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Firefighters battle fire at Kamwala market

15

MORE than 50 stalls at the Old Luburma market in Kamwala second-class trading area in Lusaka were reduced to ashes after part of the market caught fire.

The fire, which was suspected to have been caused by an electrical fault in the early hours of yesterday, destroyed goods worth millions of Kwacha.

A police officer at Kamwala police post, Nelson Shayenge, who was found at the scene, said he received a telephone call around 05:00 hours that the market had caught fire.

He said an electrical fault or a charcoal brazier could have caused the fire in one of the restaurants at the market.

“The problem with this market is that there are too many tiny shops and restaurants which are all squeezed in one place.

“You could have a fire like this simply because someone left a brazier burning,” he said.

A trader, Joseph Zulu, whose shop was not affected, said he arrived at the market at 07:00 hours after a friend called him.

Other shop owners who rushed to the scene were found trying to retrieve some items from their debris-turned stalls while firefighters from the Lusaka City Council were battling to quench the fire.

Two fire engines from the Central Fire station were found at the scene as firefighters battled to quench the inferno.

Some women who had lost their merchandise fainted while others openly wept upon discovering that all their investment had been reduced to rubble.

Some of the traders complained that they had lost goods that they got on credit, hoping to pay back after making sufficient sales.

The fire was only put off around 09:00 hours.

Summit could have done better – MDC

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THE Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) has expressed happiness at the outcome of the just-ended Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State and Government Summit.

MDC director – information and publicity, Luke Timdorinyoka, said the party was happy with the contents of the communiqué, although more could have been done.

Mr Timdorinyoka said that MDC was particularly happy that the Summit had urged the ZEC to expeditiously release the results, as that was the main bone of contention.

He was, however, quick to point out that the Summit could have done better.

Mr Timdorinyoka said the Summit could have deliberated the need to discard what he termed “silent diplomacy” by South African President, Thabo Mbeki.

He said the fact that President Mbeki had been retained as a facilitator for Zimbabwe indicated that other leaders agreed with him on his diplomatic style.

“Time for silent diplomacy is long gone and people now have to speak out and do so loudly,” he said.

On the way forward, Mr Timdorinyoka said the MDC would peacefully await the implementation of the SADC resolutions by the ZEC, saying the announcement of the presidential election results was key.

Transparency International Zambia (TIZ) president, Rueben Lifuka, commended President Mwanawasa for convening the Summit to address the elections impasse in Zimbabwe.

He, however, said the outcome of the SADC Extraordinary meeting fell short of expectations.

Mr Lifuka reminded the SADC Heads of State of the importance of carrying the hopes and aspirations of millions of Zimbabweans who desired a better future for themselves.

He said that it was public expectation that SADC Heads of State would pass the test of credibility and help restore pride in the people of Zimbabwe and Africa by the quality of their decision.
Times of Zambia

Zesco United Thump Newcomers Green Eagles

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Zesco United roared back to life today after their recent forgettable Africa adventure to win their first league match of the season.

The defending league champions beat promoted Green Eagles 4-1 at Trade Fair grounds in Ndola with the departing inspirational midfielder Rainford Kalaba watching from the stands after returning for Portugal on Saturday where he sealed a 5-year deal with Sporting Braga.

A brace from on-loan signing Lottie Phiri in the 4th and 46th minutes set Zesco on their way to their first league win from two matches this season after drawing 1-1 at home against Roan United in their week 1 match on March 15.

Allen Chibwe added Zesco’s third goal four minutes after the break before Maybin Mwaba made it 4-1 on 64 minutes.

Eagles, who have yet to win a league game this season, scored their solitary goal of the match through Obrey Zulu with 15 minutes remaining from full time.

The Kabwe-based team is already looking like early favorites for relegation in their debut top-flight campaign with no win from three matches played with a point from four games played so far.

Zesco have 4 points from two games played with two matches in hand.

Meanwhile, pacesetters Nchanga Rangers lost 1-0 away to Zanaco who secured their second successive league win through a first half penalty converted by Nasha Kaya.

At Nkoloma Stadium, Roan United lost 2-0 away to Red Arrows at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka.

Roan are on 5 points, one more than former leaders Nchanga who slip one notch to second.

