COMMENT - A party from Wynter Kabimba. I want to know what they are going to do with the mines. Seriously.
(POST ZAMBIA) Defections from PF confirm the party is disintegration - Rainbow
By Misheck Wangwe in Kitwe | Updated: 30 Jun,2015 ,09:42:13
DEFECTIONS of PF members to Rainbow confirm the complete disintegration of the ruling party on one hand and the formation of a formidable and vibrant Rainbow Party, says former PF member from Wusakile Constituency Mubanga Mutale.
Mutale on Sunday led 48 defectors from the PF, five from MMD and three from the UPND in joining the Rainbow Party at a function held at Chamboli Catholic Church Hall.
He said
the PF had presided over escalation of unemployment levels, external debt borrowing, stagnation of economy, lack of a clear constitution roadmap and the current weak constitution.
“This momentous occasion exemplifies the aspirations and desires by the Copperbelt residents to foster a change of government next year. These witnessed defections confirm the complete disintegration of PF on one hand and the formation of a formidable and vibrant party; the Rainbow Party,” said Mutale.
Receiving the defectors, Rainbow Copperbelt chairperson Allan Mwewa encouraged all members to intensify membership recruitment to ensure victory next year.
“Rainbow’s socialist agenda would eradicate inequalities by equal distribution of wealth as a way of dismantling capitalist class issues. In the annals of Zambian political history, Wusakili township was critical as during the colonial era, it stimulated change through the likes of Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula. We want that spirit to live on,” said Mwewa.
Rainbow national chairperson for youth affairs McDonald Mulongoti urged all members to espouse party fundamental principles and ideologies by candidly reading and understanding party ideals and explaining to the masses during membership recruitment.
Mulongoti appealed to the youth to get national registration cards and voters cards as tools to cause change of government next year.
Labels: ALLAN MWEWA, MUBANGA MUTALE, PF, RAINBOW ZAMBIA, WYNTER KABIMBA
Read more...
Tribunal to probe Kabimba sworn in
By Francis Lungu
Mon 13 Jan. 2014, 15:20 CAT
ACTING Chief Justice Lombe Chibesakunda this morning urged the tribunal set up to probe justice minister Wynter Kabimba to ensure tenets of democracy are upheld in their investigations.
Justice Chibesakunda said during a swearing-in ceremony for the tribunal at the Supreme Court that Zambia was a budding democracy whose values had to be adhered to.
Those sworn in as part of the tribunal to probe Kabimba are acting Supreme Court judge Evans Hamaundu and High Court judges Gertrude Chawatama and Justine Chashi.
Mathews Zulu, who is acting director of the Supreme Court, was sworn in as secretary of the tribunal.
The tribunal was appointed in line with section 14 (1) of the parliamentary and ministerial code of conduct Act Cap 16 of the Laws of Zambia.
"...distinguished appointees, you have been entrusted with a very noble task of enquiring into matters which are stated on the letters of appointment. We are witnessing in Zambia a growing democracy and the tenets of democracy have to be adhered to. I welcome you to these appointments and I wish you good luck," said justice Chibesakunda.
In this matter, President Michael Sata instructed the setting up of a tribunal to probe Kabimba after former Solwezi Central MMD member of parliament Lucky Mulusa and political activist Brebner Changala petitioned justice Chibesakunda to set up a tribunal to probe the justice minister.
Mulusa, who lost his Solwezi Central seat through Supreme Court nullification owing to corruption, and Changala who was recently released by the court after the State entered a nolle prosequi in his drug trafficking case, demanded that Kabimba explains why he had copied Justice Chibesakunda government's legal opinion offered to him in his capacity as justice minister by Solicitor General Musa Mwenye on the nullification of the Petauke Central, Malambo and Mulobezi parliamentary seats by the Supreme Court.
In a letter dated December 24, 2013 addressed to justice Chibesakunda, Mulusa and Changala applied that the tribunal be established to investigate whether or not Kabimba as justice minister had breached his oath of secrecy when he released a classified government legal opinion for use by the Patriotic Front.
The two also wanted the justice minister to be investigated on whether or not the letter on a PF letterhead he wrote to the lawyers of the Patriotic Front and copied to justice Chibesakunda constituted interference with the independence of the Judiciary as guaranteed by the Constitution.
Labels: COURTS, LOMBE CHIBESAKUNDA, WYNTER KABIMBA
Read more...
Legal opinion was not classified information, Kabimba
By Francis Lungu
Tue 21 Jan. 2014, 16:00 CAT
JUSTICE Minister Wynter Kabimba this morning told the tribunal investigating him that the professional legal opinion he got from Solicitor General Musa Mwenye was not classified information.
He also said he does not interfere with the independence of the Judiciary and that he stands to uphold its integrity and independence in its dispersion of justice.
"I respect the integrity and the independence of the Judiciary; I shall work to uphold those. I have not interfered with any member of the judiciary. There was no pecuniary advantage as a result of that opinion," he said. "And as a public officer, the Solicitor General has a duty to render legal opinion to political parties."
This is in a matter in which the PF secretary general is cited for abuse of office, breach of secrecy of oath and interference with the independence of the Judiciary for copying a professional legal opinion from Mwenye to PF lawyers, Ellis and Company and acting Chief Justice Lombe Chibesakunda on election petitions.
Lucky Mulusa, former MMD Solwezi Central MP whose election was nullified by the Supreme court on grounds of election malpractice and a Brebner Changala are the complainant.
The two want the tribunal to probe Kabimba for allegedly breaching parliamentary and ministerial code of conduct and interfering with the independence of the Judiciary.
He was testifying before the tribunal chaired by acting Supreme Court judge Evans Hamaundu, who sat with judges Gertrude Chawatama and Justine Chashi, and led by his lead counsel Bonaventure Mutale, Kabimba said there was nothing wrong with him seeking professional legal opinion from Mwenye over the seats that were nullified due to corruption and whether the corrupt candidates could re-contest the elections or not.
Labels: ETHICS, WYNTER KABIMBA
Read more...
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
Read more...
Chikwelete reveals he refused to be used by GBM
By Roy Habaalu
Mon 06 Jan. 2014, 14:30 CAT
ROBERT Chikwelete says he refused to be used by former defence minister Geoffrey Mwamba. And PF Copperbelt youths say Mwamba does not listen to anyone except his ego. Chikwelete, who is PF Chawama Constituency chairman, said the demonstrations he led were out of personal conviction.
"I refused to be used by GBM; all I did was out of personal conviction, it's a fact. Those that worked with him know themselves and some of them have apologised to the secretary general (Wynter Kabimba)," said Chikwelete.
And former Copperbelt provincial chairman Menyani Zulu said President Sata's loyal lieutenants, whom he recruited from the time he was Lusaka governor, minister of state for decentralisation and local government, had stood steadfast and were still in the party.
"GBM does not listen to anybody except his ego and ignores a very wise Bemba saying from Bembaland, where he hails, that says 'Ubumi bwa muntu bwaba mukutwi'. Today Hon Wynter Kabimba is still in good standing with the PF because he has never shown any disrespect to President Sata. There are no principled disciples that have ever rebuked President Sata both in the opposition and in government. GBM can't wear the same shoes of President Sata's loyal lieutenants like Wynter Kabimba, Ali Simwinga or Emmanuel Chenda, among others," he said.
Zulu said the PF was a product of the youth and many other unsung heroes that had continued to make personal, financial and physical sacrifices and remained loyal to the party without getting anything in return.
He said Mwamba should let President Sata deal with the Bemba standoff as head of state. Meanwhile, former Copperbelt Province youth secretary Chanda Kabwe said Mwamba thought he was indispensable. Kabwe said it was unfortunate that Mwamba had embraced MMD leader Nevers Mumba.
