RB FILES NOMINATION

Acting President and MMD presidential candidate rupiah Banda filed his election nomination before Chief Justice Ernest Sakala last Friday.
There was so much jubilation and slogan chanting, where MMD members drawn from different parts of Lusaka converged at the Supreme Court to witness the ceremony.
The cadres danced, sung and displayed slogans in all forms and manner.
It was like business came to a stand still because no one could concentrate on their business because the attention was constantly attracted towards the political activities.
Mr Banda arrived at the Supreme Court around 10:00 hours in a Marcopolo B7 bus, which was clad in MMD material and posters of RB pasted on its sides and behind. The bus drove slowly and was driving at about 20 kilo metres per hour. Its was sucha majestic drive. Security was also tight as the guards kept vigil at the curious
gathering.
Slogan chanting MMD members jostled in every direction to catch a glimpse of Mr When the B7 finally came to a halt, senior MMD members from the national executive committee trooped out.
But things reach a climax when RB emerged through the front exit and straight away pushed in a party slogan. The gathering went agog but soon he was whisked into the Supreme Court through a narrow aisle which was temporalily established to usher him in.
Inside the Supreme Court, Mr Banda went through the nomination formalities. The Chief Justice congratulated RB at the end of it all and he exited to address the crowd which was eager to listen to his voice.
That brief speech crowned everything before RB waved at the crowd. He disappeared into the Mercedez Benz car and the motorcade sped of.

MMD CADRES

MMD cadres chanting party slogans.

CROWD

Part of the crowd that escorted Mr Rupiah Banda file his nomination outside the Supreme Court.

UNZA STUDENTS

Placard carrying university of Zambia students chanting slogans.

POSTERS

PLACARD

Some MMD youths displaying Mr Banda's placard.

CROWD

Part of the crowd that witnessed Mr Banda's nomination filing at the Supreme Court.

RB'S PLACARDS

MMD members displaying Mr Banda's placrads.

PLACARD

A youth display a placard in front of the Supreme Court before Mr Banda arrived to file his nomination.

MEMBERSHIP CARDS

An MMD supporter wears a hat with membership cards for the oppoition United National Independence Party (UNIP), Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) and others.
These are some of the oppsotion parties that have supported Mr Banda's presidential candidature.

PLACARDS

MMD supporters display placards when they awaited the arrival of party presidential candidate Rupiah Banda at the Supreme Court.

RB ENTERS SUPREME COURT GROUNDS

THE GRAND ENTRY

MMD supporters waving the party symbol towards Mr Rupiah Banda's bus when he entered the Supreme Court gates.

RB'S GRAND ENTRY

RB ARRIVES IN A MORCOPOLO B7 BUS

Mr Banda arrives at the Supreme Court for nominations. He was accompanied by MMD members, who boarded the Marcopolo B7 bus with his campaign posters pasted on its sides.

RB TAKES AN OATH

Mr Banda reading an oath document when he filed his elections nominations.

CJ CONGRATULATES RB

Chief Justice Ernest Sakala congratulates Mr Banda after the acting President filed his nominations.

RB LEAVES THE SUPREME COURT

Mr Banda waves at supporters before leaving the Supreme Court.

HAKAINDE HICHILEMA ARRIVES FOR NOMINATION

United Party for National development (UPND) cadres mob the motor vehicle for party president Hakainde Hichilema when he arrived to file his nnomination at the High Court.
Mr Hichilema was the second presidential aspirant to file his nomination after fellow opposition and Patrotic Front leader Michael Sata filed on Tuesday.
Acting President Rupiah Banda who is contesting on the MMD ticket is expected to lodge in his nomination today.

HH WAVES AT CADRES

Mr Hichilema waves at party supporters when he arrived at the High Court to file his nomination.

HICHILEMA FILES NOMINATION

Chief Justice Ernest Sakala congratulates Mr Hichilema after successfully filing his presidential nomination.

UPND CROWD

Part of the crowd of UPND cadres that was witnessed the nominationg filing by party leader Hakainde Hichilema.

UPND cadres

A horde of UPND cadres lift obe of the youths when they were chanting party slogans before party leader Hakainde Hichilema filed his nomination at the High Court.

HH AFTER FILING NOMINATION

Mr Hichilema waves at his supporters after successfully filing in his nomination at the High Court.

HH ADDRESSING SUPPORTERS

HH ADDRESSING CADRES

Mr Hichilema addressing UPND cadres outside the High Court.

SATA FILES PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATIONS

Mr Sata arrives to file his nomination at the Lusaka High Court.





