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Football Association of Zambia (Faz) vice president Emmanuel Munaile has quit his position with the local soccer governing body.
Munaile quit his post this afternoon dealing a big blow to the beleaguered administration of Kalusha Bwalya and brings to four the number of the Faz executive committee to resign after three others did so on Thursday.
According to sources, Munaile is said to have quit due to the wrangles Faz was experiencing but told ZNBC TV that he would hold a press briefing tomorrow in Lusaka to fully explain his decision to quit.
The former Zambia international has kept a very low profile for the last five month in the midst of upheavals at Football House.
On Thursday, executive committee members Pivoty Simwanza, Henshel Chitembeya and Violet Bwalya resigned citing difficulties in working under Kalusha.
NETHERLANDS-based Zambian striker Jacob Mulenga was named man of the match when his side FC Utrecht’s faced English premiership giants Liverpool in a Europa League Group K encounter yesterday that ended in a barren draw.
Mulenga put in a splendid performance upfront against a flawless Liverpool defense comprising the likes of Jamie Carragher and Martin Kelly.
The lofty Mulenga however missed a clear scoring chance after he managed to dribble his way out of Liverpool’s defense fringes and practically eluded the goalkeeper too but patted the ball wide.
Liverpool were favourites in the game despite the outfits’ wallowing in a stretch of poor results lately and yesterday match was no exception as the reds were halted by the Dutch side.
Liverpool danger man, Fernando Torres whose form has been questionable this season, also did not impress.
Police have arrested Lusaka lawyer John Sangwa and his client Dr Rajan Mahtani and charged them with forgery and uttering a false document, Lusaka Times has learned.
According to a reliable source, Dr Mahtani who is also Mahtani Group of Companies chairman and Sangwa were jointly charged for the offence.
It is believed that Sangwa was summoned by police yesterday for questioning after he allegedly presented a forged Bank of Zambia document in the Lusaka High Court.
Dr Mahtani has petitioned the Lusaka High Court to suspend the prosecution of criminal charges against him and suspend the seizure of his passport.
DEC arrested and charged Dr Mahtani with two counts of criminal offences for allegedly being in control in excess of 25 per cent of voting shares in Finance Bank Zambia Limited without prior approval of the Bank of Zambia, money laundering, and seized monies in Finsbury Investments Limited’s accounts on allegations of money laundering.
Dr Mahtani and Sangwa are expected to appear before the Lusaka Magistrate’s court on Monday in relation to the forgery charge.
The Consumer Unit and Trust Society (CUTS) says the Zambian economy has performed well in the last seven years, compared to the period between 1992-2002.
CUTS Board chairperson Love Mutesa disclosed that Zambia’s economy has been growing at an average rate of between 4.5 to 5 per cent, since the year 2003.
Mr Mutesa said the revival of the Zambian economy is also reflected in the increased export earnings from both metal and non traditional exports.
He said this at a press briefing in Lusaka Friday.
[ ZNBC ]
Education Minister Dora Siliya receives an educational poster from National Breweries Corporate Affairs Manager Yuyo Kambikambi at the re-launch of the education for all campaign at the Mulungushi International Conference Center in Lusaka
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Dora Siliya addresses stakeholders and school pupils at the re-launch of the education for all campaign at Mulungushi International Conference Center in Lusaka
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Education Minister Dora Siliya talks to National Breweries/ SABMiller African Policy and Issues Manger Mitch Ramsey at the re-launch of the education for all campaign at Mulungushi International Conference Center
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Former Patriotic Front member Kaluba Simuyemba's (l) displays his National Restoration Party membership card as party leader President Elias Chipimo looks on, at a press briefing in Lusaka
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Former Local Government and Housing Minister Eustarckio Kazonga (c) with Second Republican President Frederick Chiluba (r) and Libyan Ambassador to Zambia Khalifa Swiexi during the commemoration of Libya Day
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Some women pose for a photograph in front of their milk marketing club in Monze district
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Some rural dwellers drawing water at a borehole which was sunk by the government in Monze.Domestic animals also use the point to drink water
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Former Local Government and Housing Minister Eustarckio Kazonga shares a toast with Libyan Ambassador to Zambia Khalifa Swiexi at the commemoration of the Libyan National Day in Lusaka.
