Join our community of SUBSCRIBERS and be part of the conversation.
To subscribe, simply enter your email address on our website or click the subscribe button below. Don't worry, we respect your privacy and won't spam your inbox. Your information is safe with us.
President Rupiah Banda has appealed to the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) supporters to refrain from harassing people at the ongoing Tribunal investigating the conduct of Transport and Communications Minister Honourable Dora Siliya.
President Banda said the complainants and witnesses at the Tribunal should be allowed to testify without any interference so that the truth can be established.
In a statement released to ZANIS in Lusaka today by State House Chief Analyst for Press and Public Relations ,Dickson Jere , Mr. Banda said he does not want would-be witnesses to the Tribunal to use the presence of MMD supporters as scapegoats for failing to testify.
“Let us allow the Tribunal to conduct its work in a transparent and impartial manner. Every witness should be allowed to testify without interference from anybody,” President Banda said.
The President said he was the believer in the rule of law and therefore would not condone members of the MMD or indeed any other political party to intimidate or interfere with the ongoing Tribunal.
President Banda appealed for calm among the MMD supporters saying they should refrain themselves from harassing people, including Journalists, even when provoked. He said violence should not be condoned at any given time.
The Christian Faith Mission Centre (CFMC) has advised Zambians not to trivialize the global economic crisis.
CFMC Pastor-in-Charge Peter Chanda says the citizenry should therefore remain united in a bid to address the various challenges that the country was faced with.
Pastor Chanda told journalists during a press in Lusaka today that there is an urgent need for Zambians to remain united in order to help the country answer to the many challenges associated with the global economic down-turn.
He said Zambians must not play down the global economic problems but that they have a moral obligation to contribute to meaningfully to the development of the nation.
Pastor Chanda further stated that as the country recovers from its economic doldrums, there was need for every Zambian to take the fight against poverty as a priority with a view to enhancing economic development in the country.
The clergy has since urged the Christian community, the private sector and other stakeholders to partner with government with a view to addressing the various challenges that the country was faced with.
Copperbelt Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD) Youth Chairman Richard Mofya has been suspended with immediate effect.
The development follows allegations linking him to a group of individuals allegedly discrediting Republican President Rupiah Banda.
Mr Mofya is said to have partnered with a pressure group headed by one Mr Kaputula of Ndola by working against Mr Banda through issuing of disrespectful remarks and events aimed at tarnishing the image of the President.
Copperbelt MMD Provincial Youth Publicity Secretary Morgan Ntankula said in a statement obtained by ZANIS today, that Mr Mofya has been given aw week in which to exculpate himself before a final decision will be made on his future in the ruling party.
Mr Ntankula said that the Provincial Vice Chairlady Mrs Dorothy Mukulama will take over as the MMD youth chairman in Mr Mofya’s absence.
He added that the ruling MMD was proud to announce that the party had received nine opposition Patriotic Front (PF)members of parliament and thirty-one councillors who he said have indicated their willingness to rejoin the MMD.
Cholera has broken out in Sinazongwe district in Southern Province for the second time.
Sinazongwe District Commissioner (DC) Mungoni Simulilika confirmed the development to ZANIS that three people have so far been admitted at Chiyabi Clinic.
Mr. Simulilika disclosed that over the weekend, 10 cholera cases were recorded in the district. Four cases were recorded at Sinazeze clinic, Malima clinic had four , and two at Chiyabi clinic.
He said the situation was under control as the cases have reduced from 10 cases to three.
The DC said the health personnel were on the ground sensitizing people on personal hygine.
Mr Simulilika said the cholera outbreak was as a result of drinking dirt water and failing to properly use the toilets.
Mr. Simulilika indicated that government has plans to sink 70 boreholes in the district. 18 of the boreholes would be located in the cholera inficated areas of Chiyabi, Malima and Buleya malima areas.
Sinazongwe District Health Manager for Administration Bernard Simwelu last month said the district recorded 136 cholera cases but there were no deaths recorded.
Government has released Over K27 Billion for the construction of a High School in Lufwanyama District.
Local Government Deputy Minister Lwipa Puma who is also area member of Parliament said the construction of the high school which started about four months ago would see modern boarding facilities and an ultra modern laboratory.
Dr Puma in an Interview with ZANIS in Lufwanyama that the construction of the high school has come at a better time when government was striving hard to meet the millennium goals on education which stresses the need to have quality education for all citizens.
He said it was important that the people of Lufwanyama District accessed better education facilities to ensure that they acquired better education and survival skills to help in the development of the Country.
