Corruption probe report on Chirwa, ZRL board with DPP - Mukanga
By Kabanda Chulu
Fri 28 June 2013, 14:01 CAT
PARLIAMENT has heard that a report on corruption allegations at Zambia Railways that were levelled against former managing director Prof Clive Chirwa and the board has been submitted to the DPP.
Responding to UPND Zambezi West member of parliament Charles Kakoma who wanted an update on the findings of the investigations at Zambia Railways, transport minister Yamfwa Mukanga confirmed that investigations had been concluded.
"The report has been given to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) who shall decide whether to prosecute or not," he said.
MMD Chembe member of parliament Mwansa Mbulakulima asked if the findings would be availed to the public but Mukanga responded that security investigations were usually not made public.
"But anybody found wanting will face the wrath of the law," he said.
Earlier, Mukanga presented a ministerial statement on the dissolution of the Zambia Railways Limited board and the retirement of the managing director.
Mukanga disclosed that Prof Chirwa did not recognise the authority of the board in that he disobeyed most of the instructions given to him.
He said Prof Chirwa never took the initiative to raise any complaints against the board to the ministry but opted to raise issues in the media.
"The board served him written warning letters whose messages he ignored, consequently the board charged him. Upon refusing to exculpate himself, the board informed the minister that Prof Chirwa should be dismissed but while the minister was still studying the matter, Prof Chirwa went to the media to attack the board, which later decided to release information to the media regarding Prof Chirwa's misconduct," Mukanga said.
But UPND Kalomo member of parliament Request Muntanga asked why the government had again appointed a managing director without constituting the board.
"Why appoint a CEO before the board is established? Is this the reason the managing director never respected the board and it has happened again?" asked Muntanga.
In response, Mukanga said there was no board at the time Prof Chirwa was appointed and that there was no anomaly when President Sata made the appointment.
MMD Mafinga member of parliament Catherine Namugala asked when the new board would be appointed while Vubwi's Eustarckio Kazonga wanted to know if the position of managing director would be advertised.
Mukanga responded that the board would be appointed soon.
"We are in control and people should not mislead the nation. Dr Atanga is the best person to resolve problems at ZRL since he understands the problems facing the company," he said.
"Also Dr Atanga is acting and cannot be confirmed without board approval and we are following his performance."
Labels: CHARLES KAKOMA, CLIVE CHIRWA, CORRUPTION, MWANSA MBULAKULIMA, YAMFWA MUKANGA, ZAMBIA RAILWAYS
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MMD suspect Mbulakulima of being PF
By Moses Kuwema
Thu 27 Dec. 2012, 12:10 CAT
THE MMD leadership is suspects their national treasurer Mwansa Mbulakulima of being PF because of his close relationship with the party's former chairman for elections Gabriel Namulambe.
But Mbulakulima says such tactics would not help the former ruling party, adding that it is not a crime for him to be friends with Namulambe. According to sources within the party, Mbulakulima is being suspected of trying to cross over to the PF.
"There are people within the NEC who are being told they are PF because they are friends with Namulambe, and Mbulakulima is one of them," the sources said.
But when contacted, Mbulakulima said such tactics would not help the MMD.
"I don't think those tactics will be helpful. If you belong to PF, it will show and in some cases, it has even shown. You can hide for some time but it will definitely show. I want to believe that the people in MMD are careful enough and will not fall for that," Mbulakulima said.
He said there was nothing wrong with people being friends even when they belonged to different political parties.
"Being friends when you belong to different political parties is not a crime. Definitely you cannot disown a friend by virtue of their political party. There must be co-existence," he said.
On the defections of the MMD leaders in Luapula Province to the PF, Mbulakulima, who is the only member of parliament from the opposition in the province, said the MMD was still intact and they would move on.
"How genuine are the defections from Luapula because you colleagues from the media were reporting that the entire leadership has resigned.
That is an exaggeration. Out of the provincial executive members, only five have defected. If it was the other way round, then we would have said almost the entire. The leadership is there so that must be clarified…19 where are they? How many district chairmen and women have gone if you are talking about the entire leadership? Most of them are intact," said Mbulakulima.
Labels: MMD, MWANSA MBULAKULIMA, PF
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MMD women threaten to strip over de-registration
By Kombe Chimpinde, Allan Mulenga and Speedwell Mupuchi
Fri 16 Mar. 2012, 11:59 CAT
THE MMD Women's League has threatened to strip naked tomorrow in protest against the de-registration of their party. And Clement Andeleki has insisted that the de-registration of the MMD is not politically engineered.
But MMD national treasurer Mwansa Mbulakulima says that the MMD has documented evidence indicating that it has never defaulted on remitting its annual returns and change of office bearers' subscription.
And Brigadier General Godfrey Miyanda says President Michael Sata should dissolve Parliament and call for fresh general elections if the MMD remains de-registered.
Speaking at a briefing in Lusaka, an emotionally charged MMD women's affairs chairperson Catherine Namugala, who was flanked by several women clad in party regalia accused the PF of attempting to obliterate opposition political parties.
"We do not want our country to go back into a one-party state. We refuse that. We will not allow the country that belongs to our children, the future generations to go back to a one-party state," Namugala charged.
"We will not allow the Patriotic Front government to undermine our hard-earned democracy, to use state machinery to obliterate the opposition because we know the opposition is good for good governance."
Namugala said that the opposition MMD was needed to keep the PF government in check.
"And only a strong opposition can do that. The power that PF has assumed should not be used to obliterate the opposition, but to improve the livelihood of our people," Namugala said.
"We, therefore, call on our President to immediately reinstate the registration of MMD as a political party," she said.
And in an interview yesterday, Andeleki, who is Chief Registrar of Societies, said he would leave it to the Zambian people and the courts of law to judge him.
"I would leave that to the Zambia people. My job is to collect revenue on behalf of the Zambian government and what I have always said is that I would engage any erring society, asking for the said money to be paid. That is what I would do and I will continue to do that. That is exactly what I have done to the MMD, I am a revenue collector, I am a law enforcement officer," he said.
Andeleki urged the public to study what was contained in the Societies Act Chapter 119 of the Laws of Zambia.
"What I can say is that as Chief Registrar of Societies, the Act is very clear. You must look at the Act, the problem we have here in Zambia is that people debate things that they don't understand. They are accusing the President that he has directed me. If you are very keen journalist you will understand that I first wrote to the MMD and they wrote back to us," he said.
Andeleki said the MMD only paid for one branch out of 43 countrywide.
"I don't fight with them MMD, then I replied to our colleagues and I attached the documents because if somebody says we didn't receive you have to write back. I attached the bill to that gentleman. They have 43 registered, they have only been able to pay for one which is their headquarters," he said.
Andeleki said he would not want to been arguing with the MMD in the media, saying that if the party felt aggrieved it should seek legal recourse as provided for by the law.
"I would encourage them to seek the remedy of the law because we also have all the documents showing that the MMD is indebted and they have only been able to pay for one branch and have not paid for the other branches. The law requires that they should pay for particular branches," said Andeleki.
But Mbulakulima yesterday at a briefing at the party's secretariat challenged the Registrar of Societies to show the nation proof that it had failed to comply.
"We want to clarify the issue of payments so that we know who is telling the truth and put this matter to rest," said Mbulakulima as he handed receipts dating as far back as 1993 to 2012 to journalists.
"We have physical receipts here. We want to demonstrate that there has not been any default whatsoever by the party."
Mbulakulima who was flanked by election chairperson Gabriel Namulambe and party spokesperson Dora Siliya also assured members across the country to remain calm and that the party was intact.
And Namulambe said that Andeleki did not have the constitutional mandate to nullify parliamentary seats as earlier suggested.
And Siliya described Andeleki as a treacherous individual.
In a statement yesterday, Brig Gen Miyanda stated that the de-registration of MMD had raised constitutional and legal questions beyond the registrar's mandate.
He stated that although the Registrar of Societies had the discretion to de-register a political party and that he was within his jurisdiction to de-register the MMD if they have not been paying their due statutory fees, he does not agree that he had the power to nullify a parliamentary seat as he declared.