PATRIOTIC Front (PF) president Michael Sata on Tuesday successfully filed in his nomination for the October 30 presidential elections.
This was after the High Court dismissed an application for an injunction to restrain him from doing so.
Kasama Central Member of Parliament (MP) Saviour Chsihimba on Monday filed an injunction in the Lusaka High Court to restrain Mr Sata from filing in his nomination arguing that Mr Sata’s adoption was against the party’s constitution.
Just after the injunction was dismissed by the High Court, Mr Sata took oath at the Supreme Court before High Court registrar Mwamba Chanda and later filed in his nomination before Chief Justice, Ernest Sakala.
The filing in of the nomination was witnessed by Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) chairperson, Justice Florence Mumba, ECZ deputy director for elections Priscilla Isaac and Commissioner Joseph Jalasi.
Mr Sata was accompanied by his wife, Dr Christine Kaseba and he paid the K20 million nomination fee and was in a jovial mood, mostly using vernacular language as he filed his papers and declared his assets and liabilities.
His 200 registered supporters were also screened by ECZ officers.
In his declaration of assets owned as at March 31, 2008, Mr Sata declared seven fire arms, K11.5 million worth of shares at Standard Chartered Bank, K15 million shares at BP Zambia and K3.1 million shares at Chilanga Cement.
He also owns 33 percent shares in a family trust that owns seven properties, another 33 percent shares in City Advertisers with an annual income of K6 million and owns Gerald Julianos Oil although he was not yet earning any money.
He declared K559.755 current account at Standard Chartered Bank, a K1.1 million current account at ZANACO. Others are a K46 million account at Finance Bank and a US $ 933 account at Finance Bank.
Mr Sata is owed K45 million by China Hainan and he also owes former Libyan ambassador Mbita Chitala K20 million, which arises from a defamation case currently before the courts.
After the filing in, Mr Justice Sakala informed Mr Sata to wait for the announcement of successful nominees on Friday afternoon.
Meanwhile as Mr Sata waited for the conclusion of the injunction and filing in his nomination several cadres gathered at the Supreme Court ground chanting slogans in solidarity as police officers kept vigil.
Earlier, High Court Judge Philip Musonda in his ruling dismissed Dr Chishimba’s application for an injunction with costs and condemned him to credit Mr Sata for all the time lost.
Judge Musonda said the action was misconceived and that there was no basis for such.
Mr Sata’s lawyers had earlier filed a notice to raise preliminary points of law and stated that the endorsement of the writ of summons did not disclose any cause of action against the PF leader.
The lawyers stated that the purported claim did not disclose in what capacity Mr Sata was sued and what remedy was being sought against him.
They claimed that the PF party being an incorporated association did not have any legal capacity to sue or to be sued.

SATA WANTS HIS SUPPORTERS INSIDE THE COURT GROUNDS

SATA ARGUES WITH COPS

Mr Sata arguing with police officers who locked out his supporters before he filed his nomination.

LOCKED OUT

PF cadres waving their registration and voters cards when they were locked at Mr Sata's nominations.

LOCKED OUT

PF cadres wielding a boat, the party's symbol were intially blocked from accessing the High Court grounds. Here they try to make their way inside.

SATA ARRIVES

Mr Sata arrives in a speed boat.

SATA IN A BOAT

Mr Sata and his wife Dr Kaseba arrive in a speed boat, the party's symbol.

PF BOAT

SATA arrives

Mr Sata arrives for nominations mobbed by his cadres.

SATA FILES NOMINATION

Chief Justice Ernest Sakala receives a nomination form from PF leader Michael Sata.

THE PICTURE MONGER?

An unidentified using a mobile phone to take pictures of Mr Sata at the High Court.

PF DRAMA AT SUPREME COURT

THERE was drama at the Lusaka High Court grounds yesterday when Patriotic Front (PF) cadres stormed the premises in solidarity with their leader Michael Sata.
This was when Kasama Central Member of Parliament (MP) Saviour Chishimba filed an injunction to restrain him from filing in his nomination today.
The drama started when PF leaders heard that Mr Chishimba had filed an injunction to block Mr Sata from filing in his nomination to enable him participate in the October 30 Presidential elections.
PF spokesperson Given Lubinda in the company of secretary general Edward Mumbi and lawyer Edgar Ngoma arrived at the court around 14:45 looking for Dr Chishimba and the injunction.
Mr Lubinda and Mr Ngoma were looking for the injunction and the judge who was handling the case, busloads of party cadres started trooping into the court premises.
Armed police officers kept vigil and warned the irate cadres not to cause confusion at the courts but the calls fell on deaf ears because the cadres went ahead and broke a door to one courtroom.
When Mr Sata and his vice Guy Scott arrived at the court, the cadres were ordered to follow him into the courtroom but later they discovered that the matter was in chambers.
The cadres continued chanting slogans outside the court and Mandevu MP Jean Kapata, Chimwemwe MP Willie Nsanda and Nkana MP Mwenya Musenge kept on talking to the cadres.
Mr Lubinda said that if Mr Sata was stopped from filing in his nomination then the PF would ensure that no presidential candidates filed in their nominations.
At about 18:00 hours Mr Sata pleaded with his cadres for them to go home but they refused saying they would wait for the outcome of the matter.
After he failed to compromise with his cadres he led them outside the court premises to the High Court roundabout blocking the prime time traffic from the central trading district.
This morning the Court is expected to deliver judgment on the matter.

PF POWER

A PF cadre dancing in the Supreme Court grounds.

PF SUPPORTERS CHANTING SLOGANS

PF cadres chanting party slogans at the Supreme Court in Lusaka.

SATA ADDRESSING HIS SUPPORTERS

PF leader Michael Sata talking to his slogan chanting supporters outside the Supreme Court.

POLICEMAN ORDERED TO UNLOCK GATE

PF CADES ORDER POLICE OFFICER TO UNLOCK GATE

PF cadres order a police man to unlock the main gate to the Supreme Court in Lusaka.

POLICEMAN TAUNTED

POLICEMAN MOBBED

PF cadres mob and taunt an unidentified police officer before forcing him to open the main gate to the Supreme Court.

