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H1N1 in Schools worry ZANEC

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The Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC) has called on government to thoroughly deal with the increasing number of suspected swine flu cases in schools.

ZANEC Executive Director Miriam Chinyama says there is need for government to put in place effective measures that will reduce the spread of the disease in the country.

Ms Chinyama told ZANIS in an interview in Lusaka that if the current situation remains unchecked it is likely to impact negatively on the education sector.

Ms Chinyama said this is why government should quickly address the matter and ensure that schools which have been closed are reopened for the benefit of the pupils.

She said pupils in schools that have been closed due to suspected cases of the H1N1 influenza are also expected not to perform well in the forth-coming end of year examinations.

Ms Chinyama pointed out that pupils in these schools will miss a lot adding that their education calendar will also be affected

She further expressed concern that the disease has broken out in schools in the third term when most pupils are preparing for their exams hence the need to be given special attention.

More than 180 pupils at Luanshya Trust and Ndola Girls National Technical High School have been quarantined after suffering from suspected swine flu.

And Luanshya Trust School is reported to have closed to avoid further spread of the disease among the pupils.

ZANIS

FRA starts paying off farmers in Mumbwa

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The Food and Reserve Agency’s (FRA) Branch in Mumbwa District in paying off farmers who sold their maize to the grain marketing institution during this year’s marketing season.

Overseeing the FRA’s current purchasing exercise, Mumbwa District Cooperative Union (MDCU) manger Treddy Muleya confirmed the development to ZANIS, today.

He said that farmers were being paid their cash barely three weeks after Government had reportedly funded FRA’s purchasing exercise.

Mr. Muleya disclosed that FRA’s total purchase from farmers in the district currently stood at 30,350 by 50 kg bags of white maize, and that K1.215 billion had been allocated to pay off the farmers.

He said FRA has also increased its target purchase figures from 46,000 to 98,000, by 50 kg bags per satellite depot,adding that the new target was already in effect owing to the abundance of maize available at all 9 depts.

He said that the overall outlook of FRA’s purchasing exercise looked better than last year, and implored farmers to utilize the marketing opportunities in which the FRA bought maize at the Government initiated maize floor price of K65,000 per 50 kg bag.

In a related interview, residents of Chief Kaindu’s domain have appealed to the FRA seriously consider early purchasing period as well setting up more depots in the Chiefdom.

Making the appeal, Chief Kaindu’s personal Secretary Henry Muchinda proposed to the FRA to consider buying maize in late May to June, elaborating that many farmers in the area had sold off their maize to private buyers at prices ranging between K45,000 and K50,000.

And Mpusu Area Councilor Boniface Chisoshi (MMD) said that there was need for the FRA to introduce more buying points in the are, adding that farmers from Mpusu endured over 20 kilometers to the only buying point at Kalwanyembe.

The FRA recently started paying off farmers in the district, following Government’s reported announcement that it had funded the maize purchasing exercise thee weeks ago.
ZANIS

AVAP commends stakeholders in Kasama by-elections

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anti_voter_apathy

The Anti Voter Apathy Project (AVAP) has commended different stakeholders in the way they are handling campaigns in Kasama Central in the build up to the October 15 by-elections.

AVAP Executive Director Bonny Tembo told ZANIS in an interview in Lusaka yesterday that the build up to the by-elections have so far been excellent and no party has been found wanting.

Meanwhile Mr Tembo said AVAP will this week open an election complaints desk in the constituency were political parties will be reporting all alleged cases of malpractice ahead of the by-election.

He said AVAP will work hand in hand with the District Complaints Management Committee of the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to deal with all cases of malpractice and ensure that the elections are transparent.

Mr Tembo said that his organization has also dispatched observers in all the eight wards of the district to monitor campaign activities, and do voter sensitization in the constituency.

He has meanwhile said the ECZ has conducted itself in a professional manner by engaging all political parties, and monitors, in pre-election briefing and explaining the electoral code of conduct.

Mr Tembo said this has built confidence in the electorates and other monitors adding that he is hopeful of a clean, transparent and peaceful bye election this time around.

He has also commended political parties and their candidates for the peaceful way they conducted themselves during the filing in of nominations last week.

Mr Tembo said unlike in Chitambo were they were reports of violence during the nomination day, the Kasama nomination was peaceful and no reports of violence or any wrongs were recorded.

