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Esther wins the WIBA lightweight belt

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Zambia ‘s women boxing heroin Esther Phiri, today won convincingly against Ratree Kreakae to add a fifth belt after she sent her opponent to the canvas in the fourth round to become the new Women International Boxing Association (WIBA) at Hood Restaurant in Nairobi, Kenya.

Esther was far superior throughout the fight against the little known Thailand boxer who hardly threw an effective punch against the celebrated Zambian female boxer.

Esther has the Women International Boxing Association (WIBA) junior belt, World Boxing Council (WBC) super featherweight belt,Women International Boxing Federation (WIBF)and the Global Boxing Union (GBU) lightweight belt.

In the supportive bout, Zambia’s bantamweight boxer Kennedy Kanyanta retained his Global Boxing Union (GBU) belt after out boxing his Kenyan rival Twalib Mibiru

And the Association of National Team Supporters (ANTS) ANTS Acting Secretary General (SG) Bob Kayukwa has congratulated Esther for her convincing win over Kreakea.

ANTS Acting Secretary General (SG) Bob Kayukwa said his organization was pleased with Esther continued spirit of flying the Zambian flag high.

Mr. Kayukwa said in an interview in Lusaka today that Esther’s victory has made many Zambians to be proud of Esther.

The ANTS Secretary General said the Victorious Esther also deserves all the thunderous welcome from all Zambians.

He said Esther was focused in the boxing matches adding that this was why she was able to beat her opponent from Thailand.

Mr. Kayukwa has since urged Esther to continue with the same spirit adding that they would be other tougher boxing matches ahead of her.

ZANIS/AJN/ENDS/MM

Govt releases K 440.8 Billion for infrastructure development.

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Government has so far released K440.8 Billion for capital expenditure towards infrastructure development and rehabilitation programmes approved by Parliament as part of the 2009 budget.

The release of K440.8 Billion represents 24.7% percent release out of the K1. 781 trillion total capital expenditure budget planned for 2009.

According to Finance and National Planning ministry spokesperson Chileshe Kandeta, in a statement today, said the release of 24.7% of infrastructure funds for 2009 is consistent with his ministry’s fiscal policy focus for 2009 geared towards increasing expenditure on infrastructure and social services.

He said it is also in line with the Government’s objectives of encouraging diversification and enhancing competitiveness.

Mr Kandeta has urged members of the public to take greater interest in Government financed public works and projects being implemented in their localities to ensure that tax-payers resources are applied for intended purposes.

” In this way, we will then be participating in the development of the country and ensuring that optimum socio-economic benefits of these public works and projects accrue to the people of Zambia and the communities in which the infrastructure rehabilitation and development programmes are being implemented,” he says in the release.

And break down the funds, the Ministry of Works and Supply has received K165.2 Billion being proceeds from fuel levy for use towards road maintenance activities by the Road Development Agency.[quote]

Mr Kandeta said K6 Billion has also been released for construction of new office blocks in Lusaka and Chongwe and an additional K6 Billion for boarder facilities at Katima-Mulilo Bridge.

” K 2 Billion is for construction of houses and K4 Billion for other boarder infrastructure while K 7.6 Billion has been released for the Chirundu Boarder Infrastructure towards completion of works related to the flight terminal, the passenger control building, the sewerage disposal system, installation of street lighting and construction of the drug enforcement dog kernels all of which are being executed in line with the FNDP goal of having well developed and properly maintained quality infrastructure for sustainable national development by 2030,” he said.

He further explains that The Ministry of Works and Supply has also received K 10 Billion for construction of housing units for the Zambia Army, Zambia National Service in Makeni and the Zambia Air Force at Twin Palm in Lusaka while the Central Statistical Office (CSO) has received K2 Billion to speed up completion of its office block along Nationalist road in Lusaka.

K29.3 Billion on the other hand has been released for the construction and procurement of housing units and, construction of a forensic laboratory and hospital infrastructure under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Among other resources released to the same Ministry is K 2.3 Billion for prisons infrastructure development at Mwembeshi, Livingstone, Luwingu, and Kalabo. In addition, K2.7 Billion has been released for construction of immigration headquarters offices and boarder control posts at Kamapanda, Kilwa Island, Kambimbi, Namafulo, Sindamisale, Kanyala and Imusho.

Mr Kandeta says in the same statement that K2 Billion has been released for the rural electrification fund under the Ministry of Energy and Water Development of which K300 Million is for the Nansanga Farm Block and K1.7 Billion for the Kasaba Bay Electrification Project.

