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Sata urged to reconcile with RB

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Information Deputy Minister, Elijah Muchima, has asked Patriotic Front Leader, Michael Sata, to reconcile with President, Rupiah Banda, in the manner he did with late President Mwanawasa.

Mr. Muchima says there is need for the PF leader to tone down his language when ever he is commenting on issues related to President Banda.

He says Mr. Sata’s reconciliation with President Banda will create unity in Zambia and enable the nation to move forward.

Mr. Muchima says the country is not benefiting from Mr. Sata’s unjustified attacks on President Banda.

He observed that despite the efforts of the president to fight corruption, Mr. Sata has continued to attack him, sometimes using insulting language.

Mr. Muchima called on all Zambians to support President Banda’s programmes, which are aimed at fighting corruption.

[ZNBC]

Govt prodded to review legislation on mental health

Guest Editor
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The Mental Health Users Network of Zambia (MHUNZA) has called on government to formulate and enact new legislation that will promote and protect people with mental illness in the country.

MHUNZA president Sylvester Katontoka said the current legislations pertaining to the welfare of people with mental illness is demeaning and discriminates against people living with mental illness.

Mr. Katontoka told ZANIS in an interview that the country is currently using the Mental Health Act of 1951 which is demeaning as it labels persons with mental as idiots and criminals.

He said the Act does not take into account the social and health aspects of people with the illness and therefore needs to be revised.
He said government needs to put in place legislation that will bring social order and stop the discrimination of people with mental illness.

Mr. Katontoka said the country needs to take into account the recent development in human rights issues as regards to people living with the disease.
He said people with mental illness have been adversely affected by the old Act as mental patients find it hard to be accepted in the community.

Mr Katontoka further pointed out that there are little or no facilities for people with the disease adding that this has denied them opportunities in life. He has since called on all Zambians to support people living with mental illness because although it is very difficult to be cured, it can be managed and controlled.

Meanwhile, principal Mental Health Officer in the Ministry of Health, Pascal Kwapa said his ministry is concerned with the legislation for people with mental illness.

Mr. Kwapa said government has since taken a step forward by developing the Mental Health Policy to ensure that people with mental illness are provided with quality and equitable facilities.

ZANIS

K10 Bn scam is a dent on civil service image – Munkombwe

Guest Editor
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Southern province Minister Daniel Munkombwe has said the K10 billion financial scandal in the ministry of health has dented the image of the civil service.

Mr Munkombwe has regretted that despite President Rupiah Banda having quickly acted upon the issue, some sections of society have not appreciated the action.

He said the civil service, like any other section of political society, is not immune to non credible characters, whose dealings are denting the public service.

Mr Munkombwe was speaking in Livingstone today when Public Service Commission Chairman, Austen Mweemba, paid a courtesy call on him at his office.

He said governments exist because of the civil service adding that unless they were men and women of integrity, the country would suffer.

Mr Munkombwe regretted that some senior civil servants are also involved in the scam.

And Mr Mweemba said no one has the capacity to know the ability of workers because the Public Service Commission only looked at qualifications when employing civil servants.

He said it was difficult for the PSC to tell whether people were joining the civil service to merely gain experience and leave or whether they looked at it as a fertile ground to make money.

Mr Mweemba has since advised civil servants that the public service is not a place to go and become a millionaire and has advised thoses with such intentions to go elsewhere where they can make money in an unlimited manner.

Meanwhile, Mr Munkombwe has appealed to striking workers in the province to resume work.

Mr Munkombwe said there was need for civil servants in the province to give union leaders more time to negotiate with government.

Civil servants in the province have downed tools demanding better and improved conditions.

Hospitals, clinics and schools have been largely paralysed following the strike action by health workers and teachers.

ZANIS

Weekend Scorecard

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Faz Two more players have joined the Zambia national team at its training camp in South Africa.

Defender Emmanuel Mbola of Pyunik Yerevan in Armenia midfielder Stophira Sunzu who is out of contract after leaving French Ligue 2 side Chateauroux have both joined camp in Johannesburg.

Expected today is  striker Emmanuel Mayuka of Maccabi Tel Aviv.