POLICEMAN FORCED TO OPEN GATE

A horde of Patrotic Front cadres force an unidentified policeman to unlock the main entrance to the Supreme Court, which was shut after the disturbances at the courts.

SATA

Mr mobbd by his supporters at the main entrance to the Supreme Court.

CADRE

A PF cadre protesting.

PF CADRES

PF CADRES

Some PF cadres dancing and chanting party slogans

GOLOSALI, KANTEMBA (GROCERY)

Picture By Kalenga Mubanga.


Yesterday I got some images from a Lusaka resident Kalenga Mubanga. She got the shots using her mobile phone. ( I don't know what make or how expensive it is but I can only guess from the quality of the pictures).

I just got a tinkle in my rib when I was working online yesterday and she said "I went for a funeral in the rural area of my farm………

And this is what I found…".

Then I got an e-mail with the pictures attached. What I didnt receive was a picture of the author so we can give her a thumbs up.

Well, since Richie's World is a platform for debate, dialogue, humour or whatever, I was obliged to upload them.

GOLOSALI (GROCERY)

Picture By Kalenga Mubanga.

UNIP BACKS RUPIAH

UNIP president Tilyenji Kaunda stressing a point when he addressed journalists in Lusaka yesterday.



Acting President Rupiah Banda has continued to receive support for the Presidency with the latest backing coming from UNIP and traditional leaders in northern Zambia.
Opposition United National Independence Party (UNIP) president Tilyenji Kaunda has announced that the former ruling party would not field a candidate during the Otober 30, 2008 Presidential elections.
But he said UNIP would participate in the three parliamentary by-elections that will take place in Ndola central, Nkachibiya and Mwansabombwe on October 30.
"We shall not participate in the Presidential by-election and in this respect, we endorse the candidature of Honourable Rupiah Banda as a Presidential candidate to allow the MMD finish their mandate up to 2011," he said.
Mr Kaunda said UNIP would support the candidature of MMD's Rupiah Banda (RB) because he was closer to UNIP.
"We back Mr Banda out of principal," he said.
He said among the three participating political parties, UNIP decided to support RB because of his past membership with UNIP.
Of late, there have been statements that RB was still a member of UNIP, but Mr Banda has stated that his relationship with UNIP ended in 2003 when he joined the ruling MMD.
"Mr Banda has history with UNIP and therefore, we though we should support his candidature because his policies would be similar to those of our party.
"We are supporting Mr Banda as an individual and not this sponsoring party," Mr Kaunda said.
During a media briefing at the party Headquarters in Lusaka yesterday, Mr Kaunda said Rupiah Banda was experienced enough to lead Zambia.
And the chiefs in Mpika who were represented by senior chief Kopa said Mr Banda had shown good qualities of leadership.
He said seven Bisa chiefs, three sub-chiefs and 75 headmen would support Mr Banda's candidature.

TILYENJI AND ANAMELA

UNIP president Tilyenji Kaunda listens to his deputy Njekwa Anamela during a press briefing in Lusaka yesterday.

STICKING MMD POSTERS AT UNIP HEADQUARTERS

PASTING MMD POSTERS AT UNIP HEADQUARTERS

Some unidentified youths sticking campaign posters for ruling party MMD's Presidential candidate Rupiah Banda in front of the opposition UNIP Headquarters in Lusaka.

RUPIAH BANDA LAUCNHES CAMPAIGN

Acting President Rupiah Banda presenting his campaign launch speech at Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka on Thursday.
Scores of MMD members attended the launch, which was characterised by political slogans, placards and whistling.
Mr Banda later went to visit some parts of the capital city. He also went to check on the Lusaka City Market and Kanyama clinic.
Business came to a stand still when the acting President made his way through this area, which is one of Lusaka's densely populated spots. Some curious individuals also jostled to catch a glimpse of Mr Banda and his convoy as it made its way there.

RB, KAVINDELE AND MAGANDE

Acting President Rupiah Banda (RB) is sandwiched by MMD losing presidential candidates Enoch Kavindele (left) and Ng'andu Magande when he officially launched his campaign.
The losing candidates were accused of harbouring bitterness after after RB emerged winner. They were challenged to show up at RB's public programmes because they disappeared after losing the nomination.

RB INSIDE CITY MARKET TUNNELS

Acting President Rupiah Banda is mobbed by MMD cadres who wanted to catch a glimpse of him inside the Lusaka City Market.

MAN OF THE PEOPLE?

Mr Banda greets an unidentified child perched on her mother's laps at Lusaka City Market where he had gone to visit. With is Home Affairs minister Ronnie Shikapwasha.
The city market is Lusaka's largest and modern built market. Some people view it as a political ground where grassroot supporters from different political parties form their strongholds.
But markets such as this one can be very necesary to win votes for aspirants because it is where basic trading takes place and people would like leaders who can provide good and organised shelter for trading.

MMD CADRES FLOCK INTO MULUNGUSHI

sccores of MMD cadres making their way into the Mulungushi nternational Conference Centre to listen to Mr Rupiah Banda's speech when he officially launched his campaign on Thursday.

ARTHUR BANDA-Chosen Heritage Funeral Home proprietor

Mr Banda beside Dr Mwanawasa's coffin in Mansa.