He has further appealed to political parties to engage in clean and issue based campaigns and avoid name calling.

He said no political party should be allowed to import cadres from Copperbelt, or Lusaka adding that they are a major source of violence in most by-elections.

Mr Tembo has also commended the Police for maintaining order but urged them to mobilize more police officers to Kasama in order to deal with any case of violence that may arise.

The Kasama Central seat fell vacant after the resignation of area Member of Parliament (MP) Dr. Savior Chishimba from the Patriotic Front (PF) who has since formed his party, the United Progressive Party (UPP).

The six candidates who filed in their nomination last week include Burton Mugala of the MMD, Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba of PF and Alexander Chansa of UNIP while APC has filed in Maggie Ng’ona.

Others are Christine Ntalasha and Amir Mohammed both independent candidates.

The ECZ has set Thursday 15 October as the date for the Kasama Central parliamentary by election.

ZANIS

Sata has lost it in Northern Province – VEEP

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-Vice President George Kunda says the electorate in Kasama voted for opposition Patriotic Front (PF) leader Michael Sata because they believed his lies that he would build them houses, improve the roads, schools health centre within 90 days of being in State House.

Vice President Kunda says people have now fortunately realized that Sata was telling them lie making most of them to rejoin the ruling MMD.

He said this in Kasama today when he addressed a huge rally held at Chishimba Basic School to drum up support to MMD candidate Burton Mugala in the forth coming parliamentary by-election set for October 15, 2009.

He said MMD is delivering in terms of implementing its developmental projects not only in Northern province but the country as a whole adding that notably there is great transformation in Kasama where the people are constructing their own houses and other business structures.

The Vice President appealed to the Kasama municipal council to release the K400 million Constituency Development Fund (CDF) adding that another K600 million will be released by the central government.

Mr. Kunda said all the main roads including the feeder roads were being rehabilitated to enhance trade in the province.

He said now that the copper prices are rising and the Kwacha has stabilized, government has embarked on a number of developmental projects to further develop Kasama.

He said Zambia, with its 73 tribes lives in harmony, does not want to practice tribalism.

Mr Kunda said the ruling party MMD was developing Zambia based on its priorities reflected in its manifesto and the Fifth National Development Plan. From which the opposition PF and other political parties were copying.

And speaking at the same function, MMD aspiring candidate Burton Mugala appealed to the Kasama electorates to vote for him as their new Member of Parliament (MP) because he has lived with them for the past 22 years.

Mr. Mugala said if elected as their new MP, he would easily access resources for the people of Kasama and thereby develop the area at a faster rate.

The Kasama Central seat fell vacant following the resignation of Savior Chishimba.

The Vice President is expected back in Lusaka tomorrow soon after he completes he schedule.

ZANIS

Lt. Gen Shikapwasha urges Zambians to maintain peace

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Chief Government spokesperson Ronnie Shikapwasha has urged Zambians to continue embracing the peace the country has continued to enjoy since independence in 1964.

Lieutenant General Shikapwasha said Zambians should sustain peace by all means possible adding that peace was a key element for the development of the country.

Lt. Gen Shikapwasha said this in Lusaka this evening during the Vilole Image film festival at Alliance Francaise to mark the commemoration of the World peace day celebration which falls on 21st September.

He said every Zambians should always try to build upon peace initiatives and keep a peaceful environment.

He said government as a member of the United Nation (UN) will also continue supporting peace efforts initiated by UN.

Lt. Gen Shikapwasha, who is also Information and Broadcasting minister, said fighting at any level affects global peace adding that there must be tolerance at all times of provocation.

He has there fore advised artists in the country to help promote peace through culture and send help send good will messages to all people through their art works.

Lt. Gen Shikapwasha said culture which includes films is a powerful tool for industrial, social and economic emancipation.

He has further said that his ministry is aware of the challenges artists in the country are facing which include lack of basic facilities to nurture talents and access to credit facilities for working capital.

Lt. Gen Shikapwasha has pointed out that his ministry will do everything possible to help the artists and turn the country’s rich culture.

And UN Resident Coordinator to Zambia, Macleod Nyirongo, said peace is cardinal for development adding that without peace there is little hope for people to improve their lives.

Mr. Nyirongo said a conflict between nations has greatly reduced as nations have resorted more to diplomacy and dialogue.