"Despite Mr Mwamba's claims that he has done a lot for the PF to be what it is today by financing the party, he should know that President Michael Sata has never gone public saying that without him there would be no Patriotic Front because he is a down-to-earth person and possesses great leadership skills. Let Ba Mwamba concentrate on his businesses in order to leave room for others because he thinks that the money he has can buy the people in Northern Province and in return support his hidden agenda best known to himself and his followers," said Kabwe.
Labels: GBM, ROBERT CHIKWELETE, WYNTER KABIMBA
Read more...
Kabimba explains PF's challenges
By Roy Habaalu
Sun 05 Jan. 2014, 14:01 CAT
WYNTER Kabimba says senior PF members took advantage of the confusion in the party to exhibit themselves as being more loyal to President Michael Sata than others.
And Kabimba said the party would this year continue to build on the foundation of democracy and learn lessons from countries whose democratic principles and values served as good examples.
Kabimba, the PF secretary general, said the agitation from both within and outside the party contributed to misunderstandings among its members.
"2013 was a year which tested the foundation and ideals of our party since its establishment in 2001. It was a transformative year in that the party moved from being in the opposition into a party in government and the major challenge in this transformation has been widespread expectations from both members of the party and the general public. The party had to find a way of managing this challenge. Within the party, our members expected rewards in form of employment because of the massive discrimination they suffered under the MMD which had cultivated an extensive culture of patronage," he said.
Kabimba said outside the party, the public expected delivery of services on the basis of its campaign promises.
He said this was not an easy process to manage because the PF inherited a bad governance system, an inefficient public service, bad work culture and a corrupt economic environment from the MMD.
Kabimba said in the process of addressing the challenges, patience from party members ran thin, resulting in agitation from within.
He said had there been cohesive teamwork approach to solving the challenges, the confusion would have been avoided.
"What happened instead is that some of our members, even senior party officials, saw it as an opportunity to serve personal interests by passing the buck to other members as being the cause of that spirit of agitation in the rank and file of the party. For some, they saw an opportunity for political capital to make themselves more popular than others within the party. For some, it was an opportunity to exhibit and manifest themselves as being more loyal to President Michael Sata than others and the coalition of all these issues was affecting the foundation of our party," he said.
Kabimba said the foundation of the party remained strong at the close of 2013.
He said it was established that the party had become more national and commended its general membership for their determination.
"What strengthened the foundation of the party was loyalty and discipline from its general membership and quick action that the party took against those that had exhibited disloyalty and indiscipline with the party. The message was very clear that loyalty and discipline would not be compromised whatsoever and that there would be no sacred cows whatsoever in this process," Kabimba said.
He said this year, he would look forward to Zambia reclaiming and reassuming its leadership position regionally and continentally, adding that the world had a lot to learn from Zambia, especially how 73 tribes had lived in peace for 49 years and that ethnic diversity could be a blessing to a country.
"This came about because of the unity that the PF government under the leadership of His Excellency President Michael Sata had promoted among its people," said Kabimba.
Labels: PF, WYNTER KABIMBA
Read more...
PF will never betray Zambians - Kabimba
By Henry Sinyangwe
Tue 03 Dec. 2013, 14:01 CAT
Justice minister Wynter Kabimba says the PF will never betray Zambians that voted the party into power. He was reacting to Alliance for Better Zambia (ABZ) president Frank Bwalya who said President Michael Sata and the PF have betrayed Zambians over the need for a new people-driven constitution.
Bwalya stated yesterday that the sudden U-turn by PF on the need for a new constitution had consolidated the common belief that the ruling party can't be trusted.
"It has become common for PF leaders, including President Sata, to shamelessly say or do something contrary to what they championed prior to the 2011 tripartite elections. As such, Mr Sata's statement that Zambia doesn't need a new constitution but amendments to the current defective constitution and that there will be no referendum, is but another manifestation of PF dishonesty," Bwalya said.
He said that what President Sata stated in Mansa on Saturday was contrary to his earlier pronouncements.
"Moreover, it is contrary to the PF Manifesto which states, and I quote; 'Under the MMD government the opportunity to have a new constitution that reflects the will and aspirations of the people, and which could stand the test of time has once again eluded the Zambian people. The colossal expenditure of more than K135 billion incurred under the National Constitutional Conference has been a sheer waste of scarce resources that could have been applied to meaningful national development. This failed process has been nothing but a betrayal of the Zambian people. Additionally the rule of law, social justice and the justice delivery system have been compromised. In order to redress the above, the PF government shall: Establish in consultation with stakeholders a Committee of Experts to review the recommendations of all previous Constitutional Review Commissions in order to draft and present a constitution which will reflect the will and aspirations of the people for submission to a referendum and subsequent enactment only, by the National Assembly." (22 LEGAL AND CONSTITUTIONAL REFORMS. PF Manifesto 2011 - 2016. Governance and the Administration of the State page 42)," said Bwalya.
He stated that the PF Manifesto clearly states PF's regret that MMD failed to deliver a new people-driven constitution.
"Moreover, the citation makes it clear that PF believes in subjecting the new constitution to a referendum and then presenting the new constitution to the National Assembly only for enactment. Against this background, our party Alliance for Better Zambia believes that PF is a dishonest party and that it will not deliver a constitution that will reflect the aspirations of our people. It is therefore regrettable that another golden opportunity to have a good constitution has been lost. It is even more regrettable that again a lot of money has been spent on a process to come up with a new constitution only to be informed that a new constitution was not necessary," Bwalya stated.
He stated that the PF should admit that they too have betrayed Zambians and that they don't deserve to be trusted.
"We find the statement by Mr Sata that Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) calling for a new people driven constitution don't represent anyone but themselves totally unacceptable. The credible NGOs including churches calling for a durable people driven constitution in Zambia have been consistent for many years. As a matter of fact, when Mr Sata was in the opposition, his party shared the same position of NGOs. It is therefore immoral that President Sata should today rubbish their calls saying they only represent themselves," Bwalya stated.
He stated that ABZ's position was that the treachery of PF may make Zambians lose faith in the political dispensation which had the potential to create instability in the political system of the country.
But Kabimba, in response to Bwalya, said the constitution-making process was still in the process and that the technical committee had not yet handed over the final report to the government.
"So you can't make an allegation at this stage the PF has betrayed the Zambians when the PF government has nothing in its own hands in form of the final report of the constitutional bill. It is not fair to politicize things out of context. I have written to the technical committee that they must hand over the report on or before December 31. When we have that document in our hands as government and we have taken whatever decision that the government takes, which decisions I am sure will be in the interest of the Zambian people, then one can make a comment," Kabimba said.
He said there was need to make statements that unite the nation.
"We were voted by the Zambian people. There is no way we can betray the people of Zambia that put this government into office, and we can't. So to make statements prematurely does not show that you are making comments in good faith. Let's try and make statements that unite the country," said Kabimba.
Speaking in Mansa on Saturday, President Sata said defects in the new constitution could be corrected by way of amendments.
"If there are defectives, we don't need a new constitution, we can amend this constitution. If you have a chapter that you want, you can insert in the bills of what you want. We appointed a committee to look at the constitution and when they bring that document, we are not in a hurry. If there was a vacuum, we would have been in a hurry," President Sata said.
"How do you bring in a referendum? We have only had one referendum during Mwanakatwe, how do you come and want to bring in a referendum in between? Secondly, the procedure is that me, I'm hands-off. When the committee (technical committee) finishes, they will deal with the justice minister, who will take it to Cabinet. But what I am saying is if there are defects, we can call for amendments."
President Sata also castigated civil society organisations that were criticising the government over the constitution-making process, saying that they represented themselves and not the views of people.
Labels: ABZ, FRANK BWALYA, PF, WYNTER KABIMBA
Read more...
