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The Week in Pictures (Dec 28th – Jan 1st)
Zambia, Nigeria Seek Light Training
Nigeria have said the planned friendly match against Zambia this week will be an informal kick-about.
“The match will be an international friendly as such but just a training match between the two teams,” an insider from the Nigerian camp in Durban said, clearly planning for a light-contact encounter against Zambia to avoid injuries before the tournament.
The game is planned for either Wednesday or Thursday with Johannesburg the likely venue when Nigeria leave their Durban training camp en route to Angola.
Meanwhile, insiders say Zambia’s technical bench is also wary of injuries especially with the prospect of two friendly matches against South Korea on Saturday and the other looming against Nigeria.
The team has been injury-free since the full squad gathered in Johannesburg on Boxing Day.
Zambia departs for Angola on Sunday morning.
William Banda cautions RB’s attackers
Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) Lusaka Province Chairman William Banda has warned the opposition to desist from unwarranted attacks and insults on President Rupiah Banda.
Mr. Banda said it is sad that despite the president not responding to their insults politicians from the opposition political parties have continued to insult the republican president.
He said president Banda and the party will not respond to the insults as the president is concentrating on implementing national programs that are aimed at improving the lives of the many Zambians including those in the opposition.
Mr. Banda made the remarks in Lusaka today when he addressed MMD party members in Chawama compound on the need to start reorganizing the party at the grass root level in readiness for the 2011 general elections.
He said there is need for party members at the grassroots to concentrate on building the party if the MMD is to win the general elections.
Meanwhile Mr. Banda has called on all MMD branches in Lusaka province to start organizing meetings aimed at looking at various challenges the party is facing at the grassroots in an effort to strengthening the party.
Mr. Banda also disclosed at the same gathering that he will this month unveil the official program for the province that will guide all party members on how to operate in their duties in the quest to bring coordination among party members.
He said this will also help reduce division among members within the party as every one will know exactly what is expected from them before the general elections.
And speaking at the same gathering Lusaka Province District Chairman, Paul Chihade instructed Chawama Constituency Executive Committee to rename one of the branches out of the 28 branches in Chawama compound which is named after Patriotic Front President Michael Sata.
Mr. Chihande noted that Mr. Sata is not a member of the MMD adding that there is no way a branch could be named after him.
“The branch was named after the PF leader when he was MMD National Secretary and now that he is not our member you have to rename the branch.” Mr. Chihade instructed.
ZANIS
Kitwe and Ndola roads earmarked for rehabilitation
The Dilapidated state of major roads in Kitwe and Ndola will be a thing of the past, starting this year.
This is after the Japanese government observed that the implementation of the Project for Improvement and Maintenance of Ndola and Kitwe City Roads will significantly contribute to the social and economic development of the country.
Japanese Ambassador to Zambia Hideto Mitamura made the pronouncements this afternoon when he paid a courtesy call on the provincial Minister Mr Mwansa Mbulakulima at the Provincial Administration Office.
Mr Mitamura explained that the improvement of the roads in the two towns will enhance the quality of life for the people of Zambia and strengthen the mutual trust and goodwill that exists between the people of Zambia and Japan.
And speaking earlier, Mr Mbulakulima said Copperbelt Province had embarked on a diversification programmed aimed at ensuring that mining did not remain as the only industry in the province.
He said the province had embarked on wooing more investors in the manufacturing, tourism and agriculture sectors and therefore needed a good road network.
He said investors could only be willing to invest in the country if basic facilities such as good road network, good and efficient communication systems, good security etc, were available and in good condition.
The Japanese and Zambian governments in August 2009 signed an agreement for the implementation of the grant aid project for the improvement and maintenance of Ndola and Kitwe City roads at a cost of $27million.
The project is expected to cover a stretch of 12.73 kilometers in Ndola and 11.63 kilometers in Kitwe.
ZANIS
KK has the right to advise politicians to practice clean politics-UNIP
Opposition United National Independence Party (UNIP) Acting Secretary General Jemima Banda has taken a swipe at his Patriotic Front (PF ) counterpart Winter Kabimba’s attacks on first President Kenneth Kaunda.
Mr Banda said in a statement received by ZANIS, today, that the first republican President Dr. Kaunda has the right to advise politicians to practice clean politics in the country.
The UNIP Acting Secretary General said Mr. Kabimba should not be excited on the matter as the former head of state’s statement was not meant to injure anyone.
“Dr. Kaunda statement was rather constructive advice to anybody who cares to listen,” Mr. Banda added.
