caritas zambia cautions its followers against voting for mp defecting to the ruling pf

CARITAS ZAMBIA STATEMENT ON THE SPATE OF RESIGNATIONS BY ELECTED MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT

Within the past two weeks we have yet again experienced additional resignations by elected Members of Parliament (MPs), this time from Solwezi East and Kafulafuta. This is in defiance of strong public disapproval and displeasure with such resignations of MPs for the fact that the resultant by-elections have caused government to spend colossal amounts of money on elections at the expense of the much more urgent social needs in our society. We hear of children dying from malnutrition in our hospitals due to lack of food, we see prices of fuel going up and social projects are stalling due to lack of finances. The list of desperate human conditions that government is failing to attend to is growing, and the excuse being given is that of limited financial resources. How then can our elected representatives be so heartless as to ignore the pain and anguish they are inflicting on poor people in this country by their selfish actions of resignations and causing by-elections? Since the General elections in September 2011, we have seen resignations orchestrated by elections in Chongwe, Mufumbwe, Mpongwe, Livingstone and now three more are pending in Feira, Zambezi East and kafulafuta. This is in addition to several other by-elections occasioned by court decisions!!! This is a governance scandal. Anyone looking for evidence of gross abuse of public resources in our country should not look far given resources so blatantly plundered through these masterminded by elections.

As we have already done on many occasions, we appeal to government to stop encouraging MP resignations through promises of jobs and other privileges. Where is the lean government the people of Zambia were promised if ministerial jobs are open for purchasing political patronage? It is shameful to see very high ranking government officials dancing and jubilating at MP resignation forums with full knowledge of the harm by-elections are causing on the weakest of our society. This is immoral and an act of inconsistency for a government that has proclaimed an option for the poor as a cornerstone of its governance values. The Zambian society must treat this behaviour with scorn and strong condemnation.

We appeal to the people of Feira, Solwezi East and Kafulafuta, to reject the former MPs who have betrayed their trust if they dare seek their votes again regardless on which party platform they come. Your interests are far from their hearts; they are just using you for their personal selfish and greedy motives.

We also appeal to our Diocesan Caritases to refuse to be party to the scandal of by elections by not getting involved in monitoring them. We have persistently, and rightly so, complained about the abuse of public resources through by-elections. Let us not give them legitimacy by getting involved in monitoring them; it is a waste our limited resources and we will be unwittingly undermining the democracy we have for a long time struggled to nature and sworn to protect.

SACCORD acting chief accuses the police of delibarately abuisng the public order act

The Southern African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (SACCORD) has accused the police of deliberately abusing the public order act.

Saccord acting executive director Boniface Cheembe notes that the police are disregarding the rights of opposition politicians with impunity as though the country’s constitution had been suspended.

He cited the recent arrests of MMD president Dr. Nevers Mumba together with four elected MPs which he said had brought sad memories of the brutal days of the UNIP rule.

Mr cheembe further called for an immediate review of the Public Order Act and urged the police to administer the Act professionally saying that it should be in line with Supreme Court interpretations.

 “As a country, we cannot afford to be perceived as a place where police and authorities disregard the rights of the people living in Zambia. It is our hope that the PF government will work with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that the basic fundamental rights of the people of Zambia irrespective of political affiliations are promoted, protected and upheld. This appeal to the government is in line with the constitution of the land which all Zambians abide by” he said

The saccord acting chief has since urged the pf government to help the police do the right things when it comes to our people enjoying fundamental rights and freedoms which our constitution guarantees.

