Government tells My TV and other stations to cease making illegal broadcasts
Government has advised My TV, registered for broadcasting license purpose as Trong Technologies, and any other satellite broadcasting licenses based in Zambia, that it is illegal to provide a platform for broadcasting for radio and television stations whose frequencies are restricted to specific areas.
This according to a press statement issued in Lusaka today by the Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services and Chief Government Spokesperson Lt. General Ronnie Shikapwasha
General Shikapwasha further said it has come to the attention of Government that My TV has entered into contract with MUVI TV to broadcast nationally through My TV’s satellite broadcasting system, programmes by MUVI TV which has its [quote]own broadcasting license.
General Shikapwasha explained that whilst satellite based broadcasting stations can broadcast their programmes nationally, they are not permitted to take on their platform, broadcasts made by other stations licensed in Zambia whose frequencies are restricted.
The Minister said, as a result of the above explanation, it is a contravention of their licenses to provide a platform for restricted broadcasting licenses to extend their services all over the nation.
General Shikapwasha cautioned My TV and all other stations to end the illegal broadcasts immediately, or else have their licenses revoked if they do not take heed.
ZANIS
RB expected in Kinshasa tomorrow to attend SADC summit
All is set for the 29th ordinary session of the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) summit which officially opens tomorrow (Monday) in Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
President Rupiah Banda is to arrive in Kinshasa, the capital city of the DRC, on Monday morning ot be among 15 heads of state and governments that will attend the SADC summit.
The Kinshasa summit will discuss among others the prospects of regional integration of SADC countries, the economic crisis and the security situation in the region with a special focus on Madagascar.
The SADC summit will discuss who takes over the chairmanship of the African Union (AU) between Malawi and Lesotho who are bidding.
The chairmanship of the AU, which rotates annually will now be taken over by a SAC member state.
The SADC Leaders are also expected to exchange views on the issues of finances, investment and infrastructure development.
The SADC conference has been preceded by the Council of Ministers meeting which started on September 5 and ended on Sept 6, which discussed several issues including annual subscriptions for member countries and the political situations in the region.
Foreign Affairs Minister, Kabinga Pande, was among other foreign ministers who attended the closed door meeting which also received and adopted a report from experts to be presented to the SADC heads of state and governments during the meeting.
The heads of state and government are also expected to receive reports from former presidents of Mozambique and Botswana, Joachim Chisano and Ketumire Masire on political situations in Madgascar and Lesotho respectively.
During the meeting, the foreign affairs ministers discussed a number of issues ranging from the effects of the global economic crunch through investments to matters of infrastructure and health.
The council of ministers meeting also looked at Zambezi Water Course commission, where SADC member states suggest that all Zambezi water resources should be controlled by SADC, although Zambia is one of the countries that have not yet signed and ratified the proposal.
Other countries that are yet to sign and conceit to the idea include Zimbabwe, Malawi and Tanzania, after which the Zambezi Water Course commission will be operational by the regional body.
The Zambezi Water Course Commission seeks to promote the equitable and reasonable utilization of the water resources of the Zambezi Water Course and the efficient management and sustainable development.
Other issues discussed were the two positions of SADC deputy secretary for administration and finance, and deputy executive secretary integration that have been created, of which Zambia is among the panel of interviewers.
However, the position of deputy executive secretary integration will have to be re-advertised as there is no qualified applicant yet, while three candidates have been short-listed for interviews for the post of deputy executive secretary, administration and finance.
Mr. Pande expressed happiness that Zambia is not in subscription arrears to SADC, although he said there was a little balance which he said would be cleared soon, adding that most of the member countries have cleared the annual subscription fees.
At the end of the summit, Congolese President Joseph Kabila will take over the chairmanship of the 15 member bloc from South Africa President Jacob Zuma who is the current chair of SADC.
It is the first time that the war torn vast central African country to host a SADC summit since joining the bloc in September.
ZANIS
Chiluba’s Spokesperson urges Zambians to support RB
Zambians have been urged to support President Rupiah Banda in his efforts to find solutions to the effects of the financial global crunch.
Second Republican President, Frederick Chiluba’s Spokesperson, Emmanuel Mwamba said this in Mazabuka when he featured on Mazabuka Community Radio’s LIVE WIRE PROGRAMME yesterday.
Mr. Mwamba said Zambians should give the President time to address economic issues confronting the nation and avoid being negative.
