Zambia Weekly The essence of Zambian news Week 46 │ 14 November 2014 │ Issue 209 │ Volume 5 │ w w w.zambia-week ly.com │ FREE Lungu challenges Scott’s rule in court? Newton N’guni has petitioned the High Court seeking judicial review of the transfer of presidential power from Edgar Lungu to Guy Scott. Acting President Edgar Lungu handing over presidential powers to Interim President Guy Scott on 29 October. Since then things have soured. After President Sata’s death, then VicePresident Guy Scott was appointed Zambia’s interim president in accordance with Article 38 (2) of the Constitution, which dictates that if the office of the president becomes vacant, the vice-president shall perform the functions until a new president is elected. Scott received the presidential powers from PF Secretary General and Justice/Defence Minister Edgar Lungu, who served as acting president when Sata died, despite Article 39 (1) stating that the vice-president should take over. The article further dictates that “the vice-president or such other person may discharge those functions until his authority is revoked by the president”, leading some people to believe that only Sata, or his legally elected successor, could have relieved Lungu. N’guni is, however, not interested in this debate. Instead he is relying on sworn evidence by Minister of Tourism and Arts Jean Kapata, who has submitted that the transfer of power was done under duress and threats of treason and arrest at a cabinet meeting on 29 October: “Mr Musa Mwenye insisted that if Mr Lungu did not surrender the instruments of power, he would be charged with treason, including all cabinet ministers who opposed his advice. I believe that what happened at this meeting of the cabinet is illegal and requires urgent redress,” Kapata stated. She was backed by Edgar Lungu, who submitted that Musa Mwenye had warned that the police were on stand-by to arrest Lungu and other ministers opposed to Scott’s rule. The police did in fact show up at Lungu’s house, but did not arrest him. N’guni has sued Scott (first respondent), Attorney General Musa Mwenye (second respondent) and Edgar Lungu (third respondent), but is believed to be acting on Lungu’s behalf. The High Court has set 14 November for an inter-parte hearing on the matter. ! Who is Newton N’guni? Newton Nguni has a political background in the opposition MMD party as deputy minister of several portfolios under President Chiluba and as deputy secretary of the National Constitutional Conference under President Mwanawasa. In between he joined the opposition FDD party to serve as its secretary general. In 2013, online reports claimed that President Sata had rejected his appointment as Chief Chiunda Ponde of the Bisa people of Mpika. Lungu’s aunt questioned on parentage The Department of Immigration has questioned Milia Lungu, the only surviving aunt of PF Secretary General Edgar Lungu, about his parentage. Milia Lungu lives in Nyampande in Petauke, Eastern Province. Allegedly the department tried to establish if Lungu’s parents were born in Malawi. Lungu took it in his stride: “I was born in Zambia, my parents were Zambians, there is nothing to worry about,” he told Zambia Reports. ! The obsession with parentage Presidents’ parentage is a bit of an obsession in Zambia. In 1996, late President Chiluba, worrying about the political return of Kenneth Kaunda – with Malawian parents – changed the constitution so a person can be a presidential candidate only if “both his parents are Zambians by birth or descent” (Article 34 (3)). He succeeded in barring Kaunda – and in not falling victim to the same rule himself, when he was taken to court on allegations of having a foreign father. The Supreme Court ruled that for those, who became citizens of Zambia when it was created on 24 October 1964, there was no need to inquire into their parents’ citizenship. Simply because their parents would never qualify as Zambians, because there was no nation called Zambia before independence. Considering Zambia’s diverse background with immigration from all sides, the parentage clause has continued to provide a handy tool for sowing doubt in presidential campaigns, having affected Rupiah Banda and Michael Sata as well. Today it is being debated in relation to Guy Scott. This week in 10 1. Scott’s rule challenged in court Newton N’guni is seeking judicial review of the transfer of presidential power from Edgar Lungu to Guy Scott Page 1 2. Will Lungu manage to seize power? The PF cannot agree on whether to elect or select its presidential candidate Page 4 3. High wire across Victoria Falls Two high wire artists have successfully crossed the Victoria Falls Gorge on a slack line Page 2 4. Puffs contain