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As the Mpulungu and Chilanga parliamentary by-elections kicked off this morning, various stakeholders are taking part in ensuring that the electoral process runs smoothly.
Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) Executive Director Charity Musamba has said her organization sent a team of election monitors to both constituencies.
Dr. Musamba said election results are not only determined by voters but also by the voting environment.
And Dr. Musamba has advised electorates in both Mpulungu and Chilanga to turn up in numbers as their vote would be make of change to improve democracy.
Pupils at Nyilamba Basic School in Zambezi district have started shunning school in preference for catching caterpillars also known as ‘vinkubala’.
Headmaster of the school, Chrispin Kaundula said the pupils mostly in lower grades have stopped attending school for almost a month as they have gone with their parents to collect caterpillars in the bush.
He said classes for lower grades have been closed because of this development.
This came to light when Gender and Women in Development Minister, Sarah Sayifwanda who is also Zambezi East Member of Parliament (MP) visited the school on her continued tour of developmental projects in her constituency.
Mr. Kaundula noted that the school is usually affected around this time of the year as parents migrate with their children to far way areas in the forest of Zambezi in search of caterpillars.
He said caterpillar selling is the many business for people in the area as they exchange with second hand clothes and other goods while some sell in cash to traders who come from as far as Congo DR and Lusaka.
Meanwhile census enumerators in the area have also complained that they are finding it difficulty to count people in the villages because most of them are out collecting caterpillars.
Nyilamba area Census Supervisor Milimo Moombe said the enumerators were finding it difficulty as they could hardly found anyone in some of the villages.
“We have been facing challenges in counting the people because there are no people to count in most villages, am told they go into the bush to catch caterpillars.” he said.
First Republican President Dr Kenneth Kaunda has appealed to Zambians regardless of their political affiliation to continue maintaining peace and stability which the country has enjoyed for the past 46years.
Dr Kaunda said there is need for Zambians to continue maintaining peace and stability in the nation for development to take place.
He said this during the 46th independence Celebrations held at the Lusaka show grounds today.
The 46th Independence was celebrated under the theme “Consolidating our independence through food security.”
The First Republican President noted that it is important for Zambians to embrace each other and following God’s commandment of loving one’s neighbor as oneself.
Dr Kaunda stressed that if the commandment is followed, the country will continuously enjoy genuine peace, adding that where commandments are not followed there will be destruction and death.
And Opposition United Liberal Party (ULP) has condemned opposition Patriotic Front (PF) and the United Party for National Development (UPND) who have kept on shunning national functions such as independence celebrations.
[pullquote]
He said the absence of PF and UPND leaders, Michael Sata and Hakainde Hichilema from the independence celebrations at the show grounds today was manifest of personal differences and acrimony with the ruling Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD).[/pullquote]
ULP Secretary General, Langton Sichone, said independence celebrations should transcend all political differences because it was about liberation from colonialism.
Mr. Sichone said in an interview with ZANIS during independence celebrations in the Show Grounds today that such functions should be used as a platform to reconcile from all differences.
“Basically all freedoms, be it social, economic, cultural and political are anchored on independence because it reminds us about our struggle,” he said.
He said the absence of PF and UPND leaders, Michael Sata and Hakainde Hichilema from the independence celebrations at the show grounds today was manifest of personal differences and acrimony with the ruling Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD).
He expressed surprise that even Mr. Sata, who was once in the MMD, has chosen not to attend the national functions such as independence.
Mr. Sichone said all political parties contesting the October 25 Chilanga and Mpulungu by-elections should have attended the independence celebration functions to show their support for unity among political parties.
He said lack of coming together on state functions were contributing to the violence that takes place in some constituencies during by-elections because the public see nothing but enmity among political parties.
Mr. Sichone has since cautioned youths against emulating such leaders because they were not exhibiting the spirit of co-existence amid differences in political affiliations.
“Young men and women must not be led into believing that this celebration is about enmity but rather look at it positively and help the country to inculcate the spirit of responsibility,” he said.
He said Zambian youths should also be given an opportunity to be in leadership of Zambia without political biasness,” he said.
This year’s independence was being celebrated under the theme “Consolidating our independence through food security”.
A COMBINED team of Petauke Council officials and state police yesterday swung into action and burnt carcasses of cattle weighing over 1570 Kilograms suspected to have been smuggled from neighboring Mozambique.
The destroying of the meat was as a result of lack of proper documentation by the owner Edison Kabimba who lacked a health permit.
Petauke Council Health Inspector Robbie Kambwambwa said the move is meant to ensure that meat in transit does not transmit diseases to other animals.