For the Ministry of Local Government and Housing, K 2.9 Billion has been released for water supply and sanitation and K1.78 Billion for construction of low cost houses.

On the other hand, the Ministry of Education has received K 18 Billion for construction of High Schools, K23.4 Billion for construction of Basic Schools, K4 Billion for infrastructure development at the Mulungushi University, K2 Billion infrastructure development at the University of Zambia and K1 Billion for infrastructure development at the Copperbelt University whereas among other resources.

Mr Kandeta said the Ministry of Science Technology and Vocational Training has received K1.75 Billion for rehabilitation of the Choma Trades Training Institute and K1.5 Billion for construction of Ukwimi Trades Training Institute.

On the part of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, K1.6 Billion has been allocated for the Bangweulu Research Station, K 1 Billion for rehabilitation of camp and block houses, among other things, in Mpongwe District.

Govt to provide Laboratory services in all heath clinics

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Government says it is committed to providing quality biomedical laboratory services in all health centers and hospitals in the country.

Minister of Health (MOH) Kapembwa Simbao said biomedical laboratories,at all levels of health care, play a vital role in the health care system, the world over.

Mr. Simbao said this in a speech read on his behalf by Ministry of Health Assistance Director, Administration and Logistics Faith Kangwa at the closing of the biomedical laboratory awareness week in Lusaka last evening.

He said it was for this reason that the government in 1997 developed a National Laboratory Policy whose purpose is to guide government and all stakeholders on the norms of biomedical practice.

Mr. Simbao implored the Biomedical Society of Zambia (BMSZ) to ensure that graduates from the University of Zambia (UNZA) and other training institutions abide by the code of training.

He said abiding by the code would enable them to practice in clinics and hospitals in the country.

ZANIS/AJN/ENDS/MM

Musokotwane courts IFC to partner with Zambian government to develop Kasaba Bay

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Finance and National Planning Minister Hon. Situmbeko Musokotwane has urged the International Finance Corporation (IFC)to partner with the Zambian government to develop Kasaba Bay into a major tourism attraction.

Dr. Musokotwane said Kasaba Bay can be developed into a major tourism attraction that can contribute to the sustainable economic growth of its people.

He said Kasaba Bay could easily turn into an international destination with appropriate infrastructure such as an airport, roads, power, accommodation, shopping facilities, electricity, water and telecommunication .

He added that Kasaba Bay could be very central to attract International Conferences and Meetings to its clients compared to other places in Southern and East Africa.

The minister said this at a meeting this afternoon with the IFC Vice President and Africa Management Team , Mr. Thiery Tanoh in Washington DC.

And Mr Tanoh said the IFC will send an expert from its Johannesburgh office before the end of May to assess whether Kasaba Bay can attract private sector involvement.

He agreed with Dr Musokotwane’s explanation that Kasaba Bay was indeed an important project to embark on.He also stated that IFC had mobilized funds for investment in sectors such as mining and telecommunications infrastructure.[quote]

Special Assistant to the President for Economic Development, Dr. Richard Chembe, Budget and Economic Affairs Permanent Secretary, Emmanuel Ngulube attended the meeting.

Also in attendance were,Director (Financial Markets)at Bank of Zambia (BOZ) Peter Banda and Ambassador of Zambia to the United States of America, Dr. Inonge Mbikusita Lewanika.

This is contained in a release to ZANIS signed by Assistant Secretary for Press at the Zambian Embassy in the U.S.A , Ben Kangwa.
ZANIS/MM/ENDS/MM

RB challenges LAZ to suggest framework against graft

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President Rupiah Banda has challenged the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) to make suggestions on how the legal framework to fight corruption could be strengthened to protect the country’s meagre public resources.

Mr Banda said government recently approved a new National Anti-Corruption (NAC) policy under which a modern legislation would be enacted to enhance the fight against corruption.

The President however noted that during the fight against corruption, accused persons should be subjected to the due process of the law adding that their human rights should be respected.

He said government shall not interfere in the judicial process adding that the role of adjudicating cases would be left to the courts which should reach verdicts based on the evidence available and accused persons should be subjected to fair trial.

Mr Banda was speaking in Livingstone last night during the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) annual ball held at Zambezi Sun.

He further called on LAZ to give recommendations on how government could improve the justice delivery system so that it was efficient, corrupt free and fair.

Mr Banda said government was currently undertaking an access to justice programme aimed at decongesting the courts and the prisons adding that government was also constructing court infrastructure countrywide.

