Here are the Division 1 North and South standings after Week 26 games played 26-27/09/2009.
NORTH
[standings league_id=2 template=extend logo=false]
SOUTH
[standings league_id=3 template=extend logo=false]
MMD warns AVAP in Kasama Central
The ruling MMD in Kasama District have castigated Anti Voter Apathy Project (AVAP) coordinator Kelly Kashiwa for alleging that the ruling party is involved in electoral malpractices ahead of the October 15 Kasama Central by-election.
MMD Kasama Central constituency Chairman Nathan Ilunga has described Mr. Kashiwa’s allegations as highly irresponsible and baseless.
Mr. Ilunga accused the AVAP provincial coordinator of being biased in his claims that the MMD was buying voters’ cards from electorates as he did not consult the ruling party over the matter.
He has challenged Mr. Kashiwa to come out in the open and declare his support for a named opposition political party, which he has allegedly aligned himself with.
Mr. Ilunga also charged that Mr. Kashiwa has failed to publicly condemn the alleged tribal remarks by PF aspiring candidate Geoffrey Mwamba, but has instead chosen to divert people’s attention by talking about what he termed irrelevant issues.
He advised AVAP to concentrate on its civic duties instead of taking a partisan approach to political issues that would undermine its credibility as an organization.
Mr. Ilunga warned Mr. Kashiwa to stop his unwarranted attacks on the MMD or risk being exposed over his double standards in the on-going campaigns for the Kasama Central by-election.
In a press statement issued yesterday, AVAP provincial coordinator Kelly Kashiwa alleged that the MMD was buying voters’ cards from people in Kasama Central constituency in order to disefranchise them.
Mr. Kashiwa further accused some teachers of campaigning for a particular aspiring candidate contesting the October 15 Kasama Central by-election.
ZANIS
Miners down tools and demand salary arrears
Maamba Collieries (MCL) miners have downed tools demanding payment of their four months salary arrears.
Speaking during a meeting with the Mineworkers Union of Zambia (MUZ) representatives outside the MCL offices the workers who sought anonymity declared that they would only resume work once management has paid them their four months salary arrears.
The workers said the memo that management wrote to them indicated that the sales of coal has improved yet the company has failed to pay them their salary arrears and Oriental Quarries the contractor that was mining coal on behalf of MCL.
They charged that MCL Managing Director Stephen Mutambo has failed to address the pressing issues that were affecting workers.
The issues included the payment of two salary arrears within two weeks last month that management failed to honour, the firing of the company’s Human resource manager Mr Simwele for being insensitive to the workers plights.
Mr. Mutambo is alleged to have told the workers that Mr Simwale had given up his position when he in fact was still working from MCL’s Lusaka office.
The workers lamented that their families were starving a situation that made them ashamed to be called miners in the township.
They demanded that government should also constitute a team of ministers to look into the problems affecting MCL as was the case with other ailing mines in Luanshya and Albidon Nickel mine in Mazabuka.
The workers also wondered why the Zambia Consolidated Cooper Mine Investment Holding (ZCCM-IH) has pulled out when government gave them 100 percent shares to run the mine.
MUZ Secretary for Maamba condemned the ZCCM-IH decision to pull out from supporting the mine when they have invested a lot of money in the Company.
Maamba Union Chairperson Evans Moyo assured the workers that he would present their grievances to the MCL management.
MCL Head of industrial relations and Administration Jethro Sikalunda urged workers management time to look into their grievances.
ZANIS
President Banda investures Fidel Castro in Cuba
President Rupiah Banda has investured former President of Cuba Fidel Castro with an award of the order of the Eagle of Zambia first division for his meritorious political, social, and economical services rendered to the people of Cuba and other countries in the world.
Speaking at the investure ceremony through his chief of staff at state house Austin Sichinga at the revolutionary palace in Havana last evening, President Banda said Castro’s selflessly dedicated his life to fight for liberation of oppressed people of his country and beyond.
He said Mr Castro who studied law in the 1940’s and admitted to the bar in 1950’s abandoned his profession and instead choose to save humanity by fighting injustice.
He said the former President of Cuban who is still the commander in chief initiated and endured an armed struggle for the emancipation of Cuba.