Kabwe Warriors good run under Egyptian-born coach Mohamed Fathy continued when they recorded a customary 3-1 home win over Power Dynamos at the Railway Grounds in cable.

Methuselah Chipupu, Siloni Jere and Emmanuel Mayuka each scored a goal for Warriors to see the unbeaten railwaymen go to joint first place with Rangers on 7 points out of a possible 9.

Works on multi billion Irrigation project resumes

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Works on a multi billion irrigation project co-funded by government and the African Development Bank (ADB) in Manyonyo area of Mazabuka has resumed.

Mazabuka district project Manager, Alex Nonde disclosed this ZANIS in Mazabuka today.

Mr Nonde said a Chinese contractor CHINA JIANGXHI has since been awarded a contract to install irrigation equipment and Water canals covering 200 hectares of land.

He said preliminary works have started and the contractor has since mobilized his equipment.

Mr Nonde the project which will benefit 200 small scale farmers will boost the economical status of the district as more jobs will be created while small scale farmers will grow sugarcane and sell it to Zambia Sugar Company as out growers.

He said the project whose main objective is to reduce poverty among people in villages is being supervised by the Ministry of Agriculture.

Meanwhile, quick intervention by government has ensured adequate availability of mealie meal on the market in Mazabuka, in Southern Province following a recent critical shortage of commodity in the area.

Acting Mazabuka District Commissioner Wilson Siadunka confirmed to ZANIS in Mazabuka today that long queues that had characterised efforts to purchase the commodity in the area are now a thing of the past.

Mr Siadunka explained that the plentiful availability of the mealie meal on the market is a result of government’s directive to the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) to off load part of its stock of maize grain onto the market to meet the demand for the commodity.

He pointed out that the shortage of the mealie meal was compounded by floods experienced in the district.

Mr Siadunka said the floods washed away crops in the area forcing people that would otherwise feed from their crop yields to flock into Mazabuka town for the commodity.

He further noted that the electricity load shedding by ZESCO also contributed to the problem because millers were unable to produce enough mealie meal to meet the demand.

The acting District Commissioner said government should be commended for its timely intervention in addressing the mealie meal shortage.

He said all the four chiefs in the district are happy with the government for ensuring that there is adequate mealie meal on the market to avert hunger in the area.

Mazabuka district is among the districts hardest hit by floods in Southern Province which left a destruction of crops and other public and private property.

Do not Abuse your Appointment, Munkombwe told

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A traditional ruler in Mazabuka has advised newly appointed Southern Province Minister, Daniel Munkombwe to serve the people in the Province without any Political biasness if development programmes in the area are to succeed.

Chief Mwanachingwala told Mr Munkombwe during a public meeting held at his palace today that he is a leader of all the people of Southern Province including those from the opposition political parties.

He also advised Mr Munkombwe not to abuse his appointment but ensure he delivers development to all corners of the province.

The Chief further advised the Minister to desist from being emotional but embrace even those that criticize his administration.

Meanwhile, Chief Mwanachingwala has commended President Mwanawasa for appointing Mr Munkombwe as provincial minister.

He said what has excited the traditional ruler is the fact that, the President endorsed the concerns they raised by Chiefs over the appointment of non-Tonga speaking Ministers in the province.

Chief Mwanachingwala also challenged those that were criticising President Mwanawasa for appointing non-Tonga speaking Ministers to come out in the open and support Mr Munkombwe.

He said it is wrong to criticise and fail to appreciate when your concerns have been addressed.

And in responding to the Chief’s advice, Mr Munkombwe commended the Chief for being courageous in advising him.

Mr Munkombwe said since he began his tour, non of the Chiefs has ever taken trouble to advise him without fear.

He promised to work with everybody including the opposition party.

The Minister however said he will differ with the opposition should they frustrate government programmes or insult President Mwanawasa.

Medical personnel urged not to reject rural postings

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Government has called on graduate nurses and other medical personnel to seek to work within Zambia for the benefit of the Zambian citizenry.

North Western Province Minister Kenneth Chipungu says this is because more graduate nurses and other medical personnel are critically needed in the country.

He was speaking when he addressed students at Kalene School of Nursing in Mwinilunga today.