He also said the the constitutional review process and the African Peer Review Mechanism are important programmes aimed at improving governance standards in the country.[quote]

Mr Banda said the country needs a good constitution for the country and urged lawyers to participate fully in the important programmes adding that the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) has been in the forefront of of advocating for a good constitution.

” Regarding the Constitutional Review Process and the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), i understand that you are already participating in these important programmes and that your members are representing you in these processes,” he said.

”We in government consider these consultative programmes as key in engaging our people and improving on our governance standards,” he said.

Speaking earlier, out-going LAZ President Elias Banda said law was an important tool and instrument of social change.

He said the demand for legal services transcends all over the country but regretted that the services were only available along the line of rail.

And newly-elected LAZ president Stephen Lungu who poured 198 votes against his only rival Musa Mwenya who got 160 votes said the association would continue working with government.

President Rupiah Banda who was in Livingstone to officially opened the 18th Ordinary Synod of the Anglican Church and the Law Association of Zambia annual ball has since left for Lusaka.

He was seen off at the Livingstone International Airport by Southern Province Minister Daniel Munkombwe and other senior government and party officials.
ZANIS/FM/ENDS/MM

Let President Banda travel freely – Shikapwasha

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ronnie_shikapwashaChief Government spokesman, Lieutenant General Ronnie Shikapwasha says that Republican President Rupiah Banda has the right to travel locally and internationally.

Lieutenant General Shikapwasha explained that people should understand that whenever President Banda travels, it was for the benefit of the entire country.

He told ZANIS in an interview in Lusaka yesterday, that Mr Banda is entitled to be on both local and international trips adding that the President has the right to travel when necessary.

Lt. Gen. Shikapwasha, who is also Information and Broadcasting Services Minister, said that Citizens should be mindful that whenever the President travels, it was for serious business.

The Chief Government spokesperson said it was from these trips that the President sometimes makes decisions that have helped the nation greatly.

He said it was because the President has been able to market the country and that this has also attracted some investors to consider visiting and investing in the country.[quote]

Lt.Gen.Shikapwasha also said with the economic crisis the country was experiencing there was need for all stakeholders to work closely with the government of the day.

He said with more concerted efforts from all stakeholders the economic crisis the country was experiencing can be dealt with.

There have been calls from some sectors of society calling upon President Rupiah Banda to consider reducing on local and international trips.

ZANIS/AJN/ENDS/MM

Nega Nega child killers re-arrested.

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Police in Mazabuka have re-arrested a couple from Nega Nega area who escaped from police cells and relocated to Mazabuka,after being locked up for allegedly killing their 19 month old baby.

Police in Mazabuka, who confirmed the development to ZANIS today, said the couple had been on the run for the last two years.
Police said the couple which was arrested by alert officers from Nega Nega are currently detained at Mazabuka Police station cells.

Police said the couple was pounced on at Show grounds shanty township yesterday.

Preliminary investigations have established that the couple who got married recently decided to murder the child because the husband allegedly felt uncomfortable looking after a step child.

” The suspects agreed to kill the baby boy because the step father felt uncomfortable looking after the boy and besides that he wanted to have his own children in the home,” Police said.

The Wife is the biological mother to the deceased boy.

ZANIS/HC/End/MM

Govt urged to Train Chiefs on traditional legal instruments

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Chief Macha, of the Tonga speaking people, has urged government to train Traditional leaders and their retainers (messengers) to become knowledgeable on legal instruments on traditional leadership.

And Home Affairs minister Kalombo Mwansa has announced that government is to construct a fully fledged police station in Chief Macha’s area to enhance security.

Speaking at his palace when Dr Mwansa called on him, chief Macha said most chiefs were ignorant about various pieces of legislation that they were supposed to administer.

“I have fear that one day, our subjects will drag a chief to court because we make serious decisions whether right or wrong which hinge on peoples’ rights. [quote]

” We need to be oriented to the chiefs’ Act, Messengers Act and several others that we administer,” he told the minister.

He said the need for chiefs to be acquainted with basic law and other legal instruments is to save them from embarrassment because they preside over serious matters in their chiefdoms for which some of the aggrieved subjects could drag them to the courts of law.

“I must confess that some of the decisions we make are illegal because we do them out of ignorance. There is danger that some subjects can sue and a chief will be dragged to court because he is not above the law,” he said.

Chief Macha said the Home Affairs ministry must also provide basic training to chiefs’ messenger on security and protection.

