16 DAYS OF GENDER ACTIVISM IN ZAMBIA

TIMES OF ZAMBIA employees participating in a march-past during the launch of the 16 Days of Activism against gender violence in Lusaka.




ZAMBIA joined the rest of the world in commemorating the 16 days of Activism against Gender violence.
Scores of people from different walks of life participated in a march-past to raise awareness against gender-based violence.
In Lusaka, the gender activists marched with raised placards displaying messages against gender violence.
Vice president George Kunda joined the marchers and addressed them with a to expedite the process of auditing legislation to assess the extent to which the provisions of the convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women.
Mr Kunda was presenting a message from President Rupiah Banda.
This was at the Mulungushi international conference centre.
In Mr Kunda reminded the audience that Governments remained commited to the fight against gender-based violence.
He said discussions by both the ministry of Justice and the Gender in Development division regarding the proposed Bill on gender-based violence were on schedule and that the Government would present it to Parliament.
Explaining the measures that the Government was implementing in the effort to eradicate gender violence, Mr Banda said the vision 2039 prioritised the protection of human rights, especially those of women and children.
Mr Kunda also said the Fifth National Development Plan (FNDP) prioritised the domestication of various human rights instruments which Zambia subscribed.
The theme for the 16 days of gender activism was “Human Rights for Women-Human Rights for All in Zambia”.
“For my administration, the theme is challenging us leaders to critically reflect on our legislation, policies and programmes in so far as they relate to the rights of women,” he said.
Mr Kunda said Government placed the protection of the rights of all individuals on the
He said even if the constitution provided for the protection of the rights of all individuals, there were concerns raised by various stakeholders that the rights of women had not been adequately addressed.
He said Government thought it fit to enact the Constitutional Review Commission (CRC) and the National Constitutional Conference (NCC) Act to enable the people of Zambia to create a constitution that represented their views and those that will protect all the citizens.
He said it was his belief that gender issues and other pertinent issues raised during the consultative process would feature more prominently in the new constitution.
Home Affairs minister Kalombo Mwansa was also present. He said there were a lot of challenges in the fight against gender based violence hence a lot of work needed to be done.
Dr Mwansa urged all Zambians to get involved in the fight, as all citizens were potential victims of the vice.
But United Nation Development Programme (UNDP) resident representative Macleod Nyirongo said Zambia like many other countries in the world was still experiencing an increase in incidences of gender-based violence.

Mr Nyirongo said the Zambia Report of the Convention on the Elimination of All forms of discriminations indicated that violence against women and children was still on the increase.
“The number of reported cases of defilement rose from 306 reported cases in 2000 to 1511 cases in 2005. Likewise, reported cases of rape increased from 198 in 2001 to 308 in 2003,” he said.
Pixie Yangailo is the chairperson for the Human Rights Commission. She said millions of women and girls were currently being tormented day and night simply because of their gender, which was bad.
She said despite an array of international human rights standards having been adopted and acceded to by nearly all nations of the world gender-based violence had refused to go away.
Non Government Organisation Coordinating Council chairperson Marian Munyinda called for the quick domestication of various international convention related to the protection of women’s rights in the country.
Our current demand to open up unconditional debate on the Bill of Rights, within the NCC, still stands, Munyinda said.

ANNA CHIFUNGULA WINS ACCA AWARD

Ms Chifungula admiring the ACCA award.








ANNA Chifungula, Zambia's Auditor General has won the prestigious 2008 ACCA Achievement Award.
Ms Chifungula received the award on Thursday November 20, 2008 in the United Kingdom.
Presenting the award trophy to her workmates in Lusaka, Ms Chifungula said she was proud of the recognition because it showed they had been able to demonstrate professionalism.
Ms Chifungula dedicated the award to her office in order to boost morale for all employees to work harder.
"It is always good to win such awards on behalf of the office.
"I would not have been singled out by the ACCA as an outstanding individual witout your dedicated efforts. I am humbled by this recognition," she said.
She remained jovial, but articulate during the ceremony.
Ms Chifungula said her auditors worked under tough conditions but have remained objective, truthful, fair and in their quest to contribute transparency and accountability in Zambia's national development agenda.
"We now have a team of professional staff though there are only 68 qualified ACCA holders as compared to the number when I joined this office," she said.
The winners of this year's ACCA Achievement Awards were announced at ACCA's annual International Assembly dinner which took place in London on Thursday 20 November, 2008.
The awards, which recognise individuals who have made a contribution to the development of the global accountancy profession, were presented by ACCA's president, Richard Aitken-Davies and vice-chairman of PricewaterhouseCoopers, Sir John Stuttard.