Mr. Chipungu has since urged the students at Kalene School of Nursing to work within the district and other rural areas upon completing their training as their skills are greatly needed in rural areas.

Speaking on behalf of the students, Joseph Kaumba assured the provincial minister that the students were ready to be deplored in the district upon graduating.

And Chief Nyakesaya pointed out that there was a critical deficit of qualified medical personnel in the district.

The traditional leader challenged the students to heed the appeal by the provincial minister not to reject rural postings.

Meanwhile, Government has announced plans to construct a rural health centre in Chief Ntambu’s area in Mwinilunga District, in North Western Province.

North Western Provincial Minister Kenneth Chipungu disclosed this when he paid a courtesy call on Chief Ntambu at his palace today.

Mr. Chipungu told the Chief that government is committed to ensuring that health delivery is improved in the district by building more health centres.

He said the health centre to be located at Tomilonga is aimed at bringing health care closer to communities.

Mr. Chipungu further said plans are underway to work on the Natmbu-Mwinilunga road which is currently in a dilapidated state.

He said government has earmarked to rehabilitate the road this year because it is key to economic activities in the area.

Mr. Chipungu further disclosed that this year the Kisansa-Mwinilunga road would be worked on to facilitate movement of goods and services in the area.

He also urged the traditional ruler to apply for funds from the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to ignite development in the area.

And Chief Ntambu said the chiefdom is committed to working to government to foster development in the area.

Speaking through his representative Johannes Chapaloka, the chief however implored the Provincial Minister to direct the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) or Ministry of Agriculture to open up a deport in Ntambu to facilitate the selling and storage of farm produce in the area.

The traditional ruler further appealed to the provincial minister to facilitate the opening up of a police post in the area.

Chief Ntambu said this is because of the growing population in the area which has subsequently seen an increase in criminal activities.

Pregnancies among pupils worry authorities

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School authorities at Ntambu High School in Mwinilunga District, in North Western Province have expressed grave concern at the high rate of pregnancies among school pupils at the school.

Ntambu High School head teacher Aron Mbuzi says the number of school drop outs at the school due to pregnancy is alarming.

Mr. Mbuzi was speaking when provincial minister Kenneth Chipungu called on him during his continued tour of the area.

He disclosed that more than 35 pupils last year dropped out of school due to pregnancies.

Mr. Mbuzi attributed the scenario to lack of boarding facilitates at the school which has forced pupils from distant places to rent houses in nearby villages.

He pointed out that this has made the girl-child vulnerable to casual and illicit sex.

Mr. Mbuzi said construction of boarding facilities at the school would greatly help to put a stop to causal and illicit sex which has resulted in the present scenario.

Meanwhile, Mr. Mbuzi has attributed the low pass rate at the school to lack of commitment to duty by some teachers who previously manned the school.

He added that lack of teaching aids and other school materials also contributed to the low pass rate at the school.

And North Western Province Minister Kenneth Chipungu challenged the school to improve the pass rate.

He said government is committed to providing the necessary prerequisites to better the pass rate at the school.

Rainford Kalaba Signs Five-Year Deal With Sporting Braga

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Rainford Kalaba has signed a 5-year deal with Portuguese top-flight club Sporting Braga for an undisclosed fee.

Portuguese newspaper Record reports in its Sunday edition that Kalaba has signed with Braga until 2013.

But the paper does not disclose how much the deal is worth although it is speculated to be in the region of Euros 100,000.00.

This will be Kalaba’s second European stint.

Two years ago, Kalaba had a brief stint at French Ligue 1 team Nice in the 2005-2006 season.

Kalaba joins Braga a season after helping guide Zesco United to their first league title last year when he scored 13 top-flight goals on his way to also winning the Zambia Player of The Year Award.

The 21-year-old has been on loan to Zesco from division one north team Afrisports since July 2006 after leaving Nice.

2008-2011 KCM/FAZ League Fact Box

Player of The Year: K12.5 million

Coach of The Year: K12.5 million

Young Player of The Year: K12.5 milllion

Referee of The Year: K10 million

Division 1: K250 million to be shared by clubs in the division

Division 2: K120 million to be shared by clubs in the division

SADC urges ZEC to Expedite Release of Election Results

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The Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) extraordinary Summit ended in Lusaka this morning with a call to the electoral authorities in Zimbabwe that the verification and release of the March 29 election results be expeditiously done in accordance with the law.

