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Part 2 Reflections- KK was right

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By Dr. Chiyaba Njovu

Lessons for the future of Zambia

We are told that if we use history, we may lose one eye but if we forget history we may lose both eyes. It is not my intention to discuss the three individuals who have occupied the office of President of Zambia since our independence. However, as they are part of our history, there is a need to make reference where this becomes relevant. The history of the three Zambian presidents must help in guiding us into what must be demanded from whoever takes over as Zambia’s fourth President.

As a nation, we know where we have come from; we know what amounts to good leadership and we know what amounts to bad leadership. We can analyze, assess, evaluate and later extrapolate what outcomes certain policy measures are likely to yield. In other words, our requirements are well known. What is not known at this stage, however, is how best to meet these requirements. No politician ever answers this question; I am yet to hear one answer it. What is required is not only a political solution to our problems but a pragmatic one if Zambia is to build on Dr. Mwanawasas legacy. It has to be pragmatic leadership because of the constraints defined by the circumstances in which we have found ourselves. We need a leader to steer Zambia to its destiny a better place for all. He/she will be constrained in many ways but a good leader unlocks constraints and converts them into opportunities. That is the challenge.

I recall listening to Dr. Kaunda in 1991, just before the multiparty elections. Dr. Kaunda advised Zambians against making a mistake in choosing the leadership. He repeatedly used these words and I quote; “Countrymen, not anyone who smokes dagga and shouts can lead. Leadership is a serious challenge that requires sober minds“ At that time, most of us dismissed Dr. Kaunda’s sentiments as partisan and self preserving. But with hindsight, Dr. Kaunda was being sincere to the nation. He cared about the nation and was concerned about what was about to happen. He knew from experience the characters of most of those who were aspiring for office at the time. History is there for all to judge. Zambia had a huge opportunity to build on Dr. Kaunda’s legacy and could have developed faster than we ever thought. But what happened? We were driven ten years backwards.Unfortunately, we are at the same cross roads now as we were in 1991 but under different circumstances.

We have the advantage of having experienced change of leadership twice and I believe we are better equipped to objectively define our destiny. We can only deceive ourselves if we voted on tribal or partisan lines as the Office of President affects all irrespective of tribe or party affiliation. We need to elect a leader who will look at Zambia as a nation he/she would wish to live in as an ordinary citizen and still enjoy the quality of life as a human being. We need to reflect on Dr. Mwanawasas message and assess the characters of the people aspiring for leadership and whether they are suitably qualified to handle the challenges ahead. In as much as democracy does not always guarantee victory for the most competent leader, I would love to believe that Zambians have learnt enough not to allow themselves to be manipulated by people we all know will not deliver on their promises. They have made far too many promises in the governments they have served that we can now see through them like a transparent glass. For them, its presidency at all costs! These are the people we do not need. These are people who will use the Presidency to fulfill their deflated egos.

We need a leader and not anything that can shout. A leader, who would spend time analyzing existing systems and work on measures to strengthen these systems for the benefit of all. Our nation currently needs strong systems and not good people. A good system managed by knowledgeable people can reform bad people and make them productive or else they loose out. That is what we need. Proper leadership, with a vision and attention to detail. Leadership of a nation is a serious undertaking and that as Zambians we must know that anyone who applies for a job they know they cannot do is committing a crime. It is fraud as the nation would pay him/her handsomely for the services the nation may never receive.

Dr. Mwanawasa may not have lived to achieve all that he desired for mother Zambia but his legacy must be guarded jealously if Zambia is to prosper. Let us think objectively and help build a Zambia in which we shall all be proud to live. Dr. Mwanawasa, we shall always remember you as an inspiring leader who worked under very difficult circumstances. I do not need to elaborate on this fact. In Gods eyes, everything that happens to you is in your interests. Everything happens for a purpose. Once more, may his soul rest in peace. Good luck mother Zambia.

African Union hails Zimbabwe “turning point”

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The African Union (AU) has hailed Zimbabwe’s power-sharing deal as a “turning point” for the nation and urged the world to give it full support.

A statement issued late on Friday by AU Commission chairman Jean Ping welcomed this week’s accord between President Robert Mugabe and the Zimbabwean opposition.