AH.... WHAT DO WE HAVE HERE....

MS Chifungula trying to read out scribblings placed on top of the award.

BIG SMILE

Ms Chifungula is smiles in front of the ACCE award.

ZAMBIAN SUPER MODELS

This is a clown posing as a model, but on this stage where this man is cracking our sides from has also accommodated some of Zambia's budding and upcoming models.
I got shots of our young models who will soon change the modeling scene with trendy stuff.
Go on guys, do the best that you can and make us proud.

MODELS

PANSTULA

Kwaito music and patsula has largely been performed by South Africans. But, this kind of music and dance has become quite popular in Zambia now. Most clubs, homes, schools and other places have made Kwaito music their favourite.
But a young Zambian outfit calling itself 'Ma Africa' has adopted the South African kwaito.
They have localised the the music and are churning out songs in Zambian dialects, which has mesmerised many people. They also sing in Zulu.
They way they do the patsula dance also is so good that the group can be equated to an original South African kwaito band.
I think Ma Africa should participate in a kwaito challenge in South Africa and I am sure they can come back home with all the silver ware because they are just good.

PANTSULA

KWAITO OUTFIT

Ma Africa performing in Lusaka.

KWAITO

ZAMBIAN KWAITO

FIVE BANDITS SLAIN IN LUSAKA

University Teaching Hospital morgue attendants ferrying corpses of slain bandits at the hospital in Lusaka.





POLICE in Lusaka have gunned down five suspected dangerous criminals after an exchange of fire yesterday.
One police officer was also shot at in the groin.
The shoot-out happened outside Lumumba bus station on Lumumba road. This was after police challenged the bandits. The bandits were armed with an assault AK 47 rifle and a toy pistol gun.
Business at Lumumba bus station halted because everyone scampered for safety.
The bodies of the five bandits were taken to the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) where they were certified dead upon arrival.
Kennedy Makukula is UTH spokesperson. He confirmed receipt of the corpses and treatment of a police officer identified as Robert Mbita. Makukula said Mbita was treated and discharged. He said Mbita grazed by a bullet in the lower abdomen.
His counterpart Bonny Kapeso from the Zambia Police also confirmed the incident and said the criminals had intentions to steal from a company in the industrial area but some members of the public alerted the police.
“The gangsters had initially planned to rob the firm at 09:00 hours and police were immediately informed about the planned robbery.
This is the group that has been behind the cases of aggravated robbery, Kapeso said.
Mr Kapeso identified one of slain bandits as Francis Mulenga Besa who was found with a National Registration Card (NRC).
“Any family missing Besa Francis Mulenga should go to the UTH mortuary and identify their relative. I can confirm that Besa Francis Mulenga has been shot dead,” Mr Kapeso said.

GEORGE KUNDA THANKS RUPIAH BANDA

Vice president George Kunda has thanked President Rupiah Banda for appointing him into that position.
Mr Kunda said in an interview at his ministry of Justice office in Lusaka that he expected the appointment because he was among the longest serving and most experienced ministers in the MMD government.
The vice president assured Mr Banda he would assist him realise HIS dream of developing Zambia.
Mr Kunda, who was flanked by his deputy minister of Justice Todd Chilembo said the government was planning a new anti-graft strategy where the current bluepritn would be revised with th view of making it more effective.
"We will talk with our co-operaing partners on this matter and see the way forward," he said.
Mr Kunda said he would not fail to work as both vice president and minister of justice.
Mr Kunda said he once worked as both minister of Justice and attorney general.
On his role as vice president, Mr Kunda said he would continue the plans left by his predecessor Rupiah Banda now President.
He said there are effective plans and programmes that are addressing matters relating to disasters and other emergencies in Zambia.
In the area of governance, Mr Kunda he would help Mr Banda put in a place a new constitution by 2009.
Mr Kunda said he has confidence in the people of Zambia to allow him contribute to the development efforts currently being unfolded.

GEORGE KUNDA

Vice president George Kunda during an interview at his ministry of Justice office in Lusaka. He looked cool, calm and collected, but he also remained jovial and excited during the interview.

