Teta has been deceiving Rupiah, says Hichilema
By Chibaula Silwamba and Lambwe Kachali
Tuesday September 30, 2008 [04:00]
UPND presidential candidate Hakainde Hichilema yesterday said Vice-President Rupiah Banda has now realised that MMD spokesperson Benny Tetamashimba has been deceiving him that he has support in North-Western Province. And UPND Mazabuka Central member of parliament Garry Nkombo charged that cronies around Vice-President Banda were playing political games
against Hichilema to disturb him from winning the October 30 presidential election.
Commenting on the people of North-Western Province who warmly welcomed him during the Luvale's Likumbi Lya Mize traditional ceremony in Zambezi district as opposed to Vice-President Banda and the subsequent jeering of Tetamashimba during a campaign rally in Kabompo, Hichilema bragged that he had a lot of support in the province.
"Tetamashimba is misleading the people because of his personal greed," Hichilema said. "I think he was deceiving Rupiah Banda that he has support in North-Western Province when he doesn't have. Now, Rupiah Banda saw it for himself."
And reacting to Opper Hamiyanze's defection from the UPND to the Michael Sata-led PF and his claims that several UPND members will follow him, Hichilema observed that some people were being paid to claim that they were senior party members who had defected.
He said Hamiyanze was not a provincial publicity secretary of the UPND in Southern Province.
Hichilema warned PF members and leaders to desist from corrupting people to be purporting that they were defecting from UPND.
Asked about Hamiyanze's claims that several senior UPND members are expected to defect to PF in Choma today, Hichilema said this was not true.
"You go to Choma yourself and see what is happening. If PF is engaging itself in corruption by buying people, they will not achieve anything," said Hichilema.
Southern Province UPND deputy chairman John Chidyaka said Hamiyanze was not the party's provincial publicity secretary but an ordinary member.
He said Hamiyanze was an opportunist who was playing monkey politics.
"I know Hamiyanze; he has been a party member but not the position he claims. He is fabricating. People must learn to resign in a humble manner with dignity and morality and not lies and immorality," he said. "To us in the province, many people will melt but the cream will remain."
Chidyaka advised Hamiyanze not to talk about issues he did not know because he might end up in courts of law.
Meanwhile, Hamiyanze apologised to the UPND and Hichilema for saying that he was the party's provincial publicity secretary, saying that he was just a vocal party member in the province.
Hamiyanze said he was appointed by the late UPND leader Anderson Mazoka although he did not want to use this to his advantage.
However, Hamiyanze said the defection of UPND senior party members to form the provincial structure for the PF would take place today in Choma, though it would be a closed door meeting.
And featuring on the October 30 countdown programme on Hot FM yesterday, Nkombo said some officials around Vice-President Banda wanted to block Hichilema from going to Zambezi where he Vice-President Banda had gone to attend the Likumbi Lya Mize Traditional Ceremony. Nkombo said after Hichilema chartered a plane, he was delayed to be given one. He said the motive behind that was to block him from attending the Likumbi Lya Mize ceremony, which he later managed to attend.
"Mr Rupiah Banda himself may not be aware; I cannot take blame on him. But the cronies around Mr Banda have already started playing up games where they say 'this plane is grounded it cannot go'. But because HH is a very determined person, he left Lusaka at 13:30 and arrived in Zambezi at 15:00 hours and the people were waiting for him at Zambezi airstrip which was filled to capacity and they walked with him through where he met Mr Banda. Mr Banda was very surprised to see them. They tried to block him up but couldn't manage. People of Zambia must be given a chance to hear who wants to be of service to them," Nkombo said.
Nkombo also said although the electoral pact between PF and UPND would have been an ideal thing, it would have only achieved one purpose of dislodging MMD from power and not the fundamental interest of Zambians.
Nkombo explained that it took like-minded people to achieve a common goal.
He said there was need to harmonise many issues before a pact could come into effect.
"Now, if you are going to go with a pact with the purpose of just winning, and no other things... you know we have a vision, we have a manifesto which is different from PF.
We need to harmonise these things together for us to move in one accord for real. Don't forget, MMD in itself disintegrated in the year 1994 because they got together based on the wrong fundamentals to remove Dr Kenneth Kaunda. No sooner had they removed Dr Kaunda than they split...," Nkombo said.
Asked on assertions that the electoral pact could not materialise due to Hichilema and PF leader Michael Sata's preoccupation to go to plot one, Nkombo said the two parties believed in different principles.
"... I just said to you that PF and UPND were created under completely different circumstances, with one reason to rule the country in a certain fashion. Certainly, the fundamentals that govern PF and the fundamentals that govern UPND differ. The issue of fundamentalism, what you believe in, came to play and I want to show you that seemingly MMD could be in the advantage of the instrument of power. The fact that Mr Mwanawasa managed to get them the vote they needed, they won the election. And so everybody is just regrouping in that same old, fadeout thinking MMD is still very popular," said Nkombo.
Nkombo also warned the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) against rigging the October 30 election, saying UPND would not tolerate any electoral irregularities.
Labels: BENNY TETAMASHIMBA, HAKAINDE HICHILEMA, RUPIAH BANDA
Read more...
Rupiah's hopeless injunction
By Editor
Tuesday September 30, 2008 [04:00]
The right to equal protection of the law is fundamental to any just and democratic society. Whether political ally of those in power or opponent, all should be entitled to equal protection before the law. No one is above the law, which, after all, should be the creation of the people, not something imposed upon them. The citizens of a democracy submit to the law because they recognise that, however indirectly, they are submitting to themselves as makers of the law. When laws are established by the people who then have to obey them, both law and democracy are served.
And we are approaching the injunction that Rupiah Banda obtained against us through abuse of the court process in the same manner. As we had indicated, we are law-abiding citizens and we will respect and obey all court orders that are issued against us.
The injunction against us stops us from publishing libelous stories or editorial comments against Rupiah. We have no problem obeying this order until it is heard inter partes on Friday. But this order does not stop us from publishing stories or editorial comments that are not libelous against Rupiah. And we shouldn’t confuse anything that is unpleasant, uncomplimentary against Rupiah as being libelous. We are certainly not public relations officers of Rupiah and we have the right to publish critical stories and comments on Rupiah. But such stories are not libelous if they are true and the comments fall under fair comment.
Moreover, this whole injunction was an abuse of the court process, which shouldn’t have been sought by Rupiah in the first place. The rule against prior restraint has been very clearly stated by Geoffrey Robertson, one of Her Majesty’s Counselor and Andrew Nicol of Middle Temple, Barrister in their book on media law:
“The media have a right to publish defamatory remarks at the risk of paying heavy damages if they cannot subsequently be justified. The courts will not stop publication of defamatory statements in any case where the person who wants to make them is prepared to defend.
Threats by angry complainants and their solicitors to stop the presses with eleventh-hour injunctions are largely bluff. The rule has been stated often enough, because plaintiffs willing to ‘try it on’ sometimes try it as far as the Court of Appeal. In one leading case, Lord Denning said: ‘the court will not restrain the publication of an article, even though it is defamatory, when the defendant says he intends to justify it or to make fair comment on a matter of public interest. The reason sometimes given is that the defences of justification and fair comment are for the jury, which is the constitutional tribunal, and not for the judge. But a better reason is the importance in the public interest that the truth should out.
…The right of free speech is one which it is for the public interest that individuals should possess, and, indeed, that they should exercise without impediment, so long as no wrongful act is done. There is no wrong done if it is true, or if it is fair comment on a matter of public interest. The court will not prejudice the issue by granting an injunction in advance of publication (Fraser v Evans 1969 1QB 349, per Lord Denning at page 360.
The rule derives from the case of Bonnard v Perryman 1891 2Ch 269).
“If the plaintiff can prove immediately and convincingly that the defendant is intending to publish palpable untruths, an injunction could be granted. Otherwise, the rule against prior restraint must prevail in libel actions. But it is surprising how often High Court judges, pressed for time and hearing only the plaintiff’s side, overlook the principle and grant an ‘interim injunction’ without inquiring whether the defendant intends to defend.
Such injunctions are normally immediately set aside on the publisher’s application or lifted by the Court of Appeal. In 1982, two experienced High Court judges were prevailed upon to grant an injunction against the circulation of information by a shipping exchange accusing the plaintiff of connection with fraud. The Court of Appeal lifted it as a matter of principle, even though a hearing on the merits was set for the following day. ‘The only safe and correct approach is not to allow an injunction to remain, even for a single day, if it was clearly wrong for it to have been granted’ (Harakas v Baltic Mercantile and Shipping Exchange 1982 2 All ER 701 at page 703 per Kerr LJ).
“The rule against prior restraint is secure in libel cases ‘because of the value the court has placed on freedom of speech and freedom of the press when balancing it against the reputation of a single individual who, if wronged, can be compensated in damages’ (Herbage v Pressdram Ltd 1984 2 All ER 769 per Griffiths LJ). It applies whenever the defendant raises the defences of justification and fair comment and will apply if the defence is to be qualified privilege unless the evidence of malice is so overwhelming that no reasonable jury would sustain the privilege.
The Court of Appeal has on this basis refused an interim injunction against Private Eye when it published details of convictions that had been ‘spent’ under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act. It has even refused to injunct a magazine that had published an allegation that it could not justify, where it might succeed at trial for other reasons: ‘Soraya Kashoggi sought an injunction to withdraw Woman’s Own from circulation when it published a statement that she was having an extra-marital affair with a Head of State.
The magazine could not prove the truth of this statement, which it had sourced to an M15 report, but it claimed to be able to justify the ‘sting’ of the libel, namely that the plaintiff was a person given to extra-marital affairs, a number of which had been referred to in the article without attracting complaint.
The Court of Appeal held that the rule against prior restraint would still operate, given that this defence of justifying the ‘common sting’ of the allegations might succeed at trial. If it did not, the plaintiff would be adequately compensated by damages’ (Kashoggi v IPC Magazines Ltd 1986 3 All ER 577).