“The chairperson commends the Zimbabwean parties for arriving at this agreement which marks a turning point in the efforts aimed at promoting reconciliation, stability and fostering conditions conducive for the recovery of their country,” it said.

The AU praised South African President Thabo Mbeki’s “skillful diplomacy and tireless efforts” as a mediator.

“The chairperson urges the international community as a whole to do its utmost to support the implementation of this agreement and provide the requisite assistance to that end,” the statement added.

Giving first details of the deal reached on Thursday, an opposition senator said on Friday that Mugabe would keep his job and head the cabinet. Morgan Tsvangirai, leader of the main opposition MDC group, would be prime minister and chair a council of ministers supervising cabinet, the senator said.

Zimbabweans are desperate for an end to a political crisis that has destroyed the economy, hitting the once-prosperous country with the world’s highest rate of hyper-inflation and sending millions of refugees into neighbouring countries.

Reuters

Rural Electrification Authority brightness up more districts

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Zambians have continued to lay wreaths on tomb of President Mwanawasa at Embassy Park.

Rural Electrification Authority Chief Executive Officer Winfred Serenje  led staff members in laying wreaths on Dr. Mwanawasa’s tomb.

And speaking after laying wreaths on the tomb, Mr. Serenje said the late president Dr. Mwanawasa played a pivotal role in supporting the Rural Electrification Authority.

He disclosed that over eight districts in Zambia have benefited from the projects initiated by the Rural Electrification Authority.

Mr. Serenje further said most electricity projects that started last year have since been completed while more projects have since been initiated.

He said among the projects that have since been completed are the electrification of Moomba and Kayosha in Chibombo District, Chipapa in Kafue District and the connection of electricity from Ngoma Basic School to Lunchinze in Sinazongwe.

Mr. Serenje said others include Undi area in Chipata and Mwanse in Lundazi district which are still being worked on.

Saturday Football Preview

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The Faz Premier League resumes this weekend at the end of the 21-days of national mourning for late president Levy Mwanawasa that came to an end of September 9.

The highlight of this weekends return to football action will see the roll-out of the SuperSport Satellite TV coverage of the Zambia top-light with the package kicking off with a doubleheader at Konkola Stadium in Chililabombwe.

The doubleheader will see leaders and defending champions Zesco United  take on record 11-time league champions Nkana in a 13:00 kickoff.

Hosts Konkola Blades will also be at home and they will face their near-rivals Nchanga Rangers from down the road in Chingola.

Zesco will be looking for another good result against 12th placed Nkana whom they beat 2-0 in the first leg played on April 26.

However, Nkana will be hoping their red-hot DR Congo born striker Patrick kabamba will be on fire to try and help his side get the 3 points in their battle against a quick return to division following their promotion this season.

Meanwhile, in the weekends other Week 22 games, 2nd placed Red Arrows are away to 4th from bottom Green Eagles, Young Arrows host Power Dynamos while Green Buffaloes visit City of Lusaka at Woodlands.

Kabwe Warriors travel to Lusaka Dynamos, Chambishi host Zanaco and Roan United take on Nkwazi at Kafubu Stadium in Luanshya.

Elsewhere, the Zambia Under-17 team on Saturday take on Namibia in an Algeria 2009 Africa Under-17 Cup 1st round, return leg clash in Windhoek.

The two sides are level at 0-0 from the 1st leg played in Lusaka last Saturday.

Winner of this mach will played either South Africa or Malawi in the 2nd and final qualifying stage in November for a place at next years finals in Algeria.

Malawi enjoy a 1-0 away win from the 1st leg played a fortnight ago in South Africa.

Stop dwelling on petty issues- Mbikusita-Lewanika

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Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD founding member Akashabwata Mbikusita-Lewanika says it is wrong for the opposition to dwell on petty issues.

Mr. Mbikusita-Lewanika says this is particularly wrong when the country is faced with enormous challenges of food crisis, global warming, unemployment and HIV/AIDS.

He urged the opposition to instead concentrate on real issues and offer workable solutions to daunting challenges faced by the country.

Mr. Mbikusita-Lewanika told ZANIS in an interview that the electorates are looking for leaders and political parties that would articulate pertinent issues of national importance.