KK pays moving tribute to Mama Betty

Dr Kaunda overcome with emotion during the funeral of Mama Betty Kaunda

First republican President Dr Kenneth Kaunda paid a moving tribute to his late wife Mama Betty Kaunda who died last week in Harare, Zimbabwe.
During a requiem service at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross attended by acting President Alexander Chikwanda, vice President Guy Scott, ministers, former president Rupiah Banda, opposition leaders, diplomats and people from all walks of life ,Dr Kaunda in his tribute to his late wife read on his behalf by Pius Kasutu described his late wife as a pillar.
Dr Kaunda described her wife’s death on 19th September, 2012 in Zimbabwe were she had gone to visit her daughter Musata as very unexpected.
He also described his companionship with his wife of 66 years as a fruitful journey.
The first president recalled how his marriage to Mama Betty Kaunda was destined to be when his mother Helen Kaunda in 1928 assisted in the birth of a baby who would later turn out to be her daughter in law in 1946.
Dr Kaunda recalled how President Michael Sata’s father in 1946 in Mpika acted as the go-between in his marriage negotiations for Mama Betty.
He also described his late wife as a great activist for Zambia’s independence, leading fellow women to strengthen the struggle for freedom despite the dangers involved.
Dr Kaunda said Mama Betty Kaunda actively supported the struggle for independence and the family, remaining strong in his absence and looking after the family.
And the first President attributed what he achieved to Mama Betty Kaunda to a greater part.
Mama Betty Kaunda who was born on 17th November 1928 will be put to rest today at the Kaunda farm Estate near State Lodge in Lusaka.
The requiem service for Mama Betty Kaunda held at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross this morning was incident free.This unlike the previous service where over 100 PF slogan chanting thugs attacked UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema.
The service was attended by hundreds of people including acting President Alexander Chikwanda, vice President Guy Scott, ministers, former president Rupiah Banda, opposition leaders, diplomats and people from all walks of life.
Government had overruled police decision to bar political parties from wearing their party regalia at Mama Betty Kaunda’s burial today.
Home Affairs Permanent Secretary Maxwell Nkole said dress code would not be restricted because Mama Betty Kaunda was a unifying factor in the nation.
Mr Nkole said contrary to the police directive banning the political party regalia, political parties will be free to adorn their colours.
He however said all political parties should have Marshalls to control their cadres.
Mr Nkole urged political parties to avoid confrontations of any kind during and after the funeral.
Mr Nkole however said some party cadres who in the past have been associated with violence are not allowed to attend the funeral procession and burial.
Mr Nkole said he expects the police to be polite but effective in regulating the procession and burial of Mama Betty Kaunda.
Earlier, Lusaka Province Police Commissioner Solomon Jere announced that political party regalia had been banned at burial of Mama Betty Kaunda.

IMF projects a 7.7 % real GDP growth for Zambia

The International Monetary Fund (IMF), mission chief for Zambia, Mr. Trevor Alleyne has projected a 7.7 percent real GDP growth for Zambia, reflecting strong growth in copper production and non-maize agriculture, and an expansionary fiscal policy.

He further says for 2012, the current account surplus is projected to remain broadly unchanged, while gross international reserves are expected to continue to grow, reaching the equivalent of 3.3 months of prospective imports.

Mr Alleyne however warned that there are near-term downside risks arising from the uncertain prospects for the global economy and from domestic policies despite the crisis in Europe having little spillover to the Zambian economy to date, a further deterioration in global economic conditions could squeeze trade credit lines; reduce demand for Zambian exports; and lower copper prices.

And On the domestic front,he said the policy measures will be needed to ensure that fiscal targets are met; and careful implementation of the planned financial sector reforms will be necessary to safeguard

financial sector stability.

Mr Alleyne further stated that on the other hand, Zambia’s solid macroeconomic management, the large investments in the copper sector, and recent strong growth in non-maize agriculture all auger well for the country’s ability to withstand global shocks and sustain the growth momentum into the future.

“Maintaining a positive investment climate for current and potential investors should be an

important component of Zambia’s growth strategy. As traditional concessional financing

phases out and Zambia relies increasingly on international markets and foreign direct

investment, it will be important for the government to implement and communicate clearly a

consistent set of policies related to foreign investment. This will enhance Zambia’s

international reputation as a destination for investment flows by reducing uncertainty” he stressed.

“Despite the favorable macroeconomic results, there is an urgent need to re-orient policies to

ensure that economic growth and macroeconomic stability are accompanied by strong

employment growth and poverty reduction. Looking forward, it will be important for the

Government to implement policies to diversify the economy and ensure that growth is more

inclusive. Key areas will include: (1) tax policy, tax administration, and public financial

management to create fiscal space for increased infrastructure spending and improve

technical capacity to efficiently administer a larger capital budget; (2) maize marketing and

pricing policies and the development of a broad-based reform strategy for the agricultural

sector; (3) increasing access to financial services by small and medium enterprises without

jeopardizing financial sector stability; and (4) removing the incentives for the proliferation of

informal business and employment arrangements.”