DRC conflict a concern to Zambia - Kabimba
By Roy Habaalu
Wed 06 Nov. 2013, 14:01 CAT
JUSTICE minister Wynter Kabimba says Zambia is an active participant in the objectives aimed at finding a lasting solution to problems in the Great Lakes Region, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Speaking on arrival at Oliver Tambo International Airport in South Africa on Monday, Kabimba who represented President Michael Sata at the one-day International conference on Great Lakes Region Heads of State summit, said Zambia was particularly concerned on the conflict in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
He said the resultant problems from the conflict were evident from the influx of refugees, social disorder and negation of economic development in the region and beyond.
Kabimba said the continued fighting in the DRC adversely affected Zambia and other neighboring countries.
He said Zambia was interested in seeing that the conflicts on the African continent were resolved.
"That is why we have been very active participants in the efforts to ensure the conflict comes to an end so that we promote economic integration in the region and subsequently prosperity," said Kabimba.
Labels: DRC, MICHAEL SATA, WYNTER KABIMBA
Read more...
Chikwelete sorry
By Roy Habaalu
Sat 02 Nov. 2013, 14:01 CAT
ROBERT Chikwelete has apologised to PF secretary general Wynter Kabimba for his offending conduct towards him.
According to a letter of apology dated October 31, 2013, Chikwelete further apologised to Vice-President Dr Guy Scott for denouncing, insulting and humiliating the duo.
"Re: Apology for offending the party. I refer to the above matter and would like to apologise to you sir, as secretary general of our party, Patriotic Front, for the offending conduct towards the senior leaders of our party especially yourself as the secretary general and the Vice-President of our party Dr Guy Scott and other genuine members of the party who were offended by my conduct, I ask for forgiveness," read Chikwelete's letter in part.
And Kabimba said he had accepted Chikwelete's apology because he was convinced it was in good faith.
He said he had no doubt in his mind that Chikwelete, the suspended PF Chawama constituency chairman, was sorry and that he regretted his actions.
"I told him I had accepted his apology because I myself remember very well Chikwelete's contribution to the party and therefore I thought he could still be useful as a member of the party and that those demonstrations against me would not be the way of him developing his career in the party for the future," Kabimba said.
"I also told him that I did not see how anybody would give him credit as a member of the party for leading those demonstrations by way of addressing his grievances. The meeting was very cordial and I have no doubt in my mind that the man was sorry and contrite and he had regretted his actions."
He said two days before the Lusaka demonstrations, he had phoned Chikwelete to discuss his grievances and those of others.
Kabimba said he sought a meeting with Chikwelete so that he could hear him out, to which he agreed.
"I was therefore surprised and disappointed that instead of coming to see me on the appointed day he (Chikwelete) decided to get involved into those demonstrations," he said.
Kabimba said Chikwelete told him that he was a troubled person and that his conscience was not free because he saw that there was nothing wrong that he had done against him personally or to the party.
He said Chikwelete complained that he had been let down by not being given a job despite promises by President Michael Sata to him personally.
"He went further to say one of the first promises was that he would be sent into the foreign service, when that didn't work out he was promised that he would be appointed district commissioner for Chitambo district. To his disappointment, neither of them materialised. He also claimed that he was disappointed and not happy with the provincial and district committees and he thought that the two committees were being protected by the secretary general and for that reason he decided that him and his colleagues should rise against the secretary general in order to get rid of Lusaka Province and district officials," Kabimba said.
He said Chikwelete told him that senior members of the party were financing the demonstrations and named them.
But when asked to reveal the names, Kabimba said it was not necessary to do so.
"We want to put this behind us and move our party forward," he said.
"...The gist of his apology was that he had recognised that I had worked very well with him as a councillor until he became (Lusaka) mayor. He praised my contribution to the party since I became secretary general so he wanted to make amends so that we continue working together."
Kabimba said the meeting where Chikwelete apologised was sought through his lawyer Robson Malipenga.
He said Malipenga phoned him that Chikwelete wanted to personally apologise over the demonstrations against him which he led in Lusaka.
Kabimba said he was initially reluctant to meet Chikwelete but because the request came from his lawyer and his personal friend, he accepted because he did not want to appear to be harbouring a grudge against Chikwelete.
"I decided I would meet Robert Chikwelete in the presence of Robson Malipenga hence our meeting held on 21st October, 2013. In the meeting there was Robson Malipenga and myself," said Kabimba.
Labels: GUY SCOTT, ROBERT CHIKWELETE, WYNTER KABIMBA
Read more...
Chikwelete sorry
By Roy Habaalu
Sat 02 Nov. 2013, 14:01 CAT
ROBERT Chikwelete has apologised to PF secretary general Wynter Kabimba for his offending conduct towards him.
According to a letter of apology dated October 31, 2013, Chikwelete further apologised to Vice-President Dr Guy Scott for denouncing, insulting and humiliating the duo.
"Re: Apology for offending the party. I refer to the above matter and would like to apologise to you sir, as secretary general of our party, Patriotic Front, for the offending conduct towards the senior leaders of our party especially yourself as the secretary general and the Vice-President of our party Dr Guy Scott and other genuine members of the party who were offended by my conduct, I ask for forgiveness," read Chikwelete's letter in part.
And Kabimba said he had accepted Chikwelete's apology because he was convinced it was in good faith.
He said he had no doubt in his mind that Chikwelete, the suspended PF Chawama constituency chairman, was sorry and that he regretted his actions.
"I told him I had accepted his apology because I myself remember very well Chikwelete's contribution to the party and therefore I thought he could still be useful as a member of the party and that those demonstrations against me would not be the way of him developing his career in the party for the future," Kabimba said.
"I also told him that I did not see how anybody would give him credit as a member of the party for leading those demonstrations by way of addressing his grievances. The meeting was very cordial and I have no doubt in my mind that the man was sorry and contrite and he had regretted his actions."
He said two days before the Lusaka demonstrations, he had phoned Chikwelete to discuss his grievances and those of others.
Kabimba said he sought a meeting with Chikwelete so that he could hear him out, to which he agreed.
"I was therefore surprised and disappointed that instead of coming to see me on the appointed day he (Chikwelete) decided to get involved into those demonstrations," he said.
Kabimba said Chikwelete told him that he was a troubled person and that his conscience was not free because he saw that there was nothing wrong that he had done against him personally or to the party.
He said Chikwelete complained that he had been let down by not being given a job despite promises by President Michael Sata to him personally.
"He went further to say one of the first promises was that he would be sent into the foreign service, when that didn't work out he was promised that he would be appointed district commissioner for Chitambo district. To his disappointment, neither of them materialised. He also claimed that he was disappointed and not happy with the provincial and district committees and he thought that the two committees were being protected by the secretary general and for that reason he decided that him and his colleagues should rise against the secretary general in order to get rid of Lusaka Province and district officials," Kabimba said.
He said Chikwelete told him that senior members of the party were financing the demonstrations and named them.
But when asked to reveal the names, Kabimba said it was not necessary to do so.
"We want to put this behind us and move our party forward," he said.
"...The gist of his apology was that he had recognised that I had worked very well with him as a councillor until he became (Lusaka) mayor. He praised my contribution to the party since I became secretary general so he wanted to make amends so that we continue working together."
Kabimba said the meeting where Chikwelete apologised was sought through his lawyer Robson Malipenga.
He said Malipenga phoned him that Chikwelete wanted to personally apologise over the demonstrations against him which he led in Lusaka.
Kabimba said he was initially reluctant to meet Chikwelete but because the request came from his lawyer and his personal friend, he accepted because he did not want to appear to be harbouring a grudge against Chikwelete.