He said it is sad to note that since President Banda was elected into office, Zambians have not given him time to respond to the challenges facing the country except to frustrate him by negatively criticising his administration.
Mr. Mwamba said Zambians should count themselves luck to have a President with a degree in economics.[quote]
He said President Banda was among the first Africans to receive a degree in economics in the 1950s and can help revamp the economy once given the support.
Mr. Mwamba also said the support for President Banda by Dr Chiluba is purely on principle.
Meanwhile, Mr. Mwamba says Dr. Chiluba failed to attend the memorial service for the late President Levy Mwanawasa because he had travelled to Mazabuka to visit his sick sister who was admitted at Chikankata hospital in Mazabuka.
Mr. Mwamba said he personally represented Dr. Chiluba and adequately informed Republican President, Rupiah Banda and former First Lady, Maureen Mwanawasa whom he said accepted the apology.
The Spokesperson was forced to clarify Dr Chiluba’s absence following concerns raised by callers who accused the former President of having celebrated the death of the late President Levy Mwanawasa.
ZANIS
Migration and Christian Living III
The Obligation
When Jesus was about to leave the earth, he left a commission with his disciples, to go into all nations to preach the gospel. The gospel is simply good news and good news is supposed to be shared. Many have taken up the challenge to share this good news. What is more important to God is that this good news must be shared. The channel through which this good news is shared is secondary in as far as the importance of getting the gospel out. God has used a donkey before in order to convey His message to Balaam (Numbers 22: 28). Jesus also talked about even the stones crying out, if His disciples kept silent (Luke 19:40).
Paul being inspired of the Holy Spirit in Philippians 1:15-18 said, “Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, not sincerely…, but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretence or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice.” So the Church that one goes to is not as important as getting the truth of the Word. Jesus had the custom of attending the synagogue (congregating) – Luke 4:16 even though some hypocrites where there.
The important thing for the one that hears what has been preached, despite who has preached is that they must go and search the scriptures to find out whether these things are so. Just like the people of Berea in Acts 17:11-12, they did not believe on face value but went and searched the scriptures for themselves. Many Christians trust whatever their Pastor says. If one has a person relationship with Christ, he/she must search for him/herself no matter what their Pastor says.
The practical things that will help you keep your fervency in the Lord are as follows: Purpose in your heart what you are going to do (Daniel 1:8), while living away from home. Schedule a time for personal prayer and study of the Word, Find a small group of people whom you can share fellowship with. Many people join big Churches and get lost in the crowd. Even if you join a big Church, join a small group for the sake of participation and openly talk about your relationship with Christ. If you can find somebody you can be praying with that helps greatly. Of course not someone of the opposite sex, if not related. Better careful than to be sorry.
If keeping your personal relationship with Christ is not working for you, may be you should consider going back home where it was flourishing (Matthew 18:9). It is better to sacrifice the goodies of the developed countries than to lose your soul (Matthew 16:24-27). We know this is a hard saying but how important is your faith? What are you willing to give up for it?
Bishop Jeston & Rev. Charity Katebe
www.royalglobalchurch.org
Live Skillfully
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings…”
(Proverbs 22:29, NIV)
TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria
Too often, it’s easy to get stuck in a rut, doing the same thing the same way over and over every day. But if we are going to live at our absolute best, we should constantly be growing and sharpening our skills. We should strive to learn and grow every single day because when you stop learning, you stop growing. When you stop growing, you stop living.
What are you doing to stretch yourself? What are you doing to improve your skills? Don’t get trapped into thinking that “good enough” is good enough. You are created for more than just average. Today is a new day, and there are new heights for you to climb. Pursue what you love and keep developing that area of your life. Take a class or find a mentor that will help you live skillfully. As you do, you’ll rise up higher and higher. You will stand before leaders and rulers, and you’ll live the blessed life God has in store for you!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
“Father in heaven, today I choose to rise out of mediocrity. I choose to give my very best to everything I do. Teach me to live skillfully so that my life is a continual praise to you. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.”
Tetamashimba has died-Update 2
Local Government and Housing Minister Benny Tetamanshimba died in the Lusaka University Teaching Hospital last evening. This is according a news report from local radio station QFM.
Mr.Tetamashimba has been admitted in the intensive care Unit of the country’s University Teaching Hospital (UTH) after he was flown back from South Africa where he went to seek medical treatment.
