Zambia Suffer Embarassing Loss to Botswana

Sports

editor

-

May 2, 2008

Faz selector’s ambitious plan to send an experimental Zambia team to Gaborone to face Botswana in a crucial 2009 CHAN 1st round 1st leg qualifier today backfired on them in Gaborone that saw them go down 1-0 to their host this afternoon.

It got even worse for Zambia after half of CHAN preliminary round winning team was dismantled as Christmas came seven months early for Botswana.

Debutant Young Arrows defender White Simwanza whom most of us had hardly heard of until last week when his name was listed amongst the new CHAN call-ups turned the ball into his own net in the 39th minute.

It wasn’t really clear whether Simwanza was trying to kick the ball into touch or attempting a back-pass to the clearly out of position Power Dynamos goalkeeper Rabson Muchelenganga.

Zambia showed little to suggest to us there was promise that the six new faces on the field would be the men to send us to the Abidjan finals next February.

Peter Kaumba solely missed the services of Zesco United defender William Chinyama at left back who withdrew from the team due to family reasons while Lusaka Dynamos defender Hichani Himoonde was dropped.

Chinyama’s return in a fortnights time will be welcome so too will be a recall for Hiomoonde after a poor show by Simwanza and Sanida Zulu in central defence today.

Meanwhile Zanaco striker Roger Kola struggled to get quality service and partnership upfront.

Dynamos William Njovu is still suffering from burnout before he was substituted to little effect while Zesco striker Enoch Sakala failed to raise his game to that bar above the local league.

However, Peter Kaumba said from Gaborone this evening after the match that he is confident Zambia can recover on May 17 in Lusaka and make it to the final qualifying stage later in the year.

The team returns home tomorrow evening from Botswana.

Adoption Act being abused by Child Traffickers

General News

editor

-

May 2, 2008

15

Out going Child Care and Adoption Society President, Reverend Moses Banda, has disclosed that the child adoption procedure has been grossly abused.

And Mr. Banda has said that Zambia will not be used as a front for child trafficking and other vices that violate the rights of children.

The organization has since called for strengthening of the law against child traffickers and those that abused the Adoption Act.

Mr. Banda said adoption had been grossly abused and his organization was determined to make amends and improve the handling of adoptions.

He called on Zambians not to leave adoptions to foreigners but to take a leading role in adopting the Zambian children.

Mr Banda said this at a press briefing held in Livingstone today.

“Adoption is free for all and there are a lot of children in transit homes who need to be adopted. Zambians should adopt the children and avoid minding the long legal process,” Mr Banda said.

He bemoaned the influx of orphanages and transit homes that just thrived on sending children out of the country.

“We need to ensure that children are adopted for decent things other than abuse,” he said.

He said there is need for government to improve the standards of transit homes and childcare homes.

Earlier, the society elected new office bearers who included Richard Chella as the national president.

Edwin Mbulo will deputize Chella while the national treasurer is Mwembe Kaona.

Committee members are Mwape Mushili from Livingstone, Peter Chishimba (Mpika), Agatha Litebele(Lukulu), Bethwell Chikota(Kabwe) and Gilbert Mubanga from Ndola.

Others are Mary Phiri, Vivian Njovu, Robert Munkombwe, Jocelyn Sinkolongo, Macdonald Chillepa and Freda Mukonka from Lusaka.

KK honored with a solidarity award

General News

editor

-

May 2, 2008

12

The Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has honored First Republican President Kenneth Kaunda with a Solidarity award for his outstanding contribution to the development of the labour movement in Zambia.

Speaking at the award presentation ceremony at Holiday Inn in Lusaka last evening, ZCTU President, Leonard Hikaumba said ZCTU decided to award Dr Kaunda because it appreciates and recognizes the important and pivotal role the former President played not only in the formation of the labour movement but also in Zambia’s struggle for independence.

Mr. Hikaumba noted that Dr Kaunda worked closely with the Labour union and other freedom fighter for the fight of Zambia’s independence adding that he also ensured that there was industrial harmony in the Labour union.

He called on the MMD government and employers in the private sector to emulate the industrial relations that existed in the First Republic adding that harmony was critical to the enhancement of the production sector in the country.

In his acceptance speech, Dr Kaunda dedicated the award to people who sacrificed their lives for the struggle of Zambia’s independence.

Dr Kaunda explained that the trade union movement sacrificed their lives for the sake of the rights of workers adding that they also played a critical role in the independence struggle.

He emphasized on the need for government and other employers to respect workers rights in order to promote and enhance industrial peace, which is critical to productivity at the work place.

