Some politicians are planning to destabilise the country, RB

Headlines

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July 13, 2009

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President Rupiah Banda says some politicians are planning to engage in activities to destabilise the country.

President Banda says the politicians are hoping to benefit from the instability that will be created in the nation.

He has cautioned ministers and Zambian diplomats against being misled by such politicians.

The president has directed newly appointed Home Affairs Minister, Lameck Mangani, to ensure there is peace and security in the nation.

He was speaking at State House in Lusaka on Monday after swearing in Mr. Mangani and newly appointed Lands Deputy Minister, Michael Mabenga.[quote]

Mr. Mangani takes over from Dr. Kalombo Mwansa who has moved to the ministry of defence while Mr. Mabenga replaces the late Chitambo MP, Nassim Hamir.

On Mr. Mabenga, President Banda said those opposed to his appointment are free to seek legal redress.

Mr. Banda expressed confidence that Mr. Mabenga would execute his duties with due diligence.

And President Banda has appointed and sworn in former Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Kachingwe as Zambia’s High Commissioner to Malawi.

Mr. Banda has also appointed former Local Government Permanent Secretary, Joel Ngo as Ambassador to Brazil.

Zambia’s Deputy Ambassador to France, Alexis Luhila, is the new High Commissioner to Nigeria.

Mr. Banda is confident that the newly appointed diplomats will effectively represent Zambia abroad.

[ZNBC]

PF threatens legal action against ECZ over by-election

Headlines

Guest Editor

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July 13, 2009

36

The Patriotic Front (PF) has warned the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) and Mansa Town Clerk of legal action if they do not declare the PF candidate an unopposed victor in the Chilyapia ward by-election of Mansa Central Constituency.

PF Spokesperson, Given Lubinda told ZANIS in an interview today that by 17: 00 hours, the close of the nomination time, the Town Clerk only announced the PF candidate as the sole valid candidate as the MMD had allegedly not settled on which candidate to field.

Mr. Lubinda said confusion in the MMD camp arose during the nomination exercise last Wednesday when the MMD fielded two candidates to contest the Chilyapia ward by-election.

He said according to the laws of Zambia, candidates not announced after filing in of nominations are deemed unfit for election hence the ECZ should declare the PF candidate victor by virtue of being unopposed.

“The MMD filled in two candidates but the town clerk did not announce who was picked between the two, but he only announced the PF candidate so that makes it illegible for MMD to stand for this ward by-election. And if they decide to run the by-election what will ECZ put on the ballot papers because there is only one candidate who was announced ” he said.

Mr. Lubinda has since challenged the ECZ and Mansa Town Clerk to declare the PF candidate as Councilor for Chilyapia ward.
He warned that failure for them to do so will result in the party taking legal action against the ECZ and Mansa Town Clerk.

Meanwhile, the Patriotic Front (PF) has accused the MMD in Mushinka ward in Mansa Central constituency of buying voters cards in the area ahead of the ward by-election.

PF Spokesperson Given Lubinda said the PF had allegedly caught MMD cadres in Mushinka ward with voters cards bought from people in the area in a bid to influence the by-election outcome.

Mr. Lubinda said the PF has since written to the police command in Mansa on the matter.
ZANIS

ZNUT urges govt. not to punish striking teachers

Rural News

Guest Editor

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July 13, 2009

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The Zambia National Union of Teachers (ZNUT) has written to government requesting it to withdraw the cabinet circular that seeks to punish teachers who recently went on strike and withhold their salaries.

ZNUT General Secretary Newman Bubala disclosed that his union is seeking redress from government over the circular which seeks to punish the workers over the strike action which government described as illegal.

Mr Bubala disclosed this during a ZNUT extra ordinary national executive council meeting held in Siavonga over the weekend.

Cabinet office circular number 9 stipulated that all public service employees ,whether classified as essential workers or not, who were absent from duty without leave, should not be paid a salary for the days they were absent.

Mr Bubala, however, said the punishment of any teacher by government will be wrong and contrary to finished negotiations that allowed teachers to get back to work.

