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Mr. Tembo of John Laing Compound makes more than K70 000 a day in selling plastic bags
By Chanda K. Chishimba
Zambians should view the Lusaka Stock Exchange (LUSE) as an investment vehicle that can lead to a better and more financially rewarding future. If invested well, your money would work excellent wonders for you in the future. LUSE affords investors an opportunity to determine the direction of economic activity while going about with their personal lives. Investing in major companies on the LUSE provides one with the opportunity to earn a profit legally. Here are some tips on investing in the stock market.
Avoid investing all your money in one stock. The risk involved in not diversifying is that, if the company goes bankrupt or its revenue is consistently below market expectation, your investment is lost without recourse. The best investment strategy is to research all companies listed on the exchange and look for the following; industry, debt ratio, price per share, revenue per annum, number of employees, and management experience. It is very important to know how the company funds its operations. Is it a highly leveraged company? Does it have enough operating capital? What amount of debt versus income does the company have?
Set realistic investment goals and objectives. You need to determine whether you are a short-term or long-term investor. This helps in choosing an investment strategy that is in line with your goals. If you want to make a quick small profit, or you want to use the funds under 1 year, then you are a short-term investor. Be wary though, there are risks involved. If you are in the market for a long time, then you are a long-term investor. In this category, you can hopefully recoup any short-term losses you may incur. Remember, the stock market is like a pendulum. For great success in the market, “buy low, sell high”.
Understand the mix in your portfolio. For example, you cannot invest in 10 stocks in the same industry. If that industry goes bust, then there goes your hard-earned investment. Make sure to diversify among industries. Now this does not mean you invest in all industries. What it means is that you master an understanding of the inherent systemic issues in each industry. Some industries will boom in an economic upturn and some will not. This is very normal. Other industries, called defensive stocks, will boom in an economic downturn. Industries such as Health, Pharmaceuticals, and Defense will be your best bet in a declining economy. Look at average income for the industry and decide if that industry will be a good mix for your portfolio.
Determine how much money you can invest without sacrificing your current need for income. Set up a budget that ensures that you are adequately covered for current financial demands, as well as, how much you can save from your monthly pay. Although budgeting has been a thorn in the foot for most households, remember, this is your future as well as that of your family. Strict budgeting starts with reviewing your income versus expenses. Are some expenses necessary? Is it necessary to always eat out than to eat at home? Do you really need that extra pair of shoes? Once you cut down these unnecessary expenses, you relieve your income of extra stress. This extra income is what you can invest in the market.
Make sure to invest in stocks that pay a dividend. For the moment, do not view the dividend payment as income to be carelessly spent on non-essentials. Reinvest, or buy more stock in that company with the dividend. By doing so, you are increasing your share in the company, and any subsequent dividend payments increase your equity. A dividend is simply a distribution of profit by management. Notice though, that the price of the stock reduces by the amount of the dividend. So essentially, this is not even a profit for you the investor. This is the more reason why you need to reinvest, buy more shares, so in the future when the price of the stock is higher, and you own more shares through dividend reinvestment, you can sell the stock and realize a genuine profit.
Before you buy your friend a beer, learn to pay yourself first. This means prudently using your income by setting aside a small amount to invest. Do not think that the stock market is only for the wealthy. A small investment in the market today, goes a long way in the future. It is the financial management decisions you make today that determine your situation in the future. Investing in the market takes a lot of discipline.
Always find time to review your portfolio. Ignoring this advice is your sure way to losing everything you have invested. A portfolio review, once very 90 days, gives you, the investor, an opportunity to see which of your stocks are better performing and which ones are not. If it were your strategy to rebalance your portfolio, this would be the best time. However, remember that each time you rebalance, you are paying broker fees that eat into your profits. So, only rebalance when it is very necessary.
Know the competence of your broker. Determine if your broker is investing your money with your interest at heart. Some brokers will advise you to rebalance your portfolio every other day, saying this is in your best interest. You have the right to question such decisions. As stated earlier, each time you rebalance, you are paying a broker fee. Essentially, you are enriching your broker through your own ignorance. When you engage a broker, make sure they understand your strategy, goals, and objectives.
Take advantage of the Kwacha Cost Averaging when you invest in the stock market. Because what you pay for a stock per share is a cost to you, you can ensure that you average out this cost for better chances of lowering your cost exposure. Here is how it works; if you invest K500, 000 in a K50, 000 stock, the number of shares is 10. However, if you spread out the initial investment (K500, 000), and buy stocks at different times (when the stock price is lower), your average cost would be something like K45, 000, for 11 shares. When the price of the stock goes to K50, 000, your portfolio value would be K550, 000. Therefore, you would have already made a profit on your investment.
Remember, you do not have to invest in the stock market if you cannot afford to. However, whenever you can, make it a practice to invest as this gives you an opportunity to gain from the expertise of management in these companies, their growth, and expansion. The stock market provides you with a probable opportunity to gain a profit legally. Remember too, that, investing in the market requires patience. If you are not the patient type, then the casino is your only bet.
