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Wednesday, January 19, 2011
mutimba.mazwi@gmail.com has a new email address
Posted by LusakaOnline at 9:46 PM 0 comments
Thursday, January 29, 2009
44 Places To Go In 2009: We Are Among the Champions!!
Posted by LusakaOnline at 12:59 AM 0 comments
Saturday, November 1, 2008
With Only to Constituencies to Go, Banda Wins the Presidency
Hello,
Hate it or love it, Zambia's Acting President Rupiah Banda has won Zambia's presidency. I have just been following the results from the few constituencies that have been announced on radio and television by the Electoral Commission of Zambia.
I notice that there has been a lot of anxiety in the run-up to the last results of the election. Patriotic Front officials and cadres have been very excited and hilarious
At the latest announcement, one which we could say has put a nail on Sata's political career, we are being told that the final count is 708,683 for the MMD and 682,171 for the opposition Patriotic Front.
It is obviously subjudice to announce that the MMD has won the election, but that is the case.
For the next five years, Rupiah Banda will lead Zambia, appoint and disappoint! He will preside over the destinies of the Zambian people; he will think for each and every Zambian, including us the youths.
While I have no problem with Rupiah Banda's victory, I am worried that as a youth, the MMD, especially under RB, does not inspire any hope and confidence in the young people.
The so-called Citizen Economic Empowerment Commission is dishing out funds to only the rich and well-connected. Youths are doomed, like it or not!!
Party officials and individuals who have something to gain from the Banda's win will think I am getting personal, but for me, all hope is lost.
For me, Rupiah Banda is tired and part of the old-school era, without any hint what this generation is up to.
The electorate is tired and fed up: The ECZ knows it, the youths know it and everyone should embrace these opinions.
For me, Zambia has been going to the dogs and has now arrived.
I'll see you,
Posted by LusakaOnline at 12:38 PM 0 comments
Saturday, October 25, 2008
The Kwacha Responds to Market Forces, Takes Deep Plunge Against Major Currencies
Posted by LusakaOnline at 12:17 PM 0 comments
Labels: bankofzambia, BOZ, caleb fundanga, citadel, ken griffith, kwacha
Friday, October 10, 2008
Globalization means vulnerability for financial stocks, industry
Recent reports that Iceland's Glitnir Bank has been taken over by is testimony of the fact that, with globalization, not all of it is pro-growth.
Sometimes it can mean chaos for its players. The Icelanders are now locked in bitter relations with the Gordon Brown government after the British government seemed to be moving towards freezing assets of Icelandic companies.
As that was going on, a bitter feud between Wells Fargo and Citigroup ended with Wells Fargo taking over Wachovia, a troubled industry mate.
In a row that has been running from last week, Vikram Pandit, Citigroup's boss, has been keen to make a breakthrough in acquiring branches of ailing Wachovia, giving his bank greater access to the latter's retail banking customers. That dream now seems shattered.
Despite rumours of a looming $60 billion lawsuit, it seems Citigroup will end up dropping the suit against Wachovia, considering that Citigroup's bid would have been effective only with the backing of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
With the public angry that banks are getting federal support to finance losses, Wells Fargo ability to secure the Wachovia deal seems to have been the best available option ever. Together, Wells Fargo and Wachovia will have $1.42 trillion in assets, 48 million customers and 280,000 employees.
Posted by LusakaOnline at 8:34 AM 0 comments
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Strange Disease Breaks Out In Zambia
Hello Comrades, It probably started with me: flu took me down, accompanied by a mischievous headache. The fever meant I could not go into town and stock up on house supplies
But this week, the fever came down to manageable levels; I found myself walking up and down, managing the malaria crisis
I could not get a copy of the day's newspapers until later in the afternoon.
On the political front, politicians were attacking each other left, right and center. To my surprise, the Times of Zambia, a government mouthpiece, carried a story saying a traveler had died at the end of her long safari in Zambia.
Initial symptoms were sighted as flu, bleeding and vomiting. And I have been a victim of the first two in the past few days. Was I to walk to the nearest clinic or grave? It seems the illness has a 10 day maturity period, after which it claims the victim's life.
Dr. Timothy J Meade, Medical Director, Corpmed Medical Centre, asked fellow medical practitioners to come up with suggestions of the name of the illness after making their independent assessments.
