CARTER CENTER LAUNCHES ELECTION MISSION IN ZAMBIA

By MacPherson Mukuka *In Lusaka*

The Carter Centre has launched a limited international election observation mission ahead of the August 11 General election and national referendum on the Bill of Rights.

Center field office Director RACHEL FOWLER says the mission will be led by former Prime Minister and Acting President of Burundi SYLVIE KINIGI.

She says an additional four medium term observers have been deployed to assess electoral preparations and development on the provincial level and will be joined by additional observers on the Election Day.

Ms. FOWLER says the Mission is accredited by the electoral commission of Zambia to observe the general elections and the national referendum.

She says members of the mission will hold regular meetings with election key stakeholders including members of the international community.

She has further indicated that carter’s election mission is limited in nature and will not offer a comprehensive assessment of the electoral process and Election Day proceedings.

She says the mission will focus on the legal framework, election administration, general election political environment, electoral violence, and resolution of any electoral disputes.

Ms. FOWLER adds that the center assesses the electoral process based on Zambia’s national legal framework and its obligations for democratic elections contained in regional and international agreements.

This is contained in a statement released to the Developmental Journalist in Lusaka today.

REJECT VIOLENT PARTIES, LEADERS- VOTERS TOLD

By MacPherson Mukuka *In Lusaka*

The opposition National Party has called on Zambians to manifest the One Zambia, One Nation.

Party president RICHARD KAMBULU says the one Zambia; one Nation is not a slogan but a motto which must be lived.

Speaking to THE DEVELOPMENTAL JOURNALIST in a walk –in- interview, Reverend KAMBULU said the escalating number of political violence are a signal of failure to uphold the National motto.

He says it is unfortunate that people have developed hatred against each other based on because of divergent political views.

Rev. KAMBULU says it is the right of every Zambian to belong to a political party of their choice and must be respected by others.

He has urged Zambians to look forward to celebrations next week and not plan for battle.

Meanwhile, opposition Zambia Republican Party ZRP has expressed concern over the alleged attacking of a woman perceived to be a PF supporter by suspected UPND cadres in Sinazongwe.

ZRP National Information and Publicity Secretary DAVID KAFWANKA told THE DEVELOPMENTAL JOURNALIST in a walk-in-interview that the act is barbaric and that the law must take its course.

Mr. KAFWANKA says the attacks on women or any other person must be condoned by a civilized society.

He says the incident is unfortunate because it has happened at the time political party leaders have made an undertaking to put an end to political related violence ahead of next week’s General election.

He has called on Zambians from all walks of life to join hands and reject political parties and leaders who are in the habit of perpetrating violence.

CHIEF MIBENGE, CHISUNKA HAIL GOVERNMENT

By MacPherson Mukuka *in Mansa*

Two Traditional Leaders in Mansa District of Luapula Province have hailed government for the massive development it has taken to the area.

Chief MIBENGE says the PF government under the leadership of President EDGAR LUNGU has not left any stone unturned in developing Mansa rural.

He says Mansa and Luapula Province as a whole has seen greater development under the PF Government.

Chief MIBENGE cited the construction of the health facilities and roads as some of the developments the PF Government has take to the area.

The Traditional leader has further thanked Government for not taking sides in developing the country.

Meanwhile, Chief MIBENGE has praised President EDGAR LUNGU for leading the nation in a Christian manner.

And Chief CHISUNKA has thanked Government for recognising Chiefs as partners in development.

He says a regular visit to traditional leaders’ palaces by President LUNGU is an indication that the PF government respects the role Chiefs play in national development.

Chief CHISUNKA has also thanked President EDGAR LUNGU for the respect he has accorded to Chiefs through the increment of allowances.

The dual was speaking when PF Bahati parliamentary candidate HARRY KALABA and PF Mansa mayoral candidate EMMANUEL CHUNGU paid a courtesy call of them.

Meanwhile Mr. Kalaba has thanked the traditional leaders for support they give government.

He's says Traditional leaders are beacons of wisdom in the country.

Mr. Kalaba says the Government cannot operate effectively without the consultation of chiefs who are the custodians of the people.

He says government recognises the role chiefs play in national development adding that government is always eager to work with chiefs.

