The Patriotic Front (PF) – United Party for National Development (UPND) pact has asked President Rupiah Banda to rescind government’s decision to privatize ZAMTEL shares.
PF President Michael Sata said at a press briefing in Lusaka today, that the decision to privatize 75 percent of ZAMTEL shares should be reversed immediately as it was not being done in the public interest.
He said the privatization of ZAMTEL means a very big loss on the part of the majority of the citizens.
Mr. Sata has since called upon Zambians and PF-UPND pact members to continue to pressurise government against its decision. He said the privatization of ZAMTEL shares was too much and added that it would not in any way help recapitalize the company. He urged government to reduce the percentage of shares being privatized.
Meanwhile, Mr. Sata announced that PF-UPND pact was meeting with some MMD members to discuss their upcoming resignation from the MMD.
And Mr. Sata has condemned the recent harassment of journalists from both the public and private media in by some suspected MMD cadres.
He said the continuous beating and harassment of journalists should immediately be stopped in the country.
He said it should be understand that journalists were important people who try by all means to ensure that they educate, inform and entertain the public.
And UPND President Hakainde Hichilema said government should realize that ZAMTEL was of very great value to Zambians and that privatization of 75 percent shares would be a very big mistake on the part of government.
He said privatization of 75% ZAMTEL shares would mean taking away something that is of importance and value from the Zambian people.
Mr Hichilema called on the government to be very careful with its decision. He said Zambia and its people do not want to lose a company like ZAMTEL just because of government’s move to privatize 75% of its shares.
And Mr. Hichilema has said the PF-UNPD pact was strong and would liberate Zambia and its people when it comes into power in 2011.
He also said the pact was very united and that it would by 2011 remove the ruling MMD through the ballot box.
ZANIS
there goes the comedians.
The PF and UPND leaderz should hold joint press briefingz once in a while.
Opportunists. Why did Mr Sata not do the same when he was number 3 at the time HH was busy selling companies? Zamtel has been and is currently in Zambian hands, what have they done with it except run it down? Lets be serious for once.
Give an option that is better and I will back you. Dint just say dont do this like an imbecile
the circus of zambian politics.SATA himself is recycled.if he was a crankshaft he would have been at size 0.50.now he is talking of courting the same people who have messed us in MMD to join him and the poor souls of zambia are waiting for economic salvation from the same guys.good luck to you zambians
I just like the “Mr. Sata announced that PF-UPND pact was meeting with some MMD members to discuss their upcoming resignation from the MMD” report and hope it is really a truth. The resignations even through impeachment would be great for mother Zambia because the rate at which the dictatorship by POLICE watching innocent reporters being beaten is alarming and must be stopped.
As for “Mr. Hichilema has said the PF-UNPD pact was strong and would liberate Zambia and its people when it comes into power in 2011“, this is long overdue. I can not wait to see us Zambians liberated from the dictatorship similar to the one happening in Zimbabwe.
Be blest all.
_
Psalm 16:8 I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
I think greed has swaddled our leaders to extents that national interest is not important. We have entrusted our political leaders to manage our national assets but its been a circus. Really are we saying the Govt cannot do anything to save ZAMTEL. Why not unbuddle it and repackage the telecomm company.
Selling ZAMTEL wont solve the problem
HH has just ruined his political career by joining hands with sata.
Are we saying we cannot have CelZ, Zamtel Online as separate entities. Maybe redefine other operation by say having another entity managing the International Gateway and Backbone. ZAMTEL Fibre Optic Project has made quite some progress. Lets be serious and think through this issue with soberness.Lets not be blinded by greed. Otherwise posterity will harshly judge us.
It’s too late to rescind , RB and yesmen prefer to see a company successful in foreigners hands while they starve than to see a company in their hands with at least some food on the table. One strange thing about this is why was a public company’s negotiations all done in confidentially with only RB and mates as privy. Maybe theres something to hide that would change public opinion of certain things were made public.
