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The world Soccer Governing body FIFA has said it has only invited the Government delegation and the Kalusha Bwalya led FAZ leadership to the meeting it has called in Zurich surrounding the state of football affairs in Zambia.
Responding to an electronic mail sent by QFM on 4th December, 2010, seeking clarification on whether the Andrew Kamanga led faction had also been invited to the meeting in Zurich set for December 21st, FIFA’s Media Department said the planned meeting is for the Zambian Government delegation and the FAZ leadership.
Recent reports in some local media have indicated that FIFA has summoned a Government delegation and the two factions of the FAZ executives.
Zambian football has been thrown into further disarray following the emerging of a faction FAZ Executive led by Andrew Kamanga.
This follows the holding of an emergency council meeting on November 26, 2010 in Lusaka by the two thirds FAZ petitioners.
FLASHBACK: Northern province Minister John Chinyanta dancing with women during the World Tourism day in Kasama
Government has assured Chiefs in the country, who have not yet been given their utility vehicles, that they will soon receive them.
Northern Province minister made the assurance recently when he paid a courtesy call on Chief Shi-Bwalya Kapila of Bemba speaking people in Mporokoso District.
Mr. Chinyanta said government has procured a new fleet of vehicles to be distributed to traditional rulers’ who did not benefited from the first consignment.
He appealed to the traditional rulers to be patient as they will soon receive their vehicles to enable them to monitor various developmental projects taking place in their chiefdoms.
Mr. Chinyanta explained that President Rupiah Banda’s administration wanted to uplift the welfare of chiefs in the country by making transport readily accessible to them.
He urged Chiefs to look after the vehicles, which government is buying at great cost, properly.
The Minister further stated that Government is addressing the challenges that have laid to delays in paying Chiefs’ their monthly dues.
And speaking earlier, Chief Shi-Bwalya Kapila appealed to government to speed up the process of procuring his vehicle, which he said has taken long.
The traditional ruler said while other Chiefs in the country have received their utility vehicles, he has not yet received his from government.
Vice president George Kunda and UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema shake hands. This is the second time the two leaders are shaking hands and meeting this year, the first being at the Chakwela Makumbi ceremony
By Daimone Siulapwa
SO, the United Party for National Development (UPND) is willing to go to bed with the ruling Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD). Interesting!
Just for the record, the UPND is in a Pact with the Patriotic Front (PF). Some analysts believe the only way the MMD can be defeated is for the opposition to go as a united front. So far, that strategy seems to be working, at least in so far as the by-elections are concerned. Where the opposition has been able to field one candidate, they seem to perform much better than was the case when they used to stand against each other.
What is not working though is the way forward going into next year’s general elections. While the choice of candidates to field in the Parliamentary elections may be easy for them to sort-out, the one bigger one to do with the President seems to be a tough one to crack.
Some believe that people holding the notion of waiting until the end is a better option, are misplaced and that option is likely to cause splits at the last minute. You do not want to lose focus and be embroiled in chaos at a time when you should really be set. Therefore, the earlier these guys sort that one out, the better for all of them, for they will be able to explain the decision to their members, who by the time it is election time, would have gotten used to the choice of the candidate picked.
But as we all seem to know, the two are not willing to cede their positions. On their part, the PF believes they have the right to the Presidency of the pact because they are the biggest party, based on the election results of 2006 and 2008. On the other hand, the UPND thinking seems to be that it is time for a Southerner to be President. But also, there are some elements in the UPND who do not like PF leader Michael Sata’s management style and they loath at the idea of him leading them.
Understandable, for the UPND, at least under Anderson Mazoka, he was believed t have brought an efficient management style to the political front. Anyhow, with Sata seemingly being favoured as the Pact presidency by PF vice president Guy Scot, and a leading tabloid, the UPND seems to be re-strategizing. Talk therefore of them being in discussions for some form of alliance with the MMD is not far-fetched.
