Mulungushi Textile to reopen- Lungu

By Ann Zulu 

In Kabwe

THE defunct Zambia-China Mulungushi Textile will be opened in the next two weeks, President Edgar Lungu has announced.

President Edgar Lungu addressing a rally in Kabwe

Picture by Eddie Mwanaleza- State House

President Lungu made the announcement at a mamonth rally in Bwacha Constituency in Kabwe district on Saturday.

He disclosed that the opening of the Textile would create 2,500 jobs for the local people by December this year.

The President said there were about 300 people who were currently working at the Textile.

"I know the challenges of the Mulungushi Textile and for this reason I am promising the people of Kabwe that the Textile will be opened by August 1, 2016. More local people will be employed there," President Lungu said.

The President also promised to Rehabilitate Wynter Muleya stadium in Kabwe.

And PF Bwacha aspiring Mr Sydney Mushanga asked the people of Bwacha to vote for PF candidates in the forthcoming polls.

He said the PF had built schools, clinics, sunk potholes and tarred roads in Makululu and other areas.

"The PF government has delivered development countrywide, so I am urging all of you to vote for the party for this development to continue," he said.

Meanwhile, Zambia's soccer icon Kalusha Bwalya has officially endorsed the candidature of President Lungu in next month's elections.

The 1988 African Footballer of the year pitched up at the rally with his footballs to announce his endorsement of President Lungu.

Kalusha Bwalya, who is former Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) President, told the rally that he had endorsed President Lungu because he was hardworking and development-oriented.

He said during his tenure as FAZ boss, he worked with the Head of State whom he described as a good leader. 

Education solution to end child labour

By Ann Zulu

CHILD Labour Ambassador Samson Mutambo says education is the best way to protect children from any form of child labour.

                             Children in a classroom

Mr Mutambo said education was a key element in the prevention of child labour 

“The best way to protect children from child labour is by taking them to school. Education is the only thing which can prevent and protect children from any form of child labour.” Mutambo said.

He observed that children who were in school were at less risk of exploitation.

“Children with no access to quality education have little alternative but to enter the labour market, where they are often forced to work in dangerous and exploitative condition.” he said.

Mutambo noted that the prevention and elimination of child labour should be an integral part of education policy.

He added that the education sector had great potential to contribute to the elimination of child labour.

“The prevention and elimination of child labour should be an integral part of education policy development and reform.” He said.

Mutambo also advised parents and guardians to ensure that children acquire education and protected from any forms of child labour.

He said children were future leaders and must be protected.

“There is no future to children who are exposed to all these forms of child labour, they are future is completely destroyed.” Mutambo said.

Mutambo further commended Government for its effort in preventing and protecting children from child abuse.

“I would like to commend Government for its efforts, they have come up with measures to ensure that some of the causes of child labour are tackled and also the information about child labour reaches the people.” He added.

NATAAZ, PF peace pact

By Ann Zulu

THE National Theatre Arts Association of Zambia (NATAAZ) has pledged to observe and safeguard peace in the country in the run up to next month’s general elections.

             NATAAZ during the Peace march on Saturday- Picture by Ann Zulu

NATAAZ made the pledge during a Peace Solidarity march in Lusaka on Saturday.

The event which consisted of artists from all over the country was graced by Patriotic Front (PF) Kabwata aspiring Member of Parliament Given Lubinda, as Guest of Honour who also joined the peace march from the Lusaka Post Office all the way to the Lusaka Play House.

Activities marking the event focused on the role of artists in peace building considering that they (artists) had capabilities to promote both peace and violence through their performances.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Lubinda called on all political players to observe peace and support the call for peaceful elections by different stakeholders ahead of the August 11.

He emphasised that despite having different cultural tribal, political, religious and racial backgrounds, Zambians were all one.

Mr. Lubinda, who is also Agriculture Minister, reiterated the need for Zambians to safeguard the peace that the country had enjoyed over the years, saying that the country’s peace was vital than anything else.

“We need to thank God for the peace that Zambia has continued to enjoy and it is important that we do not take this peace for granted. Political leaders must arrest violence and take the steps of Jesus Christ. He preached love, peace and forgiveness. Peace is very much important even as we go towards elections,” Mr. Lubinda said.

He also commended the NATAAZ for taking up the challenge to contribute to the peace of the country.

He observed that artists were a great treasure in promoting peace and that Government would support all efforts that contributed to peace in Zambia.

Speaking earlier, NATAAZ National Chairman Boyd Chibale observed that artists especially musicians had been used as agents of violence and that it was time to engage them as agents of peace by preaching a message of peace.

According to him, artists had a pivotal role to play in maintaining peace in Zambia.

He said the Peace Solidarity march marked a beginning of an intensive campaign against political violence before, during and after elections

“As NATAAZ, we want to indicate our commitment to peace and emphasis the need to be united amidst diverse affiliations,” Mr. Chibale said.

