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Transparency International Zambia (TIZ) chapter President Reuben Lifuka (L)
Transparency international Zambia TIZ president, Rueben has advised the ruling movement for multi party MMD to avoid picking on corruption cases that are only beneficial to the party in power due to its political connotation.
In an interview with Qfm, Mr Lifuka reveals that even though government would argue to say that pushing forward its research on finding details to opposition patriotic front president, Michael Sata’s once upon a time confinement to a maximum prison is beneficial to the electorate in the country, it also shows that the government is only picking on cases that will be politically beneficial to MMD.
He said that it is very evident that all the information being revealed on the time Mr. sata served a prison sentence will be to the detriment of the PF and possibly the pact as well but to the benefit of the MMD.
He has therefore urged the MMD to give the very same attention in addressing the increasing number of government officials being highlighted in the auditor general’s report.
[pullquote]He has therefore urged the MMD to give the very same attention in addressing the increasing number of government officials being highlighted in the auditor general’s report.[/pullquote]
Mr. lifuka says that it is immoral for government to allow the misappropriation of such huge public resources go unnoticed while it pushes for cases such as Mr. sata’s all for the benefit of the MMD.
He says that President Banda and his government should set the national priorities way above party politics and tactics.
He says that people have so many unanswered questions and the MMD should not just get sentimental and focus on the issues that are being put forward by the people.
MMD National Chairman Michael Mabenga addresses journalists at the party secretariat in Lusaka
Movement for Multi party Democracy MMD national chairperson Michael Mabenga has warned the opposition patriotic front PF and united party for national development UPND pact of a clear defeat in the next by elections to be held on the 29TH of April in Mufumbwe and Milanzi constituencies, respectively.
Mr. Mabenga says that the pact does not threaten the ruling party in the forthcoming elections because it has learnt its lessons and the seats at stake are already under the ruling party leadership.
He has therefore assured the two opposition parties who have merged to build a stronger force against government that the pact does not have a chance of scooping the next elections and the MMD is working tirelessly to maintain their seats.
He also states that his party has already learnt enough lessons from the two elections that were conducted in the recent past and it will not allow the forthcoming seats to go into the hands of the opposition.
He also maintains that his party is working within the electoral code conduct and currently, very observed of the laid down stipulations.
Zanaco kept Zambia’s 2010 caf club cup interest burning when they drew 1-1 away to Asec Mimosa of Cote d’Ivoire in Abidjan today. Zanaco qualified 2-1 on aggregate thanks to a 1-0 home win over Asec in Lusaka on March 20.
However, Zanaco were made to work hard to advance to the pre-group stage of the Caf Champions League after trailing 1-0 into the break.
This is after Marc Dion Sebe had put Asec ahead in the 44th minute.
Zanaco equalized in the 52nd minute through midfielder Trinity Chalanshi who headed the ball to level scores.
This was Chalanshi’s first match since returning from suspension. Zanaco advance to the pre-group stage 2-1 on aggregate where they take on Entente Setif of Algeria away in the pre-group stage, first leg during the weekend of April 23-25.
Entente Setif qualified to the pre-group stage after defeating in Union Douala of Cameroon 5-0 on Friday evening in Setif.
Setif advance 7-0 on aggregate after also winning 2-0 away in the first leg a fortnight ago.
City of Lusaka coach Hector Chilombo has become the second coaching casualty in the Super Division just three games gone into the new season.
Chilombo has been replaced by Chris “Gaza” Tembo who was appointed his assistant this season.
“We have suspended Hector Chilombo and now Chris Gaza (Tembo) is in charge,” City communications officer Matimba Nkonje said Sunday afternoon.
Nkonje said the decision was reached today after an emergency executive meeting.
Chilombo has struggled at the helm of City since the start of the season losing all three league games.
City have conceded eight goals along the way with none scored.
And Tembo’s first game in full charge will come on Easter Monday when City visit third placed Red Arrows at Nkoloma.
