Mature, UPND MP urges HH
By Kombe Mataka
Thu 06 Feb. 2014, 14:01 CAT
UPND Sinazongwe member of parliament Richwell Siamunene has advised Hakainde Hichilema to show maturity in his politics. Siamunene said it was unfortunate that Hichilema had continued speculating on President Michael Sata's whereabouts when State House had made it clear where he was and that he was on a working holiday.
Siamunene said Hichilema should apologise to President Sata for insinuating that he had gone to seek medical attention in India as opposed to going on a working holiday.
"As leaders, we must mature in our handling of political matters. We are in a mature democracy and this democracy demands that we concentrate on issues that are pertinent to the economy of this country as opposed to issues that are trivial in nature," Siamunene said.
"My strong advice is for Hichilema to humble himself and apologise. Let him come out publicly and tell the nation that he erred in his judgement. Let him concentrate on matters that can help the nation, not matters that are pedantic in nature."
Siamunene said there was nothing sinister about the President taking rest.
"There is no need to speculate on the whereabouts of the President. The President has indicated, he was in Ethiopia and from there he travelled to London," he said.
"The President has worked so tirelessly the past one year and he needed rest. He is a human being like any other who needs rest at one point or another."
Siamunene added that President Sata had an army of ministers and their deputies who were in charge of ensuring that the government was functioning when he is in or out of the country.
"The President has indicated that he is okay and we should take it that he is okay. He is a public figure of course but now people should not take advantage of his absence and start speculating on his health," Simunene said.
"The President is not running this government alone; he has Cabinet ministers, he has also permanent secretaries to continue implementing what has been done, so obviously he is supposed to take a rest and he just did that."
On Monday, Hichilema challenged State House to come clean on President Sata's health so that Zambians, including himself, could pray for him.
Labels: HAKAINDE HICHILEMA, MICHAEL SATA, MMD, RICHWELL SIAMUNENE, UPND
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Hakainde and Sata's health
By Editor
Thu 06 Feb. 2014, 14:00 CAT
It seems Hakainde Hichilema does not listen to advice. Sometimes we can learn something valuable even from people we most detest.
If Hakainde was open to advice, learning, he would have picked something valuable in the editorial comment titled "UPND's propaganda about Sata's health" we carried in the edition of The Post of August 24, 2013. There is very little new we can say on this matter other than to repeat the arguments we put in that editorial comment. And we hereby reproduce that comment:
"It is very cheap politics for the UPND leadership to try and twist the provisions of Article 36 of the Constitution of Zambia to cast doubt on President Michael Sata's physical and mental capacity to discharge the functions of his office.
This is taking opportunism to the extreme and dangerous proportions. We know that the UPND has been very opportunistic when it comes to Michael's health.
After the 2008 elections, the UPND were convinced that Michael would not get to the 2011 elections. This was after his treatment in South Africa for a heart condition in 2007. In this belief, they approached the Patriotic Front to form an opposition political pact with them.
This was in the hope that Michael would be dead before the 2011 elections and Hakainde Hichilema would assume overall leadership of the pact and become its presidential candidate.
But to their displeasure, Michael is still here and he was healthy and strong enough to defeat them and their MMD partners in the 2011 elections. But they still can't believe it that the man they thought would die before 2011 is still there and probably ready to defeat them again in the 2016 elections.
Their mischief is clear. There is no function of his office that Michael has failed to perform since taking over as President of the Republic of Zambia.
We are not Michael's doctors but it's clear that the man has no problems performing his presidential functions. And moreover, there is no human being who doesn't fall ill. And can Hakainde or his servant Ephraim Belemu say they never fall ill? Who doesn't fall ill? We all get hit by this or that illness and we simply soldier on, recover and continue with our work.
How many of our politicians are either on hypertension or diabetes medication? And how many of our politicians are every day swallowing ARVs? Can they be said not to be fit for public office?
The truth is Michael is enjoying reasonably good health. And he is also living a very careful life when it comes to his health. Don't forget that this is a man who not very long ago was a chain smoker, contaminating his lungs with nicotine every day. But he has shed off that dangerous habit which he was involved in for more than five decades.
Michael leads a very disciplined life. He carries out his duties in an orderly, efficient and effective manner. He knows when to take a rest. And he knows when to go for medical examinations. He doesn't live like most of us who only go to see a doctor when we are not feeling well even when we have the opportunity to have periodic medical examinations.
But as Bishop John Mambo says, those who used to predict his death have left him still walking this planet. Equally, one can say those who think they will outlive Michael, they will leave him here to complete his mission as President of the Republic of Zambia.
They tried to do the same thing in 2011. They went round the country telling people not to vote for Michael because he was dying. But our people are kind and compassionate human beings and they were not swayed by such propaganda. They gave their votes to Michael and he won.
If the UPND wants to be in government soon, such an approach will not do. They should win not because Michael is not well healthwise but because they are better understood, supported, trusted. They should win because of their beliefs, what they believe in.
As far as a normal eye can see, Michael is in good health. And he seems to be keeping a good check on his health. These insinuations of him not being well only go to raise the question of just how healthy must our leaders be in order to serve, and, conversely, how much illness and or infirmity can we accept among those who occupy our country's highest posts?
Maybe we can learn something from the Americans. At the age of 65, Dwight Eisenhower had a serious heart attack, at a time when there was nowhere near the arsenal of methods available today to treat heart disease. All the same, he was elected to a second term the year after and lived another 14 years.
Then there is Jack Kennedy. Although he was the youngest person ever elected president of the United States and was the man who put the "vigah" into appearing vigorous, Kennedy was plagued with a number of serious ailments, only a few which were known to Americans at the time of his election. They included Addison's disease and a back so painful that he always wore a back brace, nearly always used crutches when photographers were not present, and regularly submitted to amphetamines and powerful anesthetics to quell his pain. Not to mention stratospheric cholesterol levels, which might be controlled by medication today, stomach disorders, and a history of sexually transmitted diseases. His administration's handling of the Cuban Missile Crisis likely will be debated for years but the fact remains that both conventional war - with the Soviet Union at least - and nuclear annihilation was averted. Even with a very bad back.
We wonder if we will resolve the matter of the health of presidents and presidential candidates, all while we mostly accept the physical and mental beatings the presidency inflicts upon those who hold the office. We don't have the best solution, but maybe we should mull over something Benjamin Franklin once said: "Nothing is more fatal to health than an over care of it."
Anyway, it is unfortunate that this whole issue has been sparked by members of Michael's own government and party. The UPND is simply a vulture. And vultures are opportunistic by nature and character - they scavenge. And UPND is scavenging on the bad discourse going on in the Patriotic Front and its government.
But this opportunism on the part of UPND will backfire. In politics, it's important to know the feelings, mood and character of one's people. Zambians, like most Africans, don't like this type of talk or propaganda. Look at Zimbabwe where Robert Mugabe's health has been an issue for the opposition MDC and its backers for a very long time. But Mugabe, at 89, is still there and has overwhelmingly defeated them in an election.
UPND needs to choose its campaign issues carefully. Opportunism can sometimes be very costly. And it won't be long before UPND starts to pay the price for all this. Mark our words."
It is important for Hakainde and his party to choose their campaign issues carefully. Hanging on to the issue of Michael's health, tribalism, racism and regionalism will not do.
And it is also important for Hakainde to learn to respect other people's legitimate entitlements. As Chembe Nyangu says, Michael is entitled to holidays paid for by the state, although he hasn't been very keen on taking them. Therefore, there is no need to always insinuate that he has gone for medical treatment in India every time he takes a short break from work, every time he leaves the country.
If Hakainde does not want to improve his number of votes, he should continue making Michael's health his only discernible political preoccupation.
Labels: HAKAINDE HICHILEMA, MICHAEL SATA
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Sata's swaying ability intrigues Sirleaf
By Joseph Mwenda in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Sun 02 Feb. 2014, 14:01 CAT
HEADS of States conferences are livelier when President Michael Sata is in attendance, says Liberia's President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. And Namibia's President Hifikapunye Pohamba has wished Zambia a new era of economic prosperity as the country celebrates its Golden Jubilee in October.
Meanwhile, the Mauritius government has invited President Sata to visit that country this year to cement the 2012 double taxation and investment promotion protection treaty.
After the closing ceremony of the 22nd African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, President Sata met with President Sirleaf whom he described as a powerful and influential leader in Africa.