Dr Kaunda explained that workers have the right to freedom of expression, assembly and to industrial action among others.

He further appealed to employers to committee themselves to developing and implementing HIV/AIDS workplace policies to cover employees and their families.

Dr Kaunda noted that industries need healthy workers to achieve maximum productivity in order to effectively contribute to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Earlier, Labour and Social Security Minister, Ronald Mukuma said Dr Kaunda deserves the award because he marked the begin of economic liberation by introducing the Mulungushi reforms in 1968 and the subsequent nationalization of mines in Zambia.

Mr. Mukuma noted that Dr Kaunda’s government fought the political struggle adding that the onus was now on the new deal government to fight the economic struggle.

He however said government can not do this alone but that it requires the trade union’s closeness and support to attain economic development.

Mr. Mukuma further urged the trade unions to remain non partisan in the execution of duties.

Mkushi farmers build dams

Economy

editor

-

May 2, 2008

26

FARMERS in Mkushi Farm block are building three big dams to engage themselves in winter farming, area ward councilor, Francis Chilyanga’ has disclosed.

Mr Chilyanga told ZANIS in an interview in Mkushi that the building of the dams in Mwachilenga ward was a great development that would help to boost food supply nationwide and Mkushi in particular.

He said that currently, ZESCO, was discouraging farmers to use centre pivots due to power shortages that were currently being experienced in the district.

“The building of these three big dams will reduce dependency on ZESCO because water will be readily available to the farmers,” he added.

The Councilor said that the building of the dams also means that employment will be created for the people in the district.

Meanwhile, MKUSHI District Commissioner (DC), Mwila Kunda, has made a passionate appeal to the Ministry of Lands and the Ministry of Local Government and Housing to ensure that the Land Agency is restored to Mkushi District Council.

He told ZANIS in an interview that the district needed to develop and that it could only do so if infrastructure was built in it.

Mr Kunda said the district has lost a lot of investment in the last two years while billions of Kwacha have been lost and a lot of common people who would want to develop the area were suffering due to non-availability of the Land |Ageny.

He said that the district would have developed more than it is right now but was being hindered due to lack of a land agency.

The DC said that people in the district have been agitating and wanting to protest over the land issue because some of them do not understand the reasons behind the termination of the Councils Land Agency.

Mr. Mwila said that some people felt that they were being punished for mistakes that some few individuals did in the past.

And Local Government Minister, Sylvia Masebo, advised that the Land Agency issue was being treated in the manner that all other issues regarding the same are being treated.

She said that the two ministries (Lands and Local Government) were meeting every three months to discuss tentatively on the same issue

Ms Masebo said that the two ministries would get back to the Council immediately discussions were through.

High Court Subpoenas Kunda over Chiluba’s case

Headlines

editor

-

May 2, 2008

53

The Lusaka High Court has subpoenad, Justice Minister George Kunda to appear before it.

This is in relation to a case where Second Republican President Frederick Chiluba and others are challenging the My 4, London High Court Judgement.

Mr Kunda is to appear before High Court Judge, Japhet Banda.

The writ of subpoena was filed in the Lusaka High Court on April 30, by Dr. Chiluba’s defence lawyers, Robert Simeza and John Sangwa.

The subpoenas follow President Mwanawasa’s refusal to allow Zambia Security Intelligence Services Director General, Regis Phiri to produce the financial charter of 1970 before the court.

On January 22, Dr. Chiluba and his co-accused had subpoenaed Mr. Phiri to produce the financial charter, but he declined on grounds that he could only do so with the permission of the president.

This prompted Mr. Simeza and Sangwa to write to President Mwanawasa requesting for permission for Mr. Phiri to produce the Financial Charter.

President Mwanawasa refused to allow Mr. Phiri to do so grounds that the document had been produced in the London case against Dr. Chiluba and others.

According to Dr. Mwanawasa’s letter filed in the Lusaka High Court, the President argued that Dr. Chiluba and others had an opportunity to cross examine Mr. Phiri on the document during the London court trial.

Dr. Mwanawasa further said the application to set aside the London judgment is irregular because a Zambian High Court can not set aside a foreign judgment which has not yet been registered.

The President said the application by the respondents was an abuse of the court process and an attempt at introducing a re-trial.

He further wrote that there were security considerations in the financial Charter and that the document can not be peddled anyhow.

Government finalises Social security policy

Economy

editor

-

May 1, 2008

11

Government has finalized the proposed national social security policy for the labour force in the country as a measure to provide adequate social protection.