“One important practical benefit of this rule is that journalists can approach the subject of their investigation for a response to an article in draft without fear that they will receive a pre-publication injunction instead of a quote. However, editors and their advisors must be conscious of one trap for unwary players that can be sprung by a determined litigant who seeks an interim injunction at the outset of his action. In order to invoke the rule against prior restraint, the defendant must state on affidavit his intention to justify the allegation. If, contrary to this sworn determination, the defence of justification is not proceeded with when the matter comes to trial, his conduct in recklessly signaling a defence that does not materialise can inflate the damages alarmingly.
This will be the case especially where the actual affidavit boasts of ‘highly-placed sources’ who can be summoned to verify the allegation. Private Eye fell into this trap when it beat off an interim injunction from Robert Maxwell by promising to prove at trial that he had financed Neil Kinnock’s foreign travel in the hope of being awarded a peerage. Its defence of justification was withdrawn at the trial when its alleged ‘highly-placed sources’ went to ground. It narrowly escaped being called upon to name them, but its conduct in promising a plea of justification and persisting in such a plea until the last moment was punished by damages of 50,000 pounds. The jury found the libel itself to be worth only 5,000 pounds (Maxwell v Pressdram Ltd 1987 1 All ER 656).
“The difficulty encountered by plaintiffs in obtaining injunctions to stop libels has led to a growth in applications for injunctions on the grounds of breach of confidence, that is, that the information has been obtained from someone who is under a duty not to reveal it. In breach of confidence cases, the rule against prior restraint does not apply: even if the newspaper has a strong defence, the story may be injuncted until trial of the action if the ‘balance of convenience’ so dictates. Where freedom of speech is at stake, it is unsatisfactory to make the grant of an injunction hinge upon whether the plaintiff happens to sue for libel or breach of confidence.
“When the principle of free speech collides with the principle of fair trial, the former may have to give way. Courts may grant injunctions to stop defamatory publications that would prejudice pending criminal trials. This jurisdiction is not often used – the normal procedure is for the Attorney General to bring proceedings for contempt once the trial has concluded. It may, however, present a defendant in a criminal trial with a way of side-stepping the requirement that only the Attorney may bring actions for an intentional contempt. In 1979, the Court of Appeal, at the behest of Mr Jeremy Thorpe, stopped the Spectator from publishing an election address by Auberon Waugh, ‘Dog Lovers Candidate’ for North Devon, on the grounds that it contained matter that would prejudice Thorpe’s impending trial for conspiracy to murder (Thorpe v Waugh (unreported), Court of Appeal Transcript No.282, and Borrie and Lowe’s Law of Contempt, second edition, Butterworths, 1983, p 101).”
Clearly, the intention of this injunction against us is not noble. It is a desperate action by Rupiah which will not gain him the desired results. As long as we are truthful, honest and factual in our stories and editorial comments on Rupiah, we will not violate the injunction he has misleadingly caused the court to grant him. We are not worried about Rupiah’s hopeless injunction because it doesn’t affect us as we don’t intentionally publish libelous stories about anyone.
And in this case, we have no malice in our hearts against Rupiah and we are in no way trying to libel him. Our stories and editorial comments on Rupiah are factual and fall under the ambit of fair comment on a matter of public interest. Rupiah is a candidate in a presidential election.
The utterances, actions, records, reputations, character or personality of presidential candidates are matters of high public interest. If the media does not adequately inform the public on these issues, crooks of all hues could easily find their way into State House – we could easily end up with a buffoon like Idi Amin as our president. We have a duty to let the public know who Rupiah truly is.
And we will do this in an honest, fair, bold and courageous manner – without fear or favour. As for Rupiah, our advice is that these desperate legal actions are not doing him any good. They are actually damaging him.
Labels: RUPIAH BANDA, THE POST
Read more...
Mulongoti threatens to sort out The Post if Rupiah wins
By Mwala Kalaluka in Solwezi
Tuesday September 30, 2008 [04:00]
INFORMATION minister Mike Mulongoti has threatened to sort out The Post after next month's presidential elections. Addressing a rally at Solwezi Showgrounds yesterday, Mulongoti - in an apparent reference to The Post - said after the MMD wins the presidential election on October 30, they would ask Vice-President Rupiah Banda to go out of the country for a while so that on his return, Vice-President Banda would find all the problems sorted out.
"That is why some newspapers have gone on a field day writing what they are writing about," Mulongoti said. "I will say to him, 'when we win elections, just leave the country for a while and you will find that we will have sorted all these problems'."
Mulongoti's statement sent some people at the high table into laughter. These included commerce minister Felix Mutati, North-Western Province minister Kenneth Chipungu, sports deputy minister Richard Taima, former works and supply minister Ludwig Sondashi, Solwezi mayor Emmanuel Chihili, losing MMD presidential candidate Caine Mweemba, and members of MMD provincial executive committee, among others.
And Sondashi advised Vice-President Banda to ignore what some newspapers were writing about him.
"My brother Rupiah Banda, don't listen to what is being written in some newspapers because it is what they used to do even for your predecessor. They used to write bad things about him but what they are writing about the late president Levy Mwanawasa, it is as if he was an angel," Sondashi said. "He Vice-President Banda will make a great leader. At this age, no one can afford to be careless."
And Sondashi threatened to beat up anybody who would mention Patriotic Front president Michael Sata's name in his presence.
Vice-President Banda's election agent Benny Tetamashimba justified Sondashi's threats saying it would be the right thing to do.
In response, Vice-President Banda clapped and later avoided mentioning Sata's name as he addressed a fairly attended rally. But at one point, in an apparent reference to Sata, Vice-President Banda described him as "a big, black snake with red eyes and a red tongue".
Vice-President Banda said he would respond to his critics by working hard when he gets into office. He said he saw many similarities between what was happening to him now and the way president Mwanawasa was vilified by some sections of society when he was campaigning to become president in 2001.
Meanwhile, a Solwezi resident was whisked away by police officers after he consistently disagreed with Sondashi's statement that UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema had no political experience. The man was taken out of the arena.
Labels: MIKE MULONGOTI, THE POST
Read more...
Zambia doesn't need bad leaders - Rupiah
By Mutuna Chanda in Mwinilunga
Tuesday September 30, 2008 [04:00]
VICE-President Rupiah Banda yesterday said Zambia did not need bad leaders.
And chiefs in Mwinilunga have pledged to support Vice-President Banda in next month's presidential election. Addressing a campaign rally at Mwinilunga's Freedom Square, Vice-President Banda said Zambia does not need leaders who are troublesome and insult others. Addressing a campaign rally at Mwinilunga's Freedom Square, Vice-President Banda said Zambia does not need leaders who are troublesome and insult others.
"We need to have unity, we have to be united as a country. We need peace. What we don't need are bad leaders; leaders who are troublesome, who call people names, who insult others, women, children and tribes. We don't need such leaders," he said.
Vice-President Banda said those that had been following events in the country would note that he had been insulted but he never responded.
"Those of you who read newspapers, listen to radio and TV, some of us are insulted but you will never hear an insult from me because if I do that, what will I be telling our children? That insulting other people is good?" he asked.
Vice-President Banda said the MMD had a record for all people to see.
"If we say there is a road that is being built from Solwezi to Chavuma and then there is no road that is being built, you will laugh because you know that there is no road. If we say that we are building schools and there are no schools, you will laugh," he said. "I will continue from where the late president Dr Levy Patrick Mwanawasa left. ... I want to complete projects that he started such as construction of roads and bridges, the refurbishment of schools and hospitals."
Vice-President Banda said if elected Republican president, he wanted to make sure he deepened the democratic process that would see Zambians choose leaders of their choice at every level of governance.
"That is why I am in Mwinilunga today to ask you, to beg you for your vote so that I fulfill my promises. I don't want to take you for granted sitting in Lusaka asking for your vote and you only see me in radio and television. I want you to see me in person," he said.
Vice-President Banda said the North-Western Province had one of the biggest support bases of MMD. He acknowledged that the province had many problems and pledged to do everything within government's means to resolve them. He also warned voters in Mwinilunga to be wary of other political party leaders who were incapable of delivering on their election promises.
"This is campaign time, the other candidates will come but I believe sincerely that the people of North-Western Province know how to make judgment on whether they will deliver on their promises.
It's up to you to evaluate them. Some of them will come and promise but have no experience. Some will come and promise when they know they can't do what they promise. They will just come to cheat you but it's up to you," he said.
Information minister Mike Mulongoti told the residents that candidates like Heritage Party's Brigadier General Godfrey Miyanda had difficulties in coming up with 200 members to support his nomination. He said leaders like UPND's Hakainde Hichilema always got angry when called a Tonga while Michael Sata also got angry when people talked about his education.
Mulongoti said Rupiah Banda was educated and had served in public and foreign service with integrity at different levels.
Earlier, during a meeting with Vice-President Banda at Kwakuwahi Lodge in Mwinilunga, the traditional leaders indicated that that they had resolved to support his presidential bid.
"Their royal highnesses have resolved that they are ready to back you," chief Ntambu, who represented the others, said. "We will tell our subjects to back you."
The traditional leaders Vice-President Banda met include chiefs Chibwika, Nyakaseya, Kanyama, Mwininyilamba, Kakoma, chieftainess Ikelengi, a representative of senior chief Kanongesha and senior chief Sailunga.
Chief Ntambu also raised concern over the lack of representation by people from North-Western Province on parastatal bodies, government departments and foreign service. He outlined electricity problems in Mwinilunga, saying that while other provinces had been promised hydro-electricity, there was no mention of Mwinilunga on the list.
Chief Ntambu also complained about the lack of high school infrastructure in the area. He said infrastructure that was being used as high schools were that of basic schools.
He further called for a VIP section to be established at the Mwinilunga District Hospital. He said as the case was, traditional leaders had to share wards with their subjects which was not allowable under their traditional customs.
In response, Vice-President Banda said the head of the civil service, Dr Joshua Kanganja, was a son of the province.
However, Vice-President Banda said he believed Zambians from different parts of the country were serving at different levels of development of the country.