GMOs The Lusaka City Council has confiscated over 400 packets of maize snacks containing genetically modified maize Page 3 5. Sata’s burial An overview of Sata’s burial in pictures and text Pages 6-7 6. Richard Branson to visit Zambia The world-renowned entrepreneur and cofounder of the Virgin Group will speak at an upcoming investment conference Page 2 7. Two killed by bees in Nyimba Two people have been killed by a swarm of bees in Nyimba in Eastern Province Page 9 8. Lungu’s aunt questioned Immigration officers has questioned the only surviving aunt of PF Secretary General Edgar Lungu about his parentage Page 1 9. DEC officer receives death penalty An officer at the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) was convicted for murdering a suspected drug trafficker Page 8 10. Essa fails to reclaim ARC title Mohammed Essa, Zambia’s 2012 Africa Rally Champion, failed to scoop the 2014 title Page 9 2 │ News Editor’s note High wire across Victoria Falls It’s fun to be a journalist right now. For once there is a lot of stuff happening – with events sometimes changing from hour to hour. All media in Zambia are therefore happily absorbed in the nittygritty details of the fierce political battle about power: Who will be our next president? Nothing else seems to matter. Nothing else seems to be happening. In fact, one could be excused for believing that all other developments in Zambia have come to a complete standstill. Irrespective of the fact that government has run out of money to continue its many infrastructure projects, there must be other developments worth mentioning? Sometimes we forget that politics is all about development. We elect our politicians to provide development, not entertainment. Two high wire artists, German student Lukas Irmler, 26, and Austrian journalist Reinhard Kleindl, 34, have successfully crossed the Victoria Falls Gorge on the Zimbabwean side on a slack line. Slack lining is different from tightrope walking as a slack line isn’t as rigid and has more bounce. The duo crossed the 100-metre wide gorge one at a time, with safety lines attached, but without using them. The spray from the falls was the biggest problem, hindering visibility to the necessary visual anchor points for balance, and for producing a wave-like drag. The two slack line professionals spent two years training for the crossing. Veil lifted on Sata’s early life The Times of Zambia has uncovered the late President Sata’s ‘Certificate of Christian Family’ issued by the Catholic Church. The document lists his full name as Michael Mubanga Chilufya Sata, and his father and mother as Juliano Mubanga Sata (otherwise known as Langford Sata) and Hanrieta Kabuswe. It also confirms Sata’s birth date as 6 July 1937 in Chitulika Village in Chilonga Parish (Mpika District in Muchinga Province). Sata was baptised and confirmed at Chilonga Parish as well. Richard Branson to visit Zambia World-renowned entrepreneur and cofounder of the Virgin Group, Sir Richard Branson, will allegedly be the keynote speaker at the Zambia Investment Conference to be held in Lusaka on 4-5 December 2014. The Zambia Development Agency said it was sign that Zambia had appeared on the radar of the international business community in general and not just in mining. ! Earnings from Victoria Falls Victoria Falls’ tourism earnings (Zambia and Zimbabwe combined) amount to less than $500,000 annually, compared to about $30 billion for Niagara Falls. The Zimbabwe Tourism Board has therefore suggested commercialising Victoria Falls by electrifying the premises, putting up modern infrastructure and ensuring reasonable water flows throughout the year (Lusaka Times). 15 swim across Lake Tanganyika This year’s ‘Swim for Nsumbu’ across 42 kilometres of Lake Tanganyika attracted a group of 15 swimmers from Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Kenya. The swimmers took turns swimming from Cape Wapembe in Tanzania to Nangu in Nsumbu National Park. The event was started in 2012 by Conservation Lake Tanganyika to raise awareness and funds for Nsumbu National Park and Lake Tanganyika. Lake Tanganyika is the world’s longest and second-deepest lake, which holds almost 1/6th of the Earth’s available surface fresh water. Its great age and stability have provided a means for evolution and adaptability, with nearly 90% of its species found nowhere else. However the lake and its surroundings are threatened by loss of wildlife, fish and habitats – which also affects the livelihoods of the communities along its shore. Designer sues Thandiwe Banda Fashion designer John Muyabi has sued former First Lady Thandiwe Banda for alleged failure to pay over K240,000 in salary arrears, housing allowance and loss of business. Muyabi apparently worked for Thandiwe at State House from 2009, taking care of her fashion needs, but claimed he had not been paid his entitlements in full, reported the Post. No secrecy! Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete, 64, has undergone a “highly successful” prostate operation at Johns Hopkins Hospital in the United States. The development was reported on the president’s official website, although no details on the nature of the surgery were released. Where one smile starts another +260 211 290770/290718 +260 979 562325/+260 962 202913 o od Cresta Urban Oasis . on e w K 80 00 Email: [email protected] www.crestamarakanelo.com 3 │ News Fuel prices to fall? The Zambia Consumer Association has called on the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) to reduce fuel prices following the fall in the international oil price from about $115 a barrel in June 2014 to a four-year low of below $80 a barrel. In April 2014, ERB increased prices by 7-9% due to the depreciation of the Kwacha. Water shortage worsens in Lusaka The Lusaka Water and Sewerage Company has switched off 30 boreholes in Lusaka, about half of its total number of boreholes, as they have run dry. The company is currently providing about 258 million litres per day, against a demand of over 400 million litres per day, leading to severe water shortages, reported QFM Radio. Quotes “ President Sata was the glue that held our party together. It is true therefore when we say that Michael Sata was the Patriotic Front, and without him there would be no PF. Certainly the question you have to ask and answer is that is President Michael Sata going to survive beyond Michael Sata? My answer is that the Patriotic Front shall truly live on. If you want to ask me why, late President Sata was a great teacher, he passed on the political values and skills to a section of our leaders and members. PF Secretary and Justice/Defence Minister Edgar Lungu (Zambia Reports 11). Indeni restarts? Indeni Petroleum Refinery has apparently resumed operations – prematurely – halfway into its 30-day annual routine maintenance period. The Post, quoting sources at the refinery, reported that it would restart its primary unit to produce more diesel as the country has exhausted its reserves. The refinery closed down on 20 October. However Mines, Energy and Water Minister Christopher Yaluma said there was no need for Indeni to restart as the next consignment of imported diesel “is coming soon”. 400 speed humps to appear in Lusaka Lusaka City Council is planning to construct about 400 new road humps across the capital city’s newly rehabilitated roads in townships, reported the Daily Nation. The council has received numerous complaints over motorists speeding. Lunzuwa Hydropower Station ready Jubilee is a new beginning. It is time to say bye to the old generation and now have a new crop of leadership. It is time to start afresh and move forward with the new generation. Fr Lastone Lupupa during a private homily in honour of the late President Sata at Chelstone Parish on 8 November (Post 9). Fr Lupupa was closely linked to Sata and his family. I am not racist, but we have failed to manage ourselves to an extent that we allow a non-indigenous person to act as president. MMd Mafinga MP Catherine Namugala on Interim President Guy Scott (Zambian Watchdog 12). The $52 million upgrade of the Lunzuwa Hydropower Station in Mpulungu, Northern Province, has been completed, but the commissioning will be postponed until the rains start due to low water levels in the river. The plant has been upgraded from 0.75 MW to 14.80 MW. The work was carried out by China National Electrical Engineering Company. ZESCO is hoping that the new plant will enable it to supply Mpulungu, Mbala and some parts of Kasama District. There is a big problem in the party; everyone wants to succeed President Sata. I have my own views, why not have Dr Kaseba as the PF candidate, because I do not see these other guys agreeing on one person, because they all want to be president. She has the right profile, she is international, and is a medical doctor and also already known. So why not have a woman at the top? Road works grind to a halt? Former PF Justice Minister Sebastian Zulu (Zambia Reports 13). The Zambian Watchdog reported that some road contractors have started pulling out their equipment and laying off workers due to non-payment of their dues from government. According to the online media, government owes road contractors over K3 billion. Last month, the Finance Ministry directed the Road Development Agency to stop signing new road development contracts, but assured that old contracts would continue. Some of his friends were whites, not just me; and some of his friends were Indians and some of his friends were black. He had no tribe, he had no race, he was too big for that; he was a big animal in the forest. Interim Guy Scott in his tribute during the burial of the late President Sata (Daily Mail 11). Puffs contain genetically modified maize The Lusaka City Council has confiscated over 400 packets of puffed maize snacks containing genetically modified maize. The snacks are produced by Carnival of South Africa. The authority has also tested locally produced maize snacks which turned out to contain ordinary maize, reported the Daily Nation. 