For those that have been watching the political platform for a long-time, these revelations should not come as complete surprise. Vernon Mwaanga, like him or hate him but nonetheless canny politician did some time back claim that the people of southern province prefer an alliance between the MMD and the UPND than that of the PF and the latter. At this point, and if Vernon Mwaanga has to be believed, the discussions are really at grassroots, and if that be indeed the case, then the PF and indeed the UPND top leadership should take note.
One of the weak points of the PF-UPND Pact is that it lacked the backing of the general membership. It was simply imposed on the membership, the reason why the likes of Robbie Chizyuka, the UPND Namwala member of Parliament, are on a different wavelength.
Still, UPND Mps have been quick to deny that the party has opened discussions with the MMD to explore possibilities of an alliance ahead of the 2011 elections. In a joint statement, the MPs said the story is untrue and malicious. Kalomo MP Request Muntanga, instead accused The Post of being instrumental in advising the PF that it does not need an alliance with the UPND. Well, that is a story on its own, and perhaps a digression.
What Mr Muntanga and his colleagues do not realize is that it is not everyone in the UPND who favours an alliance with the PF. There maybe many Robbie Chizyukas but are only too afraid to come out in the open for fear of victmisation. Now these are the people that could possibly be talking to the MMD for a possible alliance.
This alliance may not need the support of the UPND high command. Their strategy would be to resign en mass and surprise the UPND leadership possibly with weeks or months to go before the election. Already, it is known that some PF MPs led by Dr Peter Machungwa will do so.
If that was to happen, and if these people have been having discussions at grassroots level, then the likes of Mr Muntanga should not dismiss the story as highly malicious. If anything, it is time for them to get back to work, and by that, it means they need to go and ask their general membership on the way forward. What is it that the membership want, an alliance with the PF or the MMD? That should not be difficult to do at a convention.
Well, everyone knows that the PF and UPND are really like cat and mouse in their manifestos. The PF seems to favour a more socialist approach to the economic management of the country while the UPND is more pro-business. The UPND also appears to be more robust and efficient in general management than the PF.
On the other hand, the MMD is more closer to the UPND in management style and also economic policy. It is against that background that the likes of VJ seem to be saying an alliance between the UPND and the MMD is more natural. In fact, a lot of people agree but do not want to admit it.
Anyhow, should the UPND and MMD enter into an alliance, it is almost certain to win. That will almost mean continuity with only a few changes to accommodate the UPND wishes.
Now that is not important as the question, is that what the country really needs? The stage is set for rational debate!
“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
(Psalm 90:12, NIV)
TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria
Sometimes our days can be so full and busy that we forget how fragile life really is. It’s easy to allow little things to creep in and steal our peace and joy. Maybe something doesn’t go our way or someone says something upsetting. Even traffic can cause us to lose focus if we let it. We have to remember that each day is a gift. If we choose to focus on what’s wrong, we’ll miss the beauty that each day has to offer.
I encourage you today; don’t let the precious moments of life pass you by. Don’t wait for holidays and birthdays to show people that you care. Remember, each day is unique and irreplaceable. You have been given time that can be invested or wasted; hours that can be used or misused. That’s why the psalmist prayed to God, “Teach us to number our days.” He was saying, “Teach us to value every moment we’ve been given.” As you daily keep a proper perspective, you’ll gain a heart of wisdom. You’ll draw closer to God and experience the full blessing that He has for you each and every day!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of today. I choose to focus on the blessing of each moment instead of allowing the little things to steal my joy. Keep me close to You always as I submit every area of my heart and mind to You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FirstRand LTDFirstRand Ltd., South Africa’s second-largest financial-services group, has been contracted by the Central Bank of Zambia to run Finance Bank Zambia Ltd., central bank spokesman Kanguya Mayondi said today.
“FirstRand of South Africa will manage the day-to-day affairs of Finance Bank on behalf of the Central Bank of Zambia,” Mayondi said in a Lusaka phone interview without saying how much the South African bank will be paid or how long the contract will last.