Mr. Kambwambwa also stated that the cattle were slaughtered in an unclean conditions which can pose a health hazard to consumers of the meat.
He noted that cattle must be slaughtered in an abattoir and not elsewhere for health reasons.
And Petauke district Veterinary Officer Dr. Chrisborn Mubambe suspected illegal dealings in the acquisition of the cattle because the owner was trying to evade the council in the process.
Dr. Mubambe said even the transport used by the owner, Kabimba to transport the meat was not recommended as it exposed the meat to infections which can affect the health of the public.
Mr Kabimba said he saw nothing wrong in the whole process because he and his friends have been conducting cattle business in the district for a long time now.
He said there was nothing illegal in his possession of the carcasses adding that he exchanged the nine heads of cattle with a harmer mill worthy K21 million with a farmer in Chief Mumbi’s area.
Minister of Labour and Social Security Austin Liato has called on employees in the country to join unions for them to be well represented on labour issues.
Mr. Liato said employers should ensure that they join existing unions if their problems are to receive the necessary attention from relevant authorities in the country.
He was speaking in Lusaka last evening at the second Zambia Federation of Employers (ZFE) award giving ceremony held at Taj Pamodzi Hotel.
Mr. Liato also expressed sadness at the shooting of some workers at the Chinese Collum Coal Mine in Sinazongwe district recently by two mine managers.
He said that government is handling the matter and will soon be reaching a conclusion that will ensure that the incident does not repeat itself.
Mr Liato further said his Ministry will start sensitizing employers in the country on how to treat their workers.
And ZFE Director George Chabwera expressed sadness at the shooting of workers at the Chinese Collum Coal Mine in Sinazongwe District recently.
Dr. Chabwera said his organization regrets what happened in Sinazongwe and that it should never be the case between employers and employee
President Rupiah Banda today led hundreds of Zambians in celebrating Zambia’s 46th Independence Day in Lusaka.
The celebrations which were held at Lusaka’s show ground in the main arena were attended by First Republican President Dr. Kenneth Kaunda, former freedom fighters Grey Zulu, Zanco Mphundu Mutembo among other freedom fighters.
It was mesmerized by the cutting of the Independence Day cake by President Banda who shared it with guests at the function.
[pullquote]Other notable persons who attended this year’s celebration include, former Vice President Enoch Kavindele, opposition Zambia Republican Party (ZRP) leader Ben Mwila, New Revolution Party (NRP) leader Cosmo Mumba among others.[/pullquote]
Other notable persons who attended this year’s celebration include, former Vice President Enoch Kavindele, opposition Zambia Republican Party (ZRP) leader Ben Mwila, New Revolution Party (NRP) leader Cosmo Mumba among others.
Members of the diplomatic corps, cabinet ministers and their deputies, defence chiefs and personnel, also attended the celebration.
The celebrations were also characterized by dances from different dance groups with a guest group coming from Botswana.
Other dances and songs where from the combined defence and security forces choir, traditional dances from Zambezi Source Cultural Group of Mwinilunga, Kulamba Cultural group from Kanyama in Lusaka who performed the famous Gule wa-mukulu dance from the Eastern Province among others.
This years Independence Day celebration was held under the theme; Consolidating Our Independence Through Food Security.
And Former Vice President Enoch Kavindele has called on Zambians to use the existing peace as a tool for development.
Mr. Kavindele said Zambia has continued to enjoy peace in the last 46 years and that Zambians should take advantage if this to develop the country.
[pullquote]He noted that if the opposition political parties are talking of being in power next year then they must show responsibility by attending important national functions such as the Independence Day.
[/pullquote]
He called on Zambians to also embrace and appreciate each other to avoid confrontation.
And Secretary to the Cabinet Joshua Kanganja says Independence Day should be celebrated by all Zambians regardless of political affiliation.
Mr. Kanganja said celebrating independence has nothing to do with politics and everyone regardless of their political attachment is entitled to take part in the celebrations.
[pullquote]Mr. Kavindele said Zambia has continued to enjoy peace in the last 46 years and that Zambians should take advantage if this to develop the country.[/pullquote]
Speaking in an interview with ZANIS in Lusaka today at the Independence Day celebrations, Mr. Kanganja observed that it was unfortunate for opposition political parties to shun the event as it was a moment for them to show their leadership.
He noted that if the opposition political parties are talking of being in power next year then they must show responsibility by attending important national functions such as the Independence Day.
Others who attended the celebrations were First Republican President Dr .Kenneth Kaunda, veteran politician Grey Zulu, other freedom fighters, members of the diplomatic corps, Ministers and senior government officials among others.
