Zambia’s education sector has become the envy of Southern Africa as neighbouring countries now sending their government officials to train in Zambia.

This came to light at the just-ended 2nd meeting of African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Ministers of Education which ended in Brussels Friday.

The meeting heard how Zambia has done a lot to mitigate the gender disparity by passing a policy to enrol all 7-10 year old children in Grade one.

Education Permanent Secretary, Lillian Kapulu said apart from bursaries for vulnerable boys and girls, many others measures had also been instituted.

Earlier, at a Dinner hosted by Zambia’s Ambassador to Belgium, Sheila Siwela, the Education Permanent Secretary told diplomats that education is now almost wholly funded by the Zambian government.

Donors said they are impressed with Zambia’s education policy and are willing to fund the sector even before the next budget allocation.

Mrs. Kapulu told her audience that Zambia’s Fifth National Development Plan is another great admiration.

This is according to a press release by First Secretary to Brussels, Samuel Ngoma.

[ZNBC]

By Mingeli Palata

Brigadier General Godfrey Miyanda stands as one of Zambia’s most honest and upright politicians with a political history springing from as way back as the Kaunda days when he was believed to have been unfairly dismissed. He was part of what I like to call the young turks or founding members of the Movement for Multi Party Democracy and was part of the first MMD Government.

Over the years the General has earned himself an honest reputation of integrity, financial strictness and of course an unwavering desire to serve this country as President. The man served fairly well as Vice President and as Education Minister among other portfolios he held. The general strikes me as a very interesting individual. Why? When he left the military he started a taxi business while rising through the ranks of the Movement for Multi Party Democracy. Godfrey is a devout Christian and if you would like to know he was a strong supporter of Zambia’s declaration as a Christian nation.

Miyanda served in the Chiluba Government up until the infamous third team bid. He, along with other Minsters and Members of parliament left the Movement to form the FDD and HP. He made his first appeal to the Zambian people to vote him as President in the year 2001. In his campaign, he sold integrity, zero tolerance to corruption and a rather strange village concept.

The General’s presidential bid was not as he had hoped. He didn’t do too badly though. He got 4 MPs to his name and around 7.4% of the Zambian vote. That’s good for a man who rarely smiles.

In the years that followed, the General’s MPs were ‘stolen’ from him by the MMD and he gradually lost ground among the electorate. But then again, the General has bounced back on the political arena asking us to vote him as President in the year 2006. His bid again was unsuccessful. Interestingly the man was rumoured to have disappeared after the elections. I doubt if that rumour was true, but it surely goes a long way to tell you about how the general public perceives him.

It is true that the General is making an honest plea to the Zambians to vote him in as president and that he has the best of intentions at heart (I hope), but there are a few questions that I strongly feel you as a voter have to think about before the polls.

The General served during what has come to be known as the dark ages, the first ten years during which the MMD ruled this country. Independent scholars and indeed the general Zambian populace reckon that the period was marred by gross mismanagement, job losses, closure of industries and corruption. If there is a period most Zambians regret it’s that ten year period. Now notice that during Chiluba’s ten year rule, General Miyanda never resigned nor did he condemn whatever was taking place there. When the late President Mwanawasa was not happy with the way FTJ was ruling the country, he resigned from the Vice Presidency and later challenged Dr. Chiluba at the MMD convention. When Akashambatwa Mbikusita Lewankia was not happy with the way government was being run, he resigned on principle. Doesn’t the fact that Miyanda never resigned from the 10 year long MMD government make his supposed integrity compromised?

General Miyanda sells his ‘integrity’ as one of the reasons why we should vote for him. I am sure with integrity comes strong belief in a set of principles and values, which a person of integrity would never ever compromise. Let’s say the General does not condone corruption and mismanagement of public funds; how come he served in a government that is believed to have been characterised with the very vices he stands against? Let’s make another assumption and say that the General was not part and parcel of the alleged corruption and mismanagement, so he was not part of it. If he was not part of it but knew like we all did that those vices were taking place, what does that say about his courage, convictions and indeed his ‘integrity’? Why couldn’t he stand up against what was taking place? The last thing Zambia needs is a leader who can’t stand his ground.

Recently, the General was interviewed by Mr. Kenneth Maduma on Radio Phoenix and the same questions were posed. In response the General said he believes in the rule of the majority. He said he came out strong on most of the wrong things the Chiluba government did and when it came to the vote and he lost; he always respected the majority. I thought that was a lame excuse.

What surprises most Zambians is just how the General ‘disappears’ so to speak and goes into Political insolvency and manages to resurface just when we are having an election. The general can be silent for five years and just pop up when its election time. The same was the case in this Presidential by Election; the general came from nowhere and said he was standing. The role of an opposition political party in a democracy is to provide checks and balances for the ruling party. An opposition political party is supposed to critique what government is doing, it is supposed to provide alternative solutions to that of government, yes an opposition political party is supposed to speak for the voiceless, the vast poor majority of Zambians. I am not sure the Heritage Party and its leader have done that. The General is too quiet on various issues that affect the common man in the country. I don’t know if he can blame anyone for thinking he doesn’t care about the plight of the Zambian people. I don’t know if he can cry foul if one was to think that he is out of touch with the reality of the Zambian situation.

