MMD members in Mpulungu have rejected a decision by some of their leaders at provincial level to impose a constituency chairman. The members claim the means are undemocratic and that they are capable of choosing their own leader.

MMD sources revealed that some provincial official had slotted a preferred name from the district level in the area, to take over as constituency chairman, a position that has remained vacant following the resignation of George Tembo earlier this year.

The source said members outrightly rejected the decision saying they felt that the MMD is a democratic party where leaders must be chosen through elections for transparency and accountability.
“We proposed to the top leadership at the province that if they want to go ahead with the plot, let them proceed but that such a person will not be accepted at the grass root’’, MMD insiders said.

The sources said it was resolved that elections for the position of party constituency chairman be held preferably next week, when district chairman Edward Chelleh who is out of town, returns to Mpulungu.
The members felt that there was also need to fill up other positions that fell vacant in the party structure through death, resignations and transfer of personnel, as the party gears itself for the 2011 general elections.

The former constituency chairman George Tembo resigned citing personal frustrations in the party. He has since been elected as Mpulungu district council chairman.
ZANIS

The first ever North Western Provincial Arts and Craft exhibition opens in Solwezi this Saturday.

The exhibition has been organised by Kyeetu Kisho Arts and Craft in conjunction with the National Heritage Conservation Commission and Zambia National Arts Council, supported by the Germany Embassy.

Several local artists are expected to showcase their works at the exhibition to be conducted under a theme, ‘Artists united in Arts.’

Kyeetu Kisho Arts and Craft Director, Lumonga Kajimalwendo, said the exhibition which is expected to be graced by Provincial Permanent Secretary and witnessed by a representative from the German Embassy would be spiced by traditional dances and music.

Mr Kajimalwendo, who disclosed this in a statement to ZANIS in Solwezi today, said local artists would be exhibiting arts and crafts in various categories, giving a historical background and demonstrating their artistic skills.

“Art has proved to be a main source of income to artists and their families for many generations now. However, for an artist to realize any economic gain from their product, exposure has been a key issue. More so for artists that deal in products like basketry, ceramics, painting, old musical instruments and many others,” he said.

“Exposure and organization has resulted in improved living conditions for many artists. In Chief Mumena and other villages in Solwezi traditional artists have been identifies who produce fine pieces of art and craft that currently are just kept in their homes,” Mr Kajimalwendo said.

He said products to be exhibited are locally produced with local materials within the artists’ individual zone, adding most materials include grass, bamboo, trees and clay, among others.

“Great environmental conservation is being taken into account so that we reduce environmental degradation. Hence only mature trees, bamboos etc are used for production. This is carefully done by each artist because, for example, good and durable bamboo products will only come from mature bamboo,” Mr Kajimalwendo said.

ZANIS

Two Fishermen of Namoomba fishing camp in Chief Sikoongo of Siavonga District have been arrested and detained by Zimbabwean authorities for allegedly fishing illegally on the waters of that country.

The two named fishermen were arrested and picked up by officers from the Zimbabwe National parks after they were found fishing business on the Zimbabwean side of the lower Zambezi River.

Both Siavonga District Commissioner Emily Striedl and Namoomba Village Headman Bornface Mulopa confirmed the arrest of the two fishermen in separate interviews with ZANIS in Siavonga today.

Headman Mulopa identified the two fishermen as John Chimowa and Lawrence Mwape.

The traditional leader said the two fishermen were ambushed while fishing in the river in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Headman Mulopa explained that the Zimbabwean security officers using a speed boat rammed into the fishermen’s canoe which capsized.

He said the Zimbabwean security officers then picked up the swimming Zambian fishermen, bundled them in the speed boat and took them to Zimbabwe.

Headman Mulopa stated that the families of the two fishermen are worried about the fate and whereabouts of their missing relatives. He appealed to government to quickly intervene in the matter.

Siavonga District Commissioner, disclosed that government, through its security wings in the area has already contacted its counterparts on the Zimbabwean side in an effort to try and secure the safety of the fishermen.

“Our officers from various security wings immediately rushed to Namoomba after receiving a report of the arrest of the two fishermen and efforts have already been made to try and persuade the authorities in Zimbabwe to release the two fishermen, “she revealed.

The District Commissioner called for calm among villagers in Namoomba, saying government is using the necessary diplomatic channels to ensure that the fishermen return back home safely.

She however castigated fishermen who have a tendency of crossing to the Zimbabwean side on both the lower Zambezi River and Lake Kariba to catch fish, leading to their arrest by Zimbabwean security officers.

Meanwhile, twenty two other Zambian fishermen on Wednesday appeared in the Siavonga Magistrate court charged with the offence of smuggling.

