UPND wants to merge with MMD
By Allan Mulenga
Sun 14 July 2013, 14:00 CAT
THE UPND senior leadership has tasked Mutale Nalumango to engage senior MMD officials among them Dr Brian Chituwo, Kabinga Pande and Kenneth Chipungu with a view to merge the two parties. The UPND wants to merge with MMD in order to dislodge the PF from power in the 2016 elections.
Sources disclosed that Nalumango, who recently defected from MMD to join UPND, has so far held meetings with the three senior MMD officials - the party's vice-president for administration Dr Chituwo, national chairperson Pande and chairperson for elections Chipungu.
Sources said Nalumango met the trio about a week ago to discuss the possibilities and the MMD leaders were of the view that party leader Nevers Mumba should work under Hakainde Hichilema.
Sources said the MMD leadership were agreeable to Nalumango's proposal for a merger.
When contacted, Nalumango said she would appreciate a merger although she does not know what people were thinking about.
She denied that the party leadership had tasked her to broker a deal between the two opposition parties, saying that she was talking to her counterparts personally.
"Nobody has tasked me anything. I am a member of the UPND and as a member of UPND, I feel UPND is the best party for now; therefore it becomes my responsibility to convince others to join UPND. It is just like being converted to Christianity, you need to share the Good News. You need to try to convince as many people as possible; you don't need to be given a task by somebody," she said.
"I believe if you are in any party, you want others to join because you have seen something good. It is not a task. Nobody has talked to me over that, but I strongly feel we are not just targeting MMD. Even PF if I have friends, I must talk to them and tell them what I think is wrong in their party and what I think is right in my party so that they make informed decisions."
Nalumango said it was her responsibility to convince friends in MMD to join UPND.
"I have never sat with anybody who has given me any name to target. So, that one is not true. But they are all my friends and as long as I meet them, I will talk to them and reason together. But if I meet them friends in MMD and such a situation arises that we discuss politics, I will definitely try to convince them without being tasked by anybody," she said.
"It is my responsibility, I can even talk to Wynter Kabimba to try and convince him. I don't have to be tasked, but it is my responsibility to try and tell people why they should move to UPND, why I think UPND would form a better government compared to others or is it to the current. That is my responsibility."
Nalumango, who is also former deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, said it was her desire that the two opposition parties could form an alliance.
"I really would wish there was a chance for the two parties to work together, but I can't tell you whether there will be a chance because I am not part of the decision-making body of either group. But there is need for unity of purpose. Do we have similar vision for Zambia? Because really to come together you need shared vision. In coming together, people must sit and agree. I would appreciate a merger, but I don't know what people are thinking about," said Nalumango.
And Chituwo denied working with Nalumango, saying that the party leadership had not given him authority to make arrangements for an alliance.
Dr Chituwo however said he would be willing to be part of a team negotiating for an alliance between the two opposition parties as he was a strong believer of a united opposition.
"It is very clearly known that for me, I have stood for a united opposition. Now, to say that I am working towards that it is not true, in the sense that I have not engaged in any talk because I have not had authority or permission of my party to engage the other colleagues," he said.
"But at intellectual level, if you analyse issues how best can we strengthen democracy. I don't know whether it can be interpreted as working towards a merger. When that possibility comes, I hope I would be in the team to work for the alliance because I think it is important. We are not talking about individuals; of course this has to be done through individuals and we have to believe in what we are doing."
Dr Chituwo said an alliance could only materialise if the opposition shared common values and principles.
"For that to happen, we need to have common values and principles and that is the starting point. You cannot just go into a merger when ideals are different and values are different. It means it cannot work.
"It is for the opposition to be united to have a common voice. I have always stated that the opposition is not meant to be distracted. The opposition is there to strengthen the values we have in respecting different opinions," said Dr Chituwo.
And when contacted for a comment, Chipungu referred all queries to the party's national secretary Kapembwa Simbao.
"Ask the national secretary, you call the national secretary. No, no I am not part of that team; I am not part of that team," said Chipungu before hanging up.
Labels: BRIAN CHITUWO, KABINGA PANDE, KENNETH CHIPUNGU, MMD, MUTALE NALUMANGO, OPPOSITION, UPND
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MMD has no money for by-elections - Chipungu
By Allan Mulenga
Wed 29 May 2013, 14:01 CAT
KENNETH Chipungu says MMD has no money to participate in forthcoming by-elections. In an interview recently, Chipungu, who is chairperson for elections and Rufunsa MMD member of parliament, however said the party was scouting for money to take part in the Chipata Central, Mkushi North, Solwezi East and Kafulafuta by-elections slated for July, 25.