President Banda said Mr Castro was an inspiration to many people in political and economic management steer around the world by his boldness amidst many challenges.
Mr Banda noted that in spite of the economic blockade from the United States Mr. Castro remained undaunted but instead focused his energies to provide for his country with locally generated law material and resources.
He said they have been many attempts to crush Cuba and Mr. Castro in person but the latter did not bow to such pressures and he instead continued to help African countries materially and technologically.
President Banda said he is grateful for Mr. Castro’s services and struggle for freedom of his country and others in Africa like Algeria and Angola.
He then presented a colorful award to Raul Castro Ruiz who received the medal on behalf of Mr. Castro and in his reciprocal speech, President Raul Castro said through his representative that Cuba was profoundly humbled by President Banda’s recognition to Mr. Castro’s services.
He said President Banda’s gesture was an expression of the relationship that exists between Zambia and Cuba.
He further said that his country greatly appreciates Zambia’s resolve to pay homage to freedom fighters in Africa and Cuba.
Meanwhile, President Banda and President Raul Castro held talks at the revolutionary palace.
Earlier, President Banda toured a monument of Cuban internationally hero, Jose Marti who fought against injustices of the people of Cuba many years ago.
The President laid a wreath at the monument of the late Mr. Marti.
Other activities on Mr. Banda agenda in Cuba includes meeting with African diplomats accredited to Cuba and laying of wreaths at the Cuban international heroes.
The President who arrived in Cuba on Monday is accompanied by first lady Thandiwe Banda, foreign Affairs Minister Kabinga Pande and senior government officials.
He is expected to leave Cuba on Thursday.
ZANIS
UNIP joins calls for a speedy completion of constitution making process
United National Independent Party (UNIP) has joined calls for a speedy completion of the constitutional making process by the National Constitution Conference (NCC) delegates.
UNIP President Tilyenji Kaunda says UNIP has taken note of the progress made so far and welcomes the commitment by both the Government and other stakeholders in their desire to serve the broader national interest in the matter.
Mr Kaunda said UNIP is for a constitution that enjoys the consensus of all Zambians, saying the constitution has to be one that protects and promotes human rights and guarantees the social and economic rights of all citizens as well as their developmental needs.
Mr Kaunda was speaking at a press briefing at the party headquarters in Lusaka today ahead of the party’s 50th anniversary next month.
He said the event is a great occasion for the party, adding that it has been preparing to commemorate the event in all parts of the country.
Meanwhile, Mr Kaunda said his party was getting concerned over the current debate in the media on the outcome of some recent court cases.
The UNIP President said he would prefer the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) to reflect deeply on the developments and take measures to uphold the confidence of all Zambians in the judiciary’s decisions or judgments.
He said if people are made to lose confidence in the integrity of the judiciary, then even the democratic system that the country aspires to build will be seriously compromised.
And Mr Kaunda said privatization of public media requires careful consideration given the bias towards urban centers.
He said increased investment in the sector is desirable from both the private sector and the state to ensure balanced infrastructure development as well as quality local content from production houses.
He also reiterated his party’s explicit support for media self regulation as opposed to a state imposed regulatory regime.
He said in this new century, it would be totally undemocratic and dictatorial to impose state regulation of the media in any form.
He said it was gratifying to note that members of the press have remained alive to the challenge of protecting press freedom and the rights to freedom of expression and assembly of all citizens.
Mr Kaunda stressed that a vibrant democratic system requires a vibrant press and this results in enhanced voice and accountability in society.
ZANIS
Book Review: When to awaken your passionate desires
By Kahalu Ngombo
As often as not, physical attraction between a man and a woman becomes wide awake. When it does, one experiences great passionate desire as the mind becomes preoccupied with the man or woman so desired.
This desire was awake in Samson and Delilah, in Romeo and Juliet and Margaret Mitchell’s Gone with the wind. Needless to say everyone is capable of experiencing passionate desire. That is from kids to the elderly.
Most people experience lust and conditional love. For the most part, these are one-time relationships with no strings attached. However, some, commonly called affairs are of longer duration. All the same, both are fraught with casual sex, multiple partners and heartbreaks.
