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Six civil society organisations in Lusaka have petitioned government to immediately release from detention former Catholic Priest father Frank. Bwalya
The civil society in a communiqué signed in Lusaka today accused police of exhibiting double standards and practising political policing as opposed to civil policing which was anchored on respect for human rights.
Fr. Bwalya, who is Change Life Zambia Director is current detained at Kamfinsa Prison in Kitwe for allegedly campaigning for the removal of the current government from power.
Those who signed the communiqué at the press briefing in Lusaka today are Transparent International Zambia (TIZ) President Reuben Lifuka, Caritas Zambia President Samuel Mulafulafu and ‘the de-registered’ SACCORD’s Executive Director Lee Habasonda.
Others include Paul Lungu’s National Youth Anti-corruption Movement, Rickson Kenema of the Zambia Youth against the fight Against Corruption and Civil Society for Poverty Reduction (CSPR) representative Patrick Mucheleka
CSPR representative Patrick Mucheleka who read the communiqué of behalf of other civil society organizations warned government that the civil society would not be intimidated by the arrest of Fr. Bwalya
Mr. Mucheleka said the civil society has vowed to continue to advocate for the fight for a good constitution, good governance, corruption and fight against high levels of poverty in the country.
Patrotic Front Matero Member of Parliament Faustina Sinyangwe
Opposition Patriotic Front (PF) Matero Member of Parliament (MP) Faustina Sinyangwe appealed to President Rupiah Banda to consider repairing the dilapidated road infrastructure in her constituency.
Mrs. Sinyangwe named the most affected roads as Matero/Chingwere, Salim and Zingalume including all the feeder roads in her area.
Mrs. Sinyangwe lamented that these roads were damaged and needs urgent repairs.
Mrs. Sinyangwe made the remarks during a church service held the Bible Gospel Church in Africa (BIGOCA) Matero congregation in Lusaka today at attended by President Rupiah Banda.
She said the roads were unbearable to motorists carrying pregnant mothers to clinics in the area.
The MP said a good road network was vital to accelerate development not only in Matero Township but the nation as a whole.
In response, President Rupiah Banda assured the MP that the roads would be work on soon after the rain season was over.
Mr. Banda directed Works and Supply Minister Mike Mulongoti to prioritise roads to be worked on and start rehabilitating the bad road infrastructure in Matero Constituency.
Mr. Banda said government was committed to taking development to Matero constituency and other parts of the country.[quote]
He urged the opposition to put aside their colour, race, religion and political affiliation and concentrate on developing the country.
And Works and Supply Minister Mike Mulongoti in a separate interview with ZANIS in Lusaka today said his ministry would implement the presidential directive as soon as funds are available.
Mr. Mulongoti however, took a swipe at PF Councillors in Matero Constituency for working in isolation and not involving government in their development al programmes..
Mr. Mulongoti said his Office is open to work with everybody who was serious in terms of identifying need areas.
President Rupiah Banda has said that contrary to people’s perception, he liked former catholic priest father Frank Bwalya but only hated his behaviour of agitating for disunity and violence in the country.
President Banda said he did not like the behaviour of Fr. Bwalya who has chosen a path of undermining government through acts bordering on violence and death.
Mr. Banda further condemned Fr. Bwayla for abandoning the pulpit and urged him to return to his call of preaching the gospel.
President Banda was speaking at the Bible Gospel Church in Africa (BIGOCA) Matero Congregation in Matero Compound in Lusaka today.
Mr. Banda expressed sadness that the church has remained mute in condemning the Catholic Priest for his relentless attacks on government.
He said the church should be able to point out the mistakes of Fr. Bwalya because the president believed that the church never advocated violence and death.
“I love Fr. Bwalya but I hate what he does and his behaviour of agitating violence and death. Fr. Bwalya should be condemned by all right thinking people but why is the church quiet on Fr. Bwalya?” President Banda asked.
The president told the congregation that government was committed to working with the church to foster development in the country.[quote]
Mr. Banda said government respected and wanted to continue working with the church because it has demonstrated that it was an all wealther friend of government in improving and developing key sectors of the economy such as education and health among others.