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Kansanshi Commercial farmer Bruce William pays homage to new Chief Kapijimpanga at the weekend.
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Some residents of Masala township in Ndola drawing water from Suban Filling Station following a critical shortage of the commodity that has hit Masala
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Some residents of Masala township in Ndola drawing water from Suban Filling Station following a critical shortage of the commodity that has hit Masala.
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National Restoration Party President Elias Chipimo talks to his party Vice President Charles Maboshe (r) at a press briefing in Lusaka
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National Restoration Party president Elias Chipimo (r) hugs former Patriotic Front member Kaluba Simuyemba when he defected to NAREP at a press briefing in Lusaka
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Former Agriculture and Co-operatives Minister Peter Daka addresses delegates when he closed the Regional Rural Finance Thematic Workshop for East and Southern Africa at Intercontinental Hotel in Lusaka
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78 year old Mary Kapeleketa of Kazungula district with her great grand-children.She is one of the beneficiaries for the government social-cash-transfer scheme
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Reporters mob outgoing Agriculture Minister Peter Daka after he was almost sacked by President Banda. Mr Daka has been moved to the Ministry of Science
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President Banda's grandson who plays football in Spain captured when he arrived in Zambia at Lusaka international airport
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President Banda, his grand son footballer Anthony (l) and Vice President George Kunda before he left for Nigeria at Lusaka international airport
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Some officials from UNICEF inspect houses that were flooded in Lusaka
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FUS Rabat players of Morocco captured in training at the Barclays sports centre in Lusaka.
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Some officials from UNICEF inspect houses that were flooded in Lusaka during the rainy season
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Works and supply Minister Mike Mulongoti and his deputy Christopher Kalila inspect houses that are under construction in Lusaka
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Works and Supply Miinister Mike Mulongoti (second from r) and Chinese engineers inspect the new goverbment complex block under construction in Lusaka
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Some officials from UNICEF inspecting houses that were flooded in Lusaka
A mock operation by doctors from the University Teaching Hospital
The University Teaching Hospital (UTH) Public Relations Manager, Pauline Mbangweta has urged the public to ensure that patients are taken to their local health centers as the highest referral hospital is only attending to emergency cases.
The situation is as a result of the countrywide strike by Resident doctors who are demanding for improved condition service.
Ms Mbangweta also maintained that UTH is not affected by the on-going countrywide strike by Resident Doctors.
Speaking in an interview today Mrs Mbangweta said operations at the hospital are normal as student doctors, senior doctors and their foreign counterparts are currently attending to patients.
However, a check by QFM at the UTH this morning, found the filter clinic closed and a few doctors attending to patients at the admissions ward.
Resident Doctors went on a country wide strike on Monday demanding for good conditions of service.
[ ZANIS ]
Zambia has recorded a trade surplus valued at about K865.7 billion in August 2010 meaning that the country exported more in August this year than it imported in value terms.
Acting Director of Census and Statistics John Kalumbi disclosed in Lusaka yesterday that the country had continued to register surplus since January this year with the highest valued at about K1, 147.7 billion in March 2010.
He said Zambia’s major export products in August 2010 were from the intermediate goods category which included copper cathodes and sections of refined copper, accounting for 83.5 percent and raw materials accounting for 9.6 percent while capital and consumer goods accounted for 6.9 percent of the total exports in the same month.
And Zambia’s major export destination in last month was Switzerland which accounted for 55.1%, seconded by China accounting for 20.5 %, South Africa 7.0%, Congo DR 5.3% and Malawi which imports tobacco from Zambia accounting for 1.7 % of the total exports.
The African Development Fund (ADF), the concessional window of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group, has approved a UA 63.369-million (USD 95.6 million) loan to fund the Nacala Corridor Phase II Road project (NCRP) in Zambia
The NCRP aims at promoting economic growth and regional integration within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) through a reliable and efficient transport infrastructure to improve sub-regional trade and the region’s overall competitiveness.
