Could it be fruits of democracy-as parliamentarian tears down presidential speech?

Just wondering was President Sata's speech to Parliament so bad that Mwandi MP Micheal Kaingu the President's name sake had no choice but throw away Parliamentary etiquette and speak out his mind on how he felt about the President's second address to parliament. All eyes are now on speaker Dr Matibini to decide on the way forward.

Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal arrives in Zambia

Her Royal Highness (HRH) Princess Anne from the United Kingdom has arrived in Lusaka for a five-day official visit to Zambia. The visit from 24 – 28 September 2012 is part of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations. Princess Anne, who arrived aboard the British Airways flight this morning, was met on arrival at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport by the Vice President of Zambia Dr Guy Scott and his wife, Charlotte, British High Commissioner to Zambia, James Thornton, Government Ministers and other senior government officials. Her Royal Highness is expected to pay a courtesy call on the Acting President today and visit Fountain of Hope, a charity set up in 1996 by a group of young Zambians to address the plight of vulnerable children. British High Commissioner James Thornton said: “I am delighted that Princess Anne has arrived in Zambia. The visit highlights the deep roots Zambia and the United Kingdom share as well as the lively modern relationship between our countries.” To celebrate the Queen's 60 years on the throne, The Princess Royal will attend a church service at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross with members of the government, diplomatic corps, Commonwealth heads of missions, British community in Zambia and others. This service will be open to all who wish to attend. The Princess Royal will also attend a dinner hosted by the Government of Zambia and a Garden Party given by the British High Commissioner. During her stay in Zambia, The Princess Royal will also have the opportunity to visit various organisations and witness the work of a number of charities and volunteers from the UK and elsewhere on projects across Zambia. In Lusaka, these include Fountain of Hope, Kasisi Children’s Home, Safe Spaces in Matero, Olympic Youth Development Centre, Commonwealth Youth Development Centre and British Council. In Livingstone, she will visit Mukuni Village, Butterfly Tree, Book Bus Foundation, Livingstone Museum, Riders for Health and attend the 25th Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth Conference The royal program will also include a courtesy call on the Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia and address Parliament. She will also lay wreaths at the War Memorial at the Victoria Falls in Livingstone to commemorate volunteers whose lives were lost in two world wars. To celebrate the Queen's 60 years on the throne, The Princess Royal will attend a church service at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross with members of the government, diplomatic corps, Commonwealth heads of missions, British community in Zambia and members of the public and a Garden Party at the British High Commissioner’s Residence. Her stay in Zambia will also include opportunity to visit various organisations and witness the work of charities and volunteers from the UK and elsewhere on projects across Zambia. In Lusaka, HRH will visit Fountain of Hope, Kasisi Children’s Home, Safe Spaces in Matero, Olympic Youth Development Centre, Commonwealth Youth Development Centre and British Council. In Livingstone, she will visit Mukuni Village, Butterfly Tree, Book Bus Foundation, Livingstone Museum, Riders for Health and attend the 25th Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth Conference. Ends Notes for Editors 1. Princess Anne, Princess Royal (Anne Elizabeth Alice Louise; born 15 August 1950), is the only daughter of Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. At the time of her birth, she was third (behind her mother and elder brother) and rose to second (after her mother’s accession) in the line of succession to the thrones of the Commonwealth realms; however, after the birth of two younger brothers and six nieces and nephews she is currently tenth in line. The seventh holder of the title Princess Royal, Anne is known for her charitable work, being the patron of over 200 organisations, and she carries out about 700 royal engagements and public appearances per year. She is also known for equestrian talents; she won two silver and one gold medal at the European Eventing Championships, and is the only member of the British Royal Family to have competed in the Olympic Games. Currently married to Vice-Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, she has two children from her previous marriage to Mark Phillips and one granddaughter. Further information can be found on the Royal family website: www.royal.gov.uk/ 2. The Queen has been Head of the Commonwealth since 1952, with 2012 marking the 60th anniversary of this role (Diamond Jubilee). Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II came to the throne on 6 February 1952 and her coronation took place on 2 June 1953. Further information can be found on the official website of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee: www.thediamondjubilee.org/ 3. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II attended the Commonwealth Conference in Lusaka from 27 July - 4 August 1979 4. The Duke of Gloucester visited Zambia from 3-7 May 2007 5. Fountain of Hope is a local Charity based in Lusaka. It was set up in 1996 by a group of young Zambians. Their vision is to enable children to enjoy their rights and become responsible citizens. The children are mostly AIDS orphans from poverty stricken families. Volunteers come from far and wide to help at Fountain of Hope including various British Universities. Further information can be found on the Fountain of Hope website: www.fountainofhope.org.uk/ 6. The Commonwealth Youth Centre is one of four within the Commonwealth, established to serve a region. The centre responds to youth development for 21 countries of the Commonwealth including Cyprus, Malta and the UK and, aims to bring together young people from within these countries to further encourage peace and harmony among nations through friendship and learning. Further information can be found on the Commonwealth Youth Programme website: www.thecommonwealth.org 7. Kasisi Children’s Home was founded in 1926 by the Dominican Sisters. Two years later it was handed over to the Little Servants of Mary Immaculate, a Polish Catholic order. In 2002 the name was changed to Kasisi Children’s Home. Children are brought in from all the provinces of Zambia or are sometimes referred by the Social Welfare Society, police victim support unit, refugee centres, hospitals and from the communities. The home provides the children with basic needs, spiritual care, love and protection, and ensures that these children will be self-supporting once they reach adulthood. All the children of school age go to school and after secondary school Kasisi supports them in further education or in finding a job. Further information can be found on the Kasisi Children’s Home website: www.kasisichildren.org/ 8. The Olympic Youth Development Centre is a partnership between the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the National Olympic Committee of Zambia (NOCZ) and the Government of the Republic of Zambia in their aim to create a multi-purpose sports facility. The Centre is owned by the NOCZ with the support of the Government of Zambia, the IOC, National federations and sponsors. The goal of the OYDC is to provide young people and communities with opportunities to practice sport and be educated in the values of Olympics through a pilot project, Sports for Hope. The OYDC encourages the use of the facilities by other charities, organisations or local community group. One such charity is The TAG Rugby Trust (TRT). Further information can be found on the Olympic Youth Development Centre (OYDC) website: www.oydc.org.zm 9. The Book Bus is a British registered charity which operates a mobile library and literacy project for Community schools in Zambia. The project is self sustaining and funded by volunteers who join the project for a number of weeks. It enables the children to have hands on experience, reading and working with the books, as well as, the arts and craft materials the Bus is stocked with. It aims to encourage children to read, to instil a love of reading and to show them that books can be fun and informative. Further information can be found on the Book Bus website: www.thebookbus.org/ 10. Riders for Health (Riders) is an international, not – for-profit Non-Government Organisation (NGO) working to improve the capacity and efficiency of health care delivery platforms in Africa. Their mission is to strengthen health systems by addressing one of the most neglected, yet vital, aspects of development for the health of Africa, which are transport and logistics. Riders’ ability to maintain vehicles to an extremely high standard gives health workers frequent and consistent access to rural communities, many of which are not otherwise reached by the health care system. Riders for Health in Zambia began operations in 2009 with a staffing complement of 15. Further information can be found on the Riders for Health website: www.riders.org/ 11. The Butterfly Tree is a UK charity and NGO situated in Mukuni village in Livingstone. It was founded in 2006 by Mrs Jane Kaye-Bailey to support rural communities decimated by the HIV pandemic in Zambia and has over thirty projects currently running in the Kasungula District of Southern Province, Zambia. The charity provides funds to construct bore holes, improve health and education facilities and an orphan sponsorship programme. Further information can be found on the Butterfly Tree website: www.thebutterflytree.org.uk/ 12. The Safe Places programme was established in response to a landmark court case that mandated Zambia's Ministry of Education to ensure that schools provide a safe environment for girls. The Population Council is working with partners to develop and evaluate a school-based Programme for adolescent girls in Lusaka. The ‘safe spaces Programme consists of weekly group meetings in schools where girls learn about and discuss sexual and gender-based violence, rights and responsibilities, HIV and sexual and reproductive health, financial education, and life skills. The Programme has so far reached over 600 girls and trained over 60 female mentors. DFID Zambia has been supporting an Adolescent Girls Empowerment Programme since November 2012. This Programme will empower 10,000 vulnerable adolescent girls using ‘safe spaces’ as its core model in which girls will build their social assets. Further information can be found on the DFID website: www.dfid.gov.uk/ 13. The British Council creates international opportunities for the people of the UK and other countries and builds trust between them worldwide. Globally its cultural relations work focuses on three sectors – English, Education and Society, and Arts. In Zambia it works in education and English with a programme of more than 250 bilateral school partnerships. These support professional development for head teachers and teachers and use joint curriculum projects to develop a global dimension within schools as well as improve ICT and English teaching and learning. It works with the public and private sectors to encourage closer links between education, employers and policy makers to improve young people’s employability. It is building on its Olympics legacy programme, developing a cadre of young sports leaders and promoting improved delivery of physical education in schools. The British Council delivers a range of UK school, university and professional qualifications, enhancing employability and career prospects, with around 15,000 candidates sitting 45,000 exams each year. Further information can be found on the British Council website: www.britishcouncil.org/africa 14. The Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth (RASC) is a confederation of over 51 leading national and regional Agricultural Show Societies, working in 20 Commonwealth countries. Founded in 1957 by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh KG KT, and 12 international Agricultural Societies at the Royal Norfolk Show, the initial aim was to promote the work of Agricultural Show Societies by providing a network/forum for discussion of latest ideas and experiences. RASC will hold the 25th biennial conference under the theme ‘‘Africa’s Role in Sustainable World Food Production’’ from 24-27 September 2012 in Livingstone, Zambia. HRH Princess Anne is the current President of RASC. Further information can be found on the RASC website: http://www.rasczambia.org/index.html