ZANIS

Abolition of crop levy to deprive councils revenue- Mang’wato

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Itezhi-tezhi deputy council secretary Cheembo Mang’wato says the abolition of the crop levy announced by President Banda during official opening of parliament on Friday will deprive the rural councils of much needed revenues.

Mr Mang’wato said an interview with ZANIS, today, that the abolition of crop levy will greatly impact negatively to the already financially limping rural councils.

Mr Mang’wato said that crop levy is one of the major sources of revenue for the district council.

He said that the council collects more than K100 million from crop levy annually.

“Crop levy is one of the major source of our revenues, in the year 2007 we collected a total of K104 million while in 2008 we collected 94 million from small scales farmers plus a 30 million from Itezhi-tezhi milling, ” he said.

He said that rural councils have very narrow revenue base and that the scraping of crop levy will worsen the financial position of rural councils who are already struggling to broaden revenue base.

“Rural councils are not like municipal and city councils that get lots of money from rates. In rural areas we have very limited number of buildings and businesses on which we can collect sufficient revenues to provide required services to the local people” he said.

He said the 2010 budget for the council which has already been approved by the finance committee has projected to collect much of the revenue from crop levy.

‘The finance committee last week approved a budget for 2010 whose major source of revenue is crop levy.” Mr. Cheembo said.

Itezhi-tezhi district council last week unveiled a K2.2 billion budget for the year 2010 and 40% of the budget has been earmarked for service provision to the local people in Itezhi-tezhi district.

Mr. Mangwato also said that the collection of dog levy in the district has not been affected due to non revision of the rates.

“The dog Act has not been revised, the rates that are there are extremely low such that we need to revise it if we are to collect meaningful revenue for the local authority’ he said.
ZANIS

LCC says there is enough space in markets

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Lusaka City Council (LCC) Public Relations Officer, Henry Kapata says vendors who need space in the market should be given chance to trade there to avoid invasion of streets again.

Mr Kapata said there is enough space in various markets in the city which can accommodate more people to avoid traders retaining on the street.

He noted that so far most vendors have been going to the council to seek letters of introduction. He added that it was important to utilize the available markets so that the Keep Lusaka Clean campaign can be achieved.

Meanwhile Mr Kapata has said that road expansion is vital in any growing city hence the need to let the city grow and improve the status quo.

He said road reserves have been kept to enable vehicles such as ambulances to use them instead of making makeshift car wash services adding that this makes the city very dirty.

Mr Kapata further said the council is working to educate drivers to make use of bus stops for a short period of about 10 minutes instead of stopping for a long time as if the bus stop is a bus station.

He also said that containers used as stores to sell merchandise within compounds or the road sides will be removed because they too make the city dirty.

ZANIS

Zambian film maker impresses Hillary Clinton(Updated)

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Zambian Film Maker, Chansa Tembo
Zambian Film Maker, Chansa Tembo

Zambian Film Maker, Chansa Tembo, has impressed United States of America (US) Secretary of States Hillary Clinton with his award wining democracy Video.

This was during the Democracy Video Challenge awards presentation ceremony by Ms Clinton to the six global winners who included Chansa in Washington DC on Friday last week.

This is contained in a statement released to ZANIS in Lusaka today by First Secretary for Press at the Zambian Embassy in Washington DC, Ben Kangwa.

Ms Clinton who used Chansa’s phrase ‘Smoothie’ to explain the word democracy to the audience said democracy was the most difficulty word to explain but easy to expound.

“Democracy was one of the most difficulty terms to explain, but the easiest to expound. Smoothie empowers the individual to make the individual powerful. Its smoothie and I like that”she said

Speaking during the awards presentation, Ms Clinton said the video challenge was a reminder that young people will always find new and creative ways to participate and further democracy

She said the US will continue working with young people across the world in order to keep the dialogue on democracy go forward.

Ms Clinton further called on the winners to find ways of influencing people around the world to support and embrace democracy.

And speaking after the ceremony, Chansa said he was humbled and honored to be chosen to represent Africa at the competition.

Mr Chansa paid tribute to Zambian voters, the public Affairs Office at the US Embassy in Zambia and the panel of judges.

Others who were in attendance includes former Public Affairs Officer at the US Embassy in Lusaka Christopher Wurst who was filled with joy and explained that the US Embassy in Lusaka helped Chansa gain voters support by taking advantage of the digital technology.

