FORMER President, Dr Frederick Chiluba, has urged the people of Luapula Province to unite and speak with one voice if they are to overcome the numerous challenges they face.

And Dr Chiluba was yesterday given a thunderous welcome at Mansa Hotel, the venue for an inaugural provincial consultative forum for members of parliament and traditional leaders of the Province.

The former President received a similar rousing welcome on Friday night when he arrived in Mansa from Lusaka.

Dr Chiluba said unity and co-operation are the only ways in which the province will find solutions to difficulties.

[pullquote]“Why should people question my coming here to Luapula Province where I come from? Without Luapula there could have been no Chiluba. Surely can’t I even visit my home province,” Dr Chiluba asked.[/pullquote]

Officially opening the consultative forum, Dr Chiluba said: “This is a big meeting and it will help in bringing development to this province, and development can only come through such gatherings.”

He said the meeting will help to establish the needs for the province and these will be presented to government. Dr Chiluba wondered why some opposition politicians criticised his invitation to the meeting.

“Why should people question my coming here to Luapula Province where I come from? Without Luapula there could have been no Chiluba. Surely can’t I even visit my home province,” Dr Chiluba asked.

He said his visit to the province has sent shivers in the opposition rank and file but he assured that he was not in Luapula to campaign but to thank the chiefs and MPs for the support he received when he was being prosecuted for seven years.

He revealed that PF president Michael Sata asked him to campaign for him in the 2006 Presidential election and in the event that the PF won, he would drop the court cases.

Dr Chiluba said he turned down the offer and asked Mr Sata to allow the court process to take its course.

“So why should Sata today say that my cases should continue when he came to me and promised to end the cases if I supported him? This shows that he does not understand the governance system of the country,” Dr Chiluba said.

He urged the people of Luapula Province to support President Banda in the forthcoming 2011 elections because he was a working President.

“I have not come here to campaign but to thank the MPs and chiefs that supported me during the seven years I was in court for offences I did not commit, so the opposition should not panic.” Dr Chiluba said.
He also wondered why some people in the province are supporting a person who has failed to become head of state on three attempts.

[pullquote]“So why should Sata today say that my cases should continue when he came to me and promised to end the cases if I supported him? This shows that he does not understand the governance system of the country,” Dr Chiluba said.[/pullquote]

Dr Chiluba arrived in Mansa on Friday night to a thunderous welcome by hundreds of residents. Police had a tough time in controlling the ecstatic crowd.
Meanwhile, traditional leaders have commended MPs in the province for organising the consultative forum.

Luapula Province Chiefs committee chairman, Chief Chisunka, said the traditional leaders in the province are happy that what was proposed last year in October has come to fruition.

“We want to commend our MPs for this initiative which will bring development to the province. Such meetings should continue instead of chiefs and MPs working in isolation,” Chief Chisunka said.

He wondered why some opposition party leaders were opposed to such a consultative forum.

Chief Chisunka said such meetings should be held frequently for the benefit of the people.

Speaking earlier, organising committee chairman Mwansa Mbulakulima said the criticism by some opposition politicians will not discourage the MPs and traditional leaders in the province from discussing development issues.

“We shall not relent because this is what we discussed when we met after the Chabuka ceremony. We are glad that this meeting has been held. This is good for the development of Luapula Province,” Mr Mbulakulima said.

PF Kawambwa Central Member of Parliament Elizabeth Chitika-Molobeka said the meeting will help enhance development.

Among chiefs that attended the forum were the Mwata Kazembe, Kashiba, Puta, Kasoma Lwela, Kayembo, Munkanta and all the sub chiefs from the province.

Other MPs in attendance included Mr Besa Chimbaka (Bahati), Mr Ernest Mwansa (Chifunabuli), Dr Kalombo Mwansa (nominated), Dr Peter Machungwa (Luapula), Mr Joseph Kasongo (Bangweulu), Dr Bernard Chishya (Pambashe), Mr Chrispine Musosha (Mansa Central), Mr Ben Mwila (Nchelenge), Dr Katele Kalumba (Chiengi) and Mr John Chinyanta (Mambilima).

[Zambia Daily Mail]

GOVERNMENT will deal with opposition political parties intent on destabilising peace and unity ahead of the 2011 general elections, Vice-President George Kunda has warned.