Access to housing still key to community development and welfare – Stanbic Bank

Zambia’s housing stock deficit stands between 2 million and 3 million, with the need to build at least 200, 000 houses every year all over Zambia Lusaka, August 23, 2012 – Despite Zambia’s economic growth expected at seven percent over the next few years and continued investments in infrastructure, access to housing remains the key to the development and sustainability of communities countrywide. And Stanbic Bank Zambia has donated K25 million towards programs by Habitat for Humanity Zambia to construct 44 houses for orphans and vulnerable children (OVCs), 90 houses under the urban program and 15 houses in the rural program. Also under this initiative, the Bank has volunteered 60 staff to participate in building of housing units in various communities. Speaking in Lusaka when Deputy Minister for Community Development, Mother and Child, Ms Dorothy Kazunga joined Stanbic Bank and Habitat for Humanity staff in the building of a housing unit in Kabanana Township, Stanbic Bank chief executive officer Dennis Kennedy noted that homeownership gives members of the community a platform from which they can build their lives and become productive members of society. “We as a Bank are aware of the fact that Zambia has a housing deficit that stands between 2 million and 3 million and that the Zambian Government is looking to address this challenge across the country, Stanbic Bank’s decision to work with a practical organisation like Habitat for Humanity Zambia makes sense. This is our way of contributing to the need” said Kennedy. He added that as a corporate citizen, the Bank is committed to ensuring that it remains relevant to the communities in which it operates and invests in sustainable ventures that make a real difference to the lives of those community members Habitat for Humanity Zambia National Director, Joseph S. Munsanje indicated that his organisation was glad to demonstrate the love of Jesus by complementing government efforts to reach vision 2030 and eliminate Housing poverty in Zambia. “Working with likeminded corporate organisations such as Stanbic Bank gives us a huge boost in delivering our work to promote decent affordable housing for all, as we support the global community’s commitment to housing as a basic human right. And Deputy Minister for Community Development, Mother and Child, Ms Dorothy Kazunga noted that the vision of the Government of the Republic of Zambia in the housing sector is, “to have planned settlements with adequate, affordable and quality housing by 2030”. “The government recognizes that affordable housing is a basic human need which can lead to improvements in society’s welfare and consequently contribute to wider social and economic development. This is clearly articulated in the Sixth National Development Plan,” she added. Hon. Kazunga said the Zambiang Government is fully aware of the fundamental role that the housing sector can play when taken as an economic investment and not only viewed as a social service. “It is common knowledge that housing inadequacy can have adverse impacts on the health, and general wellbeing of society as well as on the environment. The availability of decent, affordable and adequate housing is an important pre-requisite to national economic development. Any shortfall in the housing sector could trigger severe negative impacts on social welfare, the environment and on the general performance of the national economy.”

