Govt committed to job creation - Sata
By Masuzyo Chakwe
Sat 19 Oct. 2013, 14:01 CAT
PRESIDENT Michael Sata says the government attaches great importance to employment creation as the topmost strategy for ensuring the stability of society and overall growth of the economy.
And President Sata says the economy has so far created more than 326,480 jobs since the PF took office. He said the
construction of road infrastructure would open up the country for increased trade and investment opportunities, thus creating more jobs.
"Under the Link Zambia 8,000, which has seen 1,500 km being constructed under phase 1 and the L400, which has progressed significantly with over 150 km of roads to be completed by the end of this year, a total of 16,457 people mainly youths have been employed on road projects throughout the country as follows: Lusaka 2,976, Central 1,173, Copperbelt 1,587, Eastern 1,540, Luapula 1,819, Muchinga 2,366, Northern 1,973, North Western 578, Southern 1,132 and Western Province 1,313," the President said in a statement issued by his special assistant for press and public relations George Chellah yesterday.
President Sata said under the Pave Zambia 2,000 programme, work had commenced in Lusaka's Chawama compound and Petauke in Eastern Province.
He implored the Road Development Agency to accelerate implementation of this programme in all the provinces in order to create more job opportunities for the youths.
President Sata also said the government plans to rehabilitate over 1,300 kilometres of the core feeder road network countrywide.
"So far, the economy has created more than 326,480 jobs since the Patriotic Front PF took office as follows: arts and entertainment 174,052, tourism 44,292, services 31,336, electricity, gas and water 27,369, construction roads 16,457, education 10,099, finance and banking 5,521, community, social and personal 4,329, health 3,127, agriculture, forestry and fishing 3,185, transport and communication 3,625 and other 3,088 jobs," he said.
President Sata reaffirmed his government's commitment to creating a better Zambia for all in line with the PF manifesto.
Labels: EMPLOYMENT, GEORGE CHELLAH, JOBS, MICHAEL SATA
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Sata explains his pay rise
By Allan Mulenga, Roy Habaalu and Tilyenji Mwanza
Thu 17 Oct. 2013, 14:00 CAT
PRESIDENT Michael Sata has dismissed assertions that he decided to award himself a 10 per cent salary increment. But MMD president Nevers Mumba says President Sata does not deserve a salary increment because he does not work as the President.
In a statement issued yesterday by the President's special assistant for press and public relations George Chellah, the head of state explained that salaries and allowances for the President, Vice-President, Chief Whip, Leader of Opposition, Cabinet ministers, deputy ministers and members of parliament were determined by the Standing Committee of Parliament.
"... the procedure is once the Standing Orders Committee has determined what increment to award, the Minister of Finance issues a Statutory Instrument. In fact, this year, the committee, which includes opposition member of parliament, met and came up with an increment of 10 per cent taking into account the national resource and notwithstanding the fact that the civil service was awarded increments ranging from 0 per cent to more than 150 per cent," he stated.
President Sata stated that the decision to effect a 10 per cent salary increment to himself and other constitutional office bearers was made at Parliament by both ruling party and opposition members of parliament, whose salaries have equally been revised upwards.
"I urge all opposition members of parliament to take time and explain this slight adjustment to their party leaders to avoid shooting themselves in the foot," stated President Sata.
But Mumba said his party was deeply saddened by the newly-revised salaries for the President and other constitutional office bearers.
"Did he (President Sata) just become President to make money on top of Zambians or to deliver? In any case, Mr Sata should not be given salary increment because he doesn't work as a president. We only see him in by-elections and he flies out to America, India, China... but he never works as a president," he said.
Mumba said it was insensitive for President Sata to accept the newly-revised salary increase.
"...We have major concerns on this increment and Zambians are the ones who will be judging the President. We condemn this act and it is insensitive and it shows where they place value. It is themselves and not the Zambian people. But they give themselves increases. You must remember that there has been presidential salary increases in two and half years," he said.
Mumba urged labour minister Fackson Shamenda to stop comparing President Sata's monthly salary with other Presidents in the Southern African Development Community region.
"Shamenda's answer does not deserve to be given any attention. It didn't even need a headline because even people who have been presidents in this country, they don't get the same money that other ministers get in other countries. Because each country has its own economy. This is one of the shallowest comments from a minister who is supposed to be respected. The economy of South Africa is absolutely different from our economy," he said.
"The economy of Nigeria is different from ours, Bostwana, Namibia those are different from ours. You can't say Mr Sata must get the same amount South Africa's President Jacob Zuma is getting. It is relative, so that must be thrown out. It is a sad statement from a minister."
Yesterday, Shamenda urged politicians to stop scandalising the government over its decision to effect a 10 per cent salary increase for the President and other constitutional office holders.
Shamenda said President Sata was the lowest paid head of state in the Southern African Development Community region.
On Friday, finance minister Alexander Chikwanda issued Statutory Instruments 91 and 92 on the Presidential emoluments amendment, and ministerial and parliamentary offices emoluments amendment respectively.
According to SI 91, the President would be paid a salary calculated at the annual rate of K414,406 and a special annual allowance of K108, 934, which translates to K43,611 per month.
The Vice-President has a basic annual salary of K250,551; K62,360 as special allowance per year and K49,098 as utility allowance while the speaker has K239,557, K55, 299 and K49,098 as basic salary, special allowance and utility allowance annually. Deputy Speaker, Cabinet ministers, Chief Whip, and Leader of the Opposition have a basic annual salary of K189,672,48,551 as special allowance per year and utility allowance of K49,098 respectively. Deputy Chief Whip, deputy ministers and deputy chairperson of committee have a basic annual salary of K179,158 and K44,365 as special allowance per year and K49,098 as utility allowance per year. Private member has a basic annual salary of K177,158, K35,270 as special allowance per year and K49,098 utility allowance per year.
But ZCTU secretary general Roy Mwaba said there is no abuse or exorbitance in the 10 per cent salary increment for President Michael Sata, says .
Commenting on the 10 per cent salary increment for the President and other constitutional office bearers according to statutory instrument (SI) 91, Mwaba said the salary adjustment was not worth debating as it was provided for.
Mwaba said constitutional officer bearers deserved a salary increment like anybody else.
"What we are against as a labour movement is excessiveness. So when you are talking about an increment of 10 per cent, we want to analyse what that 10 per cent translates to. We must be very careful not just to condemn. It is 10 per cent of what?... and it is not only the President; it is constitutional office bearers; the ministers and the deputy ministers have had their salary increased by that percentage. So us as labour movement have looked at the figures and if the figures given to us are the correct ones, we did not see it necessary to cry foul," Mwaba said.
He said every year public service workers received salary increments, adding that "government workers also get their increment because everyone is a worker, so we do not want to apply double standards."
Mwaba said there was no evidence to show that there was excessiveness or abuse in the increased salaries for constitutional office bearers.
However, President Sata had in the past as opposition leader criticised such salary adjustments for constitutional officers.
In November 2008, President Sata, as opposition leader, said PF members of parliament who voted in favour of salary increments for ministers and constitutional office holders were making the standing of the party difficult.
This was when he commented on the PF parliamentarians who voted in favour of salary and allowance increments for constitutional office holders.