The NCRP covers approximately 1,033km of roads in Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique and two border posts.
The project involves three phases. Phase I includes 348km of roads in Mozambique, and a 13km bypass road in Malawi. Phase II is an additional continuation of Phase I, and involves 360km of road in Zambia between Luangwa and Mwami. The project includes subsidiary work to improve and asphalt 114.7km to a good standard.
The project is expected to reduced transport costs; improved access to markets and social services, and better road safety.
The work will enhance poverty reduction efforts in Zambia and will promote the empowerment of women and other disadvantaged groups through better socioeconomic infrastructure along the road.
The development of the Nacala Corridor will boost export volumes from Zambia through the port of Nacala and expand markets beyond national boundaries, which is crucial for continued economic growth in the sub-region.
The total project costs amounts to UA 69.47 million (USD 104 million). The Zambian government is strongly committed to the implementation of Phase II in its entirety, and is seeking alternative funding for the remaining 82.5km (23%).
Preparations are underway for Phase III, which will include repairs and improvements in Malawi and Mozambique together with the construction of two border posts between Zambia and Malawi, and between Malawi and Mozambique, respectively.
The Bank is the executing agency of the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA). PIDA is a joint initiative of the African Union Commission (AUC), the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) Secretariat and the AfDB Group.
It was launched on July 24, 2010 in Kampala, Uganda, on the sidelines of the 15th African Union heads of state and government summit.
The British High Commission has announced changes in the handling of visa applications and processing systems.
British High Commissioner to Zambia Carolyn Davidson has disclosed with effect from 18th October 2010 under the new system all United Kingdom (UK) visas will no longer be processed in Lusaka but Pretoria, South Africa.
Ms Davidson told a media briefing in Lusaka today, that however, the visa section in Lusaka will remain open to enable applicants submit applications and pay visa fees.
She explained that all applications which will be done in Lusaka will be sent to the British High Commission in Pretoria to be processed before being returned to Lusaka.
She further advised applicants in Zambia to apply at least 10 working days before they intend to travel to the UK to ensure there is sufficient time to process their visa application.
She said staff in Lusaka will not be involved or be aware of the outcome of individual visa applications, adding that they will be unable to influence the decision or handle any follow-up queries on applications that have already been processed or awaiting processing in Pretoria.
Ms. Davidson noted that the Commission’s Visa Section will only be accepting applications that have been completed online using the UK ’s visa application portal.
The High Commissioner further explained that the changes are also in a bid to improve efficiency in the way the visas are being processed as the Visa Section at the British High Commission in Pretoria operates as a regional processing centre for Southern Africa.
Ms. Davidson said the section has already processed all applications submitted in Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique, Angola, Zimbabwe and Malawi as well as applications submitted in South Africa.
Ed Bossley, UK Border Agency Regional Manager expressed happiness with the online application noting that it is effective and will cater for a larger audience.
Mr. Bossley disclosed that the regional processing of UK Visa application has worked effectively in other countries in the region hence will not envisage any difficulties in making transition in Zambia.
He has since pledged his organisation’s commitment to providing best services for all people wishing to apply for UK visas.
FLASHBACK: Some United Party for National Development big wigs listening to a press briefing address by MPs Douglas Siakalima and Garry Nkombo in Lusaka
The United Party for National development (UPND) has said it is offended by the under five statement allegedly issued by Patriotic Front (PF) President Michael Sata in the media.
And the UPND has also said it can win the Chilanga parliamentary seat without help from the PF.
Secretary General Winstone Chibwe said it was unfortunate and wrong for Mr. Sata to call his friend he formed an alliance with as an ‘under five and inexperienced’.
He said Mr. Sata was aware when he entered into a pact with the UPND the person he was dealing with.
Mr. Chibwe told ZANIS in an interview that it was important for the leaders to have respect for each other.
“It is good for leaders to have respect for each other whether old or young. How can you call your friend under five when he is over 40, that is not good. It is good to have respect for each other. Let old people show respect to the young so that they are not embarrassed” he said.