Mines and Minerals development deputy minister Maxwell Mwale disclosed in Mufulira today during the commemoration of Labour Day held at the civic centre grounds.

He said the policy is aimed at creating a comprehensive social security system for workers.
Mr Mwale said government will in collaboration with social partners work tirelessly in ensuring that workers are provided with adequate social security benefits which will sustain them when faced with contingencies during and after employment.

He said the process of creating a comprehensive social security system has commenced and this system will ensure that adequate social protection is provided to the workers.
Mr Mwale however challenged workers and employers to evaluate their role in the enhancement of economic empowerment, enhancement of decent work and social justice amongst workers.

He added that it is the desire of government to encourage its citizens to be economically active through partnerships with foreign investors following the enactment of the Citizens Economic Empowerment Act.

The theme for this year’s Labour Day celebrations is ‘economic empowerment through decent work and social justice’.

Menwhile Mr. Mwale says government has continued to register a tremendous increase in both the local and foreign investment.

Mr Mwale said increased investment has also led to an economic boom that is being experienced in the country and this he added has created jobs for many Zambians.

He said in addressing the challenges arising from the jobs created government has launched the Zambia decent work country programme as an urgent and necessary step to ensure that the jobs are decent.

He said government will also improve its capacity to enforce the labour laws that protect workers rights and occupational health and safety.

Mr Mwale said as new jobs are being created government will guarantee that they are decent and of quality in nature so as to uplift the livelihoods and dignity of the people.
According to the 2007 labour force survey report, the country’s labour force stands at 4,918,788 and out of this 4,131,531 are employed which is representing 84 per cent of the labour force, the minister disclosed.

He said government has a challenge to ensure that the partnership between the public and private sector generate jobs that would absorb over 130,000 young people entering the labour market annually.

nd speaking earlier Zambia Congress of Trade Union trustee M’tumbi Goma said the economic growth that government is managing now should be acknowledged by respecting worker’s rights and creation of decent work.

Mr Goma said the increased demand for labour market flexibility by employers has weakened collective bargaining structures and it has lead to poor working conditions and vulnerability of workers.

He challenged workers to fight and strive to ensure that better legislation and other labour market laws that will bring dignity and respect for workers are adhered to by employers..

CBU workers bemoan the return of funds

General News

editor

-

May 1, 2008

0

Copperbelt University Workers Union president, Humprey Lungu, says the failure by responsible government employees to distribute the K 900 billion developmental funds to areas of need is regrettable and should not be allowed to continue.

Mr Lungu said in Mazabuka when he officiated at this year’s Labour Day celebrations that it is painful to learn that funds that were allocated for developmental programmes last year could not be channelled to needy areas despite districts submiting their developmental plans.

He said government should take necessary corrective measures to ensure that funds meant for developmental programmes are sent direct to district councils to avoid bureacracy.

Mr Lungu said his union will not allow such bureacracy among government officers charged with a responsibility to distribute funds to frustrate development.

Meanwhile Mr Lunngu has commended President Mwanawasa for declaring Zero tolerance against corruption.

Mr Lungu, however, said it is unfair for some Cabinet ministers and other senior government officials to pretend that they are in support of President Mwanawasa’s crusade against corruption when they were not.

He observed that the fight against corruption is one-sided because the President has no one to support him.

Government will not withdraw Labour and Industrial bill

Headlines

editor

-

May 1, 2008

12

President Levy Mwanawasa says government will not withdraw the Labour law and the industrial bill because adequate consultations were made before the bill was taken to parliament.

He said social partners have concluded consultations on the proposed labour law reforms and the industrial and labour relations amendments bill which has since been tabled in parliament.

Dr. Mwanawasa said the development is a great development towards ensuring that there is social justice in the manner employers interact with employers at places of work.

Dr. Mwanawasa stated that it was only the Labour movement mother body who was agitated by the by the bill stating that other region in the movement were happy.

The President advised people agitated to make submission to the parliamentary committee that will be assignment to look at the bill.

He said if the committee agrees with the submissions, that it will make appropriate recommendation but that if it does not agree, that the bill would be taken back to parliament for enactment.

The President said very soon the labour commission office would be checking on the accounts book of labour movement to see how the money’s are being utilised.

Dr. Mwanawasa said government has received reports of money being used to pay legal fees, build houses at the expense of poor workers.

The President made the remarks in response to Zambia Congress of Trade Union (ZCTU) President Leonard Hikaumba who urged government to withdraw the bill so as to allow for further consultations.