He reminded the church to vote for credible leaders like him in next year’s elections because it has exhibited maturity in his leadership. Mr. Banda requested the church to pray for politicians in the country for peace to continue prevailing because there was currently no sanity in the current Zambian politics.
He said the Zambian politics have been characterised by insults and hatred from UPND/PF pact leaders Michael Sata and Hakainde Hichilema.
Speaking earlier BIGOCA Overseer Bishop Peter Ndhlovu said the church will continue working in harmony with the government of the day.
Bishop Ndholovu said there was no way the church could detach itself from working with government because it was a true and faithful partner to government in national development.
United Party for National Development vice preswident Richard Kapita
United Party for National Development (UPND) Vice President Richard Kapita has urged Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to told Mufumbwe and Milanzi constituencies by-elections simultaneously to save on costs.
Mr. Kapita said declaring Milanzi as the only seat to be contested for presently would be a waste of scarce resources that the country has.
The UPND vice president was speaking at a UPND press briefing in Lusaka today.
Mr. Kapita observed that ECZ would spend more money sending people to South Africa to have the ballot papers printed separately for the two by-elections.
And Mr. Kapita accused the ruling Party for targeting UPND members for UPND in Milanzi and Mufumbwe constituencies.
He said the MMD was panicking because it has no candidates in the named constituencies and was eyeing UPND members.
“We know that MMD is panicking for not having candidates for Milanzi and Mufumbwe constituencies but we are not going to allow them, we have enough evidence,” Mr. Kapita noted.
He has also refuted reports that members from UPND defected to join MMD at yesterday’s MMD card renewal exercise.
Mr. Kapita said the party members have a strong conviction on UPND and know what the party has for its people.
“Our people know that UPND will soon take lead and has therefore no reason for joining a party which is losing in the coming tripartite elections,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mr. Kapita has called on MMD and the police to release Father Frank Bwalya and give him a fair trial.
“It is said that Fr. Bwalya was been starved and his family could not be allowed to see him especially his mother,” Mr. Kapita observed.
Mr. Kapita said Fr.Bwalya deserved a trial just like anyone else and then charged according to the outcome.
First Lady Thandiwe Banda has honoured Betty, wife of the first republican President Kenneth Kaunda for her sacrifices and contributions for the country’s liberation struggle.
Mrs. Banda said Mama Betty relentlessly fought for the freedom that the country was enjoying but was rarely spoken about.
She said Mama Betty lived her life in serving other people and has undoubtedly proved to be a champion of change and advancement in the country.
The First Lady was speaking in Lusaka today at the launch of Generation Impact Foundation (GIF) ‘Virtuous Woman’ under the motto “I am Priceless”.
Mrs. Banda said the endless efforts by Mama Betty, who is also former First Lady, to see the country free were highly valued adding that the future generation would also be taught of the values Mama Betty has exhibited.
“It is because of this that we gather here today to confer the ‘Virtuous Woman Award 2010’ on our mother who stood to the very end and did us proud,” She said.
The First Lady urged other stakeholders to emulate this youth oriented non-profit making organization in honoring senior citizens and commended GIF for the initiative.
And First Republican President, Dr. Kenneth Kaunda commended Mama Betty for not giving up but instead supported him even when he was in prison.
Dr. Kaunda expressed his ever enduring love for Mama Betty and described her as a very strong woman.
The First Republican President also noted that God’s presence in the liberation struggle has made Zambia be where it is now.
Dr. Kaunda emphasised that as we say ‘One Zambia One Nation’ as a nation, we should always remember to love God with all our mind, heart and soul and have love for one another.
Speaking earlier, GIF Chief Executive Officer Panji Chipeta, noted that the backdrop of honoring fathers and mothers found it befitting for GIF to remember one of the great heroines, Mama Betty.
Mr. Chipeta observed that it is easy to see efforts of great men that fought for liberation of the country because most of what they did was documented.
“You can go to national archives today and retrieve photographs and literature of some of the efforts that went into this battle, what you may not find however, is how our mother Betty Kaunda contributed to this
struggle,” he noted.
Mr. Chipeta said like Virtuous Woman Solomon writes about in Proverbs 31, Mrs. Kaunda did her husband good by playing roles of both father and mother to her children while Dr. Kaunda was busy with national matters.
