Saturday, October 09, 2010

(AP) Tuskegee airman, 85, was 1st black helo pilot

Tuskegee airman, 85, was 1st black helo pilot
The Associated Press
Posted : Thursday Jun 17, 2010 14:27:05 EDT

RENTON, Wash. — William H. Holloman, a Tuskegee airman in World War II who also served in Vietnam, has died at age 85.

Tuskegee Airmen Inc., an association of Tuskegee Airmen, said Thursday that Holloman died Friday at Valley Medical Center in Renton after suffering a heart attack. He was a St. Louis native who lived in Kent.

As an 18-year-old Holloman entered the Army Air Corps and trained with the all-black program at the Tuskegee, Ala., Army Flying School.

Tuskegee Airmen says after the war Holloman worked as a commercial pilot but was recalled in 1966 to serve in Vietnam, becoming the Army’s first black helicopter pilot.

His funeral is scheduled Monday at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in St. Louis, followed by burial at the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.

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EAZ urges govt to re-visit windfall taxes

EAZ urges govt to re-visit windfall taxes
By Fridah Zinyama
Sat 09 Oct. 2010, 13:50 CAT

ECONOMICS Association of Zambia (EAZ) president Noel Nkoma has urged government to re-visit the issue of windfall taxes, saying government is losing out on revenue collection from the mining sector through the lack of re-introduction of this tax regime.

Copper has now reached a high of $8,285 per metric tonne, the highest level since the beginning of this year.

The high copper prices have again spiked the debate on whether government should re-introduce the windfall so that the country could benefit from the high prices of the red metal on the international market.

Commenting on the 2011 national budget presented to Parliament by finance minister Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane on Friday under the theme ‘A people’s budget, from a people’s government”, Nkoma said government had made no mention on whether they would re-introduce the windfall, an omission which was very costly to the country.

“Government should have just mentioned even the intention to resolve the windfall tax issue but they have remained silent over this very important issue,” he said. “It’s not too late to make amends on the windfall tax now that prices are high again.”

On the K43 billion which has been allocated to the Ministry of Agriculture for irrigation, Nkoma said the amount was not enough to adequately deal with the issues which might arise due to the effects of climate change.

“With the way the weather pattern has been changing, it is important for government to take issues of improving the irrigation system in the country so that we can reduce dependence on rain for crop production,” he said. “We should not take the bumper harvest that we have produced this year for granted, the weather can change and therefore affect maize production for the coming years.”

Nkoma said it was therefore important that government increased the allocation to irrigation so that the country reduced its dependence on rain for crop production.

On the reduction on budget support from the donor community from 14.5 per cent to 7.7 per cent, Nkoma said it was a welcome move which showed that the country’s economy is growing hence its ability to look after itself was improving as well.

On the budgetary allocation of K12.8 billion to the Ministry of Tourism for marketing Zambia’s tourism sites, Nkoma said the amount should have been increased to deal with issues of re-stocking of game in the national parks.

“Government has allocated enough funds for the building of roads and bridges in next year’s budget, will lead to an increase in tourists coming to visits Zambia,” he observed. “But the problem is that there is not enough game in the national parks across the country hence the need for money to re-stock.”

Nkoma said government was shooting itself in the foot by not allocating enough funds to deal with game re-stocking in next year’s budget.

And Millers Association of Zambia (MAZ) chairman Peter Cottan has expressed happiness with government’s decision to increase the PAYE exempt threshold by 25 per cent from K800, 000 to K1 million per month.

Cottan said the increased PAYE exempt threshold would put more disposable income in people’s pockets.

[Not necessarily. The reduction of PAYE is pretty much offset by the borrowing of $500 million, which is a burden on the Kwacha and results in worse exchange rate, which means higher prices for imported goods in the shops. The government sees a reduction in donor funds, and their answer is: let's borrow half a billion US dollars. - MrK]


“By taking so many workers out of the tax bracket, more people will have disposable income in their pockets to spend on the other things,” said Cottan.

In next year’s budget, the proposed PAYE system is: from K1,000, 000 and below- zero per cent; K1,000,000 to K1,735,000 per month- 25 per cent, K1,735,000 to K4,200,000 per month - 30 per cent and above K4,200,000 – 35 per cent.

Dr Musokotwane said government would further provide relief by increasing the exempt portion of income paid at termination of employment from K25 million to K35 million and increasing the tax credit for differently-abled persons from K1.92 million to K3 million.

And Cottan commended government for allowing agriculture to remain a priority in next year’s budget.

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Donors reduce grants to 2011 budget

COMMENT - At an exchange rate of 5,000/$, 20.5 trillion is $4.1 billion dollars, double the 2004 budget. Since this Second Great Depression is reducing the amount the so-called donors want to spend, this is the time to start massively taxing the mines, especially as the Minister has admitted that there will be no poverty reduction using the present economic model. Well if he doesn't now how to reduce poverty, I do. Reduce the number of government ministries, make them service delivery oriented and decentralize to local government, and tax the mines for AT LEAST $1.2 billion a year. Create works and infrastructure project, put all kids in school and ensure universal access to healthcare.

Donors reduce grants to 2011 budget
By Chibaula Silwamba
Fri 08 Oct. 2010, 16:30 CAT

COOPERATING partners have reduced their grants contributions to Zambia’s national budget for 2011 by almost half to only 7.7 per cent compared to 14.5 per cent this year. And the government has allocated K244.6 billion for the holding of next year’s tripartite elections.

Meanwhile, finance and national planning minister Situmbeko Musokotwane admitted that there was continued absence of commitments from cooperating partners in the health sector.

Unveiling the 2011 national budget worth K20.5 trillion under the theme: “A people’s budget, from a people’s government,” in the National Assembly in Lusaka yesterday, Dr Musokotwane said over the last 10 years, the government had increasingly relied on domestic resources to finance the national budget and would continue on that path.

“We remain committed to paying our own way in the world. Sir, K15, 769.1 billion about K15.76 trillion or 76.8 per cent of the budget will come from domestic revenues and K1, 587.7 billion about K1.58 trillion or 7.7 per cent through grants from our cooperating partners,” Dr Musokotwane said.

[That's not 'paying your own way in the world, that is making workers pay for YOUR way in the world, while shielding your 'friends' in the mining industry from paying a penny in taxes. It is shifting the burden of taxation from the mining industry to workers. For the sake of 'development', which will not reduce poverty in the country for 3 decades to come, as you have admitted. - MrK]


“The deficit of K3, 180.6 billion about K3.2 trillion or 15.5 per cent will be financed through domestic borrowing of K1,219.8 billion about K1.2 trillion and external borrowing of K1, 960.8 billion about K1.9 trillion.”

Going by Dr Musokotwane’s figures, the donors’ grant contribution has been reduced by over K1 trillion and foreign borrowing increased threefold compared to figures in the 2010 budget.

According to the 2010 national budget, which he presented last year, Dr Musokotwane had said: “The government proposes to spend K16,717.8 billion or 22.5 percent of GDP in 2010. To finance these expenditures, the government will raise domestic revenues of K12,107.0 billion representing 72.4 percent of the budget and expects to receive grants from our Cooperating Partners amounting to K2,426.7 billion or 14.5 per cent of the budget.

The balance of K2,184.1 billion or 13.1 per cent will be financed through domestic borrowing of K1,487.0 billion and foreign borrowing of K697.1 billion.”

In the 2011 budget, Dr Musokotwane said expenditure on general public service would be reduced to below 30 per cent for the first time while expenditure on economic affairs, health and education had been increased and would account for over half of the budget.

“The allocation to the general public services amounts to K5,855.5 billion or 28.5 per cent of the budget. Of this, K1, 665.3 billion will be used to service domestic and external debt,” he said.

“I have also allocated K244.6 billion for the holding of elections. In addition, K146.2 billion has been provided for grants to local authorities and K108 billion for constituency development fund (CDF).”

Dr Musokotwane allocated K3.5 billion for the preparation for sector devolution, which will commence in 2012, following the approval of decentralisation implementation plan in 2009.

In agriculture sector, Dr Musokotwane said the government would continue to help farmers to increase output, productivity and incomes.

“Drawing on the successes of the Farmer Input Support Programme in 2010, I have increased the allocation to the programme to K485 billion in 2011 from K435 billion in 2010,” Dr Musokotwane said.

However, a check in the 2010 budget speech, Dr Musokotwane had said: “I have allocated K430 billion for the Farmer Input Support programme in 2010.”

Further, Dr Musokotwane said the increment to the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) in 2011 would make farmers deliver even a higher harvest in 2012 compared to the historic 2.8 million metric tones of maize in the 2009/2010 agricultural season.

Dr Musokotwane said sustaining bumper harvests required strengthening of marketing arrangements to avoid wastage and losses to farmers.

“To continue with our efforts to support farmers in far flung areas of the country and to guarantee national food security, I have allocated K150 billion for the Food Reserve Agency in 2011,” he said.

Dr Musokotwane said he had increased allocation for the Food security pack programme by 50 per cent to K15 billion in 2011.

He also allocated K13.3 billion to agricultural extension services and K37.2 billion for the construction of dams, irrigation projects and training of small-scale farmers to enhance irrigation farming.

Dr Musokotwane allocated K1.5 billion for construction of a bridge and preparatory works at Luena farm block in Luapula Province and K261.8 billion to livestock and fisheries programmes, which he said had tremendous potential to create jobs and serve as a source of diversified economic growth and export earnings.

Dr Musokotwane said in an effort to reduce animal diseases through creation of disease-free zones, the government would construct livestock service centres in five districts in Northern Province, four districts in Soutehrn Province, two districts each in Central and western Provinces and one each in North Western and Eastern province as well as construction of disease check points across the country and purchase vaccines in 2011.

“For these activities, I have allocated K26.6 billion in 2011. in addition, K21.8 billion has been provided for fish breeding and aquaculture extension services,” he said.