He said some of the clauses included in the bill were not agreed on during the tripartite consultative meeting.

On demands for increased salaries, the president urged the union to make demands that are reasonable as they are able to obtain information which relates to government’s financial performance.

He said the labour movement should be mindful of where the money would come from as they make their demands.

The President however stated that he was happy with the economy achievement that the country has attained.

“We know our country was down on its knees, but its important that we work together so that the country fully develop,’ he said.

And President has warned mining companies that they will fail to acquire the needed profits if they deny the workers better working conditions.

He said even after the newly introduced mineral taxes that mining companies would still a lot from their investment.

He reiterated that Zambians taxes in the mining sectors were not high on average as compared to other mining countries.

Government this year introduced new taxes in the mining sector that include increase corporate tax, windfall taxes and the mineral royalty .

And Labour and social security minister Ronald Mukuma said government is working with other social partners to strengthen dialogue.

He said due to the harmony in the labour market, that all the wheels of productions are in motion.

Zesco United Close in on Young Arrows

Sports

editor

-

May 1, 2008

5

Young Arrows lead at the top of the top of the Faz Premier League table has been cut from 3 to 1 point after drawing away to Nkwazi this afternoon in Lusaka.

The leaders are on 15 points rising from 14 while defending league champions Zesco United moved within earshot of the Young Arrows on 14 points after beating troubled Chambishi 2-0 at the Trade Fair Grounds in Ndola today to maintain second spot.

Sam Gondwe was on target for Young Arrows while the well-traveled former Zambia international Striker Edward “Bubble Brown” Kangwa got Nkwazi’s goal and his second of the season so far.

Zesco stayed second after beating bottom of the table Chambishi 2-0 with goals from Signs Chibambo in the 7th minute and Jonas Sakuwaha 11 minutes later.

Green Buffaloes continued their good form to collect their third successive league win after a 2-1 home win over Kabwe Warriors.

Warriors failed to turn on the magic with Emmanuel Mayuka back in the starting line up from trials in Portugal following his arrival back home on Wednesday.

Buffaloes, with Bilton Musonda in charge in the absence of George Lwandamina who is away with he Zambia national tea in Botswana, got their goals through Sekelani Mwale and Brian Chilando.

Warriors’ goal came via a Humphrey Malikoni header.

Mayuka, back home after a week and a half trial spell at Sporting Lisbon, saw two fine Johnny Wilkinson-style free-kicks saved or parried Mike Poto.

Nchanga won away thanks to a Mathews Macha brace to see them in 4th place after beating Nkana 2-1 in Kitwe.

Nkana found the target through George Njovu.

Lusaka Dynamos recorded their second win of the season after beating hosts and stuttering Zanaco 1-0 at Sunset Stadium.

Defender Hichani Himoonde there scored the visitors second league goal of the season to secure the 3 points.

The biggest win of the day was reserved for promoted Green Eagles in Kabwe where they greeted their second league win of the season with an emphatic 5-1 triumph over established Roan United at Railway Ground.

Meanwhile, City of Lusaka’s poor form continued and they went down 2-1 away at Red Arrows.

Zebras Big Test For Zambia

Sports

editor

-

May 1, 2008

7

An overhauled Zambia on Friday takes on hosts Botswana in Gaborone in a 2009 Cote d’Ivoire Caf Africa Nations Championship 1st round, 1st leg qualifier.

Only 7 players have survived a surprise overhaul announced by Faz’s technical committee last week after Zambia progressed from the preliminary round qualifying stage match following a 4-1 aggregate win over Swaziland.

The highlight of Faz’s dramatic changes to the Zambia team saw Lusaka Dynamos’ much prized defender Hichani Himoonde dropped together while the were two withdrawls another from this match.

Zesco United defender William Chinyama asked to be excused from duty due to personal reasons while Zanaco’s central defenders Eugene Shamakamba and Charles Siyingwa were not recalled.

Green Buffaloes demanded goalkeeper Mike Poto returned for club commitments.

The three defenders absence will give Kabwe Warriors defender Bronson Chama a chance to claim a place in the starting lineup after being in the sidelines while White Simwanza from Young Arrows is also set to make his Zambia debut.

Chambishi defender Sandia Zulu ends his 12 month absence from international duty under Peter Kaumba who was a regular starter at Under-23 following a recovery from an abdominal operation.

Whether Zambia’s new-look defence led by captain Clive Sichondwe who will be the most experienced defender coming into this match will hold firm away to Botswana will be an interesting prospect to witness on Friday.

