richie's world

ADIOS-FREDERICK JACOB TITUS CHILUBA

2011-06-28T08:31:00.001+02:00

FINAL JOURNEY

2011-06-28T08:27:00.002+02:00

Pallbearers take the body of Dr Chiluba to his final resting place in a military procession that was followed by a 19-gun salute.

ENTER THE TOMB

2011-06-28T08:25:00.001+02:00

Pallbearers lower the casket for Dr Chiluba into the tomb.

HAKAINDE HICHILEMA

2011-06-28T08:17:00.002+02:00

United Party for National Development leader Hakainde Hichilema walks to lay a wreath on Dr Chiluba's tomb. He was one of the notable opposition political party leaders at Dr Chiluba's funeral. In the Chiluba era, Hichilema served on the body that executed the privatisation programme in Zambia.

EDIT NAWAKWI

2011-06-28T08:12:00.003+02:00

Forum for Democracy and Development president Edit Nawakwi lays a wreath on Dr Chiluba's tomb. Nawakwi was a hard critic of Dr Chiluba but she served under the former president as minister of energy and Finance,

FRESH AIR...

2011-06-28T08:09:00.003+02:00

A soldier from the Zambia Army aids a colleague to get some fresh air over the head during a parade mounted at the burial of Dr Chiluba.

DR CHILUBA'S CHILDREN MOURN, BID FAREWELL TO DAD

2011-06-28T08:06:00.001+02:00

Dr Chiluba's children, grand children, nephews and other relatives and friends pay their last tributes to the former president

DR CHILUBA'S CHILDREN MOURN

2011-06-28T08:03:00.001+02:00

END OF THE ROAD...FJT is buried.

2011-06-27T17:45:00.002+02:00

Chaplains from the defence forces pray for Dr Chiluba's tomb before committal of the body during burial of the former Zambian president.

DR FREDERICK CHILUBA IS BURIED

2011-06-27T17:43:00.000+02:00

DR FREDERICK CHILUBA IS BURIED

2011-06-27T17:41:00.001+02:00

Undertakers about to close the tomb for former Zambian president Frederick Chiluba in Lusaka.

PORTRAIT

2011-06-27T08:25:00.004+02:00

TODAY, Zambia puts to rest one of its greatest men.

Zambia Army pallbearers are led by a candid portrait of Dr Chiluba for body viewing in Lusaka.Dr Frederick Jacob Titus Chiluba has died a happy man because of the changes he brought on the face of our land.
Some people say he has died in controversy, but I do not want to agree with them because some situations are man made. In any case, I would rather ignore the man's weak points and look for opportunities in what he did best and with all his heart and energy.
Some people who are at the helm of criticising Dr Chiluba ate with him from the same plate. They claimed to be his friends. and they are actually benefitting from the very things that he fought to introduce to Zambia.
If your are in Zambia, just turn, look around and tell me whether what you are seeing cannot be attributed to the late man.
Therefore, my thought is that we should accept Dr Chiluba as a great man who was fearless. He did the unimaginable in his own right.

MOURNERS

2011-06-27T08:23:00.002+02:00

Some Lusaka residents cry openly upon seeing Dr Chiluba's casket along the great east road.

2011-06-27T08:22:00.000+02:00

FJT'S CASKET ON THE FINAL JOURNEY

2011-06-27T08:20:00.003+02:00

Zambia Army soldiers ferry Dr Chiluba's casket on a gun carrier

FJT'S TOMB IS BUILT

2011-06-27T08:18:00.001+02:00

Construction workers preparing the tomb where Dr Chiluba will be laid to rest.

MORE OF YOUR (TAXPAYER'S ) MONEY AT WORK

2011-04-25T11:59:00.002+02:00

2011-04-25T11:56:00.000+02:00

PRESIDENT BANDA WELCOMED TO MAZABUKA

2011-04-25T11:38:00.002+02:00

THE NEW-LOOK FATHER BWALYA

2011-04-20T15:08:00.003+02:00

This is the new look Father Frank Bwalya. Whatever he is up to or what is going on under skull remains with himself. I think it is unholy.
The Catholic priest, who is on sabatical leave is more of a politician than and NGO worker, which he promised to do when he did away with the robes last year. The red card campaign that has come to be largely associated with the opposition Patrotic front has lost steam and I wonder what Father Bwalya is plotting apart from the unwarranted and baseless attack on the Government of President Banda and everything good about it.
I am a staunch catholic but I disowned father Bwalya, Just like the Pope's envoy to Zambia Nisola Girassoli.
I think this man was a better person with a large following than where he is now.

YOUR (TAXPAYER'S) MONEY AT WORK

2011-04-11T12:16:00.004+02:00

A plaque erected at the in twin palm area of Lusaka east where houses for the defence forces will be built.
There are many of such plaques in different parts of the country bearing the name of President Banda, a sign that our (tax payers)money is at work.

NC'WALA 2011-The boots

2011-03-26T20:21:00.003+02:00

A YOUNG NGONI DANCER IN ACTION DURING THE 2011 NC'WALA TRADITIONAL CEREMONY IN CHIPATA.

The Nc'wala traditional ceremony of the Ngoni people has now passed. It actually went down at the monthend of February. The ceremony is commemorated by the Ngoni speaking people of eastern Zambia. The main dance is a war performance, which symbolises the Ngonis' escape from Shaka in South African in the 1800s. The ceremony is largely characterised by a dance of thumping feet to the ground and singing war songs by the Ngoni (impis) warriors. Paramount chief Mpezeni also sips raw blood from a cow that is brutally killed in full view of the audience, including the children and me. I had the opportunity to visit Mtenguleni park where the culture is showcased even this year. So much has been written about the ceremony over the years, but I just wanted to share with you, some images of Ngoni feet and boots (especially the lack of boots) from the ceremony.

Nkwabilo

2011-03-26T20:21:00.000+02:00

Nc'wala boots

2011-03-26T20:15:00.000+02:00

Shoes

2011-03-26T20:13:00.000+02:00

Ngoni shoes

2011-03-26T20:10:00.000+02:00

Ngoni boots and feet

2011-03-26T20:04:00.001+02:00

Ngoni boots

2011-03-26T20:01:00.000+02:00

THE MOST TALKED ABOUT SHOT OF THE WEEKEND

2011-01-24T19:03:00.004+02:00

Monday, 24 January, 2011-LUSAKA
SHOT OF THE WEEKEND
One of the interesting stories that came from the weekend include an anonymous picture of Works and Supply Deputy Minister Lameck Mangani who was captured having a drink with former Lands Minister Judith kapijimpanga. The picture was published in the Sunday Mail and Sunday Times of Zambia newspapers. One of the captions was interesting though, saying "the agenda of the meeting was not known".
Mrs Kapijimpanga is also former chairperson for lands in the ruling MMD. She defected to the opposition Patriotic Front recently alleging corruption in the MMD.
Mr Mangani and Mrs Kapijimpanga were captured at Mika Hotel in Kabulonga where the two had a meeting for over three hours. Mr Mangani earlier told the ZNBC that Mrs Kapijimpanga was her sister and that was a family meeting.
However the MMD provincial chairperson for Eastern, Western and Lusaka have condemned Mr Mangani saying the meeting had no blessing of the Head of State.
They say it was not in order for Mr Mangani to meet a member of the opposition. Mr Mangani has also been accused of meeting PF members during the MMD eastern province conference recently.
I though it would be great to share some of the news and images from the weekend.