In tourism sector, Dr Musokotwane allocated K12.8 billion for marketing Zambia’s tourism sites and K37.7 billion for the development of roads and infrastructure in Kafue National Park, development of Lusaka National Park and creation of a tourism one-stop-shop facility and K1.1 billion for to upgrade permanent exhibitions at Lusaka National Museum.

In energy sector, Dr Musokotwane said power would be very important for the growth of Zambia’s economy and the government was working on increasing power production output.

He increased allocation to the Rural Electrification Programme to K314.3 billion in 2011 from K234.7 billion in 2010 to spur rural development, adding that the government would develop mini-hydro power stations and extend access to rural areas to open them to investments and reduce the rural-urban divide.

In transport and communication sector, Dr Musokotwane said he had increased allocation to the road and infrastructure development to about K3 trillion in 2011 from about K1.4 trillion in 2010.

He said the rural road unit had been allocated K6 billion and K28.4 billion for rehabilitation and upgrading of airports and airstrips including at Kasaba Bay, Mansa, Kasama and Mongu.

“The total allocation to the transport and communication sector amounting to K3, 327.9 billion is historic and unprecedented,” Dr Musokotwane said.

In education and skills development sector, Dr Musokotwane said he allocated about K3.8 trillion to the sector, representing 18.6 per cent of the budget.

Of that amount, the government allocated K444.2 billion for building high and basic schools across the country and K36.5 billion for construction and rehabilitation of training institutes and research centres.

“In 2011, the government will recruit 5, 000 teachers, for which a provision of K131.6 billion has been made. Another K46.4 billion has been provided for the procurement of desks and learning materials,” he said. “We provided K159.9 billion towards the dismantling of personal related arrears to our teachers and lecturers.”

In health sector, Dr Musokotwane said the government continued to invest in infrastructure and human resources.

“In the continued absence of commitments from cooperating partners in the health sector, I have increased the allocation of domestic resources to the health sector by 30.1 per cent. In 2011, I have allocated K1, 772.9 billion about K1.77 trillion to the sector compared to K1, 362.5 billion about K1.36 trillion in 2010. this is a demonstration of our resolute commitment to ensuring that service delivery is not compromised at our health posts, health centres and hospitals,” Dr Musokotwane.

He said the government would recruit 1, 700 health personnel that include doctors, nurses and other essential medical staff at a cost of K52.7 billion while K37.5 billion had been allocated for procurement of medical equipment.

He said K117.8 billion had been allocated for the procurement of essential drugs and medical supplies, of which K23.1 billion was for anti-retro-viral medication and K11.5 billion for vaccines and immunizations.

In water and sanitation, Dr Musokotwane said K555 billion had been allocated for construction of boreholes, repair water reticulation systems and pit latrines in a bid to meet Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

He allocated K919 billion towards public order and safety programmes.

On social protection, Dr Musokotwane said government allocated K547.5 billion for retirees.

Dr Musokotwane said he had allocated K76 billion for empowerment funds, of which K10 billion was for youths, K26 billion for women and remaining K40 billion had been allocated to Citizens Economic Empowerment Fund (CEEF).

Dr Musokotwane said the government was firmly committed to provide relief to workers and had, therefore, proposed to increase Pay As You Earn (PAYE) exempt threshold by 25 per cent K800, 000 to K1 million per month.

“Proposed PAYE system: income band K1, 000, 000 and below tax rate zero per cent, K1,001,000 to K1,735,000 per month tax rate 25 per cent, K1,735,001 to K4,200,000 per month take rate 30 per cent,” he said.

“I propose to provide further relief by: (a) increasing the exempt portion of income paid at termination of employment from K25 million to K35 million; and (b) increasing the tax credit for differently-abled persons from K1.92 million to K3 million per annum.”

Dr Musokotwane zero-rated value added tax (VAT) on hammer mills and standard rated property and casualty insurance, fee-based banking services such as manager/bank cheques, drafts and transfer and excess withdrawal fees.

“These two measures will result in a revenue gain of K109.9 billion,” he said. “All VAT measures will come into effect on 1st January, 2011.”

He removed customs duty on electricity and fire-fighting equipment but introduced customs duty of 15 percent on deformed bars and galvanised cold-rolled coils, hoping to raise K1.6 billion.

Dr Musokotwane observed that most shops give free plastic bags to shoppers, which harm the environment.

He said he had introduced an excise duty on plastic bags at the rate of 10 per cent to promote environmentally friendly behaviour and discourage the use of plastic bags.

“This will not apply to paper bags which are biodegradable,” Dr Musokotwane explained. “Road user charges are one of the main sources of financing for road maintenance under the Road Sector Investment Plan. Current charges, however, are too low to meaningfully contribute to the cost of road maintenance.

I, therefore, propose to increase one of these charges, the motor vehicle licence fee, by 50 per cent. This measure will raise K40.7 billion and will take effect on 1st January, 2011.”

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Gladys Nyirongo

Gladys Nyirongo
By The Post
Sat 09 Oct. 2010, 04:00 CAT

No one should doubt that there is a serious problem with corruption amongst those serving in government. It should also not surprise anyone that many of our people who are in government today are not there to serve the public.

There is an undeniable propensity for those who exercise authority on our behalf to enrich themselves at our expense. This is a huge problem that has seriously retarded our development.

It is always said that our country is not poor but it is sad to note that its people are among the poorest in the world. Our people are dying of hunger and starvation when there are plenty of resources all around us. One of the major problems that our country faces is the lack of good infrastructure.

This problem is not a result of the lack money necessarily. It is true that we struggle to raise enough money to construct all the infrastructure that we need in order to make our country productive and capable of producing employment and other opportunities for all our people.

But money is not the only problem. When we find the resources to construct infrastructure, more often than not, significant portions of them are diverted through corruption and abuse of office into people’s pockets. What is unacceptable is that many of our public officers are prepared to sell their national interests for a pittance.

Some are bribed for as little as a few millions in order to give contracts to bidders who do a shoddy job for our people, and in the end, the country has to pay for the same job many times. Some of our people may have forgotten or may not even be old enough to remember that when Frederick Chiluba came to power, Lusaka’s Lumumba Road was being resurfaced almost every rainy season.

The coating that was applied on it impressed anyone the first time they saw it but in a few months, the road was dug up and the process started all over again. There are others like Makeni Road which seem to be done badly every time there is an election.

The question is: who is getting the money? Apart from corruption, there is this whole matter of abuse of office. When people get into power, they believe that it is their turn to enjoy the resources of the nation. And many of our people who are in government are busy finding ways of using their positions to enrich themselves.

Unfortunately, this is not a problem that is restricted to the highest levels of government service, but it is something that pervades the whole public service. What happened in the Ministry of Health is an example of the way that our resources are being shared by people who are supposed to be our servants.

It is clear that the whole government system has been taken over by a criminal clique that uses every trick in the book to make sure that they make money out of the state in a way that is not consistent with their duty to protect public resources. Against this background, it is not surprising that Rupiah Banda’s government is fighting to take away one of the laws that have been making it difficult for public officers to freely loot without worrying about repercussions. Corruption and abuse of office has become a way of life.

There are people in government today who cannot imagine surviving without abusing their offices. All the silly explanations that the government would like us to believe are simply that – nonsensical and silly.

It is surprising that Rupiah and his friends are fighting to remove the law that has been effective in bringing a number of very highly placed individuals to account. The upholding of the conviction of former lands minister Gladys Nyirongo is a clear demonstration of the seriousness of the problem of abuse of office.

Nyirongo may have been convicted for abusing her office but she is not the only one guilty of this offence. There are many in Rupiah’s government who are using their positions to benefit themselves and their families just like Nyirongo did. Rupiah himself is on record defending the right of his children to do business with government.

To him, there is nothing wrong. They know that what they are doing is wrong. It is no wonder Mike Mulongoti complained that they are not able to make decisions because of this law. Why shouldn’t they be able to make decisions if the decisions they want to make are in the public interest and consistent with their positions of trust?

It is clear that the only reason they are having problems is that they would like to make decisions that benefit themselves, their families and their friends. But if the law remains what it is, they know that they may end up like Nyirongo. It is not only Nyirongo that has been convicted for abuse of office.

The list of dishonour has grown quite long. There was that tricky Dick, Chiluba’s equivalent of Rupiah’s Dickson Jere, Richard Sakala, who was convicted for, among other things, abuse of office. Sakala used his position as chairman of Chiluba’s presidential housing initiative to do all sorts of criminal things, including keeping personal friends at state expense.

This law ensured that Sakala was brought to account. Then there was former Zanaco managing director Samuel Musonda who, in collusion with Chiluba and Xavier Chungu, turned the state bank into a petty cash machine for Chiluba and others.

He too was convicted for abuse of office. Then came the former commander of the Zambia National Service Wilford Funjika who, in return for a pittance paid to his children, broke all government regulations to give a supply contract to Chiluba’s friend Anuj Rathi. He too was convicted for abuse of office and sentenced. What about former Zambia Air Force commanders Sunday Kayumba and Christopher Singogo?

They both have been convicted of abuse office. They abused their offices in various ways and wound up with illicit personal benefits which they could not justify. The same was true for former Zambia Army commander Geojago Musengule. He too abused his office in return for a sprawling mansion in South Africa and other benefits. And then there was the Ministry of Finance crew that Chiluba and Chungu used to siphon money from the Treasury.

The rot at the Ministry of Finance was so pervasive that it engulfed Katele Kalumba, the minister for finance at the time; Professor Benjamin Mweene, the ministry’s chief executive and secretary to the treasury; Stella Chibanda, a permanent secretary who had served in various positions where she facilitated Chiluba’s crimes; Boniface Nonde, another permanent secretary and so on and so forth. All these abused their offices to facilitate Chiluba’s theft and abuse of public funds. They have been convicted. And yet today, Rupiah and the minions that surround him would like us to believe that this law is not good for our country.

