Rural TV Project to gobble K5bn

General News

Entertainment Editor

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September 28, 2010

Government will spend K5 billion towards the installation of 52 transmitters country-wide under the Rural Television Project.

And Government has said the Rural Television (TV) project which is in phase 4 and allocated to the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) would enable 13 stations to be earmarked for Digital Migration project.

Information Deputy Minister Angela Chifire disclosed in Parliament today that ZNBC would soon start the procurement processes and that the funds include the purchase of television transmitters under the Rural Tv project.

ZANIS reports that Ms Chifire said in accordance with the ZNBC planning provision of TV service, the Musonda falls which also comprises of the 13 TV relay stations had been planned for.

She said the average cost of each of the phase 4 rural TV sites is U$$25,000, an equivalent of about K125 million.

The Deputy Minister was responding to a question by Chipili PF MP Davies Mwila who wanted to know when ZNBC will extend its television coverage to the Musonda falls in Luapula Province and what caused the delay in introducing TV coverage to the area.

Ms Chifire, however, bemoaned lack of funds to expedite the installation process but reiterated Government’s commitment to providing quality television programming to the people in the nation.

And Tourism, Environment and Natural Resources Deputy Minister Vera Tembo today told Parliament that Government approved a K6.050 billion budget for the Forestry Development Credit Facility (FDCF) Programmes between 2006 and 2007.

Ms Tembo said of the funds, K3.333 billion was released to her ministry adding that in 2008, the FDCF was discontinued after the establishment of the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC)

Ms Tembo, however, said there were no successful applicants who accessed the funds from 2006 to 2008 because the Credit facility was transferred to the Commission.

She was responding to a question by Katanshi Patriotic Front (PF) Member of Parliament (MP) Yamfwa Mukanga who wanted to find out the total funding to the facility programme from 2006 to 2008 and the number of successful applicants who accessed the fund during the same period.

Commerce Deputy Minister Lwipa Puma told Parliament that the Commission has utilised K111.5 billion so far.

Dr Puma said his ministry was now working on easing modalities to the form which required people to fill in when accessing the funds from the Commission in adherence to President Rupiah Banda when he recently opened the Fifth Session of the Tenth National Assembly.

And Vice President George Kunda emphasised that the CEEC encompasses all areas of economic development in its quest to improve the livelihood of the Zambian people.

Mr Kunda said the Commission was a clear testimony of one of the long term measures by Government in alleviating poverty among the people.

[ ZANIS ]

RB makes reshuffles

General News

Entertainment Editor

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September 28, 2010

19

President Rupiah Banda has made changes to his Government by transferring three Cabinet ministers.

And President Banda has appointed Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) Commissioner General Chriticles Mwansa as new Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Science and Technology.

The President has transferred Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Peter Daka to the Ministry of Science Technology and Vocational Training where he has taken over from Dr Brian Chituwo.

Dr Chituwo has been transferred to the Ministry of Local Government and Housing taking over from Dr Eustarcio Kazonga who has also been moved to the Ministry of Agriculture.

This is contained in statement to ZANIS in Lusaka today by Special Assistant to the President for Press and Public Relation Dickson Jere.

Mr Banda has appointed Chriticles Mwansa as Permanent Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Science and Technology.

He has also transferred Science, Technology and Vocational PS Sherry Thole to the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services.

Ms Thole takes over from Tiens Kapoma who was until now the PS while Mr. Kapoma will be redeployed within the Public Service.

The transfers are with immediate effect.
[ ZANIS ]

The 2010 CENSUS—Recruiting Enumerators

Feature Column

editor

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September 28, 2010

8

THE Central Statistical Office (CSO) recruiting Supervisors and Enumerators for 2010 national census. Here, applicants line up to tender their applications at the office of the District Commissioner-2

By Wesley Ngwenya
I have been privileged to have previously participated in the Population and Housing Census of 1990. I was only grade eleven by then. Those of us who were recruited were purely given the jobs on merit. There could have been a few who were there because they knew someone. Overall, the recruiting was very transparent where we even had to write a test as part of the interview process. I remember the K4000 I made that August holiday was so sweet. It was my first salary ever.

