Thursday, March 29, 2012

Barotseland Agreement 1964: A failure in leadership(Reaction)

Hello Mabvuto your reflections on this matter are deep and emotionally thought provoking. You have asked all the right and relevant questions, and answers must be provided.

I would want to see a full communique from this meeting to fully understand and appreciate the reasoning behind those calling for cessesion. It cannot be denied that the ascendance of PF into power spurred renewed hopes for the restoration of the provisions of the agreement in Zambia. The agreement itself does not talk about sessesion as an option in the matter and I would think its out of frustration that as a last resort people would contemplate that path. Cecession is not an easy matter and i m not convinced that the elite Lozis that are pushing this agenda have what it takes to achieve such a goal and to inspire a revolution, because in the first place they have not answered the question - for what? For me it is time to push this government to ensure the new constitution takes into account a governence system prescribed in the Barotseland agreement, after all without this agreement there is NO Zambia.If you ask me I would think its about time we begun to entertain thoughts of a federal system of government.

Bruce Chooma

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Barotseland Agreement 1964: A failure in leadership

Why devil? To say the least, I am so troubled that soon I will lose my sisters, brothers and in-laws, as a result of what is emerging out of Western Province. Some disgruntled individuals have met and resolved to break away from Zambia. It’s clear that the devil is not happy with Zambia’s recent achievements of being a leader in democracy, a feat rarely achieved by many on the African continent and above it all the conquering of Africa in football circles is no mean achievement.

The obtaining situation in Western Province is a failure of leadership structure and that some characters with ill framed agendas have taken advantage to divide our people in brightening their personal egos. .

Why are people like Kenneth Kaunda mute about a matter that is pushing our country, a country he swore to protect, why was Rupiah Banda rushing to America with rocket-speed when Zambia has enough problems, why did President, Michael Sata promise the people of Western Province that the Barotseland agreement of 1964 will be a model of Governance once ushered into office at the expense of ordinary, oh, how I wish these people could educate themselves on the issue than rely on individuals with a hidden motive.

Take for instance Clement Sinyinda, the Ngambela of the infamous Barotseland, who once swore to defend the Zambian constitution, is today abrogating it with impunity. This is the man who at one time did serve, a unitary state called Zambia, as its Deputy Minister in the Ministry of Education while Rupiah Banda steered MMD to its unceremonious defeat bringing to an end of its twenty years rule. Some people truly need political surgery to come to reality.

How will you treat all those Lozis that married the bembas/Tongas/Chewas, thinking twice is not an understatement. Have we ever cared about history? I blame our country’s education system for not teaching Zambian history the way it is supposed to be, the reason, we are in dilemma or crossroads, as of today.

I am now made to believe that these people advocating for the secession of the Barotseland are not only failures but frustrated individuals that have failed to compete favourably in most sectors of the country’s strategic sectors.

How do you explain Charles Milupi’s participation in Zambia’s democratic dispensation among others from this region of the country? Underdevelopment-in Western Province, who do you blame it on?

It's of course the quality of leadership that has emerged from Western Province such at Parliamentary level that has failed to provide guidance to relevant institutions and subsequently attract investment to this part of the country. All I can say is good luck in your pursuit for own self-determination and enthusiasm, Zambia is larger than all of us and never let misguided angels of the devil lead us into turmoil.

The idea of secession is farfetched, misplaced and does not need attention from well-meaning Zambians.
Imagine how costly it would be if this infamous secession goes ahead-change of currency, national flag-What a farfetched idea!

The million dollar question over this untimely secession is when will our father of the nation and the man considered to be a statesman, Dr. Kaunda, utter a word on this thorny issue.

Monday, November 7, 2011

UK Minister for Africa to visit Zambia

The UK Minister for Africa, Henry Bellingham MP, will make a three day visit to Zambia from 7 – 9 November, 2011. The Minister’s visit will strengthen the broad bilateral relationship that exists between the United Kingdom and Zambia.

Mr Bellingham said:

“I am very much looking forward to my first visit to Zambia. This visit provides an opportunity to strengthen trade links between the UK and Zambia and highlight where we can work together in the future.

I congratulate Zambia on the peaceful transfer of power following recent elections. The transparent and peaceful manner in which they were conducted, and the exemplary way in which power was transferred, is a major success for democracy in Zambia and a model to others in the region and across Africa.