He observed that Mama Betty did not only take care of her family but also stretched her hands to those who were in need and literally lived her life for other people that some of these great men and women have turned out to be presidents in the Southern Region.
Rupiah Banda and George Kunda at the MMD card renewal exercise
PRESIDENT Banda has declared that he is ready to stand in the 2011 presidential elections and is confident of victory because the ruling party is more unified and better coordinated than it was in the run-up to the 2008 elections.
And former First Lady Maureen Mwanawasa re-affirmed her family’s support for the ruling party and urged it to work in unity.
Mr Banda said the ruling MMD could not win the 2008 presidential elections with a wider margin because he did not have enough time to prepare for the elections after the demise of President Mwanawasa.
He said this when he launched the MMD membership card renewal in Lusaka yesterday.
“I have never denied that I am ready for the 2011 elections. We are ready for both the elections and the national convention. When we will hold the convention is our business,” President Banda said to the jubilation of hundreds of party cadres.
He said campaign efforts for 2011 will be more harmonised, unlike in 2008 when certain people were doing their own things.
He said there will be a committee that will ensure that campaign activities are harmonised throughout the country.
It will discipline those who may want to pull in different directions.
Mr Banda said the committee will also ensure that the party speaks with one voice.
“It wasn’t like that last time because I had just come in and did not have enough time to coordinate things. However, I would like to thank you for what you did because if it was not for you, I would not have won the elections,” President Banda said.
He said the MMD government has worked hard to deliver development to the people and ensure that people have equal access to national resources regardless of who they voted for.
Mr Banda urged MMD officials not to relent in serving Zambians with passion and humility, regardless of the achievements Government has scored.
“Let’s not show arrogance to the people. I don’t like arrogant people,” he said.
He said he gets surprised by former Defence Minister George Mpombo’s verbal attacks because he did not fire him.
Mr Banda said Mr Mpombo quit on his own, but wonders why the former minister attacks him.
Mr Banda said he was chosen Republican Vice-President because the late President Mwanawasa saw that he was a true supporter of the party.
“I did not come from nowhere. I came into this party. I was invited to come because I was devoted to this party. I fought to be where I am today,” Mr Banda said.[quote]
Mr Banda called on the party leadership to promote unity because the ruling party can no longer tolerate politics of insults and hatred.
He said the MMD should work hard in future by-elections, saying they lost the Solwezi Central by-elections because they were divided over petty things.
The President assured Zambians they will sleep in peace next year because Government will ensure that they choose their leaders in a conducive atmosphere.
Mr Banda warned people against voting for leaders who have a track record of intimidating and hounding out political opponents because such politicians could manipulate the Constitution if voted into power.
The President said party members will be free to contest for positions at the MMD convention.
He said those who are in the habit of offending party members will only have themselves to blame if cadres bar them from attending the convention.
Mr Banda warned of disciplinary action against party cadres who are reportedly soliciting money from business houses in the name of MMD.
The President urged MMD cadres to do things correctly so that they do not provide an opportunity for the opposition to attack them.
And speaking to journalists after she renewed her membership, Mrs Mwanawasa said the MMD should unite as it cannot afford to lose focus now.
She said the party should, in the spirit of forgiveness, bring everyone on board, including the outspoken members and those considered as prodigal members.
Mrs Mwanawasa said she renewed her membership to re-confirm her family’s commitment to the party.
She, however, said as wife of the late President, she gets injured when she hears people talking about his legacy.
Meanwhile, President Banda said Patriotic Front secretary general Wynter Kabimba was expressing ignorance when he condemned his state visit to China.
The President said his trip to China was an eye-opener of how the Asian country overcame poverty.
He said it was a world-wide trend for leaders to share ideas and learn from one another.
“Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about His mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains”
(Colossians 4:3, NLT)
TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria
Did you know that when Paul wrote this verse, he was in chains and in prison? He was arrested for preaching the gospel. Everything in his surroundings shouted “limitations,” but instead of looking at his surroundings, Paul kept his eyes on the limitless God. He kept looking for the open door of opportunity that God would have for him next.
