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ZAMBIA NEWS ONLINE/ZAMBIA NEWS ONLINE/ZAMBIA NEWS ONLINE
Edition: #26 15 September 1997
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A fortnightly update of news from Zambia!
ZAMBIA NEWS ONLINE is written by Zambian journalists in Zambia and brings you the news from their point of view. It is assembled and edited by Africa News Network, part of South Africa Contact, the former anti-apartheid movement in Denmark, publishers of i'Afrika, a quarterly magazine concentrating on Southern Africa.
ZAMBIA NEWS ONLINE joins our other individual newsletters from MOZAMBIQUE, ZIMBABWE, MALAWI, TANZANIA, ANGOLA and SOUTH AFRICA, providing up to date news through our established network of journalists in southern Africa. These newsletters will be followed, in the very near future, by news updates from other countries in the region.
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In this edition:
Feature:
EVANGELIST TRIGGERS NEW LEVEL OF POLITICAL FURORE
Stories:
1 GOVERNMENT ADMITS FAILURE IN LIBERALISED ECONOMY
2. UNIP IGNORES GOVERNMENT PROBE ON KAUNDA SHOOTING
3. MMD PARDONS SUSPENDED MEMBERS
4. ZAMBIA DEMOCRATIC CONGRESS CO-FOUNDER QUITS POLITICS
5.a - UNIVERSITY OF ZAMBIA REMAINS SHUT
5.b - UNIVERSITY OF ZAMBIA MEDICAL DOCTORS DEMAND AUTONOMY
6. PRESSURE MOUNTS ON MINE WORKERS UNION OF ZAMBIA
7. FIRE FIGHERS KEEP LOSING FIRE FIGHTS
8. FOOD SHORTAGE BEGINS TO BITE
9. PRISONERS RESORT TO EATING SNAKES, CATS?
10. ZAMBIA ON THE VERGE OF GETTING NEW SOCCER COACH
Feature:
EVANGELIST TRIGGERS NEW LEVEL OF POLITICAL FURORE
After years of limiting its role in local politics to being mediator, the church in Zambia has now thrown itself into the political area as a participant. At least this is the impression and suspicion arising from an announcement recently by Zambia's most outspoken evangelist, Pastor Nevers Mumba, that a National Christian Coalition (NCC), had been formed.
Although Pastor Mumba insists that the Coalition is not a political party, not many believe him. While stating that it is about time the church got more involved in politics, he denies that the coalition participate in politics on political party lines. The highlight of the announcement of the formation though was that the coalition's immediate task was to identify "morally upright people" to contest forth-coming local government elections. He said that despite making its intentions known on participation in elections, the coalition was not a political but a movement or Non-government Organisation to spearhead a "revolution of morality and prosperity" for Zambia.
Vice-president Godfrey Miyanda says that after studying the NCC's programme of action as presented by Pastor Mumba, he (Miyanda) is convinced that the NCC is a political party. He notes the the document presented by the NCC was a political party manifesto. Miyanda says that being a strategist, he knows that the NCC plans to formally enter the political ring in the year 2001 when the next presidential and parliamentary elections are due. Miyanda, a born-again Christian, says while there was nothing wrong with Christians being involved in politics, Pastor Mumba should be bold enough to state his political desires from the offset.
Despite Pastor Mumba's assurances, however, many fellow Christians and some political parties have challenged him to admit that the coalition is a political party rather than he hide behind the screen of a religious body. While some of the clergy are disappointed that he and those with him are getting more directly involved with politics, others have demanded that he resigns. The ruling MMD and the main opposition party, UNIP, have challenged Pastor Mumba to be more bold and state that the body is a political party. Both parties say, however, that he is welcome to join the political arena but he should also be ready to face the pressures and confrontations of political rivalry.
UNIP administrative secretary Basil Kabwe says that it is not surprising that Pastor Mumba has come up with such a movement because Mumba's theology has always been political. Kabwe adds that Pastor Mumba's stance is similar to that taken by the MMD which started off as a pressure group, but ended up being a political party which eventually won political power in 1991. MMD Lusaka Province minister Sonny Mulenga also says that Pastor Mumba should not hide behind the veil of Christianity to gain political ground.
Condemnation and suspicion of Mumba's movement began days before its formation was announced. The Christian Council of Zambia (CCZ), which is one of three umbrella Christian bodies, demanded Mumba's resignation. CCZ Secretary-General, Reverend Sampa-Bredt, said it would be wrong for Pastor Mumba to have such a politically inclined body whilst running a religious ministry. Another of the three umbrella bodies, the Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ), said Meumba must explain whether or not the movement was a political party. EFZ executive director Reverend Thomas Lumba has said that the formation of the NCC was welcome but it could not have a place under the umbrella body.
Rev Lumba also said that Victory Ministries, which Pastor Mumba heads, would have to be dropped from a body of religious groups that has been trying to promote talks between President Chiluba and Kenneth Kaunda, the leader of UNIP. Pastor Mumba has been a key figure in promoting talks between the two leaders, but Rev Lumba says that given Pastor Mumba's changed role, he has to be dropped from the delegation.
