Will MMD hold itself together after its recent electoral defeat in Kasama and Solwezi?
Political pundits are declaring that the MMD has exhausted its usefulness as a ruling party as it will turn 20 years by 2011. The MMD’s recent losses in the Kasama Central and Solwezi Central parliamentary elections to the opposition have buttressed this theory and the losses are being deemed as the beginning of the end of the party.
President Rupiah Banda’s political enemies led by The Post newspapers have used the recent losses to declare that he ‘has failed barely a year in office’! But what are the intricacies? What are the dynamics in the party?
Why is there resistance by most national executive committee (NEC) members to hold the party convention due in 2010?
Why are President Banda’s enemies, however, relishing the prospect of the party holding a convention? And why is it important that Mr Banda holds the convention anyway?
Is MMD really finished? What is the state of regional parties that have held power for up to 50 years such as Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), SWAPO, ZANU-PF, and African National Congress (ANC)?
The loss in quick succession, of parliamentary seats of Kasama and Solwezi by the MMD to the opposition, has given an opportunity to President Rupiah Banda’s enemies to declare him ‘’finished’’ and spell doom for the MMD come 2011!
The detractors have recently run stories portraying President Banda as a poisoned chalice to the MMD. President Banda is only one year in office but he is facing and shouldering the criticism against the MMD’s 18-year rule.
The economy under President Banda is doing well; the country is enjoying a relatively stable currency, a low inflation rate, and the country has accumulated an all-time high of foreign reserves of US$1.7 billion, the first in 38 years. This year, the country is on course to record 6.5 per cent growth rate, and has embarked on numerous infrastructure development projects.
President Banda’s enemies have, however, pre-occupied the country with trivial politics and criticism, imprisoning him and his team to their narrow and shallow issues.
For example, his foreign travels, which are important to the presidency and the nation, have been depicted as frequent and irrelevant. He has been accused of being on ‘‘perpetual holiday.’’ He has undertaken 22 official trips in one year, giving him a low average of two trips a month. Yet his critics view this as numerous and protest the president’s trips as mere financial drain.
Although President Banda and his Minister of Finance, Situmbeko Musokotwane have managed to steer the doom and gloom of the global credit crunch away from the economy and the impending industrial disaster that many companies faced has been avoided, all these important credits are lost in the petty politics.
The mines and other key industries are slowly rising to their usual productivity levels and their operations are now normal barely a year later. Yet none of these momentous achievements are given due recognition.
President Banda has also provided the country with its first ever Anti-Corruption Policy. His Government has ratified the UN Protocol against Corruption. He has also abolished the Task-Force on Corruption, whose illegality took away the legitimacy of its work. He has also strengthened public procurement processes where most grand acts of corruption occur by enacting the Zambia Public Procurement Authority Act.
Yet his enemies have ratcheted up the severe criticism against him and his style of Government.
KASAMA AND SOLWEZI PARLIAMENTARY SEATS
The loss of the two seats by the MMD to the opposition is attributable to many factors. Many insiders feel that the selection and choice of the candidates were critical to the ability of the party to win these elections.
For example, the Kasama by-election was lost on the candidate’s non-Bemba tribe. Although Kasama Central is in town, and therefore cosmopolitan, of the 50 polling stations, 32 are in the rural part of the constituency.
Kasama is literally the seat for Bembas, Burton Mugala fared well in town where the population is cosmopolitan and modern, but lost badly in the rural polling stations where the voters’ tribal conservatism were evoked by Patriotic Front (PF) leader Michael Sata and his candidate, Geoffrey Mwamba.
The party also lost to the PF as their campaign machinery was rigid, lacking innovation and showed exclusive tendencies.
For example, Mr Sata, who camped in the area for more than 14 days prior to the election day, booked Radio Mano to cover him live during all his campaign trails, and his three-times- a-day rallies peppered with tribal remarks against Mugala, were broadcast live to the 200-kilometre radius audience of the station. This just vanquished the isolated but valiant efforts of the MMD campaign machinery.
The Solwezi Central Seat seems to have been lost on the choice of the candidate too.
Some insiders are convinced that the failure to adopt Teddy Mulonga, who is said to have even won the primary selection, has a wider recognition in Solwezi Central than Albert Chifita.
Although Chifita lost by a narrow margin, it was suicidal for the MMD to ignore Mulonga who has fared increasingly well in that constituency in the 2001 and 2006 elections.
THE LOSSES OF THE TWO SEATS- WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
The strategic meeting convened by MMD NEC member and party treasurer, Suresh Desai attempted to identify the problems the party is facing and consequently recommend certain solutions.
Among the key recommendations was the need for the MMD to hold a national convention due in 2010. The meeting was unanimous in accepting the notion that the convention will enable President Banda emerge with his own team before the 2011 elections.
The party’s lethargy is attributed to many individuals in Government and the NEC who are deemed not be loyal to the president and have allowed him to battle his woes alone with only a few ministers. The silence from most NEC members and the rest of the party structure across the country is cause for serious worry as the party appears to be dead.
This recommendation to go to the convention has, however, brought serious problems for most current holders of NEC positions. Looking at their performance, it’s unlikely that most will retain their seats.