The team is expected to leave Johannesburg on Wednesday morning and fly directly to Ndola where the team will be camped ahead of the game against Rwanda this Saturday at Konkola Stadium in Chililabombwe.

Meanwhile, Group C joint leaders Egypt beat Oman 1-0 in a friendly match played in Muscat on Sunday.

Mohemed Aboutrika scored the games lone goal in the 49th minute.

Premier Division

30/05/2009

Week 12
Nakambala Leopards 0- Zamtel 1(Arthur Siwale 76″)

Lusaka Dynamos 0-Choma Eagles 0

Chambishi 0-Zanaco 3(Patrick Kabamba 8″ 50″, Ziyo Tembo 30″)

Young Arrows 0-Konkola Blades 0

Power Dynamos 1(Luka Lungu 41″)- Green Buffaloes 0

City of Lusaka 2(Kennedy Chola 20″ pen 69″)- Roan United 1(Derrick Lukwesa 84″)

Kabwe warriors 0- Forest Rangers 0

31/05/2009

Zesco United 1(Jackson Mwanza 61″)- Red Arrows 1(Lawrence Pondani 44″)
TOP SCORERS

After Games Played 31/05/2009

Patrick Kabamba (Zanaco): 11

Jack Chileshe (Zanaco): 6
Kameta Mutambo (Forest Rangers): 6
Luka Lungu (Power Dynamos): 5
Kennedy Chola (City of Lusaka):5
Makundika Sakala (Lusaka Dynamos): 5
Clifford Chipalo (Zesco United): 5
Simon Lupiya (Red Arrows): 5
Enoch Sakala (Zesco United): 5
Edward Museba (Green Buffaloes): 5
Timothy Mbewe (Red Arrows): 5
Division 1

Week 13

31/05/2009

North

Luanshya United 1  Nkana 2

Mufulira Wanderers 1  Mining Rangers 0

Kalulushi Modern Stars 1 Chingola Leopards 0

Kitwe United 0  Lime Hotspurs 0

Afrisport 2  Zesco Luapula 0

Chindwin 0 Nchanga Rangers 0

Kalewa  0  Ndola United 2

Muchindu 0  Prisons Leopards 1

Indeni  1  Mufulira Blackpool  1
South

Paramilitary  1  Riflemen  0

Luena  1  Livingstone Pirates  2

Zamcoal Diggers 2  Nampundwe 0

Kascol 0  Green Eagles Eagles  2

Lusaka City Council 1  Police Bullets 2

National Assembly  1  Profund Warriors 1

Nkwazi  0  Young Green Eagles 0

Lusaka Tigers  1 Lusaka Celtic  1

Mazabuka  United -Petauke United (not played)

[standings league_id=2 template=extend logo=false]

MMD distances itself from the infamous Best Home Lodge

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The ruling Movement for Multi Party Democracy (MMD) has denied media reports indicating that President Rupiah Banda’s Image Builders were accommodated at the controversy embroiled Best Home Lodge during previous presidential by-election campaigns.

MMD party Spokesperson Benny Tetamashimba in a statement to ZANIS in Lusaka today described the media reports as false as the image builders were accommodated at Binnie Lodge Inn in Ibex Hill, a facility owned by the late Bank of Zambia Governor Francis Nkhoma, contrary to some media reports suggesting that they were staying at Best Home Lodge.

Mr. Tetamashimba, who is also Local Government and Housing Minister, further said as MMD campaign manager and election agent for President Banda he does not remember the party holding any Press Conference at the now infamous lodge which is owned by a suspended Ministry of Health Officer Henry Kapoko who is allegedly involved in the K27 billion Ministry of Health scandal.

He said the MMD Campaign Centre was located on Bwinjifumu Road, South End and does not remember holding any Press Conference at Best Home Lodge which has since been restricted by the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC).

“We wish to deny the story and condemn it in the strongest terms possible,” the statement read in part.

Mr. Tetamashimba has since advised the opposition to keep quiet if they had nothing to offer the Zambian people as the MMD was now concentrating on making Rupiah Banda win with a resounding victory in the 2011 Presidential and Parliamentary elections.