Finance Bank, Zambia’s largest privately owned lender, is currently under central bank supervision. Finance Bank is partially owned by Credit Suisse Group AG.
President Rupiah Banda
President Banda says Zambia will continue upholding principles of good governance by strengthening and developing watchdog institutions such as civil society and the media.
And the German Government has pledged three million euros, out of which two million euros is meant for budgetary support and one million will be dedicated to strengthening the decentralisation policy.
President Banda said Zambia is committed to the fight against corruption. He said while efforts to fight corruption are being recognised by institutions such as Transparency International, there is still more to be done to conquer corruption.
President Banda said Zambia’s record on fighting corruption has improved, according to the Transparency International corruption index.
Mr Banda said this at State House yesterday when visiting German Minister of Economic Co-operation and Development Dirk Niebel called on him.
“Zambia will continue upholding the principles of good governance by strengthening watchdog institutions such as the civil society and the media.
We have made some successes in the fight against corruption and this has been evidenced by the improved record on the Transparency International corruption index. But there is still more to be done and we are committed,” Mr Banda said.
President Banda said Zambia and Germany have continued to enjoy cordial relations for more than 40 years.
He said Government appreciates the assistance the German government has been rendering, particularly to water and sanitation, which has increased the number of people having access to clean water and better sanitation.
The President said Government has approved the decentralisation policy and implementation has already started.
Mr Banda said the country has been making steady progress in the development of the education and health sectors through infrastructure development.
“It is Government’s intention to replicate the construction of economic infrastructure in other sectors. The German people have to be thanked for the sacrifice they make on behalf of the people of Zambia,” Mr Banda said.
And Mr Niebel said his country will continue supporting Zambia to fight poverty and improve the lives of the people.
Mr Niebel said corruption has remained the biggest challenge in many countries in the world and that it is important to put more effort in fighting the vice.
[pullquote]“It is Government’s intention to replicate the construction of economic infrastructure in other sectors. The German people have to be thanked for the sacrifice they make on behalf of the people of Zambia,” Mr Banda said.[/pullquote]
The German minister is in Zambia with a 40-man delegation to look at the development programmes Zambia is implementing.
He said his government would like to see rural communities benefit from the economic progression Zambia is making.
Meanwhile, the Government of Germany has said Zambia has a lot of potential in agriculture and tourism, which Germany is ready to explore.
Mr Niebel said in an interview on Thursday that Germany is impressed with the economic development in the two sectors.
He said the German government is happy with the application of donor funds from Germany in water and sanitation. At least two million people now have access to clean drinking water and better sanitation as a result of the financial support from Germany.
“We think that Zambia has great potential in the agriculture and tourism sector and the Government of Germany is willing to explore the two sectors. In water and sanitation, there has been a lot of success and I am told that over two million Zambians now have access to clean water and good sanitation,” Mr Niebel said.
He said the water sector has recorded a lot of success during the time the German government has been supporting it.
He said a lot of children are now able to attend school as a result of improved social services such as water and sanitation.
Mr Niebel said Zambia and Germany have been working together on a bilateral basis for the last 40 years and hoped that the relationship would continue to grow.
He also called for improved trade between Germany and Zambia.
Last year, the German government bought about 99,000 euros worth of cobalt, which is below what Germany intends to buy.
[ Zambia Daily Mail ]
Was lucky Msiska right to square up with Dario Bonetti today at Football House on Friday?
The Zambia national team assistant and Dario on Friday allegedly engaged in a slugfest at Football House in a postmortem of Zambia’s Cecafa senior Challenge Cup debacle.
It is not surprising that Msiska blew his top on Friday.
He has shown signs of his darker side in his two assignments with the Under-23 team after he was sent off twice in as many invitational tournaments with the team.
Msiska doesn’t shy away from expressing his views whether it is over the referee or in the Cecafa Cup on why Zambia lost against Ethiopia in the post-match interview with the local press including LT.
His body language was clear at the airport when the team arrived back from Tanzania on Wednesday.