And Mr Kunda has said the political alliance between the Patriotic Front (PF) and the United Party for National Development (UPND) is a “pact of total darkness and violence.”

Speaking when he addressed hundreds of Mansa residents who turned up to welcome him at Mansa airport in Luapula Province yesterday, Mr Kunda said government will not allow violence in the country especially that which leads to loss of lives and property.

“We have seen what violence has done to other nations globally, especially, when lives are lost and I am warning those destabilising the peace and unity of the country that government will deal with them in order to protect the lives of our people,” Mr Kunda said.

The Vice-President said the violence in the run-up to the Mufumbwe parliamentary by-election recently should not be repeated as the country approaches general elections.

Mr Kunda wondered why the opposition is proud of the ‘Mapatizya formula’ which is associated with violence.

“This so-called Mapatizya formula is a violent system which if not checked can lead to loss of lives. The international community gets concerned when lives of people are lost through violence in the country,” Mr Kunda said.

The Vice-President also said government will continue to consult former President Frederick Chiluba on many national issues affecting the country.

He said the MMD government will not be embarrassed by consulting the former Head of State because having served as Republican President, President Chiluba has a lot of wisdom.

Mr Kunda wondered why the opposition should politicise the invitation of Dr Chiluba by the organising committee of a provincial consultative forum which opened yesterday and is being attended by Luapula Province traditional leaders.

“Dr Chiluba’s presence at the provincial consultative forum has sent shivers in the opposition,” Mr Kunda said.

He said government will also continue to partner with traditional leaders for the development of the country.

He said chiefs play a key role in the development of the country hence the need for government and the traditional leaders to work together.

Mr Kunda said Luapula Province has a lot of economic potential in tourism, mining and agriculture.

He commended Luapula Province members of Parliament for organising the consultative forum with traditional chiefs.

Speaking earlier, Luapula Province Minister Boniface Kawimbe said Government has continued to address the many challenges that the people in the province face.

Dr Kawimbe said a number of developmental projects are being implemented for the benefit of the people.
These include the Samfya District Hospital and school projects in Milenge district.

[Zambia Daily Mail]

The Southern Africa Centre for Constructive Resolution of Disputes(SACCORD) has accused Republican President, Rupiah Banda of playing double standards in dealing with political violence in the country.

The organization has also questioned the national leader’s authenticity in fighting against political violence in the country.

Commenting on Lusaka provincial chairman, William Banda’s decision to send over 2500 ruling Movement for Multi party Democracy MMD youths to Luapula province, to counter any violence, SACCORD information officer, Obby Chibuluma says that it is surprising that President Banda seems to have not take note of that action.

Mr. Chibuluma indicates that president Banda did assure Zambians that the MMD would never engage in violence and it is very shameful that he has decided to keep quite over the transportation youths.

He says that President Banda should have stuck to his word and recalled the youths who have been sent to Luapula in order avoid the situation in Mufumbwe recurring.

Mr. Chibuluma has also challenged government to allow an independent board to inquire over the violence in Mufumbwe.

QFM

Republican president, Rupiah Banda has held a closed-door meeting with 13 traditional leaders from Copper-belt Province at State House to discuss a number of issues pertaining to development in their area.

President Banda met the traditional leaders following their request to meet the Head of State to discuss issues of development.

The meeting discussed among other issues, the road network in Copper-belt, especially in rural areas, rural electrification programme, construction of schools and mining activities.

President Banda thanked the traditional leaders for the initiative to discuss various developmental issues with him.

He said the spirit of dialogue between Government and traditional leaders should be encouraged in order to foster development in the country.

And the traditional leaders promised to continue supporting the Government of President Banda.

The 13 traditional leaders who attended the meeting include, Chieftainess Lesa, Malembeka, and Shimukunani.

Others are, Chief Nkana, Shibuchinga, Mukutuma, Nkambo, Lupuma, Kalunkumya, Fungulwe, Machiya and Ndubeni.

President Banda was accompanied to the meeting by Local Government and Housing Minister Hon. Kazonga, MP, Permanent Secretary Timothy Hakuyu and some Government Officials from the House of Chiefs.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”
(Romans 12:2, NKJV)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Did you know that you life will move in the direction of your most dominant thoughts? If you’re constantly down on yourself thinking you’ll never get ahead, then you won’t. But if you’ll choose to believe that you are an overcomer, that you have victory up ahead, that God has good things in store for your future; then that’s what you’ll end up with.

