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“You will also declare a thing, and it shall be established…”
(Job 22:28, NKJ)
TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria
In the Old Testament there was an Israelite woman who was about to give birth. She had just heard that the Ark of the Covenant that housed God’s presence had been stolen. She was so upset about it that she named her baby boy Ichabod, which means “the glory has departed.” Notice what she did; she named her future by what was happening in her present. She could have just as easily named him “the glory will return,” but she was so focused on the negative, so caught up in where she was at that moment that she defined her future by it.
Friend, don’t ever name your future by your present day circumstances. You may have had some hard times in the past, but get that “Ichabod” spirit off of you. It may look like you’re stuck in a rut and you don’t really see how you could ever rise any higher, but don’t speak defeat over your life. Instead, name your future: blessed, prosperous, successful, victorious, healthy, whole, strong, talented, creative, wise. Declare what God’s Word says so that you can move forward in the destiny He has prepared for you!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Heavenly Father, thank You for the good future that You have prepared for me. Today I choose to come into agreement with Your Word and declare Your blessing over my life. Keep me close to You as I surrender every area of my life to You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Chief Mwata Kazembe hoisted on a traditional hammock leaves his palace to grace the Umutomboko ceremony
By Elias Munshya Wa Munshya
The recent visit of President Rupiah Banda to Mwata Kazembe of Luapula Province and to some districts in Luapula Province has highlighted just what is at stake politically for Luapula Province.
First, Luapula matters to the MMD due to the presence of PF rebel MPs. Totaling ten, they enhance the chances of MMD performing better in 2011 should they defect enmasse to the MMD. The MMD may try and convince Luapulans, that by expelling these MPs from PF, PF was by the nature of its act anti-Luapula. No other province at the moment promises such opportunity for the ruling party.
Secondly, Luapula matters, due to the fact that most political players sympathetic to the MMD, have a protracted and steady political history within Luapula Province and the MMD. These include Katele, Mwila, Kasongo, Machungwa, Chitika, and Chiluba himself. The long history and political stability of these figures will help boost MMD’s chances of a few more votes from Luapula. Besides this team may give a tough time to PF should they all decide to campaign for MMD and Banda.
Thirdly, Luapula matters due to the residual influence that FJT Chiluba has. After the demise of Mwanawasa the public’s opinion of Chiluba has somehow rebounded. Rupiah’s government has managed to rewrite the script concerning Chiluba’s prosecution and they have with some success managed to convince some Zambians that Chiluba was unfairly prosecuted. This script has undoubtedly angered some diplomats, various media houses and several NGOs but it has definitely managed to boost Chiluba’s political image among some Zambians. Sata and some PF members are dismissing FJT as politically insignificant. However, in spite of his questionable morality arising from his prosecution, FJT still has political clout which Banda is trying to maximize on. As such, under this new script, Luapulans are most likely to listen to Luapulan Chiluba again.
Fourthly, Luapula matters due to the influence of Mwata Kazembe. It has been observed that Kazembe, even if he is not a paramount chief, does exert a lot of influence among Bemba speaking peoples. For example, compared to other Bemba speaking senior chieftainships, the Kazembeship has been more stable and that stability has proved effective as a conduit of political influence. And so it matters who the Mwata supports for presidency. Kazembe has placed himself in a way that he could easily influence politics among his Lunda people in particular but beyond that to all Bemba speaking peoples.
Fifthly, Governor Moise Katumbi’s presence with Rupiah Banda in Mwansabombwe shows the significance of Katanga in the next elections. While Congo DR in general and Katanga province in particular share with Zambia a very long border, Luapula Province is second only to the Copperbelt in terms of cultural exchange with Katanga. This has been compounded by Katumbi who is Bemba, and who regards himself as a subject of Mwata Kazembe. Besides when Mwanawasa was declaring Katumbi as persona non grata, Kazembe quickly defended Katumbi calling him his nephew. It is rather significant that Katumbi was latter exonerated of all charges by Mwanawasa and was called back into Zambia to restart his businesses. It still is to be observed how much political influence Katumbi will have over Zambia. As for border regions, it is a historical fact, that people in border towns are more likely to vote for the ruling party candidates more than they would for the opposition and Luapula becomes significant in this regard.
Rupiah Banda’s moves for Luapula Province may actually pay off. Once he gets the rebel MPs on his side that will at least break the momentum in the PF, raise lots of questions within the Luapulan electorate about the PF and exploit some sympathy votes from some supporters of Frederick Chiluba for the MMD. If it is Luapula he is targeting, Rupiah is headed the right direction.