“ZNUT has written to government demanding the withdraw of the circular because the matter was discussed and resolved during the negotiations. We believe that punishment of any teacher will only provoke the situation that has since normalized,’’ he said.

Mr Bubala however stated that his union will not protect individuals that were reported to be inciting teachers not to resume work.

He said the union has since identified about 21 ring-leaders that gave themselves a mandate to instigate teachers to refuse the 15 per cent salary increment.

“We want government to act on certain individuals whom we have identified as being the ones that were inciting and instigating teachers to refuse the 15 per cent which was awarded to them, ” he said.

And ZNUT president Henry Kapenda assured his members that the union is making follow ups with government on other issues that were not tackled in the negotiations such as rural hardship and housing allowances among others.

Mr Kapenda, who described the just-ended negotiations as one of the toughest, said he is hopeful that government will listen to the union demands for the increase in payment of allowances.

On rural hardship allowance, the union president said the problem came from provincial and district heads who failed to submit to government correct information on which schools were entitled to the allowance.

Mr Kapenda also castigated those calling for the formation of another union, saying Zambia at the moment needed to have only one strong teachers’ union that would speak for all teachers.

He said bargaining for improved conditions of service normally becomes difficult with so many unions because they fail to speak with one voice.

The national council meeting also confirmed the appointments of Roy Mwaba as union Vice President, Newman Bubala as General Secretary, and Catherine Chinunda as Deputy General Secretary.

ZANIS

Statement was taken out of context – Sondashi

Feature Politics

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July 13, 2009

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Assertions that I wish to go to state house just “so that my

family can enjoy life” are a clear misrepresentation of facts by those who are bent on discrediting my character and reputation, and that of our newly formed Forum for Democratic Alternatives (FDA) party.

I, therefore, wish to dispel those assertions as I am not, at all, that
kind of person who would wish to go to state house “just to enjoy,”
evidenced by my courageous and honest character when I resigned from the successive governments of Dr. Kenneth Kaunda and Dr. Fredrick Chiluba, sighting bad governance, in 1990 and 1994 respectively.

The statement was clearly taken out of context, and in bad faith, arising from an apparent joke I had made during the presentation of my speech to launch the FDA. I can only assume that the media, such as the Daily Mail, were only to eager to “run” with the statement, clearly taken out of context, as a way of “hitting back” at me for having taken them to court for defaming my character in a story carried in their newspaper of 8th March, 2009.

I therefore wish to advise that the media desist from writing jokes but
concentrate on real issues that will bring development to our country. My correct position was carried in an article by the
Post Newspapers on Monday, 6th July, 2009.

The fact of the matter is that we, in the FDA party, have a serious vision and program for developing our country as clearly spelled out in our party manifesto, currently available in print, and which will soon be online for all, via a web site to be launched shortly.

I, therefore, further wish to advise all well meaning Zambians to
critically look at the issues that we bring and propose for national
development and judge us on that basis rather than debate trivial issues such as dispelled above.

Thank you for your attention!

“Zambia Belongs To All”

Dr. Ludwig Sondashi – Interim President, FDA Party

PF MP resigns

Headlines

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July 13, 2009

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Kasama central MP Saviour Chishimba and his counterpart from Luangeni Angela Cifire leave national assembly buildings after a workshop on the budget process

KASAMA Central Patriotic Front (PF) Member of Parliament (MP) Saviour

Chishimba has resigned from the party and relinquished his seat, saying the current political system has failed Zambians.

Mr Chishimba said in Ndola yesterday that he had decided to quit partisan politics to champion the formation of a new movement whose aim was to usher in a new crop of youthful political leaders in the country.

He said the 20 years of the MMD-led political pluralism had failed to realise the amount of development attained during the 10 years of the United National Independence Party rule from 1964 to 1974.

He said during a media briefing at his residence in Ndola’s Kansenshi area that a new movement to be called “The Saviour Chishimba Plan to Reclaim Zambia’s Independence” was set to spearhead a new political dispensation in the country.