He has meanwhile, reiterated his party position to stand in the Chilanga by-election despite its pact partner, the PF also contesting in the same.
[pullquote]“This is not the first time this has happened it happened in Kaoma and Lundazi but we went ahead and beat the PF so we are comfortable again this time to campaign against each other because we know that this seat is ours”[/pullquote]
Mr. Chibwe said it was wrong for PF to decide on competing in the by-election when the working group that was chaired by PF Mandevu Member of Parliament Jean Kapata early this month resolved that UPND stands.
The UPND Secretary General said the party was ready to compete against the PF in Chilanga adding that it had what it took to win the seat without the PF support.
“This is not the first time this has happened it happened in Kaoma and Lundazi but we went ahead and beat the PF so we are comfortable again this time to campaign against each other because we know that this seat is ours”
He said the previous results have showed that the UPND was popular in areas where it also did well during the 2006 elections as shown by the number of parliamentary and ward seats it managed to win in recent by-elections.
He said UPND had defended all the ward by-elections and also managed to grab some parliamentary seats from the MMD while the PF had lost the ward seats even in its stronghold in Luapula and Northern Provinces.
“We will not pull out from the pact; the party which will be offended will be the one to do that. But we will leave it to the Zambian people to judge who between us and our colleague is not committed to the cause of the pact” he said.
Meanwhile, UPND Lusaka Province Chairman, Brian Mizinga said the statement only confirmed that PF leaders have gone back to his old habit.
Mr. Mizinga called on Mr. Sata to take examples from young leaders around the world who have excelled and who have proven that age was nothing.
[pullquote]“We will not pull out from the pact; the party which will be offended will be the one to do that. But we will leave it to the Zambian people to judge who between us and our colleague is not committed to the cause of the pact” he said.[/pullquote]
He cited examples of British Prime Minister David Cameroon, US President Barrack Obama, and DR Congo President Joseph Kabila as some of the young leaders.
Mr. Mizinga has also dismissed assertions by the PF that the UPND was not popular in Lusaka Province. .
Mr. Mizinga said it was unfair for PF to base their popularity on presidential elections results because the UPND was stronger in Chilanga.
He said his party would prove to PF and Zambians that it was stronger in Chilanga by scooping the seat.
The PF leader was quoted by the Voice of America as saying Zambia and the pact could not be led by an under five who was inexperienced and lacked discipline.
The statement was in the past refered to the UPND leader because of his lack of experience in politics when he became the party President without having no leadership position at even ward level.
President Rupiah Banda
President Rupiah Banda says there is need for developing countries to review their investment strategies.
Speaking in Abuja, Nigeria at the Zambia-Nigeria Business Forum Thursday Mr Banda says the flow of investment is attainable among African countries.
Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) reports that he is convinced that African countries have the potential to reduce dependence on developed countries as a source of foreign Direct Investment.
He urged Nigerian Business Houses to expand their businesses into other African countries.
President Banda is in Nigeria as Special Guest at that country’s 50th independence celebrations today.
And the President has advised Zambians living abroad to consider acquiring land in different parts of the country, instead of concentrating on Lusaka where it is difficult to get plots.
Mr. Banda said other parts of Zambia like the Copperbelt, Chipata, Kasama and Mansa are developing at a fast rate, and need investment.
Meanwhile, Zambia’s High Commissioner to Nigeria Alexis Luhila said Zambians in Nigeria are following with keen interest, the development projects which President Banda is implementing in Zambia.
Mr. Luhila described President Banda as a visionary leader.
Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Dr Peter Mwaba has disclosed that although Government was working tirelessly to reduce High Maternal Mortality rate in the country, the number of women dying during Childbirth was still high in Zambia with over 3 000 women dying each year.
Speaking at Taj-Pamodzi Hotel in Lusaka today during the workshop organised by the Ministry of Health and NGO Partners to highlight the efforts aimed at addressing life threatening bleeding of Women during Childbirth mostly in Zambia’s rural communities, Dr Mwaba said more than half of births in Zambia took place at home leading to a high number of Women dying during labour.