He said the present scenario in which messengers were ignorant of security posed grave danger to chiefs.

“You find that when a messenger wants to salute you, he does it in a strange way as if he wants to beat you up. I have been frightened by some salutes of my messengers because it is like he wants to beat you,” Chief Macha said.

Chief Macha said personal protection of the chiefs was in the hands of their retainers, hence the need for their adequate training.

He said village vigilantes also need to be trained on how to make effect arrests on suspects to avoid violation of human rights.

In reply, Dr Mwansa said the concerns raised by chief Macha were serious and that government would study them.

He said chiefs were custodians of some Acts which are supposed to be enforced by them.

“The fact that you are not knowledgeable about the very Acts that you are supposed to administer is not good enough. Working with the ministry of local government, we will see how to address this,” Dr Mwansa said.

And Dr Mwansa said government will fund the construction of a new police station in chief Macha’s area because of increased economic activities in the area requiring proper security.

The minister who was accompanied by district commissioner Laiven Apuleni said government was thankful that chief Macha had offered land earmarked for the construction of the police station and camp.

He said government will work hard to ensure that funding for the proposed police project is sourced.

ZANIS/CM/ENDS/MM

Govt committed to reduce malaria rate by half by 2010

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Government says it is committed to achieving the Role Back Malaria goals of reducing the pandemic by fifty percent by 2010 in line with the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Health Minister Kapemba Simbao said in view of the Sociol-economic impact of malaria, the Fifth National Development Plan (FNDP) focuses on the eradication of malaria as one of the key health priorities.

Mr Simbao said the country has already attained the Role Back Malaria Goal as stipulated in the World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines.

He was speaking when he officiated at this year’s commemoration of World Malaria Day held at Mbinga Rural Health Centre in the outskirts of Katete Boma, in Katete today.[quote]

Mr Simbao said according to the WHO news release of April this malaria deaths reported in Health facilities have declined by 66 percent.

” Our ultimate goal is to attain a malaria – free Zambia and what we have done so far is a remarkable achievement, ” he said.

Mr Simbao noted that Zambia was one of the countries that attended the 2000 Abuja summit in Nigeria where it was a signatory to the declaration to ensure that 60 percent of people had access to cost-effective and affordable anti-malaria drugs.

He however expressed concern that most of the people who owned Insecticide Treated Mosquito Nets (ITNs) only slept under them the first day they acquired them adding that according to 2008 malaria indicator survey about 41.1 percent of children aged between zero and 59 months slept under a net the night before the survey, while 43.2 percent of pregnant women did the same.

” We must not just implement interventions but regularly assess our performance to determine if we are achieving the desired impact and using resources in a cost-effective manner,” Mr Simba said.

He said government was committed to ensuring that malaria control measures were intensified in the country.

The health minister said it was the reason why his ministry was providing ITNs and tools to diagnose malaria besides prevention measures for pregnant women were scaled up.

He said he was happy that the availability for the effective drugs for the treatment of malaria had greatly improved adding that people should not lose their lives as a result of malaria because the drug were easily accessible and free of charge in all health institutions.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief of Mission at the United States of America (USA) Embassy, Michael Koplovsky challenged all communities to have a role to play in the fight against malaria.

Mr Koplovsky said malaria caused Africa to more that K70 trillion every year in terms of treatment and there was need to have a call to action.

” Zambia and USA are looking into this to prevent and treat malaria where the In house Residual Spraying (IRS) to prevent malaria was done to 670,000 house in Zambia to protect more than four million people from the disease,” he stated..

Mr Koplovsky added that despite using ITNs and spraying people needed to be diagnosed on malaria every time they had a fever if the country was to count malaria out as per this year’s theme states.

And World Health Organisation Country Representative Dr Olusegun Babaniyi commnded government for drawing near to the MDGs number five and six that aimed at reducing malaria by 2015.

Dr Babaniyi added that Malaria prevention and reduction has been a success in the country because of government’s consistence in programs stipulated in the National Strategic Plan.

ZANIS/DM/SM/ENDS/MM.

African Finance ministers welcome G-20 commitments

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African Ministers of Finance have welcomed the commitments made by G20 nations at their London Meeting, recently.

The ministers have also hailed the prompt action by International Finance Institutions (IFSs) to step up concessional and other financial support for developing countries.

Speaking at a press briefing jointly with his Niger counterpart Ali Mahamanein Washington on Thursday, Finance and National Planning Minister Stumbeko Musokotwane said the African Ministers stressed the need for rapid fulfillment of the commitments made.