GAME ON! COPA COCA-COLA KICKS OFF

By MacPherson Mukuka in Lusaka

The 2016 COPA Coca-Cola schools football tournament kicked off at the Olympic Youth Development Centre (OYDC) in Lusaka this week.

The competition, which drew over 450 schools from around the country, saw ten secondary school teams qualify for the finals this week, with each province represented.

There are two groups in the competition with five teams each and the two teams that will qualify from the groups will play the final slated for Saturday, July 9, 2016.

The first game of the tournament saw Mwavi Secondary School, representing Lusaka, facing off against Muchinga Secondary of Muchinga Province in a one-sided derby that saw Mwavi clinch a 3-nil victory over their oponents.

The draws for the competition were conducted last Thursday (June 30, 2016) morning at a media briefing held at the Zambian Breweries offices in Lusaka.

The competition has received wide support, with endorsement and sponsorship from government through the ministry of education, tourism, and corporate help from title sponsor Coca-Cola.

COPA Coca-Cola is the premier grassroots football tournament sponsored by the drinks brand in partnership with the Zambia Schools Sports Association (ZASSA) and the Ministry of Education. The initiative commenced in 1993 with only 100 schools participating and has now grown to include 450 government and private schools in Zambia.

The tournament has a number of professional football players among its alumni including 2012 AFCON winners Stoppila Sunzu and Kennedy Mweene.

Zambian Breweries Managing Director, Annabelle Degroot says her company recognises that there cannot be a healthy and growing business unless the communities it serves are healthy and sustainable.

She says as a global beverage company, Coca-Cola has committed itself to improving the quality of life in the communities where we do business.

The sponsorship covers prize money, transport and logistics, accommodation and meals for teams and officials, kits and other Coke branded clothing, soccer balls, hire of football pitches and payment to referees.

The best 13 players during the finals this week to form the country’s COPA Coca-Cola team that travels for international camps for ten days.

In 2015 Chizongwe were crowned champions following a thrilling final at the Olympic Youth Development Centre (OYDC) in Lusaka. The Eastern Province team beat 2014 runners-up, Chongwe High School 4-1.

As part of its Live for a Difference commitment to communities, COPA Coca-Cola promotes an active, healthy lifestyle while fostering teens’ interest in soccer.

The tournament offers youth an opportunity to meet and interact with peers across the country as well as other nations. The programme also provides opportunities to recognise rising soccer talent among community youth.

In order to broaden their exposure and heighten their aspirations to become “the best of the best” in football, Coca-Cola also leverages its unique association with FIFA to give the young stars a once-in-a-lifetime experience to watch an international match live.

Across Africa, COPA Coca-Cola is played in 23 other countries that include Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Angola, Mozambique, Malawi, Botswana, Namibia, Rwanda, Congo, Swaziland, Nigeria and South Africa, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mauritius and Burundi. Outside the continent, COPA Coca-Cola is also played in the Americas, Europe and Asia and is in a total 64 countries over 1.3 million players.

Source Langmead and Baker

Cameron's resignation, an example of true leadership!

