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Shikapwasha receives flowers from Christine Muteba
GOVERNMENT says the red card campaign has no direction and has urged people on the Copperbelt to desist from wasting their time on unprofitable ventures and instead take advantage of job opportunities being created.
Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services Ronnie Shikapwasha said yesterday that the campaign is in vain.
“Why should people go for the red card campaign when Government has created jobs? The Government has done so much and there are many companies coming up to provide employment for our people,” he said.
Lieutenant-General Shikapwasha, who is Government spokesperson, told journalists yesterday that people should expend their energies on constructive issues that will foster peace and development in the country.
He said Government is ready to dialogue with any citizen on issues of governance.
“The red card campaign has no direction. People want peace and to work hard. Copperbelt had become a ghost province but Government has now brought empowerment in Luanshya, Chingola and Kitwe,” Lt-Gen. Shikapwasha said.
He said it was not Government’s fault that Father frank Bwalya did not go to National Constitutional Conference (NCC) because everybody had a chance to go and contribute to the constitution-making process.
“If it is the constitution that Fr. Bwalya is concerned about, it is not our fault that he did not go for the constitution-making process. If it is to do with governance, our doors are always open to anybody who wants to discuss such issues,” he said.
Meanwhile, Bible Gospel Church in Zambia presiding bishop Peter Ndhlovu has condemned the red card campaign against a legitimately elected Government.
Bishop Ndhlovu told the Sunday Mail that the red card campaign is a recipe for anarchy and should be condemned by all peace-loving Zambians.
“We only have one country, Zambia. We need to do everything to preserve the peace that we are enjoying,” Bishop Ndhlovu said.
He wondered what some clerics are up to by waging a campaign aimed at toppling a lawfully elected Government.
Bishop Ndhlovu urged the clergy to preach the message of repentance and love instead of fanning anarchy.
He said it is the ordinary citizens who will suffer the consequences if the campaign degenerates into civil unrest.
“People want development, not the red card campaign. There are flood victims who need attention, some people have no food; those are the things we must concentrate on,” Bishop Ndhlovu said.
He said the people who are agitating for trouble in the nation have the means to flee the country if the peace Zambia is enjoying was to be lost.
He said the church should be in the forefront of uniting the nation instead of dividing it.
The bishop urged servants of God who have abandoned their flock to go back to the pulpit and preach the gospel.
“And I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten…”
(Joel 2:25, ESV)
TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria
We serve a God of restoration! You may have had some disappointments or unfair things happen in your life; but instead of dwelling on the past and living in defeat, choose to focus on His promises because God wants to restore everything that’s been stolen from your life. He wants to restore your joy, your peace, your health, and your finances. But here’s the key: you have to have a vision for it. You have to get your hopes up and decide to get your thoughts and words going in the right direction.
Today, choose to focus on the future and release past hurts through forgiveness. Draw a line in the sand and say, “I am a child of the Most High God, and I’m not going to live my life negative and defeated. This is a new day, and I’m taking back what belongs to me!” That’s having a restoration mentality!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Heavenly Father, thank You for choosing to restore my life. Thank You for the truth of Your Word that sets me free. Fill me with Your power today so that I may stand strong and move forward on the path You have for me. I love You and bless Your Name. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Power Dynamos recorded their first league win of the season today while archrivals Nkana stuttered yet again this afternoon.
Power beat winless Konkola Blades 2-0 to celebrate their first match back at Arthur Davies Stadium in style this afternoon in a Super Division Week 2 game.
Midfielders Joseph Sitali and Kennedy Mudenda were on target for Power in the 6th and 80th minutes respectively to hand Power the three points.
Power now have four points after two matches played.
Nkana meanwhile, drew away in Chingola against Nchanga Rangers at Nchanga Stadium.
Unlike last weekend in Week 1 when they rallied to draw 1-1 with Red Arrows, Nkana finished 0-0 against hosts Rangers.
Vice-President George Kunda yesterday told Parliament that the evacuation of Mr Sata was an emergency because he was on the verge of death.
Mr Kunda said during the vice-president’s question and answer session that the evacuation was an emergency because Mr Sata was not in a position to make any arrangements to go out of the country.