“Zambia has an important role to play in SADC, COMESA and the Southern Africa region and I will be discussing a range of important regional and international security issues and trade opportunities with members of the Government.”

And British High Commissioner, Tom Carter, said;

“This will be the first visit to Zambia by a Minister from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) for several years. It offers the opportunity to bolster trade and investments links between the two countries, and highlight future investment opportunities for British businesses. It will also be the first British ministerial visit to Zambia since the change of government in September, and will enable us to forge a new and deeper relationship with the new government.”

During the visit, Mr Bellingham will meet President Michael Sata, Vice President Guy Scott, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry. The meetings will focus on how to strengthen trade and investment links between Zambia and the UK, regional and international security issues as well as identifying areas for further cooperation. He will also meet the British and Zambian business community. Mr Bellingham will also visit Zambia Sugar plc, a Sugar producer based in Mazabuka, Southern Province, and the UK’s biggest investment in Zambia.

President Sata is also hosting a large lunch for Mr Bellingham at State House, to which he has invited members of the British business and resident community in Zambia.

NOTES FOR EDITORS

The Minister for Africa, Henry Bellingham MP

 Mr Bellingham was appointed Minister for Africa on 14 May 2010. His Ministerial portfolio also includes the British Overseas Territories, conflict issues, counter piracy, the United Nations and the International Criminal Court, protocol issues and climate change.
 He first entered parliament in 1983 and is a Member of Parliament for North West Norfolk in the UK.
 He studied law at Magdalene College, Cambridge, UK. In 1978 he was called to the bar (Middle Temple) where he served as a Barrister for eight years.
 Prior to his re-election in 2001, he ran his own consultancy practice specialising in advising companies on inward investment.
 He is married with one son.


Zambia: UK assistance


 The UK enjoys a strong trade, cultural and educational links with Zambia.

The British High Commission in Lusaka works closely with the government and people of Zambia for our mutual benefit, representing the UK and implementing UK foreign policy in Zambia and engaging with Zambia in areas of common interest, such as good governance and climate change. We also support the UK's Department for International Development in working to reduce poverty in Zambia and the British Council in its leadership and education activities.

Currently, the UK government, through DFID, is supporting the government of Zambia to deliver better services and make better investment decisions, tackling malaria and maternal mortality and increasing opportunities for rural wealth creation.

DFID will be spending an average of £59 million per year in Zambia until 2015.

 Zambia Sugar is the UK’s largest investment in Zambia. It is owned by 125 km south west of Lusaka) where its main activities are the growing of sugarcane on an irrigated Estate of approximately 14,640 hectares, and the production and Illovo of South Africa, in which company Associated British Foods have a majority shareholding. Zambia’s largest sugar producer, it is located in Mazabuka (about marketing of sugar and downstream products. Zambia Sugar currently produce around 400,000 tonnes of sugar per year, of which nearly half is exported to Europe.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

British Prime Minister, David Cameron Congratulates Zambia’s new leader over his victory

Lusaka, Wednesday, October 12, 2011– Republican President, Michael Chilufya Sata has received a congratulatory message from The Right Honourable David Cameron MP, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, for his success at the September 20 presidential elections.

In his letter dated October 10, 2011, Prime Minister Cameron stated: “I write to congratulate you on your success at the presidential elections in Zambia on 20 September. The transparent and peaceful manner in which they were conducted is a major success for democracy in Zambia and is an example to others in the region and across Africa.’’

“The UK and Zambia have a strong bilateral relationship built on deep foundations going back many years, and we are keen to work closely with you. I hope my Minister for Africa, Henry Bellingham, will be able to visit Zambia soon, so that we can begin discussions with you on key areas of co-operation,’’ read the Prime Minister’s letter in part.

He adds: “I hope we can encourage British investment in Zambia, and a greater flow of trade between our two countries. Trade and integration within Africa is also critically important for tackling poverty in the region, and we look forward to supporting you in taking this forward over the next few years. We also hope to continue to work with your Government as a committed development partner to Zambia.’’

The Prime Minister hopes to see the new Zambian Head of State at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Perth later this month.

This is according to a statement issued by the public relations unit at State House.

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

PRESIDENT SATA ON THE COMMISSION OF INQUIRY APPOINTED TO INVESTIGATE THE JANUARY 14 MONGU KILLINGS

LUSAKA, Tuesday, October 11, 2011– His Excellency Mr Michael Chilufya Sata, President of the Republic of Zambia, says he is confident that the nine-member Commission of Inquiry he appointed to investigate the January 14 Mongu disturbances will pave the way for an amicable settlement of the problems in Western Province.