"...We believe that the Registrar has only succeeded in creating an undesirable constitutional crisis in a democratic state as Zambia. The crisis I see is that there may not be any by-elections to be held as several people have been suggesting. It seems that under the current Constitution (Articles 65 and 71) there are only three circumstances under which a by-election may be held, namely through the death of an elected member of parliament, through a resignation or when a member crosses the floor by joining a different party from the one that sponsored him or her or by an independent MP joining a political party," he stated.
"Apparently there is no provision for a by-election following de-registration, in which case we could have a constitutional crisis as the National Assembly is already elected and formed. The quorum of the National Assembly is one third of the total number of MPs. At the current count, the MMD holds slightly over one third of the elected MPs. Even if we include the eight nominated MPs, the scenario remains the same. It means that the National Assembly cannot hold any credible sessions and pass legislation in such a situation unless the PF is scheming to create a de facto one party system and their actions so far seem to confirm this."
Brig Gen Miyanda stated that Andeleki had already made his decision and the ball was squarely in the PF's court.
"If MMD remains de-registered, then the President must dissolve parliament and call for fresh presidential and parliamentary elections. But of what benefit will this be other than to satisfy the PF's desire to increase their numbers in Parliament?" he wondered.
Brig Gen Miyanda also wondered whether a mere department of government could have the power to abridge or take away guaranteed fundamental rights of assembly and association.
"In this case, there are no proper grounds for such a draconian step other than a failure to pay statutory fees. For example, could a limited company be de-listed for failing to pay tax? I urge the government to rescind this decision by the Registrar of Societies without waiting for an appeal. The Registrar has carried out his perceived mandate but the government must not pass the buck because of the serious constitutional issues that have arisen or will arise," stated Brig Gen Miyanda.
Labels: CATHERINE NAMUGALA, DEMONSTRATION, GABRIEL NAMULAMBE, GODFREY MIYANDA, MMD, MWANSA MBULAKULIMA
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Government ponders probing CEEC
By Kabanda Chulu
Wed 25 Jan. 2012, 13:59 CAT
GOVERNMENT is considering undertaking a forensic audit at the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission where empowerment funds have been plundered, says commerce Permanent Secretary Stephen Mwansa.
Appearing before the parliamentary public accounts committee which is considering reports of the Auditor General for 2009 accounts, Mwansa said the previous management committed various offences ranging from failure to prepare financial statements, unretired imprest, and non-remittance of statutory contributions to failing to account for loan application forms amounting to billions of kwacha.
"We have now increased oversight through holding of regular meetings with the board and management and we have also established an audit committee to strengthen internal controls. And loan disbursements has been stopped until we resolve all outstanding issues," said Mwansa.
"We are also considering to carry out forensic audits and inform ZICA (Zambia Institute of Certified Accountants) about the conduct of Dean Chanda, who is the former finance director, because most financial irregularities were avoidable but it seems Chanda has unlimited powers to do whatever he did with the empowerment funds."
But committee chairman Vincent Mwale advised Mwansa to urgently change the way of operations and instill confidence in the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission so that people could access loans.
"It is depressing to see that CEEC was run in a chaotic manner and instead of empowering people, the managers empowered themselves," said Mwale.
Bweengwa parliamentarian Highvie Hamududu said stiffer punishment must be imposed on culprits to deter current officers from engaging in similar activities.
Chinsali member of parliament Chris Mulenga said the government through the Ministry of Commerce was to blame for lacking oversight on operations of CEEC.
Chembe member of parliament Mwansa Mbulakulima said the massive looting that characterised CEEC operations should stop.
"It seems finance director Chanda was running the show and no one to control him because how can one explain the debt of K4 billion owed to ZRA and NAPSA, yet money was deducted from workers?" asked Mbulakulima.
Labels: CEEC, CORRUPTION, MWANSA MBULAKULIMA
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Kitwe council not telling the truth, says Lubinda
By Misheck Wangwe and Darious Kapembwa in Kitwe
Thu 30 June 2011, 04:00 CAT
GIVEN Lubinda has accused Kitwe City Council management of not telling the truth on the reported dubious allocation of land and misapplication of funds in the city. And Copperbelt minister Mwansa Mbulakulima said he was shocked to read in the paper that he was a beneficiary of the land, which was initially allocated for the phase four of the FIFA Goal Project.
Reacting to Kitwe City Council public relations manager Francis Wasamunu who dispelled reports that management had never defied full council resolutions in the management of land, Lubinda said council management should tell the nation and the Kitwe residents how Mbulakulima, MMD officials and other developers were allegedly allocated land near the FIFA Goal Project.
He said if the council management did not advertise for the two controversial pieces of land at Buchi and SOS village respectively, then laid down procedures were not followed.
“I have again instructed the PF councilors to get to the bottom of these issues and identify the culprits. We appreciate that Mubulakulima, George Lungu and other MMD officials have a right to own land anywhere but the question is was this land advertised and how many people were interviewed over this land?,” Lubinda said. “The law must be followed.”
He said politics should not be entertained in the administration of land by council officials.
Lubinda said he had further directed the councillors to ensure that the land for the FIFA Goal Project and Inter Bus Terminus in Kitwe was not tampered with by anyone.
And Mbulakulima said he applied for land in Kitwe in 2007 and got no response.
However, he said he reapplied in 2008 and was given a letter of offer although it did not state the exact location of the plot.
Speaking after he toured the site where Kitwe City Council had allocated 25 acres of land to FIFA to construct three stadia and an academy for youths under the phase four of the Goal Project, Mbulakulima said he was not aware that he was allocated land near the FIFA project.
“No one has ever shown me where my plot is to date, so I was shocked to hear that my land is here. I feel disturbed because my constituency is football,” said Mbulakulima.
"If this land is for FIFA project then hands off. Don't be intimidated by anyone whether minister or MP or any official to give away this land because this FIFA project has global benefits, Zambia has plenty of land that you can give the people as long as you are transparent.”
Labels: GIVEN LUBINDA, KITWE, MWANSA MBULAKULIMA
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COMMENT - Well someone sounds like he is going to lose their job.
Sata is mad, says George Kunda
By Darious Kapembwa in Kitwe
Thu 24 Mar. 2011, 04:03 CAT
SATA is mad and his party has been raising funds from foreign powers that have legalised homosexuality, alleges Vice-President George Kunda. But Sata says if he is mad, Vice-President Kunda is “more mad” because only a mad man does things he cannot substantiate.
Meanwhile, Copperbelt Province minister Mwansa Mbulakulima has accused the Catholic Church through Caritas Zambia and other organisations of fomenting violence by advocating Parallel Vote Tabulation (PVT) in this year's general elections.
Speaking when he addressed a rally at Changanamai grounds in Kwacha East on Tuesday, Vice-President Kunda charged that Sata was a hard-core criminal.
Kunda used abusive language against MMD opponents throughout his speech.
“Let me now address you about the behaviour of Michael Chilufya Sata. Sata is mad, in fact HH has revealed that he walked out of the pact because Sata was using the pact to fundraise money for homosexual activities from foreign powers that allow the practice in their countries,” Kunda alleged.
Kunda did not spare the UPND which he described as a small party.
He said UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema had accepted that his party was small and not popular in all corners of the country even at the time they were in the pact with the Patriotic Front.
Kunda said Hichilema accepted that he could not field candidates in all elections except in Southern Province and a few areas in North Western Province because his party was not popular.
Vice-President Kunda claimed that Southern Province had now gone to MMD.
“Sata is surrounded by proven homosexuals. All those that surround him have one thing in common but my government will not tolerate them,” said Kunda.
He alleged that Sata was a thief who stole a lot of money from the Ministry of Health when he was minister.
“Sata used to pocket the monies from this ministry and put into his personal account,” he alleged.
He also charged that Sata used to demolish shanty compounds without regard for people that lived there when he was local government minister.
“Sata is a chaff and chased a lot of people from MMD and it was good riddance for us when he left the party to form his party,” Kunda said.
