The opposition United National Independence Party (UNIP) in Livingstone has condemned the manner in which the Zambian songster Jordan Katembula popularly known as JK sang the national anthem at last evening’s Commonwealth Boxing Competition between World champion Easter Phiri and Monica from Bulgaria in Lusaka.  In a statement to ZANIS, District Vice Chairperson Luther Peyton said the national anthem was sang in an unbecoming manner and was tailored in a western style and not the Zambian fashion.  He said the National Anthem signifies the liberation of Zambians from colonial rule and advised that it therefore not be trivialised.  He advised Government to ensure that those chosen to sing the National Anthem at public funtions told to maintain the original tune and words.  Mr Peyton who played a role in the liberation struggle said his heart bled to hear the song that is reminiscent of the victory attained about 43 years ago to be twisted and portrayed in what he described as a meaningless way.  He urged conveners of different events where the national Anthem is sang to play original tapes with the song in its original state and warned that failure to do so would make Zambians loose their identity. ZANIS
Lack of assessment on damaged bridges in Mbabala worry MMD
The Ruling Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD) in Choma's Mbabala constituency has expressed worry that no assessment has been undertaken of damage caused to bridges and dams in the area by the heavy rains. MMD constituency Chairman Choolwe Mubambasu said in Choma today that he is worried that responsible authorities in the district have not bothered to visit the area to assess the magnitude of damage so that funds are sourced for repair works. Mr Mubambasu told ZANIS that some bridges have been washed away, making it difficult for people to travel, citing one important bridge in Mang'unza area where motor vehicles were not able to cross. He said five dams have similarly been damaged by the heavy rain and would require reconstruction. Mr Mubambasu charged that problems being experienced in the area have been compounded by the prolonged absence of the area Member of Parliament whom he said was only seen in the area three days ago. He said had the MP been frequenting his constituency, most of the outstanding problems on damaged infrastructure could have been easily brought to the attention of Government in good time. Mr Mubambasu said there was need for frequent interaction between elected leaders and their electorate, if development was to be achieved. Meanwhile, Mr Mubambasu has commended the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) for donating 24 animals for free distribution to villagers in Macha area. He said the gesture by the United Nations Agency will boost agriculture activities among the beneficiary communities. Mr Mubambasu has urged other organisations to emulate the gesture by FAO. ZANIS
Unclaimed bodies at UTH rise to 55
The number of unclaimed bodies at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) has risen to 55 as of today. UTH Public Relations Officer Pauline Mbangweta who disclosed this to ZANIS in Lusaka today said of the total number 32 are patients that died within UTH whilst 23 were brought in dead from various police stations and posts of Lusaka. Ms Mbangweta called on relatives of the deceased to come forward and bury the remains of their relatives. She said the health institution does not have the financial resources to meet the cost of burying the unclaimed bodies. Ms Mbangweta said the hospital requires the support of the Lusaka City Council and the financial backing of the relatives of the deceased persons. She stressed that it is morally not right for relatives of the deceased persons to abandon their deceased relations. Ms Mbangweta noted that the obtaining scenario where people deliberately choose to discard their deceased relatives was reflecting a break down of cultural morals in society. She observed that previously society would not permit a situation where deceased relatives are discarded in the hospital mortuary. Ms Mbangweta has since urged members of the community and the Lusaka City Council to come forward and bury the unclaimed bodies. And Lusaka City Council Public Relations Officer Chanda Makanta told ZANIS that the council has a financial deficit to extend towards the burying of unclaimed bodies at the UTH. Ms Makanta explained that government used to give the council funds for the purpose but the council was no longer receiving such funds. She said the council was only able to help the hospital by providing labour, burial sites and transport. ZANIS
Esther’s victory elates Levy