"This is a very powerful woman of Africa. You see she has succeeded to overthrow all the men in Liberia. The men are now learning from you how to run the country. So I came to say goodbye to you my friend," President Sata said.
President Sirleaf responded that she was always intrigued by President Sata's ability to sway positions during AU summits.
"How do you manage to stand when everybody has agreed to a position, to just change everything and influence a different position? Sometimes you even delay the process," President Sirleaf said, while holding President Sata's hands.
President Sata responded, "but Madam President, if I see something that I don't agree with, don't I tell you?"
Both Presidents laughed and shared jokes before leaving the AU Assembly Hall. Later in an interview, the Liberian President said no President could afford to doze during the AU Summit when President Sata was in attendance.
"This is the only President in Africa who keeps other Presidents awake, that is what I like about him. You cannot doze when he is around. All the delegates are always alive to what's going on," President Sirleaf said.
In a separate interview, President Pohamba said he had been trained and groomed in Zambia and wished the country economic prosperity.
"Zambia is a second home for me and this occasion of celebrating your Golden Jubilee this year is special to me. Your President is my good old friend and so is president (Kenneth) Kaunda. I hope that Zambia will open a new page in economic development and achieve more in the years to come," he said.
Recently President Pohamba donated a modern house to Dr Kaunda and named a street after him in recognition of the role he played during Namibia's liberation struggle.
Meanwhile, Mauritius President Rajkeswur Purryag has asked President Sata to visit his country this year. Speaking in an interview through his minister of foreign affairs Arvin Boolell, President Purryag said Zambia was a country on the rise economically.
"First of all, I would like to say that we enjoy very cordial bilateral relations with Zambia and we have a lot of Mauritius investors coming to your great country. Therefore we want investors to use Mauritius as a pad for onward investment into Zambia," he said.
He said Zambia was an icon of democracy in Africa with undoubted political stability.
"Why Zambia? Because of its political stability and well-rooted democratic institutions. Your country is on the rise with the economy and an icon of peace for Africa," he said.
President Purryag said President Sata's visit to Mauritius would help cement the tax avoidance protection treaty signed between the two governments in 2012.
"We signed a double taxation avoidance and investment promotion protection treaty with Zambia. So we look forward for the President of Zambia to travel to Mauritius to make this treaty more effective," he said.
"What I like with him is that he is outspoken. He is an outspoken President and we value his candidness and frankness. We wish Zambia well."
President Sata, who is in the company of first lady Christine Kaseba, left Addis Ababa yesterday around 09:30hours for a 14-day working holiday. He was seen off by foreign affairs minister Wylbur Simuusa, agriculture minister Bob Sichinga, Zambia's Ambassador to Ethiopia Susan Sikaneta and her deputy Sam Mujuda.
Labels: AU, ELLEN JOHNSON SIRLEAF, HIFIKAPUNYE POHAMBA, MICHAEL SATA
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Sata a unique leader - Akuffo
By Joseph Mwenda in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Fri 31 Jan. 2014, 14:01 CAT
PRESIDENT Michael Sata is a unique and charming leader, says African Court on Human Rights president justice Sophie Akuffo. Meanwhile, President Sata tomorrow goes on a 14-day working vacation.
Speaking after she briefly interacted with President Sata and Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe, justice Akuffo said she was honoured to meet the two men, whom she described as great leaders of Africa.
At the opening session of the 22nd African Union summit in Addis Ababa, President Sata, who sat next to President Mugabe, summoned justice Akuffo and shared a light moment with her.
"You madam, you must take interest to understand the cause of people's problems when you call them to your court," President Sata said.
The President jokingly told justice Akuffo to also summon agriculture minister Robert Sichinga, who was seated behind, and help him manage his hair.
"You must take this one to your court so that he can explain his problem," said President Sata, attracting laughter from other delegates, including President Mugabe and foreign affairs minister Wylbur Simuusa.
Justice Akuffo later appreciated the interaction with President Sata, describing him as a charming leader.
"He called me to just share greetings and, of course, you know he is a charming President. They are both great leaders, and I was honoured to meet them," justice Akuffo said in an interview later.
Meanwhile, President Sata also briefly interacted with President Jacob Zuma after the South African leader paid tribute to Nelson Mandela.
Earlier, President Sata attended the SADC summit with other leaders to sanction the readmission of Madagascar to the African Union. And State House press aide George Chellah yesterday announced that President Sata is expected to go on vacation after the close of the 22nd ordinaryAfrica Union summit.
"His Excellency, President Michael Sata, who is accompanied by the first lady Christine Kaseba, will leave Addis Ababa on February 1, after the close of the AU summit for a 14 days working holiday vacation," Chellah stated.
He could not disclose were the President would go for his vacation, but sources said heis expected to be in London until February 15 when he would return home. Meanwhile, Dr Kaseba on Wednesday attended the steering committee meeting ofthe 13th extra ordinary general assembly of the Organisation ofAfrican First Ladies against HIV/AIDS (OAFLA).
The meeting was closed for media coverage but tDr Kaseba had interactions with first ladies from other countries including the chairperson of the committee Amani Musa Hilal, the first lady of Chad.
Others who attended the steering committee include first lady of Mozambique Maria Guebuza, Ghana's Lordina Dramani Mahama and Ruwanda's Jeannette Kagame. The actual conference is expected to take place today.
Labels: AU, HUMAN RIGHTS, MICHAEL SATA, SOPHIE AAKUFFO
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Sata has a heart for WP - Litula
By Edwin Mbulo
Sun 26 Jan. 2014, 14:00 CAT
PRESIDENT Michael Sata has a heart for Western Province because he has given the area fast-track development we have never seen in the previous regimes, says Mongu district commissioner Maurice Litula.
And Mongu district which has never had drainage systems will have a new system alongside the K170 million township road rehabilitation project currently going on.
In an interview, Litula said district commissioners in Western Province were working like colonial guards because they want to emulate the work culture of President Sata.
"The President has a heart for Western Province because he has given the area a fast tracked development which we have never seen in the last 40 or 50 years of the previous regimes. Even us district commissioners who are working here, we are working like those old Kapaso's because we need to work like the way the President works. I don't allow myself to be sitted here even an hour if there is something to be done out there because I feel my main office is the community because this is a pro-poor government," Litula said.
He said his major target for 2014 was to ensure that all uncompleted projects funded by the central government and the constituency development funds were completed.
"We will be tirelessly working hard because our main target is to make sure that we fulfill that which was promised and we need to stick to the PF manifesto," he said.
Litula said apart from the drainage system, Mongu now had traffic lights and that a lot more should be done through engagement of traditional leaders.
"We shall engage everybody including the traditional leaders so that they have the information of what the government is doing. It is a very serious issue; where we don't want people to be left behind. Let each and everybody know what we are doing, that is the key. Let us communicate to our people, people want to see us working, not talking, talking is over but action," he said.
On road rehabilitation, Litula said only a distance of nine kilometres could be tackled because of the sandy terrain which required compacting and embankments.
"Independence Avenue which has traffic lights will be done this year; we are doing the roads in phases to allow for smooth flow of traffic.
The access roads to the new stadium site have been done and Zesco are putting electricity lines to the area," said Litula.
Labels: MAURICE LITULA, MICHAEL SATA, WESTERN PROVINCE
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Zambia has a constitution, Sata
By Moses Kuwema
Thu 16 Jan. 2014, 13:00 CAT
PRESIDENT Michael Sata this morning wondered why certain sections of society were desperate for a new constitution when the country has held six general elections using the current constitution.
Speaking after swearing in Dr. Bwalya Ng'andu transport, communication, works and supply permanent secretary at State House as , President Sata wondered which constitution people were desperate for when the country already had one.
"Go and tell them that you took oath under the constitution. We have a constitution and we have had six elections over this constitution so the people who are talking of the constitution, we don't know about it. Probably Ms Rosewin Wandi Anti-Corruption Commission director general knows something about the constitution….and you are going to uphold the constitution," President Sata said.
And President Sata has urged newly appointed permanent secretary Dr. Ng'andu to concentrate on revamping Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL) and TAZARA.
Dr.Ngandu, until Monday was Bank of Zambia (BOZ)deputy Governor, replaces two Permanent Secretaries in the ministry of Works and Supply Bernard Chiwala and Charity Kaande-Ngoma who were fired by Sata on Monday.
Sata also swapped Ministry of Health permanent secretary Dr Peter Mwaba with his Home affairs counterpart Dr Misheck Chikamata.