THIS MAN IS CALLED MR ARTHUR BANDA WHO RUNS A FUNERAL FIRM IN LUSAKA CALLED CHOSEN HERITAGE FUNERAL HOME.
I THOUGHT I SHOULD SAY SOMETHING ABOUT THIS MAN, WHOSE TALENTS AND GREAT EFFORTS HAVE REMAINED EXTRA-ORDINARY AND REVERED NOT ONLY IN ZAMBIA BUT IN AFRICA AT LARGE BECAUSE HE IS AMONG THE FEW QUALIFIED IN HIS PROFESSION.
I HAVE OBSERVED WITH GLEE HOW ACCOLADES HAVE GONE TO DIFFERENT INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS SUCH AS PALLBEARERS, SECURITY PERSONNEL DURING THE FUNERAL OF DR MWANAWASA. I AM YET TO COME ACROSS ANYTHING OF THAT MAGNITUDE DIRECTED TOWARDS MR BANDA, WHO DIRECTLY RESPONDED TO THE NEEDS OF THE LATE PRESIDENT’S BODY AT THAT TIME.
I TRAVELED WITH MR BANDA ON THE SAME PLANE WHEN DR MWANAWASA’S BODY WENT FOR BODY VIEWING IN THE PROVINCES. I INTERACTED WITH HIM AND HIS SON ALFRED AND THEY ARE JUST WONDERFUL PEOPLE WHO ARE FULL OF HOMOUR.
MR BANDA WAS THE ONE HIRED TO TAKE CARE OF DR MWANAWASA'S BODY WHEN IT WAS TAKEN AROUND THE COUNTRY FOR BODY VIEWING.
MR BANDA IS A THANATOLOGIST, WHICH IS REALLY THE SCIENCE OF THE DEAD.
HE GRADUATED FROM THE LEAR SCHOOL OF EMBALMERS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM IN 1993.
MR DESCRIBED HIS ATTENDANCE TO THE LATE DR MWANAWASA’S BODY A GREAT HONOUR.
I HAVE DECIDED TO FOCUS ON MR BANDA AND HIS WORK BECAUSE HE IS AMONG THE UNSUNG HEROES THAT HAVE CONTINUED TO PUT SMILES ON OUR FACES EVEN IN SUCH TIMES AS GRIEF.
HE IS AMONG THE HEROES THAT WE NEVER GET TO SEE ON TV. HE IS AMONG THOSE THAT HAVE NEVER WON A NOBEL PRIZE BUT THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS HAVE OUR LIVES BETTER. THIS IS WHY I WANT TO SAY BIG IT UP O MR BANDA. YOU HAVE REMAINED A HERO AND A GREAT SON OF ZAMBIA.

HAKAINDE HICHILEMA

United Party for National Development leader Hakainde Hichilema waving the party symbol before addressing the gathering.
Mr Hichilema launched his party's manifesto ahead of the Presidential elections slated for October 30 this year.
Among the things he presented were the promise to reduce taxes in Zambia, a song which fellow opposition Patrotic front leader Micheal Sata has been singing since he entered the presidential race in 2001.
Mr Hichilema is now expected to go out with ful force and woo voters across Zambia.
The opposition leader was accompanied by is predecessor Anderson Mazoka's wife Mutinta among other senior party officials.
Mr Hichilema arrived late for the meeting, which slated for 09:00 hours but he only pitched up after 10:00 hours but the cadres whomanaged to withstand the long wait jubilated upon his arrival.

MUTINTA MAZOKA

Late UPND president Anderson Mazoka's wife Mutinta Mazoka displaying the party symbol.

UPND CADRES

UPND cadres singing political songs before their top party leadership.

MUTINTA MAZOKA AND HH

Late United Party for National Development leader Anderson Mazoka's widow Mutinta paves the way for current party president Hakainde Hichilema.

PLANNING SOMETHING BIG?

United Party for National Development Hakainde Hichilema (centre) talks to some of his 'lieutenants' before he addressed the gathering at Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka yesterday.

GARRY NKOMBO AND HH

Mazabuka Member of Parliament kneels before UPND party president Hakainde Hichilema.

UPND SECURITY WING

Some UPND members line up along the corridor. They were being called members of the security wing.

RUPIAH GREETS SERVICE CHIEFS

Mr Banda greeting defence forces service chiefs. This was at Lusaka city airport when the acting President returned from eastern province where he had gone for ssome work.

RUPIAH DANCES WITH MMD CADRES

Acting President Rupiah Banda dances with MMD cadres at Lusaka city airport.

RUPIAH BANDA ARRIVES FRON EASTERN PROVINCE

Here, Mr Banda is backed by Homes Affairs minister Ronnie Shikapwasha, who lost the MMD candidecy.

CAMPAIGN TRAILS TAKE OFF

Mr Banda bidding fareweel to some of the cabinet ministers before leaving for Chililabombwe at the weekend.






CAMPAIGN trails for the Presidential election slated for October 30, 200 have started here.
This week, we expect a lot of chriss-crossing while the press and airwaves will be filled with political jingles. Already, some billboards around Lusaka are being changed to replace the commercial messages with effective portraits of presidential aspirants.
The participating political parties are today expected to officially unveil their campaign programmes. But from the look of things, the political engineers are already chriss-crossing and spreading their manifestoes.
The MMD's Rupiah Banda was on the Copperbelt at an international match between Zambia and Togo at the weekend. I have known Mr Banda to be an avid soccer fan. But some people viewed his attendance as a political gymnastic to advance his political wishes.