In the VIP lounge, he chose to mingle at the far end with the players rather than with Dario and Faz officials at the opposing end that three days later boiled over and culminated in Football House turning into Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas.
For a long time Zambian assistant coaches have been docile under their foreign masters on the bench.
However, they are some documented cases of fallouts like Boniface Simutowe’s with both Roald Poulsen and the late Ian Porterfield while the late George Mungwa had his own latent opinion about Burkhard Ziese.
Local coaches always strike a lone figure at training against their foreign superiors at national team level and always look like glorified ball boys.
Was Msiska right to break the old myth of don’t talk don’t show your emotions under a white coach whatever the case?
Zanaco and Green Buffaloes league meeting at Sunset Stadium in Lusaka yesterday signified a shift of Kalusha Bwalya’s hold on power.
The replayed week 19 game set off the mass boycott on November 3 of Super Division clubs in support of the Faz emergency council meeting called by a majority of league teams against the Kalusha-led executive.
Faz later deducted 3 points from both teams for failing to fulfill the fixture but the Andrew Kamanga-led executive announced last week again that the league would resume starting with that match that was rescheduled from December 1 to the 7th for further consultations.
Wednesdays match was played in defiance to an announcement on Wednesday by the Kalusha-faction that the league was over and any team playing the announced last two rounds of matches faces severe action from Faz for playing illegal games.
Zanaco won the game 1-0 through a Mathew Macha goal in the 72nd minute that was played on a waterlogged pitch following a consistent two-day downpour in Lusaka.
The game was played with the full backing of the Referees Association of Zambia whose president Welly Chikuka who is part of the Kamanga executive committee.
On Friday, Zanaco face Red Arrows in a week 21 game as the Zambia Premier League.
All eyes will be on Saturday when all eight week 29 matches are scheduled to be played and sanctioned by the Kamanga-led executive.
Defending champions Zambia will face Namibia in the final of this year’s Cosafa Youth Championship on Sunday at the University of Botswana stadium in Gaborone.
Zambia beat Zimbabwe 1-0 through Chakwa Lungu who scored the only goal of the game when he headed in the ball in the 54th minute.
Meanwhile, Namibia left it until very late to secure their win over Madagascar.
Sadney UriKhob tapped-in the first in the 81st minute, Ikwateura Tjongororo headed in the second in the 85th and Papi Kavezembi tapped-in a rebound in the 88th minute to see Namibia through to the final.
First lady Thandiwe Banda
First Lady Thandiwe Banda says there is need for Zambians to shift from mere talk to positive action in matters of women empowerment.
Mrs. Banda said this in Lusaka today when she met Gender in Development Division (GIDD) officials and Corporate Executives at State house.
The first lady said as Zambia prepares to hosts the national conference for women in January 2011, it is important to realize the harsh realities that women undergo in various aspects of life.
She said it is high time that society begins to appreciate women adding that with the upcoming conference, affirmative action should be taken in alleviating the sufferings of women.
And GIDD Permanent Secretary Gabriel Kaunda said the forthcoming conference would create an opportunity for women in rural areas to share their experiences.
Mr. Kaunda said the conference would attract about 1, 500 participants from across the Sub region of which 500 will be drawn from the rural areas in all the 72 districts of the country.
The conference whose theme is “women’s empowerment, leadership development, maternal health and climate change,” is slated for Lusaka from January 11 to 14 2011.
[ QFM ]
Commerce and Trade Minister Felix Mutati
The Zambian government has signed the Investment Promotion and Protection agreement with Dangote Industries limited of Nigeria for the establishment of a 400 million United States dollars cement processing plant in Ndola’s Masaiti area on the Copper belt.
A feasibility study has already been completed for the setting up of the cement manufacturing plant with an initial capacity of 1.5 million tonnes per annum and works at the site will commence by next year February.
Speaking during the signing ceremony of the agreement, minister of commerce, trade and industry, Felix Mutati said Nigeria’s investment in Zambia is for the benefit of Zambians.