The 2012 Article IV discussion by the IMF’s Executive Board is expected to take place in

May, 2012.

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Outotec and Zambia's Kansanshi Mining sign sulfuric acid technology deal

Outotec has signed a contract with the Zambia-based mining company Kansanshi Mining plc for the design and delivery of a gas cleaning system and a sulfuric acid plant. The Zambian company operates a large copper mine and has selected Outotec to build the world's largest metallurgical sulfuric acid plant downstream of its new copper smelter. The contract is valued at approximately over EUR 80 million.

The new gas cleaning and sulfuric acid complex will be part of the overall copper smelting facilities located in Solwezi, North-Western Province, Zambia. The acid plant will process off gas from the copper smelter and the acid produced will be used for leaching nearby at Kansanshi Mining's copper plant. 

The scope of Outotec's delivery includes basic and detail engineering, procurement and the supply of proprietary equipment for the gas cleaning system and acid plant. In addition, Outotec will also provide advisory services for construction and commissioning to the overall project scope. Kansanshi Mining is a subsidiary of First Quantum Minerals Ltd, a rapidly growing mining and metals company currently operating a number of mines and developing several projects worldwide.

Outotec's track-record as the leading provider of sulfuric acid technology - more than 600 plants have been delivered worldwide - was a major factor in the Zambian company's decision to select Outotec.

"This is a very exciting project for us not only due to the size of the acid plant, but also because the client has made it very clear they want a world-class plant design incorporating the highest environmental standards," stated Outotec's president and CEO Pertti Korhonen, adding "We take pride in our role as a global leader of sustainable solutions to the industries we serve and winning projects on this scale simply confirms our status.

 Environmental standards set by the World Bank will serve as the benchmark for the project."

Shikapwasha refuses to pay sunday nkonde

Former Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services Ronnie Shikapwasha has broken the silence over his being surcharged to pay K900 million accrued by ZNBC as legal fees for SBN lawyers engaged to represent it in defamation cases.

Lieutenant General Shikapwasha denied ever having directed the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) to air a political documentary produced by journalist, Chanda Chimba III dubbed ‘Stand up for Zambia.

He has also refused to pay the K900 million legal fees for SBN legal practitioners who were engaged to represent ZNBC in the case involving the airing of the Chanda Chimba III programmes on the national broadcaster.

SBN is owned by Sunday Nkonde and it was hired by ZNBC not Shikapwasha.

In the said programmes, Chimba eloquently predicted the doom, chaos, confusion, dictatorship and national disunity that would follow in Zambia if certain politicians won the elections last year.

Gen. Shikapwasha said at a press briefing in Lusaka today that he, together with his former Permanent Secretary Dr. Sam Phiri, never at any time directed ZNBC to air the documentary.

He said he has since written to the Secretary to the Treasure refusing to settle the K900 million legal fees surcharged against him by the Attorney General as legal fees for lawyers representing ZNBC for airing the so called libellous documentaries.

Gen. Shikapwasha has also threatened to take legal action against journalists writing stories which he said are untrue on his alleged role in the controversial Chanda Chimba III Stand Up for Zambia political documentary.

He further argued that some editorials written in some sections of the media about his alleged involvement in the Chanda Chimba III Stand Up For Zambia political documentary were libellous.

Meanwhile, Gen. Shikapwasha has complained that the Attorney General did not accord him an opportunity to defend himself saying it was against the law to prosecute him in the media rather that in the courts of law.

In a letter dated 24th February 2012, copied to the Attorney General and in accordance with Section 31 of the Public Finance Act No 15 of 2004, Secretary to the Treasury Fredson Yamba notified Gen.
Shikapwasha to pay the legal fees amounting to K900 million incurred by the government of Zambia.

UN chief urges Zambia to fight corruption

The U.N. chief has urged Zambian lawmakers to spare no one in the fight against corruption.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, speaking to Zambia's parliament at the start of a visit Friday, called corruption a cancer that threatens democracy and anti-poverty efforts.

He says, "In this fight there can be no sacred cows, there can be no parallel systems of justice -- one for the poor and the weak; another for the powerful and protected."

Zambian President Michael Sata came to power in the southern African nation last year on an anti-corruption campaign. Ban is scheduled to meet Sata Saturday.

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