Meanwhile, Mr. Banda challenged Mr. Kabimba to just explain how he acquired properties in Independence Avenue, one on Njoka Road and Taverns which he turned into business Centre.
“Lusaka residents would like to know who shared Council properties during his reign as Town Clerk,” he said.
ZANIS
The Week/end in Pictures
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35 Kafue teenagers nabbed for patronizing bars
35 teenagers were nabbed in Kafue district by a combined team of state and council police for patronizing bars and taverns during the festive period.
Both Kafue Police Officer In-Charge John Milambo and Kafue District Council Secretary Albert Hamayanda confirmed the arrest of the teenagers to ZANIS today.
Mr. Hamayanda said the operation which covered Kafue town, Zambia Compound, Shikoswe and Estates would be extended to all parts of the district.
He said the council has since revoked licenses to bar owners for allowing under aged children to patronize bars despite numerous warnings by the council.
Mr. Hamayanda said some of the teenagers who were arrested were between the age of 14 years and 16 years and have since been handed over to the Victim Support Unit (VSU) for counseling.
Mr.Hamayanda said that the council has deployed its officers to ensure that bar owners open their premises from 10hrs to 22:30hrs.
He also appealed to the parents to strictly guard their children because they are the future leaders.
Meanwhile Kafue District Council Chairman George Muleya has donated various assorted gifts worth K1 million to the four New Years’ Eve babies.
Mr. Muleya stated that the council is proud to associate itself with the newly born babies because they are the future leaders.
He pledged to work with the District hospital to uplift the lives of the people in the District.
And receiving the donation Kafue District Hospital Superintendent Dr. Abby Makukula expressed gratitude for the good gesture.
He said the donation has come at a right time when the hospital is facing many challenges.
He asked other well wishers to emulate the council by lifting up the burden of mothers.
ZANIS
Sinazongwe’s Namafulo border post Launched
Speaking at the launch of the project Sinazongwe District Commissioner (DC ) Oliver Pelete said the border post would ease the problem of people who have been finding it difficult to obtain permits to cross to Zimbabwe on Lake Kariba.
Mr Pelete noted that the border post would open up business opportunities for people wanting to conduct cross border trade.
He said it would also provide employment to local residents at the time of construction and urged the Namafulo people to cooperate with the government workers who will be implementing the project.
He said government has released an initial amount of K800, 000,000 for the project to kick off.
The DC informed the audience that government has taken up the issue of land wrangles that erupted in Namafulo Village where Eddie Jordan wanted to obtain land without the consent of Senior Chief Mweemba, Headman Namafulo and the Sinazongwe district Council.
Immigration Officer Willard Nakutonga said people in Sinazongwe had suffered for long time and government has seen it prudent to build a boarder post for them.
He said the boarder post would include immigration offices, Customs offices, Police, a clinic, a School, Market place, and a court.
Headman Namafulo thanked government for fulfilling its promise of building a border post in the area adding that its completion would bring development to the people in Sinazongwe district.
The building of the Namafulo border post was one of the projects that Sinazongwe district had planned to implement its five year development plan by 2010.
Across Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe there is Binga Township that is already developed and has a border post and most of its infrastructure is visible from the Zambian side.
By Tovin Ngombe
Chituwo is new Science Minister
President Rupiah Banda has transferred Minister of Agriculture and 
Dr. Chituwo takes over from Gabriel Namulambe who was fired from his ministerial position yesterday.
President Banda has transferred Peter Daka from the Ministry of Lands to the Ministry of Agriculture.
Mr. Banda made these transfers in a mini reshuffle today.
This is according to the press statement released to ZANIS today by Special Assistant to the President for Press and Public Relations, Dickson Jere.
President Banda will in due course announce the new minister of Lands.
He did this in exercising powers vested in him pursuant to the provisions of Article 44 (v) of the Constitution of Zambia.
ZANIS
RB is a strong advocate for peace – Dr. Mwale
Zambia’s special presidential envoy to the Great Lakes Region has described President Rupiah Banda as a strong minded leader who has a well-built background in peace building.
Special Presidential Envoy and National Coordinator for the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region Siteke Mwale said President Banda, who is one of the founding members of the liberation movement, has always advocated for peace and development in the country and region.[quote]
Dr. Mwale told ZANIS in Lusaka today that President Banda served in various government portfolios where he worked hard to ensure peace and development prevailed in the country.
He expressed confidence that Zambia would continue taking a leading role in championing peace and development in the Great Lakes Region.
He said Zambia is determined to increase her lead now that she is chairing the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) because of the strong foundation as a peace broker.