Labels: BWALYA NG'ANDU, CONSTITUTION, MICHAEL SATA
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KK inspired me, Sata
By Fridah Nkonde
Fri 24 Jan. 2014, 15:20 CAT
President Sata says Zambia requires another generation with similar virtues and values as those of Dr Kaunda and his comrades if prosperity is to be guaranteed.
President Sata yesterday said on his Facebook page that he acknowledges with deep gratitude the values of brave and determined men and women like Dr Kaunda who fought and sacrificed to make Zambia what it is today.
"This morning I was visited by the founding father of this nation - a great statesman who has inspired me as an individual and immensely contributed to the unity, growth and development of this country," President Sata said.
He said Dr Kaunda and others' selflessness and commitment to the building of Zambia would always be engraved in people's hearts.
"May God continue to sustain them in faith and love, and their sacrifice shall never be forgotten. In the same vein, it is my prayer that the younger generation of today will emulate their passion, loyalty and selflessness in our endeavour for national progress," said President Sata.
"This country requires another generation with similar virtues and values if prosperity is to be guaranteed. We salute you KK and the founders of this nation. Long live unity, long live Zambia.
Labels: KENNETH KAUNDA, MICHAEL SATA
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Politicians shouldn't focus on presidency - Masebo
By Abigail Chaponda in Ndola and Roy Habaalu in Shibuyunji
Mon 20 Jan. 2014, 14:01 CAT
SYLVIA Masebo says politicians should not focus on the presidency as there can only be one head of state at a particular time.
And Wynter Kabimba says it is foolish for any PF member to think they can compete with President Michael Sata.
Addressing PF district representatives at Hindu Hall in Ndola on Sarturday, Masebo, who is party national chairperson for elections, said President Michael Sata was the current President and no one was expected to pay allegiance to party members aspiring to lead the country.
"In politics, once a president always a president. You will be a foolish politician to think that President Sata will rule for one term only. Let's not waste our time fighting for positions. All councillors and MPs are standing but those who have not worked will have problems with the people from their various wards and constituencies. President Sata is winning the 2016 elections," she said.
Masebo, who is also tourism minister and Chongwe member of parliament, said PF members needed to follow the party constitution.
"The one ruling is President Sata and there is no way I am going to pay allegiance to an aspiring president. Now it is President Sata and after Sata, it is the constitution. The only way to survive in PF is to remain loyal, respect leaders and work hard for the party; that is all," she said.
Masebo also advised PF members not to judge each other by the amounts of money one has but by respecting leaders and working hard to ensure that the party remains united.
"Some members don't respect their leaders. I have received a report that some members have even put their own councillors and MPs in place because they don't want the current leaders. I was in MMD, and in MMD, people knew how to share, they knew how to eat together; they helped and supported each other. The problem with our party is there is too much selfishness," she said.
Masebo said President Sata was a hard-working man and had done his best in the two years the PF had been in power.
And PF national youth chairman Chishimba Kambwili said the problem being faced in the PF was indiscipline.
He said there was a lot of indiscipline in the party and that people needed to respect their leadership if they wanted to nurture the party.
"There is a lot of indiscipline in this party. What is killing the party is indiscipline; we don't respect our leaders. Only God knows the future of our party. Associate yourselves with the party and not individuals. Be loyal to the party," said Kambwili.
And speaking during the Shibuyunji district youth review and planning meeting yesterday, Kabimba said there were some members that thought they had become popular and would compete with President Sata.
"Those of you with alternative political parties, please leave PF. Go before it's too late. There's no need to attempt to destroy PF before attempting to join other parties of your preference, so go now and we shall meet you in the battlefield.
Party discipline must culminate into respecting those above you and in particular His Excellency President Michael Sata. He's an embodiment of this party, he's a torch-bearer, who planted seeds of the fruits that we are enjoying today," he said.
Kabimba said there was no one in the party that could teach President Sata politics.
"He's a professor in politics, so we are better off as his disciples and learn the rules of the game until we become professors like him," he said.
Kabimba said PF had become admirable because of the positive seed planted by President Sata.
He said if it had not been for President Sata's tenacity and commitment to his ideals, PF wouldn't be in government today.
Kabimba said the country was traumatised for the 20 years the MMD was in government.
"We were under economic civil war when the MMD was power. That's why we are reconstructing this country and you as youths must be part of this reconstruction for the future and the generations to come. Discipline and respect for our leaders is what will make us succeed, and make PF stronger than ever before. In whatever position, you must be exemplary and work in unity," he said.
Kabimba said there was no way President Sata would assign a party official to do things contrary to the interest of the party.
He said anyone that did party work, claiming he had been sent by the President, must produce a letter of proof.
"His Excellency can only assign me as secretary general to address and give you a positive message. So if anyone comes and says he's been sent by President Sata, let them produce a letter because that' s not the Sata I know; he's a man of order and progress," said Kabimba.
Labels: MICHAEL SATA, SYLVIA MASEBO, WYNTER KABIMBA
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Sata joins Facebook
By Edwin Mbulo in Livingstone
Sat 18 Jan. 2014, 14:01 CAT
PRESIDENT Michael Sata has created a Facebook link, saying he has decided to network and connect with the people "by means of this platform".
In one of the postings earlier yesterday, President Sata stated: "My friends on Facebook, today, I have decided to network and connect with you by means of this platform. This page will enable you to have a glimpse of my thoughts and ideas on various issues relating to our great nation. Let's interact," he stated.
Later on, President Sata posted that he had sent transport, works, supply and communications minister Yamfwa Mukanga to Kitwe to officially hand over 57 low cost houses and two churches.
According to his special assistant for press and public relations
George Chellah, President Sata's link is https://m.facebook.com/President (external link) Michael Sata.
"Comrades, I can confirm that the link below is His Excellency, Mr Michael Chilufya Sata, President of the Republic of Zambia's official Facebook page. https://m.facebook.com/PresidentMichaelSata (external link)," Chellah stated.
And President Sata also posted on the new link that the infrastructural development in Kitwe was for the people who would be displaced to pave way for the construction of a bridge.
"Good morning friends. I have this morning sent my minister of
transport, works, supply and communication Hon. Yamfwa Mukanga to Kitwe to officially hand over 57 low cost houses with electricity, water supply and flashable toilets and two churches in Ipusukilo and Kawama Townships, including a 1.5 kilometre access road in Mufuchani area of the city of Kitwe. All this is for the people who will be displaced to pave way for the construction of the Mufuchani Bridge across the Kafue River in Kitwe. Natwikatane chapamo bane tutwale ichalo chesu pantanshi Let's unite and develop our country together," stated President Sata.
Many Facebook enthusiasts welcomed President Sata's decision to open a Facebook page, saying that would encourage dialogue and information sharing.
Godfrey Simwinga Chitalu responded to Chellah's announcement saying, President Sata had "always taken a bull by the horn".
"Kwati bufi, (It's like a lie) this is great for our pragmatic president, who always takes a bull by the horn. Next, Mr President, introduce a toll free hotline that citizens can use to complain, suggest, report and compliment your government. The three mobile service providers can pay for its set up so that we the ordinary citizens can have access to have our say, even if its just recorded
and followed up later. Wise move and we love you," stated Chitalu.
Justine Wilfred Simbeye simply wrote "that is wonderful" while Hebert Macha said: "This is a great platform to network, dialogue, engage and share information, great initiative."
And Ebenezar Jeff thanked President Sata for having a heart for the people and asked the head of state to find a solution to youth unemployment.
"...About youths being employed we need to give them skills (education). Thank you for loving Zambia," said Jeff, while Trascillar Chibuye Mambwe Kayumba said: "Wow that's very good my president, but also consider us who are in Solwezi. Our roads are in a very bad state. When u are on the Copperbelt, u feel like u re in Zambia bt wen u re in Solwezi, its another world. We need u 2 shake these Solwezi MPs. Thank u sic."
Labels: FACEBOOK, MICHAEL SATA
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Frustrations within PF
By Editor
Thu 09 Jan. 2014, 14:00 CAT
Truly, "2013 was a year which tested the foundation and ideals" of the Patriotic Front since its establishment in 2001. And as Patriotic Front secretary general Wynter Kabimba says, "It was a transformative year in that the party moved from being in opposition into a party in government and the major challenge in this transformation had been widespread expectations from both members of the party and the general public."
Many things were hoped for, were expected with the Patriotic Front in government. And given Michael Sata's delivery record, many people within the Patriotic Front and outside it developed wild expectations. They thought things would change overnight. Patriotic Front cadres, as Wynter correctly observes, "expected rewards in form of employment because of the massive discrimination they suffered under the MMD, which had cultivated an extensive culture of patronage".