Chilombo joins fellow former Zambia international Linos Makwaza who was fired by Forest Rangers on Friday after the Ndola side lost its third successive league match going down 1-0 at home against promoted Nchanga Rangers.
Meanwhile, in Mondays matches, Lusaka Dynamos visit Nkwazi, Power Dynamos are at Kabwe Warriors, National Assembly host Choma, while Roan United travel to Chingola to play Rangers.
Forest, under new coach Dan Bwalya, take on fellow winless side Nkana in Kitwe.
Green Buffaloes take the day off because opponents Zanaco are away in Cote d’Ivoire to face Asec Mimosa in Abidjan today in a Caf Champions League first round return leg tie.
Vanquished Zesco United return to league action on Wednesday following their early Confederation Cup exit when they host Konkola Blades at Kafubu stadium in Luanshya while they await for their re-laid turf to fully grow.
HE MMD in North-Western Province has recommended three candidates to the national executive committee (NEC) for adoption in the Mufumbwe by-election.
In an interview with the Sunday Mail, North-Western Province chairperson Pinakin Patel said that former diplomat Mulondwe Muzungu, Stanford Mulusa and Stephen Masumba have been recommended for adoption.
He said the fourth aspirant, Mr Shinika Mulusa, was disqualified during preliminaries because he failed to pay the K1.5 million participation fee.
Mr Patel said all the three aspiring candidates hail from the North-Western Province, saying the party did not want to “import” candidates because Mufumbwe is a rural set-up.
He said retaining the seat will be a tough battle for the MMD because the Patriotic Front and the United Party for National Development have teamed up in Mufumbwe.
Mr Patel said that the MMD in the province will accept whoever the NEC will adopt to represent them in the by-election. He said they will put up a spirited campaign to ensure that they retain the seat.
“We have done our part, it’s now up to NEC to sit down and analyse the three candidates. We will respect the NEC verdict; we have to rally behind whoever they give us,” Mr Patel said.
He said the preliminary selection process was transparent from the constituency, district and provincial executive committees. He said all aspirants freely expressed their interest to contest the election, and that the one who was disqualified just failed to pay the participation fee.
Mr Patel said it was premature for their former youth secretary Newton Malwa to say that the party was considering bringing someone from foreign service to come and contest the elections.
Mr Malwa who has since resigned from his position was quoted as having said that the MMD would lose the Mufumbwe seat if they did not adopt a candidate whom the local people wanted.
Mr Patel said Mr Muzungu’s name was suggested by the people of Mufumbwe, and he expressed interest when he was contacted.
“On whether or not Mr Muzungu will be adopted, is up to the NEC to decide,” he said.
When contacted MMD national secretary Dr Katele Kalumba said the NEC panel that was sent to Mufumbwe has come back and a candidate will be announced either today or tomorrow.
The Mufumbwe by-election has been set for April 29, following the death of Home Affairs deputy minister, Misheck Bonshe.
Meanwhile, Mr Patel said the MMD in North-Western Province has accepted the resignation of Mr Malwa whom they wish well in his endeavours.
He said there were no bitter feelings about Mr Malwa’s move because they were one family.
MINISTER of Home Affairs Lameck Mangani has accused Patriotic Front (PF) president Michael Sata of using “dirty tactics” to silence his critics in the opposition party.
Mr Mangani said in an interview in Lusaka yesterday that Mr Sata does not tolerate party members who oppose him.
He was reacting to press reports that quoted Mr Sata as having said President Banda is using old UNIP tactics to silence his critics.
Mr Mangani said Mr Sata’s charges are baseless and that to the contrary, President Banda is tolerant of critics and allows freedom of speech.
[pullquote]He said it is because of the democracy in MMD that Kafulafuta MP George Mpombo, who has been charged by the party for alleged misconduct, has continued attacking the party and President Banda with impunity.[/pullquote]
He said Mr Sata’s intolerance of divergent views can be seen in the expulsion of 16 members of Parliament from PF for upholding their obligation to be part of the National Constitutional Conference (NCC).
Mr Mangani said the MMD has never expelled or locked up any of its members for opposing Government or President Banda.