Recent media reports had indicated that President Banda’s image builders had stayed at the infamous lodge during the previous presidential by-election.

ZANIS

Standard Chartered Bank unionized employees awarded a K700, 000 salary hike

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Standard Chartered Bank has awarded its unionized employees a K700, 000 salary increment across the board effective April this year.

Zambia Union of Financial and Allied Workers (ZUFIAW) Secretary General Joyce Nonde Simukonko has since welcomed the development.

Mrs. Simukonko said the bank did not take advantage of the global economic crisis to deny its workers the increment because it recognizes the importance role employees contributing to the institution.

Meanwhile, the Zambia Union of Financial and Allied Workers (ZUFIAW) have called on both private and public institutions in the country to strengthen thier internal quality controls and ensure transparency and accountability in the utilization of donor funds.

ZUFIAW Secretary General Joyce Nonde Simukonko said many institutions in the country lack good internal audits and this has resulted in huge sums of donor funds being misappropriated.

Mrs. Simukonko said there is need for government to put in place strict internal auditors in institutions and see to it that donor and tax payers’ money is channeled to good use that benefits the country.

Mrs. Simukonko said this during the 2009 salary increment signing ceremony for Standard Chartered Bank unionized workers in Lusaka today.

Speaking earlier, Chairman of the joint negotiating council, Ronald Chibesakunda expressed happiness with the manner the negotiations were handled.

Mr. Chibesakunda however, called on all institutions to be expeditious in concluding the negotiations in order to ensure the smooth operation of companies.

And Standard Chartered Bank Managing Director, Mizinga Melu, said the K700, 000 salary increment the bank has given its unionized employees represent 17 percent increment.

Ms. Melu said the bank has remained strong in the face of the global economic downturn adding that it has taken the crisis as an opportunity to grow as seen by the bank’s continued introduction of new products on the market.

Ms. Melu further said the bank is hopeful that the country will soon recover from the current global economic downturn.

She said the country has slowly started showing signs of recovery as seen by the increase in the price of copper.

ZANIS

High bank interest rates hinder development, says DPS

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A senior government official in Northwestern province has observed that high interest rates of borrowing from banks were hindering a rapid development of the private sector in the country.

Deputy Permanent Secretary Nkolola Hazemba said the interest rates were prohibitive.

Mr. Hazemba has since appealed to financial lending institutions to be flexible and reduce the lending rates.

He said this when he officiated at the first business trade fair organized by Northwestern chamber of commerce held at Royal Solwezi Hotel yesterday.

Mr. Hazemba said government has partnered with the private sector such as the chamber of commerce to exchange ideas in order to develop the country.

He noted that currently, companies operating in Northwestern province might not know what others were offering hence they travel all the way to the Copperbelt and Lusaka provinces to source certain items.

He further called on all business communities to take the opportunity to participate in future business trade fairs to market and show their products and services to others.

Mr. Hazemba also noted that this would enable business people to interact with their fellow business men and women and share developmental ideas.

Speaking earlier, Northwestern Chamber Of Commerce president Brenda Kunda said the business trade fair was the first of its kind in the district since the organization was formed four years ago.

Ms. Kunda said the idea of the business trade fair was to interact and share ideas on how they could improve their products and enhance service delivery.

She expressed concern that companies in the province only exhibited in the mining and agriculture show on the Copperbelt province and not in their local show.

She said this was due to poor state of the show ground which she said was not conducive to attract corporate companies to participate.

Ms Kunda has therefore appealed to government to maintain the show ground and to seriously look at partnering with the private sector in order to bring sanity to the show ground.

She further noted that Solwezi was moving from a rural setting to a cosmopolitan district hence the need to know and identify areas that should be explored for diversification.

Some of the companies which participated were Professional Insurance, Zamtel, Northwestern Water and Sewerage Company, Mwaka Lodge and Finance Bank.

Others were Floriana Lodge, Bresmar Investment, Goldman Insurance, Madison Insurance, Plasma Enterprises and Wana Cleaning Companies respectively.

