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Direct funding of PF by Netherlands Institute for Multi-party Democracy is a concern-Katele

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MMD national secretary Katele Kalumba announcing the suspension of Gabriel Namulambe in Lusaka
MMD national secretary Katele Kalumba

MMD national secretary Katele Kalumba says the ruling party intends to write to the Netherlands Institute for Multi-party Democracy (NIMD) to express its concern about unfolding reports that the institute is allegedly funding the opposition Patriotic Front (PF) to spearhead regime change.

This follows revelations by Committee of Citizens executive director Gregory Chifire that NIMD and the PF have allegedly entered into a working relationship to directly fund the latter contrary to the memorandum of understanding (MoU) which NIMD signed with ZCID.

Dr Kalumba said yesterday in Lusaka that it would be a deceptive act by NIMD to pick on one political party and fund it directly because the MoU it signed with ZCID was done in good faith and it pledged to work with all political parties both outside and inside Parliament.

“My own view about the matter is that ZCID should not be a victim. We should find alternative funding for it. The ZCID concept is to create a good platform for resolving conflicts between political parties,” he said.

Dr Kalumba said ZCID should remain independent because it has seen a number of positive developments with one of them being the National Constitutional Conference which is its brainchild.

He appealed to well-meaning donor communities with no hidden agenda to financially support ZCID as a way of deepening inter-party dialogue and democracy in the country.

Dr Kalumba said there should be no donors to selectively sponsor political parties of their choice in order to advance certain hidden motives because ZCID is there to strengthen various political parties’ capacity.

“Selective funding of one political party by NIMD will defeat the concept upon which ZCID was founded and will mean that NIMD is not an honest partner,” he said.

Dr Kalumba said there is need for various political parties in the country to sit and find alternative ways of funding ZCID either through subscription or engagement of honest co-operating partners.

And in a statement issued on Friday, Mr Chifire alleged that the PF has entered into a working agreement with NIMD and that a separate account has already been opened to sponsor campaigns to spearhead regime change.

“Under the NIMD/ZCID MoU, the parties agreed that the NIMD shall only fund political parties that are members of the ZCID through ZCID itself in equal proportions,” he said.

And according to latest letters of correspondence between ZCID and NIMD, the latter has given the former strict benchmarks on which to access funding, failure to which the donor will suspend the aid.

In a plan of action for the contract for ZCID funding written by NIMD regional director for Africa Jasper Veen and dated April 16, 2010, ZCID has been given the requirement to fulfil before NIMD can sign a contract for this year.

“The ZCID board will ensure that its secretariat has sufficient staff capacity in place, meaning a new executive director and new programme officer are contracted before June 30, 2010.”

“ZCID will closely involve NIMD in its institutional set-up as long as it remains the main financial contributor. This entails that NIMD needs to be involved in the recruitment of new staff members,” one of the conditions reads in part.

Under the same conditions, ZCID will be required to inform NIMD about any external funding acquired and substantial changes in plans as a result of additional funding by others that will require prior approval by NIMD.

And sources said under the staff recruitment conditions given to ZCID, NIMD has already identified persons to fill positions of ZCID spokesperson and executive director and that the people for such positions should be PF sympathisers.

But when contacted for a comment on the matter, PF vice-president Guy Scott said such allegations about his party entering into a working relationship with NIMD are false and being perpetrated by MMD supporters.

Dr Scott said his party is ready to be investigated by the Anti-Corruption Commission and other agencies by checking through all PF bank accounts to see if there is any one of them with funds from NIMD.
[Zambia Daily Mail]

Millers will not reduce price of mealie meal further-MAZ

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THE Millers Association of Zambia (MAZ) has said that it will not reduce the price of mealie meal claiming the prices had a fortnight ago been reduced.

On Friday, Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Peter Daka called on the millers to reconsider the cost structure for mealie meal production and make the prices affordable to the citizens.

Mr Daka said this when he launched this year’s crop-marketing season in Monze.

In a statement in Lusaka yesterday, MAZ executive officer Harrison Banda said the association members had already reduced the prices of mealie meal by K2,000 for a 25 kilogramme bag resulting in the current price of breakfast on the Copperbelt ranging from K56,000 to K61, 500 and in Lusaka from K56, 000 to K59, 500.

“Roller meal was reduced by as much as K6,000 per 25 kg bag and is currently selling at between K36,000 and K40,000 depending on the brand and location since mealie meal is a highly competitive product,” Mr Banda said.

He said consumers should realise that this year’s maize price at K65,000 per 50 kilogramme bag was the same as for the last season, a move that saw mealie meal prices being subsidised almost throughout the year.