Mr Chansa produced a 46 second democracy video which was among the six winners representing every region of the world and the winners selected by popular vote on YouTube.

In his video, he explained democracy in two words ‘fruit smoothie’ and focused on a plate with various fruits and shortly a blender is heard in the background and fruits smoothie comes into view.

This led him to a contest victory in the entire African continent after first beating his three semi-finalists in Zambia.

Other winners of the democracy video challenge includes, Aissa Penafiel of Philippines, Lukasz Szodza from Poland, Tsering Choden of Nepal, Rodin Hamidi of United Arab Emirates and Anna Israel from Brazil.

The Video Clip

The Presentation

ZANIS

Connect Africa courts government for ICTs service

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By Kahalu Ngombo

In an effort to accelerate and secure authorization to establish ICTs in rural Zambia, Connect Africa Zambia has invited government ministries to a one-day workshop this coming Thursday.

The theme of the workshop is rural service delivery. And according to the firm’s network service director, Dean Mulozi, the workshop is scheduled for September 24 at Ridgeway Sun Hotel. He said, “We have invited seven government ministries including four departments.”

Mulozi said the workshop is meant to, on the one hand, yield honest discussion on government hiccups in providing ICT services in rural areas. And, on the other hand, enable his company table its blueprint for rural communities.

Those invited include senior officers from ministries of communication and transport, education, community development, health, home affairs and natural resources. The departments are immigration, natural resources and planning, Zambia Wildlife Authority and Zambia Police.

Connect Africa Zambia joined the bandwagon of ICT service providers late last year. This was in the wake of government calls for the private sector to reinforce government efforts in realizing ICTs in rural communities.

Ever since the company has essentially been knocking on the doors of Communications Authority of Zambia for a green light. But it is yet to be licensed to offer its services. Nonetheless, Mulozi said, “All is well. What’s remaining is just a memorandum of understanding. In fact we’re co-organizing the workshop with Communications Authority.”

So far the company is running a trial satellite pay-phone service in Mumbwa rural and TBZ in Kaoma. The Mumbwa phones are located in Kafue National Park. Specifically in Chief Chibuluma and Chieftainess Kabulwebulwe’s villages. And the call charge is 2000 kwacha (0.42 US dollars) per minute.

Matter of fact and absolutely typical of Zambian ICT service providers, the phone call charge is far too high. The sum total of such charges is the bad ripple effect on the entire economy. Already Zambia is one of the most expensive spots on earth. High charges are not helping matters nor are they helping rural communities. Tourists are thinking twice, and so are importers and the citizenry.

During this year’s National Indaba in Lusaka, World Bank vice president for Africa region, Obiageli Ezekwesili was astonished as she got a feel of the charges. In her world recession-coping address to the indaba delegates, she said, “Your phone charges are too high. Even for me, they are expensive.”

Zambians are, therefore, expecting ICT companies to lower their charges to, at least, what is obtaining in the sub-region. Given that one of the expected outcomes at the forthcoming workshop is agreeing on an acceptable charging structure, fair charges will be highly appreciated. Zambians have been paying exorbitant telephone prices for too long. They need a breather.

End

The Weekend in Pictures

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1.

Some of the pupils who have been quarantined for suspected swine flu in Ndola
Some of the pupils who have been quarantined for suspected swine flu in Ndola

2.

First republican president Kenneth Kaunda dances as his counterpart Frederick Chiluba laughs at Kusefya Pangwena traditional ceremony in Mungwi district
First republican president Kenneth Kaunda dances as his counterpart Frederick Chiluba laughs at Kusefya Pangwena traditional ceremony in Mungwi district

3.

First and second republican president Kenneth Kaunda and Frederick Chiluba following proceedings at Kusefya Pangwena traditional ceremony in Mungwi district
First and second republican president Kenneth Kaunda and Frederick Chiluba following proceedings at Kusefya Pangwena traditional ceremony in Mungwi district

4.

Patrotic Fron Kasama central parliamentary candidate Geoffrey Mwamba waves his party symbol at the Kusefya Pangwena traditional ceremony with Guy scoot and Mumbi Phiri on the left
Patrotic Fron Kasama central parliamentary candidate Geoffrey Mwamba waves his party symbol at the Kusefya Pangwena traditional ceremony with Guy scoot and Mumbi Phiri on the left

5.