President Sata said the members of parliament had forgotten the reasons for which they were elected to Parliament.
"So my colleagues should not go the other way, they should behave like PF. It will be very difficult to defend my colleagues to their constituents. All those who voted for salaries are making the party standing difficult. How are they going to defend their stand in the party? They might look clever now, but the time of reckoning will come. Some will be one-time MPs because today they have forgotten the people. The same people will also forget them tomorrow... Dr Scott has to justify to Lusaka-Central," President Sata said then.
But former chief government spokesperson Lieutenant General Ronnie Shikapwasha had challenged President Sata then that he should not condemn the salary and allowance increment because even PF members of parliament voted "Yes"in support of the bills in Parliament.
However, President Sata challenged his members of parliament who voted for their salary increments to justify their higher perks to the nation.
"And even PF members who voted for the bill, they must justify to the nation; are they worth salary increments? What have they done in their constituencies to deserve salary increments? What sacrifice have they done to deserve salary increments?"
He maintained that he was opposed to the salary increments.
"Even if he Lt Gen Shikapwasha named PF members of parliament, if you look at that Parliament as it is today, MMD has 84 members of parliament. When you add UPND 22, that comes to 106, when you add 18 of our 'rebels', they come to 124 and that vote you had there was only 119," President Sata said then.
He said Zambians were the ones who should have decided that members of parliament and other constitutional office holders deserved an upward adjustment of their salaries and not the parliamentarians, who are employees, to decide for themselves.
"Are we going to pay them for killing the kwacha? Are we going to pay them for bringing expensive mealie-meal? Are we going to pay them for bringing expensive fuel? Are we going to pay them for a stagnant economy where we don't know where we are going? Is that what they are saying they deserve salary increment? And I am talking about all our representatives in the House, regardless of their political parties," President Sata said then.
"You remember that those bills were a subject of the elections. We condemned them during the elections and when we condemned Rupiah Banda, who cheated the people of Zambia that 'I am withdrawing the bills, I am not going to sign them.'"
President Sata also advised Lt Gen Shikapwasha, who was also information and broadcasting services minister at the time, not to demean teachers and other civil servants, who got lower salaries.
According to Paywizard.org, Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe gets the lowest annual salary in SADC, at US$18,000, followed by Lesotho Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili at US$46,915.
Oil producer Angola's President Edwardo Santos gets US$60,000 and Mozambique's Armando Guebuza earns US$53,419.
Zambia's President Sata, Namibia's Hifikepunye Pohamba and South Africa's Jacob Zuma get $82,632, $122,350 and $254,121 respectively.
Labels: GEORGE CHELLAH, MICHAEL SATA, NEVERS MUMBA
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Sata urges more input from traditional leaders in national development
By Masuzyo Chakwe
Fri 26 July 2013, 14:00 CAT
PRESIDENT Michael Sata has called for increased participation of traditional leaders in national development in order to accelerate poverty reduction and ultimately improve the living standards of their people.
Over 30 traditional leaders from across the country including Paramount Chief Mpezeni of the Ngoni people of Eastern Province presented a report on development and the welfare of chiefs to the Head of State yesterday morning.
During a closed-door meeting held at State House, the chiefs, who spoke through the chairperson of the House of Chiefs Senior chieftainess Nkomeshya Mukamambo II thanked the President for inviting them to State House to discuss developmental issues and for creating the Ministry of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs.
Chieftainess Nkomeshya also expressed gratitude to the Head of State for increasing their allowances from the time the PF government came into power.
In response, President Sata advised the chiefs to take keen interest in issues of water, sanitation and public health as these issues affect the wellbeing of their subjects and chiefdoms.
He urged the chiefs to constantly tour villages under their chiefdoms in order for them to understand the challenges their subjects were facing.
President Sata emphasised the need for constant engagements to enable the government and the traditional leadership arrive at best ways of implementing various programmes and projects.
He also directed the Ministry of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs to speed up the construction of chiefs palaces and effectively collaborate with other ministries in order to accelerate delivery of services.
Among the chiefs that attended the meeting include Senior Chieftainess Nkomeshya Lusaka Province, chief Ntambu North Western, chief Chipepo Lusaka Province, Senior Chief Chiwala Copperbelt, chieftainess Shimukunami Copperbelt, chief Lumpuma Copperbelt, Senior Chief Shakumbila Central, chief Liteta Central, chief Chitina Central, chief Madzimawe Eastern, chief Jumbe Eastern, chief Mbang'ombe Eastern Province, Senior Chief Mwewa Luapula and chief Mibenge Luapula.
Others are chief Mphuka Lusaka Province, chief Chibesakunda Muchinga, chief Kabinga Muchinga, chief Katyetye Muchinga, Senior Chieftainess Chungu Northern, chief Mumporokoso Northern, chief Chitimbwa Northern, chief Mpidi North Western, chieftainess Mwenda Southern, chief Macha Southern, chief Chikanta Southern, Litunga la-Mboela, chief Kandala and Mwene Kahare.
This is according to a statement by the President's special assistant for press and public relations George Chellah.
Labels: CHIEFS, GEORGE CHELLAH, MICHAEL SATA
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Wynter to lead AU delegation
By Moses Kuwema
Fri 18 Jan. 2013, 13:30 CAT
PRESIDENT Michael Sata has replaced foreign affairs minister Given Lubinda with justice minister Wynter Kabimba as delegation leader for the Zambian party to the 20th African Union summit in Ethiopia.
Lubinda was dropped from the government delegation to the summit which would run from January 21-28 because of the disciplinary cases he is facing in the party.
And President Sata's special assistant for press and public relations
George Chellah confirmed that Lubinda would not attend next week's 20th ordinary session of the assembly of the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, saying he had taken his annual leave.
Chellah stated that Lubinda has been on leave since December 21, 2012 and another minister has already taken his position as acting foreign affairs minister.
"However, it should also be borne in mind that Lubinda is facing serious charges against the party, which will only be resolved at the forthcoming party Central Committee meeting," Chellah stated.
But Lubinda revealed recently that his leave would be coming to an end next week on Tuesday.
Kabimba and his delegation are supposed to leave on Wednesday, while President Sata would be leaving for Ethiopia either on Thursday or Friday next week.
Sources revealed that as the only cabinet minister, Kabimba would lead the Zambian entourage. And the sources have also revealed that in the absence of Lubinda, his deputy Dr Effron Lungu would go to the summit.
"Dr Lungu has actually been acting as foreign affairs minister during this whole time that Lubinda has been on leave. He has been acting just for administrative conveniences and not substantively," the sources said.
Lubinda's return to work would however, depend on the outcome of the Central Committee meeting that would be sitting this Sunday to look at the allegations that Lubinda is facing.
The Central Committee would look at the recommendations from the Edgar Lungu chaired disciplinary committee of the PF, that found the Kabwata member of parliament guilty of treachery and collaborating with the opposition political parties to discredit the ruling party.
During the same meeting, the Central Committee would also look at the recommendations from the disciplinary committee on the suspensions of former Lusaka Province PF chairman Davies Chama and his counterpart from Eastern Province Lucas Phiri and other leaders from Eastern Province.