How can a law that stops people from abusing their offices and holds accountable those who illicitly benefit from their positions to the detriment of the public be bad for the state? This is what happens when people grow accustomed to doing wrong things. They stop reasoning clearly and start doing things that they should be ashamed of.

A normal government, with a sense of public duty and capable of feeling shame for public indecency, would not be found dead promoting such a foolish scheme. They would be so ashamed that even if they were dead, they would rise up to protest what was being done in their name. But it seems for Rupiah and George Kunda, there is nothing wrong with what they are pushing.

They don’t feel shame that everybody can see that the only reason anyone can push such a law is that they want to be free to do what they like without ever worrying that the law will catch up with them. How can a government campaign for the freedom to steal and abuse public office? Anyway, anything is possible with Rupiah.

This is a man who runs a poor country but is not concerned to conserve any resources. He seems to have something against sleeping in his own bed. At the drop of a hat, Rupiah is off to this or that place. What it costs the public does not matter to him.

This is also a president of a poor country who insults the donors that have come to help the poorest of the poor from whom he wants votes. Rupiah even has the audacity to challenge them to go away for questioning his government’s refusal to recover stolen assets from his thieving friend Chiluba.

Should it surprise anyone that Rupiah today is pushing for the removal of the offence of abuse of office? It is sad and strange but not surprising when coming from Rupiah. These are simple minds who think that everybody operates on their own basis. Today, he can insult the donors and tomorrow go to them to beg. In his mind, they have forgotten. The British may not tell him how unhappy they are with him out of respect for diplomatic etiquette.

But when a nation such as the United Kingdom, with which Zambia has enjoyed long established links, removes visa application facilities, anyone who cares to read and understand the relations amongst nations would pause to understand what is going on. But Rupiah is too busy gallivanting to appreciate these little nuances in relations with other countries.

After all, all he cares about is that he will be able to go where he wants and when he wants. Indeed, it might be argued that the United Kingdom is doing what it is doing because they are trying to balance their own budget.

Although that might be correct, there must be more than meets the eye. A government that condones corruption has no moral basis for going to ask for help from other countries; and it should not be surprised when civilised nations begin to distance themselves from it.

In the case of Rupiah, he is simply getting what he deserves. As for Nyirongo, her conviction should send a message to Rupiah himself that even when he tries to disgrace the judiciary now and again, they will flex their muscle and show a bit of independence.

Although this might be a sign of independence, the judiciary still has things to think about. If a person who steals to satisfy hunger can be sent to jail for as long as five years, why should a person who abuses their office be given such a light sentence?

Anyway, there are many other cases still coming before the judiciary, and we are watching to see what they will do. There are other cases which are more politically sensitive than others. We hope that Nyirongo is not a sacrificial lamb.

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High Court upholds Nyirongo’s conviction, reduces jail term

High Court upholds Nyirongo’s conviction, reduces jail term
By Maluba Jere
Fri 08 Oct. 2010, 14:20 CAT

THE Lusaka High Court has upheld the magistrates’ court decision to convict former Lands minister Reverend Gladys Nyirongo on charges of abuse of authority. However, the high court has quashed the four year jail sentenced slapped on Rev Nyirongo by Lusaka principal resident magistrate Sharon Kaunda Newa and reduced it to two years simple imprisonment.

This was in a case where Rev. Nyirongo stood charged with two counts of abuse of authority of office contrary to the Laws of Zambia.

Particulars of the offence were that Rev. Nyirongo on a date unknown but between January 12, 2006 and February 22, 2007 in Lusaka, being a person employed in the public service as Minister of Lands directed Daisy Mulenga M'soka, a lands officer at the Ministry of Lands to generate offer letters of land in Foxdale area.

The letters of offer were given to Walinase Nyirongo, Janet Isaac Nyirongo, Peter Kapolya, Peter Ngulube, Precious Ndhlovu, Doris Mulenga, Mubanga Muyunji, Mickey Mukubu, Mwelwa Kamfwa, Bruce Chipasha and Dingwall Hayden in contravention of land alienation procedures, an act prejudicial to the interests of the government of the Republic of Zambia.

On the second count, Rev Nyirongo on unknown dates but between October 2006 and April 24, 2007 in Lusaka abused her position by directing Christopher Chewe, a junior technical officer in the Ministry of Agriculture and Co-operatives, to subdivide Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines Farm F/309a in property No.L/19634/M for her and that she obtained property for herself.

However, Rev Nyirongo appealed to the High Court against her four-year jail sentence contending that the court below erred in law and fact when it convicted her on the sole evidence of Daisy Mulenga whose evidence she said was uncollaborated and contradictory.

She also contended that the court erred when it ignored the evidence given by Mulenga that she only issued letters of offer after being instructed by the Commissioner of Lands.

Passing judgment in the mater yesterday, Lusaka High court judge-in-charge Philip Musonda sitting with justices Albert Wood and Ndola High Court judge Jane Kabuku, said the court noted that Rev Nyirongo was in a position of trust which she breached.

Judge Kabuku who read out the judgment said that did not take away the fact that she was a first offender and that the court was alive to the fact that its decision would also impact on her position as member of parliament.

“For the reasons given, we quash the four year simple imprisonment term sentence imposed by the court below. In place thereof a two year simple imprisonment term is substituted to run concurrently with the sentence imposed by the court below in count one,” she said.

Earlier, the court explained that for the allegations against Rev. Nyirongo to be proved the elements of offence which needed to be proved were that she was a public officer, there needed to be abuse of authority and the acts were arbitrarily prejudicial to the government.

The court noted that Rev. Nyirongo’s conduct as alleged in count one, was arbitrary saying the authority to alienate land solely lies with the Commissioner of Lands.

Judge Kabuku also noted that Rev. Nyirongo’s action of including people on the list of those that had applied for land were prejudicial to the interest of government saying her actions were merely to appease cadres.

She further said the evidence before court to the effect that Rev. Nyirongo directed that various people be included on the list of applicants for land in Foxdale and were subsequently offered land, was truly an abuse of authority on her part.

Judge Kabuku said it was incomprehensible that against the background of the witnesses’ evidence, Rev. Nyirongo’s explanation was that she went through all this trouble for the sake of assisting Chewe, a junior officer in another ministry who was trying to fast track acquisition of land.

“The appellant was placed at the centre of the events surrounding the creation of two subdivision farm 390a plot number 19633/m and 19634/m,” said judge Kabuku.

The court further observed that the court below found that Rev. Nyirongo had interests in the said land saying that was the reason why she wrote the notes to find out what was delaying the process.

“This interest was consistent with the evidence of PW7. She told him she wanted land which evidence was not discredited,” judge Kabuku said. “There was also her own evidence she was following up an earlier application for land.”

Before judge Kabuku could finish reading the judgment particularly on her appeal against the four year jail sentence, Rev. Nyirongo’s lawyer Robson Malipenga asked the court for a short adjournment to allow his client go and vomit.

Rev. Nyirongo then left the court room accompanied by a few of her relatives but returned shortly afterwards.

Malipenga has indicated that they would be appealing against the judgment.

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Rupiah is backing MMD violence – Magande

Rupiah is backing MMD violence – Magande
By Kombe Chimpinde
Fri 08 Oct. 2010, 14:30 CAT

FORMER Chilanga member of Parliament Ng'andu Magande has charged that the violent conduct of MMD cadres during nominations of by-elections in Chilanga has the backing of President Rupiah Banda. And the Zambia Teachers Union (ZNUT) has called for the ban of nominations at schools during academic periods.

In an interview with Post Online, Magande said the country has never seen the current unprecedented levels of violence and threats being experienced under the presidency of Banda.

“Why is he quiet? The person I heard yesterday on TV who gave a comment on this (violence) is the spokesperson Ms Dora Siliya and she starts saying, no HH (UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema) was wrong. Wrong to do what?” Magande repeatedly questioned.

He said that as former member parliament for the constituency he was disappointed at the turn of events which clearly showed the lack of understanding of democracy by the MMD.

“And for all I know, MMD cadres in Chilanga are not that wild and indisciplined so these must have been people who were transported to the areas because we have had very important and big, big meetings in area sometimes celebrating national days like tree planting. There were hundreds of youths from the constituency but there was never a problem of anyone attacking the other so really, I want to say it’s very sad and am extremely disappointed, “ Magande said.

“So it is very, very sad really that some parties are just bent on making other people’s lives very difficult. It is clear that yesterday the people who were at the place when all this was happening were MMD cadres.”

Magande cited examples of how the party had in the past coordinated its activities without any record of violence being recorded against other parties.

“In 2006 very close there at Musamba, that’s where we had the nominations and I had my youths, UPND had their youths in fact HH came again and there was nothing like this. You know we just understood one another,” Magande said.

“This kind of behaviour obviously has the blessing of the MMD party President. In 2006 no single incident of violence was recorded during nominations and even during general elections but suddenly since last year this thing is beginning to surface,” Magande wondered.

“The party has been infiltrated by people who don't understand democracy.”

Magande reminded the MMD leaders that democracy was about debating issues and influencing people to understand one’s point of view and not beating one another.

“You can’t understand how we can have a country going in the wrong direction after the former president died. We didn't have all these problems and suddenly Mwanawasa was no more when someone else takes over things start going wrong,” he observed.

“Police are now getting intimidated to the extent that they throw tear gas at the ruling party cadres.”

And reacting to Chilanga by-election election candidate Cosmos Moono that he would find it easy to win in Chilanga because the MMD under Magande had literally done nothing for the constituency, Magande said that his character and work done in the area could not be matched.

“Whats is he talking about when the school where they are even filing nominations was painted by me, those desks were he sat on where donated during my time so it simply means he was not aware of what was happening because immediately he lost he went back to his farm in Mwembeshi,” he said.