"I decided I would meet Robert Chikwelete in the presence of Robson Malipenga hence our meeting held on 21st October, 2013. In the meeting there was Robson Malipenga and myself," said Kabimba.
Labels: GUY SCOTT, ROBERT CHIKWELETE, WYNTER KABIMBA
Read more...
Nsanda maligned Sata - Kabimba
By Roy Habaalu in Livingstone and Tilyenji Mwanza in Lusaka
Mon 28 Oct. 2013, 14:01 CAT
WYNTER Kabimba says it is interesting that the same people who last week reported to the police that he was training a militia are the ones that fabricated documents in the past that President Michael Sata was a foreigner from Tanzania.
And in apparent reference to Willie Nsanda, Kabimba, who is PF secretary general, says the same people that today wan t to claim to be more loyal to the President are the ones that mobilised thugs to beat President Sata in Kitwe in 2001.
In 2001, Nsanda had claimed that President Sata was not Zambian but from Tanzania.
Nsanda said President Sata's middle name was not Chilufya, but Zondwa, whose parents had merely migrated to Zambia.
And on November 10, 2001, about 50 MMD cadres commandeered by Nsanda, invaded the Catholic-owned Radio Icengelo in Kitwe, disrupting a live interview featuring President Sata, who was opposition leader then.
The then Radio Icengelo station manager Fr Frank Bwalya, who is now an opposition leader, told the Zambia Independent Media Association (ZIMA) that the incident took place as President Sata, who until one month earlier was a minister in the MMD government, was being interviewed about his party and its vision.
The invasion resulted in the abrupt ending of the interview which President Sata had paid for.
Fr Bwalya said about 30 of the cadres forced their way into the studios, damaging studio doors and tearing down the curtains, before assaulting the announcer, Kunda Kunda, as well as President Sata and broadcaster Rose Chumpuka.
"They overpowered the guard at the main gate, forced their way into the main studio and roughed up the announcer before bundling him together with Mr Sata and Miss Chumpuka, who were also beaten," Fr Bwalya said then.
This was the second incident involving President Sata and Nsanda at Radio Icengelo.
On October 6, 2001, Nsanda again, who had been chosen by the MMD as a parliamentary candidate, disrupted another political broadcast by President Sata.
Nsanda was apparently incensed by President Sata's attacks against the MMD.
And last week, Nsanda and Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba were implicated in a scheme to frame Kabimba with organising youths into a militia group.
Nsanda is said to have taken the list of 30 youths to police headquarters in Lusaka on Tuesday evening to report that they were militias for Kabimba.
He is alleged to have gone with three people, out of the 30, to confess that Kabimba recruited them and that they resigned on October 18.
When reminded about his past actions, Nsanda accused Post editor Fred M'membe of having a personal agenda against him.
Nsanda said he started going for PF campaigns even when he was under MMD as a member of parliament. He said he did not rush to PF when the party had become popular.
"He knows where I was in 2006. I was in the campaign. He knows where I was even when Mwanawasa died. My office has not even changed. It is still the same pa Farmers House. Ba Kabimba baishile tusanga muno. Ba Given Lubinda ba tusangile muno. Now, why me? I was made a minister for one day. I did not apply. Ba mudala we used to move together. I would have told him, I wanted to be a minister," he said, without addressing his earlier questioning of President Sata's nationality and the disruption of radio programmes.
Nsanda said PF had no chairperson during the earlier campaigns and the party would sometimes use his girlfriend at rallies as chairlady.
Nsanda said the earlier PF campaigns had very few dedicated people such as Miles Sampa.
But Kabimba said those fighting him would not manage to bring him down because he's on the side of God.
Kabimba said those fighting him would be the first to shun President Sata if he lost power.
Addressing party officials and members at Courtyard Hotel in Livingstone on Saturday, Kabimba said his enemies had failed to bring him down because he was on the right side of the argument with God.
He said becoming secretary general had taught him a lot of things.
Kabimba said his philosophy in politics was to serve the people of Zambia.
"I am innocent. There is nothing they will do to me because I am innocent. What's interesting is that the same people went to the police, saying I have a militia. They are the same people that were fabricating documents that President Sata was a foreigner from Tanzania, they are the same people that today want to claim to be more loyal to the President. Today, the same people that mobilised thugs to beat President Sata in Kitwe have become more loyal to the man than me. That's how the party is being infiltrated by men and women with evil ideas," Kabimba said.
"How can I be the one to destroy an organisation that I worked for so much? How can it be? I want to say to you that events that you saw in Livingstone were not isolated events. They were sponsored and orchestrated by those who think I have become an enemy of a party I helped build. I have heard that now they have paid people to go round confessing that they are organising the Fourth Republic party for Wynter Kabimba. They have paid people to speak through the tapes and take them to the authority and say 'this is what Wynter Kabimba is doing'," he said.
Kabimba said when President Sata stopped his endorsement as sole candidate, the same group paid people to endorse him.
He said "the same devils" were working against the interests of the party.
Kabimba said there was more to be done and said against him.
"They are not sleeping; and why they are not sleeping, I have no idea. But they are scheming every day.
What makes me sad is that today, I am your enemy as secretary general. That's what's making me sad. These are the same people that have eaten in every regime. They ate in Levy and were speaking against President Sata. When they were with Chiluba, they were speaking against President Sata and when he came into power they are with him to eat. If President Sata will not be in power, I don't know when that would be, they will move to another political party.
That's what they are used to. It's not about service to the people of Zambia.
It's about eating and as long as they can eat, there's no moral principle that guides them. I am the last person to be President Sata's enemy. I am the last person to be an enemy of PF. We are not related. What binds us together is our common values. Because I trust him (President Sata), he trusts me. And I have served under him honestly," he said.
Kabimba said all his employment life had been with President Sata.
"He knows me more than my biological father. He has shaped me, so they are talking to him about a person he knows very well...because of their evil intentions. I will not relent," he said.
Kabimba said he was happy that the party in Livingstone had shunned demonstrations against him.
He said the sponsored demonstrations were done by evil men and women with intentions to destroy the party.
Kabimba said party officials refused to be paid to participate in demonstrations.
He said K28,000 was paid to some members in Livingstone to denounce him.
Kabimba said most people refused to accept the money because they knew he had done nothing wrong.
He said at no time in history had evil defeated the truth.
Kabimba said even people that killed Jesus Christ were wrong in thinking he was gone forever because he was the truth.
"Why these evil men and women don't like me is because I stand for the truth and I will never bend even if it means losing my life. Those of you that resisted that crusade stood for the truth and I have no apologies to make. If I succumbed to those lies, this party who have died. I commend you for having taken the stance to protect the party.
Nobody belongs to me in this party. I have no people in this party. I only have colleagues. Anyone here can become a secretary general. There's nothing special about me. It's just that now I am the one serving," he said.
Kabimba said he did not know how things he said came to pass.
He said President Sata needed support as the founding president of PF.
Kabimba said President Sata was a torchbearer and visionary of the party, and the rest could only follow.
"Forget about the coffins you saw. Those were my critics. My mother was annoyed that people were carrying my coffin when I am alive. You can imagine the pain my parents went through. I told them 'don't worry, I now belong to a larger family'," Kabimba said.
Meanwhile, Kabimba said he did not join PF to become secretary general or vice-president but to serve the people of Zambia.
He said he was ready to serve the country in any capacity.
Kabimba said the same people fighting him accused him of breaking the PF/UPND pact because he wanted to become vice-president.
"People within PF and UPND and the country at large fought and misunderstood me that I was in this for a position. When the pact collapsed, the blame was apportioned to me that I had destroyed the pact to become vice-president when PF wins. God will be on my side because I am on the right side with God all the time; that's my philosophy. As God would have wanted to prove my critics wrong as people were sharing positions, I offered myself that I didn't want to serve in government.