"….there could be some finance problems, but I think along the way, we should be able to overcome those financial problems through our party members; our members of parliament and so on and so forth," he said.
"This is what I have told you that we are looking for money and we are getting somewhere. I am sure sooner or later definitely we will get there, money will be found. It is not just a point of participating, even if resources are difficult, but we are looking for resources and we will go ahead. And I am very positive that resources will be found."
Chipungu said his party was 'fatigued' over the number of by-elections being held in the country.
"This is the first time we have had unprecedented number of by-elections in this country. We have never seen this kind of thing before. And people are fatigued and obviously even political parties themselves they are fatigued," he said. "To be honest with you, yes, we are having difficulties in finances and maybe not only us, including our colleagues in other opposition parties. They have also difficulties in finances, but what do you do? Now, I think we cannot afford not to participate. My view is that if you want to win lotto, you must participate. You cannot expect to win lotto if you are not participating."
Chipungu said the party had received an overwhelming response from members wanting to contest in the forthcoming by-elections.
"We are in the process of identifying those that will stand in various constituencies. I must say that the response is overwhelming. A number of people have been inquiring and very willing to stand. My phone was busy when you were calling me and those are some of the candidates. In short, we are fielding in all the by-elections," said Chipungu.
Recently, Mafinga MMD member of parliament Catherine Namugala said party president Nevers Mumba had no financial capacity to run a big party like MMD.
Earlier, MMD deputy national secretary Chembe Nyangu said his party was bankrupt because its sources of funds had dried.
Nyangu said the financial constraints facing MMD would affect its survival.
Nyangu said monthly contributions from MMD members of parliament were not enough to sustain its operations.
"Our only source is Parliament, where our members contribute. Even for them they have got their own things to do; they have got families to look after. We are also losing members of parliament and each member of parliament we lose, it is loss of income to the party. Even those that will be expelled, it will mean that we will need money for by-elections," said Nyangu.
Labels: BY-ELECTIONS, KENNETH CHIPUNGU, MMD
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Petition against Chipungu fails
By Namatama Mundia
Thu 16 Feb. 2012, 12:01 CAT
KENNETH Chipungu yesterday said he had been spending sleepless nights over the decision by losing candidates in the 2011 elections to petition the Rufunsa seat.
Speaking to journalists after Lusaka High Court judge Nigel Mutuna dismissed an election petition for Rufunsa Constituency filed by losing PF candidate Philip Mutantika and his UPND counterpart Shel Mulyata with costs, Chipungu thanked his wife for supporting him.
"I am a free man now and I shall go and work so that I finish the projects I started," he said.
Chipungu said he was very happy that the petition had been concluded.
He added that despite his impression that the Judiciary would be biased, allegations against him had been dismissed because they were lies.
He said he was a man of integrity who people in his Constituency voted for.
And delivering judgment, judge Mutuna said the petitioners did not prove all the allegations of electoral malpractice against Chipungu.
He said it was clear from the 18 petitioners' witnesses that they did not give evidence on what impact the alleged undue influence of Chipungu had on them.
Judge Mutuna said the petitioners failed to prove that whatever illegal acts complained of were consented to and committed by Chipungu.
Judge Mutuna also dismissed allegations that Chipungu distributed maize, adding that the petitioners' evidence was insignificant as they stated that they did not see him or his agents distribute the maize.
He added that the evidence of the petitioners on the distribution of maize was clear hearsay and that there was no proof Chipungu purchased hammer mills.
Judge Mutuna then dismissed the petition with costs, the same to be taxed in default and granted leave to appeal.
Labels: 2011 ELECTIONS, KENNETH CHIPUNGU
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‘Youths must participate in politics’
By Salim Dawood
Mon 13 Dec. 2010, 04:01 CAT
YOUTHS must participate in politics to strengthen democracy and good governance, according to the Commonwealth Secretariat.
In a keynote address during the youth indaba at Lusaka’s Mulungushi International Conference Centre on Friday, Commonwealth Secretariat regional director James Odit said youths made up the large part of most African populations and therefore engaging them through dialogue would add value to democracy and development.
“Youth political participation would strengthen good governance and democracy. Through your participation, you will in addition contribute to building of peace and positive values in society, a just and equitable society, national prosperity and reduction in unemployment among others,” Odit said.
