luapula Province have taken an initiative to determine and prioritise the development needs of the province.
“This conference is historical and unprecedented. You have met with your MPs so that you can direct them on issues of major interest to the province,’’ Mr Kunda said.
He also said Government is committed to efforts aimed at improving the welfare of the chiefs countrywide.
Mr Kunda appealed to traditional leaders to seek dialogue when dealing with succession disputes to avoid wrangles.
He said Government will soon purchase vehicles for the traditional leaders who did not benefit from the initial empowerment programme.
Mr Kunda said the resolutions will be presented to President Banda and Cabinet so that they can be considered in the Sixth National Development Plan and next year’s national budget.
Some minibus drivers in Lusaka say the MMD government under President Rupiah Banda has been corrupt and that corruption in the country will never end as long as government does not improve the conditions of service for police officers.
Complaining to QFM over the weekend, the mini bus drivers who declined to have their identity revealed said the government has not been fair on the way it has been treating them through traffic police officers.
They said the traffic police officers have been demanding money from them at every road block, adding when they are given money they let them go.
They complained that there is no justice in government depriving the poor mini bus drivers by demanding money in place of the government to provide employment to them so that they can be paying lawfully through tax.
They threatened to work towards changing government in the forth coming tripartite elections next year, alleging that the Rupiah led administration has failed to run the country.
United Party for National Development (UPND) party president Hakainde Hichilema
A political Activist says it is taboo for any one to call UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema as a young man who cannot manage to lead the country as president.
In an interview with QFM, Dante Saunders says Mr. Hichilema’s age is in line with national leadership and complements with what is going on around the world today.
He says a man of his age is able to handle national issues because he still has fresh thinking and fresh ideas which can transform the country.
And Saunders says those agitating that PF leader Michael Sata is not fit to be president of Zambia are not fair.
He says despite Mr. Sata’s age, he is still fit to be president of the country.
He says people ought to understand that all people advanced in age have a health complication of one way or another.
He says there is nowhere in the world where one can find an old man without a health complication.
He says Mr. Sata’s health complications should not be used as an excuse for him not to contest for the presidency.
He says the issues of health and age should not be factors in determining who should be president of the country.
He says power to choose leaders lie in the hands of the people, adding no political party should be master of who should be president of the country.
He says in addition to people’s wishes, God ordains leaders hence no one should judge the conditions of other people on issues that affect national leadership
The National Revolution Party has launched its Green Card Campaign condemning both the Red Card and the White Card Campaigns.
In a telephone interview with Q fm this afternoon, Party Secretary General Kelly Walubita Junior says the Green Card Campaign whose aim is to promote peace and tranquility in the country has successfully been launched at Makeni Islamic Center in Makeni.
He called on Zambians to support the Green Card Campaign because it is meant to promote peace among all Zambians regardless of their origin.
He reiterated that the Red Card and the White Card Campaigns should be condemned because they are a recipe for violence and anarchy in the country.
Meanwhile, Mr. Walubita has called for a revisit of the national constitution to make some reforms to make the Zambia Police Service an autonomous wing.
He says once this is not done, the Zambia Police will always operate under instruction from the appointing authority and hence shall always be toothless.
He says the action by the MMD to send 250 cadres to Luapula to protect Dr. Frederick Chiluba is a sign that the police have failed to protect the former head of state.
FORMER President, Dr Frederick Chiluba, has urged the people of Luapula Province to unite and speak with one voice if they are to overcome the numerous challenges they face.
And Dr Chiluba was yesterday given a thunderous welcome at Mansa Hotel, the venue for an inaugural provincial consultative forum for members of parliament and traditional leaders of the Province.
The former President received a similar rousing welcome on Friday night when he arrived in Mansa from Lusaka.
Dr Chiluba said unity and co-operation are the only ways in which the province will find solutions to difficulties.
[pullquote]“Why should people question my coming here to Luapula Province where I come from? Without Luapula there could have been no Chiluba. Surely can’t I even visit my home province,” Dr Chiluba asked.[/pullquote]
Officially opening the consultative forum, Dr Chiluba said: “This is a big meeting and it will help in bringing development to this province, and development can only come through such gatherings.”
He said the meeting will help to establish the needs for the province and these will be presented to government. Dr Chiluba wondered why some opposition politicians criticised his invitation to the meeting.
“Why should people question my coming here to Luapula Province where I come from? Without Luapula there could have been no Chiluba. Surely can’t I even visit my home province,” Dr Chiluba asked.
He said his visit to the province has sent shivers in the opposition rank and file but he assured that he was not in Luapula to campaign but to thank the chiefs and MPs for the support he received when he was being prosecuted for seven years.