The Summit also urged all the parties in the electoral process in Zimbabwe to accept the results when they are announced.

In a communiqué issued after a 13- hour- closed door session chaired by President Mwanawasa and attended by seven other Heads of State and Government delegations from the 14-member regional grouping, the Summit said that the verification and counting of the votes must be done in the presence of the candidates or their agents who must all sign the authenticity of such verification and counting.

Reading the Communique in the early hours of this morning before an anxious horde of Journalists, SADC Executive Secretary Dr Tomaz Salomao said the regional body has also offered to send its election observer mission to Zimbabwe which will be present throughout the verification and counting of votes.

In the event of the verification and counting of votes makes it necessary for the parties to go for a second round of elections, the government of Zimbabwe has been urged to ensure that the runoff are held in a secure environment.

He also said the Summit appealed to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission to ensure strict compliance with the rule of law and SADC principles and guidelines governing democratic elections.

Dr Salomao also disclosed that the Summit has also requested South African President Thabo Mbeki to continue his role as a mediator on Zimbabwe on outstanding issues.

SADC member States at the Summit, with the exception of Zimbabwe, held informal consultations with presidential candidates Morgan Tsvangirai of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) and Independent candidate Dr Simba Makoni.

Dr Salomao said both opposition leaders confirmed that the elections were held in a free, fair and peaceful environment.

However, the two candidates expressed concern on the delay in announcing the results as well as lack of their participation in the verification process of the presidential results currently being conducted by the ZEC.

Presidential election results in Zimbabwe have not been announced 15 days after the elections were held. MDC have since lodged an appeal in the High Court to compel ZEC to release the results.

And later answering questions from journalists, Zambia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Kabinga Pande who is also Chairperson of the SADC Council of Ministers said that according to the reports from both the government and opposition representatives at the Summit, the elections were conducted in a free and fair atmosphere.

Mr Pande said both parties told the Summit that there was no crisis in Zimbabwe but that their bone of contention was delayed announcement of the presidential election results.

He said the Summit was confident that the resolutions would help in finding a lasting solution to the current impasse in Zimbabwe.

And in a Press Briefing soon after the release of the Communique, MDC Secretary General Tendai Biti welcomed the efforts of the SADC in resolving the post election impasse in Zimbabwe.

Mr Biti said the regional leaders had sent a clear message to the Zimbabwean government on their concerns surrounding the delay in the announcement in the presidential results, the rule of law, violence and militarisation.

He welcomed the renewed mandate of Mr Mbeki’s mediatory role in Zimbabwe but urged the regional body to break the quiet diplomacy approach as this would not help the situation in that country.

Mr Biti said the South African leader should deal with the situation with more vigour during his extended mediatory mandate.

The MDC Secretary General said that the party welcomed the outcome of the Summit but felt that fundamental concerns such as violence, intimidation, and militarised situation were still outstanding and described the situation in Zimbabwe as tense.

The Summit was attended by eight Heads of State namely South Africa’s Thabo Mbeki, Edwardo Dos Santos of Angola, Mozambique’s Armando Guebuza, Malawi’s Mbingu Wa Mutharika and Joseph Kabila of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Others are Namibia’s Hifikepunye Pohamba, Ian Khama of Botswana and host President who is also SADC Chairman Levy Mwanawasa.

Other countries which were represented at either ministerial or ambassadorial level included Lesotho, Mauritius, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Madagascar.

The SADC extraordinary Summit was convened to identify ways and means of assisting Zimbabweans in finding a solution acceptable to them and all parties involved in the recent elections.

The SADC intervention was anchored on its pursuit of two objectives namely to promote common political values, systems and other shared values which are transmitted through institutions that are democratic, legitimate and effective.

The intervention was also premised on the need to consolidate, defend and maintain democracy, peace, security and stability.

Earlier, during the official opening, President Mwanawasa appealed to the ruling and opposition party leaders in Zimbabwe to embrace the virtue of humility in charting the future of their beloved country that they rightly reclaimed from the colonial masters after a long and bloody liberation war.

President said the extraordinary Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Summit is not intended to put Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe on trial over the current political situation in that country.