President Banda talks to vice president George Kunda before he left for New York
President Banda talks to vice president George Kunda before he left for New York

6.

Female initiates dancing during the Malaila traditional ceremony in Mambwe
Female initiates dancing during the Malaila traditional ceremony in Mambwe

7.

Traditional counsins doing 'chimbuya' by spilling water on each other during the Malaila traditional ceremony in mabwe district
Traditional counsins doing 'chimbuya' by spilling water on each other during the Malaila traditional ceremony in mabwe district

8.

Women perform a traditional ritual at the Malaila traditional ceremony in Mambwe district
Women perform a traditional ritual at the Malaila traditional ceremony in Mambwe district

9.

Street kids sleeping in the morning outside the Lusaka city market
Street kids sleeping in the morning outside the Lusaka city market

10.

Marketeers making their into the new Soweto market wher there are complaints on the allocation of trading stalls
Marketeers making their into the new Soweto market wher there are complaints on the allocation of trading stalls

11.

Marketeers selling dried food outside the Soweto market because they cannot access tradings places in the new market
Marketeers selling dried food outside the Soweto market because they cannot access tradings places in the new market

12.

of the women Maureen Mvula who has been duped out of a trading stall at the new Soweto market
of the women Maureen Mvula who has been duped out of a trading stall at the new Soweto market

13.

Chansa Tembo, Mulenga Tembo and Ben Kangwa at the Video Screening in Washington DC
Chris Wurst (L), Ben Kangwa (M) and Chansa Tembo(L) at a reception to mark the Democracy Challenge Video Screening

14.

Photograph taken on 17th September, 2009 In Washington DC at the reception to mark the screening of six global winners of filmmakers selected by popular vote on YouTubee on YouTube. In the Picture Chris Wurst, Ben Kangwa and Chansa Tembo at a reception to mark the Democracy Challenge Video Screening
Chansa Tembo (L) , Mulenga Tembo (M) and Ben Kangwa (R) at the Video Screening in Washington DC

15.

Young swimmers try to beat each other during the Zambia amtauer swimming union season opening gala at Lechwe school in Kitwe
Young swimmers try to beat each other during the Zambia amtauer swimming union season opening gala at Lechwe school in Kitwe

16.

Police trying to move soccer fans from the 'high cost' terraces during the Zesco-Al Hilal match at Nkoloma stadium
Police trying to move soccer fans from the 'high cost' terraces during the Zesco-Al Hilal match at Nkoloma stadium

17.

Zesco player Nyambe Mulenga spotted on cratches after the Zesco-Al Hilal match at Nkoloma stadium
Zesco player Nyambe Mulenga spotted on cratches after the Zesco-Al Hilal match at Nkoloma stadium

18.

A scary supporter from Zesco cheering his team
A scary supporter from Zesco cheering his team

19.

Zambia B (ZESCO) Supporter
Zambia B (ZESCO) Supporter

Weekend Scorecard

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Herve Renard has given his 100% backing to captain Christopher Katongo despite the strikers recent poor form for Zambia.

Katongo has had a subdued 2010 outing this year and was substituted in his last game for Zambia away to Algeria on September 6 that Renard’s team lost 1-0 in Blida in a 2010 World/Africa Cup Group C qualifier.

Renard said Katongo was a key player to his team who made the difference as he has shown in Germany this season for Arminia Bielefeld where he has scored 4 goals in six 2.Bundesliga games.

“It is important to have a player who can make a difference,” Renard said at Independence Stadium today where a home-based Zambia team is preparing for its October 25 Cosafa Senior Challenge Cup tournament quarterfinal match against Namibia to be played on October 25 in Harare.

“It is my job to give him a lot of confidence.”

Meanwhile, Renard said the Cosafa squad that entered camp today comprising wholly of home-based players will form the future of his 2011 CHAN qualifiers team.

“The game is one month away so we have time to prepare a team,” Renard said.

“It is important to start working on a local team so that we can prepare for CHAN now which is important for us.”

Over 15 players were part of the morning training session with another 10 expected in camp later today.

Most of the players in camp were from Midlands based clubs while Renard was await the remaining call-ups from the Copperbelt.