He has since expressed confident that MMD’s Rupiah Banda will emerge victories in the forthcoming presidential election because ruling party is focused on developmental issues.

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has set October 30, 2008 for the presidential by-election.

Part 1-Reflections

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Reflecting on Dr. Mwanawasas farewell message to the nation

By Dr. Chiyaba Njovu

When I first heard about our late president’s pre-recorded message to the nation, I wondered what the message was all about; could it be related to his desire for his preferred successor? Could it be about his views on the corrupt people or just what could it be? Just why did he record this message? Well, after reading the message in full from different parts of the press, I have come to realise that people perceive power and indeed use power differently. Some people perceive power as a status symbol, others perceive it as a control tool or a measure of their greatness and yet others perceive power as an honor to have their chance to help better the society they lead. Reading that message again, I have come to realise that people do perceive and live their lives differently. Some people live their lives by the day and cannot care less about what happens tomorrow. Others lead a purposeful life that makes them reflect on the past, present and possibly the future. They care about others and value other people. Dr. Mwanawasas message teaches us two things about him. It tells us about him as a person and him as a person in power.

Dr. Mwanawasa as a Person

As a person, Dr. Mwanawasa lived a purposeful life. I am saying this because I had an opportunity of meeting him in different capacities, as an ordinary citizen and as republican President. He spent time thinking about his immediate family, his relatives, his friends and the nation. He demonstrated these traits in different ways. He guided people genuinely with all his heart with the view that they too could develop and live meaningful lives. He openly told people what his views on an issue would be and encouraged people to think seriously about their actions each time. He advised people about the dangers of living beyond ones means and the dangers of an insatiable desire for wealth. In other words, his desire was to see his family, his relatives, his friends and the general populaces in Zambia aspire for better lives. He espoused the value of the rule of law in society at all times. He wished people a life of opportunities for themselves, a life of desire through hard work, honest and sincerity. He fought against injustice, poverty, ignorance, exploitation of man by man and disease. He viewed these as traits that were obstacles to people’s desire for meaningful lives. He viewed a society devoid of these vices as a better society. He reflected on the plight of the poor; cared about the children, the orphans; the disabled, the sick irrespective of who they were and indeed all the disadvantaged people in society. And above all, he detested treachery and dishonesty. In other words, he did unto others as he would expect them to do unto him.

Dr. Mwanawasa as a leader

As a leader, Dr. Mwanawasa had the desire to help better the society he presided over. He reflected on the plight of the nation in keeping with his purpose in life. He gave deep thoughts about the nation and what he could do to help better the nation. He identified key issues in a better society, opportunity creation through prudent resource management; honest in public office; integrity in dealing with others and indeed care for the human being irrespective of their status in society. A look at his actions in life confirms this in many ways. And this is what won him international accolades. He was modest in all his dealings. He was never afraid to tell anyone his piece of mind and was prepared to say sorry whenever he made a mistake. He never showed any desires for materials, and encouraged people to lead modest, humble but genuinely honest lives. Though he had access to all the trappings of wealth one can imagine, he never showed any desire for glamorous things and went on his business as if he was an ordinary citizen. He worked as hard as anyone on his businesses and showed that, like anyone else, he could earn his living as an individual and not using his office.

Fight against corruption

His fight against corruption was motivated by his desire to make Zambia a better place and not malice. It was a fight to demonstrate that people in leadership must respect public resources. It was not a fight against any individual and there was nothing political about it in his mind. It was a fight to serve as a lesson to serving leaders and those that aspire for leadership. Though we are all entitled to our own opinions on this, an objective assessment of the facts emerging from the courts of law and the conduct of those accused of corruption only serve to confirm that some people committed crimes for which justice was demanded. There is nothing wrong in spotting a crime and demanding that the culprit be brought to book. This is what justice demands. This is what Dr. Mwanawasa demonstrated. He demanded justice for all irrespective of ones status in society. It is such bold and courageous actions that can help shape Zambia into a better nation. A nation governed by the rule of law; a nation where people respect each other as human beings; a nation where people could be proud of doing business without the fear of being conned. A nation where each individual feels proud to own what they would like if they can genuinely afford it. I am a strong believer of the hard work culture. I respect honest hard working people. I respect people who genuinely work for what they own but I detest dishonest people no matter what favors they would shower at me. I detest acquiring wealth dubiously or indeed taking advantage of ones position to acquire wealth. Dishonesty is a cancer that has destroyed many families and indeed many societies. Dishonesty coupled with an insatiable desire for meaningless wealth has created wars and shuttered many societies. I have had the privilege of traveling extensively and have visited countries where these have happened and would never wish such a scenario for anybody. A corrupt nation cannot inspire people. Corruption creates helplessness and hopelessness in the disadvantaged and blinds the tricksters from reality. A corrupt nation is a doomed nation and there is no better way to describe it. These are all lessons we can learn from Dr. Mwanawasas leadership. We shall dearly miss him. May his soul rest in peace.

