One year after Andrew Kamanga defied all the odds to be crowned FAZ president, journalist Mike Mubanga has recounted his experience on the night of the famous victory.

Mubanga opens up a dark side of the Kalusha Bwalya administration that had become notorious for using accreditation to silence journalists.

The Muvi Television award winning scribe was bundled out of Moba Hotel by police officers on instructions from former FAZ communications manager Nkweto Tembwe.

Below is Mubanga’s narrative.

What happened to me on 19 March, 2016?

On March 19th 2016, FAZ held its elective annual general meeting. Initially, I was not supposed to be there because I knew I was not a popular figure in FAZ but due to circumstances, I found my way at Moba Hotel in Kitwe.

I had a chat with Mr. Tembwe since I was meeting him for the second time since the November incident. I asked him why he couldn’t accredit me for games, he explained on one occasion why and on the other in which he claimed that I did not e-mail him the accreditation request.

I must put it on record that I did not request for accreditation for the AGM, but following a sober and progressive discussion with him, I was allowed to cover proceedings.

Although it was a challenge to be cleared by FAZ security once in a while because I had no accreditation card, I would fall back on Mr. Tembwe for clearance.

While voting was underway, I posted on my facebook page a business card for Pivoty Simwanza that stated his title as FAZ vice-president, a card that got my attention.

While I was inside the vote centre, I received the call from Godfrey Chikumbi, a Kalusha supporter asking me to delete the status a suggestion which I denied.

A few minutes later, Mr. Tembwe came in the centre and asked me to follow him to another room, where Chikumbi sat next to another person.

They talked about my post; they talked about how my rigging statement had the potential to tarnish the image of the credible FAZ elections.

They talked about a lot, and after that, I was taken back to the voting room, asked to pack my bags and Mr. Tembwe ordered FAZ security and police officers to escort me outside the gate and never to allow me back. I obliged.

Along the way, I met the veteran sports administrator Simataa and he asked what happened and I told him, but police officers threatened to beat me up if I shared the story with another person.

That was at 22:00hours.

I sat in the drainages along Ndola-Kitwe carriage way thinking of my next move, where would I go, back to Ndola, to go and sleep in Kitwe or wait?

I called my friend Mwansa Kapyanga from Kasama United Youth Academy who came for the elective AGM as a councillor and he told me that he and his colleagues were meeting Nkana treasurer Alex Munasha at After-10 restaurant in Kitwe.

I booked a taxi and joined them, while we followed proceedings from social networking site, Whatsapp.

A police officer from Lusaka (name withheld) discussed my situation with Super Treasurer who then assured me of safety once I came back with the Kasama people but I would have to do one thing, stay in the vehicle until peace was assured. I obliged.

It was not until news of Andrew Kamanga’s win over Kalu broke that I went back in the FAZ AGM venue to cover the meeting.

Police officers who had chased me saw me, and they just smiled when I found my way back to cover the rest of the evening.

At that time, I never saw Mr. Tembwe or any of the FAZ security men that had hounded me out.

In a nutshell, I believe I had a good relationship with Mr. Tembwe and many FAZ officials, but their stance on me regarding accreditation was rather harsh because I did not hate them, I was just a person that was bringing out issues without malice.

I never hated the Kalu administration; I criticized the way some of the activities were run.

I believe I was realistic because saying Kalusha did not do anything for football was going to be complete hatred.

Again, saying Kalusha did immensely well is mediocrity of the highest order that should not be tolerated.

My assessment which did not go down well with most FAZ followers was that in the first years of his presidency, Kalusha worked had to put up the pieces and it is under his executive that Zambia won the coveted Africa Cup of Nations title for the first time. Remarkable.

It is also under this executive that we saw the unprecedented qualification of all age group teams to all major events, including the Costa Rica Under-17 Women’s World Cup in 2014. Success.

However, it is also under his leadership that Zambia had been nose diving from being one of the best teams on the continent to being passengers at tournaments, the Afcon inclusive. Poor.

It is also under his leadership that Zambia had the Nike deal scrapped off because of double dealings at Football House. Extremely poor.

Again, it was under his leadership that the association has been secretive when it came to announcing of match tickets, gate takings and match appearance fees among other deals that border on transparency and accountability.

We have to be realistic and state that the negatives outweigh the positives that the Kalu led FAZ has scored, and if this is hatred, then I do not know the real definition of hate.

My relationship with FAZ was unstable because of my strong criticism of them, and my seemingly accommodating views on the Kamanga camp, who despite being taunted, went on well with their campaigns.

I have no hard feelings against anyone who might have abused their position to get at me, I believe we are one people who love Zambian football so much that we all want to contribute effectively to the beautiful game of football.

I will be doing a review of Andrew Kamanga’s presidency in due course.

Au Revoir!