By MacPherson Mukuka *In Lusaka*

British Prime Minister- David Cameron

Hours after over 17 Million (51.9%)UK citizens voted to leave the European Union against over 16 Million (48.1%)who voted to remain in a referendum, the country's Prime Minister has announced his resignation and called for fresh leadership.
Mr. Cameron has not resigned (Will officially step down in October) because he wanted, but because what he stood for before the referendum has not come to pass... that is true leadership.
In his brief speech in the aftermath of the referendum, Mr. Cameron noted that he was part of the process but the result has gone the opposite of what he wished for his country.
" The country has just taken part in a giant democratic exercise, perhaps the biggest in our history. Over 33 million people from England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Gibraltar have all had their say. We should be proud of the fact that in these islands we trust the people for these big decisions.
"We not only have a parliamentary democracy, but on questions about the arrangements for how we've governed there are times when it is right to ask the people themselves and that is what we have done.
"The British people have voted to leave the European Union and their will must be respected.
"I want to thank everyone who took part in the campaign on my side of the argument, including all those who put aside party differences to speak in what they believe was the national interest and let me congratulate all those who took part in the Leave campaign for the spirited and passionate case that they made.
"The will of the British people is an instruction that must be delivered. It was not a decision that was taken lightly, not least because so many things were said by so many different organisations about the significance of this decision. So there can be no doubt about the result.
"Across the world people have been watching the choice that Britain has made. I would reassure those markets and investors that Britain's economy is fundamentally strong and I would also reassure Britons living in European countries and European citizens living here there will be no immediate changes in your circumstances.
"There will be no initial change in the way our people can travel, in the way our goods can move or the way our services can be sold.
"We must now prepare for a negotiation with the European Union. This will need to involve the full engagement of the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland governments to ensure that the interests of all parts of our United Kingdom are protected and advanced. But above all this will require strong, determined and committed leadership.
"I'm very proud and very honoured to have been Prime Minister of this country for six years. I believe we've made great steps, with more people in work than ever before in our history, with reforms to welfare and education, increasing people's life chances, building a bigger and stronger society, keeping our promises to the poorest people in the world and enabling those who love each other to get married whatever their sexuality, but above all restoring Britain's economic strength. And I'm grateful to everyone who's helped to make that happen.
"I have also always believed that we have to confront big decisions, not duck them. That is why we delivered the first coalition government in 70 years, to bring our economy back from the brink. It's why we delivered a fair, legal and decisive referendum in Scotland. And it's why I made the pledge to renegotiate Britain's position in the European Union and to hold the referendum on our membership and have carried those things out.
"I fought this campaign in the only way I know how, which is to say directly and passionately what I think and feel - head, heart and soul.
"I held nothing back, I was absolutely clear about my belief that Britain is stronger, safer and better off inside the European Union and I made clear the referendum was about this and this alone - not the future of any single politician including myself.
"But the British people have made a very clear decision to take a different path and as such I think the country requires fresh leadership to take it in this direction.
"I will do everything I can as Prime Minister to steady the ship over the coming weeks and months but I do not think it would be right for me to try to be the captain that steers our country to its next destination.
"This is not a decision I've taken lightly but I do believe it's in the national interest to have a period of stability and then the new leadership required.
"There is no need for a precise timetable today but in my view we should aim to have a new prime minister in place by the start of the Conservative Party conference in October. Delivering stability will be important and I will continue in post as Prime Minister with my Cabinet for the next three months.
"The Cabinet will meet on Monday, the Governor of the Bank of England is making a statement about the steps that the Bank and the Treasury are taking to reassure financial markets. We will also continue taking forward the important legislation that we set before Parliament in the Queen's Speech.
"And I have spoken to Her Majesty the Queen this morning to advise her of the steps that I am taking.
"A negotiation with the European Union will need to begin under a new prime minister and I think it's right that this new prime minister takes the decision about when to trigger Article 50 and start the formal and legal process of leaving the EU. I will attend the European Council next week to explain the decision the British people have taken and my own decision.
"The British people have made a choice, that not only needs to be respected but those on the losing side of the argument - myself included - should help to make it work.
"Britain is a special country - we have so many great advantages - a parliamentary democracy where we resolve great issues about our future through peaceful debate, a great trading nation with our science and arts, our engineering and our creativity, respected the world over. And while we are not perfect I do believe we can be a model for the multi-racial, multi-faith democracy, that people can come and make a contribution and rise to the very highest that their talent allows."
"Although leaving Europe was not the path I recommended, I am the first to praise our incredible strengths. I said before that Britain can survive outside the European Union and indeed that we could find a way."
"Now the decision has been made to leave, we need to find the best way and I will do everything I can to help. I love this country and I feel honoured to have served it and I will do everything I can in future to help this great country succeed. Thank you very much."
"I love my country, and I will do anything to be part of its decisions and development, but this result is not what I expected." he said.
Now the UK Prime Minister has showed the world what a principled and morally upright leader needs to do in such instances.
Very few of the World's leaders can and will do what Mr. Cameron has done.
The Moral of his resignation and lesson to learn.
Never remain in office if you have failed to live by your promises or the things you wished to happen have gone the opposite way... it if not failure, It is called respect for oneself and the people you lead.
Narrowing it down to Africa, I think and believe our African leadership has much to learn from Mr. Cameron.
They need to know and learn that there is more to keeping your morals as than finishing a term of office under compromised circumstances.
We all know power is sweet... but where will be the sweetness of power if you command people who don't believe in you anymore.
What sort of leadership will you have if you have failed to accept that your ideas no longer conform to the will of the majority.
It is better to always leave in peace and live a peaceful life because of making a right decision than to be made to leave and be made to suffer for failing to make a right decision.
Pressure is free, take it of leave

SORRY- MTN TELLS CUSTOMERS, ZICTA.