Of importance and value to Zambians? Why then are so many Zambians using foreign mobile phone providers and private ISPs hance denying ZAMTEL business? Calls in Zambia are the most expensive because of ZAMTEL monopoly. This market needs to be liberalised and the govt must form its own communication company. Is it possible to have GRZ own and control strategic infrastructure and then lease the lines to private companies?
I am surprised somebody hasn`t called Sata undereducate in his post! Hypocrite!
Many years ago, I resigned from the MOH to join a parastatal. I moved towns and opened a new bank account. About a year and six months later, I received a phone call from my former bank branch asking me what to do with the funds that were in my account. I thought there was nothing there but when I went to check I found that GRZ had been paying me a salary for 18 months! There was quiet a handsome amount in there. I had a choice to take the money and run or to hand it back. I wrote to the ministry of Finance and received a rude letter ‘demanding repayment of all the money within 30 days!’ I paid it all back but that is what you get for honesty! Could this be the case with first lady Mrs Thandiwe Banda?
I think Sata and HH are wrong this time. Look I’m a fan of the pact but not a fan of criticizing something that is right.
Sata said the matter which could not come up when Professor Geoffrey Lungwangwa served as education minister had now been revealed during ‘smart’ Dora Siliya’s tenure.
“This has come out when his [President Banda’s] best friend Dora is in office. So what is Siliya up to? Probably she wants to undermine Thandiwe,” he said.
Some details on the pay slip indicate that Thandiwe was still considered an active full time employee and received a net salary of K1,541,892.74 for July, 2009. The employee number is 11801 while the National Registration Number is 464544/52/1.
Sata charged that President Banda did not have any programme for the nation, saying he came with his private pocket programme. He said countries that had privatized their telecoms companies like the British Telecom had allowed the public to have a huge say in those companies.
“Whoever wants to take Zamtel, the PF and UPND government shall reverse the sale of Zamtel. There will be no compensation. Because if they steal, how can you compensate a thief?” Sata asked.
He said Zambians have been quiet and now was the time for them to speak because they would lose Zamtel just as they lost Zanaco. Sata said Rabo Bank came with so many promises which they had failed to fulfil up to now.
Sata said Zamtel made about K1 billion per month but wondered where the money went. He asked government to pay back the debt owed to the company rather than privatizing it.
On the beating of journalists by President Rupiah Banda’s thugs, Sata said Inspector General of Police Francis Kabonde, Lusaka Province police commanding officer Greenwell Ng’uni and other divisional heads were all on contracts and feared that those contracts would be revoked if they enforced the law against the thugs.
He said it was sad that journalists from The Post were being beaten by MMD thugs.
“Stop covering him. After all, what news can you get from Rupiah Banda anyway?” asked Sata
And Hichilema said the privatization of Zamtel was being mishandled because President Banda had failed to listen to the public to annul the transactions involving the company.
He said telecommunications was one industry where businesses were making money regardless of economic conditions. Hichilema said President Banda predetermined the sale of Zamtel a long time ago because of the family connections involved.
He said to start with, then communications and transport minister Dora Siliya flouted tender procedures. He said the engagement of RP Capital Partners to value Zamtel assets was single sourced and that Siliya failed to follow the Attorney General’s legal advice on the matter.
“The tender process stinks of corruption and totally against public interest,” Hichilema said…
He said it followed therefore that if the Memorandum of Understanding was a nullity according to the Attorney General and as established by the judge Dennis Chirwa chaired tribunal, the privatization of Zamtel could not proceed.
“When the tribunal found Dora wanting, she was forced to resign. The President did not appoint anybody [to replace her]. Of course he knew what he was doing. Dora Siliya did not surrender the government house and the vehicle. Look at how they are treating George Mpombo. On Mpombo, it is because the President has no vested interests,” Hichilema said. “Judge Philip Musonda did not argue that Dora did not contravene the Constitution and the Public Procurement Act. If you have an upright President, they will follow the substance of the matter, unless they have…
Hichilema wondered why government embarked on the evaluation of Zamtel which would cost huge taxpayers money when the President had already judged that the company was valueless.