“There is a constructions of a clinic, new cooperative storage, so he is going to have a lot of difficulties just like even MMD will have difficulties to tell the people why they had to replace me. There are over a 100 projects which have been done during my time. Those that have not been completed its because they are very big projects.”

And ZNUT president Newman Bubala said the government should ban the holding of election nomination during academic periods if they don’t have proper security measures to avoid violence.

“If they don't have proper security systems, schools should not be the right place for such activities because how many times are we going to have infrastructure in schools being destroyed because of election violence,” he asked.

“... rather close the school so that there is no pupil because in future we will have an incident where pupils will lose their lives. Children are defenseless and they need to be protected.”

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Chilanga may be bloodier than Mufumbwe - CARITAS

Chilanga may be bloodier than Mufumbwe - CARITAS
By George Chellah and Mwala Kalaluka
Sat 09 Oct. 2010, 08:30 CAT [1214 Reads, 0 Comment(s)]

CARITAS Zambia yesterday said the Chilanga parliamentary by-election may be bloodier than Mufumbwe and urged all political players to brace themselves.

Commenting on the confusion that erupted in Lusaka’s Chilanga area during the filing of nomination papers, Caritas Zambia executive director Sam Mulafulafu called for peace.

“Now that nominations have been done for both the Chilanga and Mpulungu constituencies, we hope political parties will commit themselves to violence free elections in both the constituencies and wards where the by-elections will be held. We need to hear pronouncements for peaceful elections being made at all political activities organised by political parties during the campaigns,” Mulafulafu said.

He said Caritas was already appalled by the violence that took place in Chilanga.

“This is not a good sign especially for the Chilanga constituency by-election which seems to be the most sought after seat. The police, as usual, demonstrated their ineptness when it comes to political violence involving party cadres from the ruling party.

As for the MMD, we question their motive and commitment to peaceful elections when they appointed William Banda as the deputy campaign manager for their party in the Chilanga by election,” Mulafulafu said.

“This man is a known political and election thug who knows only the language of violence. We anticipate that Chilanga by-election may be bloodier than Mufumbwe and all political actors must brace themselves for that.

A prelude to this violence has already been shown at the nominations. We ask the ECZ, Police Service, the three Church mother bodies and the ECZ National Conflict Management Committee to already convene a stakeholders meeting on the need for peaceful elections before campaigns begin in earnest.”

And Southern African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (SACCORD) information officer Obby Chibuluma condemned the continued violation of the law by MMD cadres around the country with impunity.

“SACCORD is disappointed and saddened that the MMD has decided to employ violence as a means of winning support which we find uncivilised, barbaric and unacceptable in today’s political dispensation. What happened in Chilanga yesterday (Thursday) was a clear message that the MMD has become a very violent political party. As a party in government, we expect that the party would be more tolerant and peaceful in the conduct of political business. Their conduct in Chilanga was appalling and unacceptable,” Chibuluma said.

“We have stated before and restate again that if the MMD continues unchecked, they will remain the single major threat to the peace of this country. This emergent MMD orchestrated violence requires attention from the highest level of MMD leadership. We want to see tangible action from President Banda if citizens are to be assured that next year’s elections will be peaceful. We are shocked that while President Banda is calling on Zambians to be peaceful, his party is at the centre of causing violence in the country. We find this very strange and wonder what the real intentions are.”

Chibuluma said William Banda had transformed the MMD into a party that seeks to win elections by all means, including violence.

“It is time now for the MMD to clarify whether or not he is hired as a technician of violence in the MMD. SACCORD believes that the continued violence being perpetrated by the MMD is as a result of desperation on their part. We have noted with great concern that whenever the MMD feels that it may lose an election, the party resorts to violence as a means of campaigning and is always quick to try and paint other parties as the violent ones. These actions must not be accepted by the people of this country,” he said.

“Zambians are just recovering from the Mufumbwe violence and to let the country go through another violent election will be the pinnacle of irresponsibility by authorities.”
Chibuluma said Zambians felt hopeless especially that the current Inspector General of Police was on record as having said that threatening violence was not an offence.

“The police leadership is on test once more to prove its worth to the Zambian people it is supposed to serve. The country cannot have a police service which clearly chooses to side with the ruling party whenever there is political violence. The violence is also an indictment on the police for having failed to work professionally and choosing to be servants of the ruling MMD instead of the people of Zambia,” Chibuluma said.

And Lusaka Province Police commanding officer Greenwell Ng’uni yesterday blamed political party cadres for the violence that occurred in Chilanga.

Commenting on the incident where Police officers had to fire a gunshot and teargas canisters to disperse an unruly mob of MMD cadres that wanted to lynch UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema and his officials, Ng’uni said the conduct was uncalled for.

He described Lusaka Province MMD acting chairperson William Banda’s allegation that police officers were partisan, as unfortunate.

“We have blamed the party cadres that went there, Ng’uni said in an interview. “We are not going to allow that in Lusaka. We are not going to allow violence. What we saw there was uncalled for.”

Asked to mention which political party cadres were behind the uncalled for conduct, Ngu’ni said: “Those cadres who were there. Those who took part are to blame. You see what we are saying is this, those who are involved let them do it peacefully. We are not going to tolerate violence. We are on full alert to counter any violence.”

Ng’uni said Lusaka Police wanted the people of Chilanga to vote peacefully.

On Thursday afternoon, police fought running battles with scores of MMD cadres, ferried from Lusaka town to Chilanga.
Before they arrived at the nomination centre, the MMD cadres were found at several points along Kafue Road being given packets of Lusaka Beer, Tujilijili spirits (sachets) and caned beer.

And Siavonga UPND parliamentarian Douglas Syakalima, who was among the people that were with Hichilema when he escaped into a classroom full of pupils to get away from MMD cadres that wanted to beat him up, has described the MMD as a violent party.

Syakalima said for those that were still wondering as to who was violent between the UPND and MMD during the petitioned Mufumbwe by-election, their answer was the Chilanga incident.

“I am sure you have seen for yourself,” Syakalima said. “But oppressed people don’t remain oppressed forever. I hope this is the last time they (MMD) are going to behave like this because inside there (campaign), there is going to be a problem. We (UPND) are also bound to defend ourselves, but don’t question us how?”

Syakalima asked President Rupiah Banda to immediately condemn the conduct of his cadres if he was not behind the violent streak of the MMD cadres.

Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) spokesperson Chris Akufuna could not comment on the Chilanga violence because he was in Livingstone where a meeting to review the Electoral Code of Conduct had just ended.

He said none of the people from the Commission could immediately comment on the same because they had all been in Livingstone for the meeting.

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(STICKY) (MRK, LUSAKATIMES) MMD Admits Failure Of Its Economic Model

MMD Admits Failure Of It's Economic Model

If the $392 TRILLION US dollars of toxic assets in the world economy was not testimony enough of the disasters that follow financial deregulation, the finance minister has admitted that the elimination of poverty is not on the MMD's agenda. I quote from the Lusaka Times:

" And Dr Musokotwane said it might take over 30 years for Zambia, which is this month celebrating 46 years of Independence, to accomplish meaningful poverty reduction. He said it had taken European countries over 300 years to attain a sound economic status. "


In other words, as long as the MMD is in power, poverty in Zambia will not be eradicated.

UPDATE - To make sure everyone understands that this minister will prevent any Zambians from benefiting from their mineral resources, the minister swore the MMD will not re-introduce the Windfall Tax, calling it 'unreasonable'. See: (LUSAKATIMES) State will never re-introduce the windfall tax. His loyalty is firmly with the mining companies, confirming that there has een complete corporate capture of the government by the mining companies in Zambia. The government DOES NOT REPRESENT THE ZAMBIAN PEOPLE, ergo, there is no democracy in Zambia.

They ran out of ideas in 1991. Their economic model has failed. It is time for Demand Side Economics - massively taxing the mines, public works and infrastructure projects, universal healthcare and education, reducing the number of ministries and streamlining government toward service delivery, low lending rates for entrepreneurs.

This is a clear admission that FDI, privatisation and free markets ARE NOT GOING TO RESULT IN A REDUCTION IN POVERTY. Therefore, there is absolutely no reason for the 70% of the Zambian population who live on less than $1,- per day to vote for these elitists.

That is the only way forward, and the MMD is standing in the way.

(Lusaka Times) We can afford to borrow – Finance minister
Saturday, October 9, 2010, 14:14

FINANCE minister Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane has said Zambia can afford to borrow budget supplementary funds because the country’s economy is growing.

Speaking during the Economics Association of Zambia (EAZ) post budget analysis and dinner yesterday, Dr Musokotwane said Zambia’s economy was growing fast enabling the government to borrow money from cooperating partners .

“Government can afford to borrow funds because the economy is on the rise. If the economy and tax base is not moving, it becomes difficult for government to borrow, but in the case of Zambia, our economy is on the rise,” he said.
Dr Musokotwane further said government was satisfied with the current mining tax regime, saying the problem was with the tax evasion trend by some mining companies.

“The government is getting sufficient benefits from the current mining tax regime. The problem however is with the high incidences of tax evasion by some mining companies,” Dr Musokotwane said.

He urged the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) to increase government revenue by making sure that it curbed the tax evasion tendency.

And Dr Musokotwane said it might take over 30 years for Zambia, which is this month celebrating 46 years of Independence, to accomplish meaningful poverty reduction.
He said it had taken European countries over 300 years to attain a sound economic status.

“In Europe and Asia, it took so many years to reduce poverty levels, China for example, it took the Chinese people over 3o years, they started to improve in the late 70s and yes, now they have attained that economic status,” he said.
“With improved infrastructure including developing our road network, poverty levels will reduce because Zambia’s economy is growing,” Dr Musokotwane said.