The prospect of losing the influence as members of the NEC has jolted them to viciously discredit the manner and structure of this meeting with the national secretary, Katele Kalumba dismissing the meeting as illegal and lacking the blessing of the party. His deputy Jeff Kaande has supported his boss, describing the meeting as a collection of sympathisers.
The meeting also reviewed the particular problem of Western Province where a new party called the Alliance for Development and Democracy (ADD) wants to harvest members from the MMD for their perceived discontent with the party.
It was reported that, among other things, Akashambatwa Mbikusita Lewanika asserted that the Litunga was behind the fall out of the MMD in Western Province. Aka (as he his popularly known) was reported to have convened the strategic meeting.
But he promptly issued a strong statement denying that he ever made such remarks and informed the country that party treasurer, Suresh Desai was the convenor of the meeting. He further stated that he played no role in officiating nor hosting the meeting.
Aka emphasised that there is “no human personage or authority I honour more than the Litunga’.” He strongly defended the reverence of the Litunga by asserting that the “Litungaship and the Litunga-in-Council represent parents, fore parents, spiritual, culture and governance instructions built over 400 years.”
However, his strong rebuttal did nothing to allay the actions of his enemies. Aka’s enemies seized the opportunity.
Before long, a Kuta was convened and a strong statement was later issued condemning the convenors of the meeting and demanding an unreserved apology from the MMD and Aka.
Acting Ngambela, Litia Walubita called remarks attributed to Aka and the meeting as distasteful, disrespectful and a taboo to the Lozi culture and that the allegation that “His Majesty colluded with His subject Simasiku Namakando to bring about the assumed unpopularity of the MMD in the province was beneath his royal standing and would defy century-old etiquette’.”
The statement issued on November, 25, further states that “ His derogatory insinuations are highly distasteful and are clearly intended to show disrespect to the revered office of His majesty the Litunga.”
The statement even went to ridicule Aka by stating that “It is particularly disheartening that the convenor of the meeting Akashambatwa Mbikusita Lewanika, not only hails from Barotseland but is also BELIEVED to be a member of the Baroste Royal Family.”
Aka was a nominated contender to this throne! Aka’s father was even once a Litunga. But the statement even doubted his royalty and brought into question the membership of the House of the Lewanikas into the Royal family.
Cleary Aka is in serious trouble. Aka’s activities around the Litunga throne and Barotseland in the 1990s continue to haunt him. He is accused of promoting a secession of Western Province from Zambia and parts of Namibia to create an Independent Baroste State. Recently, there were unfounded allegations linking him to a ‘coup’ against Litunga Imwiko.
It is no wonder that this small discussion in the strategic meeting about Simasiku Namakando has spiralled out of control as Aka’s enemies have seen an opportunity to cause his dismissal. His enemies reason that the threat to President Banda of losing Western Province cannot be ransomed to Aka. In their view, Aka ought to go. They argue that Banda cannot afford to lose Western Province just after gaining Luapula on account of Aka. Clearly Aka is in trouble.
President Banda held these developments so serious that he convened a meeting with Simasiku Namakando, Namatama Mupo and Kameya on November 21 and and after a four hour meeting, lifted their suspensions.
Banda also directed that Namakando re-organises the party in Western Province in preparation for his planned visit there.
President Banda also promised to resolve all outstanding issues of Western Province including the Mongu-Kalabo Road, informing Namakando that he had directed Dr Musokotwane to release the K1.3 trillion required for this massive project.
EVIL MEN
Namakando, however, did not leave State House without intoning that President Banda “was surrounded by evil men that were causing confusion for him.”
There has been a consistent attempt to create an impression that President Banda has lost national grip by using the inflamed opinions of a few opinions by Banda’s known political enemies such as George Mpombo, Ng’andu Magande, Michael Sata, and Hakainde Hichilema to support the twisted campaign.
It is clear that the need for the MMD to host the Convention is a double edged sword with Banda’s enemies led by The Post campaigning that the MMD should elect another leader, ‘’who is electable’’, probably in their view, Ngandu Magande!
It appears that some of those orchestrating the campaign have their hopes still anchored in the MMD and not in the PF/UPND Pact, but they want to manipulate the party to elect their puppets such as Magande!
The indication by President Banda that he has never spoken against the convention and is likely to host it, has brought inimical activities with his enemies re-drawing their plans and those in the current NEC fearing that the internal calls for change and dynamism in the party will sweep them away!
This is the more reason some argue that President Banda should hold the convention to remove chaff from Wheat and create a formidable team that could help him rally Zambians to support his policies.
THE UTTERANCES OF GABRIEL NAMULAMBE
On November 17, Transparency International (TI) hosted a gathering at Chrismar Hotel, where a report was delivered that showed that Zambia had made tremendous improvement in the fight against corruption.
On its Corruption Perception Index (CPI) of 2009, Zambia scored 3.0 out of 10 points which has made Zambia leap from among the worst 11th to 17th on the index. This score was a remarkable improvement with Zambia’s public sector corruption being perceived to be better than Argentina, Egypt, Libya, Lebanon, Ethiopia, Togo, Mauritania, Kenya, and Russia.