Other issues to be tackled during the meeting include the adoption of candidates for the Mpongwe and Livingstone parliamentary by elections slated for February 28.
Labels: AU, EFFRON LUNGU, GEORGE CHELLAH, GIVEN LUBINDA, MICHAEL SATA, PF, WYNTER KABIMBA
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Sata urges opposition to seek sober forms of engagement
By Masuzyo Chakwe
Sun 23 Dec. 2012, 11:40 CAT
PRESIDENT Michael Sata says there is a lot the government and the opposition can do together for the benefit of the country, provided there is decency, sincerity and patriotism from both ends.
And President Sata has advised the opposition to seek sober forms of engagement with the government.
He further counselled opposition political parties to cooperate with specific law enforcement agencies charged with the responsibility of maintaining law and order as opposed to creating unnecessary tension.
"As government, we have noticed a strange appetite for aggression and attempts to create panic and despondency in our people by a certain cluster of politicians within the opposition movement," President Sata said in a statement issued by his special assistant for press and public relations George Chellah.
"Our word of caution is that we are wide awake to these low-priced political manoeuvres and are ready to handle any situation which is at variance with our laws with the firmness it deserves."
He said the government would not be derailed from its responsibility of safeguarding and preserving the peace the country had enjoyed over a long period of time.
"As leaders, we should all strive to build a united, democratic and disciplined nation. This can only be achieved if we all endeavour to adhere to and respect the laws that govern us as a people," said President Sata.
Labels: GEORGE CHELLAH, MICHAEL SATA, MMD, OPPOSITION
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Sata is hardworking, deserves support - KK
By Roy Habaalu in Shiwang'andu
Thu 06 Dec. 2012, 12:20 CAT
Dr KENNETH Kaunda says President Michael Sata is a hardworking leader who deserves support. And a plane carrying President Sata's special assistant for press George Chellah including Post and Daily Mail reporters and a minister crash-landed shortly after takeoff.
Dr Kaunda, who is Zambia's first Republican president, said he appointed President Sata, Lusaka governor because of his distinguished leadership qualities.
During the commissioning of the one-mega watt Shiwang'andu mini-hydropower station here, Dr Kaunda said Zambia was yet to see the benefits of the PF government.
"Ala uyu u mulumendo nabomba icipeshamano. That's why ine I appointed him first governor for Lusaka. Nalishiba incito abomba mukali, mukali. Lesa wesu twamutotela pakutupela kateka wamusangoyu. (This man Sata is working hard. That's why I appointed him governor for Lusaka. I know how hardworking he is. He's great. God our father, we thank you for giving us this great leader," said Dr Kaunda amid ululations from the crowd.
Dr Kaunda urged Zambians to support President Sata in developing the country. Earlier, President Sata said he and Dr Kaunda wouldn't have become presidents without the support of villagers from various areas.
President Sata said the government had started fulfilling its campaign promises.
"We inherited a situation where only three per cent of our population have access to electricity and our government is working towards changing that. I am directing Zesco to replicate this by developing mini-hydropower stations on various rivers starting with Kativunga River," said President Sata.
And Shortly after take-off for the commissioning of the Chama Road in Chinsali, a Zambia Air Force plane AF 746 crash-landed, destroying a marquee prepared for the VIP.
Those on board were Chellah, this reporter, Daily Mail reporter Chimwemwe Mwale, Muchinga Province minister Charles Banda, foreign affairs deputy minister Efron Lungu and energy permanent secretary George Zulu.
Others were Muchinga Province police commissioner Remmy Kajoba, provincial Intelligence officer, Dr Kaunda's assistant Borniface Nkhoma and a three-member ZAF crew.
Proceedings at the main arena came to a halt as the crowd swarmed the accident scene.
Senior government officials and Zesco directors were seen asking Chellah if he was fine.
"Would you like a snack Mr Chellah," a minister was heard whispering.
At this point President Sata arrived and straight away asked if there were any casualties.
"What happened? Were you overloaded? Iwe minister (Banda) let's go together we've space for one," President Sata said as Dr Kaunda looked on.
After 10 minutes, another chopper was sent to airlift the team to Chinsali, where they joined the Presidential delegation and other members of the press.
By press time, the faulty aircraft was still being repaired.
Labels: GEORGE CHELLAH, KENNETH KAUNDA, MICHAEL SATA
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Rupiah hunts for Sata, Bush footage
By Ernest Chanda
Mon 09 July 2012, 13:25 CAT
RUPIAH Banda yesterday assigned people to secure a video footage of last week's meeting between President Michael Sata and US former president George Bush from ZNBC and Muvi TV, sources have revealed.
But special assistant to the President for Press and Public Relations George Chellah says his office is ready to supply as many copies of the video as needed to Banda's office.
During a meeting between the two leaders at State House on Wednesday, President Sata told Bush that his visit to Zambia was payback time for colonialists.
But Banda later apologised to Bush over President Sata's statement, a move that put him in trouble with State House.
Well-placed sources told The Post that following the warning he got from State House, the former president went on a hunt for the video footage whose intended use is not known.
"He instructed his former press aid Dickson Jere and former chief analyst for press and public relations Kennedy Limwanya to look for this video footage. They have been to ZNBC, Muvi TV and all television stations to look for this footage. Whether they have succeeded in finding this footage or not, we don't know. But the two have been going round and we don't know what the former president wants to do with this footage," said the sources.
And when contacted for comment, Jere's mobile phone constantly went unanswered while that of Limwanya was off by press time.
Further effort to contact Banda's administrative secretary Mikatazo Wakumelo failed as his mobile phone was also off.
And Chellah questioned the amount of excitement the meeting between President Sata and Bush had generated in Banda's office.
"We are ready to give Mr Rupiah Banda as many copies of the footage as he needs. The incident in question is a non issue as far as we are concerned; and it is surprising how much excitement it has generated in the former president's office," said Chellah.
"If people are bold, we can help them with the footage but as far as we are concerned they are wasting their time. Let them find more appropriate things to do with their free time; we know they are in retirement."
Labels: GEORGE CHELLAH, GW BUSH, MICHAEL SATA, RUPIAH BANDA
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Sata urges investors to take advantage of Zambia's investment climate
By Masuzyo Chakwe
Wed 13 June 2012, 13:23 CAT
PRESIDENT Michael Sata has urged investors to take advantage of the conducive investment climate currently obtaining in Zambia. President Sata yesterday met MASDAR Group, a UK-based agro multinational with over 35 years experience in Greenfield investments world-wide.
During the meeting, MASDAR Group chairman Michael Slater presented two projects designed to boost food production and create employment in rural Zambia. This is according to a statement issued by special assistant to the President for press and public relations George Chellah.
Slater informed President Sata that one project was an agricultural investment by international banks and the other is an employment generation initiative for rural areas.
"The proposal is to double-crop 12,000 hectares, with soybean and maize in summer and wheat in the winter plus a beef feedlot. All crops will be completely irrigated and the operation will be complemented by an out-grower scheme, to the extent of 20 per cent of our own harvest," Slater said.
"The rationale is to increase productivity of under-utilised fertile land and to grow wheat and sunflowers, which are in increasing demand, and maize which will be fed with sunflower meal to fatten beef cattle."