On electricity, Vice-President Banda said Zesco managing director Rhodnie Sisala briefed him on the options to resolve power problems in Mwinilunga. He said Sisala told him Zesco had allowed local investors to raise US $10 million to construct a hydropower station on the western side of Lunga river.
He said the other option was to build a power line from Lumwana stretching over 200 kilometres to Mwinilunga.
Vice-President Banda said Sisala also indicated that Lumwana was interested in extending the power line to Mwinilunga in their pursuit of minerals in the area.
Labels: RUPIAH BANDA
Read more...
UNZASU suspends president over political bribes
By Masuzyo Chakwe
Tuesday September 30, 2008 [04:00]
THE University of Zambia Students Union (UNZASU) has suspended its president Solomon Ng'ambi for allegedly involving himself with and receiving money from a political party.
But Ng'ambi said the accusations levelled against him were totally extravagant and malicious.
In a letter dated September 28, 2008 and copied to the Dean of Students and Council of Hall Representatives, UNZASU vice-president Duncan Nyirongo stated that Ng'ambi's conduct in the recent past had indicated that he had been actively involved with a certain political party and hence became politically active contrary to the UNZASU constitution.
He stated that other charges were mismanagement of UNZASU funds, unlawfully obtaining UNZASU funds and holding on to it, obtaining money from a political party on behalf of UNZASU by false pretences, misrepresentation of UNZASU, bribery of UNZASU officials and disclosure of information pertaining to the operations of the union to non-UNZASU members.
Nyirongo stated that the suspension followed the deliberations of the UNZASU executive constitutional meeting held on September 28, 2008 in the UNZASU office.
Nyirongo stated that this was to facilitate thorough investigation in a number of issues raised against him.
"This serves to inform you that you have been suspended from the UNZASU executive with immediate effect. You are advised to exculpate yourself before the executive within seven (7) days from the time of receipt of this communication.
During this period of your suspension, you are not supposed to carry out any function that pertains to the office of the UNZASU president. Neither are you expected to conduct any other UNZASU executive duties. You are expected to hand over all UNZASU property and documents to the UNZASU secretariat within 48 hours," Nyirongo stated.
But Ng'ambi said the claims against him could not be substantiated because the union had not produced any evidence.
He said the union did not follow the right procedure as he was not present when the decision was arrived at and thus could not exculpate himself.
"I will be patient and co-operate because I know the decision is unfounded and I did not receive any money and I did not campaign for any party. There are certain political parties who wished that I could be on their side and they feel disappointed because I have remained neutral so they ganged up with the union so they can put someone who they can work with," he said.
Ng'ambi said having full knowledge that he was innocent, he would be patient and allow them to investigate the matter.
He also said he had decided to take legal action on some of the individuals that claimed to have seen him collect money for the defamatory statements and damage caused.
In response, Nyirongo said UNZASU was non-partisan and Ng'ambi’s claims were unfounded.
He said the union reached that decision because they felt he had betrayed the union.
Nyirongo said UNZASU would never support any political party and what Ng'ambi had done had put the union in a mess.
He advised Ng'ambi to stop politicking and prepare his defence.
Nyirongo said Ng'ambi had the right to appeal to the UNZASU judiciary if he felt the stance taken by the executive was not in accordance with the law or if he did not agree with the charges levelled against him.
Labels: CORRUPTION, SOLOMON NG'AMBI, UNZASU
Read more...
Mugabe attacks US rescue plan
Nancy Pasipanodya
Tue, 30 Sep 2008 01:18:00 +0000
PRESIDENT Robert Mugabe has attacked the United States and Britain for adopting economic measures that are the same as those adopted by Reserve Bank Governor, Dr. Gideon Gono, to deal with the current global financial crisis.
Speaking at an impromptu press conference yesterday morning at Harare International Airport, President Mugabe said while the US and other Western countries criticized Dr Gono for printing money, Washington was planning to do the same to bail out the financial sector with US$700 billion.
The US was currently entangled in a financial crisis that has seen big financial institutions such as giant insurer AIG facing a liquidity crunch and the sub-prime mortgage market crush.
President Mugabe said that the quasi-fiscal decisions being adopted by the US administration to rescue its economy were comparable to the policies followed by Dr Gono who had to find ways of dealing with the freezing of credit lines to Zimbabwe by international lenders. He said the confidence that has been lost by Americans is a reminder of the confidence lost in Zimbabwe due to the illegal sanctions imposed on the country.
He said that what the US called a rescue plan was exactly what they called interference in Zimbabwe adding that such hypocrisy of Western countries needed to be exposed.
Labels: FINANCIAL CRISIS, GIDEON GONO, HYPOCRISY, MUGABE
Read more...
COMMENT - Time to lift sanctions, right Morgan? Or aren't you in charge of those?
Tsvangirai: We must respond to crisis with utmost urgency
The following is a statement by Zimbabwe's Prime Minister-designate Morgan Tsvangirai on the food and humanitarian situation in the country issued on September 27, 2008:
Posted to the web: 28/09/2008 23:02:42
FELLOW Zimbabweans, I have spent the past few weeks doing a consultative tour of the various sectors of our economy.
I am here today to draw your attention to the challenging situation in our country. The social, political and economic challenges facing our country are unprecedented.
POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT
The historic signing of the global political agreement on the 15th of September created an atmosphere of hope in our country. The uncertainty pertaining to the finalisation and conclusion of the negotiations is causing unnecessary anxiety and agony.
I, however, note with concern reported cases of intolerance and violence in some parts of our country. The culture of political victimisation and polarisation on account of differences in opinion should be a thing of the past. The challenges we now face require the collective sense of unity and purpose and a desire in every Zimbabwean of ensuring that we put the nation first.
THE ECONOMY
Companies have laid off most of their workers and are now open only to aintain their equipment. Our shops and supermarkets are mere shelves, with goods only available on the parallel market at exorbitant prices.
The pricing system in our country has collapsed with price distortions and speculation becoming the order of the day. I toured the banks in the city centre on Friday afternoon and am sad to report that our workers are spending most of their productive time in cash queues to collect a cash value which is not sufficient to cover their transport back home.
I spoke to ordinary men and women, our uniformed forces in queues, our teachers, factory workers, they told sad stories, an old lady spoke of spending two nights in the queue waiting to withdraw a paltry one thousand dollars.
The recent measures by the central bank to increase withdrawal limit to twenty thousand dollars are inadequate.
Our industry has collapsed with mining operating below 5% capacity.
FOOD SECURITY
I had an opportunity to meet with food security experts, the food manufacturing companies, and the farmers, in order to ascertain the quantities of food available for this season, the capacity of food manufacturing industry to deliver the required quantities of various food products required, the state of preparedness of our farmers for the agricultural season upon us, as well as the various support
services required for this agricultural season.
I am sad to report that my preliminary findings in this exercise show a state of emergency in the area of food security with disastrous consequences if we take too long to attend to the crisis.
I found that the deepening food insecurity will require significant food assistance
for an estimated 5.1 million people in Zimbabwe. The food agencies are currently feeding approximately 4 million people and will need to feed 5.5 million people in January of 2009. Fifty out of fifty seven wards will need food and humanitarian aid by January of 2009.
We need minimum stocks of 800 000 tonnes in order to see us through to April of 2009. I am not yet aware of the quantities stocked by the GMB except to say their ability to respond to the national food deficit has been eroded by the prolonged macro-economic collapse.
The food and manufacturing industry is working at 10% of its capacity and therefore will not be able to deliver sufficient supplies to the market in order to contribute to the national food requirement.
The shortage of basic agricultural inputs will further reduce output for the season ending April 2009. Opportunities presented by the availability of raw materials outside our borders have been destroyed by the shortage of foreign currency.
The agricultural season of April 2008 to April 2009 is threatened by similar foreign currency constraints, with our country needing approximately 625 000tonnes of fertlizer yet only 25 000 tonnes are available.
The logical constraints and challenges require timeous intervention and response from the inclusive government. This agricultural season needs to contribute a minimum of 425 000 tonnes of maize and 175 000 tonnes of wheat to guarantee basic food supply.
URGENT NEED TO FORM GOVERNMENT
We need to respond to this crisis with the utmost urgency. It is therefore imperative that a government be formed in the next few days and begins to implement plans to ensure that our people have food and do not die of starvation.
The inclusive government will have to equivocally make an urgent request for food assistance in order to see us through this period further to that we will have to look at ways of ensuring that we salvage what we can in the current agricultural season and make sure there is sufficient preparation for the upcoming
agricultural season.
Labels: MORGAN TSVANGIRAI, SANCTIONS
Read more...
Cold reception greets Rupiah at Mize
By Lambwe Kachali, Zumani Katasefa and Mwala Kalaluka
Monday September 29, 2008 [04:00]
TRADITIONAL activities almost came to a standstill on Saturday at Mize capital in Zambezi district where the Luvale's Likumbi Lya Mize annual traditional ceremony is held when UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema arrived at the main arena.
And local government deputy minister Benny Tetamashimba was yesterday jeered by a section of the crowd that attended Vice-President Rupiah Banda's rally in Kabompo's Manyinga area after he made reference to Hichilema in his address to the people.
There was stampede when Hichilema arrived at Mize, as the audience trooped to take a glimpse of him.
Hichilema, who arrived at about 16:30 hours after Vice-President Banda had left, brought all entertainment activities to a standstill as people chanted, 'we want real change, we are tired of old and grey-haired politicians. HH is the best man for Zambia'.
The stampede was worsened as the 'Makishi' masquarades pushed themselves through the crowd to greet Hichilema in a traditional dancing style, during which time a young boy was trampled upon by the crowd but was quickly rescued by police officers.
The Makishi masquarades and other individuals maintaining order had a tough time controlling a crowd of villagers that broke into political songs in praise of Hichilema immediately he arrived at Mize.
The villagers crowded around Hichilema and walked him from the main entrance to the main arena while singing praise songs.
The villagers shouted: “HH is the best man for Zambia”. They continued singing praises even as Hichilema entered the main arena and took his seat.