Dr Mwanawasa who is also SADC Chairperson said SADC can not continue to standby and do nothing when one of its members was experiencing political and economic difficult.
ZANIS/MK/CLM/BK

Forum for Leadership wants First Lady to be the next President

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The Forum for Leadership Search – Zambia has announced that it will be petitioning First Lady Maureen Mwanawasa on her decision not to participate as a presidential candidate in the 2011 presidential elections.

Forum Executive Director Edwin Lifwekelo told ZANIS in Lusaka today that his organisation would be going round the country to collect signatures for the process.

Mr. Lifwekelo said the first lady has leadership qualities that can add value to Zambia’s democratic dispensation and to uplifting the standards of women and the country as a whole.

He added Mrs. Mwanawasa can contribute significantly to both the political and economic governance of the nation.

He however stated the responsibility of choosing credible leaders lies with political parties.

Mr. Lifwekelo said political parties such as MMD need to be given time to identify a credible leader that will take over from president Levy Mwanawasa.

SADC urges ruling, opposition party leaders in Zimbabwe to embrace humility

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President Mwanawasa has appealed to the ruling and opposition party leaders in Zimbabwe to embrace the virtue of humility in charting the future of their beloved country that they rightly reclaimed from the colonial masters after a long and bloody liberation war.

Officially opening the Summit at Lusaka’s Mulungushi International Conference Centre today, President says the extraordinary Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Summit is not intended to put Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe on trial over the current political situation in that country.

Dr Mwanawasa who is also SADC Chairperson said SADC can not continue to standby and do nothing when one of its members was experiencing political and economic difficult.

Dr Mwanawasa said SADC can not continue to standby and do nothing when one of its members was experiencing political and economic difficult.

‘’It would be unwise for a neighbour or neighbours to turn a blind eye when another neighbour’s house is on fire’’.

The SADC Chairperson who is also Zambia’s President said the region was at pains to see the fruits of the Zimbabwean independence struggle endangered as a result of political differences among political parties.

President Mwanawasa said that the Zimbabweans should put national interest above all the other interests and to take judicious decisions that would make Zimbabwe, the region and Africa proud.

He further said the Zimbabwean leaders should make these decisions fully aware that at critical times, great men and women have take bold steps for the benefit of posterity.

‘’That critical time has come for them and that time must be seized now’’, he said.

President Mwanawasa said SADC concern hinges on the failure by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to announce the results of the presidential elections which has given rise to a climate of tension in that country.

The situation has further been aggravated by the inability of the High Court of Zimbabwe to determine the matter speedily following opposition MDC’s appeal to compel ZEC to announce the results.

Dr Mwanawasa said this situation has left Zimbabweans, the SADC region and the international community in the dark as to who won the recent Zimbabwe elections.

The extraordinary Summit in Lusaka convened to address the post election impasse in Zimbabwe is being attended
eight Heads of State namely South Africa’s Thabo Mbeki, Edwardo Dos Santos of Angola, Mozambique’s Armando Guebuza, Malawi’s Mbingu Wa Mutharika and Joseph Kabila of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Others are Namibia’s Hifikepunye Pohamba, Ian Khama of Botswana and host President who is also SADC Chairman Levy Mwanawasa.

President Mugabe is represented by a delegation of three ministers who include Foreign Affairs Minister Simbarashe Mumbengege, Justice Minister Patrick Chinamasa and Rural and Social Amenities Minister Emmerson Munangagwa.

Opposition leader Morgan Tshivangirai who arrived in the morning is also in attendance.

And Dr Mwanawasa who hailed the Heads of State for responding to his call at short notice noted that their presence was a clear testimony of their unwavering commitment to the achievement of the objectives of the regional body.

He urged the Heads of State to discuss the prevailing situation in Zimbabwe in an open, objective and honest manner.

‘’This Summit, therefore should focus on helping Zimbabwe to find an answer that genuinely reflects the will of the people. I have no doubt in my mind that the presence of the Zimbabwean leadership at this SADC extraordinary meeting attests to their disposition to heed our advice and their willingness to steer the country out of the current situation’’, President Mwanawasa said.

‘’The challenge before us is that we should identify ways and means of assisting our Zimbabwean brothers and sisters in finding a solution which will be acceptable to the people of Zimbabwe and all parties involved in the recent elections’’.