Twenty years later the ball game has changed. There are hundreds of thousands more people who are unemployed and are interested in participating either as Enumerators or as Supervisors. The selection process has equally changed. Now, it is done through District Commissioners who are appointed by the president and oftentimes belong to the ruling party.

In Lusaka alone, over five thousand applications were submitted to the DC’s office. According to my source, the MMD through the Lusaka Province Chairman, William Banda, submitted about two thousand names. Then there were ministers, deputy ministers, permanent secretaries and the like who each brought about five names. In the end, the job winners were only two thousand—a coincidence to the two thousand names submitted by “honorable” Banda? I don’t think so.

In Kafue, over nine hundred applications were submitted and only less than three hundred selected. I am sure there is a similar pattern, with statistics, all over the country as far as the number of applications submitted and those accepted. Is this telling us something on the state of affairs in this country? Yes, it does. The unemployment rate has risen so much in this country to uncontrollable levels.

One young man who applied as an Enumerator in Lusaka showed me his grade twelve results. He had all distinctions. He met all the other requirements. Does it mean all those given the jobs had the same or better results than this young man? I very much doubt that. The lack of jobs in Zambia has left many people wonder about on the streets doing nothing. Many of these people are told to do something. What can they do if they cannot access finance, have no housing, have no food, etc? Many graduates are languishing the streets hoping someone can give them a buck or two. Meanwhile, their so called president and his buddies are busy flying all over and telling us there is no money.

ZLA disappointed by removal of corruption law

Feature Politics

editor

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September 28, 2010

8

We spent so much...Justice deputy minister Todd Chilembo explaining how much government paid foreign and local lawyers at the taskforce on corruption

The Zambia land alliance ZLA has charged that the perception created by government’s decision to remove the abuse of office clause from the anti corruption commission ACC act will leave a negative dent on the fight against corruption.

ZLA executive director, Henry Machina disclosed that the decision will soon have devastating effects on the already porous system of land allocation in the country.

Mr. Machina told QFM in an interview that there had already been serious allegations of theft and crookedness in the land allocation process in the country.

He said the removal of one of the most significant deterrents of such behaviors by those heading over public institutions and departments, will only worsen the situation.

Mr Machina added that it would lead to further inequity in land allocation too.

Mr. Machina said that government should have been discreet enough to ensure that the clause stays within the ACC act and that the removal of the clause is currently tantamount to having legalized corruption in this country.

Mr. Machina was Commenting on the government’s removal of the abuse of office offence from the revised ACC Act.

Never allow Sata to rule this country-UPND

Headlines

Entertainment Editor

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September 28, 2010

139

United Party for National Development (UPND) National youth coordinator, Joe Kalusa has said Patriotic Front (PF) leader Michael Sata is a “tired old man” who should never be allowed to rule this country.

Mr Kalusa also described as insulting and disappointing the statement by Patriotic Front (PF) National youth Secretary Eric Chanda, that Michael Sata is more popular than Hakainde Hichilema.

Mr Chanda has been quoted in a daily tabloid as having stated that the UPND’s claim for the Pact presidency beats common sense because the PF leader is more popular that the UPND one.

[pullquote]He has also accused the PF of “sugar coating” its stay in the pact adding that the recent suspension given to Mr Chanda was just a way of hoodwinking the UPND.
[/pullquote]
The UPND National youth chairperson said things are not alright in the pact and the PF should take responsibility for the predicament that the pact has found itself in because they are the ones who have continued attacking the UPND leader.

Mr Kalusa said the PF general secretary, Winter Kabimba has contributed to the killing the pact.

The pact leadership has remained mute over the wrangles despite calls by various stakeholders that they speak out and be heard to provide harmony to the shaky political marriage the two parties have gone into.

He has also accused the PF of “sugar coating” its stay in the pact adding that the recent suspension given to Mr Chanda was just a way of hoodwinking the UPND.

But Mr Kalusa last week showered words of praise on Mr Sata stating that he was equally good to stand as the 2011 elections candidate.