The project which is planned to kick-off in the 2013 farming season with an initial 1000 hectares and rise to 12,000 hectares by 2018, is set to boost soya, wheat, maize and cattle production thereby creating jobs and raising rural households' income.
In response, President Sata encouraged the investors to quickly come to Zambia as the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, relevant government departments and the organised farmers' groups would be at hand to assist them set up their operation.
Labels: FDI, GEORGE CHELLAH, MICHAEL SATA
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(NYASATIMES) Zambia’s Sata mourns exceptional leader Mutharika
Published on April 8th, 2012
Written by: Nyasa Times
Zambian President Michael Sata says he is deeply saddened with the demise of the late Malawian President Bingu wa Mutharika, despite their difference including his arrest when he visited the country.
In his letter of condolence to the newly inaugurated President, Her Excellency Joyce Banda, President Sata expressed his deep sense of shock and sadness at the death of Mutharika.
“The Zambian people feel profoundly sorry for the loss of a true friend like President Wa Mutharika and shares Malawi’s sadness during this period of enormous pain,” stated President Sata in the letter released by George Chellah, his press aide.
Sata also stated that Zambia particularly remembers Mutharika for the many years he spent in the country during his tenure as Secretary-General of COMESA.
“On behalf of the Government and the people of the Republic of Zambia and indeed on my own behalf, I express our innermost condolences to you, the First Family, the Government and the people of the Republic of Malawi,” stated the President.
“Having known President Wa Mutharika during his tour of duty in Zambia, I can bear out that indeed, he was an exceptional leader and a close friend of our country. His sudden death is therefore a great loss not only for the people of Malawi, but for the Southern African region and the continent as a whole.”
Sata stated that the late Mutharika will also be remembered as a great reformer who championed the cause of humanity and dedicated his life to selfless service up to the time of is death.
“No doubt, my dear brother and colleague will be solely missed by all who knew him for the ideals that he firmly stood for,” President Sata stated.
He stated that during the period of national mourning in Malawi, Zambia commiserates with the people of the sister republic and joins them in spirit and prayerful reflection as the nation seeks God’s guidance to move forward.
Labels: BINGU WA MUTHARIKA, GEORGE CHELLAH, MICHAEL SATA
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Sata calls for quick lending from India for health sector
By Masuzyo Chakwe
Wed 28 Mar. 2012, 12:59 CAT
PRESIDENT Michael Sata has stressed the need to expedite the line of credit from the Indian government to facilitate construction of health posts across the country.
President Sata said it was the intention of his administration to ensure that Zambia benefited from the US$50 million line of credit for the construction of about 650 rural health posts throughout the country.
He was speaking when he met Lucky Exports director Diwakar Mishra and his deputy general manager (business development) T.P Singh in Ahmedabad, Gujarat West India, during his continued economic investment promotion crusade.
This is according to the President's special assistant for press and public relations George Chellah.
According to Chellah, President Sata assured the firm's executives that Zambia had favourable investment terms and urged them to take advantage of the condusive business climate.
In response, Mishra said his team would travel to Zambia not later than April 2012 to take up the challenge.
President Sata was flanked by Zambia's High Commissioner to India Susan Sikaneta and first secretary for press and tourism at the Zambian Mission, Bwalya Nondo.
Lucky Exports has built health posts in Togo, Senegal, Ethiopia, Ghana, Sudan, Benin and Tanzania.
Chellah stated that President Sata who is on a private visit to India is scheduled to meet more Indian business executives whose companies have expressed interest in investing in Zambia.
He stated that over 30 Indian investors who attended a business promotion seminar organised by the Zambian High Commission in New Delhi last week indicated interest in investing in mining, agriculture, health and other sectors of the economy.
Labels: FDI, GEORGE CHELLAH, HEALTHCARE, INDIA, MICHAEL SATA
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Sata calls for quick lending from India for health sector
By Masuzyo Chakwe
Wed 28 Mar. 2012, 12:59 CAT
PRESIDENT Michael Sata has stressed the need to expedite the line of credit from the Indian government to facilitate construction of health posts across the country. President Sata said it was the intention of his administration to ensure that Zambia benefited from the US$50 million line of credit for the construction of about 650 rural health posts throughout the country.
He was speaking when he met Lucky Exports director Diwakar Mishra and his deputy general manager (business development) T.P Singh in Ahmedabad, Gujarat West India, during his continued economic investment promotion crusade.
This is according to the President's special assistant for press and public relations George Chellah.
According to Chellah, President Sata assured the firm's executives that Zambia had favourable investment terms and urged them to take advantage of the condusive business climate.
In response, Mishra said his team would travel to Zambia not later than April 2012 to take up the challenge.
President Sata was flanked by Zambia's High Commissioner to India Susan Sikaneta and first secretary for press and tourism at the Zambian Mission, Bwalya Nondo.
Lucky Exports has built health posts in Togo, Senegal, Ethiopia, Ghana, Sudan, Benin and Tanzania.
Chellah stated that President Sata who is on a private visit to India is scheduled to meet more Indian business executives whose companies have expressed interest in investing in Zambia.
He stated that over 30 Indian investors who attended a business promotion seminar organised by the Zambian High Commission in New Delhi last week indicated interest in investing in mining, agriculture, health and other sectors of the economy.
Labels: GEORGE CHELLAH, HEALTHCARE, INDIA, MICHAEL SATA
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Sata invites Indians to invest in Zambia's hotel industry
By Chiwoyu Sinyangwe
Tue 27 Mar. 2012, 13:00 CAT
PRESIDENT Michael Sata has invited investors running a chain of hotels in India to invest in Zambia. President Sata said this when he held an investment promotion meeting with the chairman and managing director of UMEID Group of Hotels in Ahmedabad, Ummeid Champawat.
According to a statement issued from India by President Sata's special assistant for press and public relations George Chellah, the meeting was in the President's continued efforts to woo investors into the country. President Sata said the government was ready to facilitate investment in the hotel industry.
"President Sata assured Mr Champawat of his administration's readiness to work with investors who would contribute to the development of tourism in the country," stated Chellah.
Chellah stated that President Sata was flanked during the meeting by Zambia's High Commissioner to India Susan Sikaneta and first secretary for press and tourism Bwalya Nondo.
And Champawat, who was accompanied by The Gateway Hotel general manager Darius Merchant, said his company was eager to invest in Zambia.
"It is the President's desire to ensure that Zambia maximises on economic benefits from the forthcoming World Tourism Assembly (WTA) to be co-hosted by Zambia and Zimbabwe," stated Chellah.
"To this end, construction of hotels prior to the event scheduled for next year will go a long way in enhancing tourism development in the country."
President Sata had travelled to India last week.
There has been speculation about President Sata's health in the country and on Indian internet media.
However on Sunday, President Sata said speculation about him dying was wishful thinking. In a telephone conversation with Post editor Fred M'membe, President Sata assured that he was fine.
"I spoke to the President and first lady about 15:00 today (Sunday). His voice sounded very strong and he joked about all sorts of things. And we got to discuss some serious business about poverty and how impressed he was about how India is looking after the poor and how we should learn from their experience in looking after the poor," M'membe disclosed.
"Reducing poverty in Zambia seems to be something really troubling his mind. He seems to be in a hurry about addressing this problem and looking for inspiration and solutions everywhere he goes."