President Levy Mwanawasa has sent a congratulatory message to Zambia's female boxer Esther Phiri for retaining her title; the Women International Boxing Federation Superfeature Weight Championship. Mr Mwanawasa praised Esther for demonstating her capability to succeed regardless of the many challenges and obstacles that are currently prevailing in the sports fratenity in the country. The President expressed hope that Esther's success would inspire many young women and men to take keen interest in boxing with the determination and zeal to achieving greater results in the sports discipline. Mr. Mwanawasa said this in Lusaka today in a Statement released to ZANIS and signed by State House Chief Analyst for Press and Public Relations, David Kombe. The President said Esther's achievement has not only brought honour and dignity to her as an individual but has also brought pride to the nation at large. "It will be an honour for me to meet and congratulate you in person for your achievement at a date to be communicated to you soon, The President said. Esther Phiri wrapped her work in the last eighth round where she landed two blows at her Bulgarian opponent Monica Petrova at Mulungushi International conference Centre in Lusaka last evening witnessed by a huge crowd. ZANIS
ZNUT slams ZIM Police invasion of Union offices
Zambia National Union of Teachers (ZNUT) has condemned the action by the Zimbabwe Police and related units in their invasion of the Zimbabwe Trade Union offices. ZNUT General Secretary Roy Mwaba says the brutal acts are not only an affront to human rights but was also uncalled for and dehumanising. Mr. Mwaba said in a statement released to ZANIS that the acts were also disregarding the key principles of good governance. He said the threats, victimisation and brutal beatings of its own citizens and critics could not supersede dialogue and respect for each other in the quest for a better Zimbabwe. Mr. Mwaba said his organisation condemns the tactics employed by the Zimbabwean police forces saying this only helped to deepen the already poor political environment in that country. He added that ZNUT had observed with deep disappointment the ruthless inhuman treatment meted out to worker representatives in Zimbabwe saying this was a frightening development in the face of many sacrifices made by workers of that country. Meanwhile, ZNUT has called on President Mwanawasa and his Government to intervene, noting that if civil war broke out in Zimbabwe, Zambia would equally be affected. Mr Mwaba said Zambia lost many lives and millions worth of infrastructure in the struggle for Zimbabwe's independence. He also called upon the African Continent and its leaders to stand up and condemn the barbaric action by the Zimbabwean government and demand for the release of all those arrested. Several Zimbabwe's opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) who included its leader Morgan Tshivangirai and Civil Society members were last week severely battered by Police forces for defying that country's ban on rallies. ZANIS
UNIP censures JK’s presentation of National Anthem
The opposition United National Independence Party (UNIP) in Livingstone has censured the manner in which the Zambian songster Jordan Katembula popularly known as JK sang the national anthem at last evening's Commonwealth Boxing Competition between World champion Easter Phiri and Monica from Bulgaria in Lusaka. In a statement to ZANIS, District Vice Chairperson Luther Peyton said the national anthem was sang in an unbefitting manner and was tailored in a western style and not the Zambian fashion. He said the National Anthem signifies the liberation of Zambians from colonial rule and advised that it therefore not be trivialised. He advised Government to ensure that those chosen to sing the National Anthem at public funtions told to maintain the original tune and words. Mr Peyton who played a role in the liberation struggle said his heart bled to hear the song that is reminiscent of the victory attained about 43 years ago to be twisted and portrayed in what he described as a meaningless way. He urged conveners of different events where the national Anthem is sang to play original tapes with the song in its original state and warned that failure to do so would make Zambians loose their identity. ZANIS
The opposition United National Independence Party (UNIP) in Livingstone has censured the manner in which the Zambian songster Jordan
Katembula popularly known as JK sang the national anthem at last evening's
Commonwealth Boxing Competition between World champion Easter Phiri and Monica from
Bulgaria in Lusaka.
In a statement to ZANIS, District Vice Chairperson Luther Peyton said the national
anthem was sang in an unbefitting manner and was tailored in a western style and not
the Zambian fashion.
He said the National Anthem signifies the liberation of Zambians from colonial rule
and advised that it therefore not be trivialised.
He advised Government to ensure that those chosen to sing the National Anthem at
public funtions told to maintain the original tune and words.