GBM's mobile phone

2011-01-17T09:51:00.003+02:00

I was at a Patriotic Front rally in Matero townshoship at the weekend. One of the prominent speakers was Lusaka businessman and Kasama central Member of Parliament Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba or just GBM. Mr Mwamba is a busy man. He kept receiving phone calls on his mobile gadget during the meeting. I was curious. I hoped as a billionare, which he claims, he would have one of the latest techonology on the market like say, an iPhone, iPad even a blackberry or such trends. And you cannot blame me for having such thoughts. It is what would come to anyone's mind immediately you experience such a situation.
The gadget he was using was a simple Nokia handheld with rubber strings to fasten the facility.
Broken and I thought some missing pieces were lost during one of his confrontations with either the wife or the latest imbroglio with hi brother's wife.
I also thought he was a humble man who does not want to "show-off" like some of the Lusaka boys do.
lets also not rule out the possibility of being technologically challenged because it is unbelievable that some of the biggest wig-wigs in the city are just struggling with the use of modern techonlogy such as computers and cell phones, apart from driving aitomatic cars.

LUCKY DUBE MEMORIAL CONCERT IN LUSAKA

2010-10-27T16:52:00.003+02:00

LAST weekend, I took time off to experience the Lucky Dube memorial concert at Munda Wanga Botanical Gardens.
The show was a complete flop. And the music they played was not good for a rast man, to borrow words from the same man whose life they were celebrating. The band on stage was boring because all they tried to do was sing some Lucky Dube songs although they did not get anywhere near the standards. I remember that reggae revellers refused to turn up for the concert for various reasons we can only speculate. Chris Aka, the chief organiser was reported to be out of town. How can a gig succeed when the main man is A.W.O.L?
There was a lot of smoke and I know Lucky Dube never smoked or imbibed anything above zero percent. I asked the band to play on because that was all they could offer. However, enough was enough and I had to go back to my roots.
But my views are that the organisers must start planning for next year's show early and use the poor results from this year to get rid of matters that flopped the show.
But over and above, there was good photography that I did and it is my pleasure to share with you dears followers.

GANJA LIGHT

2010-10-27T16:50:00.001+02:00

CIGAR...

2010-10-27T16:48:00.001+02:00

GANJA SMOKE

2010-10-27T16:47:00.002+02:00

GANJA SMOKE

2010-10-27T16:44:00.003+02:00

ENJOYING A GANJA LIGHT

2010-10-27T16:42:00.001+02:00

LIGHTING UP

2010-10-27T16:40:00.002+02:00

LUCKY DUBE PORTRAIT(S)

2010-10-27T16:38:00.002+02:00

LUCKY DUBE PORTRAIT

2010-10-27T16:36:00.002+02:00

MEMORABILIA

2010-10-27T16:34:00.001+02:00

Reggae memorabilia on display at the Lucky Dube memorial concert in Lusaka

REGGAE ENTHUSIASTS

2010-10-27T16:33:00.004+02:00

Late Lucky Dube fans skunking to his music during the Lucky Dube memorial concert

LUCKY DUBE AND THE BAND

2010-10-27T16:31:00.002+02:00

Lucky Dube wanna be, Jackie and his band on stage

BACKSTAGE

2010-10-27T16:29:00.001+02:00

A band viewed from the backstage playing during the Lucky Dube memorial concert

LUCKY DUBE WANNA BE

2010-10-27T16:28:00.000+02:00

Jackie Dube, a late Lucky Dube wanna be mining and imitating the fallen South African reggae hero Lucky Dube at Muna Wanga Botanical Gardens.

ZAMBIAN LUCKY DUBE

2010-10-27T16:25:00.002+02:00

This man is called Jackie 'Dube". Here, he is mining and imitating the fallen South African reggae hero Lucky Dube at Muna Wanga Botanical Gardens.

JOSTLING FOR PACT POPULARITY

2010-10-27T10:07:00.004+02:00

So, the Chilanga and Mpulungu parliamentary elections have gone behind us now.
I followed with glee, the events, activities and statements that preceded the polls.
Today, United Party for National Development (UPND) leader Hakainde Hichilema (HH) has asked Zambians to use the results of the Chilanga and Mpulungu by-elections to judge who is more popular between the Patrotic Front (PF) and his UPND in their political pact.
The UPND won the Chilanga seat while the PF tumbled successfully and with flying colours after making so much noise and sending earth moving tremors from in Mpulungu.
I consider the statement from HH to be a throbbing insinuation targeted at his PF counterpart who has been making running commentaries that his party is more popular than the southern province concentrated UPND.
Mr HH must have aching ribs now because of the laughter. He is having the last laugh because his pact partner had really anticipated the opposite of the current results.
The PF tormented the UPND during the Chilanga campaigns because some members of the PF were actually going round the constituency, urging voters not to vote for their pact partners. I think this is a shame. It shows the lack of morals and how loose the pact is especially with its destiny, a total failure.
The PF was conspicously missing in Chilanga, but I thought they UPND was contesting under the pact and the two parties needed to amalgamate their efforts on equal basis to achieve a common goal.
The reality has come to haunt the PF now because they are actually the ones stomaching the bitter pill of losing an election they initially (mis)took for a walk over.
The wish of the PF was for the UPND to lose the Chilanga seat so that they could make noise this day that they are popular in the pact and this would have been the reason why the PF could have fielded a candidate for the seat.
I hear the PF is on course to petition their loss in Mpulungu to the MMD. I would advise the party to proceed and not waste time over such a simple matter. I think the idea to is a squeaky whin, especially of sour grapes and bitterness. The best is to adopt levelheadedness, evaluate how the loss was achieved and tackle to mistakes next time. Pride, self praise and denial would not work in such an environment. politics of popularity, mudslinging, defamation, truth (especially the lack of it) and patronage is not going to sustain the so called pact. Mr Sata is claiming that the MMD stole their votes in Mpulungu is not anything new. He has made this boring statement each time is loses an election. In any, case, he fails to justify his claims when given a competent fora to provide his proof.
If the Chilanga and Mpulungu by-elections were a litmus test to determine the popularity of either the PF or UPND in the loose alliance, then the writing is on the wall. And this is that UPND is popular in Chilanga while is the PF is unpopular in Mpulungu. Zambia is a vast to restrict it to the two constituencies, but if HH wants to comfort himself, then he can proceed at own peril.
But over and above, I hope Captain Cosmas Moono who got the Chilanga seat comes with new ideas to the House in this second platter. Forget about the rhetoric during the campaigns. We want to see how the people of Chilanga would want to feel that they have a representative in Parliament. Mr Moono, do not rush to feel those loan applications yet before you can deliver on your promises.
This is the same message I am delivering for Given Mungomba of Mpulungu.