The post Award Winning Journalists Mike Mubanga Recounts Moba Ordeal On Night Kamanga Was Elected President appeared first on Zambia Reports.

Police in Luanshya has arrested 57 people in Luanshya over the riots that characterized the area over suspected a ritual killing of a missing boy.

Residents ran amok following accusations that a local resident working for Workers Compensation Fund identified Geoffrey Mukanda was responsible for the disappearance of Mike Mpundu.

Mother to the missing lad, only identified as bana Mpundu brought the wrath of the entire township by alleging that Mukanda was responsible for the disappearance of her son.

The residents damaged property belonging to Mukanda setting ablaze his car and damaging his lodge.

Copperbelt police commissioner Charity Katanga said that those arrested were charged with various offences.

Note: File Picture

The post Police Nab 57 In Luanshya Riots appeared first on Zambia Reports.

The knives are out for Chilanga United Party for National Development (UPND) lawmaker Keith Mukata for having defied the party directive to shun President Edgar Lungu’s address to parliament.

UPND president Hakainde Hichilema said that Mukata would be disciplined for attending President Lungu’s address.

Hichilema said the UPND had shunned the event to send a clear message that they did not recognize the victory of President Lungu in the August 11 elections.

He said that Mukata had acted in self interest and not out of love for the people of Chilanga.

“He acted in his own interest, Mukata was acting for his stomach,” he said.

“The people of Chilanga are hungry and all he can think about is about himself, we will announce what type of action we will take against him. He needs to speak for the people of Chilanga.”

Mukata came in the spotlight after having defied the party directive to attend the State of the Nation Address by President Lungu.

UPND MPs shunned the event in line with their continuous protest over the election of President Lungu.

It is the second time the UPND has walked out on President Lungu after having pulled the same stunt last year on October, 30 but later apologized on the floor of parliament.

The post UPND Brands Keith Mukata Judas Escariot; Chilanga MP Faces Opposition Wrath appeared first on Zambia Reports.

THE Commonwealth has once again put their seal of approval of the election of President Edgar Lungu by stating that the August 11 2016 elections were free and fair.

In a letter dated Saturday, 18th March, 2017, Commonwealth Secretary General Patricia Scotland said that observers from the global institution passed the elections as free and fair.

Scotland said that Zambia continued being a model of peace and a trailblazer of conducting free and fair elections.

The UPND has had as part of its strategy reaching out to international organizations to screaming rigged elections.

The post Pres. Lungu Was Elected Fair & Square – Commonwealth appeared first on Zambia Reports.

They touted him to sonta epo wabomba [show us your work]. By November last year – eight months in office as FAZ president – the closest he could come to was Computickets. Computickets was a fulfilment of his campaign pledge to restore transparency and accountability into the management of gate takings.

Sadly, they saw nothing in it. Reason being they could no longer pilfer public resources carelesslelly. They wanted results on the pitch. They accused him of failing to inspire Zambia to appear at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, a qualification that was lost 72 hours after he became president. Can you blame him? No. But they said he was a failure, that is why Zambia was not in Gabon.

Today as Andrew Ndanga Kamanga clocks one year in office, they have all scampered; they are ashamed. Nothing to say. But being the meek, cool and calm person he is, he keeps inviting them to his table. They are unashamedly still plotting to impeach him.

Wait a minute. Isn’t this the man moulding a winning team? Who changes a winning coach? The football theory repudiates such thinking.

Popular blogger, FAZ councillor and a fervent advoacte of transparency and accountability in Zambian football MUSONDA CHIBULU could not have put it any better.

HERE IS MUSONDA CHIBULU’S REFLECTION OF ANDREW NDANGA KAMANGA’S ONE YEAR AT THE HELM OF ZAMBIAN FOOTBALL

It came as a shock to the world as Andrew Kamanga became boss of the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) at the expense of then incumbent Kalusha Bwalya.

Around this time anxiety gripped the Zambian football fraternity on March 19, 2016.

The executive committee members came from the Bwalya camp.

The successful businessman’s camp was worried as the vice-presidency was scooped again by the opposite camp.

It looked like a toll order for Kamanga. Then after midnight, FAZ Legal Committee Chairman Sukwana Lukangaba dropped a bombsell.

“Cool” Kamanga had defeated the Great Kalu.

Kamanga’s reign started off shakily as his choice of General Secretary Sims Simataa was rejected by the executive.

In came Ponga Liwewe deputised by Lombe Mbalashi.

Zambia failed to qualify to Gabon 2017 and suffered a shock COSAFA Cup exit. His detractors went to town. “We told you he was a failed administrator,” they cried excitedly.

Prior to the failure to qualify there was the unsavoury travel by ferry incident in West Africa.

To add salt to the injury, the Zambia Under-17 national team under Osward Mutapa was booted out of the COSAFA Under-17 Youth Championship on account of alleged age-cheating.