Mr Chishimba charged that the only way Zambians could have their dreams realised was by bringing in a new crop of national leaders because the performance of the players in the current political arena was disastrous.[quote]

He has written to PF president Michael Sata and Speaker of the National Assembly Amussa Mwanamwambwa informing them about his resignation as party member and MP, respectively.

“In this digital era, I can no longer be part of a political system where only few leaders live in luxury. I stand down as MP and my association with the PF comes to an end. I would like to thank the people of Kasama and God almighty for supporting me.

“We only have two options, it’s either liberty for Zambia or death. It’s time for the country to change for the better. The time for depending on tired politicians for national salvation has failed us as a people,” Mr Chishimba said.

He said he is a member of the Bemba Royal family of Chitimukulu and a family of freedom fighters who are all synonymous with sacrifice for Zambia.

He said he was not ready to be part of the growing political elite while the majority of Zambians continued living in abject poverty.

“To bring about change we do not need political party partnerships but people to people partnerships. The era of politicians directing the people instead of the people directing politicians should come to an end,” he said.

He said that political party pacts based on tribal and regional groups were not capable of meeting the expectations of the Zambian people because they could not last and had no room in modern-day Zambia.

In a letter dated July 1, 2009, Mr Chishimba thanked Mr Sata for helping him understand the status of Zambian politics and the opportunity to contest a parliamentary seat on the PF platform.

“Now the spirit of the living God tells me it is finished and there is nothing I can do, but to obey. I hereby submit my resignation from the Patriotic Front effective 27 July 2009. Kindly let me know if there are things that I have to clear from the party and you as my leader.”

Meanwhile, PF spokesman Given Lubinda said the party was not ready to accept Mr Chishimba’s resignation before be formally resigns on July 27 because there was a possibility that he could backpedal on what he had announced.

“Knowing my young man he could be driven by emotions and hyper-frustrations. As a party we will wait for what will happen once the emotions come down.

“Currently, he is still our MP until that date comes. We cannot remove someone from the noose before there is an attempt for one to be hanged,” Mr Lubinda said.

[Times of Zambia]

Parliamentarian wants govt to find market for Sweet Potatoes

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July 13, 2009

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Bweengwa Constituency Member of Parliament, MP, Highvie Hamundundu, wants government consider helping identify a market for Sweet potatoes being produced by women groups in Monze district in Southern province.

Mr Hamundundu says lack of well established markets for the produce is discouraging women to increase production of the crop.

Mr Hamundundu says government should facilitate market access for agricultural produce as a measure of encouraging diversification and enhanced performance of the sector.

He told ZANIS in Lusaka that sweet potatoes can significantly contribute to foreign exchange earnings if producers are availed access to regional and international markets.

He observed that the produce has high demand in some neighbouring countries hence the need for government to enforce deliberate measures to facilitate the export of the commodity.

He observed that cassava and beef from Zambia is on high demand in Nigeria due to a private sector driven policy.[quote]

“Zambian sweet potatoes are of high quality and demand in neighbouring Angola, Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe but I wonder why the Zambian government cannot find a good market for our products when other countries are doing it. I believe preserving and processing the sweet potatoes is another way of packaging sweet potatoes.

“Cassava and beef from Zambia is on high demand in Nigeria because of the private sector driven policy,” Mr. Hamundundu said.

According to Mr. Hamundundu, Monze district in Southern province has the capacity of producing over 400,000 metric tonnes of sweet potatoes annually that can greatly contribute to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product.

ZANIS

Citizens Committee okays NGO’s Bill, but…..

General News

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July 12, 2009

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The citizens Committee has welcomed the revised Non-Governmental Organisation, NGO, Bill as long as it is not meant to undermine operations of any organisation.

Committee Executive Director, Gregory Chifire, says his organization will support the bill provided it helps promote democracy in the civil society as opposed to frustrating operations of organisations.

Mr Chifire told ZANIS in Lusaka today, that regulating operations of NGO’s should be done in a manner that will positively impact on democratic values of the country.

He said NGO’s contribute significantly to national development hence the need to put in place laws that will not retard their growth.

He said the Bill should be enforced as a tool for promoting performance of the civil society.