The good news for Coach Peter Kaumba is he has influential playmaker William Njobvu from Dynamos available.

Njobvu is slowly looking regaining some form after complaining about suffering from burnout after playing non-stop for club and country stretching back to 2007.

Kaumba is also pleased with the return to his flock of his versatile Zanaco and Under-23 midfielder Stophira Sunzu who could play a holding role.

Sunzu could replace Power Dynamos Francis Kasonde whom Kaumba might be forced dropped to defence to help ease Zambia’s backline that has suddenly found itself short on big-stage mileage.

Upfront, exciting Power left-winger Kennedy Mudenda and Zanaco attacker Roger Kola will be key for the goals in the absence of Warriors striker Emmanuel Mayuka who returned on Wednesday from trials at Sporting Lisbon in Portugal.

As Botswana lies in wait on Friday surely shocked by the charges to Zambia’s team, Kaumba badly needs his blend of experienced, new and not-so-new new boys to deliver or he will face the music for a squad he did not personally overhaul.

“We shall miss Mayuka as well as the other players who will not be here but the challenge has been handed to those that are in the team,” Kaumba said.

K900bn Development Funds Lying Idle in Banks

Headlines

editor

-

May 1, 2008

55

About K900 billion meant for public development programmes is still lying idle in commercial banks.

This has been revealed by Secretary to the Treasury, Evans Chibiliti.

Mr. Chibiliti said this when he appeared before the Parliamentary Public Accounts chaired by Mbabala Member of Parliament, Emmanuel Hachipuka in the Zambian capital, Lusaka, Wednesday.

He said controlling officers in most departments have not fully utilised project funds in commercial banks.

Mr. Chibiliti warned that officers failing to implement development projects should be made accountable and answerable to political leaders.
[ZNBC]

Three Shortlisted for National Team Coach Job

Sports

editor

-

April 30, 2008

37

FAZ has short-listed three foreign-born coaches for the job of Zambia national team head trainer.

Association spokesman Emmanuel Munaile said today that the three candidates were all European.

Munaile said the trio on the shortlist hail from The Netherlands, France and Germany but did not give their identities or experiences.

He said the three would be interviewed over the coming days as Zambia begins its preparations for their 2010 World Cup, preliminary Group 11 qualifying match away to Togo on May 30.

The successful candidate for the Zambia job will be the first foreign coach to take charge of the team fulltime on a long-term contract in six years after fiery Dutchman Jan Brouwer who was in charge from 2000 to 2002.

The current Zambia job has been vacant since March 30 this year following the expiry of Patrick Phiri’s extended contract as head trainer.

ZESCO continues to fail Sinazongwe

Rural News

editor

-

April 30, 2008

14

April 2008 ZANIS- Sinazongwe District Development Coordinating Committee (DDCC) has expressed disappointment at Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation’s (ZESCO) failure to complete power installation at Kariba South Primary School and four sites earmarked for Irrigation Schemes.


Sinazongwe District Commissioner Laiven Apuleni said ZESCO was frustrating government development projects in the district because money was paid in advance to light up the School but nothing has been done.
“I am not impressed with the operation of ZESCO in the district and in this era of information they are even failing to provide quotation and giving out bills at the district level but they have to go to Choma,” Mr Apuleni said.
Mr. Apuleni said poverty could not be addressed in the district if ZESCO fails to provide power to the four sites earmarked for irrigation Schemes.
He said it was difficult to understand why power has not been installed at the sites earmarked for irrigation schemes and at the School that was belt in Siansowa area when money was paid in advance.
The DC said government should have used the money on other activities if ZESCO had said they were not ready to do the work.
Sinazongwe District Planning officer Syamwiinga Siabbalo told the meeting that K50 million was paid to ZESCO in 2004 but nothing has been done.
He pointed out that the situation was hindering the provision of evening classes to reduce on illiteracy levels in the district.

Sinazongwe District Agriculture Coordinator Tundu kaonga said the African Development Bank (ADB) the financier of the Irrigation Schemes has expressed worry at ZESCO’s failure to complete the works on time.
Mr. Kaonga said the Bank has thrown the challenge on the local leadership to try and talk to ZESCO to ensure that power was installed at the sites before the contractor resumed work

He said Nzenga irrigation Scheme has been advertised and the contractor would be on the site before July.
Mr. Kaonga noted that the contractor would need power to complete some of his works within the stipulated time and it would be difficult if ZESCO fails to install power.

[ZANIS]

News

Company:

Join our community of SUBSCRIBERS and be part of the conversation.