President Rupiah Banda greets Service Chiefs, who came to see him off on friday, at Lusaka City Airport before departure for Eastern Province to open the MMD provincial Conference
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President Rupiah Banda with his supporters at Lusaka City Airport before departure for Eastern Province to open the MMD provincial Conference
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President Rupiah Banda talking to Chief government sporkesperson Lt Gen Ronnie Shikapwasha at Lusaka City Airport before departure for Eastern Province
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President Banda arrives in Chipata aboard the Zambia Air Force plane
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President Banda boarding his official vehicle when he arrived in Chipata
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A busload of MMD cadres arrives at Chipata Teachers' Training College for the MMD Eastern Province conference
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An MMD cadre dressed in a Rupiah labelled T-shirt captured at the MMD Eastern province conference
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MMD cadres wait to receive their matresses before the start of the Eastern province conference
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An MMD cadre going to his room after receiving a matress for the Eastern province conference
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An MMD cadre going to his room after receiving a matresses for the Eastern province conference
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MMD cadres vying for the provincial positions captured in campaigning in Chipata
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MMD cadre vying for the provincial positions captured in a campaign mood in Chipata.
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Delegates to the MMD conference dancing before the start of the event
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President Banda arrives at Chipata Teachers Training College for the MMD Eastern province conference
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President Banda captured with a smile on his face
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MMD acting National secretary Chembe Nyangu captured during prayer at the start of the MMD Eastern province conference
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Delegates to the MMD eastern province follow proceedings during the event
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MMD Eastern province chairman Kennedy Zulu talks to President Banda
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Kapoche MP and Foreign Affairs deputy Minister Fashion Phiri addressing party members
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An MMD cadre carrying the party's chitenge material
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Chipangali MP Vincent Mwale raises the Patriotic Front party symbol when he was called on to talk to members of the party in Chipata
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Delegates to the MMD Eastern province conference casting their votes for the new leadership
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Delegates to the MMD Eastern province conference casting their votes for the new leadership.
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MMD acting National Secretary Chembe Nyangu stretches after a long tedious process of counting votes.
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MMD chairman for Mines, Kaunda Lembalemba captured while talking on the phone.
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One of the winning candidates to the MMD Eastern province conference being congratulated
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cadre or policeman...A policeman captured taking results of the MMD Eastern province conference instead of concentrating on police duties of maintaining peace and order
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MMD Eastern province vice chairman Sam Thole is lifted after winning the elections
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MMD Eastern province chairman Kennedy Zulu is wrapped in chitenge material after he won the elections
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Chilufya Chishala (l), the man who withdrew from the race congratulates MMD Eastern province chairman Kennedy Zulu after Mr Zulu won the elections
President Rupiah Banda has said that the country will not hold elections on 1st April this year, as alleged by PF leader Michael Sata.
President Banda ssaid Mr Sata’s statement that he has set April 1st, which is fools day, as date for the tripartite elections are false.
And President Rupiah Banda has bemoaned the low number of registered voters in North Western Province in the on-going voter registration exercise.
President Banda said the number of registered voters in the province so far was unsatisfactory adding that there was need for more people to be captured in the exercise so that they participate in this year’s general elections.
ZANIS reports that the President was speaking shortly after arrival at Solwezi airport when he addressed Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD) party officials, Heads of Government and Parastatal institutions and members of the general public who were on hand to receive him.
President Banda said he wanted to see a bigger number of people registered as voters in the province as it was the only way they could exercise their right to vote in this year’s general elections.
He has since called upon Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD) party officials in the province to ensure that more people were captured as voters.
President Banda is in Northwestern Province to officially open the MMD National Provincial conference after successful ones in Central, Copperbelt, Western and Eastern Provinces.
He was accompanied by Ministers of Finance and National Planning Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane, Works and Supply Mike Mulongoti, Parliamentary Chief Whip Vernon Mwaanga and MMD National Chairman Michael Mabenga.
On hand to receive him were Cabinet Ministers of Energy Kenneth Konga, Foreign Affairs Kabinga Pande, Gender and Development Sara Sayifwanda, Youth, Sports and Child Development Kenneth Chipungu, Education Deputy Minister Richard Taima, Provincial Minister Daniel Kalenga, Senior MMD party officials, cadres and Heads of Government and Parastatal institutions.
The Chambishi Magistrates court has granted K500 million bail with two working sureties to each of the seven suspects in their own recognisance for allegedly stealing 30 copper blisters worth over K1.7 billion.
This is in a case in which Richard Chileshe Mbulu, John Mapona, Victor Bweupe, Evans Mulenga, Mukwapatila Tembo Kampango, Kelvin Tembo and Danny Ngosa are charged with copper theft contrary to section 275 (A) chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.
ZANIS reports that in his ruling on Monday, Kitwe Magistrate, Davy Simfukwe said it was only fair for the court to exercise its discretion in favour of the seven accused persons.
Particulars of the offence were that the seven on December 29, last year in Chambishi, jointly and whilst acting together with other unknown persons allegedly stole 30 blisters of copper valued at K1,765,090,800,the property of Chambishi Copper Smelter (CCS).
Mr. Simfukwe granted the accused K500 million bails each in their own recognisance with two working sureties in managerial positions from established companies.
“The said sureties will only be allowed to sign for the accused upon Investigative Officers visiting both their residential and business premises and a report be made to the court as to their standing in society,” Mr Simfukwe said.