He said it is because of the democracy in MMD that Kafulafuta MP George Mpombo, who has been charged by the party for alleged misconduct, has continued attacking the party and President Banda with impunity.
“Mr Sata is the one who has been using his supporters and security to apply ‘silencing tactics’ against those who oppose him,” he said.
He wondered why Mr Sata chases those who oppose his views instead of allowing democracy to prevail.
Mr Mangani said President Banda has not been using State security to imprison or kill those who oppose him.
He said Mr Banda has allowed a lot of freedom of speech and people freely express themselves knowing that they are in a democratic country.
Mr Mangani said no one has been imprisoned or frustrated for opposing Government’s views.
UNITED Party for National Development (UPND) officials from three constituencies in the Southern Province have vowed to vote for President Banda in next year’s tripartite elections.
And a headman in Chief Nalubamba’s chiefdom in Namwala has charged that the alliance between the Patriotic Front (PF) and the UPND will not benefit the people of Southern Province.
The officials from Choma, Mbabala and Namwala constituencies have also vowed to support and follow Namwala member of Parliament Robbie Chizyuka wherever he goes.
In separate interviews with the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS), the officials who included Mapanza prominent businessman Justine Chilala, UPND Mapanza Ward 2 Youth chairman Maybin Haanangoma, UPND Mbeza Ward chairman Besten Nyama Chivunga and Choma businessman Munchanga Siabasimbi, all acknowledged that government has worked hard to implement development projects that have improved the living standards of the people hence the need for continuity.
Mr Chilala said construction of the Mapanza Bridge and the Choma -Namwala road point to Government’s commitment to taking development to rural areas.
He said there is no need to have another government next year but to continue with President Banda so that developmental projects embarked on can continue.
He encouraged Major Chizyuka to continue working for the people saying his expulsion from the UPND does not hold any water.
“As far as we are concerned, we need an MP who is working not just sitting and warming seats in parliament. We want Major Chizyuka because he went to parliament not to enrich himself but to fight for the poor,” he said.
Mr Muchanga Siabasimbi, said he is happy that Government’s has tarred the Choma-Namwala road.
Mr Siabasimbi, a retired detective inspector, said the tarring of the road will boost trade.
Meanwhile, Mapanza Ward 2 Youth chairman Maybin Haanangoma has encouraged government to continue working towards improving the living standards of the people in the province.
Mr Haanangoma said people in Mapanza and Namwala are impressed with the tarring of Choma-Namwala road and the construction of the once dangerous Mapanza Bridge.
He added that he does not care about the expulsion of Major Chizyuka from the UPND and that he will follow him wherever he goes because of his good works.
Besten Nyama Chivunga urged government to remain focused and continue addressing problems affecting many Zambians.
Mr Chivunga, who is Mbeza Ward chairman (UPND) wondered why some MPs just oppose government at the expense of lobbying for development projects for their electorates.
“Here in Namwala we are extremely happy with our MP for working hand in hand with government to bring about these many development projects. Its not good to just oppose government. Why some MPs oppose government on a daily basis is because they do not know that they were elected into office to work for the people and its only through working in harmony with Government that such developments can be seen,” Mr Chivunga said.
And headman Mwanamundambwa of Mbeza has said Mr Chizyuka’s advice to the UPND not to continue with the pact is timely and genuine one.
Headman Mwanamundambwa said UPND president Hakainde Hichilema should be reminded of political setbacks people of Southern Province have gone through in such political arrangements.
The traditional leader said if the PF leader Michael Sata became president, Mr Hichilema would not be rewarded with a leadership position.
Mr Haanangoma cautioned Mr Hichilema against being too comfortable with his leadership.
“Our President thinks he can run the party in any way he likes. He does not accept advice and fails to accept divergent views. There should be democracy and the party should at least maintain strong men within the party instead of chasing them,” he said.
Mbeza Ward chairman Besten Chivunga charged that Mr Hichilema should be reminded that it’s the people of Namwala who voted for Major Chizyuka and not him.
