More asians interested in investing in the mines, RB

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January 18, 2009

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PRESIDENT Rupiah Banda boarding the Presidential challenger plane before he left for Libya at Lusaka international airport

President Banda says the Chinese and Indian investors are able and willing to invest in Zambia’s mining sector.

President Banda said a lot of investors coming from the Asian countries are interested in investing in the mines , a move he said would spur economic development in the country.

Speaking shortly before his departure for Libya at Lusaka international Airport , Mr. Banda told journalists that Chinese investors have the potential to take up all the investment if other investors left.

President Banda has gone for a two day state visit to Libya where he will hold bilateral talks with his Libyan

MMD cadres singing for President Rupiah Banda before left for Libya at Lusaka international airport

counterpart Colonel Muammer Ghadaffi.

Mr. Banda said among other issues he expects to be briefed on is the current position over the united states of Africa .

The president stressed that he will make his position known over the united states of Africa after discussions and consultation with other colleagues in the region.

He is accompanied by foreign Affairs minister Kapinga Pande , Finance and National Planning Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane and other senior government officials

ZANIS/AH/MKM/ENDS

He Brings Treasures to the Righteous

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January 18, 2009

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Today’s Scripture

“A good man leaves an inheritance [of moral stability and goodness] to his children’s children, and the wealth of the sinner [finds its way eventually] into the hands of the righteous, for whom it was laid up” (Proverbs 13:22, AMP).

Today’s Word from Joel and Victoria

Did you know there are resources and blessings laid up for the righteous? There are funds that will eventually be transferred over into the hands of the people who will use them for God’s purposes. In the Scripture God is called the Lord of the Sabaoth. That means He is “the God who puts His armor on and goes to war against those who hold His treasure from His purposes.” Just imagine God getting His armor on and going into the forces of darkness and saying, “Okay. I’ll take those funds. I need them for my children. I’ll take these businesses, these ideas, these contracts. They have My children’s names on them.”

Friends, God is fighting your battles for you. He has immeasurable favor that He is going to transfer into the hands of the righteous. The key is to make sure you’re in the righteous group. Make sure you are honoring God with your life and keeping your heart pure. Let go of any weights or any sins that are holding you back. As long as you stay in faith and live righteously before Him, God has promised abundance, promotion, and funds that already have your name on them!

A Prayer for Today

Father in heaven, thank You for fighting my battles on my behalf. I commit all my plans to You and surrender every area of my life to Your purposes. Thank You for Your favor and blessing on me today and always. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Joel Osteen Ministries

Washington DC Prepares for a Historic Inauguration

General News

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January 18, 2009

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by Chola Milambo

Ever since the election of November the 4th 2008, there has been much talk about the multitudes of people who will descend onto the capital city from far and wide to be a part of this historic inauguration – the swearing in of the first African-American as the President of the United States of America. The authorities have also announced the closure of several main roads and bridges into the DC (as they call the city), particularly from the state of Virginia which is to the south. So to get a glimpse of some of the preparations that were taking place, on Wednesday January 17, 2009 I decided to drive down with a camera in hand from Howard University which is not far from the main business district.

As expected, the city was buzzing with activity. More cars on the road, more people walking on the street and several people donned in different types of Barack Obama attire, from t-shirts, to hats, from watches to gloves. It was clear that the big event was around the corner. By the way talking about corners, there seemed to be a ntemba at almost ever corner selling anything that would fit the name ‘Obama’ on it, as I approached 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue where the White House is situated.

The front of the White House was particularly busy with workers setting up an enclosure where the VIPs shall watch the parade that takes place there every four years. Several tourists paused for photographs in front of the White House even though the temperature was close to freezing point. Judging from the general mood and euphoria in the air, I doubt if the cool arctic air that has blown into the city will deter several others to be out on what could be a very frigid January 20. On that day, over a million people shall converge in the three-kilometer-long lawn that stretches between the Capitol Hill, where the swearing will take place, and the Lincoln Memorial. This gathering is certain to invoke the memories of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom that took place on August, 28 1963, when civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. gave his famous ‘I have a Dream’ speech. With that in mind, off to the Lincoln Memorial I went.

At the Lincoln Memorial, I found a stage and large speakers were being put in place for a live concert where several celebrities shall perform. This is just one of the many events scheduled for the inauguration week. It has been a long tradition of the inaugural period that several galas are attended by the newly sworn in President dating back to early years of the Nation. But as I stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, my thoughts were not on the long history of inaugural celebrations, but in rather on the long journey people of color have had to travel to gain a fair standing in the United States.

