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The Post newspaper, one of the shareholders of the debt-ridden Zambian Airways, has reportedly asked the Development Bank of Zambia (DBZ) for an “amicable resolution” over K14 billion the newspaper allegedly guaranteed on behalf of the airline.
According to the online publication, Executive Issues, The Post, through its lawyers MNB, said they were still open to an amicable solution to the DBZ claim following a second demand notice to them.
The demand notice was sent by DBZ lawyers, Malambo and Company. The state-owned DBZ has demanded that The Post settles the claim or face court action.
When contacted by phone yesterday MNB lawyer, Mutembo Nchito, could not say anything over the matter and the line got cut. Further attempts to talk to him proved futile, as his phone was not being answered.
The Executive Issues quotes “sources at MNB” as saying that the law firm has been retained to defend The Post and JCN following a demand letter from DBZ to the two companies demanding money which the allegedly guaranteed under the buy-back equity transaction.
JCN is a company owned by Mr Nchito and his brother Nchima Nchito.
The online publication quotes a letter said to be from MNB as stating: “Our clients are still open to an amicable solution of this matter.”
The publication also states that The Post and JCN argue that they cannot pay the stated amount because the transaction to swap the DBZ loans into equity in Zambian Airways was never finalised.
DBZ is claiming a total of K28 billion – K14 billion each from JCN and The Post.
PRESIDENT Banda has castigated leaders of opposition political parties for criticising him when he has only ruled Zambia for five months so far.
Mr Banda said in Mongu yesterday that Parliament had just approved his first national budget, which targets to address plight of the poor people.
“Work has just started. We expect those in opposition, those who didn’t want us, to naturally assume that we are wrong people, that we haven’t done anything.
“The Minister of Finance (and National Planning Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane) has just rolled out a sound budget, which has targeted to address the plight of Zambians wherever they are, considering Zambia’s limitations and those of the world,” Mr Banda said.
He was speaking at Mongu Airport yesterday where hundreds of residents received him to a thunderous welcome for this year’s Kuomboka ceremony.
President Banda said he would not sink to the low levels of some opposition leaders who do not respect the people.
“Zambia is big and for you to be a leader you have to respect people. You don’t have to count on few people who you think come from where you come from. I will always count on you people (of Western Province) to block this kind of leadership,” he said.
Mr Banda thanked the people of Western Province for supporting him and the MMD during campaigns for last year’s presidential election.
“I would like to thank the Royal Highness Litunga and all other royal highnesses and all our party workers for the wonderful work they did to ensure that what was started by my predecessor, who concentrated on developing this province, continues,” he said.
He said people of Western Province were wonderful and described them as special people with a great culture.
He was pleased to work with many of his ministers, permanent secretaries and administrators who hail from Western Province because they know what loyalty to leadership means.
And Mr Banda said he was well, fit, and ready to lead Zambia, considering all the attacks he had been subjected to since he assumed office.
He asked Zambians to remain united and peaceful if the country was to develop.
President Banda said there were too many examples of countries where warfare was the order of the day because their people had failed to be united and peaceful.
The President said he would today take an aerial view of flooded areas in the province for the government to determine how to help the victims.
“It is our duty to look after people who face difficulties as a result of floods,” he said.
Earlier, MMD national chairperson Michael Mabenga said the opposition should not waste their time on criticising Mr Banda because the first national budget under his leadership had just been passed by Parliament.
Mr Mabenga, who is also Mulobezi member of Parliament, advised the people of Western Province to neither waiver nor be discouraged by opposition leaders’ criticism of Mr Banda, but to move forward with the President’s aspirations and programmes.
He said people in the area voted for the MMD in 2006 and 2008 because of their belief in the ruling party and its policies.
He advised party leaders at all levels to explain to the people good things that the MMD was doing.
Western Province minister, Adonis Mufalali, said people in the area were grateful for Government’s quick response to the plight of flood victims.
“I am convinced that nobody will die of starvation as long as the MMD remains in power,” he said.