Government spokesperson Ronnie Shikapwasha confirmed that local government minister Ben Tetamashimba has passed away at 19 hours on Saturday.
On Friday, Chief Government Spokesperson Ronnie Shikapwasha disclosed that Mr. Tetamanshimba was recovering well and urged people in the country to pray for the Minister’s speedy recovery.
“Teta is picking up from his illness. I urge the people of Zambia to pray for the Minister and wish him a speed recovery,” Lt-Gen Shikapwasha said on Friday.
Lt-Gen Shikapwasha also said government would keep updating the nation on the health of Mr. Tetamanshimba.
And the MMD in Southern Province has described the death of Local Government and Housing Minister Ben Tetamashimba as a fundamental loss to the party as it had lost a fearless member.
Southern Province MMD Chairman Solomon Muzyamba said the party in the province was very heartbroken at the passing on of Mr Tetamshimba as he was not only a luminary but also a torchbearer of nationalism in the country.
Mr. Muzyamba said Mr Tetamashimba was a very fearless leader who never hid his true vision and belief irrespective of the consequences to him adding that he always put the nation first in all he said and did.[quote]
He said Mr. Tetamashimba will particularly be missed in the MMD where he was a troubleshooter and had the political answer to every political problem.
Mr. Muzyamba noted that Mr Tetamashimba was a friend of many and a pain in the necks of the dishonest adding that he will be greatly missed by all.
And AMICAALL has postponed the 53rd Annual Conference of the Local Government Association of Zambia and the 6th AMICAALL General Assembly.
Local Government Association of Zambia President Charles Mumena said the conference that was scheduled to take place from September 7 to 11th has been postponed to December 7 and 11 of this year following the death of Mr. Tetamashimba.
Mr. Mmumena has since extended the association’s condolences to President Rupiah Banda and the bereaved family on the passing on of Mr Tetamashimba.
Meanwhile, Information and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary, Emmanuel Nyirenda has said the funeral gathering for the late Minister of Local Government and Housing Benny Tetamashimba is being held at House Number 345, Independence Avenue, next to the official residence of the Chief Justice Enerst Sakala.
ZANIS
President Rupiah Banda graces this year’s Kulamba traditional
President Rupiah Banda has called for hard work, patriotism and efficiency in the country.
The President said this at Mkaika during the celebration of the Kulamba traditional ceremony of the Chewa people in Katete today.
The ceremony attracted hundreds of people from Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and other countries. In his speech, President Banda emphasized that for development to take place in the country, there is need for hard work, patriotism and efficiency.
President Banda said Government would continue to support cultural activities such as the Kulamba traditional ceremony which is a cultural heritage that plays a central role in the socio-economic development of any society.
The President further assured the people of Eastern Province that Government would continue supporting the agriculture and other sectors.
He assured the gathering that Government had already disbursed fertilizers and other farming inputs to all the districts in readiness of the next farming season.
Speaking during the same function, Mozambican Minister of Education, Inais Bonfacio Ali expressed his gratitude to be part of this year’s Kulamba traditional ceremony.
He said Mozambique respects chiefs and traditional leaders because they help in the development process.
Mr. Ali said traditional ceremonies are a platform for the exchange of ideas and the fostering of unity.
And speaking on behalf of Malawian President Dr. Bingu Wamtharika, Malawian Minister of Local Government, Dooal Gondwe said that Zambia and Malawi have worked together for a long time and continue to share many ideals of common interest.
He described the ceremony as a unifying factor for Mozambique, Zambia and Malawi.
He said the ceremony was not for celebration only, but a springboard for the development of the three countries.
ZANIS
Govt to investigate MUVI TV and other radio stations
Government has said it will investigate reports that MUVI TV and some private radio stations are circumventing the provisions of their broadcasting licenses by illegally using digital satellite technology to broadcast countrywide.
In a press statement, Chief Government Spokesperson Lt. General Ronnie Shikapwasha said, according to broadcasting regulations, all Free-To-Air broadcasting licenses granted so far state the frequency, power and limitations, while those granted satellite based broadcasting licenses may not at the same time take on broadcasts that are limited to defined geographical areas.
Genral Shikapwash further said, so far only four terrestrial broadcasting licenses have been granted, all confined to specific areas of transmission.[quote]
The Minister named the stations as follows;
. MUVI TV, one frequency of 2 Kilowatts restricted to broadcasting within Lusaka.