I thought of how their ancestors were brought in from distant lands as slaves, some sold by their fellow Africans. I thought of the struggle for the abolition of slavery and the cry by northerners such as Abraham Lincoln that all men are created equal. I pondered upon the Civil War that ensued and the emancipation of African-Americans. I imagined the struggles of Frederick Douglas in the late 1800s as the first black Vice-Presidential Candidate for a political party in the country, almost 100 years before the signing of the National Voting Rights Act of 1965, which outlawed discriminatory voting practices. I admired the courage of Rosa Parks and the resolve of Malcolm X. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who would have been 80 years old on January 15, told the world he dreamt of a time when man would not be judged by the color of is skin but by the content of his character – a message which found resonance with many African freedom fighters of the time such as our own Dr. Kenneth Kaunda.

What a journey. The lone black United States Senator of the 110th congress will be sworn in as the 44th President of the United States of America at the US Capitol, a structure built with the brawn power of black slaves.

The significance of this moment cannot be made light. The message it shall send to countries in which minority groups continue to be marginalized is powerful and one of hope. That freedom prevails in time.

As I drove through the crowded roads of the central business district and back to Howard University, I was convinced that I had joined those who believe that a multitude shall gather for this event. During my short tour, I saw excitement from all races; black, white, Asian and Latino. There a general sense of hope of a new day here in DC, and it seems to be contagious. In that respect, I can say I am now more certain of another thing – change has come to America!

Lease your land , Zambia Railways implored

Rural News

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January 17, 2009

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A traditional leader has urged the Zambia Railways to lease some of its idle land in Choma to potential developers.

Chief Chikanta told ZANIS in Choma today that there are a lot of businessmen who have the capacity to put to good use the idle land still held under the title of the Zambia Railways.

He said most of the unused land which is in the central business district would add value to the development of the district if it is allocated to corporate developers.

Chief Chikanta also urged the Choma municipal council to promote efforts of local businessmen in investing in commercial buildings.

He commended a local business person, J.K. Kapila for constructing an ultra modern office complex for lease to the public.

Chief Macha said there is need to exploit local potential if development of the town is to be encouraged.

Meanwhile, STREET vendors have resurfaced in the central business district of Choma, barely two days after being cleared from the streets by combined state and council police.

A check by ZANIS in Choma this morning found vendors, mostly, women selling merchandise such as vegetables and fruits along the same shop corridors that they had previously occupied before police action on Thursday.

The vendors have since taken up most shop corridors along the Choma-Livingstone high way and are conducting business without any fear of the law.

The Choma municipal council has been urging vendors to go back to designated markets because their activities in the town centre have posed serious sanitation challenges to the local authorities.

On Thursday, state and council police rounded up several vendors in an operation organized by the Joint Monitoring Team on Sanitation chaired by district commissioner Laiven Apuleni.

But the vendors have been adamant with most of the vowing never to leave the centre business district where they say business is brisk.

There have been growing fears of a possible outbreak of Cholera in the district following the outbreak of the waterborne disease in neighbouring Sinazongwe district.

ZANIS/CM/MKM/ENDS

Media organizations implored to heed to President Banda’s advice

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January 17, 2009

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Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) has called on all media institutions in Zambian to heed to the call by President Rupiah Banda to ensure that they fall under one salutary media ethics regulatory board in order to make the profession more dignified.

MISA Zambia chairperson Henry Kabwe said the media ‘s disunity and lack of common ground has sent a wrong massage to the Zambian people were media ethics and professionalism is concerned.

Mr. Kabwe expressed sadness that the citizens have no knowledge on which code of ethics the Zambian media base their conduct on adding that this has made it hard for the ordinary citizens to seek redress on the ethical issues concerning the conduct of the media.

“ We would like to remind all journalists that while they facilitate the freedom of expression and access to information , they owe their allegiance to the Zambian people they serve,” he said..

Mr. Kabwe however stated that media‘s ethical conduct can not be enforced under statuary regulation because the media is a watch dog of the three arms of government which is supposed to provide checks and balances.

He said the statutory regulation on the media by the three arms of government might be used to hamper the role of the media as a watchdog.

He appealed to the media to ensure that it familiarizes itself with the Media Council of Zambia MECOZ so that many media ethical complaints could be handled internally to avoid actions that would cost the media and lead them to closure.