Lufwanyama has had no high school and that some students were still learning in grass thatched classrooms.
Meanwhile Lufwanyama Municipal Council has released K400 Million Community Development Fund (CDF) for various developmental projects in the area.
Dr Puma who disclosed this to ZANIS said his office has released K30 Million for the replacement of roofing sheets of 60 Schools in the area.
Dr Puma added that a total of 24 other projects were expected to be funded from CDF in the rehabilitation and construction of other public facilities.
Former Zambia Army Commander Geojago Musengule bundled in a police van after a Lusaka magistrate court jailed him
Former Zambia Army Commander Lieutenant General, Geojago Musengule, has been jailed for four years with hard labour for corruption and abuse of office.
General Musengule has been convicted for irregularly awarding several business contracts to Base Chemicals, a Lusaka based company, when he was army commander.
The contracts to supply fuel to the army are worth millions of US Dollars.
He has also been found guilty of receiving gratification for awarding the contracts to Base Chemicals.
Lusaka Magistrate, Leya Tembo, has also imprisoned Mr. Amon Sibande who is General Musengule’s co accused and Base Chemicals Chief Executive Officer.
Mr. Sibande will serve three years with hard labour for engaging in corrupt activities.
The Court jailed General Musengule and Mr. Sibande despite pleas for leniency.
In mitigation General Musengule and Mr. Sibande said they were first offenders and that they had served the country diligently in the public service and business sector respectively.
General Musengule becomes the third defence chief to be convicted and jailed for corrupt practices and abuse of office.
Former Zambia National Services commandant Lieutenant General, Wilford Funjika, and former Zambia Air force Commander Lieutenant General, Christopher Singogo, are also in prison for similar offences.
Dora Siliya leaving the Supreme Court after the tribunal probing her alleged ministerial misconduct adjourned in Lusaka
The tribunal set up to probe allegations of abuse of office and corruption against Communications and transport minister, Dora Siliya, has stalled.
The tribunal which was expected to begin receiving submissions on Monday morning could not proceed with business because members of the Civil Society have not yet hired a lawyer.
The civil society is party to the petition against Ms. Siliya.
Transparency international Zambia Executive Director, Goodwell Lungu has asked the chairperson of the Tribunal, Judge Dennis Chirwa, to adjourn the proceedings for another 48 hours to enable the civil society to find lawyers.
However, the adjournment of the proceedings displeased both Judge Chirwa and Ms. Siliya’s lawyer, Eric Silwamba.
And Judge Chirwa who is the Chairman of the Tribunal said he does not have powers to send Ms. Siliya on sabbatical leave or suspension pending the hearing of the allegations against her.
Judge Chirwa and Mr. Silwamba said the powers to appoint and disappoint a minister are the prerogative of the president.
They were responding to concerns by petitioner, William Harrington’s lawyer, Bonaventure Mutale, who argued that Ms. Siliya’s continuation as minister will render the tribunal as a sham.
Mr. Mutale said it is undesirable that Ms. Siliya continues as minister when the complainants in the tribunal have subpoenaed her subordinates to testify against the minister.
The tribunal has been set up in accordance with section 13 of the parliamentary and ministerial code of conduct after complaints by Mr. Harrington and 10 non governmental organizations.
Ms. Siliya is among other issues, accused of not following procedure when awarding contracts to an international firm to value ZAMTEL assets before the company is privatised.
The Vice President says the allegations against public prosecutor, Mutembo Nchito, are serious because they involve money laundering, racketeering and theft.
George Kunda, was speaking when he received a petition from New generation party and the Leadership Search.
The two institutions are demanding the removal of Mr. Nchito from the Task Force on Corruption.
Mr. Kunda said Government will consider all the allegations against Mr. Nchito when looking at the petition.
He said Mr. Nchito as a public prosecutor was appointed through the Director of Public Prosecution and the Attoney General.
He said the two offices will have to be consulted when considering the public out-cry on Mr. Nchito’s continued stay in the task force.
Leadership Search executive Director, Edwin Lifwekelo said Mr Nchito should be relieved of his duties because his stay would frustrate the investigations initiated by government on Zambian Airways.
[ZNBC]
The rapid depreciation of the Zambian kwacha against the dollar is hiking the cost of importing fuel, despite a fall in fuel prices on the global market, Zambia’s Ministry of Energy and Water Development said today.
The kwacha has depreciated by 17% against the dollar since January, according to Bank of Zambia data.