PUBLIC MEDIA JOURNALISTS PETITION SPEAKER

2010-10-12T17:40:00.003+02:00

Journalists from the public media (including myself) have successfully sent a petition to the Speaker of the National Amussa Mwanamwambwa against Munali Member of Parliament Mumbi Phiri.
Chipangali Member of Parliament Vincent Mwale had the pleasure to receive our petition to forward to the Speaker as per parliamentary etiquette and procedure. We are now waiting for parliamentary course of action to take course before the public can know the outcome of our cry.
Ignore the bad press and negative comments some people uttered and still want to utter. They have selfish motives and objectives. It is only a matter of time and the truth shall be known. We know most of these people are like pawns. They do not have minds of their. They fight other people’s battles just because of a small wage or some pat on the back. Others are chasing for favours. But this is where some people have taken the Zambian media, a platform where they can achieve selfish egos.
We carried placards and chanted slogans as we marched from Arcades Shopping Centre to the Parliament through the great east road where our colleagues from the police service received us with courtesy, contrary to previous years when this procession should have ended in severe beatings and such agony as spending hours or a night in custody.
And it is my chance to congratulate the police for the reasonable conduct as well the earlier permit to conduct this public meeting.
Some critical stakeholders and individuals were conspicuously missing from this noble cause.
This did not deter me and other media practitioners who genuinely advocate for true media freedom, dignity and respect for the fourth estate and the fight against intimidation from proceeding with the arranged programme even when these colleagues indicated aptly they only need us when it suits them the most. When it is our greatest hour of need, our so called ‘friends’ are no where to be found. The world is truly going round and we shall see what posterity has in stock for everybody.
In any case, I was not particularly shocked that some stakeholders were missing because the writing was on the wall.
Earlier, some ‘vuvuzela’ were trying to mislead the nation that we had cancelled the protest because Mumbi Phiri had apologised. What a shame!
The procession to parliament was genuine and peaceful. There was no violence or such acts. The police must be smiling now because this will go down in the annals of history as one of the most peaceful and best examples of how to demonstrate or protest in a democratic setup like ours.

THE LONG WALK TO JUSTICE...

2010-10-12T17:38:00.003+02:00

Public media journalists marching to Parliament in Lusaka.

YOU ARE REPORTERS DONT PROTEST...

2010-10-12T17:34:00.002+02:00

The police tame some journalists before the petition was presented to Parliament

WHO IS THE DOG? MUMBI PHIRI OR JOURNALISTS

2010-10-10T13:01:00.004+02:00

ALLOW me to join the clarion call for Munali Member of Parliament (MP)Mumbi Phiri to apologise to the media fraternity in Zambia for calling journalists who work in the public media as 'dogs' beloging to Information and Broadcasting Minister Ronnie Shikapwasha.
Firstly, I want to declare my interest that I work for the public media in Lusaka. I am speaking as a journalist not only of Zambia but the world over because the work that I do is represented in different parts of the world. I would still have written this piece if it was my good colleagues in the private media who were slurred.
I am also not projecting myself as a 'vuvuzela' for Zambian journalists and my colleagues in the local fraternity. I am presenting my personal views on this matter and I am passionate about that because I love my profession.
I am not necessarily calling for an out-right apology from Mumbi, but I simply want to bring her to a sense of levelheadedness when she talks about some of these things such as politics because posterity is a danger in this regard. She must not get exited in front of the cameras and microphones because those are just electronic tools that can be switched on and off at any time.
I know Mr Shikapwasha tames dogs at home, but I am yet to learn from Mumbi how those beasts are able to churn stories for the Minister.
I am aware that some myopic and shallow headed readers of this blog will come with their semantics that I am biased, but it simply shows that some people have thrown themselves to the wind. But whatever comments this attracts, I do not care because my heart is at peace and my head enjoys a clear concious against any alleged biases.
I have know the MP for Munali as an out-spoken woman. She has said many good and bad things just in this short period she has been in parliament for the first time. In fact, I suspect that she has said so many things, surpussing the record of her opposition political party leader, who has been in politics for decades now.
Mumbi has been reprimanded in the House before and I have in mind a physical confontation she provocked against her counterpart for Kawambwa Elizabeth Chitika-Mulobeka recently.
It has therefore, not come as a shocker that Mumbi has extended her blind attacks and frustrations to the public media journalists.
This latest 'puff' is a pure exibit that the Munali MP has a very shallow understanding of matters. As an MP, Mrs Mumbi has to learn to have courtesy. She must learn about the fourth arm of government, the media and how it operates. I take great exception at her utterances against us. She must take her frustrations elsewhere because we do not direct society how to react to certain things. We simply inform, educate and entertain. It is up to society to make their choices and decisions. And the media has informed the people of Munali about her band language on the journalist and these voters will now make their decicisions and choices based on that information.
Hooliganism has no room among us. Mumbi must not play to the gallery. Mumbi must learn how to bring her brain before her mouth and not vice versa. She must show restraint and order in her selection loud of words because society will judge her by her utterances, which have been so boring lately. Even the voters in Munali constituency must now be making certain perceptions on their leader.
As a person who aspires form government in 2011 and to be a Minister for instance in that government, it is increducluos to entertain the language that was attributed to her on the journalists.
Mumbi must realise that the public media played a critical role in her quest to be where she is at Manda Hill. I persoanally recall, covering her small meetings in Munali in 2006. I was even at the ballot colatig centre during the day and night on the day of voting. Therefore, to insult the fourth estate in that manner explains what kind of leaders society hould recommend to the pit-latrin.
It is imoral and hypocrisy of the worst order to equate professional journalists to dogs in the open like that.
If Mumbi had complaints about the public media practitioners or particular individuals and if she is a woman who undertstands and respects how institutions operate, she could have persued the right channels to air her grievances. I think it is orderly, more polite and professional to do that. It also mirrors what kind of character you are.
Mumbi must realise that all the rantings she has pre-occupied herself with are all aimed at pushing for her party to form the next government. I was wondering whether the public media journalists would still remain 'dogs' if under mysterious means her hallucination becomes reality? Is Mumbi going to keep the 'dogs' if she is appointed Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services, for instance. God forbid!
From the reactions in the media, I am standing on firm ground with a clear mind that the people of Munali and Zambia as a whole can see clearly who the 'dog' is now.

AFRICA FREEDOM DAY IN LUSAKA

2010-05-26T12:52:00.001+02:00

The reception during the commemoration of the Africa Freedom Day was spectacular in Lusaka. It was characterised by dance from different parts of Zambia. There was also two dance troupes from Egypt and these are the El Arish and Team and Nubia Drums.
Zambian dancers included Brian Chilala, song bird Angela Nyirenda and others. The MMD Lusaka district choir blended very well with the Salvation choir. The event was beamed live on the national broadcaster ZNBC with Doreen Mukanzo and Francis being in charge of directing the programme.
President Rupiah Banda graced the occassion with First Lady Thandiwe who was emaculately dressed in an Africa dress while Mr Banda came in a black suit. Second republican president Frederick Chiluba was also present together with other opposition political party leaders such as Humphrey Siulapwa and Cozmo Mumba from the New Generation Party and New Revolution party respectively.
There was enough to eat and drink. I was happy because this drinks did not include alcoholic beverages, which has been a source of trouble among some guests in the past.
Some guests complained against the absence of Mosi, Castle and others, but the order that characterised the ceremony must be repeated next year.

TASTE THE CAKE

2010-05-26T12:50:00.001+02:00

President Banda cuts the Africa Freedom Day cake.