No matter what “chains” you may feel like you are in today, remember, we serve a God who’s in the business of setting people free, and He has equipped you with His power. When doors look closed all around you, when your surroundings look limited, when you feel like you’re in chains, remember, God is still at work. He’s promised to walk with you all the days of your life. Keep your hopes up. Keep expecting. Keep believing. Like Paul, pray for those opportunities to be opened to you. If you fall, get right back up and press forward with even greater determination because He promises to break the chains and open doors of opportunity in your life.
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father in heaven, I choose to take my eyes off my surroundings and focus on You. I choose to focus on the passion and dream You’ve placed in my heart. I trust that You are working behind the scenes, opening doors of opportunity. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Kabanana actress 'Dainess' spotted at Arcades shopping mall in LusakaThe drama is set to rekindle its romance with local television viewers when the new season starts on ZTV next month and, according to the producers of the soap, it is hotter and more interesting.
Announcing the news, Savanna Pictures chief executive officer Munyaradzi Hwengwere said the move was part of a broader programme meant to ensure that Kabanana spreads to all parts of Africa.
Savanna Pictures, which is a subsidiary of Savanna Media Centre, produces Zambia’s first soap — Kabanana.
Hwengwere also revealed that his Zambian-based company is also bringing a highly popular reality show, My Own Boss, which is set to enter its third season with auditions due on Thursday.
“Kabanana is a very popular soap in Zambia and it had a successful stint here in Zimbabwe — now we want to make it even better by bringing in Zimbabwean actors into the soap. We have already given the current Nama (National Arts Merit Award) best actor (Dax Jackson) from Fading Pictures a role in the drama.
“We don’t believe that an African programme should have a cast that is confined to one nation. The soap is already on DStv and now we have sealed a deal with ZTV, which means we are getting closer to achieving our goals. Kabanana should be out there competing with the best from Africa,” said Hwengwere.
The fusion of Zimbabwean and Zambian talent is not only confined to Kabanana. Savanna Pictures has bigger plans for the two countries. My Own Boss, the reality show which has had two successful runs in Zambia, will also feature Zimbabwean contestants.
Dubbed the Battle of the Falls (in reference to the sharing of the majestic Victoria Falls by Zimbabwe and Zambia) the reality show will feature eight contestants from Zimbabwe and a similar number from Zambia. The show lasts for 13 weeks.
“This show is almost like The Apprentice except that we are not training someone to be the best employee but to be his/her own boss. For 13 weeks, a mentor who has to be a successful businessperson will give the contestants tasks.
“African businesspeople have a reputation of not wanting to share or pass on information on how they made or make their money. We want to demystify that notion by selecting one businessperson to be the centre of activities in the show.
“Mentors change every year and so this time we are still weighing our options on who should be the centre of attraction together with the brilliant contestants from the two countries,” he said.
My Own Boss is a business reality show which is different from other reality shows in the sense that it actually empowers the youth as has happened previously.
Last year the show got a surprise boost from Zambia’s Citizen Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC), which provided loans of up to US$100 000 for the finalists of the show to start their own businesses.
At the moment the organisers of the growing reality show are only offering US$20 000 as the winning prize — money expected to be used by the winner to build his/her own business.
“We want that somebody who wins the show to be totally empowered or should I say ready to start his/her business by the time the show reaches its climax. We hope that by bringing in Zimbabwe it is going to grow even bigger,” said Hwengwere.
My Own Boss has a minimum age limit of 20 and a maximum of 35, and it requires contestants that are fluent in English and one other national language.
Of the 16 contestants that will be selected from both countries, half will be female.
The auditions in Zambia are already at an advanced stage while local ones start this Thursday in Harare before moving to Mutare, then Gweru and Bulawayo.
Power FM boss Tinashe Chiname and Bernard Mulenga from Zambia will be conducting the auditions while producers of the show will be Hwengwere, ZBC’s Josephine Zulu and Paul Ignatius Gama.
According to Hwengwere, this year’s edition of the My Own Boss is centred on the World Cup soccer showcase to be held in neighbouring South Africa in June.
Hwengwere is a former ZBC chief executive officer who has vast experience in the media industry having worked as an advertising expert and also as a strategic planner.
He says be believes that people from all over the world want African content but it is not available, thus he has made it his goal to ensure that African programmes get to where they are supposed to get to.