He pointed out that the same RP Capital which was allowed value the company’s assets would also find a bidder and find the buyer for the company.
“So, you can see the scam. We are insisting that this whole thing should be null and void,” said Hichilema. “This 75 percent intended sell, the President is the one announcing it. How did he pick 75 percent?”
Iwe ci Digga no one is interested in that. No one is going to do anything about it. Grow up! You started this two days ago. The fact is the husband is the president of the country. You can cry, slash your wrists, nothing will happen. We are Africans. Nothing will be done about it I can put my house on it.
He said members of parliament from both PF and UPND should be asked to move a motion in Parliament against the sale of Zamtel.
Majic Roundabout that is why you need to ensure the opposition is supported and make sure you are in Zed in 2011 so we can rescue our country from .. You can make a change.. Also ask your professor Clive Chirwa to roll -up his sleeves come down to Zambai and get dirty like evryone else. issueing statements from him ivory towere wont cut it for Zambians.. Acutlly most think he’s aloof and rather naive.. he need to change that if he’s to get anywhrere
# Always keep yourself informed and get the issues from both sides before meanigful contribution could be made on this discussion fora. i take issues in Zambia seriously without a smile.. and I take opions in this Fora (not blog) seriously. maybe im too serious for serious issues concerning Zed. like many on the blog, im not is Zed. but i endeavor to find and comment on facts, no matter how scanty.
Digga do not just yap. Try it yourself. African politics are on a different level. Mukachulapofye! Ask Chitala, late Dean, Nevers Mumba, Boniface Kawimbe, Katele, Aka (man and woman), why do you think they keep coming back? Wake up! You will cry all you want. RB is president of a ceratin poor African country, do you think he is going to send his wife to jail> Keep crying!
ha ha “Mukachulapofye” . Wansekesha mani. Neway ili bad pa Africa. you have a point.
Eyes on the pack, Am yet to see wat will come out of this pack, otherwise i believe if Sata backs HH as 2011 president then will be liberated from ubufunfutungubwa ba MMD,let Sata accept that his chance are long gone ,so he should support the young guy HH.This is the long awaited chance for HH, however he should as well show us wat he has for us.
Mr Bidden.. Thats my belief too. The young man vibrant may be our best hope. Looking at his CV, i draw some hope. How a young boy born in Hachipona village, Monze West, in Chief Hamusonde’s area in 1962 managed to drive his career taking the helm of Coopers & Lybrand Zambia at the age of 32, at the time when all international Mgt,Audit & Consultancies firm were managed by Non-Indigenous Zambians (non-black), is interesting. The intensity with which he managed his life, and personal, for success becoming one of the wealthiest Zambians of our time. he’s savvy ways are likey to transcend to Zed’s improved economic performance, ONLY IF HE HAS THE HEART & FOR TH E PEOPLE OF ZAMBIA..I wouldnt question his econimic vision.ie wher wealth would come from. Bt with Heart Zero will be the result.
Digga,you cant compare proffesor clive chirwa to a pimp like SATA,they belong to different ages of politcs.one is in the stone age while the other one is in the morden era.tell me from what you have relayed about what sata was saying what can you describe as a serious policy statement?nothing at all.the man is hollow.now check the post’s archives find prof chirwa’slatest presentation at the playhouse.where do you find the substance.honestly was that crap about thandiwe’s salary worth holding a press conference about, no wonder you are cheap electorates.prof chirwa knows and understands zambias global problems and can articulate the solutions not that manual thinking man you trying to prop up.he cant,the issues are too advanced for him.akapuba ni ka HH, kakalila imisowa.chikabipa.we…
# 6. Is it in order to call Zambia, “mother”? I believe this term is only used by “earth worshippers”, therefore it will be very wrong for non earth worshipper to use in that sense. I know some of these words are used without much thought.