He however noted that the commitments fall short of the needs of low income countries.

Dr. Musokotwane said African Ministers of Finance reviewed progress in implementing the HIPC and MDRI initiatives.

He noted that there were a lot of challenges that remain if countries are to benefit fully from the initiatives including increasing participation by all creditors in the initiatives.

The Ministers also reviewed tackling the problems of litigation by vulture funds, maintaining debt sustainability less vulnerable to future shocks and changes in financing conditions.

Staff from the Zambian Embassy in Washington DC led by Ambassador Mbikusita Lewanika would be joining the Zambian delegation at the meeting.

During the meeting the Finance Minister and his delegation would also take part in various discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank (WB).

He is also expected to attend the bilateral and multilateral meetings with two institutions.

This is contained in a press release signed and made available to ZANIS in Lusaka today.

ZANIS/AJN/ENDS/MM

Govt reitterates its committment to work with the church

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Government has reiterated its commitment to work closely with the church to foster national development.

Chief Government spokesperson Ronnie Shikapwasha said this is because the church has always advised government on a number of cardinal issues.

Lieutenant General Shikapwasha, also Information and Broadcasting services minister, said this at the 10th anniversary of Christian Faith Mission Church (CFMC) in Lusaka today.

He said it was for this reason that the church was invited to deliberate at the National Indaba on the way forward on the economic crisis the country was experiencing.

Lt.Gen Shikapwasha said government will always value the all the counsel and advise that the church gives to the government.

He said government working hand in hand with the church would help in the development of the country.

The Chief Government implored the church in the country to play a leading role in unifying the people of Zambia.

He also said the church was aware of government’s efforts in the fight against poverty and other vices in the country.

Meanwhile, Christian Faith Mission Church founding President Peter Chanda says there is need for all stakeholders in the country to unite in order to find the way forward on the current social- economic crisis the country was experiencing.

Pastor Chanda said there was need to come together and build the country regardless of one’s political and social status.

ZANIS/AJN/ENDS/MM

The Breath of God

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Today’s Scripture

“[It is] the Spirit of God that made me [which has stirred me up], and the breath of the Almighty that gives me life [which inspires me]”
(Job 33:4, AMP)

Today’s WORD from Joel and Victoria

In Genesis, the Bible tells us that God breathed life into Adam. Not only does God breathe life into our physical bodies, He breathes life into our dreams and desires. He breathes new life and inspiration into your heart. I believe, even right now, He’s breathing a bigger vision into your spirit. One scripture says, “It’s not by our might. It’s not by our power. But it’s by the breath of Almighty God.” As God breathes on your life, things are going to get easier. Negative situations are going to turn around. You’re going to have wisdom beyond your years. You’re going to have a resolve that will not give up, an attitude that refuses to quit.

Everywhere you go, you need to imagine the most powerful force in the universe is blowing in your direction. Believe that His favor and inspiration are on your life. Look for those opportunities that God will use to take you further than you dreamed. As you trust that God is breathing in your direction, you’ll see His hand of grace and favor moving you forward in victory in every area of your life!

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, thank You for breathing in my direction. Thank You for giving life to my dreams, hopes, and desires. I trust that Your favor is working on my behalf. I give You glory for every good thing in my life. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Zanaco Cut Forest to Stay Top at Dola Hill

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Zanaco stayed top of the Faz Premier Division table for a third straight week after an emphatic 4-0 away win over Forest Rangers at Dola Hill in Ndola this afternoon.

Wedson Nyirenda’s side move up from 10 to 13 points, one less than Green Buffaloes who replaced Forest in second place after they beat Nakambala at home this afternoon.

Allen Mukuka put Zanaco ahead in the 8th minute before this seasons top scorer Patrick Kabamba scored his 6th league goal of the season in the 20th minute.

Midfielder Jack Chileshe joined Kabamba on six goals when added two more to after the break to see Zanaco stay unbeaten in their last five successive league games.

At Woodlands Stadium in Lusaka, Buffaloes defeated Nakambala Leopards 2-1.

Just half-way across town in Lusaka at Queensmead Stadium, City of Lusaka’s early good form continued when they  beat hosts Lusaka Dynamos 1-0 thanks to a Kennedy Chola goal in the 33rd minute.

However, Dynamos could have equalized in the 66th minute had Katongo Chalwe’s penalty kick not been saved.

City are 4th and three points behind leaders Zanaco following their away derby win.