CAF AFRICAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

19/09/2009

Nkoloma, Lusaka

Zesco United 2 (Enock Sakala 72″, Nicholas Zulu 81″)- Al Hilal 0

Khartoum

El Merreikh 1(Retshard Lado 22″ pen)- Kano Pillars 1(Joseph Thompson 88″)

[standings league_id=14 template=extend logo=false]

GROUP B

20/09/2009

Rufaro, Harare

Monomotapa 2(Daniel Kamunhenga 27″,Tawanda Nyamandwe 71″)- Heartland 1(Emmanuel Omobiabi 66″)

Lubumbashi

TP Mazembe 1( Kanyimbo Tshizeu 35″) – Etoile du Sahel 0

[standings league_id=9 template=extend logo=false]

FAZ DIVISION 1

WEEK 24

20/09/2009

North

Nchanga Rangers 0  Nkana 0

Mufulira Wanderers 1  Prison Leopards 1

Chindwin 0 Muchindu 0

Chingola Leopards 1 Lime Hotspurs 2

Mining Rangers 0  Ndola United 0

Kalewa  2  Indeni 0

Kitwe  United 2 Mufulira Blackpool 1

Luanshya United 1  Afrisport 1

Kalulushi Modern Stars-Zesco Luapula (Not played)

[standings league_id=2 template=extend logo=false]

South

Nampundwe 0-Lusaka Celtic 2

Nkwazi 3-Petauke United 1

Lusaka Tigers 2-Luena 1

Riflemen 0-Young Green Eagles 2

National Assembly 1-Livingstone Pirates 0

Kascol Rangers 1-Mazabuka United 2

Zamcoal Diggers 0-Police Bullets 0

Paramilitary 1 -Lusaka City Council 1

Green Eagles 1-Profund Warriors  0

[standings league_id=3 template=extend logo=false]

Mpulungu civil servants still not paid August salaries

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Government workers in Mpulungu in Northern Province have still not been paid their August salaries.

The workers, who are under the Provincial Administration Northern Province (PANP) and still on the old GRZ payroll system, confirmed the development yesterday.
They said government has delayed in disbursing their August salaries despite their colleagues in the system having received their dues about three weeks ago.

They complained that since government changed to the new payroll system (PERMEC) about two years ago, the problem of delayed salaries had persisted, adding that sometimes they go for nearly two months without being paid.

The workers, who are drawn from different government departments, complained that the development is demoralizing and negatively affecting their performance in their respective work places because they are on several occasions forced to leave their offices in search of money to feed their families.

They accused government of blatant abuse of the employment act and the labour laws.
The workers, who sought anonymity, have since appealed to the Civil Servants Union of Zambia (CSUZ) to help resolve their plight.

And a check this morning at Finance Bank Mpulungu Branch where the civil servants are paid from revealed that not even a payment schedule for the workers’ salaries had been received.

ZANIS

Lungu shocked with Mpombo’s attacks

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Evangelical Youth Alliance International President Moses Lungu has described as shocking and morally elusive former Defense Minister George Mpombo’s continued attacks on him.

Rev Lungu says Mr. Mpombo should give him respect as a man of God because that was what the bible instructs.

He said during the late President Levy Mwanawasa’s rule, he was one of the few people brave enough to put his head on the chopping board to defend the late President’s administration on the fight against corruption.

He bragged that he, as a clergyman, did so much to ensure that corruption levels in the country were brought down to minimal levels.

Rev Lungu said during Mr. Mpombo has no reason to call him names such as a religious quack, a dubious image builder, a political toxin, a masquerading cleric, a hired gun and a one man army.

The clergyman dispelled the former minister ‘s assertions that he had been excommunicated from the church contrary to what was obtaining on the ground.

He said the former minister’s assertion were demeaning and tantamount to defamation of character.

Rev Lungu said Mr Mpombo’s attacks must be a wake up call for Zambians especially the youths to be wary of self centered politicians who only use innocent citizens for personal gains.

“ It is also shocking that Mr. Mpombo could issue unpalatable and demeaning statements on President Rupiah Banda and his former colleague, Minister of Works and Supply Mike Mulongoti,” he said.

Rev Lungu wondered what development projects Mr. Mpombo was concentrating on making disparaging remarks contrary to his declaration at the time he quite his ministrial Defence minister portfolio.

He said Mr. Mpombo must stop issuing these retrogressive statements as they only served to retard development in the nation.

Rev Lungu charged that the former minister has failed his constituency and the nation in general.

He has also called on the former defence minister to desist from engaging in tribal politics in order for the nation to move forward.