President Mwanawasa explained that SADC‘s intervention is anchored on the pursuit of two objectives of the regional body namely to promote common political values, systems and other shared values which are transmitted through institutions that are democratic, legitimate and effective.

In addition, he said the intervention is premised on the need to consolidate, defend and maintain democracy, peace, security and stability.

He expressed confidence that the Summit will successfully achieve its objective given the good will portrayed by the people of Zimbabwe and the region.

The SADC Heads of State have since gone into a closed door session which will culminate in the release of a communiqué on its stance over Zimbabwe.

And American Ambassador to Zambia Carmen Martinez said the political situation in Zimbabwe should be addressed amicably without violence and intimidation on the people.

Ms Carmen who commended Zambia for holding the extraordinary Summit said Africa should have solutions to its problems hence the SADC region was key in finding solutions to the situation in Zimbabwe.

Late Mudenda Inspiration Sends Zambia to CHAN 2nd Round

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Zambia are through to the second qualifying stage of the inaugural Africa Nations Championship after defeating Swaziland 3-0 at Woodlands stadium in Lusaka this afternoon.

The win sees Zambia sail through 4-1 on aggregate after drawing 1-1 in the first leg played in Manzini a fortnight ago.

Peter Kaumba’s teams victory sees them book a first round meeting with Botswana away during the weekend of May 3.

Zambia struggled to find the net in the opening half despite outplaying their opponents throughout the 90 minutes.

The hosts 1-0 lead into the break was testament of Zambia’s poor finishing in-front of goal where they missed numerous gilt-edged chances.

Roger Kola put Zambia ahead in the 19th minute when he bungled in the ball just a minute after hitting the upright in his second of three attempts within the opening 20 minutes.

Zambia’s goal came just a minute as Swaziland almost stole an embarrassing opener against the run of play through Concia Mazibuko but he fluffed the ball in a one-on-one with Mike Poto.

Kaumba’s team continued to blow hot and cold in attack with Kola missing a sitter in the 51st minute before he was substituted four minutes later by unimpressive Signs Chibambo.

Chibambo failed to inspire and was lucky to be on the pitch until the final whistle as man of the match Kennedy Mudenda limped off in the 84th minute to be replaced by Reuben Tembo.

It was through Power Dynamos winger Mudenda that Zambia got its vital last two goals in the second half to make sure they reached the first round for a rendezvous with Botswana next month.

Mudenda’s speculative long-range shot in the 71st minute from the edge of the left wing was parried by Njapaliso Simmelane but Emmanuel Mayuka was quickest to react to slot in from close range to score Zambia’s second.

The Power player turned from provider to scorer when he slalomed pasted Swaziland’s towering defenders and Simmelane to walk the ball into the net in the 81st minute before he limped off with an injury.

It was a case of De ja Vu for Swaziland at Woodlands where they also lost by the same margin three years ago in the COSAFA Castle Cup mini-tournament to Zambia.

Mbeki jets in for the extra-ordinary SADC Summit

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South African President Thabo Mbeki has arrived in Lusaka, Zambia for this afternoon’s extra-ordinary summit of Southern African Development Community (SADC) leaders to discuss the post-election crisis in Zimbabwe.

President Mbeki, who has led mediation efforts between the two Zimbabwean sides since last year through the “quiet diplomacy” approach, arrived at Lusaka International at 14:05 hours on board a South African Air Force plane.

He was received by Commerce, Trade and Industry minister Felix Mutati and other senior government officials.

In route to Lusaka, President Mbeki made a stopover in Zimbabwe where he met with Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe.

Despite growing tensions, Mr Mbeki is alleged to have maintained that there is no crisis in Zimbabwe.

Earlier, Mozambican President Armando Guebuza arrived in Lusaka for the extra-ordinary summit of Southern African Development Community (SADC) leaders to discuss the post-election crisis in Zimbabwe has risen to five.

President Guebuza’s presidential plane touched down at Lusaka International Airport at 13:15 hours and was received by Agriculture and Cooperatives minister Sarah Sayifwanda.

He followed President of Angola Jose Eduardo DOS SANTOS who arrived at about 13:00 hours and was received by Transport and Communications Minister Dora Siliya.