In his bid to impress the sizable crowd that attended the rally, Kunda ended up making a mistake by saying Sata ruled the country at a time when there was a shortage of bread and mealie-meal.
He said Zambia was the envy of institutions like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund due to the country's economic achievements under the leadership of President Rupiah Banda.
He said there was traffic congestion in towns and all rural areas symbolising economic growth in all parts of the country.
Kunda also claimed that every farmer in the country had received farming inputs under the Farmer Input Support Programme.
He however said the roads in most parts of the country were in a bad state and that the government had a programme to work on them.
And Kunda said Colonel Panji Kaunda was a disgrace to the military profession.
“Lastly let me talk about this man Panji Kaunda. Panji has been advocating violence, bloodshed. Panji is a colonel, very well trained, there (military) they teach discipline. How can he advocate bloodshed? Panji, Panji, Panji, Panji, sure! Why? We have only restrained ourselves because he comes from a dignified family but we will take him on if he continues attacking us,” he said. “We know he is broke, that is why he is attacking us, we are not responsible for his suffering, the economy is booming, let him just work hard.”
But Sata in response, wondered why the government where Kunda was justice minister and Vice-President had not prosecuted him if he had stolen any money.
“Kunda is more mad than me because when Levy Mwanawasa was alive, he told Mwanawasa that (former president Frederick) ‘Chiluba is a thief; let’s prosecute him’ and they spent billions prosecuting Chiluba but when Levy died, he tells Rupiah Banda that Chiluba is in fact a clean man. Who is mad between me and people that cannot even manage football?” asked Sata. “Football is now dead but people are there claiming to be running things smoothly. What kind of government is this?”
Sata said the next time Kunda comes to the Copperbelt, he should tell people what they had done for them not what they would do for them.
He also challenged Kunda to provide evidence that he had gotten money from countries that had legalised homosexuality.
Earlier, Mbulakulima launched an onslaught on the Catholic-owned Radio Ichengelo and former station manager Fr Frank Bwalya accusing the station of wanting to promote political unrest during the 2008 presidential by-election.
“Some people from nowhere want to bring confusion through PVT, Caritas, TIZ, Fr Bwalya and Simon Kabanda, all of them have one thing in common; they want to find a basis to bring chaos when MMD wins. They want to come and say these results are different from what we totalled and bring anarchy, we will not allow PVT,” Mbulakulima said.
As he was speaking, ZANAMA women were passing running unpalatables against the Catholic Church’s leadership which Mbulakulima acknowledged.
Labels: GEORGE KUNDA, HAKAINDE HICHILEMA, HOMOSEXUALITY, MICHAEL SATA, MWANSA MBULAKULIMA, PANJI KAUNDA
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Kitwe mayor calls for prudent management of mining activities
By Darious Kapembwa and Kabanda Chulu in Kitwe
Sun 20 Feb. 2011, 03:59 CAT
KITWE mayor Elias Kamanga says management of mining and mine-related activities has continued to be an environmental challenge for Kitwe and other mining towns. And Copperbelt minister Mwansa Mbulakulima says more needs to be done to ensure sustainable environmental management.
During the launch of the Kitwe District State of Environment Outlook Report at Hotel Edinburgh, Kamanga said population growth and the unmatched investment in supporting infrastructure also remained a challenge for the district.
“These challenges, however, require stakeholder collaboration in addressing them. For this reason, the report also proposes actions, which must be undertaken to enhance environmental management at district level. My council on its part will endeavour to undertake all actions proposed in this report in order to avoid consequences of poor environmental management,” he said.
Kamanga urged mining companies such as KCM and Mopani to put the report to effective use in responding to the challenges caused by the mining industry.
And Mbulakulima, who was represented by Kitwe district commissioner Macdonald Mtine, claimed that the government had made significant progress in addressing many environmental challenges the past few decades.
“Pollution from industrial sources has been reduced; forest coverage and the number and size of natural protected areas have increased with forests covering an estimated 60 per cent of land area, ozone depleting substances have largely been phased out and the use of natural resources improved,” Mbulakulima said.
He said the remaining environmental challenges being experienced were of complex or global nature and their impacts might only become apparent over a long time frame.
He named the challenges as climate change, ozone depletion, the unsustainable management of water resources and the health impacts of pollution and hazardous chemicals.
Mbulakulima said the government had established legal and institutional frameworks to guide environmental management in Zambia by enacting laws and regulations and developing plans and programmes that include the National Conservation Strategy of 1985 and the Environmental Action Plan of 1994, the environmental protection and pollution control Act of 1990 which led to the subsequent establishment of Environmental Council of Zambia among others.
Mbulakulima said achieving sustainable development in Zambia required access to data and information so that decision makers would reach the level of knowledge and understanding needed for successful programme planning and service delivery.
Labels: ELIAS KAMANGA, ENVIRONMENT, MWANSA MBULAKULIMA, POLLUTION
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Blackmailing voters with development
By The Post
Wed 09 Feb. 2011, 04:00 CAT
‘Copperbelt will not have development if people don’t stop voting for the opposition. Unless people changed the pattern of voting, the province will not develop. Copperbelt risks being removed from its position when it comes to development because it doesn’t have enough members of parliament from the ruling party. How can you have a minister from a ruling party and a lot of members of parliament from the opposition? Can development take place like that?’
This sums up the political outlook of Mwansa Mbulakulima, Rupiah Banda’s Copperbelt minister. What are the prospects of our country with a man of such a political outlook in charge of one of our most important provinces?
Truly, political leaders, due to their multiple tasks in the state apparatus as well as in their political parties, can fall, and in fact in some cases they have fallen, into a state of detachment from the masses.
As a result, they have been ignorant of the state of mind of the masses. They need a permanent barometer of the feelings and judgment of our people. They need continuous contact with the masses, not at an abstract level but in a very concrete manner. They have to improve their political linkages by engaging in much wider political activity, concerning themselves with the problems of the masses and transmitting them to the top political leadership of our country and to the people.
And to the extent that criticism is insufficient and superficial and to the extent that transmission channels are not fully utilised, it is possible that certain problems may not strike leaders’ sensitivities with the necessary rapidity. They are cheating themselves and each other that all is well. Things are not well. And it’s time they started listening to the truthful analysis of their problems like the one that was given by Lameck Mangani the other week. Reality has to be faced. And as Lenin had once observed, the attitude - that is to say, the seriousness of purpose - of a political party is measured, basically, by the attitude it takes toward its own errors.
And you cannot solve your weaknesses if you are not able to admit or acknowledge them. The MMD must begin by recognising the scale of their problems. They are continually losing elections on the Copperbelt and other areas of our country where the public is better informed because they have become associated increasingly with the most disagreeable messages and thoughts.
And this must be appreciated as a deeply felt distaste, rather than just a momentary irritation. They are linked to corruption, abuse of office, intolerance, violence, tyranny, harshness; they are thought to be uncaring about unemployment and poverty. They are thought to favour greed and vanity. And they are also thought to be arrogant and out of touch.
In a multiparty political dispensation, one cannot say that the Copperbelt will have no development if they keep on voting for the opposition. This is a disagreeable message and thought. We say this because development in this country is not distributed on the basis of political patronage; on the basis of how people voted. Government leaders like Mbulakulima should not threaten people with development sanctions if they voted for other political parties.
This is unacceptable intimidation of the voters. Real political victory should lie on the ideals being proposed, on the ethical values of the party and its candidates, on the respect of the freedom of choice of all citizens, and not on any form of moral pressure or intimidation of voters.
That is why we say that candidates should be evaluated on their capacity to implement both their party’s manifesto and their personal vision. Those who offer themselves for re-election ought to be evaluated against the record of what they have or have not achieved. Did they fulfil their promises? Did they offer quality service to all the people and not only those who voted for them into power? Were they available to listen to the concerns of the people and were they selfless in responding to the needs of all, especially the poor? Those who have not yet held office should be carefully evaluated in terms of their competence and their reputation for honesty and selfless dedication to the common good.