[ QFM ]

Pact or not, opposition is still powerful- Dante

Headlines

Entertainment Editor

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September 28, 2010

39

A political analyst has observed that the opposition can still remove the Movement for Multi party Democracy (MMD) without the pact.

Dante Saunders said that in an event that the UPND/PF pact fails, Zambians should not lose hope of changing government.

Mr Saunders said the hopes of Zambians should not die if the pact fails to achieve its objectives.

Speaking on Monday Nite Live last evening, Mr Saunders added that it could still be possible if the two parties stood as individuals parties.

He believed that the MMD could be taken on by any opposition party in Zambia under any free and selection.

Mr Saunders,however, said that it is too early to say that the pact will decide to break.
[ QFM ]

Duffy’s remarks disgusting — Mundia

General News

Entertainment Editor

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September 28, 2010

40

Lusaka lawyer Christopher Mundia has described remarks by Bishop of Mongu Diocese Paul Duffy that there is lack of development in Western Province as disgusting, considering the massive investment by the Government in the area.

Mr Mundia, who is a State counsel, said Bishop Duffy and other Catholic clergy did not have the right to speak for the people of Western Province especially the Mongu-based bishop whose allegiance to the Zambian people was minimal since he was a foreigner.

“I wish to state that as one of those that hail from Western Province better known as Barotseland, I am disgusted to listen to what comes out of Bishop Duffy’s mouth which is akin to a can of worms,” he said.

Mr Mundia said Bishop Duffy and other members of the Catholic clergy who have their own motives against President Banda’s administration should avoid hiding behind their religious collars because the current record of the Catholic clergy world over was that of misery and total disappointment.
[pullquote]“My plea to all my fellow countrymen and compatriots is that this country is ours individually and severally under our motto of ‘One Zambia, One Nation’. Foreigners should not be allowed to divide us as Zambians are one in diversity,” Mr Mundia said.[/pullquote]
He said he had been to Western Province three times lately and agreed that the province suffered injustice during the Chiluba and UNIP eras and the province, which was the most highly educated was rendered the least.

“But since coming to power of the late President Levy Mwanawasa and continued by President Banda, no sensible person can say that Western Province is neglected now,” Mr Mundia said.

He cited development projects such as the Mongu/Kalabo Road, Senanga/Sesheke Road, the forthcoming rail line from North-Western Province via Kaoma, Mongu, Senanga and Sesheke to Namibia and Livingstone, Mulobezi, Sesheke and Namibia as big projects for the province.

“My plea to all my fellow countrymen and compatriots is that this country is ours individually and severally under our motto of ‘One Zambia, One Nation’. Foreigners should not be allowed to divide us as Zambians are one in diversity,” Mr Mundia said.

He said there were atrocities committed against the innocent people by the Catholic clergy in countries such as United States of America where the Church had paid more than US$600 million arising from sexual abuses and scandals on innocent teenagers.

Mr Mundia reminded Bishop Duffy that some institutions in Ireland and German had been closed as announced during the recent papal visit to the United Kingdom.

He said Zambians had accepted to work as united entities, which had been, demonstrated when Zambians allowed leaders from various provinces to rule them without consideration for origins. He said Dr Kenneth Kaunda, who hails from Northern Province ruled for 27 years and later Zambians voted for Dr Fredrick Chiluba from Luapula, who was followed by late Dr Levy Mwanawasa from Central Province and we are now led by a head of State from the Eastern Province.

Mr Mundia described as unfortunate a decision by Father Paul Mpundu to support Bishop Duffy’s remarks.

“To the people of Western Province, I wish to say and endorse what the royal establishment has said that, yes, we have problems of under-development but they are being tackled by this current administration,” Mr Mundia said.
[ Times of Zambia ]

Doctors down tools as Government moves to address the situation

Headlines

editor

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September 28, 2010

79

Health Minister Kapembwa Simbao gets clumsy with a speech during the launch of the measles immunisation programme in Lusaka — Health Minister Kapembwa Simbao

GOVERNMENT has tasked a team of officials from the Ministry of Health to investigate the cause of the withdrawal of labour by resident doctors countrywide to determine how the issue will be resolved.
Minister of Health Kapembwa Simbao said currently his ministry does not know why the doctors have downed tools.