By MacPherson Mukuka in *Lusaka*

MTN HEAD OFFICE IN LUSAKA

ZICTA Director Technical Services Mofya Chisala (r) talking to MTN Zambia CEO Charles Molapisi (l)

MTN Zambia has apologised to its customers over the concerns arising from the Sim registration and validation exercise the service provider has been conducting.

MTN Chief Executive Officer CHARLES MOLAPISI says the service has taken with great concern the complaints customers have raised over continued receipt of messages from the service provider giving an ultimatum to have the sim cards registered despite customers have registered  their cards.

Speaking in a briefing when ZICTA inspectors led by Director Technical services MOFYA CHISALA paid an impromptu visit at MTN offices in Lusaka on Wednesday , Mr. MOLAPISI said it is not the intention of his organisation to inconvenience its customers.

Mr. MOLAPISI says he will ensure the organisation reduces on the number of messages it sends to its customers.

He has however indicated that the sim registration and validation exercise is remains a critical component of the organisation saying that it is the only way customer details will be clear.

He says all customers in the data base are registered but the company wants to ensure it has correct details for every customer.

And ZICTA Director Technical Services, MOFYA CHISALA has demanded that the mobile service provider works on its gaps in the sim registration process and avoid sending messages to customers unnecessarily.

Mr. CHISALA says the telecommunication regulator has decided to act by visiting the service provider after a public outcry over MTN's tendency of sending messages which have been termed as nuisance.

He has urged MTN to openly tell ZICTA any technical challenges the organisation is facing in order for the two parties to chat the way forward.

Zambian wins WWF International President’s Award

 By MacPherson Mukuka *in Lusaka*

 

Zambian Brighton Kaoma receiving WWF International President's award from Yolanda Kakabadse
© Steve Felton / WWF

Zambian Brighton Kaoma won the 2016 WWF International President's Award for climate and youth empowerment work
© Steve Felton / WWF

 Zambian climate leader and youth empowerment advocate Brighton Kaoma has won this year’s WWF International President’s Award for his efforts to educate, and give a voice to, youth about the environment.

The award is the global conservation organization’s top accolade to recognize outstanding leadership in young conservationists from around the world.

Growing up in the heavily polluted mining community of Kitwe, Kaoma started running a weekly radio programme as a teenager to enlighten his community on pollution and how they can protect themselves from climate change.

In 2010, Kaoma became a Child Ambassador for his community with UNICEF’s Unite4Climate Zambia programme. His mandate was to train young people to train others in a ‘pay it forward’ concept on issues of climate change adaptation, mitigation and advocacy through community radio. Kaoma was also appointed Global Youth Ambassador with the Children’s Radio Foundation in June 2015.

“I am very proud and honoured to receive this award and it inspires me to continue working with children, teenagers and communities to address the social and environmental impacts of climate change,” said Brighton Kaoma. “I believe economic growth is not enough. We need inclusive and sustainable growth that prioritizes the most vulnerable and makes the protection of our planet a real priority. If you empower young people with a voice to speak about what matters to them, we will see a generation of change and ethical young leaders.”

Kaoma, now 22 years old, is studying Environmental Education at the University of Zambia and is a Cambridge University Alumni under the Leading Change programme.

He is also Co-founder and Executive Director of a youth-led non-profit radio and leadership organisation called Agents of Change Foundation in Zambia. This organisation has trained over 200 youth reporters who produce radio shows directed at their peers and the wider community. Agents of Change Foundation utilizes youth participation to tackle climate change and other community issues by giving young people leadership skills, the ability to network with each other, and access to opportunities.

“Brighton is a passionate and dedicated youth leader, a shining light, who engages young people in innovative ways, empowering them to take the lead in sustainable development at community, national and global levels," said Yolanda Kakabadse, President of WWF International. "The leadership of exceptional young people like Brighton has the power to transform communities and societies for the better. What Brighton has done is remarkable and his vision for the future is truly inspiring."