PF and UNPD electoral pact good for democracy – FODEP

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Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) in Mufulira says the proposed poll pact between the Opposition Patriotic Front (PF) and United Party for National Development (UPND) is a good  for Zambia ‘s democracy .

District FODEP chairperson Tennyson Nyirongo told ZANIS in interview today that the proposed talks are healthy for the country’s democracy as it will enhance the voice of the opposition.

Mr. Nyirongo said the two political parties agreement on the pact is a sign of political maturity emerging among the opposition parties .

He noted that the opposition has remained fragmented for a long time hence contributing to their failure to adequately represent the voters.

Mr. Nyirongo was commenting on the proposal electoral pact by the PF leader Michael Sata and UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema for the October 30 presidential by election.

And Mr. Nyirongo also said FODEP in the District has identified forty (40) monitors who will participate in the forthcoming election.

He said the names of monitors have since been submitted to the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) for accreditation through their national office.

In another development,The Patriotic Front-PF- has dismissed reports suggesting that it has entered into an electoral pact with the United Party for National Development, UPND.

PF leader, Michael Sata, says there has been no pact for the two parties to adopt a single candidate in the October 30 Presidential election.

Mr. Sata told a campaign meeting in Kafue, Thursday, that reports indicating that the two parties have agreed to field UPND president Hakainde Hichilema in the election, are false.

The PF leader said Mr. Hichilema will contest the election on his party’s ticket.

ZANIS/PS/CMM/MK/ENDS.

World Bank cheered by Zambia’s progress

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The World Bank has observed that Zambia has made remarkable progress in the public sector reforms and doing business index.

World Bank Country Representative Dr. Kapil Kapool disclosed that Zambia is now rated 100 out of 181 whose progress in the public reform programmes are being monitored.

Dr Kapool said this at a media breakfast meeting to give a summary of Zambia’s performance on the 2004-2009 doing business indicators in Lusaka today.

He said Zambia has now moved 16 steps from last year when it was rated 116 out of the 181 countries globally.

Dr. Kapool attributed the improvement to the streamlining of the Patents and Companies Registration Office (PACRO) and the computerization of various institutions that facilitate businesses in the country.

He noted that most institutions have improved and reduced their time of operations such as issuing of licenses and registration of companies despite their system of operations remaining the same.

Dr. Kapool however said that there is need for Zambia to strive towards reducing the time and costs of exporting and importing goods into the country especially at border posts.

He added that the delays in exporting and importing goods out and into the country impacts negatively on the competitiveness of both exporters and importers respectively.

Dr. Kapool further called on government to work towards improving the labour market and employment conditions.

He added that there is also need to build on the momentum gained so far and address challenges such as transportation cost and labour market rigidities.

Dr. Kapool noted that the business environment in the country can receive a major boost if government addresses critical reforms is areas such as energy, telecommunications, railway systems and agriculture.

He has however commended government for putting in place mechanisms that have enabled the country record progress in improving its doing business index at global level.

And Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet Likolo Ndalamei said government will continue working towards improving business in the country.

Mr. Ndalamei said government wants Zambia to become the best investment destination in future adding that the country cannot create wealth for development without investments.

He said the fight against corruption through institutions created for the task by the late President Mwanawasa has also impacted positively in doing business effectinely in the country.

Mr. Likolo also assured the World Bank of government’s commitment to addressing issues and challenges observed in the annual assessment.

The Doing Business is an annual assessment of selected business indicators on how countries are fairing in the implementation of private sector reform programmes.