That’s why it’s so important to make sure our thoughts are the same as God’s thoughts. Just like a computer, whatever you allow into your mind is what will come out in your attitude and actions. The more you meditate on God’s Word, the more you will transform your thinking to be like God’s thinking.

Choose today to focus on the Word of God and allow your mind to be renewed. As you focus on God’s thoughts, you will see your actions become more like Him and you will see His hand of blessing in every area of your life.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Heavenly Father, I submit to you all that I am. I ask that you renew my mind by the Word of God so that my thoughts are Your thoughts. Transform me into Your image. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

United Party for National Development (UPND) Namwala member of Parliament Robby Chizyuka says his party president Hakainde Hichilema is scared of holding a convention because he knows that he will be voted out of office.

Major Chizyuka said Mr Hichilema can never make the UPND win the 2011 elections hence his clinging on to power as party president.

He noted that the UPND is being lead by a leader who cannot cross any bridge because he is unpopular.

He said it is very sad that the party leadership has decided not to hold the convention ahead of the 2011 elections because five years have elapsed.

Maj. Chizyuka accused Mr Hichilema of adopting Mr Sata’s tactics.

“It is unfortunate that HH has adopted king cobra’s undemocratic manners by refusing to hold a convention,” Maj. Chizyuka said.

He said it is the tradition of UPND to hold elections every five years and that defying the party’s constitution will set a bad precedence.

He said UPND is not a personal kantemba (kiosk) because it was founded by people who respected the tradition of holding conventions.

Maj. Chizyuka said Zambia should be wary of leaders like Mr Hichilema and Mr Sata because they have the ability to change the constitution to suit their interests.

PF secretary general Wynter Kabimba recently announced that the party convention has been set for October this year.

[Zambia Daily Mail]

By Elias Munshya wa Munshya

At independence in 1964 Zambia’s first president naively thought that Zambia had entered a new era of post-tribal politics. Kaunda had managed to convince the Litunga to have Barotseland proceed to independence with the rest of Zambia as one nation. He had also managed to bring the churches together to form the UCZ which he inaugurated barely four months into power. His United National Independence Party was the principal brand of unity. The national motto was quickly hoisted to be “One Zambia One Nation.” For Kaunda, he had achieved his dream; a united Zambia had been formed.

However, just three years into power, Kaunda realised that the Zambian tribes were not as united as he had thought. The first post independence UNIP convention saw a very bitter tribal fight. The Bemba—Tonga pact had at the UNIP convention bitterly defeated the Lozi—Nyanja alliance. Kapwepwe was elected UNIP’s vice-President to the consternation of Kaunda and Kamanga an easterner had been defeated In fact, it was during this time, that some UNIP members started doubting Kaunda’s loyalty to the Bemba tribe since he had Malawian parentage. Kaunda knew very well that he needed to do something more to overcome this new era of tribalism that had started to engulf the nation.

To overcome this, Kaunda retraced and reemphasized his loyalty as a Bemba subject of Chief Nkula in Chinsali. He also made a point to try and persuade Kapwepwe to step aside since two Bembas could not possibly hold two top positions in both UNIP and the government. Kapwepwe reluctantly obliged and Kaunda quickly brought in Mainza Chona, a Southerner to replace Kapwepwe. But this deeply displeased Kapwepwe and several other Bemba hegemonists, who latter proceeded to found the UPP, a party mainly popular in Luapula and Copperbelt provinces.

[pullquote]I do not just see how a president can manage to appoint all the 73 tribes to Cabinet and Foreign Service all at once. Additionally, accusations that Banda has appointed more people on tribal grounds do not stand to empirical scrutiny. We said this slightest to Chiluba who actually appointed more Luapulans to cabinet and parastatals than any other president has done for his tribe. As such, accusations that Banda is tribalistic may actually be a reflection of our own tribalism.[/pullquote]

To cure the issue of tribalism Kaunda started what he called Tribal Balancing. In this new arrangement he made sure that the provinces were well represented in government. It was so intentional that you could actually predict who would be in Cabinet and who would not. However, the position of Prime Minister was almost exclusively reserved for Barotseland. Out of six Premiers, from 1973—1991, four were Lozis and the other two were Tonga. This was KK’s tribal balancing at its best. It was mostly dictated by province more than it was dictated by specific tribes.