Magistrate Simfukwe ordered each accused person to surrender their title deeds to any of their properties valued at K500 million or in alternative handover a motor vehicle worth K500 million to the court.
Mr Simfukwe said the motor vehicles shall be parked at the Copperbelt Division Prosecution Offices located at the Ndola Central Police in an event that the accused decided to do so.
He also ordered the accused to surrender their passports to the court.
Mr Simfukwe ruled that the accused should not leave the jurisdiction of the court without authority and that they should report to the Copperbelt Division Prosecution offices every Friday at 10:00 hours until the case was disposed of.
Earlier, Defence Lawyer Freddie Chalenga applied that his clients be granted bail pursuant to section 123 (1) of the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC) Chapter 88 of the Laws of Zambia.
Mr Chalenga argued that his clients were Zambians of fixed abode and that the offence they were charged with was bailable.
But the State objected to the bail application on grounds that the crime was highly organised.
The State argued that it took five days for Police Officers to arrest some of the accused and that Chileshe, Kampango and Tembo only surrendered to Police after an ultimatum.
Southern Province Minister, Elijah Muchima has said farming would continue improving the socio-economic status of people despite poor rainfall patterns in some parts of region.
Mr Muchima said Southern Province is historically a great contributor to the country’s grain basket and noted that a number of maize bags that contributed to the 2.8 million tonnes Bumper Harvest came from the Province.
He said farmers had realised the importance of agriculture as a business venture owing to the incentives that Government had put into the Agriculture sector.
The Minister was speaking in an nterview with ZANIS at Cabinet Office yesterday.
‘’However some parts of the Province are not likely to benefit from agriculture due to the poor rainfall pattern that these areas experience,’’ he said,
Notable places with poor rainfall patterns are Livingstone,Sinazongwe,and some parts of Zimba.
The maximum annual rainfall in these areas is about 800mm and the altitude is 24cm above sea level.
And Livingstone District Agriculture and Coordinator (DACO),Tundu Kaonga advised farmers in places around Zambezi valley where rainfall was erratic to practice conservation farming as a an alternative.
Mr.Kaonga said Conservation farming reduced moisture evaporation from the soil surface and lessened water run-off.
The DACO said the long term benefits of conservation farming included stable crop yield.
Mr.Kaonga said this during at interview at his office recently.
Meanwhile, Livingstone farmers Cooperative Chairperson Rwinnick Mapanza urged his fellow farmers to seek professional advice on new farming methods.
He said some farmers did not cooperate with Extension Officers who could offer them good farming techniques.
Two Chinese supervisors, Xiao Lishan, center, and Wu Jiuhua, head down, were accused of wounding 13 workers at a mine in Sinazongwe during a labor dispute. Getty Images
Two Chinese Collum Coal Mine Managers in Sinazongwe District, Southern Province – Zambia, were arrested on Tuesday for jumping bail.
This is a matter in which they are facing attempted murder, contrary to Section 215 CAP 87 of the Laws of Zambia.
The duo Xiao Li Shan 48 and Wu Jiu Hua 46 and their sureties Kennedy Simbayi 30, and Lewis Chiyumbe 45, was arrested following a bench warrant issued by Choma Magistrate Jacob Mbolela.
The Managers and their sureties were arrested at Choma Magistrate Court and immediately taken to Choma Central Police.
They were accompanied by their lawyers George Chisanga and Remmy Mainza and will appear in court on Wednesday.
The Choma Magistrate Court recently issued a bench warrant for the arrest of the accused Chinese Collum Coal Mine Managers and their sureties for failing to appear before the court for mention.
The matter is being prosecuted by State Prosecutor Evans Mbonge.
According to the particulars of the offence, Xiao Li Shan and Wu Jiu Hua on the 15th day of October 2010 in Sinazongwe, jointly and whilst acting together, unlawfully attempted to murder Bowas Siapwaya.
The duo is alleged to have unlawfully attempted to murder Boston Munakazela, Villason Mwanamusiya, Ward Sianaini, Wisbone Simutombo, Reuben Syakalumbwe, Alfred Senuka, Warren Muntanga, Abin Siameba, Brighton Siamfuno, Simon Siamine, Madinda Siamubotu, and Vincent Chenjela.
Dario Bonetti has said there is more joy monitoring players abroad than at home.
Bonetti has come under criticism over the team he spends abroad than at home.
The Italian, who returned to Zambia on Saturday, said he has a good idea about local player’s profiles as far back as September 5 when his team beat Comoros 4-0 in a 2012 Africa Cup Group C qualifier in Lusaka.
“From the time I signed my contract I monitored local players until we played Comoros,” Bonetti said. “Am on holiday when I’m here. I live at a hotel with a swimming pool doing nothing.”
Bonetti said it now time to shift his focus on visiting foreign-based players in particular the European based players.
“My job is in Europe,” Bonetti said. “I have to interact with the foreign based players, see how they play, talk to other coaches and exchange programs.”
Zesco United on Wednesday leave for Tanzania while on the same day, Lucky Msiska takes his Under-23 team to Lubumbashi for a brief training camp.
The 2010 league champions have been invited for a three-club tournament to be staged in Dar-es-Salaam this weekend that will involve Tanzanian giants Simba and Young Africans.
Zesco will face Young Africans on January 15 and 24 hours later face Simba at the Old National Stadium in Dar-es-Salaam.