Minister of Health Kapembwa Simbao said currently his ministry does not know why the doctors have downed tools.

“The permanent secretary of Health has sent people to the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) to find out what the problem is. When those people give a report, then a way to resolve the issue will be found,” Mr Simbao said.

He said this in an interview following the announcement by the Resident Doctors Association of Zambia (RDAZ) yesterday that its members have withdrawn their labour because their grievances have not been resolved.

RDAZ acting president Amon Ngongola said at a press briefing at UTH that the doctors decided to withdraw labour after attempts to avoid the situation and solve their grievances with the Ministry of Health failed.

“As an executive of RDAZ, we had engaged all channels necessary to avert this action as we recognise that the withdrawal of labour as health workers results in loss of life and no amount of aggravation can be equated to the value of the life of a human being,” Dr Ngongola said.

He said this at a press briefing at UTH yesterday.
Dr Ngongola said in the last two years his association, Zambia Medical Association of Zambia, and the Ministry of Health have been engaged in several discussions to try and resolve the problems that have beset doctors in the country.
He said following the discussions, it became apparent that the ministry had limitations in solving the problems.

“While we recognise the tremendous efforts made by the ministry to try to resolve these problems, it became clear that the ministry had limitations,” Dr Ngongola said.

He said his executive will continue to urge the association’s members to reconsider the decision. Dr Ngongola apologised to President Banda and the public for the action taken by doctors, which he described as unfortunate.

He paid special tribute to Mr Banda for the many development programmes his administration has carried out in the health sector.

Dr Ngongola said the recent commissioning of the magnetic resonance imaging and computer axial tomography scans at the Cancer Diseases Hospital, upgrading of selected clinics to hospitals, opening and building of new hospitals, clinics and health centres and building of new housing facilities for health workers are some of the developments in the health sector.

Dr Ngongola said his association is strongly persuaded that only the listening ear of Mr Banda can address the long-standing grievances affecting its members.

He reiterated that his executive strongly regrets having withdrawn labour and hopes the action will be a thing of the past.

[Zambia Daily Mail]

Residents appeal to Government to fix Morgue as the Zambezi river claims more lives

Rural News

Entertainment Editor

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September 28, 2010

3

A concerned parent, Stephen Masamvu has appealed to Government through the Ministry of Health to repair the refrigerators at Zambezi district hospital mortuary that stopped working three months ago.

Mr Masamvu, who is also a former MMD Zambezi East Constituency Chairman, complained that people in the district were forced to bury their relatives prematurely because they could not afford to transport bodies of their beloved ones to Kabompo District where the morgue was operational.

Barely two weeks ago, Alex Kang’ombe of Mayeng’u area in Mazaza village in senior Chief Nshima’s area in Chitokoloki Sub-Boma lost his private parts and died when a crocodile attacked him.[pullquote]He said barely a month passes without the reptiles claiming a life in the district.
[/pullquote]
The 34- year -old man who was on a fishing spree on the river met his fate when the banana boat he was in capsized on the Zambezi river.

Both Zambezi District Commissioner (DC) Bisalom Luwaile and the father to the deceased Mr Kang’ombe Kang’ombe confirmed the death of Alex in separate interviews with ZANIS saying that Alex’s body was retrieved but unfortunately he died of profuse bleeding at Chitokoloki Missnio hospital.

Alex was buried last week in Zambezi district.

In another development a 17- year -old boy of Zambezi Boarding High School in the North-western Province drowned in the Zambezi River.

The body of the boy was retrieved over the weekend by a combined team of Zambia Police and Zambia Army Officers including local divers in the area.

Zambezi District Commissioner (DC) Bisalom Luwaile confirmed the death of the Grade 10 pupil pupil to ZANIS in Zambezi yesterday.

Mr Luwaile said the incident happened on Friday around 16-00 hours when the boy was washing his clothes in the Zambezi River and decided to swim after finishing his chores.

He said the body was transported to Loloma Mission Hospital in Kabompo District 170km away because the fridges at Zambezi district hospital mortuary broke down and have been malfunctional for sometime now.

The DC told ZANIS that burial is awaiting parents of the deceased boy to arrive from Lusaka.