“Where was Hichilema when we were fighting for the Kafue flats. Was it not Major Chizhyuka who fought for our land back. We love Major Chizyuka, we shall go wherever he goes,” he said.
Mr. Chivunga also thanked government for the many development projects that have been implemented in the constituency.
Among the projects is a girls technical high school which is being constructed at a cost of K32 billion, a basic school at Namwala Boma which will cost K8 billion, the Monze-Nieko road which was upgraded at K37 billion and about 14 community schools which have been upgraded at the cost of K50 million each.
And a senior citizen in Chief Nalubamba’s area in Namwala district feels President Banda must continue as Republican President next year.
Charles Chiboola of Halupumbu Village said President Banda has exhibited high levels of maturity, humbleness, kindness and is focused on development of the country.
Senior deputy headman Shandalama of Mbeza in Chief Nalubamba’s chiefdom said the people of Namwala are happy with government.
Senior headman Butele said the people of Namwala will for years remain indebted to the Government and Major Chizyuka for the impressive developments taking place in the district.
Senior Headman Butele, who is also former head teacher for Mangwele Upper Basic School in Namwala, said the people of Namwala now have confidence in the government.
A herdsman in Haamubbwatu area of Mbabala constituency said the construction of the Choma-Namwala road and Ngonga bridge is a dream come true to the people of Namwala and Choma districts.
Lucky Haanampota, who was found at the Ngonga bridge, said the construction of the bridge will enhance agriculture and business activities.
Pupils at Haamabbwatu Basic School said missing classes during the rainy season is now a thing of the past because water from the Ngonga River does not flood the new bridge.
And Major Chizyuka says he is impressed with the huge amount of development work that government is doing in Namwala constituency.
Major Chizyuka said after a tour of development projects in his constituency that he is humbled by the billions of Kwacha that government has poured in his constituency over the past three years that he has been MP.
Speaking after inspection of the Choma-Namwala Road, Ngonga and Mapanza bridges and schools, Major Chizyuka said “Namwala district has had a fair share of the national cake”
AMERICAN acting Ambassador to Zambia Michael Koplovsky says his Government is impressed with President Banda’s government efforts in fighting corruption, saying policies that have been put in place encourage foreign investment.
Ambassador Koplovsky said the launch of Zambia’s first Anti-corruption Policy last year and other pieces of legislation that will strengthen the Anti-Corruption Commission are clear indicators that President Banda is determined to rid the nation of corruption.
Speaking in an interview in Solwezi on Thursday, Mr Koplovsky the US government is pleased that President Banda has further committed himself to supporting the Anti-Corruption Commission and Auditor General’s office.
He said plans to enact the Public Interest Disclosure Bill (whistleblower) will bolster the fight against graft as it will provide protection for individuals who will report corrupt activities.
“Besides the country being peaceful and stable, these initiatives will help make Zambia one of the best countries on the continent that encourage foreign investment,” Mr Koplovsky said.
He said the US government has also helped the Patents and Companies Registration Office reduce the number of days it takes to register a company.
He said for foreign investors to come to Zambia, the tax regime must be predictable and companies must have access to finance.
He cited the Doing Business Report by the World Bank as one barometer that shows that the country is making tremendous efforts in attracting foreign investments.
The American Ambassador said his country was working with the Zambian government in putting policies that would attract investment.
Mr Koplovsky, who was on a tour of American-funded projects in the North-Western Province, said the United States is further pleased by Government’s decision to set up a secretariat for the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).
He said this will help create a global standard for revenue transparency in the extractive industries.
Mr Koplovsky said through the implementation of the EITI, Zambia will bring together companies, civil society and government representatives to monitor and account for payments being made to governments by extractive companies operating in their country.
He said countries that have met all of the reporting and operational indicators set out under the EITI guidelines have achieved a greater level of transparency.
Mr Koplovsky, who also visited Lumwana mine, said he is impressed with the firm’s excellent corporate citizenship.
He said if there were similar investments in other parts of the country the economy would grow.
He said investments in the mining industry have a multiplier effect and would see other sectors benefitting.