And Floriana Lodge was awarded first prize while Zamtel came second and Finance Bank grabbed the third position.

ZANIS

MMD youth in Eastern province endorse RB for 2011 presidency

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Ruling Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) youths in Eastern province have joined other parts of the country in indorsing incumbent President, Rupiah Banda as party candidate for 2011presidential elections.

Provincial MMD Youth chairperson, Sam Thole said President Banda was the only candidate in the party who had the interests of the part at heart, adding that he was the only one who could continue with developmental programmes for the country.

Mr. Thole told ZANIS that youths in the region would not tolerate party members who have shown interest to contest the presidency against President Banda at the party convention next year.

He said the cadres have already started mobilizing their colleagues from other parts of the country to ensure President Banda was adopted for 2011.

“Even if every person is allowed to stand at the convention, Mr. Banda is the right man. Most of those who have shown interest to stand for presidency have questionable calibre” he added.

He has since urged other youths who are 18 years old and above to obtain National Registration Cards (NRCs) so that they could qualify to vote in the 2011 general elections.

And one of the youths, James Zulu, said it would be important for President Banda to contest the 2011 elections for him to serve his own term and not just finishing the late President Levy Mwanawasa’s term.

ZANIS

President Banda calls for a review of the education system

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Mr. Banda
Mr. Banda

President Rupiah Banda says it is necessary to develop a responsive and relevant education system that will produce industrious learners capable of meaningfully contributing to the development needs and aspirations of the country.

Mr. Banda said such a curriculum is also necessary for the country’s quest of achieving the status of a middle income and prosperous nation by 2030.

The President said this in a speech read on his behalf by Presidential Affairs Minister Ronald Mukuma during the official opening of the National Curriculum Review Symposium in Lusaka today.

Mr. Banda said the country aspires for sustainable wealth creation and employment generation hence the need for an integrated education curriculum.

He said there must be clear linkages and interconnections in curriculum design from early childhood learning to tertiary level.

The President has further called for a change in the education system and establish effective goals for which learners are educated for.

He added that it is also important to eliminate fragmentation and incoherence in the conceptualization of the country’s curriculum.

Mr. Banda has since urged participants at the symposium to ensure that the meeting serves as a building block for an enduring and holistic curriculum.

And speaking earlier, Education Minister Geoffrey Lungwangwa said government will remain committed establishing quality and equitable education at all levels.

Prof Lungwangwa said there is need to critically analyze the current education curriculum in order to achieve quality education.

He said government will also continue to embark on school infrastructure development, continued teacher training and recruitment in order to further enhance the quality of education in the country.

The three-day National Curriculum Review Symposium dubbed “Curriculum for Sustainable Development towards a Middle Income nation by 2030 and beyond” has attracted over one hundred stakeholders from various parts of the country.

ZANIS

Mysterious fish disease breaks out in Mwinilunga

Guest Editor
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A mysterious fish disease has broken out in chief Ntambu’s area in Mwinilunga district of Northwestern province.

The rivers affected by the mysterious fish disease include Kabompo, Kasanjiko and Muzhimbezi. Speaking to ZANIS in an interview, chief Ntambu disclosed that the mysterious fish disease that has hit his area broke out last month and has since deteriorated.

The traditional ruler disclosed that the affected fish develop sores all over the trunk (body). He said the development has raised concern among the local people, especially those who depend on fish for their livelihood.

Meanwhile, Mwinilunga Veterinary and Livestock Development officer-in-charge, Allan Lizambi has cautioned the people in chief Ntambu’s area to refrain from eating the affected fish.

Addressing a gathering at the chief’s palace yesterday, Dr. Lizambi urged the local people to boil their drinking water following the out break of the mysterious fish disease.
He said despite the fact that there has been no report of any person contracting a disease from the affected fish, it was important that local people take precautions.

And chief Ntambu has appealed to government to speedily carry out tests so that his subjects were availed with information on what was causing the fish to develop trunk sores.

Meanwhile Mwinilunga East UPND Member of Parliament (MP) Stephen Katuuka said the mysterious fish disease should be addressed urgently.