4 │ Focus Who will be Zambia’s next president? Hardly had the late President Sata been put to rest before the battle to replace him began. In less than three months, by 26 January 2015, Zambia will go to the polls to elect a new president. Whoever wins will lead the country for the remainder of Sata’s five-year term in office until 2016. Zambia Weekly looks at the political manoeuvring in the various parties: ing and approving changes in the regulations and rules of the party” and “taking action which in the opinion of the Central Committee is in the best interest, security and development of the party and the state”. Scott did not back down: he told the media that “no shortcuts” would be used in identifying the PF’s presidential candidate, reminding people how the MMD had fractured in 2001 when then President Chiluba handpicked Levy Mwanawasa as his successor: Patriotic Front: Will Lungu manage to seize power? The ruling party got bogged down in an argument about whether its presidential candidate should be elected by a General Conference or chosen by its Central Committee. First PF Secretary General and Justice/Defence Minister Edgar Lungu convened a Central Com- One hopeful candidate? mittee meeting on 13 November to resolve “all outstanding issues relating to the selection or election” of the PF’s presidential candidate. However, on 12 November, Interim President Guy Scott deferred the meeting, referring to Article 52 of the PF Constitution, which states that “the president of the party shall be elected at the General Conference”. Instead he appointed a team to prepare for a General Conference by 29 November, including Emmanuel Chenda, Bridget Atanga, Ngosa Simbyakula, Chishimba Kambwili and Anthony Kasolo. The problem is that a General Conference is a daunting event to organise with less than three months to go, as it has to be attended by all members of the National Council (Central Committee, MPs, provincial secretaries, district chairmen, chairladies, secretaries and committee members of women and youth leagues, as well as senior members from the party’s national headquarters) and up to 500 delegates from each province. Lungu therefore objected, officially due to “concerns regarding time, resources, security, peace and unity of the party and nation”; unofficially because he is more likely to end up being chosen by the Central Committee than elected by a General Conference due to his weak provincial profile. Lungu also warned Scott that as the chief administrative officer of the party, the secretary general is mandated to convene meetings, and that Scott’s “unilateral” directive to cancel the meeting was illegal. Lungu also pointed out that PF has participated in four elections, of which only one was preceded by a General Conference. Finally he referred to Article 58 (l) and (m) of the PF constitution, which lists functions of the Central Committee, including “initiat- “We shall democratically elect a candidate, and it will happen at the General Conference. It is only people [General Conference] who can amend the constitution, and not us apamwambas [elite]. You see, Cairo Road is full of street lawyers, bush lawyers, who are saying this or that, including that Guy Scott can’t act as president, but my legacy is to ensure a smooth transition of power,” Scott told the Daily Mail – and added that the necessary funds would be found amongst PF members and wealthy “friends”. Despite Scott deferring the meeting, Lungu’s supporters still met on 13 November. Subsequently, 63 PF MPs petitioned the Central Committee to adopt Lungu as the party’s presidential candidate. The PF has a total of 81 MPs. Scott reacted by pointing out that the petition is against the PF constitution. Potential PF presidents These are the PF members interested (according to themselves or others) in becoming the ruling party’s next president and/or vicepresident. Various combinations of the people on this list have been proposed: • First Lady Christine Kaseba • Lusaka Mayor and Sata’s son, Mulenga Sata • PF Secretary General and Justice/Defence Minister Edgar