In a time when AIDS has loomed large, as relationships falter and as peers tell us of their interesting love affairs, it is wise to keep our passionate desires in check. But it requires a great feat of self control. For many, even some Christians, fail to overcome temptations that come into play.
To bottle up our desires, we need to avoid possible sights and sounds and situations that well up our sexual appetite. A case in point is Joseph’s flight from Potiphar’s wife. Another is that of Job. Job decided to make a covenant with his eyes so that he did not get excited when they fell on a young woman. In Job 31:1, Job says, “I have made a covenant with my eyes; why then should I look upon a young woman?”
In our case, we should not only make covenants with our eyes but also our ears, our mouths and every part of our bodies. More so our spirits and souls. The point is responsible and innocent love can only play itself out in a marital setting. Reasons being sexual relationships involve both physical and spiritual elements that can be good or bad on the part of the individual.
For this reason, in Song of Solomon 2:7, it is written: “I charge you O daughters of Jerusalem, by the gazelles or by the does of the field, do not stir up nor awaken love until it pleases.”
As with when it becomes wide awake, many books abound. A Zambian, Henry Mpundu Salimu, has just published a book on the subject. In his debut poetry book, Deep Sleep, which is expected in Zambian bookstores this October, Salimu presents a first person narration of awakened innocent love.
Written in an intimate tone, he uses lovely words to detail thoughts and feelings that awaken when one falls in love. His brand of poetry is designed to warm the hearts of all who think in terms of romantic love, whether Christian or not. And, again, whether a lover of poetry or not.
Deep Sleep has nine poems, one of which carries the same title as the book. They are essentially conversations between a man and woman though only one of them addresses the other in each poem. In the poem ‘Deep Sleep’, the male character is amazed at the captivating nature that God has put in his lover. He says, “Whenever I am with you, I always lose my equilibrium. I can’t solve this maze. Its either I act crazy, foolish or do something beyond my capability.”
The possible consumer complaint against the book is the number of pages. It has 20 pages from cover to cover, with the poems occupying half the book. Priced at 35,000 Kwacha (7.37 US dollars), it is a matter of thinking in terms of opportunity costs and benefits. Otherwise the book is of fair overall quality and will surely awaken passionate desires.
30 Buffaloes found dead in Kafue National park
30 Buffalos have died of suspected poisoning in Kafue National Park.
The Buffalos were discovered dead by wildlife police officers on patrols along the Musa River, in the southern part of the park on Sunday, 27th of September 2009.
Although the actual cause of death was not immediately known the Buffalos were, however, suspected to have died out of poisoning by poachers.
This is according to Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA)spokesperson Wilfred Moonga in a statement to ZANIS, today.
Meanwhile, ZAWA has since dispatched its wildlife veterinary expert to the area to collect samples for laboratory examination to establish the actual cause of death.
Mr Moonga says the Authority has also launched extensive patrols in the area to inspect all water sources for any signs of poisoning.
ZANIS
Chabuka ceremony of the Ushi postponed
The Chabuka traditional ceremony of the Ushi people of Luapula Province which was supposed to be held this weekend has been postponed to 17th October 2009.
Chabuka Midlands Organizing Committee Secretary, Robinson Mwansa, disclosed this to ZANIS in a statement on behalf of the Council of Chiefs of the Ushi people.
He said the change of date is due to popular demand by numerous people around the country who want to attend the ceremony.
Mr. Mwansa said there have been calls from people countrywide for the ceremony to be pushed to a later date to enable them attend.
He advised all the people intending to travel to Luapula for the ceremony to take note of the changed date.
Meanwhile, Mr. Mwansa has called on the members of the general public and the business community to contribute generously towards the hosting of this year’s Chabuka traditional ceremony.
The Chabuka traditional ceremony is held every year as a thanks giving event by the Ushi people in remembrance of their ancestors crossing of the Luapula river from Kola in Congo DR to Zambia.
ZANIS
VJ defends his statement
PARLIAMENTARY chief whip, Vernon Mwaanga says the criticism of his statement to Parliament that diplomats should use established diplomatic channels to air their views is based on ignorance and misinformation.