They are all residents of Siavonga and were arrested last month by a combined team of security wings for allegedly fishing illegally on the Zimbabwean side of Lake Kariba.

More than ten boats and 1000 kilograms of fresh fish were confiscated from the arrested fishermen who were caught napping during the raid that took place in the night.

The fishermen pleaded not guilty of the offence.

ZANIS

The Board of Directors of the Zambia Open University has appointed Professor Francis Yamba, a prominent Engineer and senior scholar, as the university’s chancellor.

Zambia Open University (ZOU) Board Chairperson, Dennis Wanchinga said Prof Yamba becomes the first Chancellor of the University and would soon be installed at ZOU’s first graduation ceremony.

In a press release made available to ZANIS in Lusaka today, Dr Wanchinga said Prof Yamba’s vast academic qualifications and massive work experience will add value to his work at the University.

“The Board of Directors at its 22nd meeting held on 3rd July, 2009, appointed Professor Francis Yamba, a prominent Engineer and senior scholar as Chancellor,” he said.

Prof Yamba holds a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Moscow Auto Mobile and Road Construction Institute and a PhD in Combustion in Gas Turbine Engines from Leeds University of the United Kingdom.

He has worked for the University of Zambia as a lecturer, is former Indeco Technical Executive Director and also worked as Managing Director for Engineering Services Corporation, among many other work experiences.

Dr Wanchinga also disclosed that the Board of Directors also appointed Dr Henry Kaluba as the new Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University.

Dr Kaluba was until his appointment the Acting Director in the Social Transformation Programme Division, a department that deals with Education, Gender and Health Departments at the Commonwealth Secretariat in London.

Dr Kaluba holds a Masters and a PhD from the University of London, a B.A with Education from the University of Zambia and a diploma from Nkrumah Teachers’ College.

He taught at UNZA in the School of Education and has published widely in the field of Education.
ZANIS

Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Zambia National Director Hewitt Chizyuka has condemned the intimidation, beating and unnecessary arrests of media personnel in the nation.

Mr.Chizyuka further condemned threats to close down some media houses that offer a platform for critical voices.
He said the ambiguous and restrictive laws such as those dealing with pornography need to be reviewed and clearly defined.

He was speaking yesterday at a certificate presentation ceremony to members of the board and management of SKY FM Radio at the end of a four day management training workshop in radio and good governance, organized by MISA Zambia and held at Southern Comfort Motel in Monze.

Mr.Chizyuka expressed worry that the operating environment for the media was still harsh in the country with increasing cases of harassment and violence against Journalists, adding that the situation may get worse.

He called on government to openly condemn the harassment of the media and demonstrate commitment to that effect by dropping unfair charges and court cases against media personnel.

“We realize that a vibrant, free and diverse media is at the very fabric of democratic governance and we stand to continue promoting media freedom,” he said.

Mr. Chizyuka urged all political parties to keep their cadres from harassing media personnel.
He also expressed concern about the non implementation of the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) Act and Zambia National Broadcasting Amendment Act.

Mr.Chizyuka said the two laws would help improve the independence and impartiality of broadcasting in the country.

“There is no justifiable reason why these two acts cannot be operationalized, because we all know that a free and more independent public broadcaster is guaranteed under the ZNBC Amendment Act while the IBA Act would enhance the independence of the entire broadcasting sector,” he said.

Mr.Chizyuka questioned why ZNBC continued being under the control of government when the law stated otherwise and why the Ministry of Information continued controlling the broadcasting industry when the IBA Act stated that an independent body should do so.

He said these were serious questions that need urgent answers if Zambia is to claim to be among the democratic and civilized nations that respect the rule of law.

ZANIS

A renowned Pastor in Kasama yesterday appeared in the Magistrate Court for allegedly causing death by dangerous driving.

Before Magistrate, Dominic Makalicha, was Breaking-the-Curse Ministries Bishop, Steven Kabonka, 46, of house number 3913 Central Town in Kasama charged with one count of causing death by dangerous driving contrary to the law.

Particulars of the offense are that on July 18, this year, Bishop Kabonka caused the death of, Arnold Simwanza, 31 of Chisanga Village, while driving a Toyota Conquest registration number B262 AJK along Lunzuwa road in Kasama.

Magistrate Makalicha told a packed courtroom that the accused will take plea in the High Court.

He however, granted Bishop Kabonka a K500, 000 cash bail with two working sureties.

The matter has since adjourned to August 6, for mention.

The deceased died on Sunday at Kasama General Hospital due to injuries allegedly sustained in the road accident.

The accident occurred along Lunzuwa road when Bishop Kabonka’s car hit the deceased while he was trying to help a woman who had difficulties with her bicycle on the roadside.

Meanwhile, the body of Simwanza has since been buried.

ZANIS