Mr Peyton who played a role in the liberation struggle said his heart bled to hear
the song that is reminiscent of the victory attained about 43 years ago to be
twisted and portrayed in what he described as a meaningless way.
He urged conveners of different events where the national Anthem is sang to play
original tapes with the song in its original state and warned that failure to do so
would make Zambians loose their identity.
ZANISMwanawasa fires relative over illegal allocation of housing plots
President Levy Mwanawasa has sacked deputy Lands Minister, a close relative, in a corruption crackdown aimed at stopping illegal allocation of housing plots, a presidential aide said on Monday.
Deputy Lands Minister Moses Muteteka, who is married to a niece of Mwanawasa’s wife Maureen, was sacked over allegations of illegal allocation of housing plots, press spokesperson David Kombe said.
“President Mwanawasa has with immediate effect relieved deputy Minister of Lands Moses Muteteka of his duties. This is to allow the ongoing investigations for his role in corrupt practices in the allocation of land,” Kombe said in a statement.
Three weeks ago, Mwanawasa sacked Lands Minister Gladys Nyirongo for allegedly allocating eight plots to her family amid accusations of corruption in the award of plots by some senior officials in the ministry.
Several senior officials in the Ministry of Lands have been suspended in the corruption crackdown.
This month, police joined Lusaka city council workers to demolish houses built in high density Lusaka suburbs without the authority of the council.
The demolitions continued at the weekend and spread to other towns.
Some residents have said they will seek compensation from the government for demolishing their houses, but no legal case has been taken to the courts so far.
Mwanawasa, who has been accused by the opposition of allegedly offering government jobs to friends and family members, vowed in February that he would not spare anyone in the fight against corruption because his campaign to rid Zambia of graft was being hampered by civil servants.
Muteteka, who served as a Mwanawasa senior private secretary prior to the 2006 presidential elections, is a ruling party legislator representing an area near Mwanawasa’s home district in central Zambia.
Zambian Football Sunday Wrap Up
CITY OF LUSAKA 1- NATIONAL ASSEMBLY 1.
City of Lusaka maintained their status at the summit of the Faz Premier League table after drawing 1-1 in a Lusaka derby this afternoon with National Assembly at Woodlands stadium.
Zambia Under 23 striker Mazuba Mukandawire scored his third goal of the season in as many games with the opener in the 6th minute to put City ahead.
David Kalandanya ended City’s 100 per cent winning run with the equalizer to see the two sides share the points just two minutes after Mukandawire had given the league leaders the lead.
City are on 7 points, level with Nchanga Rangers who slip to second on goal difference.
KABWE WARRIORS 3- RED ARROWS 1.
Kabwe Warriors recorded their first league win of the season after crushing 2004 league champions Red Arrows 3-1 at Railway Ground in Kabwe today.
New boy Emmanuel Mayuka scored a brace to claim the top scorers spot on five goals so far this season from four competitive matches.
Mayuka’s goals in the 3rd and 55th minutes inspired Warriors to victory while team mate and Zambia national team midfielder Siloni Jere chipped in with one goal in-between in the 14th minute.
Red Arrows and Zambia striker Dube Phiri scored his first competitive goal of the season with the away sides’ consolation in the 25th minute.
Warriors are 4th following their home win while Red Arrows stay in mid-table in 7th spot.
YOUNG ARROWS 1- ZESCO UNITED 0.
Promoted Young Arrows recorded their first league win of the season after dispatching Wedson Niyerendas’ Zesco United to its first top-flight defeat of the new campaign.
Ngandwe Chomba’s 90th minute goal secured Young Arrows first victory of the season.
FAZ DIVISION 1.
18/03/2007.
NORTH.
Prison Leopards 1-Afrisports 0.
Police Blue Eagles 1-Mufulira Blackpool 2.
Mufulira Wanderers 1-Nkana 2.
Kitwe United 2- Muchindu Blue Eagles 1.
Chambishi FC 1-Chindwin Sentries 0.