Mr. Mutati has welcomed Dangote into Zambia noting that the company would create more decent jobs for people in Masaiti, which will later enhance development in the country.
And ZDA Board Chairman Luke Mbewe said the 400 million United States dollar investment by Dangote industries would convey a positive message to other investors about Zambia as a safe and secure investment destination.
Mr. Mbewe said the project which would employ about 1,600 locals will create both direct and indirect benefits to the local community as a result of increased economic activities in the area.
He added that the cement plant once established will enhance competition and create stability of cement prices to the consumers.
And Dangote industries limited Chief executive officer Aliko Dangote said Dngote would add capacity to the existing cement plants in the country.
Mr. Dangote said the company has committed itself to support local business development.
[ QFM ]
Kafue Steel Company in Kafue District, is now exporting steel products to neighboring countries. This follows the start of partial production at the plant early this year.
The company’s products have since been certified by the Zambia and South African bureaus of standards, after meeting international export standards.
Universal Mining and Chemicals Limited Technical Director, Julius Kaoma told ZANIS in an interview today that, the $80 million dollar plant company was now established, with its products becoming more and more popular both on the local and regional markets.
Dr. Kaoma said, the company had already clinched markets in the Congo Democratic Republic, Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Malawi, Zimbabwe and South Africa. He said the company at the moment was only manufacturing iron bars from locally sourced scrap metals.
Dr. Kaoma, who could not disclose the company’s expected annual turnover in terms of its projected sales said, the current production of steel was at 3000 metric tonnes per month, which would rise to 10,000 after the company started operating at full capacity.
He said the company was currently operating eight hours per day, with an initial workforce of 550, who would be as many as 1,500 in two year’s time, once the company would be come fully operational.
Dr. Kaoma expressed optimism that the steel industry in the country had great potential to grow and create a lot of jobs. He said plans were underway to revamp Sanje Iron Ore Mine in Nampundwe area.
Dr. Kaoma said the company had already embarked on the rehabilitation of the 50 kilometre road along which heavy duty vehicles would be haulaging iron ore and other products from Nampundwe to Kafue. He said the Ministry of Works and Supply, in conjunction with a named contractor had already started working on the road, which work was expected to be completed by the middle of next year.
He said, once the mine wass fully developed and operational, the steel plant in Kafue would start operating at full capacity, as the supply of raw materials for steel production would be readily available, and there would be no instead dependency on scrap metals alone as was the case currently.
Dr. Kaoma appealed to the residents of Kafue town to support the project, meant to add value to the national economy, adding that the company was ready to partner with the residents in the area in undertaking community projects, as part of the company’s corporate social responsibility.
FLASHBACk: Luapula province Permanent Secretary Jazzman Chikwakwa
Luapula Permanent Secretary Jazzman Chikwakwa has said there is strong political will in the country for the government to fight corruption and improve service delivery.
Mr. Chikwakwa said government has remained steadfast in fighting corruption, as evidenced by the various measures and interventions put in place to stem the scourge.
He was speaking yesterday, when he addressed a gathering of Mansa residents who joined the rest of the world to commemorate the United Nations International Anti-Corruption Day.
Mr. Chikwakwa said that the launching of the National Anti Corruption Policy (NACP) this year was enough testimony of the government’s commitment to the fight against corruption.
He said the Policy was meant to ensure that the fight against corruption was well coordinated and meaningful.
He further said that, at the regional level, government had already ratified the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Protocol on Corruption, while at the continental level Zambia was a signatory to the African Union’s Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption.
Mr. Chikwakwa further pointed to the institutionalizing of Integrity Committees in 17 government ministries as another clear indication that the government was committed to eliminating corruption through the promotion of transparency and accountability aimed at improving service delivery.
Mr. Chikwakwa said government was encouraging the private sector to also establish Integrity Committees at places of work, which action Konkola Copper Mines had already taken.
He said the Millennium Challenge Corporation Report indicated that Zambia had made tremendous progress in reducing the level of corruption during the period 2009/2010.