President Banda mourns late Ethiopian Prime Minister

Rupiah Bwezani Banda, Fourth Zambia’s leader has described the late Ethiopian Prime Minister Mr Meles Zenawi as an intelligent and humble person who demonstrated a passion and love for the development of Africa. President Banda says Mr Zenawi will be greatly missed and remembered for his hard work and loyalty to the people of Ethiopia in general and Africa at large. In his letter to the acting Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Ethiopia Mr. Hailemariam Desalegn, the former Zambian head of State says he has learnt of Prime Minister Zenawi’s passing with sorrow. “The late Prime Minister Zenawi contributed greatly to the development of your country through the various positions he held in Government. He rendered several years of loyal and distinguished service and demonstrated hard work,” says President Banda in his letter. Prime Minister Zenawi’s death, adds President Banda, is a loss not only to the bereaved family and the people of Ethiopia but also the entire African continent. “Our prayers go to you and the entire family during this difficult time. We pray that the almighty God gives you the strength to endure the pain of loss. Please convey on behalf of my office, family and indeed on my own behalf our deepest sorrow and condolences to the bereaved family and relatives during this trying time. This is according to a statement issued by his Office.

Former Zamtel employee arrested

Government Joint Investigations Team has arrested and charged a former Zamtel employee with 27 counts ranging from Frandulant False Accounting to Theft by Servant Contrary to Section 326 and 278 as read with Section 272 respectively. Particulars of the offence are that Ms. Janet Gwesere aged 24, a stores keeper at Zamtel Regional Offices in Livingstone, did alter Zamtel accounting documents amounting to K308, 890,000 which were being used to draw stocks from Zamtel stores in Livingstone between 28th October, 2011 to 30th June, 2012. Ms. Janet Gwesere, who is currently on Police Bond will appear in court for plea on Friday, 17th August, 2012. This is according to a statement by Government joint investigative team Acting Public Relations Officer, Christopher Chibanku