It was my personal decision because I didn't want the party to die. I opted to continue serving the party with no pay," said Kabimba.
Labels: MICHAEL SATA, WYNTER KABIMBA
Read more...
Kabimba responds to Lubinda's letter
By Roy Habaalu and Tilyenji Mwanza
Wed 23 Oct. 2013, 14:01 CAT
WYNTER Kabimba says Given Lubinda is trying to launder his political image and standing in the party and in the public. And Lubinda said on Monday that his confidence in having a fair disciplinary action was shaken when Kabimba was quoted in public, saying he (Lubinda) had received a fair trial and the matter was closed.
Responding to Kabwata Constituency PF member of parliament Lubinda's allegations that Kabimba as secretary general of PF mishandled his disciplinary case in which he was found guilty of treachery and working with the opposition to frustrate government policies, Kabimba stated in a letter dated October 22 to Lubinda that he initiated the charges against him as secretary general in accordance with provisions of the party constitution.
Kabimba stated that his role ended after he forwarded copies of the two charge letters and his exculpatory statement to the disciplinary committee chairperson Edgar Lungu.
He wondered why Lubinda accused him of being the judge and the jury in the matter when he was not a member of the disciplinary committee.
"I am surprised that you decided in your own infinite wisdom that such an administrative matter should go to the press instead of us discussing it as colleagues in the party. I am further surprised at the anger and belligerent tone directed at me in your letter. It is clear from your anger that your objective for the same is not to find a remedy but rather to launder your political image and standing in the party and also in public. Unfortunately, however, you cannot achieve your intentions by misrepresentation of facts like you have done," read Kabimba's letter to Lubinda, in part.
Kabimba stated that he was not privy to the disciplinary committee's proceedings at any time during the hearing.
He stated that the disciplinary committee did not report to the secretary general but to the central committee as an independent organ under the PF constitution.
Kabimba stated that if Lubinda had any misgivings about the procedure followed by the committee, he was at liberty to raise the issue with the central committee.
He stated that he only learnt later that he had appeared before the central committee and that he was duly heard.
Kabimba stated that the report that went before the central committee over his case was not that of the secretary general, but that of Lungu.
He stated that he did not attend the central committee meeting which determined Lubinda's case as he was indisposed.
Kabimba stated that it was his considered view that the party's disciplinary procedures were observed and followed, hence his press statement which Lubinda referred to.
"Even in conventional judicial system, it is not the prosecutor who communicates the judgment to the accused person. This is the responsibility of the court. Likewise, the chairman or the secretary of the party's disciplinary committee should have informed you about the verdict in your case and not the secretary general. The statement I made about the expiry of your period of suspension was made from the party's administrative side and nothing more. I was responding to a press query," read the letter.
Kabimba stated that the disciplinary committee should have informed Lubinda about his right to appeal upon communicating to him the decision of the central committee.
He noted that such an appeal lay with the party's national council and finally the general conference, which both take place in 2016.
"You may, therefore, wish to seek the committee's guidance over the same. From the above, it is clear that you are taking issue with an innocent person or someone who simply discharged his duties in the party accordingly. I find the rest of the issues you raised in the letter too petty to respond to and spend time therein," Kabimba stated.
And Lubinda on Monday said most of the friends that he had lost had started going back to him and apologising.
He said his silence on his past suspension should not be mistaken for admission of guilt or weakness.
He also reiterated that a day was coming when he would be heard.
"I lost some friends, who have since started coming back; a number of them have been coming back and saying to me 'sorry, we didn't know; sorry forgive us'," he said.
Lubinda said some members had apologised to him, saying they had been forced to rise up against him.
"…and I have said to them, 'I have no grudge against anybody'. Some have been saying 'we were just forced by this one' to rise against me," he
And Lubinda said he was not weak by refraining from fighting back his attackers.
"I could have fought back but I sat in silence because I expected the right course of discipline to prevail. My silence was not meant to mean admission of guilt, it was not meant to mean that I am weak. I am not weak, I chose to remain silent because I have always had faith in my party and I have had confidence in Kabimba's administrative ability," he said.
Lubinda said his confidence in having a fair disciplinary action was shaken when Kabimba was quoted in public, saying he (Lubinda) had received a fair trial and the matter was closed.
"My letter was motivated by Wynter's attack on me when he said 'we have nothing to do on Given Lubinda's case' because I was given a civilised way of telling a colleague that I was wrong. I felt really injured because Wynter is the one who charged me; I was not charged by the disciplinary committee. How can the person who charged me go in public and say 'he got a fair trial'," he said.
And Lubinda said he was comfortable being member of parliament for Kabwata Constituency.
Lubinda said his sentiments over Kabimba, were not because he was job seeking, as had been suggested.
Last week, the PF held its central committee meeting where President Michael Sata refused to discuss the petitions against Kabimba's removal.
Sources said Lungu brought up the issue of a letter that Lubinda wrote, complaining about Kabimba.
"But the President said 'Lubinda is crying ubulofwa ebulelenga (it is unemployment that is causing him to cry). If he is crying, don't cry for him also', and he closed the chapter," the sources said.
But Lubinda said he was comfortable being a member of parliament, a position he had held for 12 years.
Lubinda said he was sure President Sata had not referred to him as a job seeker.
"My friends in the central committee have been calling me, telling me please don't take to heart what was written because at no one time did the President say this. And I said to them 'there is no way the President can even say this because the President knows very well I am not looking for a job'," said Lubinda.
Labels: GIVEN LUBINDA, PF, WYNTER KABIMBA
Read more...
Kabimba being ostracised for defending truth - Mweetwa
By Roy Habaalu
Tue 22 Oct. 2013, 14:01 CAT
WYNTER Kabimba is being ostracised in his party for exposing corruption and standing for the truth, says UPND deputy spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa.
And Mweetwa said Mandevu PF member of parliament Jean Kapata will pay for pioneering calls to hound Kabimba out of the Patriotic Front. Mweetwa said the corruption and tribal elements exposed by Kabimba needed to be stopped by all well-meaning Zambians.
"The tribal hegemony exhibited in PF is extremely worrying and dangerous, and those pioneering it, those funding this hegemony to grow, I don't think they are supported by any pedestal of morality. What Wynter Kabimba revealed is extremely serious and needs attention by all Zambians and not to take Wynter Kabimba crying foul. He's simply stating facts as seen obtaining," he said.
Mweetwa said Kabimba should be commended for exposing tribalism in PF, which had connoting levels of nepotism and favouritism.
He said Kabimba had shown bravery and encouraged him to be firm.
"Such courage is rare on the political scene of this country. Wynter Kabimba is brave and should be commended for his commando-like courage. When he talks about tribalism, he's the champion of unity in PF and in the nation because when a problem is identified, people have to own up to the public. There is no need to sweep dirt under the carpet, and Wynter has lifted the carpet, exposing the dirt so that it's swept out," he said.
Mweetwa said it was unfortunate that tribalism had engulfed the PF to an extent of almost alienating and consuming any credibility for them to continue holding together as a united group.
He said the opposition demanded unity of purpose in the governance of the country.
Mweetwa said those sponsoring others to rise against Kabimba should know that they were not acceptable to the people of Zambia.
He said some senior PF members branded former president Rupiah Banda Kamwendo Munjila, yet they too were now on endless foreign trips.
Mweetwa said Kabimba had been consistent on abuse of taxpayers' money spent on government officials that were travelling abroad frequently.
"Wynter Kabimba has discovered that some of the ministers are engulfed in corruption, that they are using their offices to award themselves contracts and tenders. Wynter Kabimba is a fortune teller, he's simply giving timely advice to the PF that people out there are suffering and you are busy plundering national resources. That is Wynter Kabimba's worry. All those that mean well should stand with Kabimba; there is no need to isolate him," Mweetwa said.
