Join our community of SUBSCRIBERS and be part of the conversation.
To subscribe, simply enter your email address on our website or click the subscribe button below. Don't worry, we respect your privacy and won't spam your inbox. Your information is safe with us.
The Committee of Citizens ( CoC ) Executive Director Gregory Chifire says his organisation needs a proper explanation of how the US$ 13.5 million spent on second republican president Fredrick Chiluba’s corruption case was used.
Mr.Chifire said this following government’s revelation of the amount used by the Task Force in Dr. Chiluba’s case on both local and foreign lawyers recently.
He expressed concern that the amounts mentioned were huge and Zambians deserved to know how they came about.He said it was surprising that former Chairperson on Task Force Max Nkole who was in charge of the case was disputing figures released by government.
Mr. Chifire was speaking in an interview with ZANIS in Lusaka today.
He said that the committee is in possession of the letters written by Mr. Nkole asking for the discontinuation of cases.
Mr. Chifire has therefore asked Mr. Nkole to come out clean because the committee and Zambians as a whole need to know how exactly the money was spent.
Meanwhile, Mr. Chifire has called for a thorough audit of the Task Force for Zambians to be able to decide if corruption was fought in a holistic manner.
Mr. Chifire observed that the huge amounts of money that were used could have benefited a lot of Zambians through social infrastructure.
He stated that the money could have been used to build about 210 medium sized schools and 126 medium sized health centers which could have benefited the Zambian people.
Mr. Chifire also expressed concern about what he called the luxurious lifestyles of former Task Force officials which is way above what they were earning.
He has called on parliament to pass legislation that will ensure that civil servants get to account for their assets by declaring what they own in a transparent manner.
Mr. Chifire also stated that there should be a law to compel civil servants to lead lives that conform to their incomes.
Samfya Magistrate Chimuka Mutafela has sentenced a 23 year old man to 78 months imprisonment with hard labour on three related charges of impersonating a public officer contrary to section 102(b) of the penal code.
And Magistrate Mutafela has also sentenced on a third count, a co accused, Lackson Mwenya 23 to nine months imprisonment and adjourned his full sentence on the first and second counts of the three slapped charges.
Passing the sentence, the magistrate said considering the mitigation of the first co-accused Kennedy Chisala, he found the duo not to be first offenders in all three counts that they had been charged with.
Magistrate Mutafela said Chisala had also been found to have breached conditions for a suspended sentence on all the three counts hence the courts conviction of Chisala on all counts.
The duo, both of Chashele Mutepuka village in Chief Kambwali’s area in Nchelenge district were brought before the courts after being arrested in Samfya on charges of making false documents in the form of identity cards as public officers contrary to section 354(a) of cap 87 of the penal code of the laws of Zambia.
In the second count the duo were charged with uttering false documents contrary to section 356(b) of cap 87 of the penal code with the third count being impersonating public officers by purporting to be Drug Enforcement(DEC) and Anti Corruption Commission(ACC) officers while on their errands in Samfya District.
The fuel situation in Luanshya has become desperate forcing motorists to the queue for the commodity overnight.
A check by ZANIS at all the three filling stations revealed that only one filling station had petrol while the other two had run out of the commodity.
The situation has put most motorists in panic buying with some buying in 210 litre containers for storage.
Some taxi drivers found at Chisongo service station complained that their business had been affected negatively by the shortage of fuel.
Peter Bwalya, a taxi driver, said he spent a night at the filling station waiting for his turn to refuel adding that he feared to leave the queue because of the scarcity of fuel.
In the other two filling stations, the fuel attendants were ignorant on when there will receive the commodity.
Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) Director Research, Planning and Policy Muhabi Lungu says the process to sell off some ZAMTEL shares is moving in the right direction.
Mr. Lungu said 8 companies that have been short listed have reached an advanced stage and are now doing due diligence and collecting data and making proposals.
He said every thing is going on steady adding that on 23 December the initial bid will be done at ZDA head quarters publicly.
He said that the sell of ZAMTEL will not be done privately because ZDA was keen to control the system to the satisfaction of the general public.
Mr. Lungu said his organization is doing everything possible to ensure the system is controlled such as the value of properties.
He said several committees have been set up to look at the welfare of workers and those pending retirement they too have set up committees saying no one will be left out.
Mr. Lungu said Zambia has learnt how to go about privatization since it’s initiation in 1991
Mr. Lungu was speaking to ZANIS in interview in Lusaka today adding that there will be no mistake in the sell of ZAMTEL because so far all the technicalities are in place.