Mr Banda was later in the day scheduled to pay a courtesy on the Litunga in Lealui, and receive the paramount chief at Nayuma Harbour in Limulunga.
He is today expected to inspect components of 40 bridges for the Mongu-Kalabo Road, before taking an aerial view of flooded areas from Libonda to Mongu.
Mr Banda is scheduled to depart Mongu for Lusaka at 14:00 hours after lunch at Limulunga, courtesy of the Litunga.
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God”
(Philippians 4:6, NASB).
Today’s Word from Joel and Victoria
So many people today are living uptight, worried and anxious about the future, filled with frustration and concern. In the natural there may be good reason, but understand, that is not God’s best. God doesn’t want us to live in anxiety and frustration; He wants us to live in peace. You can find rest in Him knowing that no matter what is happening around you, God Almighty has His hand on you.
The next time you’re tempted to worry or be anxious about something, remember this verse. God invites us to come to Him. In fact, the Bible says He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. But notice, we can’t just come to Him any old way. He wants us to come to Him with a heart of gratitude and thanksgiving. Begin by simply saying, “Father in heaven, thank You for the privilege to come before You. Thank You for hearing my prayers.” As you come to Him with an open and humble heart, He will hear you and fill you with His peace and joy all the days of your life.
A Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, today I choose to be anxious for nothing. I choose to set aside my worries and concerns. I thank You for Your faithfulness to meet every need in my life. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Zanaco remain top of the Faz Premier Division table but find themselves in a three-way tie at the summit after Konkola Blades erased their two-point lead with a draw today at Konkola Stadium in Chililabombwe.
-Konkola Blades 1- Zanaco 1
A last minute goal from Blades striker Christian Mpoyi scuttled Zanaco’s quest to keep the chasing pack at a distance after Patrick Kabamba put the visitors ahead in the 28th minute of the game to score his 5th goal of the season.
Zanaco shift from 9 to 10 points after the draw.
-Forest Rangers 1- Roan United 0
Forest Rangers are second and level on 10 points with Zanaco after forgotten striker Kameta Mutambo scored a rare goal in the 46th minute to hand Roan United their third defeat of the season.
-Young Arrows 0- Zesco United 1
Zesco United too joined leaders Zanaco and Forest on 10 points after beating Young Arrows 1-0 away at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka.
Midfielder Josphat Nkhoma scored the games lone goal in the 78th minute to give Zesco a morale boosting win as they head to Mali this week to face Djoliba next Sunday in the two sides Caf African Champions League pre-group phase first leg match.
-Green Buffaloes 2- Red Arrows 1
Red Arrows lost their first league match of the season after losing 2-1 away to Buffaloes at Woodlands Stadium in Lusaka.
Tyson Chikwanda put Buffaloes ahead in the 26th minute but Arrows leveled ten minutes later through Stanley Banda.
Ex-Arrows striker Brian Lubaba handed Buffaloes the 3 points with a goal of his own just before the break.
Arrows now limp off to Egypt this coming week after the defeat to face Enppi in Cairo in a Caf Confederations Cup second round, first leg match over the weekend.
-Zamtel 0- Kabwe Warriors 1
Kabwe Warriors recorded their first league win of the season after recording a 1-0 away victory at Zamtel to end the latter’s new coach Linos Makwaza’s two-match honeymoon.
Ex-Nkana midfielder Masuzyo Mubanga scored the winner in the 82nd minute to give the Railwaymen the 3 points.
-Power Dynamos 1 – City of Lusaka 1
Power Dynamos’ Houdini act under Mohamed Fathy continued when they came from behind to finish 1-1 at home against City of Lusaka.
Felix Ludaka put City ahead in the 55thminute but striker Dennis Chimena, who has seemingly found favor with Fathy, made sure the two sides shared the points with an 85th minute equalizer.
-Lusaka Dynamos 3- Chambishi 0
Lusaka Dynamos roared back from their early season limbo when they crushed fellow strugglers Chambishi 3-0 at Queensmead stadium in Lusaka.