Defending champions Power Dynamos have been knocked out of this year’s Barclays Cup by Zesco United in a dramatic semifinal clash played today at Arthur Davies Stadium in Kitwe.
Power imploded in a game that they dominated for most of the first half before Zesco hit back against the run of play in the closing stages of the first half.
Midfielder Kondwani Mtonga tapped in a corner from close range with Power’s defenders nowhere in sight in the 44th minute.
A minute later, Clifford Chiplao skipped past two Power defenders to chip the ball over his former Kalulushi Modern Stars team mate Evans Mwewa.
Zesco took control of affairs after the break but were reduced to 10 men after Chileshe Kangwa was sent off by referee Jan Sikazwe for rough play in the 77th minute.
However, three minutes later Power too was down to 10 men after Chiyesu Sakafunfya also saw red.
Zesco will face Zanaco in the final after the latter beat promoted Lime
Hostpurs 5-4 on post-match penalties after a scoreless draw.
Meanwhile in the league, Lusaka Dynamos days in the Super Division continue to look bleak after losing 1-0 away to Red Arrows today at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka.
Across town at Edwin Emboela Stadium, Nkwazi and Choma Eagles played out finished 1-1.
FAZ Super Division
Week 28
23/10/2010
Nchanga Rangers 1(Aubrey Funga)-Green Buffaloes 2(John Musukwa, Dennis Banda)
Forest Rangers 0-Kabwe Warriors 1(Maunga Kabuku)
25/10/2010
Nkana-National Assembly
24/10/2010
Red Arrows 1-Lusaka Dynamos 0
Nkwazi 1-Choma Eagles 1
27/10/2010
Zanaco-Konkola Blades
Roan United-Zesco United
City of Lusaka-Power Dynamos
[standings league_id=15 template=extend logo=false]
UPND president Hakainde Hichilema (Right)
United Party for National Development (UPND) president, Hakainde Hichilema has charged that President,Rupiah Banda’s government has eroded the nation’s political will to fight against graft.
In his message on Zambia’s 46th independence anniversary, Mr. Hichilema explained that the removal of the abuse of office clause from the ACC act, the dissolution of the task force and the refusal to register the London high court judgment in the country symbolizes the end to a once upon genuine commitment to fighting corruption.
He said his acts represent a clear signal that the current government intends to promote and perpetuate plunder of national resources through the abuse of public office.
Meanwhile, Mr. Hichilema has also challenged government to re-instate the windfall tax on mines to allow the general citizenry share in the down turn and up-turn of the mineral prices.
He said that the mining industry which constitutes a larger sector of the economy is still not contributing as much in taxes to the nation’s revenue basket.
Mr. Hichilema also noteed that there are serious challenges in the nation’s crop marketing process that need to be addressed with urgency in order to allow the country’s economy financially benefit from it and remain food secure.
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father…”
(James 1:17, NKJV)
TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria
God has so many good and perfect gifts in store for you. Not only does He offer eternal life through His Son, Jesus, but the Bible is filled with His generous and abundant promises in this life. He wants to bless you with provision and supply all your needs according to His riches in glory. He wants to pour out His abundant favor on you and cause everything you touch to prosper. He wants to bless you with spiritual gifts and make you strong in your inner man. He wants you to enjoy your job and be proud of your work each day. These are all gifts from God.
Every good gift from God is meant to draw us closer to Him. Often times, people have an idea about God based on past experiences. But today, I encourage you to let go of old mindsets and see God according to His Word. He is good and faithful, and He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him! Seek Him today and experience the life of blessing He has in store for you!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father in heaven, thank You for Your good and perfect gifts. I open my heart to You today and ask that You help me see Your goodness so that I can know You more. Fill me with Your peace and joy as I follow You all the days of my life. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
An Independence Message from the Citizens Democratic Party
Today we mark 46 years of self-rule. We say self rule as it is clear that true independence does not wholly apply to our potentially great nation’s current situation. We are still fighting for our independence- indeed the struggle continues. In 1964, many of our great sons of Africa and particularly Zambia fought hard to abolish an unjust system designed to benefit a few on the backs of the majority. The fight of 1964 was not and will never be in vain, thus on this day we will do well to honor these great sons and daughters of Zambia. Imagine the irony and sacrifice of being imprisoned to ensure freedom for others. From their hurt and pain we gained a nation you and I call Zambia to which we all now belong to as Zambians. Freedom is now in our possession, yet true independence is still our purpose.