Earlier, Vice-President Rupiah Banda was received with a cold shoulder at the same ceremony, with some residents saying he was not a genuine leader. Senior chief Ndungu and other government leaders who were present just watched the villagers who diverted their attention from the traditional ceremony to Hichilema.
Hichilema and his entourage also had a meal at Mize palace before he left.
Speaking earlier during the ceremony which was attended by Luvale chiefs from Angola and Democratic Republic of Congo, Vice-President Banda said the government desired that love and unity should continue even as Zambia goes to the polls on October 30, 2008.
“This year's celebration is special because we are launching the Makishi after it was proclaimed a world cultural heritage by UNESCO. The Makishi was declared a masterpiece of humanity two years ago and awarded a diploma. I congratulate Your Royal Highness and the Luvale people for this well-earned recognition and for your rich cultural heritage,” said Vice-President Banda.
Vice-President Banda said the Likumbi Lya Mize signified the rich history and culture of the Luvale people, adding that the world had embraced the Makishi as its own heritage.
He said the government believed that the cultural sector was key to tourism and therefore occupied a place of importance in culture.
“Ceremonies of this nature are important safeguards of our cultural heritage. This is one sure way of preserving our intangible cultural heritage and encouraging the transmission of traditional knowledge to future generations if well marketed. The cultural industries will contribute to employment and tourism development,” he said.
Vice-President Banda said the government had established a national culture policy and was also reviewing the current legislation to conform to the current thinking of the rebirth of African culture and its integration into the mainstream development.
“It's worth mentioning that government has designed a comprehensive marketing strategy to market traditional ceremonies both locally and abroad. Once this marketing strategy is fully implemented, our traditional ceremonies will become focal points for economic development in the rural areas. We therefore wish to encourage Your Royal Highness to work with us as we together seek to deepen the economic importance of traditional ceremonies,” he said.
Vice-President Banda also said the MMD government endeavoured to develop North-Western Province by opening mines and thereby improving people's quality of life. He also said the government had constructed clinics in chiefs Kucheka, Nyawanda's areas and in Chinyama Litapi. He said at Kucheka, the clinic was being rehabilitated and solar panels and radio communication equipment had been installed.
Meanwhile, Hichilema has warned Zambians against voting for old politicians like Vice-President Banda and Patriotic Front president Michael Sata, saying they are engulfed by political greediness.
And addressing a big rally before proceeding to the ceremony’s main arena, Hichilema said the people of North-Western Province had been denied the required development despite the area being rich in mineral resources. He said greediness, selfishness and lack of long-term vision on the part of the current crop of politicians had made the lives of majority Zambians miserable.
He warned people against voting for Vice-President Banda and Sata, saying they had nothing tangible to offer to the poor as their main preoccupation now was to accomplish their selfish political interests. He assured North-Westerners that once elected as Republican president next month, he would make sure that they benefit from the mineral resources in the area.
“All that Rupiah and Sata want to do now is to amass wealth which they couldn't manage in both administrations of Dr Kaunda and Dr Chiluba. Be mindful that their greediness and self-centeredness has plunged you into this unacceptable poverty. I will make sure that all the mining companies in North-Western Province, some of the shares are given to the community development trust through which the royal establishment and the whole population would benefit,” Hichilema said.
“I want employment to go to the local people in the mining sector as a priority. I will make sure contracts in the mining sector go to local companies and local individuals as much as possible and where training is needed, they must be given training to provide the support that is required, including the mining professional training which is very important.
Beyond that, I would like the oil exploration expedited to ensure that the local community benefit from that, which will also make the country reduce fuel cost. We need to reduce the oil duties further so that the pump price can come down.”
Hichilema said it was sad that despite the province having so many waterfalls; residents were still grappling with electricity shortages.
Earlier, Hichilema met and greeted Vice-President Banda and his entourage at the Zambezi pontoon.
And during a public rally held at Sikufele Basic School in Manyinga yesterday, Tetamashimba - who is also Solwezi Central MMD member of parliament - said Hichilema had caused the closure of two Barclays Bank branches in Solwezi and Zimbabwe.
“How can he come and say he wants to develop the country?” Tetamashimba asked the crowd that disagreed with him by murmurs.
Tetamashimba was forced to pause for a while as the crowd kept murmuring.
When information minister Mike Mulongoti stood up to address the crowd, his first reaction was on murmurs from the people in the audience over Hichilema.
Mulongoti said: “We heard some people murmuring. When you are receiving information, you must receive this information and cross-check that information. If you receive information and you don't cross-check it, you are killing yourself.”
Mulongoti said Vice-President Banda was the best candidate for the presidency because in the two years that he served with President Mwanawasa, no controversy was heard from his office.
“He served him with loyalty, he served him with dignity,” Mulongoti said. “We need a sensible man. We need a mature man. We need a leader who will listen to you, not a leader who will insult you.”
Mulongoti said if Vice-President Banda did not do well by 2011, then Zambians could vote another political party.
And Kabompo East MMD member of parliament Ronald Mukuma, who is also labour minister, was also jeered by his own constituents when he was introduced to them by Tetamashimba. However, the crowd applauded Kabompo West MMD member of parliament Daniel Kalenga when he was introduced by Tetamashima.
And Vice-President Banda urged the people of North-Western Province to make sure they crush the head of ‘the snake’ in the forthcoming presidential poll so that it never rises again.
“Do what you did in the last elections, save the people of Zambia from the terrible fear that gripped them when they heard that the other political party I don't want to name was leading in Lusaka and Copperbelt provinces,” Vice-President Banda said. “Most people were terrified because they knew that the leadership of that man would cause division.”
He said one chief he talked to in Kabompo said that they had closed themselves in-doors when they heard on radio that that leader was leading.
In an apparent reference to Sata, Vice-President Banda said the chief's family felt they were trapped in a house by a snake with red eyes.
“All the parts of this country felt the same way but fortunately the votes from this province had not been counted. When they counted the votes from here, they made sure that ‘the snake’s’ head was crushed and it will never rise again. Do it again this time. Vote properly and wisely as you have always done,” Vice-President Banda said.
He said the wise people of Zambia would not accept to be ruled by a person who talked without thinking. Vice-President Banda - who described himself as a 71-year-old farmer and former diplomat - thanked God for the long life he had given him and the good health that he kept enjoying, which he said would possibly lead him to becoming Zambia's next president.
He said as a senior citizen, his campaigns would be about himself and not about anybody else. Vice-President Banda said as a man late president Mwanawasa left behind to look after the country, he owed it to the people. He said the difference between him and other candidates in the race was that he had only three years to fulfill the mandate of the MMD.
“I am an old man and I am in a hurry to do all those things I have committed myself to in front of you. Because I am a senior citizen, because I am an old man and because I have been brought up by this country, it is my duty to leave behind a good legacy,” said Vice-President Banda. “I believe that I have the necessary experience to keep this country together, united.”
The rally was relatively attended, although mostly by children.
Labels: RUPIAH BANDA
Read more...
UPND, MMD officials in S/Province join PF
By Chibaula Silwamba
Monday September 29, 2008 [04:00]
UPND Southern Province publicity secretary Opper Hamiyanze has defected to the Patriotic Front (PF), citing party leader Hakainde Hichilema's rejection of his followers' demand that they form an electoral pact with PF.
And MMD Kalomo constituency treasurer Darius Hamusambo also defected to PF, saying he did not understand why MMD was funding other political parties ahead of the October 30 presidential elections when its own members were struggling to look for campaign funds.
In a walk-in interview yesterday, Hamiyanze said several UPND members would resign to join the Michael Sata-led PF at a meeting tomorrow in Choma.
“I have decided to resign from this party UPND because of the greediness, selfishness and uncontrollable appetite for presidency by the leader of this party Mr. Hakainde Hichilema,” said Hamiyanze who joined the UPND at inception in 1998. “From the word go when HH came into office, you are very much aware that even his coming to the party was controversial in the sense that the way he came, he was associated with a number of things and this is why it was very difficult to build up the party from where it was.”
He said UPND had over 40 members of parliament under the leadership of its late leader Anderson Mazoka but the number reduced to 22 under the leadership of Hichilema.
“The reason why the party is going down is because of lack of consulting the grassroots,” he said. “As if that was not enough, the president of the country, Levy Patrick Mwanawasa died, we have a by-election on October 30. The general membership said we have to work together as the opposition, because when you are in politics, you have to serve the people. We are in politics to deliver to the people…”
Hamiyanze said about 21 chiefs in Southern Province had told him to meet with Hichilema over the matter but that Hichilema said he could not form a pact with Sata because he had spent a lot of money on his party.
He said some UPND members found it difficult to work with a man who had an uncontrollable appetite for presidency.
“My resignation is just the beginning of a massive exodus and if not careful, this might be the end of the political career of HH. As leaders, we have the duty to listen to the people that we lead. The chiefs have spoken, ordinary people have spoken. Hichilema is surrounded by people who have ill-intentions about him,” said Hamiyanze. “As I am speaking now, on Tuesday we shall have a meeting in Choma where we are expecting thousands of people and several senior members of the UPND who are coming to resign and join PF.”
And Hamusambo, who also resigned from the MMD to join PF, said MMD members were struggling to raise funds for the campaigns but were surprised that Vice-President Rupiah Banda and his campaign manager Mike Mulongoti were giving money to some political parties like National Revolution Party (NRP).
He also said he was disappointed that the MMD did not have confidence in its own members and opted to pick Vice-President Banda as its candidate. Hamusambo further observed that most people surrounding Vice-President Banda had been rejected by the late Mwanawasa because of corruption allegations.
“I have seen corruption coming back,” said Hamusambo. “I am not going to support a party that is corrupt.”
Labels: MMD, SOUTHERN PROVINCE, UPND
Read more...
'Stop politicising Banda's case'
By Bivan Saluseki
Monday September 29, 2008 [04:00]
ANTI-Rigging Zambia executive director Kaluba Simuyemba has asked justice minister George Kunda to file an affidavit in opposition instead of politicising the case in which they are seeking to invalidate Rupiah Banda as Republican Vice-President and Acting President following his filing in of nomination papers as a presidential candidate.