The team is expected back home on January 17.
Meanwhile, just days after a wounding 3-2 loss to Zimbabwe in a Maputo 2011 All-Africa Games qualifier, the Zambia under-23 team visit DR Congo for a training camp.
While in DR Congo, Zambia Under-23 will play two training games against African club champions TP Mazembe and their local rivals Lupopo.
And Msiska has drafted in Under-20 defender Christopher Munthali from Konkola Blades to try and saw-up his leaky defence.
File: President Rupiah Banda with his supporters at Lusaka City Airport before departure for Eastern Province to open MMD provincial Conference
President Rupiah Banda has urged Zambians to ignore prophets of doom saying this year’s polls will be marred by violence.
The President said contrary to what some political leaders are saying, he is optimistic that people would go to the polls without engaging in any form of violence, as Zambians cannot turn against one another.
Mr. Banda said such negative statements have the potential to scare away foreign investors and must be discouraged.
He has re-assured the nation that this year’s tripartite elections would be held in a peaceful and transparent manner.
Mr Banda noted that the polls would be conducted in accordance with laid down electoral regulations and guidelines.
And President Banda has directed the MMD leadership in the North Western Province to ensure that more voters are captured in the region ahead of this year’s tripartite elections.
Mr Banda said he is not happy that the North Western province has not captured as many voters compared to other regions.
President Banda was speaking on arrival at Solwezi airport this morning when he addressed residents who welcomed him.
Meanwhile, Mr Banda has predicated that opposition Patriotic Front leader Michale Sata would not win this year’s elections because he has now become a perpetual loser with nothing to offer the country.
He has urged MMD Members country wide to go flat out and campaign ahead of this year’s polls, so that the ruling party retains power with more votes.
Mr. Banda said his Government would continue taking development to all parts of the country.
President Banda is accompanied to the North Western Province by Parliamentary Chief whip Vernon Mwaanga, Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane and his Works and Supply counterpart Mike Mulongoti.
The President was welcomed by Provincial Minister Daniel Kalenga, Foreign Affairs Minister Kabinga Pande and Youth, Sport and Child Development Minister Kenneth Chipungu.
[ ZNBC ]
The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has set March 3rd 2011 as the date for the Mporokoso by-election.
The by-election follows the resignation of area Member of Parliament Maynard Misapa who defected to the opposition Patriotic Front recently.
ECZ Public Relations Manager Cris Akufuna says four local Government by-elections will also be held on the same day.
Mr Akufuna says vacancies in the four wards have arisen due to deaths and resignations by incumbent councilors.
The Local Government by elections will be held in Katwe and Vyamba wards of Mpulungu district.
Other are Kawambwa Ward in Kawambwa district, and Lunga ward in Samfya districts.
Mr Akufuna said in a statement to ZNBC news on Tuesday that aspiring candidates should lodge in completed statutory declarations and nomination papers by February 10, 2011.
Asprising candidates for the parliamentary seat have also been asked to take along nine supporters who are registered voters in Mporokoso constituency.
Mr Akufuna says all candidates will be required to pay five hundred thousand kwacha non refundable nomination fees.
He says election monitors and the media wishing to cover the by- elections should apply to the ECZ for accreditation.
Former PF party general secretary Edward MumbiFormer Patriotic Front Secretary General Edward Mumbi has advised PF leader Michael Sata not to draw Second Republican President Frederick Chiluba into discussing the Barotseland agreement.
Mr. Mumbi says the statement attributed to Mr. Sata in a private newspaper of Tuesday in which he is urging Dr. Chiluba to state his position on the Barotseland agreement is misleading.
Mr Mumbi says it is unfair for Mr. Sata to say that he is going to honour the Barotseland agreement if voted in office, when he was against it when he served under Dr. Chiluba’s Government.
Mr. Mumbi has challenged Mr. Sata to tell the nation the truth on why he wrote a letter to Dr. Chiluba to pressure him to drop the recognition of the Chieftainency of the Litunga when he served under him as republican President.
President Rupiah Banda has warned Zambians against taking part in the planned meeting over the Barotse agreement in Mongu this Friday.
President Banda says the planned meeting by the group calling itself the Black Bulls will not take place.
Mr Banda has also warned of stern action against persons circulating flyers in Mongu, calling on people that are non Lozi speaking to leave Western province by Friday 14.
The President told journalists before departure for North Western province this morning that it is not fair that government should discuss in the press, issues surrounding its meetings with the Barotse Royal Establishment.
And the Cheke Cha Mbunda Cultural and Writers Association has commended Government for the manner it is handling issues surrounding the Barotse Agreement of Western Province.
Association Chairperson Ndandula Libingi said his association is happy that Government is handling the issues cautiously and is confident that the matter will be resolved amicably.
Mr Libingi however, advised Government to ensure that the matter is dealt in a way that will restore dignity and honour to all involved parties.
He said this at a Press Briefing in Lusaka today.
[pullquote]Meanwhile, the Association Chairperson has explained that the Barotse Agreement of 1964 does not call for cessation of Western Province as demanded by the advocates.[/pullquote]
Meanwhile, the Association Chairperson has explained that the Barotse Agreement of 1964 does not call for cessation of Western Province as demanded by the advocates.