Mr Mwaanga said this in an interview in Lusaka yesterday in reaction to criticism from some opposition leaders and civil society organisations over his statement to Parliament on Friday.
“The criticism of my statement has been based on ignorance and misinformation. There are established diplomatic channels through which grievances can be expressed to a host Government,” he said.
Mr Mwaanga said he is not against diplomats criticising Government but that they should use the established diplomatic channels to do so instead of going to the media to “give tutorials” on Parliament and Government decisions.
“I have been a top diplomat and I have served in Britain, Oslo and several other countries and I have been a foreign minister twice so I know what I am talking about. We cannot have a situation where diplomats behave like opposition parties to a host country,” Mr Mwaanga said.
He gave an example of how the Zambian Government withdrew the accreditation of a Zambian diplomat, Mr Ali Simbule, who publicly criticised the British Government in the manner it was handling the Rhodesia situation.[quote]
Mr Mwaanga said the British Government complained that Mr Simbule should not have made the statement publicly, adding that the Zambian Government agreed with them.
“Diplomacy becomes counter productive when you begin to criticise the Government that you are accredited to. This kind of thing does not happen in other countries, it is done by using established diplomatic channels,” Mr Mwaanga said.
He advised people who do not have an idea of how diplomacy is conducted to stay out of the debate.
“Diplomatic etiquette demands that established channels be followed.
My fear is that if the intolerance of other people’s views is allowed, the country will drift towards dictatorship. Some people cannot criticise my statement on how diplomacy should be conducted,” Mr Mwaanga said.
Mr Mwaanga said he has been a practising diplomat for many years and that the manner in which diplomacy should be conducted has not changed.
Recently, some diplomats expressed shock at the acquittal of Dr Chiluba.
[Zambia Daily Mail]
Don’t cause alarm over FJT’s London High Court judgment – Malila
ATTONERY General Mumba Malila has questioned the motive behind groups agitating over registration of the judgement of a London Court in a civil case brought against former President Frederick Chiluba as the matter is before court.
Mr Malila said there was no need to raise alarm over the matter because the Government was already a step further and that the case was already before the courts of law to determine registration of the London High Court judgment.
In an interview in Lusaka yesterday, Mr Malila said it was wrong for any individual or organisation to start pressurising the courts on the matter because it was still going on.
Some civil society organisations and individuals have continued to agitate for registration of the judgement and alleging Government interference in the recent acquittal of Dr Chiluba in the criminal case.
Transparency International Zambia (TIZ) is on behalf of 17 other civil society organisations currently circulating an invitation letter for a Press conference tomorrow where Dr Chiluba’s acquittal, the question of appeal, the registration of the London Court Judgment and the restoration of his immunity are issues lined up to be tackled.
“There is no need for any person to start pressurising the courts over the London judgment case because as Government we have gone a step further by having this matter registered, so the best those wishing to hold such gathering can do is to rescind their decision,” Mr Malila said.
He explained that the Government was waiting for a date to be set by the Supreme Court following some preliminary issues raised by the defence and called for calm.
He said if some sections of society were not clear over the matter, they should consult his office.[quote]
And Home Affairs Minister Lameck Mangani said any attempts to hold gatherings related to the London judgement would be regarded as prejudicial and questioned the motive behind such an action.
He said while the Government acknowledged the freedom of assembly, association and expression, it was wrong to misinform the public by making them believe that the matter was not before the Zambian courts anymore.
“I think the law is very clear and we are not going to allow people who deliberately want to cause anarchy in the country and my appeal to those planning to hold such meetings is that they should be patient and wait for the courts,” he said.
He said the Government was concerned about the conduct of some NGOs. He said the Government was not against criticism provided it was genuine and that it was aimed at the development of the nation.
The civil society includes TIZ, Caritas Zambia, Non Governmental Coordinating Council (NGOCC), Women for Change, Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP), Southern Africa Centre for Constructive Resolution of Disputes (SACCORD), Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ) and the Citizen forum among others.