Boy! The frenzy that greeted that news was like Zambia had qualified to the World Cup among his enemies.

“This failure shall take us nowhere,” was the chorus of the funeral, if not celebratory, dirge.

The ignominy of losing the first World Cup qualifier compounded the situation.

“Under this failure Zambia has won nothing competitive,” we heard.

This was despite Kamanga and the new FAZ bringing Wedson Nyirenda to replace George Lwandamina who was allowed to concentrate on Zesco United.

United were to reach the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League losing only to eventual champions Mamelodi Sundowns.

After the Nigeria match, a ticketing sells scam led to the suspension of vice-president Richard Kazala and committee member Blackwell Siwale.

Electronic Comput-ticketing debuted against the West Africans as Kamanga sought to bring transparency and accountability in gate takings.

The takings were announced in public for the first time in many years.

Then Zambia went to Cameroon and nicked a point. It was a turning point.

Though the draw was criticised, the manner in which Nyirenda picked up a draw from a side who only months later became champions of Africa was creditable.

Then the Zambia Under-20 travelled to South Africa and won the region meet with a 100 per cent record.

This was despite heavy criticism on the team’s preparations. However, Beston Chambeshi technical advised by Nyirenda, assisted by Bilton Musonda exceeded expectations.

Kamanga’s detractors played down the success as only “COSAFA” in a rather strange and subdued tone.

Then the mother of all success in the short period came.

But like birth pangs before the birth of a first born child, it did not come like manner from heaven.

Zambia was hosting the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations. The organisation of the tournament was criticised.

Some prayed that it could fail so that the ‘failure administrator’ tag could stick on Kamanga like glue.

With incredible support from the government of His Excellency President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, Kamanga had camped the Zambia Under-20 in Spain.

This too was criticised heavily. “No, the weather in Spain is unsuitable and all that jazz,” was sung without real instruments.

But the tournament was a resounding success as Zambia emerged champions of the continent for the first time in history before crowds never seen at junior teams’ tournaments anywhere in the world.

In fact, the cup victory was icing on the cake as the rampant and impressive Zambia Under-20 qualified to the Korea Under-20 World Cup after only two matches.

The qualification was sealed with an incredible 6-1 mauling of Mali at Heroes Stadium.

CAF stopped short of announcing Zambia as the next host of the senior Africa Cup after a well organised junior event in Lusaka and Ndola.

This was Kamanga’s defining moment as leader of FAZ.

Prior to the continental tournament, immediately after the regional tournament in Muruleng, Kamanga had been elected as an executive committee member of COSAFA.

This was a demonstration of recognition from his peers in the region of his leadership acumen.

Kamanga made a good gesture of handing his predecessor Bwalya a much cried about FIFA Council elections’ nomination letter despite COSAFA appearing to favour the nomination of sitting Football Association (FA) presidents to run for the FIFA elections.

Surprisingly, Bwalya was later to withdraw from the FIFA election race despite the nation clamouring for the 1988 African Footballer of the Year to go for it.

Now the Africa Cup triumph the country’s major achievement since the ultimate success of 2012 was Kamanga’s mother of all administrative brilliance in his short time at Football House.

During the junior Africa Cup in Zambia, some disgruntled elements wanted to disrupt the smooth flow of things by calling for Kamanga’s impeachment on flimsy grounds.

It was claimed Kamanga wanted to take away voting rights of lower division teams.

This is despite FIFA’s very public directive that Zambia reduces its Electoral College by 31st March 2017 or face an automatic ban.

This lie is still being propagated today.

Imagine Zambia being banned and missing the Korea World Cup where the Africa kings are in Group C against Portugal, Iran and Costa Rica for failure to enact a new constitutions as per FIFA requirement!

Undeterred, Kamanga has already secured a four nations invitational tournament scheduled for this week until 31st March, 2017 for the Zambia Under-20 to have a feel of Korea and the sort of opposition expected in May at the World Cup.

This is the sort of preparations the country of our magnitude has craved for and deserves to have.

Kamanga seen the Under-20 national team secure sponsorship from FNB. No junior team in this country has ever had sponsors.

In another show of previously rare sound judgement seen in football administration in this country, Kamanga and his COSAFA colleagues masterminded the change at CAF backing Madagascar man Ahmad Ahmad to oust long serving Issa Hayatou.

It has been quite some year in office for Andrew Ndanga Kamanga.

With proper support from FAZ councillors and internal unity among the executive committee members, Zambia is on a sound path to regaining its lost football glory under Kamanga.

The post Opinion: Kamanga – An Alleged ‘Failure’ Destined For Football Success appeared first on Zambia Reports.

Parliamentary Chief Whip Richard Musukwa says opposition UPND MPs should stay away permanently from parliament as they do not recognize the people that constitute it.

Musukwa said that UPND MPs could not on one hand shun President Edgar Lungu who convened parliament and on another claim money from conducting parliamentary business.