PRESIDENT BANDA UNVEILS NEW CABINET

PRESIDENT Rupiah Banda yesterday unveiled his new cabinet in which Justice minister, George Kunda retained his position and was given additional responsibilities as Republican Vice-President.

The President reappointed the commanders of the Zambia Army, Isaac Chisuzi, Zambia Air Force (ZAF) Samuel Mapara and Zambia National Service (ZNS) Raphael Chisheta.

Police Inspector-General (IG) Ephraim Mateyo has been retired awaiting a diplomatic posting and Commissioner of police Francis Kabonde was appointed in acting capacity.

At his first press conference since his election as President, Mr Banda dropped Finance minister, Ng’andu Magande, Local Government and Housing minister, Sylvia Masebo, Presidential Affairs minister, Cecil Holmes, Agriculture minister, Ben Kapita.

Former economic advisor to the President, Situmbeko Musokotwane is new Finance minister and former National Airports Corporation Limited (NACL) managing director, Chileshe Kapwepwe is deputy minister and nominated member of parliament (MP).

“There is need to maintain the momentum of growth and I think Dr Musotwane has the experience as former advisor to the President, secretary to the treasury, IMF advisor and former Bank of Zambia deputy governor,” he said.

Former Local Government and Housing deputy minister, Bennie Tetamashimba has been elevated to cabinet in the same ministry and would be assisted by former Health deputy minister, Lwipa Puma and former Luapula province minister, Crispin Musosha.

Former Sports minister, Gabriel Namulambe is the new presidential affairs minister and former Information and Broadcasting Service minister, Vernon Mwaanga has been appointed the chief whip in parliament.

Mr Banda has moved former Health minister, Brian Chituwo to the ministry of Agriculture and retained Albert Mulonga and Daniel Kalenga as deputy ministers.

The other Former Agriculture minister, Sarah Sayifwanda has been moved to Gender Affairs and would be assisted by former Science, Technology and Vocational Training deputy minister, Lucy Changwe.

North-Western province minister, Kenneth Chipungu is the new Sports minister. Mr Banda reappointed Angela Cifire sports deputy minister together with Kitwe medical practitioner, Chris Kalila who has been nominated to parliament.

Former Tourism minister, Michael Kaingu has been moved to Community development and would be assisted deputy ministers, John Chinyanta and Friday Malwa.

Former Labour minister, Ronald Mukuma is the new Lands minister and the deputy Nasim Hamir retained the same position.

In the ministry of Mines, the President elevated deputy minister, Maxwell Mwale to full cabinet minister and retained Boniface Nkhata as deputy minister.

Ministers of Defence, Goerge Mpombo, Foreign Affairs, Kabinga Pande, Energy, Kenneth Konga, Commerce, Trade and Industry, Felix Mutati, Science, Technology and Vocational Training, Peter Daka, Communications and Transport minister, Dora Siliya and Education, Geofrey Lungwangwa retained the posts.


Communications and Transport minister, Mubika Mubika, Foreign Affairs deputy minister, Fashion Phiri and Home Affairs deputy minister Misheck Bonshe were also reappointed in the same portfolios.

Former Information and Broadcasting Services deputy minister, David Phiri was transferred to Home Affairs and his former Local Government and Housing counterpart, Eustarkio Kazonga to Defence.

Mr Konga’s deputy, Gladys Lundwe was also retained in the same ministry and would work with former Northern province minister, Lameck Chibombamilimo who was also given the position of deputy minister there.

Former Finance deputy minister, Jonas Shakafuswa has been moved to Science and Education deputy minister, Clement Sinyinda shifted to Commerce, Trade and Industry in the same capacities.

Former Information and Broadcasting Services minister, Mike Mulongoti is new Works and Supply minister and would be assisted by Mundia Ndalamei who would continue as deputy minister.

Former Home Affairs minister, Ronnie Shikapwasha is new Information and Broadcasting Services minister and former Defence deputy minister, Elijah Muchima would be the deputy.

Former Mines minister, Kalombo Mwansa was appointed Home Affairs minister.

Kapembwa Simbao, the former Works and Supply minister is new Health minister and the deputy is Mwendoi Akakandelwa.

Former Community Development minister, Catherine Namugala has moved to Tourism with Vera Chiluba and Mubita Mwangala as deputy ministers.

At provincial minister level, the only changes involved the appointment of MMD founder member Boniface Kawimbe as Luapula minister, transfer of Charles Shawa from Eastern to Northern province and appointment of Joseph Mulyata as North-Western minister.

