Zambians have been urged not to under-rate the Presidential trips because of their enormous economic and political value to the country.
Presidential Affairs Minister, Ronald Mukuma says the President has a mandate to fulfil ZAMBIA’s obligations to the nation and the international community.
Mr Mukuma said in an interview with ZNBC news in Lusaka saturday that the Afro -Arab summit is important for the development of both the continent and Zambia as a developing nation.
[ ZNBC ]
Chief Matipa of the Bisa people on Chilubi Island in Northern Province is dead.
Chief Matipa, 74 died on Friday October 8, 2010 at his palace.
Chilubi Member of Parliament (MP) Obby Chisala has confirmed the death of the traditional leader to ZANIS in Lusaka today.
Mr Chisala said Chief Matipa died after a short illness.
“I can confirm that Chief Matipa of the Bisa speaking people of Chilubi Island has died. Chief Matipa, aged 74 died after a short illness and burial arrangements will be announced later if we receive a programme from the Government through the Provincial administration,” Mr Chisala said.
He said Chief Matipa, the 17th whose names area Ngosa Misebo ascended to the royal throne in 2000, which he held for 10 years.
[pullquote]“I can confirm that Chief Matipa of the Bisa speaking people of Chilubi Island has died. Chief Matipa, aged 74 died after a short illness and burial arrangements will be announced later if we receive a programme from the Government through the Provincial administration,” Mr Chisala said.[/pullquote]
Chief Matipa was born on September 28th, 1936. He leaves behind two wives, four children and several grand children.
Mr Chisala said the Bisa people considered Senior Chief Kopa and the other Bisa Chiefs to work together in this trying moment.
According to Mr Chisala, burial arrangements will be announced soon as the Matipa Royal establishment, awaiting a tentative programme from Northern Province Permanent Secretary Mwalimu Simfukwe.
[ ZANIS ]
The media fraternity in Zambia have reacted sharply to claims by Munali Member of Parliament (MP) Mumbi Phiri for referring to Journalists working for public media as ‘dogs’ for Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services, Ronnie Shikapwasha.
The media has demanded that Mrs Mumbi should apologises to the media fraternity for her insults attributed to Journalists.
Zambia Union of Journalists General Secretary (ZUJ-GS) Angela Chishimba warned Mrs Mumbi to desist from issuing such insulting statements.
Ms Chishimba said the Union is deeply saddened by reports from the MP referring Journalists working in the public media as “dogs”.
In a press statement released to ZANIS in Lusaka today, Ms Chishimba, an employee of the Zambia Daily Mail urged its members to continue working professionally, without fear or favour.
Ms Chishimba said the she does not expect such disgusting statements from political leaders who want to assume office and the same personnel who will serve them if by any chance, they assumed office.
“We demand that Mrs Mumbi apologises to the media fraternity for the insults attributed to Journalists. As ZUJ, we would like to state that our members will continue working professionally, without fear or favour.
The ZUJ-GS said if Mrs Mumbi had any complaint against any of our members, she should have used proper channels to communicate her displeasure,” Ms Chishimba said.
She said as far as the Union is concerned, no complaint has been lodged and therefore it takes great exception to that statement.
And some Journalists talked too by ZANIS in separate interviews threatened to ‘blackmail’ the Munali MP for her horrific remarks.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, one Lusaka based Journalist reminded Ms Mumbi that the media is the fourth estate in the country that has the powers to build and destroy one’s character
Another Journalist from the Copperbelt province described the remarks as unfortunate saying parliamentarians and members of the press were supposed to be partners to national development.
[ZANIS]
EGYPTIAN ambassador to Zambia Salah El-Sadek has hailed the 2011 national Budget, saying it is was well elaborated and concerned the welfare of citizens.
Commenting on the Budget presented to Parliament yesterday by Finance and National Planning Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane, Ambassador El-Sadek said it was gratifying that the government was trying to work and rely on local resources
United Liberal Party (ULP) president Sakwiba Sikota described the budget as fair but stressed the need to consult with the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) as to whether the K245 billion provided for next year’s elections was adequate for the task.
He was happy that the threshold had been raised from K800, 000 to K1 million although calculations needed to be worked out to see whether the move would translate into the intention of the government.
National Democratic Focus (NDF) president Ben Mwila described the budget as pro-poor and that many Zambians would now have more money in their pockets.
Kalulushi MP Anson Simama (PF) described the budget as good especially that 58 per cent of it was targeting at social sectors, which were cardinal to uplifting
the welfare of Zambians.
Kalomo MP Request Muntanga (UPND) was let down that the increment to the agriculture sector had failed to reach 10 per cent as per the Southern African
Development Community protocol.
Caritas Chipata acting director, Mthadziko Zulu described the budget as promising.