He revealed that PF president Michael Sata asked him to campaign for him in the 2006 Presidential election and in the event that the PF won, he would drop the court cases.
Dr Chiluba said he turned down the offer and asked Mr Sata to allow the court process to take its course.
“So why should Sata today say that my cases should continue when he came to me and promised to end the cases if I supported him? This shows that he does not understand the governance system of the country,” Dr Chiluba said.
He urged the people of Luapula Province to support President Banda in the forthcoming 2011 elections because he was a working President.
“I have not come here to campaign but to thank the MPs and chiefs that supported me during the seven years I was in court for offences I did not commit, so the opposition should not panic.” Dr Chiluba said.
He also wondered why some people in the province are supporting a person who has failed to become head of state on three attempts.
[pullquote]“So why should Sata today say that my cases should continue when he came to me and promised to end the cases if I supported him? This shows that he does not understand the governance system of the country,” Dr Chiluba said.[/pullquote]
Dr Chiluba arrived in Mansa on Friday night to a thunderous welcome by hundreds of residents. Police had a tough time in controlling the ecstatic crowd.
Meanwhile, traditional leaders have commended MPs in the province for organising the consultative forum.
Luapula Province Chiefs committee chairman, Chief Chisunka, said the traditional leaders in the province are happy that what was proposed last year in October has come to fruition.
“We want to commend our MPs for this initiative which will bring development to the province. Such meetings should continue instead of chiefs and MPs working in isolation,” Chief Chisunka said.
He wondered why some opposition party leaders were opposed to such a consultative forum.
Chief Chisunka said such meetings should be held frequently for the benefit of the people.
Speaking earlier, organising committee chairman Mwansa Mbulakulima said the criticism by some opposition politicians will not discourage the MPs and traditional leaders in the province from discussing development issues.
“We shall not relent because this is what we discussed when we met after the Chabuka ceremony. We are glad that this meeting has been held. This is good for the development of Luapula Province,” Mr Mbulakulima said.
PF Kawambwa Central Member of Parliament Elizabeth Chitika-Molobeka said the meeting will help enhance development.
Among chiefs that attended the forum were the Mwata Kazembe, Kashiba, Puta, Kasoma Lwela, Kayembo, Munkanta and all the sub chiefs from the province.
Other MPs in attendance included Mr Besa Chimbaka (Bahati), Mr Ernest Mwansa (Chifunabuli), Dr Kalombo Mwansa (nominated), Dr Peter Machungwa (Luapula), Mr Joseph Kasongo (Bangweulu), Dr Bernard Chishya (Pambashe), Mr Chrispine Musosha (Mansa Central), Mr Ben Mwila (Nchelenge), Dr Katele Kalumba (Chiengi) and Mr John Chinyanta (Mambilima).
GOVERNMENT will deal with opposition political parties intent on destabilising peace and unity ahead of the 2011 general elections, Vice-President George Kunda has warned.
And Mr Kunda has said the political alliance between the Patriotic Front (PF) and the United Party for National Development (UPND) is a “pact of total darkness and violence.”
Speaking when he addressed hundreds of Mansa residents who turned up to welcome him at Mansa airport in Luapula Province yesterday, Mr Kunda said government will not allow violence in the country especially that which leads to loss of lives and property.
“We have seen what violence has done to other nations globally, especially, when lives are lost and I am warning those destabilising the peace and unity of the country that government will deal with them in order to protect the lives of our people,” Mr Kunda said.
The Vice-President said the violence in the run-up to the Mufumbwe parliamentary by-election recently should not be repeated as the country approaches general elections.
Mr Kunda wondered why the opposition is proud of the ‘Mapatizya formula’ which is associated with violence.
“This so-called Mapatizya formula is a violent system which if not checked can lead to loss of lives. The international community gets concerned when lives of people are lost through violence in the country,” Mr Kunda said.
The Vice-President also said government will continue to consult former President Frederick Chiluba on many national issues affecting the country.
He said the MMD government will not be embarrassed by consulting the former Head of State because having served as Republican President, President Chiluba has a lot of wisdom.
Mr Kunda wondered why the opposition should politicise the invitation of Dr Chiluba by the organising committee of a provincial consultative forum which opened yesterday and is being attended by Luapula Province traditional leaders.
“Dr Chiluba’s presence at the provincial consultative forum has sent shivers in the opposition,” Mr Kunda said.
He said government will also continue to partner with traditional leaders for the development of the country.
He said chiefs play a key role in the development of the country hence the need for government and the traditional leaders to work together.
Mr Kunda said Luapula Province has a lot of economic potential in tourism, mining and agriculture.
He commended Luapula Province members of Parliament for organising the consultative forum with traditional chiefs.