He further appealed to all media in Zambia to come under one non statutory media ethics body that will enforce media ethical conduct .

The MISA chairperson said the media has an obligation to adhere to media ethics as it carries out the duty of serving the Zambian people.

This is contained in a statement made available to ZANIS in Lusaka today.

The media Associations have already begun the process of coming up with a strengthened non statuary media ethics regulatory body that should encompass all media in the country.

Meanwhile, Mr. Kabwe also appealed to government to waive tax on key media inputs and broadcasting equipment so as to make the media more sustainable and viable.

ZANIS/AH/MKM/ENDS

Yet another SADC meeting on Zimbabwe

General News

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January 17, 2009

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SADC has called yet another meeting with Zimbabwe’s main political leaders in Harare on Monday next week to discuss the current political impasse and map the way forward.

SADC chairman and South African President Kgalema Mothlanthe said on Thursday, the meeting which was initially scheduled for Friday, was postponed at the request of one of the parties.

Zanu-PF leader, President Robert Mugabe and the two MDC formation principals Morgan Tsvangirai and Arthur Mutambara were expected to attend the meeting.

The three main parties signed a power-sharing deal last year but implementation of the pact has been delayed due to differences over the allocation of key ministerial posts and the composition of the Security Council, among other issues.

SADC leaders, including Mozambican President Armando Guebuza and former SA president Thabo Mbeki, who is also the chief mediator in the Zimbabwe inter-party talks, were also expected to attend the meeting.

“President Kgalema Motlanthe will on Monday 19 January 2009 lead a SADC delegation to Zimbabwe where discussions will be held with leaders of the country’s political parties involved in the inter-party dialogue,” read part of the statement.

The meeting would be followed by a meeting of the negotiating teams on outstanding matters related to implementation of the September 15 agreement and Constitutional Amendment Number 19 Bill.

Despite the delay in implementation of the power-sharing deal, all parties have expressed commitment to the deal.

New Ziana/ZANIS

NCC proposes an increase of an additional 100 parliamentary seats

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January 17, 2009

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Vernon Mwaanga (r) talks to mines minister Maxwell Mwale

THE National Constitutional Conference legislative committee has proposed to increase seats for members of Parliament from 150 to 250.

The proposals were made during the committee’s sitting at Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka.

MMD Chief Whip Vernon Mwaanga submitted to committee chairperson Mutale Nalumango that 200 should be elected MPs, 40 from interest groups and 10 should be nominated.

“When making this Constitution, we should be futuristic. Ten years from now Zambia’s population will not be the same, so, we should look at increasing the number of seats for MPs,” Mr Mwaanga said

He said having such a number of legislators would help to represent people adequately.

Supporting the submission, Malole Independent MP Emmanuel Munaile said some Constituencies were too vast and that increasing the number of Parliamentary seats would benefit Zambians.

“Some of our Constituencies are too vast to be covered by one MP. So, the proposed 250 seats is a welcome move,” Mr Munaile said.

Several committee members supported the proposal except four committee members who argued that increasing the number of seats would be costly.

Former UPND Luena MP Chrispine Sibetta argued that having 250 MPs would be a drain on the country’s resources and that Parliament chambers had no capacity to accommodate such a number.

After committee members failed to reach a consensus, Ms Nalumango subjected the proposal to a vote following which 31 committee members voted for the number of seats to be increased with four members voting against.

Under the current Constitution, the President has powers to nominate 8 MPs.

Zambia Daily Mail

Pepsi to construct a plant in Lusaka,Zambia

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January 17, 2009

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PJ Corporation Chairman Ravi Kant Jaipuria and President Rupiah Banda sipping canned Pepsi during the laying of the foundation stone for a Pespi bottling plant in Lusaka

President Rupiah Banda this morning laid a foundation stone for the construction of the Pepsi plant whose owners are to invest about US$ 30 million for the period of six years .
The company will also employ 214 Zambians in various capacities and create over 600 indirect jobs in various capacities, there by reducing the pressure on the job market.

Speaking at the ceremony held at the Pepsi bottling plant in Lusaka’s Mungwi road today, Mr. Banda said government will continue to lay a solid foundation for diversifying the economy in order to sustain the country’s economic growth.

He said, this will minimize the negative impact arising from the global economic down turn.

Mr. Banda added that government is also committed to the development of a vibrant and competitive manufacturing sector .

