Wednesday 28 May 2008

MASEBO BANS SMOKING IN PUBLIC PLACES


The Zambian government has banned smoking in public places and those found wanting would be liable to pay a fine of K400, 000 or imprisonment for a term of up to two years.
This is according to local government and housing minister Sylvia Masebo, who said she signed a Statutory Instrument that came into effect on May 27, 2008.
She said the public places include all public buildings, streets, offices, bus stations, conveniences and other places to be prescribed.
“It is our hope that all stakeholders such as hotels and restuarants would help us effect this law by way of erecting posters and signs against smoking,” she said.
The Statutory Instrument is number 39 of 2008, titled the Local Government (prohibition of smoking in public places) regulations, 2008.
Masebo said smoking was a hazardous exercise especially to passive and non-smokers, hence, the special attention it has received.
Masebo said the keep Zambia clean and healthy campaign needed to start with personal hygiene, and smoking was not one of the best examples for the clean-up.
“I have been compelled to issue the above Statutory Instrument because of the continued smoking in public places by persons that have no regard for the comfort of others,” she said.
Masebo said this during a press briefing in Lusaka on May 28.

Masebo


Masebo talking to reporters.

MAsebo addressing journalists


Masebo addressing journalists in Lusaka.

Monday 26 May 2008

AFRICA FREEDOM DAY CELEBRATION IN ZAMBIA

Zambia join other countries in commemorating the Africa freedom day, which falls on May 25. Unfortunately, it came at a time when our comrades across our southern border in South Africa where busy negating the very essence we are commemorating.
Before I go any further, I would like to tell these comrades purpetrating xenophobia in South Africa that they should not think that they are clever after we helped them get that freedom.
How can they turn around and stab us in the back like that. I would like to agree with Dr Mwanawasa that a time would come when they would need our help!
Although there are many criticisms about this day, all went well here in Zambia especially in Lusaka, where the President laid a wreath at the freedom statue and hosted many guests at State House for a banquet.
Dr Mwanawasa also honoured some Zambians for their contribution to the struggle for freedom and many other fields.
About the comments, some critics have indicated that Africa need to be gain economic freedom now because the freedom being talked about was merely driving away the colonialists.
They say Africa is still engulfed in disease, wars, poverty, hunger, corruption, avarice and other invectives.
The commemoration at State House on May 25 was characterised by what some people could like to call pomp and splendor.
There were different artists performing, singers, clowns, dancers and oh oh oh!!, I almost forgot The President, The First Lady, Dr Kenneth Kaunda and Myself.
Members of the diplomatic corps, politicians, traditional leaders, the media ordinary citizens like you and me.
I can simply say that the occassion was witnessed by people from different walks of life.
This year's programme seem to have been extremely trimmed because it hardly lasted two hours, unlike previous ceremonies when we spent over fours hours at State House.
I think the programme was rushed because the President had to take off for Japan where he is expected for the Tokyo, Internatinal Conference on Africa's Development (TICAD). But However, it was a well thought and arranged programme.
Although the programme was rushed, it must rejuvenate our resolve and efforts in Africa's total liberation. The fight must continue. Some of our leaders in Africa have managed to carry the torch of our fore fathers forward.
Aluta continua (the struggle continues)!

KK sprinting


Even though he is old and grey, it does not mean former president Kenneth Kaunda is rigid and numb. Here Dr Kaunda sprints towards the dance place and did some breath taking dance, especially lokking at his age, 84.

Traditional dancer


A traditional dancer from the Zambia National Service showcasing his dancing.

Zambia National Service dancers


Traditional dancers from the Zambia Natinal Service entertaining guests.

KK still dances


Dr Kaunda dances to the Africa Freedom Day music.

KK dancing


Dr Kaunda dancing to the music by the combined choir from the defence forces.

Clowns


Wesley Kaonga and clown Ben Phiri (right) cracking jokes. Ben Phiri is famous for his mimicks on Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni.

Amayenge band


The Amayenge band entertaining guests.

Chief Chisomo


President mwanawasa pins a medal on Chief Chisomo's chest as a honour for his contribution to Zambia's development.

KK


Second republican president Kenneth Kaunda seem to be gripped with nalstogia during the Africa Freedom Day celebrations. As a freedon fighter, Dr Kaunda says he rejoices to see Africa and Africans free from colonial bondage, oppression, racism, apartheid and other forms of injustice. But he mentions his worries about the xenophobia, poverty, hunger, disease, political injustice, economic exploitation and human rights abuse still obtaining on the African continent.