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(NEWZIMBABWE) Tsvangirai just ‘making noise’: Moyo

Tsvangirai just ‘making noise’: Moyo
by Staff Reporter
08/10/2010 00:00:00

TSHOLOTSHO North legislator and ex-information minister professor Jonathan Moyo has dismissed Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai as a "desperate" man panicking under increasing pressure from angry party lieutenants. Moyo was reacting after Tsvangirai launched his strongest criticism of President Robert Mugabe since the formation of the coalition government.

Enraged by Mugabe’s decision to rehire provincial governors allegedly without consulting his coalition partners, Tsvangirai accused the veteran President of wilfully flouting the country’s constitution.

"I have defended President Robert Mugabe at my own cost politically.

"But neither I nor the MDC can stand back any longer and just allow President Mugabe and the Zanu-PF to defy the law, to flaunt the constitution, and to act as if they own this country," Tsvangirai told a news conference in Harare.

However, Moyo said the MDC-T leader was just "making noise" to placate party officials disappointed at losing out on the gubernatorial posts.

Moyo told the BBC that Tsvangirai was panicking after a meeting with the MDC-T leaders who had given him a hard time because they "wanted government jobs".

The MDC-T argues coalition partners should share the governors’ positions under the terms of the Global Political Agreement (GPA).

And Tsvangirai had since named party officials to be sworn-in as governors claiming agreement had been reached with Mugabe on a formula for sharing the ten positions.

But Moyo insisted that it remains the president's prerogative to choose provincial governors, saying they represent the president - not the prime minister - at local events.

He also maintained that the latest row would no threat to the coalition government.

"This is a working arrangement that can last its full term," he said adding the administration had delivered on ‘bread and butter’ issues since it was established.

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(BBC) Mugabe aide condemns 'desperate' Zimbabwe PM Tsvangirai

Mugabe aide condemns 'desperate' Zimbabwe PM Tsvangirai
8 October 2010

A top official in President Robert Mugabe's party has rejected criticism from Zimbabwe Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai as "desperate". The prime minister had accused the president of violating the constitution and their 2009 power-sharing deal.

But Jonathan Moyo told the BBC that Mr Tsvangirai was just "making noise". The BBC's Karen Allen says the row is a clear attempt to ratchet up tensions ahead of polls due next year.

She says Mr Tsvangirai's attack on the Zimbabwean president was one of his strongest ever rebukes of Mr Mugabe.

At a news conference in Harare on Thursday Mr Tsvangirai said: "I have defended President Robert Mugabe at my own cost politically.

"But neither I nor the MDC can stand back any longer and just allow President Mugabe and the Zanu-PF to defy the law, to flaunt the constitution, and to act as if they own this country."

'Bread and butter issues'

Mr Tsvangirai said his Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) would not recognise any key appointments made by Mr Mugabe in the past 18 months, including governors, judges and envoys, saying they had been appointed unilaterally.

But Mr Moyo insisted that it remains the president's prerogative to choose provincial governors, saying they represent the president - not the prime minister - at local events.

The matter of Roy Bennett has now become a personal vendetta and part of a racist agenda”

He told the BBC's Network Africa programme that Mr Tsvangirai was "making noise" after a meeting with the leadership of his party, who gave him a hard time because they "wanted government jobs".

Mr Moyo, a former information minister who is on Zanu-PF's central committee, also dismissed suggestions that the deal was not working and said the unity government had delivered on "bread and butter" issues since it had been set up.

"This is a working arrangement that can last its full term," he said.

Renewed violence

Mr Tsvangirai also recently complained about renewed violence at meetings to raise awareness about a new constitution.

Human Rights Watch has accused Zanu-PF supporters of being behind the attacks.

On Thursday, Mr Tsvangirai also accused the president of refusing to swear in white farmer Roy Bennett, the prime minister's choice for the post of deputy agriculture minister.

Mr Bennett was tried earlier this year on charges of plotting to oust Mr Mugabe and found not guilty.

"The matter of Roy Bennett has now become a personal vendetta and part of a racist agenda," Mr Tsvangirai said.

Long-time rivals Mr Mugabe and Mr Tsvangirai agreed to share power after violence marred the 2008 elections.

Under their coalition deal, the two politicians agreed to draw up a new constitution followed by a referendum, and then fresh elections.

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Friday, October 08, 2010

(TALKZIMBABWE) Tsvangirai under pressure from funders over Bennett

Tsvangirai under pressure from funders over Bennett
By: TH-TZG
Posted: Friday, October 8, 2010 6:28 am

Zimbabwes Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai leaves after speaking to the media at his party headquarters in Harare June 23, 2010.

PRIME Minister Morgan Tsvangirai is under renewed pressure from the MDC-T party's financiers to take a firm stand on the appointment of former white farmer Mr Roy Bennett as deputy agriculture minister. Mr Bennett is the MDC-T party's treasurer.
Mr Tsvangirai yesterday told the media in Harare that his party wanted Mr Bennett in the inclusive Government or else they would not recognise several other members of the executive and civil service.

The state has appealed Bennett's May acquittal on charges of plotting to overthrow President Mugabe.

Zanu-PF spokesman, Rugare Gumbo, said Thursday that legal cases against Mr Bennett must be settled before his Cabinet appointment can be considered.

President Mugabe has indicated that Mr Bennett will not be appointed until matters before the courts have been resolved. The Zanu-PF Politburo has also indicated that the party will not make any further concessions to the MDC until illegal sanctions they campaigned for are removed.

Mr Tsvangirai has issued fresh calls on Sadc to intervene to pressure President Mugabe to make the appointment.

It is understood that Mr Tsvangirai has been pressured by the party’s financiers to take a stand for Mr Bennett even if it means boycotting some functions of Government.

Mr Tsvangirai also claimed there were no economic sanctions on Zimbabwe, despite his earlier call for the sanctions to be lifted.

Sadc, the African Union and many other progressive international groups are all presently fighting to have the embargo lifted.

The Global Political Agreement (GPA) which paved way for the inclusive Government is clear that there are economic and other forms of sanctions on Zimbabwe.

Mr Tsvangirai made an admission to the media that the Bennett issue had triggered the boycott.

Ironically, Mr Bennett has himself said he is prepared to forego an official appointment if it will interfere with the functions of the inclusive Government.

Mr Tsvangirai — speaking after an extraordinary MDC-T national executive meeting called to deliberate on this and other issues — said they would not recognise RBZ Governor Dr Gideon Gono, Attorney-General Johannes Tomana, the 10 provincial governors and five High and Supreme Court judges.

He said: "He (President Mugabe) confirmed to me and DPM Mutambara on Monday that he has no intention of ever swearing in Roy."

MDC-T sources said the Bennett issue resulted in the MDC-T extraordinary meeting.

Zanu-PF has said it will not make any concessions to MDC-T until sanctions are removed.

Last week South African President Jacob Zuma called on the European Union to remove the illegal sanctions on Zimbabwe while Botswana’s President Ian Khama made a similar call for the first time.

Malawi’s President Bingu Wa Mutharika, who is the AU chair, took the same message to the United Nations General Assembly last month.

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(TALKZIMBABWE) Sadc Tribunal to be reviewed

Sadc Tribunal to be reviewed
By: TH-TZG
Posted: Friday, October 8, 2010 5:52 am

THE Southern African Development Community (Sadc) regional grouping has commissioned a study to review the role, responsibilities and terms of reference of the contentious Tribunal, whose functions were suspended by regional Heads of State and Government at their August summit in Namibia.

The bloc is looking for a consultant to carry out the review. In a statement yesterday, Justice and Legal Affairs Minister Patrick Chinamasa said the consultant would make recommendations to Sadc Ministers of Justice and Attorneys-General who are leading the review of the Tribunal’s operations.

"The successful consultant will be expected to undertake a comprehensive study and prepare an analytical report to review the operations of the Sadc Tribunal, its role and responsibilities and its terms of reference and make recommendations thereon to the Sadc Ministers of Justice or Attorneys- General," he said.

The study — which should be completed by mid-February 2011 — will cover jurisdiction with regards to issues and persons. It will also cover the interface between community law and national laws.

This comes after Zimbabwe successfully pointed out that the Tribunal was passing judgments that undermined individual members’ constitutions; and were outside its mandate.

Zimbabwe also highlighted that the Tribunal was not legally constituted because the prerequisite two-thirds Sadc membership had not ratified its founding protocol.

The consultant will study the lack of clarity on some provisions of the Sadc Treaty and the Protocol on the Tribunal.

Sadc leaders suspended the Tribunal in August following queries on its legitimacy and mandate.

White ex-farmers had tried to use the Tribunal to reverse Zimbabwe’s revolutionary land reforms.

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Zamtel's sale highlighted among Africa’s questionable telecoms sales

Zamtel's sale highlighted among Africa’s questionable telecoms sales
By Mutale Kapekele in Washington DC
Fri 08 Oct. 2010, 14:00 CAT

THE sale of Zamtel to Lapgreen Networks of Libya is a case in point of questionable telecommunications sales in Africa, a Brussels based telecommunications analyst Ewan Sutherland has charged.

According to a story that was published by the International Herald Tribune, the global edition of the New York Times, Sutherland observed that many telecommunications sales on the continent were far from transparent.

Reently, LapGreenN acquired 75 per cent shares in Zamtel at US $257 million and retrenched more than half of the company’s staff.

“The privatization of telecom companies in many African countries in recent years has been far from transparent, fraught with irregularities and dominated by opaque buyers,” Sutherland observed.

“Zamtel appears to be a case in point. This deal is just the latest in a string of a series of telecommunications sales on the continent as governments scramble to raise cash.”

According to the Tribune, the continent has seen questionable telecommunication deals in countries like Kenya, Nigeria and Ghana.

In the case of Ghana telecommunication, which was taken over by Vodacom after the latter acquired 70 per cent shares in that company, a government appointed investigator discovered that the company was underpaid for its stakes.

In its story, the tribune quoted Transparency International Zambia (TIZ) executive director Goodwell Lungu and articles by The Post to highlight irregularities in the Zamtel saga.