Elsewhere, Roan United beat Red Arrows 1-0 at Kafubu Stadium in Luanshya, while Konkola Blades and Chambishi played out to a 1-1 draw at Konkola Stadium in Chililabombwe.

Power Dynamos continued to slip off the pace after a bright start earlier in the season when Zamtel now coached by a former Arthur Davies icon in the form of Linos Makwaza beat them 2-0 at Musa Kasonka Stadium in Ndola today.

Chris Mwamba and Isaac Nyirenda were on target for Zamtel in the 15th and 21st minutes respectively.

The victory handed Makwaza his first league win in charge after two draws and a defeat since taking charge of Zamtel four games ago.

And at Nkoloma stadium in Lusaka, Kabwe Warriors beat hosts Young Arrows 2-1.

Meanwhile, Zesco United and Choma Eagles match was postponed due to the formers late arrival on Thursday from their Caf African Champions League engagement away to Malian club Djoliba.

[leaguestandings league_id=1 mode=extend logo=false]

CB MMD warns new Radio Icengelo station manager

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The MMD on the Copperbelt have appealed to newly appointed Radio Icengelo station manager, Wilbroad Mwape, to preach peace and reconciliation in the country instead of pursing a political agenda like his predecessor, Father Frank Bwalya.

MMD Ndola district information and publicity vice secretary, Alex Mubanga said in an interview in Ndola yesterday that it was not encouraging to note that Fr Mwape has already allegedly started getting involved in politics, despite the earlier advice given to him by the Ndola Dioceses vicar-general to speak against injustices.

“We are getting worried as a party in the district because Fr Mwape has already started behaving like his predecessor Fr Frank Bwalya in terms of speaking against Government leaders. Let him play his role as a priest and station manager and not getting involved in politics,” Mr Mubanga said.

He said the party would not entertain Fr Mwape to attack Government leaders unnecessarily like his predecessor.

Mr Mubanga said the Catholic Church should play its role of preaching peace and love among political leaders for the benefit of the country.

“Our appeal to Fr Mwape is not to be swayed by politics and attacks on Government but to use the church and the radio station to preach peace and love among politicians for the benefit of the country,” he said.

Mr Mubanga said the people on the Copperbelt hoped that the radio station’s new manager would not pursue a political agenda like his predecessor, but would use the station for the benefit of the Catholic Church and the community in the province.

He was reacting to Fr Mwape’s calls on Vice-President George Kunda to resign for allegedly having supported Ms Siliya’s alleged abuse of office.

Fr Mwape said Mr Kunda should resign on moral grounds for having defended Ms Siliya who was later found to have breached the constitution by the tribunal set up to investigate the alleged abuse of office.

[Zambia Daily Mail]

Magande annoys Teta

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Benny Tetamashimba
Benny Tetamashimba

THE ruling MMD has asked former Minister of Finance and National Planning Ng’andu Magande to immediately stop making unwarranted statements about the resignation of former Minister of Communications and Transport, Dora Siliya.

MMD chairperson for information and publicity, Benny Tetamashimba, said in an interview in Lusaka yesterday that it is unfortunate that Mr Magande can ask a fellow parliamentarian to resign when he is not a spokesperson for the party or the National Assembly.

“We are advising Magande to keep quiet because he is not the party spokesperson. He isn’t even spokesperson for Parliament. Who is he speaking for?” Mr Tetamashimba, who is also Minister of Local Government and Housing, asked.

He said it was unthinkable for Mr Magande to ask Ms Siliya to resign as a member of Parliament (MP).

Mr Tetamashimba said Mr Magande should have been the first to resign after information surfaced that he allegedly supported an attempt to bail out the defunct Zambian Airways.

“He, therefore, cannot condemn Ms Siliya. Infact, he failed to bring votes for President Banda during last year’s elections in his constituency. So, he should keep quiet,” Mr Tetamashimba said.

Mr Magande, who is Chilanga MMD Member of Parliament was yesterday quoted in The Post newspaper as having demanded the resignation of Ms Siliya as an MP.

He was reported to have said Ms Siliya cannot continue to hold her position in Parliament.

Mr Magande was also quoted as having said that President Banda should not have accepted Ms Siliya’s resignation as Minister of Communications and Transport because he is still studying the findings of the tribunal.

He said as an MP and Cabinet minister, Ms Siliya swore to uphold the constitution.

Mr Magande said if Ms Siliya committed an offence against the constitution, she could not hold a position in a place where the constitution was paramount law.
[Zambia Daily Mail]

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