The depreciation of the currency is attributed mainly to reduced export earnings from copper and cobalt.
Copper and cobalt mines, which normally consume up to 50% of Zambia’s imported fuel, are suffering from the high prices. However, they have reduced fuel consumption as the effects of the global economic downturn have caused the miners to scale down their operations since December.
The cumulative depreciation of the kwacha against the dollar hit a record 73% in February to reach ZMK5,500 to $1, the lowest level in the country’s recorded history. In June, the kwacha was trading at an average of K3,186 to a dollar. Last week, Zambia’s main opposition party called for the impeachment of President Rupiah Banda accusing him of failing to address numerous economic, political and social problems facing the country.
According to Zambia’s finance ministry, the kwacha depreciation started, following the illness and subsequent death of President Levy Mwanawasa which created political uncertainty, hurting investor confidence coupled with increased demand for the dollar arising from fuel, corn and fertilizer import requirements. Zambia is Africa’s leading copper producer and the country depends on copper exports for up to 70% of its foreign revenue earnings.
The energy ministry has warned that local fuel prices may be revised upwards if the kwacha continues to depreciate.Energy Minister Kenneth Konga has however assured Zambians that there will be no fuel shortage.
Wednesdays semifinal places of the inaugural CHAN tournament currently taking place in Cote d’Ivoire are complete with two former African champions making the cut.
Zambia and Senegal, recent Africa Cup silver medalists in 1994 and 2002, will face two-time winners DR Congo and four-time African champions Ghana in the semifinals respectively.
Ghana crushed DR Congo 3-0 on Sunday to finish top of Group B while the latter still qualified to the semifinals on 4 points, one better than undefeated Zimbabwe who completed their three games on as many points.
Zimbabwe finished scoreless against Libya in the other final Group B match.
Zambia will take on DR Congo in Abidjan at 18:00 Zambian time while Ghana and Senegal face-off in the CHAN West African derby in Bouake on the same date.
The CHAN final will be played in Abidjan on March 8 while the 3rd and 4th place will be played in Bouake on the 7th.
President Rupiah Banda, ANC leader Jacob Zuma and Paramount Chief Mpezeni at the Nc'wala treditional ceremony in Chipata
African National Congress (ANC) leader Jacob Zuma says his
invitation to grace this year’s N’wala ceremony showed President Banda’s efforts towards uniting Africa.
He said it was the duty of all African leaders to ensure Africa was united.
Mr. Zuma who also paid glowing tribute to First president Kenneth Kaunda noted that like Dr. Kaunda, Mr. Banda was also concerned about Africa’s unity.
He said Mr. Banda is following in Dr. Kaunda’s footsteps by seeking to connect the Zulu Kingdom of South Africa and the Ngoni’s of Eastern Province.
The ANC leader said the SADC region will have more meaningful development if people at the grass roots interacted and co-exist.
He later spoke in Zulu language which the Ngoni interpreter had difficult to interpret.
President Banda later took over the microphone and successfully interpreted Zulu into Ngoni amid cheers from the crowd.
Mr. Zuma also presented two blankets made of cow’s skin to Paramount Chief Mpenzeni and President Banda.
[ZNBC]
FORUM for Leadership Search executive directo Edwin Lifwekelo and New genration party leader Humphrey Siulapwa during a press briefing in Lusaka
THE Forum for Leadership Search and the New Generation Party (NGP) have called on the Government to immediately drop Task Force on Corruption prosecutor, Mutembo Nchito, saying his stay at the Task Force will allegedly compromise investigations at the defunct Zambian Airways.
Forum for Leadership Search executive director, Edwin Lifwekelo and NGP president, Humphrey Siulapwa made the call at a joint Press briefing in Lusaka yesterday.
Mr Lifwekelo said Mr Nchito’s stay at the Task Force on Corruption would compromise investigations by the law-enforcement agencies at Zambian Airways where he was also a director.
“Our concern, members of the Press and the implication of this is that his role as Task Force prosecutor is under spotlight and being compromised.
“We are afraid that the probe that has been instituted will be undermined by Mutembo Nchito as long as he remains the Task Force prosecutor,” he said.
Mr Lifwekelo said Mr Nchito, as chief executive officer of Zambian Airways, was being accused of allegedly using Zambian Airways as a vehicle to defraud and steal public funds from banks and State institutions.
Mr Lifwekelo said Mr Nchito’s free interaction with law-enforcement agencies should be curtailed by removing him from the Task Force on Corruption.