Mr Banda said this was despite an increase in millers carrying costs of maize stocks, which included storage, fumigation, security and finance charges.

“Most millers have stocks of the expensive maize (actual costs plus carrying costs) from the previous season to last until about June this year. It would therefore be unreasonable to expect further reductions in mealie meal prices when the base of the raw material, maize has remained constant which will go up with the carrying costs,” Mr Banda said.

He, however, said MAZ was hopeful that with the carry-over stocks from last season and the expected bumper harvest this year, there could be excess supply of maize on the market.

Mr Banda said depending on the interaction of the market supply and demand, the prices of both maize and mealie meal could come under pressure around June and July for the benefit of the consumers.

MMD not responsible for Mufumbwe violence, William Banda

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The hour has come to...MMD acting Lusaka Province Chairman William Banda addresses a meeting at Kabanana Basic School in Lusaka
MMD Lusaka Province Chairman William Banda

The Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) Lusaka Province Chairperson William Banda says the ruling party was not responsible for the violence in the just ended Mufumbwe Parliamentary by-elections.

Mr. Banda accused the opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) of allegedly causing the violence in Mufumbwe.

Mr. Banda was speaking when he addressed a meeting in Chinkuli ward in Chongwe District.

He said the MMD is a party that sees no value in violent activities because such activities only retard the development of the country.

Meanwhile, Mr. Banda has urged Chongwe residents to ensure that they support and vote for President Rupiah Banda and the MMD in next year’s tripartite elections.

He said voting for President Banda and the ruling MMD would mean continued development in Chongwe District.

Mr. Banda said this is because the ruling party is the only party with an agenda for the country’s development.

Mr. Banda said the MMD has proved itself as a reliable party going by the so many development projects in Chongwe District.

He said the government was currently constructing new school and roads in the district.

QFM

Stanchart introduces US dollar debit card

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STANDARD Chartered Bank Zambia has introduced another first on the market – the US dollar debit card that will be issued on US dollar account and can be used worldwide at more than one million Visa branded Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and any points of sale terminal.

The US dollar debit card would enable the customer to withdraw cash from their dollar account 24 hours a day, any time, anywhere.

According to a statement released by Standard Chartered area head of corporate affairs for Southern Africa Luke Njovu, the benefits include access to the account with local withdrawals accrued in Kwacha and withdrawals outside Zambia would be in respective currencies.

Customers would also enjoy the benefit of Internet and points of sale transactions to purchase products and services at Visa branded terminals, both locally and internationally.

Card holders would enjoy insurance cover for fraud, ATM cash robbery, purchase protection and personal accident death only. The US debit card would be issued to customers at no cost.

Commenting on the latest product launch, Standard Chartered Bank Zambia managing director Mizinga Melu said her bank was excited about the US dollar debit card and the greatly enhanced service and convenience it offered to customers.

“We differentiate our brand in Africa through our ability to leverage on our international expertise and product capabilities to introduce innovative services into our African markets.

“The launch of the US dollar debit card is yet another example of this competitive advantage, and further evidence that we are continuing to invest heavily in our African franchises,” Mrs Melu said.

Head of consumer banking Ralph Watungwa said the launch of the card in Zambia was the latest in a list of ‘alternative banking channels’ introduced by Standard Chartered Bank.

Bishop Paul Mususu questions the ability of ZP to maintain law and order in 2011 elections

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Former EVANGELICAL Fellowship of Zambia executive director Paul Mususu

Former evangelical fellowship EFZ executive director, Bishop Paul Mususu has questioned the ability of the Zambia Police Service to maintain law and order in next years tripartite elections, when they could not even obtain that in the Milanzi and Mufumbwe by elections.

In an interview with QFM, Bishop Mususu pointed out that the current political scenario in the atmosphere is very bad and raises a lot of concerns because not even the trained personnel have had the ability to handle the violence.

Bishop Mususu indicated that Zambia has never known the kind of violence that is currently being undertaken and what is more worrying is the failure by the police to adequately provide the security during the election period.

He indicated that one wonders how bad things will get by the end of year after witnessing such blood shed ahead of just two by elections. He expressed a lot concern over the inability of the Police force to maintain law and order.

He indicated that it is not conducive for such violence to erupt within a democratic dispensation like Zambia where laws and regulations should be respected in every process.

Bishop Mususu noted that the outbreak of the nature of violence that was reported in Mufumbwe raises a lot of concern over the Electoral Commission of Zambia plus the various other stakeholders in the electoral process.

QFM

Solwezi Central MP to surrender himself to Police

United Party for National Development (UPND) Member of Parliament (MP)for Solwezi Central Watson Lumba who has been in hiding has disclosed that he will surrender himself to Police on Monday.