Mr Libingi said the agreement which was the Barotse agreement goes beyond Western Province and extends to all the line of rail, including North Western, and Copperbelt Provinces.
He said it is in this vein that the agreement should therefore be understood in its right context as it also involves various stakeholders.
Mr Libingi further expressed sadness that some people are misinterpreting the agreement and issuing threats against other ethnic groupings in the country hence jeopardising their lives.
He has since called on Government to arrest such people and charge them with treason.
President Banda with MMD cadre James Lukuku before departure for North Western province yesterday at Lusaka City Airport.
President Rupiah Banda is today scheduled to open the MMD provincial conference in Solwezi.
This would be the fifth MMD provincial conference the President will be opening after successful conferences in the Copperbelt, Central, Western and Eastern provinces.
This is according to a statement released to ZNBC news by President BANDA’s special assistant for Press and Public Relations Dickson Jere.
And President Banda has called upon MMD members to continue exhibiting discipline, unity and resist any attempts to engage in violent conduct.
The provincial conferences will lead to the National Convention slated for this year ahead of the 2011 tripartite elections.
The President would be accompanied by MMD National Chairman, Michael Mabenga, Finance Minister, Situmbeko Musokotwane, Works and Supply Minister, Mike Mulongoti and other senior government officials.
Provincial Chairman Pinakin Peter Patel has said in an interview that all arrangements have been made for the conference which will be attended by two hundred delegates.
File:The royal boat called Nalikwanda is about to dock at Limulunga harbour
By Daimone Siulapwa
COMPLIMENTS of the new season to all….
ONE thing we have prided ourselves in as a nation is that we are a peaceful people. If anything, our biggest contribution to the world is not necessarily the copper, although it is the goose that lays the golden egg, but the peace we have given it.
Thanks to our founding fathers, who, right from the start, realized that without peace and unity, any efforts aimed at nation-building will be meaningless. Against that background, the independence party, particularly the United National Independence Party (UNIP) was made-up of characters from all the main tribes in the country. In fact, it was a deliberate move to always balance the Cabinet. Also, when it came to appointments at district and provincial levels, one did not necessarily have to belong to that area to be appointed to a certain position, say that of governor or provincial minister.
On top of all this, we prided in the motto, One Zambia, One Nation. With that backdrop as a nation, it is saddening that, there are some elements, who want to destroy all the gains that this country has made since attaining nation-hood, using the Barotse Agreement.
For those uninitiated, it was 47 years ago in London that the British Government, the Government of then Northern Rhodesia and the Litunga of Barotseland concluded an agreement regarding the position of Barotseland within the independent Northern Rhodesia. The agreement was signed at the Commonwealth Relations Office on May 18, 1964, a good six months before Zambia officially gained its independence.
The agreement was signed by Dr Kenneth Kaunda, who was the then Prime Minister for Northern Rhodesia, Sir Mwanawina Lewanika II, who was the Litunga of the Barotseland and Duncan Sandys M.P Secretary for Commonwealth Relations and for the Colonies, signifying the approval of Her Majesty, the queen of the United Kingdom.
The agreement, in part reads: “Where as it is the wish of the government of Northern Rhodesia and of the Litunga of Barotseland, his council and the chiefs and people of Barotseland that Northern Rhodesia should proceed to independence as one country and that all its peoples should be one nation”.
For the sake of understanding the underlying issues, the reader may wish to know that Northern Rhodesia was at first administered under Charter by the British South Africa Company and formed by it in 1911 by amalgamating North-Western Rhodesia and North-Eastern Rhodesia. Although it had features of a charter colony, the territory’s treaties and charter gave it protectorate status. Then in 1924, Northern Rhodesia was administered by the United Kingdom government, as an official British protectorate.
On the other hand, Barotseland was a region in the western part of Northern Rhodesia, which was ruled by the Litunga.
In pre-colonial times, it is said that Barotseland included some neighbouring parts of what are now the North-Western, Central and Southern provinces as well as Caprivi in North-Western Namibia and parts of South-Eastern Angola beyond the Cuando or Mashi River for those who know their geography.
Exactly 47 years down the line on May 18, a group calling itself Barotse Freedom Movement (BFM) is demanding for either restoration or secession from the rest of Zambia.
Interestingly, but certainly disappointing and retrogressive, some politicians want to use this for simple political gain by supporting these demands or indeed pretending to be sympathetic to them.
On other hand, progressive minds like Alliance for Democracy and Development (ADD) Charles Milupi are being targeted for abuse by those seemingly sympathetic to the BFM.
The motivating factors for restoration or secession of Barotseland from Zambia are certainly clearly not known, but suffice to say that the under-development in the Western province has something to do with it. While this may be true as statistics do actually indicate that the Western is Zambia’s least developed of the nine provinces, it is equally a fact that poverty is widespread in all the nine provinces, including the Copperbelt, which for many years has been the lifeblood for this country.