In an interview in Chipata yesterday, Mr Zulu said the budget was promising because it had touched on all important sectors of the national economy.
[ Times of Zambia ]
Government says it will recruit 5,000 teachers in 2011,for which a provision of k131.6 billion has been made available.
And K3,828.8 billion or 18.6 percent of the total 2011 budget has been allocated to education and skills development in the 2011 budget representing a 15.3 percent increase from the 2010 budget.
Finance and National Planning Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane in the 2011 budget announced yesterday said that the allocation reflects the MMD government’s continuing commitment to facilitating the empowerment of the citizenry with the knowledge and skills to fight poverty,disease,and ignorance.
He said government would continue with the dual strategy of accelerating infrastructure development in 2011,while ensuring requisite staffing of the newly built facilities.
Dr Musokotwane says the programme will continue in 2011 and over the Sixth National Development Plan,with additional emphasis on upper basic, secondary and tertiary education.
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The Church, civil society and the labour movement have condemned Patriotic Front (PF) leader Michael Sata for allegedly engaging some diplomats to support his presidential bid on condition that he recognises homosexuality and takes Zambia back to a secular State if elected.
And Forum for Leadership Search (FLS) executive director Edwin Lifwekelo has disclosed that some envoys that have held meetings with Mr Sata revealed to the civil society that the core objective of their discussion was to promote gay rights in Zambia.
Council of Churches in Zambia secretary general, Susanne Matale said in Lusaka yesterday that Zambia and the Church believed in the sanctity of marriage between man and woman, which is enshrined in the Constitution.
“It is a hard road to take because Zambia and the Church believe in the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman,” Reverend Matale said.
Bishops Council of Zambia spokesperson Gibson Nyirenda said it was wrong for Mr Sata to champion secularism and gay rights in his discussions with some diplomats.Reverend Nyirenda said the Western world want to champion wrong things in Zambia for their personal interests and advised Zambians not to condone such manoeuvres.
Federation of Free Trade Unions of Zambia president Joyce Nonde-Simukoko said the federation was disturbed by the alleged manoeuvers by Western countries to promote gay rights in Zambia.
“We are fully aware that the Mungo’mba Constitutional Review Commission travelled throughout Zambia and petitioners unanimously opposed this practice and instead promoted the declaration of Zambia as a Christian nation.
“Homosexuality was considered as unnatural and a misfortune which should not be entertained at all in Zambia,” Ms Simukoko said.
Evangelical Youth Alliance International president Moses Lungu urged Zambians to condemn any attempts to turn Zambia into a secular State and to legalise homosexuality.
Leadership In Development executive director, Moses Kalonde expressed sadness that Mr Sata was meeting diplomats over gay rights and secularism matters.
And Mr Lifwekelo maintained that Ms Sata was meeting some diplomats over issues of gay rights and reverting Zambia back to a secular State.
“We cannot disclose the names of our informers but let us stress here that our sources are from the same diplomats that have met Mr Sata.”
[ Times of Zambia ]
Kalusha Bwalya has backed Coach Dario Bonetti for dropping the Katongo brother’s ahead of the teams 2012 Africa Cup of Nations Group C qualifier against Libya away in Tripoli on Sunday.
Kalusha said at Football House on Friday evening that Bonetti has the full blessings of Faz over his actions to drop long-serving captain Christopher Katongo of Greek side Xanthi and his young brother Felix Katongo of Al Ititthad in Libya.
“I think that it is the decision of the coach,” Kalusha said. “I think that the players are conscious and that they have to be to be there and show commitment. They have to show the hunger for the team and one, two days late, you know for the coach, he feels everyone has to be there.”
The Katongo brothers both failed to join the team in time after traveling back home to Zambia earlier this week from their respective bases.
Both players were due to travel from Lusaka to Tripoli on Thursday together with defender Emmanuel Mbola of TP Mazambe of DR Congo.
Meanwhile, Mbola escaped being dropped after he too failed to join the team in Rome on Wednesday where they were camped for three days en route to Libya after the Italian embassy in Lusaka denied the 17-year-old a visa.
The TP Mazembe teenager could not successfully file of a visa without parental consent because he was a minor.
Zambia lead Group C on four points after beating bottom placed Comoros Islands 4-0 on September 5 in Lusaka.
Their hosts Libya are second after a scoreless away draw against Mozambique on the same date in Maputo.
President Rupiah Banda is this Sunday expected to join several Heads of State and Government and Arab Kings in Libya at the Afro-Arab Summit.
President Banda leaves for Sirte, Libya saturday ahead of the Afro-Arab Summit, which is expected to forge closer partnership between African countries and the Arab World.
The Summit would be held under the theme ‘ Towards a Strategic Partnership.’
This is contained in a statement released to ZNBC in Lusaka Friday evening by Special Assistant to the President for Press and Public Relations Dickson Jere.