On Sunday Kunda disclosed that the government had always been ready for a court action against Vice-President Banda and that they were neither shaken nor surprised by the court action.
Kunda said the Ministry of Justice would therefore apply to be joined to the court proceedings to defend and protect the interest of government. He said Anti Rigging Zambia Limited was a partisan Non-Governmental Organisation.
But Simuyemba yesterday said the matter should not be politicised but resolved in court. He urged Kunda just to file an affidavit in opposition instead of politicising a matter that is already before a competent court of law.
"I am very disturbed by his Kunda personalising this constitutional issue which also should not be politicised through the press, by any rational person. Let's all be level headed for the sake of mother Zambia and the rule of law," Simuyemba said.
He said his lawyers had advised him that the matter was in court or subjudice.
Simuyemba said if Kunda was desirous of knowing the mission and objectives of Anti-Rigging Zambia Limited, he was invited to its official launch at Pamodzi Hotel in Lusaka on October 1, 2008.
Kunda said the government had an interest in the matter and would respond appropriately as soon as the requisite documents were served upon them. He said it was surprising that the originators of the court action decided to serve court process on a newspaper in the first instance instead of serving the process on affected parties, who are Vice-President Banda and the Attorney General's Office.
According to originating summons taken out by KBF and Partners on behalf of Anti-Rigging Zambia, Vice-President Banda ceased to be nominated member of parliament by virtue of having filed his nomination for election to the office of President on September 26, 2008.
Anti-Rigging Zambia has also sought the court's interpretation of Articles 71(2) as read in conjunction with Article 65(2), Article 38(2); and Articles 45, 63 and 34.
Labels: RUPIAH BANDA
Read more...
Go on leave, PF asks Teta and Mulongoti
By Chibaula Silwamba in Lusaka and Henry Chibulu in Mazabuka
Monday September 29, 2008 [04:00]
THE opposition Patriotic Front (PF) has written to information minister Mike Mulongoti and local government deputy minister Benny Tetamashimba asking them to take leave from their government positions during the campaign period to avoid further breaching of the electoral Act.
In a letter dated September 25, 2008, PF secretary general Edward Mumbi stated that his party had evidence that Mulongoti and Tetamashimba had breached the provisions of the electoral Act by using government transport and facilities for campaign purposes.
“Reference is made to the above mentioned regulations made pursuant to the Electoral Act, (Act No. 12 of 2006) 90 of 2006. We have in possession evidence to the effect that, you have breached the provisions of the above mentioned Law by using your positions in government to campaign for the acting President, Mr Rupiah Banda,” Mumbi said.
“You have been seen using government transport and facilities for campaign purposes, apart from appearing together with the acting President at a number of meetings and functions relating to his campaign. This has been in your capacities as ministers in your various ministries.”
Mumbi further stated: “Regulation 7 (K) provides as follows: - ‘A person shall not use government or parastal transport, a facility for campaign purposes; provided that this paragraph shall not apply to use by the President and the Vice-President in connection with their respective offices.
As a result of your breach of the said regulation we hereby advise that you take leave of absence from your government positions.”
He stated that the PF demanded that the Mulongoti and Tetamashimba go on leave within 24 hours from the date of its letter or they would face the risk of legal proceedings being instituted against them.
“…in which we will demand that you be compelled by law to surrender your government portfolios,” Mumbi stated.
However, the 24 hour ultimatum has expired.
Mumbi observed that it was very sad that top government officials like Mulongoti and Tetamashimba could resort to abusing their positions in government with impunity to campaign for a candidate, knowing fully that such conduct was a complete breach of electoral law.
Mumbi’s letter was copied to the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) chairperson, ECZ director, Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) director general and Transparent International Zambia.
In another letter to the ECZ chairperson dated September 24, 2008, Mumbi demanded that it be made mandatory for election results to be pasted or affixed prominently at every polling station as soon as they were announced by the returning officer before electronically transmitting them to the ECZ headquarters.
“This demand is not costly considering that only the presidential election and two parliamentary by-elections in Mwansabombwe and Ndola Central constituencies will be conducted on the 30th of October, 2008,” stated Mumbi.
Meanwhile, Choma Town Clerk Golden Banda has disclosed that the ECZ will be displaying election results outside the polling stations to clear suspicion of vote rigging.
Labels: BENNY TETAMASHIMBA, MIKE MULONGOTI, PF
Read more...
Miyanda to complain over Sata's vote splitting allegation
By Speedwell Mupuchi
Monday September 29, 2008 [04:00]
HERITAGE Party president Brigadier General Godfrey Miyanda yesterday said he would lodge a complaint with the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) against PF leader Michael Sata for alleging that he has been sponsored to split votes in the presidential by-election.
And Brig Gen Miyanda has revealed that prior to the 2006 elections, late president Levy Mwanawasa sent a senior chief from Southern Province and current Vice-President Rupiah Banda to ask him to accept to become his deputy and subsequently take over from him in 2011.
Sata on Friday told his party’s secretary general Edward Mumbi not to blame the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) for the delay in announcing successful nominations but blame the person who had sponsored Brig Gen Miyanda.
He alleged that the person who had sponsored Brig Gen Miyanda wanted to split votes for the opposition.
But Brig Gen Miyanda said Sata’s allegation was not only serious but also false and defamatory of him.
Brig Gen Miyanda said to insinuate that someone else other than his party sponsored him was to suggest he had been bribed or coerced to stand as a candidate for a less than noble motive and impliedly for material gain.
“Why was I not bribed when in the same year again the late president sent the current Vice-President Rupiah Bwezani Banda who told me that the late President was offering me to be his Vice-President in 2006 and subsequently take over from him in 2011?” asked Brig Gen Miyanda.
“Was it a crime for UPND president Hakainde Hichilema recently to visit me at my house for talks? Was it alright for a PF official to contact me with a message for talks with Mr Sata?”
He said at the Supreme Mumbi confirmed that the man who approached him with a message for talks with Sata was their member.
“After nominations I asked Mr Sata why he did not call me as indicated by his people; Mr Sata did not give me a coherent reply,” he said.
Brig Gen Miyanda said he had a desire to serve but was not overcome by unbridled ambition.
“If anything positive could come out of a discussion and that is national and patriotic, I would consider it but as the time was flying with nothing concrete, I judged that I might be taken for a ride and decided to exercise my right to participate even though at short notice,” he said.
“That is what leaders are made of; determination, faith and resoluteness even in the face of ridicule from fellow competitors.”
Brig Gen Miyanda said he never shirks in the face of a small hiccup.
“Only those who rig elections will know the outcome in advance. Ukutangila te kufika,” said Brig Gen Miyanda.
Labels: GENERAL MIYANDA, SATA
Read more...
AIDS: are we being deceived?
Published: 15 September 2008 10:40 | Changed: 19 September 2008 08:50
We are still being told that Africa suffers a devastating AIDS epidemic. The gigantic numbers of infections yield gigantic amounts of public funds for research and thus researchers. What scientific judgement can we expect from experts who stand for a broad-based conviction that guarantees their income?
By Christian Fiala, MD, PhD
It took two decades, but finally we are being told the truth: most of what AIDS experts and the media have led us to believe is wrong. A bitter deception, but better now than never.
First, UNAIDS admitted last December that it had overestimated the worldwide total number of people infected with HIV by a staggering 7 million, out of an estimated 40 million. This is a remarkable admission, coming after years of using inflated numbers in its highly successful campaign for more funding.
But the true overestimate is more than twice as high at 15 million, according to Dr. James Chin, the person formerly responsible for these very data at UNAIDS.
Dr. Chin has shared some of his inside knowledge in a new book with the telling title: The AIDS Pandemic: The Collision of Epidemiology with Political Correctness. In it he reveals that an AIDS epidemic was never expected in Europe or North America. He also explains how the inflated figures were used to scare the population and to argue for higher budgets.
The next revelation was an article in the well-respected British Medical Journal in May: ‘The writing is on the wall for UNAIDS’. Author Roger England explains: "It is no longer heresy to point out that far too much is spent on HIV relative to other needs and that this is damaging health systems’. Based on data and arguments, he recommends that‚ UNAIDS should be closed down rapidly because its mandate is wrong and harmful".
Finally in June, the head of the WHO's department of HIV/AIDS, Dr. Kevin de Cock, officially admitted that HIV outside sub-Saharan Africa was confined to high-risk groups.
'Everyone is at risk'
These admissions of obvious facts come late. Many people realised long ago that HIV/AIDS is not a threat to the heterosexual population in Europe or North America. In contrast to the numerous campaigns during the last two decades, intended to make us believe that ‘everyone is at risk’. And those familiar with the data know there was never any reason to believe an epidemic would occur: In short: "for over twenty years, the general public has been greatly misled and ill-informed", explains Rebecca Culshaw, a scientist who has been working on mathematical models of HIV infection.
Now that the AIDS frenzy of an epidemic in the general population is finally over, it’s just a question of time until public and private donors translate these facts into a reallocation of their budgets.
Population growth in Africa
But what about Africa? Most people still believe what we’ve been told: A terrible HIV/AIDS epidemic is ravaging poor countries, mainly due to the heterosexual spread of HIV – which oddly enough is not occurring in Europe or North America. This discrepancy is just one of many contradictions in widely-held beliefs about AIDS. Another is the continuously high or even increasing population growth rate in countries said to be ‘hit’ by a deadly HIV/AIDS epidemic.
The best example is Uganda. This country was once hailed as the ‘epicentre of a worldwide epidemic’. The journal Newsweek wrote back in 1986: "Nowhere is the disease more rampant than in the Rakai region of south-west Uganda, where 30 percent of the people are estimated to be seropositive." In 1995, the World Health Organisation confirmed that "by mid-1991 an estimated 1.5 million Ugandans, or about 9 percent of the general population and 20 percent of the sexually active population, had HIV infection". Subsequently, estimates of the number of HIV-positive Ugandans increased even further, to 15 percent of the total population. Most were expected to die prematurely with disastrous consequences for their families and the country.