It is however not a comprehensive index measure. Currently Zambia is among the 181 countries across the globe that is annually assessed since 2004.

ZANIS/CM/AM/ENDS

Don’t be influenced by politicians- Hichilema

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Kafue District Council Chief Administration Officer, Maurice Hichilema has urged the district voter education committee to work hard and be non partisan in its community election sensitization exercise on the forthcoming presidential by-elections.

Mr.Hichilema, said today that the responsibility that lay ahead of the committee was very demanding and the committee should not be influenced by politicians who could make them fail to sensitize communities freely.

He was speaking today in Kafue during a meeting held by the district voters’ education committee (DVEC) in the council chamber.

Mr. Hichilema said the presidential by election was just a month away and therefore, the committee should ensure that it worked extra hard to encourage more voters to participate in voting.

He said the district has this year been allowed to employ 17 ward community voter education facilitators to sensitize communities on the importance of participating in elections as compared to 2006 when only five facilitators were employed.

Mr. Hichilema informed the members that the committee would have to ensure that people living in the remotest parts of the district were also reached and education on issues of the forthcoming elections.

He said the Electoral Commission of Zambia would work closely with the district council and other committees to ensure that the elections were held under a free and fair atmosphere.

And Kafue District DVEC Chairperson, Francis Kanyembo, appealed to members to work together so that the voter education sensitization exercise throughout the district was carried out without any difficulties.

Mr. Kanyembo said despite the programme coming at short notice, it was important that the committee did not put the name of the Electoral Commission of Zambia into disrepute.

He said the committee should ensure that democratic principles were highly valued and respected in the country.

Dreaming of my ex

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Dear LT bloggers,

I am a lady aged 40.  I was going out with this gentleman before I married my husband.  I must admit that I loved him so much but he had a problem of accepting my daughter and my relatives so I decided to call it quits.
I am now married to this man who I feel loves me so much and I do love him as well. My problem is when ever I sleep I keep on having fun dreams with my ex-boyfriend.

Does it mean he is using JUJU on me or what?  This old affair was there some 10 – 15 years now.
To make it worse he has even befriended my cousin whom he works with at the same Company which puzzles me a lot. Is he trying to keep track of my life and my wonderful husband?  If any one can help I will
appreciate.

Sunkie

Copper demand increases exploration activity

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Mineral exploration and mine expansion projects in Zambia continue to intensify amidst the surge in commodity prices and copper demand; this was according to consulting engineering group SRK Consulting principal consultant Alan Naismith.

Naismith said that leading mining companies such as metals and mining company Vedanta Resources’ Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) operations in Zambia have undertaken significant expansion projects in order to increase production.

“Zambia also has many brown- field projects under way as mining companies are increasingly expanding their operations to meet global demand for copper,” states Naismith.

He said that several junior miners have undertaken exploration projects on the Copperbelt to exploit the booming conditions of the market.

“We have seen a lot of junior miners coming in and accessing and redeveloping the copper belt. In the central and southern parts of Zambia, we also see activity in gold exploration, as well as copper and nickel,” says Naismith.

He says that KCM has shown its commitment to the Zambian mining industry and its operations on the Copperbelt, through its capital expenditure and current expansion projects.

“There is a new desire to develop the Copperbelt. Mining companies are certainly showing a renewed willingness to develop their operations,” he says.

SRK Consulting is currently involved in the Konkola mine expansion project, which will see the production capacity of the mine increasing from 2-million tons to 7.5-million tons of copper ore a year.

The Konkola mine expansion project, valued at about $675-million, involves the sinking of the shaft to 1 490 m, and expanding and improving the dewatering and ventilation systems at the operation.

The expansion project seeks to gain access to the orebody that lies below the current production levels, and will see the deepening of the No 1 shaft to a depth of 1 490 m, to operate in conjunction with No 4 shaft, reports KCM.

“Konkola currently pumps around 270 000 m3 of water daily to dewater stopping operations and is reputed to be one of the wettest mines in operation. “Design and operation of an effective water-handling system is a key factor in the success of the mine,” reports Naismith.

He says that the construction of an ultramodern concentrator, which will have the capacity to handle six-million tons a year of ore, is also under way alongside the shaft sinking project.