The Summit is expected to be attended by over sixty leaders from the African Union-AU and teh League of the Arab States-LAS.
Mr Banda would be accompanied to Libya by Senior Government officials.
The last Summit of the Afro-Arab was held 33 years ago.
The Private sector and Non Governmental Organisations in Africa and the Arab World have also been sponsored to hold an Investment and Trade Forum on the sidelines of the Summit.
President Banda and his delegation returns to Lusaka immediately after completing his scheduled business in Libya.
[ ZNBC ]
Government has assured the Millennium Challenge Corporation, of Zambia’s commitment to ensuring that it meets the criteria and remains eligible for the Millennium Challenge Account funding.
Finance Deputy Minister Chileshe Kapwepwe says Zambia remains committed to accessing funding for the Greater Kafue National Park Economic Development and the Lusaka water supply, sanitation and Drainage project.
Ms Kapwepwe said this when she met Millennium Challenge Corporation Deputy Vice President Darius Teter in Washington DC.
This is according to a statement released by First Secretary for Press at the Zambian Mission in Washington, Ben Kangwa.
And MCC Vice President Darius Teter observed that the Lusaka Water Supply and drainage project is important as it aims at improving access to water and sanitation for people in Peri-urban settlements.
Mr. Teter said that over one billion United states dollars will be required for constructing and erecting infrastructure needed for the provision of an efficient water and sanitation delivery system.
And Millennium Challenge Corporation Country Director Kyeh Kim said that the Tourism and Hospitality act will create an enabling environment for the private sector to participate in the promotion of tourism.
Ms Kapwepwe was accompanied to the meeting by Special Assistant to the President on Economic Affairs Dr Richard Chembe and Zambian Ambassador to the US, Sheila Siwela.
And President Rupiah Banda has called for a positive work culture if Zambia is to realise the Vision 2030 and attain the Mellinium Development Goals -MDG’s .
Mr Banda says a positive work culture has a good impact on national development.
The President is concerned that highly qualified and skilled personnel have failed to perform to expected standards resulting in organisations not meeting expected goals and targets.
Mr Banda said this in a speech read on his behalf by Vice President George Kunda at the National Institute for Public Administration -NIPA- 11th graduation ceremony in Lusaka.
And NIPA Executive Director Answell Saka said his institution will by the end of this year introduce E – learning and digital conferences.
ZNBC
The Lusaka High Court has upheld the conviction of former Lands Minister Gladys Nyirongo for corruption and abuse of authority of office.
The court has however reversed Rev Nyirongo’s jail sentence from four to two years.
The sentence has been reduced to preserve her parliamentary position.
The judgement was handed down by a panel of three Judges.
These were High Court Judge in Charge Philip Musonda,Judge Albert Wood and Jane Kabuka of Ndola High Court.
Reading the judgement Judge Kabuka noted that both the two grounds of appeal the appellant relied upon lapsed.
The High Court has granted Reverend Nyirongo leave to appeal.
This is in a matter where Reverend Nyirongo appealed against the four year jail term that the Lusaka magistrates court slapped on her in 2009, for corruption and abuse of authority of office.
Meanwhile, the delivery of judgement was temporarily suspended as Reverend Nyirongo, who appeared distressed begged the court to excuse her and allow her to go out and vomit.
Facts before the court are that on unknown dates but between January 1, 2006 and February 2007, Reverend Nyirongo, directed a Ministry of Lands officer Daisy Mulenga to generate offer letters of Foxdale Land in Lusaka to selected individuals.
The Magistrate Court pronounced that Reverend Nyirongo contravened land alienation procedures .
Consequently Reverend Nyirongo appealed to the High Court.
ZNBC
By A. Sinyama
Non-Governmental Coordinating Council (NGOCC)Southern Province Cordinator, Florence Nakazwe has warned that violence against women hinders the attainment of the Millenium Development Goals(MDGs).
Ms Nakazwe lamented the increasing cases of gender based violence against women involving political leaders and described it as unfortunate.
She said violence against women is retrogressive and hinders womens development contrary to Governments wish to empower women.
She advised couples to embrace dialogue if they are to resolve conflicts in homes.
During the opening session of Parliament,Republican President Rupiah Banda said his Government would rather empower women than batter them.
Few days ago Livingstone District Commissioner,Francis Chika was suspended for beating his wife Mutinta following some marital conflicts.
Mrs Chika withdrew the case from Police earlier this week.
She furthermore issued a counter-statement disputing that she never had a physical confrontation with her husband as reported in the
Press.
Chika’s case is second in a row of high profiled leaders involved in wife battering the first being the one involving Kasama MP,Godfrey Mwamba alias GBM
Citizen’s Forum (CF) Executive secretary, Simon Kabanda has challenged political leaders in the country to look beyond tribal lines if Zambian politics is to mature.