Therefore, in casting one’s vote, a citizen should never be swayed by personal profit, tribal bias, political affiliation, but solely by consideration of which of the conflicting issues or candidates is better for the nation. Candidates should be voted for strictly according to the good we think they can do for the nation. The interest of political parties should be kept subordinate to the public good. We should use our votes for the good of Zambia, as opposed to the good of a particular political party, group or individual.
It is the job of those in government to ensure that services are provided to all citizens regardless of which candidate or political party they voted for. When a political party is voted into power, the government it forms is not a private institution for the enjoyment of party members and their supporters; it is a government for all, including those who don’t belong or support the ruling party.
And there should be a thick line of distinction between the government and the ruling party. We say this because lack of distinction between the ruling party and the government creates a climate of political intolerance, leading to abuse of office and all other forms of corruption. The ruling party should not regard itself as the government and government as the state where any denigration of these institutions and their leaders is tantamount to high treason; where the ruling party, government and their leaders become as sacred as the state.
The proper role of government is to serve all the citizens. And there is nothing which makes people more appreciative of a government than that it should be able to deliver services. It does this by creating opportunities that benefit all citizens without discrimination. And in order for the government to function well, all the citizens should participate responsibly. Overall, citizens should be concerned with the way leaders lead them and administer public goods. That is why elections are very important. Free and fair elections in choosing leaders are absolutely necessary in a democratic process. It is sad when elections are marred with unfairness and intimidation. It is essential for the government and the political parties to respect people’s voice and choice. Respect for human dignity requires that elections are conducted well, fairly and without intimidation of any sort. Elections should never be a matter of coercion or blackmail since that would break the sacred character of democracy. Election time is a time to vote for honest, courageous, hardworking and selfless leaders. Elections are an opportune time to review our past in order to prepare for better political choices for the future.
Those in government are not there to serve their own personal interests and of those who voted for them. Their authority is exercised legitimately if it is committed to the common good of society. Therefore, they should govern with care towards all. In a democracy, where leaders are chosen by the people and for the people, such leaders should view themselves as being representatives of the people at all levels. These leaders should listen to the people, respect the people and work for the welfare of the people. Mbulakulima should respect the choices the people of the Copperbelt made. It was a free choice for which they should not be punished by denying them development.
What Mbulakulima is saying just goes to show how corrupt this MMD government is. They have personalised the government and its resources. Government contracts are going to MMD cadres and their supporters even if they don’t have capacity to fulfil them. An honest audit of government contracts will invariably reveal that most of the government contracts given to Zambians go to those who belong to the MMD. This is corruption. This is abuse of public office. Government is supposed to belong to all and its resources to benefit all our people without regard to political or other affiliation.
Labels: COPPERBELT PROVINCE, MWANSA MBULAKULIMA
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Rupiah, Kunda should not be challenged - Munkombwe
By Abigail Chaponda in Ndola
Fri 14 Jan. 2011, 04:01 CAT
President Rupiah Banda and his vice George Kunda should not be challenged at the convention because they have performed, according to Daniel Munkombwe.
Speaking when he paid a courtesy call on Copperbelt minister Mwansa Mbulakulima, Munkombwe, the deputy minister in the Office of the Vice-President, said Kunda was a genuine and robust Vice-President who should not be challenged at the MMD convention because he had done wonders for the country.
“You can only challenge a person who is not a performer. It is not always right to challenge a performer. Why should you put another person when there is already a relevant person? President Banda has performed and he has been rated as the most performed President,” Munkombwe said.
“How do you throw sand in the porridge, anyway? We will be there at the convention to see because I don’t see anyone challenging the two.”
Munkombwe said Vice-President Kunda had demonstrated his loyalty to President Banda, the MMD and Zambians.
“Why then should we go and put somebody else whose works we have not even seen?” he asked.
He said many people thought of challenging Vice-President Kunda because they had fantasies and dreams of becoming vice-presidents.
Munkombwe, who said he was one of the original politicians in the county, said the MMD had worked hard during the last few years to embarrass its critics.
“Those who criticise the MMD party cannot close their eyes because whatever they see is development. MMD is moving at fast speed. Some critics’ ears don’t even want to hear about the MMD government’s development,” Munkombwe said.
“President Banda is working hard and his government has performed. And this is because he is being assisted by a very robust and genuine Vice-President.”
And Mbulakulima said the MMD would take the opposition head-on and he was assured his party would win the general elections.
Labels: DANIEL MUNKOMBWE, GEORGE KUNDA, MMD, MWANSA MBULAKULIMA, RUPIAH BANDA
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2011 elections worry Rupiah
By George Chellah
Wed 01 Dec. 2010, 13:59 CAT
PRESIDENT Rupiah Banda says the MMD risks being kicked out of power next year if members of parliament don't go flat out to campaign. And President Banda urges unpopular MMD members of parliament to pave way for popular candidates ahead of next year’s elections.
Well-placed sources revealed yesterday that President Banda advised MMD parliamentarians during a caucus at State House on Monday to take advantage of Parliament's adjournment and mobilise the party in their constituencies because the opposition was busy campaigning.
"The President stressed the need for us to go out and organise the party or else we will be kicked out of government if we don't organise and campaign for the party," the source said, adding that President Banda gave K10 million to each member of parliament for party mobilisation.
The source said the President reminded members of parliament who wanted to purchase chitenge materials to source them from a named shop in Lusaka's Kamwala trading area.
The source said President Banda told the parliamentarians that government had done enough on the development front and now was time for them to do the work.
The source said President Banda urged members of parliament to be humble so that voters could vote the MMD back in power. The source said the President advised members of parliament who were unpopular in their areas to indicate so that the party could identify other members in good time to contest the seats.
The source said President Banda informed the caucus that party provincial conferences and the national convention would be held before elections.
And the source said President Banda advised the MMD leadership in Western Province stop engaging in tribal politics.
"In fact, his actual words were, 'me I am Chewa and Chembe Nyangu is Nsenga but should we be saying this one is Nsenga or Chewa?' The President complained that there was too much tribalism in the MMD in Western Province," the source said.
The source disclosed that Copperbelt provincial minister Mwansa Mbulakulima protested that there were people within the MMD who did not want to accommodate PF rebel members of parliament.
"Mbulakulima raised it and the President asked the meeting what the party should do. And the meeting's feeling was that if the rebels are strong on the ground, they should be accommodated but if they are not why should they be accommodated because we risk losing the elections," said the source.
Labels: 2011 ELECTIONS, MWANSA MBULAKULIMA, RUPIAH BANDA
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Mbulakulima lashes out at shoddy works by contractors
By Darious Kapembwa in Kitwe
Thu 26 Aug. 2010, 18:40 CAT
COPPERBELT minister Mwansa Mbulakulima has said contractors doing shoddy works are frustrating the government’s quest to provide good infrastructure. And Mbulakulima has said the effects of corruption go beyond benefiting the people involved in the vice but affects the poor people gravely.
During a Construction Sector Transparency (CoST) Initiative workshop in Kitwe yesterday, Mbulakulima, who was represented by provincial deputy permanent secretary Christopher Mutembo, said there was need to promote accountability and transparency in the construction sector.
The workshop was called for small and medium-scale contractors on the Copperbelt.
Mbulakulima said the idea of the initiative CoST funded by the British Department for International Development (DFID) would help to monitor the processing of awarding contracts to contractors that would enhance professionalism in the construction sector.
Mbulakulima said the government was committed to delivering good infrastructure but was frustrated by contractors doing shoddy work.
“The effects of corruption affect the poor very much because they are the ones that remain using these poorly constructed infrastructure. Contractors that are doing shoddy works want to remain with change in their pockets or make more money out of substandard works because when you compare buildings that were constructed in 1930 to today’s, there is a huge difference,” said Mbulakulima.
Labels: CONTRACTORS, MWANSA MBULAKULIMA, ROADS
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Kawandami, Milupi celebrate their victories
By Kabanda Chulu and Abigail Chaponda in Ndola and Mwala Kalalu
Sat 07 Aug. 2010, 04:00 CAT
NEWLY elected PF Chifubu member of parliament Susan Kawandami has Zambian women have every opportunity to become leaders in the country. And MMD campaign manager Mwansa Mbulakulima has accused the Patriotic Front (PF) of engaging in corruption and intimidation to secure victory.