Mr Banda however said the plant will add value to the Zambian economy and will contribute to the realization of the vision to transform Zambia into a middle income country by 2030.

He stressed that with the re- introduction of Pespi, Zambians will enjoy affordable high quality drinks and related products at competitive prices adding that the project will save and earn the country foreign exchange.

Mr. Banda stressed that the launch of the company has come at a good time when the slow down in the global economy has exerted considerable pressure on most of the economies around the world.

And commerce , trade and industry minister Felix Mutati noted the need to diversify the economy so that investors can come in and invest in many sectors

Mr. Mutati thanked the Indian government for its continued commitment in assisting Zambia through providing employment to the local people.

He noted that both the company and the Zambia government and its citizenry will benefit from the investment.

ZANIS/AH/MKM/ENDS

Eight accountants nabbed for theft of poverty alleviation money

Economy

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January 17, 2009

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The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has arrested eight accountants at the Ndola cabinet office for theft of over two billion Kwacha meant for poverty reduction programnmes.

Public relations officer, Rosten Chulu, says the DEC has also seized 14 vehicles and two houses from the suspects.

Mr. Chulu said the accountants while acting with other unknown persons stole the funds belonging to government by virtue of their employment as civil servants.

He said the suspects laundered the money directly into properties such as motor vehicles and houses.

Mr. Chulu told ZNBC news in a statement that the eight accountants are remanded in custody and are expected to appear in court soon.

The Zambian government has declared war against corruption and misuse of public resources.

So far, a number of people who include former President, Frederick Chiluba, are appearing in court for theft of public funds and abuse of authority.

[ZNBC]

Luapula youths threaten to sue Copperbelt Youths Forum for fraud

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January 17, 2009

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Over 150 youths in Luapula Province have threatened to take legal action against the Cooperbelt Youth Forum for allegedly swindling them out of millions of Kwacha.

Some affected youths told ZANIS in Mansa that the Cooperbelt Youth Forum had allegedly obtained the money as security to accessing the forum’s micro loan facility.

The youths said the Forum needed the administrative and security fees which ranged between K1million to K4 million per applicant to qualify for the loans.

“We want them to repay our money in the same manner they obtained it. They have unconvinced us a lot because we wanted these loans so that we invest in profitable projects to earn us a living because we are unemployed,” the youths said.

And Luapula Province Youth Forum Chairman Henry Mulenga said the Cooperbelt Youth Forum obtained over K400 Million from various individual youths and youth groups in six districts in Luapula province.

He said the Forum owed youths in Samfya K95, 5 million, Nchelenge K 86, 6 Million, Mwense K75 Million, Mansa K60 Million while those in Kawambwa and Chienge were owed over K41 Million respectively.

He said the Forum in the province was overwhelmed with complaints from various youths affected by the situation because they had not accessed the anticipated loans despite paying the required fees.

Mr. Mulenga said the youths that had earlier thronged his office have since threatened to take legal action against the forum if it did not repay them their money.

He said the Cooperbelt Youth Forum initiated a Micro-Finance Credit Facility to administer loans to youths on the Copperbelt but scaled out the facility to other provinces such as Luapula.

Mr Mulenga said the Forum has recently plunged into financial problems a situation which has incapacitated their provision of loans to individual youth groups who applied for the facility.

Meanwhile, Government has disassociated itself from the operations of Copperbelt Youth Forum.

In a press statement recently minister of sport, youth and child development Kenneth Chipungu said the Copperbelt Youth Forum was a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) which had its own objectives and constitution.

He advised the affected youths to request the institution to refund them the money they paid as requirement to accessing the loans or take legal actions against the forum if it failed to repay them.

Efforts to contact the Copperbelt Youth Forum failed.

ENDS/CB/PK/ZANIS

Singogo granted bail

General News

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January 17, 2009

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Former Zambia Air Force commander, Christopher Singogo, who was sentenced to six years in prison on Monday, has been granted a K50 million bail in his own cognizance.

Lieutenant General Singogo was granted bail on Friday morning by Lusaka Chief Resident Magistrate, Charles Kafunda, after hearing his bail application.

Two working sureties were produced and each charged twenty-five million kwacha.

General Singogo has also surrendered his passport after being granted bail.

Meanwhile, General Singogo’s lawyers have appealed against the six year jail sentence.

General Singogo was on Monday sentenced to six years imprisonment with hard labour after being convicted on two counts of charges of theft by public servant and abuse of authority of office.