KK and his aid


Second republican president Kenneth Kaunda and his assistant Jason Mfule following proceedings. Sometimes I find it hard to see the differencde between the two men.

Love birds


President Mwanawasa and Firts Lady Maureen shove pieces of cake into each other's mouth before serving it to guests during the Africa Freedom Day celebration at State House.

Nevers and Florence


Former vice president Nevers Mumba and his spouse Florence in the audience at State House.

Chanda Beu


The majority of Zambians dont know tghis man's name. But he is fondly known as Chanda Beu. He used to be a major character in the Amayenge band in the 70s and 80s when he used to showcase his dancing prowess such as gyrating his waist, bouncing on the ground like a tennis ball or hanging on to a woman's waist like a parasite.
Chanda Beu has now retired from active music and works for a transport firm called Mazyndu as an inspector.
But although he has hang his microphones and dancing gear, Chanda Beu pushed in a snippet of dancing during the Africa Freedom day celebrations at State House.
He still has the dancing prowess from what I saw.

Waiting to serve


Waiters from Pamodzi hotel line-up to serve drinks to guests during the Africa Freedom Day celebrations at State House.

Nevers, Mateyo and Kalusha


Former vice president Nevers Mumba (left) Inspector General of Police Ephraim Mateyo and Football Association of Zambia president Kalusha interact during the Africa Freedom Day commemoration at State House.

Kalusha and Namulambe


Sports minister Gabriel Namulambe (right) and Fotball Association of Zambia president Kalusha Bwalya during the Africa Freedom Day at State House.

Saturday 24 May 2008

The graduation

After a long absence from my blog, I would like to share a few pictures I got during a graduation ceremony somewhere in Lusaka last week.

It is the preparation for this very graduation that caused my absence.

The graduation was at a government institute that trains people for insternational assignments. I am gripped with nalstogia as I author this piece because it was such a memorable occassion.

I missed the aftermath party that was staged two days later because of an urgent assignment out of town. I was somewhere on the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Those who know about the graduation will know the institute and all that I am talking about on the postings below.

Joe and You


Joe receiving his certificate. He called himself, Joa and You.

Edna


Edna receives the certificate from the institute director. She was a soft spoken lady. Always cool, looking good and fresh.

Lilian upstands


Lilian takes off from her seat to go and receive the treasured certificate.

Tea time?


Caristo helping himself to a cup of tea before the graduation ceremony. What I do not know is whether Caristo wants to clear his throat for a broadcasting job or there was an absence of other drinks. Ha, Ha, Ha, Ha...............

Confident Col Simwanda


Col Simwanda full of confidence approaches the high table to receive his certificate. Oh damn! He has forgotten his final assignment, which he must submit before being handed the certificate behind on the table.

IG graduates


This classmate of mine was fondly known as IG for whatever reasons. He was a popular figure in class and possessed a character of his own. But I think he was humurous and exaggerated protocol. Ha, Ha, Ha, ha................

Mofya-forward looking


Mofya Chisenga looking forward to receive her certificate. Looking so cool, calm and collected as usual. She also looked fresh that day.

Caristo graduates


Caristo receives his certificate from the institute director Ambassador Tembo.

Lilian graduates


One of my classmates, Lilian is cngratulated by our lecturer in protocol Colonel Shula after getting her certificate.

Group photograph


Some of the course participants pose for a photograph after receiving their credential.

Connie receives her credential


Ambassador Akapelwa congratulates Connie after she received her certificate from the during the graduation ceremony.

Caristo and Lilian


My classmates, Caristo (right) and Lilian (left) preparing for a photo session just before receiving certificates.

The director


The institute director following proceedings before the graduation ceremony.

Ambassador Akapelwa


Ambassador Simataa Akapelwa summerising his lecture session on the institute.

Tuesday 13 May 2008

FTJ


Dr Chiluba dancing to catholic music.

Chiluba


Dr Chiluba, interacts with one of he vulnerable children at Mulele Mwana centre when he visited St Charles Lwanga catholic church at the weekend.

FTJ


Second republican president Frederick Chiluba poses for a photograph from a boy when he visited ST Charles Lwanga catholic church in Lusaka at the weekend.

Sunday 11 May 2008

My Shoes


Take a wild guess and tell me whose designer shoes these are. I just want to see if people have good memory and I am just giving you a tinkle in the rib. Do not laugh about it because this is serious business. Go on grab your chance before its too late and make you guess. Please leave you wild guess in the comments section below.

Shoes


Tell me whose shoes these are. Leave you answer in the comment box.