Some members of his ministry also fear that Pastor Mumba's decision of a more direct involvement in politics would divide his members. One of his members, Mrs Evelyn Kunda, says that rather than go into politics Pastor Mumba should concentrate on saving lost souls. Another member, Pamela Mulenga says that she has always suspected the Pastor Mumba's prime objective was politics because it has always been his favourite subject in sermons. Some members of Victory Ministries have said they are quitting to join other ministries.
There are however many others who are in strong support of the charismatic Pastor Mumba. His associate, Pastor Lubuto Nsofu, says that he has no problem with Pastor Mumba going into politics. He notes that there are many preachers who have gone into politics and no fuss had been raised about them. This was in apparent reference to Reverend Dan Pule who formed Dunamis Ministries and he is also Deputy Minister of Finance. Another pastor, Steve Chileshe of Faith Fellowship Ministries says that those opposed to the formation of the NCC had something to hide and he urged Pastor Mumba to soldier on, and this is just what Pastor Mumba seems determined to do.
"We have an agenda," Pastor Mumba says. "It is not a sin to participate in politics. In fact it is a sin not to participate in politics." He condemns as traitors those who discourage fellow Christians from joining politics. "A Christian who discourages a fellow Christian from participating in politics is a traitor to his own country. While we differ in the style of our preaching and doctrine, we should not compromise on the Judeo Christian values," he contends. He also dismisses a contention the politics was a dirty game, pointing out that politics was about people and that it was a Christian's responsibility to steer the nation on a God-fearing path.
He says, however, that he is not anti-government and that he has no plans of becoming republican president. He stresses, though, that it is not good enough to have a president and his deputy who are Christians, but that all other political positions should be occupied by God-fearing leaders. President Chiluba and vice-president Godfrey Miyanda are both born-again Christians. Pastor Mumba adds that there is bound to be a bitter power struggle after President Chiluba's second and final term of office expires in 2001. Because of this, he says it is incumbent upon Christians to diffuse this potentially explosive struggle.
The NCC draws most of its members from his Pentecostal church and these members are expected to soon start nation-wide crusades. The coalition also plans to formulate plans based on Biblical values. But with a glaring split among Christians over the formation of the NCC, Pastor Mumba is evidently in for a torrid time.
Stories:
1 GOVERNMENT ADMITS FAILURE IN LIBERALISED ECONOMY
The Zambian government has admitted that it erred in effecting a blanket liberalised economy because this had virtually killed the local production sector. Commerce, Trade and Industry deputy minister Ackim Nkole said by "over liberalising" the economy the local industries found themselves competing against heavily subsidised imports. This has resulted in the closure of several companies and the laying off of hundreds of workers. Nkole admits that the liberalisation programme had turned Zambia into a market place for cheap products from neighbouring countries while "killing" local companies.
Nkole made the remarks when pleading with management of Dunlop, a tyre making firm, to rescind the decision to close down its factory. Nkole said the government had learnt its lesson and would enact laws to protect local industries like Dunlop. "We are ready to raise tariffs by 50 per cent on imported tyres (to protect Dunlop)," Nkole told Dunlop managing director Robert May. But May said it was too late to rescind the decision, noting that for four years the local manufactures had been crying for government protection against unfair competition but the government had been adamant in sticking to its blanket liberalisation policy. Dunlop's sales director added that Zambia was the only country in the Southern African region, abiding by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) trade protocol on free trade, while other countries protected their local industries.
President Chiluba said earlier that there was need to protect strategic sectors of the country from unfair competition from imported goods. Chiluba, who was speaking before leaving for a SADC heads of state summit in Malawi, said that while Zambia did not wish to take a protectionist stand in a liberalised economy, there was need to guard against the collapse of important sectors like agriculture and manufacturing, and turning Zambia into a dumping ground for imported goods. He added that regional economic cooperation could only be achieved if there were fair economic practices among member countries.
2. UNIP IGNORES GOVERNMENT PROBE ON KAUNDA SHOOTING
The opposition Unip says it will not recognise the outcome of a police probe launched into a recent shooting incident in which UNIP president Kenneth Kaunda and Liberal Progressive Front leader Dr Rodger Chongwe were injured.
UNIP says it will have nothing to do with the investigations and has refused to release, to the police, the vehicle in which Kaunda and Chongwe are said to have been shot.
3. MMD PARDONS SUSPENDED MEMBERS
The ruling party, MMD, has lifted suspensions on virtually all its members to allow for the smooth holding of party elections at grass-root level.
Although the elections are for positions at low levels, they are considered important because the new office bearers will constitute the electorate who will vote in elections for high party positions.