When Chiluba came into power, the intentional and deliberate tribal balancing was effectively overruled. Chiluba would appoint people on “merit.” However, it still remains to be answered why under Chiluba almost all parastatal chiefs had akin names—Chungu, Musenge, Musonda, Mwansa, e.t.c. From just this it may be clear that appointment on merit may have meant tribal merit as well. But even if this is the reality with Chiluba, he was never accused of playing tribal politics. I guess if it were a Lenje doing the same thing, some vocal quarters could have condemned the practice. This assumption among some Zambians that only non-Bemba speaking peoples are more capable of tribalism is erroneous. Comparing all the past presidents on tribal appointments Chiluba appointed more people in his cabinet and parastatal companies that were Bemba more than any other president, and yet the tribalistic label has not stuck with Chiluba. As such, we as Zambians should seriously address this predisposition.

However, when leaving power in 2001 Chiluba wanted to have a minority tribe to take over. This honour obviously fell on Mwanawasa—of both Lamba and Lenje heritage. Even without objective evidence, Mwanawasa was quickly accused of appointing a family tree in his cabinet. But once objectively assessed you will see that Mwanawasa’s cabinet was more tribally balanced than Chiluba’s at any given time. Mwanawasa also brought in some tribal diversity in parastatal companies. However, when he appointed Sisala as ZESCO Managing Director, more tribalistic accusations were levelled against him. This again plays to my thesis that several Zambians believe, erroneously, that only non-Bembas are more capable of tribalism. Mwanawasa tried to please the Bembas by appointing them to the Vice-Presidency. He only revolted when he lost the Bemba vote in 2006.

However, under Banda the issue of tribalism has taken on a new shape all together. In the past it was sufficient that provinces should be represented in the Cabinet. As such, Eastern Province would not normally complain if a Chewa, Tumbuka, Ngoni, or Kunda is appointed to Cabinet. However, with the utterances of Paramount Chief Mpezeni, there is a demand in some quarters that tribal balancing should not just be provincial balancing but rather should be about tribes. As such, His Majesty the Mpezeni is complaining that among the five cabinet ministers from Eastern Province in this current cabinet none of them are Ngonis. Without Ngonis in Cabinet, Mpezeni feels left out of national development. This intra—provincial tribal conflict is the greatest danger to Zambia’s future development. Similarly in Luapula Province, there were complaints that the MMD had started to sideline Southern Luapulans (mostly Ushis) in preference of the Northern Luapulans (Lundas, Bwiles, etc). Northern Province is even more dynamic, Hon GB Mwamba recently said while campaigning that Northern Province belonged to Bembas, ignoring its multi-ethnicity.

One Zambia One Nation will only work, if the provinces stop intra-province tribalism and begin to look at themselves as one people. Otherwise, if we continued on this path, we may just end up being one Zambia and no Nation. I do not just see how a president can manage to appoint all the 73 tribes to Cabinet and Foreign Service all at once. Additionally, accusations that Banda has appointed more people on tribal grounds do not stand to empirical scrutiny. We said this slightest to Chiluba who actually appointed more Luapulans to cabinet and parastatals than any other president has done for his tribe. As such, accusations that Banda is tribalistic may actually be a reflection of our own tribalism.

The Patriotic Front (PF) has said the Movement for Multiparty Democracy’s (MMD) decision to send over 2,500 youths to Luapula ahead of the developmental conference to has vindicated the party’s concern that the meeting is not genuine.

PF spokesperson, Given Lubinda has observed that MMD Lusaka province Chairman William Banda’s decision to send MMD cadres to Mansa is proof that the conference that would be graced by former President Fredrick Chiluba, is not being held in good faith.

Mr.Lubinda said in an interview that it is evident that the MMD government wants to give Dr Chiluba a platform to campaign for president Banda for the 2011 presidential elections.

Mr. Banda this morning told journalists at a press briefing at the party’s provincial headquarters that he has already sent 350 youths to Luapula province after receiving information that the PF has sent about 200 of its youths to the province with intent to disrupt the meetings.

Mr.Banda accused PF of being at centre of perpetuating political violence that is currently taking root in the country.

He said the PF does not want to see the developmental meeting in Mansa to go on as planned.
[ QFM ]