According to the news monitored on Muvi TV Home Affairs’ Minister Lameck Mangani said Lumba wrote an sms message to him indicating that he would appear before police tomorrow.

Mr. Mangani disclosed that Mr Lumba was in hiding for fear of his life because he alleged that the Inspector General of Police Francis Kabonde warned that he would crush his heard.

He said the Inspector General of Police was in Mufumbwe during the by-election and could not harm his Party Leader Hakainde Hichilema and wondered why he could not crush Lumba’s heard.

Mr. Mangani said Lumba should be condemned for allegedly causing violence in the just ended Mufumbwe by-election where UPND defeated the Movement for Mult-party Democracy (MMD).
[pullquote]Mr. Mangani disclosed that Mr Lumba was in hiding for fear of his life because he alleged that the Inspector General of Police Francis Kabonde warned that he would crush his heard.[/pullquote]

“He should come out and surrender himself to Police than hiding from them,” Mr Mangani said.

Police yesterday ordered Lumba to surrender himself and answer charges for allegedly abducting a police officer in the Mufumbwe by-elections.

They warned that if Lumba failed to surrender himself they would publish his name in the media as a wanted person.

However, Patriotic Front (PF) Spokesperson Given Lubinda has described the move as scandalous for police to put an MP on the list of the most wanted person as though he was a criminal.
Mr. Lubinda said police were conducting themselves as though they were party cadres for the ruling MMD.

Shame on MMD for petitioning the Mufumbwe by-elections, Nkombo


Mazabuka central UPND Member of Parliament (MP) Gary Nkombo has said it is shameful to learn that the MMD has announced its intentions to petition the Mufumbwe election results when they had all the resources, authority, and freedom to campaign.
Mr. Nkombo has urged president Rupiah Banda to concede defeat and not to issue remarks that the Mufumbwe by-elections were not free and fair which he should not have said if the seat was won by his party.

The Mazabuka MP said in an interview this morning that it will be shameful for the ruling party to petition the Mufumbwe by-election results after they failed to win despite using all sorts of methods.

He said it was unfortunate that despite mitigating all the violence in Mufumbwe which included police brutality and the manipulation of chiefs, the MMD were still crying foul and issuing unwarranted reasons for their failure.

Mr. Nkombo noted that the opposition should have been the ones to complain over the MMD’s conduct during campaigns and alleged that the violence in Mufumbwe was blessed by president Rupiah Banda.

[pullquote]He said it was unfortunate that despite mitigating all the violence in Mufumbwe which included police brutality and the manipulation of chiefs, the MMD were still crying foul and issuing unwarranted reasons for their failure.
[/pullquote]

He said the president had camped in Mufumbwe for three days and did not strongly come out to condemn the violence but kept quiet which led to the continuation of blood shedding in the area.

Mr. Nkombo who is also UPND chairman for energy urged the president to concede defeat and stop hiding from the truth.

He said UPND was more than ready to face the MMD in court and that they would not be scared of anything.

The MP added that the winning of the Mufumbwe seat was not coincident but systematic.
[ QFM ]

Fedelis Mando takes his life.

Former Information and Broadcasting deputy minister Fedelis Mando has died.
According to the information obtained by QFM Mr. Mando committed suicide in unknown circumstances.

The late deputy minister’s unfortunate death happened in United Kingdom

More details will follow.
(QFM)

Mangani must resign – Kelly Walubita Jr

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The National Revolution Party has called for the resignation of Home Affairs Minister Lameck Mangani for what they termed as hypocrisy.

Speaking in an interview with QFM in Lusaka, National Revolution Party Secretary General Kelly Walubita Junior said it is hypocrisy for Mr. Mangani to call for the arrest of UPND Copperbelt Chairman and Solwezi Member of parliament WATSON LUMPA when the MMD cadres who stabbed Hon. Charles Kakoma were left scot free.

He said it is not right for the Minister to be selective in enforcing the law to the non MMD members in the country.

He challenged Mr. Mangani to tell the nation why the suspected MMD cadres who masqueraded as police officers did not identify themselves to the UPND cadres who beat them up in Mufumbwe.

He said if they were genuine police officers, they would have identified themselves before the cadres could pounce on them.

Meanwhile, Mr. Walubita has given Inspector General of Police Francis Kabonde 48 hours to tell the nation what the police have done to the MMD cadres who have been harassing people in Mufumbwe and Lusaka.