Konkola Mine Police 1- Medical Stars 0.
Ndola United 0- Kalewa 0.
INDENI 0- Lime Hotspurs 1.
SOUTH.
Riflemen 4- Kambuku Warriors 1.
Lusaka Tigers 2- Livingstone Pirates 1.
Communite 2- Lusaka City Council 2.
Nkwazi 6- Kalomo Jetters 2.
ZNS Green Eagles 2- Young Buffaloes 1.
Chilanga Heroes 0- Nampundwe 1.
Builders Brigade 3- Zamcoal Diggers 0.
Profund Warriors 0- Lusaka Celtic 0.
ZANACO bows out of MTN Africa Champions league while Green Buffaloes sail through to
ZANACO Football Club were today booted out of the MTN Africa Champions league by Tunisian football giants Esperance on 6-1 on goal aggregate. However, Green Buffaloes sailed through to the next round of the Confederation Cup after beating St. Pauloise of Reunion, 2-0. Esperance, who beat Zanaco 2-0 a fortnight ago, beat the home team 4-1 at Sunset before a capacity crowd. Zanaco who are also the 2006 KCM/FAZ Premier league champions were out played right from the start by the visitors who managed to score two goals in the first half. Esperance's deadly strikers Kasoloi Salam scored two goals in the first half while his teammates Latief Amin and Lackhan Charib scored a goal each. Zanaco's Kelvin Kalengo scored a penalty as a consolation goal for the home team. ZANACO coach Fighton Simukonda in a post match interview accepted the humiliating defeat saying Esperance was a more superior side in all areas. Simukonda blamed the late substitutions his bench made to have contributed to the humiliating defeat. His counterpart Jacky Dugueperoux said he was happy with the results despite playing on what he described as a' bad pitch.' Soccer fans who started trooping out of the stadium in middle of the second half said they were deeply disappointed with their team's defeat. One of ZANACO fans Simon Mwelwa called for the dismissal of Simukonda for a new one saying he was failing to read the game to make the necessary changes. At Independence stadium, Green Buffaloes did the nation proud after beating St. Pauloise 2-0. Playing before a capacity crowd, Buffaloes made their intentions known through midfielder Sydney Sekelele who struck the back of opponents' net in the 33 minute of the match. The Islanders defensive play became porous as Buffaloes continued attacks on the goal paid dividends when striker Sebastian Mwansa struck a volley in the 85th minute. Buffaloes coach George Lwanadamina said while he was happy with his team's performance, his bench would keep on making preparations for the next continental games. Lwanadamina said his team would re- focus its attention on local FAZ/KCM premier league games. ZANIS
Govt urged to support swimming.
The Zambia Pool Life Savers Society of Zambia ( ZPLSZ) has urged government and stakeholders to support swimming to bring glory to Zambia. ZPLSZ coach Charles Banda says swimming was underdeveloped due to lack of support. Banda told ZANIS in an interview that Zambia has a lot of potential swimmers who if exploited would carry Zambia's flag high, internationally. 'IT is saddening to note that Zamba only recognises soccer as the main sport while there other sports disciplines like swimming are equally important as they play a cardinal role in the social development of the human body" he observed. And Olympic Swimming Pool (OSP) Manager Kasaya Kaumba has accused ZASU for not cooperating with the media to cover the swimming events. Kaumba advised ZASU executive to work hand in hand with the media to fully develop the sport in the country. He further called on Zambians to create interest in the sport. Meanwhile two Baobab School pupils Mukuka Mukuka and Chola Mukuka said that swimming was a good sport as it helps a person to remain health for along time. The Mukuka brothers said they enjoyed the sport locally and internationally were they have won various awards. ZANIS
TB patients in Kazungula districts have to be forced to seek medical care
A Tuberculosis (TB) health care supporter of Siamazila village in Simango area of Kazungula district has bemoaned TB patients' negative attitude towards visiting health centers in the area. Vilet Chinyama, who is also a farmer in the area told ZANIS in an interview in Simango today that a lot of TB patients in the area are shunning to visit health centers. She said TB patients have to be forced to go to the clinics to seek medical treatment. Mrs Chinyama said there is hence need to embark on an aggressive counseling drive on the importance of seeking early treatment as most patients are ignorant and lack knowledge about the disease. Mrs Chinyama appealed to the patients to change their negative attitude if the disease is to be done away with. She was speaking ahead of this year's World TB day commemoration which falls on March 24 annually. Meanwhile in Kazungula district preparations for this year's World TB day are already in place as officials from Kazungula district health and other cooperating partners in the district have made all necessary arrangements to make the event successful. This year's World TB day will be celebrated under the theme, "TB anywhere is TB everywhere". In Kazungula district the event will take place in Simango Basic School in chief Musokotwane's area. ENDS
Sata threatens to drag ZNBC, Times of Zambia and the Attorney General to court
Patriotic Front (PF) President Michael Sata has threatened to drag the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC), Times of Zambia and the Zambian Attorney General for allegedly reporting that he was deported from Malawi on
suspicion that he was a prohibited immigrant.
