FORMER President Dr Frederick Chiluba has said he has the right to back President Banda and that this cannot disqualify him from receiving his pension and benefits as reportedly stated by former Minister of Finance Ng’andu Magande.

Dr Chiluba’s spokesman Emmanuel Mwamba said in a statement released yesterday that contrary to some assertions, the former President is still popular.

He said that Mr Magande should know that Dr Chiluba has not broken any provisions for his retirement from politics and cannot, therefore, lose his benefits.

Mr Mwamba explained that Dr Chiluba and any other former President that wishes to comment on matters of public affairs and supports a candidate and political party of his choice does not in any way break the law nor are his benefits threatened in any way.

He said the former President would only lose his benefits if he ceases to hold office on the ground of wilful violation of the constitution or of misconduct.
The other provisions are that a former President could lose his benefits if he is convicted of an offence and sentenced to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or engaged in active politics.

Mr Mwamba noted that the law states that active politics means doing any act indicating a person’s intention to hold elective or appointive office, holding of elective or appointive office or by a resolution of two thirds of the majority of members of the National Assembly.

“Dr Chiluba does not hold or does not intend to hold any political office. The law defines clearly what the framers intended to mean by `active politics’ and Dr Chiluba does not in any way fall in that category,” Mr Mwamba said.

He said that the Benefits of Former Presidents Act Cap 16 of Zambia is comprehensive, and so calls for Dr Chiluba’s withdrawal of benefits are malicious and intended to prevent the former President from meaningfully contributing to Zambia’s national development.

He said this law has been applied equitably in the past.

Mr Mwamba said that when Dr Chiluba remained MMD party president for three months, his pensions and benefits were taken away in compliance with the law.
He said the benefits were only restored when he resigned his position.

“We, therefore, wish to reprimand such persons as Ng’andu Magande who know the provisions of the law but chose to mislead the nation by alleging that Dr Chiluba is breaking the law by merely rendering political support to President Rupiah Banda,” he said.

Mr Mwamba said Dr Chiluba is only exercising his fundamental right of freedom of choice, expression, association and freedom of movement as guaranteed by the national constitution.

He said it is people like Mr Magande who are breaking the law by insisting on taking away Dr Chiluba’s fundamental rights.[quote]

“The bliss ignorance so far displayed by Mr Magande, in our view, amounts to irresponsible behaviour and having held a senior position such as a Finance Minister, his conduct should be beyond petty,” he said.

Mr Mwamba also said that Chiluba’s right to support President Banda must be respected without any question. He also dismissed assertions that Dr Chiluba’s trip to the Copperbelt is funded by State House.

“Since 2002, Dr Chiluba as former President has had his trips, local and foreign, funded by Government as a matter of entitlements.

Therefore, the assertion that the funds released for this Copperbelt trip to meet the welfare of his accommodation, food and that of his accompanying staff came from State House is only designed to embarrass President Rupiah Banda,” Mr Mwamba said.

[Zambia Daily Mail]

ZAMBIA’S Lukundo Nalungwe yesterday blazed to aesthetic glamour when she bagged the M-Net Face of Africa award and in doing that turned around her life.“I am grateful to the Lord and Zambians for having been with me in their prayers.

There are so many girls who could have easily been picked as winners and for everybody who supported me, I say thank you…I am honoured,” said the 22-year-old Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants (ZICAS) student.

Lukundo beat nine other models selected from an initial batch of over 400 and starts her new career with a trip to America this week to take part in the New York Fashion week.

Lukundo, who won the whooping US$50,000 prize, said even after winning the glamourous award, she will not stop school.

“I know this has opened doors to many things but I will remain focused. I am writing my examinations in June and I will remain myself,” she said.

It was a tensed up final, with Lukundo having been the last announced in the top five at the event held at Lagos’ Eko Hotel and witnessed by a number of dignitaries, including 1988 winner Oluchi, who was one of the judges.

As the last five was trimmed to Lukundo, Zimbabwe’s Rosanna Hall and Ernania Rainha Manuel from Mozambique in the last three, it was difficult to know who would strike gold.

Immediately Lukundo was announced winner, tears of joy rolled down her face and minutes later back stage, she made her call to Zambia.

“I phoned my elder sister and all I heard were screams. They sounded happy and I think we will only talk when all of us come to terms with this,” she said.

It was elegance, poise and aesthetic glamour that Lukando displayed to make her win the first prize and prop her to fame.

She said she had made a shot at qualifying for the M-Net Face of Africa award three times before, the first having been when she was 18 years.

“I knew I would make it one day and this is why I tell Zambian girls never to give up on their dreams,” Lukundo said.

In the post event interview, Lukundo broke down as she remembered her brother who died a day before she was selected to represent Zambia.

Oluchi described Lukundo as the appropriate candidate for the crown.