He said President Sata told him that the town he is in had the same population as Zambia's and that he was impressed with how clean it was and how the poor were being looked after there.
"He said that speculations about him dying are wishful thinking. He said he can't understand why there is so much speculation about his health," said M'membe.
The Times of India had reported that President Sata had undergone laser procedure for a urological disorder at Samved Urology Hospital.
Yesterday, DeshGujarat News which had reported on Saturday that President Sata was in India for treatment, posted on its site that President Sata had been discharged from hospital after undergoing treatment.
But Vice-President Dr Guy Scott denied the Indian media reports.
According to the Voice of America, Vice-President Dr Scott said it was normal for the President to go on a private visit and undergo a medical checkup.
"He went to India for a personal visit and, whenever I make a personal visit, I have a checkup, and maybe he is having a checkup too. It was planned for quite long time ago. There have been many times that he President Sata has been pronounced dead. So, we are a bit used to it here," he told VOA.
Vice-President Dr Scott accused UPND members of jubilating over Sata's supposed health problems.
"There is no good reason to suppose our boss is sick. He might have gone for a checkup. You expect to have a checkup, and I would certainly have a checkup because, when you passed 50, it's best to watch the gauge on the dashboard," he told VOA.
Labels: FDI, GEORGE CHELLAH, INDIA, MICHAEL SATA
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President Sata fires Dr Martin Malama and Regis Phiri, posts the two into foreign service
TIME PUBLISHED - Tuesday, February 14, 2012, 1:28 pm
President Michael Sata has with immediate effect removed Inspector General of Police Martin Malama and Zambia Security Intelligence Services Director General Regis Phiri of their positions. This is contained in a press statement made available to the media by the President’s Special Assistant for Press and Public Relations George Chellah.
The Statement did not mention reasons for the removal of the two service chiefs. Mr Michael Sata has appointed Mr. Martin Mwanambale as Director-General of the Zambia Security Intelligence Services (ZSIS) and Ms. Stella Libongani as Inspector-General of Police.
Mr. Mwanambale and Ms Libongani replace Mr. Regis Phiri and Dr Martin Malama respectively. The Head of State has deployed the two ex-service chiefs into the Foreign Service.
This development makes Ms. Libongani the first female Inspector General of Police in Zambia’s history.
The President expressed gratitude to Mr. Phiri and Dr Malama for their unflinching loyalty, hard work and dedication to him as Commander-in-Chief and the country in general during their distinguished service as heads of these relevantsecurity wings.
And President Sata has further appointed Mr. Samuel Nkhoma and Mr. Peter Chingaipe as Deputy Director-General of the Zambia Security Intelligence Services and Deputy Inspector General of Police correspondingly.
The Head of State says he was confident that the two senior security officers will perform to his expectations and that of the Zambian people in general.
Labels: GEORGE CHELLAH, INSPECTOR GENERAL, MICHAEL SATA, ZSIS
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President Sata appoints Dr Mupanga Mwanakatwe, Chairman and acting CEO of ZAMTEL
TIME PUBLISHED - Tuesday, January 24, 2012, 1:51 pm
Zambian President Michael Sata has dissolved the Board of Directors of Zamtel and appointed a new Chief Executive Officer and Chairman. Government having accepted without reservation the report on the findings of the Committee Investigating the sale of Zamtel, President Sata has deemed it desirable and expedient to compulsorily acquire the 75 per cent shareholding of Lap Green Network in Zamtel. The appropriate notice under the law has been given.
This is according to according to a press statement released to the Media by Special Assistant to the President for Press and Public relations George Chellah. According to the statement, the President has ordered the dissolution of the Board of Directors of Zamtel. The Head of State has appointed Dr Mupanga Mwanakatwe, Chairman and acting Chief Executive Officer as a first step to regularize the affairs of the company.
“A new board will soon be put in place to give the policy guidance and direction to management and staff. President Sata has further directed management to address the plight of Zamtel workers with due immediacy,” read the statement.
“There should be no loss in jobs except through retirement and attrition while maintaining the highest levels of discipline and respect of law,” President Sata said.
“Zamtel workers have served with distinction in an area of sophisticated information technology. This has been so from the inception of the company,” the president noted.
President Sata once again reiterated his relentless commitment to his duty as custodian of the interests of the Zambian people and assured the Zamtel workers their traumas and anxieties would be ended.
Government will restructure ownership of Zamtel to ensure Zambians owned the bulk of the shares in a revitalized Zamtel.
Labels: GEORGE CHELLAH, MICHAEL SATA, PARASTATALS, ZAMTEL
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No international court can entertain Zamtel sale - Sata
By Ernest Chanda and Mwala Kalaluka
Mon 23 Jan. 2012, 12:59 CAT
PRESIDENT Michael Sata says
no international court of law can entertain the Zamtel sale case if presented because it was shrouded in insidious corruption. And Zamtel top management held a ‘crisis' meeting amidst indications that the government would reverse the MMD's sale of the telecommunications company to Libya's LAP Green Network.
Meanwhile, President Sata has urged Zamtel workers not to panic as the State is sorting out the crisis that has beleaguered the telecommunications company.
In a statement released yesterday by the President's special assistant for press and public relations George Chellah, President Sata stated that the sale of Zamtel to Lap Green Network was consummated by a corrupt regime.
He stated that despite the release of the report of the committee investigating into the sale of Zamtel to LAP Green Networks to the public, members of the fallen MMD administration were still spreading falsehoods, alarm and despondency.
The President stated that LAP GreenN failed to meet three cardinal benchmarks prescribed by the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) in the sale process.
"And these are: (a) a minimum of five years of licensed operation in the telecommunications industry (b) have more than three million subscribers on fixed, mobile or fixed wireless networks; and (c) a minimum of US$250 million Shareholders' equity for private entities or a minimum market capitalization of US$500 million for public listed entities," President Sata said.
"LAP Green all the same had the sale consummated by a corrupt regime which disregarded its own legal requirements of effecting the tender process, the mandatory legal consent by the Attorney General and ensuring valuation within the provisions of our laws. Although, there is no documentary evidence of any valuation, R.P Capital were paid US$12.6 million which was shared with the corrupt collaborators with explicit assistance by the Government officers at various levels."
President Sata stated that the PF government's primary duty was to be custodians of public interest.
He stated that government had a duty to correct falsehoods, distortions and misrepresentation of facts by elements that had unscrupulously plundered public resources.
"Therefore, the scare mongering tactics by Mr Situmbeko Musokotwane intended to cover up his crimes is essentially an exercise in futility.
The PF government's unequivocal stance on zero tolerance for corruption has the fullest support of the international community which abhors resource misdirection through corruption, a big contributory factor to Africa's retardation," President Sata stated.
He stated that his administration had received more foreign aid and investment because of its strong stance against corruption.
President Sata stated that the challenge was in fact on the country to develop adequate capacity to use the external aid timely and effectively.
On investment, President Sata stated that it was flowing into the country at a commendable pace because investors trusted the PF's policy consistency and predictability which were the pillars of credibility.