He mentioned that SRK is also involved with other aspects of KCM operations at the Nchanga open pit and underground sections.

Naismith says that there has been decay in the mining infrastructure on the Copperbelt, during the 1980s and 1990s, which has created a number of challenges in the expansion and development of the existing mines.

He said that there is a skills shortage in the mining industry across the globe, adding that SRK’s project involvement in Zambia is assisting to fill the skills gap in the country.

Mining Weekly

95 % Cancer cases attended to locally

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Government says more than 95 per cent of cancer disease cases were being attended to locally at the new Cancer hospital situation at Lusaka’s University Teaching Hospital (UTH).

Ministry of Health Spokesperson Canicius Banda disclosed this in an interview with ZANIS in Lusaka today.

Dr. Banda said government has so far saved huge sums of money because many cancer patients that were referred to hospitals outside Zambia specialized treatment were now attended to locally.

He added that the opening of the cancer hospital in the country has since saved many lives.

The cancer hospital in Zambia was opened three years ago to treat cancer through radio therapy and demo therapy.

Dr. Banda said certain types of cancer could be prevented through use of drugs and regular check ups.

He further said patients, who were not able to access treatment in districts, could be referred to UTH for treatment.

He pointed out that cancer could also be prevented through balanced diet and avoiding smoking and certain foods which contain preservatives.

Dr. Banda also said cervical cancer could also be prevented through use of condoms because it is sometimes transmitted through unprotected sex.

He cautioned patients having wounds lasting more than seven days without healing to suspect cancer and seek medical attention.

Dr. Banda said the poor people should not be exempted from seeking treatment, adding that it was government’s policy to enable everyone access medical attention even when they were unable to pay.

ZANIS/VP/KSH/ENDS

We shall beat them even if they team up-RB

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Acting President Rupiah Banda has expressed confidence of   the party scoping the forth-coming October 30 Presidential by-elections.

Mr. Banda says the Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD) is a strong Party which will never be intimidated by the opposition political parties even if they teamed up in the October 30 Presidential by-elections.

The Acting President was speaking to Journalists shortly after arrival from Chililabombwe where he had gone to watch the joint Zambia/Togo 2010 World Cup and Africa Cup qualifiers game in which Zambia won by a goal.

Mr. Banda said the MMD  was ready to  win the opposition in the forth-coming October 30 Presidential by-elections because the party  is  credible  and  capable of delivering to the Zambian people.

He appealed to the MMD members to campaign vigorously to ensure that the Party continued in government and fulfill the late President Mwanawasa’s vision of developing the country.

Mr. Banda said it was the late President Mwanawasa’s wish that the MMD party continued in government in a bid to uplift the living standards of people and propel the country’s national development to greater heights.

Earlier, Mr Banda called for  mature and issue based campaigns.

Mr. Banda made the call at Kasompe Airstrip in Chingola this morning before departure for Lusaka.

He said the forthcoming by-election messages must be based on the developmental agenda of the country.

He said the people of Zambia wanted to know how the political leadership of the nation would help the citizens to provide answers to people’s basic needs.

He said it was the MMD’s agenda to provide more schools, health centres and provide the necessary leadership that would improve the livelihood of Zambians.

Mr. Banda said politics of name calling and insults were long gone as Zambians were now focused on development in all the sectors.

He said the MMD cadres and members should send the right campaign messages to the people of Zambia so that on October 30, 2008 all may vote for the ruling party for continuity with programmes that the late President left in place.

Meanwhile Mr Rupiah Banda is tomorrow expected in Chipata to attend the Kulamba traditional ceremony of the Chewa people of Katete district on Saturday.

According to the program released ZANIS in Chipata by the Eastern Province administration in Chipata yesterday, Mr. Banda is expected to touch down at Chipata airport at 09 hours.

He will then go to Mama Rula lodge for a briefing before traveling to Katete to pay a courtesy call on Paramount chief Kalonga-Gawa-Undi at Mkaika headquarters, where the ceremony would be held on Satruday.

The programme also states that after the courtesy call, Mr. Banda will depart Katete for Chipata where he is expected to pay condolences to senior chief Nzamane of the Ngoni at his palace, on the death of his son.

