National Assembly Speaker Amusaa Mwanamwambwa says he is impressed with the Zambian youths interest to learn about democracy.

Mr Mwanamwambwa expressed gratitude that adults and young people are becoming aware of the importance of democracy and learning to cope up with the view of many people they live with.

Mr Mwanamwambwa, who is also Zambia Inter-Parliament Youth President called for the involvement of young people in programmes of political issues.

The Speaker said this when he officiated at the 6th National Youth Parliament to mark the International Day of Democracy that fell on September 15.

Zambia could not commemorate the day on September 15 like the rest of the world because she was preparing for the official opening of the 10th session of Parliament by President Rupiah Banda.

He however, regretted that political intolerance has continued to impede the tenants and principles of democracy because people do not want to respect other people’s opinions.

The Speaker said it is the responsibility of all citizens and political leaders to practice tolerance with deeds and actions and not mere words by accepting and respecting the basic rights and civil liberties of persons, groups who have different views.

He challenged the youths to learn to tolerate and respect other people’s views because democracy calls for respecting one another’s views.

Mr Musonda said unless the society develops a culture of tolerance, democracy cannot be upheld.

This year’s theme’s International Day of Democracy is dubbed: Democracy and Political Tolerance”.

And speaking earlier, National Youth Constitution Assembly (NYCA) Co-ordinator Muuka Tony Mweemba said young people should be developed.

Mr Mweemba regretted that young people are confronted by poverty, child defilement, HIV/AIDS, child abuse, lack of employment and failure to access essential services such as health and education.

Mr Mweemba said it is in this view that the NYCA is taking deliberate steps to increase awareness of current affairs on social, economical and political issues to greater heights in order for the youths to firmly confront their plights.

The NYCA is currently operating in four Provinces namely Eastern, North-Western, Lusaka and Southern. The 6th National Youth Parliament attracted youths from schools and political parties among others.

Some Members of Parliament who are also deputy and cabinet ministers were in attendance to commemorate International Day of Democracy.

ZANIS

GOVERNMENT has warned politicians to refrain from inciting people to protest against former President Frederick Chiluba’s acquittal.

Minister of Home Affairs Lameck Mangani said in an interview in Lusaka yesterday that inciting people to protest against Dr Chiluba’s acquittal will bring chaos in the country.

“Such statements are the ones that bring anarchy and chaos in the country. As Government, we will not allow this,” he said.

Mr Mangani was commenting on veteran politician Simon Zukas’ statement that people will be mobilised to protest against Dr Chiluba’s acquittal because Government has decided not to appeal against the acquital.[quote]

Mr Mangani said Government allows people to exercise freedom of speech but that statements that border on inciting people to protest will not be accepted.

“It is like the case in which Post Newspaper managing director Fred Mmembe’s contempt proceedings were quashed by Judge Wood. Did you see us in Government going to the streets to protest? We didn’t mobilise anybody to protest over the issue because we respect the judiciary and we want it to operate independently,” he said.

Mr Mangani said in Dr Chiluba’s acquittal, Government cannot pressurise the Director for Public Prosecution (DPP) to appeal against the acquittal.

“Mr Zukas is a freedom fighter who lives in the past. He should know that there is need for everyone to respect arms of Government that make decisions.

“People who are fighting for an appeal against the acquittal of Dr Chiluba are fighting democracy. The best is to refrain from such talk because this can bring division in the country,” he said.
Mr Mangani urged politicians and members of the public to respect the rule of law.

“People are talking as if they are Judges. They wanted the case to go in their favour, but we cannot be judges ourselves, that’s not how we should think,” Mr Mangani said.

[Zambia Daily Mail]

VICE-PRESIDENT George Kunda has called for creation of more opportunities in communities for economic activities that could enhance the standards of living of the people.

Mr Kunda has also said that investment in real estate was one way in which grassroots communities can have sustainable income-generating programmes.

He said this in Lusaka yesterday at a fundraising breakfast meeting for St. Theresa Catholic Church in Lusaka’s high-density Chainda Township.

Mr Kunda said opportunities must be created at community level to empower those who are keen to work.
“As long as one has enthusiasm and the desire to progress, the opportunities are becoming available.

Even with degree programmes, there are fast track programmes being put in place for those who want to undertake such courses,” he said.

Mr Kunda said it is now Government’s desire that communities take advantage of opportunities being availed to embrace self-reliance.

He said that Government is committed to working with the church in order to enhance economic sustainability in communities.

Mr Kunda said that the church complements Government’s efforts in upgrading and training the people in various skills.

He said although various Government institutions offer training skills, they are inadequate for the needs of all Zambians requiring such skills.

Mr Kunda said it is encouraging that the community in Chainda has risen to the challenge and decided to empower its members with various skills in carpentry, basic automotive engineering, fabrication of various equipment and literacy lessons to improve educational standards.
He said that the Government will always support Church activities that contribute to the growth of the country’s economy.

Mr Kunda applauded the Chainda community and the Catholic Church for their programmes to sustain income-generating activities.

He also commended Chainda community for acquiring real estate because this is the best way of sustaining programmes.

Mr Kunda appealed to the community to jealously guard the property against vandalism.

He said it is only such efforts that can raise the living standards of communities countrywide.

“I understand that the hall will be available for hire to interested parties for functions so as to raise money that will go towards supplementing the running of various programmes and activities that are planned for at this centre,” Mr Kunda said.

Mr Kunda, however, said that Government cannot do everything alone and thus welcomes the church and community efforts that are complementary to those of State.

Member of Parliament, Sylvia Masebo, asked the office of the Vice-President to quickly release funds to Chainda to mitigate poverty.

Ms Masebo said the growth of the community is in the hands of the disaster management office especially that all the problems of Chainda were a disaster.

Parish priest, Patrick Barry, said the church will continue working with Government to undertake various activities that will contribute to national development.

Fr. Barry also said the multipurpose hall will not benefit the Catholic community alone but will embrace the whole community regardless of religion, race or tribe.