Hwengwere says for the industry to grow there is need for Zimbabwean programmes to get back on the screen so that the industry can move forward: “We need our soaps back on screen. That is how the film industry can grow in this country. As producers we need to stop part-timing the cast. This industry is big business.
Savanna Pictures is a fully registered Zambian Company that has positioned itself as a regional content company with satellite offices in South Africa and Zimbabwe.
MMD Lusaka Province Chairman William Banda has threatened to spill the beans against any National Executive Committee (NEC) members, cabinet and deputy ministers undermining President Rupiah Banda’s leadership.
Mr. Banda said he was aware of some NEC members, Cabinet and Deputy Ministers who do not support President Banda.
Mr. Banda said this during this year’s MMD card membership renewal exercise for Lusaka province.
He said president Banda was in full control as MMD President as well as the sole candidate for next year’s presidential elections.
He assured President Banda that those party members de-campaigning him would soon be sorted out. He said he has since instituted a high powered intelligence unit that would crack down those de-campaigning the President.
Mr. Banda sounded that he wants sanity in the MMD and Lusaka province in particular. Mr. Banda said the 2010 card renewal exercise launched in Lusaka today will provide a platform for the intelligence unit to work flat out in ensuring that President Banda wins the next year’s tripartite polls.[quote]
He appealed to MMD National Chairman Michael Mabenga to stop interfering with erring MMD cadres because the intelligence unit has been instituted to deal with such matters.
Mr. Banda donated a new bicycle and undisclosed moneys to Bertha Mwansa who is former MMD founding member for Women Affairs Chairlady.
Those that were present at this year’s MMD 2010 card renewal exercise are former Republican Vice President Enock Kavindele, former First Lady Maureen Mwanawasa, and former Agriculture Minister Mundia Sikatana.
Others include former Mines Minister Kaunda Lemba-lemba, former Home Affairs Deputy Minister and former Ambassador Libya Derrick Chitala.
Meanwhile, confusion ensued as an unknown MMD cadre threatened to beat former Finance and National Planning Minister and Chilanga Member of Parliament Ngandu Magande following his unwarranted attacks on President Rupiah Banda and Vice President George Kunda.
There was a near punch-up but alert MMD Youth Security Wing managed to thwart the fight amid shouting.
Here is a round-up of day one matches in the 201o Faz Super Division.
2010 FAZ SUPER DIVISION
WEEK 1
13/03/2010
Konkola Blades 2- Nchanga Rangers 2
Promoted Nchanga Rangers rallied from 2-0 in the first half to draw with 9-man Konkola Blades at Konkola Stadium in Chililabombwe today.
Chipulu Chileya put Blades ahead with a brace in the 14th and 35th minutes but the home side were reduced to 9 men before the break after Arnold Malisawa and Morgan Kanjolo were sent-off.
Aubrey Funga scored Rangers first in the 71st minute before one Ignatius Mukota equalized in the 85th minute.
The talented Mukota is returning to local top flight football with Rangers for the first time after four years in the wilderness after a brief and controversial stay in Angola in 2006 where he was fired for indiscipline.
Choma Eagles 1- Power Dynamos 1
Power survived an early scare away to Choma Eagles in their game played at Nakambala stadium in Mazabuka today.
Dominic Ngwira put Choma ahead in the 2nd minute before Power equalized in the 55th minute through Emmanuel Chimpinde.
Choma are playing their home matches in Mazabuka because their regular ground in Maamba is inaccessible after the bridge to the venue was washed away b y heavy rain in the Gwembe Valley.
Nkana 1- Red Arrows 1
Like their archrivals across the Dual-Carriageway, Nkana also rallied to finish 1-1 in their Week 1 game.
Dube Phiri scored the opening goal in the 3rd minute on his return to Zambian football after three seasons away in Angola.
The ageless Douglas Chiwaya equalized for Nkana in the 65th minute.
Forest Rangers 1-Lusaka Dynamos 2
Lusaka Dynamos made sure of their first three points after beating Forest Rangers at Dola Hill in Ndola.
Joseph Milanzi put Dynamos ahead in the 20th minute but Kameta Mutambo equalized on 31 minutes.
Milanzi made sure the long trip to the Copperbelt was worthwhile with the winning goal in the 84th minute.