[Times of Zambia]
MMD confident of retaining Solwezi seat
The Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD) in North Western Province says it remains confident of defending the Solwezi Central parliament by-elections
MMD Provincial Publicity and Information Secretary, Benjamin Mufunga told ZANIS in an interview in Solwezi at the weekend that the party has done its homework and is geared for the fourth coming by elections.
Mr Mufunga said the party in the province has received overwhelming support from the people.
He said the Solwezi seat is an important seat for the party adding that it will not give it away easily.
He said despite the party performing badly during the August 13 ward by elections where it lost some seats to the PF/UPND pact, it will campaign hard to win this seat.
He said the leadership in the province has since taken measures to ensure that the candidate who will be chosen on the MMD ticket is one who will represent them well and help bring development to the area.
Meanwhile, Mr Mufunga said he is aware of certain people both from the opposition and the MMD who are campaigning secretly even before the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) announces the date for both nomination and poling date.
He has cautioned those from his party to wait until the dates are announced and the party advertises for the seat before they can start with their campaign.
Mr Mufunga said the party will not take lightly anyone who will be caught engaging in illegal campaigns advising them to follow the right procedure for them to be selected.
The Solwezi Central by elections fell vacant after the death of area Member of Parliament Benny Tetamashimba who was also Local Government and Housing Minister.
ZANIS
Lawyers urged to stop washing dirty linen in public
Justice Deputy minister Todd Chilembo has urged Advocates to desist from making unwarranted attacks on the bench as they have a common cause.
He said there is need for advocates both in government and private sector to continue working together in the dispensation of justice in the country as opposed to attacking each other.
“I am aware that we are not expected to think in the same way. Indeed I am aware that we may have different opinions on a matter but this should not divide us and does not warrant attacks on each other and on the bench,” he said.
He said it was important that the government lawyers interact with their colleagues from the private sector so as to share ideas and experiences and urged the participants to practice the best practices in the legal fraternity.
“It is anticipated that when participants leave this place at the end of the workshop, they will utilize the knowledge they have acquired in the dispensation of justice. This is expected of them as officers of the court,” he said.
Mr. Chilembo said the unwarranted attacks only portrays the legal fraternity as a divided entity.He was speaking in Livingstone when he officially opened the 5th State Advocates’ Annual workshop at Chrismar Hotel, today.
The workshop that will run from 27th September to 3rd October is aimed at equipping the participants with the best practices in the legal fraternity as well as strengthening interaction and team work amongst legal practitioners.
It also aims at realizing the Ministry’s mission, facilitating the administration of justice and promoting of the observation of the rule of law in order to enhance good governance, both locally and internationally.
ZANIS/
President Rupiah Banda arrives in Cuba
President Rupiah Banda has arrived in Cuba for a three (3) day state visit at the invitation of his Cuban counterpart, Raul Castro.
President Banda arrived at 12:10 Zambian time at Jose Marti International Airport, where he was received by that country’s Foreign Affairs deputy Minister, Marcos Robriguz.
President Banda told Journalists at the airport that Zambia stands to learn a lot from Cuba on how that country manages its economy using little resources.
He said Cuba may not be rich in terms of having money, but that its citizens and the government have the knowledge of how to use the little resources available.
The President further said Zambia will also learn a lot from Cuba in terms of agricultural science and medicine.
He said Zambia and Cuba share warm relations, adding that Cuba helped some African countries fight to win their political independence.
President Rupiah Banda further said Zambia has benefited from Cuba through the many scholarships that country has offered to Zambian students in various disciplines.
ZANIS
Weekend Scorecard
Nkana coach Fewdays Musonda has saluted the clubs fans for giving the promotion chasers overwhelming support in their 2-1.
“They love their team and they gave us great support and supporting us greatly and help the team a lot even on this trip,” Musonda said after the game at Nkoloma.
Nkana fans dominated a packed Nkoloma Stadium cheering 10-man side that played a man down from the 37th minute.
Meanwhile, Musonda said Nkana was not getting carried away with the win over Wanderers with 9 games left to play.
“The players need to be totally disciplined in our remaining nine games and if we need to win all eight games to get promoted,” he said.
Musonda added the team was hoping this weeks Barclays Cup preliminary round draws will favor another trip to Lusaka this weekend for another treat for their Midlands fans.