Addressing journalists in Lusaka today, Mr Sata said he will take legal action against the two media bodies and the attorney general for the unlawful reporting that he was sent out of Malawi on suspicion that he was a prohibited immigrant.
Mr Sata charged that his deportation from Malawi was politically inclined claiming that the Zambian government had sent false information to the Malawian government that his visit to that country was aimed at uniting Bakili Muluzi’s party so that it can contest the coming elections.
The PF leader who wished Bakili Muluzi good will in his political aspirations said, he did not visit Malawi to instruct the Malawian people on what they should do and who they should vote for, but instead, went to Malawi on his personal business.
Mr Sata said no person or any government can stop him from visiting any part of Africa or Malawi because his hands are clean.
He said he has since written a letter to the Malawian President Mbingu Wa Mutharika seeking clarification as to why he was deported from that country.
Mr Sata, who started off to Malawi at Lusaka International Airport at 12: 20 hrs and arrived at Chileka Airport in Blantyre in Malawi at 14: 10 hrs was deported back to Zambia through the Miami Boarder Post in Chipata Eastern Province.
The Patriotic Front President explained that though he was sent back to Zambia he had all the necessary travel documents that were checked and verified before leaving for Malawi.
Mr Sata complained that he was harassed by the Zambian Immigration Officers, Zambia Army and the Police officers who he said were supposed to have protected him from any harassments.
ZANIS
Violence against women and Child Abuse rife in most rural parts of Zambia
Despite frantic efforts by government and various Non- governmental Organizations (NGOs) to fight violence against women and abuse of
children, the vices are still rampant in most rural parts of the country due to the
absence of a sensitization drive in such areas.
This came to light when Young Women Christian Association (YWCA) embarked on a
sensitization programme on violence against women and child sexual abuse at
Tandabale market in Livingstone today as three women testified that they were struck
by the message on what constitutes child abuse and violence against women.
Eness Mweetwa of Syatontola village in Monze, Jessica Syachintu and Milimo Beenzu of
Dimbwe village in Kalomo told ZANIS that women still experience severe violence from
men in the villages adding that child defilement was equally on the increase.
They observed that a lot of child sexual abuse cases go unreported. The women
appealed to YWCA and other stakeholders to reach the rural areas as people lacked
information on women and children’s right.
Speaking on behalf of the others, Ms Mweetwa warned that as long as villages are not
sensitized, violence against women and children will continue.
The women also contended that property grabbing is still rife in most rural parts of
Zambia. Ms Mweetwa pointed out that there is need for women to learn more about the
Intestate Act.
She said men in the rural areas still believe that a woman does not own any property
and that when her spouse dies she has no right to the property.
She explained that women who try to resist are threatened and hence opt to remain
silent
YWCA has embarked on a campaign in the Livingstone and Kazungula districts to
sensitise residents about violence against women and enlighten communities about
child abuse.