DR DAN PULE IN THE HOUSE

2010-05-26T12:42:00.002+02:00

Dunamis Church head preacher and owner Dr Dan Pule trailed by his wife.

SALVATION ARMY CHOIR

2010-05-26T12:38:00.002+02:00

SALVATION ARMY CHOIR

2010-05-26T12:37:00.000+02:00

EGYPTIAN DANCE

2010-05-26T12:35:00.001+02:00

DANCE FROM EGYPT

2010-05-26T12:31:00.003+02:00

NUBIA DANCER

2010-05-26T12:27:00.002+02:00

A member of the Egyptian Numbian Drums displays a peakcock-like dance

UNCLE FRED AND HUMPHREY SIULAPWA

2010-05-26T12:25:00.002+02:00

REPORTERS AND UNCLE FRED

2010-05-26T12:21:00.002+02:00

Some reporters pose for a photograph with Second republican president Frederick Chiluba.

FRUITS! FRUITS! FRUITS!

2010-05-26T12:18:00.002+02:00

Zambia Army brass band members 'invade' a plate of fruits.

ARMY MAN

2010-05-26T12:15:00.001+02:00

A man from the Zambia National Service helps himself with a plate of fruits.

2010-05-26T12:14:00.000+02:00

SCAVENGER

2010-05-26T12:10:00.002+02:00

A ma looking for left over drinks from the dump site.

LEFT-OVERS

2010-05-26T12:09:00.002+02:00

Some people helping themselves with left over drinks and mineral water after the celebrations.

LEFT-OVERS

2010-05-26T12:06:00.002+02:00

A man walks away with drinks and mineral water after guests failed to eat all the food prepared for the Africa Freedom Day commemoration.

FEEDING CORNER

2010-05-26T12:05:00.003+02:00

A man walks away after getting his share of food.

DR CHILUBA'S SHOES

2010-05-26T12:03:00.001+02:00

DANCING QUEEN

2010-05-26T12:02:00.001+02:00

One of Brian Chilala's dancing queens showcase her skills.

BRIAN CHILALA

2010-05-26T12:00:00.001+02:00

Lusaka musician Brian Chilala singing during the commemoration.

Buffet marquee

2010-05-26T11:44:00.003+02:00

GARRY NKOMBO LOOKS AHEAD

2010-05-24T11:52:00.004+02:00

MAZABUKA Member of Parliament Garry Nkombo looks forward to the success of the UPND-PF pact. He also seem to be wooried about whether it would work or crack before next year's general elections.
Here Mr Nkombo is following a speech by his UPND president Hakainde Hichilema at the Lusaka international airport. This was when Mr Hiclema arrived from the USA where he had gone for a leadership programme.
Mr Hichilema has projected himself as the best person to lead Zambia because he is young and not old and rusty like his pact mate Michael Sata. He said the world is aware that he was a young person with energy and brains, just like David Cameron and Nick Clegg.
Mr Hichilema's speech implies that the pact has not yet agreed who their presidential candidate would be in next year's elections. It looks like there is a power struggle especially on who should lead the alliance. If they two parties have strategised, why are they still keeping the information to their chests? My view is that the sooner the two parties announce the presidential candidate the better. But from the look of things, it seems more work has to be done before a real pact is born.
The UPND and PF have postponed the launch of the pact, which was slated for April 2010. UPND spokesperson Charles Kakoma said the postment was because of the recent by-elections in Kasama, Chitambo, Mufumbwe and Milanzi.
Critics in Zambia and members of the ruling MMD have projected a collapse of the UPND-PF alliance because both leaders seem not to be ready to deputise the other in the elections. In any case, the Mr Hichilema and Mr Sata have been campaigning seperately in different parts of Zambia.

CHILUBA IN LUAPULA

2010-05-15T12:16:00.002+02:00

Second republican president Fredrick is in Luapula province attending a meeting on development relating to the province. The meeting was organised by Copperbelt minister Mwansa Mbulakulima and Patrotic Front Kawambwa Member of Parliament Elizabeth Chitika-Mulobeka.
Some opposition players have said Dr Chiluba is going to kick-start the campaigns for the ruling MMD, but Dr Chiluba and the organisers have denied the allegations.
Some youths from the opposition Patrotic front have been ferried to Mansa, the venue for the meeting to cause confusion. Alert police officers in riot gear have been keeping vigil in mansa, though.
Dr Chiluba arrived in Mansa by road around 21:00 hours with his wife Regina and former Patrotic Front secretary generals Edward Mumbi, Charles Chimubwa and Edwin Lifwekelo.
He was also with Defence minister Kalombo Mwansa and other party officials.
Dr Chiluba was welcomed by scores of Mansa residents who thronged Mansa hotel to shake hands with the former head of State. He was immediately ushered to his resting rooms.

HERE, DR CHILUBA IS READING SOME OF THE MESSAGES THAT WERE SCRIBED FOR HIM BY MMD MEMBERS.

BACK TO THE BLOCK.

2010-01-19T20:33:00.004+02:00

I have decided to bow to pressure from my followers and fans to come back on this platform.
I had vowed to only come back to blogging after completing my online profile, but my plans have been curtailed by follwers who want me to continue with this blog as I focus on the other project.
This is an intro that I am back.
2010 is an interesting year for me because we have the World Cup coming up in South Africa in June. But here in Zambia, it is a year when we expect to see the heightening of politics gymnastics because of presidential and parliamentary elections in 2011. We expect a lot of activities in these two events and there will be lots of pictures herein. The year 2009 was a very interesting and challenging year n all areas of human endeavor and these are too numerous to mention. The best celebration that I have is that we are all sound and alive.
These are some of the major evens and ctivities that we shall follow with glee on this blog. I expect to share some of the moments in pictures as I have always done.
All I ask from my follwers is to maintain levelheadedness as we discuss our topics. I am aware that we all come from different bckgrounds and all manners of affiliations and beliefs. Lets us respect each other's opinions as we comment on the debates since we are here to contribute to efforts on developing Zambia and the world at large.
Please take time to vote in the polls that would be contained herein and remember to sign in as a follwer so that we can grow in numbers and make this place a real platform for dialogue.
Best regards
Richie.

PF CORRESPONDENT??

2009-05-06T18:59:00.006+02:00

Post Newspaper reporter Patson Chilemba is sandwiched between Patrotic Front leader Michael Sata and general secretary Edward Mumbi during the PF's last rally in Lusaka on Wednesday.