Meanwhile, Alliance for Democracy and Development (ADD) leader Charles Milupi yesterday said his retention of the Luena parliamentary seat is a statement to the MMD that people had suffered enough.
Anticipation of excitement swept through the main auditorium at Lowenthal Theatre in Ndola on Thursday night when jubilant PF cadres chanted slogans in praise of their political leadership and denounced the policies of the MMD government.
The PF cadres, who started arriving around 19 hours, stormed the theatre hall carrying vuvuzelas, drums and whistles and started celebrating victory even before the official results were announced by returning officer Roy Kuseka.
Later, Kawandami was declared winner after amassing 6,976 votes against the MMD’s Frank Ngambi’s 4,539 votes, while Bryan Banda of ADD got 412 votes with Poko Mambwe of UNIP receiving 221 votes.
Speaking after Kuseka declared her as duly elected member of parliament for Chifubu, Kawandami advised women not to be scared of men when aspiring for leadership positions.
“When this campaign started, I knew that I was going to win the election and I told Ng’ambi that I was in a winning boat and that he should also come on board to become one of us and I am proud of the people for giving me this support.
As you know I stood among men and have emerged victorious and this is a stepping stone for women and they should come forward to stand because they have every opportunity to be leaders of this nation,” she said.
And PF campaign manager Willie Nsanda said former president Fredrick Chiluba had been taught a lesson and that he should avoid campaigning for the MMD.
“We came to teach the boys of Ndola how politics are conducted, starting with their boss Dr Chiluba who doesn’t know that he is finished in politics and he must now stop because he campaigned in Chimwemwe and Chifubu but we have hit him pants down,” he said.
PF chairman for elections Geoffrey Mwamba said President Rupiah Banda should be ashamed of using Chiluba in trying to bring disunity in the country.
“We are proud of the people of Chifubu for bringing shame on RB, Dr Chiluba and the entire MMD government and it is now clear that Michael Sata is a man of the people and come 2011 he shall rule this country,” said Mwamba.
But Mbulakulima said the difference recorded between PF and MMD was insignificant thus demonstrating that MMD had made in-roads into what is claimed to be the PF stronghold.
“MMD is up and running and in 2011 we shall give them a good run. If you ask me if elections were free and fair, my personal answer is that there was a lot of intimidation from PF. This could have contributed to the apathy we saw yesterday,” he said.
“This hooliganism has continued. Even today as they celebrate, they are burning tyres and deforming billboards in Chifubu. This kind of behaviour should be condemned at all costs.”
When asked if MMD was considering petitioning the outcome of the elections, Mbulakulima failed to give a categorical answer.
“That is up to the government spokesperson to answer but talking as campaign manager, I saw some elements of corruption and our officials reported this matter to Electoral Commission because one PF chairman was seen dishing out K5,000 notes and when confronted he fled,” said Mbulakulima said.
And Ngambi pledged to continue being a servant of the people.
“I will remain open and will be willing to work with you people and will be available for any assistance and if requested will help Kawandami to bring development to Chifubu,” said Ngambi.
And MMD campaign manager in the Luena parliamentary by-election, Prof Geoffrey Lungwangwa, yesterday attributed his party’s loss to the absence of party structures in the constituency for the past 14 years.
And addressing journalists shortly after he was declared winner of Thursday’s Luena by-election by returning officer Chrispine Kalihonga at Mongu Civic Centre yesterday morning, Milupi said his win was a victory for democracy.
Milupi, who was the constituency’s former Independent parliamentarian, polled 3,688 votes, the MMD polled 2,800, UPND polled 1,806, UNIP 115 and the ULP polled 116 out of a total of 8,630 votes cast.
The number of eligible voters in Luena is estimated at over 14,000 and it has a total of 42 polling stations in eight wards.
“I would like to thank the wonderful people of Luena who have withstood so many temptations to come up with a positive result,” Milupi said amidst unrestrained cheers from the crowd of supporters.
“I think this victory is a victory for democracy. The people have been allowed to make their decision based on the issues concerning Luena, concerning Western Province and issues affecting this country, Zambia.”
Milupi said he thanked the people of Luena wholeheartedly for re-electing him, amidst vote buying and grabbing of voters’ cards by some of his competitors.
“By this action we have reset the politics of Zambia,” Milupi said.
“Politics of insults, politics of violence is not what is wanted in this country.”
Milupi said for those politicians that liked engaging in such vices, the people of Luena were telling them that electoral malpractices were not sufficient to win an election.
“If we can do so much for so little, what if we were given the opportunity to control the treasury of the country?” he asked. “What is required is integrity, dedication, hard work and commitment.”
Milupi said it was sad that from a middle-income country at independence, Zambia was now being defined as a least developed country.
“This can no longer be tolerated,” Milupi said. “Enough is enough. We have suffered enough in this country. I advise those who are still on the fence, those who were waiting to see what was going to happen in Luena Constituency that the victory has been achieved.”
After his statement to journalists, Milupi’s motorcade drove around Mongu town before proceeding to Limulunga, which is in Luena Constituency.
And in an interview shortly after Milupi was declared winner, Prof Lungwangwa, who is also communications and transport minister as well Nalikwanda MMD parliamentarian, said that although Milupi had retained the Luena seat the winning margin had been extremely narrow compared to the over 2000 that Milupi beat the MMD with in 2006.
“The results are out, Honourable Milupi, yes he has retained his seat in Parliament but the margin has been extremely narrow,” Prof Lungwangwa said. “MMD as a party is still very popular. First when you compare the performance; our performance in this by-election and the performance of the UPND, UPND are not a factor.
We stand a better chance of doing very well next time around.”
Prof Lungwangwa said the MMD had no structures on the ground in Luena and that they had to put up structures during the campaign period.
“The absence of party structures might have affected our performance,” Prof Lungwangwa said. “We did our best, but of course these are elections…for the last 14 years we never had a presence in Luena Constituency.”
Prof Lungwangwa said come 2011 the MMD was going to win the Luena seat. He also said he was not aware that there was controversy over his appointment as the campaign manager in the Luena elections.
Prof Lungwangwa said the MMD’s victory in Kaoma Central’s Longe Ward by-election indicated that the ruling party was still strong in the province.
However, there was visible discontent and frustration among some MMD youths upon realising that they had lost the by-election, which they said they could have won on a silver plate.
Some of them were heard saying that they were going to stage a protest to press for the immediate resignation of the party's top leadership in the Province.
Labels: ADD, BY-ELECTIONS, CHARLES MILUPI, CHILUBA, GEOFFREY MWAMBA, MWANSA MBULAKULIMA, PF, SUSAN KAWANDAMI
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Political atmosphere is full of intolerance - Bishop Kamukwamba
By Abigail Chaponda in Ndola
Mon 14 June 2010, 03:30 CAT
ANGLICAN Diocese of central Zambia Bishop Derek Kamukwamba has observed that the political atmosphere in the country is that of intolerance and correction and criticism is in most cases seen as attack on the leadership.
During centenary celebrations of the Anglican Church in Zambia at the Cathedral of Holy Nativity in Ndola on Saturday, Bishop Kamukwamba said political players in Zambia needed to change their attitude and stop politics of manipulation.
Bishop Kamukwamba said politicians should start practicing mature politics of mutual understanding and respect for one another.
“To which party we belong, let us remember that we all belong to the same and only one household, Zambia. We are Zambians first and foremost, there is no one more Zambian than the other, there is no one who owns Zambia. Zambia is Zambia for all Zambians regardless of one’s political or religious affiliation,” he said.
“It is not always that we should hold rallies and talk about other parties or persons. As ordinary party members, let us not be manipulated and used by those in authority of our parties to cause anarchy. Let us make our own independent judgment in all political matters.”
He observed that there was a growing tendency by some political parties to mobilise youths to cause violence in the country.
“Let us correct and appreciate one another and those at the receiving end, let us be open to corrections, criticisms, and also appreciate those correcting or criticizing,” he said.