The Heritage party is also yet to qualify its relevance to mainstream Zambian politics. Unlike other political parties, the HP remains dormant for five years then suddenly reappears when its lection time. The HP will never hold a rally to speak against a proposed increase in salaries and allowance for constitutional office bearers. The party’s structure and activities are not known to the average Zambians. I don’t remember hearing the HP holding internal elections for its office bearers and that speaks volumes on HPs internal democracy. If an opposition political party led by an army General is not known to hold regular internal elections then would we be wrong to conclude that the party has dictatorial attributes? Would the Zambians be wrong not to trust the General to defend their country’s democracy?

Other than the General’s strange personality, there is a lot more he needs to do to win our vote than just claiming that Rupiah Banda was sent by the late President to ask him to be his successor. He needs to remove the fear factor from the Zambian minds and asking photographers not to take pictures of him during a radio phoenix interviews is not the way to do it.

Allow me to end by quoting the late Anthony Kunda, a former Lusaka based BBC reporter who had a one on one interview with the General and wrote;

‘Another criticism is that he can appear dogmatic and overly strict, liking to do things his way and no other. ‘

‘When I have interviewed him as a journalist I have found him to have rather a severe personality. He rarely smiles. ‘

‘He can also be quite forceful. The last time I went to interview him he demanded to see what was in my notebook, to check that what I was writing was what he actually said. ‘

‘Although he was really very insistent I managed to keep my notes to myself on that occasion. ‘

‘Mr Miyanda, 56, was removed from the army some 20 years ago after being accused of involvement in a failed military coup in 1980. He was subsequently cleared of all the charges.

Although he has never lived in a village, he professes a deep respect for village life and village values.

So deep is this respect that his party’s political philosophy is called “The village concept.” ‘

‘Unfortunately not many people understand what this rather vague notion means, least of all some members of the Heritage party itself. If he can get Zambians to understand it between now and the polling day, he might just get the top job. ‘

Editor’s Note

The Author wishes to acknowledge the error made in the previous article where he stated that Bob Sichinga was the UPND’s Vice President at the time of the Late Anderson Mazoka’s death. This was not the case. Kindly accept the apologies.

Acting president, Rupiah Banda, has dismissed reports that the ruling MMD party has been divided ahead of next week’s presidential election.

And Mr Banda has promised to bring Kafue back to life economically once elected president in the October 30 election.

Meanwhile, former republican vice president, Nevers Mumba, has urged Zambians to distance themselves from presidential candidates preaching anarchy and insults in the run-up to the October 30 election.

Addressing scores of Kafue residents who braved a hot afternoon at Matanda football ground today, Mr Banda said the ruling MMD is intact as evidenced by the presence of finance minister, Ng’andu Magande and other party leaders at today’s rally who were said to have been sidelined in the ruling party’s campaigns.

Mr Banda said the MMD was not divided but democratic where members are willing to march together as one united force after the election of the party presidential candidate.

Mr Banda said he was the best presidential candidate in the October 30 election as he has the experience and capacity to deliver to the expectations of the Zambian people.

Mr Banda assured the people of Kafue that he is aware of the economic challenges they are going through and has already started addressing some them.

High on the agenda is the urgent need to recapitalise Nitrogen Chemicals of Zambia (NCZ), so that it can return to full and sustainable production, paying of retirees benefits and facilitating the sale of Kafue estates houses to sitting tenants.

He said Kafue is an attractive destination for fresh investment in key sectors such as tourism and agriculture in order to create jobs and wealth for the people.

The steel manufacturing plant will soon open in the district to widen avenues for employment for the locals.

Mr Banda said he is determined to improve the lives of the Zambian people as seen in the reduction of the price of fertilizer from K200,000 to K50,000 per 50kg bag.

He said consultations are also underway to reduce further the price of mealie meal so that Zambians can lead a good and happy life.

On next week’s presidential poll, Mr Banda challenged PF leader Michael Sata and UPND’s Hakainde Hichilema to renounce violence and accept the outcome of next week’s presidential election.

He said the election will be free, fair and transparent as results will be counted and signed for in the presence of all contesting parties and stakeholders at polling stations thereby leaving no room for cheating.

Mr Banda called on parties who may still have some concerns regarding the electoral process to raise them now so that they are ironed out before the October 30 election.

Earlier at the same rally, Finance Minister, Ng’andu Magande, who is also Chilanga member of parliament, said Kafue and Chilanga constituencies were ready to deliver 100 per cent vote for RB in the October 30 presidential election.

He said a lot is being done quietly in his constituency to ensure total victory for the MMD.

And former republican vice president Nevers Mumba said Zambians should uphold the principles of a Christian nation by rejecting a leader who preaches anarchy and insults.

Dr Mumba urged Zambians to turn out in large numbers and vote for Rupiah Banda for continued stability, peace and development.