He said that the UPND MPs were being hypocritical by whining about not recognizing President Lungu when they had taken oath to take allegiance to him through their oath of parliament.

Musukwa said that they broke parliamentary procedure and should be punished for their actions.

‘I want to urge the UPND MPs to stay away from parliament forever and stay with their leader. This sitting of parliament was opened by the President so if they do not recognize him then why do they continue to sit,” he said.

The UPND boycotted Friday’s special address to parliament by President Lungu on instruction from their party leader Hakainde Hichilema.

It is the second time the UPND has pulled that stunt after having done the same when President Lungu officially opened parliament on September 30, 2016.

The MPs later apologized to Speaker of the National Assembly promising not to pull the same act again.

The post UPND MPs Must Stay Out Of Parley Permanently – Musukwa appeared first on Zambia Reports.

Former UPND vice president Sakwiba Sikota has labelled his former political party narcissistic alleging that they are too obsessed with themselves. Sikota, a former LAZ president made literary jest of the UPND boycott of President Lungu’s address to parliament.

BELOW IS HIS FULL POSTING>

UNITED POACHERS WITH NARCISSISTIC DESIRES

(Thwarting a grand entrance)

One always, on important occasions, looks out for the grand entry. This year Lady Gaga made a grand entry at the Super Bowl halftime break. I remember in 1993 during the Super Bowl intermission performance Michael Jackson also made a grand entry by being shot through the stage floor. British boxer Amir Khan is also known for making grand entrances into the ring.

On Friday 17th March 2017 I decided to attend the first ever mid session address to Parliament that has been set up by the 2016 amendments to our National Constitution. I decided to go there as it was an innovative new procedure in our Parliament. I was sure that this would be a memorable occassion which would be marked with a grand entry.

President Lungu came into the House without the traditional drumming and singing that occurs at the ceremonial opening of parliament address. To my surprise, and quite contrary to parliamentary practice and etiquette, the PF members of Parliament broke into sloganeering when the President entered the chamber.

It seems the MP’s could not help themselves and, in total contradiction to the parliamentary rule against members of parliament only being allowed to sing on the floor of the House the national anthem when parliament is sitting, the members of parliament broke into song. One of the songs sang was that, “Nga Lungu talipoooo bonse aba niba ngwele! TWALAYI ZANDAMUNA, LELO MULEDABWA!!!”

Inspite of the sloganeering and breaking into song, I do not think that President Lungu’s entry stole the show. During my time in Parliament I have seen quite a number of grand entrances. The female members of Parliament have been particularly good at making these noticeable eye catching entrances. I remember Late Princess Mbololwa Nakatindi Wina at a ceremonial opening of Parliament causing a stir when she walked in, just a few minutes before the arrival of the President, dressed in a designer musisi with a jaw dropping headgear and lace. Almost all the members of parliament went to have pictures taken with her.

In later years at the ceremonial opening of parliament, I can recall Hon Dora Siliya on at least one occassion making a simillar grand entry. As for Honourable Sylvia Masebo, we all became accustomed to her making such belated grand entries. On one occassion she even topped it of by having the Late Honourable Willie Nsanda, who was then her deputy at the Ministry of Local Government, follow her behind carrying in her magnificent matching sequined handbag!

In Friday’s mid session presidential speech neither the President nor the female members of parliament made any grand entry. In fact the ladies were modest in their dress and did not look as if they were ladies attending the Ascot horse races.

President Lungu, if anything, made a notable grand exit. He proceeded on his way out to shake hands with each of the ministers present. I think this was but a ruse by the President and he did not really want to shake the hands of his Vice President and his ministers. I say it was a cleverly constructed ruse by the President because when he reached the last minister in line he, without hesitation, headed towards the empty seats where the UPND Members of Parliament were supposed to be.

President Lungu went past several empty chairs and proceeded to the second row where the sole UPND Member of Parliament Keith Mukata was standing. President Lungu proceeded to greet Mukata with a large smile and the two for some moments exchanged some words which everybody would have loved to eavesdropped on.

It is no surprise that President Lungu was drawn towards seeing Mukata up close since Mukata had no doubt made a grand entrance that day when he walked in ten minutes before the entrance of the President whilst everybody was already seated in wait for the President.

Indeed when Mukata made his grand entry a large number of the Members of Parliament present went to greet him and pose with him for photographs as tourists will do when they come across some magnificent game that has made a grand entrance into their sight.

The rest of the fifty seven other UPND Members of Parliament had boycotted this day’s sitting of Parliament making Mukata’s presence as noticeable as a single lone wildebeest migrating in the great East African Serengeti or local Zambian Barotse Luiwa Game Park wildebeest migrations.