He said in response to Kasama Central MP Geoffrey Mwamba (PF) who claimed that his party was in a position to evacuate Mr Sata.
It was dangerous politics for Mr Sata to say that his evacuation was a public relations gimmick because Government was there to respond to the health needs of its citizens.
“Political leaders who fell sick should be very grateful if the government comes to their rescue,” he said.
The vice-president said the Government had to respond to a political leader who was sick at the verge of death.
At the time Mr Sata was evacuated, the Government was commended and there was reconciliation between Mr Sata and late president Levy Mwanawasa that should be appreciated.
[pullquote]On a point of order raised by Kabwata MP Given Lubinda (PF) that Mr Sata had apologised on his statement, Mr Kunda said that he was not aware of the apology except the remarks issued by Mr Sata.[/pullquote]
On a point of order raised by Kabwata MP Given Lubinda (PF) that Mr Sata had apologised on his statement, Mr Kunda said that he was not aware of the apology except the remarks issued by Mr Sata.
He said Mr Sata’s apology should be genuine because there was a statement he issued which was also an insult to the Government that evacuated him to South Africa.
Speaker of the National Assembly Amussa Mwanamwambwa directed MPs that he was aware of the difference between debating an individual and a policy after some PF MPs attempted to rise on a point of order when the vice-president was responding to Mr Sata’s evacuation.
Zanaco survived a first half wave of yellow to beat ASEC Mimosa 1-0 in Lusaka in the two sides Orange CAF Champions League first round, first leg match played at Nkoloma stadium in Lusaka today.
ASEC were almost unstoppable in a first half they totally dominated against hosts Zanaco.
Midfielder Evrard Zagbayou and former Cote d’Ivoire Under-23 striker Jean-Paul Mangoua were in devastating form in the first half unsettling Zanaco’s left flank manned by Maybin Chishimba.
Zagbayou had two attempts in`16th with a shot saved by Racha Kola and three minutes later saw his header sail wide.
Mangoua had a chance in the 38th minute with a point-blank range effort from a Patrick Kouakou cross in the 35th minute but missed when it seemed easier to score at point blank range.
Meanwhile, Zanaco defender Kennedy Nkethani had a first half to forget and could not contain Kouakou on the right.
The tide changed after the break thanks mostly to the arrival of striker Mathew Macha who replaced defender Thomas Nyirenda.
Coach Wedson Nyirenda’s tactical decision to turn to offense paid off as Macha gave Zanaco’s attack some much needed life.
Zanaco put pressure on ASEC and the visitors buckled before fizzling out as tired Zagbayou and Mangoua were substituted.
Zanaco secured an important win with a goal in the in the 75th minute scored by Makundika Sakala who turned in the ball from a through ball from Macha.
The two sides meet in Abidjan in a fortnight’s time.
ASEC Mimosas Frimpong Yaw mourns after being fouled during the Orange CAF league match played at Nkoloma stadium in Lusaka today. ZANACO won 1-0
HEALTH authorities at Chipata Clinic in Lusaka have told Health Minister Kapembwa
HEALTH Minister Kapembwa Simbao (L)
that they have not allowed any mother to carry a placenta after delivering at the institution.
Chipata Clinic Sister-in -charge Maureen Chola told Mr Simbao who toured Chipata and Matero clinics that although the incinerator was not working, arrangements had been made to incinerate at Matero Clinic.
Ms Chola, however, told the minister that the incinerator was being worked on and was expected to be operational by today.
Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) president Edith Nawakwi had alleged that mothers at Chipata Clinic were forced to carry placenta to their homes after delivery.
[pullquote]Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) president Edith Nawakwi had alleged that mothers at Chipata Clinic were forced to carry placenta to their homes after delivery.[/pullquote]
Mr Simbao who was on a fact-finding mission to check on Ms Nawakwi’s allegation that mothers who delivered at Chipata clinic were made to carry their placenta because the incinerator was not working.
Mr Simbao wondered how Ms Nawakwi could allege that mothers were made to carry placentas to their homes when she could not even identify any such mother.
The Government had been replacing old incinerators at clinics and hospitals if it was discovered that the facilities were too old.