Mr Koplovsky further said there is need to respect development agreements that were entered into with mining companies when they came to invest in Zambia if the country is to retain more foreign investment.
Mr Koplovsky said Zambia should respect the development agreements it made with mining investors as the country explores the possibility of re-introducing the windfall taxes regime and other impositions.
“If the country goes ahead and imposes the windfall taxes regime, it will send wrong signals to other investors who are beginning to have interest in investing in this country,” Mr Koplovsky warned.
He said although he supports proper taxation of extractive industries, it is important that any changes on taxation to the mining industries be done in full consultation with the investors.
Last year, President Banda launched the National Anti-Corruption Policy, which is Zambia’s first anti-corruption policy.
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Act is also being revised to incorporate good governance practices contained in the international anti-corruption instruments to which Zambia is a signatory.
To further strengthen the ACC, the government has disbanded the Task Force on Corruption.
President Banda also announced that a serious frauds unit will be established under the strengthened Anti-Corruption Commission to specifically investigate complex corruption cases.
“But thanks be to God, Who gives us the victory [making us conquerors] through our Lord Jesus Christ”
(I Corinthians 15:57, AMP))
TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria
God wants to pour out His favor on you so that you can live in victory in every area of your life. The scripture says He always causes us to triumph through Christ Jesus! That means, no matter what you may be facing today, God wants to make you more than a conqueror. Are you battling sickness? God wants to give you healing. Are you struggling with a broken relationship? God wants to give you restoration and peace. Are you facing a need—physically, spiritually, or emotionally? God’s favor will bring you provision and supply all your needs according to His riches in glory.
Many times in the Bible when God’s people were going into battle, the worshipers were out in front of the warriors. When you choose to be thankful and bless the Lord in the midst of your battle, you are opening the door to His favor in your life. That’s why I always say, magnify your God; don’t magnify your problems! When you give praise to God, you’ll see Him move on your behalf, and He’ll lead you into victory in every area of your life!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father in heaven, today I give You thanks for Your mercy and faithfulness in my life. Thank You for leading me into victory! I magnify You and bless Your holy name today. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Change life Zambia Director Father Frank Bwalya has said President Rupiah Banda’s attendance of the Good Friday celebrations at Saint Ignatius Catholic Church last Friday should be viewed as a mockery to the Catholic Church by all Zambians.
Speaking to Qfm in a telephone interview yesterday, father Bwalya said the action by the president is no t different from that of former president Chiluba when he went to the same church and received communion when he very well knew it was wrong for him to do so.
He said it was wrong for the president to attend the celebration because he is sitting on a government that has accused the Catholic Church of promoting genocide in the country.
He said the action is an act of insults to the catholic priests.
He has since given the President a seven day ultimatum to apologize to the Catholic Church failure to which the church shall make him feel unwelcome when ever he attends any service for the rest of his life.
Green Buffaloes hundred percent record came to an end today but they still maintained top spot of the Super Division after drawing 1-1 away at Nkwazi.
This was Buffaloes first draw after two successive league wins since the start of the season.
Buffaloes are on 7 points after three games played, one point ahead of Lusaka Dynamos who dispatched hosts City of Lusaka to their third successive league defeat.
Aggrey Chiyangi’s Buffaloes took the lead in the first half through Liniker Mwikisa and looked set to collecting another three points.
However, Nkwazi’s talismanic striker Keegan Phiri scored a later equalizer in the 81th minute to make sure the Policemen shared the points-their third draw of the season.
Up the road at Woodlands stadium, City’s poor form continued when they lost 1-0 at home against Dynamos thanks to a 37th minute goal from Lameck Banda in a match the host played the best football but just couldn’t find the back of the net.
In Maamba, Choma Eagles lost 2-0 at home against Kabwe Warriors.
Steven Kabamba and Maonga Kabuku getting the goals there for George Lwandamina’s side.
Zesco United are out of this years Orange Caf Confederations Cup.