"The type of investors that are idols of the likes of Mr Musokotwane who come via the route or channel of corruption are a luxury Zambians can do without. Make no mistake about it, for we are determined to see transparency, accountability and good business moral codes in all spheres of Governance," he stated.
"Investors who are here and those planning to invest in our country are assured Zambia is a reliable investment destination. Zambia has not only both peace and stability but is irrevocably committed to the rule of law. What is more, there are no restrictions let alone cumbersome procedures for externalist of dividends."
President Sata stated that Dr Musokotwane had a false perception that investors were shunning Zambia because of the government's resolve to get back Zamtel.
He stated that Dr Musokotwane had a lot of things to answer, including the tax deferment concessions he gave in ways which Zambian law did not mandate.
"Saber-rattling as a defence, he will soon prove, is unsustainable and will not get him off the hook even with the lavish coverage he is getting from reckless media houses with a strange agenda," President Sata stated.
"This Government will not be stampeded into precipitate actions and if the government is slow in bringing to book those who have committed crimes against Zambia, it is only because they want to follow the due process of the law."
And sources disclosed yesterday that Zamtel managing director, Hans Poulsen, the chief financial officer, chief legal officer, transport coordinator and others met at the company's head office in Lusaka's Fairview area from 09:00 to 16:00 hours on Saturday.
"It's a situation where instead of working 100 per cent you spend 10 per cent on gossip," the source said. "Maybe they should make the announcement so that people know what will take place."
Meanwhile, President Sata had urged Zamtel workers to hold their peace, saying the government would not neglect them.
President Sata emphasised that when Zamtel had been sorted out, the majority of the shares would be owned by Zambians.
"We urge Zamtel workers not to panic or be used by people who have axes to grind and who are peddling all kinds of lies as a cover for their misdeeds. If any accounts have been frozen, it is to prevent the money from being taken out and it is basically in public interest," stated President Sata.
"Zamtel is a viable proposition when things have been realigned and streamlined. The temporary setbacks of the workers will be attended to so that workers are not subjected to uncertainties any more. Government has both the will and capacity to meaningfully capitalise Zamtel. As Head of State, I will never sideline my commitment to safeguard and superintend the interests of the Zambian people. Zambians with the passage of time will realise that they never misallocated their trust by entrusting me to preside over their fate and destiny."
And sources have revealed that the government will during the course of next week outline its direction on Zamtel to the public following the freezing of the firm's accounts by the Drug Enforcement Commission.
Sources disclosed that the government's decision to freeze the accounts of Zamtel was necessitated to avoid externalisation of funds.
"…We do not want money to be externalised outside the country and make Zamtel defunct. We will be able to have a definite position by next week," the sources said.
"Government had to freeze the Zamtel accounts because money would have been externalised and the company would have collapsed. Remember, Zambia has 25 per cent shares in Zamtel so we have an obligation to ensure the money and assets are properly looked after. If they will be holding money, they will be complicating matters if they start avoiding depositing money because if you look at the type of money Zamtel is making every day, if you are not banking it, where can they take it? So they risk complicating matters. If there are serious operational issues, they can make an application, that will be sorted out..."
Labels: GEORGE CHELLAH, MICHAEL SATA, SITUMBEKO MUSOKOTWANE, ZAMTEL
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Sata invites OP to join fight against corruption
By Bright Mukwasa
Wed 04 Jan. 2012, 13:59 CAT
INTELLIGENCE officers must fight corruption with renewed vigour, says President Michael Sata. And President Sata says he is aware that the PF's ascendancy to power has heightened the expectations of Zambians who had lost hope under the previous regime.
According to a statement issued by Presidential spokesperson George Chellah, President Sata was addressing the ZSIS senior officers' conference yesterday, on the theme: "Efficient and effective intelligence key to enhanced national security, sustainable economic development and the fight against corruption." President Sata urged the Zambia Security Intelligence Service (ZSIS) to contribute to the fight against corruption.
"The Patriotic Front (PF) government will spare no effort to fight corruption which the previous regime had embraced. As government, we are aware that corruption has been a major factor hindering national development and service delivery to the majority of our people," President Sata said.
"In this fight, you should not be swayed by attempts by some elements who are deliberately misconstruing government's efforts in order to gain political mileage. These elements have gone to the extent of promoting tribalism and regionalism to further undermine the government at the expense of national unity, peace and stability."
He said it was the same corruption his government was fighting that had given birth to the tribalism and regionalism which some people were trying to use to divide Zambians in a bid to protect themselves against possible prosecution.
"Whereas our government is working hard to live up to people's expectations, some opposition groups and their sympathisers are sowing seeds of discord in our people by discrediting the efforts by the government towards the realisation of its goals of delivering to the people," President Sata said.
He directed the ZSIS director general Regis Phiri and his senior managers to ensure close monitoring and negation of manoeuvres, which border on subversion.
"The theme for the conference could, therefore, not have come at a better time than this one given the subversive activities being hatched by some elements that are bitter about having lost the September 20 elections," he said.
President Sata reminded senior intelligence managers that they carried the responsibility of ensuring that the service remains a noble institution by setting high standards of integrity and professionalism.
And Phiri pledged the intelligence service's total loyalty to the head of state, the government and the people of Zambia.
Labels: CORRUPTION, GEORGE CHELLAH, MICHAEL SATA, ZSIS
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Sata insists Situmbeko drew double salaries
By Bright Mukwasa
Mon 19 Dec. 2011, 13:58 CAT
PRESIDENT Michael Sata has insisted that
former finance minister Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane drew two salaries at the time he served in government.
In a statement issued by President Sata's spokesperson George Chellah yesterday, on November 14, 2008. When he was appointed minister of finance, Dr Musokotwane received two salaries (from the Bank of Zambia and from the central government) for the period November 2008 to January 2009.
"Dr Musokotwane received a salary of K210,664,558.20, that is K70,221,519.40 per month from the Central Bank, and he further received K40,478,512.10, that is K10,281,069.30 as salary for the month of December 2008 and K30,197,442.80 as salary for the month of January 2009 with arrears of salaries and housing allowance for November 2008, from the government as minister of finance," Chellah said.
"Accumulatively, from this arrangement with the Bank of Zambia, from 1st September 2003 to January 2009, Dr Musokotwane collected a total of about K5.5 billion in form of salaries, leave pay, leave commutation, Christmas bonus and gratuity. This amount is far in excess of the amounts which any officer who has served in the capacity of Secretary to the Treasury in the past and present has ever gotten in a period of four years, three months."
Chellah said although that was approved by the previous government, that excessive payment raised moral issues in terms of equity with regard to the whole of the public sector remuneration and it was quite evident from the foregoing that Dr Musokotwane had no "plausibility to stand on moral high ground".
Chellah said following a number of public pronouncements and accusations, and blatant assailing of the integrity of the Republican President, President Sata, and ministers by Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane, State House had decided to reluctantly clarify the matter of public interest.
Chellah said Dr Musokotwane was employed by the Bank of Zambia as an Advisor-Research in 1991where at some point he requested to get leave of absence of two years at the time he was acting—for administrative convenience—as deputy Governor (operations) in October 1997 when he took up the post of economic advisor to the Minister of Finance.