“I have no doubt that the high professional and personal integrity of the commmission chairperson Dr Roger Chongwe, SC, and his team will help bring about an agreeable and peaceful settlement to this matter,’’ says the President.

The President said he remains committed to addressing the main causes of public discontent in Western Province thus the Barotse Agreement.

Meanwhile, Chief Justice Ernest Sakala will tomorrow, October 12, 2011, swear-in members of the Commission of Inquiry appointed to probe the extra-judicial killings of civilians during the Mongu demonstrations.

The swearing-in ceremony will take place at 15:00 hours at the Supreme Court and thereafter the commissioners will proceeed to State House to pay a courtesy call on the Head of State.

President Sata named the Commission of Inquiry last week to investigate the Mongu killings and pardoned all Barotse activists who had been jailed over the January 14 riots.

Issued by:GEORGE CHELLAH-SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT PRESS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS

Sunday, October 9, 2011

CHILUKUTU CALLS FOR HARD WORK

OCTOBER,8, 2011: ZAMBIA PRISONS SERVICE (ZPS) Deputy Commissioner and Parole Board founding chairman Frederick CHILUKUTU has urged school pupils to utilize school time to defeat the challenges of adolescence and youth in order to become responsible citizens.

Mr Chilukutu was yesterday guest of honour at St Paul’s Mulungushi High School awards and prize presentation ceremony, about 27 kilometres, north east of Kabwe about 6 kilometres downstream to UNIP’s Mulungushi Rock of Authority.

St Paul’s (www.stpaulsmulungushi.org) founded in 1960 celebrated its 50 years Golden Jubilee in October 2010 with these awards coming nearly one year since the Jubilee.

He said, “Adolescence is the time when most of us lose it and never to recover. It is also the time when we as pupils can groom ourselves into responsible citizens.”

St Paul’s alumna Chilukutu, (1987-91), presented prizes and awards with individual support of Ex Santos Association members represented by Chairman Colins Nzovu as well as institutional support of Zambia Centre for Accountancy Studies (ZCAS) and University of Lusaka (UNILUS) among others.

Zambia Institute of Marketing (ZIM) immediate past Second Vice President (2006-2010) and ZCAS Business Development Manager, another alumna, Mwabashike Nkulukusa last Saturday travelled to St Paul’s to deliver ZCAS support to headmaster Brother Kasongo Mwape.

St Paul’s alumni, include Emmanuel Chenda, Ben Kapita, Bwalya Ngandu, Gen Peter Zuze, Gen Sibamba, Elias Chipimo, (late) Paul Tembo, Abyudi Shonga, Mubanga Kondolo, Jason Kazilimani, Collins Nkatiko, Kalumiana Kalumiana, Henry Ngilazi, Paddy and Mainza Mukando, Felix Nkulukusa, Vernon Nakacinda, and Maloba Musenge among others.

Mr Chilukutu presented about 60 awards worth about K5million which included Student of the Year 2011 (K150,000), Overall Best Girl and Overall Best Boy (K150,000) each. The prize giving programme also included appointment of new prefects.

He told the audience of pupils and Ministry of Education officials and award recipients, “You are lucky to be at this school where that entire adolescent crisis can be neutralised by the very dedicated brothers, teachers, parents as well as the conducive learning environment of St Paul’s.”

*Kaseba/Shipwa Infoline/Lusaka2011

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

PF float Judge Matibini, as Speaker

LUSAKA, Tuesday, October 4, 2011 – Republican President, Michael Chilufya Sata has appealed to Members of Parliament (MPs) to support the candidature of Judge Dr Patrick Matibini SC whom the ruling Patriotic Front (PF) is floating as Speaker of the National Assembly.

The President has also called on MPs to support Lundazi MMD MP Hon. Mkhondo Lungu as Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly.

President Sata says the PF has fully endorsed Judge Matibini’s candidature as Speaker, Hon. Lungu as Deputy Speaker and any candidate the opposition MMD will propose as Chairperson of Committees.

“Parliament needs impeccable leadership. And, above all, a person with vast legal knowledge to preside over its affairs,” says President Sata.

MPs are this Thursday, October 6, 2011 expected to elect the new Speaker, Deputy Speaker and Chairperson of Committees.

This is according to a statement from the state house public relations unit.