He said government should act swiftly before human beings contract infections from the diseased fish.

ZANIS

Zambians no longer allowed to travel out with old passports

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Scores of people waiting for their turn to apply for new passports
Scores of people waiting for their turn to apply for new passports
Government has directed immigration officers at all exit border

points not to allow Zambians to travel abroad today using the old passports.

Ministry of Home Affairs permanent secretary, Ndiyoyi Mutiti issued the directive during an interview in Lusaka yesterday.

She however said those coming into the country with the old passports should be allowed entry.

Ms Mutiti said it will be against the law for anyone to attempt to use an old passport when traveling abroad because it will no longer be valid.

She said the old passport was not computerised and it will be unfortunate for anybody to use it when leaving the country because it will not respond to the computer system.

Ms Mutiti said the Ministry of Home Affairs did its best to sensitise Zambians about the change of passports.

“No one will be excused to use the old passport when leaving the country because the information has been clear from the time the new passports were introduced last year,” she said.

And Ms Mutiti has urged all Zambians who had traveled abroad with the old passport not to panic because they will be allowed entry into the country.
She said Zambians living abroad are the only ones whose deadline has been extended up to August 31, 2009.

“Zambians living abroad are still having difficulties obtaining the new computersied passports, and the Ministry of Home affairs is doing everything possible to ensure that they obtain passports before the deadline of August 31, 2009,” Ms Mutiti said.

She said Government has no intentions of extending the deadline for the use of old passports because everything has been put in place.

Ms Mutiti said extending the deadline for the use of old passports will further derail the process of phasing out the old passports.

A 32 page passport is pegged at K300, 000 while that with 48 pages is costing K500, 000.
[Zambia Daily Mail]

The Weekend in pictures

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1.

The deadline for using old Zambian passports has elapsed. Here, scores of people queuing up to apply for the new traveling documents
The deadline for using old Zambian passports has elapsed. Here, scores of people queuing up to apply for the new traveling documents

2.
Scores of people waiting for their turn to apply for new passports
Scores of people waiting for their turn to apply for new passports

3.
Animal rights...An unidentified man cycling while carrying two live chickens upside down along the great east road near Manda Hill shopping centre in Lusaka
Animal rights...An unidentified man cycling while carrying two live chickens upside down along the great east road near Manda Hill shopping centre in Lusaka

4.
The unidentified man with his two live chickens waiting for traffic lights to turn red.
The unidentified man with his two live chickens waiting for traffic lights to turn red.

5.
An unidentified man cheated death after his car flipped three times before ramming into a wall on Samfya road
An unidentified man cheated death after his car flipped three times before ramming into a wall on Samfya road

6.
Finance and National Planning Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane (r) and by his Health counterpart Kapembwa Simbao at a press briefing in Lusaka
Finance and National Planning Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane (r) and by his Health counterpart Kapembwa Simbao at a press briefing in Lusaka

7.
Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Velepi Mtonga addresses a stakeholders meeting on non-communicable diseases in Lusaka.
Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Velepi Mtonga addresses a stakeholders meeting on non-communicable diseases in Lusaka.

8.
Finance minister Situmbeko Musokotwane (r) leads his counterparts from Lands Peter Daka (c) and agriculture Brian Chituwo (l) during a visit to the Nansanga farming block in Serenje.
Finance minister Situmbeko Musokotwane (r) leads his counterparts from Lands Peter Daka (c) and agriculture Brian Chituwo (l) during a visit to the Nansanga farming block in Serenje.

9.
National Constituional conference spokesperson Mwangala Zaloumis during a briefing when she announced the expulsion of six members from the NCC in Lusaka.
National Constituional conference spokesperson Mwangala Zaloumis during a briefing when she announced the expulsion of six members from the NCC in Lusaka.

10.
President Rupiah Banda and Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister Fashion Phiri (l) with new Sudanese Ambassador-Designate to Zambia Sabit Abbe Alley (c) at State House
President Rupiah Banda and Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister Fashion Phiri (l) with new Sudanese Ambassador-Designate to Zambia Sabit Abbe Alley (c) at State House

11.
Edina Mambwe of Red Arrows plots her move against opponents from Green Buffaloes during a women's friendly match played at Nkoloma stadium.
Edina Mambwe of Red Arrows plots her move against opponents from Green Buffaloes during a women's friendly match played at Nkoloma stadium.