Meanwhile, Nkana lead the Faz Division 1 North log on 48 points, two more than 2nd placed Nchanga Rangers.
Wanderers defeat sees them drop from 2nd to 3rd but stay put on 43 points.
Nkana’s home game against Wanderers was staged in Lusaka by a local sports promotion agency to tap into Nkana’s boxoffice appeal despite their current lowely status.
Faz Premier Division
26/09/2009
Week 23
Zamtel 0- Red Arrows 1(Stanley Banda 90″)
Roan United 0- Zanaco 0 (Match abandonded 74 min after 2nd assistant struck by an object)
Young Arrows 1(Remmy Tembo 36″)-Power Dynamos 3(Luka Lungu 17″, Crispin Mulenga 53″, Simon Bwalya 56″)
Lusaka Dynamos 2(Joseph Milanzi 16″, Stanley Nshimbi 32″)-Kabwe Warriors 0
Forest Rangers 2(Rodrick Kabwe 35″, Alex Mwiche 48″)-Nakambala Leopards 0
Choma Eagles 0- City of Lusaka 1(Kennedy Chola 64″)
Green Buffaloes 3(Nathan Sinkala 17″ pen, Edward Museba 53″, Sebastain Mwansa 74″)- Chambishi 2(Vernacious Mapande 21″ 30″)
Konkola Blades 1(Musonda Mwape 89″)-Zesco United 2(Josphat Nkhoma 14″, Clifford Chipalo 67″)
TOP SCORERS
After Games Played 26/09/2009
Patrick Kabamba (Zanaco): 20
Kameta Mutambo (Forest Rangers): 9
Kennedy Chola (City of Lusaka):9
Jonas Sakuwaha (Zesco United): 8
Jack Chileshe (Zanaco): 8
Edward Museba (Green Buffaloes): 7
Clifford Chipalo (Zesco United): 6
Enoch Sakala (Zesco United): 6
Chipulu Chileya (Konkola Blades): 6
Judge Mkandawire (Red Arrows): 6
Timothy Mbewe (Red Arrows): 6
Makundika Sakala (Lusaka Dynamos): 6
Luka Lungu (Power Dynamos): 6
Arthur Kasoloki (Roan United): 5
vanecious Mapande (Chambishi): 5
Derrick Kabwe (Roan United): 5
Simon Lupiya (Red Arrows): 5
Musonda Mwape (Konkola Blades): 4
Lottie Phiri (Zesco United): 4
Musonda Mwape (Konkola Blades): 4
Aubrey Zulu (Choma Eagles): 4
Liniker Mwikisa (Choma Eagles): 4
Ben Mwanza (Roan United): 4
Kelvin Muzungu (Roan United): 4
Jackson Mwanza (Zesco United): 4
Edward Sinkala (Chambishi): 4
DIVISION 1
Week 26
North
Nkana 2- Mufulira wanderers 1
Chingola Leopards 0-Chindwin 0
Afrisports 0-Muchindu 2
Lime Hotspurs 0-Mining Rangers 1
Ndola United 1-Nchanga Rangers 2
Indeni 1-Luanshya United 0
Mufulira Blackpool 0-Kalewa 0
Zesco-Luapula 0- Kitwe United 1
30/09/2009
Prisons Leopards-Kalulushi Modern Stars
South
Green Eagles 1-Paramilitary 0
Petauke United 1-Lusaka City Council 2
Profund Warriors 1-Nampundwe 1
Luena 0-Nkwazi 0
Lusaka Celtic 1-Riflemen 0
Livingstone Pirates 2-Lusaka Tigers 0
Young Green Eagles 3- Zamcoal Diggers 1
Mazabuka United 2-National Assembly 1
Police Bullets 1-Kascol 1
Mpombo hands over vehicle
Former Defence Minister, George Mpombo has officially surrendered his official motor vehicle to government.
Works and Supply Permanent Secretary, Bizwayo Nkunika, told ZNBC News that Mr. Mpombo surrendered the government vehicle a week ago.
The law requires that government vehicles are surrendered fifteen days after one vacates office.
Mr. Mpombo resigned as Defence Minister some time in July this year.
[ZNBC]