He said Dr Musokotwane further requested leave of absence to take up a position offered by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as General Advisor to the Governor of the Central Bank of Swaziland in 1998 and on 8th January 1999, he applied to go on early retirement through Voluntary Early Separation Scheme (VESS) and was separated from the Bank of Zambia with effect from 11th January 1999.
Chellah said payment for his separation package was made to him in December 1999.
"In September 2003, he was appointed as Secretary to the Treasury with an arrangement that he be recruited as an ‘advisor' to the governor of the Bank of Zambia, for purposes of him accessing a Bank of Zambia salary, and ‘seconded' to the Ministry of Finance as Secretary to the Treasury for a period of two (2) years to August, 2005. The public may wish to know that this is a junior position for the Secretary to the Treasury who is the supervisor of the Central Bank as chief controlling officer of the government," stated Chellah.
He explained that the position of advisor is at a level of director at the Bank of Zambia, a position which was below that of deputy governor of the Bank a position which Dr Musokotwane had served in prior to asking for leave of absence.
"He was paid his gratuity by the Bank of Zambia as per the contract he signed with the Bank in August 2005. His contract as advisor to the governor was extended for another two years in June 2005 to September 2007 after which period he was paid his gratuity accordingly. It was further extended for another two years in August 2007, when Dr Musokotwane was re-engaged as special advisor to the President"
Dr Musokotwane has denied the allegation and challenged government to countercheck the payrolls at the bank and government to verify if at one point he got double salaries.
Labels: CORRUPTION, GEORGE CHELLAH, MICHAEL SATA, SITUMBEKO MUSOKOTWANE
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COMMENT - Welcome to the revolving door between the IMF, World Bank, and African finance ministries. Something the Europeans are finding out about too late in their own countries. No wonder that the FM said something different to the people than he said to the IMF. They are working for the IMF/WB. That's why no one objects to austerity, the liquidity gap, currency devaluation, or all the other ways the African economy is being kept down. This is the end stage of globalisation.
State House comments on Dr.Musokotwane’s double pay
TIME PUBLISHED - Sunday, December 18, 2011, 10:06 pm
Following a number of public pronouncements and accusations, and blatant assailing of the integrity of the Republican President, His Excellency Mr Michael Chilufya Sata, and Ministers by ex-finance minister Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane, State House has decided to reluctantly clarify this matter of public interest.
Dr. Musokotwane was employed by the Bank of Zambia as an Advisor-Research in 1991.
He requested to get leave of absence of two years at the time he was acting—for administrative convenience—as Deputy Governor (Operations) in October 1997 when he took up the post of Economic Advisor to the Minister of Finance.
He further requested for leave of absence to take up a position offered by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as General Advisor to the Governor of the Central Bank of Swaziland in 1998.
On 8th January 1999, Dr Musokotwane applied to go on early retirement through Voluntary Early Separation Scheme (VESS) and was separated from the Bank of Zambia with effect from 11th January, 1999. Payment for his separation package was made to him in December 1999.
In September 2003, he was appointed as Secretary to the Treasury with an arrangement that he be recruited as an ‘ADVISOR’ to the Governor of the Bank of Zambia, for purposes of him accessing a Bank of Zambia salary, and ‘seconded’ to the Ministry of Finance as Secretary to the Treasury for a period of two (2) years to August, 2005.
The public may wish to know that this is a junior position for the Secretary to the Treasury who is the supervisor of the Central Bank as Chief Controlling Officer of the Government.
The position of Advisor is at a level of Director at the Bank of Zambia, a position which is below that of Deputy Governor of the Bank (a position which Dr Musokotwane had served in prior to asking for leave of absence).
He was paid his gratuity by the Bank of Zambia as per the contract he signed with the Bank in August 2005. His contract as Advisor to the Governor was extended for another two years in June 2005 to September, 2007 after which period he was paid his gratuity accordingly.
It was further extended for another two years in August, 2007, when Dr Musokotwane was re-engaged as Special Advisor to the President.
On 14th November, 2008, when he was appointed as Minister of Finance, Dr Musokotwane received two salaries (from the Bank of Zambia and from the Central Government) for the period November 2008 to January 2009.
Dr Musokotwane received a salary of K210,664,558.20, that is K70,221,519.40 per month from the Central Bank , and he further received K40,478,512.10, that is K10,281,069.30 as salary for the month of December 2008 and K30,197,442.80 as salary for the month of January 2009 with arrears of salaries and housing allowance for November 2008, from the Government as Minister of Finance.
Accumulatively, from this arrangement with the Bank of Zambia, from 1st September 2003 to January 2009, Dr Musokotwane collected a total of about K5.5 billion in form of salaries, leave pay, leave commutation, Christmas bonus and gratuity.
This amount is far in excess of the amounts which any officer who has served in the capacity of Secretary to the Treasury in the past and present has ever gotten in a period of 4 years, 3 months.
Although this was approved by the previous Government, this excessive payment raises moral issues in terms of equity with regard to the whole of the public sector remuneration payment.
It is quite evident from the foregoing that Dr Musokotwane has no plausibility to stand on moral high ground.
Issued by:
GEORGE CHELLAH
SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR PRESS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS
Labels: BUDGET, CORRUPTION, GEORGE CHELLAH, MICHAEL SATA, SITUMBEKO MUSOKOTWANE
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Sata personally settles hotel bills
By Edwin Mbulo in Livingstone
Wed 07 Dec. 2011, 13:55 CAT
PRESIDENT Michael Sata on Saturday personally paid lodging and food bills to Sun International Hotel's Royal Livingstone for over an hour's use of the resort.
After a closed-door meeting with Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe who arrived by road from Victoria Falls Town, President Sata joked about President Mugabe's security detail, saying he was better off sending an envoy. A hotel worker who sought anonymity said
the President's gesture to personally pay the bill was a sign that he was allergic to corruption.
"What we used to see is that when president Rupiah Banda, Levy Mwanawasa or other senior government officers came for official duties, we were taking the bill to either the PS permanent secretary or the DC district commissioner and we saw a lot of inflations in the original bills being taken out to them and not come back. Sata is really doing the ‘Don't kubeba' style," the hotel worker said.
And President Sata when presented with two bills - one in a brown envelope and another in a hotel folder - queried the hotel staff over the authenticity of the bill.
"What is this?" President Sata asked a Royal Livingstone guest relations officer with the name tag Lydia Namukanda.
"Can you please give me a bill? The problem is that when you young men take off your hair, you also take off your brains. Who is the manager here?" complained President Sata.
President Sata then demanded an audience with the resort manager and mistakenly called out to a tourist before resort manager Giulio Togni approached.
President Sata who was by the driveway at the resort later walked over to the hotel front office desk where he personally paid the bills accumulated by journalists, security and protocol officers from Zimbabwe and Zambia.
And when asked on the agenda of President Mugabe and Sata's meeting, George Chellah who is the President's special assistant for press and public relations said a communiqué would be issued later from Lusaka.
"The meeting was cordial and fruitful and we will give the details by 18:00 Saturday when I get back to Lusaka," Chellah said.
And scores of tourists jostled and begged to get a picture of President Mugabe who left at 16:06 amid tight security.
"Why did he come here like that? He should have sent someone," President Sata joked as he proceeded to pay the bills.