. Copperbelt Broadcasting Services, one frequency of 2 Kilowatts restricted to Ndola.
. MOBI Television, 2 Kilowatts restricted to Lusaka, and
. CBC, 2 Kilowatts restricted to Lusaka.
The Minister explained that the only ones whose Satellite based television broadcasting licenses allow them to go countrywide are Multi-Choice Zambia, My Television, GTV and MOBI TV.
General Shikapwasha who is also Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services said, any station that is broadcasting outside the provisions of the provisions of the license, whether for testing technology or not, constitutes an offence and may have their licenses revoked.
He made it clear that there are three types of Free-To-Air radio broadcasting licenses being issued, which he categorized as, Commercial, Religious and Community Radio Stations.
He further said there are two more, namely Terrestrial and Satellite based transmission.
Yesterday ZANIS reported that viewers in Kasama on Tuesday 1st September, 2009 started watching MUVI TV via Free-T-Air Satellite.
A Sales representative at Strong Technologies the owners of My TV told ZANIS today no permission was required to put MUVI TV on My TV bouguet because it is Free-To-Air.
ZANIS
Maureen is free to contest- Mulongoti
The MMD says former First Lady, Maureen Mwanawasa, is free to contest the party and republican presidency in 2016.
MMD Acting Spokesperson, Mike Mulongoti, says the ruling party is democratic and gives equal opportunities to all members to contest any positions including the presidency.
Mr. Mulongoti told ZNBC news that members are free to make such indications although there is still a long way to go before the 2016 elections.
Mrs Mwanawasa has been quoted in Friday’s edition of the Times of Zambia news paper as saying she will contest the 2016 polls.
The former first lady said for now she will support the candidature of President Rupiah Banda.
She said her decision to contest the 2016 presidential elections has been driven by her passion to lead Zambia.
Mrs. Mwanawasa also dismissed rumours that she is a wealthy woman.
[ZNBC]
Stop inciting donors, RB tell Hicilema
President Rupiah Banda has castigated opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) leader Hakainde Hichilema for inciting the donor community to with-hold funding to Zambia.
Mr. Hichilema is allegedly inciting the donor community to withhold their support because the fight against corruption is being mishandled.
The President Banda said it was important for the opposition leader to realize that Zambia is faced with a lot of challenges which require support from donors.
He cited challenges in areas of road infrastructure, education and health as some of those requiring assistance.
Mr. Banda expressed regret that Mr. Hichilema, who is also co-leader of the PF/UPND pact, can incite donors not to release funds to Zambia forgetting that he was still under the leadership of the MMD government.
The President said Mr. Hichilema lost elections and he would lose the forth-coming 2011 presidential elections because his behaviour showed that he has nothing to offer to the Zambian people.
Mr. Banda advised the UPND leader to think twice than inciting donors and unnecessarily criticize government even when it was delivering services to the people.
“Mr. Hichilema should know that he is under the control of the ruling MMD and whether he likes it or not, inciting donors to rise against my government entails that the UPND will also suffer. Zambia needs funds to address and fix the infrastructure in this country,” he said.
The Head of State was speaking this morning, shortly before departure for Katete where he is scheduled to attend the Kulamba ceremony at Paramount Chief Gawa Undi’s palace.
And President Banda has advised diplomats accredited to Zambia against issuing bad statements.
President Banda said the Zambian government will have an audience with the US Government to iron out issues adding that diplomats should use the proper channels of communication.
Mr. Banda’s statement comes following US Ambassador to Zambia Donald Booth’s that donors were not satisfied with the manner Zambia was fighting corruption, especially the acquittal of former second Republican President Dr. Frederick Chiluba.
Meanwhile, President Banda has said Mozambican President Amando Guebuza who was expected to attend the Kulamba ceremony, will be represented by his Education Minister.
Mr. Banda said his Malawian counterpart Dr. Bingu Wa-Mutharika has confirmed his attendance at the ceremony.
The President was seen off at the Lusaka City Airport by Vice President George Kunda, Cabinet Ministers, senior government and MMD party officials.
ZANIS
Teta, Bonshe recovering – Shikapwasha
Chief Government Spokesperson Ronnie Shikapwasha has disclosed that Local Government and Housing Minister Benny Tetamanshimba and Home Affairs Deputy Minister Misheck Bonshe who are admitted at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) are recovering well.