When our nation’s founding fathers and mothers fought for our freedom, it did not mean then, nor does it mean now in 2010 that the work was completed. As already stated true independence is still lacking. Citizens we inherited this freedom not just to correct the absurdity of colonialism, but most importantly to take responsibility for the direction our nation should go. Today, you and I right at this moment can never make claim to the hard-fought struggle of the past and get credit for it. But we can make great claim to our future and get credit for it. And despite the difference of time, there is one thing and one thing only that will forever bind us who are living today with our freedom fighters. Citizens there can be no doubt that on that victorious Saturday on October 24th 1964, there was and still is a Zambia that we still want. And on this day that we are reflecting on 46 years of self-rule we are still wanting this Zambia that was envisioned on Saturday October 24th 1964. Indeed, if we could sit down and chat with Dr. Kenneth Kaunda, or Mama Kankasa, or Simon Kapwepwe, and the Chachacha freedom fighters, they will tell us we are not yet truly independent. They will tell you and me that they have played their part, and this generation has the responsibility of getting to the Zambia we wanted on Independence Day of 1964.
the future of Zambia
There is a Zambia we wanted then, and a Zambia we want now. And the Zambia we want will begin with abolishing this system of rule that has been carried over from colonialism, where power lies in the hands of a few people, for their own benefit. The freedom that was fought for was not supposed to be a freedom that replaced the colonialists with a small group of Zambians in Lusaka continuing to rule with the same impunity of colonialists. No and no again! Unfortunately, the design of the current system of our self-rule is as such. Again this is our Zambia, and you and me should be given a proper chance to contribute to our nation’s discourse that was not available during colonialism. The Citizens Democratic Party insists that by proper and immediate decentralization power will be brought closer to the right ful owners- the people. The very communities you and I live in should be empowered to move our country forward- after all isn’t that what true independence entails?
Unfortunately, Zambia today is being ruled in the same fashion of colonialist tactics, under the guise of a heavily centralized de facto one party governance system, as was the case with colonialism. Our governance system has resulted in decision making that does not benefit the majority. This fellow citizens, explains why today the majority of our people live as an oppressed people in their own country. This is why today foreign conglomerates are able to wantonly rape our country of its resources, and shoot Zambian workers whilst they are at it. This is why today Zambians cannot possess the great wealth of this land themselves. We are bearing the fruit of a governance system that has never and will never be what our freedom fighters fought for. This is not the Zambia we wanted.
Chinese Collum Coal Mine workers picking coal without protective clothes 46 years after independence
As the Citizens Democratic Party, we are very much alive to the dreams and aspirations of independence, and the Zambia we wanted. We are going to have to start somewhere; otherwise our true independence will not come. The Zambia we want lies in making bold solid changes to the governance system that will free up the great potential of communities who are empowered to make the best out of their situation- that is proper decentralization. We urge every Zambian not to abdicate their responsibility to our nation that was borne out of our successful freedom struggle. On this 46th anniversary of self-rule, we encourage each and every shareholder to this land of ours to work towards the Zambia we want! The independence struggle continues.
Editors note: Feel free to send in your Independence day celebration pictures to Webmaster AT Lusakatimes DOTcom
The late Mpulungu Member of Parliament Lameck Chibombamilimo
The Anti Voter Apathy project (AVAP) Executive Director, Bonnie Tembo has warned that the words that were uttered in the speech that republican president, Rupiah Banda used when he fired former mpulungu member of parliament, Lameck Chibombamilimo from the position of deputy energy minister, will haunt the MMD.
Mr. Tembo has observed that the MMD has a slim chances of scooping the Mpulungu by-election because the fact that Mr. Chibombamilimo was unceremoniously fired from president Banda’s cabinet, is still fresh on the minds of the people.
Mr. Tembo said the PF’s decision to use a recorded speech of what president Banda when he fired Mr. Chibombamilimo as a campaign strategy against them, would have a negative impact on the MMD’s performance.
He ,however, registered a general complaint of participating political parties’ failure to uphold the electoral code of conduct.
The AVAP Director accused the ruling party of using a lot of government vehicles in their party campaigns and failing to draw a line on party and governments business lines.
Mr. Tembo oted that Mpulungu people seem geared and ready for the poll day.
[ QFM ]
Youths in Mongu this morning protested against Police officers who were stopping them from an unlawful assembly.
The youths explained to the police officers that their meeting was to discuss the omission of the Barotse agreement of 1964 in the draft constitution.
In the process of stopping them from assembling unlawfully, the youths started throwing stones at police officers and wounded one of them.
The youths allegedly burnt a motor vehicle registration number AAP 3277 belonging to Misheck Kolobeka which was hired by MTN Zambia for their sensitization shows.
The youths also vandalized Kalemoni and town market police posts and freed all detainees from the police cells.