Mweetwa said this was not time for tribalists and the corrupt to sharpen their spears to finish off Kabimba.
He said if they had anything against him, they should wait for an opportune time.
"He (Kabimba) has taken a risk that only very few can take. He has declared that within the PF, there are elements of corruption that to me as MP, as APNAC (African Parliamentarians against Corruption) I commend and ask him to remain steadfast. Even if he's being ostracised, we will stand with him in the fight against corruption. Even if they manage to hound him out, he will be written in the books of history as a conqueror of corruption," Mweetwa said.
And Mweetwa said he was disappointed with Kapata's continued calls to expel Kabimba from the party.
Mweetwa said what Kapata should have done was to write Kabimba, commending him for exposing tribalism because she may be a victim in future.
"Instead of sponsoring another person to petition the person, she should have written a letter commending Wynter Kabimba because she should know that the same way they are mistreating Kabimba, she will also be a victim. Jean Kapata should not think she's wearing a gown against tribal hegemony. I expected Jean Kapata to write Wynter Kabimba to commend him for his level of bravery. Wynter Kabimba is brave and should be commended," said Mweetwa.
Labels: CORNELIUS MWEETWA, PF, WYNTER KABIMBA
Read more...
When does a comrade become an enemy?
By Editor
Sat 19 Oct. 2013, 14:00 CAT
The way some Patriotic Front leaders have dealt with Wynter Kabimba would frighten many who may want to join politics.
If Patriotic Front leaders and cadres can treat a comrade like Wynter in that way, what about someone they don't know, someone totally new?
It cannot be denied that Wynter, for all his weaknesses and failures, has made a huge contribution to the organisation, development and political success of the Patriotic Front.
A combination of Michael Sata, Guy Scott and Wynter gave the leadership of the Patriotic Front something that most of our political parties did not have - a combination of very necessary skills needed by any political party to win an election. Of course, people are different.
Michael Sata is Michael Sata; you won't have any other Michael Sata. And no matter how much one wants to imitate him and be like him, it won't work. The most one can do is to be inspired by his example.
Wynter is certainly not an enemy of Michael. If anything, he is one of the most loyal to Michael of the Patriotic Front leaders. Of course, there has been a well-planned campaign to get Wynter out of the position he today occupies in the Patriotic Front. The leadership of the party and cadres have been bombarded every day with anti-Wynter propaganda. But nothing is convincing for them to embark on such a vicious and malicious campaign against Wynter.
In saying all this, we are not in any way trying to claim that Wynter is indispensable and the Patriotic Front cannot do without him. No one is indispensable. Wynter is dispensable. He is simply a tool, like all of us, who can be used and discarded when the job is over. But even a tool needs to be discarded well, parked properly in some corner in case one day it becomes of use again. A tool is not like toilet tissue that is flashed after use and never to be reused.
When dealing with comrades, there has to be a certain level of decency, honesty and loyalty. Wynter can be removed from all his positions in the party and government but let it be done with decency, sensitivity and decorum.
All the undesirable things that are being attributed to Wynter cannot justify the way they are trying to treat him in the Patriotic Front. Wynter is not an enemy of the party. But the way he is being treated is worse than the treatment the Patriotic Front accords its enemies or political opponents. If the way they are campaigning against Wynter was the way they campaign against the opposition, there would be no opposition leader standing today, and Zambia would be a de facto one party state.
This raises serious questions that call for honest answers on why Wynter is being treated with such cruelty and inhumanity. Yes, there is a power struggle in the Patriotic Front. Politics is about power. But between who or among who is this struggle? Is it between Wynter and Michael? Certainly not. Wynter can never fight Michael because his whole political career and probably beyond has been built by Michael.
Wynter's loyalty to Michael cannot be questioned or doubted and he is certainly among the most loyal to Michael of the Patriotic Front leaders. So, who is Wynter's presence in the Patriotic Front threatening? It is certainly not Michael.
This is totally an unnecessary fight. And in this fight, there is nothing to be won. If Wynter is today kicked out of the Patriotic Front, what will those kicking him out win? Or if Wynter continues to stay in the leadership of the Patriotic Front, can that be said to be victory on his part? The answer is a categorical no. This is an unnecessary fight. But in every fight, there are costs, albeit to different degrees, to be borne by all those who take part in it.
This fight against Wynter is not profiting Michael or the Patriotic Front in any way politically. If anything, it is costing Michael and the Patriotic Front politically.
An organised party, a disciplined party will deal with its succession issues in a less divisive and destructive manner. We have seen what damage has been caused to the African National Congress by the barbaric methods, uncomradely approaches that were used to remove Thabo Mbeki and replace him with Jacob Zuma. The African National Congress is today paying the political price for all that.
There is a better way for the Patriotic Front to get rid of Wynter as secretary general if they don't want him than to destroy their party in pursuit of one man.
The rough-handling that many outstanding Patriotic Front leaders and cadres close to Wynter are experiencing at the hands of a Bemba hegemonic clique within the Patriotic Front will certainly leave a very strong legacy of bitterness and resentment - "the walking wounded". This is creating tendencies towards excessive defensivism, and also habits of counter-factionalism that the Patriotic Front will fail to quench.
There are some warning signs of the dangers of disciplinary measures being used to settle political differences. These dangers are fed by, and feed, the rear-guard action of small pockets of very selfish and corrupt elements resisting progress in the party and the country and who are trying to arrange the politics of the party so that they can get away with their corrupt and tribalistic practices.
As we have warned before, the Patriotic Front is not immune to what generally causes factionalism within African political parties - careerism, patronage and business ambitions. There is need for extreme vigilance about the grave dangers of abuse of the party for careerist and patronage purposes.
Our appeal to the leadership and members of the Patriotic Front is one of justice, fairness and decency in the way they deal with Wynter and other members of their party when they have differences. No political difference within a political party can justify the inhumanity with which Wynter is being treated. Who in the Patriotic Front leadership would like to be treated that way? Yes, they have every right to get rid of Wynter if they don't want him, but let it be done with a sense of humanity, and let them take into account where they are coming from with Wynter and what they have done together. Let there be honesty and not crookedness in the way they deal with each other. There is very little honesty in the way Wynter is being handled. And one does not need a political microscope to discern what is going on. This reminds us of a message we got the other day from a senior citizen comrade of ours: "In Luke 12:1-3, Jesus warns us about yeast (hypocrisy) of the Pharisees. For the Pharisees read politicians. King James Version is good. We experienced this in past politicians, especially under Chiluba and Banda. It seems we are going through the same experience again. God bless."
Again, it is within the rights of the leaders and members of the Patriotic Front to choose who they want to associate with or not. If the time has come for them to disassociate with Wynter, it is within their rights to do so. But Wynter was a comrade of theirs. Let the parting be with minimum acrimony. Very few divorces can be said to be sweet but let them be decent, painful as they may be.
When does a comrade become an enemy and deserve to be treated as such?
Labels: WYNTER KABIMBA
Read more...
Sata refuses to discuss Wynter petition
By Roy Habaalu and Moses Kuwema
Sat 19 Oct. 2013, 14:01 CAT
PRESIDENT Michael Sata yesterday refused to discuss the petition to remove Wynter Kabimba as secretary general. And President Sata says it is unemployment that is causing Kabwata member of parliament Given Lubinda to complain against Kabimba.
Meanwhile, President Sata guided that former Lusaka district chairman Goodson Banda and Robert Chikwelete will not be allowed to contest at the upcoming conference.
According to sources that attended the central committee meeting at State House yesterday, President Sata called for reconciliation among party officials and members.
Sources said there was silence when the President said the petition against Kabimba was not on the agenda and only came up on matters arising.