QFM

Rupiah lied to Bonshe’s family – Mpombo

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George Mpombo

Former Defence Minister George Mpombo has lashed out on Rupiah Banda for telling Former Deputy Home Affairs Minister Lameck Bonshe’s Family that Mpombo had informed him of the Bonshe illness when it was already late.

Mpombo who is also Kafulafuta Member of Parliament said Rupiah Banda’s Lie is Immoral and that it has no substance.

He argued that the delegation that had gone to Swaziland when Bonshe Fell ill had through him, who was leading the delegation, informed Rupiah Banda that Bonshe needed to be flown to South Africa.

He said Rupiah told him that he was going to instruct Kapembwa Simbao to make necessary arrangements for Bonshe to be evacuated.

He said Government through the Ministry of Health are responsible for arrangements of evacuations of Government officials.

He explained that he was later surprised to receive a call from the then permanent secretary in Health Ministry Velepi Mtonga that Government had no money to evacuate Bonshe to South Africa.

He said even before the Minister had left for Swaziland he had been admitted in a Chinese Clinic in the country for a Month without Government knowing.

QFM

MMD cannot concede defeat in the Mufumbwe by election-Katele

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We have suspended Namulambe...MMD national secretary Katele Kalumba during a press briefing in Lusaka
MMD national secretary Katele Kalumba

MMD national secretary Katele Kalumba yesterday said the MMD cannot concede defeat in the Mufumbwe parliamentary by-election in light of the evidence the party has.

Dr. Kalumba said the MMD would petition the results having considered the facts.

“In light of the evidence available now, we cannot concede defeat because the information now that is available to us suggests that something improper was done.

So we want to examine that with our lawyers and make a decision with respect to whether or not we take the matter to court,” Kalumba said. “I initially issued my concerns that this is a matter that the ECZ might be interested in, so I never contradicted myself.

I did express my disquiet that there was something wrong that went on there.”
Kalumba said what happened in Mufumbwe was more than a question of violence.

He said the violence in Mufumbwe was caused by the UPND who introduced what he termed as the Mapatizya formula and the MMD cadres were merely reacting.

On Friday, Kalumba said the MMD’s defeat in the Mufumbwe parliamentary by-election was expected because UPND had made “major infiltration into North Western Province”.

Kalumba said the MMD should refine its message in North-Western Province, saying the party would not give up on the province.

Meanwhile, Mazabuka central UPND Member of Parliament Gary Nkombo says it’s very shameful to learn that the MMD has announced its intentions to petition the Mufumbwe election results when they had all the resources, authority and freedom to campaign.

[pullquote]He said it is very unfortunate that despite mitigating all the violence in Mufumbwe which included police brutality and the manipulation of chiefs, the MMD were still crying foul sighting unwarranted reasons for their failure.[/pullquote]

Mr. Nkombo has urged president Rupiah Banda to concede defeat and not to issue remarks that the Mufumbwe by-elections were not free and fair which he should not have said if the seat was won by his party.

Nkombo said in an interview this morning that it will be very shameful for the ruling party to petition the Mufumbwe by-election results after they failed to win despite using all sorts of methods.

He said it is very unfortunate that despite mitigating all the violence in Mufumbwe which included police brutality and the manipulation of chiefs, the MMD were still crying foul sighting unwarranted reasons for their failure.

He said the opposition should have been the ones to complain over the MMD’s conduct during campaigns and alleged that the violence in Mufumbwe was blessed by president Rupiah Banda.

Mr. Nkombo said the president had camped in Mufumbwe for three days and did not strongly come out to condemn the violence but kept quiet which led to the continuation of blood shedding in the area.

He said the press release by president Banda over the Mufumbwe violence on Friday was misplaced saying it should have come out earlier and stronger before the elections.

Mr. Nkombo who is also UPND chairman for energy urged the president to concede defeat and stop hiding from the truth.

He said UPND was more than ready to face the MMD in court and that they would not be scared of anything.

He added that the winning of the Mufumbwe seat was not coincident but systematic.

Refuse to Worry

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TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life”
(Matthew 6:27, NIV)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Are you worrying about something today? To worry means to allow something to revolve in your mind over and over again. God doesn’t want you to live worried or anxious about anything. He knows that worry steals your peace and joy. It affects every area of your life. Have you heard the saying, “Don’t worry yourself sick?” That’s because worrying affects your physical body. It affects your sleep. You won’t ever gain anything by worrying; in fact, you’ll lose precious moments that you can never get back again. The good news is that God has promised that you can have victory over worry. It starts by making the choice to trust in Him. When you cast your cares on Him, He will give you His peace.