Zambia international Makundika Sakala, Chalwe Katongo and Boyd Chipeta were all on target in the 3rd, 43rd and 83rd minutes respectively to put a smile on Wesley Mondo face.
-Choma Eagles 1-Nakambala Leopards 1
The first-ever Southern Province derby in the Premier Division ended all-square in Maamba this afternoon.
Diamond Chigwegwe gave hosts Choma the lead in the 33rd minute but Nakambala replied to silence their hosts through Charles Kashitu five minutes from the break.
A 19-year old man yesterday drowned after a canoe he was paddling capsized in the Baroste flood plains.
Western Division Police Commanding Officer, Vael Muzwenga, confirmed the incident to ZANIS in Mongu today and identified the deceased as Kebby Kabanda of Kapulanga compound in Mongu district.
Mr Muzwenga said Mr Kabanda was alone in the canoe when it capsized near Nalusa village at around 09:00 hours yesterday.
The Commanding Officer said the accident could have been caused by the high current of the water in the flooded plains.
He further said efforts to retrieve the deceased’s body from the plains have failed as it has not yet resurfaced.
Mr Muzwenga has since urged canoe paddlers in the district to put on life jackets and avoid playing in the plains as the water level is very high during this period.
A civic leader in Chitokoloki in Zambezi district has complained about the state of the Zambezi/Chitokoloki road that is dilapidated.
Area Councillor, Stephen Sajolomba, complained that only small and utility vehicles can pass through the road while heavy duty trucks are unable to pass.
Mr Sajolomba lamented that the 45 kilometre stretch road from Zambezi Boma to Chitokoloki takes more than one hour instead of just thirty minutes.
He complained that there is a high number of deaths, especially among the pregnant mothers traveling on the road.
The councillor explained that patients referred to Zambezi district hospital are forced to be transported by ox-carts because some motorists have allegedly shunned using the road.
He appealed to government to repair the road so that goods and essential services are transported to the area.
The civic leader said that a good road network is vital to accelerating development.
Zambeef Managing Director, Carl Irwin, says his company will at the end of this month deliver 3,000 metric tonnes of maize to the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) through the Zambia National Farmers Union (ZNFU).
Mr Irwin also said his firm will give the irrigated maize from Zambeef‘s three farms to enable the FRA have more stock for the distribution to millers .
He further said this will also cushion the hunger problems that are being experienced due to the flood situation that has been experienced in the country in this year’s rainy season.
Mr Irwin further noted that the early maize purchase would act as a reservoir, especially that the 2007/08 marketing season was coming to an end.
This follows the signing of an K89 billion contract between FRA and ZNFU in which farmers will supply the FRA 40,000 metric tonnes of early maize.
So far the FRA has bought 233,000 metric tonnes of maize from local farmers from the time the local maize purchase was launched.
President Banda has called for peace and unity among all Zambians to enable the country continue with the success scored by the late President Levy Mwanawasa.
President Banda said his administration would ensure that the budget for 2009 targets the problems of all the Zambian people wherever they are.
He said despite all bad things and insults being hauled on him together with his ministers, permanent secretaries and other leaders, he would respect and work for all Zambians.
Mr Banda called on all Zambians to block bad leaders who want to win the presidency on tribal lines.
He called on Zambians to give his administration enough time to address the problems the country is facing as the new budget only came out about two weeks ago.
The President said this on his arrival at Mongu Airport to grace this year’s Kuomboka ceremony.
President Banda was received by Provincial Minister, Antony Mufulalali, leaders of the Lozi Royal Establishment and other high ranking officials.
Mr Banda is accompanied by the first Lady, Thandiwe, MMD national chairperson, Michael Mabenga, and Chief Analyst for press, Dickson Jere.
Speaking earlier, MMD national chairperson, Michael Mabenga, said Zambians should give President Banda and his administration time to implement his programmes and policies as he has just started working.
Mr Mabenga thanked the President and the government for the quick response to the flood situations and assured the President that no person will die of hunger as long as the MMD remains in power.
President Banda is also expected to view flood-affected areas from Libonda to Mongu.