Lungu • Interim President Guy Scott • Former Secretary General and Justice Minister Wynter Kabimba • Former Defence Minister Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba • Youth and Sports Minister Chishimba Kambwili • Commerce Deputy Minister Miles Sampa • Former Foreign Affairs Minister Given Lubinda • Finance Minister Alexander Chikwanda Continued ► Want to know what’s going on in Zambia? WE WILL GIve you all the news! We are the first and foremost email advertising company in Zambia reaching thousands of subscribers at the click of a button. We also have AN INTERNATIONAL list! Suggest you join up! It’s free! Ge ! d e k o t ho www.ad-dicts.com [email protected] / 0977 836917 Ad-dicts! Supporting Animal Welfare & Conservation in Zambia 5 │ Focus Who will be Zambia’s next president... continued Members of PF’s Central Committee The PF’s Central Committee has 43 official members, but some seats are filled by the same person, while other seats are vacant, reducing the number of voting members to 35 (although some reports talked of 26). President/Chairman Vice President Secretary General National Chairlady Deputy National Chairlady Deputy Secretary General Chairlady, Women League, Child Development Chairman, Finance Chairman, Legal Chairman, Foreign Affairs Chairman, National Security Chairperson, Commerce Chairman, Agriculture, Animal Development Chairman, Industry Chairman, Education, Research, Science, Technology and Early Edu Chairman, Local Government, Housing Environmental Protection Chairman, Health Chairman, Transport and Communication Chairlady, Community Development and Primary Health Chairman, Labour and Social Development Chairman, Mining and Mineral Development Chairman, Lands and Natural Resources Chairman, Information Chairperson, Art and Culture Chairman, Sports Development Chairlady, Elections Chairman, Mobilisation Chairman, Energy Development Chairman, Youth Development Chairman, Constitutional and Legal Reforms Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member (Guy Scott) Guy Scott, MP Edgar Lungu, MP Inonge Wina, MP Dorothy Kazunga, MP Bridget Atanga Esther Banda, MP Emmanuel Chenda, MP Edgar Lungu, MP Alfredah Mwamba, MP Gerry Chanda, MP Miles Sampa, MP Guy Scott, MP Yamfwa Mukanga, MP Ngwata Phiri, MP VACANT Joseph Katema, MP Willie Nsanda Jean Kapata, MP Davies Mwila, MP Wylbur Simuusa, MP VACANT VACANT Kamayoyo Oyati VACANT Sylvia Masebo, MP VACANT Alex Chama Chishimba Kambwili, MP Ngosa Simbyakula, MP Samuel Mukupa M. Mpankata Sylvester Mtonga John Chisanga Peter Kazhila Annie Kayula Philip Kosamu, MP B. C. Mwale Mwenya Musenge, MP Anthony Kasolo Freedom Sikazwe, MP Susan Kawandami, MP Elizabeth Phiri United Party for National Development: No time to waste! As the party most likely to challenge the ruling PF party in the upcoming election, the UPND started campaigning the day after the funeral. Party President Hakainde Hichilema talked of a “new dawn”, and promised “to strengthen our economy to allow for job creation, stable prices and wealth redistribution” – supported by a strong agriculture sector, free appropriate and good-quality education and quality healthcare. In addition, the UPND promised to accelerate infrastructure development, but in a manner that does not hurt economic fundamentals, and to increase revenue collection as opposed to borrowing expensive money. Finally, Hichilema promised that UPND would “not waste time” in delivering a people-driven constitution. The party is now focusing on broadening its support base beyond its traditional stronghold in Southern Province, as the tribal tag has held it back in previous elections: “Late President Sata did his best and we have to carry on and move this country forward,” Hichilema stated. UPND announced that it would hold its first two rallies in Kanyama, Lusaka (15 November) and in Solobon, Kafue (16 November). The police have already given its consent. Movement for Multiparty Democracy One faction is supporting Party President Nevers Mumba, while another wants former Republican President Rupiah Banda to return to contest the election. When asked, Banda said he would announce whether or not he would run after the mourning period, with some commentators believing that he is waiting for the PF to choose its candidate, before he will decide. Forum for Democracy and Development Party President Edith Nawakwi has announced that she is ready to contest the election. She has done this several times without coming even close to winning. Green Party Party President Peter Sinkamba will contest the election for this relatively new party. tŚŽ ŝƐ ŚŝƌŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ƉĞŽƉůĞ ƚŚĂƚ zKh ŶĞĞĚ͍ WƌĞĐŝƐŝŽŶ ZĞĐƌƵŝƚŵĞŶƚ /ŶƚĞƌŶĂƟŽŶĂů ;W͘Z͘/Ϳ ƉƌŝĚĞƐ ŝƚƐĞůĨ ŝŶ ŽīĞƌŝŶŐ Ă ƐƵƉĞƌŝŽƌ ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞ ĂŶĚ ĐŽŶŶĞĐƚƐ ƐƉĞĐŝĂůŝƐƚ ƚĂůĞŶƚ ǁŝƚŚ ůĞĂĚŝŶŐ ĞŵƉůŽLJĞƌƐ ĂĐƌŽƐƐ Ăůů ƐĞĐƚŽƌƐ͘ KƵƌ ƚĞĂŵ ƉŽƐƐĞƐƐĞƐ Ă ĚĞƚĞƌŵŝŶĂƟŽŶ ƚŽ ďĞ ƚŚĞ ďĞƐƚ ĂŶĚ ĂďŽǀĞ Ăůů ƚŽ ŽďƚĂŝŶ Ă ƉƌŽǀĞŶ ƚƌĂĐŬ ƌĞĐŽƌĚ ŽĨ ƐƵĐĐĞƐƐ͘ KƵƌ ƌĞĐƌƵŝƚŵĞŶƚ ĞdžƉĞƌƟƐĞ ƐƉĂŶƐ ĂĐƌŽƐƐ Ăůů ŝŶĚƵƐƚƌŝĞƐ ĂŶĚ ǁĞ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞ ĞdžĐĞƉƟŽŶĂů ŽƉƉŽƌƚƵŶŝƟĞƐ ĨŽƌ ĐĂƌĞĞƌ ĚĞǀĞůŽƉŵĞŶƚ ĂŶĚ ďƵƐŝŶĞƐƐ ƉƌŽƐƉĞƌŝƚLJ͘ tĞ ŚĂǀĞ ĐŽŶƐŝƐƚĞŶƚ ĐŽŶƚĂĐƚ ǁŝƚŚ ŐƌŽǁŝŶŐ ŝŶĚƵƐƚƌŝĞƐ ŝŶ ĂŵďŝĂ ĂŶĚ ƚŚŝƐ ƉƵƚƐ W͘Z͘/ ŝŶ Ă ƉŽƐŝƟŽŶ ŽĨ ƐƚƌĞŶŐƚŚ ƚŽ ĂĚǀŝƐĞ͕ ĞŶĐŽƵƌĂŐĞ ĂŶĚ ĨĂĐŝůŝƚĂƚĞ ƚŚĞ ĞŵƉůŽLJŵĞŶƚ ƉƌŽĐĞƐƐ ĨŽƌ ĐĂŶĚŝĚĂƚĞƐ ĂŶĚ ĐůŝĞŶƚƐ ĂůŝŬĞ͘ WĞŽƉůĞ ĂƌĞ Ă ĐŽŵƉĂŶLJ Ɛ ŵŽƐƚ ǀĂůƵĂďůĞ ĂƐƐĞƚ ƐŽ ůĞƚ ƵƐ ĞŶƐƵƌĞ LJŽƵ ŚĂǀĞ ƚŚĞ ^d ƉĞŽƉůĞ ǁŽƌŬŝŶŐ ĨŽƌ LJŽƵ͊ ͙͘͘ůů LJŽƵ ŶĞĞĚ ƚŽ ĚŽ ŝƐ ƚŚĞ ŝŶƚĞƌǀŝĞǁ͊ tĞď͗ ǁǁǁ͘ƉƌŝĐŽŶƐƵůƚĂŶƚƐ͘ĐŽŵ ൟ ŵĂŝů͗ ƌƚŚŽƌŶĞΛƉƌŝĐŽŶƐƵůƚĂŶƚƐ͘ĐŽŵ | DŽďŝůĞ͗ нϮϲϬ ϵϲϴ ϵϳϱ ϵϲϰ Harare | Lusaka | Maputo 6 │ Pictures Sata’s burial The late President Sata lay in state at Mulungushi International Conference Centre from 1 to 10 November, yet many mourners failed to pay their last respects, partly because government suspended public body viewing on most of 8 November to facilitate a private requiem mass in Chelstone (image: Thomas Nsama). The country held 14 days of national mourning for Sata. In comparison, Levy Mwanawasa, the first Zambian president to die in office in 2008, got 7 days, later extended to 21. 1 3 2 On 10 November, Sata’s body returned to the last place he made a public appearance – when opening parliament on 19 October. Here, an interdenominational thanksgiving service was held for the late president. 4 On 11 November Sata’s body was moved to the National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka for a final requiem mass. Every time the body moved it was accompanied by large groupings of defence and security personnel. To facilitate the funeral procession, most major roads in Lusaka were closed, meaning that the capital city came to a standstill on 10 and 11 November (image: BBC/AP) Later on 10 November the body was moved to State House, where foreign dignitaries paid their last respects. Here, Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe (left) and his wife Grace (on the floor with First Lady Kaseba). Mugabe was joined by other presidents, namely Henry Rajaonarimampianina (Madagascar), Uhuru Kenyatta (Kenya), Hifikepunye Pohamba (Namibia) and outgoing Armando Guebuza (Mozambique). Apart from Mugabe, this was the first time an incumbent president has visited Zambia since the PF assumed power in 2011. Other countries were represented through Swaziland Prime Minister Barnabas Dlamini, Uganda Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda, former Nigerian President Yakubu Gowan, former Botswana President Festus Mogae, South African Vice-President Cyril Ramaphosa, Malawian Vice-President Saulos Chilima, Gambian Vice-President Isatou Njie-Saidy and Tanzanian Vice-President Mohammed Bilal. China sent its Minister of Housing, Urban and Rural Development Chen Zhenggao, while the UK sent the Countess of Wessex Sophie Rhys-Jones to represent Queen Elizabeth. The arrival of the body to the National Heroes Stadium at around 09:45 hours (about one hour delayed according to the official programme) was an emotional moment accompanied by outpouring of grief to such a degree that the BBC called it “deafening wailing” (image: Daily Mail). 6 This was followed by a Catholic mass presided over by Lusaka Archbishop Telesphore Mpundu. 7 5 The proceedings at the stadium were delayed as people queued to get in. The first people started lining up as early as 05:00 hours. The 50,000-seat stadium was filled to capacity, but many failed to secure a seat. Instead people followed the live coverage at home or on big screens placed in several locations in Lusaka and in districts (image: BBC/AFP) Finally tributes by representatives from the church, family, ruling PF party, SADC Chairman Robert Mugabe, AU Chairlady Nkosazana DlaminiZuma and Interim President Guy Scott. There was public weeping when an eulogy was read by Emma Chibesakunda on behalf of Sata’s wife, First Lady Christine Kaseba, who explained how Sata had died in her arms.“Farewell my president, go well, oh my love, rest in true peace,” her tribute read. And there was more weeping when one of Sata’s young sons, Gerald, together with his sister Sonia, sang ‘Dance with my father’ by US soul singer Luther Vandross. PF Secretary General and Justice/Defence Minister Edgar Lungu attracted loud applause when he wept at the end of his address on behalf of the PF, while his rival, Interim President Guy Scott, stated that his job would be to ensure that Zambians “get the president that you want”. 