Bishop Kamukwamba also said the police should be seen to be doing their work on a non-partisan basis.
“There is a growing tendency where we are seeing some politicians mobilising youths to go and protect their leaders, and the outcome of such protection is violence. We saw in Chitambo, Mufumbwe and the visitation of the second president Frederick Chiluba to Luapula.
Have the police been substituted by political hooligans? Why do people get police permits? I thought it was for police protection. This is fertile ground for violence,” he said.
Bishop Kamukwamba also observed that in Zambia retirement was more or less like a prison sentence slapped on someone for serving the nation faithfully.
He said people die of depression after retirement. He said it was sad that retirees had to wait indefinitely for their terminal benefits and yet the people who were supposed to serve them complicated things for them to give away part of their hard earned benefits in bribes.
“We need as a nation to respect our senior citizens be it politicians or any person who have dedicated their energy in serving the nation,” Bishop Kamukwamba said.
And Copperbelt minister Mwansa Mbulakulima said as shepherds of the people, the Anglican clergy had a divine obligation to comment on issues of national importance.
He said the prophetic voice of the church intended to encourage the government to perform better although this had caused some uneasiness in the state-church relations.
Mbulakulima promised that the government would listen to the church, saying this form of constructive engagement was healthy for the development of the nation.
Labels: CADRES, DEREK KAMUKWAMBA, MWANSA MBULAKULIMA, POLITICAL VIOLENCE, POLITICS
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Mansa residents oppose Chiluba’s visit
By Chibaula Silwamba in Mansa
Sat 15 May 2010, 04:00 CAT
SEVERAL listeners to Mansa's Radio Yangeni on Thursday opposed Frederick Chiluba’s visit to the area this weekend, arguing that he did nothing for Luapula Province during his 10-year reign.
During a special programme on the ‘development’ meeting of chiefs and parliamentarians from Luapula Province to be addressed by former president Chiluba today, the listeners sent text messages denouncing the discussants - Copperbelt minister Mwansa Mbulakulima, Kawambwa PF member of parliament Elizabeth Chitika-Mulobeka and Mansa Central MMD parliamentarian Chrispin Musosha.
Chitika-Mulobeka was the hardest hit with people accusing her of being dishonest.
“Mulobeka, you used Sata to get Kawambwa in 2006 and now you want to use Chiluba in 2011,” presenter Mumbi Mumbi read some text messages.
“We are not supporting Mulobeka because she is a crook, she is chameleon. That lady is irritating. Madam Mulobeka you must be honest. Don’t you think that Chiluba supported the PF because he was afraid of Mwanawasa? …To realise that Chiluba is in the MMD because he needs protection from the MMD? Chiluba must stay away from active politics. Madam, you have not been consistent in your relationship with Chiluba.”
The listeners accused Chiluba of spoiling the MMD.
“Hon Chitika, what value can Chiluba add to the people of Luapula when he failed to do this when he was president? I feel by inviting him to your meeting, it is a minus on the MMD because the big man has already proved himself a failure to the people of Luapula. The chiefs you are parading will not force us to vote for Rupiah Banda,” another text message read. “You know Dr Chiluba could be a factor but your timing of your tailored meeting is misplaced. Your meeting will yield zero, just like the last national indaba.”
Another listener Jimmy Kapanda stated that Chiluba should stay away from active politics although he was born and bred from Luapula Province.
Patrick Mwewa stated, “Gordon Brown resigned because he understands seasons, Chiluba is not a season of today.”
“Let Chiluba be a preacher, he ruled this country, it’s over,” another text message read. “For as long as the London High Court judgment stands, Chiluba remains convicted. Thanks to Honourable George Kunda for prosecuting successfully.”
Another listener wrote, “Be careful with FTJ; he formed PUDD, joined PF then rejoined MMD. Can you trust him? Be careful Honourable Musosha, FTJ is slippery. He may contest Mansa Central. Lucky you he is not Ushi, he may fail on one qualification you set.”
Another text message read, “count what he did in Luapula during his 10 years rule, not Shoprite. You did not pay retrenchment packages to Sparks’ employees, can they buy things from Shoprite? Be ashamed! Imwe kuyabebele in 2011.”
Another message stated, “Why come to the province at this time? It’s a very big threat to the peace of the province. We stayed alone without any development since 1991. We are fine and we are not complaining. Please leave us, we know when our development will begin, we will welcome you after 2011; these are the kicks of a dying horse. Please leave.”
But Mbulakulima remarked: “I am aware that these text messages are stage managed, so we are not worried.”
Mbulakulima, the co-organiser of the meeting, said Chiluba and President Rupiah Banda would soon be heroes for their contribution to the country’s development despite the scorn being poured on them.
“I believe, I tell you, we can bet, Dr Chiluba will be a hero a few years from now. He contributed to the free economy, free market, the media, democracy, everything; all these he did play a role. He does not need to build a house in his own village to be a hero,” said Mbulakulima, who is also Chembe MMD member of parliament.
“Dr Mwanawasa, starting on a shaky note if you want, and people called him all sorts of names and then they realised he is a steel metal. Rule of law was bright, this was a man focused on the economy and the economy started growing tremendously. Equally today, they are calling our President Mr Rupiah Banda all sorts of names but I can tell you when he leaves office he will be a hero. So in short, you cannot rise to the position of president and come out zero.”
He said former president Dr Kenneth Kaunda was denounced but he was now a hero.
“In 1991, if we were not careful we would have killed Dr Kaunda. We all hated Dr Kaunda. After cooling down we realised Dr Kaunda was a great man. Lucky enough we did not eliminate him. But we called him all sorts of names in 1990/1991. But today, Dr Kaunda is a hero,” Mbulakulima said.
When Mumbi asked whether people were against the development meeting or Chiluba’s presence at the meeting, Mbulakulima said he was at pains to answer the question.
He said people should not think the discussants were contradicting each other in their explanation about the meeting.
“You are at pains to ask that question; equally we are also at pains to answer that question because definitely the same question that you are asking is the one that is on the ground. People are asking, ‘this has raised a lot of issues and concerns’. One wonders, ‘why?’ hence the reasons for you to ask that question,” Mbulakulima said.
“But definitely I will tell you and if you want and people want to be malicious, they can say: ‘Mbulakulima, Musosha, Mulobeka contradict each other on the reason why they haven’t invited more people’. But I am going to say, adding on what my two colleagues have said, honourable Mulobeka has said, supposed we had to engage the chiefs on any other issues, what would they say?”
He accused the PF of disliking Chiluba.
“I ask the people out there, what is their reaction, especially the Patriotic Front in regards to Dr Chiluba? We have seen the reaction that they don’t want Dr Chiluba to be part of them. We know that their PF’s approach to Dr Chiluba and our approach are not compatible,” Mbulakulima said.
“What is the relationship between the Patriotic Front and their royal highnesses in Northern, in Luapula and out there? We don’t want to be arbitrators in this regard, we are competitors. It’s a fact. At certain stage, we are not compatible.”
He said people had unnecessarily raised dust on Chiluba’s invitation to the meeting.
“I don’t see a reason why we people of Luapula should be fighting,” said Mbulakulima.
At least 44 chiefs from Luapula and all but two parliamentarians from the province will attend the meeting which Chiluba will open, while Vice-President George Kunda is expected to officially close it on Sunday.
And Chitika-Mulobeka dismissed opposition to the invitation to Chiluba to the meeting.
“Mr Chiluba was president of this country for 10 years and he comes from here, so we don’t really understand the concerns that these people are raising. I believe that they are raising these issues purely on hate. If they are saying Chiluba is not a factor, in the development of this country, why are they so scared about this development meeting, just a one-off arrangement?” she asked.
“So the point is he is an interested party; he comes from this area. Some people were actually saying, ‘what did he do for Luapula?’ I am shocked that a man was president for 10 years; some people did not see what he did for this country and what he did for Luapula. Dr Chiluba was not a provincial president, he was a national president. …the resources that were in the nation had to be shared in the nine provinces.”