Meanwhile, Mr Chifire also pointed out that he expects the Bill to adjusted in a manner that would enhance transparency and accountability in the way donor funds are been utilized by NGOs.

He said donors, who gets tax payers money from other countries, are eager to know how their funds are utilized by the NGO’s.

He, further, challenged other NGO’s to be transparent in their operations and ensure that they reach their targeted audience and save the intended purpose that they were formed for.

Government is expected to table the bill that is aimed at regulating the operations NGO’s in the country when parliament resumes sitting this week.

Meanwhile, some Civil Society Groups in the country have objected the move by government saying the NGO’s the bill will stifle their operations and prevent them from providing independent checks and balances.

ZANIS

Ministry of Finance extends deadline for submission of budget proposals

Economy

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July 12, 2009

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The Ministry of Finance and National Planning has extended the deadline for submission of proposals for Tax and Non-Tax revenue to 24th July 2009.

Ministry Public Relations Officer, Chileshe Kandate, says the extension of the deadline is to ensure that all citizens including youth groups, individuals, and other stakeholders are given a chance to fully participate in the 2010 budget formulation process.

Mr. Kandate noted that by so doing all people will be playing a direct role in contributing to the attainment of the objectives of the Fifth National Development Plan (FNDP) and the Vision 2030.

In statement to ZANIS in Lusaka today, Mr. Kandeta explained that the extension is also aimed at appealing to the public to embrace the gesture so that consultations on the 2010 to 2012 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and the 2010 national budget are broadened.

He said by making such submissions on the tax and non-tax policy proposals at this stage, stakeholders will be contributing to the formulation of a people centered 2010 national budget.

Mr. Kandeta has explained that there is need for the submissions to clearly state the nature of the proposals, demonstrate pitfalls of the current tax regime and also indicate the pros and cons of the off shoot measures on how the tax base could be fairly and equitably expanded.

He added that then the Government’s Tax Policy Committee will scrutinize and assess all proposals based on their merit, impact on tax payers, effect on the economy and the significance to the shape and focus of the Zambian Tax Policy orientation for the period 2010 to 2012.

Mr. Kandeta has also confirmed that the Ministry of Finance has been receiving proposals from individuals and organizations since February this year.

He said to this effect the Ministry has been given enough time to study all the proposals adding that the deadline for the proposals for tax and non-tax will be published in order for stakeholders to analyse the submissions for next year’s budget.

He has, however, thanked individuals and organizations who have responded and have made submissions saying the 24th July deadline is final and there will be no further extensions of the budget formulation as the Ministry has a tight schedule before the 2010 National Budget is presented.

ZANIS

Siulapwa asks UNZA lecturers to resume work

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July 12, 2009

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New Generation Party leader Humphrey Siulapwa 'cools off' after addressing a press briefing in Lusaka

The New Generation Party, NGP, has called on striking University of Zambia, UNZA, lecturers to reconsider their position and resume work.

Party President, Humphrey Siulapwa, says there is need for lecturers to go back to work as their action is likely to impact negatively on the academic welfare of the of students at the highest learning institution.

Speaking in Lusaka today at a media briefing, Mr. Siulapwa said he expected lecturers to understand the effects of the current global economic crisis on Zambia’s economy.

He suggested that lecturers suspend their action until when the national economy stabilises in view f the global recession.

He said workers in the country should learn to sacrifice, adding that most governments and organizations in the world are reducing costs in order to cope with the global economic recession.

Mr. Siulapwa said his party will not sympathise with lecturers that will fail to report to work as directed by government, should disciplinary action be taken against them.

He added that the law stipulates that any public service worker is liable for dismiss is he stays away from work for 10 consecutive days.

He, further, warned that young people in the country will not sit back to watch unjustified work stoppages at the expense of their welfare.[quote]

UNZA lecturers have been on strike demanding improved conditions of service, and government has responded by offering them a 5 per cent pay rise.

And The New Generation Party has advised politicians to desist from politics of insults for the sake of national posterity.

NGP President, said that the heightened levels of politics of insults and disrespect among politicians is likely to affect the country’s good governance system.