United Liberal Party president ( ULP), Sakwiba Sikota, called on the people of Zambia to vote for RB as the MMD is the only party which has enough MPs to form a government representing all the nine provinces of the country.

And FDD president, Edith Nawakwi, ULP chairperson, Clementina Chipeta, MMD treasurer, Suresh Desai, Agriculture Minister, Ben Kapita and Lands Minister, Bradford Machila also addressed the rally, urging the electorate to vote for RB.

ZANIS/ENDS/JS/EB.

Zambia celebrates her 44th independence anniversary on Friday.

However, the celebrations have been overshadowed by campaigns as political parties make their last minute efforts to woo voters ahead of the October 30 presidential election.

Political parties are engaged in activities in various parts of the country to sell their manifestos to the electorate.

Government has also canceled the investiture ceremony at state house, a permanent feature of the independence anniversary celebrations, to allow parties to continue with their campaigns.

However, some events took place, especially in Lusaka, to mark Independence Day.

Acting president, Rupiah Banda, on Friday morning led diplomats accredited to Zambia and service chiefs in laying wreaths at the Freedom Statue in Lusaka.

The ceremony was attended by some cabinet ministers, senior government officials and former rrepublican vice president, Nevers Mumba.

Other dignitaries that attended the ceremony were Chief Justice Ernest Sakala, National Assembly Speaker, Amusa Mwanamwambwa and FDD president, Edith Nawakwi.

The theme for this year’s independence celebrations is” Facing the Future with Hope.”

And Her Royal Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second today congratulated Acting President Rupiah Banda on the 44th Cerebrations of Zambia’s Independence.

The Queen also wished the government and the people of Zambia happiness and prosperity in the coming year.

British High Commissioner, Ms. Carolyn Davidson, also added her congratulations, saying relations between Britain and Zambia are excellent.

“We hope to further strengthen links between the two nations for the mutual benefit of the Zambian and British people,” said Ms. Davidson in a statement made available to ZANIS in Lusaka today.

Ms. Davidson said the United Kingdom government was impressed at Zambia’s good democratic record in the region and hoped the government would take all necessary measures to ensure that the forth coming Presidential election meet international standards.

She said this was an opportunity for Zambia to show the world that it was a beacon of democracy.

ZANIS/ENDS/CBM/EB

Patriotic Front PF President Michael Sata has promised to tar the Mwinilunga -Kabompo road and turn Zambezi and Solwezi air ports into international air ports.

Addressing a public rally in Solwezi yesterday, Mr. Sata said he would improve the lives of people by developing Zambia without discriminating.

He also said he would reduce the price of mealie meal from K75, 000 to K25, 000 and conquer HIV/AIDS once elected President of Zambia.

Mr. Sata warned investors to respect Zambian workers, adding that he would make laws to force them to respect their workers if they decide to be arrogant.

He further charged that he would write off Chiefs car loans when he comes into power because Chiefs were supposed to be going round visiting their subjects to supervise them in any developmental projects in their areas.

Mr. Sata refuted allegations that he will chase away the Luvale, Chokwe Lundas and other tribes in Northwestern Province to Angola.

Mr. Sata said he had no such intentions because Northwestern Province is part of Zambia and he cannot chase away people that he wants to rule.

The PF President promised the people of Northwestern Province that he would develop the Province by constructing hydro power plants on the Zambezi, Kabompo and Lunga rivers to do away with the diesel machines and introduce mango, pine apple and rice plants.

Mr. Sata said there were no enough hospitals in Zambia and once he comes into power he would build hospitals and Television stations in every Province.

Opposition Heritage Party leader, Brigadier-General Godfrey Miyanda, has advised Patriotic Front president, Michael Sata, to stop misleading Zambians on the constitutional provision pertaining to the next republican president after the October 30 election.

Gen. Miyanda said it was unfortunate that Mr. Sata  was misrepresenting facts by saying that the new president should rule the country for five years instead of the remaining three years of the presidency.

The Heritage Party leader said this when he addressed a campaign rally at Chambeshi Market in Kasama yesterday.

He explained that the constitution was very clear as to what should happen during this transition period and urged politicians to desist from creating unnecessary anxiety in the nation by making unfounded statements.

Gen. Miyanda has since urged voters in next week’s presidential election to ignore Mr. Sata’s suggestion on the term of office for the next president but instead concentrate on electing a leader of their choice.

And the Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ) in Northern Province has also condemned PF leader Michael Sata for insinuating that the new republican president should serve for a period of five (5) years instead the remaining three years for the presidency.

CCZ provincial chairperson, Reverend Patrick Mwanza, has since described the remarks attributed to Mr. Sata as irresponsible and unacceptable.

Rev. Mwanza told ZANIS that the constitution was clear on the presidential by-election, adding that nobody, including politicians, should tamper with the supreme law of the land.

He explained that people trying to change the constitution in order to suit their own interests were only exposing their acts of desperation for power, which should not be tolerated in a democratic country like Zambia.

Rev. Mwanza has since urged political party leaders to be responsible when making statements in order to avoid trivializing issues of national importance as doing so may result in unnecessary tension in the country.