And, again as Wynter says, "Outside the party, the public expected delivery of services on the basis of its campaign promises." But we all know that there is no instant coffee solution to our massive problem of poverty and unemployment. We are in for a long haul. Things will change, will improve but not overnight.
The mistake that was made was not to tell their cadres and our people in general that their lives won't instantly change simply because Michael and the Patriotic Front are in government. Their cadres thought they would all get jobs in government and other institutions connected to government. But they should have been told that government institutions don't belong to their party; they belong to all the people regardless of their political affiliations and all are entitled to jobs in these institutions purely on the basis of merit. They should have also been told that the Patriotic Front in government would not continue the patronage of the MMD.
And as they told the people what they would do, they should also have told them what they would not do. Life doesn't change that way.
There has been growing frustration among Patriotic Front members and cadres at all levels, who feel they have not been rewarded for their contributions, for their efforts. These feelings are legitimate but government affairs are not managed in that way. It is not a question of sharing spoils after an election victory.
The Patriotic Front cadres may be able to run their party on their own but they cannot run government on their own. Therefore, their disappointment and frustration has to be managed. And discipline calls for this. Their disappointment and frustration should be a temporary feeling, which they can get over by involving themselves in positive activities and attitudes. It is not easy to remain disappointed and frustrated if one is busy with constructive things.
There is need for discipline. And discipline is not about things one likes or is happy with. Discipline is about behaving well in situations in which one is not happy, is not comfortable. It is about handling well situations that one does not like. And this is why discipline is the most powerful weapon for progress. The Patriotic Front can only carry out its mandate if there is discipline, and where there is no discipline, there can be no real progress. Those who are ready to join hands in a disciplined way can overcome the greatest challenges.
There is still a long way to go. There is still a lot of work for the Patriotic Front to do. Those who thought by simply winning the 2011 elections, they had arrived, are mistaken because after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb. It is said that many of us will have to pass through the valley of the shadow of death again and again before we reach the mountain tops of our desires. It is also said that the struggle is not for the strong but for those who can endure.
We urge Patriotic Front cadres to draw strength from the unity which they had forged in their campaigns against the MMD and together grasp the opportunities and realise the vision enshrined in their 2011 election manifesto. This is the only way they can carry on their revolution and transform their lives and their country forever. This is the true meaning of the Patriotic Front revolution they promised themselves and the Zambian people, which is in reality and in truth a growth in their confidence as ordinary people to transform their country and thus transform themselves. It is a growth in the appreciation of people organising, deciding, creating together. It is a growth of fraternal love.
And when we speak of disappointment and frustration, we speak of the disappointed and frustrated persons within what the Patriotic Front is trying to do, not against what it is trying to do; to improve the transformation, not to destroy it; to make it stronger, not to liquidate it as the case is with declarations made by Geoffrey Mwamba in Kasama to wipe out the party's influence in that area. That is the difference, the radical difference that exists between those who are disappointed and frustrated within the party but still are committed to its work, policies and programmes, and those who, like Mwamba, are ready to destroy it when they are not able to get from it or through it what they want or desire.
Anyway, such elements do not understand that great transformations are irreversible, that they march on despite the errors and deficiencies of men. This is because they are superior to men. When such transformations involve the work, the efforts and the lives of millions of human beings, they are superior to everything; they are invincible. That's why the Patriotic Front cadres and leaders have to realise that they are promoting and carrying on transformations, work that is greater than themselves. Naturally, this is what the liars try to keep from the people, the tremendous power of great social transformations.
Nobody claims or should claim that what is being done is perfect no matter how much effort they devote to trying to make things turn out in the best possible way. Only life itself will be able to tell us where the shortcomings are and which aspects leave something to be desired. But those involved in the political leadership of our country must always be able to improve the instruments they have established.
The Patriotic Front needs to seriously improve on its 2013 performance if it is to deliver to its cadres' and our people's expectations or desires. But this will require strong organisation, loyalty and discipline from its general membership.
Labels: CONSTITUTION, MICHAEL SATA, PF
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Constitution process hijacked - Sata
By Joseph Mwenda and Kombe Mataka
Thu 09 Jan. 2014, 14:01 CAT
PRESIDENT Michael Sata says the constitution-making process has been hijacked by individuals with an objective to embarrass, humiliate and politically undermine the sovereign will of the people.
But three church mother bodies yesterday said they had resolved to take the issue of the constitution to their churches by devoting a few minutes to discuss it every Sunday.
In a statement released by his special assistant for press and public relations George Chellah, President Sata said it would be highly reckless and irresponsible to hastily release the constitution merely to satisfy an ill-intended political scheme.
"The country already has a functional Constitution and the state will not be pushed into fast and reckless conclusions by individuals with dubious agendas," he said.
President Sata said the government remained dedicated to the constitution-making process.
"The recent biased political maneuvers surrounding the process confirm the ill-intentions of the persons at the helm of this misplaced crusade. Right from the start, this government has been dedicated to the process, no wonder the committee handling the matter was left without any interference. But it's clear that the well-intended process has been hijacked to embarrass, humiliate and politically undermine the will and interest of the majority of Zambians," he said.
And the Zambia Episcopal Conference (ZEC), the Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ) and the Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ), which are part of the Oasis Forum, yesterday took part in the briefing, where CCZ secretary general Suzanne Matale, who is also chairperson of the Forum, advised the nation that the church mother bodies would direct all their churches and parishes to dedicate some minutes every Sunday to discuss the constitution and ensure that they have one soon.
"We would like to remind government that the writing is on the wall: this is a year of cleansing. Mediocrity shall not be accepted. People's demands for a people-driven constitution shall be achieved," she said.
And when asked to comment on how she felt personally about the constitution-making process since she was part of Technical Committee drafting the Constitution, Rev Matale said the committee had its own spokesperson and that she was speaking in her capacity as a CCZ official.
Law Association of Zambia president James Banda said it was unfortunate that the government had failed to listen to the public by going ahead to receive ten copies of the constitution document from the technical committee, adding that the process was not being made transparent and risked being rendered illegitimate.
EFZ executive director Pukuta Mwanza said this year was the only suitable time for Zambia to have a new constitution as a 'jubilee gift', before the general election mood grips the country.
And ZEC secretary general Fr Cleophas Lungu said time had come for Zambians to unite and demand a new constitution.
"Of course, there are bigger and small churches. We all know that there are true and false prophets but by our message and language, we shall know who is standing on the truth. The Constitution is a moral issue. We are going to take this Constitution to the pulpit. It shall be taken in the houses of God," said Rev Mwanza.
And NGOCC board chairperson Beatrice Grillo called on the women to join in calls to have the draft constitution released to the public.
Meanwhile, President Sata said more than 355,000 jobs have been created since the Patriotic Front formed government in September 2011.
"Government is still committed to job creation and industrialisation in order to create a better Zambia for all. To date, more than 355,335 jobs have been created since the PF came into power," he said in a statement released by Chellah.
President Sata said the government would soon establish a sovereign wealth fund, which would focus on stimulating investment in strategic non-mining industries.
He said this would be possible through the creation of the industrial development corporation (IDC), which would be a tool for the modernization and diversification of the economy.
"The State will through the IDC maximize the value of government assets by establishing a sovereign wealth fund to stimulate investment in strategic non-mining industries, among others, thereby expanding the country's investment portfolio and thus creating jobs, wealth and prosperity for the Zambian people," President Sata said.
He said the establishment of the IDC would also boost the contribution of state-owned enterprises to national development by placing them under one umbrella holding entity to deepen their reform, enhance efficiency and maximise returns.
President Sata said the IDC would be the government's strategy to enhance domestic capital formation, wealth creation and preservation by focusing on exploiting the country's advantages in natural resources and actively developing industries and enterprises to create jobs for the people.
Labels: CONSTITUTION, MICHAEL SATA, PUKUTA MWANZA
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Why is MMD opposing Sata's indeco idea?
By Editor
Wed 08 Jan. 2014, 14:00 CAT
The MMD leadership is questioning the rationale behind the re-introduction of the industrial development corporation. It is not difficult to understand their problem. The MMD in government blindly pursued
neoliberal policies which have
not brought any meaningful development to the country for the
two decades they were in power.
What meaningful benefits have their capitalist policies brought to the poor of this country?