And Mr Kabanda has challenged the opposition UPND/PF pact to resolve its challenges or Zambians will bid farewell to it.
Mr Kabanda said it is clear that the issue of the pact presidency would reap the pact apart if not resolved properly, calling for the issue to be addressed with urgency.
He said the pact problems could be resolved but it would require focus from both political parties.
Mr Kabanda observed that tribalism is not what is the problem in the UPND/PF pact but the issue of the presidency.
He said members of the two parties in the pact would want to see their president emerge as pact president, warning that if a decision is not made any time soon, the pact will crumble on that basis.
[ GFM ]
Farm produce and farming inputs worth millions of Kwacha have been burnt to ashes in an inferno at New Kapiri-Mposhi Market in circumstances the local authorities have said point to foul play.
The inferno which started around midnight on Wednesday burnt down the entire depot where farmers and marketeers stored their merchandise.
Kapiri-Mposhi District council secretary, Venture Kafula confirmed the incident and said he suspected the fire was ignited by some unknown people.
The value of gutted items had not yet been established, but they included fertiliser and farm produce such as maize and groundnuts.
The council fire brigade and some marketeers who arrived at the market about 30 minutes after the start of the fire managed to salvage part of their goods.
Mr Kafula said the fire was only put out around 02:00 hours with help from the Kabwe City Council fire brigade.
He said the local fire team could not extinguish the inferno because it did not have a fire tender.
Mr Kafula said the fire brigade from Kabwe arrived after much of the market had been gutted.
He said the council had been facing a challenge in responding to fires from the time its fire engine was involved in a road traffic accident.
Mr Kafula, who disclosed that plans were underway to buy a new fire tender, said currently the Kapiri Mposhi council relied on Kabwe City Council whenever there was a fire in the district.
[ ZANIS ]
Finance and National Planning Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane today presents the 2011 national Budget to Parliament as he among others issues, spells out how Government intends to apportion the proposed K17 trillion Budget to achieve the projected 6.6 per cent growth.
As Dr Musokotwane climbs up the stairs of Manda Hill to unveil the contents in the copper-coated briefcase, the country will be anxiously waiting to hear how the Government would achieve some of the pronouncements by President Rupiah Banda during the official opening of the fifth session of the 10th National Assembly.
In September this year, Secretary to the Treasury Likolo Ndalamei announced that the Government was proposing a K17 trillion budget for 2011.
The Government also announced that the economy was expected to grow by 6.6 per cent this year, an upward revision from the projected five per cent that was contained in the previous Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF).
When the president opened Parliament last month, he said in the year 2010 there were some challenges that included declining domestic tax revenue and reduced donor support for the health and road sectors.
There was, therefore, need for continued economic growth and for the Ministry of Finance to review tax policy and administration.
Zambians will thus, be expectant about how the Ministry of Finance will review the tax policy and administration in view of the declining domestic tax revenue and reduced donor support for the health and road sectors.
Some analysts have recently said that there was need to broaden the tax base to capture the informal sector to lessen the burden on the close to 400,000 citizens in the formal sector.
Still on this front, Zambians are expected to hear whether Pay As you Earn (PAYE) would be reviewed in this year’s Budget. In the 2010 Budget, the PAYE threshold was raised from K700,000 to K800,000.
Dr Musokotwane will also stipulate how Government will shift focus from the current scenario to create fiscal space through the expansion of domestic revenues, the reduction of lower priority expenditures and the allocation of more resources to infrastructure and human development.
This is the year when the Government will be launching the sixth National Development following the expiry of the 5th NDP which was a success as it has achieved most of the targets set out.
It is also expected that the minister will also announce how Government will apportion the K17 trillion in a year Zambia is expected to go to the polls.
In his Green paper presented last month, Mr Ndalamei said the projected growth of 6.6 per cent is on account of the better than expected performance in several sectors of the economy during the first half of 2010.
During the last farming season, Zambia recorded the largest maize harvest in history of approximately 2.7 million tonnes compared with the 1.8 million in the previous season. This owing largely to the good policies to support smalls scale farmers.
The president in his opening speech indicated that the Government intends to maintain the positive developments in the agriculture sector by increasing the number of beneficiaries on the Farmer Input Support Programme from 500,000 upwards.
The Government also realises the importance of not depending on rain-fed crop and has embarked on putting up irrigation facilities to ensure farming is an all year round activity.
Mr Banda in his address said this year’s projections are that growth will remain at about 6.6 per cent or even higher.
“This growth is being driven by the mining, agriculture, tourism and construction sectors,” he said.
This being the first year since the Budget cycle was changed, it is expected that the minister will give an update on its performance with regard to the economy and infrastructure development.
© Lusaka Times