Since 2002, the CPI has given Zambia a score of 2.6 – 2.8 out of 10 points and the CPI made no discernible improvements from 2001 to 2008.
TI, however, attributed Zambia’s improvement to the late president Levy Mwanawasa’s “efforts” against corruption.
TI board treasurer, Sampa Kalunga urged the Government of President Banda to emulate the late president and give the fight against corruption political will. Kalunga insisted that this international report reflected past events and had no consequence to present circumstances.
Chief policy analyst for political affairs at State House, Francis Chigunta objected to TI’s twisting of facts. He stated that this international report was presented annually and the past results since 2002 were known. He stated that this report reflected the research and perceptions of 2008 and 2009 as shown by TI’s own documents.
He stated that it was erroneous to condemn President Banda as not fighting corruption and attribute all the gains Zambia had made in the fight against corruption to President Mwanawasa.
He stated that, in fact, President Banda had shown more commitment to fighting corruption by his recent measures. He reminded TI that most of the corruption scandals such as the K27 billion at the Ministry of Health occurred during the tenure of Mwanawasa but was merely being exposed now.
This seems to have sparked a raw nerve in the Family Tree camp whose duty it is to ensure that President Mwanawasa’s legacy is “preserved” and no “mud” is thrown at it.
Science and Technology Minister, Gabriel Namulambe issued a detailed and daring statement claiming that the “Lamba people are hurt, injured and frustrated by constant attacks against Levy Mwanawasa’s legacy.” Namulambe demanded that Government and the MMD respect president Mwanawasa as the party’s victories in 2001, 2006 and 2008 were due to Mwanawasa’s own name.
Namulambe warned that Lambas would not take kindly to attacks against President Mwanawasa “from anyone.”
Asked whether he would resign or risk being dismissed, Namulambe ridiculed the assertions and insisted that he was only serving the people of Zambia and since he ‘didn’t’ commit any offence and therefore saw no reason why he would lose his job. He insisted that he would stay in Cabinet to ‘fight from inside.’
Clearly this statement constituted total indiscipline. Namulambe assumed the position of speaking for all Lambas, a lofty position he does not occupy. Further, his defence of the Mwanawasa’s legacy is flawed as he and George Mpombo want to refuse Zambians the opportunity of reviewing the performance of its presidents as they have done to Kenneth Kaunda, Frederick Chiluba and President Rupiah Banda.
Clearly, what to be said ought to be said and Namulambe, Mpombo and others cannot halt such a debate!
President Banda’s efforts to incorporate nearly all persons left by his predecessor are not bearing good fruits. Many are using their positions to undermine and sabotage his works. They accuse President Banda of abandoning Mwanawasa’s legacy yet they are the biggest legacy that he has adopted. President Banda has left the Government of Mwanawasa and its infrastructure almost intact in Cabinet ministers, Government and the foreign service. Yet he is accused of abandoning the legacy.
And the demands for President Banda to adopt Mwanawasa’s legacy is unfair as he ought to create and define his own image and his own identity. For Dr Kaunda is remembered for his uniting efforts and left us with that famous motto “One Zambia One Nation.”
Dr Chiluba is remembered for his empowerment policies and the houses he sold to Zambians. Chiluba is also remembered for his declaration of Zambia as a Christian Nation.
President Mwanawasa is remembered for his anti-corruption fight.
So, it is unfair to laden President Banda with a legacy of others. He ought to be allowed to craft and curve his own legacy. In the elections of 2011, Banda’s own record will come up for scrutiny and he will be elected or fail to be elected on account of his own record.
CRACKING THE WHIP
President Banda should strongly crack his whip against people such as Namulambe whose disloyalty is so apparent. Banda should be advised that the next two years will be shifty as the countenance of opportunists will begin to openly show.
In their view, the PF-UPND pact is forming the next government and beckons them with alluring calls.
CONCLUSION
There is a fear that the MMD would have reached its useful lifespan of 20 years by 2011. Analysts are predicting that since that the appeal properties of a governing party diminishes quickly after 10 years and appear to expire after 20 years, they are predicting a “sure” victory for the opposition.
But statistics abound in the region where parties have ‘defied’ the 20-year expiry period. The Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) founded by Sir Seretse Khama in 1961, has held power since 1966.
The BDP now led by Khama’s son Ian Khama recently won elections with majority seats of 47 out of a Parliament of 57 seats.
The African National Congress of South Africa (ANC) was founded in 1912 and is the governing party of South Africa since 1994. The party rules ‘in a tripartite alliance’ with the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) and the South African Communist Party (SACP). The two parties are alliance partners to the ANC.
Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) of the United Republic of Tanzania has held power since 1961. The party was founded by Africa’s elder statesman, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere. CCM is constantly evolving and rebranding and the high turn-over of its leaders (a new President every 10 years) has helped it hold on to power for more than 48 years now.
The liberation Front of Mozambique (FRELIMO) has held power in Mozambique since 1975. FRELIMO was, like CCM, ANC, and BDP, a liberation movement.
