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High Court Subpoenas Kunda over Chiluba’s case

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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]

K’millian to perform live in Malawi

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Celebrated Zambian music sensation K’millian is this weekend expected in Blantyre, Malawi where he will join the crème of top African musicians, 2 Face of Nigeria, Nameless of Kenya and Jozi of South Africa at the Ethel Mutharika Memorial Music Festival.

K’millian who arrives in Malawi on Thursday night is expected to perform live alongside the three other
international artists, 2 Face, Nameless and Jozi at the memorial service of president Bingu wa Mutharika’s
late wife, Ethel, who died last year.

K’millian whose music enjoys massive airplay in night clubs, public and private radio stations in Malawi has
won the hearts of several fans who confirmed in separate interviews that they could not wait to see
him perform live.

The show that is slated for Saturday, May 3rd at Limbe Country Club starting at 10 hours to 18 hours will be
hosted by Channel O and Big Brother Africa 2 presenter Kabelo.

The much publicised event that has been pegged at MK 500 approximately ZK 20,000 )will also accommodate the launch of Malawi’s music hip-hop icon Tay Grin’s album ‘Proudly African.’

Confirming the development in an interview with ZANIS , show organiser Tay Grin disclosed that K’millian is together with other musicians expected to sign autographs at an upmarket joint in Blantyre, Kaya Lodge, starting from 20:00 hours to 22: 00 hours
before proceeding to newly opened exclusive Club Mustang Sally for an after party show.

And Esther Mwase, a DJ at privately owned Capital FM said the going of K’millian to Malawi is a blessing to the majority of fans that love his music.

Mwase disclosed that fans love listening to tracks from K’millian’s Sun Shine album especially those songs that contain some Nyanja lyrics as most Malawians understand the language.

” I receive a lot of requests from fans whenever am on the radio demanding me to play songs done by K’millian. His songs are so nice especially that they contain some bit of Nyanja which is not different from the Chewa that we speak here,” Mwase revealed.

She added that besides K’millian music, fanatics in Malawi have continued to get mesmerised by music done by The Third, Danny, as well as Jimmy’s Its Over Over song which she described as the hottest as the moment.

Several visits to Malawi’s hot night spots namely The Elephant night club, Chez Ntemba and Blue Diamond have revealed that a number of Zambian songs get played on a regular basis with so much appreciation shown among Malawi music lovers.

Perhaps the first Zambian musician to make a mark on Malawi’s scene was Danny a few years ago with his hit
Yakumbuyo, which was later banned by Malawi’s Censorship Board, which deemed his lyrics offensive.

However, some nightclubs and individuals continued to play the song, in defiance of the ban, in a clear testimony that the music was popular with many Malawians across the country.

Southern Province puts over 22 000 patients on ARVS

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THE Ministry of Health in Southern Province has managed to put 22,233 HIV positive patients on Anti-Retro Viral (ARVs) drugs.

Clinical Care Specialist at Provincial Health Office Jonas Mwale said the number of patients put on ARVs went beyond the targetted 14,452 for 2007.

Dr Mwale said Livingstone had 4,658 patients accessing ARVs while Choma , Monze and Mazabuka had 3,945 , 3,827 and 3,236 accumulative cases respectively.

He said the number of patients accessing ARVs in Siavonga last year stood at 2,336, while they stood at 1009 in Kalomo.

Other districts were Sinazongwe at 973, Namwala 990, Kazungula 520, Itezhitezhi 474 and Gwembe at 265

Dr. Mwale disclosed the development in Livingstone yesterday during the Provincial Aids Taskforce (PATF) meeting held at Cabinet office.

Dr Mwale said in the quest of trying to take health care as close as possible to the people, that two more centres for ART would be opened in Gwembe district this year.

He said the province currently had 35 ART sites and that these would be scaled up to 40 by the end of this year.

And Southern Province Aids Coordinator Mutinta Moonga disclosed that K70 million has been released for HIV/AIDS activities in the province.
ZANIS/FM/ MK/ENDS

Kalaba Dropped from CHAN qualifiers

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Rainford Kalaba have been ruled out of Fridays Caf Africa Nations championship (CHAN) qualifier against hosts Botswana in Gaborone.