She said the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) was an initiative of Chiluba and must be credited for it.
“Right now there are projects in each and every constituency being implemented using the CDF. Where did CDF come from? It was because of Dr Chiluba. He knew that, ‘the only way I am going to help the people of Zambia and people of Luapula is by getting an amount direct into the constituencies’,” Chitika-Mulobeka said. “We invited him as a serious stakeholder, he was president for 10 years, he has a lot of experience, he has a lot of knowledge and that we are meeting our royal highnesses. And since, you know, 2001 he hasn’t been in the province officially like to interact with all of us; so for us this is an occasion that we expected him to come over into Luapula so that we are able interact we him. Dr Chiluba will come and add value to our meeting.”
She said Chiluba built the foundation for Zambia’s development and it would be naïve for anyone to argue that he did nothing for the province and Zambia as a whole.
Chitika-Mulobeka also said there would be nothing wrong with parliamentarians to discuss matters that are not development oriented with the chiefs.
“Just in case Mumbi Mumbi, if we engaged our chiefs on any other thing other than development, is that a problem? I am just asking the people of Luapula, just in case, we are not talking about development, as MPs we decided, ‘okay we needed to engage our royal highnesses on something else’, is that your problem? Would that be a problem?” Chitika-Mulobeka asked. “You know there are people that have come into this province, they have engaged, they were able to hold rallies and do everything that they could think of but no one raised a hand that, ‘this is wrong.’ Just in case we didn’t talk about development, is there anything wrong?”
She said when Chiluba supported PF leader Michael Sata’s presidential candidacy in the 2006 elections, he was a darling of the PF members but it was shocking that they were vilifying him Chiluba now.
“We PF went to all the rallies saying, ‘Dr Chiluba has never stolen! Dr Chiluba will be released once I Sata become president’. But now what has happened? These are the questions that the people of Luapula Province should be able to reflect on. What has changed because it was just the other day that because Dr Chiluba supported a particular political party he was a darling but now that he has decided to go back to his original political party now he is something else and we should be able to encourage the thuggery that has never been known to be part of the people of Luapula Province,” Chitika-Mulobeka said. “We are a very peaceful lot. Now this thuggery that is coming through, when your friends are doing something else you want to disrupt and when you are doing something else you want to be let free. It is not fair.”
She said the parliamentarians only invited the chiefs to the development meeting because of the limitation of funds.
Chitika-Mulobeka said the parliamentarians donated the money to transport, accommodate and feed the traditional rulers during the meeting.
Chitika-Mulobeka said the parliamentarians would organise another meeting for church leaders and other interest groups.
And Musosha called for harmony among politicians in Zambia.
“Can we allow each other to co-exist? It is our Zambia. Remember the motto that we have always lived with the ‘One Zambia, One Nation’ it means we want to be all inclusive irrespective of who is doing what,” said Musosha. “PF, yes it is a party, but can we allow them, can we love them, they are our brothers and sisters after all. We belong to two political parties, to three different political parties but we have only one country Zambia. But today if we want to spoil what our friends have built and you call that development because you will need that same foundation which your friends started to come and build on whatever you may think of tomorrow.”
Labels: CHILUBA, ELIZABETH CHITIKA-MULOBEKA, MANSA DISTRICT, MWANSA MBULAKULIMA, RADIO YANGENI
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People attacking me are not clean, says Fr Miha
By Ernest Chanda
Tue 23 Feb. 2010, 04:00 CAT
MISSION Press director Fr Miha Drevensek has said people attacking him over his observations on the revelations of the Auditor General’s annual reports are not clean.
Reacting to Copperbelt minister Mwansa Mbulakulima and MMD provincial chairman Joseph Chilambwe’s demand for the Catholic leadership to discipline him, Fr Miha challenged the duo to explain what the MMD government was doing with public resources.
“First of all, both Mr Mbulakulima and Mr Chilambwe are Catholic. And I’m sure they understand the story of our Lord Jesus Christ who, after fasting for forty days was tested in many ways. He was tested with the evil of power, corruption and cheating but He resisted.
Those two are my children and that’s why they call me Father; I was praying for both of them,” Fr Miha said. “Now, when I commented on the Auditor General’s report, I was merely stating facts.
You cannot have a situation where various cases of abuse of public resources are highlighted every year and the government doesn’t take any action. Where is the essence of good governance if people who abuse public resources cannot be probed?
Looking at the two people’s reaction to my comment, it suggests that they are not clean. If they were, they would have agreed with me that there is a lot of corruption. Let them explain how the MMD government is using public resources.”
Fr Miha challenged Chilambwe and Mbulakulima to explain the cause of poverty in the country since they belonged to the ruling party.
“Can they explain to the nation how their government has been using donor money? And if they claim that their government is fighting corruption, why are we poor? If you step on a cat’s tail, it reacts angrily,” said Fr Miha. “I insist that those stealing public resources should be put behind bars.
These two leaders couldn’t understand my language because they don’t know amapinda proverbs. When I said the fight against corruption has gone to the dogs I was simply saying we’ve abandoned the fight; not that those in government are dogs. So, this is a simple adage that a learned person should have understood easily.”
Commenting on revelations in the Auditor General’s report last week, Fr Miha said the fight against corruption had gone to the dogs.
He said next year’s elections would not be free and fair because the ruling party had condoned corruption.
And in reaction to Fr Miha’s comment, both Mbulakulima and Chilambwe called on the Catholic leadership to discipline him for what they termed as insulting the national leadership.
Labels: MIHA DREVENSEK, MWANSA MBULAKULIMA
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Finnegan advises govt to embrace employment intensive investment
Written by Mwila Chansa in Kitwe
Tuesday, June 09, 2009 8:55:21 PM
INTERNATIONAL Labour Organisation (ILO) representative for Malawi, Zambia and Mozambique Gerry Finnegan has advised the government to embrace employment intensive investment as a short and medium- term measure to cushion the effects of the global economic crisis on workers
And Finnegan has noted that the global economic crisis has put extra pressure and stress on workers. Meanwhile, Copperbelt Province minister Mwansa Mbulakulima has urged people in the province not to resist diversification.
In an interview after the official launch of the Luanshya Integrated Support Initiative for Employment on Monday, Finnegan observed that the government could use the crisis to invest in repairing infrastructure such as feeder roads and schools, thereby creating short-term employment for people.
He also said the government should work hard in identifying growth sectors. Finnegan further urged unions to dialogue with the government in resolving the industrial disputes currently prevailing in the health and education sectors.
"Social dialogue is very important in the context of industrial relations. So the representative unions in health and education should sit together and discuss these issues and grievances," said Finnegan.
"I don't think anyone would want to lose days due to striking; that becomes the last resort."
And Finnegan said there was no single solution to labour-related challenges posed by the global economic crisis.
He said although it was encouraging for people to drift into the informal sector especially those that had been laid off, the formal sector still remained cardinal to securing the much-needed Foreign Direct Investment.
"For example, if the plans of the new investor for Luanshya Copper Mine materialise, it would take a lot of entrepreneurs to employ the number of people that the mine intends to take," said Finnegan.
Meanwhile, Mbulakulima said efforts to empower people with other survival skills should go beyond the economic crisis.
He said that the fact that Luanshya mine would be re-opened soon was no excuse for people to shun diversification programmes because they would still face challenges that would require them to have skills away from mining.
"I remember when we had a rally here last month and we talked about diversification, one of the people in the audience was heard saying that 'ifyo fyenu' [that's your own problem], but there must be ownership to these kind of programmes," observed Mbulakulima.
Labels: GERRY FINNEGAN, ILO, JERRY FINNEGAN, JOBS, MWANSA MBULAKULIMA
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Mbulakulima urges thorough probe of Zambian Airways
Written by Mwila Chansa in Ndola
Wednesday, March 04, 2009 8:31:49 PM
ZAMBIAN Airways should be probed thoroughly, Copperbelt minister Mwansa Mbulakulima yesterday said.