He challenged the FDD leader to come out in the open and show the country which woman had carried a placenta to her home.
He said the Government was working hard to improve the health sector by upgrading clinics into hospitals.
The minister also checked progress at the Lusaka Hospital at Chainama Hills College, which is being constructed and said he was impressed with the progress of the works.
He said he was happy with the on going construction works at the hospital because the contractor was on schedule and was expected to complete the works by the end of the year.
The hospital is being constructed with the assistance of the Chinese government and would help decongest the University Teaching Hospital (UTH).
And Chinama Hospital executive director Wallen Chilengwe said the hospital once completed would have 200 wards that would go a long way in providing bed spaces for patients.
Dr Chilengwe said Lusaka Hospital would be a phase two hospital while all clinics in Lusaka townships would be upgraded to phase one hospitals.
UTH spokesperson Pauline Mbangweta has said the hospital is better as compared to the state it was in a few years ago and commended the Government for the support it has continued to provide.
Ms Mbangweta said contrary to insinuations, the hospital had continued to strive to improve its services to the public and urged people who may be aggrieved to use proper channels of airing their views instead of generalising matters.
In an interview in Lusaka yesterday, Ms Mbangweta said that hospital was better because the Government had brought in state-of-the-art equipment to assist diagnosing certain illnesses.
She called on people with concerns to consult with the public relations unit at the hospital instead of rushing to the media.
VICE-PRESIDENT George Kunda’s law firm and his wife Irene have sued Patriotic Front (PF) president Michael Sata and QFM Radio for libel.
This is according to a writ of summons filed in the Lusaka High Court principal registry yesterday.
The plaintiffs’ decision to sue Mr Sata follows the PF leader’s recent allegations that the law firm, George Kunda and Company, was paid K3.5 billion by the Ministry of Finance and National Planning, contrary to a court order.
“The words complained of in their natural and ordinary meaning meant, and were understood to mean, that the first plaintiff (law firm) and second plaintiff (Mrs Kunda) are dishonest in their conduct and are not fit to practise law in Zambia,” the writ of summons reads in part.
According to the writ, Mrs Kunda is a partner in the law firm and has been an active legal practitioner for more than 27 years while her husband is a sleeping partner, having stopped practising law in the firm in 2002 when he was appointed Minister of Justice and Attorney General.
Mrs Kunda is also a qualified arbitrator, mediator and commissioner of the small claims court.
The writ states that on January 18, 2010, Mr Sata was featured on QFM Radio in a special interview in which he falsely and maliciously alleged that the Vice-President had plundered public funds.
In the interview, Mr Sata said he had written to President Banda on the alleged plunder.
Mr Sata added that in the case of Development Bank of Zambia versus Sun Pharmaceuticals, which Mr Kunda’s law firm represented, the court ordered that parties bear their own costs.
“However contrary to the court order, the Ministry of Finance has now paid George Kunda and Company K3.5 billion as legal costs. The record of payment is there at the ministry…what a joke and a scandal…” Mr Sata said in his letter to President Banda.
He said the letter is a petition he received from ministry officials who are allegedly fed up, as they cannot continue seeing people steal money.
But the plaintiffs argue that QFM Radio falsely and maliciously broadcast the allegations in Zambia and worldwide through its website from January 18, 2010 and subsequent days.
They add that the words meant and were understood to mean that the law firm and its partners, including Mrs Kunda, had committed a criminal offence of fraud and theft of K3.5 billion public funds and are liable for prosecution.
The plaintiffs say the words also meant that they had committed professional misconduct and are liable for disciplinary action and that the public should exercise caution in dealing with them.
“By reason of publication of the said words, the first and second plaintiff have been injured in their character, credit, professional reputation and standing, and have been lowered in the estimation of right thinking members of society,” the writ adds.
The plaintiffs say Mr Sata and QFM publicised or caused the words complained of to be publicised while knowing the same to be libelous. They add that the defendants did so with a reckless disregard as to whether or not the said words were libelous.
The plaintiffs contend that QFM publicised or caused the said words to be publicised for profit.