Zambia coach Peter Kaumba said Kalaba had failed to report for training camp in Lusaka two days into the team’s build-up its CHAN 1st round away, 1st leg match against the Zebras.

“I am in the dark over him (Kalaba),” Kaumba said at Woodlands stadium late Tuesday afternoon after Zambia beat Green Buffaloes 2-1 in a training match at the same venue. “Yes he has been dropped.”

Kalaba has failed to arrive in camp despite the presence of his Zesco United club mates Enoch Sakala, Lottie Phiri and Signs Chibambo who all joined he team on Sunday.

The Zesco midfielder is one of 13 new players called up for the first time for Zambia’s CHAN qualifiers.

Meanwhile another Zesco player this time William Chinyama has been released from camp due to a family commitment.

Chinyama featured prominently in Zambia’s preliminary round return leg match against Swaziland that Kaumba’s team won 3-0 to qualify to the 2nd round 4-1 o aggregate.

An in today’s training game, Zambia beat Buffaloes 2-1 thanks t a brace from Enoch Sakala.

The team leaves for Botswana on Thursday morning instead of today Wednesday as earlier scheduled.

Kaumba said the final 18-man team will be named Wednesday evening after the team’s final training session at Lusaka Club.

Friday’s 1st round CHAN 1st leg mach will be played in Gaborone at the National Stadium in a 15:00 kickoff.

Labour Day Football Fixtures

FAZ PREMIER LEAGUE

WEEK 3

01/05/2008

Zesco United- Chambishi

Green Buffaloes- Kabwe Warriors

Green Eagles- Roan United

Nkana- Nchanga Rangers

Nkwazi- Young Arrows

Red Arrows- City of Lusaka

Zanaco- Lusaka Dynamos

WEEK 18

Power Dynamos- Konkola Blades

FAZ DIVISION ONE

01/05/2008

NORTH

Prisons Leopards- Kitwe United

Mining Rangers- Ndola United

Kalewa- Chindwin

Mufulira Blackpool- Medical Stars

Lime Hotspurs- Mufulira Wanderers

Indeni- Forest Rangers

Zamtel – Tazara Express

Muchindu – Afrisports

SOUTH

Lusaka Celtic- Kalomo Jetters

Livingstone Pirates- Chilanga Heroes

Young Green Eagles -Lusaka Tigers

Lusaka City Council – Profund Warriors

National Assembly- Zamcoal Diggers

Kambuku – Riflemen

Young Buffaloes- Petauke United

Builders Brigade- Nakambala Leopards

Mazabuka United- Nampundwe

Inflation soars into double digit figures

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The annual inflation rate has recorded a double digit from 9.8 percent in March 2008 to 10.1 percent in April, 2008.

The annual rate of inflation, as measured by the all items Consumer Price Index (CPI), has been recorded at 10.1 percent as at April 2008 representing a 0.3 percentage point higher than last month.

Director of Census and Statistics Efreda Chulu, who announced the development at a press briefing in Lusaka today, attributed the growth in the inflation rate to increased prices of food, beverages, tobacco, rent and household energy, furniture and other social amenities.

Ms Chulu said the increase of 0.3 percentage points in the annual inflation rate from 9.8 percent in March 2008 to 10.1 percent in April 2008 is largely attributed to the increase in the cost of food products.

She said this is because of the total 10.1 percent annual inflation rate in April 2008, food products accounted for 4.8 percentage points while non-food products in the Consumer Price Index accounted for a total of 5.3 percentage points.

The annual food inflation rate was recorded at 9.8 percent in April 2008, compared to 9.1 percent in March 2008 and contributing to food inflation were increases in the cost of maize meal, cereals, cooking oil and milk products.

And Zambia has recorded a Trade Surplus in the International Merchandise Trade valued at K346 billion.

The growth in the International Merchandise Trade has revealed that the country exported more products in March than it imported in value terms.

Director of Census and Statistics Efreda Chulu said during a monthly CSO bulletin presentation that the total value of exports in March 2008 was K1, 615.5 billion compared to K1, 487.9 billion in February 2008.

Ms Chulu stated that the most prominent exports were manufactured goods classified chiefly by material which accounted for 82.7 percent in March and 83.1 percent in February 2008, of which refined copper was the most significant export item.

She further cited Switzerland, Egypt, South Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo and China as some of Zambia’s major export destinations by products in March 2008.