Government has set aside K200 million for the construction of a culture village which is aimed at promoting artists and culture activities in Kafue district.
Ministry of Community Development Director of Cultural Services Wesley Kaonga said since artists have formed an association that would promote art and culture in the district, the ministry would release more than K200 million to the district.
He said this today when he addressed scores of Kafue based artists and cultural practitioners during a meeting held at the District Commissioners office.
Mr. Kaonga said government would not fund individuals because it was difficult to account for funds and resources from individuals.
He noted with gladness that for the first time, artists and cultural practitioners in Kafue have come together to form an association which would act as an umbrella body to all the artists and dancers in Kafue.
Mr. Kaonga wondered why the district has been lagging behind in terms of arts and culture when it has a lot of good infrastructure and talented artists who could contribute to the development of the economy.
He expressed happiness that some artists in Kafue have ventured into the film and carving industry.
He said Zambia has been offered an exhibition stand in South Africa where various Zambian products would be displayed and promoted during the 2010 world cup period in June and July this year.
Mr. Kaonga said he would be happy if some products from Kafue could be exhibited at the Zambian stand in South Africa during the world cup soccer tournament.
He added that government is committed to improving the welfare of artists in the country, adding that for this reason, government has constructed a modern 700 sitter theatre in Livingstone.
And speaking at the same function District Culture Welfare Officer Edward Kampeshi urged the artists to work together for them to grow in their industry.
Mr. Kampeshi has since appealed to the local authority to offer its community hall where artists could be meeting to perform various shows in order to generate funds.
Chief Mwata Kazembe showcasing a dance during the Umutomboko ceremony in Mwansabombwe
The Lunda Royal Establishment (LRE) has distanced itself from the story which appeared in The Post edition of February 12 which alleged that President Rupiah Banda promised to give the position of Republican Vice Presidency to Luapula Province.
Senior Chief Mwata Kazembe of the Lunda people of Luapula Province said that President Banda had not at any time discussed with him possibilities of offering any political position to any individual during his just ended working visit of the province this week.
Chief Namwana Kashiba of Mwense District said in a statement released to ZANIS in Lusaka today on behalf of Senior Chief Mwata Kazembe that the story which appeared in the private newspaper was a figment of the author’s imagination.
“At no time did the issue of Vice Presidency or delivering the province to MMD ever discussed in the meeting between the Mwata and the Republican President,” Chief Kashiba said.
The chief also clarified that President Banda did not meet any other chiefs from the province at his palace in Mwansabombwe, Kawambwa District apart from Chief Mwata Kazembe himself. He said the entire article which appeared in The Post newspaper lacked merit and etiquette and urged all well meaning Zambians to ignore and discard it.
Chief Kashiba said President Banda, the Mwata and Katanga Governor Moise Katumbi did not discuss the purported issues of votes and elections including the issue of the Vice Presidency of the nation. “The article has greatly disturbed the persons mentioned and cast into question the morality and well projected images of their respective offices.
“This is terribly regrettable and the Lunda Royal Establishment wishes to totally disassociate itself from the slurs and the innuendos expressed in the article,” the chief said.
The Post newspaper in yesterday’s edition published an article alleging that President Rupiah Banda had promised to give the position of the country’s vice presidency to Luapula Province ahead of the 2011 general elections.
President Banda was on an four-day working visit to Luapula Province where he inspected many developmental projects government had initiated in the province.
Patriotic Front Secretary General Wynter Kabimba (l) and Upnd Spokesperson Charles Kakoma at the press briefing in Lusaka
The PF/UPND Pact is not in support of the likely extension of the sitting of the National Constitution Conference (NCC) which is supposed to conclude its sitting on Friday next week. UPND Spokesperson Charles Kakoma said the pact was worried about the delay in concluding the deliberations of the NCC.
Mr. Kakoma was reacting to NCC Chairperson Chifumu Banda who said that the conference was likely to be extended for another sitting if delegates failed to complete the work of the remaining two committees by Friday next week.
“We are worried because the deliberations are dragging on at a very slow pace meaning that we are unlikely to have a new constitution before the next general elections,” Mr. Kakoma aid.
He said according to the NCC timeframe, the new republican constitution was supposed to be ready last year. Mr. Kakoma said it appeared to be impossible to have a new constitution this year because of the referendum which needed to be held on unresolved articles or issues.[quote]
The UPND spokesperson revealed that there was no money in this year’s budget for the holding of the referendum, complicating further the likelihood of having a new constitution before 2011 general elections.