THE VICE PRESIDENT

Incoming vice president George Kunda Left).

PRESIDENT RUPIAH BANDA

President Rupiah Banda addressing the press conference.

RB

SIMBAO

Mr Simbao scratching his head. He is perhaps wodering what 'bombsells' President Banda would drop over the yet to be announced cabinet.

BRADFORD MACHILA

Kafue MP Bradford Machila has been moved from Lands to a ministry yest to be announced.

KAPEMBWA SIMBAO

Incoming health minister Kapembwa Simbao looks worried before the new cabinet was announced. He was moved from Works and Supply.

GEORGEWELL MPOMBO

Defence minister George Mpombo covered in uncertainity before President Rupiah Banda announced the new cabinet.

PANDE AND TETA

Foreign Affairs minister Kabinga Pande (left) chats with incoming minister for local government and housing Ben Tetamashimba before the press conference.

RONNIE AND GEORGEWELL MPOMBO

Incoming information and Broadcasting minister Ronnie Shikapwasha (left) and his counterpart from Defence George Mpombo.

CATHOLIC BISHOPS OFFER TO RECONCILE POLITICIANS

Its great to be back (with consistency) on this platform. I acknowledge the gap that was left on this website especially during the ru-up to, during and after the presidential elections.
I spent most of my time in the countryside, following politicians on their campaign trails. My Mobile internet gave up on me and I was left hanging. I was also gripped by fatiq because he work out there was overwhelming. Apltly put, I was incapacitated by my own strength.
I would like to thank all the people who wrote to me asking for updates. I have received numerous or countless e-mails, some of which I am yet to respond to. I thank all the followers who remained loyal even when I was incapacitated. I want to state that thepicturemonger is back and lets continue debating as ever, however, we have to stay alive and be heard!
Today, I want to start with this piece from the Catholic Bishops.


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CATHOLIC BISHOPS OFFER TO RECONCILE ZAMBIAN POLITICIANS

THE Roman Catholic bishops in Zambia have pledged to help reconcile political leaders who differed after the October 30 Presidential elections.
The bishops observed that political leaders of various political parties disagreed before and after the elections, but reconciliation was vital to avoid differences based on political affiliation or tribal lines.
Episcopal Conference (ZEC) president Bishop George Lungu (ABOVE) said that political parties needed each other in more ways than one.
Bishop Lungu was speaking during a media briefing in Lusaka. He presented a statement prepared by the ZEC and was based on the Biblical book of Mark 3 verse 24.
He said although Zambians may disagree on many issues they should never give in to hate whether on the basis of political affiliation or along tribal lines.
“In this regard we as the Catholic bishops resolved during the last meeting to be available if needed to facilitate reconciliation between leaders of political parties.
“However we urge various political leaders to come to the discussion table with open minds and sincere hearts,” he said.
Bishop Lungu congratulated Zambians for maintaining peace and order before and after the October 30 presidential elections.
“We take this opportunity to remind all Zambians that the rule of law should always take precedence to guarantee peace in the nation.
“The police and army are not there to imprison us, but they are our brothers and sisters who defend us,” he said.
Catholic bishops were firmly committed to a non-partisan role in politics and had no desire for political office or to influence people to vote in a particular manner.
The Bishops advised government to implement a new constitution before the end of 2009 and that the said constitution should also take care of gaps identified with the death of president Mwanawasa.
Bishop Lungu said the voting pattern in the previous elections had been along partisan, regional and tribal lines and the country appeared to be more divided and polarized than it was before multi-partism was re-introduced in 1991.
The ZEC was also worried about the voter apathy exhibited during the recent presidential election where 1.8 million people participated instead of 3.9 million voters who registered.
He said there should be continuous voter registration because it was meaningless if only few people voted because the power of citizens in relationship to their elected representatives lay in actively participating in elections.
Bishop Lungu further said that the 2009 budget should provide enough funds to facilitate continuous voter registration in order to capture as many eligible voters out of the 12 million people.
He said the credibility of elections should be enhanced so that the security of the state was not in any way threatened adding that there must be an urgent electoral reform to avoid minority presidential victories.
“Since the flouting of electoral procedures and the Electoral Code of Conduct seem to go on with impunity, it is time the perpetrators were brought to book and punished to serve as a deterrent to other potential offenders,” he said.