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Movement for Multi party democracy MMD Chief Whip Vernon Mwanga has stated that the party is still receiving support.
Mr. Mwanga says that the party is doing well with the support from the Zambians who have continued to believe in the party.
He told QFM that the party has still the largest support in the country because of its good economic policies that have been put in place since its inception. [quote]
He however admitted that the party has some challenges that the party is slowly addressing.
He has called on the MMD sympathizers not to be cheated that the party has lost support in urban areas especially Lusaka.
He says that Zambia is not made up of Lusaka alone, as people in the rural areas still have faith and belief that the government will address its issues.
He further explained that if the government has failed to meet people’s expectations, the country would not have attended single digit inflation and the highest reserves in the central bank since independence.
Vice president george Kunda receives a gift from ZNBC acting managing director Juliana Mwila during the launch of TV2 in Lusaka
Vice President George Kunda has warned that the country risks getting back to its economic doldrums if Zambians voted out the ruling MMD government from power in the 2011 tripartite elections.
Mr. Kunda says the MMD government has worked hard to revive and sustain the economic gains the country has continued to make.
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He says as a result of government’s good economic policies, the country has won itself confidence from the donor community.
The Vice President who was addressing a rally at Keembe Farm Training Institute in Chibombo yesterday said in the last few years, the donor communities have been releasing huge sums of money for developmental projects because of the confidence they have in the government of the day.
He said without good economic policies, the donors would have withdrawn their funding from government.
Mr. Kunda said for the past few years, the country has been recording a bumper harvest because of government’s support to the agricultural sector through programmes such as the Farmer Input Support Programme ((FISP).
He also disclosed that this year, government has released K5 billion each to three ministries namely Gender, Sport and Community Development to empower women, youths and vulnerable clubs to enable them engage in various economic activities.
Mr. Kunda added that government has also given the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services an additional K10 billion for Food Security Pack programmes for vulnerable people in rural areas across the country.[quote]
He explained that all these programmes have been put in place in order to reduce poverty levels in the country which he said mostly affects the women, youths and vulnerable people.
Mr. Kunda urged the people of Chibombo district to forms Clubs and access these funds.
He told the gathering that 40 percent of the CEEC has been reserved for women, youths and vulnerable people.
The Vice President further warned that if Zambians voted for the UPND /PF Pact in 2011, all such economic empowerment programmes will discontinue thereby subjecting the Zambians to abject poverty.
“You have seen what the MMD government has done because of our good economic policies set by this government. So I urge you not to experience with leadership with some of these who only come to plunder the economy,” he said.
Mr. Kunda said some of the people vying for presidency now have failed before when they were in government and so far they have nothing to offer to the Zambian people if voted into government.
Mr. Kunda also requested the people of Chibombo to reject UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema because he partnered with PF leader Michael Sata whom he described as a failure.
The Vice President is in Central Province to acquaint himself with the economic problems the province was faced with. He will also inspect developmental projects, hold public rallies and meet chiefs in the province.
Earlier, Central Province Minister Ackimson Banda said the people in the province are happy with the MMD government for developing the area.
Mr. Banda said MMD government has scored a lot of achievements in various key sectors of the economy.
Mr. Kunda is expected to return to Lusaka on today. He is accompanied by Provincial Minister Ackimson Banda, Science Minister and Mumbwa Central MP Dr. Brian Chituwo and MMD Deputy National Secretary Chembe Nyangu.
The PF/UPND Pact has refuted allegations by Vice President George Kunda that there will soon be massive defections of opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) to the ruling MMD.
UPND Spokesperson Charles Kakoma said the pact was not surprised or shaken by the vice presidents claims which started last year.
Mr. Kakoma urged the electorate to ignore the assertions and prepare themselves for the 2011 tripartite elections.
“The Vice President is just dreaming. These dreams started last year before the MPs got their gratuity and no resignations have occurred since then,” Mr. Kakoma said.
He said last year, the MMD said the opposition MPs were just waiting for their mid-term gratuity before defecting to the ruling party.
Mr. Kakoma said all the MPs from the Pact got their mid-term gratuity last year and no one has defected to the MMD.
He said no MPs from the PF/UPND Pact were planning to defect to the ruling party as alleged because there were no problems in the pact.
“There are no problems in the pact. People should just wait for the next government next year,” He said.
And Mr. Charles Kakoma has disclosed that 31 houses have been destroyed in Zambezi West Constituency in Zambezi District from heavy rains the area has been experiencing during the past few days.
Mr. Kakoma who is also Zambezi West MP said 150 people have been left homeless as a result of the floods which were now threatening to submerge Senior Chief Ndungu’s Palace.