He said there is need for persons aspiring for presidency to respect the incumbent office of the President for it to be dignified.

He explained that good governance can only be achieved through mutual understanding and tolerance which he said were lacking in the country despite it been the corner stone for development and prosperity.

Mr. Suilapwa has charged that the United Party for National Development, UPND, and the Patriotic Front, PF, pact has nothing to offer but create confusion on the political scene.

He said to this effect his party is not threatened saying the pact is bound to fail due to the difference in ideologies and manifestos between the two parties.

Mr. Suilapwa, further, stressed that it will be difficulty for the two parties to bring their ideas together as the UPND believes in a democratic system of governance and also has some of its members attending the National Constitution Conference, NCC, while the PF has a different approach on the matter.

He further noted that the majority of Zambians want change than just removing the MMD from power, which he said was the major objective of the pact.

ZANIS

37, 000 farmers in Lusaka to benefit from FSP this year

Economy

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July 12, 2009

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Government has allocated 7,400 metric tonnes of fertilizer and an additional 370 metric tones of seed to small scale farmers in Lusaka province for the 2009/2010 farming season.

About 37, 000 small scale farmers are targeted to benefit from the 3,700 metric tonnes D compound and 3,700 metric tonnes Urea fertilisers.

Lusaka Province Deputy Permanent Secretary, Chinjili Zulu, says government will continue supplying farming inputs at subsidized prices to small scale farmers in a bid to promote food security in the country.

Mr. Zulu said this yesterday in Chongwe district during the 83rd Lusaka Province Agricultural and Commercial Show under the theme “Challenge of Change”.

He has reiterated government’s commitment to promoting sustainable agriculture through crop diversification so that the sector contributes to the economic growth of the country.

Speaking earlier, Lusaka Province Agricultural and Commercial Show Chairperson, Eddie Namiluko, appealed to traditional leaders in the province to surrender sizable fertile lands for agricultural development.

Mr. Namiluko said the move will enhance agricultural activity and development thereby reducing poverty and hunger in the country.

He urged government to increase both the number of beneficiaries of the Fertilizer Support Programme (FSP) and the number of packs per farmer if they are to make a meaningful contribution to food production.

Mr. Namiluko has since appealed to government to expeditiously revise the FSP to ensure that loopholes that led to the abuse of the programme are sealed.

And government says over 77,000 vulnerable but viable farmers in Northern Province will benefit from this year’s subsidized inputs under the Fertilizer Support Programme.

Northern Province Minister, Charles Shawa, disclosed this when he officially opened the 39th Provincial Agricultural and Commercial Show under the theme “Challenge of Change,” held at Kasama sports stadium.

Mr Shawa said the increase in the number of beneficiaries follows Government decision to increase the fertilizer allocation to the province and also reduce the size of a pack from eight bags to four bags per person.

The Minister, further, said Government is considering using camp committees in the FSP input distribution to identify beneficiaries while approval shall be at provincial level, by the provincial agricultural committee.

He has since called for the immediate formation of the committee.

Mr Shawa has since warned beneficiaries against selling the subsidized inputs saying those who will do so, will be visited by the law.

He said Government is spending a lot of money on the subsidized inputs and does not expect anyone to sell the inputs.

Mr Shawa has, further, commended farmers in the province for their hard work which has resulted in increased crop production in the province.

He said according to the 2008/2009 crop forecast survey by Ministry of Agriculture through the Central Statistical office, the province is expected to produce 258,236metric tones of maize as compared to last season’s 171,232.

Mr Shawa added that Government is confident that with the increased fertilizer allocation this year, the province will produce more maize this farming season.

He has since advised farmers to start preparing by ensuring that they sell their produce at not less than the recommended K65, 000 per 50 Kilogramme bag of maize.

The minister warned that selling the maize below the recommended price will deprive the farmers of the economic benefit.

And show society Chairperson, Bernard Kaoma, urged farmers to take farming as a business and diversify their agricultural practices by growing different crops.