“It is a fact that Mutembo Nchito is connected to top investigators in the country who are under his direct authority, and during this investigation, officials will be having difficulties to keep facts under the lid as key investigation findings are being leaked to The Post Newspapers,” he said.
The Zambia Police Service, the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) have instituted a probe into the financial irregularities surrounding the collapse of Zambian Airways.
Mr Lifwekelo said his organisation and others would today petition Vice-President and Justice Minister, George Kunda to have Mr Nchito removed from the Task Force as prosecutor.
He said the debt the airline had accrued should not be politicised and that President Rupiah Banda should not be accused of having a hand in the downfall of Zambian Airways, which started experiencing problems even when the late president, Levy Mwanawasa was alive.
And Mr Siulapwa said his party supported President Banda’s stance on the need for Zambian Airways to repay the money it owes various institutions, including the Government.
Mr Siulapwa said according to the information that the party had, Zambian Airways owed Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) US$2 million, National Pensions Schemes Authority (Napsa) $2.5 million, National Airports Corporations Limited (NACL) $2.5 million and Finance Bank $ 6.3 million.
He said other named creditors were owed $9.5 million, Intermarket Banking Corporation $1.5 million, Bravo Capital $1 million, Investrust Bank $1 million and the employees, bringing the total debt to $29 million.
He said if the directors of the company were found culpable, the law should take its course.
He said only legitimate organisations responsible for dealing with criminal matters should be allowed to handle and investigate the Zambian Airways saga. Mr Nchito could not be reached for a comment.
Mr Siulapwa also said his party was in support of the tribunal set up to investigate Communications and Transport Minister, Dora Siliya over the awarding of the contract to RP Capital to evaluate Zamtel assets.
ILLEGAL quarrying... stone crushers threatening to beat the LT photographer along Alick Nhata road in Lusaka
2.
PRESIDENT Rupiah and First Lady Thandiwe at Chipata airport
3.
PRESIDENT Rupiah Banda, ANC leader Jacob Zuma and Paramount Chief Mpezeni at the Nc'wala treditional ceremony in Chipata
4.
A Ngoni warrior performing a traditonal dance
5.
PARAMOUNT Chief Mepezeni during the Nc'wala traditional ceremony
6.
IMPIS from South Africa performing a dance during the Nc'wala in Chipata
7.
A road traffic accident in Kitwe
8.
BIKERS showcasing their talents during a motorcross tournament in Kitwe
9.
MEN At Work’ Diggers and Konkola players battle for the ball during a friendly games played during the weekend in Kitwe. Diggers beat Konkola 22-7
10.
FORUM for Leadership Search executive directo Edwin Lifwekelo and New genration party leader Humphrey Siulapwa during a press briefing in Lusaka
11.
NEW generation Party leader Humphrey Siulapwa with Forum for Leadership Search executive directo Edwin Lifwekelo stressing a point during a press briefing in Lusaka
12.
PUPILS during a science quiz at Licef school in Lusaka
13.
Children watching a cycling race
14.
A PUPIL showcases a science project during a fair at Licef school in Lusaka
15.
Cyclists prepare for a race during a fundraising event in Mutendere township
16.
Children waiting for their turn to take to the tracks for a cycling race
17.
AN un identified girl peddling her bicycle
18.
A boy balancing himself on a bicyle during a race in Lusaka's Mutendere Twonship
19.
Cyclists outdoing each other in Mutendere township
20.
INFORMATION and Broadcasting minister Ronnie Shikapwasha walking with christina women during the commemoration of the world day of prayer along Nurma road
21.
CHRISTIAN women walking along Burma road during the commemoration of the world day of prayer
22.
Zambia Wildlife Auhtority public relations officer Wilfred Moonga displays confiscated ivory in Chilanga
23.
Soldiers coming out of the United Nations Russian chartered plane
24.
Soldiers alighting from a Russian chartered plane
25.
Zambia Army soldiers at the Zambia Air Force (ZAF) base in Lusaka on arrival
26.
Family members jostling to welcome soldiers who returned from Sudan
27.
Picture shoot-out...An un identified soldier taking photographs of a colleague
28.
Captain John Jerry Mwale receives a kiss from his wife Golezya when he arrived from Sudan on a United Nations peace-keeping mission. This was in Lusaka
29.
Some soldiers immediately dashed for castle lager beer when they arrived at the airport in Lusaka
President Rupiah Banda has appealed to the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) supporters to refrain from harassing people at the ongoing Tribunal investigating the conduct of Transport and Communications Minister Honourable Dora Siliya.