“Our pact does not welcome the likely extension of the NCC sittings because the document would have been concluded within the one-year time frame the NCC was given to conclude its business,” Mr. Kakoma said.
The NCC sitting has already been extended once and this would be the second extension since it started sitting more than one year ago.
But Mr. Banda said the conference will go on recess on Friday next week to pave way for the resumption of Parliament sittings on February 23. He said this meant that if the conference failed to complete its work by Friday, it would have to wait for Parliament to adjourn. This however will only happen if delegates fail to conclude the work of the two remaining committees by Friday next week.
A Japanese academician has urged government in developing countries to increase investment in human capital because this helps to improve their economies and benefit their citizens.
Professor Neantro Saaveda-Rivano of the University of Tsukuba in Japan said human capital is the most important component of the wealth creation in many nations.
Professor Rivano pointed out that investing in human capital was an essential element of development policies everywhere in the world.
He said this in Lusaka today during a lecture presentation on development and financing of human capital at Taj Pamodzi Hotel.
Professor Saaveda explained that investment in human capital early was significantly cost effective than at later stage in economic development.
He added that developed nations in the world have used human capital for their economic, social, culture and political development.
And Ministry of Information and Broadcasting services Permanent Secretary Ngosa Chisupa said time has come for African countries to invest in human intelligence to enhance economic development.
Mr. Chisupa said although African counties have been globally recognized for their wealth in mineral resources, they have lagged behind in development because of lack of investment in human capital.
Government has called for more investments in science and technology to enhance the country’s economic growth.
Minister of Science and Technology, Brian Chituwo observed that many African countries have lagged behind in development because they have not invested heavily in science and technology.
Dr. Chituwo said the Zambian government has recognized the important role science and technology plays in the development of the country and has ,therefore, prioritized it in sixth National Development Plan (SNDP).
He said this after touring the National Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research (NISIR) and the National Remote Sensing Centre in Lusaka yesterday.
Government has meanwhile donated a vehicle to the National Remote Sensing Centre in Lusaka to help the centre collect geographical information systems.
He has since pledged that government would increased funding to NISIR to enable it carryout works that assist in developing the country through researches.
And speaking earlier, NISIR vice Board Chairperson, Dennis Wanchinga said the institute is facing a lot of challenges which include inadequate manpower and research infrastructures.
Dr. Wanchinga has meanwhile said the institution has continued to make positive strides despite these disadvantages in its quest to be a centre in technology information.
ZANIS
President Banda accepts a pair of scissors from young Taonga Mtonga
President Rupiah Banda is tomorrow expected in Mazabuka where he is scheduled to visit Chief Mwanachingwala at his palace.
This is according to a programme released to ZANIS in Mazabuka by the office of Mazabuka District Commissioner, Tyson Hamaamba today.
The programme indicates that the President will depart Lusaka at 09:00 hours and is expected to arrive at Chief Mwanachingwala’s palace by 10:00 hours.
he would be received by Provincial minister, Daniel Munkombwe, Provincial Permanent Secretary, Darius Hakayobe, Opposition Mazabuka members of parliament and Chief Mwanachingwala’s subjects.
The President will then pay a courtesy call on the other chiefs after which he is expected to interact with the community.
Chief Mwanachingwala has disclosed that all the four chiefs in the district and two from Monze district will attend the meeting with President Banda.
He named the Mazabuka chiefs as Hanjalika, Naluama, Mwenda and those from the neighbouring Monze as senior chief Monze and Chona.
Chief Mwanachingwala said the visit by the head of state at his palace clearly shows how much importance President Banda attaches to the role traditional rulers play in national development.
The chief said in his discussion with President, Banda, he would discuss important issues that affect both his subjects and the nation.
Meanwhile, a thunderous welcome awaits the arrival of President Banda at Chief Mwanachingwala’s palace.
A lot of entertainment activities have been lined up to welcome and entertain the President and his entourage.
The Ministry of Health has so far recorded 18 suspected cholera cases in Lusaka.
Ministry of Health Spokesperson Kamoto Mbewe who disclosed this to ZANIS in Lusaka today said however that his ministry was still waiting for the cases to be confirmed.
Dr. Mbewe explained that four of the suspected cholera cases are from Kanyama clinic, nine from Chipata clinic, two from Chawama ,one from George clinic and two from Matero reference clinic which are all yet to be confirmed.