[ZNBC]

Immigration Department arrests foreign nationals

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January 17, 2009

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The Immigration Department says, over the past one week, it has repatriated five foreign nationals for abrogating immigration laws.

The Department further said during the same period, it has arrested 24 foreign nationals for custodian offences.

Immigration Department Public Relations Manager, Mulako Mbangweta confirmed the development to ZANIS in an Interview in Lusaka today.

Ms. Mbangweta said the repatriated five foreign nationals include three Egyptians, one Indian and a Briton.

She said the Department also arrested and took to court three foreign nationals, a Somalian, a Congolese and a Nigerian. She said the three have been charged and sentenced by the courts of law.

She said Mohamed Dahir 20, who is Somalian has been sentenced to 12 months imprisonment with hard labour for altering documents contrary to section 352 of the Penal code chapter 87 of the laws of Zambia.

Ms. Mbangweta further said John Okkrohowo 30, a Nigerian was sentenced to six months imprisonment with hard labor for illegal stay in the country contrary to Section 22 (2) and section 30 (1) of the immigration and deportation Act chapter 125 of the laws of Zambia.

Meanwhile, a Congolese whose name could not be disclosed for lack of full details was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment with hard labor for illegal stay in the country.

Ms. Mbangweta further said among the 24 foreign nationals arrested were also eleven Guineans who were arrested after they produced forged VISA application letters.

She said four Pakistanis were arrested for illegal entry into the country and are in detention, pending prosecution.

Ms. Mbangweta further said four Eritreans were arrested as they could not give proper reasons for coming to Zambia and will be repatriated soon, while an Angolan was arrested for illegal entry.

She said all will appear in court soon. She has also warned foreigners that there are people masquerading as Immigration officials.

Ms. Mbangweta said such people are mostly found at hotels, adding that they are denting the image of the Immigration Department.

She advised foreigners coming to Zambia for the first time to go to straight to the Immigration Offices whenever they have problems relating to their stay in Zambia.

The Department further said that the eight Zimbabweans who were arrested on the Copperbelt have completed their jail sentence and will be repatriated to their country soon.

Ms. Mbangweta called on lodges and guest house owners in Mazabuka to help the Department stop Zimbabwean women harassing their clients.

She said there is need for all the stake holders in the hospitality industry to come together and help stop the further spread of HIV/AIDS.

“The lodge owners should come in and help the immigration department control the situation and this is good if we are to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS in the District” She said.

Ms. Mbangweta said the Department is doing everything possible to address the situation.

ENDS/GP/PK/ZANIS

Zambia has no reason to remain poor, World Bank Representative

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January 17, 2009

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The World Bank has said that Zambia is poised for significant economic development this year if the priorities which President Rupiah Banda outlined in his speech to parliament yesterday are implemented.

World Bank country representative, Kapil Kapoor, said President Banda addressed all the priority areas in his speech, adding that it now remains for government and other stakeholders in the development process of the country to implement what was said.

He told ZANIS in an interview that government and its stakeholders, including the cooperating partners should now put in place effective mechanisms that would drive the country into economic growth.

He said that despite being affected by the global economic crunch, Zambia has no reason to remain poor after all important economic areas were attended to.

Dr. Kapoor was commenting on Mr. Banda’s speech after the ceremonial opening of parliament yesterday

Meanwhile, Finland has described President Banda’s speech as realistic, describing it as one that would help maintain the economic development momentum Zambia is recording.

Finnish ambassador to Zambia, Sinikka Antila said the fact that the President noted that 2009 would not be an easy year for Zambia was reason enough for government to work extra hard, for the country’s economy to remain stable in the facet of the prevailing global economic meltdown.

Ms. Antila said the President pointed out important issues that would enable Zambia counter any negative effects of the global financial difficulties.

She said poverty alleviation, enhanced entrepreneurship and the fight against corruption, are the necessary ingredients for economic and political stability, in the midst of world financial crisis.

She said she was particularly happy that Mr. Banda spoke strongly about the issues relating to climate change, which she said were a major stumbling block to the development of the country.

Yesterday, Mr. Banda disclosed his government’s plans to counter the prevailing global economic challenges and enhance Zambia’s development agenda through improving the priority sectors of the country’s economy.

In his speech, President Banda said Zambia had no reason to remain poor, because she is endowed with abundant natural resources, which if property harnessed, would enable her resist the current global economic challenges.

ENDS/KSH/PK/ZANIS