The sources named some of the people that wanted to bring up the issue of Kabimba as Mandevu member of parliament Jean Kapata, Samuel Mukupa, community development minister Dr Joseph Katema and Central Province minister Benson Chali.
The sources said Kapata wondered what she would tell the people in her constituency on the issue concerning Kabimba.
"The President said those that were 'aggrieved should reconcile and work together'. He didn't allow it (Wynter petition) to be discussed and told us to stop spending time on each other. We should spend more time rebutting lies from the opposition and explaining to the people of Zambia what the government was doing for them," sources said.
"The President emphasised the need for reconciliation although there were people that wanted to push for the discussion of Kabimba but the President refused… and you see that there were mixed feelings among people but there is nothing you can do when the President has spoken and made his position, so we listened and followed the guidance," other sources said.
Sources said the Kabimba issue was not on the agenda and the President found it unwise to discuss it.
"The President said he will deal with it at the right time," said a source.
Others sources also disclosed that even the Robert Chikwelete issue was not brought forward for discussion.
The sources said President Sata just made a statement in passing, saying Banda and Chikwelete would not stand.
And the Patriotic Front has adopted Dr Chilufya Mulenga as its candidate for the Mansa Central by-election.
PF deputy secretary general Bridget Atanga was not immediately available for comment.
When contacted, her mobile phone went unanswered and was later switched off.
Sources said Southern Province minister Daniel Munkombwe also brought up the issue of Kabimba, saying the problem was that the people in PF had concentrated so much on bickering at the expense of working.
"Edgar Lungu also brought up the issue of Given Lubinda. He said Lubinda wrote a letter and complained about the SG and the squabbles. But the President said 'Lubinda is crying ubulofwa ebulelenga (it is unemployment that is causing him to cry). If he is crying, don't cry for him also', and he closed the chapter," the sources said.
The meeting started at exactly 14:30 hours and ended at 17:30 hours.
Labels: GIVEN LUBINDA, MICHAEL SATA, WYNTER KABIMBA
Read more...
Senanga induna urges Kabimba to be firm
By Abigail Chaponda in Ndola
Sat 19 Oct. 2013, 14:00 CAT
A TRADITIONAL leader from Western Province says justice minister Wynter Kabimba should not be intimidated but stick to his guns in his pursuit to expose corrupt individuals within the government.
Mulikelela Sitali, who is Induna Mabebo under chief Mbindawina's area in Itufa sub-district of Senanga, said in an interview in Ndola on Thursday that instead of being hounded out of the Patriotic Front, Kabimba should be given a chance to prove that some government ministers were corrupt.
He said Zambians were tired of corruption, especially that many people that had misappropriated public funds have had no action taken against them by the government.
"So as Zambians, we want the government to give Kabimba an open space to talk about the people who are corrupt. Then the government can take a step. Now to discipline Kabimba or to expel him and people demonstrating against him, this shows the government or PF leadership is hiding something. Kabimba is innocent until proved guilty. If he fails to prove his allegations, then the party will take the action," said Sitali.
"There are a lot of things in this government. How many auditors' reports have revealed that money has been misappropriated? What has the government done to discipline those people who are siphoning public funds into their personal pockets? That is also corruption. I am urging you Kabimba, as a man, don't relent or don't ever be intimidated. Stick to your guns and prove to the Zambian people that what you said was right or wrong."
Labels: CHIEFS, WESTERN PROVINCE, WYNTER KABIMBA
Read more...
Kabimba demands Daily Mail apology over 'dark corner' story
By Roy Habaalu
Wed 16 Oct. 2013, 14:01 CAT
WYNTER Kabimba has demanded a public apology and retraction from Zambia Daily Mail over a story it published alleging that he was holding dark-corner meetings, failure to which he would commence legal proceedings against the newspaper for libel.
In a letter dated October 10, 2013 addressed to Zambia Daily Mail managing director Anthony Mukwita by Kabimba's lawyers AMC Legal Practitioners, Kabimba stated that the words used were false, malicious and wanton.
"Our client instructs that on Thursday 3rd October 2013, your Newspaper carried the headline: 'Wynter Holds Dark Corner Meetings.' Under this headline it was alleged that our client has been holding meetings in which he intended to split the current ruling party, the Patriotic Front (PF), the party for which he is the secretary general, by 'arm-twisting the district commissioners.'
The said article also accused our client of 'apparently showing open discontent towards President Sata' and urging the district commissioners to 'remain loyal to him even in the eventual demotion or expulsion, warning that the party was likely to break up if he was fired or removed from his position due to the influence he wields.' The article further alleges that Mr Kabimba told the district commissioners 'I made you to become DC'," read the letter in part.
Kabimba stated that the words in the article were false, malicious and wanton to him and consequently his reputation in person as Minister of Justice and secretary general of PF had been diminished in the eyes of right-thinking members of society.
"In light of this we have been instructed to demand that an apology be published in your newspaper within seven days from date of receipt of this letter, failing which we have instructions to commence legal proceedings for libel," read the letter.
On October 3, 2013, the Daily Mail reported that the twists and turns in the Patriotic Front differences that have pitted Kabimba against some grassroots members and even other top members had continued.
It reported that as the plot thickened, a scheme to "spill the beans" and practically break the ruling party up if he were expelled as demanded by sections of the youth had emerged following an alleged meeting that Kabimba held with district commissioners in Western Province.
Labels: DAILY MAIL, WYNTER KABIMBA
Read more...
Wynter Kabimba is behind the formation of parallel structures in PF-Musonda
Time Posted: October 10, 2013 7:00 am
President Michael Sata walking to the rally arena upon arrival at meembe basic school grounds to drum up suport for the patriotic front candidate for the kapiri mposhi bye election Eddie Musonda , with his is (PF) general secretary Wynter Kabimba in lukanga swamps chipepo ward
President Michael Sata walking to the rally arena upon arrival at meembe basic school grounds to drum up suport for the patriotic front candidate for the kapiri mposhi bye election Eddie Musonda , with his is (PF) general secretary Wynter Kabimba in lukanga swamps chipepo ward
A FORMER Patriotic Front (PF) official in Lusaka has supported Mandevu Member of Parliament (MP) Kean Kapata in calling for disciplinary action against PF Secretary General Wynter Kabimba for allegedly forming parallel structures and bringing the name of the party into disrepute.
Wellington Musonda who is former PF Lusaka District, information and publicity secretary accused Mr Kabimba of allegedly being behind the formation of parallel structures in the party to gain support to succeed President Michael Sata.
He said Mr Kabimba’s orchestrated structures had sparked confusion in the party. He backed calls to discipline Mr Kabimba over his alleged misconduct in the recent past weeks.
Mr Musonda said Ms Kapata was right to voice concerns and call for action against Mr Kabimba.
“Hon Jean Kapata is very right for her to demand that Wynter Kabimba be disciplined,” he said in a statement in Lusaka yesterday.
Ms Kapata who is also member of the party Central Committee had so far written two letters demanding disciplinary action against Mr Kabimba. Mr Musonda said the PF Secretary General should face disciplinary action over allegations of forming the parallel structures.
“Mr Kabimba is a Cabinet Minister and on oath who is supposed to keep oath on all the issues. He is accusing his fellow ministers to be corrupt just because he is in problems with the majority party members,” he said.
He said Mr Kabimba was on record having accused his fellow Ministers and some members of the PF of being tribal because of differences on party matters.
He said Mr Kabimba, who is Justice Minister, also accused of Defence Minister, Geoffrey Mwamba of plans to take over the presidency from President Michael Sata.
He said the sentiments had caused tension in the party and that members were now fighting among each other.