“The first and second defendants publicised the words complained of wantonly, maliciously and or in contumelious disregard of the plaintiffs’ rights. The second defendant continued to publicise the words complained of on its website notwithstanding the plaintiffs’ complaint in a letter dated January 25, 2010,” the writ reads further.
The plaintiffs add that unless restrained by the court, Mr Sata and QFM will continue to publicise the words complained of.
They are therefore claiming compensatory and exemplary damages and an injunction restraining the defendants, whether by themselves, their servants or agents, from further broadcasting and publicisng defamatory words complained of or any similar libel concerning the plaintiffs.
PRESIDENT Banda is today expected to leave for Namibia to attend that country’s 20th independence anniversary and witness the inauguration ceremony of President-elect Hifikepunye Pohamba
This is contained in a statement issued in Lusaka yesterday by the State House press and public relations unit.
Mr Pohamba recently won elections in Namibia and is entering his second term of office.
President Banda’s entourage to Namibia includes former President Kenneth Kaunda and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Fashion Phiri.
President Banda is expected back in the country on Tuesday March 22, 2010.
The Zambia Union of Financial Institutions and Allied Workers (ZUFIAW) says government’s inaction against erring public officers named in the Auditor Generals reports is beginning to dilute the credibility of the fight against corruption.
ZUFIAW president, Cephus Mukuka observes that it is very disheartening that even after the unearthing of the K27 billion scandals in the ministry of health, government is still reluctant in tackling corruption.
[pullquote]He says government should be seen to be taking action and not merely making political pronouncements on the fight against corruption.[/pullquote]
He says government should realize that such acts have the capacity to undermine the fight against corruption. He says government should be seen to be taking action and not merely making political pronouncements on the fight against corruption.
Mr Mukuka has also called on government to ensure that law enforcement agencies are capacitated and fully equipped with modern technologies in fighting corruption.
Meanwhile, Mr. Mukuka has challenged government to ensure that the 5.7 million pounds made available by the British government towards the implementation of the anti corruption policy is prudently utilized.
Zesco United have arrived safely in the Niger Delta Region ahead of Sundays Orange CAF Confederations Cup first round, first leg match against hosts Warri Wolves of Nigeria.
The teams technical director Andre Mtine said in an interview from Nigeria that the team landed in Warri Friday afternoon after arriving in Lagos from Lusaka on Thursday evening at 22:00 and later the next day took a 45 minute flight to Warri.
Mtine said the team had its first training session Friday afternoon and that they have been given adequate security by their hosts in Warri.
Meanwhile, Zanaco and ASEC Mimosa clash on Saturday at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka in their Orange CAF Champions League first round, first leg match.
Power Dynamos tomorrow play their first home game in over 12 months when they return to Arthur Davies stadium in Kitwe.
Power, who host Kaizer Kalambo’s Konkola Blades in a week 2 KCM Super Division match, returned to their traditional home ground after it was closed for 12-months for rehabilitation.
Coach Fordson Kabole will be looking to celebrate Power’s return to Arthur Davies with their first three points of the season after drawing 1-1 away to Choma Eagles in Mazabuka last Saturday.
The match will be one of two Week 2 games that will be played on Saturday on the Copperbelt.
At Nchanga stadium in Chingola, Nchanga Rangers host Nkana again in a fixture in which both teams are aiming to record their first wins of the season.
Both Rangers and Nkana started the season with 1-1 draws away and home to Blades and Red Arrows respectively.
Meanwhile, three games will be played on Sunday on the Midlands after making way for Zanaco and ASEC Mimosa’s Orange CAF Champions League clash on Saturday.
KCM Super Division Week 2 Fixtures
20/03/2010
Power Dynamos-Konkola Blades
Nchanga Rangers-Nkana
Postponed:
Zesco United-Choma Eagles
21/03/2010
Lusaka Dynamos-Roan United
National Assembly- Nkwazi
Green Buffaloes-City of Lusaka
Postponed:
Kabwe Warriors-Zanaco
The Collapsed Sikalamba Bridge along Maamba Batooka which has resulted in Sinazongwe district in Southern Province being cut off from the rest of the country.