The Acting President will have a night stop in Chipata before going back to Katete to attend this year’s Kulamba ceremony.

He is expected back in Lusaka on Sunday.
ZANIS/SM/KSH/ENDS

Esther to win for Levy

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Zambia’s Boxing icon Ester Phiri has declared that her American opponent Hondi Hernandez will be made her pillow for the late President Levy Mwanawasa.

And all is set the Ester/Hernandez bout-out slated for October 4 at Woodlands stadium in Lusaka.

ZANIS sports reports the Ester said during a briefing in Lusaka Friday that she is fit and ready for the bout.

Ester appealed to government to provide proper training equipment for boxers observing that Africa and Zambia has dilapidated training facilities.

And Ester’s Trainer Anthony Mwamba said his boxer is the most disciplined boxer in the world.

Mwamba feared the Ester’s  opponent Hondi Hernandez will be terribly be patched because Ester is a well articulated and talented person Zambia has ever had.

Mwamba disclosed that Esther has resumed training after President Mwanawasa’s 21 days national mourning in readiness for the superfeatherweight bout.

The world boxer is poised to grab her belt should she defeat  Hernandez next month.

The American Boxer, Hernandez 23, has fought eight fights, won five and lost three.

And National Milling Corporation Managing Director Peter Cottan said K800 million has been set for the  Ester/Hernandez bout-out.

Cottan announced that Holiday Inn and Lusaka Hotel have come in open to support ester and he called upon other corporating entities to emulate the two corporate bodies to demonstrate their social responsibilities towards sponsoring boxing in the country to help rise it.

Cottan said Holiday Inn will accommodate the American boxer Hondi Hernandez and her entourage while Lusaka Hotel will accommodate  Esther and her trainer at the cost of K 80 million.

ZANIS/KC/ENDS/MM

Ukusefya Pa Ngw’ena ceremony takes place next weekend

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This year’s Ukusefya Pa Ngw’ena Traditional Ceremony of the Bemba people in Northern Province will take place from September 18 to 21 in Mungwi District.

The ceremony, which was initially set for August 22 to 24, was postponed after the death of Republican President Levy Mwanawasa at Percy Military Hospital in France on August 19.

Paramount Chief Chitimukulu announced the new dates for the Ukusefya Pa Ngw’ena traditional ceremony in a letter addressed to Acting Provincial Permanent Secretary, Gabriel Kaunda, signed by organising Committee Secretary, Chola Chilekwa, and made available to ZANIS in Kasama today.

And Mungwi District Commissioner, Fanwell Bwembya, told ZANIS that preparations for the Ukusefya Pa Ngw’ena Bemba traditional ceremony have reached an advanced stage.

Mr Bwembya, however, said the road leading to the ceremony has been changed due to the ongoing rehabilitation works on the bridge connecting to the main arena via Paramount Chief Chitimukulu’s palace.

He has since advised people wishing to witness the event to use the Nseluka-Chimba road, which is off the Kasama-Mbala main road in order to reach the main arena.

The district commissioner, further, appealed to the business community and other well-wishers to contribute generously towards the successful hosting of the traditional ceremony.

Acting President, Rupiah Banda, is expected to officiate at this year’s Ukusefya Pa Ngw’ena Bemba Traditional Ceremony.

Last year, the late President Mwanawasa graced both the installation of the incumbent Paramount Chief Chitimukulu and the ceremony in Mungwi.

And  acting President, Rupiah Banda, is next week expected in Northern Province for a
Three day official visit.

According to a programme released to ZANIS in Kasama today by the Provincial Administration, Mr Banda is expected to arrive at Kasama Airport on September 20 at about 08:30 hours.

After the ceremony, the Acting President is scheduled to meet Paramount Chief Chitimukulu, other Bemba Chiefs and later MMD provincial officials.

On September 21st, Mr Banda will depart Kasama for Mpulungu where he will hold meetings with Lungu Chiefs and MMD district officials.

Mr Banda, who is MMD presidential candidate, will later hold a Presidential rally in the area ahead
of the by-election on October 30.

The following day, on September 22, the Acting President will pay courtesy calls on Senior Chief Kopa and Bisa
Chiefs before addressing a public rally.

ZANIS/ENDS/WS/SJK

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