Unfortunately though, like with every magnificent creation of nature, there are those led by Hedonistic Hunters who will try to exterminate the sole wildebeest making a grand migration entry as they are United Poachers with Narcissistic Desires (UPND); thus thwarting a grand entrance!

The post SAKI Spells Out UPND As Narcissistic United Poachers appeared first on Zambia Reports.

News that Kasama Central Member of Parliament Kelvin Sampa has moved a private member’s motion in parliament to dissolve the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) is not surprising if anyone has been following happenings on the legal landscape.

It is normal that any sympathizer of the ruling party should feel aggrieved by the stance taken by LAZ on many issues of public interest under the leadership of Linda Kasonde.

Kasonde has become such a thorn in the ruling Patriotic Front backside that a demonstration had to be ‘organized’ to challenge her to form a political party.

Nothing wrong with that, but we are worried at the calibre of people that are pushing this agenda.

LAZ is an organization that through the dark times of our democracy has stood strong alongside the wishes and demands of the common people.

LAZ has not gotten to where it is by going to bed with the ruling elite but has been strong enough to resist the temptation to side with the powerful.

The most strong standing LAZ presidents of old have left an indelible mark by having shown leadership at a time when several institutions of good governance have been threatened by the actions of the ruling elite.

Did not George Kunda cut his name during his time as LAZ president? Do we not remember Sakwiba Sikota from the same strong stance acts? Did not people like William Mweemba and Christopher Musonda also make their mark through principled stands?

So will it take the folly of one excited lawmaker whose best record at politics is producing campaign songs from his days at Kabulonga Boys High School to being a rather sheddy and corrupt businessman, but has no spine in Kelvin Sampa to destroy that which the nation has held dear over the years?

Is Sampa the man to lead a moral battle if ever this were one? Why is the calibre of people that are pushing this agenda so suspicious? It reminds us of another lawmaker not too long ago who moved a motion for questionable amendments to the constitution in Mwansabombwe MP Rogers Mwewa?

It is not a secret that Mwewa is a man fighting for a way back to political favour after late President Michael Sata fired him over a well known story. It is right that people must discuss why LAZ has to be the only body that presides over matters concerning lawyers but are people like Sampa, Hobday Kabwe and Rabson Malipenga the people to lead such a crusade?

Granted Kasonde has made some mistakes along the way but does it justify the army of questionable characters that have been unleashed on her?

Let the country reflect deeply on this matter and we hope credible lawyers and more respectable citizens will guide this debate.

The post Opinion: PF Is OffSide On Attempts To Dissolve LAZ appeared first on Zambia Reports.

Government has closed down three Primary Schools and all fishing camps along the Luapula River and Lake Mweru in Chiengi District of Luapula Province after cholera breakout.

Chienge District Commissioner Davis Kasongole has named the closed institutions as Kefulwe, Chiba and Kabwe primary schools.

Minister of Health Chitalu Chilufya says the closure of the schools is part of the measures to contain the cholera outbreak in Chienge where 54 cases have so far been reported in the last four weeks.

Dr. Chilufya says 30 medical personnel have since been dispatched to all fishing camps of Chienge to help contain the spread of water borne disease from spreading to other parts of Luapula province.

Meanwhile, Luapula Province Medical Director Peter Bwalya says three of the 23 cholera patients from Kefulwe fishing camp who were admitted at the cholera treatment center have been discharged.

The post Cholera Breaks Out In Chiengi; 54 Cases Recorded appeared first on Zambia Reports.

The murder of Zambia Air Force flight sergeant Nchimunya Choongwa has attracted an inter-ministerial defence inquiry.

Choongwa was over the weekend murdered at the hands of police officers whilst in detention at Woodlands Police station.

The deceased alleged picked up a quarrel with a police officer after he bumped into his (police officer) car at a night spot in Woodlands whilst pulling out.

Whilst attempting to resolve the matter, the yet to be identified police officer mobilized his colleagues at Woodlands Police station who bundled the ZAF office to the police station and allegedly beat him up before dumping him in the police cell where he died from excessive bleeding.

An inquiry has been opened with Defence Minister Davies Chama and his Home Affairs counterpart Stephen Kampyongo holding a joint briefing to launch an inquiry.

Chama said that there would be no sacred cows in the matter with the relatives and nation made aware of the outcome.

So far the police attempt to lump the murder on the inmates has backfired in the light of fresh information that alleges that it was the law enforcement officers that brutally murdered the deceased ZAF officer.

The post Murder Of Airforce Official At Hands Of Police Draws National Attention appeared first on Zambia Reports.

Rights activist Brebner Changala says the call to repeal the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) Act by Patriotic Front Kasama Member of Parliament Kelvin Sampa is not in good faith.

Sampa has put a notice of motion to repeal CAP 31 of the Zambian Constitution so that LAZ is no longer the only body that presides over matters for lawyers in the country.