He appealed to the Office of the Vice President’s Disaster Management and Mitigation Union to travel to the district to access the damage and assist the people that have been displaced as a result of the floods.
Mr. Kakoma said there was need to send food and other requisites to the area and also contain any possible outbreak of water borne diseases.
He sad reports from the area indicated that maize fields in Zambezi West Constituency have all been submerged in water.
Mr. Kakoma said because of the devastating floods, the area would likely going to experience hunger this year.
UPND Bweengwa Member of Parliament (MP) Highvie Hamududu has described the death of MMD Milanzi MMD MP Reuben Chisanga Banda as a big blow to Parliament.
Mr Hamundudu wished the family of the deceased God’s guidance in this trying moments adding that parliament would greatly miss the services of the late Mr. Banda.
He said he served together with the late Mr. Banda on the Parliamentary Accounts Committee (PAC) which was Chaired by Luena MP Charles Milupi.
Mr Hamundudu was speaking in an interview with ZANIS in Lusaka today.
“As a member of PAC, the death of the Mr Banda is a big blow to the committee and parliament as a whole. In Parliament, we are a family and when we have a funeral, we put aside all our political differences and just concentrate on mourning,” Mr Hamududu said.
Meanwhile, the body of the late Mr. Banda has been flown from Lusaka to Chipata for burial tomorrow.
The late Mr Banda died on Friday last week at University Teaching Hospital after sustaining injuries from a fatal road traffic accident.
MMD Chairman Michael Mabenga, MMD National Secretary Katele Kalumba, Cabinet ministers and several MPs from both the ruling and opposition political parties were on hand to see off the body of Mr Banda at lusaka’s city Airport.
And a delegation of parliamentarians both from the ruling and opposition political parties has left Lusaka to attend the burial of the late Mr. Banda in Chipata, Eastern province.
The delegation is led by MMD Deputy Chief Whip and Solwezi West MP Humphrey Mwanza.
Others on the delegation includes Mandevu MP Jean Kapata, Percy Chanda (Kankoyo), Vincent Mwale (Chipangali ) Paul Sichamba (Isoka West) Brian Sikazwe (Chimbamilonga), Ireen Imbwae (Lukulu West) and Jacob Chongo for Mwense constituency among others.
The delegation will join President Rupiah Banda who is expected in Chipata today to attend the burrial of the late Mr. Banda on Monday tomorrow.
MMD National Chairman Michael Mabenga (left) is flanked by party national organization secretary Isaac Muntanga at a press briefing in Lusaka
FORMER Minister of Finance Ng’andu Magande was part of the Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD) national executive committee (NEC) that received and endorsed petitions from provincial committees that President Banda be sole candidate at the ruling party’s national convention.
MMD national chairman Michael Mabenga said this in Lusaka yesterday in reaction to Mr Magande’s claim that holding the party national convention would be a waste of time if President Banda has already been declared the party’s Republican presidential candidate.
Mr Mabenga said in an interview that Mr Magande should also know that the convention is not only about presidential elections but also for discussing how best the party can progress.
He said there are a number of issues that are discussed at national party conventions apart from the presidential elections.
Mr Mabenga said that at the convention the party receives reports from various committees and delegates are informed about the party’s performance nationwide.
He said for instance, Mr Magande, as the chairman of the committee on finance, is expected to give a report on how his committee is performing.
“When it comes to elections, all positions will be contested. Not only the presidential position. I understand Mr Magande because he has only attended the convention once,” Mr Mabenga said.
Mr Magande was quoted as having said: “… why would anybody go to the convention if they have already decided he (President Banda) will be the candidate?”
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.
ZESCO has restored power in Nakonde district in Northern Province after some weeks of power blackout.
Nakonde District Commissioner Edwin Sinyinza confirmed the development in an interview with ZANIS in Nakonde today.
A snap survey by ZANIS revealed that operations in all government departments including pumping of water which was halted following the power black out have resumed normal operations.
Most of the areas in the township have started receiving normal supply of water.
Residents have commended the power utility company for working tirelessly and ensuring that a transformer was sourced to restore power supply in the district.
Power was restored after a 33KV transformer which was damaged last month at the local sub station was replaced with a new one.
Meanwhile, hundreds of Nakonde residents thronged ZESCO sub station to catch a glimpse of the arrival of the new transformer and a crane carried on heavy duty trucks and the installation of a new transformer.
Tears of joy..ZAMBIA’S Lukundo Nalungwe being congratulated
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.
“…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.
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.
One person has died of cholera and four others have been admitted to Sinamalima Clinic in Malima area in Sinazongwe District.