I think the best solution for Zamtel is not to privitise but to restructure, alot of labour force doing most of the same Job. If the labour cost is reduced and also allow Government to pay for for their landline bills Zamtel can be a profit making company. There fore I support the call by HH and Sata to request RB to stop the privitation process. The company has a lot of assets it should not be sold for a song.
I am totally confused now as to what Zambians want from RB. You are saying that he is doing the right thing by selling 75% of ZamTel to private entities!!! I AM AGAINST. Yet you are the same people who have called RB all sorts of rude names for asking King Mswati to help find investors for Zambia!!!!. I AGREE. You are the same guys who have criticised RB for NOT having an economic program, yet he has in office for just nine months or so!!! I AM AGAINST. For your information RB is not Jesus Christ who will make thousands of loaves of bread from a single loaf OR tons of fish from one fish, all in a second. He is not Moses who turns seas into highways! Give me the man a break and let’s think of how we can help him work for the betterment of Zambia. OF COURSE IF HE WILL LISTEN TO US !!
what a shame. Why not privatise Zamtel? Sata is just a foolish old man. Remember he was the same big mouth who fought mwanawasa on zanaco and today where is zananco compared to the old one? sata has even commended the new owners. magande is the one who pushed that privatisation. God help Zambia and save us from misguided miscreants like HH and sata. It is sad in the 21st century for us to be arguing about privatising a telecomm company!! for goodness sake even China has private telecomm companies
The latest July 2009 ranking of universities by webmetrics.info places UNZA as #51 in Africa and #5,875 in the world. This is one problem the President RB Banda Administration should solve as soon as possible.
Meanwhile the Human Development Index shows that Zambia is the 13th poorest country in the list 177 or so across the whole world.
My take is that these are the immediate issues the MMD GRZ has to solve as opposed to selling companies which can make profit if GRZ does not interfere in their operations and pays its bills to them. Be blest all.
Let us thus chart a better way forward for mother Zambia as opposed to bickering in the private and government media.
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Psalm 16:8 I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
HH and Sata are just playing to the gallery.They can say anything the people want to hear.
They should learn from Jacob Zuma.He basically campaigned on things that the black South Africans wanted to hear.They voted for him overwhelmingly and he won the elections.His in power now and reality has hit him straight in the face.He can’t give his people jobs and new homes.Things are easier said than done.
1984 hit them with the truth that we both know about the sell of Zamtel. Study RB un-characteristic trips lately and one or two of them shall reveal the truth.
Just see the violence in the Townships in S.A.Tokozo , Siyathemba e.t.c.I watched a BBC interview on the recent violence in S.A.The reporter asked one township resident why the government should build them new homes now and she responded “We voted for him(Zuma)”.HH and Sata shouldn’t just play to the gallery to win public support as they will have to make tough decisions when they go to Plot 1.
How can ZAMTEL be of great value to Zambians when over 90% of Zambians subscribe to Zain and MTN?Why is ZAMTEL not appealing to the local population?
Iyee Ba #30, Akapondo mwa ‘voka’ ifyamano lelo.
Points taken…..
Big thumbs up!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Its shocking today that Sata is defending journalists he was brutalising when he was Chiluba’s right hand man during the infamous third term bid.Some people should be ashamed of their hypocrisy and keep quiet.Sata and HH can not champion any anti-privitisation coz they are beneficiaries.HH got his junk in the Luanshya mine and become an instant millionaire whereas Sata was part of govt.Thses two should ;earn to keep quiet on such issues.
Thenji stevens,
Akapondo lyonse ka voka ifya mano na size takakwata.kalyafye fire nga akamuntu katampa ukugonzela kumapuli.otherwise naba pounder ama physics ama philosophy of shinga uko tabakwana.
#42 AKAPONDO. tekanya mani. bola pa chest. bola panshi. Dont play with ZimaKitwe. Otherwise tuka yaputula ayo yene ama buni ule yumfwila po. eaze eaze.