“She worked hard for six months and deserves to win. Her winning is not based on tonight’s events, but events in the last six weeks,” she said.

M-Net Africa director of operations Biola Alabi praised Lukundo for winning and appealed to young girls to emulate her hard work.

Other finalists were from Nigeria, Tanzania, Kenya, Angola and South Africa.

[Zambia Daily Mail]

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“…time and chance happen to them all”
(Ecclesiastes 9:11, NIV)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

When God laid out the plans for our lives, He lined up the right people, the right breaks, and the right opportunities that we needed to fulfill our destiny. The Scripture talks about how time and chance will come together for every person. In other words, there are moments of favor that God has already released into your future. If you’ll let that sink down into your heart today, it will change your whole outlook on your future.

So many people miss out on the good things because they allow fear to distract them and hold them back. They say, “What if I fail?” “What if they don’t like me?” “What if I make a mistake?” To that I say, “What if you succeed?” “What if they like you?” “What if you do it better than anyone else?” That’s expecting God’s goodness and favor. And when you go out each day with an attitude of faith and expectancy, you’ll see those good things He has in store. You’ll walk into divine moments of favor, moments of blessing, moments of increase; and you’ll be fully equipped to live the life of victory!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father God, thank You for the good things You have in store for my future. Thank You for Your peace and joy that surrounds my every step. I choose today to keep my heart focused on the good things You have in store for my future. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Zambia Chapter Chairperson Henry Kabwe has condemned acts of violence allegedly perpetuated by two Patriotic Front Members of Parliament (MPs) on a ZNBC news crew that went to cover a PF/UPND press briefing yesterday.

Mr Kabwe advised the MPs to lead exemplary lives so that the young people are able to cope.

He regretted that the two law makers could seek so low to engage in physical confrontations when expressing their views.

Mr Kabwe further said the recent alleged attacks on ZNBC reporters are an indication that the PF MPs are ignorant on the operations of Journalists.

He told ZANIS in an interview in Lusaka today.

The MISA Zambia Chapter Chairperson has since challenged the opposition MPs to do the right thing and advocate for the implementation of the ZNBC amendment Act of 2002 which if passed would transform ZNBC into a public media organisation.

The named PF MPs are alleged to have warned the ZNBC news crew to stay away from UPND/PF functions and threatened to burn their vehicle.

ZANIS/

Vice President George Kunda has  alleged that the opposition  Patriotic Front (PF) has got an archaic constitution that would subject public service officers to appear before the party functionaries to answer charges.

Mr Kunda  said the PF constitution which he got from the Registrar of Societies requires Judges to appear before PF’s members of the Central Committee to answer charges if need arises.

The Vice President said a constitution that would subject public service officers  before party functionaries are archaic and should not be allowed in Zambia.

“The PF constitution is plagiarized constitution of the UNIP government. In this constitution, High Court Judges will be subjected to appear before the party functionaries to answer charges,” he said.

He added, “This is not good because it us getting back to One Party State.”

He said on the other hand, that the UPND has got a constitution that promotes multi-party democracy which he said it is totally different from the PF one.

Mr Kunda  doubted the feasibility of the UPND-PF pact saying the two parties that make up the Pact have different party constitutions and manifestos.

Mr. Kunda argued that it will be very difficult for the two parties and their presidents to harmonise their party constitutions and manifestos because there are very different.

He wondered how the Pact will harmonise the two different constitutions especially that the leaders of the two parties in the Pact have different characteristics.

He said the PF leader Michael Sata was inconsistent and has no clear vision hence not suitable to lead the country.

Mr. Kunda urged the people of Mumbwa district in particular and Zambians in general to support the MMD government which he said has a clear party manifesto and reliable vision for the country.

And Mr. Kunda has disclosed that government has this year set aside K152.3 billion for the construction of seven high and boarding schools in Central Province.

Mr Kunda said the seven schools will be built in various districts in the province to increase accessibility in the education sector through the high schools to the people in the province.

The Vice President said government will also construct a high school at Kasalu Basic School where he addressed the rally and said an additional K400 million has already been put aside for the same project.

He further told the gathering that attended the rally that plans are under-way to build a clinic in Kasalu area to ensure people in Mumbwa district access more quality health care services near their homes.

Mr Kunda said K5 billion has been set aside for the rehabilitation of feeder roads in Mumbwa district to ease transport of agriculture products in the area.

Mr. Kunda also said government has various empowerment programmes that includes cattle restocking, goat pass-on-programme, livestock eradicating programmes for different diseases in the area among others.

The Vice President said because of this and many other economic achievements which the MMD government has scored, the opposition political parties have nothing to talk about except to panic.

He further disclosed that a number of Members of Parliament (MPs) in the PF and UPND will before the 2011 elections defect to the ruling party: MMD because it is a progressive party with a clear vision for the people of Zambia.