By Henry Kyambalesa
Vice President George Kunda’s visit to Southern Province (reported in the Zambia Daily Mail article of November 16, 2009 by Wallen Simwaka entitled “UPND ‘Sold’ to PF) is worrisome, especially that it is designed to sensitize people in the province “about the evils of the pact between Mr. Sata and Mr. Hichilema.”
In the article, Kunda is quoted as having “urged [UPND MPs] … to join the ruling party.” In the same article, he is quoted as having accused some private media institutions as “promoting anarchy by their failure to observe professional ethics.” In other words, he seems to be suggesting that the private media should only cover stories which shower praises on the unseen accomplishments of the MMD like the Zambia daily Mail, Times of Zambia, ZNBC, and ZANIS. That, to him, is professionalism; any news media which engages in anything else is deemed to engage in “quack” journalism![quote]
It is now becoming clear that the MMD wants to take us back to 1972 when Zambia became a single-party system. This can be interpreted from the contemplated legislation of the independent media and NGOs to an overt attempt to swallow up major political parties!
If the MMD government cannot re-think the idea of limiting the operations of NGOs and the media, and the apparent swallowing up of major political parties, Zambia is clearly headed toward dictatorship! And there seems to be no way in which the government’s intentions can be thwarted, since the vibrant civil society and independent press which helped us secure a multi-party system are seemingly under the threat of rules and regulations designed to limit their operations.
There are a lot of important projects and programs which Kunda would have have gone to Southern Province to tell the residents how and when such projects would be started and/or completed—projects and programs which would improve the socio-economic well-being of residents. These projects and programs include the following:
(a) Hiring of more healthcare personnel, and ensuring that healthcare facilities throughout the province have adequate stocks of medicines and medical supplies and equipment. Healthcare facilities in the province are in dire need of personnel and supplies—including the Gwembe, Kalomo, Zimba Mission, Kafue Gorge, Mazabuka, Chikombola, Research Station Clinic, Riverside Farm Clinic, Chikuni Mission, Stage II, Namwala, Itezhi Tezhi, Mtendere, Siavonga, Maamba, Choma General, Macha Mission, Livingstone, Chikankata, and Monze Mission medical centers.
(b) Construction of more primary and secondary schools in the province (and rehabilitation of old ones) in order to make it possible for each and every child in the province to have access to education near their homes in all the districts—that is, in Choma, Gwembe, Itezhi-Tezhi, Kalomo, Kazungula, Livingstone, Mazabuka, Monze, Namwala, Siavonga, and Sinazongwe districts. Further, there is a need to address the problems facing educational and training institutions in the province, including the lack of teachers, instructors, housing, educational supplies and equipment, inadequate salaries and allowances, and sports and recreation. It is also important to ensure that salaries and allowances are timely disbursed to all parts of the province so that teachers and other civil servants will not have to trek to designated locations to pick up their money only to be told that their dues are not yet available.
(c) Planning adequately for both the prevention and the containment of diseases like the Contagious Bovine Pleuro-Pneumonia (CBPP) disease (which hit the border area between Kazungula district in Southern Province and Sesheke district in Western Province in recent years) and effective control of the tse-tse fly in order to reduce the incidence of sleeping sickness.
(d) Improvement of the availability of safe and clean water throughout the province through boreholes, dams, water pipes, and protected shallow wells, and also provide for modern sewage facilities and both public and private conveniences.
(e) Completion of the construction of irrigation schemes at Simupande, Nzenga and Sinazongwe, including the electrification of the three irrigation schemes. Moreover, there is a need to ensure that the dam at Buleya Malima irrigation scheme in Sinazongwe district is rehabilitated and maintained on a regular basis.
(f) Provision of incentives for the exploration of gas and oil deposits at Kanesiya stream near Sianeja in Senior Chief Mweemba’s kingdom in Sinazongwe district.
(g) Upgrading of resettlement schemes in the province by providing financial and material resources for constructing and/or rehabilitating boreholes, water wells, irrigation dams and canals, feeder roads, culverts, low-cost houses, clinics, basic schools, police posts, and other essential public services and facilities. Such schemes include the Masasabi scheme in Itezhi Tezhi district, the Kasiya scheme in Livingstone district, the Harmony scheme, and the Siamambo scheme in Choma district.
Funding for these kinds of projects and programs in Southern Province, and in other provinces as a matter of fact, can come from savings which can be realized from reducing the number of Cabinet portfolios by merging and/or abolishing some government ministries and agencies, abolishing the positions of Deputy Minister and District Commissioner, reducing the number of foreign missions by having single embassies to cover clusters of countries, and initiating many other cost-cutting measures.
It is high time the MMD and its leaders started considering criticism of this kind with an open mind. Otherwise our beloved country will continue to move backwards in huge steps.