Let us not be carried away with labels and ideological prejudices and objectively face the challenges before us. We are living in a very different world. This is the first thing we need to understand.
Furthermore, the world we live in today is globalised, really globalised. It is a world dominated by the ideology, the standards and the principles of neoliberal globalisation.
The leadership of MMD should realise that when we speak of "the economy" or "an economic system", we are speaking of policies and plans which control the wealth and resources of a country, about how resources are distributed between people, and about how the means of production - such as land, factories and technology - are owned and controlled. It is sometimes suggested that economic laws, like the basic laws of nature, are beyond human control; that we can no more influence them than we can defy gravity or stop the motion of planets.
Therefore, it is argued, the existence of poverty and unemployment, and the inequitable distribution of wealth, are the result of inescapable economic laws, and must be accepted as such. When suffering and even death flow from these "inevitable facts of economic life", that is simply unfortunate, it is said, just as it is unfortunate when suffering and death result from a natural disaster. Although we sympathise with the victims of an earthquake or a flood, we do not consider such natural occurrences unjust or immoral. In the same way, the argument continues, we should not regard an economic system as unjust or immoral, though we regret the suffering that may be part of such a system. Some people will be poor and some rich, inevitably and unavoidably, just as some will be the victims of earthquakes and floods, and some will not.
This argument must be rejected because it fails to take into account the fact that economic consequences come about as a result of human agency. At the heart of every economic system lie human needs, human abilities and human decisions, and it is the choices which we make in addressing those needs, sharing those abilities, and making those decisions, that determine the justice or injustice of an economic system. The more powerful our economic position, the greater our freedom of choice, with the poor and the marginalised having very little effective choice in their economic decision making. There is thus a moral quality about an economy, a quality which has its roots in the morally correct or incorrect choices by people; and it is the moral quality of the economy that enables us to make judgements about whether or not it is a just economy.
We are not surprised that President Michael Sata's decision to re-introduce a developmental state through the industrial development corporation is being opposed by a political party that for two decades presided over the plunder and abuse of our people and their resources. Michael's approach to economic management from the viewpoint of the poor and suffering, his condemnation of their suffering and his unambiguous call for bold and profound changes in the political and social structures that perpetuate that suffering, was destined, from the beginning, to generate opposition and conflict from other sectors of our society that seek to maintain the status quo or even to increase their share of economic and political power. It is time we converted both our hearts and our institutions to respond to the cause of the poor by searching for effective strategies to transform the structures that are the root causes of their suffering.
It is important to emphasise right from the beginning that we do not think this opposition to Michael's industrial development corporation is going to end in some form of reconciliation in the foreseeable future. When one identifies with the interests of the poor, one will undoubtedly come into conflict with the interests of other sectors of society and their allies. It is therefore important in these initiatives of Michael to emphasise the virtue of fortitude - the refusal to abandon the poor in their sufferings. And these same poor - by what they give and what they ask - should inspire Michael and his comrades with that fortitude, the strength to remain steadfast in whatever they do.
When a system ceases to promote the common good and favours special interests, we must not only denounce its injustice but also break with the evil system. We must be prepared to work with another system that is more just, fair and humane and more suited to the needs of the day.
If what Michael is suggesting to do is socialism, and if what Dr Kaunda and UNIP did was socialism, then all persons of goodwill cannot but go along with this; they cannot help but rejoice over the appearance of another social system that is more just, fair and humane.
It is surprising that the same people, the same political party, that declared this country a Christian nation favour greed and oppose policies that are more just, fair and humane. Tomorrow's Christians must follow the lead of Michael and KK, retracing the Christian roots that lie behind the moral values of solidarity and fraternity.
Christians must show that authentic socialism is Christianity lived to the full, in basic equality and with a fair distribution of goods.
Instead of opposing it, we must learn to accept joyfully a form of societal life that is better adapted to our times and more in tune with the spirit of the Gospel. In this way, we will prevent people from equating God and religion with those things that oppress the workers and the poor: that is capitalism and imperialism. These inhuman systems have spawned other systems that proposed to free peoples, but ended up oppressing them.
We must always side with those who seek to build a more equitable and fraternal society among the family of God's children. We should therefore, with pride and joy, greet the new initiatives Michael is coming up with, which do not honour money accumulated in the hands of a few.
It is primarily up to the poor to effect their own betterment. They must regain confidence in themselves. They must educate themselves and overcome illiteracy. They must work zealously to fashion their own destiny. They must open their ears to those who can awaken and shape the conscious awareness of the masses and, in particular, listen to progressive politicians like Michael and the apostle of our independence struggle, KK.
Changes must be made to the way we manage our economy; present conditions must be improved.
The people are hungering for truth and justice, and those who are entrusted with the task of teaching and educating them should do so with enthusiasm. Certain erroneous viewpoints must be wiped away without delay.
We cannot claim to love God without loving our fellow humans. If some try to monopolise for themselves what others need, then it is the duty of public authority to carry out the distribution that was not made willingly.
In like manner, we cannot allow rich foreigners to come and exploit our impoverished peoples under the pretext of developing commerce and industry; nor can we allow rich nationals to exploit their own nation. These things incite the exasperating strains of excessive nationalism, which is hostile to meaningful co-operation and collaboration.
It is high time that the poor, supported and guided by their legitimate government, defended their right to live. When God appeared to Moses, it was said to him: "I have seen the miserable state of my people in Egypt, I have heard their appeal to be free of their slave drivers… I mean to deliver them" (Exodus 3:7). Jesus took all humanity upon himself to lead it to eternal life. And the earthly foreshadowing of this is social justice, the first form of brotherly love. When Jesus freed humankind from death through resurrection, he brought all human liberation movements to their fullness in eternity.
We should direct all our efforts to work together toward the construction of a society in which all persons will find their place, and in which they will enjoy political, economic, cultural and religious equality and liberty.
The present situation in our country, as in many countries on our continent, calls for some radical change.
Every human being of goodwill should be committed to changing a social order that is cruelly unjust. To refuse such commitment would be to make oneself an accomplice of injustice. If we do not commit ourselves to changing a system that prevents most persons from achieving personal fulfilment, then we are not helping our people to live out their vocation and attain union with God.
The poverty situation, we feel, is a product of unjust socioeconomic structures. Faced with this situation, we have no choice but to support the changes that will help better the living standards of our people. We do realise full well that we are the product of a society that has taught us to look coldly on the impoverished plight of our brothers and sisters. Our actions must be inspired by real love, not by the standards of a society that tends to maintain the present situation.
Our organisations must somehow get close to the poor, because only close experience will teach us the great magnitude of the problems that afflict the majority of our people. We must therefore reform the structures of our organisations so that such contact really takes place.
We ought to sharpen the awareness of our duty of solidarity with the poor, to which charity leads us. This solidarity means that we make ours their problems and their struggles, that we know how to speak with them. This has to be concretised in criticism of injustice and oppression, in the struggle against the intolerable situation that a poor person often has to tolerate, in the willingness to dialogue with the groups responsible for that situation in order to make them understand their obligations.
We should openly express our desire to be very close always to those who work for and struggle with the poor in order that they always feel our encouragement and know that we will not listen to parties interested in distorting their work.
What has been said before and the experience lived by our people lead us to reject neoliberal policies that were imposed on our people by the successive MMD governments; we reject capitalism, in its economic expression as well as in its ideological basis, which favours individualism, profit, and the exploitation of humanity by humanity. We should therefore aim toward the creation of a qualitatively different society. By this, we understand a society wherein the willingness of justice, of solidarity and equality reigns, one that will respond to generous aspirations and the search for a more just society and where values which will guarantee the integral development of our people will be realised.
In order that this kind of society be developed, it is necessary that the education of all people include the social and communal meaning of human life, in the total context which includes culture, economics, politics and the whole society.
Labels: CORRUPTION, INDECO, MICHAEL SATA, MMD, NEOLIBERALISM
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Constitution making hijacked by individuals to undermine the will of the people - Sata
By Joseph Mwenda and Kombe Mataka
Wed 08 Jan. 2014, 16:00 CAT
THE constitution-making process has been hijacked by individuals with an objective to embarrass, humiliate and politically undermine the sovereign will of the people, President Michael Sata.
In a statement released by his special assistant for Press and Public Relations George Chellah, President Sata said it would be highly reckless and irresponsible to hastily release the constitution only to satisfy an ill-intended political scheme.
"The country already has a functional Constitution and the state will not be pushed into fast and reckless conclusions by individuals with dubious agendas," he said.