And sports, youth and child development minister Kenneth Chipungu said youths were critical in promoting peace and security as the country prepared for general elections next year.
He said the youth indaba underscored the need to build space for cooperation and strengthen mutual understanding and respect among political players and stakeholders.
Chipungu said dialogue could diffuse tensions, keep situations from escalating and promote reconciliation in the aftermath of conflict elections.
“At a time when political prejudice and hatred are there all common, when political extremists and opportunists seek new recruits through incitement and identity-based appeals, when politicians use divisiveness as a strategy to win elections, dialogue can be an antidote,” Chipungu said.
Meanwhile, one of the youths at the indaba said the event would be a meaningless exercise if what would be discussed would not be implemented.
Bertha Kalongwa said young people were tired of being invited for discussions that did not yield positive results.
She said a lot of areas including learning infrastructure in tertiary institutions and youth entrepreneurship needed more than just meeting and discussing what would never be implemented.
Kalongwa said young people needed to be included in all stages of the decision-making process because they were the majority.
“In a democratic dispensation, it’s the majority that win. So in this case, we are the majority and it’s only prudent that we rule. As youths, we have become organised, we will not re-elect or vote for any leader that does not want to work with the youth,” warned Kalongwa in a vote of thanks.
Hundreds of youths converged for the indaba under the theme ‘Let the youth be heard, dialogue and mutual understanding’.
Labels: BERTHA KALONGWA, KENNETH CHIPUNGU, MMD YOUTH LEAGUE, YOUTHS
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State to embrace development ideas
By ANDREW UKWIMI AND SAME CHIINGA
MINISTER of Sport, Youth and Child Development, Kenneth Chipungu says government will embrace ideas aimed at promoting sports development.
Speaking when he officiated at the Country Choice Chicken youth football tournament in Chongwe on Saturday, Chipungu said sports played an important role in national development.
“We need therefore to encourage children to engage in sports so that they might make it in life through sporting career. Sports also helps to improve a person’s health status,” Chipungu said.
He said his ministry would support organisations such as Country Choice Chicken to identify talent in rural areas.
“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I know you agree with me that in this perilous time of HIV/AIDS, our children must be kept busy. Sporting activity is one way of moulding our youth as future leaders. It also helps to build their leadership capacities,” Chipungu said.
He said Government would not hesitate to embrace ideas that benefited youths.
“The role sports plays in national development cannot be overemphasised. Apart from being a unifying factor, sports can contribute to ecomonic
growth and job creation,” Chipungu said.
And Country Choice Chicken general manager Christo Kloppers said they were proud to be associated with the glooming of future stars.
“We feel by supporting an event like this we help in bringing youths together,” Kloppers said.
Brand marketing manager Lawrence Banda said his company would engage in sporting activities as part of the corporate social responsibility.
Chainda Basic School beat Chongwe Basic School 1-0 to win the tournament and walked away with a trophy and K1 million and two balls.
Chongwe received K500 000, a trophy and a football while third placed Silver Rest Basic School got a football.
Labels: KENNETH CHIPUNGU, SPORTS
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Use CDF to construct skills centres, Chipungu urges east MPs
Written by Christopher Miti in Chipata
Monday, February 16, 2009 4:03:02 PM
SPORTS minister Kenneth Chipungu has encouraged members of parliament in Eastern Province to take keen interest in building youth skills centres using Constituency Development Funds (CDF).
Chipungu said the government's plans to build youth skills centres in all the districts in the country had been hampered by limited resources.
"I really want to encourage members of parliament here that they should take this example that Honourable Forrie Tembo, member of parliament, is doing to try and construct skills centres in their respective constituencies. As you know, us as members of parliament we are getting a sum of K400 million now as a constituency and I think it's good that a bit of that money is directed to making skills centres," said Chipungu when he paid a courtesy call on Eastern Province permanent secretary Eularia Siyamujaye on Saturday as part of his tour of the province.
And Siyamujaye said youths and children were a key factor in national development.
She said shaping youths and children at a tender age could enable them have a good future.
Siyamujaye said the Chiwoko Youth Skills Centre, which is currently being used to train street children, was also vital to the country's development.
"Children who are from the street come out of there (Chiwoko) with all the confidence that they desire to fit in society," she said.
Siyamujaye said the Ministry of Sport, Youth and Child Development personnel in the province were very vigilant and had been working well with the provincial administration.
