by Henry Kyambalesa

I wish to comment on the article which appeared in the Times of Zambia of April 4, 2010 under the title “How MMD Government [Has] Improved Education” by George Chisanga.

It is shameful that both Mr. Chisanga and the Times of Zambia can publish such trash in a newspaper. Firstly, the title of the article should have been about teachers because there is nothing in it that addresses the issue of education in Zambia during the 19 years the MMD has been in power.

Secondly, Mr. Chisanga is most probably not a journalist because all the verbiage he has published in the newspaper is based on his own opinions rather than a sampling of teachers’ views about the adequacy of their conditions of service with respect to their salaries and allowances.

Thirdly, he has alleged that funding to Kabwe Trades, Lusaka Trades, Nortec, and Lukashya Trades has been superb. Would students, faculty and administrators in these institutions honestly agree with him? [pullquote]“Imiti ikula e mpanga,” [/pullquote]

And, among other empty claims, he has cited schools which have been constructed or being constructed from the scratch as one of the highlights of MMD’s quest to improve education in the country. Well, many of these schools have been constructed with funding from donor countries!

My soul bleeds to read such trash being peddled in government-controlled news media. Does Mr. Chisanga think that Zambians are fools who cannot notice the rot in Zambia’s educational system? If his article represents MMD’s view about education in Zambia, then I do not see why any Zambian would want to vote for MMD candidates in 2011 because MMD’s failure to deliver anything of substance in all important areas of human endeavor actually affects every citizen irrespective of their political affiliation.

During the UNIP era, I do not remember seeing school-age children begging on the streets, or selling all kinds of wares in town centers around the country. The blame for this phenomenon falls squarely on the shoulders of the MMD government for its failure to provide adequately for the educational needs of our children.

Since the MMD came to power, we have seen tens of thousands of Grade 7 and Grade 9 students being spilled onto the streets every year. We need to seriously consider the prospect of extending educational opportunities to all Zambia’s children because they are the jewels of our Motherland. “Imiti ikula e mpanga,” a Bemba maxim tells us. It is, therefore, surprising that we have continued to pay lip-service to the educational needs of our country’s youth.

But even in the face of such obvious failure, President Rupiah Banda and Vice President George Kunda are on the campaign trail for re-election in 2011 without any shame!

There is a lot MMD leaders need to do in this endeavor between now and September 2011 in order to improve their chances of winning. Among other things, they need to abolish examination fees and Grades 7 and 9 elimination examinations, and to provide for free education through Grade 12 as an initial step in making education more accessible to all Zambians.

Besides, high-school graduates who would obtain a Division 1 should be automatically awarded scholarships upon being accepted at any Zambian college or university. All other high-school graduates and working Zambian men and women wishing to pursue further studies should be granted with low-interest loans upon being accepted into classroom-based or correspondence-based programs of study offered within Zambia.

Loan recipients who would graduate with “Distinction” should be excused of 75% of their debt obligations, while those who would graduate with “Merit” should be absolved of 50% of their debt obligations. And all college and university graduates who would sign contracts to work in the teaching, healthcare or agricultural professions within Zambia for at least 4 years should be absolved of 100% of their debt obligations.Apart from government loans, they should encourage commercial banks and other financial institutions operating in Zambia to consider lending for education as part of their business. The Indo-Zambia Bank students’ loan scheme launched at Mulungushi University in April 2009 is a good start in this endeavor.

To accommodate primary school leavers in secondary schools, as well as continuing Grade 9 students, they need to take the following measures: (a) provide for immediate expansion of facilities at secondary schools which do not currently have extra space for Grades 8 and 10 classes; (b) allow interested secondary school teachers destined for retirement to delay their retirements, as well as hire more of the trained teachers who are currently unemployed; and (c) step up enrolments in training programs for secondary school teachers by at least 5%.

There is a need to make a sustained effort to cater for the basic needs of the educational system, including: (a) schools and classrooms that are adequately equipped for both teaching and learning; (b) qualified, self-motivated and well-paid teachers or lecturers in every classroom; and (c) competent school administrators on competitive conditions of service, and adequate office supplies and fixtures.

Funding for education and other essential public sectors can be sourced partly from abolishing some of the top level sinecures in government and retire the holders of such sinecures early with full benefits. A lot of material and financial resources can be saved in the long run by taking such a measure, including salaries and allowances, office furniture and fixtures, buildings, automobiles, gasoline, utilities, telephone expenses, and so forth.