I have not blogged on this site for a long time now. This is because of certain reasons.
I have put my blogging activities on ice because I was sorting out one or two things.
Anyway, I was preparing for a better blog or website where I wanted to make certain changes or make this blog bigger and better.
However, I was disturbed by a call from Mr Patson Chilemba who was ordering me to remove the blog, which I have re-posted above.
I took this picture in the run-up to the 2008 presidential elections in Lusaka.
I was busy when he called me initially last week. Patson said he wanted to discuss pictures on my blog. Patson told me in no uncertain terms that the pictures on the blog where embarassing him and in a clearly commanding tone, he ordered me to delete the posts.
I was in a wrong place to discuss such a matter. I advised him to call me some other time when I shall be better placed to talk. Before he could hang up, I indicated to Patson that I was not ready to 'match to his orders'.
In the second call from my Mr Chilemba, which was on Tuesday, may 5 2009, he indicated that the pictures where defamatory and he gave me an unspecified period in which to delete them.
"I have consulted senior people at my place of work and we think the pictures are defamatory.
"What I want to tell you is that you should remove the pictures because they are denting my image. I am running out of talk time bye," he uttered.
I am not a legal person. Therefore, I would like to find out from the legal minds out there whether the pictures are truly defamatory.
My interest was not in defaming Patson. I am a Photo-journalist for goodness sake! I carry pictures in my head and in that post, the picture was where a reporter was on the 'wrong side'.
I have never seen anywhere in Zambia where reporters share the same platform with politicians, especially at an event like a public rally and under any circumstance.
In this picture, Patson could have been mistaken for a political party cadre, hence my slug.
I am a photographer and missing such a picture would be a fallacy, especially that it was scoop.
I have no hard feelings for Patson, but I think next time, he must watch where he sits during such political events.

WELCOME

2009-02-28T18:32:00.002+02:00

Captain John Jerry Mwale receives a welcome kiss from his wife Golezya at the Zambia Air Force base in Lusaka when he arrived from Sudan on a nine- month United Nations peace-keeping mission.

SUDAN REFRESHER

2009-02-28T18:30:00.002+02:00

Some Zambian peace-keepers enjoying castle lager beer immediately on arrival from Sudan at the Zambia Air Force base in Lusaka.
Someone must have sneaked in the beer, for these men to have such a quick access because in as far as I am concerned, there was no cocktail on that tarmac.
The men in uniform must have missed the beer while out there.

2009-02-28T18:29:00.000+02:00

SOLDIERS

2009-02-28T18:26:00.002+02:00

MY GAME

2009-02-23T08:23:00.003+02:00

Post newspaper owner Fred M'membe (left) trailed by legal counsel Sam Mujuda leaving the Lusaka High Court.

I have been following the Zambian Airways and Post newspaper-Dora Siliya drama or is it imbroglio from the fence and I followed these debates with an umatched interest and glee.
I leave every judgement. Today, I publish Lucky Dube's (MHSRIP) lyrics from a song called 'My Game.'
I want to pretend that it is Presidet Rupiah Banda talking to Post newspaper proprietor Fred Mmembe, who has a series of unprecedented attacks on Mr Banda.

So I see you' ve got a problem
Do you wanna take it outside
I' m not the fighting type
But go ahead make my day
You gonna fight me physically
I' m gonna fight you spiritually
I' m gonna fight you truthfully
If I tell the truth boy
You hate me for it
And if I tell you lies
You call me a good man
I' ve got news for you boy
Let me tell you this
Listen to me
Chorus:
This is my game
I' m gonna play it my way
You call yourself
The voice of the voiceless
But the only time you use your voice
Is when you criticise
What other people have done
We read in the Bible and
Understand what it says
They shall not judge yeah
But why do you do it Rasta
Call me a fake
Call me anything you wanna
Call me boy
But what I do is - Jah work
This is the people' s work boy
You want me to say
All the things that you believe in
I' m not your puppet
I' m not your puppet listen to me
I' ve got news for you

MOB JUSTICE

2009-02-22T11:25:00.004+02:00

LUSAKA residents institute instant justice on an unnamed man after he was suspected of theft along Freedowm Way at the weekend.
I doubt whether the suspected thief was actually a thief. Non of the people beating him knew what he tried to steal.
These people just jumped on the bandwagon of a guy who was running after the suspect and shouting thief!
One of them told me that he joined in the beating because other people were beating the suspect.
Another one also told me that he was beating the suspected thief because at least somewhere, some how, the suspected thief had stolen something or had committed an offence or would steal something in future and this beating was serving as pushishment for that.
Sometimes I wonder whether mob justice is the best form of issuing punishment on thieves.
I have witnessed incidents where innocent people have been lynched.
A typical example is last year in Lusaka's Chawama township where two residents were brutally killed by a mob justice team, which suspected the two of being behind a spate of robberies in the area.
It was later discovered that the deceased pair was innocent because they were actually coming from work thet time they were killed.
The two were curious about the noise of protesting residents who were complaining about robberies in Chawama, so they went over to watch what was happening.
But someone just shouted thief! and they were dead meat.
Maybe its true what they say that 'curiosity killed the cat.

SUPREME COURT SETS DATE FOR PF ELECTION RECOUNT PETITION RULING

2009-02-17T18:17:00.004+02:00

POLICE officers barricade the exit to the Supreme Court during the PF election recoutn hearing.

THE Supreme Court has set March 11 as the date for ruling in a petition in which Patriotic Front (PF) president Michael Sata wants the court to order for a recount of ballot papers cast in the October 30, 2008 presidential elections.
After hearing submissions from both parties for about three hours deputy chief justice Ireen Mambilima sitting with Supreme Court judges Sandson Silomba, Dennis Chirwa, Peter Chitengi and Marvin Mwanamwambwa adjourned the matter to March 11 for ruling.
During the submissions, Mr Sata’s lawyers led by State Counsel, Bonaventure Mutale said their client had through his three affidavits produced enough evidence in support for an order to recount the votes.
The State and President Rupiah Banda’s lawyers, however, said that the application should be dismissed because all Mr Sata said had been rebutted in an affidavit filed by ECZ deputy director Priscilla Isaac.
Starting the submissions for Mr Sata, Mr Mutale said there was a violation of the electoral process when some constituencies were supervised by people who were not mandated legally.
Mr Mutale named the affected areas as Chisamba, Mwembeshi, Nakonde, Muchinga, Serenje, Milenge, Mbala and Senga Hill.
He said voting in Sikoongo and Sinjembela constituencies took place on October 31 and November 1 which were not prescribed polling dates and when postponing the elections the Electoral Commission (SCZ) did not follow the Electoral Act.
He also said that at some polling stations there were variances on documents in the numbers that were recorded in figures against those in words casting doubt on the authenticity of the results announced.
“There is need to recount the ballot papers to establish the true position unlike in the Mazoka petition where the recount was denied because there was insufficient evidence,” he said.
Mr Mutale said in the last presidential elections the difference was only about 35,000 unlike in the 2006 elections when late president Mwanawasa won by over 200,000 votes.
He said in the interest of justice and in safeguarding a credible electoral process it would be best served if the votes were recounted.
Mr Mumba Kapumpa, also representing Mr Sata said that when postponing the elections the ECZ was supposed to issue a gazette notice and publicise the change in the media and the ECZ chairperson only issued a statement on November 2, after the elections.
Another lawyer for Mr Sata, Mr Winter Kabimba said that presidential petitions were governed by article 34 of the constitution which gave the court a wide jurisdiction to hear the matter.
He said while the state had not objected to the erroneous figures, the ECZ had not provided the correct figures and that not only evidence from witnesses could be relied upon for an order of recount.
He said the petition focused on the administration of the electoral process by the ECZ and he felt that Mr Sata had laid enough evidence within perimeters of the law to warrant an order for a recount.