The Zimbabwe African National union – Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) founded and led by President Robert Mugabe has held power since its Independence in 1980.
Clearly, unless the MMD wishes to hand over power to the opposition on a silver platter, it has a strong fighting chance to retain power in 2011. The fear of the PF-UPND Pact is fuelled by numerous opportunists that know no hard work and are quick to harvest where they didn’t sow.
It is an accepted and indisputable fact that the pact portends a serious threat to the MMD but presents no real danger if President Banda can re-cast himself and use the recent losses of the two parliamentary seats as a dip-stick of the state of his party and Government.
While the PF-UPND Pact is using its win of the two seats as a measure of its popularity and potential to take over power, the MMD should view this as a blessed and timely warning and use this loss to put its house in order.
[Times of Zambia]
Propaganda at its best.. reminds me of Squealer’s Speeches and Propaganda on Animal Farm.
Nicely stringed words without content.. The Zambian electorate will be the judge of Banda’s failure or success. 2011 is just round the corner
Time will tell, we shall see who holds the real power, whether it is this biased author or the Zambian people. Then will decide and it is apparent, MMD is sinking with Rupiah Banda.
This article was certainly written by Veteran formerly called Senior Citizen and is shameful indeed. You call two trips abroad a month as a low average! Are you really Zambian. Not even KK or FTJ or LPM used to do two trips abroad a month. Anyway you just forgot to write at the end of the article that the author was sponsored by MMD and Rupiah Banda to build his tattered image. Come 2011, you are out.. 20 years for a party to change things is enough. We need others at the wheel.
My blog name is MMD CHIEF BOOTLICKER and I approve this article. I ask all to not just dismiss it as propaganda but debate the facts raised. And no personal insults please, its Monday, lets have serious and concrete debate on the issues raised
There is a lot of indiscoline in MMD. There is so much talk of LP legacy. There is no way you expect RB as old as he is to follow the personal leadership of late Levy. He is supposed to stamp his own authority. The only important thing is to continue with policy of implementing development plans and improve on them. Those who are clinging to the name of late Levy are cowards and cannot stand on their own. In fact RB shoould drop some chaps and recall some from foreign service otherwise these same chaps will continue attacking and undermining his authority.
MMD Chief Bootlicker spare us the rhetoric… what issue a they to discuss
MMD (your gravy train) is on the way out…. It is shame to see how Banda has brought the highest office in the land to disrepute.. using tribal remarks a campaigns , using language befitting a statesman.. , persecuting journalist with absurd charges…. the list goes on..
Ambuye Banda should go back to his Chigayo and let the country be run by people with a vision
c h i g a y o ..
Ba LT your filter is a bit d u l l
LMP was more displined in the use of our money.He visited Swaziland,delivered his address and told us point blanck that govt had no money to buy us drinks for coming to listen to his address.
Then came RB.Most of his entourage looking tired from the previous night’s drinking.He addressed the pipo.Of course a booked venue(LPM addressed from his villa) with caterers.
The Swazi foreign minister looked shocked wit de behaviour of our president.very unstatesman.
No amount of ‘storytelling’ will change my mind.
OPPOSITION NEED TO WATCH OUT, CHANGE STRATEGY AND ARTICULATELY CENTER ON SELLING THEIR POLICIES THAN INSULTS
RB is proving unconcerned of his enemies’ obstructions and daily insults but serious on national development. The opposition needs to change strategy because this man is on course. Insults are failing thusfar to deliver against RB.What he is doing may just deliver him a landslide. He is looking more humane, statesman, mature and focused. He is approving to understand politics better. Don’t say you were not forewarned but watch him
-Zambia sees lower banks’ rates on recovery
Zambian banks’ lending rates are expected to keep falling thanks to a return of foreign investors to government securities and the opening of new commercial banks, its central bank governor said on Sunday.
Caleb Fundanga said foreign investors now accounted for 4-5 percent of the government’s weekly Treasury bill auctions, up from zero at the height of the global financial crisis in the last quarter of 2008 and the first quarter of this year.
“But now we see them coming every week. There is a recovery,” the governor told Reuters. “There is a great appetite both from local and foreign investors and the consequence of this is that the yield rate has started to come down.
“That is going to have a beneficial impact since that is the alternative banks have to lending. If those rates are coming down, they will also be forced to lower their lending rates.”
Zambia launches capacity building think-tank
Zambia has launched a think-tank whose functions would be to meet the needs for capacity building in the country’s economic policy formulation, monitoring, research and analysis, the Zambia Daily Mail reported on Saturday.
Zambian minister of Finance and National Planning Situmbeko Musokotwane, who launched the Zambia Institute for Policy Analysis and Research (ZIPAR) on Friday, said the organization is formed as a result of little and sometimes incoherent contribution from professionals and academicians to the country’s development.
“This government is committed to promoting a paradigm shift. we seek change in the way we do business. We recognize the need to embrace new ideas,” Musokotwane was quoted as saying by the paper.
According to the Zambian Minister, it is Zambian government’s desire to receive non-partisan professional advice in matters relating to the economic management of the country’s resources.
the minister said that ZIPAR will create a forum where professionals could meet to dialogue and influence the development agenda of the country.