Malima Ward Councilor Fisher Zimana who disclosed this to ZANIS today said the Cholera situation in his area has continued to worsen day by day since the disease broke out in October last year.
Mr Zimana said the cholera cases were from sinalulungwe, mwanamalu and mukalanga villages in Chief Sinazongwe’s area.
He said the health personnel have visited the area to have the body of woman from Sinalulungwe village be buried.
The ward councillor has since appealed to the district health office to set up a Cholera centre at Nabukowa Health post.
He said two weeks ago four people died of Cholera in Malima and one person died upon his arrival at Sinazeze clinic last week.
Sinazongwe district Director of Health Dr Elias Chipandwe also confirmed the death of cholera patients during the last two weeks.
Sinazeze Epidemic Preparedness Committee Chairperson Jeff kayamba said the opening up of the Cholera centre at Nabukowa will ease the pressure that the Health personnel have been facing since the water borne disease broke out in October last year.
Mr Kayamba said it was unfortunate that the District Health Management team has not been sending people to asist the staff at Sinazeze Cholera centre whenever there was an outbreak of the deadly disease.
Senior Chief Mushili of the Lamba people of Masaiti district has appealed to government to immediately deport Tanzanian Immigrants based in Masangano area back to their country.
Senior Chief made the appeal when Copperbelt Provincial Permanent Secretary Villie Lombanya visited him at his palace this morning.
The Senior Chief explained that a lot of Tanzanian Nationals who had settled around Masangano area were involved in many criminal activities such that he feared for the well being of his subjects in Masangano area.
He explained that he had received a report that a Tanzanian National had allegedly defiled a child in the area and that when the case was reported to Kafulafuta police station nothing tangible had transpired as police also asked him to intervene.
The Senior Chief further advised government to listen to the complaints that Chiefs in the country generally had, adding that that was the only way Chiefs would also be able to get governments’ advice.
Meanwhile, Chief Nkambo of Masaiti district has appealed to government to de-gazette Miyengwe forest to be part of his chiefdom.
The Chief made the appeal when the permanent Secretary visited him at his palace this afternoon.
Chief Nkambo also told the PS that there was need for government to ensure that fertilizer inputs reached the far lying rural areas so that serious farming could be encouraged amoung the rural community.
The Chief who was unwell, further reported that the contractor that was assigned to carry out road maintenance works on the main road to his chiefdom did very shoddy works and disappeared.
He further asked government to consider drilling many boreholes in the area.
And Mr Lombanya said he was going round the palaces in the province to listen to the challenges that their Royal Highnesses were facing
He said government was grateful that chiefs had continued to provide good leadership to people through peace and tranquility in national development.
The Ps further said government was going to address the issue raised by various Chiefs respectively.
Mr Lombanya is currently carrying out a familiarization tour of Chiefs in the Province.
ZANIS
Damaged bridge at Sikalamba stream along Maamba/Batoka road in Sinazeze and has resulted in cutting off Sinazongwe district from the rest of the country
MMD in Sinazongwe has condemned the Road Development Agency (RDA) for negligence over the collapsing of the temporal bridge along Maamba/ Batooka road resulting in the cutting off of the entire district from the rest of the country.
The residents said RDA officials were allegedly contributing to the weakening popularity of the ruling party in the area because of the bad state of the roads infrastructure in the district.
Sinazongwe MMD District Secretary Jeff Kayamba said RDA should build a permanent bridge at Sikalamba stream where a temporal bridge was mounted two years ago when the area experienced floods.
Mr Kayamba said government was trying its best to improve the living standards of people in the district but was let down by people charged with the responsibility of implementing government programmes.
He said Sinazongwe District has two big coal mines hence the need for RDA to construct permanent bridges in the district.
Mr Kayamba said the Maamba/Battoka road was also a very important road for fish trades from Lake Kariba adding that the collapse of the bridge would adversely affect fish trading.
He urged Southern Province Minister Danniel Mukombwe to ensure that RDA repaired the damaged bridge within the shortest possible time to save people’s lives.
A Child Rights Activist in Lusaka has called upon politicians in the country to exhibit good standards in order for the young people to emulate them.
Godfrey Simukonde says this would help the youths to look up to elders and be inspired to become politicians one day.
Speaking to ZANIS in Lusaka today, Mr. Simukonde lamented that the current behaviour of some politicians in the country is not inspiring to the young people. He condemned what he termed as politics of insults which are exhibited by some politicians adding that such politics send a bad message to youths.
He said politics is not a game of insults but instead contributes to national development of the country.
He noted that a lot of young people have ended up being frustrated because they have stopped being inspired by some politicians.