So it comes as a shock to look at Uganda today and find no trace of the predicted premature death of millions of people. Instead, Uganda is a country struggling with dramatic population growth. It has always had a very high growth rate, but for the last 15 years, it’s been among the fastest growing countries in the world. Mortality has remained constant or even declined, while fertility rates have remained high and stable.
In other words, instead of the announced deadly epidemic of historic proportions we find an explosive annual population growth rate of 3.4 percent, which means the country is doubling its population in 21 years.
Obviously, this is paradoxical. But the contradiction between a predicted deadly epidemic and a dramatic population increase can easily be explained: most people who were HIV positive 15 years ago did not die prematurely as expected, but continued to live a normal life.
Therefore, the basic assumption in the HIV/AIDS paradigm – that a positive HIV test leads to AIDS and certain premature death – is wrong, as proven by the example of Uganda.
Inaccurate AIDS tests
The obviously and admittedly inflated figures were based on wrong assumptions, baseless estimates, and fundamental mistakes in epidemiology. To begin with, HIV tests are highly inaccurate in Africa, as several studies have documented. Tests are typically done on a small number of people and the results extrapolated to the total population.
Furthermore, in 1986 WHO created a new definition of AIDS that was valid in poor countries only, and based on unspecific symptoms. According to this so-called Bangui definition, someone has AIDS if he is suffering from weight loss, fever, and cough. But these are the typical symptoms of tuberculosis, a widespread disease in poor countries. In short, the Bangui definition diagnoses well-known diseases and gives them a new name: AIDS. This re-labelling of frequently occurring diseases explains the huge increase of ‘AIDS cases’ in the last 20 years in Africa, even while the total number of people dying has remained stable.
When the number of AIDS cases based on the Bangui definition were reported to UNAIDS headquarters in Geneva, even more cases were added to adjust for alleged ‘underreporting’. Over the years, this padding increased drastically to the point where UNAIDS claimed in 1997 that only 3 percent of the estimated new AIDS cases in Africa had actually been reported. The other 97 percent were created on paper in Geneva.
The global HIV industry
At this point, AIDS experts arrived at a dead end. They could not possibly inflate their numbers further without losing all credibility. Instead, they simply changed strategies and stopped publishing details of how they obtain their HIV/AIDS data.
The strategy of presenting inflated figures and repeatedly announcing an imminent catastrophe has paid off handsomely for those who make their living off HIV/AIDS. As early as 1989, the German Medical Board wrote in its journal that the only explanation for the ‘confusing’ way AIDS statistics are compiled is that ‘huge figures bring in large amounts of public money’ to AIDS research and, by extension, into the pockets of the researchers.
Back in 1989, the authors probably never imagined just how prophetic their comment would be. HIV/AIDS is an unprecedented success story for those who make their living from it. So it’s not surprising how anxious they are to defend conventional beliefs about HIV/AIDS (and their income).
An impressive example is the reaction to Roger England’s recent critical article in the well-respected British Medical Journal (as cited above). The author probably knew what he was talking about when he predicted: "Putting HIV in its place among other priorities will be resisted strongly. The global HIV industry is too big and out of control. We have created a monster with too many vested interests and reputations at stake."
Reading the emotional reactions to this well-written and well-researched article conveys the impression of ‘the empire striking back’. But the letters revealed something even more troubling: the majority were written by people affiliated with an HIV/AIDS organisation, but not one of them disclosed a conflict of interest – an ethical requirement in the scientific literature.
What kind of quality of scientific judgement can we expect from experts who defend a widely-held belief that guarantees their income and who are unable to see an obvious conflict of interest?
Priorities
Unfortunately, the almost hysterical focus on HIV/AIDS in Africa has done much harm over the last two decades. First, the huge political pressure has turned health care priorities upside down. Common problems or diseases are neglected. For example, Africa is a continent so poor that almost half of its population has no access to clean drinking water, and alleviation of this fundamental human need has been scandalously slow.
Second, financial resources are being diverted from other important issues. For example, UNAIDS urged African Ministers of Finance to "redirect existing project resources that could be supporting AIDS – billions of dollars programmed for: social funds, education and health projects, infrastructure, rural development".
Third, even interventions like the focus on condoms may be harmful given that abortion is still illegal in most of Africa based on the antiquated laws of the former colonial powers. Condoms are not a very effective contraceptive. And a woman in Africa who finds herself with an unwanted pregnancy due to a condom failure has few options except to turn to illegal and unsafe abortion.
Tragically, effective methods of contraception are rarely available or even withheld on the grounds they do not protect from HIV.
Now that the obvious reality has finally been admitted, we can be relieved that the AIDS epidemic is not the killer we were made believe. But how can we prevent a similar deception in the future? One possible strategy is to avoid just believing what scientists tell us, and instead follow Albert Einstein’s advice: "The important thing is not to stop questioning".
Christian Fiala, MD, PhD, is an Austrian specialist in obstetrics and gynacology. He is a researcher of AIDS in Uganda and Thailand.
Labels: AIDS, FRAUD
Read more...
Zimbabwe's youngest chief installed
Newsnet
Fri, 26 Sep 2008 13:27:00 +0000
AN 18 year old Thekwane High School student, Jabulani Ndiweni of the Ndiweni clan of Bulilima district in Matabeleland south has made history in the country after he was installed as Chief Mphini becoming the youngest substantive chief in the country.
Jabulani Ndiweni, the 14th chief of the Mphini clan takes over from his late father Thomas Langa Mphini Ndiweni who died in 1999.
Unlike Prince Bhango of the Bhango chieftainship in Matobo who was installed together with a regent chief at the age of 15, Chief Mphini who is doing his ‘O’ level studies has a direct appointment and was installed as substantive chief.
Speaking during the installation the Minister of Local Government and Public Works Dr Ignatius Chombo called on the elders of the Ndiweni clan to help in grooming the young chief.
He reminded the young chief that he is custodian of the cultural norms and values of his community hence the need for him to be a visionary who will help in uniting the people.
He further called on the chiefs to work closely with the government in mobilising resources to develop the community.
Labels: CHIEFS
Read more...
Mswati calls on Western powers to support Zimbabwe
Nyasha Perekwa
Thu, 25 Sep 2008 22:41:00 +0000
KING Mswati III of Swaziland has applauded the efforts by the principals and negotiators to the unity talks in Zimbabwe and asked called on the international community to support the initiatives in the country. Addressing the United Nations General Assembly in New York today the King said the recent power sharing arrangement should be respected by the international community.
“It is for this reason that we applaud the recent signing of the power sharing agreement and the establishment of a government of national unity in Zimbabwe,” said Mswati III.
“We look forward with optimism to the rebuilding process and removal of all bottlenecks,” he said reiterating the call he made in Zimbabwe at the signing ceremony on September 15 when he officiated at the signing ceremony.
Mswati II said without the support of the international community and the developed world, the rebuilding process in Zimbabwe will remain a mirage. He also called for the same support to be extended to the whole African continent and the rest of the world.”.
“In this regard, we urge the international community and the developed world to fully support the people of Zimbabwe. In the same spirit we wish to see peacefully negotiated settlements in all conflicts that prevail in Africa and in different parts of the world.”
Labels: CHIEFS, KING MASWATI III, SANCTIONS, ZIMBABWE
Read more...
Bush should be tried for human rights violations - Mugabe
Ranganai Chidemo
Thu, 25 Sep 2008 11:15:00 +0000
PRESIDENT Robert Mugabe has said United States President George Bush should be tried for human rights abuses before any talk of his trial is entertained.
Speaking to the Associated Press on the sidelines of the ongoing 63rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly, President Mugabe said the world was mistaking him for George Bush as he was the one who had to be tried for human rights violations. "I'm sure they forget I am not Mr. Bush who invaded Iraq,” he said, adding that “Probably they mistake me for him.” The President also asked: “Isn't that the man who should be tried before I am tried?"
President Mugabe also said that the regional bodies, the African Union and the Southern African Development Community (Sadc), had not leveled such allegations against the Government of Zimbabwe.
He also said bodies like Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International should “keep out” if they are to be used as Western tools for regime change in the country.
There has been widespread demands for the impeachment of President Bush over concerns about the legitimacy, legality, and constitutionality of the 2003 invasion of Iraq, and the controversial electronic surveillance of American citizens by the National Security Agency.
On June 9, 2008 Dennis Kucinich – a member of the United States House of Representatives and a candidate for the Democratic nomination for President of the United States – gave official introduced 35 articles of impeachment against George W. Bush to the U.S. House of Representatives.
The New York based Human Rights Watch has also attacked the US Government for human rights abuses.
America's human rights abuses have provided a rallying cry for terrorists and set a bad example to regimes seeking to justify their own poor rights records, a leading independent watchdog said yesterday.
The torture and degrading treatment of prisoners in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Guantánamo Bay have undermined the credibility of the US as a defender of human rights and opponent of terrorism, the New York-based Human Rights Watch says in its annual report.
"The US government is less and less able to push for justice abroad because it is unwilling to see justice done at home," said Kenneth Roth, the group's executive director in 2005.
"When the United States disregards human rights, it undermines that human rights culture and thus sabotages one of the most important tools for dissuading potential terrorists. Instead, US abuses have provided a new rallying cry for terrorist recruiters, and the pictures from Abu Ghraib have become the recruiting posters for Terrorism, Inc." said a HRW report.
Labels: GW BUSH, MUGABE, WAR CRIMES
Read more...
There is need to embrace PPP reforms, says Dhar
By Kabanda Chulu
Saturday September 27, 2008 [04:00]
BARN Motel managing director Jess Dhar has said there is need to embrace the private-public-partnership reforms in order to ensure employment creation and poverty alleviation. And Dhar said the management was putting in place measures that would earn the motel trust and respect in the market to become the destination of choice in the tourism sector by offering authentic services at affordable rates.