The article does bring up some good points. RB has done well in the one year and a few months he has been in office considering the global financial crisis.
The PF-UPND pact is a populist party. They have not given their economic policy. The only economic policy we know is the one from Sata which involves an economic miracle of 90 days. How he plans to achieve it is unexplainable and I challenge any PF supporter to explicitly explain how Sata will achieve this.
The MMD will surely ascend to victory. The economic numbers are positive and as soon as people realize that these numbers have meaning and are positively affecting their lives, they’ll vote for MMD in 2011 so they can continue with their good economic policies. And then we can watch PF cadres vent on blogs.
The opposition better define themselves on issues than insults because Banda’s Government is evidently not just politicking. I see that his government has spent over K800billion rehabilitating road infrastructure across the country. We may be choose to be in denial but his government is clearly working! Yes he has been imprisoned by petty politics perpetuated by his enemies who are not selling any national agenda. These grave opposition abuse of opportunities in a short time remaining is not consistent with winning politics.
Bishop Milingo has said all those who have ganged up to insult President Banda should not be respected in society.
He said in an interview in Lusaka yesterday after conducting a church service at Matero Basic School that Zambia cannot afford to lose its peace at the stage it has reached.
If there was an award the the most useless articales of the year, this must be nominated. I would not call this propaganda, it it childish talk. Propaganda has the capacity to persuade people otherwise. but this article can be seen by all, including the dull MMD caders that it does not hold water. It cant convince anyone of its claims but further exposes the MMD as a part that can not read the hand writting on the wall, it can not read the signs of times but can still comfort themselves on a sinking ship. MMD by accepting this article are proving that they can not see the hour has come, the hour to pack and go! Shame on the article, the MMD and its aurthors.
“If there are any idi.ots in the room, will they please stand up” said the sarcastic teacher. After a long silence, one freshman rose to his feet. “Now then mister, why do you consider yourself an id.iot?” enquired the teacher with a sneer. “Well, actually I don’t,” said the student, “but I hate to see you standing up there all by yourself I just want to give you some moral support.”
A culture of insults has alienated voters from recent opposition politics leaving them with us none voters in blogs.Many people are missing Mazoka and Dean Mungomba two gentlemen that went into their graves with the opposition opportunity in Zambia.It will take many years to rebuild a credible opposition in our country again.
“But statistics abound in the region where parties have ‘defied’ the 20-year expiry period. The Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) founded by Sir Seretse Khama in 1961, has held power since 1966.” THIS COMPARISON LEAVES SO MUCH TO BE DESIRED. Take for instance, BDP. Just a visit to Botswana doesn’t leaveone with any doubts why this party is still in power. The righter of this article should consult the history books, again. But, then again he is either looking for a job or directed to do so. Underrate the the pact for your own peril. In fact, its people who expressing their feelings, and not the pact. Whatever goes up must come down.
Mwata spare us please,copy and paste on every article, damn you mmd boys are all the same
#4 MMD Chief Bootlicker says
You are dull because you left out UNIP which in your stick yard! Idoit stop this kind of rants here! You would have talked of reducing unemployment from 80% to maybe 50% maybe this must have been to celebrate about. Hunger is looming in the country. Floods are coming soon, People continue to leave in shanty compounds. Such dull chapters like you in govt are what has costed the nation alot! Crap!
Boot(Arse) licker- You measure anything with facts and those losses are facts not a figment of some mad person. Dont be like a fly that is buried with a dead person’s corpse. AMEN
#19 What goes round. Am still chewing to find the moral of you joke. Nice one.
#9 to 14 Mwata, stop cheating people we are living in an Information Age and lies will not help. Your Zambia Institute for Policy Analysis and Research is just not else as something under EAZ. Read this: The problem is you just read newspaper. Originally established in the 1960s as the Lusaka Economics Club, the Economics Association of Zambia (EAZ) is a non-partisan body whose membership includes experts in the areas of economics, business administration and allied fields. In 1985, the Association was registered as a Non Governmental Organisation (under the Societies Act, Cap. 105) and has since continued to serve as a forum for the articulation of economic and other developmental issues.
#24. But what do you ar.se.lic.ker is? indeed he is a fly-he’s going 6feet under with a corpse. He’s a fly and doesn’t realise the corpse is being burried. SOME OF THESE FO.OLS WE HAVE IN THE NAME OF ZAMBIANS DON’T CEASE TO SURPRISE THE NATION.
#15 MR CAPITALIST
‘Economic numbers are positive’ you say, are you for real? whats wrong with you Capitalist? Have gone round Lusaka lately? Have you counted how children have gone onto or taken off the streets? A responsible government talks about what affects people directly and not the macro nonsense, who care about the foreign reserves? You like coming out as the most educated Zambian ever with flowery English but with no substance in-depth. I will tell you only a few what your own mother would be interested in.