A PASTORAL LETTER-Council of Churches in Zambia

We, the Heads of Churches of CCZ gathered on 14th August, 2012, to deliberate on a number of issues pertaining to the state of our nation. We bring fraternal greetings to the members of our churches, our brothers and sisters from all walks of life and to the leadership of this Nation. We address this letter to the members of our churches, all people of faith, the citizens at large and to the leadership of this Nation. We are motivated to release this Pastoral Letter by our Biblical mandate and in line with our prophetic role of constructively dialoguing and constructively criticising and be able to provide the Nation with the spiritual counsel and guidance on some of the challenges that face the nation today. In all our work, we keep in mind the wellbeing of the state of the nation and its people. We endeavour to demonstrate our aspiration as a Church mother body that full human dignity is realisable, as derived from the enjoyment of basic human rights and freedoms by all people. We reaffirm that all human beings are created in the image of God and thus have intrinsic value, and this is a fundamental basis that informs our efforts to ensure social justice. It is this basic truth that mandates us to invite all Zambians and the leadership of the Nation to reflect with us on a number of biblical principles that are particularly relevant to the socio-political, cultural and economic challenges that continue to afflict us. In order to enable our people respond to the present realities, we unwaveringly commit to raising the Nation’s conscience. 2.0 Vision To be a prophetic voice with a transformative impact on the church and society for the propagation of Christian values and Human Dignity. 3.0 Mission To strengthen Christian unity and advocate for social justice, peace and development through facilitation, resource mobilization, capacity building, coordination, spreading of the gospel and networking with stakeholders for the benefit of the people of Zambia to the glory of the triune God. 4.0 Audit and/or Registration of Churches in Zambia CCZ acknowledges that the Republican Constitution provides for the freedom of worship and that every Christian has a right to follow their religious persuasion. We strongly believe that Zambians must have a freedom of worship without any interference; they should be allowed to form and belong to ministries and denominations that in their view, represent their desire to respond to the God within. For indeed, there are many parts and yet the same body, different callings but yet the same Lord is served. As a church we deeply regret the incidents which have linked some churches and clergy to un-Christian conduct thereby abusing the trust deposited in the Church. These events prompt us to call for a clear and separate system that can be charged with the responsibility of scrutinising new applications for registration of churches and regulating the conduct of all registered churches in Zambia. This system should also regulate individual church leaders’ conduct in their own personal capacity so that there iniquities do not criminalise the entire church. The office of the Registrar of Societies is doing a commendable job in registering churches but CCZ is calling for a closer collaboration with the registered credible church mother bodies together with the Registrar of Societies. As CCZ, we avail ourselves for consultations on how this social malaise can be nipped in the bud. 5.0 Constitutional Making Process For the umpteenth time, Zambia has once again re-started the national constitution making process under the administration of the once-opposition now turned-ruling party, the Patriotic Front (PF). In the run-up to the tripartite 2011 elections, and being consistent with its campaign promises since 2001, the PF had stood on the platform of giving the Zambian people a Constitution that they would call their own. Six months after its appointment, the Technical Committee on Drafting the Republican Constitution (TCDRC) on April 30, 2012 released to the public its First draft for public consultations and input. We reaffirm our support for most of the submissions contained in the Mung’omba Draft Constitution and Report as a true reflection of what the people have been stating they wanted their country’s constitution to look like. We want to reiterate the views we kept on sharing during the failed National Constitutional Conference (NCC) and its related processes that unless the process is clearly guaranteed, all Constitution making efforts are bound to be fruitless. We do not wish to be prophets of doom but in the absence of a proper legal framework and a proper roadmap the process might be another failure. At the moment, the process remains unclear to the Church and the general public. For example, how will delegates to the district, provincial and national conventions be selected? How can the process guarantee that there is no inbuilt majority of cadres, politicians and ruling party sympathisers as was the case during the infamous NCC? There is the imperative to foster a spirit and idea of democracy and logical debate during these conventions. However, bearing in mind that it is the already heavily taxed Zambians that are financing this process, we are concerned about the lack of clarity on the exact budget for the exercise. We urge for a full disclosure of the sources of finances towards the process. It is our fervent hope that this process will quickly be concluded through holding of a Referendum. Procrastinating on the issue of a referendum will not be acceptable to the Church. The church is requesting that a firm Roadmap regarding the holding of the referendum be announced to the public without delay. This process cannot be allowed to fail again. Social Responsibility, Economic and Environmental Justice ‘He has shown you Oh man... what is good, to do justice, to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God.’ Micah 6:8 In an effort to emulate the works of our forbearer, the Lord Jesus Christ, who fed the hungry, healed the sick and defended the weak and poor from all forms of socio-economic injustice, CCZ remains unequivocal about the need for social responsibility, as well as ensuring socio-economic and environmental justice. We welcome and advocate for responsible investments which go beyond macro-economic gains but also creates quality employment and improves the lives of the worker, his/her community and takes care of the environment. We remain resolute in ensuring that the poor and weak, the marginalised and voiceless are not manipulated and their rights trampled upon by the greed and desires of profit-making, especially in regards to the following. a. Minimum Wage Since government announced the revision to the Minimum Wages and Conditions of Employment Act, Cap. 276 through the release of the Minimum Wages and Conditions of Employment (General) (Amendment) Order, 2012 by way of Statutory Instrument (SI) Nos. 46 and 47 on July 4, 2012, the country has witnessed a spate of industrial unrest which even led to the misfortune of losing one life. In other instances, productivity has been negatively hampered via work stoppages and, in general, the SI has contributed to increased tension between employers and employees. CCZ had earlier issued a statement in which it retaliated their firm support of the Government’s policy on better wages and better lives for the people in Zambia. In that statement we also cautioned the government on their impromptu directive and warned that the sudden decision could be a recipe for industrial unrest and many companies would opt to shut down than to bear costs they could not immediately implement. We said that the alternative would be the increased casualization which would be against the Government’s well intended call for permanent and quality jobs for Zambians. We note with concern that such an otherwise well intentioned move by the government has had such negative repercussions much to the disdain of key stakeholders. We are appalled at the apparent departure from inclusiveness in the governance system and urge for broadmindedness when dealing with matters of national interest and avoid practices that carry the risk of being misinterpreted. We therefore call for restraint from all parties involved; the workers, the employers as well as government as we work towards finding a lasting solution to this thorny issue. b) Manganese Mining and related issues “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world and all who live in it”. (Psalm 24:1) Since the enactment of the Mines and Minerals Development Act of 2008, the country has witnessed an increase in mining related activities nearly everywhere in the country. There seems to be a rush for the country’s various mineral deposits, and especially in regard to new ores like Manganese, uranium, among others. The Bible prompts