He said if one man from a particular province is given the mandate to govern the nation, it was the duty for everyone in the country to give that person all the support for the betterment of the nation.

Rev Lungu further maintained that the former Defense Minister still owes the Zambian people a convincing statement on why he decided to resign from the highest hierarchy of politics.

ZANIS

Chief Chitimukulu condemns PF

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Chief Chitimukulu
Chief Chitimukulu

Paramount Chief Chitimukulu has strongly condemned Patriotic Front Vice President Guy Scot and his PF members for politicizing weekend’s Ukusefya Pa Ngw’ena traditional ceremony.

And alert police officers have picked up a suspected PF cadre who attempted to display a banner denouncing second republican president Dr. Frederick Chiluba.

The Paramount Chief got incensed after Dr. Scot together with some PF cadres, who included aspiring Kasama Central candidate Geoffrey Mwamba, walked to the main arena in disguise of appreciating traditional dances but later stood there in a bid to attract attention from the audience.

He said it was unacceptable for the PF officials and cadres to engage in partisan politics at a traditional ceremony, which is non-partisan.

Paramount Chief Chitimukulu ordered the PF leadership to stop any form of campaigns at the ceremony.

He said he was not happy with what the PF officials and cadres did at the ceremony.

The Chief warned that he would not tolerate politician trying to hijack his ceremony.

Meanwhile, police are holding a suspected PF cadre for unruly behaviour.

The Cadre had earlier walked to the VIP shelter and attempted to display a banner attacking Dr. Chiluba.

Police have since launched investigations to establish those who sponsored the suspected PF cadre to behave in a disorderly manner at the Ukusefya Pa Ngw’ena traditional ceremony.

Meanwhile, Vice President George Kunda has charged that Patriotic Front leader Michael Sata is a finished politician and is not a threat to the ruling MMD.

Mr. Kunda said Mr. Sata has virtually lost support in Luapula and Northern provinces, which he used to claim as his strongholds.

The Vice President said the MMD would diminish the little support that the PF leader has during the Kasama Central by-election.

Mr. Kunda said MMD candidate in the vacant Kasama Central seat would defeat PF candidate Geoffrey Mwamba because the latter does not have the interest of the people at heart.

He stated that the fact that Mr Mwamba dismounted his Milling Plant in Kasama and relocated it to Lusaka was a clear indication that he was insensitive to the plight of people in the District.

Mr. Kunda urged the electorates in Kasama Central constituent not to experiment leadership with people who do not have proven track record of working for the people.

The Vice President said, yesterday,that his campaign team is in Kasama to finish off the opposition PF by telling the people the truth.

Mr. Kunda said PF candidate in the forthcoming Kasama central by election Geoffrey Mwamba has come to Kasama for asset stripping because he was rejected politician after he lost the Kabwata constituency in Lusaka.

He urged the people of Kasama not to forget how the PF stripped off the plant at Kasama Milling.

Mr. Kunda said the ruling MMD would concentrate on issue based campaigns in order to win the Kasama Central seat.

The Kasama Central seat fell vacant after the resignation of PF Member of Parliament Saviour Chishimba last month.

The By-election takes place on October 15.Six candidates are contesting the seat.

ZANIS

President Banda Should Travel Less

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By Henry Kyambalesa

President Rupiah Banda’s local and international trips have so far been excessive. He needs to travel less so that he can stay in his office to supervise his Ministers more effectively, tend to pressing national issues, as well as save himself from the stress and jet-lag associated with excessive travelling by aeroplane.

He needs to delegate more so that his Ministers can take some of the less-important trips. As Management gurus would profess, good leaders attain their stipulated goals through the efforts of their subordinates. As such, a leader who spends much of his or her time performing tasks which subordinates are capable of performing is likely to be less effective in discharging his or her duties.

I am often intrigued by what the Holy Bible teaches us on the issue of delegation in Exodus 18:14-22, in which Jethro advised his son-in-law, Moses, as follows:

“Why do you alone sit as judge and all the people stand about you from morning until evening? …. You will surely wear out … select out of all the able men … [and] place these over them, as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties and of tens. And let them judge the people at all times; and let it be that every major dispute they will bring to you, but every minor dispute they themselves will judge. So it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you.”

I, of course, prepare this piece of advice knowing very well that “you can never teach an old dog new tricks”, so to speak.

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