UPND Commends Levy’s Action Sata’s illness

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Opposition United Party for National Development, UPND, is happy that President Mwanawasa ordered the timely evacuation of opposition Patriotic Front leader Micheal Sata for specialist treatment to South Africa.

The UPND thanked Dr. Mwanawasa and government for facilitating the evacuation of Mr. Sata to South Africa to enable him undergo specilist treatment for the severe heart attack suffered over the weekend.

UPND Acting President, Richard Kapita,told ZANIS in Lusaka that Mr. Sata’s evacuation is commendable as every citizen requires specialist treatment whenever need arise.

“The UPND would alsdo like to thank President Mwanawasa and government for facilitating the timely evacuation of Mr. Sata,” read Mr. Kapita’s statement.

He added that government’s action would help promote the country’s young democracy.

And the UPND has regretted the death of Mr. Sata’s son Chilufya.

The party wished Mr. Sata’s family heartfelt condolences on the loss of Chilufya Sata and prayed that the family remains streingthened during the trying moment.

And Patriotic Front (PF) in Mazabuka has come out in full support of President Mwanawasa’s decision to facilitate the evacuation of PF President Micheal Sata to South Africa for specialized treatment.

PF District Chairman, Donald Zulu told ZANIS in Mazabuka today that PF cadres
are happy with President Mwanawasa for demonstrating the true statesmanship.

Mr Zulu said the gesture by Dr Mwanawasa shows that no matter how leaders
differ politically, they still have love for each other.

He has since asked President Mwanawasa to ignore the negative statement
attributed to Dr Guy Scout and continue providing the necessary leadership
to Zambians despite the different political inclinations.

Mr Zulu said party officials in the district are not in support of Dr. Guy
Scout’s statement saying it was done in his individual capacity.

And Chief Mwanachingwala has cautioned PF General Secretary, Guy Scout to
stop issuing statement that would divide Zambians.

Chief Mwanachingwala said Sata as a leader of a political party was
entitled to specialized treatment such as the one government facilitated.

The Chief said there is nothing wrong for the government to have facilitated
the evacuation of Mr Sata adding that what President Mwanawasa has done is a
true reflection of a leader.

Chief Mwanachingwala observed that it was difficult for anyone to believe in
the statement attributed to Dr Scout in which he said Sata would refund
government the medical expenses spent so far.

He said Sata was in an intensive care unit and therefore it was difficult to
believe that a person who is in the intensive care unit can talk.

The Chief said Zambians have today known who is misleading Sata on various
national issues.

Chief Mwanachingwala has since called on Dr Scout to apologize to Zambians
and President Mwanawasa for the embarrassment he has caused.

Protection of ZAMTEL has not benefited Zambians-ZCC

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Zambia Competition Commission (ZCC) acting Executive Director Thula Kaira said the restriction of the operation of the international gateway to ZAMTEL has not benefited Zambians and was illegal.

Zambian telecommunication regulations do not prohibit interested mobile service providers from operating international gateways that compete with the ZAMTEL. “As the situation stands today, there is no law or regulation prohibiting interested private operators from operating a competing international gateway. The fee appears to be the contention,” Kaira said in an interview. The US$12 million licensing fees and protection of ZAMTEL from competition appear to be the remaining issues, Kaira said.

The international gateways for Zambia have remained closed since liberalization policies were introduced by the Zambian government almost 20 years ago. But mobile phone service providers including Celtel and Mobile Telecommunication are pushing the government to open up the gateways so they can buy licenses to operate their own international gateways and bring competition to the telecom sector.

President Levy Mwanawasa insists that giving international gateways to private operators would compromise the country’s security. The incumbent operator, ZAMTEL, would lose out if private operators are given their own international gateways, Mwanawasa contends.
Kaira said, however, that although state security is of paramount importance and should not be compromised in any way, it is possible to find balance between national security and private investment needs in the telecom sector.

There is no need for the government to overly protect ZAMTEL, an unprofitable monopoly not at all inspired to innovate, adapt and work in tandem with global high-technology developments in the telecom sector.

ZAMTEL provides fixed and mobile-phone services, has exclusive rights to the Mwembeshi Earth Station and collects revenue from private operators using the satellite’s facilities, including international gateways.
[CIO]

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