We shall be hearing more stories from people and specialists around. Cheers,
Posted by LusakaOnline at 12:33 PM 0 comments
Labels: horse flu, zambia travel
Monday, September 29, 2008
Accusations of “Lies, Calumny & Bribery” to End after Court Injunction
Despite a heavy campaign schedule and accusations that his party bribed New Revolution Party members to endorse his candidacy, there is relief for acting president Rupiah Banda.
A High Court judge has ruled that "The Post" newspaper can no longer carry libelous articles about the MMD's presidential candidate. The Post newspaper has hitherto enjoyed unrivalled privilege in describing the acting president with all possible words under the sun.
In one instance, he's been called a Judas Iscariot, a liar, a man unfit to run the country.
The ruling is a complete departure from the everyday attacks he's been subjected to
Posted by LusakaOnline at 3:12 AM 0 comments
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Barclays to Buy Lehman’s Units
Hello, there,
After a collapse caused in part by the subprime mortgages crisis, Lehman Brothers assets will be bought by Britain's Barclays Bank plc. What Barclays Bank is acquiring is an institution that employs over 9,000 staff.
Barclays also said it would buy three additional units -- Lehman Brothers Canada Inc., Argentina-based Lehman Brothers Sudamerica SA and Lehman Brothers Uruguay SA. The two South American entities are part of Lehman's money management business. Barclays is not paying extra to get the three units.
In Japan, Lehman Brothers has been in touch with Sumitomo Mitsui banking Corporation to sell its assets in that country.
What an ending for Lehman!
Said the judge who made the ruling to legalise the sale of Lehman's units to Barclays: "Lehman Brothers became a victim, in effect the only true icon to fall in the tsunami that has befallen the credit markets."
Days after the Bush administration injected billions of dollars into the capital markets, there are signs the worst is over. Rising stocks and stablilising currencies are yet another sign that there is so far a favorable response to the cash injection.
In another the acquisition by Lloyds TSB of Halifax Bank of Scotland (HBOS) has caused sharp reactions from a cross section of the Scottish community. The anger seems to be directed mostly at hedge funds, whom most banks and regulators accuse of short-selling, the act of pushing a company's stock downwards. There are growing feelings the HBOS was sold for purely commercial reasons, and that this had nothing to do with the bank being unable to meet its obligations.
Alex Neil, a former economic consultant says: "If what appears to be coming out of the Bank of England is true, and this was a purely commercial decision, then we have to ask why HBOS is being sold. If it is true it needed to be rescued, then both the Bank of England and FSA failed HBOS."
Since Prime Minister Gordon Brown had a hand in the sale of HBOS to Lloyds TSB, the deal will definitely ruffle feathers in the political establishment
Posted by LusakaOnline at 3:03 AM 0 comments
Friday, September 12, 2008
‘Stolen’ Hope: The McCain Way
Hello,
It is interesting how the McCain campaign team is snatching the 'change' mantra, which is at the center of Mr. Obama's campaign message. I am laughing all the way while trying to come to terms how Mr. McCain and Mrs Palin will present their message to the campaign in light of their stolen 'change' from the Mr. Obama's team.
With a new tone and message planned in five swing states by the Obama campaign team, Mr. McCain should brace for more criticisms of the GOP and the Bush Administration.
See you,
Posted by LusakaOnline at 1:46 AM 0 comments
Monday, September 8, 2008
GOP’s New Force Gov. Sarah Palin Energises Party’s Momentum
Hello there,
It must be a good moment for Republican Party: despite a poor showing prior to their convention, the republicans are happy they can count on Alaska Governor Sarah Palin to energize the party's once-faltering tally against the Democrats.
Mrs. Palin's background has been the topic of chatrooms, news organizations and, of course the blogging masses.
What I find interesting so far is that Mrs. Palin seems to be afraid of the media. The 'fourth' estate was once regarded as McCain's base, but is now being seen by his campaign team as a big distraction to a campaign that has hitherto accused Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama of engaging in rock-star politics.
Mr. McCain has recently maintained a 4-point lead over his contender, Democrat Barack Obama.
I look forward to coming back to life in a few hours or days time.
See you.