What is dangerous though is that 46 years after independence, there could be some sections of society talking sectional politics. These are no different from Dr Hendrik F. Verwoerd, the architect of apartheid, the official 1948 Afrikaner policy in South Africa of racial separation based on colour and ethnicity. The only difference between advocates of restoration or secession of Barotseland and the minority Afrikaner government in South Africa is that, our brothers and sisters in the Western province want to separate us based on ethnicity, so to speak. Otherwise, we are one people, thanks in large measure also to the many inter-tribe marriages between our various tribes. Look at it this way, you are Bemba, your wife is Tonga but her mother is lozi, while your mother is Soli and your tow sister are married one to a Lozi and the other to a Kaonde… It would be interesting to see what tribes would constitute of the Republic of Barotseland.
Mistakenly, advocates of restoration or secession of Barotseland think by so doing, they are proving that they are nationalists, far from it. True nationalists are people like Dr Kenneth Kaunda, Sikota Wina, Kwame Nkhrumah, Nelson Mandela and many others who have fought for the unity of the African peoples, for they realize that we are one.
Talking tribal or indeed sectional politics at a time when the world is working at destroying the so-called national borders, is certainly retrogressive. And politicians in the mould of Patriotic Front (PF) leader Michael Sata, whose appetite for cheap political mileage is frightening, have no place in our politics if they are going to talk sectional politics.
Mr Sata may fool some people sometimes, but he will not fool all of us all the time. During Levy Mwanawasa’s anti-corruption drive, the PF leader came out in the open to say the corruption fight was targeted at Bemba’s or the people from the Northern province. While this may have earned him votes in the Northern part of the country, it nonetheless exposed Sata for who he was, a shameless tribalist.
On the other hand, we do not expect the BFM to resort to violence, for that no longer has a place in our society. Agreed, we may have resorted to violence in some instances during our struggle for independence, but these were isolated cases. By and large, our independence was achieved with little violence, notwithstanding the Cha Cha Cha campaign, which in all intents and purposes was not close to the Mau Mau in Kenya.
As for the leadership of country, Zambia, we expect them to be firm but fair as they deal with the BFM. With the Litunga firmly in support of the status quo, that of One Zambia, One Nation, we expect the ill-advised members of the BFM to seek dialogue over violence and not to be used by some selfish individuals who do not have the love of the country at heart.
For now, it is STILL… One Zambia, One Nation. Aluta Continua.
These are the results of the 2010 online survey conducted by LusakaTimes to give awards to respective categories decided by website visitors from across the globe. Nominees were based on the top three and winners topped the list.
Personalities
1. Man of the Year
The Nominees are: Michael Sata, Felix Mutati, Medardo Joseph Cardinal Mazombwe And the Award goes to: Medardo Joseph Cardinal Mazombwe
2. Woman of the Year
The Nominees are: Dora Siliya, Thandiwe Banda, Esther Phiri And the Award goes to: Thandiwe Banda
3. Most controversial Zambian in 2010
The Nominees are: Michael Sata , William Banda, Father Frank Bwalya And the Award goes to: William Banda
4. Most disappointing Personality of the Year
The Nominees are: Kalusha Bwalya, Godfrey Mwamba, Rupiah Banda And the Award goes to: Godfrey Bwalya Mwamba
5. Most disappointing Political Party
The Nominees are: MMD, UPND-PACT, NAREP And the Award goes to: MMD
6. Sportsperson of the Year
The Nominees are: Esther Phiri, Jacob Mulenga, Emmanuele Mbola And the Award goes to: Jacob Mulenga
7. Sports Administrator of the year
The Nominees are: Kalusha Bwalya,Anthony Mwamba, Emmanule Munaile And the Award goes to: Anthony Mwamba
Institutions
8. Best Government Ministry
The Nominees are: Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Ministry of Education And the Award goes to: Ministry of Education
9. Worst Government Ministry
The Nominees are: Ministry of Works and Supply, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Home Affairs And the Award goes to: Ministry of Health
10. Well managed Government Parastatal
The Nominees are: ZESCO, ZRA , NAPSA And the Award goes to: ZESCO
11. Badly managed Government Parastatal
The Nominees are: Nitrogen Chemicals of Zambia, Zambia State Insurance, National Housing Authority And the Award goes to:Nitrogen Chemicals of Zambia
12. Well managed Public Institution
The Nominees are: Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA), Bank of Zambia, Zambia Information Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA) And the Award goes to: Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA)
13. The most passive Opposition Politician of the year
The Nominees are: General Godfrey Miyanda, Ben Mwila, Tilyenji Kaunda And the Award goes to: General Godfrey Miyanda
14. Commercial bank of the year in Zambia
The Nominees are: Standard Chartered Bank, ZANACO, Stanbic Bank And the Award goes to: ZANACO
15. Best Private Company of the year
The Nominees are: Farmers House PLC, Zambeef Products Plc, MTN Zambia And the Award goes to: Farmers House PLC
16. Zambian Sports Team of the year
The Nominees are: ZESCO United Footbal Club, Nchanga Rangers Footbal Club, Under 20 National Team And the Award goes to: Under 20 National team
17. Picture of the year ( click on URL/LINK to view Picture)
18. Best Zambian Website (*LT not included for ethical reasons)
The Nominees are: www.postzambia.com, www.zambia.co.zm, www.zamnet.zm And the Award goes to: www.postzambia.com
19. Most hated LT Blogger
The Nominees are: Senior Citizen, Kalos2121, Lady Gaga And the Award goes to: Senior Citizen
20. Best LT Columns Contributor
The Nominees are: Henry Kyambalesa, Elias Munshya wa Munshya , Patrick Hatontola And the Award goes to: Elias Munshya wa Munshya
21. Most Missed LT blogger
The Nominees are: Ba Moze, Baby C, Ghost Dog And the Award goes to: Ghost Dog
22. Most appreciated and respected LT Blogger
The Nominees are: Nine Chale, Mr Capitalist, Senior Citizen And the Award goes to: Nine Chale
23. Best Quote on LT
The Nominees are:
“PACT is DEAD”
“Statistics are like bikinis, what they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital”
“We are not interested in the same old speeches every year when all you do is change the dates on the same old speeches,” Joyce Chabala, wife of the late Efford Chabale at 2010 Gabon Disaster Memorial
And the Award goes to:“We are not interested in the same old speeches every year when all you do is change the dates on the same old speeches,” Joyce Chabala, wife of the late Efford Chabale at 2010 Gabon Disaster Memorial
24. Best Joke told on LT
The Nominees are:
By Yaba
A Licensed Counselor was conducting a group therapy session with four young mothers and their small children….