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The Zambia army soldiers working to put up a temporal bridge at Sikalamba stream in Sinazongwe district in Southern Province
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The Zambia army soldiers working to put up a temporal bridge at Sikalamba stream in Sinazongwe district in Southern Province
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People struggling to cross the flooded SiAre you sure you can lift me .... kalamba stream in Sinazongwe district to go either to Choma or Lusaka
5.
Please don't let go off my hand .... People struggling to cross the flooded Sikalamba stream in Sinazongwe district to go either to Choma or Lusaka
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Almost there ...steady People struggling to cross the flooded Sikalamba stream in Sinazongwe district to go either to Choma or Lusaka
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People struggling to cross the flooded Sikalamba stream in Sinazongwe district to go either to Choma or Lusaka
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People struggling to cross the flooded Sikalamba stream in Sinazongwe district to go either to Choma or Lusaka
9.
By air .... People struggling to cross the flooded Sikalamba stream in Sinazongwe district to go either to Choma or Lusaka
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People struggling to cross the flooded Sikalamba stream in Sinazongwe district to go either to Choma or Lusaka
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Which way are you taking me ..... People struggling to cross the flooded Sikalamba stream in Sinazongwe district to go either to Choma or Lusaka
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Wow .... People struggling to cross the flooded Sikalamba stream in Sinazongwe district to go either to Choma or Lusaka
13.
don't you have female transporters? .... People struggling to cross the flooded Sikalamba stream in Sinazongwe district to go either to Choma or Lusaka
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Two by two ... People struggling to cross the flooded Sikalamba stream in Sinazongwe district to go either to Choma or Lusaka
This is not a bribe sir...President Banda receives a bank note to give as gratification for a traditional singer in Mazabuka.
by Madame Bwalya
It was utterly disturbing to read about Darius Mukuka from Ndola who has been sentenced to 18months imprisonment because he verbally insulted President Rupiah Banda. This shows just how intolerant of opposing views the Zambian government is.It also shows how that ordinary Zambian citizens are supposed to ‘bootlick’ if they expect to have a decent existence in the Zambian system. Most people are frustrated with the way things are running especially when we remember how things once were.One must not insult their elders but when one does imprisonment is not the solution.If that was the case half the Zambian population should be in jail.Should we all now start shouting ‘defamation’ every time we are insulted?
I believe the imprisonment of Mr.Darius Mukuka an infringement on his freedom of speech and is human rights abuse.Are we surely a democracy and somebody please tell me, where do these magistrate judges get such absurd judgments from?
The Law in Zambia is very inconsistent and prejudice.Not too long ago a man from some village in Luapula was jailed for 2 years for stealing a goat.That is the same sentence Samuel Musonda, former Zambia National Commercial Bank (ZNCB) managing director got for stealing or misappropriating K10 billion.
Just this week someone was arrested for dishing out blank pieces of paper. Meanwhile Edith Nawakwi was threatened with gang rape and the Police said there was nothing wrong with that! Hello!
[pullquote]Just this week someone was arrested for dishing out blank pieces of paper. Meanwhile Edith Nawakwi was threatened with gang rape and the Police said there was nothing wrong with that! Hello![/pullquote]
Zambia in my opinion is not moving forward. This intolerance by government and MMD must stop.After all 60% of Zambians did not vote for them.The majority of Zambians are sick and tired of MMD.We are sick and tired of the poor service delivery in the land.We are sick and tired of leaders who insult each other day in day out, then jail some guy for saying what 60% of us think anyway.We are sick and tired of corruption and neoptism. We are sick and tired of bootlickers.
We want leaders who shall welcome criticism and learn from it.We want an opposition that is strong united and seeks policies that would benefit the ordinary Zambia.A great man is known by the way the treats the small guy.
Its my hope that Mr Mukuka shall be released and allowed to contribute to the development of Zambia and raise his 4 children.
Citizens Forum executive director Simon Kabanda talking about the arrest and detention of controversial catholic priest Frank Bwalya
WHEN Father Frank Bwalya convened a conference at Buchi Hall in Kitwe dubbed “Save Zambia Campaign’’ and made radical resolutions to embark on a nation-wide campaign against President Rupiah Banda’s Government and the MMD, he expected immediate protestations from the MMD. When there was no threat, he could not believe his luck.