Decide today to put an end to worry in your life. Choose to feed your faith and fill your mind with God’s promises. As you focus on God’s Word, you’ll drive out worry and fill your heart with faith and expectancy; and you’ll be empowered to move forward into the life of blessing He has in store for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Heavenly Father, today I choose to put an end to worry in my life. I choose to feed my faith by studying Your promises and declaring Your Word over my life. Help me to totally trust in You today and every day. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Nkana Crush Zanaco’s Ego

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Promoted Nkana moved from 5th to 3rd on the Faz Super Division table after an important 1-0 home win over defending league champions Zanaco this afternoon at Wusakile stadium in Kitwe.

The 11-time league champions extended their unbeaten run to five games and have now collected 11 points out of a possible 15 along the way.

Veteran striker Douglas Chiwaya scored his fourth league goal of the season to see Nkana go to 13 points, two less than leaders Nchanga Rangers who are now only one of two teams undefeated in the top-flight this season.

The defeat was Zanaco first in the league and dents their mood ahead of their crucial must-win Champions League game against Entente Setif of Algeria this Saturday in Lusaka.

Rangers beat visiting Choma Eagles 1-0 at Nchanga stadium in Chingola this afternoon courtesy of a Danny Chama goal.

Zesco joint Rangers in the Super Division undefeated club after beating hosts’ Lusaka Dynamos 1-0 through an Enock Sakala 40th minute goal.

Power Dynamos lost their unbeaten run this season and slipped from 1st to 5th after a 2-0 away loss at Red Arrows at Nkoloma stadium in Lusaka.

Vapid Power who certainly poor today after Fordson Kabole withdrew Zimbabwean defensive midfielder Trevor Nkomo in the 41st minute were made to pay for the poor tactical change as Lameck Mwale and Joseph Sitali struggled with that void.

Arrows reigned thereafter with impunity in the middle of the park and won a controversial penalty in the 43rd minute after Jimmy Ndhlovu fluffed his shot and dug his boot into the ground and subsequently tripped.

However, referee Wellington Kaoma awarded a penalty that Dube Phiri stepped up to convert.

Phiri, a former Power reject, made it 2-0 in the 58th minute after a intercepting a poor back pass from Junior international midfielder Mukuka Mulenga to Daudi Musekwa on the edge of the box to rifle the ball pasted goalkeeper Rabson Muchelen’nganga.

Arrows moved from 4th to 2nd on the table.

Green Buffaloes dispatched Kabwe Warriors to their second successive league defeat and secured their win thanks to John Musukwa goal.

In the days other league games, Nkwazi recorded their first league win of the season after a 2-1  victory away to Forest Rangers and Konkola won 2-1 on the road at National Assembly at Woodlands stadium.

[standings league_id=15 template=extend logo=false]

Register as a voter if you want change, Guy Scott

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Patrotic Front Lusaka central MP Guy Scott casting his ballot during mayoral elections in Lusaka

The patriotic front Vice president Guy Scot has seriously called on Zambians to register as voters if they want change.

Dr. Scot said that the for the sake of the future of this county, Zambians should take part in the electoral process of the country.

He said that it does not make sense for most people to condemn and commend on national affairs if they are not registered voters.

He told QFM that Zambians should fulfill their civic responsibility of encouraging each other to register as voters.

He added that stakeholders in Zambia should mobilize their members to register as voters.

Dr. Scot said that the stakeholders must take the registration of voters seriously and sensitize as many people as they can to ensure the ECZ achieves its target.

He added that if Zambians want the Patriotic Front-United Party for National Development PACT to run the affairs of the country, the only sure way is to participate in the electoral process.

He advised Zambians to brave the challenges that might be faced in accessing the national registration cards.

QFM

PF convention will not be democratic, Machungwa

PF leader Michael Sata
Patriotic Front (PF) Member of Parliament from Luapula province Peter Machungwa has charged that the party’s convention scheduled for the end of this year will not be democratic.
Dr Machungwa pointed out that PF leader Michael Sata has already declared himself the party’s president even before he has been subjected to the convention.

Mr Machungwa said it would be pointless for the PF to go to the convention when Mr Sata has already declared himself the President of the party.

He accused Mr Sata of having abandoned the goals and dreams the party had for the country and replacing them with his personal goals.

Meanwhile his Kawambwa counterpart Elizabeth Chitika said she would finish her mandate as an MP under the PF party.

Ms Chitika said she has the support of the people of Kawambwa behind her despite falling out of favour with the party.

Meanwhile the two MPs have said that former second republican President Dr Fredrick Chiluba is welcome to grace the forthcoming consultative meeting for Members of Parliament and chiefs of Luapula Province.

The duo said Dr Chiluba as any other former head of state has a right to grace any occasion.
[ QFM ]