1. Percentage reduction in deaths at UTH
2. Frequency of refuse collection
3. RBs plans on the unemployed
4. Quality of education – improvemnt
5. What government is doing about carnage on the roads almost daily
6. How she’s going to be protected from vultures at…
#28 cont…
at pension house
People..ala these so called mmd socks lickers are so annonying,simple and plan english- people are just fade up of your mdd or is it mmd.
Msana wanzili
Though I applaud your cherry picking, I encourage you to read my post once again. I never said anything about social sectors but economic sectors. If you are smart, you would know that Rupiah Banda cannot single-handedly transform Zambia within 90 days as others would have you believe. He has to put in place the right proper procedures (which he has done) and make sure the right people carry out the procedures (which once again he has done). The economic numbers may not mean much to the poor Zambian now but when it trickles down, it will be amazing and they’ll regret the day they never supported our President. I have raised a challenge for you PF cadres, explain how Sata will achieve his 90 day economic miracle.
#15 Since you have mentioned my pact PF-UPND brace for more reaction from me. Which points are good you cry baby! Visiting Nigeria and bringing a nigerian bank is suicide. These nigerians will collect all your cash from ATM, mind you they now know the sound of figures you punch on ATM machines. It is unhealthy for an oldman to be airborne twice a month, science has it that there is a high possibility of developing BP. There are very few ministers and MMD NEC members who support RB.
#15 Mr Capitalist
Even with a pea sized brain you know as much as i do that the only way MMD would win a general election is through rigging because they can only convince a few retards that wiggle their waists for RB at that air strip called Lusaka International airport because there’s nothing to sale to earn the votes. It’s high time you and the other thug called VETERAN realized that the crusade you’ve embarked on is a still birth because the more canvass for mediocrity the more you loose votes. My advice would be concentrate on holding to villagers votes or loose them too because wasting time on the cyber is f@@lishness
Mr Capitalist, the son of Veteran married to MMD chief booklicker, welcome to the blog of men. Yesterday you made my day, the way you cried as if you are not in the diaspora. You are like the Solwezi shushu who did not play smart and ended up being clobbered by alert people of Solwezi. What makes you think the pact is useless when it sjambocked your party in Kasama and Solwezi?
Chicago city
There you go with your webs of lies. The Nigerian banking system is one of the fastest growing industries in Nigeria and it would be carastrophic to refuse their investment as their banking system is gaining ground in Africa and around the world. EcoBank (Nigerian Bank) offers some of the lowest lending rates at 19%. What evidence do you have to prove that EcoBank partakes in fraudulent activities? This is similar to your web of lies like the one in which you accused me of spreading evils against Mpombo and his daughters but when challenged to provide proof, you failed to do so.
The president has an obligation to attend to international forums when invited as this is an area in which Diplomatic ties can be strengthened.
cont…
Diplomatic ties are needed for a country like Zambia especially considering the fact that it is on the African continent which is couched in negativity. Strong diplomatic ties can result in great economic gains more especially in the area of trade.
I have brought up a challenge for you PF cadres, explain how Sata will achieve his 90 day economic miracle.
#31 MR CAPITALIST
Even with the little respect i have for you i do not expect you to assume that just because i don’t agree with you/MMD then am a PF spokesperson. Who told you i support PF and their policies?
Msana wanzil
Have you ever provided proof that the MMD rigs elections? You are a joker but I do not blame you as you are in cohorts with Chicago City, Smoothcriminal and Kalos who falsely accused me of spreading evils against Mpombo but without any proof to back up their claims. This makes them liars.
I have raised a challenge for you PF cadres, explain how Sata will achieve his 90 day economic miracle.
Msana wanzili
I am sorry, I was mistaken to assume you where a PF sycophant but since we are on the subject, please let us know who you support.
And just to add on something, I do not need you to respect me. You come off with too many ad hominems and gaining respect from someone like you is futile.
Capitalism just enjoy the embassy cash while your relatives are starving. Here the PM rarely travels but the economy is very strong. The PM delegates, have you ever heard this term ‘delegates’? After we talk your man became ashamed and sent Kunda to that meeting. In 2011 please do not defect to the pack, I will personally audit you, you useless MMD cadre!
Talked not talk, Pact not pack
There is no choice between life and death. A normal man chooses the PACT while a fool dies with the MMD. Hence the jock of the comrade above who said dont be like a fly with dies with a corp 6 feet down.
Chicago City
I cannot join the pact just for the sheer fact that Sata cannot explain how he will achieve his 90 day economic miracle. I do not work at any embassy. That is another web of lies you like to spread around. The Australian PM may not travel but Barack Obama does travel. We don’t hear the American people complaining about that.
I have also gone. Enjoy your day/night. As for 2011, we shall see who will be laughing.
Mr Capitalist!