The call has been instigated by claims that LAZ has become an extension of the opposition United Party for National Development and also the cartel comprising former Post Newspapers editor Fred M’membe and his acolytes.

Changala said that the move to dissolve LAZ was in self interest by the ruling PF that wanted to kill off any opposing views in the country.

“The attempt by the PF government or the PF as a party will not be allowed, whether legally or by use of underhand methods,” Changala said.

“I urge them not to use the arrogance of numbers to repeal the LAZ Act.”

Sampa has moved a private member’s motion that seeks to dissolve the LAZ.

The post Brebner Changala: Don’t Use Arrogance Of Numbers To Dissolve LAZ appeared first on Zambia Reports.

Speaker of the National Assembly Patrick Matibini got caught up in crossfire as the PF and UPND Members of Parliament sized each other with a flurry of points of orders.

Kanchibiya MP Martin Malama rose on a point or order urging the Speaker to act on UPND MPs that had shunned President Edgar Lungu’s speech last Friday.

Malama’s call for the Speaker to punish UPND MPs was backed by his counterparts from the PF who also stoked the fires with Jean Kapata, Stephen Kampyongo and Makebi Zulu also adding up to the call.

In his ruling Matibini ruled that he had referred the matter of the committee on parliamentary privileges.

The atmosphere at parliament was charged being the first sitting since the UPND absconded sitting last Friday with the PF having warned that they would hound out the opposition MPs.

In fighting back Monze Central MP Jack Mwiimbu, wondered why the PF MPs were allowed to sing political songs in parliament when President Lungu addressed parliament.

Mwiimbu said that it was against the rules of parliament to sing political songs on the floor of parliament except the national anthem.

Matibini reserved ruling on the matter.

The UPND shunned President Lungu’s address to parliament on grounds that they do not recognize his election victory.

It was the second time they were pulling the stunt after having done the same on September 30 2016.

The post Matibini Defers Ruling On Absentee UPND MPs appeared first on Zambia Reports.

Zambia has now opted to play Zimbabwe in an international friendly match on March 26 in Harare after the proposed game against Tanzania fell through.

The Chipolopolo were scheduled to play the Taifa Stars of Tanzania on Friday in the first match and Sunday in the second fixture in Dar es Salaam during the Fifa international window.

Faz General Secretary Ponga Liwewe confirmed to Fazfootball.com that the team summoned by coach Wedson Nyirenda remains unchanged.

Nyirenda has called 28 players for Sunday’s match away in Harare with two foreign-based players who are Emmanuel Mayuka and Kennedy Mweene.

The team is camped at the Intercontinental Hotel and is expected to have its first full training session on Wednesday morning.

Nyirenda is preparing the team for the African Nations Championship against Swaziland in July while also having an eye on the Africa Cup of Nations engagement against Mozambique in June.

FULL TEAM

GOALKEEPERS: Jacob Banda (Zesco United), Racha Kola (Zanaco), Allan Chibwe (Power Dynamos), Kennedy Mweene (Mamelodi Sundowns/South Africa)

DEFENDERS

Taonga Bwembya (Zanaco), Donashano Malama (Nkana), Fackson Kapumbu (Zesco United), Mweene Mumbi (Green Buffaloes), Ziyo Tembo (Zanaco), Isaac Shamujompa (Napsa (Stars), Adrian Chama (Green Buffaloes), Billy Mutale (Power Dynamos), George Chilufya (Zanaco)

MIDFIELDERS: Mischeck Chaila, John Ching’andu, Kondwani Mtonga (all Zesco United), Clatous Chama (Lusaka Dyanmos), Kelvin Mubanga , Fwayo Tembo (both Power Dynamos), Justin Banda (Napsa Stars), Mwila Phiri (Choma Eagles), Augustine Mulenga (Zanaco), Mukubanga Siambombe (Zamcoal Diggers)

STRIKERS: Jackson Mwanza (Zesco United), Justin Shonga (Nkhwazi), Chitiya Mususu (Napsa Stars), Ronald Kampamba (Nkana) and Emmanuel Mayuka (Zamalek/Egypt)

The post Zambia Settles For Zimbabwe In FIFA Day Friendly appeared first on Zambia Reports.

Enterprising youthful journalist Costa Mwansa has announceD the launch of Diamond TV, formerly Mobi Television, where he assumes the role of Chief Executive Officer.

Mwansa, the vibrant television personality who has recently risen to prominence following his successful The Assignment television program at Muvi TV, says Diamond is set to re-invent the broadcasting industry in the country.

The former Muvi TV General Manager and is also Presidential Debates presenter says Diamond recognizes that creative content is king of television.

The channel has since gone on Go TV Platform where it can be accessed on Channel 99.

BELOW IS COSTA MWANSA’S STATEMENT

“I am proud to announce the launch of the Diamond TV programming on Channel 99 on the Go TV Platform as well as on analogue within Lusaka and the surrounding areas.