Meanwhile, area DC Mr Luwaile has appealed to the Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) Headquarters in Lusaka to establish an Office in Zambezi district so that ZAWA Officers could be stationed in the district.

Mr Luwaile said establishing an Office is a long term measure which would help crop the reptiles and hippos in the infested river.

He said barely a month passes without the reptiles claiming a life in the district.

He further disclosed that Government had sunk 10 bore holes on the East Bank along the Zambezi River and another 10 bore holes would be sunk on the West Bank to mitigate to the problem of animal/human conflict in the area.
[ ZANIS ]

RB off to Nigeria tomorrow

General News

editor

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September 28, 2010

62

PRESIDENT Rupiah Banda will tomorrow leave for Nigeria where he has been invited as a special guest of Nigerian President Jonathan Goodluck at that country’s 50th Independence Anniversary.

Special assistant to the president for Press and public relations Dickson Jere said Mr Banda would join other African heads of State and Government at the events marking the 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations from September 30 to October 2.

Mr Jere said in a statement released in Lusaka yesterday that President Banda would also use the occasion to showcase Zambia’s investment opportunities to Nigerian investors at the Zambia-Nigeria Business Forum to be held in Abuja.

Mr Jere said President Banda was happy the Zambian investors responded positively to the invitation to join him on his historic visit to Nigeria.

“Zambia draws strength from Nigeria’s progress in the various fields of development in the last fifty years,” President Banda said ahead of his trip to Nigeria.

More than 50 Zambian business executives who would also attend the Investment Forum in Nigeria would accompany President Banda.

The Zambian business executives have financed their trip and chartered an aircraft, which left for Nigeria yesterday.

Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister Felix Mutati, Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services Ronnie Shikapwashya and other senior Government Officials would accompany the president.

The presidential delegation would return as soon as they complete the scheduled business in Nigeria.

[Times of Zambia]

Weekend Scorecard: Makwaza’s Faces Big Test

Sports

sports

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September 27, 2010

5

Kitwe comes a light on Wednesday afternoon with the second installment of the big local derby when Power Dynamos host Nkana at Arthur Davies Stadium in KCM Super Division Week 25 clash.

The first installment earlier this season went Power’s way, who won 2-1 at Wusakile stadium on May 15 that brought back some spark of derbies old between the two great Kitwe rivals.

Nkana’s second return to the Super Division has seen them return with more quality than they did in 2008 that Power easily overrun them before the former made a quick return to Division 1 North after a four-year top-flight absence.

Meanwhile, the plot in this Wednesday’s clash has been enhanced thanks to the presence of one Linos Makwaza on the Nkana bench where he has been in charge since his shock appointment in mid-July this year after taking over from Benjamin “Kawilo” Chilongo who quit suddenly that same month.

This will be the former Power players’ first ever match in charge of Nkana against his old club and he should certainly expect a very hostile reception.

“I am expecting a hostile reception but I think it will not affect me that much,” the ex-Power player said.

Under Makwaza, Nkana come into this game on the back of a five-match unbeaten run in the league and are now in 5th place on 34 points, four less than Power who are just above them in 4th place.

Meanwhile, a loss for Power at the hands of Makwaza will also end the hosts unbeaten run against Nkana that dates back to October 29, 2003.

On that date, Nkana beat Power via a 1-0 victory at Wusakile but Power later went on to enjoy four wins and a draw.

And Makwaza’s record against Power since making his head coach debut stands at one win and one defeat both coming last season when he won 2-0 at the helm of Zamtel at the start of 2009 before losing 2-1 with his next club Forest Rangers when he visited Arthur Davies towards the end of that season.

Barclays Cup Quarterfinals

25/09/2010

Woodlands Stadium, Lusaka

Zesco United 1(Kangwa Chileshe 15″)-Nakambala Leopards 0

Power Dynamos 1(Luak Lungu 12″)-Nkwazi 0

Arthur Davies, Kitwe

Green Buffaloes 0-Zanaco 2(Venecious Mapande 47″, Lottie Nyambili 74″)

Nchanga Rangers 0-Lime Hotspurs 0*

Lime win 4-2 on pp.