President Sata said the government remained dedicated to the constitution making process.
"The recent biased political maneuvers surrounding the process confirm the ill-intentions of the persons at the helm of this misplaced crusade. Right from the start, this government has been dedicated to the process, no wonder the committee handling the matter was left without any interference. But it's clear that the well intended process has been hijacked to embarrass, humiliate and politically undermine the will and interest of the majority of Zambians," he said.
Labels: CONSTITUTION, MICHAEL SATA, PF
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Govt to establish indeco
By By Joseph Mwenda
Wed 01 Jan. 2014, 14:00 CAT
PRESIDENT Michael Sata has set a 2014 national development roadmap focusing on job creation, industrial growth and intensified corruption fight. Addressing the nation on New Year's Eve, President Sata described the two years of the PF in power as peaceful owing to the support from the citizenry towards government's development programmes.
He said in 2014, the government would prioritise employment creation and uplifting the standards of living among people in rural areas.
"Employment creation remains our government's top most strategy for ensuring the stability of society and overall growth of the economy. To this effect, our government will in the New Year establish the industrial development corporation (indeco) which will focus on developing labour intensive industries and enterprises in the key areas of agriculture, construction, manufacturing, tourism, science and technology," President Sata said.
He said the government would continue to promote an open economy to attract investment and to expand the country's export opportunities through the accelerated development of multi-facility economic zones.
"Furthermore, steady progress is being made in infrastructure development such as roads, airports, rail and hydro-power stations in order to favourably compete in the global economy and create jobs. We are determined to revolutionise the infrastructure sector thus opening up this country in an unprecedented manner, thereby creating a competitive business environment and maximise economic growth activities," President Sata said and thanked Zambians for their support.
"As I address you on this New Year's Eve, I would like to thank the Almighty God for His continued blessings and mercy upon us. I would also like to thank the people of Zambia for their continued support to government and for maintaining peace and unity.
"After two years of the Patriotic Front in office, it is imperative for us to reiterate the goal of our government to accelerate progress in closing development gaps between our brothers and sisters in rural and urban areas, thus creating better opportunities for all."
He also promised an accelerated electrification of rural communities through the rural electrification programme.
"Looking forward in 2014, government will confidently accelerate the implementation of programmes such as the rural electrification programme whose focus is to connect rural communities to the power grid and will also commence an extension programme of mobile communications services to cover previously un-serviced rural areas in order to improve the people's living standards," President Sata said.
He pledged the government's commitment to ensuring more and affordable access to financial services among people of various income levels.
"This will promote the development of small-scale rural industries and improve agricultural production. In the same vein, we are determined to decentralise functions in our local government system to promote citizen participation and effective delivery of services in order to alleviate poverty," he said.
On education, President Sata said the government had placed a high priority on education and vocational skills development of youths as well as providing more Zambians access to quality health care services in a quest to create a better Zambia for all.
"In this regard, our government will in 2014 increase investment in the construction of schools, universities and trades institutes as well as the building and rehabilitation of health infrastructure across the country," he said.
President Sata further pledged to ensure that social justice continued to be at the core of government's policies.
"Our government is determined to take a giant step forward to raise our people's incomes, consumption and living standards. In 2014, we will continue to strengthen and uphold our democracy and good governance credentials as they are essential for national development," said President Sata.
"The fight against corruption remains one of the top priorities of my government's good governance agenda for next year and beyond. I wish you all a happy and prosperous New Year."
Labels: DEVELOPMENT, EMPLOYMENT, INDECO, MICHAEL SATA
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Nawakwi questions govt borrowing
By Henry Sinyangwe
Sat 28 Dec. 2013, 14:01 CAT
FDD leader Edith Nawakwi has questioned the intention by government to borrow more money to finance the budget. Meanwhile, Nawakwi says 2014 will present hunger and inadequate funding to government departments.
Government next year intends to borrow K9.64 billion to finance part of the budget for 2014, which is about 22.6 per cent of the national budget. Government last November raised the country's debt external debt ceiling from K20 billion to K35 billion.
Nawakwi said President Michael Sata should get rid of Chikwanda to save the country from another calamity of a debt trap.
"Time has come for the honourable Minister of Finance Alexander Chikwanda to shift from his current position into retirement. I know that a lot of us don't like doing the honourable thing, that is to resign from one's position. So the President of this Republic must save this country from the impending calamity of pushing Zambia into another debt trap," Nawakwi said.
She said the World Bank and the IMF had lost confidence in the economic management of the country.
"Today's reading that they are worried is just a tip of the iceberg. The truth is IMF is headed back to set up camp in Lusaka in January 2014 because they do not believe that Chikwanda is managing our economy competently. This is coupled with his inability to listen to those of us who he terms 'street people' when we talk about his lack of knowledge on management of our fiscal regime in this country. There are 13 million of us in this country and for sure, we must have one child somewhere in the corners of Zambia who can serve this country with diligence, competence and direction," said Nawakwi, who once served as finance minister in the Frederick Chiluba era.
She said some ministers were arrogant.
"Early this year, I raised the alarm that the budget had burst, that the Minister of Finance was not in the frame of mind to be able to control the runaway expenditure. There was hue and cry from the ministry. They tried to justify their actions to the point where even the likes of labour minister Fackson Shamenda had to criticise my persona. I then still raise the alarm that by January 2014, IMF is setting up camp again in Zambia due to their lack of confidence in the management of our economy by the current Minister of Finance," Nawakwi said.
She said the country no longer required Chikwanda's services.
"If the President does not listen to this very serious and timely advice, he has himself to blame for what Zambia is going to be in the next three or four years. 2014, we will be faced with hunger; 2014, we will be faced with inadequate funding to departments and ministries. We have doctors and nurses on strike, the Minister of Finance is mute; we have no medicines in the hospitals, we have no mealie-meal in several places and the buck stops at the Ministry of Finance," Nawakwi said.
She said she did not understand why President Sata thought Chikwanda was the only Minister of Finance the country could have.
"If the President is not able to relieve him, I think my brother should be honourable enough to say he needs to rest and allow younger people to be able to assist this country," Nawakwi said.
"This is a person who wants to export copper ore, this is a person who doesn't care whether nurses are on strike, this is the nominated member of parliament who doesn't care about the state of the University of Zambia. Unless we clear the stumbling block at the Ministry of Finance, whether it is PF, FDD, UPND, we may dance and cry, the buck stops at the Ministry of Finance."
She also expressed worry that Chikwanda signed the SI allowing exports of copper concentrates without any charge, which was later reversed by President Sata.
"If my minister doesn't understand that gold and other precious minerals are not found in independent mines, they are by-products of copper concentrates and he wants to give it as a Christmas gift to some companies, what can we discus? We are simply sitting on a time bomb," Nawakwi said.
She said a lot was sacrificed to get Zambia's debt written off, hence the country could not sit and watch mismanagement of the economy in the name of PF and some ministers in government.
"The reason we are having so much ineptitude is due to the fact that some of these brothers are nominated MPs. You go to Ministry of Education, there is no progress, you got to finance, he tells us 'shut up, you are advising me from the streets on windfall tax', you go to Ministry of Agriculture, the gentleman doesn't even know when we should plant our seeds. You go to Ministry of Health, there are problems. You go to Ministry of Justice, you want to get the constitution on time, who does he report to? He has no constituency apart from number one the President," Nawakwi said.
She said the country was facing major problems because critical ministries were manned by people who had no constituencies.
"These nominated MPs are living in ivory towers and as far as I am concerned, my only advice to President Sata for 2014 is to get rid of this lot. Let him nominate women and see what they can do. Let's get a different direction for 2014 and that can only happen if we come to 2014 without my brother Chikwanda at the helm of our treasury," Nawakwi said.
She said Chikwanda must not take the country to the days when a head of state must start telling the nation to tighten belts.
"This is the time when we need to loosen our belts. If you are going to injure us in this way, we are going to fight. This is injury, especially for those of us who spent long hours, days negotiating with the international community to write off our debt," said Nawakwi.
"People like ABC have not experienced what it takes to negotiate a debt write-off, to camp in a foreign capital, begging. He has not experienced what late Cardinal Mazombwe experienced and many Zambians who fought to get the debt written off; that's why he is so arrogant."