He said 264 cholera cases have been recorded in the country since October last year.
Dr. Mbewe revealed that 10 cholera cases have been recorded in Kitwe while one suspected Cholera case was being investigated in Sinazongwe District of Southern province.
He said that there was a great reduction in cholera cases as compared to previous years where thousands of cases were recorded during the same period.
Dr. Mbewe further said 14 cholera patients have since been discharged from various clinics they were admitted countrywide.
A Zambia National marketers association (ZANAMA) cleaner at Chisokone market in Kitwe has testified that he saw Nkana member of parliament Mwenya Musenge at ZANAMA offices when the coffin was being brought at the market.
This is in a case where Musenge and eight others have been charged with riotous behavior and causing damage to property contrary to section 83 of the penal code Cap 87 of the laws of Zambia.
All the accused have denied the charge and are being represented by five lawyers Bonaventure Mutale, Leonard Kasumba, David Katongo, Fred Mulenga and Derrick Mulenga. .
The cleaner Hiness Kalunga aged 53 years of 1686 Chimwemwe township told the court that she saw smoke coming from the ZANAMA office where Musenga was coming from through the back door when a mob of marketers carrying a coffin was heading towards the office.
She said there was confusion at the market as marketeers stamped about and this prompted her to rush to the police station to inform the market leaders who where already at the station.
Another witness, a cashier at ZANAMA office, Fancy Kabaghe, 23 of 1972 Kwacha East in Kitwe said he heard the co-accused Zambia Traders and Marketeers Association (ZATMA) officials Chris Musunka, Evans Witika, and a Mr. Mpondela threatening that the office (ZANAMA) will be burnt down as the four were leaving the office.
Facts before the court are that Musenge David Katongo, Patrick Chongo, Watiki, Musunka, Jonathan Manda, Mulunda Mwaanza and Misheck Sipalo on January 7 this year jointly and while acting together unlawfully destroyed property belonging to ZANAMA.
The accused appeared yesterday for continued trial before magistrate Tamara Gondwe.
The state has called 10 witnesses in the case which has been adjourned to March 24 and 25, 2010 for continued trial.
ZANIS
State House has dismissed claims by the Post Newspaper that President Banda promised Chiefs in Luapula Province that President Banda will appoint Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) Commissioner General Chriticles Mwansa as Republican Vice President.
Special Assistant to the President for Press and Public Relations Dickson Jere said President Banda has never promised or discussed with anyone the issue of the Republican Vice President during his working visit to Luapula Province.
Mr. Jere described as misleading and malicious a story published by The Post newspaper of today entitled “Rupiah Promises Luapula Chiefs a Vice President”.
He said this in a statement released to ZANIS in Lusaka yesterday.
Mr. Jere said at no time did President Banda ever discuss with Mr. Mwansa on the possibility of appointing him Vice President as a way of enticing people from Luapula Province to vote for him in the 2010 genenal elections
“I wish to categorically state that His Excellency , Mr. Rupiah Banda, President of the Republic of Zambia has never promissed or discussed with anyone the issue of the Republican Vice President during his working visit to Luapula Provice,” Mr. Jere said.
He said President Banda’s meeting with the traditional leaders in Luapula Province was centered on developmental issues such as health, education, roads and water transport.
Mr Jere said apart from meeting Senior Chief Mwata Kazembe, the President also held several other meetings with different chiefs where various issues were discussed.
At no time did Mr. Banda ever discuss with Mr. Chriticles Mwansa on the possibilities of him becoming his Vice President as a way of enticing Luapula province to vote for him in the 2011 tripartite elections.
Mr.Jere has since challenged the Post Newspaper to name the specific meeting or traditional leaders who discussed the issue of the Vice President with President Banda during his visit to Luapula province.
He noted that the Newspaper had in the last few months mis-informed the nation that President Banda would appoint Livingstone Member of Parliament Sakwiba Sikota as his Vice President.
Mr Jere further stated that the newsapaper also lied when it reported that he would appoint Energy Minister, Kenneth Konga as his vice.
He said President Banda wished the media in Zambia to be factual and verify information at all times before publishing to avoid misleading the nation.
Zanaco have some work to do in the return leg of their CAF Champions League preliminary round match after losing away to Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) in Kampala today.
URA beat Zanaco 1-0 through a late goal in the second half to leave the latter with some work cut out for them in the return leg to be played in a fortnights time in Lusaka on February 27.