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Rupiah condones violence

Rupiah condones violence
By The Post
Fri 08 Oct. 2010, 04:00 CAT

The filing of nominations for the Mpulungu and Chilanga parliamentary by-elections marks the beginning of heated campaigns. Although these elections may be tightly contested, it is not necessary for anyone to resort to violence and other acts of intimidation.

But we doubt that Rupiah Banda and his friends are committed to free and fair elections. We all know now that when they are desperate to win a seat, as seems to be the case in the current round of by-elections, they resort to violence.

Already, even before the ink dries on the nomination papers, there are reports of violence in Chilanga. This violence needs to be condemned in the strongest possible terms. We also saw MMD-perpetrated violence in Solwezi.

Nothing was done about the MMD cadres that engaged in acts of violence. It was clear in that election that the MMD wanted to keep as many people as they could away from the polling stations so that the election could be poorly attended, which they thought would work to their advantage.

Their desperation was heightened in the Mufumbwe by-election where they unleashed a worrying level of violence that sent even the chief of police, the disgraced Francis Kabonde, taking cover. We all know that nothing has happened to any MMD cadre that was involved in that violence.

It is also clear that the cadres that were involved in that almost unprecedented level of violence were bussed into Mufumbwe from Lusaka. Rupiah’s MMD literally took a militia into Mufumbwe to go and pummel their opponents.

To add insult to injury, Rupiah himself turned around and blamed the violence on the opposition. Kabonde’s police, who are now used to acting on Rupiah’s cue, swung into action and arrested opposition members including UPND Solwezi Central member of parliament Watson Lumba.

It is a well known fact that MMD were the protagonists in the violence that characterised the Mufumbwe by-election. We continue to marvel that they have chosen to remain silent about the attack on Zambezi West UPND member of parliament Charles Kakoma. We must never allow these facts to be forgotten.

We should not allow violence to become an acceptable part of our politics to the extent where a senior opposition figure is attacked and the government remains quiet.

But we should all understand why the government remains quiet when the question of violence connected to their party is discussed: Rupiah condones violence. It is a tool that he is prepared to use if he thinks that it is going to benefit him politically.

The appointment of William Banda as a key member of the campaign team for the Chilanga parliamentary by-election is a clear indication that the MMD is prepared to unleash violence. William Banda has never been known for conducting peaceful political activities.

His stock in trade is violence against those that he believes to be opponents of his political masters. This is what he did in UNIP and this is what he continues to do in the MMD. It is therefore clear that the Chilanga by-election is highly unlikely to be a peaceful affair.

We should not accept this kind of political activity. But on the other hand, those who are involved in that by-election should take note that it is unlikely to be an ordinary election. People like William Banda should know that a day of reckoning will come.

His new-found friend Frederick Chiluba ended at deporting him; but William Banda’s continued propensity for violence may earn him more than deportation.

But it is not difficult to understand the arrogance of people like William Banda. They are under the protection of Rupiah himself. This is why Rupiah has failed to comment on the threats from the Copperbelt by MMD member Chiko Chibale to unleash a militia on Mongu Catholic Diocese Bishop Paul Duffy.

This chap has told the nation that being commander of the MMD militia on the Copperbelt, he will send it to Western Province to go and attack Bishop Duffy. Bishop Duffy’s only sin was to say that the people of Western Province are ready for change.

The MMD as a party has decided that this is an insult on their president, and are justified in unleashing a militia. If the MMD, as stated by their own member Chibale, have a militia, what hope is there for peaceful political activity?

If the ruling party is preparing for violence by creating militias, what are they saying to the opposition? We continue to be surprised by Rupiah’s irresponsibility. He has failed to call his cadres to order by telling them that he won’t accept violence from them and ensure that those who break the law are dealt with firmly.

We have gone back to comment on this matter yet again because now the MMD, through Ndola district vice publicity and information secretary Alex Mubanga, has told the nation that Chibale’s militia action threats against Bishop Duffy were not words of a demented fellow; they have the blessing of the party.

Why should party officials be so brave as to make such startling threats and confirmation of threats in the press without any fear? They know that their president enjoys it when they talk like that, and he will support their work.

To Rupiah, having such a militia is a legitimate right of a political organisation. What this means is that the words and threats being spoken by MMD party officials have the blessing and sanction of Rupiah himself. Rupiah does not see anything wrong with the MMD maintaining and financing a militia.

We have no doubt that he finances these young people to carry out all sorts of political dirty work. What Rupiah is forgetting is that violence begets violence and in the end, no one wins. If Rupiah were a responsible leader, he would ensure the disbandment of that militia and any other militias that they have created.

He would ensure that the party cadres who are threatening violence are dealt with by the law. But the law is not being used to secure our peace and security. It is there to fix Rupiah’s enemies. This is why even after the police pretend to be doing some work and call Chibale to appear before them, he is able to defy them. Just the other day, Chibale was boasting that he had no regrets about the comments that he made.

This man was coming from the police, and he could dare to declare that his threats of violence were nothing to apologise for. But we should all understand what this pathetic fellow is saying; he is merely reminding us that he works for the office of the president and is therefore well protected. We appeal to our people not to accept the kind of impunity that Rupiah would like them to accept. It seems that to Rupiah, all that matters are his political and other benefits. And he will get them regardless of the law.

If it means using the likes of Chibale and using his presidency to protect them, he will do it. This is unfortunate indeed. A president carelessly condoning and failing to speak out against violence when his own political party members threaten all sorts of things remains the worst form of dereliction of duty.

As we go into the by-elections, our people should not be tempted to resort to violence. Rupiah should be defeated in an honourable way even if he himself may have no honour.

There is no way that a person in his position can condone violence and still be honourable. Kabonde and his crew must redeem themselves and ensure that they stop violence regardless of who is perpetrating it. They should not repeat the shameful conduct they exhibited in Mufumbwe. They should know that if they allow violence to escalate in our country, it will engulf them.

If it does not engulf them, it will engulf their relatives and friends. Rupiah as President should not take peace for granted. Allowing his cadres to continue to threaten violence and to maintain militia groups will land him in more trouble than he already is in. By disregarding our people and their laws, Rupiah has put himself in a lot of trouble, and one day he will have to pay.

We are not prophets but we have seen these things before and can say with some certainty that Rupiah’s disregard for the law will land him in serious trouble. His love for violence will also land him in serious trouble. A president who actively or tacitly encourages violence is an irresponsible president. Unfortunately, this is what Rupiah is.

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Rupiah is backing MMD violence – Magande

Rupiah is backing MMD violence – Magande
By Kombe Chimpinde
Fri 08 Oct. 2010, 14:30 CAT

FORMER Chilanga member of Parliament Ng'andu Magande has charged that the violent conduct of MMD cadres during nominations of by-elections in Chilanga has the backing of President Rupiah Banda. And the Zambia Teachers Union (ZNUT) has called for the ban of nominations at schools during academic periods.

In an interview with Post Online, Magande said the country has never seen the current unprecedented levels of violence and threats being experienced under the presidency of Banda.

“Why is he quiet? The person I heard yesterday on TV who gave a comment on this (violence) is the spokesperson Ms Dora Siliya and she starts saying, no HH (UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema) was wrong. Wrong to do what?” Magande repeatedly questioned.

He said that as former member parliament for the constituency he was disappointed at the turn of events which clearly showed the lack of understanding of democracy by the MMD.

“And for all I know, MMD cadres in Chilanga are not that wild and indisciplined so these must have been people who were transported to the areas because we have had very important and big, big meetings in area sometimes celebrating national days like tree planting. There were hundreds of youths from the constituency but there was never a problem of anyone attacking the other so really, I want to say it’s very sad and am extremely disappointed, “ Magande said.

“So it is very, very sad really that some parties are just bent on making other people’s lives very difficult. It is clear that yesterday the people who were at the place when all this was happening were MMD cadres.”

Magande cited examples of how the party had in the past coordinated its activities without any record of violence being recorded against other parties.

“In 2006 very close there at Musamba, that’s where we had the nominations and I had my youths, UPND had their youths in fact HH came again and there was nothing like this. You know we just understood one another,” Magande said.

“This kind of behaviour obviously has the blessing of the MMD party President. In 2006 no single incident of violence was recorded during nominations and even during general elections but suddenly since last year this thing is beginning to surface,” Magande wondered.

“The party has been infiltrated by people who don't understand democracy.”

Magande reminded the MMD leaders that democracy was about debating issues and influencing people to understand one’s point of view and not beating one another.

“You can’t understand how we can have a country going in the wrong direction after the former president died. We didn't have all these problems and suddenly Mwanawasa was no more when someone else takes over things start going wrong,” he observed.

“Police are now getting intimidated to the extent that they throw tear gas at the ruling party cadres.”

And reacting to Chilanga by-election election candidate Cosmos Moono that he would find it easy to win in Chilanga because the MMD under Magande had literally done nothing for the constituency, Magande said that his character and work done in the area could not be matched.

“Whats is he talking about when the school where they are even filing nominations was painted by me, those desks were he sat on where donated during my time so it simply means he was not aware of what was happening because immediately he lost he went back to his farm in Mwembeshi,” he said.

“There is a constructions of a clinic, new cooperative storage, so he is going to have a lot of difficulties just like even MMD will have difficulties to tell the people why they had to replace me. There are over a 100 projects which have been done during my time. Those that have not been completed its because they are very big projects.”

And ZNUT president Newman Bubala said the government should ban the holding of election nomination during academic periods if they don’t have proper security measures to avoid violence.

“If they don't have proper security systems, schools should not be the right place for such activities because how many times are we going to have infrastructure in schools being destroyed because of election violence,” he asked.

“... rather close the school so that there is no pupil because in future we will have an incident where pupils will lose their lives. Children are defenseless and they need to be protected.”