Speaking earlier, Luapula Province Minister Boniface Kawimbe said Government has continued to address the many challenges that the people in the province face.
Dr Kawimbe said a number of developmental projects are being implemented for the benefit of the people.
These include the Samfya District Hospital and school projects in Milenge district.
The Southern Africa Centre for Constructive Resolution of Disputes(SACCORD) has accused Republican President, Rupiah Banda of playing double standards in dealing with political violence in the country.
The organization has also questioned the national leader’s authenticity in fighting against political violence in the country.
Commenting on Lusaka provincial chairman, William Banda’s decision to send over 2500 ruling Movement for Multi party Democracy MMD youths to Luapula province, to counter any violence, SACCORD information officer, Obby Chibuluma says that it is surprising that President Banda seems to have not take note of that action.
Mr. Chibuluma indicates that president Banda did assure Zambians that the MMD would never engage in violence and it is very shameful that he has decided to keep quite over the transportation youths.
He says that President Banda should have stuck to his word and recalled the youths who have been sent to Luapula in order avoid the situation in Mufumbwe recurring.
Mr. Chibuluma has also challenged government to allow an independent board to inquire over the violence in Mufumbwe.
Republican president, Rupiah Banda has held a closed-door meeting with 13 traditional leaders from Copper-belt Province at State House to discuss a number of issues pertaining to development in their area.
President Banda met the traditional leaders following their request to meet the Head of State to discuss issues of development.
The meeting discussed among other issues, the road network in Copper-belt, especially in rural areas, rural electrification programme, construction of schools and mining activities.
President Banda thanked the traditional leaders for the initiative to discuss various developmental issues with him.
He said the spirit of dialogue between Government and traditional leaders should be encouraged in order to foster development in the country.
And the traditional leaders promised to continue supporting the Government of President Banda.
The 13 traditional leaders who attended the meeting include, Chieftainess Lesa, Malembeka, and Shimukunani.
President Banda was accompanied to the meeting by Local Government and Housing Minister Hon. Kazonga, MP, Permanent Secretary Timothy Hakuyu and some Government Officials from the House of Chiefs.
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”
(Romans 12:2, NKJV)
TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria
Did you know that you life will move in the direction of your most dominant thoughts? If you’re constantly down on yourself thinking you’ll never get ahead, then you won’t. But if you’ll choose to believe that you are an overcomer, that you have victory up ahead, that God has good things in store for your future; then that’s what you’ll end up with.
That’s why it’s so important to make sure our thoughts are the same as God’s thoughts. Just like a computer, whatever you allow into your mind is what will come out in your attitude and actions. The more you meditate on God’s Word, the more you will transform your thinking to be like God’s thinking.
Choose today to focus on the Word of God and allow your mind to be renewed. As you focus on God’s thoughts, you will see your actions become more like Him and you will see His hand of blessing in every area of your life.
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Heavenly Father, I submit to you all that I am. I ask that you renew my mind by the Word of God so that my thoughts are Your thoughts. Transform me into Your image. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Power Dynamos beat Nkana 2-1 away in a heated Kitwe derby away at a packed Wusakile stadium this afternoon.
The game did not disappoint especially on the second period after an opening 45 minutes of hot and cold action before controversy boiled over in the last 45 minutes.
Power took the lead in the 11th minute against the run of play through Zambia junior international midfielder Mukuka Mulenga who tucked in the ball from close range after beating a poorly organized Nkana offside trap.
The goal came after Nkana had dominated the opening 10 minutes led by Maxwell Phiri, Mwila Kabwe and the ageless Douglas Chiwaya who put Power under the cosh.
Power could have added a second goal in the 39th minute through former Jomo Cosmos and Orlando Pirates striker Davies Mwape but his effort was tapped out by Kelvin Mulenga.
Nkana’s passing and movement was pleasing to the eye but they just lacked the cutting edge in the opening half to deflate Power.
That changed after the break after the arrival of Clement Mulenga in midfield for an ineffective Rabby Lwambula.
However, the dark cloud of controversy inside a tense Wusakile crept in after the hour mark that started with Nkana’s equalizer on 66 minute.
Referee Wisdom Chewe of Kabwe ignored calls to halt play when Mukuka was fouled just inside Nkana’s own half of the pitch as Whiteson Mbewe raced with the ball before passing it to Chiwaya who was lurking on the edge of the visitors box to blasted in a trademark long-range shot to beat Rabson Muchelenaga.
Power were stunned as the equalizer sent Nkana fans into a deafening roar that was cue to the rumble of theIchilata that reverberated around Wusakile.
The equalizer sparred on a Nkana onslaught as Power’s defence held out thanks to Billy Imoonda’s leadership at the back.