The win was URA’s first over Zambian opponent after losing to Zesco United 2-0 in 2008 in the preliminary stage of the same competition.
Zanaco in Uganda Training - by LT blogger N.Choonga
A prophet who was convicted for defilement is being led to the prison cells from the Lusaka Magistrate Court
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Now you see me...A prophet who was jailed for having sex with a minor tries to shy away from the camera at the Lusaka Magistrate
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Former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance Stella Chibanda leaves the Supreme Court after ruling was delivered in the case of former President Frederick Chiluba’s London Judgment matter in Lusaka
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Mrs Kachusha who was allegedly insulted by Chimwemwe MP Willie Nsanda leaves the Woodlands police station
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Law Association of Zambia President Stephen Lungu (left) talks to Transparency International Zambia Executive Director Goodwell Lungu after the Supreme Court delivered a ruling in former President Frederick Chiluba
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President Rupiah meets the Mwata Kazembe
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Zanaco in Uganda Training - by LT blogger N.Choonga
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Luapula province permanent secretary Jazman Chikwakwa makes a curious look at Dora Siliya during a meeting with teachers in mansa.
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Dora Siliya meets teachers in Mansa
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Democratic Republic of Congo Katanga governor Moses Katumbi in Mansa interacts with Zambians
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Chieftainess Lesa of the Lamba people in Mpongwe talks to Copperbelt Permanent Secretary Villie lombanya(c) and Mpongwe District Commissioner Mineva Mtesa(r) when the permanent secretary toured Mpongwe district
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Copperbelt Permanent Secretary Vlllie Lombanya and Mpongwe District Commissioner Mineva Mtesa pay homage to Chief Machiya of the Lamba people during tour of Mpongwe district to visit Lamba chiefs
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Copperbelt Permanent Secretary Villie Lombanya talks to Chief Kalunkumya of the Lamba people outside a traditional conference shelter in Mpongwe during his tour of Mpongwe district
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Former President Frederick Chiluba’s spokesperson Emmanuel Mwamba leaves the Supreme Court building after ruling was delivered in the case of former President Frederick Chiluba’s London Judgment matter in Lusaka
Education Minister Dora Siliya says there is need to sort out administrative and financial issues that hinder teachers from accessing various services in the Ministry of Education (MoE).
Ms. Siliya said many teachers have faced frustrations regarding administration matters which emanate from the ministry headquarters before reaching provinces and district offices.
The Minister said there was need to change the administrative system to ensure that teachers accessed quality services from her ministry.
She said this today when she addressed teachers at Lukwesa Boarding High School in Mwense district.
She urged Heads of Departments in schools to be committed to their work and serve the teachers in the country in the quest for national development.
Ms.Siliya said it was high time teachers became serious with their work and took teaching as a noble profession because they were key players in the uplifting of teaching standards in the education sector.
She implored the teachers to be role models to children who were the future leaders.
Ms. Siliya said it was government’s desire to invest, train and motivate teachers for the development of the country.She pointed out that government in this year’s budget allocated K3.4 trillion to her ministry which would be used to address some of the challenges the ministry was facing.
The minister revealed that government has constructed 200 teachers’ houses in Luapula province while 50 more houses would be built for those teachers who don’t have accommodation.
Meanwhile, President Rupiah Banda was this afternoon expected to inspect and tour the newly constructed Lukwesa Boarding High School in Mwense district before leaving for Ndola on the Copperbelt province.
Professional Insurance has donated educational materials worth K250 million on climate change issues to the Ministry of Education.
Professional Insurance (PI) Kabwe branch manager Maureen Moomba revealed this in Kabwe today when PI donated 1,200 posters to the Ministry of Education in Central Province.
The posters will be shared among 400 schools in the province.
Central Province Permanent Secretay Danny Lumbama commended PI for the gesture and expressed happiness that the private sector was now coming on board to support the Ministry of Education.
Mr. Lumbama said the donation demonstrated partnership existing between government and the private sector in the education of children.
And Miss Moomba said the issues surrounding climate change prompted PI to come up with the posters that would help children with information.She said the posters were important because they would sensitise the children on climate matters.
Meanwhile Central Province Provincial Education Officer (PEO), Paul Ngoma said he was excited and grateful for the passion PI had towards the educational sector.
Mr. Ngoma said the posters would go a long way in helping both teachers and pupils in schools on climate change matters.
He said he was happy that the private sector was working with the education department to ensure quality education was delivered to the children.