Mutimba Mazwi
Posted by LusakaOnline at 8:09 AM 0 comments
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
“Speech from the Grave” – A Growing Rumour
We have had a hectic schedule nationally: our president, who passed away on August 19, has finally been put to rest. To judge by the traffic in the city and the growing anxiety, this has been a very 'big' funeral.
But there is one worry. There are rumours doing the rounds that the late president intends to make his make a speech from his grave. We are being told the late president has a special message that all should hear what he has to say
But that's crazy: how do you summon a spirit (no matter how holy) and ask it to administer on our behalf? I have been asking my closest allies if it makes sense at all for a nation that considers itself sovereign to be running around asking a dead person to run the country from the grave. Does it mean all the people living have no brains?
This shows the level of anger and bitterness the Mwanawasas had: To them, the world simply began and ended with State House; and they would have gone to all lengths to defend their stay and that of their cronies in office until the coming of the Lord
Zambia is over 40 years old, that is, if you measure maturity by independence. We have produced engineers, technicians, technocrats, teachers, lawyers and, of course, lawyers and presidents. Dr. Kaunda presided over an illiterate nation but he had not trouble saying goodbye when it was time to do so. This was despite the fact that the country desperately needed his services: We had colonialists on our necks; we had thieves, opportunists, racists and all sorts of individuals trying to rob us of our resources. But Dr. Kaunda was gracious enough. He trusted us. Dr. Mwanawasas thinks when you are alive, your thinking capacity sinks. We think like opposition leaders, so they think of us.
If I had a way, I would ask God to hold Dr. Mwanawasa's body until he clears the disputes he is creating. It does not pay to be buried in such an expensive coffin, only to leave us earthly beings in such irrelevant trouble over succession.
Who said only economists are logical thinkers?
I will see you,
Mutimba
Posted by LusakaOnline at 10:41 AM 0 comments
Monday, September 1, 2008
Dipak Patel’s Rumblings Against Rupiah
Readers,
It's been getting tough in Zambia. Since our president passed away on August 19, all individuals with what it seen as the best qualities have been vying for the top job. The greatest pain lately has been what one would say are attacks from former Trade & Commerce Minister Dipak Patel against the acting president Rupiah Banda. Did Rupiah get Dipak Patel sacked? What is Dipak bitter with or about? Has Rupiah Banda become incompetent simply because Mwanawasa has died? Of course not.
Dipak Patel has been critical of Rupiah Banda as is he (Dipak) was at Mwanawasa's death bed! Add insult to injury, the former first lady Maureen Mwanawasa says the president always wished the finance minister Ng'andu Magande replace or succeed him. There is nothing wrong with that.
One argument in favour of Magande's candidature is that he was active in mobilizing funds for the fight against corruption. But then, so what?? It was his job; he had to tow the boss's line, which at the time was the fight against corruption.
At the end of the day, it can be said that regardless of what Mwanawasa said before he died, what matters is level-headed leadership that is devoid of tribalism and nepotism. The leadership should be centered around the concept of service to the people. Honestly, what is government if it is not that?
Dipak should let the process take its course and let the people make their decisions through the ballot. The idea of thinking that Rupiah was not Mwanawasa's choice for successor looks insensible when the master is dead. What matters is that Mwanawasa died with most of his policies.
Let's keep our fingers crossed and hope for a peaceful election
Enjoy,
Mutimba
Posted by LusakaOnline at 3:02 AM 0 comments
Saturday, August 30, 2008
38 Milion View Obama’s Speech, a Historical Figure
Hello,
Barrack Obama, the favourite to win this year's presidential elections, has scored another first: 38 million people tuned in to see him speak to accept his nomination to be the presidential candidate for the democrats.
Even the Clintons, considered by many to be veterans of the Democratic Party leadership, gave in and let Obama take up the leadership mantle.
"The campaign generated so much heat, it increased global warming," Mr. Clinton said of the primaries. Mr. Clinton praised his wife as the candidate as the candidate who "never quit on the people she stood up for, on changes she pushed for, on the future she wants for all our children."
Television audiences for Obama outnumbered those of the Olympics, let alone finals of the "American Idols." It is a cloud Mr. Obama is obviously used to living under. He is the first African American nominee of a major political party. He has written three books, one of them, "The Audacity of Hope" has become a bestseller, especially in the run-up to the presidential poll.