ZANIS

16 pupils from St. Joseph’s Girls in Mazabuka injured in road mishap

Rural News

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July 12, 2009

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At least 16 pupils from St. Joseph’s Girls High School in Mazabuka district have been injured and are battling for their lives in Mazabuka District hospital following a road traffic accident last night.

The accident occurred when the vehicle they were in collided head on with another on the Magoye-Chivuna Road.

The pupils were travelling from Monze, where they had gone to attend a Christian fellowship meeting at Monze high school.

Mazabuka District Hospital Administrator, John Zimba, who confirmed the development to ZANIS in Mazabuka today said 28 pupils were last night attended to by health workers and that 12 were discharged after been treated at the out patient department.

He also revealed that hospital staff last night treated and discharged a mother and her child from the other vehicle which was involved in the same accident.

Police have since arrested the teacher, who was driving the van that was transporting pupils, and charged him with dangerous driving and over loading.

Police traffic officers told ZANIS that preliminary investigations indicate that the accident happened because the driver of the van carrying the pupils was driving on the right lane hence the collision.

School head-teacher Sister Rosalia Sakayombo said the school only sanctioned 18 pupils to travel to Monze for the Young Christian Student celebration, hence wondered why more pupils traveled for the function.

Sr Sakayombo also said the van which was used to transport the pupils was hired from the teacher because the school truck was committed to other school programmes.

Mazabuka Mayor, Shaderick Mwiinga, who rushed to the hospital, described the accident as bad.

Mr Mwiinga said school authorities should endeavour to abide by government instructions to stop transporting pupils using vans or trucks to avoid risking the lives of children.

He has since challenged the Parents Teachers Association at the school to consider buying a school bus to secure transportation of pupils for various programmes.

ZANIS

Govt releases K3.7 billion for construction of new hospital in Choma

Rural News

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July 12, 2009

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Government has released K3.7 billion for the construction of a modern general hospital in Choma.

Opposition UPND Choma Member of Parliament, George Chazangwe, says the release of the funds reflects positive commitment by government to take health services closer to the people.

Mr Chazangwe told ZANIS in an interview in Choma today that government has initially allocated K 3.7 billion in this year’s national budget to facilitate the commencement of construction works of the new general hospital.

The MP, who did not disclose the total cost of the project, said the rest of the funds for the project will be disbursed in phases.

He said people, who attended a stakeholders meeting held yesterday to discuss the hospital issue, expressed gratitude to government for responding to calls from Choma residents for a modern hospital befitting the status of the district.

The meeting was attended by several Choma residents representing various interest groups as well as Choma District Commissioner, Laiven Apuleni.

He said the new hospital would be built next to the existing district hospital which has been described as unsuitable to operate as a health institution due to unfit infrastructure.

Mr Chazangwe said government would release funds in phases to ensure steady progress and completion of the district hospital.

Recently, during the tour of the hospital, the parliamentary committee on health chaired by Chikankata MP Munji Habeenzu recommended for the construction of a new general hospital to replace the existing facilities.

Inspectors in the ministry of health have on several occasions condemned the current facilities at Choma general hospital which they said posed a danger to both patients and personnel.

ZANIS

450 pupils sharing 15 desks at Chibwe Basic School in Choma

Headlines

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July 12, 2009

72

SOUTHERN Province Minister Daniel Munkombwe has castigated school authorities of Chibwe Basic School in Mapanza, Choma for allowing the 450 pupils to share 15 desks.

Mr Munkombwe has also ordered the District Commissioner Liven Apuleni to probe the matter and provide a report in a week’s time.

A visibly upset Mr Munkombwe gave the directive on Friday when he officiated at the handover ceremony of two boreholes at Chibwe and Katowa basic schools.

The boreholes have been donated by the Anglican Church in Zambia and the Garber Leadership United Methodist Church in New Bern, North Carolina in the United States of America.

Mr Munkombwe wondered why the school authorities have been quiet about the plight of the children and only brought this matter up during the handover ceremony of the boreholes.

He was reacting to a plea by Chibwe Basic School deputy head teacher, Musa Simaimbula, to well wishers and Government for desks.

Mr Simaimbula said his school was in dire need of desks and houses for teachers.
The school, which has 13 teachers, has only five houses.