Mr Banda is expected to return to Lusaka tomorrow afternoon.
Ever wondered why you are where you are today? Well a major contribution to your current status is your attitude. Winston Churchill once said “The optimist sees opportunity in every danger; the pessimist sees danger in every opportunity.”
Attitude is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than what people do or say. It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill. Some may say; if I had a good job I would have a good attitude! Isn’t it more truthful to say that if a person had a good attitude they would increase their chances of getting a good job?
Thomas Jefferson once said nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal while nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude.
What is a good attitude?
It’s a way of thinking positively that says:
* I can control my life and achieve my goals.
* I am responsible for the choices I make.
* My past does not matter; I can change my future.
Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine.
You cannot control what happens to you, but you can control your attitude toward what happens to you and in that, you will be mastering change rather than allowing it to master you.
James Truslow Adams said Seek out that particular mental attribute which makes you feel most deeply and vitally alive, along with which comes the inner voice which says, “This is the real me,” and when you have found that attitude, follow it.
How sell yourself to others
The best way to sell yourself to others is first to sell the others to yourself. Check yourself against this list of obstacles to a pleasing personality: interrupting others; sarcasm; vanity; being a poor listener; insincere flattery; finding fault; challenging others without good cause; giving unsolicited advice; complaining; attitude of superiority; envy of others’ success; poor posture and dress.
Learn to be assertive, not aggressive. Be nice to everyone. That doesn’t mean letting other people take advantage of you, but it does mean looking for ways to get what you want-win without forcing the other person to lose.
It is possible to find win-win solutions to almost any situation (yes, there are exceptions, but they’re rare), but most of us need to learn how. We were raised on the idea of competition, where in order for me to win, you have to lose. In order for me to pass you have to fail.What we need to learn now is that we don’t have to play by win-lose rules — you can change the rules! People can only hear you when they are moving toward you, and they are not likely to when your words are pursuing them. Even the choice words lose their power when they are used to overpower. Attitudes are the real figures of speech.
Life is 10% what happens to me, and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you … we are in charge of our Attitudes.
Dundumwezi Member of Parliament Edgar Singombe has called on the Department of Veterinary and Livestock Development to ascertain a cattle disease that is killing animals in large numbers in Kasukwe ward.
Mr Singombe told ZANIS in Kalomo that several herds of cattle were dying from an unknown disease in the areas around Jongolo, Habusala and Mutubyangulu villages in chief Chikanta’s area.
He lamented that despite the matter being reported to the veterinary department last week,no efforts have been made to date.
And in another development, chief Simwatachela and Sipatunyana’s representative at the council, Clive Miyanda, has complained over the disparities in prices of cattle carcasses at the local abattoir in Kalomo.
Mr Miyanda claimed that the abattoir prices were unfair to cattle traders who take their animals for slaughter there. A carcass which weighs 200 kilogrammes is pegged at K9,000.00 per kilogramme while anything less than that weight is being sold at K7000.00 per kilogramme.
President Rupiah Banda is expected to tomorrow expected in Mongu, Western Province, to grace this year’s Kuomboka traditional ceremony of the Lozi people.
President Banda’s plane is expected to touch down at Mongu airport at 08:00hours.
He will be met by the Ngambela at Lealuyi around 09:00hours before making a courtesy call on the Litunga.
At 16:30hours President Banda is expected to receive his royal highness the Litunga at Nayuma harbor before his departure for the Presidential guest house.
At 18:00hours the president will have a private dinner. On Sunday the President is scheduled to inspect components of 40 bridges for the Mongu-Kalabo road.
Later in the day, the president will take off on the Presidential chopper for an aerial view of the flooded areas from Libonda to Mongu at 12:00hours.
The President will have launch at Limulunga with courtesy of the Litunga before his departure for Lusaka at 14:00hours.
According to a programme released to ZANIS in Mongu, the President is expected to arrive at Lusaka International Airport at 15:10 hours.
Government, through the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, would be coordinating at this year’s Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) scheduled to take place in Bulawayo from April 29 to May 6.
Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister, Felix Mutati, confirmed the development at the Zimbabwe premier show when that country’s Minister for Regional Integration and International Cooperation, Priscilla Mushairabwi-Mushonga, officially made the invitation at his office.
Mr Mutati said the exhibition was a multi-sectoral and multi-national trade focusing on agricultural inputs, produce, arts, crafts, building materials, textiles, consumer goods, jewelery, processed foods, beverages, leather products and many others.
He noted that the exhibition would also provide a unique platform for Zambian companies to showcase their exported products.
He added that it was also an opportunity for Zambian companies to identify cheaper sources of raw materials, intermediate inputs and capital for their goods.
The minister mentioned that his ministry has since established a task force to spearhead Zambia’s participation at the event.
Mr Mutati added that task force comprises of representatives from government, Zambia Development Agency (ZDA), Zambia Association of Consumers (ZAM) Zambia Association Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ZACCI), Zambia Federation of Women in Business (ZFWB) and Zambia Women in Mining (ZWM).
The minister said there was need to envisage a trade and investment seminar where government would showcase the investment and trade opportunities in Zambia.
He also disclosed that a march making platform in form of business-to-business or one-on-one meetings would be arranged for Zambian companies with their Zimbabwean counterparts.
GOVERNMENT has described the late Paramount chief Mpezeni’s wife, Rosinyanga, as a lady who was actively involved in community service.
Eastern Province Minister, Isaac Banda, said her Royal Highness Inkosikazi, would be remembered for her contributions towards the building of the Ngoni traditional values.
Mr Banda said the community service which the late paramount chief Mpezeni’s wife was involved in was aimed at improving the welfare of the people in society regardless of tribe, race or religion.
He was speaking at the burial of paramount chief Mpezeni’s wife, her Royal Highness Rosinyanga Jere, held at Feni village in chief Mpezeni’s area in Chipata today.
‘’ Our late mother will be remembered for her contributions towards the building of the Ngoni traditional values and her community service as a Dorcas Mother in the Seventh Day Adventist ( SDA ) church which was aimed at improving the welfare of people,’’ Mr. Banda said.
The minister also described the late Inkosikazi as a loving and welcoming mother, not only to people in Chief Mpezeni’s area but all over the province.
Mr Banda noted that her contributions to society would be greatly missed by the people of Eastern Province because of her selfless dedication to community service.
‘’ As a companion to the paramount chief, her Royal Highness played an important role in upholding cultural and traditional values of the Ngoni people in all sectors of their lives,’’ he said.
Mr Banda said government was saddened with the untimely death of paramount chief Mpezeni’s wife, adding that, he found it very difficult to make a lengthy speech on a sorrowful occasion like the burial of the Inkosikazi.
And family representative of the deceased, Madanda Mazyopa, said the late paramount chief Mpezeni’s wife was a humble and caring lady who was brought up in a well behaved family.
Mr Mazyopa, who is elder brother of the deceased, urged paramount chief Mpezeni to be strong during this trying moment.
Meanwhile, SDA president for East Zambia Field, Pastor Robert Phiri, said his church did not have words that would describe what the late paramount chief Mpezeni’s wife did in the denomination.
Pastor Phiri noted that her Royal Highness was such a loving mother who hated no one in the church.
The late Inkosikazi was born on April 4, 1966 and went to school at Mnukwa Primary school in Chipata until the year 1982 when she got married to paramount chief Mpezeni, the same year he ascended to the throne.
He died on Tuesday, April 7, 2009 at the age of 43. She is survived by the husband, paramount chief Mpezeni and a daughter, Justina.
Thousands of people who included paramount chiefs Mbelwa of the Ngoni in Malawi and Kalonga Gawa Undi of the Chewa in Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique, including other chiefs from Eastern province, attended the burial of the late Inkosikazi.
Government representatives included Eastern Province Minister, Isaac Banda, Lusaka Province Minister, Lameck Mangani, Sports Deputy Minister, Angela Cifire, Tourism and Environment Deputy Minister, Vera Tembo and several other heads of government.