Solicitor General Dominic Sichinga, however, said that like in the Mazoka petition there was no evidence produced by Mr Sata or witnesses mentioned in his affidavits to warrant a recount and that Mr Sata had not said that he was present at the polling stations he complained about.
“We submit that you have not heard any evidence to merit a recount from election agents, monitors and others mentioned in the affidavits,” he said.
Mr Sichinga said that the court should note that Mr Sata wanted a recount of all the 150 constituencies when he had only complained of 24 constituencies and a few polling stations.
He said the court was inhibited in granting an order for recount and the application should be dismissed with costs.
Also representing president Banda, Mr Christopher Mundia said that it was totally extravagant for Mr Sata to apply for a recount of all the 150 constituencies when he had not adduced enough evidence.
“A recount is not a right but is granted at the discretion of the court upon evidence being adduced. The voting in Sinjembela and Sikoongo constituencies had been fully explained in Ms Isaac’s affidavit,” he said.
Mr Mundia said that Ms Isaac had also made it clear that the results that were announced by ECZ were the ones that were verified and the application for a recount should be dismissed because it was misconceived and frivolous.
Prof Patrick Mvunga said that entertaining the request without evidence from witnesses mentioned in affidavits was like relying on hear-say which could not warrant a recount and Mr Sata did not want to give sworn evidence to support his application.
He said Mr Sata’s application for a recount was an afterthought prompted by the marginal victory by president Banda because he could have done so at polling stations.
He said if Mr Sata was granted the application it would amount to saying he had an automatic right to a recount without reasons.
On illegal persons supervising elections Prof Mvunga said that he should have been talking about the validity of results and not the recount.
He said the application for recount was far fetched unless it was supported with evidence and should be dismissed with costs.
As the court proceedings went on, PF cadres also continued with a lot of activities out the premises where 500 police officers were deployed to keep an eye on them.
They sung political party songs and chanted slogans.
There was no physical confrontation with the police.

KEEPING VIGIL

2009-02-17T18:11:00.002+02:00

Zambia Police officers keeping vigil at the Supreme Court.

2009-02-17T18:09:00.000+02:00

PRESS-UPS

2009-02-17T18:04:00.003+02:00

A PF cadre preparing for a possible confrontation with the police. 500 police officers were deployed to keep vigil at the Supreme Court. The last time the election recount petition was heard by the court, the PF cadres openly clashed with the police.

2009-02-17T17:59:00.002+02:00

Some PF youths take to the tarmac along Independence avenue.

2009-02-17T17:55:00.002+02:00

A PF cadre singing party songs on the public address system.

PATROTIC FRONT (PF) YOUTHS

2009-02-17T17:48:00.002+02:00

PF youths playing to the gallery with placards and sticks.

JOB SEEKER

2009-02-17T17:31:00.003+02:00

An unidentified Lusaka resident pressed for a job, takes to the streets with a placard to advertise for employment.

HIGHLIGHTS OF RUPIAH BANDA'S 100 DAYS IN OFFICE

2009-02-13T11:33:00.003+02:00

I mentioned some time last year that 2009 will be a different year on this blog because I shall be featring guest writers to talk about different subjects, since this is a platform for debate and dialogue.
I would like to start this new approach by fussing in a good colleague of my, Kennedy Limwanya. He is an accomplished scribe for features. He writes the Television review column in the weekly Sunday Times of Zambia newspaper and has been a sports writer for the Times of Zambia newspaper in the past. He has done several other private jobs in writing, which he will share with us on one of those fine days in future. Therefore, I am confident that Mr Limwanya will give us some real food for debate.
In this article, Kennedy has been chronicling President Rupiah Banda's activities since he became Zambia's fourth President in October last year.

By KENNEDY LIMWANYA

"I pledge you, I pledge myself, to a New Deal for the American people," Franklin Delano Roosevelt told supporters in 1932 while accepting the United States presidential nomination.
When Roosevelt assumed office the following year, he initiated a number of reforms designed to stabilise an economically-depressed nation.
The New Deal (a phrase borrowed from the title of Stuart Chase's book A New Deal) represented a significant shift in the US's political and domestic policy, increasing federal government control over the economy and money supply, and intervening to control prices and agricultural production.
Ever since Roosevelt put the building blocks of the New Deal in place in his first 100 days in office, a president's first 100 days have been an indicator of what he is able to accomplish.
Within this brief spell, new presidents have a unique opportunity to put their imprint on history—a honeymoon period when the public gives them the benefit of the doubt.
During this period, presidents inevitably use up their stock of political capital as they spend it. They also gradually start to disappoint their friends and allies.
This gauge of a president's ability is standard measure even in any other aspect of life. Many times, people think that success is equivalent to years of hard work.
The truth is that one's goals can be measured in smaller increments.
The reason is that whatever one plans to do today, whether in privacy or in public, is likely to manifest within at least 90 days.
Success or failure can, therefore, be ably traced back to the actions taken 90 or 100 days before.
With this, it is not mere speculation that a president's course for the rest of the term can be predicted by simply taking a look at the performance within the first 100 days.
Yesterday, February 9, 2009, Zambian president Rupiah Banda has clocked his own 100 days since assuming office on November 2, 2008.
This article, therefore, looks back at some of the critical pronouncements, decisions and notable events of the 100 days so as to help judge President Banda's performance.
In so doing, it will be important to take note of the state of the global economy during the period under review.
At the time Mr Banda was being sworn in as Zambia's fourth president, the world economy was in a crisis on account of recession in advanced economies.
Global economic growth had slowed down to 2.5 per cent from 3.7 per cent in 2007, with commodity prices recording a sharp decline.
The price of copper, the mainstay of Zambia's economy accounting for nearly 80 per cent of the country's earnings, had plummeted to US$2,902 per tonne by the close of the year from $8, 985 in July, representing a 67.7 per cent fall.
These developments inevitably impacted negatively on Zambia's economy, affecting growth, inflation, the Kwacha exchange rate and terms of trade.
The inflation out-turn for 2008 was 16.6 per cent against the projected seven per cent because of the international oil and food crisis.

Food inflation stood at 20.5 per cent compared with 5.9 per cent in 2007 while the Kwacha had by December 2008 depreciated by 27.3 per cent against the US dollar.
All this considered, it goes without saying that, like US president Barack Obama, President Banda has assumed office at a difficult time only comparable to Roosevelt's own when he was elected at the time of The Great Depression.
Or it can be compared to the time Ronald Reagan became US president in 1981.
In his inaugural speech on January 20, 1981, Reagan said something that should encourage Zambians not to only wait upon the government for solutions to the current crisis.
"In this present economic crisis, government is not the solution to our problem," said Reagan, who himself got to the White House after the Iran hostage crisis, high oil prices, high inflation and low morale in the country.
Here now, is a catalogue of President Banda's first 100 days.