us to be good stewards; it urges us to ensure that all of the earth’s rich endowments are used for the benefit of all creation and for the Glory of the triune God. We are however amazed at the blatant disregard for the tenets of good stewardship. We are deeply saddened by the wanton opening of mining activities everywhere and anywhere without a clear strategy on how the extractive sector will be managed. We urge for forthrightness, especially in the manganese trade in Mansa where the disregard for regulations and the “no concern” for tomorrow is apparent. Sustainability is key and we appeal to the Ministry of Mines that this be engendered in all our operations. We urge for clear guidelines to help curb the sprawling illegal manganese mining to help protect the environment and secure livelihoods and social harmony. c. Pollution from the Chilanga Cement and Kafue Steel Plants We cannot underscore any further the need for investments that are responsive to the needs of the local community while ensuring that the environment is protected and preserved. This is primarily so because God is no longer creating any more land, and our continued stay on this planet is to a greater extent dependent on how well we manage the environment. This is the reason CCZ is greatly concerned about the continued disregard of provisions in the Environmental Management Act that relate to noise and air pollution. Chilanga Cement, renamed Lafarge Cement Plc, has been a great part of the life of the residents of Chilanga and the country as a whole. As demand for its products increase, we have seen a corresponding increase in investment to bolster productivity. We are worried that there seems to be a leaning towards the profit motive to the exclusion of clean and safe disposal of pollutants for the sake of humans beings. Similarly, the Kafue steel plant had been a controversial investment which was rejected by the residents and technocrats from regulatory bodies like the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) who also advised against it. It is under a year when a life was lost and the nation is still in the dark as to the cause of that early morning industrial blast that reaped the roof open leading to injuries, death and damage to property. We are seeing a repeat of this in Senior Chief Musele’s chiefdom where the host community is dissatisfied about the process of engagement in the new Kalumbila (also known as the Trident project) mine of First Quantum Minerals and yet politicians have sided with the investors and have pushed the project forward. CCZ wants to re-state its position that any investment that does not respect the views of local people is not worth the name because in whose interest will such be! Therefore we urge the PF government to show leadership in this regard and be more practical in redressing the continuing misunderstandings between investors and host communities. We pray against the ‘rule-by-any-means’ mentality. d. Youth Unemployment Zambia’s population is youthful with over 60 per cent being below 40 years. This segment of our population represents the future of our beloved country and hence the need for clear and concise policies and strategies that will address the needs of our youth. We note with concern the lack of tangible action on the development of regular updates on what strategies are being developed to redress youth unemployment as directed by the Head of State during commemoration of the 2012 Youth Day (12 March). We appeal that this process be consultative and participatory to bear good results. We note, further, the pronouncements by the government to reintroduce compulsory National Service training to all school leavers. CCZ is of the view that in order to meaningfully address challenges affecting our youth, there is an urgent need to adopt a holistic approach. Piecemeal attempts would not last and may further entrench the problems. 6.0 Defilement and Gender-based Violence ‘There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female but all are one in Christ’ Galatians 3: 28; and ‘. . .husbands love your wives as Christ loved the Church . . .’ Ephesians 5: 25 The Church is concerned by the increase in defilement and gender based violence against our children, sisters and mothers. The trend does not seem to be abated by the heavy sentences being meted out against the child defilers. The increase in reported deaths of young women at the hands of suspected serial killers must be brought to an end. We urge the state to expedite efforts aimed at creating an environment in which everybody feels secure in order to enhance productivity. We encourage peace and love and invite the spirit of conflict resolution and dialogue into our homes and society so that family values are no longer threatened by this violence among us. We reiterate our call on mothers and sisters that have been victims of this violence to come out in the open and seek healing through counselling from our churches and other such places. Further, we pray that victims of domestic violence and other forms of abuse would gain courage to report their partners to the church and the police, whichever they will find comfortable. CCZ is calling on the government to provide adequate resources to the police service to enable them to carry out their mandate of protecting all citizens and to make communities safe environments for our women and children. The police also need to rise to the occasion and exert their professionalism, authority and power to deal with this horrifying situation without being sensational, provocative and simplistic as they carry-out their investigations. The church is calling upon the people of Zambia to be vigilant and security conscious in the face of these happenings. We urge that we should all be our sister and brother’s keepers at all times and in all situations. 7.0 State of Politics Ten Months into the Patriotic Front (PF) Government ‘But it shall not be so among you; whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of Man also came not to be served but to serve...’ Mark 10:43-45. On 20th September, 2011 the Zambian people ushered the Patriotic Front (PF) party into government to superintend over the affairs of the nation and state. This was on the premise that the new government will respect the individual freedoms and rights of all citizens and residents, and that they will uphold the basic tenets of multi party democracy. However, it makes sad reading to see at this early stage a departure from the values and principles which the now ruling party espoused in their campaigns. We have noted with sadness the tendency for the ruling party not to embrace divergent views particularly from the opposition politicians. We call upon the government to be inclusive, consultative within and without themselves and be willing to listen to its electorate. A culture of tolerance and respect for peers and all people should be entrenched in government and also in all citizens. This act will enhance and help to galvanise all national interests towards social cohesion and sustainable development. We call for professionalism in the police force and all law enforcement agencies so that the cause for law-enforcement is not misunderstood to be politically inspired. The right to free political speech should be protected, and we should never give in to temptations that endanger our resolve to pay close attention to the sole purpose of governance, that is, addressing issues that affect the majority poor Zambians and to improve lives for all. The deportation of the Catholic Priest, Fr. Viateur Banyangandora, pastor of Lundazi, is totally unacceptable and unfortunate. CCZ is calling for the nullification of his deportation so that the Father can come back and continue his work of defending the poor as that is the core business of the Church; to preach the pure word of God, to stand with the poor, to give them moral guidance, to give them hope and to walk with them in their distress. His deportation is discriminatory and totally unjustified. We, therefore, urge all Zambians to be more patriotic, vigilant and report to the authorities all forms of injustices, to expose the same without fear or favour. 9.0 Conclusion Zambia is our land, our only heritage. With the face of God and His glory shining upon Zambia, we are confident that peace, love and prosperity will form the basis of our daily interaction so that in Zambia, justice will once more flow like a river (2 Chronicles 6:8 and Amos), in this lifetime. Finally we urge the government to help the nation to grow our young democracy to maturity where governance is based on real objective decisions that would lead to development rather than for expediency. “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account”. Hebrews 3:13 (NIV) Signed:Rev Suzanne Matale, General Secretary For and on behalf of the Heads of Churches Council of Churches in Zambia