Chief Nyawa of the Toka-leya people of Kazungula District says he is disappointed with increased witchcraft activities in his chiefdom.
The chief said this when three suspected wizards appeared before a traditional court at his palace recently for allegedly killing people through witchcraft. He warned the suspects to refrain from witchcraft practices saying it retards social and economic development in the country.
In attendance at the meeting was Rolland Kalyalya a witch finder from Siakambala village within Chief Nyawa’s area who discovered the wizards. Mr. Kalyalya testified that he, through his witch finding skill discovered that Mulala and Siatulye were behind the recent death of an infant.
He disclosed that he uses a radio cassette player and a leaf to tell who has committed any crime.
The witch finder disclosed that he managed to discover all the charms in the named suspects’ homes.
Chief Nyawa who could not hide his annoyance said he was saddened at the manner in which the little boy was murdered.
In a similar development, Gideon Siyanyaba another wizard from Chief Nyawa’s Chiefdom confessed and narrated before the chief how he wanted to make his 24 year old daughter Lesi Siyanyaba mad.
Mr. Siyanyaba disclosed that he used to send three ghosts to haunt his daughter so that she could be mad for the rest of her life.
Ms. Lesi Siyanyaba who is married to Webby Matebele became ill in August 2007 and only recovered in October this year after Kalyalya the witch finder was brought to her village.
The wizard testified that his mission came to a halt after Kalyalya came to his house to destroy all the charms he had been using.
Mr. Siyanyaba disclosed that his late uncle who died in 2002 left all his charms with him unknowingly.
He thanked the witch finder for destroying the charms saying he never used to sleep well with his charms around in the house adding that now he is a free person who can spend peaceful nights without problems.
A Luanshya District Councilor has petitioned the National Constitution Conference (NCC) to adopt a gratuity policy at the end of tenure of office for councilors.
Ndeke ward councilor Biston Ndhlovu told ZANIS today that the NCC should include a clause in the constitution to include other allowances and gratuity at the end of the five years.
Councillor Ndhlovu said that councilors were elected representatives of the people just like Members of Parliament and should be given allowances to visit their wards as is the case with the MPs.
He said the current local government act which states that councilors were volunteers or part-time civic leaders was far from the truth because councilors work throughout in their respective wards.
He said some councilors were failing to meet the aspirations of their electorates because certain wards were vast and councilors can not use their personal resources to visit or hold meetings.
Vice President George Kunda is expected in Solwezi today for last campaigns to drum up support for the Movement For Multiparty Democracy (MMD) candidate Albert Chifita for the November 19 Solwezi Central Constituency by-election.
The Vice President is tomorrow expected to hold rallies and tour five markets in Solwezi.
The five markets that are expected to be toured by Mr. Kunda are Kyawama, Zambia, Main, Mitec and Messenger markets and he is also expected to hold a big rally at Mushitala School grounds in the afternoon.
Mr. Kunda is expected to hold two more last rallies on Wednesday at Kayebela and Kyawama School grounds before voting starts.
The Solwezi central constituency seat fell vacant after the death of Local Government and Housing Minister Ben Tetamashimaba.
Meanwhile, MMD National Coordinator for Youths and Students Tobias Kafumukache has called upon youths to desist from criminal activities during political rallies.
Mr Kafumukache said the MMD is a peaceful party and most fights are amplified by the opposition who are always causing havoc at political rallies sighting the recent fights in Solwezi.
He also castigated the post newspaper for irresponsible journalism saying they are causing strife among people.
Mr. Kafumukache said since 1996 the post has been attacking the MMD through their editorial comments and negative reporting unfairly.
He observed that the opposition party members have drugged the whole Copperbelt into Solwezi for the purpose of fighting the innocent ones.
Mr. Kafumukache said this country needs development and people should drive their energy into communities.
He said the opposition should stop violent attacks adding that negative reports will not take the country any where.
Mr. Kafumukache noted with sadness that the headlines in the post are not pleasant but well calculated in an effort to proke the situation.
Information and Broadcasting Services Minister Ronnie Shikapwasha
Government has condemned attacks on the judiciary by opposition political parties concerning former president Fredrick Chiluba’s acquittal.
This follows media reports that President Rupiah Banda’s conscience is troubling him over Chiluba’s dubious acquittal.
Chief Government Spokesperson Lt General Ronnie Shikapwasha in a press release made available to ZANIS this evening said that political leaders should respect the office of the Chief Justice, for the betterment and equitable dispensation of justice in the country.
Lt Gen Shikapwasha who is also Information and Broadcasting Minister said the office of the Chief Justice is a sacred institution in the land, which Mr Sata and Mr. Hakainde should not cheapen to gain political mileage.