The 2016 WWF International President’s Award was presented in Livingstone, Zambia during the organisation's Annual Conference. The award acknowledges and encourages outstanding achievements of young people under the age of 30 who are making significant contributions to nature conservation. Nominations are invited annually via WWF offices around the world.

Source: WWF GLOBAL

PROTECT THE MEDIA DURING ELECTIONS- PRESIDENT LUNGU

By MacPherson Mukuka in Lusaka

Republican President Edgar Chagwa Lungu

Republican President Edgar Lungu has directed the Zambia Police to ensure they protect the media to enable them carry out their duties effectively by avoiding confrontation with media practitioners.

  President Lungu, however, says that malice on the part of the media should not be encouraged as evidenced by false reports in certain sections of the media. The President says he is aware that some journalists work under very oppressive conditions and that he feels sorry for journalists whose editors are what he termed ‘dictators and despots’, usually distorting facts and reporting in the negative. 

  The head of state says he has respect for the media and wouldn’t ‘come down on them like a ton of bricks’ as Zambians are able to judge for themselves. He further states that had he been a draconian leader certain media houses would not be in existence but he has decided to ignore them so that they can ‘publish and be damned’ on their own.

  The President has since called on journalists to be professional and of integrity, as it is up to the media to choose whether to be professional and that it is adherence to ethics that will make the media product sale as well as increase a particular media house’s credibility.

  President Lungu also commended the ministry of Information through the Minister, Chishimba Kambwili, for ensuring the operationalisation of the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) to enhance the granting of broadcasting licences especially that the implementation of the IBA had been pending since 2002. 

 The President was speaking during a press briefing held at State House and televised live on national television this morning. The briefing is the second held by President Lungu since assuming office in January, 2015. 

 There has been concern expressed by various stakeholders over the increase in political violence especially in the build up to the August elections and alleged persecution of journalists by the state through what are seen to be arbitrary arrests in a legal environment that wields several laws inimical to the freedom of expression. 

 The 2015 Freedom House Freedom of the Press Report ranked Zambia as “not free”, scoring 62 under press freedom (where 100 was the worst score), 18 in the legal environment (where 30 was the worst), 25 in the political environment (where 40 was the worst) and 19 in the economic environment (where 30 was the worst). 

 Additionally, the country ranked 113th in the World on the 2015 World Press Freedom Index, well below other African countries such as Malawi, Republic of the Congo, Liberia, Kenya, Togo and Lesotho, among others.

Source: MISA Zambia
Picture courtesy of State House Press Office

U$D900, 000 INVESTED IN OXYGEN PLANT AT MANSA GENERAL HOSPITAL

By MacPherson Mukuka in Mansa- *Luapula Province*

 

One of the Tanks for the Oxygen Plant recently procured

part of the oxygen plant equipment

Machinery in the ICU to be connected to the plant

 

 

GOVERNMENT has allocated over 2 Hundred Million Kwacha towards the upgrading of urban roads in Mansa District of Luapula Province.

 

Mansa Central Member of Parliament CHITALU CHILUFYA says the upgrading of the roads which is under the pave Zambia road project will commence this week.

 

He says China Civil and China Henan have been given 21 kilometers of Mansa District roads to work on.

 

He says in the next three to four months, the face of Mansa is going to change as a result of President Edgar Lungu’s commitment in providing road infrastructure closer to the people.

 

Dr. CHILUFYA said this when he inspected the progress of the paving of Mansa General Hospital grounds by the road development agency RDA.

 

And Dr. CHILUFYA has also disclosed that government will soon begin grading roads to ease people and vehicle movement from one place to another.

 

The Mansa Central law maker further says during the 2 year period in which the roads will be upgraded, youths employment will be created adding that so far 40 youths at the general hospital have been employed to pave the hospital grounds.

 

Meanwhile, Dr. CHILUFYA who inspected  the oxygen plant and the first ever state of art ICU at Mansa General Hospital says government has embarked on a programme to modernize hospital in the country.

 

He says government has invested 9 hundred US dollars in the procurement of the plant to be installed beginning this week.

 

He says the plant will reduce the cost of procuring oxygen from suppliers in Lusaka and Ndola.

Dr. CHILUFYA also says the plant will be supplying oxygen to other hospitals in the province.