“The PF and UPND MPs are confiding in us. They are just waiting for time and there will be mass resignations from the two parties joining our party the ruling MMD,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mr. Kunda has commended the Central Province MMD Executive for working hard to ensure that President Rupiah Banda wins the 2011 presidential tripartite elections.

He said Zambians should therefore continue supporting the MMD which he said is the only party that will guarantee them a better future.

And Central Province MMD Chairman Boyd Mutonka said the ruling party is strong in the province and will win all the constituencies in the next elections.

He claimed that the strength of the Pact will not threaten the MMD in the province come 2011 polls.

And Central Province Minister Ackimson Banda said Mumbwa is expected to harvest a bumper harvest this year because of the good rains the district is experiencing.

Earlier, Mr. Kunda met chiefs at Mumbwa Council Guest House before addressing a rally at Mumbwa Boma Grounds.

While in Central province, the Vice President will also visit hospitals and other public institutions and projects in various districts.

The Vice President is in Central Province to hold rallies and meet chiefs in the province.

Mr. Kunda is expected to return to Lusaka on Monday. He is accompanied by Provincial Minister Ackimson Banda, Science Minister and Mumbwa Central MP Dr. Brian Chituwo and MMD Deputy National Secretary Chembe Nyangu.

ZANIS

Vice President George Kunda has urged United Party for National Development UPND President Hakainde Hichiliema to consider abandoning the PF/UPND Pact because of PF leaders’ incessant attacks on UPND Members of Parliament.

The vice president has also urged other PF/UPND members who were not happy with the happenings in the opposition pact to join the rulling MMD.

Mr. Kunda was speaking in Livingstone yesterday when he addressed people who welcomed him at Livingstone International Airport. He wondered why Mr Hichilema had remained in the pact following the attacks on his MPs by the PF leader recently.

Mr. Michael Sata was recently quoted as saying that UPND MPs attending the National Constitutional Conference were part of plunderers of public funds.

Mr. Kunda described Mr Sata as a sadist, senseless person who has lost direction on the country’s political arena.

He said that the opposition political parties had nothing to attack government for and had in turn resorted to attacking each other.

Mr. Kunda said that Mr. Sata is very scared of UPND MPs because they are more intellectually advanced than he is.

“Sata cannot match with the UPND MPs that are part of the NCC participants because of their intellectual capacity, that is why he and some of his PF MPs have stayed away,” he said.

He said there was decency in the NCC because if this was not so, the conference was not going to entice Mr Hichilema to go there and witness part of the voting sessions at the NCC.

“Mr.Sata has lost direction. He is senseless. We even wonder why HH is still in the pact and why he is not defending his MPs that Sata is busy attacking,” Mr. Kunda said.

He said Sata was a sadist who did deserve any vote from the electorates and urged those in the PF/UPND Pact to consider joining the MMD party holds the future of the country’s development.

The vice president was in Livingstone to officially open the Mining Congress at the Sun Hotels.

He was accompanied by Gender Minister, Sara Sayifwanda, Mines Minister, Maxwell Mwale, Deputy Energy Minister Lubinda Imasiku, Deputy Labour Minister, Kachimba, and MMD Deputy National Secretary Chembe Nyangu.

ZANIS

First Lady Thandiwe Banda has called upon traditional ceremonies committees to expands their membership by having members who do not reside or hail from one Province.

Mrs. Banda observed that if the Committee succeeds in having members who hail from other provinces, the Committee would also have succeeded in making the ceremony more popular

Mrs. Banda made the call in Lusaka last evening at the fund raising dinner dance for the Kuomboka-Kufuluhela Lusaka Committee. This was in a speech read on her behalf by wife of the Vice President George Kunda, Irene.

She said the Kuomboka-Kufuluhela Lusaka Committee should consider having members who do not come or hail from Western Province because a number of non-Lozis have increasingly taken pride in wearing the Msisi, a traditional attire for the Lozi speaking people even during other national events.

The First Lady said having a balanced membership is vital to accerating national development thereby marketing Zambia’s rich cultural gheritage home and abroad.

Mrs. Banda said this would also assist in uniting the country through the popularization of the common heritages irrespective of the origin of the traditional attire as well as other cultural deeds; cultural music and expressions.

Meanwhile, the First Lady also called upon Zambians from other regions to become members of the Kuomboka-Kufuluhela Lusaka Committee.

Mrs. Banda added that this would assist the ceremony acclaim its elevated status not only at its organizational level.

And Kuomboka-Kufuluhela Lusaka Committee Chairperson Oliver Saasa urged government and other stakeholders to continue rendering support to the Kuomboka ceremony.

Professor Saasa said this year’s Kuomboka would be different from last year’s in that the Organizing Committee is doing everything possible to make it more colourful.

The Kuomboka traditional Ceremony is an annual event held in April by the Lozi people of Western Province. It symbolizes coming out the waters by the Lozi Chief Litunga.

ZANIS