He said the media report paints the picture that President Banda did actually acquit former President Chiluba, when in fact it was the courts of law that acquitted the former president.
Lt Gen Shikapwasha said there was no evidence that President Banda had a hand in the acquittal of Dr Chiluba adding that the President cannot, therefore, be under any pressure nor have a troubled conscience, as is being falsely touted by Patriotic Front leader Michael Sata.
He has since appealed to the people of Zambia to desist from making statements that suggest that the judiciary in Zambia is under manipulation and added that the same people making these statements will need the same courts to protect them.
Lt Gen Shikapwasha emphasised that government also finds no collusion whatsoever between President Banda and the judiciary in the dispensation of justice in the country.
Meanwhile, commenting on reports that Mr Sata addressed the police in Solwezi, Lt Gen Shikapwasha said the reports are only meant to intimidate and control the police saying no political authority can address the police.
Post newspaper editor Chansa Kabwela talks to journalists after she was acquitted by the Lusaka magistrate courtChansa Kabwela has been acquitted of
the charges of circulating obscene materials.
The Post editor in July this year, sent graphic images of a woman giving birth without medical assistance outside the University Teaching Hospital, to various prominent people in Zambia, including the vice president. During a press conference President Banda condemned the circulation of the pictures and ordered her arrest.
Kabwela argued that she sent the pictures because she wanted to highlight the effect the strike had on the health care system. The baby shown in the photos died.
If found guilty Chansa would have faced a possible five-year jail.
Magistrate Charles Kafunda today said prosecutors had failed to prove its case against the Post editor.
“The prosecution failed to establish an element of a prima facie case and I therefore dismiss the case and subsequently acquit the accused. The state has however the right to appeal,” Kafunda told a packed courtroom.
Kabwela, dressed in a black suit and accompanied by her husband Henry, smiled as Kafunda read out the verdict.
She later told reporters outside the court that her acquittal was a victory for everyone affected by the doctors’ strike, which lasted two weeks in June.
We spent so much...Justice deputy minister Todd Chilembo explaining how much government paid foreign and local lawyers at the taskforce on corruption
2.
President Rupiah Banda and First Lady Thandiwe (far l) arrive in Rome, Italy for the Food Agriculture Organization summit
3.
Girls football... Girls playing social football in Lusaka's George slums
4.
Girls from community teams playing Social football. Such events are used to educate and sensitize the girls on health and social matters like HIV AIDS.
5.
Chief Mumena poses for a photograph with Zambia National soccer team assitant coach George Lwandamina and other bench members
6.
An unidentified woman looks at her damaged car after she lost control and rammed into a pavement along great east road
7.
An unidentified girl attends to house chores in George township
8
A youth councilor engages adolescent girls after playing football in George Township
9.
A group of boys captured in the slums of George in Lusaka
10.
A girl goalkeeper watches her teammates attack the other team during girls football match in George township
11.
Zambia national soccer team coach Herve Renard talks to reporters after returning from Rwanda
12.
Executive Director Andrew Silumesi introducing Zambia – Zimbabwe Ambassador Dr. Ludek Zahradnicek in the theater room during the official hand over of medical equipment at Lewanika General Hospital.
Katete District Commissioner Elemani Mwanza says the council has with immediate effect banned the cultivation of maize around the Townships.
Mr.Mwanza told ZANIS in an interview that the decision was arrived at following after a consultative meeting with stakeholders.
He said the move was to enable the local Authority curb the rising cases of malaria as the maize fields were proven breeding grounds of mosquitoes.
“Government recognizes the fact that maize cultivation around the township passes as a breeding ground for mosquitoes which we are trying to fight with the In-door Residual Spraying (IRS) to reduce malaria,” he said.
He noted that most people had already planted and that it would be unfair to implement the ban as they do not have alternative places to cultivate.
Recently, the local authority warned of slashing maize grown around the township areas saying the practice would work against the malaria control program of IRS.
President Rupiah Banda and First Lady Thandiwe (far l) arrive in Rome, Italy for the Food Agriculture Organization summit
The world summit on food security officially opened in Rome, Italy, on Monday with a call for decisive action for the total eradication of hunger in the world.
President Rupiah Banda is among world leaders attending the meeting being held at the Food and Agricultural Organisation -FAO- headquarters in Rome.
President Banda is accompanied by First Lady Thandiwe, Agriculture minister Dr Brian Chituwo and other senior government officials.
The President who arrived in Rome on Sunday is among heads of state and government scheduled to address the summit.
On Sunday, President Banda participated in a pre-summit consultative meeting on rural development.
The meeting was also attended by Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe, and Brazilian leader Lula de Silva.
[ZNBC]