Nkwazi 1-Kabwe Warriors 1
George Lwandamina’s first day on the job finished in dramatic style after a last gasp equalizer from defender Bronson Chama on 89 minutes.
This is after Nkwazi had taken the lead in the 63rd minute through Edward Mwamba.
Roan United 0-Green Buffaloes 2
Aggrey Chiyangi has emerged as frontrunner for coach of the month for March at the rate Green Buffaloes are churning out results.
They are unbeaten in three competitive games since winning the Charity Shield this month and got their league campaign to a bright start with a 2-0 win over hosts Roan United at Kafubu Stadium in Luanshya.
Morgan Hanjeema and Brian Chilando scored for Buffaloes in the 11th and 40th minutes respectively.
City of Lusaka 0- National Assembly 2
National Assembly are the only promoted team to win on day 1 of the new season and are also joint leaders with Buffaloes at the summit of the table.
Assembly outplayed City for most of the game and got their deserved win and took the leads through Moses Phiri in the 26th minute to go 1-0 into halftime.
Ex-city striker Mazuba Mkandawire came off the bench to make sure of the three points eight minutes from time.
OUTSPOKEN former Southern province Patriotic Front (PF) coordinator Opper Hamiyanze has resigned from the PF and Joined the MMD.
Mr Hamiyanze had resigned along with Provincial PF treasurer Darius Hamusambo. This was during the Southern Province MMD card renewal exercise held in Choma today.
Tourism minister Catherine Namugala and southern province MMD chairman Solomon Muzyamba received the defectors.
Mr Hamiyanze said he had decided to leave the opposition PF and join the MMD because of the many development programmes southern province is benefiting from president Rupiah Banda’s administration.
He said the province had received a lot of tangible programmes making it difficult for the province to continue being controlled by the opposition.
“There are a lot of development projects in the province. There is no point to remain in the opposition,”Mr. Hamiyanze said.
He said he had also decided to resign because of the dark cloud hovering over the UPND/PF Pact especially over who the leader of the pact would be.
He said the there was no need to belong to the UPND/PF pact which was putting members in suspense and dilemma on who its leader was going to be.
He said the pact did not give any hope to Zambians saying only President Rupiah Banda’s administration can stir the country to greater heights of development.
And receiving the two defectors, Tourism minister Catherine Namugala said the MMD was a strong party but called for hard work among party officials in mobilizing the party.
She said there was need to strengthen grass root structures at branch, constituency and district level.
Ms Namugala said the MMD was vibrant party which could not be compared to any other political party.
She urged branch and constituency officials to organize the party in readiness for the upcoming elections next year.
The civil society organizations are alarmed and concerned at the arrest of Fr. Bwalya for merely distributing red pieces of paper.
Citizen’s forum executive Director, Simon kabanda has appealed to the Police at Kamfinsa, where Fr. Bwalya is being detained, not to tamper with the rights.
Mr. Kabanda reveals that the police are not allowing anyone to visit Fr. Bwalya, and not to give him food. People who went to Kamfinsa were denied entry to see him and give him some food.
He says that not even father Bwalya’s mother has been allowed to go in to see her son, and to give him some food.
He has condemned this action in strongest terms describing it as unfair.
He has therefore appealed to the Police Command to prevail on their juniors at Kamfinsa to allow people to see Fr. Frank Bwalya and to allow them to give him some food stating that Zambia is not a police state.
The consortium of civil society organizations is therefore going to hold a press conference on Sunday 14 March 2010 to communicate with the public on this issue of the arrest of Fr. Frank Bwalya.
Father Bwalya was arrested by Kitwe police and detained at Kamfinsa Remand Prison for allegedly flashing red cards against President Rupiah Banda and the MMD government.
Father Bwalya in an interview with QFM during this week questioned what offence there in giving the MMD government a red card.
PRESIDENT Banda has directed the Ministry of Finance and National Planning to make resources available for the construction of youth resource centres countrywide.
The President has further directed the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry and the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) to work closely with the Ministry of Sport, Youth and Child Development to establish youth business incubators alongside the Multi-facility Economic Zones (MFEZ).
He said this will be a sure way of nurturing young people’s businesses.
Mr Banda issued these directives in Lusaka yesterday during celebrations to mark Youth Day.