They have also removed flags from schools and at the stadium where the inter trades sports competition are taking place.
The youths have further threatened to beat up anyone who will be holding independence activities tomorrow.
Efforts to find out the condition of the police officer who was wounded proved futile by press time as he was out in the field for duties.
United Party for National Development (UPND) leader Hakainde Hichilema has hailed the Zambian people and successive governments for their efforts and hard work in maintaining peace in the last 45 years.
He has also called on Zambians to take this time to reflect on the priceless sacrifices that the country’s founding fathers made for independence.
He said the people of Zambia especially the young people owe a huge debt to founding fathers which will never be paid back until they join a national crusade to participate in the country’s affairs.
Mr. Hakainde said this in a statement released to ZANIS today on Zambia’s 46 Independence celebrations which falls tomorrow.
Zambia tomorrow celebrates its 46th whose theme; is Consolidating Our Independence through Food Security’.
President Rupiah Banda embraces his Malawian counterpart Bingu Wa Mutarika
President Rupiah Banda has arrived back in the country from Malawi where he went to witness the official launch of the Nsanje World Inland Port on Shire River.
The President arrived this evening at Lusaka international Airport at 18:25 hrs aboard the Presidential Challenger.
He was welcomed by Home Affairs Minister Mkhondo Lungu, Science and Technology Minister Peter Daka, Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane, Service Chiefs and other senior government officials.
The Nsanje World Inland Water Port is part of the US$ 6 billion Shire/Zambezi waterway project and opens the Shire waterway from Malawi’s inland port of Nsanje to the Indian Ocean port of Mozambique, a distance of 238km.
[pullquote] He charged that there were a lot of political critics in many African countries, including Zambia, who were bent on only opposing whatever good policies presidents were fostering with a view of derailing economic development and winning cheap politics.[/pullquote]
The new port is expected to reduce costs of goods and services for landlocked countries like Zambia and Zimbabwe by at least 60 percent, according to Nsanje District Commissioner, Rodney Simwaka.
Earlier, President Rupiah Banda said African leaders must be stubborn if they are to develop their countries and improve living standards of their people.
President Banda said time was gone when African leaders were wasting time listening to critics and doing what they wish at the expense of economic development and welfare of the citizenry.
Mr Banda said this in Nsanje district of Malawi before witnessing the official launch of the Nsanje World Inland Port by Malawian President, Ngwazi Professor Bingu wa Mutharika this afternoon.
He charged that there were a lot of political critics in many African countries, including Zambia, who were bent on only opposing whatever good policies presidents were fostering with a view of derailing economic development and winning cheap politics.
He said the best way to foster development was to pay a deaf ear to such people and focus boldly on policies that would benefit the country and its people.
The President thanked Prof Wa Mutharika for taking a bold decision to construct a multi-billion dollar port which he said was going to benefit Zambia in particular and the central and southern African region at large.
And Malawian President, Prof Bingu Wa Mutharika thanked SADC leaders and other cooperating partners for what he called the dream-come-true about on the Nsanje World Inland Port.
Prof Wa Mutharika said the opening of the port was phase one of the project, saying the next stage was to create a dry port, rehabilitate the railway line which connects Zambia through the Chipata/Mchinji railway line, open an international airport and create investment opportunities for banks, hotels and other facilities.
The Malawian President revealed that his other dream was to see a fast train running from Blantyre to Bulawayo via Zambia to enhance speedy movement of goods and passengers among the central African countries.
He noted that time had come for African countries to be economically independent rather than sticking to post colonial mentality of begging for help from donors even when they could stand on their own.
Speaking at the same function, Zimbabwean President, Robert Mugabe advised African countries to be wary of foreign investors who come with ill-intentions in the name of donors.
Mr Mugabe observed that most so-called investors infiltrate Africa to destroy local economies and oppress indigenous people rather than helping them.
He urged African leaders to seriously scrutinize every investor entering their countries, saying others are not needed.
Esther Phiri returns to Miami next month for a training camp ahead of her WIBA title fight defence against Lely Luz Florez of Colombia in January.
The boxers’ chief sponsors National Milling Company (NMC) announced on Thursday that Esther and her manager/trainer Anthony Mwamba travel to Miami in mid-November.
NMC managing director Peter Cottan said Ether and Mwamba will be in Miami for two months and will only return home after Christmas.
This will be Esther second training stint in Miami in April to prepare for her WIBA title fight against Duda Yankovich.
Esther will face Flores on January 29 at Mulungushi International Conference Centre.
Flores has a 19-professional fight career with 15 wins, four defeats and has no draws.