12.
Nora Mwansa of Green Buffaloes beats Jessica Chabota of Red Arrows during a women's friendly match played at Nkoloma stadium
Nora Mwansa of Green Buffaloes beats Jessica Chabota of Red Arrows during a women's friendly match played at Nkoloma stadium

13.
Former Bank of Zambia Governor Jacob Mwanza looks in the horizon after teeing off in the Planet Memorial Golf Club official opening tournament in Lusaka.
Former Bank of Zambia Governor Jacob Mwanza looks in the horizon after teeing off in the Planet Memorial Golf Club official opening tournament in Lusaka.

14.
Roan United's Cospa Muma and City of Lusaka's Morgan Kaoma race for the ball during the KCM-FAZ week 12 match played at Woodlands stadium. City won 2-1.
Roan United's Cospa Muma and City of Lusaka's Morgan Kaoma race for the ball during the KCM-FAZ week 12 match played at Woodlands stadium. City won 2-1.

15.
City of Lusaka's Abuid Sakala about to tap the ball in an aerial tussle as he beats Roan United's Kelly Sichinga during the FAZ-KCM premier league week 12 match played at Woodlands stadium in Lusaka.
City of Lusaka's Abuid Sakala about to tap the ball in an aerial tussle as he beats Roan United's Kelly Sichinga during the FAZ-KCM premier league week 12 match played at Woodlands stadium in Lusaka.

16.
A light truck under exhibition at the Copperbelt mining and agriculture commercial show in Kitwe
A light truck under exhibition at the Copperbelt mining and agriculture commercial show in Kitwe

17.
Some exhibitors showcasing their agricultural products at the Copperbelt mining, agriculture and commecial show.
Some exhibitors showcasing their agricultural products at the Copperbelt mining, agriculture and commecial show.

18.
Zambia's Permanent Representative to the United NationsLazarous Kapambwe receiving the Dag hammarskjold Medals from Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Alain Le Roy in honour of two Zambian peacekeepers Sergeant Valerie Ndima and Sub-Inspector Barbara Chisanga during a ceremony in New York.
Zambia's Permanent Representative to the United NationsLazarous Kapambwe receiving the Dag hammarskjold Medals from Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Alain Le Roy in honour of two Zambian peacekeepers Sergeant Valerie Ndima and Sub-Inspector Barbara Chisanga during a ceremony in New York.

19.
In-coming Mayor for Lusaka Robert Chikwelete (l) taking oath of office as Town Clerk Timothy Hakuyu listens during his installation ceremony in Lusaka.
In-coming Mayor for Lusaka Robert Chikwelete (l) taking oath of office as Town Clerk Timothy Hakuyu listens during his installation ceremony in Lusaka.

20.
Local government and housing minister Benny Tetamashimba places the Mayoral chain on in-coming Lusaka Mayor Robert Chikwelete during an installation ceremony in Lusaka
Local government and housing minister Benny Tetamashimba places the Mayoral chain on in-coming Lusaka Mayor Robert Chikwelete during an installation ceremony in Lusaka

EAZ urges RB to find solutions to unemployment

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The Employment Association of Zambia (EAZ) has urged President Rupiah Banda to quickly find solutions to the high levels of unemployment in the country.

Employment Association of Zambia president, Mpundu Mwanamwela, said it was unfortunate that a lot of young men and women were unemployed in the country.

Mr Mwanamwela said in an interview in Lusaka yesterday that it was for lack of employment in the country that most young men and women spend time doing irrational things.

The EAZ president said the creation of employment would help young men and women to be effective.

He said there are a lot of young men and women who have attained good education but were still rooming the streets.

Mr Mwanamwela said this meant that good education was just being wasted because of high levels of unemployment in the country.

And Mr Mwanamwela has also since appealed to Local Government and Housing Minister, Benny Tetamashimba, not to go ahead and remove street vendors from the streets of Lusaka on June 6 this year.