Hi! I want you to answer few questions, (Nothing against RB or MMD)! You always talk about economic growth! When you say Zambian Economy has grown by 6%. I fail to understand when infrastructure development is almost stagnant. What’s more surprising is the fact that last year 1dollars was equiv to K3300. Now when you say 6% growth I thought the growth also has to have a corresponding effect on the currency. In China where I am now, everywhere you would see new road network , new buildings all being constructed and the Chinese Yuan has stabilized . So when someone tells me that the Chinese economy has grown, I would not doubt such statistics because we are seeing the effects. But in Zambia &Africa in general I don’t really believe such figures. Sorry I am not an economist
Though i am critical of RBs GRZ over handling of FJT, he seems to be doing well with the economy. The man has only been in for a year. On the other ahand, the heyna pacts policies seems to be based on bitter tribal and ethenic grounds with no coherent structure. with sata wanting power at all costs. remember He promisd FJT a free ride if he was made presido. He is a tribalistic thug who will destroy Zambia. For one, just how shallow he is, he wanted zambia to support tiwan against mighty china while he was campaining against PLM, when the whole world is terrified of doing that. If HH was not assiciated with this snake, i would have considered. I will vote RB
@ mossad-Kgb,
“The Yuan has stabilized”
ohh no. Please note that the Yuan is not a free floating currency, it is pegged to the US$. Roads and infrastructure are not the only measure of GDP. Roads and infrastructure alone are not sustainable. Look at Dubai. Bubble burst overnight.
@Chicago city
Please, I leave in Australia, and Australian PM is always on the plane. He is allover the world trying to convince the world about his climate change ideas.
@ Mr. Capitalist,
We are on the same page.
Sata will be a disaster for mother Zambia. Very high political risk!
Now Mwata has joined Capitalist, Veteran and Bootlicker! More nonsense to follow. Elo mwata alefiposta zoona cant you just summarize all the siht that you have to say??? Skulu iliko importnt mwe.
Please note that the MMD cannot fire Namulambe,Magande ,Mpombo or Chibombamilimo because doing that is sucide for them , they know that for NOW THEY CAN ONLY WIN ELECTION In some few parts of EASTERN PROVINCE ONLY.To those who are disputing , please just advise these MMD to fire any of the above ,the PF- UPND will celebrate again.The articles above clearly shows that the guy cannot use simple comon sense,MMD is no longer their it is dead no matter what organisation they try ,it will not help.If they had put Magande as president things would have been different by now .The best solution is to find another candidate for 2011 other than RB because RB has offended the people of Zambia by doing the following (1) Dollar Siliya Saga (2) The Chiluba Acquital (3) The fire of Nkole
#47 Do you laeve or live in Australia. Muletusebanya
This is a though provoking article. May I also add that RB risks losing the 2011 elections if he does not take a strong hold of his party cadres. These thugs beat up journalists and distribute other people’s land, e.eg. in Lusaka West and Ibex Hill. That is criminal. And the electorate is watching. Unless RB can bring back the “rule of law” and show that he is in charge, it will not go his way in 2011. And there are many factors working against him – he is new in his party, with little grassroot support, he has no control over cadres, he has no control in cabinet or government. Please RB remove your cadres from people’s land in Lusaka West and Ibex Hill, take charge of government and cabinet, retire all dead wood at cabinet office and show leadership. And give those of us abroad good…
I dont know what the author had in mind when he was writting this article. Bootlicking, it seems, is now becoming a way of life for some, a passion for others, and indeed, a religion for most. What a pity.
LAND. Please give us the contact at State House incharge of diaspora Zambians so that we can also contribute to national development by building houses back home. Give us land in good areas, already serviced.
MMD is intact. I like the way MMD’s enemies magnify their solidarity and existance. If I may ask just one question. WHEN, TIME IN MEMORIAL DID BEMBAS BECOME BEST FRIENDS WITH TONGAS?
#55 One moment you deplore tribalism and when it suits you say BEMBAS and TONGAS are oil and water- they cannot mix. Uledabwa utu matrx twa bupuba tatwabombe. We are One Zambia one Nation.
#55, Tribalism has no place here! I still insist that you change that name to “Bootlicker” and not “Bootleaker”. Why would one want to start leaking all of a sudden?
#39 MR CAPITALIST
Let me attempt to answer your question. ‘ who do you support ‘ you ask. Unlike you my concern is about my mum and your poor mother at the village, do they have access to medical help. how about your your nephews and nieces, are they in school, are they sleeping on empty stomachs with no blankets to cover themselves, the street children etc. Capitalist thats what matter not the nonsense you propagate here. My concern is the wastefulness of your governmement, upside priorities. Do you know how many street kids would be helped if we saved the little that you waste on those retards that dance days on end at the airport. You keep on referring to Sata’s 90 day policy as if RB as just been in office for 90 days. He ascended to power earlier than Obama, ………continued
#58 cont…
RB come into power earlier than Obama but we’ve seen some serious policy changes in health, foreign relations etc with the latter while the former is still on political honeymoon. For a President with vision work starts even before he’s sworn-in in terms of planning and strategizing. So stop bothring us with the 90 days policy.
Ad homines – against who you, RB or MMD
It is difficult to predict who will win in 2011. The issues that people are thinking about now such as Siliya and Chiluba may not be relevant in under 2 years time. The pact might or might not hold and who knows how healthy the economy is going to be. Personally, I would have preferred HH to be the next president but aligning himself with Sata I am more inclined to go for the devil I already know which is MMD. Sata is not right for Zambia. However, if Zambians elect him to be president, atleast I know I will be fine as I have my residence permit here in the diaspora.