8 7 │ Pictures Sata’s burial 9 After the requiem mass, the body was moved to the Presidential Burial Ground at Embassy Park. Here, Sata joined two other late presidents, Frederick Chiluba and Levy Mwanawasa. The body arrived at 16:30 hours rather than the scheduled 12:00 hours. Only 2,200 people were allowed at the burial at Embassy Park to avoid overcrowding. Over 320 local and foreign journalists had applied for accreditation to cover the burial, but only 15 local and 10 international media houses were allowed, divided between State House, Heroes Stadium and Embassy Park. 10 The burial procedure started with an opening prayer and blessing of the grave before the casket was lowered into the ground (picture – just before being lowered), followed by the national anthem, a 21 gun salute and a fly past, reveille and last post, committal and burial. 11 A Zambia Army crane placed the tombstone with the inscribed Bible quote (2 Timothy 4:7): “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my race, I have kept the faith.” This was followed by laying of wreaths. Here by First Lady Christine Kaseba... 12 ... and by Sata’s children led by Lusaka Mayor Mulenga Sata (fourth from left). They were followed by other family members, Interim President Scott and wife, PF Secretary General Edgar Lungu and wife, first President Kenneth Kaunda and others. Finally, Interim President Guy Scott presented the national flag to First Lady Christine Kaseba, which was followed by a closing prayer. 13 First Lady Christine Kaseba was comforted during the burial by Zimbabwe’s First Lady (and potential presidential candidate) Grace Mugabe (right) and Zambia’s Second Lady Charlotte Harland. 14 8 │ News ACC arrests immigration officer Barrick refutes threats to close mine The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has arrested Ben Sokoni, an immigration officer in Solwezi, for issuing new and extending existing temporary employment permits for employees at Stefanutti Stocks Limited, in exchange for K13,250, reported the Times of Zambia – which did not explain what happened to Stefanutti. Two Chinese bribe ZRA official Two Chinese employees at the Golden Peacock Hotel in Lusaka, Manager Kan Weiwei and Assistant Accountant Ma Ping Ping, have been arrested for trying to bribe an official at the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA), reported the Post. The duo gave K10,000 to Senior Collector Christopher Mwango to facilitate the import of vehicles without duty as specified by Statutory Instrument 69 of 2012 (suspension of customs and excise for tourism enterprises). It was unclear why the Chinese had found it necessary to offer a bribe. It was also unclear how the bribery had been uncovered. DEC officer receives death penalty Barrick Gold has refuted that it has threatened to suspend its operations at Lumwana Mine in Northwestern Province, if parliament approves the proposed increase in mineral royalties for 2015. Vice-President of Communications Andy Lloyd stated that the company had not issued any statements in this regard. “The company does not issue threats or conduct its affairs with government outside of established channels”. Last week, the Daily Mail quoted the mine from “a statement issued in Solwezi”, which said: “If enacted, the most likely outcome would be a suspension of operations at the mine”. The statement also explained that Lumwana will be responsible for 37% of the new tax revenue, but produces only about 11% of Zambia’s annual copper output. Rumours have it that the threats are real. Amatheon to take over More Beef Ohinga Lumamba, an investigations officer at the Drug Enforcement Commission, has been sentenced to death by hanging for murdering a suspected drug trafficker, Geoffrey Mumba, in Kasama. Lumamba denied murdering Mumba with malice aforethought, explaining that his gun had discharged accidentally during an inspection of Mumba’s house, but the High Court ruled that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, reported the Daily Mail. UNZA students riot Students at the University of Zambia (UNZA) have rioted to demand for their meal allowances and for the handover of the Commonwealth Youth Centre. Police had to break up the riot with teargas. Amatheon Agri of Germany is acquiring More Beef of Zambia through The Real Meat Company, in which it acquired a controlling stake in September. Real Meat has a significant share of the Zambian pork and processed products market, while More Beef is the number two operator of butcher shops in Zambia, owns the Buccamore brand, which processes meat products, and has a strategic partnership with South African retail chain Pick n’ Pay. Both deals are however awaiting regulatory approval. 