Chief Mapanza, too, wondered why the school authorities did not inform him about the matter for him to raise it with the relevant authorities.

Mr Munkombwe said that if the head teacher was unable to handle the matter, she should leave the running of the school to those capable of doing so.

“If the head teacher is not worth leading this school, why should such a person be here? There is serious weakness in leadership in this school and as minister in charge of the province, I do not want to be associated with failure because I have never been a failure in my life,” Mr Munkombwe said.[quote]

“There is something sinister here and I want to have a detailed report on the matter soon,” he said.

Mr Munkombwe commended Anglican Church in Zambia bishop, David Njovu, for attracting the attention of his American friends from Zoe Ministries who have responded favourably to help alleviate the suffering of the people.

Bishop Njovu said the two boreholes cost US$10,000. He commended Zoe Ministries for raising the money.

Zoe Ministries representative and delegation leader, Robert Littleton, said he hoped that through the fellowship, people would taste the living water that Jesus Christ talked about in the Bible.

{Zambia Daily Mail]

What’s Following You?

Headlines

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July 12, 2009

13

TODAY´S SCRIPTURE

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever” (Psalm 23:6, NKJ)

TODAY´S WORD from Joel and Victoria

As a believer in Jesus, did you know that goodness and mercy are following you? God´s grace and favor are chasing you down! But if you live with a cloud of condemnation over you, if you surround yourself with negativity, then you are putting a barrier between yourself and the blessings of God.

So many believers today miss out on what God has in store for them because they live like they´ve got a dark cloud over their heads. They´re always talking doom and gloom, living in condemnation. But when you open your heart to receive what God has for you, that cloud is lifted and all that´s left is His goodness and mercy!

Instead of living in guilt and shame, God desires that you walk in His love and forgiveness. Make the decision today to let go of condemnation, let go of the past through forgiveness, let go of self–defeating behaviors, and embrace His goodness and mercy! Let His favor surround you like a shield so you can live the life of victory He has in store for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father in heaven, I humbly come to You today asking that You remove anything in my heart that would keep me from You. Give me a heart of forgiveness so that I can move forward into all You have for me. In Jesus´ Name. Amen.

Joel Osteen ministries

Govt keen to develop sports stadia

Feature Sports

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July 11, 2009

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Ministry of Sport,Youth and Child development Permanent Secretary Susan Sikaneta (in blue) is surrounded by officials from CHinese An Hui construction firm who have been engaged to repair the Independence stadium.

Government says it is determined to ensure state of the art

national stadium is put in place in Lusaka.

Sport, Youth and Child Development Permanent Secretary, Susan Sikaneta, says the country is currently relies on Konkola Stadium in Chililabombwe on the Copperbelt for important international matches.

Speaking when she met a 9-man delegation from China at the Independence stadium in Lusaka today, The PS said government is geared to accelerate the funds for the completion of the US$65 million Independence Stadium.

Ms. Sikaneta said told the Chinese Architectures and Engineers that they will be working closely with her Ministry and the Ministry of Works and Supply.

She said the Ndola stadium that is under construction will cost US$65 million, while the Livingstone one would cost US$57 million.

She disclosed that her ministry has devised an action plan to facilitate smooth construction works at the stadium.

She said her ministry will be conducting inspection tours and monitoring of construction works of the three stadiums on a monthly basis.

She said Zambia is keen to learn from China in the area of construction and engineering.

And Chinese delegation leader Jin Meikang said three stadia to be constructed in the country will have the life span of 50 years.

Mr. Meikang, who is in the country to conduct feasibility studies on the construction of the stadia, said the stadia will be of international standards with a capacity of over 40,000 spectators.

Yesterday, Mr. Meikang and his team from Anltui Foreign T-conomil Construction Group arrived in the country to construct three stadiums in Zambia.

Recently, Sport, Youth and Child Development Minister Kenneth Chipungu accompanied with his Permanent Secretary Susan Sikaneta visited China to negotiate for the construction of modern sports infrastructure to which the Chinese government has favorably responded.

ZANIS

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