Chipungu toured Chiwoko Youth Skills Centre which is being run by the Zambia National Service (ZNS), David Kaunda Stadium, Smiling Kids Orphanage Centre, Cheshire Homes and St Anne's Craft Centre during his tour of Chipata district.
Chipungu was also expected to tour the youth skills centre currently under construction in Nyimba district yesterday.
Labels: CDF, EDUCATION, KENNETH CHIPUNGU, VOCATIONAL TRAINING, YOUTHS
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Ministers are not dull, says Kaingu
Written by Maluba Jere and Chibaula Silwamba
Wednesday, December 24, 2008 3:20:15 PM
FOUR Cabinet ministers yesterday rebuked Patriotic Front (PF) leader Michael Sata over his statement that President Rupiah Banda’s ministers are dull and ignorant.
Home affairs minister Dr Kalombo Mwansa, sports minister Kenneth Chipungu, works and supply minister Mike Mulongoti and community development minister Michael Kaingu were reacting to Sata’s assertions that President Banda’s current problems were self-inflicted because he had appointed dull and ignorant ministers like local government and housing minister Benny Tetamashimba.
Kaingu said Sata should not extend his quarrels with Tetamashimba to all Cabinet ministers.
“If Mr Sata has got a problem with one minister, he should not generalise issues. You can’t attack Cabinet because you have a problem with one person, isn’t it? We don’t know why he has a problem with the minister of local government. Why should that affect the minister of agriculture or health or community development?” Kaingu asked. “It’s normal in life to quarrel with people. But if I quarrel with you does it mean I have quarrelled with everyone at The Post? No! So definitely the answer is categorical no. We are not dull. You know that I am not dull. He can’t say we are dull and ignorant. We know our work and we are working very hard all of us to show leadership.”
And Chipungu said Sata had insulted the appointing authority by saying ministers were dull and ignorant. Chipungu described Sata’s statement as unfortunate, saying there was no minister who was dull and ignorant.
“It is unfortunate that people who are aspiring for the leadership of the nation can stand up and call ministers as being dull,” Chipungu said. “It means you are insulting the person who appointed this person you are calling dull. What is required is working together. As a team, we may differ in opinions but at the end of the day come together as one.”
He said it was unfair for Sata to call ministers in President Banda’s administration dull, saying if he became president of Zambia, he would need their support.
“President Rupiah Banda’s government comprises men and women of integrity most of whom were left by late President Mwanawasa. President Banda has only made a few reshuffles,” Chipungu observed. “Insulting the ministers is not the answer and I am insisting that if we have to develop the country we must work together. Mr Sata should know that if at all he becomes leader of this nation, he will be seeking the same support from the opposition so we must just work together. Running the nation must not be left to the government alone it calls for collective responsibility.”
Chipungu observed that it was unfair to call Tetamashimba dull and ignorant because he was one of the ministers who articulated issues very well both inside and outside Parliament.
“He is a very intelligent minister. The truth is that he is very frank and open and Zambians don’t like such people and so the President made a right choice to appoint Tetamashimba,” Chipungu said. “People must give him a chance to work because what he is doing right now is correct.”
Chipungu also said President Banda’s extension of an olive branch to the opposition was an opportunity for them to discuss national issues and give advice to him.
And Dr Mwansa said Sata’s attacks were unfair.
“I think everybody has seen the Cabinet that President Banda has put up. I don’t think one can describe the Cabinet as full of dull people. I don’t think Mr Sata means it. It’s not fair and far from reality,” Dr Mwansa said. “What we expect from Mr Sata is to work with the government which has been constituted.”
He, however, commended Sata for calling off the planned demonstration over the high mealie meal prices in the country.
“I want to thank him for being magnanimous to call off the demonstration that he intended to call and has chosen dialogue which we all want to see,” said Dr Mwansa.
And Mulongoti said as much as Sata was entitled to his opinion, he and other ministers also had serious opinions about the outspoken PF leader.
“He has got his own views like all of us; we are also entitled to our own views about others and him,” said Mulongoti, an outspoken critic of Sata. “All of us as citizens have commitments to our country and we would rather be seen to be performing than exchanging words in newspapers. All I am saying is that he is entitled to his opinion as we are also entitled to our opinion over him.”
Labels: KALOMBO MWANSA, KENNETH CHIPUNGU, MICHAEL KAINGU, MIKE MULONGOTI, MINISTERS, SATA
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