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Fast and well priced for capacity Piper Chieftai Twin engine aircraft for 8 passengers Contact Details Tel - 0211 271196 / Fax - 0211 271196 Welder - 0955 415 423 / John - 0966 657 001 [email protected] / [email protected] www.ngwaziaircharters.com For Maintenance: CALL - Paul 0962 247 203 Cessna 182 3 passengers - single engine aircraft. 9 │ Deaths and other disasters Two killed by bees in Nyimba Two people have been killed by bees in Asafu Village in Nyimba, Eastern Province. A swarm of bees attacked an elderly couple, Mr and Mrs Miti, at their house, along with another man, Levy Sibuswe, who had tried to help them, reported the Post. Mrs Miti and Sibuswe died, while Mr Miti is in hospital. The reason for the bees turning aggressive was unclear. Boy killed by crocodile Milner Bwalya, 16, has been killed by a crocodile in Mwembeshi River in Nsama District. Bwalya had gone swimming with some friends. The Zambia Wildlife Authority is looking for the crocodile. Chief arrested for murder Chief Kasomalwela (Russford Chita) has been arrested, together with three indunas and a retainer, for the murder of Bishili Nsamya of Mpita Village in Chembe, Luapula Province. Nsamya was allegedly beaten up and pushed into a river after the chief accused Nsamya and two others of having bewitched him. Nine others involved in Nsamya’s murder are on the run, reported the Times of Zambia. Ex-convict steals from prison warden Mark Saili, an officer at the Zambia Prisons Service, has been robbed of a mobile phone and K1,200 in cash after giving an ex-convict , Claude Chishimba, a lift to Mukobeko in Kabwe, reported the Daily Mail. Chishimba is currently in court on the matter. Old woman killed by paw paw Kalumbu Mundunga, 86, has been killed – by a paw paw – while sitting under a paw paw tree in Lilanda Township in Itezhi Tezhi, reported the Times of Zambia. Bonnie Tembo dies Bonnie Tembo, former executive director of the Anti-Voter Apathy Project, has died, at 50 years. Reports were confusing, but Tembo had apparently travelled from Chipata to Lusaka because he was feeling unwell. Here, he had proceeded to the house of his girlfriend, Gwendolyn Chanda, who later found him unconscious. She is currently in custody at Matero, both for her safety and to help with the investigations into Tembo’s death. Sports in brief Chipolopolo to meet Mozambique The Chipolopolo will play its final 2015 AFCON qualifiers against Mozambique on 15 November (away) and 19 November (home). The leader of Group F, Cape Verde, has already qualified for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in Morocco – with 9 points. Zambia and Mozambique both have 5 points, but Zambia has a better goal difference. Essa fails to reclaim ARC title Mohammed Essa, Zambia’s 2012 Africa Rally Champion, has failed to reclaim the title, after finishing second at the championship’s final leg, the Madagascar International Rally in Antananarivo. Gary Chaynes of Ivory Coast won this year’s championship, despite finishing 11th in Madagascar, with total points of 119 – and Essa trailing only one point behind him. The rally in Madagascar was won by Patrick Solofonirina of Madagascar. ZOCA in Washington DC The Zambian fitness programme ZOCA has been introduced in Washington DC in the United States. The programme is “a combination of challenging and fun choreography to music that travels from the streets of Trinidad and Tobago to the nightclubs of Zambia”, according to its founder, Namaala Liebenthal, who designed the programme in Lusaka in 2012. ZOCA is short for ‘Zambia’s Own Caribbean and African’ dance fever. Americans can now take classes twice weekly at Joy of Motion’s Friendship Heights Studio, courtesy of instructor Tanya Nuchols , who was trained by Liebenthal. Liebenthal grew up in Washington DC before returning to Zambia. Bobby East fined for sex video Rapper Bobby East (Robert Chunga) and model Ruth Mukanga have been fined K8,500 each for producing obscene materials. The couple was arrested in July 2014 for featuring in a 12-minute sex video circulating on WhatsApp in particular. The couple admitted they had filmed themselves using an iPhone, but initially claimed that the video had not been for public consumption. Bobby East told the Post that it is a possibility that he will “stop music”, as he does not want “to do anything that involves the spotlight”. Man rapes chicken Amon Simbeye, 20, has been arrested in Luano District, Central District, for having sex with a chicken. Simbeye was caught in the act by the chicken’s owner, reported the Times of Zambia. The chicken has died. 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