He said urged the members of the general public to support government in its initiatives aimed at fighting corruption.
“To achieve the desired results, it will require all Zambians to take a keen interest and support the various institutions and individuals involved in the fight against corruption,” Mr. Chikwakwa said.
And Anti Corruption Commission Luapula Regional Manager, Chola Kasongo said, the inclusion of the private sector in the fight against corruption demonstrated how effective the National Anti Corruption Policy was in curbing the scourge.
Mr. Kasongo also stressed the need for every Zambian to be actively involved in the fight against corruption, to pave way for faster social economic development in the nation.
The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has recorded a statement from Kasama Central Member of Parliament Geoffrey Mwamba popularly known as GBM, in connection with the US $100 000 , transaction at Finance Bank.
DEC Public Relations Manager John Nyawali says the recording of the statement from Mr. Mwamba is part of the ongoing investigations in the transaction.
Mr. Nyawali told ZNBC News in a statement that Mr. Mwamba was accompanied to DEC Headquarters by his lawyers.
He said that the commission has instituted investigations to establish the truth involving the transactions.
Mr. Nyawali said that several people including PF Leader Michael Sata and Finance Bank employees have so far been interviewed on the matter.
DEC this week, seized two motor vehicles valued at 1 hundred thousand United States dollars belonging to Mr. Sata’s wife Dr Christine Kaseba as per lawful procedure pending the conclusion of investigations.
Meanwhile the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has with immediate effect suspended one of its officers for allegedly soliciting for a bribe during the course of his duties.
DEC Commissioner Aaron Zulu said Frank Tayali has been suspended to facilitate for commencement of investigations.
Mr. Zulu said this in a letter to Transparency International Zambia (TIZ) Executive Director Goodwell Lungu and made available to ZNBC News in Lusaka.
He said the decision to suspend Mr. Tayali has been taken in the interest of Justice to ensure that there is no interference in the course of investigations once instituted.
The commission’s move follows a compliant from TIZ that Mr. Tayali should not be involved in any form of sensitive investigations particularly the on-going investigations concerning the Patriotic Front leader Michael Sata
But the DEC says Mr. Tayali was not part of the investigating team in the $100 000 Finance Bank transaction involving Mr Sata.
Meanwhile Mr. Sata has welcomed the move taken by the DEC saying the move shows that the institution is committed to ensuring that the rule of law is followed.
Bank of Zambia Head of Public Relations Kanguya Mayondi (L)
The Bank of Zambia (BoZ) says it will not hesitate to take supervisory action against any player in the banking market that fails or neglects to comply with the prudential standards as set by law.
BoZ Head of Public Relations Kanguya Mayondi said the Bank is empowered by law to intervene in the market if the stability of the financial system is threatened by any one of the players in the market.
Mr Mayondi said this yesterday in a statement made available to ZANIS responding to a lead story published in yesterday’s edition of the Post Newspapers titled “Government Scheme to Grab Finance Bank Exposed” in which the paper alleges that Government through the Bank of Zambia (BoZ) intends to take over Finance Bank Zambia Limited and nationalize it.
He said taking supervisory action against an erring market player regulated by the Bank should not be construed as something strange but as a natural consequence of exercising powers vested in the supervisor.
Mr Mayondi stated that the powers vested in BoZ can be exercised on any bank or financial service provider that has been licensed by it, including Finance Bank Zambia Limited if it is found to be breaching the law.
He said it is not the business of BoZ to nationalize banks, stressing that the Bank has no intention of nationalizing any bank in Zambia.
Mr Mayondi said the Bank’s business is to regulate and supervise banks and other financial service providers as outlined in the Banking and Financial Services act Cap 387 of the laws of Zambia.
He explained that the BoZ regulatory focus is on prudential, investor protection, ant-fraud and consumer protection.
Mr Mayondi further pointed out that promoting competition in the market is one of the cornerstones of Bank regulations under the Banking and Financial Services act.