Meanwhile, Mr. Lubinda has been appointed as NATAAZ patron, following his remarkable contribution towards arts in Zambia when he served in the association.

Zambians, stop the GBV hypocrisy!!!!!!

By Ann Zulu

It pains me so much when I think of how hypocritical our Zambia society is, right from the day a girl is born in this part of the world, the society starts the horrible moulding work.

We go excited with joy when it's a male child at birth AND put up fake smiles saying "children are God's gifts" When it's a girl.

We come up with all the ridiculous rules and regulations for girls. But say the boys are men so don't need them. "We are preparing the girls for marriage” we always claim.

After moulding angels without fellow angels to marry them, what manner of world have you created?

We treat girls as inferior and boys as superior yet expect the former to have very healthy self-esteem?

No matter how great a lady becomes, we consider her a failure if still single. I recall a twat telling me "you haven't achieved anything until you're married". My response? Best you don't know. Well, the idiot who still feeds his married kids and in - laws discovered I have a crazy side. He now avoids me like a plague.

We blackmail and threaten our daughters into marriage. How could we yet come up writing stuffs about domestic abuse? Are we not our daughters' and sisters' number one abusers?

We then blackmail them to remain in abuse as we taunt them for not being able to keep a home should they ever flee spousal abuse! We shame divorced females but pet divorced males.

"He married a horrible woman" we conclude before hearing the full story!

He can cheat in marriage and the wife must forgive him. "Where do you want to move to or start from" we blackmail women married to pit latrines into tolerating being infected with STDs.

She cheats in marriage? Then she deserves to die! "She provoked him with her infidelity. No man loves to share his wife" we say.

"Fast and pray and watch war room" pastors do advise their abused female flocks! Mummy GOs (pastors' wives) have more gruesome panacea than their husbands for abused female members.

A woman must be all round matured before getting married. She must know how to talk, how to this, how to that, etc. No lecture, how much more on self-control for the boys in men skin we are churning out!

She gets promoted? She must have slept her way up!

She's doing well in her career? You condemn.

He gets promoted! He's always been a smart guy!

He's doing well in his career? We commend.

She is never to show anger lest men will avoid her.

It's normal for him to throw tantrums!

She dares speaks up and runs away from abuse? Haaaaa! She's lying against that loving and romantic guy society blackmailed her into marrying. A devil she is. "She never planned to remain married. She's always wanted to live a loose life" we say while judging her.

We marry before our friends, even if we were 40 years when we married another woman's husband, we start referring to single friends as bitter. We shame them and even avoid them since we are no longer on the same level. It doesn't matter if we are living smoke screen lives. At least, we are married. They are not!

....The list is endless. We silence females in this part of the world!

BEFORE YOU CONTINUE YOUR PROFESSIONAL HYPOCRISY, LOOK INWARD. EXAMINE YOURSELF. YOU COULD BE/ARE THE NUMBER ONE ABUSER.

DOMESTIC ABUSE IS A CYCLE. IT BEGINS WITH YOU. CHANGE YOU AND WE WOULD HAVE HEALTHY WOMEN.

STOP THE TALKS AND START ACTING RIGHT. STOPPING DOMESTIC ABUSE BEGINS WITH YOU NOT HER DODGING PUNCHES!

Thanks for reading. 

Women movement demands justice for GBV victims.

By Ann Zulu

POLICE in Kafue have arrested three suspects in connection with the video depicting a woman being physically and sexually assaulted by a group of men.

Police Deputy Spokesperson Rae Hamoonga confirmed the development today.

Man beating woman

Mr. Hamoonga said the three suspects were in police custody, but however indicated that police were still pursuing the man who assaulted her.

“We are holding three suspects in connection with the video showing a woman being inhumanely treated and assaulted, but we are still pursuing the man who assaulted her by way of kicking her, investigations are on-going,” Mr. Hamoonga.  

Meanwhile, the women’s movement has urged the Zambia Police to deal with all cases of reported Gender Based Violence (GBV) with expediency, efficient and professionalism.

Women and Law in Southern Africa, Zambia (WLSA) Board Chairperson Priscilla Chileshe appealed to police to hasten the investigations and bring to book all perpetrators of the violence.

Ms. Chileshe said it was sad to note that in spite of all the efforts made by Women’s movement towards ending GBV, the vice had continued go on unabated.

She was speaking at a joint press briefing in Lusaka today to awaken the women to rise up against the increasing violence against women and girls.

 “The intensity of the violence and impurity with which the violence is committed is very shocking and painful. The video depicting a woman being physically and sexually assaulted by a group of men is something which is very unfortunate and of great concern to all of use.

“Such acts and behaviors are against the laws of our country, the law should not spare anyone found wanting. We expect the law enforcers to do their work diligently and investigate all cases of sexual harassment, intimidation and all other forms of GBV,” Ms. Chileshe said.

And speaking earlier, Non-Governmental Organizations Coordinating Council (NGOCC) Board Chairperson Sarah Longwe implored government to step up and empower survivors of GBV.