And Lieutenant General Shikapwasha has urged people in the country to pray for the two Ministers for a speed recovery.
In interview with ZANIS in Lusaka today, Lt-Gen Shikapwasha, who is also Information and Broadcasting Services Minister said Mr. Tetamanshimba and Mr. Bonshe are feeling much better.
“Teta is picking up from his illness while Mr. Bonshe is feeling much better. I urge the people of Zambia to pray for our two Ministers and wish them a speed recovery,” Lt-Gen Shikapwasha said.
Mr. Tetamanshimba, who was earlier evacuated to South Africa was brought back and has since been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit at UTH while Mr. Bonshe is also admitted there.
He said government will keep updating the nation on the health of the two ministers.
Meanwhile, the National Revolution Party (NRP) President Cosmo Mumba has accused government of not updating the nation on the health of the Minister of Local Government and Housing Benny Tetamashimba’s condition.
In a separate interview with ZANIS, Dr. Mumba said the Minister of Health Kapembwa Simbao, should inform the nation on Mr. Tetamashimba’s condition because the nation wanted to know how he was doing.
Dr. Mumba has since appealed to President Rupiah Banda to allow Mr. Tetamshimba to take a rest from his duties when he is discharged from hospital.
He said handling both the ministerial position and politics was a lot of work and requires one to have enough rest.
ZANIS
Four children die in Mongu fire
Four children of the same family in Kalabo district have been burnt to ashes after the house they were sleeping in caught fire believed to have been caused by a candle.
Western Province Police Commanding Officer Vael Muzwenga confirmed the incident that occurred yesterday in an interview with ZANIS in Mongu today. He added that the children were burnt to ashes around 21:00 hours.
Mr. Muzwenga named the deceased as Munyunga aged 8, Mampi 6, Mundia and Purity Kandei both aged 3 of Yuka area in Kalabo district.
He said the parents were sleeping in a separate house and the house that caught fire was for the girls. The fire was noticed by a passer by.
Local authorities and Police that rushed to the scene failed to retrieve the bodies.
ZANIS
Malawian diplomat in road accident in Chipata
Malawian High Commissioner to Zambia Chris Mugogo and two others were last evening involved in a road traffic accident on the Great East Road in Chipata.
Eastern Province Commanding officer Mary Chikwanda who confirmed the incident to ZANIS in Chipata today, said the accident happened on Thursday evening near Madzi Moyo.
Ms. Chikwanda named the two others as Rodgers Phiri 27 who is the driver and Banda Baudqa 31 a passenger, both of Lusaka.
She said it is believed that Mrs. Mugogo and two others met their fate when their car Registration number 28 DC 52Z failed to negotiate a corner near Madzi Moyo.
Ms. Chikwanda said the victims were rushed to the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) yesterday for treatment.
She said the condition of the High Commissioner is stable and that she is responding well to treatment.
Ms. Chikwanda however said the condition of Mr. Phiri and Mr. Banda is bad due to the injuries they sustained.
She added that the accident was caused due to over speeding.
The Malawian High Commissioner was traveling to Chipata for the Kulamba traditional ceremony of the Chewa people of Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique.
ZANIS
M’membe is a coward – Shikapwasha
Chief Government Spokesperson Ronnie Shikapwasha has labeled Post Newspaper Editor In-chief Fred M’membe a ‘coward’.
Lt. Gen Shikapwasha, who is also Information and Broadcasting minister, has challenged Mr. M’membe to surrender and avail himself to the Police or law enforcement agencies like Post News Editor Chansa Kabwela has done, rather than hiding.
He hailed Ms Kabwela ,who is facing pornographic charges, as a brave woman for her co-operation with law enforcement agencies.
“M’membe is a coward. Why hide instead of facing the judiciary. His News Editor Chansa Kabwela is therefore brave…..I challenge him to avail himself to the police than to frustrate and waste time for judiciary,” he said.
Lt-Gen Shikapwasha, who was speaking in an interview with ZANIS in Lusaka today, said police and other law enforcement agencies are on high alert to arrest Mr M’membe.
On September 2 2009, Lusaka Chief resident Magistrate Charles Kafunda issued a bench a warrant for the arrest of Mr. M’membe who was by press time still at large.
ZANIS