Also, there is a need to go through government expenditures line by line, program by program, agency by agency, department by department, and ministry by ministry in order to eliminate unnecessary application of public funds.

Moreover, the government needs to reduce taxes and interest rates so that individuals and businesses can keep more of their earnings for investment and consumption and, in the process, stimulate economic activities and job creation. The new businesses and employees would eventually expand the tax base by contributing to tax revenues.

The people are tired of government leaders who talk the talk without making any tangible or serious effort to walk the walk, so to speak.

Suspended Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD) member George Mpombo has predicted a massive defeat for his party in the Mufumbwe parliamentary by election.

Mr. Mpombo said the MMD would fail to win the elections in the constituency because they have failed to take development in the area.

He said if the MMD returns the seat in Mufumbwe then it means that there is political recovery on the part of the party.

Mr.Mpombo who has been a critic of his own party stated that the MMD has failed to involve the electorates in the developmental initiatives.

He predicted that if the MMD loses the election in north western province it would be the beginning of the end for the ruling party.

The Kafulafuta Member of Parliament said he has been calling for the re-organization of the party to ensure that it was always on top.

He added that the current MMD government is disorganized making it impossible to reclaim the political status it enjoyed some time back.

Mr Mpombo also stated that the MMD has a bigger chance of winning the Milanzi constituency seat because the party has dominant support Eastern Province.

However, 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 said the act 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.

QFM

Opposition Patriotic Front (PF) members of Parliament from Luapula Province have declared that they will decampaign party leader Michael Sata for allegedly trying to secretly concession land in the province.
The MPs have also told Mr Sata to forget about getting votes from the people of Luapula Province in the 2011 elections.

Speaking on behalf of the other MPs, Luapula Member of Parliament Peter Machungwa said yesterday that Mr Sata’s secret deals were likely to put the country at risk. In his reaction to revelations by former PF general secretary Edward Mumbi that Mr Sata’s US$27,000 was meant for land which he allegedly promised to give to a team of foreign business people had he won the 2006 elections, Dr Machungwa said Mr Sata should not be entrusted with the running of the nation because his actions were likely to put Zambia at risk.
He said it was now evident that Mr Sata was not the right person for the country’s highest office saying the opposition leader would concession the entire country if given the instruments of power to rule Zambia.

Dr Machungwa added that the PF leader had also told his donors that apart from the nine known Zambian provinces, there was also a 10th province called Muchinga Province in Northern Province. He said the people of Northern Province should also be careful with Mr Sata because they may one day just wake up and find that part of their land had been concessioned.
“In fact there is already a PF chairperson for Mr Sata’s Muchinga Province. According to Mr Sata, Northern Province is divided into two areas. This should be of great concern for the people in the province because something fishy may secretly have happened for the PF to come up with such a province,” he said.

Dr Machungwa, who is also spokesperson for the PF MPs attending the National Constitution Conference (NCC) declared that the MPs from Luapula Province would now gang up and explain Mr Sata’s secret dealings to the electorate in the province. He said the revelation that Mr Sata promised to give land to a group of foreign business people was sad and urged Zambians to be careful with some leaders they entrust with power to run the nation.
“Let us be careful as Zambians and not elect leaders that are fond of making secret deals to only benefit themselves. As MPs from Luapula Province we will now tell our electorate why they should not vote for Mr Sata. We will explain the secret deals Mr Sata has been making on Luapula land,” he said.
He said Mr Sata’s failure to explain the source of US$27,000 was a sign that the money was not genuinely obtained.

Dr Machungwa said Mr Sata’s exposed secret deals should be an eye-opener for Zambians and should not be taken lightly, especially that the person who disclosed the issue was a former PF general secretary who once worked closely with the PF leader.
On Friday, Mr Mumbi disclosed that the controversial US$27,000 grabbed from Mr Sata in South Africa was given to him for a deal to concession a mineral-rich piece of land in Luapula Province to a team of foreign business people had he won the 2006 elections.
[Times of Zambia]

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.

QFM

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.

QFM

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.

[Zambia Daily Mail]

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.

[Zambia Daily Mail]

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”

ZANIS

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“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.

QFM