He said government should instead first open the new Soweto Market so that those trading from the streets can start operating in the new market.

Mr Mwanamwela noted that some of the vendors were on the streets because government had demolished markets they were operating from.

He, however, said the Employment Association of Zambia does not support street vending but that it would only be best if the new Soweto Market was opened first before chasing the vendors.

Mr Mwanamwela also pointed out that high unemployment levels have also contributed to the high number of street venders.

ZANIS

Government advises against speculations on the K27 bn scam at MoH

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ronnie_shikapwashaGovernment has advised the media and the general public to desist from drawing conclusions and speculating about who is guilty in the on-going investigations into allegations of theft of billions of Kwacha at the Ministry of Health.

In a press statement released to Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) this afternoon, Chief Government Spokesperson, Lt Gen Ronnie Shikapwasha, said it is imperative that the public do not pass judgment about who was involved and may have benefited from the money or if anyone is being shielded from investigations and subsequent prosecution.

Lt Gen Shikapwasha said desisting from speculations and insinuations will be in the interest of fairness and in order not to prejudice the investigations concerning the reports that some officials at the ministry may have pocketed more than K27 billion meant for procurement of goods and services for the ministry.

He reiterated that President Rupiah Banda has ordered that forensic investigations be carried out in the matter and appropriate investigative wings, namely the police, Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) and the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) are involved in the investigating the matter.

Lt Gen Shikapwahsa stated that the investigative bodies must be allowed to do their work without external influence, adding that these bodies will determine, after, investigations, who the suspects are or who benefited from the stolen public funds and recommend appropriate action, including prosecution.

The Chief Government spokesperson said it is the wish of government that the three investigative bodies will be allowed to do a professional job and prosecute all who are involved, and assured that government has no intention to subvert the work of the three bodies and no one will be shielded from prosecution whatever their status in the government or the ruling party.

He added that it will not help matters to speculate about the beneficiaries of the stolen funds or that some of the people being investigated may have connections with powerful people and that they were being investigated in order to protect others.

Lt Gen Shikapwasha said government appreciates the role the media are playing in sensitizing the public about the dangers of corruption and the thefts that may be taking place in government institutions.

However, Lt Gen Shikapwasha, who is also Information and Broadcasting Services Minister, stated that government is concerned that some of the media reports are based on rumours and unconfirmed reports which may be designed to politicize the investigations.

He said the information gathered so far suggests that individual officers in the ministry may have been the culprits, adding that it is therefore, highly mischievous to suggest that the government or the ruling party had a hand in the dirty work.
Lt Gen Shikapwasha appealed to those who wish to know the truth about whether the ruling party benefited from the scam should contact the party spokesperson and not engage in publishing insinuations by some of the suspects or their political sympathizers.

ZANIS

Zesco Rally to Stay Second

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Zesco United maintained their unbeaten run today after drawing 1-1 at home against Red Arrows at Arthur Davies Stadium in Kitwe.

The match was played at Arthur Davies which is one of two designated venues on the Copperbelt for TV coverage of Zambian league matches by satellite TV giant SuperSport.

Meanwhile, Zesco remain second despite the draw on 21 points 4 less than Zanaco who beat  Chambishi 3-0 way on Saturday.

However, Zesco were made hard to work for the victory against an enterprising Arrows who took the lead in the 44th minute through a sweetly struck goal from Lawrence Pondani.

Pondani’s goal benefited from a Judge Mkandawire cross after the latter stole the ball off  midfielder Mathews Chikwete midway through Zesco’s own half.

The goal came just 5 minutes after Chiwanki Liyinga saw his free kick tapped out for safety by Zesco goalkeeper Kabwe Chansa.

Changes in the second half for Figthton Simukonda paid dividence when he made a double substitution bringing on Jackson Mwanza and Siloni Jere for Maybin Mwaba and Yona Mwango respectively in the 48th minute respectively.

And it was Mwanza who blasted in a rebounding shot in side the box in the midst of some mayhem in the 6-yard box to hand Zesco a share of the points.

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