Today, Mr Banda has traveled to eastern province where he will officiate at a traditional ceremony called Kulamba. He will later have meetings with Paramount chief Mpezeni of the Ngoni people. He will also meet senior chief Nzamane who had a bereavement recently.
Mr Banda is also expected to hold a political rally after these events.
Next week, the acting President will fly to Northern province for a three-day visit where he is expected at the Ukusefya Pangwena traditional ceremony.
He is expected to meet with the traditional leaders, MMD officials and hold a public rally. Effectively, I can say that the MMD campaign trails are spiraling.
Mr Banda is expected to garner a lot of votes from the eastern province because of reasons such as the fact that it is where he hails from and those people have been longing for one of their own to rise to heights Mr Banda is pursuing.
But critics such as Transparency Zambia president Reuben Lifuka say the MMD has an overall advantage over their opponents because of public resources at their disposal. For instance, the acting President has the audacity to fly to any part of the country on using government resources while the opposite is correct for the challengers who have traverse the rough terrains especially of the remote areas.
On the other hand, Patrotic Front held their first political rally in Kafue, which is about 45 kilometres from the capital Lusaka. Party president Micheal Sata and other officials make speeches, trying to woo voters from that area.
Kafue is targeted by politicians who are trying to take advantage of the economic turbulence that rocked the district.
For instance, there have been disturbances at the fertiliser making plant called Kafue Nitrogen Chemicals where scores of workers have been protesting against delayed pay.
There are also scores of retrenchees who are still chasing their terminal benefits from the government and I am sure it is along these lines that the PF team want to strike the iron while it is still hot.
The PF have also continued with public address systems mounted on their pick-up vehicles churning out political lyrics along major roads and Townships in Lusaka.
Mr Sata looks forward to sweeping the votes in Lusaka, Copperbelt, Northern and Luapula but he suffer an imbroglio because he is not at par with 26 Members of Parliament (MPs) whom he has asked not participate in the campaigns because they disregarded his directives over the participation in the National Constitutional Conference. Mr Sata calls these MPs 'rebel MPs'.
But I have not really heard or seen any campaign activity from the opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) apart from press interviews that they are participating in the election.
I am quite sure that something is going to come up because the leadership in that party may be using other tactics such as door-to-door campaigns.
The UPND is expected to offer a formidable challenge in the Southern province, which is considered its stronghold.

RUPIAH BANDA MAY JUST WIN THE ELECTIONS

I was thinking about the October 30 Presidential elections this year. I think that the opposition have just made history to repeat itself by way of dividing the vote and giving the MMD a sweeping victory.
In any case, the opposition factions are already fragmented and exhibiting characterisitcs of disunity among themselves.
Even the mere calls for the cancellation of the Presidential elections by some oppostion political parties such as United Liberal Party and All People's Congress Party (APC) are confirmations that Rupiah Banda may just sweep the votes.
I remember vividly how the oppostion during the 2006 tripartite elections managed to cause so much disillusion and confusion among themselves and ended up losing it all the the late Mwanawasa. They called each other names. They splashed mad on each other and did all sorts of character assasination.
I remember how some alliances were born and they crumbled so soon there after. Where is the United Democratic Alliance and the National Democratic Focus, for instance?
I have observed with glee how the opposition are bahaving especially with shifting goal posts resulting in the fragmentation we just discussed.
But it would also be foolhardy for the MMD to take these matters for granted and expect a sweeping victory.
It is hard to read the mood, especially of the Zambia voters who are sometimes easily swayed by certain stimulus such as sweet talk and even pub talk.

FOOTBALL MATCH BREAKS MOURNING MONOTONY

Namibia managed to hold ambitious Zambia under-17 national team to a 0-0 drew in the 2009 CAF under 17 junior championship qualifier.
This match acted a punctuation during the period of national mourning for the late Dr Mwanawasa.
Scores of Lusaka residents filled the Woodlands stadium in Lusaka where it was expected that Zambia would triumph because the match was being played in honour of the late President.
However, the expectation was skewed away because the Zambian lads were so blunt that they could not see where the back of the Namibian net was placed.
Most of their shots in that direction where mere kicks and diversions in futility and many degrees away from the back of the net, which kept many spectators on their toes.
This match also acted a diversion of attention from the monotony on the current political succession of Dr Mwanawasa.
Zambia takes on Togo this wednesday in the 2010 world cup qualifier at Konkola stadium on the Copperbelt.

THATS MY BALL!!

Zambia's Jimmy Ndlovu shields the ball from Namibia's Tarrif Classen during the 2009 CAF qualifier match played at Woodlands Stadium at the weekend. The teams drew 0-0.

FOUL! FOUL! FOUL!

Namibia's Gregorius Tuseb (red jersey) pleads innocent after committing a foul when he brought down Zambia Jimmy Ndlovu during the 200 CAF under-17 junior championship qualifier played at Woodlands stadium in Lusaka at the weekend. The teams drew 0-0.

TUMBLES TO THE TURF

Namibia's Collins Ndjai pursues Zambia's Arthur Shiwila who tumbles to the turf during the 2009 ACF under-17 junior championship qualifier match played at Wodlands stadium in Lusaka at the weekend.