4. ZAMBIA DEMOCRATIC CONGRESS CO-FOUNDER QUITS POLITICS
Fiery Zambia Democratic Congress general secretary Derrick Chitala has quit the party he co-founded two years ago and has retired from politics. Chitala who was also co-founder of the MMD in 1991 says he would like to lead a quiet life.
Chitala's political career began in 1991 with the formation of the MMD which won the national elections that year and he was elected party national deputy secretary and appointed deputy finance minister in the MMD government. Just before the 1996 elections, Chitala and his close colleague Dean Mung'omba quit the MMD and formed the ZDC. Despite promising prospects, the ZDC failed lamentably to win any significant votes in the elections.
5.a - UNIVERSITY OF ZAMBIA REMAINS SHUT
Six months after the closure of the University of Zambia, there are still no signs that Zambia's leading education institution will open soon. Education minister Syamukayumbu Symujaye says the university can only open if its council is satisfied that the minimum conditions set for its reopening are met. Among the conditions set are completion of rehabilitation work and further funding.
The university closed prematurely in March after violent student protests over book allowances which they wanted increased from the government's allocation of K150,000 (about $125). Symujaye says government will not increase the amount. A commission of enquiry is currently gathering evidence on how to prevent disturbances at the institution. Symujaye says, however, that the commission's work has nothing to do with the reopening date for the university.
5.b- UNIVERSITY OF ZAMBIA MEDICAL DOCTORS DEMAND AUTONOMY
Doctors in the University of Zambia School of Medicine claim that they are being marginalised by the institution and have demanded autonomy. The doctors say they are being treated like they are not part of the university as reflected by poor funding of the school of medicine.
A spokesman said that it was disheartening that even after restraining themselves from taking strike action as a form of protest, the university administration and the ministry of education had not given the school due recognition.
6. PRESSURE MOUNTS ON MINE WORKERS UNION OF ZAMBIA
As the privatisation programme of the mines gains momentum, the Mine Workers Union of Zambia (MUZ), is coming under increasing pressure on how to keep its members. Some members have petitioned against the leadership of the union while others have quit and formed a splinter group.
Recently, 300 members quit the 40,000-member union to form the Winding Engine Workers Union which affiliated itself to the Zambia Congress of Trade Unions. The MUZ pulled out of the ZCTU last year. A Winding workers Union spokesman, Dickson Mponda, says that although membership may seem small, the group constituted a key part of the mining sector. They operate elevators in shafts.
The ZCTU has meanwhile attacked the MUZ leadership for scoffing at the Zambia National Union of Teachers which has re-affiliated itself to the mother body. ZCTU general secretary Alec Chirwa says that the ZNUT had a right to make its own decision as to its affiliation.
7. FIRE FIGHERS KEEP LOSING FIRE FIGHTS
The inadequacies of Lusaka's fire-fighters have continued to show as another major fire burnt down a warehouse as fire-brigade offered token help to put it out. For most of this year the fire-fighting department has being entering losing battles against major fires because of inadequate equipment.
In the latest fire, goods worth millions of kwacha were destroyed as the fire brigade, using only one hose, was unable to do anything about the inferno. In recent weeks major fires in Lusaka have gutted a restaurant, a market and part of Cabinet Office, the seat of government.
8. FOOD SHORTAGE BEGINS TO BITE
The effects of an anticipated food shortage have began to show as the price of maize, Zambia's stable food, keeps rising each week. The price of the grain has almost doubled over the past two months and some millers project that the price levels will keep going up as stocks run out around the country.
Although no figure has been put to the anticipated extent of the shortage, government recently called for donor assistance in meeting an anticipated shortfall of the grain. Some peasant farmers, however, contend that they have sufficient stocks to adequately cushion the impact of the expected shortage. Millers are, however, hesitant in venturing into the hinterland because of a poor state of most roads.
9. PRISONERS RESORT TO EATING SNAKES, CATS?
A critical shortage of food in prisons, is reportedly forcing some prisoners to eat whatever living creature strays into their confines.
It was recently reported that some prisoners have resorted to eating creatures like rats, cats, snakes and owls to keep in relative good health. However, the Home Affairs minister, Chitalu Sampa, has dispelled the report as false.
10. ZAMBIA ON THE VERGE OF GETTING NEW SOCCER COACH
The Football association of Zambia (FAZ), is this month expected to employ a full-time coach after five months of having to depend on a part-timer. Over 20 applications were received by FAZ for the job. Most of the applicants are Germans and indications are that Zambia would settle for a coach from that country.
In the past five months, the national team has been coached by a local man, George Mungwa, who concluded his assignment with a Confederation of Southern Africa Football Association, Castle Cup victory. Mungwa is, however, expected to remain in charge of the team until a new coach takes over.
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From: AfricaNN@inform-bbs.dk (Africa_news Network) Date: Mon, 15 Sep 1997 10:58:38 +0200 Subject: ZAMBIA NEWS ONLINE #26 Message-ID: <1262342045.57172471@inform-bbs.dk>
Editor: Ali B. Ali-Dinar
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