The resolutions appear to be an open demand for a regime change. It is for this reason that the now expanded 11 consortia of civil society organisations (CSOs) are demanding for a security meeting with Minister of Home Affairs, Lameck Mangani. They hope that they would be allowed to conduct a revolution with the blessing of the law and with the blessing of the Government that their campaign intends to topple!
Many might not see this campaign for what it is but Father Bwalya’s own resolutions provide a window to their intentions. And the apparent presence of the Catholic Church through its NGOs does raise eyebrows.
The resolutions call for the removal of President Rupiah Banda and the MMD from office for three chief reasons they allege;
1) Tolerance for Corruption and President Rupiah Banda’s “Political marriage” with former President Frederick Chiluba
2) Failure to enact a good Constitution and the need to abolish the National Constitution Conference (NCC)
3) To remove the culture of bad laws such as the NGO Bill
The action by the CSOs is unprecedented as they are treading on dangerous grounds that are pioneering regime change through methods of civil disobedience.
The Orange Revolution in Georgia seems to be the template they are using where lawyers and members of NGOs embarked on a nation-wide campaign against authorities and eventually forced a government out of office and the early elections that ensued allowed their candidate to take over.
Desperation
The forces aligned against the MMD are desperate for change of Government. They have created an environment of limited faith in the electoral process and they have perceived that individuals competing against President Rupiah Banda provide no discernible hope. In 2006, there appeared to have been the greatest opportunity to beat the MMD at the elections.
Many contend that Michael Sata beat Mwanawasa at the elections but Sata sold the presidency to forces that he had antagonised; the British (with his Mugabe invitation), the Chinese (with threats of chasing them) and the business and corporate world (for his brash and anti-business tendencies).
Although the PF/UPND Pact appears strong to take over power from the MMD, the campaigners hope that numerous activities should be embarked upon that strongly unite and rally citizens against the MMD so that this is made possible. The 2008 elections provided another window of change. But the MMD candidate Rupiah Banda was a man of superior qualities to their leader. He was affable, educated and promoted unity, reconciliation and peace.
The Zambians, business and the donor communities loved and preferred Rupiah Banda to Michael Sata. It is for this reason that the campaigns against Mr Banda have since targeted the strong qualities that made him win the 2008 elections. A sustained campaign has been spearheaded that consistently depicts him as corrupt, intolerant and a tourist to render him weak and unelectable at the next polls.
Why the Red Card revolution
The 2001 Green Ribbon Campaign (GRC) against former president Frederick Chiluba was legal and successful for the simple reason that it sought to protect the Constitution against possible selfish amendments. This campaign instead, seeks to remove a legitimate and elected government from office using civil disobedience. The methods might appear peaceful and harmless but history shows that they are very effective tools. The collective power of the people cannot be underestimated and is superior to any Constitution and the Law.
While the Green Ribbon Campaign sought to uphold the Constitution, this campaign aims to break it and breed an escalating crisis upon the nation where Banda’s Government will be forced to call for an early election (while facing a Red Card) or weaken him so much that his image and that of the MMD will be synonymous with a red card at the 2011 election.
So who do they want to replace the MMD with? Who do they want to replace Banda with? Zambia is a democracy. It has a scheduled election in 2011, why would CSOs embark on activities that are designed to undermine elections? Why would CSOs start proceedings that might promote the break-down of the law if they are promoting good governance in the country?
The NCC has provided the greatest danger for them. They claim that the NCC has undermined and reversed the democratic process of Zambia. The NCC might bar their candidate through the degree clause. The NCC has further weakened the pact with their dismissal of the clause for the running mate. The NCC has also closed an opportunity for the Christian declaration (which the Catholic and their NGOs oppose) to be expunged from the Constitution. The NCC has refused to adopt gay rights and gay marriages. In their view, the NCC has also diluted fundamental rights of NGOs and other societies. But should this be the cause for such a campaign that clearly borders on treason?
Is the NCC and Constitution-making process so closed that it does not provide an opportunity for dialogue, for amendments, or for debate?