Dr. Mwale explained that the internal political squabbling going on currently as the country gears for the 2011 tripartite elections will not detract the peace and development that Zambia believes in.
He said Zambians will not be swayed by some political leaders that are creating misunderstandings in the country but would remain resilient to promoting peace.
Dr. Mwale explained that the region has agreed that peace and development are vital in the region.
The International Conference on the Great Lakes Region-ICGLR Secretariat is working hand in hand with the Zambian government to establish a centre for democracy and good governance this month.
The recruitment of staff is expected to be conducted by the ICGLR secretariat soon.
ZANIS
Govt to change Zambia’s legal system
Speaking on arrival at Livingstone Airport this morning to officially open the 2010 high court session, Mr. Kunda said government will this year change the legal system to make Zambia a better destination for doing business.
He said the year 2010 should be a year of hard work from all Zambians in order to make the country better and prosperous economically.
He said government has done its best to change the budget cycle adding that there should be no excuses for not using the budget fully this year by those tasked to implement the developmental projects.
Mr. Kunda said business houses, individuals and other stakeholders should take advantage of the attractive business environment prevailing in the country and focus of effective service delivery.
He thanked people of Livingstone for their hard work in 2009.
Mr. Kunda is expected to address a rally in Kazungula district later in the day.
And Mr. Kunda, who is also Minister of Justice, said 2010 is a year of strengthening MMD party structures, rejuvenate and mobilize more people in readiness for the 2011 general elections.
Mr. Kunda is accompanied by Local Government Minister, Eustarckio Kazonga, Justice Deputy Minister Todd Chilembo and Livestock and Fisheries Minister Bradford Machila.
On hand to receive the Vice President at was Southern Province Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) Chairperson Solomon Muzyamba.
And Mr. Muzyamba commended President Rupiah Banda for performing well in the just ended 2009.
He said the party in the province would continue supporting President Banda’s leadership for continued economic development in the country.
On recent resignations of some members from MMD, Mr. Muzyamba said the party was not shaken at all.
He however said MMD will continue to mobilize people adding that those that resigned were rejects.
Mr. Muzyamba thanked the Vice President for visiting the people of Livingstone.
Masheke not UNIP member
THE United National Independence Party (UNIP) has said Malimba Masheke is not a party member and should not pretend to speak for UNIP.
UNIP secretary general Jemima Banda said General Masheke was a Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) member and not a spokesperson for UNIP because he had never at one time told the nation that he had resigned from FDD.
“General Masheke is FDD national chairperson and he cannot turn around today and say he was UNIP revival chairperson because he has nothing to revive in the party,” Mrs Banda said.
Mrs Banda was reacting to a statement by UNIP Revival Forum chairperson Gen Masheke that Dr Kaunda had become an MMD cadre.
She said Gen Masheke was an FDD party member and was just a desperate individual who had always been aspiring for higher positions to no avail.
She said Dr Kaunda was UNIP and the father of the nation who should embrace every president of Zambia and should be accorded the respect that was due to him.
Dr Kaunda was an icon whose footsteps should be followed by every well meaning Zambians and called on Gen Masheke to stop using the former president’s name in his ill-motives to gain his sinking political image.
And UNIP Copperbelt provincial Information and publicity secretary Brian Chishimba said Dr Kaunda who is the founding president was playing a role above politics and deserved the respect of all.
Mr Chishimba said when Dr Kaunda advises politicians, people should not be quick to condemn former head of State.
Leadership in Development executive director Moses Kalonde has also condemned some people issuing disrespectful remarks against Dr Kaunda and President Rupiah Banda.
Mr Kalonde said in Lusaka yesterday that Dr Kaunda was the father of the nation and that there was nothing wrong for him to have said that President Banda should be respected.
Meanwhile, Dr Kaunda’s special assistant for Press and public relations, Sunday Musonda has described attacks on the former head of State as misguided and unjustified.
Mr Musonda said it was sad Dr Kaunda’s critics have decided to ignore the advice given on the need to respect the office of the former president but instead has chosen to accuse him of being MMD.
“It is unfair for some politicians to attack Dr Kaunda because there is nothing wrong for him to give advice to political leaders. If the office of the president is not respected what are we telling the world,” he asked.
Mr Musonda appealed people against Dr Kaunda’s advise to either take the advise or leave it and that involving the former Heads of State in squabbles is not necessary.
He said politicians with issues with the government should not use Dr Kaunda to discredit the Government.