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C/belt MMD backs Chibale on threats against Duffy

C/belt MMD backs Chibale on threats against Duffy
By Abigail Chaponda in Ndola
Fri 08 Oct. 2010, 04:00 CAT

MMD Ndola district vice publicity and information secretary Alex Mubanga has disclosed that Chiko Chibale’s militia action threats against Bishop Paul Duffy have the blessing of the party on the Copperbelt. But former Eastern Province MMD youth chairperson Luca Banda has advised Chibale to apologise to Bishop Duffy for threatening violence against him.

In an interview in Ndola yesterday, Mubanga, popularly known as Shimpundu Pankoloko said that the MMD was not going to sit and watch people insult President Rupiah Banda, and that Chibale was doing the right thing to warn people who speak ill of the head of state.

He warned all opposition parties and the Catholic Church to keep “their dirty hands off Chiko Chibale” because the MMD on the Copperbelt was going to ambush them.

“I want to warn anyone, especially the opposition and the Catholic Church to keep their dirty hands off Chiko Chibale. What Bishop Duffy said was wrong, MMD members were not happy. So this is the reason why Chiko is upset, people should not be insulting President Banda like that, it is wrong. What Chiko is doing has the blessing of the MMD on the Copperbelt,” he said.

Mubanga said that the MMD were also angered by Priestly order of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate treasurer general Fr Godfrey Mpundu’s statement that people of Western Province were better off voting for a frog than the impotent MMD.

“Does that man know what to be impotent is? I think he doesn’t and I know why. If the Catholic Church has nothing to offer any more they better keep quiet than insult the Republican President. President Banda is President of Zambia because God said so,” he said.

He said that the MMD was ready for anyone who is going to insult President Banda and that they (MMD) were not going to let anyone, not even the Catholic Church to insult President Banda.

He alleged that the people had lost respect for the Catholic Church because their teaching had changed from salvation to insults.

Mubanga said that he was disappointed with some priests in the Catholic Church and the way they were coming out on political issues and how they have decided to insult the President rather than preach unity.

“I am Catholic but I don’t support what some priests are doing. Bishop Mpundu was a well-respected man of God, but he is not anymore. The Catholic Church has lost value and respect and it is because of these same priests who are preaching insults,” he said.

“The Catholic Church should concentrate on preaching and not interfere with the country’s politics. The MMD on the Copperbelt are not going to fold their hands and watch people insult their President. We are ready for anyone. Keep you hands off Chiko; mess with him and you mess with every MMD member on the Copperbelt.”

Last week Chibale said he had no apologies to make over his threats to use MMD militia on the Copperbelt for which he is the commander to go and manhandle Bishop Duffy for stating that people of Western Province want a change of government.

And Mansa Catholic Diocese vicar-general Fr Mambwe Mpasa challenged President Banda and the MMD leadership to tell the nation if they were behind the MMD crack squad threatening violence on Bishop Duffy.

But Banda, in an interview, said Chibale should apologise to Bishop Duffy because politics was not about fighting.
“I would advise my brother to leave Duffy alone. We should not use blows or engage in any form of violence but we should just becampaigning.

I am not happy with that (Chibale’s) statement but again Duffy seem to be lost he is like a political vuvuzela, but he should leave him,” Banda said.
He said youths like Chibale should just be campaigning for President Rupiah Banda, not engaging in violent activities.

Banda said he would next month contest the Eastern Province youth chairmanship because the youth wing was dormant in the province.

“I was a youth chairperson before the current one but the youths are not working so I am coming back with full force to campaign for President Banda. We want to campaign for RB so that he can get more than 100 per cent votes in Eastern Province.

Youths are getting National Registration Cards so that they could also vote next year,” Banda said. And Petauke district Patriotic Front youth chairperson Grey Daka said those that are in politics should be ready to be criticised.
Daka urged Zambia to choose right people during next year's elections.

“We want leaders that can perform and are ready to be criticised because that’s why we have opposition political parties. To me I think it’s not good to threaten Bishop Duffy because those are the right people to advise the government. I ask people from the church like bishops, reverends, chiefs and other leaders to assist people choose right leaders next year,” Daka said.

He said many elected leaders in the province have not performed to expectations and that most of them were now frequenting their areas because of the general elections that were due next year.

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Hichilema escapes lynching in Chilanga

Hichilema escapes lynching in Chilanga
By Patson Chilemba, Mwala Kalaluka and Kombe Chimpinde
Fri 08 Oct. 2010, 04:00 CAT

UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema was yesterday forced to escape into a classroom full of pupils at Chilanga Basic School when a group of marauding MMD cadres broke a police cordon in an attempt to beat him up. Police had to fire a gunshot and several teargas canisters to disperse the unruly cadres.

Pupils at the school had to be prematurely released from classes following the confusion and the fact that the whole area was covered in teargas. This was during the filing of nomination papers ahead of the October 30, 2010 Chilanga by-election, which took place at the school.

The confusion erupted around 15.00 hours after the MMD candidate in the by-election, Lusaka lawyer Keith Mukata, had just finished filing his nomination papers before the returning officer Alfred Chipoma.

Hichilema arrived with his delegation, comprising members of parliament and party officials a few minutes later and proceeded to a section of the school to await the announcement of the successful candidates.

However, one UPND official had a problem over parking space with some MMD cadres that had converged on Kafue Road and when Hichilema and his officials went to inquire as to what was going on, the MMD cadres started to advance towards them. But police officers quickly moved in between the two groups.

UPND was outnumbered by those from the MMD. The MMD cadres asked Hichilema what he was doing there when it was just a nomination for a parliamentary by-election.

Mazabuka UPND member of parliament Gary Nkombo attempted to reason with the MMD cadres. This appeared to incense Lusaka District MMD information and publicity secretary Marriot Ngoma who advanced towards Nkombo with a view of punching him.

Nkombo also went for Ngoma but was restrained by some UPND officials. Ngoma, on the other hand, attempted to pass through a group of police officers in a bid to manhandle an already charged Nkombo.

In the confusion, Hichilema was heard saying that the behaviour of the police was foolish.

“That is foolishness, you are looking at people fighting and you are doing nothing,” Hichilema said angrily.

Nkombo also asked the police officers if the MMD cadres were too powerful to be dealt with.

On the other hand, the MMD intensified their chanting and shouts whilst trying to get to Hichilema. As they were doing this, some were hurling insults at Hichilema and company.

Hichilema went through the hedge towards the school grounds and the MMD cadres angrily uprooted part of the hedge and started throwing the shrubbery at the police officers.

Within a few minutes, the MMD cadres had broken the police cordon and followed Hichilema who was by now walking along the corridor of the classroom block opposite the one where the nomination was taking place.

The cadres again went for Hichilema and pushed him against the wall but his security personnel surrounded him. In the midst of the confusion, police officers forced Hichilema into a classroom full of pupils.

The MMD cadres added up their numbers and attempted to push the police officers away from the door of the classroom but the police officers stayed put. Some MMD cadres started throwing stones on the roof of the classroom and one of the stones broke the asbestos roof.

Police fired the first teargas canister at exactly 15.31 hours, sending the MMD cadres, media personnel and pupils scampering all over the place.
“Come on let’s chase them,” one plain-clothed police officer was heard telling his colleagues as they pursued the MMD cadres.

The teargas canister was followed by a gunshot in the air and the electoral officers inside the nomination centre could be seen holding their noses and rubbing their eyes due to the teargas.

Some teachers were heard asking each other if the Provincial Education Officer (PEO) should be called to intervene on what should be done with the pupils who were still inside the classroom in light of the confusion.

The MMD cadres retreated to Kafue Road where police later fired more teargas canisters to disperse them.

When he came out from the classroom, Hichilema blamed the violence on Lusaka Province MMD acting chairman William Banda, who is the deputy campaign manager in the by-election.

“But what do you expect when you put William Banda as campaign manager?” asked Hichilema, who had to leave the nomination centre before the announcement of the successful candidates.

But William Banda said it was shameful for Hichilema to attend a nomination for a parliamentary by-election when he was a person eyeing State House.

At the close of the nomination, Chipoma announced that Valerie Mukeleni of the National Restoration Party (NAREP), Capt Cosmas Moono of the UPND, MMD’s Keith Mukata and UNIP’s Henry Silumesii had successfully filed their nomination papers.
Chipoma asked the police officers to be the last to leave the nomination centre.
Meanwhile, hundreds of Patriotic Front (PF) supporters and sympathisers yesterday brandished red cards against President Rupiah Banda and the MMD when they escorted their candidate, Freedom Sikazwe, for nominations at Mpulungu Civic Centre.

And MMD candidate Given Mung’omba said he stands at a disadvantage because he is a Seventh Day Adventist since the parliamentary by-election will be held on Saturday, October 30, 2010.

The PF procession started from Muzabwela grounds, about a kilometre from the Civic Centre, with the cadres brandishing red cards as they walked alongside a huge PF convoy, which was under the leadership of vice-president Dr Guy Scott and several other party leaders.

One of the women in the procession said that the residents had resorted to red cards because they were tired of the suffering brought about on account of MMD’s failed promises in the area.

The cadres wanted to escort Sikazwe up to the Civic Centre but police ordered them to remain about 400 metres from the nomination centre.
The cadres found police insistence irritating and managed to break through some police barriers until their leaders prevailed over them to follow orders from the police.

PF candidate Sikazwe was the first to file his nomination before 10:00 hours and declared thereafter that PF should concentrate most of their campaigns in the rural parts of Mpulungu.

When the time came for the MMD to file their nomination around 12:30 hours, the popularity battles between MMD and PF emerged around the town centre area.
MMD cadres who were on their way accompanying their candidate to file in his nomination sang solidarity songs.

PF cadres responded by raising their party symbol and their president Michael Sata’s campaign posters.

And Mung’omba has appealed to the Electoral Commission of Zambia to change the election date because having elections on Saturday would disadvantage him. He said Mpulungu had a large number of Seventh Day Adventists.