SOLIDARITY WALK FOR RUPIAH IN LUSAKA

SOLIDARITY WALK FOR RUPIAH IN LUSAKA

SOLIDARITY WALK

SOLIDARITY WALK

MMD youths cling to a minibus during the solidarity walk for Rupiah Banda.

SOLIDARITY MATCH

Some MMD cadres walking along Lusaka's Freedom Way in support of the adoption of Rupiah Banda as the MMD Presidential candidate. This was in Lusaka yesterday.

THE BATTLE LINES HAVE BEEN DRAWN

President Mwanawasa has been buried. I guess this is the right time to discuss his successor.
Well, there have been many of them. Others have been hiding in their cacoons, while some openly came out and defied the cultural norms that obstruct us from any form of discussion on a dead person who has not been buried yet.
With the burial of Dr Mwanawasa and subsequent adoption of Mr Rupiah Banda as the MMD presidential candidate, the battle lines have been drawn!
The opposition Patrotic Front has endorsed Mr Micheal Sata, the United Party for National Development is expected to field Mr Hakainde Hichilema. The United National Independence Party (UNIP) is not expected to participate in these elections because of confusion and intra-party wrangles that have left the former ruling party into a shell of its former self. These four are the three major political players on the Zambian scene.
A lot said been said and analysed about the possible winner in the political parties and as politicians in general.
As for the MMD ( and I am not a sympathyser of the ruling party or any other opposition), I would like to say that Mr Rupiah Banda is a better candidate than the others contestants who seem to be hell bent on attaining the presidency. For instance, I would have been an emotionally depressed person to have had one Ng'andu Magande to lead this country because he just has no such presidential traits.
This man is a good economist. He is good at counting our assets and I think he is better serving us in that capacity.
What about the Zambian Airways imbroglio that has been unearthed? What other things has Mr Magande done in the dark corners that we have not heard or seen yet. I have little or nothing to say about the other presidential aspirants in the MMD because the fact that they have not been adopted speaks miles of them. Some of them were pure clowns and overestimated their abilities.
As for Sata and Hichilema, the dye has been cast and may the best candidate win although mad throwing has already started already.
I have heard some people saying Mr Sata is an old man whose age is not suitable for a President.
"Do you want another bye-election before 2011 again," I heard some ask. On that, I simply say age is nothing but a number. Ask John MCcain, Abdulaye Wade of Cameroun, Mwai Kibaki of Kenya and our very own Mbingu Wa Mtarika of Malawi and in case I forget even Robert Mugabe from across the Victoria Falls. They also say Sata is a pure clown who cannot practice the good things he talks about. They say Sata is a good politician who can tell you what you want to hear and he can never do for you what you want done.
Some people are also saying HH (Hichilema) is a 'baby' in politics. They say he is a tribalist who took up the leadership of that party on tribal lines.
I only pray that this campaign trail will not trun ugly. I pray that there will be no violence and the elections will be free and fair. However, one thing is for sure-there will be bruises.

ITS RUPIAH BANDA

MMD cadres including founder member Akashambatwa Mbikusita-Lewanika carrying placards and singing solidairy songs for Mr Banda outside the Mulungushi international conference centre.

Enoch Kavindele

MMD presidential aspirant Enoch Kavindele arrives for the elections. Mr Kavindele also received no vote.

Dr Ludwig Sondashi

Presidential aspirant Ludwig Sondashi arrives for the National Executive Committee elections as he is being taunted and booed. He received no vote although he has been camapaigning for some time now. Since Dr Mwanawasa died, Sondashi has been running his CV in the dailies and talking about his AIDS medicine, the Sondashi formula, which he claims can cure HIV and AIDS.

MOBED

Mr Banda's supporters mob his motorcade after being declared winner.

RUPIAH BANDA

Mr Banda waves at his supporters after emerging vistorious for the Presidential by-election at Mulungushi international conference centre.

PRESIDENT MWANAWASA INTERED

Dr Mwanawasa has been buried amid a sombre mood in Lusaka. He was buried at the embassy park opoosite cabinet office.
11 heads of state were present including Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe who Mwanawasa openly criticised. Other dignitaries were also present.
Mugabe said Dr Mwanawasa was a couragous leader who wanted to change Zambia and the world.
Mrs Mwanawasa led their six children in laying wreaths. She weeped as the copper casket was lowered into the tomb.
Under Zambia's current constitution, elections for a new President should take place within 90 days.
15 candidates from the ruling MMD party have filed in their applications to contest the presidency on the party's ticket.
Many people have paid tributes to Dr Mwanawasa.
Please click on the TIMES OF ZAMBIA online newspaper for indepth coverage.
MAY DR MWANAWASA'S SOUL REST IN PEACE.

Mwanawasa's son Patrick

Dr Mwanawasa's son Patrick (far left) arriving for burial.

Mwanawasa's sister

Dr Mwanawasa's sister Eva (left) and aunt Marvis Muyunda arriving for the burial ceremony.

Rona Mwanawasa

Dr Mwanawasa's sister Rona (in white T-shirt) arriving for the burial ceremony.

FTJ AND MUGABE

Dr Chiluba quips with Robert Mugabe.