“You all have obsessions,” he observed. To the first mother, he said, “You are obsessed with eating. You’ve even named your daughter Candy.” He turned to the second Mom. “Your obsession is with money. Again, it manifests itself in your child’s name, Penny.” He turns to the third Mom. “Your obsession is alcohol. This too manifests itself in your child’s name, Brandy.” At this point, the fourth mother gets up, takes her little boy by the hand and whispers, “Come on, Dick, we’re leaving.”
By Pa Zed:
“Picture 14. Ba Simataa, is that a face towel hanging from the pocket? (jacket). Teti mwashitako a descent handkerchief? Mwalitusebanya ku Zurich uku mwaile!!
By Nkalanda Gring gring: elo..who is this?
Kasengele: bena kalu, this is K
Kalu: ah K nauchinja fone number?
K: Ndimundoti abena Great! fone taileleka ukulila. Mufwile mwabwela pa lusaka
Kalu: ahaaa is everything ok?..what now
K: abena king cobra baingilamo mu wrangle nabo and I cant argue with this man..you know him well also
Kalu: Abena K not ukubaposako amano abena sata..Ba vice president ba kunda na ba RB has assured me ati all will be fine. Blatter nao ebele ati FIFA wont act so we are safe mudala.
K: That’s great news bena Kalu
Kalu: I almost forgot. Tell the nation on Monday that we are planning to host the world cup also apart from AFCON Cup. That will distract them. Let me know how the response goes.
K: Great idea! I will call the press conference on monday then.
Kalu: Great job K
And the Award goes to:Nkalanda
25. LT blogger with best analytical skills
The Nominees are: Mr Capitalist, De Ja Vu, Smooth Criminal And the Award goes to:Mr Capitalist
Webmaster’s choice Award
26. Best story teller on Lusakatimes
The award goes to Digga.
Here are two stories by Digga that kept bloggers and LT staff alike mesmerized
1st story
You know.. the thing that annoys me even more is that on the other hand , that con of a mine Lumwana has just announced $198 million dollars in Operating Profit of the 9 months to December 2009!!!!.. and paid ZERO, ZILCH , NADA , “0? in taxes because they 1) offset huge Capital Allowance credit that will run for several more years 2) other tax concession.. I spent 5 days on the mine this January, and I tell you I wanted to cry.. There is no brick a mortar structure at all. all Offices, house etc are either Prefabricated structures imported from South Africa or 20 foot or 40 foot containers converted to offices..
and I mean the whole mine including the prefabricated houses under the so call Lumwana housing scheme that they are mortgaging to staff. There is NO TARRED ROAD in the whole of the mine and mine town ship area (with the prefabs) I mean no a metre of BITUMEN / Molasses TAR.. ITS ALL GRAVEL and mud like a farm. There is no SMELTER only a SIEMENS CONCENTRATOR. In the plant area the grinds the ore from the BALL MILL into Concentrate .. thats the plant – thats it..
Then from the Concentrator, the COPPER CONCENTRATE ( POWDER) is loaded into 100 waiting ZALAWI Trucks mostly for Export straight tot the USA.. Apparently because of the Uranium content, KCM or MOPANI are is not buying the Lumwana concentrate, only Chambishi Mines (Chinese) is buying some… I was so angry .. and like that was not enough I went to the General Offices (where MD admin are) and almost collapsed when I saw a big black sculpture at the entrace that had both hands of a person clasped together in a THANKYOU and in the middle of it read “””Lumwana mine officially opened in Nov 09 by his Excellency Rupiah Banda President of Zambia”””” Nalefwaya uku pena.. and right next to it was a normal Plackard that had Mwanawasa’s Official Opening.. I mean what ???? I almost threw up.. and when the guys on the mine told me the mine expansion plans I wanted to cry..
They really have none apart from a Uranium processing facility.. none.. They have no plan to set up a SMELTER.. There’s none in the next 7 years at least- forget a refinery and so have no plan to produce Copper bars .. Cathodes they call it for export or sale to Manufacturing companies like ZAMEFA in Zambia that make wires etc.. I so so annoyed I tell you.. We’ve been hoodwinked and we let them.. I will not even talk about the CHINGOLA to SOLWEZI road that bent my TYRE RIMS.. THIS IS NOT AN INVESTOR: WE dont need this.. In this day and age WE ARE EXPORTING CONCENTRATE.. and at that concentrator they separate the diamonds, Gold from the copper.. and the metals are flown out by plane to buyers..