“For 38 years now, The Barn still remains the best and cheapest in its facilities in order to attract more Zambian and foreign customers and in the quest to continue providing good service and high standards to the outlet, we will continue to embrace the private-public partnership reform programme to ensure that the creation of employment and alleviation of poverty remained a success story,”
Currently, the Barn employs more than 50 local workers, interpreting into an average of 200 family members who must continue to feel secure with their company.
And general manager, Obbie Malembeka said the motel has attributed its improved service and structure to exemplary business relationship with the public and other stake holders who continue to appreciate the services offered, hence turning the spirit of hospitality into reality.
“This has called for a lot of business interaction to all parties including tourists from both local and outside the country,” said Malembeka.
The Barn which is popularly known as ‘the family insaka, offers conducive workshop facilities and it has 57 ensuite rooms, five of which are family chalets comprising a sitting room, kitchen and toilet and bath facilities.
The Motel has the capacity to accommodate up to 200 guests on special arrangement and can house up to 800 people for any type of conference venture.
Recently The Barn unveiled a new ‘Mumbai Café that offers Indian food joint and a variety of drinks with air conditioning facilities, it was officially opened by the Deputy Minister of Tourism Todd Chilembo.
The Motel also co-sponsored the 2008 national and the international motor rallies which attracted drivers from Africa and Asia.
Apart from the Mumbai Café, the Barn also offers weekend braiis, swimming, jumping castles and slides for children and a variety of sumptuous meals and drinks.
The motel also provides football and volleyball facilities for any ranks in its vast greenery, which clients could also make use of the tranquility to sun -bask while reading a favourite novel or magazine.
Labels: PPPs
Read more...
Agricultural subsidies are uneconomical, says Magande
By Joan Chirwa
Saturday September 27, 2008 [04:00]
FINANCE minister Ng’andu Magande (right) has said high agricultural subsidies are proving uneconomical considering the low crop yields being recorded in the country. And Magande said the private sector in Zambia is unwilling to mine phosphates which could provide a cheaper source of agricultural inputs.
During an extraordinary meeting of the Zambia Association of Manufacturers (ZAM) in Lusaka on Thursday, Magande said farmers need to work on their productivity beyond the current 1.3 metric tonnes per hectare recorded in the last farming season.
“Zambia utilises 200,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser, and now we have increased subsidies for farming inputs to the farmers which will see government paying 75 per cent of the total cost while farmers will pay only 25 per cent.
But despite this, yields per hectare are still very low,” Magande said. “We produce around 1.3 metric tonnes of maize per hectare currently. We have to be a little more productive and increase the yields per hectare to around three to four metric tonnes.”
And Magande said Zambia’s high phosphate and lime deposits need to be exploited for the agriculture sector.
“In Zambia, we have high deposits of phosphates but very few of the private sector want to exploit that because they want government to do so,” Magande said.
“The price of fertiliser has gone up in Zambia because the ammonium nitrate being used is made out of petrol. But if we are able to produce the phosphate and adequate lime in the country, then productivity of the farmers will be enhanced because inputs will be cheaper.”
Labels: FARM SUBSIDIES, MAGANDE, ZAM
Read more...
Sun International Zambia prioritises social responsibility
By Mutale Kapekele and Elizabeth Mwanza in Livingstone
Saturday September 27, 2008 [04:00]
“Sun international places the highest priority on contributing constructively to the social wellbeing of those communities in which we operate,recognizing the necessity to share with our stakeholders the opportunities and wealth which our business can create,” says David Coutts-Trotters, chief executive of Sun International.
Sun International Zambia enjoys very cordial relations with different cooperating partners - the Livingstone community, stakeholders in the tourism sector, business houses and the general public and not forgetting the highly valued staff.
Together, the partners mentioned above have endeavoured to deliver the standards that the discerning traveler and tourist expects and has come to appreciate.
The Mosi-oa-tunya (Victoria Falls) is one of the world’s most spectacular locations (a United Nations declared World Heritage Site), and Sun International is very privileged to be situated on the take grounds of this wonder of the world.
Sun International is conscious of the responsibility that lies on its shoulders to ensure that everything that take place on the premises are in true harmony with the people and the environment in order to deliver a service beyond expectation.
The partnership of Zambia and her people with Sun International’s celebrated expertise in the tourism sector has produced a resort that we are all proud of.
With respect to the community Sun International Zambia has taken a very firm stance to contribute the welfare of the local people through the company’s Corporate Social Investment (CSI) Programme.
Sun believes in Responsible Tourism. As such, the resort supports a number of social initiatives in Livingstone and the surrounding communities.
The guests have been very instrumental in propelling some of these projects forward.
Sun International Zambia believes that through the resort’s contribution to the community, it supplements Government’s effort to improve the livelihood of the people.
Orphanages with such a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS and poverty levels Livingstone is home for a lot of orphaned children and street kids. Looking after these children is a community responsibility and Sun International Zambia, as part of its corporate Social Investment (CSI) program, has partnered with other stakeholders, in providing local orphanages with educational materials, foodstuffs, clothing and other everyday needs. The company supports a number of these orphanages;
•Sinkombo Orphanage, which is run by Sons of Thunder from the United States of America, looks after babies from one month old and upwards. Sun International recognizes that all children require love and care from the community and has from 2004 been supporting the orphanage with educational materials, food, clothing and other necessities of life.
• Lubasi Orpahnage drives its name from a local term which means home. This home, for many HIV/AIDS orphaned children, admits children from four years onwards and aims to care for the children until they are adopted or taken to foster homes.
Sun International Zambia has put up two summer shelters and a computer laboratory at the home with internet facilities as a way of helping the children.
Other orphanages and homes helped by the resort include Kapatamoyo Lane Orphanage, Ebenezer Orphanage, Danny’s Home (Lushomo Trust) and The Maramba old people’s home.
Sun international Zambia also carries out numerous community projects for the youths, women and other vulnerable groups as well as health assistance for the children.
All in all, Sun International Zambia is not just about the million thrills that it promises the guests, but also social responsibility that touches the lives of the most vulnerable in society.
Read more...
Rupiah seeks injunction against The Post
By Chansa Kabwela and Bivan Saluseki
Sunday September 28, 2008 [04:00]
RUPIAH Banda is a desperate old man resorting to desperate measures which he does not even understand, responded Post editor Fred M'membe to the Vice-President's injunction to restrain him and The Post from publishing defamatory editorial comments against him.
M'membe said the injunction which Vice-President Banda had obtained was the simplest for The Post to obey because it restrained the newspaper from publishing any libellous words against the Vice-President.
M'membe said The Post has never published anything libellous to Vice-President Banda.
"And this being the case, the injunction amounts to nothing because it allows us to continue to publish everything that is true, although unpleasant to Mr Banda. We will only be found to have disobeyed this injunction order if we publish anything that is libellous to Mr Banda and this is a matter that has to be proved by facts or evidence in trial. It is not a matter that can be determined without trial," M'membe said. "For us everything continues on the same basis and we will publish everything that is truthful and that falls within the ambit of fair comment on Mr Banda. And in this way we will obey the injunction order."
M'membe said if Vice-President Banda thinks that he will escape public scrutiny through The Post by this action, he was cheating himself because that is not the way things stand in issues of libel.
He said there was no way the injunction could stop The Post from writing editorial comments on Vice-President Banda and his campaign.
"There is no way this action will stop us from writing editorial comments on him and his campaign - not in this country. He should go to some other fascist country with draconian laws, not here in Zambia. He should go to Zimbabwe where he was born where, maybe, such actions can be entertained. If he thinks the law in Zambia will protect him from honest criticism, he is cheating himself and whoever is giving him this advice is also cheating him," he said.
M'membe said Vice-President Banda could only survive such criticism through conducting a clean campaign.
"The only way he can survive such criticism is to conduct a clean and honest campaign and stop dishing out sugar and mealie meal like a 'sugar daddy' to the electorate. We have never seen this type of foolishness and misguided libel action," M'membe said. “This is really desperation of the highest order. Mr Banda is cheating himself.”
Vice-President Banda is seeking to obtain an injunction restraining The Post from publishing or allowing publication of libellous words against him.
According to ex-parte summons for interlocutory injunction taken out by Christopher Mundia on behalf of Vice-President Banda, he wants The Post restrained from publishing the running editorial comments defamatory to the plaintiff namely that he is a crook, a criminal, unreliable,
untrustworthy or words to the like effects or publishing words to the effect that he is not a person who is trustworthy to he elected President.
"The defendant should further be restrained from publishing or further publishing or permitting or causing to be published the same and/or similar articles against the plaintiff until after the trial of this action or until further order," read the summons.
Vice-President Banda stated in his affidavit that The Post has been publishing a series of libellous statements against him, the basis of which is unfounded as he had never been at any time a criminal, a crook, dishonest or a Judas Iscariot among other descriptions.
He stated that the running libellous statements against him were actuated by malice and intended to destroy his well-earned public service record and disadvantage him in the elections for totally unexplained reasons.
Vice-President Banda stated that the allegations contained in the running editorials were extremely damaging to his reputation and were likely to cause him irreparable harm if the publications continued unabated particularly during the campaigns ahead of the elections.
"That the running defamatory publication against me by the defendant run counter to the ethics and tenets of freedom of speech as there are totally extravagant, malicious and total disregard for my own rights," he stated.
Vice-President Banda stated that he believed in the concept of a free press but also believed that his rights were to be protected by the court to balance the situation.
"That this is completely and utterly untrue to state or suggest either expressly or impliedly or by innuendos that I have committed crimes or being in any way associated in the commission of any crimes, plunder of the national resources, or in any manner or at all as alleged by the defendant in its malicious and unjustified running publications," he stated.
And Mundia stated in a certificate of urgency that: " I Christopher Lubasi Mundia, SC do hereby certify that the determination of this matter is of extreme urgency as the defendant has been and continue to maliciously publish, circulate and distribute the libellous opinions and stories in its paper within and outside Zambia to the detriment of the plaintiff as a distinguished and successful public servant in general and in particular as a front runner presidential candidate in the forthcoming presidential elections set for 30th October 2008."