# 57 I like your pretense over relationship between a bemba and a tonga. I am sure some of us who have seen 365 days 59 times know what the truth is. Me I would not pretend and cheat my children than there is no tribal ism in Zambia when I know why they want to use this as a temporary shield for getting into power. We are all eyes open and we can not be cheated like kids.
#61, Check your facts. I didnt say there was no tribalism in Zambia. Of course its there, and perpertuated by people like you. Pity at your age you can even encourage your children to be tribal. What we are simply saying is that it has no place here. Restrict it to your house. At 59, you mean you learnt nothing? Sad, very Sad. And what a waste!
Our President is focused and doing a very good job. Only power angry people cannot see his legacy. Do you need to copy someone’s legacy. Or is it mandatory to follow another person’s footsteps. What people are forgetting is that RB is also educated and he has in own good way of looking at things. So let’s not blame the President but let’s try to advise where possible
HOW TO START EACH DAY WITH A POSITIVE OUTLOOK!!!
1. Open a new file in your computer.
2. Name it “Rupiah Banda”.
3. Send it to the Recycle Bin.
4. Empty the Recycle Bin.
5. Your PC will ask you. “Do you really want to get rid of Rupiah Banda?”
6. Firmly Click “Yes.”
7. Feel better?
Tomorrow we’ll do Robert Mugabe
#63, There you go!! The moment you changed your name from “Leaker” to “Licker”, you presented an extremely mature point. Thats more like it!! Keep it up.
Mr Bootlicker may I ask you a question are you saying there are no Tongas who have married Bembas in Zambia? If there are there what advice can you give them? Is it to divorce because they are not married properly in your opinion as a 59 year shukulu?
The fact is that RB has brought MMD and the government to a stand still. His cadres are on a muching timer waiting for greener pastures. Had it not been for the effort of LP the progress they are claiming to have achieved was not going to be there. The wrongs committed today wont be failed immediately. The mismanagement of flow of fuel will definitely have its effects much later than expected. We can not allow this to continue. The CPI results have nothing to do with RB his performance on corruption perception will be weighted in september 2010. By then he will have started his 2011 campaign. I can assure most of the indeces used to measure how peaceful a coun try is wont be in RBz favour. He has already turned this State into a Police State. More People are resolving conflicts through…
The article is provoking. I hope RB is not mislead here to “crack the whip” as this very good writer has suggested. RB is a diplomat and needs to study the forces of miscalculation behind actions of people like Namulambe & Mpombo. These people including Shakafushwa are influenced by the very post newspaper whose agenda anchors on its perceived reputation of build and destroy and build and blackmail and manipulate. RB can either invoke his diplomatic credential, meet & understand these people or isolate them by meeting senior headmen & chiefs from their areas because here lies their perceived strength. Let VJ lead this work behind the scenes. We need to continuously remind people that Sata is danger to democracy, national unity & modern economics.
This is a very good article but certainy biased. On the economy figures speak for themselves and the economy is certainly showing positive signs. but what is subject to debate is whether the positive signs can be attributed to Banda’ policies. I find the TIZ report very interseting, if indeed the report shows 2008/09 perceptions then Banda is certainly doing something right. And I do recall that Mwanawasa once criticised this report saying that it was not appreaciating his efforts. Well it looks like Banda’s efforts are being recognised. Or can I suspect that LPM was running a corrupt govet and simply spoke about fighting corruption for political ends.
RB has been held hostage by Western Province and some individuals in MMD. For now he is a lame duck president. His tribalism and nepotism will certainly see him lose in 2011.
I also agree that he is under attack from some sectors and probably unfairly too. TFred memmbes’s POST declared him the wrong candidate prefering Magande and have criticised his every move since then. They have even criticised LAZ and NGOCC for not backing. they have also fueled the differences with catholics and other discontented party members. They even ignore all tribal statments that come from his detractors. However this is democracy and all goes with the game. i also agree he has been too weak in the party and has allowed the types of Nalubambe and Mpombo to make careless statments that are injuring the party. Neither LPM or FTJ woul have brooked that . In political strategy it is sometimes better to maintain dcispline and risk loosing another seat.
#64 BA MOZE
Get your head checked, how is that going to make a normal person satisfied. I don’t like RB not even for a minute but i think your psycho way is a bit over the top. open a file, name it RB, bla bla bla…. what a mug.
#72 Msana fimo fimo, Waukila ine? Its not my fault if you did not have breakfast!! Blame it on RB. Lets hope lunch comes your way!
My concerns remain the same: whether Sata and baby HH Sata really are the salvation that Zambia requires. My answer so far remains that these are charlatans, they have a history of opportunism, violence, corruption and tribalism, they simply do not measure up to statesmanship/leadership especially the inspiring type of leadership that bloggers think they would provide. Measured against an incumbent RB with all the “failings” painted by the Post, I cannot take a chance with my vote. Please show me a viable alternative for 2011, in the likes of Kambela and I will be game. For me Zambia is too important and I cannot allow myself to be pulled by my tail by the likes of Mmembe and his allies..
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