Others that have arrived include President of Botswana Lieutenant General Seretse Ian Khama. Lieutenant General Seretse Ian Khama arrived in the country at Lusaka International Airport at 08:30 hours.

He was received by Secretary to the Cabinet Joshua Kanganja, Lusaka Province Minister Lameck Mangani, Lands minister Bradford Machila, Information Deputy Minister David Phiri and other senior government officials

This marks the first assignment that the Botswana leader is undertaking after he replaced President Festus Mogae who stepped down one year before the end of his term. Mr. Mogae had served 10 years as head of state, the maximum allowed by law.
Botswana’s new president is a former army commander and lieutenant-general who entered politics 10 years ago, after leaving the military.

He was elected to parliament in 1998. He moved quickly up through the hierarchy, first as minister of presidential affairs and public administration and subsequently as vice president and party chairman.

He was followed by Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Joseph Kabila whose presidential plane touched down at Lusaka International Airport at 11: 30 hours.

The DRC leader was received by Labour and Social Security Minister Ronald Mukuma, Secretary to the Cabinet Joshua Kanganja, Lusaka Province Minister Lameck Mangani, Lands minister Bradford Machila, Information Deputy Minister David Phiri and other senior government officials

Malawi President Bingu wa Mutharika and Namibia’s Hifikepunye Pohamba have also since arrived.

The duo who arrived separately between 11:40 hours and 12:00 hours were received by Secretary to the Cabinet Joshua Kanganja and other senior government officials.

Meanwhile it is believed that Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) leader Morgan Tsvangirai has arrived in the country for the extra-ordinary summit of Southern African Development Community (SADC) to discuss the post-election crisis in Zimbabwe.

Airport sources told ZANIS that the MDC leader arrived around mid day, away from the eyes of the press, shortly after the arrival of the Botswana leader aboard a private plane and was immediately whisked away.

Lusaka International Airport is a hive of activities as Zambia is today hosting an extra-ordinary summit of Southern African Development Community (SADC) leaders to discuss the post-election crisis in Zimbabwe.

Members of the 14-member regional grouping are meeting in Lusaka to discuss Zimbabwe’s post-election impasse. The summit comes amid growing pressure on that country’s electoral commission to release the results of the presidential poll held two weeks ago.

The SADC is expected to debate on ways and means of assisting the people of Zimbabwe over the current impasse, following the 29 March elections, as well as adopt a coordinated approach to the situation in that country.

United Nations (UN) Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has since congratulated President Mwanawasa, the SADC chair, and SADC for the move to convene the extra-ordinary summit of the regional grouping to discuss the post-election crisis in Zimbabwe.

The UN chief has described the convening of the summit as a timely initiative to help Zimbabwe overcome its post-electoral crisis through peaceful means.

“The secretary-general is concerned that the situation in Zimbabwe could deteriorate if there is no prompt action to resolve this impasse,” UN spokeswoman Marie Okabe has said.

Mr Ban Ki-moon’s predecessor, Kofi Annan, has also called for the SADC leaders to push for a peaceful and just solution to the impasse in Zimbabwe.

Mr. Annan has said SADC leaders have a grave responsibility to act and act not only because of the negative spillover effects on the region, but also to ensure that democracy, human rights and the rule of law are respected.

He warned that Zimbabwe was standing on the brink.

Opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) Morgan Tsvangirai has been touring southern African countries, urging leaders to put pressure on Mr. Mugabe to step down.

He says he won the vote outright and has refused to take part in any second, run-off presidential poll with Mr. Mugabe.

In the parliamentary vote also held on 29 March, Mr Mugabe’s Zanu-PF lost its majority in the House of Assembly for the first time since independence.

Mr. Mugabe has ruled Zimbabwe since independence from Britain in 1980.

SADC invites Mugabe and Tsvangirai

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President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe and Opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) President Morgan Tsvangirai have been invited to the Extra Ordinary SADC Summit to be held in Lusaka – Saturday.

Special Assistant to the President for Press and Public Relations, John Musukuma said media reports suggesting that Mr. Tsvangirai has not been invited are incorrect.

Mr. Musukuma said this in a statement made available to ZNBC News.