ZANIS reports that Dr Mwaba disclosed that it was for this reason that the Ministry of Health had partnered with a Non Government organizations called Venture Strategies Innovations based in the United States of America to look into issues related to the prevention of Postpartum Hemorrhage project initiated in five rural Districts in Zambia.
He said the Ministry of Health had demonstrated its’ firm commitment to improving women’s access to safe delivery care and that it had since introduced Misoprostol tablets for a safe , effective , affordable and easy to use solution to one of the leading killer of women, excessive bleeding during child birth.
He said the Misoprostol for Postpartum Hemorrhage Prevention Dissemination Meeting Workshop provided a platform to share results of this project as well as findings from Society for Family Health’s programme results of qualitative Assessment.
The Permanent Secretary thanked the United states based Non Government Organisation, Venture Strategies Innovations for technical and financial support that had seen the Ministry introducing the project in five selected districts in Zambia namely, Kalomo (Western), Kapiri Mposhi (Central), Masaiti (Copperbelt), Mungwi (Northern) and Petauke in the Eastern Province.
He said the project sought to demonstrate the feasibility of distributing Misoprostol through antenatal Care (ANC) visits, in conjunction with community awareness activities on birth preparedness and prevention.
” At the outset of the project, providers from participating District Health Management Teams were trained as Trainers and Subsequently trained antenatal Care (ANC) providers in the project protocol” said Dr Mwaba.
He said the programme started in January 2009 with training of health care providers and distribution of Misoprostol tablets to pregnant women attending antenatal care.
Dr Mwaba also stated that the workshop will also serve as a forum to solidify what the partners will do to insure Zambian Mothers continue to have access to safe delivery education and protection.
The training of about 25, 000 enumerators to conduct Zambia’s 2010 census of Population and Housing commenced today (Thursday) and is expected to be completed on 10th October, this year.
Central Statistics Office (CSO) announced during a media briefing in Lusaka today that progress in preparations had been made for the exercise which would gobble about K200 billion and kicks off on October 16, this year.
CSO Acting Director John Kalumbi disclosed that President Rupiah Banda is expected to launch this year’s census on 15th October adding that various preparatory activities which include Cartographic census field mapping and the training of master trainers and Assistants trainers have been recruited from various Ministries and Institutions of government.
Mr Kalumbi also disclosed that basic school teachers have also been recruited and trained in readiness for the exercise.
He said the countrywide enumeration exercise which commences on 16th October is expected to last for four weeks during which enumerators would visit each and every household to collect information about each household member.
Mr Kalumbi has since called on political parties participating in Chilanga and Mpulungu by elections to help disseminate census messages as they campaign for their parliamentary candidates.
He noted that political campaigns would compete with campaigns for Census as the dates have collided saying this was unavoidable and that the census or by elections dates could not be changed as they happened according to the law.
He, however, appealed to cadres not to mistake officers sensitising people in the community for political party cadres saying that enumerators and other officers spreading census messages were non partisan.
Mr Kalumbi also recognised the efforts cooperating partners have played in the preparations for the exercise.
Zambia will in two weeks time conduct the Census of Population and Housing as the fifth in the series of comprehensive census that the country has conducted.
So far, the country has conducted census in 1969, 1980, 1990, and 2000.
[ ZANIS ]
Zambia’s inflation rate has continued to reduce with the month of September recording 7.7 per cent, the lowest inflation rate in five years. The Central Statistical Office (CSO) has announced a 7. 7 Per cent annual rate of inflation for the month of September.
This is against the August inflation rate of 8.2 percent. CSO Acting Director John Kalumbi attributed the decline in inflation to the reduction in the price of food and non food items.
Mr Kalumbi said, other factors included the cost of beverages, clothing, footwear, furniture and medical care. He was speaking during a CSO monthly bulletin in Lusaka Thursday.
And Mr Kalumbi said the country has also recorded a marginal decline in the annual food inflation. He said September recorded 2.8 per cent from 2. 9 recorded in August.