I’m not racist or xenophobic at all but you will not find a ZAMBIAN in a Management position whether its for Lumwana or the several CONTRACTOR Firms (Camp Management Firms, Construction & Civils) and there are many many non citizens doing simple jobs (like tyre mending, equipment supervisor) we used to do for many years in our rich Copper mining history.. Apparently they say the Zambia’s Mining Labour Market (all miners in Zambia) dont have the Acumen, required experience and skills to manage of supervise operational tasks in a “20th Century Mine”.. How or why did Mangani (Home affairs) issued all those work permits for jobs that can be
done by Locals? Zambians we need to wake up!!!.. We can Own and run the these mines. We have the skills and experience.. We NEED TO BE SERIOUS!!!!!
2nd Story
( Digga’s initial comments to a story on a robbery)
#2 Slumdog shalaz…. ma ma ma ma … my brotha not ZP police mwana… I’ve enough respect for C5.. believe me.. I’ve witnessed 1st hand their wrath and modus operandi.. We were all diving for cover in our offices opposite Fire station across Evelyn hone… trust me.. you’ll hear soon that bandits have been gunned down..
The only problem is the EXTRA JUDICIAL kiiling that they do.. but ZP I’ve enough respect.. especially after Mateyo and the late Wazakaza N’guni… The way ZP CID(C5 & flying squad ) Operate.. it’s a scipt out of a movie.. As we speak.. probably a dragnet has been set up u to Kapiri.. they operate with Intelligence.. They are patient. they even wait for months till their moment.. my guess is those crimminals are trying to leave town with their heist cause they know the’ve been circled. I’ve have little faith in GRZ but massive respect for POLICE force when it matters when things are serious.. no judges, no warning shots.. THEY gun down and parade your body for all to see.. PICS in newspapers and then throw ur carcass at back to C5 Nissan Hardbody van, with excited guys waving AK’s weaving through traffic to General Hospital mortuary.. Then the disappear.. They wear masks in operation.
The story
7# Nine Chale 2007 October.. Nali pa job pa LSK.. aka celo fye around 8:30… people even crossing the road walking past Fire station from the Traffic lights at that Evelyn hone T-junction.. There was a lot of traffic as usual in the morning RED.. The traffic lights hit Red.. 20 seconds later.. a few screams, a car then raved.. two shouts after that.. then the AK47 rang 4 warning shots.. Our office is upstairs and along the road so everyone then turned to see what was happening.. You know.. from no where up 5 cars coming from all directions cut the road, with armed police -some in ZP gear acrobatically jumping out of moving vehicles.. moving into a cordon..
A car blocked by traffic then bashed the car in front.. 3 Armed bandits jumped out.. stopped the car going down Makishi road to Nothmead…At that same moment our very own anti robbery squad rang I think up 7 warning shots.. and took aim at the car.. while the C5 units prepared for the chase.. Other units that were on foot unassuming jumping into the back of speeding Nissan hard body in chase.. But I’ll tell you after the 2nd AK shot the whole office dived for cover.. there are guns and there are gun shots. but that of the AKmilitary assault rifle is deadly, deafening-a scary thing.. All this happend in a space of two minutes and seven cars chased down makishi.. 15-20 minutes later.. The C5 boys were standing on top of a convoy of 3 hard white hardbodys lights fully beamed, sweepng the road like presidential motorcade back up the road to same traffic lights then truned left headed for UTH.. much to the stunned somewhat muted applause of the passers and people standing around and others that had come to listen to the action that happend 20 minutes earlier.
kabovas whistled as three piled bodys lay at the back of the not in a hurry C5 bad *** team.. lights full beam. hazards on… was crazy.. we told that story for days… So those bandits trying to speed away in the car they highjacked had their tires shot just before Northmed total filling station and careered off the road.. They got out and tried to run.. but were taken out swifty shot in the back , buttocks by sniper guys in the on rushing hard body..
off course people watching at the scene split.. Ephraim Mateyo was on news then explaining the operation and that for months they tracked the gang who were headed to kamwala to rob Finance Bank.. Tabangala pa Zed ba anti robbery and armed special forces. A career of armed robberies does not pay in Zambia.. At least you wont live long enough.. Uke pushe that gang that terrorised the Copperbelt 3 year ago. Those chaps were killed in a major operation..Inspector General Ephraim Mateyo even warned before the operation began.. people thought he was joking.. the amazing thing is a week later a group of wanted chaps actually truned themselves in saying they would rather go to jail and not be killed by the C5 knowing thats what would happen.. though there are new criminals back on the belt I see kabwe now as well. but the current IG is uninspiring.. just arrests Chansa Kabwela
C5 … so called .. Is the special anti robbery/terrorist squad unit in the Criminal Investigations Dept of the Zambia police.. the name comes from the numberering of their Office door at Zambia police HQ.. They are in room C5..
27. Government Minister easily reachable and close to the people
The award goes to Hon Dora Siliya because she keeps her facebook page upto date and interacts with online Zambians and responds to comments and e-mails