Day 1 (November 2, 2008): President Banda is sworn in by Chief Justice Ernest Sakala at the National Assembly buildings in Lusaka after edging his closest rival, opposition leader, Michael Sata, in a presidential by-election resulting from the death in office, of Zambia's third president, Levy Mwanawasa.
President Banda takes office at a time of soaring fuel and mealie meal prices, and a depressing slump of the Kwacha against other major currencies. Before a crowd including heads of State and government from neighbouring states, President Banda, in his unifying "President of all Zambians" speech, pledges to serve across the political and social divide as well as fight poverty among Zambians.
"For me, to be President is to be President of all Zambians . . . Today, I give up the title of acting President and take up the mantle of President of the Republic of Zambia. I will serve as President of all Zambians.
"This election will not divide us. It will unite us all in a common goal. We may be a country of many tribes, of many languages, different religions and of many colours, but never forget that we are one nation."
It is little wonder that President Banda's inauguration is attended by a mosaic of Zambian political and civil society leaders including former Zambian vice-president and founding president of the opposition Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD), Lieutenant-General Christon Tembo.
Others in attendance are another former Zambian vice-president Enoch Kavindele, and opposition leaders, Sakwiba Sikota of the United Liberal Party, United National Independence Party's Tilyenji Kaunda and Edith Nawakwi of the FDD. Also present are Zambia's founding president, Kenneth Kaunda, and his successor, Frederick Chiluba.
Four times, President Banda assures the Zambian people that he would be president of all Zambians and, in doing so, sets out his priority. "My priority will be to fight poverty . . . Poverty is demeaning and an unnecessary evil. I do not want people to think of Zambia as a Third World country with a begging bowl. I want to move from handouts to hand-ups. I want to empower all Zambians.
"I want people to think of Zambia as a prosperous and confident nation. We have a goal of making Zambia a middle-income nation by 2030."

Day 6 (November 7, 2008): Writes to the Speaker of the National Assembly, asking Parliament to reconsider the amended Emolument bills seeking to increase salaries and allowances for the president, ministers and deputy ministers, members of Parliament and other constitutional office holders. He explains that the bills are costly to the Government in their current form.
Day 13 (November 14, 2008): Holds his first presidential Press conference and names his first Cabinet, appointing eminent lawyer and Justice Minister, George Kunda as the new vice-president.
The appointment of the level-headed veteran of the Cabinet catches many by surprise as it does not tally with the speculation making rounds that Foreign Affairs minister, Kabinga Pande, Zambian ambassador to the United States, Inonge Mbikusita-Lewanika, or businessman, Bwalya Chiti, would be the likely candidates for the number-two post.
It is an appointment that reassures the nation of the new president's commitment to heading a quality Cabinet and ensuring that the constitution-making process is expedited.
This appointment, and that of Finance and National Planning Minister Ng'andu Magande's replacement, Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane, augment President Banda's pledge to ensure good governance and strict fiscal discipline.
Dr Musokotwane is a former deputy governor of the Bank of Zambia, who once served as secretary to the Treasury, and as an economic advisor to the president.
The president's other notable appointments include those of former miner, Maxwell Mwale, to head the Mines ministry, articulate Lieutenant-General Ronnie Shikapwasha to head the Information ministry, and former health minister and workaholic, Brian Chituwo, to take over the agriculture portfolio.
He challenges his Cabinet and deputies to show determination in finding solutions to the global credit crunch! "We cannot sit idle. We need to find ways and forge ahead as a country. I need a team of men and women to face the challenges with me."
British High Commissioner to Zambia, Carolyn Davidson, praises President Banda's stance towards good governance and the fight against corruption, saying the president needs the support of everyone.
Earlier in the day, President Banda inaugurates the US$120 million Lafarge Cement Chilanga II plant and notes that the plant has come at a time when the construction industry is booming, with many residential and commercial properties being built.
"The inauguration of this project will, therefore, contribute to the expansion of our economy and enhance growth. With more cement on the market, the Government experts to see more work being done on the new and existing projects."
Day 16 (November 17, 2008): Mealie meal prices begin to come down from as high as K61,000 for a 25 kilogramme bag of breakfast to an average of K54,000.
Day 18 (November 19, 2008): In response to President Banda's request, Parliament scraps responsibility allowance for constitutional office holders and drastically reduces the special and utility allowances in the revised emolument bills.
Day 25 (November 26, 2008): Makes first foreign visit as president, with a trip to Nigeria where he meets that country's president Umaru Yar'Adua. Announces that a delegation of Nigerian business experts will visit Zambia to discuss agreements in various sectors of the economy to help reduce dependence on mining whose profits have gone south.
Day 32 (December 3, 2008): Fugitive former intelligence chief Xavier Chungu returns to Zambia after a four-year self-imposed exile and, in conformity to President Banda's commitment to fighting corruption, is detained for jumping bail while facing charges of theft by public servant and theft of motor vehicles.
-quick intervention by govt to mitigate effects of global crisis in mining sector...and active pursuit of replacement investors.
Day 41 (December 12, 2008): In the midst of the global financial crisis, Information Minister Ronnie Shikapwasha announces the Government's decision to withdraw from hosting the 2011 All-Africa Games, which would have cost the country more than K800 billion.
This is a tough decision by President Banda's government between the honour and pleasure of hosting the quadrennial pan-African games and the duty to provide food and social security to the citizens.
Day 42 (December 13, 2008): Rushes to Luanshya and holds a closed-door meeting with the Luanshya Copper Mines management, union leaders, senior district government officials, members of Parliament and ministry of Mines officials, as the mine stands on the brink of closure.
The miners are touched by the President's concern for the their welfare. Never before has a head of State acted so quickly and so practically in dealing with such a crisis. As pledged in the "President of all Zambians" speech, the efforts to find a solution include the involvement of the opposition Patriotic Front leadership in the district.
The Government's quick intervention to mitigate the effects of the global crisis on the mining sector and the active pursuit of replacement investors speaks volumes about Mr Banda's commitment to ensuring that people's jobs are protected while more are created.
Day 51 (December 22, 2008): In line with President Banda's pledge to reduce fuel prices, the Energy Regulation Board announces the reduction of pump prices by a significant margin of K1,786 for petrol and K1,166 for diesel.
This is the second reduction in three months that the prices have come down, the first having been in September when Mr Banda was acting republican president.
Never before has a government been so passionate about passing fuel cost-savings to the consumer in a bid to cut down on production costs since fuel is a major energy input in all sectors of the economy.
Day 53 (December 24, 2008): Mealie meal prices tumble further down to as low as K45,000 for a 25 kilogramme bag of breakfast and K35,000 for roller meal of the same quantity.
Day 57 (December 28, 2008): First Zambian president Kenneth Kaunda praises President Banda for delivering on his pre-election promises to reduce the prices of mealie meal, fuel, and other essential commodities.
Day 76 (January 16, 2009): Opens Parliament with a pledge to remain true to his pre-election promise of fighting poverty in the midst of a harsh global economic environment.
"In my inaugural address last November, I promised the people of Zambia that the main priority of my Government would be to fight poverty. Despite the global recession, that priority remains.
"In fact, I am cautiously confident in our ability to fight poverty. Zambia has faced difficult times before. By working together, we have overcome past problems. Our resolve in the face of the present crisis should be no different."