“Today Mr Kabimba has turned on Information and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary, Emmanuel Mwamba. Fighting Mr Mwamba for what? Mr Kabimba now has more enemies, than friends,” he said.
He appealed to PF Central Committee Disciplinary chairperson, Edgar Lungu who is Home Affairs Minister to take action on Mr Kabimba.
Labels: PF, WYNTER KABIMBA
Read more...
PF is going the MMD way on cadre discipline
By Editor
Tue 08 Oct. 2013, 14:00 CAT
We think the Patriotic Front leadership is making a very grave mistake by allowing the type of cadres that the MMD had in Lusaka to emerge in their party.
What we are seeing is a replica of the type of party the MMD had in Lusaka before the 2011 elections. The MMD had developed a very violent team of cadres that took over the party and its activities in Lusaka.
This group of cadres reigned by violence, intimidation and to some extent blackmail. They became untouchable. No MMD leader could dare go against them. The only person they could listen to, without question, was the party president. They won the support of the president by showing him unquestionable and unwavering support.
And with the support of the president, they created a lot of political space for themselves to manoeuvre without anybody stopping them. They enjoyed themselves - they had the money, they attended any state function even without invitation. The party leadership tolerated them, could not question them or denounce their behaviour because it was too risky politically for them to do so. Tolerating them meant them being seen to be on the side of the president. Not even the police could do anything about their unruly or violent behaviour.
But what the MMD leadership did not realise was that this unruly and violent behaviour of their cadres was costing them general public support needed to win elections. Their behaviour left the public dismayed and disheartened. These cadres became the face of the MMD. But it was a hated face of the MMD. The more unruly, violent and assertive these cadres became, the more the MMD became unpopular with the masses of our people.
Of course, we do realise that most of the PF's key politicians came from the MMD. Most of them only joined the Patriotic Front after the 2006 elections. Some were even MMD parliamentary candidates in 2006 itself. It is therefore not surprising that they have brought with them that type of behaviour into the Patriotic Front.
The behaviour of Patriotic Front cadres in Lusaka is leaving many people, many voters dismayed and disheartened. Generally, the Zambian people want to see politics conducted in a peaceful and honest way, devoid of any violence and slander of political opponents. They want to see political leaders and their cadres guided by the truth, integrity and justice.
It is necessary for Patriotic Front leaders and their cadres to always remind themselves that the politics they are engaging in should be for the good of the country and the people, and not for the political survival of any individual or party. If the spirit of the primacy of the common good were to animate them, we would not be witnessing the unruly behaviour, the violence, wrangling, bickering and power struggling which leaves the masses of our people dismayed and disheartened.
In the present atmosphere of fierce competition and character assassination, it is necessary for the leaders and cadres of the Patriotic Front to remind themselves of the noble goals of political activity.
And as we have pointed out before, there is need for the Patriotic Front to reexamine the type of cadres they have and ask themselves: is this the kind of cadre the Patriotic Front needs or does not need?
The Zambian people want to see party cadres who conduct themselves in a more humane, humble and sober manner. They don't want to see party cadres who behave as if they are all the time high on dagga or intoxicated with alcohol.
The Zambian people want to see party cadres who are selfless and who are not simply looking for cuts or for personal benefits in this or that. Today's party cadres seem to be for hire to the highest bidder. Those who are ready to part with money control them. A senior MMD politician once told us that "wherever you see cadres marching, protesting, beating people and engaging in all sorts of violence, someone has forked out money". This seems to be true not only for MMD cadres but for Patriotic Front cadres as well as for those in the UPND. And this is why our politics are increasingly becoming violent. We are so often witnessing intra-party and inter-party cadre violence. Why? It is simply because there is someone paying for it; cadres are being rewarded for being violent and unruly.
Zambia needs a different type of cadres from what we have today. We need party cadres who are rooted and grounded in society, and understand what their role is in transforming our country. We need cadres who are ready to influence people, communities and structures by their exemplary humane behaviour.
But it is not by accident that things are what they are today with our party cadres. There has been an increasing decline in political morality, ethics and values in the country. And this has caused considerable damage to the moral standing of our politicians and their party cadres.
There is need for the Patriotic Front and other political parties in our country to start paying a lot of attention to the training of cadres. This is the only way we will be able to strengthen our multiparty political dispensation because this can only be done by cadres who are well grounded politically. Our political parties need to make some internal assessments of the way they are operating if they are to positively respond to the needs, aspirations and interests of our people.
Of course, the membership of the Patriotic Front has been growing very fast since coming to power. Why? This is simply because this is where the eating is taking place. And this growth in membership is not reflected in the activities of the Patriotic Front. Most members and some of the leadership, even at central committee level, are not involved in the daily life of the party. The activities of the party are actually being run by elements without any party positions. There is need to assess the members of the party and the central committee members on the basis of their deployments and their work within the organisation. This is the only way they will be able to build a party of activists and not merely members. There is need to invest resources in the development of cadres and ensure that they are being properly inducted and educated on party policies and that there are continuous political education programmes for them.
In order to guarantee that the Patriotic Front does not change its colour, the party must not only have a correct line and correct policies but must train and bring up thousands of party cadres to carry on its work. This is an extremely important issue, a matter of life and death for the Patriotic Front. It is a matter of fundamental importance for the present and the future of the party. And from the highest structures down to the grassroots, they must everywhere give constant attention to the training and upbringing of cadres. They must purposefully train thousands of cadres and hundreds of first-rate mass leaders who are loyal and devoted in serving the nation and their party.
This is important because it is on these cadres that the party relies for its links with the masses. Given the importance of their tasks, such cadres must be free from selfishness, from individualistic heroism, ostentation, sloth, passivity and arrogant sectarianism. Such are the qualities and style of work demanded of party cadres.
Cadres are a decisive factor, once the political line is determined. Therefore, it is important to train large numbers of new cadres in a planned way.
Labels: CADRES, MULENGA SATA, WYNTER KABIMBA
Read more...
Sata will handle PF indiscipline - Mulenga
By Tilyenji Mwanza
Tue 08 Oct. 2013, 14:01 CAT
MULENGA Sata says party officials should not use him to get to his father. A few weeks ago some PF members in Lusaka sent a petition to President Michael Sata through his son Mulenga, demanding for the removal of Kabimba as secretary general of the party.
The cadres, who had earlier been involved in a fight with another PF group which was against endorsing President Sata for another term, said they wanted Mulenga to talk to his father over going for another term and to deal with Kabimba.
The group had marched to Mulenga's home, where they presented the petition.
The cadres also petitioned Sata's son to have Lusaka district and provincial leaderships dissolved.
Mulenga promised to convey the message to the party leadership including Kabimba, Vice President Guy Scott and his father.
Mulenga was also among officials that attended a consultative meeting in Lusaka that deliberated on Kabimba's issue and which culminated in a resolution to remove the secretary general.
He later said he wanted Kabimba to continue as secretary general.
And in an interview, Mulenga, who is Lusaka deputy mayor, said there were many things going on in the party but they should not be addressed through him.
"I do not want to speak in the capacity as my father or be used to get to my father. The indiscipline going on in the party will be handled by the big man. I do not want to be used in this. I do not want to be used by anyone," said Mulenga after being asked about the indiscipline that was going on in the PF.
Mulenga observed that with President Michael Sata's return from the US, the PF house would be put in order.
"With the big man back, things will return to order and I expect people to go to him for answers; not look to me for answers. Yes, in the past I was used to take a message of concern to my father but that was in the past and now that he is back, let these things go to him," he said.
Mulenga said he was saddened by the wrangles in the PF and called on the party leadership to address them.
"I am urging party leadership to take up more responsibility. However, I know the party leadership is working on the matter," said Mulenga.
Labels: CADRES, MULENGA SATA, WYNTER KABIMBA
Read more...