2010 TOP SCORERS

25/09/2010

Dube Phiri (Red Arrows): 12
Luka Lungu (Power Dynamos): 9

Keegan Phiri (Nkwazi): 8
Chileshe Kabwe (Nchanga Rangers): 8

Venecious Mapande (Zanaco): 7
Reuben Tembo (Green Buffaloes): 7

Graven Chitalu (Konkola Blades): 6
Aubrey Zulu (Choma Eagles): 6
Winston Kalengo (Zanaco): 6
Mathews Macha (Zanaco): 6
Kennedy Chola (Green Buffaloes): 6
Chipulu Chileya (Konkola Blades): 6

John Musukwa (Green Buffaloes): 5
William Chinse (Nkana): 5
Patson Kaimana (Lusaka Dynamos): 5
Jackson Mwanza (Zesco United):5
Enock Sakala (Zesco United): 5
Douglas Chiwaya (Nkana):5
Lineker Mwikisa (Green Buffaloes): 5

Patrick Kasunga (Konkola Blades): 4
Joseph Sitali (Power Dynamos): 4
Felix Sunzu (Konkola Blades): 4
Moses Mulambi (Nchanga Rangers):4
Simon Bwalya (Power Dynamos): 4
Kameta Mutambo (Forest Rangers): 4
Makundika Sakala (Zanaco): 4

Division One

Week 30

25-26/09/2010

North
Kalulushi Modern Stars 0- Konkola Mine Police 0
Prison Leopards 2-Medical Stars 0
Kalewa 1- Chindwin Sentries 0
Indeni 1- Mansa Health Stars 0
Chingola Leopards 0- Ndola United 0
Mining Rangers 0- Chambishi 0
Mufulira Police 1- Kitwe United 0
Mufulira Blackpool 1- Mufulira wanderers 1
29/09/2010
Zamtel-Lime Hotspurs

South
Lusaka City Council 1- Zesco Shockers 0
Riflemen 1- TP Rangers 1
Young Green Eagles 0-Mazabuka United 1
Livingstone Pirates 0-Communite 0
Luena Buffaloes 1- Green Eagles 2
Lusaka Tigers 1- Paramilitary 0
29/09/2010
Nakambala Leopards-Kafue Celtic
Not played
Kalomo Jetters-Profund Warriors*
*Profund travelled without their players FAZ cards

Lusaka Stock Exchange enters global market

Economy

Entertainment Editor

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September 27, 2010

11

Thomson Reuters, the global information group has announced the commencement of the supply of real-time data from the Lusaka Stock Exchange (LUSE) to increase equity trade opportunities for its local and global clients.

The global information group Public Relations Manager for Middle East and Africa Candice Sgroi said in a press release today that the introduction of the real-time market data for investors and traders using Thomson Reuters Eikon would include the bid and ask price, volumes, and market depth.
[pullquote]“Armed with the real-time information, Thomson Reuter’s clients will be able to make effective trading decisions and increase the equity trading opportunities,” Ms Sgroi said.
[/pullquote]
Ms Sgroi said the other real-time market data would also include latest trades and other related information on equities.

She disclosed that more than 20 securities were listed on LuSE and the market data that Thomson Reuters used to provide was previously updated once a day after the market closed.

Zambia’a Stock Exchange is the latest African Exchange that Thomson Reuters has switched to real-time data, following Kenya’s Stock Exchange, the Nigerian Stock Exchange, and the Ghana Stock Exchange.

Ms Sgroi pointed out that Thomson Reuters is the first Information provider to bring real-time data from the LuSE to investment professionals throughout the world.

“Armed with the real-time information, Thomson Reuter’s clients will be able to make effective trading decisions and increase the equity trading opportunities,” Ms Sgroi said.

She said the global investors who want to invest in Zambia now have enhanced accessibility to LuSE data thereby reinforcing market transparency.

“Thomson Reuters is proud to be a part of this historic moment for the Lusaka Stock Exchange which underpins our commitment to Africa and to introducing more real-time data feeds to other African stock exchanges as the financial markets develop,” reads the statement.