[Times of Zambia]
African Telecom Industry – A Catalyst For Change
By Kabukabu Kawanambulu Ikwueme
The rapid growth of the African telecom industry over the past few years, has remarkably transformed communication infrastructure on the continent. Just a decade ago, Africa’s telecom industry accounted for only 2% of the worlds phone lines. Fast forward to the 21st century and the continent is almost unrecognisable. Mobile phones are ubiquitous and if current trends are anything to go by, 2010 is the year in which the continent’s nascent but burgeoning mobile telecom industry receives a massive technological upgrade.
The coming world cup games in South Africa could give the industry a bigger boost as consumer demand rises further, with an increase in people accessing the internet via mobile phones. Recent figures show that the past five years has seen the use of mobile phones on the continent increase exponentially – the fastest in the world – with 38% growth in 2007, placing Africa ahead of the Middle-East which stands at 33%.
The launch of Africa’s first mobile phone assembly factory located in Lusaka – in August 2009 – is being viewed as a strategic move by entrepreneurs, to tap into the growing African telecom market . The establishment of M-Tech Mobile Telecommunications Limited in Zambia was hugely welcome and experts in the telecom industry predict that in 2010, we could see Middle-East and Indian-based telecommunications companies continue their penetration into Africa. Plans by the telecom company Zain Zambia, to spend more on upgrading existing equipment and introduce new technology in 2010, reflects a trend of continued growth and expansion in the telecoms industry.
As smart phones – using operating systems like Google’s Android – hit the shelves in the west, it is hoped that this technological platform will eventually become widely available in developing countries as well. With internet-enabled hand-sets already being used on the continent to access websites like Facebook and Flicker, people now feel more connected to the rest of the world. A study by Opera, a mobile software developer based in Norway, recently revealed that news sources such as CNN and BBC are among the most viewed sites in Zambia, Nigeria, Kenya and Ghana.
The success of the African telecom industry however, masks some disturbing realities about the living conditions most people have to endure. A study by the University of Sussex in England revealed recently that people in most developing countries were saving less because of high unemployment rates and are consequently living a hand to mouth existence. The poor state of both social and physical infrastructure in Africa continues to reduce productivity by at least 40%. There is growing sentiment that more needs to be done to enable the continent fully reap the benefits of technological advancements.
An entire generation has however, been transformed as technology slowly merges with culture. In Kenya for instance, a goat herder in a rural area can now negotiate the sale of his animals on a mobile phone. Continued technological development and the emergence of e-business could eventually decrease the importance of the size of an enterprise, as people promote and market their goods using e-business tools on mobile phones.
Africa does not have a Silicon Valley from which lots of companies are conquering the world with the latest software and hardware, but the increased use of mobile phones with their plethora of functions has empowered people and could close the digital divide between developed and developing countries.
President Rupiah Banda fires Gabriel Namulambe with immediate effect
President Banda said in exercise of the powers vested in him pursuant to the provisions of Article 44(5) of the Constitution of Zambia, he has terminated the Mr Namulambe’s appointment.
The President has thanked Mr. Namulambe on behalf of the Zambian people, for the services that he rendered to the nation during the period he served in various portfolios in Government.
This is contained in a statement made available to ZANIS by the President’s Special Assistant for Press and Public Relations, Dickson Jere in Lusaka today.
ZANIS
MMD NEC to re-strategise for 2011 polls
Ruling MMD Acting spokesperson, Mike Mulongoti says the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) will by next week hold a meeting to re-strategise the party in readiness for the 2011 tripartite elections.
Speaking in an interview with ZANIS,Mulongoti said that the NEC meeting would table important issues affecting the ruling party.
He said the MMD secretariat has already sunctioned the meeting and would be held soon.
Mr. Mulongoti who could whoever not disclosed what would be on the agenda of the meeting said it will be during the same meeting that the date will be decided for the much anticipated MMD national convention .
He said the party would during the meeting review last year’s performance of the party and try to come up with the work plan for this year.
He has meanwhile said the party is encouraging the lower organs to start holding elections once they are ready and in preparations for the national convention and the 2011 elections.
Mr. Mulongoti who is also Works and Supply Minster said the party is not shaken by the recent resignation of some of its members in the party.
He said the resignation of the members is because they have failed to bring change in the party and they want to try other challenges elsewhere.
He said resignation are more common during elections time adding that there is a massive movement of people from one party to another when its near election time as seen from others also defecting to the position and joining the MMD.
Mr. Mulongoti said the MMD respects the views of the people that have resigned from either parties but urged them to move quietly without condemning the parties they have ditched.
ZANIS