As diamond TV we understand the huge demand for information and quality content in today’s digital space.

That is why for us we recognize that “Creative content is king” and that is what we bring to the fore.

Television Re-invented seen as a very ambitious statement but very opportune with the dynamics that technology and internet bring about.

The way that the world consumes information today is fast changing and this is why as Diamond TV we are set to penetrate and stamp our authority into the digital space of media and break traditional barriers’ of doing business.

It’s about forward and futuristic thinking.

Take time to enjoy our diverse programming and visit our social media pages. #Twafichinja“

COSTA MWANSA – CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER – DIAMOND TV

The post Young Journalist Costa Mwansa Unveils Diamond TV appeared first on Zambia Reports.

In it’s promise to uphold transparency and accountability, the FAZ administration under Andrew Kamanga has announced it raised about K6 million from gate taking of the recently held Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Zambia Daily Mail sports desks which ironically never published anything to do with gate takings from the previous executive, carries a banner headline announcing the cash galore.

The state newspaper quotes FAZ Treasurer Rix Mweemba confirming that the figure raised from the touranment stood at K6, 372, 472 million against an expenditure of K4, 202, 400.

“We would like first of all to thank our patron and Republican President Edgar Chagwa Lungu for his support. We are humbled. The turn out by supporters was excellent. We are grateful. Without the involvement of supporters and other stakeholders the tournament would not have been a success.

“From the K6, 372, 472 million that we have raised, we are paying Zambia Police, Red Cross, Fire Brigade and many others that rendered their support towards the hosting of the tournament,” Mweemba said.

For the last eight years, gate takings were treated as a state secret by FAZ. The executive committee that administered the body the last years had been accused of sharing gate takings shortly after an international match was played.

This have dramatically changed since Andrew Kamanga was elected FAZ president. Two officials one of whom served the previous executive – vice-president Richard Kazala and Blackwell Siwale – are currently suspended pending expulsion for tampering with gate takings for the match between Zambia and Nigeria last October.

The post FAZ Rakes In K6 Million From Under-20 Gate Taking appeared first on Zambia Reports.

The story of ballot papers being printed locally was back on the table when President Edgar Lungu visited Government Printers.

President Lungu said that ballot papers for the 2021 elections will be printed in the country.

The printing of ballot papers outside the country has been a drawn out subject with the argument repeatedly bandied around that Government Printers needed to be re-capitalized.

President Lungu made an impromptu visit to the Government Printers and made the pledge that his government would do something his predecessors had only previously promised.

He said that the move would save the country costs in incurred from printing ballot papers outside the country.

President Lungu urged the Government Printers to ensure that the premises were secured to wade off security concerns.

“Whether the opposition parties like it or not, we are going to print ballot papers locally and I am inviting everyone to visit and see the preparations Government is making to ensure that the 2021 ballot papers are printed at the Government Printing Department,” he said.

Ballot papers have traditionally been printed in South Africa with the last general elections having been taken even further in Dubai.

The post Government Printers To Handle 2021 Ballots, says Pres. Lungu appeared first on Zambia Reports.

The opposition FDD house is tumbling down with expelled vice president Chifumu Banda forming a “Save the FDD” group.

The former Chairperson of Committees in Parliament said that party leader Edith Nawakwi should step down and pave the way for elections.

Banda said the FDD could drift into oblivion if nothing was done to hold the national convention.

But FDD spokesperson Antonio Mwanza has moved to dilute the impact of the formation of a splinter group.

BELOW IS Mwanza’s statement:

FDD Spokesperson Antonio Mwanza Issued the following statement

Following a press briefing by Mr Chifumu Banda and his cohorts purporting to be a Save FDD Committee we as FDD would like to inform our members and the general public as follows:

1. That the so called Save FDD Committee is an illegal Committee and has mandated whatsoever. The FDD Constitution clearly outlines the Committees of the Party and the so called Save FDD Committee is not one of them hence all its pronouncements and activities are null and void and must be treated with the contempt they deserve.

2. That Mr Chifumu Banda remains expelled from the Party and has no locus standi to comment on the activities and decisions of the Party hence we will not waste our time responding to him.

3. That the FDD remains united and is firmly behind the leadership of President Edith Nawakwi.

4. That all bonafide members of the Party are encouraged to continue making contributions towards the hosting of the hosting of the Convention.

The post FDD On Life Support; Chifumu Banda Battles For Its Survival appeared first on Zambia Reports.

The Zambia Air Force soldier who was murdered at the hands of police officers at Woodlands Police Station has been put to rest with the family demanding justice.

Flight Sergeant Nchimunya Choongwa was buried at Leopards Hill Memorial Park with Zambia Air Force acting Deputy Commander Kapotwe Chintu promised that justice would be done in the matter.