Labels: ALEXANDER CHIKWANDA, DEBT, EDITH NAWAKWI, FDD, MICHAEL SATA
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I would have been rotten without Dr. Kaseba, Sata
By Roy Habaalu
Wed 25 Dec. 2013, 14:01 CAT
PRESIDENT Michael Sata says he would have been rotten and dead without his wife Dr Christine Kaseba. During the season of jubilee, christmass, thanksgiving and encouragement at which he invited senior citizens for lunch at State House, President Sata paid glowing tribute to first lady Dr Kaseba.
"This girl you have seen here without her probably by now I would have been rotten. I would have died a long time ago. And this youngman (Grey Zulu) you have seen here was my boss, he was secretary general of the United National Independence Party (UNIP); without him there would be no Zambia. His brother (Dr Kenneth Kaunda is not here. Is the secretary general of the party here? Mr Wynter! Secretary general has not been feeling well… We are the only country with a female Chief Justice, that's why there's a lot of justice in the judiciary," President Sata said.
He said Dr Kaseba worked very hard to offer the senior citizens an opportunity to interact with the first family because doing so was not easy at State House
"I have asked the first lady because she can easily organise people to organise all the children in all the provinces so that they can come and also see State House. Biblically, 50 years is a year of restitution and as we gravitate towards the golden jubilee, we must show appreciation to God and celebrate with thanksgiving, reconciliation, good deeds and love and compassion for one another. We must all take deep reflection on our country's achievement so far and keep on praying for God's favour and guidance in the years to come. Let's always remember that it is His divine intervention that has made it possible for us to continue enjoying peace and stability since the birth of our country in 1964," he said.
President Sata said he was a less privileged person who had benefited from the education of the first lady.
"You see, me I am very less privileged, that young girl (Dr Kaseba) she's very young, educated, but she still looked after me the under privileged. There, where she is, she's a medical doctor but she goes and gets a salaula (second hand) like me. Me I have someone who sings for me every day and she sings all the music from all churches and I don't know where she learnt the music. She has even confused Gerald (President Sata's last born son)," he said.
In his Christmass message, President Sata appreciated the role the Church played in interceding for peace and unity in the nation.
President Sata said the Christian faith reminded people that God chose the poor and those whose lives were not secure in order to serve the world.
He urged Zambians to exhibit love, care compassion for the vulnerable and less privileged.
"Let's draw inspiration for the life of our Lord Jesus Christ by extending good will and love to the needy like me. As Christians, we must accept our unique vocation to care for the less privileged; it's both our treasure and service to the world. Let me take this opportunity to recognise and appreciate the role of our senior citizens have played in the life of our nation. The values that these brave and determined men and women, some of whom are here with us today, fought and sacrificed to make Zambia what it is today. Our message to you all our senior citizens is that your selflessness and commitment to the building of the great nation will always be engraved in our hearts.
This country requires another generation with similar virtues if prosperity is to be granted. Let me urge the Zambian people to celebrate responsibly in order to minimise fatalities and human suffering during this festive season. Of course, Christmas is a period of jubilation and family reunion but we must all find time to express gratitude to God, reflect and act in accordance with the purpose of Christmas," President Sata said.
Labels: CHRISTINE KASEBA, MICHAEL SATA
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Mumba a liar - Sata
By Bivan Saluseki and Abel Mboozi
Sun 22 Dec. 2013, 14:01 CAT
PRESIDENT Michael Sata says MMD leader Nevers Mumba is a liar. Earlier yesterday, Mumba told journalists that President Sata wanted him jailed at all costs and that he was ready for that. And Mumba has demanded that President Sata immediately calls for a general election in order to resolve the expensive venture of unbudgeted-for by-elections.
Mumba said he was ready to face any verdict in his contempt case tomorrow.
"When I go to court on Monday, I am going there knowing fully well that God is a God of justice, and God is the One who is going to make sure that what needs to happen, happens. But we also know that there are probably those that would like to continue to impress some kind of force on the Judiciary," he said.
"I had to react briefly when I was out of the country three weeks ago, when I amazingly received a surprise phone call from the President Sata and he told me that he had heard that when I become president I would put him in jail, and he warned me that he had power to put me in jail now and the phone cut. Now of course I called my colleagues to ask what that meant, and you know some of the reports we receive as to what is happening or what was happening at State House, concerning some cases, one would start to wonder whether he President Sata was saying that in a position of trying to do something. But we are ready."
Mumba said the job he was involved in was a hazardous one but he was ready to pay the price that came with his role.
"And so we will face this situation. On Monday I am going there. I know that there has been a lot of pressure that I have heard that the President really wants me arrested and jailed, even going by that telephone call, he really wants that. But I believe there are people there in the Judiciary, I believe myself that there are men and women in the Judiciary that are there because God has sent them there and they are going to continue what is right not just for my case, but for the cases of many Zambians that have gone to those highest court for justice," he said.
"I have faith and confidence that there are men and women there that are continuing and will continue to do the right thing."
Mumba said there were allegations that the President had met some people from the Judiciary trying to impress them to enter certain judgments against certain people.
"We hope that's not true but we have that information and we had it as late as last night (Friday), that these things are manoeuvres that are happening," claimed Mumba.
But President Sata, who spoke through his press aide George Chellah, said it was irresponsible for an opposition leader from a former ruling party to launch an unwarranted attack on the Judiciary.
"It is also highly reckless for a man who has a contempt case to commit further contempt," he said.
President Sata said the Judiciary and not the Executive had summoned Mumba.
He said Mumba should advance his innocence in a court of law and not the court of public opinion.
"He is engaging in anarchy," President Sata said.
On Mumba's allegations of threats, President Sata said he was saddened with Mumba's twisting of the truth.
"It saddens me that we have to be debating the truth with the so-called man of God. It seems Dr Mumba is allergic to the truth. He seems to have a problem narrating events in the manner they happen," he said.
President Sata said Mumba had exaggerated the phone conversation they had.
He said Mumba had asked him that he had been trying to reach out and he even gave the MMD leader his private line.
President Sata said he had wanted to promote the spirit of dialogue and he responded well by telling Mumba that he was free to call him any time.
"It's a pity that he has twisted the conversation which he initiated," he said.
President Sata said Mumba should strive to tell the truth.
"Matters of lies and truths should never be part of any conversation involving pastors," he said.
President Sata said Mumba should handle his case in court with respect instead of politicising the matter.
"He has a very fictional mind, a very imaginative one.I think he fits to be doing Hollywood scripts because his ability to narrate events that never took place is shocking," he said.
President Sata said Mumba should not drag the presidency in his contempt case because he had nothing to do with it.
President Sata said at a time when the festive season is about giving, reconciliation, love and compassion, Mumba had decided to give Zambians a gift of lies and deceit.
Last month, Mumba told the Supreme Court that sending him to prison in a case he was cited for contempt of court would be like sending the entire MMD membership to jail.
The Supreme Court is tomorrow expected to deliver judgment in a matter where Mumba is cited for contempt of court in connection with remarks he made on the nullification of Dora Siliya's Petauke Central seat.
On the need to hold a general election, Mumba told journalists in Lusaka yesterday that the MMD would do whatever was within its power to force the PF to call an early poll.
"There is an insatiable appetite for by-elections by the PF government to the extent that the President is willing to miss international events like the funeral of late Nelson Mandela and go on a campaign trail in Vubwi," he said.
Mumba said in the ongoing fight to deplete the opposition numbers in Parliament, the PF had induced six resignations from the MMD.
"Our assumption is that they are also expected to suffer the same fate. This brings the total number of targeted MPs by PF to 33 from the MMD. This development is the first of its kind since independence, where the government recklessly destroys democratic institutions and spends money we don't have to support a programme that destroys democracy and reduces the effectiveness of the government in power. This attack on the Legislature must be resisted and stopped by all of us," he said.
On MMD bouncing back to power, Mumba said it would be mischievous for its opponents to state that it would not manage to get back to power.
"They are being mischievous for three reasons; firstly, our two years out of government have helped us to do a soul search why Zambians set us aside for a while. We have brutally analysed the perceptions we had created, which enraged the Zambian people and have learnt our lesson, never to repeat those mistakes. Secondly, we have also learnt from the glaring mistakes of the PF and have resolved never ever to take Zambians for granted," he said.
Mumba also demanded that mealie-meal prices be slashed, subsidies on agriculture and fuel be reinstated, the constitution-making process be completed and a referendum be held.
Labels: MICHAEL SATA, MMD, NEVERS MUMBA
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TIZ praises Sata
By Roy Habaalu
Tue 17 Dec. 2013, 14:01 CAT
TRANSPARENCY International Zambia has praised President Michael Sata saying the head of state has shown that he has no selective justice and that he can act against members of the Patriotic Front.