President Banda also sends warning to employers against using the global crisis as an excuse to lay off workers in a cynical attempt to cut costs and reduce overheads. "Any job losses should only come as a last resort; after consultation with trade unions and after thorough analysis of all the options available."
Day 90 (January 30, 2009): In the first national Budget presentation under President Banda's reign, Finance Minister Musokotwane announces the Government's intention to spend K15.3 trillion, with agriculture receiving K1.1 trillion in a 37 per cent increase from the K800.5 billion provided in 2008.
This tallies with the 2009 budget theme, "Enhancing growth through competitiveness and diversification" and lends credence to President Banda's desire to improve agricultural productivity in the wake of low copper prices on the international market.
Among the measures in the Budget is the zero-rating of tax on major agricultural implements for value added tax (VAT) and the manufacturing of windmills and maize hauliers to encourage local manufacture of the equipment.
Another fast growing key sector of the economy, Tourism, receives a gigantic boost with an injection of K77.6 billion from the K26 billion allocated in 2008. This is President Banda's recognition of the pivotal role of tourism in the diversification process.
As part of the cost reduction measures for the mining sector, the Government removes windfall tax, introduces an import deferment provision for cobalt concentrates for VAT purposes and proposes to reduce customs duty on heavy fuel oil from 30 to 15 per cent.
The Budget wins praise from the World Bank, the European Union, Food and Agriculture Organisation and local interest groups like the Zambia Association of Mines, Economics Association of Zambia, Zambia Consumer Association and the Chamber of Mines.
Day 91 (January 31, 2009): Attends his first African Union (AU) summit as head of State. The 12th ordinary session of the AU heads of state and government summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, calls for the lifting of sanctions on neighbouring Zimbabwe.
Day 94 (February 3, 2009): On the sidelines of the AU summit, meets World Bank vice-president for Africa, Obiageli Ezekweli, International Monetary Fund officials and British minister of Africa and Asia, Lord Malloch-Brown.
Mrs Ezekwesili holds tele-conference, commending Zambia for remaining focused in the wake of the global economic meltdown and pledges to provide budgetary support to help cushion the problems emanating from the recession.
Zambia and other countries to be assisted under a US$42 billion financial package for 2009.
"It was the first time I met President Banda and I commended him over his peaceful election. It is clear that the Government is focussed on the challenges ahead," says Mrs Ezekwesili.
On the same day: In response to President Banda's offer of an olive branch in his inaugural speech and at other fora, opposition UPND president Hakainde Hichilema announces that he is to meet the head of State to discuss various issues affecting the country.
Mr Hichilema's action is apparently indicative of the trust he has in President Banda's offer of dialogue which PF leader Michael Sata also ought to accept for the sake of the nation.

Day 98 (December 7, 2009): In a show of confidence in President Banda's leadership qualities, the national executive committee of the ruling MMD elects him as acting party president until the convention is held.
Day 100 (February 9, 2009): reads in the Times of Zambia an article chronicling his undoubtedly, successful first 100 days in office, 10 days before celebrating his 72nd birthday anniversary on Thursday, February 19, 2009.
It has been a challenging hundred days in which President Banda has shown the maturity characteristic of him by not responding to blatant and malicious attacks by critics, and has not, as they had predicted, victimised them.
President Banda can now look back at his first 100 days with pride and draw sufficient inspiration for the challenges ahead.

BOB MARLEY LOOK-ALIKE, MAIKO ZULU JAILED FOR GANJA PEDDLING

2009-02-10T18:10:00.003+02:00

THE Lusaka Magistrate’s Court has jailed Lusaka reggae musician Maiko Zulu for six months suspended for one year on one charge of trafficking in five balls of cannabis weighing 17 grammes.
Magistrate David Simusamba said Zulu should not engage in any drug-related offences while serving the suspended sentence failure to which he would be slapped with a stiffer custodial sentence.
During the court hearing the Bob Marley look-alike remained calm and he followed proceedings.
The court also gave the International Labour Organisation (ILO) ambassador against child labour six months of community work during which he would be expected to visit 10 high schools in Lusaka to speak against the abuse of drugs.
Mr Simusamba told Zulu, 39, before a fully packed courtroom that he would additionally be expected to attend Government functions during holidays such as youth day to preach against drug abuse without pay whenever called upon.
Mr Simusamba said Zulu deserved lenience because he was a first offender and an icon in championing the fight against child labour in his community and the country at large.
“I have considered facts in the mitigation and it is apparent that the offender is a household name and a chief bread winner of both his family and the his extended one,” he said.
The sentence means that Zulu would serve the six months outside prison but should not commit an offence within the stipulated time or would be arrested to serve the sentence and be committed to the high court for further punishment.
Facts before the court were that on February 3, 2009, Zulu trafficked in marijuana contrary to section 6 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act Cap 96 of the laws of Zambia.
In his mitigation, Zulu through his lawyer, Sugzo Dzekedzeke pleaded with the court not give him a custodial sentence because he had not wasted the courts time and taxpayers’ money by admitting the charge without delay.
Zulu said if given the custodial sentence, his dependants would suffer because he was not just the chief bread winner of his household but also of his extended family including his mother and eight children from his deceased’s siblings.
He said that he had two school-going children who would suffer severely if he was given a custodial sentence.
Zulu said he was also an ILO ambassador against child labour and was coordinating a programme meant to create employment for the youths in the country, which was just about to commence.
Zulu said, should the custodial sentence be slapped on him, the ILO programmes would collapse.
The musician said he was also a coordinator of a football team in his community that sought to identify talent and prevent the youth from engaging in dangerous activities.
Zulu said through the Zambia Associations of Musicians he contributed about 15 percent to orphans and vulnerable children in society.
He said even though the quantity of cannabis that was found on him was not intended for commercial purposes, he regretted that he had committed the offence.
Outside the courtroom, Zulu told journalist that he had been given a fair trail and would work within the conditions of the sentence.
He said prisons were in a deplorable state and he would encourage everyone to desist from committing offences that would lead to jail sentences.
Musicians who included Brian Chengala, Angela Nyirenda, Saboi Imboila, Danny Peddle, Mozageta, Mathew Tembo, James Chamayanzi, Moses Sakala and comedian Bob Nkoshya attended the court session.

THE GRAND ENRTY

2009-02-10T18:09:00.002+02:00

Maiko Zulu entering the cell at the Lusaka magistrates court.

2009-02-10T18:07:00.001+02:00

Maiko Zulu and other suspects jumping out of a van, which the prison authorities use to ferry inmates to the courts.

GANJA LOVER

2009-02-10T18:04:00.005+02:00

A rastafarian, draped in a T-shirt with daring writings on the back trying to gain access to the Lusaka magistrate court for the proceedings on Maiko Zulu's drugs peddling case.

GETTING LEGAL ADVICE

2009-02-10T18:02:00.003+02:00

Maiko Zulu listening to his lawyer Sigzo Dzekedzeke soon after he was let off the hook.

2009-02-10T17:59:00.000+02:00

Some of the Lusaka based artists with Maiko Zulu.

SISTER D'S FATHER

2009-02-10T17:56:00.002+02:00

Sister D's (Maiko Zulu's wife) father about to embrace Maiko.

MWAH!!

2009-02-10T17:54:00.002+02:00

You would have tought Angela Nyirenda is about to kiss Maiko but no, she is embracing him after he survived from going to jail for one year.

2009-02-10T17:53:00.001+02:00

Brian chengala (r) congratulates Maiko for 'escaping' the prison.

THE SHAKARONGO HUG

2009-02-10T17:51:00.002+02:00

LUSAKA artist Brian Chengala (Shakarongo) embraces Maiko.