“We’ll not be held accountable over HH’s arrest”-PF

The Secretary General of the Patriotic Front (PF) Wynter Kabimba wishes to state that the PF as a party or government cannot be held responsible for the actions of other political parties and, therefore, should not be blamed for the circumstances in which Hakainde Hichilema finds himself following his arrest by the police. The PF therefore wants to remind the UPND and their cheerleaders not to expect the ruling party to intercede for them whenever they are suspected to have broken the law. This is because the PF believes, first and foremost, in the rule of law, and secondly, in the independence and integrity of the law enforcement wings and other institutions of governance. The police, other law enforcers, and indeed other public institutions under the PF government are enjoying the levels of independence that they were deprived of under the MMD and no longer operate at the behest of the executive arm of government as was the case when MMD ruled the country. It is highly hypocritical for the UPND and their supporters such as Charles Milupi, Pastor Nevers Mumba and Neo Simutanyi to blame the PF for Mr. Hichilema's actions that have landed him in court. The party expects some opposition political parties leaders to display some level of honour and genuineness by showing appreciation for the manner in which the PF government has steered clear of interfering with the due process of the law. It is unfortunate that the same people who demand the rule of law are the very ones crying foul when this principle applies to them. It adds that it is even unfair for people to break the law and then raise false alarm that there is a crackdown on the opposition. The PF does not owe Mr. Hichilema or any citizen, within or outside its ranks, any protection from the due process of the law. It is incumbent upon all citizens, more especially those in positions of public responsibility such as political party leaders to take responsibility for their public conduct and understand the consequences of their actions. It is important to understand, therefore, that the PF are neither the authors nor guarantors of Mr. Hichilema's actions and is, therefore, not in any way connected to his interactions with the law. This is according to a statement issued by Media and Publicity Director – PF- Chanda Mfula