Choongwa’s death has attracted an inter-ministerial inquiry after he died in police custody over the weekend following pick up by police for having scratched a car belonging to a police officer at a night spot.

The deceased officer’s brother Reverend Chilala Choongwa said that the family would not rest until justice had been done on the matter.

Chilala told the gathering that Choongwa had been brutally beaten according to preliminary findings from the post-mortem.

Home Affairs Minister Stephen Kampyongo and his Defence counterpart Davies Chama held a joint briefing promising that the matter would be given top priority.

Conflicting stories have emerged over the murder but the police involvement has been the constant certainty in the equation.

Choongwa is survived by a wife and two daughters and died aged 34.

The post Slain ZAF Officer’s Family Demand Justice appeared first on Zambia Reports.

Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) president Linda Kasonde says she has no relationship with UPND president Hakainde Hichilema.

Kasonde said that no one was controlling LAZ as alleged by some sections of society.

Featuring on Hot FM’s Hot Seat programme, Kasonde said that LAZ had sometimes criticized the opposition but the sentiments had not been headlined in the local press.

LAZ has been accused of being pro opposition with Kasonde branded a UPND sympathizer.

Kasonde said that the LAZ Council comprised of 16 members that could never be remote controlled by an individual or institution.

“The other day someone was telling me that I used to work for HH. I just laughed because it is not true. I have no relationship with HH,” she said.

Kasonde said that she had no political agenda but merely championing the wishes of the Zambian people.

“Since April last year when we came into office we have issued four different statements defending the judiciary and in those statements we have condemned attacks by the PF and the UPND,” she said.

“We have criticized the UPND but just maybe that does not make as many headlines.”

She added: “Perceptions are very powerful, sometimes even when you follow the law people look at personalities and not principles.”

The LAZ president said that LAZ could not champion the cause of individuals as alleged by its critics that it had started championing the agenda of the Fred M’membe headed cartel.

“Nobody is controlling LAZ, there are 16 of us and we are all from different backgrounds and it is not possible that we can be controlled by an individual,” she said.

Kasonde said that the fact that people were talking about LAZ meant that there was something the organization was doing right.

She said that the country had become polarized such that even innocently critical thoughts were deemed to be opposition.

On the chaotic scenes in parliament instigated by the UPND boycott, Kasonde condemned the behaviour by the opposition members.

She said that their boycott was a breach of the constitution.

On the summoning of lawyers deemed to have been calling for the repeal of the LAZ Act, Kasonde said that their disciplinary cases had nothing to do with being critical against the association.

Kasonde said that she was confident that LAZ would not be desecrated under her watch.

The post Linda Kasonde Denies UPND Link appeared first on Zambia Reports.

Emmanuel Mayuka has been ruled out of the international friendly match against Zimbabwe due to logistical challenges.

Chipolopolo Coach Wedson Nyirenda had recalled the Zamalek striker for Sunday’s match but the 2012 Golden Boot winner could not travel as he had to travel back to his base in Egypt after his side faced Nigerian side Enugu Rangers in the CAF Champions League.

Mayuka’s withdrawal leaves out Mamelodi Sundowns goalie Kennedy Mweene as the only foreign based player in the team that Nyirenda is using to prepare for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) tie against Swaziland in July.

Zambia also has an Africa Cup of Nations fixture against Mozambique in June.

“Mayuka could not be with the team because for this game at the time we called him his team had a game in Nigeria and he had to go back to Egypt and then the business of re-connecting so we excused him,” said Nyirenda.

Meanwhile the team is expected to leave for Harare this afternoon where they will set up camp for Sunday’s match.

FULL TEAM:

GOALKEEPERS: Jacob Banda (Zesco United) Racha Kola (Zanaco) Allan Chibwe (Power Dynamos) Kennedy Mweene (Mamelodi Sundowns)

DEFENDERS: Taonga Bwembya (Zanaco), Donashano Malama (Nkana), Fackson Kapumbu (Zesco United), Mweene Mumbi (Green Buffaloes), Ziyo Tembo (Zanaco), Isaac Shamujompa (Napsa (Stars), Adrian Chama (Green Buffaloes), Billy Mutale (Power Dynamos), George Chilufya (Zanaco)

MIDFIELDERS: Mischeck Chaila, John Ching’andu, Kondwani Mtonga (all Zesco United), Clatous Chama (Lusaka Dyanmos), Kelvin Mubanga , Fwayo Tembo (both Power Dynamos), Justin Banda (Napsa Stars), Mwila Phiri (Choma Eagles), Augustine Mulenga (Zanaco), Mukubanga Siambombe (Zamcoal Diggers)

STRIKERS: Jackson Mwanza (Zesco United), Justin Shonga (Nkhwazi), Chitiya Mususu (Napsa Stars), Ronald Kampamba (Nkana)

The post Mayuka Out Of Zim Friendly appeared first on Zambia Reports.