This is despite beating Nigerian guests Warri Wolves 2-0 at Arthur Davies stadium in Kitwe today in the two sides Confederations cup first round return leg match that see the visitors Wolves advance 3-2 on aggregate.
Wolves earlier at home in Nigeria 3-0 on March 21.
Both of Zesco’s goals came after the break through striker Enock Sakala who gave Zesco the lead in 62nd minute and was again on target in the 79th minute.
Zesco’s exit means Zanaco are Zambia’s sole remaining team in Caf club competition this year and they face Asec Mimosa of Cote d’Ivoire in Abidjan this Sunday in a Caf Champions League first round return leg match a 17:30 Zambian time kickoff.
Zanaco lead 1-0 from the first leg played in Lusaka on March 20.
Opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) has described the ruling movement for multi party democracy MMD as a house that is falling apart.
Mapatizya Member of Parliament (MP) Ackson Sejani said Zambians could no longer afford to entrust national leadership in the hands of the MMD government anymore.
Mr Sejani said in an interview that the ruling party has failed Zambians and their time to go has has arrived.
He noted that the suspension of kafulafuta MP George mpombo is clear testimony t that the ruling MMD is undergoing serious disengagement.
Mr Sejan said the core values that united MMD has began to crumble and the party has begun to lose it direction.
The MP also observed that the UPND/PF Pact is forcefully moving in the Mufumbwe and Milanzi constituencies to scoop both seats in the by elections.
MMD Lusaka province chairman William Banda dancing during the party's card renewal programme in Lusaka
MMD Lusaka Province chairperson William Banda has called on the Government to take stern action on some Members of Parliament (MPs) and their councillors misapplying the constituency development funds (CDF).
Mr Banda said the Government released CDF for various constituency projects such as rehabilitation of roads and drainages, but charged that some MPs and councillors were misusing the money.
He said this in Lusaka on Thursday when he addressed party cadres in Mwembeshi Ward in Matero Constituency in Lusaka.
Mr Banda, who was accompanied by provincial and district MMD officials, said it was wrong for Patriotic Front president Michael Sata and United Party for National Development leader Hakainde Hichilema to attack the Government for poor drainages and roads when it released CDF for such projects.
“I therefore call on the Government to take serious action against MPs and councillors abusing CDF because these funds are meant for constituency development projects like roads and drainages,” he said.
He said Mr Sata and Mr Hichilema should not blame President Rupiah Banda for floods experienced in the capital city because his Government had done its best to disburse CDF to enable MPs and councillors work on drainages and roads.
The Government had also increased the CDF allocation from K400 million to K600 million per constituency this year.
Mr Banda said the Government had further distributed road machinery and it should, therefore, be the role of MPs and councillors to access the equipment for rehabilitation works.
He said Mr Sata was once Health minister and did little to improve the sector, but President Banda and his administration had put several measures to develop it.
MMD provincial women’s chairperson Jane Nyirongo urged women to form clubs and access funds from the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission and Ministry of Community Development and Social Services.
MOBILE Telecommunication Network (MTN) Zambia has launched three new products on the market aimed at improving mobile communication services.
The new products include MTN mobile email services, my choice top up and MTN One World, which is a roaming facility.
Speaking during the official launch at a colourful ceremony held at Kitwe’s Sherbourne Guesthouse where everyone in the audience walked away with an MTN fully connected cell-phone going with all the three new products, company marketing and segment manager Leonard Kawano said this was aimed at making communication become the centre of doing business.
The MTN mobile email product contains among other features a corporate e-mail coupled with personal information management that provided an easy to use, cost effective and continuously updated e-mail that could be accessed by the user whilst away from the office.
This provided great benefits to people who were frequently out in the field as they were able to receive corporate e-mails without needing to go back to their offices.
Mr Kawano said the My Choice package was another product with value added as it would allow MTN post paid customers to enjoy all the benefits of their post-paid contract while enjoying control over their spending.
The MTN One World was a portfolio of roaming services that were significantly simpler and easier to use that had been introduced on the market with favourable rates citing K4, 500 per minute for South-Africa, which was the cheapest so far.