The matter is supposed to be heard inter partes on October 3, 2008.
Labels: FRED M'MEMBE, RUPIAH BANDA, THE POST
Read more...
GBM joins Patriotic Front
By Patson Chilemba
Sunday September 28, 2008 [04:00]
LUSAKA businessman Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba popularly known as GBM has disclosed that he has joined PF campaigns to ensure that Michael Sata is elected Republican president in the October 30 presidential election. In an interview on Friday, Mwamba said he joined the Patriotic Front (PF) before president Levy Mwanawasa died. He said although the PF leadership had not included him in party president Sata’s campaign team, he was doing so as a proud member of the party.
Asked when he resigned from MMD since he had earlier announced intentions to contest the 2011 presidential election on the MMD ticket, Mwamba said he had been out of MMD for sometime and that he never found it necessary to announce the development.
Mwamba said he was recently in Northern Province campaigning for PF.
He said he would focus on campaigning for PF in Northern Province and later go to other areas.
“You may be surprised that even before sunset, I can be there Northern Province,” he said.
On his Northern Province campaign trail, Mwamba said PF’s popularity had gone up extremely well.
“I think you have to come there for yourself. Come and see me when I’m there. I won’t even talk to you, I will just take you round,” said Mwamba.
Mwamba also said he would not apply to contest parliamentary by-elections in Ndola-Central and Mwansabombwe.
Mwamba contested the 2006 Kabwata parliamentary election on the MMD ticket.
The seat was scooped by PF’s Given Lubinda.
Labels: GBM, PF
Read more...
TIZ challenges Rupiah to come clean on NRP
By Nicholas Mwale, Macheu Chiwawa and Chibaula Silwamba
Sunday September 28, 2008 [04:00]
TRANSPARENCY International Zambia (TIZ) president Reuben Lifuka has challenged Vice-President Rupiah Banda and the MMD to come out clean on the funding of the National Revolution Party (NRP). And UPND presidential candidate Hakainde Hichilema said Zambians will be justified to reject the outcome of the October 30 presidential elections if the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) does not take action against the governing MMD for engaging in bribery.
Addressing trainee journalists at The Post headquarters on Friday, Lifuka wondered what the MMD expected in return from the ‘small parties’ they claimed to have funded.
“If Mulongoti’s theory is correct that MMD donation to ‘small political parties’ was just to assist them, then he should also tell us what those parties will do for MMD,” Lifuka said.
He wondered why the transaction between NRP president Cozmo Mumba and Vice-President Rupiah Banda took place at Government House.
“If the transaction between Cozmo and RB was political party to political party, it should have taken place at the party secretariat,” Lifuka noted. “Why at Government House?”
Lifuka said what happened was political corruption because it was meant to win the support of NRP.
“They should also tell us how many other political parties have received the support of MMD,” he said. “We challenge them to publish the names of the political parties that have received such funding. This will create credibility in the fight against corruption.”
He expressed shock at the contradictory statements from the MMD campaign team over the financing of NRP.
“If you have followed the news stories surrounding the K15 million donation, the whole thing is not making sense. You have RB denying the allegations, and you have Mulongoti confirming that they funded the party so that it can be self sustained,” Lifuka said. “Even the issue of having seen Cozmo and his team at Government House, William Banda denied it while others confirmed the issue.”
He said it was unfortunate that according to the Constitution, the Acting President could not dissolve Cabinet, hence it was difficult to know if a minister was speaking as a minister or campaigning.
“For example, Mulongoti’s speech from his ministerial office was purely on a campaign issue,” Lifuka observed.
He said TIZ might ask the Chief Justice to set a tribunal to query if Mulongoti’s conduct was in line with the Electoral Code of Conduct.
Lifuka further said the Acting President should have asked those ministers who were closely connected with campaigns to go on official leave because it was difficult to know if they were speaking as ministers or campaign managers.
And commenting on the contradiction between Vice-President Banda that he did not give the NRP K15 million while Mulongoti later acknowledged giving the money to the opposition party, Hichilema said the MMD’s bribery was disgusting.
“If the bribes are clearly evident... you have seen it, yesterday Thursday Rupiah Banda saying no, and Mulongoti saying yes and openly saying it is normal for MMD to bribe political parties. To say the least it’s disgusting,” said Hichilema on Friday. “I think that the Electoral Commission and the Anti Corruption Commission must take up this matter. Obviously if this continues and the Electoral Commission does nothing, it justifies the people of Zambia rejecting results.”
He warned the ECZ against tolerating malpractices during the campaigns.
“We also want to send a clear message to the ECZ that any unfair conduct will not be acceptable in the running of these elections,” Hichilema said.
“We are already aware; the MMD has openly confirmed that they are bribing even opposition political parties. I wonder how they can wage the war against corruption if they are leading the way in corrupt activities, so it means that this will transcend electoral process. We do not expect this to be what Zambian people ought to be given.”
Hichilema said the UPND expected a platform that would allow Zambians to elect the best presidential candidate to take the country to the next level.
And Vice-President Rupiah Banda’s campaigner Akashambatwa Mbikusita-Lewanika likened MMD campaign manager Mike Mulongoti to a ‘houseboy’ over his statement admitting that the governing party had ‘donated’ K15 million to the NRP.
Aka said the statement attributed to Vice-President Banda, was the official position of the MMD on the matter.
However, he could not categorically say whether the statement attributed to Mulongoti was a lie or the truth.
Reminded that Mulongoti was the MMD’s campaign manager and his statement confirmed what transpired, Aka responded: “Well, he is a campaign manager; a campaign manager is like a houseboy. It’s like listening to a houseboy and the owner of the house. Obviously the voice of the owner of the house should carry more weight.”
Labels: HAKAINDE HICHILEMA, NRP, RUPIAH BANDA, TIZ
Read more...
Govt is ready for court action to remove VP, says Kunda
By Chibaula Silwamba
Sunday September 28, 2008 [04:00]
JUSTICE minister George Kunda yesterday disclosed that the government has always been ready for a court action against Rupiah Banda seeking to invalidate him as Republican Vice-President and Acting President following his filing in of nomination papers as a presidential candidate.
Reacting to a story carried by The Post yesterday where Anti-Rigging Zambia Limited has asked the High Court to declare that Banda is no longer Republican Vice-President and Acting President following his filing of nominations for the Office of Republican President of Zambia, Kunda told The Post and ZNBC journalists at his office, that the government was neither shaken nor surprised by the court action.
"We have neither been shaken nor surprised by a court action instituted against His Excellency the Acting President Mr Rupiah Banda by a company called Anti Rigging Zambia Limited as reported in The Post newspaper of today 27th September, 2008.
The purported court action seeks a declaration from the High Court that the Acting President Mr Rupiah Banda is not entitled to continue in the office of Vice-President after he successfully filed his nomination for election as President," Kunda explained. "This kind of court action was brought to the attention of the Ministry of Justice long before it was instituted and we have always been ready and prepared for it."
He, therefore, said the Ministry of Justice would apply to be joined to the court proceedings so that it defends and protects the interest of government.
"I must state categorically that government has an interest in this matter and in the continuity of government as we await the impending presidential elections and the Attorney General's Office will respond appropriately as soon as the requisite documents are served upon us.
In other words, we have not been served with any court process to date although we have read about it in the newspaper, The Post Newspaper," Kunda said. "In this regard even if government has not been made a party to the court action, the Ministry of Justice through the Attorney General's Office will apply to join the court proceedings so as to defend and protect the interest of government."
He said it was surprising that the originators of the court action decided to serve court process on a newspaper in the first instance instead of serving the process on affected parties, who are Vice-President Banda and the Attorney General's Office.
Kunda said Anti Rigging Zambia Limited was a partisan non governmental organisation (NGO).
"Our preliminary findings reveal that Anti Rigging Zambia Limited was registered by the Registrar of Companies as a company limited by guaurantee on 18th September, 2008 and its guarantors, directors and shareholders are as follows: (1) Mr Kaluba Musenda Simuyemba with 100,000 shares.
This is the person who has sworn the affidavit in support of the court action. (2) Mr Willie Aubie Mubanga with 100,000 shares. (3) Mr Kelvin Fube Bwalya of KBF and Partners Legal Practitioners with 100,000 shares. This is the person who is also acting as a lawyer for Anti Rigging Zambia Limited and (4) Mr Richard Nsofu Mandona is the company secretary for this company which may also be classified as an NGO since it's registered as a company limited by guarantee," said Kunda. "The national secretary of MMD Katele Kalumba will in due course reveal the political affiliation of this NGO and its sponsors. This, I must emphasize, is a partisan NGO."
But Bwalya said there was nothing wrong with him being a shareholder in the company, which he said had no political affiliation.
Bwalya said Anti Rigging Zambia Limited's agenda was to get electoral fraud out of Zambian elections.
"I can confirm that this is a registered company and limited by guarantee. We have no political affiliation. Our agenda is to get electoral fraud out of the Zambian elections. If there is a problem that the minister thinks we have he should tell us what that problem is from a legal perspective. As for the politics, I am not interested in the politics. I am interested in the general Zambian who has been taken for granted for a long time.
There is nothing wrong with me being a shareholder in the company," said Bwalya.
According to originating summons taken out by KBF and Partners on behalf of Anti-Rigging Zambia, Vice-President Banda ceased to be nominated member of parliament by virtue of having filed his nomination for election to the office of President on September 26, 2008.
The summons stated: "That as a consequence of the foregoing, the Respondent is not entitled: (a) to perform the function of the Office of the President of the Republic of Zambia; (b) to enjoy the benefits of the Office of the Vice-President and/or Acting President; (c) to enjoy or use public resources to fund his political campaign for election to the Office of President of the Republic of Zambia which he hitherto enjoyed before the filing of his nomination."
Anti-Rigging Zambia has also sought the court's interpretation of Articles 71(2) as read in conjunction with Article 65(2), Article 38(2); and Articles 45, 63 and 34.
Labels: RUPIAH BANDA
Read more...