FODEP dares PF/UPND pact

Headlines

editor

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September 27, 2010

36

The Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) has challenged leaders of the two opposition parties Patriotic Front (PF) and United Party for National Development (UPND) to come out in the open and state their position regarding the future of the pact.

FODEP Information Officer, Mcdonlad Chipenzi said it is not good for the two leaders to remain mute on the future of the pact while their junior leaders were issuing divisive statements.

He said what was happening in the UPND-PF pact was to a large extent because of the two leaders’ failure to state their position on its future.

Mr. Chipenzi said this in an interview with ZANIS in Lusaka today.

He said that there was currently power struggle in the pact where each political party wanted to dominate the other but stated that this was not good for democracy.

He said it is good for the leaders to state their position as doing so would help prepare the minds of their supporters.

He said there was need for honest and truthfulness from the two opposition parties if the pact was to succeed.

[pullquote]“For them to prove a point they should have been letting each other stand in the other party’s stronghold. As we know that PF is stronger in Northern Province the UPND should have contested in by-elections there while the PF contest in Southern, Western Province which is their stronghold and if they win and accept each other then we could say there is cooperation within the pact. But as it is they are trading on different waters” he said.[/pullquote]

Mr. Chipenzi has also observed that the pact seemed not to be stronger at grass root as evidenced by the two parties not supporting each other in their respective strongholds.

He said the pact should have at least on some occasion allowed the other party contest elections in each others stronghold to see how the people at grass root would support.

“For them to prove a point they should have been letting each other stand in the other party’s stronghold. As we know that PF is stronger in Northern Province the UPND should have contested in by-elections there while the PF contest in Southern, Western Province which is their stronghold and if they win and accept each other then we could say there is cooperation within the pact. But as it is they are trading on different waters” he said.

The Pact has in the recent past been involved in squabbles which is mainly emanating from other leaders in the parties.

And Press reports today indicate that the PF in Western Province have stated that they will not support the pact if their leader Michael Sata will not be the leader.

ZANIS

President Banda to continue upholding peace-Veep

General News

editor

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September 27, 2010

8

FLASHBACK: President Banda waves at Chawama residents who also witnessed the opening of the mini hospital in the township

Vice President George Kunda says the Government of President Rupiah Banda will continue upholding national peace because this is the foundation of national development.

And Mr. Kunda says President Banda’s Government is national in character because it has representation from all the nine provinces of the country.

ZANIS reports that Speaking when he addressed public meetings at Kabwe Kupela and Fikondo in Serenje’s Muchinga Constituency yesterday, Mr. Kunda said there was need for Zambians to entrust the leadership of the nation into the hands of people that can cause divisions among them.

Mr. Kunda, who is also Muchinga Constituency Member of Parliament, said President Banda has all that it takes to continue leading the country beyond 2011 because he is mature, fatherly and kind.

He said President Banda has proved to the nation and his critics that he is a performer and development oriented.

The Vice President said under the leadership of Mr. Banda, the MMD government has recorded many successes in the areas of education, health, infrastructure development among others.

“President Banda is serious. Under his leadership we have built schools, hospitals, roads, we are supporting our farmers through various programmes we have designed for them,” he explained.

Mr. Kunda further said President Banda needs the support of all progressive Zambians because he believes in doing things in an orderly manner.

The Vice President said unlike other leaders who embrace tribal tendencies, President Banda believes in the united Zambia in which citizens, regardless of their tribes view each other as brothers and sisters.

He disclosed that according to empirical studies done by scientists, there is overwhelming evidence that both the PF and UPND are tribal parties which only entertain people from the same region.

He said the two parties have achieved nothing but tribal hegemony.

And Mr. Kunda says the Lala speaking people and the rest of the people in Serenje district will forever remain grateful to President Rupiah Banda for honouring them with the position of Republican Vice president.

The Vice President said the people of his constituency and the Lala people in particular regard the honour as a sign of trust and confidence in them.

He called on all his constituents to continue supporting President Banda as a sign of gratitude for his gesture.

Mr. Kunda assured the people that Government will continue delivering on its promises because it cannot afford to take the people for granted.

ZANIS