However, Nkana fans were brought back to Earth on 81 minutes when Power again took the lead against the run of play through a sweetly struck free kick from Joseph Sitali after Elson Mkandawire was brought down on the edge of the box.
Sitali whipped in the free kick that sailed around Nkana’s wall to dart and squeeze into the right angle of posts beating Mulenga’s outstretched hand.
Three minutes from time Nkana were awarded a disputed penalty when Renold Kampamba went down in a seemingly innocuous 50-50 ball outside the box before he rolled into the box only for Chewe to point to the spot.
The match was stopped for five minutes as Power players swarmed Chewe while Police rushed onto the pitch while some unidentified Nkana fans stormed the field accosting Power players before they situation was brought under control by the security personnel.
Chiwaya then stepped up to the take the disputed penalty but poetic justice was meted out when Muchelenganga parried the ball to leave Nkana fans and players stunned.
Meanwhile, the situation was tense after the match but no major incidences occurred and Power safely left Wusakile to Ndeke the happier side after winning part one ahead of the September return leg date in Week 25.
And Power supporters quietly left Wusakile for their own safety and at the Savage Yard at the city mains bus station, fans cheered and chanted while some hooted from their cars to celebrate the Arthur Davies first victory in five games.
On Saturday, May 15, the good City of Kitwe will finally get a wholesome feel of its first derby in six years when Nkana host Power Dynamos in Wusakile.
Two years ago, Nkana returned for the first time to the Super Division since they were demoted in 2004 after four violent and ugly seasons in Division 1 north.
Unorganized and uncertain Nkana stayed just one season in the top flight before making an undisputed return to Division 1 north.
This season, Nkana have come back with some color with only two defeats all so far, but are unbeaten at home.
Today, a Nkana will for once have a spring in their step and walking with more self-esteem as they take on archrival Power who rightfully defeated them in back-to-back league wins in 2008.
Nkana have this time around assembled a formidable side of new and old players led by veteran Douglas Chiwaya who has unashamedly treaded on both sides of the Kitwe-Ndola Dual Carriageway for the last decade.
Moreover, Nkana’s current disposition will mean for the first time since 2004, Kitwe will truly be divided into red and yellow.
While there has been very little semblance of derby day approaching all week, Saturday will be an exception when one walks the streets of Kitwe on the morning of May 15, with vuvuzela’s and chanting very evident.
Even the savage yard, Kitwe’s main bus station will be divided into red and yellow.
However, the battle lines there will be hard to distinguish but each bus will show its allegiance in the mayhem of commerce as the transporters go about the business of making hay from their payload.
Talking about commerce, Nkana have thrown away notions of economics coming into this match.
Nkana have decided to take the risk of playing a major money spinner at their Wusakile home ground.
“Pa Chilata” as the iconic venue is known by Nkana’s friend and foe, is porous and how much the club will make from its 5000 seater venue will be interesting to know.
Nkana refused to entertain the thought of the match being played at a more secure 15 000 seater venue home ground of their rival Power stating common sense was to play at their official home ground and nowhere else.
Nkana may not be wrong in their wish to play in Wusakile.
The odds in this match favor them.
Power will be without four key players with prominently missing being their influential duo of attackers in Kennedy Mudenda and Luka Lungu due to CHAN commitments.
Also missing will be goalkeeper Rabson Muchelenganga and defender Daudi Musekwa.
The onus will be on their fading striker Elson Mkandawire and new-boy from DR Congo Xavier Tshiboko and Zimbabwean midfielder Trevor Nkomo to give Power some semblance of tangible decency.
Simon Bwalya too is available and one hopes it will click to him that it is derby day and not Lusaka Dynamos versus City of Lusaka at Queensmead.
Meanwhile, Nkana will greatly miss the services of their Buchi import from Kitwe United in midfield hard man Joseph Kamalondo due to injury.
Striker Rabson Lwambula will also be missing due to CHAN duties but Chiwala will be there to offer some wisdom and inspiration in a match Nkana have more to gain than to lose.
University of Zambia students Union (UNZASU) has commended University of Zambia (UNZA) management for rescinding its decision to effect the 25 percent increment across board on tuition fees.
UNZASU Information and Publicity Secretary Mutinta Lunda said in a press statement that students would continue to pay the same amount they paid in their first year until they graduate.
Ms Lunda thanked UNZA Management for creating unit with the students to ensure that peace and stability continued at the institution.
“This is a positive step towards better UNZA. UNZASU is pleased with Management for bringing stakeholders to the table to better the lives of students,” Ms Lunda said.
She said the difficulties that the institution was facing require the concerted effort of all stakeholders to restore UNZA to its rightful place in offering better education, research, and public service.