Yet the NCC has avenues for public debate beyond its members. The NCC also has stages such as the referendum and Parliament, legal and legitimate bodies to handle outstanding issues.
Demonstrations, protests and public rallies
The campaign is designed to be ‘’peaceful’’ and legal. It will purport to be constitutional and follow the law while galvanising citizens against the MMD. The leaders will be quick to disown flare up events. The campaign is now moving into phase two. This phase will consist of public protests, demonstrations and rallies. The leaders are even bracing themselves for arrests. They intend to hold rallies, demonstrations and protests even without the cooperation of the police.
The civil society groupings have now grown from four to eight. This now said to include Change Life Zambia, Civil Society Trade Network, Citizens Forum, Caritas Zambia, Anti Voter Apathy, and Zambia Council for Social Development, Transparency International, and Southern African Centre for Constructive Resolutions, Forum for Democratic Process, and National Youth Association in the Fight Against Corruption.
The CSOs have notified the police that they intend to hold a public rally on March 27 at Mutambe Grounds in Mandevu to publicise their intended goals. The CSO feel that an opportunity has arisen that will help them re-establish themselves and force a formidable movement of Zambians against the MMD.
Conclusion
This campaign is outside the realms of democratic activities. They appear to be aimed at collapsing a legitimate and elected government using civil disobedience. The action by the CSOs brings the question of what the role of NGOs in a Democracy is in sharp focus.
The CSOs in Zambia seem to be groping in the dark and in their firm belief that they ought to promote good governance but are instead breaking the highest law in the land. Anyone, who threatens the peace, order and security of this country, should be stopped.
You cannot break the Constitution using the Constitution! You cannot embark on a programme whose sole purpose is to remove a legitimate and elected government and justify such an action because you are using peaceful means!
Martin Luther King, Mahatma Gandhi and other proponents of civil disobedience and peaceful methods proposed such campaigns against dictatorships, illegitimate, tyrannical and illegal governments that subjugated citizens and provided no forums such as elections for citizens to express and participate in civic and national affairs.
Why should this group proceed with such activities against the Government recently elected and is due for scrutiny in the 2011 Elections?
Why don’t they take their wisdom to opposition political parties who are mandated by law to contest for elections? Or better still why don’t they form their own their political party?
THE Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has expressed shock that all the ministries have unretired imprest amounting to K445 billion.
PAC chairperson, Emmanuel Hachipuka observed yesterday when Works and Supply Permanent Secretary Bizwayo Nkunika appeared before his committee that no ministries had come out clean on retiring imprest.
He said public servants had resorted to getting public money through imprest because they knew that they would not be queried.
Mr Hachipuka said controlling officers should take audits seriously because in other countries, they could be suspended for having anomalies in their accounts.
He said controlling officers in Zambia were not using their power to discipline their subordinates who did not retire imprest. He said it was frustrating for the committee to handle the same anomalies every year when controlling officers could correct the situation.
And Mr Hachipuka directed Lieutenant Colonel Nkunika to furnish the office of the auditor general with receipts on K1.4 billion worth of fuel.
This was after some members of the committee wondered how K1.4 billion worth of fuel receipts could go missing when the ministry had a transport officer who was supposed to be keeping the documents.
Col Nkunika said the receipts for the fuel were missing when auditors went to his ministry but they had since been found and would be shown to the office of the auditor general.
He said the ministry was forced to divert K12 billion meant for the rehabilitation of Independence Stadium to Chirundu One-Stop Border Post to avoid further costs on the border posts.
Col Nkunika said the money meant for the rehabilitation of the presidential guest house in Ndola was used to buy furniture for State House.
He said the ministry faced problems in collecting money from people who bought personal-to-holder motor vehicles because some of them opted to pay from their terminal benefits.
Col Nkunika said two former permanent secretaries owed Government huge amounts of money and after reminders, only former Sports minister, George Chulumanda paid K8 million towards the car he got.
And office of the vice-president Permanent Secretary, Davies Sampa said his office would adhere to all the directives from the auditor general after it was discovered that it had no record for the purchase of K40 million worth of fuel.