President Mugabe was seen off by Southern Province deputy permanent secretary Alfred Chiingi and police commissioner Brenda Mutemba before President Sata walked over 150 metres from his hotel suite to the lobby.
Labels: GEORGE CHELLAH, MICHAEL SATA, ROBERT MUGABE, VICTORIA FALLS
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COMMENT - Former finance minister Situmbeko Musokotwane is an extremely corrupt individual. As a non-executive director at ZCCM-IH, he oversaw the non-payment of dividends to ZCCM-IH and never raised any objection or concern. He was caught telling a very different story to the IMF than he did to parliament. He was behind the abolition of the Windfall Tax, which has cost the Zambian taxpayer hundreds of millions of dollars in uncollected taxes. He was found with over 1200 bicycles at his residency, a leftover from the MMD's corrupt election campaign.
Musokotwane insults Sata
By Bright Mukwasa
Wed 07 Dec. 2011, 14:59 CAT
FORMER finance minister Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane yesterday reacted angrily and insultingly to President Michael Sata's charge that the MMD government had printed money just before the elections.
Dismissing President Sata's allegations on Monday that the MMD printed money illegally from two companies which it is now using to disturb the PF government's performance, Dr Musokotwane poured scorn on the head of state accusing him of being careless with his statements and not being serious with national issues.
Dr Musokotwane, who is facing investigations over his acquisition of over 1200 bicycles that were seized from his residence, attacked Sata an embarrassment to the outside world because of his ‘wild' statements.
He wondered if President Sata had advisors and ministers he could still freely peddle falsehoods and make careless statements.
Dr Musokotwane likened President Sata to the boy who cried wolf and used to alarm the village with falsehoods and could not be believed on the actual day the wolf came.
"In short what I am saying is that when the President makes a serious allegation, he needs to get it investigated, study it and verify it otherwise there is a danger that the day he is going to say something serious because its genuine, people will say that's the way it is, that's the way he is, don't take him serious. The country gets invaded, he will say our country is being invaded, people will say don't mind him. That's the way he normally talks," he said.
Dr Musokotwane pleaded with President Sata to be serious with national issues.
"He is no longer in opposition. The Zambian people are more listening to him on how he is going to fulfill the campaign promises that he made. They want to know from him the jobs he is going to give to all the youths that he promised in 90 days," he said.
Dr Musokotwane wondered how President Sata could run a country with fake money.
"We find it extremely shameful and very embarrassing that the whole Head of State can make such disparaging remarks about his own currency. When he says that BoZ printed fake money, when he says its fake money that is circulating, money that is illegal, it is the money that you put on colour printer and print it both sides that is fake money," he said.
[Actually even if they used official paper and ink, it is still illegal and inflationary to print money, presumably for party purposes. - MrK]
Dr Musokotwane said fake money was identified by the fact that it did not pass security.
He said money that was issued had security features and specifications.
"How does the whole Head of State embarrass the nation by telling the outside world that the money that is circulating in my country produced by the Central Bank is fake money? Can you imagine the President of South Africa talking like that about his currency? Can you imagine the President who was visiting us George Bush, when he was President without any proof announcing to the outside world that the money circulating in America is fake when in actual fact is not. So I find this extremely shameful, very embarrassing to us as a country that the President can make such a careless statement about our currency," he said.
"Because with that statement if the public are told this money is fake when it's not fake, you will have legitimate reasons to go to the banks and dump the money and say this is fake money. What does that do to the economy? So let the President help us by giving all of us pride by avoiding making such careless statements such as this one. He is a leader of our country," said Musokotwane.
"He is in charge of our currency so how does he denounce this currency to the outside world that this is fake money when in fact this is false? So this is very shameful indeed. The behaviour by the President of making all these dramatic statements and so-called revelations which turn out to be false, again we are getting embarrassed. The outside world will be asking questions - does the President have advisors? Does the President have ministers? If so why does he make all these allegations that turn out to be false?"
Dr Musokotwane said youths and everyone were waiting for more money in their pockets which Sata promised in 90 days.
He said even the Barotseland agreement which President Sata said he would restore was being awaited for.
Dr Musokotwane said other leaders had carefully handled the Barotse issue but President Sata was careless with the matter and people of Western Province were waiting for him to honour his restoration promise.
"These are the more serious issues that he should focus on. Address these issues not making dramatic revelations that end up to be nothing as in this case. If he doesn't do that we can only conclude that the President is not focused. He does not know how to address the promises that he made," he said.
Dr Musokotwane said President Sata should focus on substantive issues that he promised the people and not make wild allegations by saying that his own currency, issued by his Central Bank where he had appointed his own people was printing fake money.
Dr Musokotwane questioned President Sata's honesty over his claims that the MMD had printed money illegally.
Dr Musokotwane challenged President Sata to establish a commission of inquiry to back his claims.
He called on the Bank of Zambia to state whether the MMD government forced the bank to print fake money.
"The allegation is false. The money that's in circulation is genuine money. There maybe fake money around there but that's not even one per cent," he said.
Dr Musokotwane said the Central Bank did not inform him about the change of company to print the notes in circulation.
"No, I was never informed. I was deputy governor at some point, whenever we are printing money, the only time we ever informed government was when there was change in the actual prints. In other words, this print is different from this one, that's when you go and tell Cabinet. But when you're printing new notes, replacing the old ones, we never informed anyone and in this particular case, I was not informed. And I don't complain because it was not necessary," Dr Musokotwane said.
"As long as the Bank of Zambia complied with the tender procedures, which I am sure they did, that's fine and the company that's mentioned there De La Rue was the one printing according to the story and then they moved over to Giesecke and Devrient. And because I was deputy governor I know both companies are reputable international printing companies, no question about it. So if in the tender process one company was preferred over the other, I am sure there must be a reason for that."
[Actually, if the MMD had money printed up for their election campaign, that is not 'fine'. - MrK]
But State House yesterday stated that Dr Musokotwane and his colleagues must not panic and resort to half-truths but instead wait for the due process of the law to take its course.
Special assistant to the President for press and public relations George Chellah said it was not so surprising, that Dr Musokotwane had gone further to describe the facts laid bare by President Sata as "false, shameful and embarrassing."
"These are very serious charges from a man whose locus standi on this matter and many other oversights unearthed concerning the previous administration, is extremely hard to comprehend," said Chellah in a statement.
He said Dr. Musokotwane seemed to be acting like a very useful, but out of control spokesperson of a troubled group seeking to confuse the due process of the law with politics.
"Nevertheless, his incessant outbursts provide helpful pointers especially to the investigators pursuing the many leads into the wrong-doing that went on under the previous regime. It shall soon dawn on him that there is nothing to defend about the many excesses of the past regime's unpatriotic conduct," he said.
Chellah said the biggest and most serious challenge facing Zambia today was excessive greedy and corruption.
"No reasonable person privy to the rot that went on under the immediate-past leadership can ignore the deplorable state of affairs under which the MMD left this country. Dr Musokotwane and his colleagues must just own up instead of trivialising the otherwise serious irregularities the new administration continues to encounter as it cleans up government," he said.
Labels: CORRUPTION, GEORGE CHELLAH, MICHAEL SATA, MMD, SITUMBEKO MUSOKOTWANE
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