Receiving a petition from Copperbelt Constitution Coalition (CCC), International Ministers Fellowship and Affiliated Churches (IMFAC), Constituency Concerned Citizens Forum (CCCF) that were demanding the removal of Task Force on Corruption prosecutor Mutembo Nchito from his post pending the completion of investigations into the operations of Zambian Airways, Mbulakulima said no one was above the law.
He said Zambia was governed by tenets of the rule of law and that no person whether in the private or public sector was above the law.
"Zambian Airways should be probed thoroughly. I want to assure you that I will do what you want, I am merely a conveyor belt and I will deliver your message to His Honour the Vice-President today [yesterday]," said Mbulakulima.
CCC chairperson Patrick Mnthanga said an inquiry should be set up to investigate the operations of Zambian Airways and that directors made to pay back monies owed.
IMFAC president Paul Mulenga was at pains to explain why his organisation did not also ask communications minister Dora Siliya to step aside as proceedings of the Tribunal set up to ascertain her alleged corrupt acts was sitting.
Mulenga said Siliya's situation was different from Nchito's because the former was not directly linked to her investigations since there was a tribunal in place.
Among those present was Copperbelt Permanent Secretary Villie Lombanya.
In the joint petition signed by the Constituency Concerned Citizens Forum, publicity chairman Wilbroad Mutoloka, the petitioners claimed that Nchito was an interested party whose functions would compromise the investigation process.
On Monday, some organisations presented a petition to Vice-President George Kunda to have Nchito removed as Task Force Prosecutor as the probe into Zambian Airways was going on.
Labels: MWANSA MBULAKULIMA, ZAMBIAN AIRWAYS
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Mines shouldn’t retrench workers, charges Katumbi
Written by Mutuna Chanda in Ndola
Wednesday, January 07, 2009 3:46:16 PM
MINING companies in Zambia should not retrench workers because they made profits when copper prices were at their peak, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)'s Katanga governor Moses Katumbi has said. And Copperbelt minister Mwansa Mbulakulima has said
there is a lot that Zambia can learn from DRC's mining experiences in view of the fall in world metal prices.
Speaking when he paid a courtesy call on Mbulakulima in Ndola yesterday on his way to Sakania through Zambia by road, Katumbi who spoke in French, said the DRC government had told mining companies not to retrench any workers.
He said his government had
established a commission to look into whether or not mining companies made profits before they could be allowed to retrench workers.
“When [Copper] prices were US $8,000, whether it was in Zambia or in Congo, there was a lot of profit," Katumbi said. "When the price fell, they started firing workers. But these were companies that were making profit and they knew that prices would fall because to me the prices were artificial; the true prices are around US $3,000. We told them not to fire workers and we have established a commission that has to be told whether they made money or not."
Katumbi said the fall in copper prices on the world market exposed who the true and fake investors were.
"Some [investors] would like to remove their materials but we have refused them to do so," he said. "Those who are not professional have left. It was good for us to know the good investors and those who were not."
He also said there were no good reasons for mining investors to leave the DRC right away because the country had reduced its taxes from 22 per cent to one per cent.
"So they are not firing workers," Katumbi said.
And Katumbi said the ban on exports of raw copper from DRC was not intended to hurt Zambia but meant to protect his country's mining industry.
First Quantum Mining's Bwana Mkubwa operation used to process raw copper from DRC but the company has since closed due to the ban.
"I believe that Zambia has its own policy to protect mining companies and so does Congo," Katumbi said.
"Katanga exported 38,000 tonnes of copper cathode in 2006 because there was no transparency. People were stealing copper from Zambia saying it was from DRC without paying duty in Zambia and would export it. From 38,000 tonnes in 2006, we exported something like one million tonnes in 2008."
He said the ban on exports of raw materials was meant to ensure that the Congolese benefitted from the mining industry by exporting finished products.
"I stayed in Zambia for 10 years and here they only export finished products," Katumbi said.
He said to date, First Quantum Minerals was able to export copper concentrate to Mufulira and Kabwe.
"It has only slowed down because of the falling prices of copper on the international market," he said. "Bwana Mkubwa is welcome to import concentrate and not raw materials."
He also said when he became governor of Katanga 18 months ago, his decision to ban exports of raw copper materials had led to the construction of metallurgical plants totalling 25.
Katumbi said five of the 25 metallurgical plants had since been completed.
Meanwhile, Katumbi congratulated President Rupiah Banda over his election.
He also thanked the Zambian government for solely funding the construction of the Levy Mwanawasa bridge at Chembe.
Katumbi said it was shameful that he had to pass through Zambia on his way to Sakania because the road that passes through DRC to the area was impassable during the rainy season.
And Mbulakulima hailed Katumbi's decision to pay a courtesy call on him saying it was important for them to exchange ideas.
Mbulakulima said Zambia could learn a lot from how the Congolese were handling the challenge of the fall in world copper prices and the reaction of mine investors.
Owing to the decline in copper prices, several mining companies in Zambia have trimmed down their workforce while Luanshya Copper Mines (LCM) has been placed under care and maintenance, leading to combined job losses of over 3,000 in the mines to date.
Labels: JOBLOSSES, KATUMBI, MINING, MWANSA MBULAKULIMA
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Levy's remark about people of Luapula was a joke - Mbulakulima
By Amos Malupenga
Thursday May 29, 2008 [04:00]
Copperbelt minister Mwansa Mbulakulima yesterday clarified that President Mwanawasa merely cracked a joke with the people of Luapula when he said they are too lazy to utilise the abundant water in the province for irrigation. Commenting on last week’s Post story which quoted President Mwanawasa as telling the people of Luapula that they were too lazy to utilise the water for irrigation in the province, Mbulakulima said it was sad and regrettable that President Mwanawasa’s statement was misunderstood.
“I have seen that some MPs from Luapula are reacting to that statement and clearly they are not happy,” Mbulakulima, who is also Chembe member of parliament, said. “I don’t blame them because I would react the same way if I was not there when the President spoke.
But I was there, and everyone who was there would not agree with you that the President was rebuking or lecturing to the people of Luapula on that matter. He merely cracked a joke, which he said he once cracked when he was campaigning in 2006. So it was just a repeat of that joke.
“But it looks like you were looking for something negative to write about because there was so much love, joy and euphoria when the President addressed the people in Mansa. That misunderstanding of the President’s joke can take away or dilute the love that exists between President Mwanawasa and the people of Luapula. And I know that those who always want to attack the President might want to use this to say he is against the people of Luapula.
Far from it, you should have been there to see how everyone was happy at the President’s presence in the area. The atmosphere was fantastic and friendly. That’s why the President ended up cracking jokes with his people.”
Labels: LUAPULA PROVINCE, MWANAWASA, MWANSA MBULAKULIMA
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Mbulakulima warns against copper thefts
By Correspondent
Monday April 07, 2008 [04:00]
COPPERBELT minister Mwansa Mbulakulima has advised security personnel and employees of various mining companies in the province to be alert and desist from involving themselves in copper thefts. And Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) Resident Director Deb Bandyopadyay said KCM security personnel had many responsibilities in protecting copper and other company property from being stolen.
Mbulakulima, in a speech read for him by Copperbelt Permanent Secretary Jennipher Musonda at the pass out parade for KCM police officers at the Zambia Police Kamfinsa School of Order and Maintenance, said the government was concerned with the increasing number of copper thefts in the province.
He noted that employees of mining companies who were conniving with outsiders usually perpetrated the copper thefts.
Mbulakulima said the price of copper was now very high due to the high demand on the international market and that there were a lot of unscrupulous copper dealers who were enticing mostly security officers in trying to steal copper.
He said security personnel should always remember that they were entrusted to protect the wealth of Zambia on behalf of all Zambians and the mine owners.
Speaking earlier, Bandyopadyay said KCM had an ambitious plan to expand and therefore wanted to ensure it had a strong security force to curb the stealing of copper from the mine.
He said KCM would continue to grow and expand in Zambia and effectively contribute to job creation and economic development.
He said KCM had come to stay in Zambia, hence the decision to train its security personnel so as to protect its copper and other company property.
Labels: COPPER, CORRUPTION, KCM, MWANSA MBULAKULIMA
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