Teachers threaten to abandon school due to witchcraft
Teachers at Simango Basic School in Kazungula district have threatened to abandon the school due to alleged increasing incidences of
witchcraft at the school.
The teachers, who declined to be named told ZANIS in an interview in Kazungula today
that the problem of witchcraft has been haunting the school for a long time adding
that the stay of teachers at the school has been made very uncomfortable.
One of the female teachers disclosed to ZANIS that strange and mysterious happenings
were constantly being observed at the school.
She lamented that female teachers at the school were spending sleepless nights
because suspected wizards were allegedly having sex with them in their sleep.
A check by ZANIS at the school found teachers and members of the community gathered
waiting for Kazungula District Education Board Secretary to come and address them
over the increasing incidences of suspected witchcraft at the school.
Teachers have since proposed that a Witch-finder should be brought in to cleanse the
school of evil spirits.
Zambian Football Saturday Round-Up
ESPERANCE FLATTEN ZANACO.
1994 African club cup champions Esperance advanced to the 3rd round of this year’s Caf Africa Champions League after crushing hosts Zanaco 4-1 in their final leg, 2nd round match played at Sunset stadium in Lusaka this afternoon.
Esperance took a 2-0 lead into halftime through Amine L’taief and Lackhan Chakib with goals in the 36th and 40th minutes respectively.
Winger Kelvin Kaindu gave Zanaco some false hope with the hosts’ lone goal of the day in the 55th minute.
However, Esperance put the result beyond doubt via a Kasdaoui Salama brace in the 63rd and 74th minutes.
Esperance advance to the 3rd round 6-1 on aggregate.
BUFFALOES ADVANCE.
Green Buffaloes beat Reunion club St Pauloise 2-0 at Woodlands stadium in Lusaka this afternoon in their Caf Confederations Cup 1st round, final leg tie.
Buffaloes advance 2-0 on aggregate putting a shine on the day that Zanaco bowed out of the Caf Africa Champions League after Esperance thumped their hosts 4-1.
Goals from midfielders Sydney Ngosa and Sebastian Mwansa in the 31st and 85th minutes respectively secured Buffaloes 3rd round passage in the Confed Cup.
Buffaloes will face either Ajesaia of Madagascar of Egypt’s Ismaily away in the 1st leg.
The two sides were in action by press time in Cairo and locked at 2-2 from the first leg played a fortnight ago.
Buffaloes’ 3rd round, 1st leg away match will be played during the weekend of April 6th, 7th or 8th while the return leg tie will be played 12 days later on the 21st in Lusaka.
FAZ PREMIER LEAGUE MATCH REPORTS.
ZAMTEL FC 0- NCHANGA RANGERS 1.
Nchanga Rangers took a 24 hour lead at the summit of the Faz Premier League table after beating promoted Zamtel FC 1-0 at Musa Kasonka stadium in Ndola this afternoon to stay undefeated since the start of the season three weeks ago.
Striker Floyd Phiri 15th minute goal handed Rangers their second successive 3 points to go top on 7 points, one more that City of Lusaka who could regain the top slot should they beat visiting national Assembly tomorrow at Woodlands.
KONKOLA BLADES 1- ROAN UNITED 0.
Konkola Blades bounced back from their 2-0 away defeat at Zesco United last weekend to added more misery to promoted Roan United’s poor start to the season with a 1-0 home win at Konkola stadium in Chililabombwe today.
Blades scored through winger Willie Chimpinde in the 42nd minutes after he collected a loose ball that Roan goalkeeper Bob Banda had spilt after failing to hold on to an initial attempt on goal by Moses Phiri.
Roan are bottom of the table with zero points and no goals scored three games gone into the new league season.
FOREST RANGERS- POWER DYNAMOS (POSTPONED).
PLAYING 18/03/2007.
Kabwe Warriors – Red Arrows
Green Buffaloes     – Nakambala Leopards
Zanaco              – Lusaka Dynamos
City of Lusaka      – National Assembly
Young Arrows        – Zesco United