“In fact, I’m also a Seventh Day Adventist. At the individual level as a candidate I’m already disadvantaged. So, perhaps this is a very strong appeal that we are making to the authorities that they may consider.

Yes I’ll be disadvantaged,” Mung’omba said. “When you say disadvantaged, it is to say that people may not be 100 per cent turnout and these are the issues of belief; there are no shortcuts. Some people may go against the Ten Commandments, maybe those may be few. Those who may say, ‘we will die with Jesus’ are the ones who may disadvantage me.”

Asked if he would vote, Mung’omba responded: “It is my belief, I won’t comment now, but I will be disadvantaged.”

However, Mung’omba expressed confidence that MMD would win the election in Mpulungu.
By press time, those who had managed to file in their nominations included Sikazwe, Mung’omba and NAREP’s Muchinzi Mwazya.

Alliance for Democracy and Development (ADD) candidate Chilowela Sinyangwe was sent away to re-organise himself because some of his supporters did not appear in the 2005 voters register which will be used in the by-election. UNIP had not yet filed in their nomination.

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Rupiah is panicking over my meetings with donors – Sata

Rupiah is panicking over my meetings with donors – Sata
By George Chellah
Fri 08 Oct. 2010, 04:00 CAT

PF leader Michael Sata yesterday said his recent meetings with the international community have sent President Rupiah Banda into serious panic. In an interview, Sata sympathised with President Banda’s government because it seem to be afraid of the unknown.

“Rupiah and his government are seriously panicking over the recent mature and cordial meetings I have had with the representatives of the international community in Zambia,” Sata said.

“My advice to them is that instead of them panicking, they should actually be grateful to me because I am trying to cool down their donors tempers… especially that Rupiah has been insulting them.”

Sata said he was happy because his meetings with the donors which he described as having been very fruitful and progressive.

“It's not my fault that donors consider me useful to this country’s political process. What those who are panicking should know is that I haven’t been inviting myself to these meetings; our donors have been inviting me and there is nothing wrong with that because I am a political player in this country,” Sata said.

“Let them know that when I lead my delegation to these meetings, we simply interact with Their Excellencies based on the current happenings in the country of which they deserve to know and there is nothing strange about that. We also give them a full account of what they have done here and how we value their support in various sectors.

“As for issues regarding Rupiah’s maladministration, we don’t even need to tell them because some of them live with us here and they see these things happening everyday. They are witnesses to most of these issues, they are very much aware of the corruption, nepotism, state interference in certain institutions and many other failures of this government.”

Sata said after the insults from President Banda, donors needed to be assured.

“They need somebody to assure them that whilst this government is insulting you for providing assistance and demanding for accountability, the locals themselves appreciate your efforts,” Sata said.

“Just looking at the way the government has panicked over my meetings, one can clearly see that they have already sensed that the donors are unhappy and have lost confidence in them. And I don’t blame the donors, I blame Rupiah. The donors need assurance because this government is not protecting them from attacks and insults.”

Sata said President Banda’s administration was ashamed over his interactions with the donors.

“All along they have tried to portray me as someone who is against foreign investment as well as the international community. But they are now panicking because their lies are catching up with them. They have been standing on anthills shouting that ‘Mr Sata is anti-Chinese, Mr Sata is anti-what and what’ but the mood on the ground has revealed something different,” Sata said.

“They are just ashamed because more foreign representatives are meeting me to discuss issues of this country’s development and I am grateful to the international community. Tell them not to be hypocritical over the donors. You can’t like an investor and hate the country where those investors come from.”

Sata said as someone with immense experience in government, he knew where President Banda was drawing his courage to insult donors.

“Rupiah’s outburst on the donors is a reflection of the advice he has been getting from Frederick Chiluba. If you take a close look at the language of Rupiah, that’s Chiluba speaking. But we all understand why people like Chiluba have adopted this stance against the donors,” Sata said.

“The only crime donors have committed to them is for ensuring that thieves are dealt with decisively. So they are upset with donors because in countries where these donors come from, their laws don’t allow interference in the justice system and their laws aim to protect innocent people and not criminals.”

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(HERALD) Farmers don’t be caught napping

Farmers don’t be caught napping

IT’S only a few weeks before the rains start falling and preparations for the next cropping season have gathered momentum.

The skies are already threatening. We have said it before and we will repeat it again. We should not be caught napping when the rains start falling. Farmers should by now have completed planning the necessary logistics in preparation for the season to avoid last minute hassles.

Planning is of utmost importance in agriculture and under normal circumstances, farmers start stocking up for the next season as soon as they receive money after selling their harvest.

Most farmers should by now have completed land tillage. There is no more shortage of fuel for tillage as diesel is easily accessible at most filling stations.

We are happy to hear, as we reported on Wednesday, that Zimbabwe will not import maize seed this summer cropping season as the country has produced enough and is self-sufficient.

Seed Co says it has trebled production from 7 000 tons in 2009 to 21 000 tons this year.

This is more maize seed than is required by the country.

We also like to commend some fertiliser companies who have made available the product during the past few weeks.

Early land preparation has many advantages. It helps farmers to plant with the first effective rains and ensure good germination. This also helps to get high yields at the end of the cropping season.

The annual seasonal forecast by Sadc weather experts is now regarded as possibly the most critical factor in deciding what farmers should grow and when.

Scientists have been refining their models and the level of accuracy achieved in recent years is quite remarkable, sufficiently so that few would now plan a season without this data and even fewer would disregard the forecast, hoping that it is wrong.

According to Sadc weather experts who met in Harare recently, as far as Zimbabwe is concerned, most of the country will have fairly good rains.

In other words, the rainfall is likely to be a bit like last season, although we can only hope that the fall off after New Year is not so severe and is closer to the "normal" rather than the "below normal" part of forecast.

As we have stated before, many farmers are ready for the first rains and an early start and must take advantage of this, relying on expert advice in their districts as to when enough rain has fallen to plant.

Those with irrigation equipment would be well advised to get this into good repair and ready, especially for the second half of the season.

Weathermen may be wrong, but since the error could be forecasting more rain than is received just as much as forecasting less, wishful thinking should have no place in the planning.

Farmers and farm planners need to take that into account and ensure that with most likely good rainfall, they can harvest the largest possible crop.

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(HERALD) We’re masters of our destiny, says President

We’re masters of our destiny, says President
From Sydney Kawadza in GOKWE

Zimbabweans who have not embraced Government’s economic empowerment programme should wake up and enjoy the benefits of the country’s hard-won independence and sovereignty, President Mugabe has said.

Addressing thousands of people at the International Day of Co-operatives celebrations at Gokwe Centre yesterday, President Mugabe said economic indigenisation was as irreversible as the land reform programme. He also launched Zimbabwe’s first Women’s Development Savings and Credit Union’s Village Bank.

Zimbabwe, he said, is an independent state whose citizens should fully enjoy its resources.

"We are a sovereign people and our sovereignty confers on us, each and everyone of us, that aspect of independence; that we are masters of our destiny.

"Tavakuzvitonga, iwe neni tava kuzvitonga. Tava vene veZimbabwe. Iwe neni tava varidzi venyika . . .

"Vemasango aya. Vevhu nemhuka dzese nedzinzizi. Iwe neni tava vene. Kana tava vene vazvo, it means we are the masters of our destiny.

"Tochisevenzesa zvino simba iroro rakabva mukurwira nyika yedu, mukuzvitonga kuti tiite mabhizimisi . . . to be owners of these businesses. Kwete kungomirira kuti upihwe basa nemurungu."

The Head of State and Government and Comma-nder-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces emphasised: "Zvipe basa iwewe!

"Nyika yava yako. Muka, muka, muka! Kana wanga urere svinura! Unosiiwa nevamwe vaakumhanya nenyika nekuti yava yavo, iwe wasarira uchiti ‘ah, murungu achiri mwene wenyika’.

"Kunyangwe usingazvitaure izvozvo. Kana uchiti ndinoda kuti murungu andishandire. Takapa vamwe mapurazi.

"Iye zvino tine nyaya yekuongorora vamwe vakati kuvarungu rima zvako wopota uchindipa pakati kuti. Tinovatorera!"

President Mugabe urged Zimbabweans to develop a culture of saving their earnings.

He hailed women for being more responsible than men when it came to savings.

"Madzimai anekucherechedza zvikuru-kuru kuti ndikaita mari iyi, kunyangwe varivoga vachiita basa voga kuinformal sector, vanokwanisa kuchengetedza kamwe kamari kuti kamari kandaita aka ndinozotora zvinhu zvandinoshandisa, maproducts andinotengesa, kuti ndirambe ndichinoatora.

"Vision, vision, vision tinoida. Discipline tinoida."

The President said the saving culture seemed alien to many African countries since they gained independence.

"Ukafamba kunyika dzakawanda muAfrica mari inosungirwa mumadhuku, mumazambia imomo. Hatidi culture yeizvozvo.

"Tinoda culture yekuti mari iyende kumabank. Iyi yatinosungira tichitya kuti ingadonha haibe-reki.

"Mari inofanira kuitwa semhodzi yatinodyara kuti mangwana kana rwuri rwumhodzi mangwana tozoona muriwo kubva zvakare murumhodzi rwatinenge tadyara."

President Mugabe said it was imperative that the banking sector supports small and medium enterprises for Zimbabwe’s development.

He said co-operatives, which had been in existence in Zimbabwe for decades, should enhance development and unity within families and communities.

"Saka zvinobatsirawo paHurumende kuti mabenefits enyika anobva kudevelopment anenge achipararira kuvazhinji.

"We share in a better way the benefits that come from our wealth.

"Saka we emphasise policy yedu yesocial development or socialist development."

The President said Government would continue assisting co-operatives and hence the decision to have an entire ministry devoted to SMEs.

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