President Sata yesterday during a caucus meeting with Cabinet ministers and Patriotic Front members of parliament at State House dropped Ronald Chitotela and Rogers Mwewa after Auditor General Anna Chifungula cited them in the irregular purchase of "written-off vehicles" as ambulances for their respective constituencies.
Meanwhile, Efron Lungu, who was fired as foreign affairs minister several months ago, took time to give tips to Chitotela on how to deal with a dismissal.
Commenting on the dismissal of the two, TIZ president Lee Habasonda said the decision sent a strong signal to all public officers that abuse and demeaning of executive offices such as that of the Auditor General was unacceptable.
He said the dropping of Chitotela and Mwewa as deputy ministers of labour and agriculture respectively shows that President Sata will not shield the corrupt.
"We called upon His Excellency the President to do the right thing and he's done it; we hope other MPs (members of parliament) occupying public offices will take a leaf from this, that there is no sacred cow in the fight against corruption. Many people have believed that there is selective justice but the President has shown that he can act against his own members of the party," Habasonda said.
Habasonda said President Sata's decision renewed the vigour in the fight against corruption.
"It's really sad that within two years of being in office, people who are supposed to be leading in the fight against corruption are in the forefront engaging in corruption. It was too early to do these kinds of things. President Sata must re-look at his team because he has some people many of whom don't share his vision to fight corruption. He must adjust his team because he has people that don't understand the fight against corruption," he said.
African Parliamentarian Network Against Corruption Zambia chapter chairperson Cornelius Mweetwa said the dismissal of the duo would give them an opportunity to clear themselves.
"As APNAC chairperson, this gives my colleagues an opportunity to clear their names without operating as though they were using their positions to influence investigations. This will make investigations clear and fair for my two colleagues," he said.
Mweetwa said comments by Chitotela and Mwewa cast aspersions of incompetence on the office of the Auditor General.
"The attacks on the Auditor General were not only out of order in terms of parliamentary etiquette but unacceptable in the fight against corruption. They used unparliamentary language and went ahead questioning the levels of stupidity of the Auditor General, who is an appointee of the President," said Mweetwa.
President Sata said he would not shield anyone involved in corruption.
"I have dropped comrades (Ronald) Chitotela and (Rodgers) Mwewa because anybody who is practicing corruption means that we are not in the same direction; so until they clear themselves, they are no longer my deputy ministers," President Sata said, and Chitotela was seen shaking and shedding tears.
Later, Chitotela said he had no comment other than praising President Sata for giving him an opportunity to serve Zambians as labour deputy minister.
He pledged to remain loyal to President Sata and the Patriotic Front, adding that the head of state would continue to inspire him as his 'political idol' and also to the PF.
He said he had trust in the law enforcement agencies that they would clear his name but stated that it was not time for him to show how innocent he was.
Asked about PF cadres who on Friday demonstrated in solidarity with him, Chitotela appealed to the cadres to respect President Sata's decision to drop him.
"That is not a right course to take for the cadres to take to the streets. Let them keep calm. I appreciate their support for me and President Sata and they should continue, but it's not time to fight," Chitotela, who now sounded relaxed, said.
And Mwewa thanked President Sata for appointing him deputy minister.
"I would like to thank His Excellency the President for showing confidence in me by appointing me deputy minister. I learnt a lot and I remain loyal to him and the party," Mwewa said.
Meanwhile, President Sata urged members of parliament to speak on behalf of the people in Parliament.
He said some members of parliament would return to Parliament in 2016.
"…and what you must bear in mind is that 2016 is not very far away. Me I have reached the top but you, some of you will be one-term MPs. Go back to the people, go and tell them what the government is doing. If you can't go back to the people, speak in Parliament and you've the media and if you don't speak, the media won't follow you. That's why I called you here," President Sata said.
And in apparent reference to Kabwata member of parliament Given Lubinda, President Sata said he was not working in his constituency.
"There is an MP in my constituency who has not gone even to Lilayi. Don't worry, some of you I'll come for you. You Given, go to Kamulanga and see the people," President Sata said.
During a question and answer session mostly from members of parliament, President Sata ordered justice minister Wynter Kabimba and his defence counterpart Geoffrey Mwamba to go and campaign in Vubwi together.
"Where is the rivalry because the two are looking at each other? Go back and dispel rumours of divisions in constituencies; both are ministers and the party is intact," responded President Sata to Kaputa member of parliament Maxus Ngonga, who wanted to know if there were camps in the party.
Chungu Bwalya (Lupososhi member of parliament): Your Excellency, you've the key to stop these demonstrations in the party.
President Sata: "Where there are demonstrations, it means the party is alive. If you are not telling people what you're doing, they will demonstrate. Demonstrations are an eye-opener. Even Dr (Joseph) Katema needs to be demonstrated against because there are no welfare schools. People will demonstrate against what you've not done."
Edgar Lungu (home affairs minister): "Sir, I would like to assure you that there will be no more use of pangas (machetes)."
Esther Banda: Those being suspended…
President Sata interjects: "If your colleague demonstrates against you, I'll suspend her. If you find something wrong against your friend, you must complain to me; that's why I suspended Elizabeth Phiri."
After the caucus, Efron Lungu joined other deputy ministers in encouraging Chitotela to be strong following his dismissal.
Lungu held Chitotela's hand and pulled him aside, where he tipped him on how to deal with his dismissal.
"Be strong, you will clear yourself soon... Let me tell you what to do when something like this happens; you know, people expect you to be annoyed and say many things, but just be humble. Don't even switch off your phone; answer it and say that you have no comment," he said as reporters approached the duo to solicit a comment.
"No, don't answer them," Lungu advised Chitotela. "They will misunderstand you."
At this point Chitotela looked down and told the reporters that he did not want to say anything about his dismissal.
Labels: ANNA CHIFUNGULA, MICHAEL SATA, ROGERS MWEWA, RONALD CHITOTELA, TIZ
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Sata drops two deputy ministers
By Roy Habaalu
Mon 16 Dec. 2013, 11:20 CAT
President Michael Sata has with immediate effect dropped Rodgers Mwewa and Ronald Chitotela as deputy ministers of Agriculture and Labour respectively for being investigated by the ACC for misuse of public funds.
President Sata made the announcement this morning shortly before a caucus meeting involving Cabinet Minister and PF members of parliament (MP) at state house.
The dropping of the two comes after Vice-President Dr Guy Scott's revealed in Parliament on Friday that the Anti Corruption Commission had started investigating Chitotela and Mwewa for misuse of public funds after being cited in the Auditor General's report.
Chitotela is an MP for Pambashe while Mwewa is for Mwansabombwe..
Mwewa is also married to suspended Permanent Secretary in charge of Administration at Cabinet Office Anna Mwitwa-Mwewa.
Labels: GUY SCOTT, MICHAEL SATA, RODGERS MWEWA, RONALD CHITOLELA
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Sata suspends PS
By Staff Reporter
Wed 11 Dec. 2013, 14:00 CAT
PRESIDENT Michael Sata has suspended permanent secretary in charge of administration at Cabinet Office Anna Mwewa Mwitwa for alleged misappropriation of government funds. But Mwitwa in an interview said the claim that she embezzled any funds was false.
Sources have told The Post that President Sata suspended Mwitwa last week for allegedly mismanaging finances meant for government assignments.
The source said Mwitwa had since been served with the letter of suspension and that the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) was investigating her.
"You can call her and she should be able to confirm that she is on suspension. She was served with a letter last week. In fact, the Anti Corruption Commission is currently investigating the alleged misappropriation," said the source.
And when contacted, Mwitwa could neither deny nor confirm the suspension but refuted claims that she had misappropriated government funds.
"I can't comment on that one. Where is that coming from?" she enquired.
When told that sources within government had told The Post, Mwitwa asked the reporter to get the facts correct.
"No. I think that's not the position. I think the people who told you must give you facts that are correct," she said.
When pressed to state whether she was still working at Cabinet Office or not, Mwitwa said: "I just said I can't comment on that one because those are not the facts at hand, so the person who is giving you those details must avail you with those facts because that's not what I can comment on."
ACC public relations manager Timothy Moono said he could not confirm if Mwitwa was being probed but requested for a written press query.
Labels: ACC, ANNA MWEWA MWITWA, CORRUPTION, MICHAEL SATA, PERMANENT SECRETARIES
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