She said survivors of such violence needed  financial help, urging government to include the GBV funding on the national budget.

“Government should come in and support GBV funding in full force and budget it, as much as they budget for the roads, then we shall see thing changing. Such women need to be helped,” Ms. Longwe said.

And World Vision Zambia National Director Chikondi Phiri who is also an advocate for GBV against women called on men in the country to desist from abusing women, but rather instead show love and compassion towards them.

Mr. Phiri noted that men had a huge role to play in ending GBV against women and girls.

 “It is very important that as men, we provide the needed support to women and girls, instead of abusing them. Women are special; they are our mothers, sister, aunties and daughters. Real men do not beat women,” Mr. Phiri said.

PF mobilizer murdered in Chongwe

By Ann Zulu

A PATRIOTIC Front (PF) mobilizer who recruited more than 500 UPND defectors to the ruling party this week has been killed in Chongwe.

Mr Paul Longwane, 68, is the second PF supporter to be killed by suspected UPND cadres in similar circumstances in less than two months.

Police said in Lusaka  that they have arrested four suspects in connection with the killing of Mr Longwane, the PF political mobilizer in the Chalimbana area of Chongwe district. 

PF Lusaka Province secretary Stanley Chiumya identified Mr Longwane as a PF mobilisation coordinator for Chalimbana ward, and alleged that he was murdered by suspected UPND cadres.

The body of Mr Longwane was discovered by passers-by near Watergreen farm in Chongwe.

Police deputy spokesperson Rae Hamoonga confirmed the incident to this reporter.

He disclosed that the incident occurred around 17:30hrs on Monday and that his killers went away with Mr Longwane’s Toyota Corolla, vehicle registration number ABK 7892, which was later recovered in the night by police officers in Lusaka.

He said police had so far arrested four suspects in connection with the murder.

Mr. Hamoonga said that the deceased suffered a “significant injury” on the chest and that his body was lying in Chongwe hospital awaiting post-mortem.

“I can confirm that we have arrested four people in relation to the murder of a 68-year-old man who has been only identified as Longwane of Chongwe.

“Longwane’s body was found by passers-by and the matter was reported to the police on Tuesday. The deceased sustained a deep injury on the chest and we suspect that he was stabbed with a knife,” Mr. Hamoonga said.

Mr. Chiumya described the murder as barbaric, urging the police to ensure that all the people responsible were hunted down and brought to book.

He described Mr Longwane as having been an excellent party mobiliser, stressing that he had mobilised over 500 people who defected from the UPND in his area a few days before he met his fate.

“We are saddened that our member was murdered in such a manner by suspected UPND cadres. Mr. Longwane was our mobilisation coordinator for Chalimbana ward in Chongwe and a few days ago he brought in 500 to 600 supporters who defected from UPND to join PF.

“We know that the UPND were not happy and they were hunting for this man until he met his fate. We know the people who are behind all this and the law will soon catch up with them,” Mr. Chiumya said.

Meanwhile, Mr. Chiumya called on PF members in Chongwe to be calm and obey President Edgar Lungu’s directive to remain peaceful.

“As PF, we are calling on our members in Chongwe not to pay back using blood because the President is on record emphasising the need for peace. So we want to restrain our people from reacting as a result of this incident. Let the law take its course,” he said.

Kabwata is mine, says Maiko Zulu

By Ann Zulu

I AM not intimidated by candidates contesting the Kabwata parliamentary seat on major political party tickets because I am closer to the people than anyone else, says independent Kabwata aspiring Member of Parliament Michael “Maiko’’ Zulu.

                                          Maiko Zulu

And Mr Zulu said he would inspire a new generation of leaders when voted into office.

He said he was confident of scooping the seat in the August 11general elections because he has lived in the area all his life and knows what people in the constituency need.

Mr. Zulu, a renowned reggae musician, indicated in an interview that he had received ‘‘massive support’’ from voters in the area and would emerge victorious on polling day.

“I'm very confident of scoping the seat especially that I grew up in Kabwata. I have been on the ground, I am very familiar with what the people in the area need. Most of the people  have welcomed the idea of my candidature and are looking forward to casting their votes.

“Being an independent candidate, I am not intimidated by those standing on major political parties’ ticket. I believe I am the right candidate and people will vote for me.

“It is not about belonging to a big political party, but what one has to offer,” Mr Zulu said.

He reiterated that the people of Kabwata would give him the mandate to become MP as they have seen his passion to serve them.

Mr Zulu said the constituency needed a youthful leader who understood the needs of the youth as the majority of the constituents were young people.

He noted that the youth in the area had lost faith in government because they had not been given chance to be part of decision-making.

“Young people who are the majority of the voters need a new drive and inspiration; they have lost faith in government. We need to change that and it can only happen if one of them is in it.

‘‘It’s time for young people to get involved in politics,” he said.