He says the Extra Ordinary Summit which will take place at Mulungushi International Conference Centre will be opened by Presidetn Mwanawasa, the current SADC Chairperson.

Mr. Musukuma said this will be followed by closed sessions of the SADC Heads of state from member countries.

He said a final communique’ will be issued at the end of the summit.

And Mr. Musukuma said the Extra Ordinary Summit will be preceded by an Extra Ordinary meeting of the Ministerial committee on SDAC organs on Politics, defence and Security.

He said this will be followed by another meeting of the ministerial committee of the SADC Organ on Zimbabwe.

The summit has been called by President Mwanawasa as SADC chairman to discuss the situation in Zimbabwe following the March 29 poll, whose results are yet to be announced.

Zambia Under Pressure To Dodge Early CHAN Exit

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Zambia and Swaziland clash this Saturday, April 12 in a 2009 Caf Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifier at Woodlands Stadium in Lusaka.

The meeting is the second of four scheduled competitive matches between the two teams over the coming three months.

Zambia will host Swaziland on June 20 in the 1st leg of the 2010 World/Africa Cup preliminary group qualifier.

Meanwhile, Zambia and Swaziland go into this weekends return leg Saturdays game all-square at 1-1 with all to play for in the battle for a 1st round qualifying place in the race to reach next years finals of the inaugural CHAN tournament to be hosted by Cote d’Ivoire in February.

Zambia coach Peter Kaumba knows that to advance, his strikers need to show some greater urgency after failure to score in their first leg performance in Swaziland.

Promising midfielder William Njobvu from Lusaka Dynamos saved Zambia’s blushes with a late equalizer a quarter of an hour before the end of the match after Swaziland had led from the opening 9th minute of the game.

Kaumba has called up Zanaco’s Roger Kola to add some cutting edge to Zambia’s attack.

The forceful giant Zanaco striker is expected to start ahead of the more passive Green Buffaloes forward Reuben Tembo.

Kola is set also set for a possible reunion with Kabwe Warriors attacker Emmanuel Mayuka.

Kola and Mayuka reunite to try and inspire Zambia to the second qualifying stage 10 months after forming a formidable partnership at the FIFA World Youth Cup in Canada.

Kaumba has also brought in Zesco United defender William Chinyama for his first CHAN cap.

Consistent Chinyama is set to start at left-back where Kaumba improvised with Warriors defender and Captain Clive Sichondwe in the 1st leg match in Manzini a fortnight ago.

Meanwhile, the two team’s last competitive meeting, also played at Woodlands, ended in a 3-0 triumph in favor of Zambia in the 2005 Cosafa Castle Cup mini-tournament.

Kaumba will be hoping lightening will strike again at Woodlands this weekend.

Winner of this weekend’s preliminary round tie will face Botswana away in the first round, first leg qualifying stage during the weekend of May 2-4.

Meanwhile, Faz have postponed all top-flight matches to Sunday 13/04/2008 due to Saturdays Caf 2009 Ivory Coast Africa Nations Championship qualifier between Zambia and Swaziland at Woodlands Stadium tomorrow.

FAZ PREMIER LEAGUE

13/04/2008

Week 5

Konkola Blades-Lusaka Dynamos

Zesco United-Green Eagles

Nkana -Chambishi

Kabwe Warriors-Power Dynamos

Green Buffaloes- Young Arrows

Red Arrows-Roan United

Zanaco- Nchanga Rangers

Nkwazi- City of Lusaka

FAZ DIVISION 1

WEEK 6

13/04/2008

NORTH

Medical Stars- Prison Leopards

Kalewa- Lime Hotspurs

Forest Rangers- Ndola United

Kitwe United- Zamtel

Mufulira Blackpool- Afrisports

Muchindu- Mufulira Wanderers

INDENI-Tazara Express

Mining Rangers- Forest Rangers

SOUTH

Profund Warriors- Lusaka Celtic

Young Green Eagles- National Assembly

Riflemen- Chilanga Heroes

Kalomo Jetters- Young Buffaloes

Nakambala – Livingstone Pirates

Lusaka Tigers- Mazabuka United

Nampundwe- Lusaka City Council

Zamcoal Diggers- Builders Brigade

Petauke United- Kambuku Warriors