FTJ, MUGABE AND MBEKI

Chiluba quips with Mugabe and Mbeki during the burial ceremony.

JK

MARC RAVALOMANANA

President of Madagascar Marc Ravalomanana and his wife.

MUGABE

PAUL KAGAME

Mr Paul Kagame following proceedings during Dr Mwanawasa's burial programme.

MUGABE

MUGABE

Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe following proceedings during Dr Mwanawasa's burial. He described the late President as a fearless and couragous man.
Dr Mwanawasa strongly and openly criticised Mugabe over the socio-economic meltdown in Zimbabwe. Dr Mwanawasa likened Zimbabwe to a sinking titanic.

ACTING PRESIDENT

Acting President Rupiah Banda and his wife Thandiwe following proceedings during the burial of Dr Mwanawasa.

LEVY INTERED

The casket for Dr Mwanawasa being lowered into the tomb.

MAUREEN BREAKS DOWN

Former First Lady Maureen Mwanawasa breaks down into tears when Dr Mwanawasa's coffin was being lowered into the tomb. It was the first time many people saw her weeping openly in public like that since the funeral.
Here, gender minister Patricia Mulasikwanda is comforting Mrs Mwanawasa.

THE TOMBSTONE

The tombstone that was placed on Dr Mwanawasa's tomb before being lift.

THE STONE

A stone being place on top of the tomb.

THE STONE

Stone experts from Uniturtle firm plaing a tombstone over Dr Mwanawasa's tomb. They used a crane to lift and place the stone.

MAUREEN AND HER DAUGHTERS

Dr Mwanawasa's f=wife Maureen and her daughters Chipo (behind) Ntembe (right) and Lubona (left) going to lay wreaths on the tomb.

MAUREEN AND CHIPO

Dr Mwanawasa's daughter Chipo breaks down on her mother's sholder after laying a wreath.

LEVY'S TOMB

The tomb where Dr Mwanawasa was buried.

DIGNITARIES ARRIVE FOR MWANAWASA'S BURIAL

All the Presidents from the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) including his "archrival rival" Robert Mugabe have arrived in Zambia for Dr Mwanawasa's burial which takes place today in Lusaka. There are also other leaders from different parts of Africa while others have sent representatives. Some countries such as Britain, Germany, America and China have sent an envoys.
The dignitaries arrived yesterday at Lusaka international airport. for indpth coverage, please click the TIMES OF ZAMBIA online link on the left side of his site.
Dr Mwanawasa will be buried at the embassy park opposite cabinet office.

Robert Gabriel Mugabe

Defence minister George Mpombo ushers Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe. This man arrived amid 'tight' security and some of his body guards seemed to be overzealous and exaggerated the security situation.
They pushed reporters, photographers, protocol officers, ministers, Zambian police officers and anything object that looked in Magabe's direction.
I told one of them that Zambia is a sovereign state and the leadership allows a free press to operate, virtues, which he late Mwanawasa encouraged. Therefore, it was useless and futile for the Zimbabweans to come with their Mugabe and disturb the peace!

Kabila Joseph

DRC President Joseph kabila waits to be driven off in the Presidential Benz car at Lusaka international airport.

Joseph Kabila

Democratic republic of Congo President Joseph Kabila is sandwiched by Energy minister KennethKonga (right) and Lusaka province minister Lameck Mangani.

Ian karma

Botswana President Ian Karma in Lusaka.

Mbingu Wa Mtirika

President of Malawi, Mbingu Wa Mtarika coming out of the military that cruised him into Lusaka.

Yang Jiesha

Chinese foreign affairs minister Yang Jiesha responding to press quesries on is arrival. He is backed by Zambia's envoy to China Lupando Mwape.

Mkapa

Former Tanzanian leader Benjamin Mkapa welcomed to Lusaka by Town Clrk Timothy Hakuyu.

Kikwete arrival

Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete on arrival Home Affairs minister and Presidential aspirant Ronnie Shikapwasha.
Here, Mr Kikwete shrugs off a question from a Post newspaper reporter David Silwamba who asked him how Zambians should handle the succession for Dr Mwanawasa.

Cameraman

An unidentified cameraman from Tanzania taking shots of President Jakaya Kikwete's Presidential jet.

Aeneas Chuma

Former United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) country representative to Zambia Aeneas Chuma on arrival at Lusaka international airport. He is now based in Kenya under the same portifolio.

Gilbert Bukenya

Vice President of Uganda Bildert Bukenya (left) on arrival at Lusaka international airport. Ushering him is Lusaka province minister Lameck Mangani and Town Clerk Timothy Hakuyu (left).