This year’s theme is ‘Stronger Partnership for Sustainable National Development’.
“Zambia needs to build at least five youth resource centres annually for us to be able to adequately cater for the over 300,000 youth that leave the school system at grades seven, nine and 12 levels,” President Banda said.
He also appealed to corporate institutions countrywide to fulfil their corporate social responsibility by supporting government in the construction of youth skills development centres.
President Banda said government is encouraging the promotion of entrepreneurship and self-employment among the youth graduating from universities, colleges and youth resource centres.
He said young people need access to credit to set themselves up in business.
Mr Banda said currently, most micro-financing initiatives in the country have difficult conditions, making it almost impossible for young people to access finance for investment.
He said government has this year released K5 billion to the Ministry of Sport, Youth and Child Development for promoting youth enterprise development.
Mr Banda said it is envisaged that the youth will be able to access less costly finance for investment, which will enable them to contribute positively to wealth and employment creation.
“I, therefore, challenge all the youth countrywide to come up with viable business proposals so that they can access this money and create their own business,” he said.
Mr Banda directed the Ministry of Sport, Youth and Child Development to prudently manage the fund and ensure that the problems that affect constituency youth development funds are not replicated.
He said government is determined to make the youth a force behind Zambia’s economic and social development.
Mr Banda said government has come up with a number of innovative programmes that are intended to transform youths into responsible and productive citizens.
He said government will scale up skills training, especially for the disadvantaged youth, in order to create opportunities for them to access and harness their own skills to improve their livelihood.
President Banda said government views young people as an important resource for the development of the country.
He said the challenge is to create more opportunities for youth to harness their own skills and resources to improve their quality of life.
Mr Banda said government is determined to provide more resources and create opportunities for youth through high and sustained economic growth.
He said despite the global crisis, Zambia has done well in managing the economy.
“Last year, we achieved an estimated growth rate of 6.3 percent, one of the highest, in the history of this country.”
President Banda said his government is determined to consolidate on the gains of last year.
“This year, we expect even stronger growth in the economy than in 2009. All international financial institutions like the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank have praised the remarkable resilience of our economy. This is something that we must all be proud of,” he said.
He said government will this year focus more on infrastructure development, especially in improving schools, health facilities and roads.
Mr Banda said this will not result in immediate or increased material consumption, but will be critical in laying a strong foundation for the development of human and physical capital in the country.
“This year’s theme challenges all of us to ensure that the youth are actively involved in the development process. Zambia cannot achieve and sustain meaningful socio-economic development without the active participation of young people who are the leaders of tomorrow,” he said.
President Banda said occasions like youth day celebrations should not just be seen as a formality but a crucial event that calls for strong partnership among all key stakeholders in the development of the youth.
He commended co-operating partners and private institutions for partnering with government in supporting youth programmes.
Father Frank Bwalya (L) listening to proceedings during Bishop Mpundu's press briefing in Lusaka
POLICE in Kitwe yesterday arrested Change Life Zambia executive director Frank Bwalya for conduct likely to cause breach of peace.
Copperbelt police commanding officer Antonneil Mutentwa confirmed the arrest of Father Bwalya, who is former Radio Icengelo station manager.
“I can confirm that we have arrested Fr Bwalya for conduct likely to cause breach of peace and we have since taken him to Kamfinsa State prison.
“He was distributing red cards to youths who took part in today’s (yesterday) Youth Day celebrations at Kaunda Square in Kitwe,” Mr Mutentwa said.
Mr Mutentwa warned of stern action against people who want to destabilise the peace that the country enjoys.
“We shall not sit idly and watch some Zambians destabilising the peace that our country is enjoying. We are ready for any trouble-makers and we will deal with them accordingly,” he said.
Mr Mutentwa said Fr Bwalya will appear in court on Monday.
And Kitwe district commissioner Macdonald Mtine took a swipe at the opposition Patriotic Front (PF) youths who wanted to disrupt Youth Day celebrations.
Mr Mtine rebuked the youths, who were carrying a boat, which is the PF political symbol.
“I saw someone with a red card, and some youths almost disrupted the peaceful event. We must put our political differences aside when we are celebrating important events like this one,” Mr Mtine said.