THE MOURNING TRAIL

THE LATE ZAMBIAN PRESIDENT LEVY PATRICK MWANAWASA WILL BE BURIED ON WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2008.
HE SHOULD HAVE BEEN CELEBRATING HIS 60TH BIRTHDAY THAT DAY.
LAST WEEK, HIS BODY WAS TAKEN TO ALL THE NINE PROVINCIAL CENTRES OF ZAMBIA.
I WAS PREVILEGED TO BE AMONG THE CREW THAT DELEGATION, WHICH ESCORTE THE PRESIDENT.
I WAS IN THE ADVANCE PARTY WITH TWO OTHER JOURNALISTS, NIGEL MULENGA FROM THE ZAMBIA DAILY MAIL AND GOODSON LUPIYA, FROM THE ZAMBIA NEWS AND INFORMATION SERVICES.
GENERALLY, THERE WERE THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WHO WANTED TO PAY THEIR LAST TRIBUTES TO MWANAWASA.
IN SOME PROVINCES, THE DEFENCES FORCES OPENLY CLASHED WITH THE DEFENCELESS AND CURIOS MOURNERS WHO JSOTLED TO DO THE BODY VIEWING.
WE STARTED WITH CHIPATA IN EASTERN PROVINCE ON MONDAY 25TH SEPTEMBER 2008 WHERE MULTITUDES THRONGE THE AIRPORT TO VIEW THE BODY.
IT WAS HERE WERE THE FIRST LADY MAUREEN MWANAWASA AND OPPOSITION PATROTIC FRONT LEADER MICHEAL SATA HAD A CONFRONTATION.
WE PROCEEDED TO KASAMA IN THE NORTH WHERE THE BODY WAS RECEIVED AT THE AIRPORT. THE FUNERAL PROCESSION WENT TO KASAMA STADIUM WHERE MOURNERS WERE GATHERED. SPEECHES WERE MADE AND ONE OF THEM WAS WHERE THE PROVINCIAL MINISTER LAMECK CHIBOMBAMILIMO CALLED ON THE RULING PARTY TO CONSIDER ADOPTING THE FIRST LADY FOR PRESIDENCY. HE ALSO ASKED THE PARTY TO EMBRACE MR SATA AND WORK WITH HIM CSLOSELY.
I AM SURE MR CHIBOMBAMILIMO WAS OBLIVIOUS OF WHAT HAPPENED BETWEEN THE FIRST LADY AND MR SATA EARLIER THAT DAY.
IN KASAMA, MOURNERS CLASHED WITH THE POLICE. SOME PEOPLE WERE INJURED. OTHERS LOST VALUABLES SUCH AS CAPS, SHOES, HAIR EXTENSIONS AND MANY OTHERS. WE MADE A NIGHT STOP OVER HERE AND MR MWANAWASA’S BODY LAY IN REPOSE AT THE PRESIDENTIAL LODGE.
FROM KASAMA, WE FLEW TO MANSA IN LUAPULA PROVINCE WHERE THE SITUATION WAS ALMOST A REPLICA OF KASAMA.
DURING THE TRIP, MRS MWANAWASA LOOKED CALM AND COLLECTED. SHE RARELY SPOKE AND WAS CLAD IN A BLACK DRESS AS A FUNERAL CUSTOM.
NDOLA, WHERE MR MWANAWASA GREW UP WAS OUR NEXT STOP. HERE COMMANDOES FROM THE ZAMBIA ARMY RECEIVED THE BODY AND ESCORTED IT UP TO THE TRADE FAIR GROUNDS WHERE THE FUNERAL PROCESSION WAS DONE. WE MADE A NIGHT STOP OVER HERE AGAIN AND MR MWANAWASA’S BODY LAY IN REPOSE AT THE PRESIDENTIAL LODGE ON KABELENGA ROAD.
THE FOLLOWING MORNING, WE PROCEEDED TO SOLWEZI IN NORTH WESTERN PROVINCE WHERE MOURNERS STARTED LINING UP FOR BODY VIEWING AROUND 03:00 HOURS THAT MORNING.
HERE, MULTITUDES GATHERED AND JOSTLED IN LONG WINDING QUEUES FOR BODY VIEWING.
I ALSO SPOTTED THE PALLBEARERS BEING MASSAGED BECAUSE OF EXHAUSTION GAINED FROM THE ‘HEAVY PRESIDENTIAL’ CASKET BUT I SUFFERED THE USUAL CENSORSHIP FROM TAKING AN IMAGE.
MONGU IN WESTERN ZAMBIA WAS OUR NEXT STOP FROM SOLWEZI.
THE USUAL FUNERAL PROCESSION FOLLOWED, BUT THE SITUATION WAS OVERWHELMED BY THE NUMBER OF RESIDENTS WHO THRONGED BOTH THE AIRPORT AND PRESIDENTIAL GUEST HOUSE TO PAY THEIR TRIBUTES TO LEVY.
HERE, MANY PEOPLE SUFFRED BODILY INJURIES BUT THE ZAMBIA RED CROSS SOCIETY AND OTHER HEALTH WORKERS WERE AT HAND TO OFFER EMERGENCY SERVICES.
AFTER A HIGHT STOP IN MONGU WE WENT TO LIVINGSTONE IN THE SOUTH AND WINDED UP THE PROGRAMME WITH KABWE IN CENTRAL ZAMBIA.
OVER AND ABOVE, ZAMBIANS IN THE PROVINCES WERE ALLOWED AN OPPORTUNITY TO BID FAREWELL TO LEVY. HOWEVER, MANY PEOPLE DID NOT DO THAT BECAUSE OF THE TIME FACTOR AND HEINOUS NATURE OF THE SCHEDULE.
BUT JUST THE MERE EFFORT TO TAKE THE BODY OF THE DEPART PRESIDENT WAS A GOOD IDEA TO MANY EXTENTS BECAUSE LEVY WAS A PRESIDENT OF ALL ZAMBIANS AND NOT ONLY A CERTAIN REGION OF THIS COUNTRY.