I look forward to an interesting general election. I know Barrack Obama ill carry the day.
Enjoy yourselves
Mutimba Mazwi
Posted by LusakaOnline at 1:19 PM 0 comments
Friday, May 9, 2008
Unlike 'others', We Have Got the Good Coverage from Kiwi Collection
Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile. Try it now.
Posted by LusakaOnline at 11:37 AM 0 comments
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Obama Proves Critics Wrong, Wins North Carolina
Fellow friends,
As if Obama knew I would be wrong about his chances in the race to the presidential nomination, he won strongly in North Carolina. Mrs. Clinton, keen to bring back some momentum to her campaign, also won Indiana by a small margin.
Recent reports indicate Mrs. Clinton is keen to remain in the race, despite what looks like a poor performance. She is keen to show the American people, including superdelegates, that she is capable of governing.
Which raises another question: what is the point of trying to stay on if people have made their choice??
Only time will tell how far this contest goes, considering we are only remaining with 6 states go
Posted by LusakaOnline at 11:53 AM 0 comments
Sunday, February 3, 2008
The Los Angeles Times endorse Barack Obama
Editorial
Barack Obama for Democratic nominee
Posted by LusakaOnline at 12:08 AM 0 comments
Labels: Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, latimes.com
Saturday, February 2, 2008
You Are. Technologically Linked - HP Smart Web Printing, and, Oh! USD4.1 million for Lusaka's Floods
Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your homepage.
Posted by LusakaOnline at 12:21 AM 0 comments
Friday, July 27, 2007
Desination Focus: Lufupa Camp, Wilderness Safaris
Hi there, I will start ny saying they run safari camps and lodges in 7 countries in Southern Africa, ranging from Botswana to Zimbabwe. To be country-specific, in the case of Zambia, they run 4 camps in the Kafue National Park, namely: Busanga Bush Camp, Kapinga Camp, Lunga River Lodge and Shumba Camp (I hope this means lion!) In the South Luangwa, they run Kalamu Tented Camp, and at the Victoria Falls, it is the River Club. And they are called Wilderness Safaris. In keeping with their motto, "Our journeys change people's lives," they run Wilderness Safaris runs schools in communities in which it operates, thereby ploughing resources back into the communities in which they operate. (For more information, visit: www.childreninthewilderness.com) I recently had an opportunity to communicate with Karen, who gave me a detailed list of activities offered at Lufupa Camp. Accommodation and meals are $88 per person per night sharing (Note drinks, activities, park fees and bed levy are not included in this rate). A drive from Lufupa to Lusaka takes four hours and a half. Flights cost $208, one way. Other charges are as indicated below: Meals: Sunrise Continental Breakfast 6 - 7hrs - $8.00 per person Breakfast 8 - 9hrs - $15.00 per person Lunch 12 - 13.00hrs - $15.00 per person Dinner 19 - 20.00hrs - $20.00 per person Activities: Morning Drives USD25 pp Night Drives USD25pp Boat Cruises USD25pp Walking Safaris USD25pp Busanga Day trip USD75pp (minimum 4 pax) Karen Gombo is reachable all the time, so get in touch with her today and make that booking that will change your life. Her contacts are as follows: Tel +260 21 1 216008/9/10/11 Cell: +260 97 7 797654 Email: kareng@wilderness.co.zm Enjoy Cerberus
Posted by LusakaOnline at 1:04 PM 0 comments
Labels: Empowerment;Investment in People;Local Politics, Weather and tourism destinations, zambia travel
Friday, April 20, 2007
"A Venture in Africa" by Andrew Sardanis
Hi Readers, Last week April 14 saw a flurry of excitement as Andrew Sardanis, one of the doyennes of Africa's business and political landscape launched his second book, "A Venture in Africa": The Challenges of African business. The event was well attended by a cross-section of people ranging from government to the private sector and lawyers, including journalists The book explains in brief his wide-ranging business empire, taking the reader from the writer's 'second home' in Zambia, to various locations on the continent, ranging from Angola to Zimbabwe. Some countries had to be left out in the expansion in order, in the authors view "to avoid tempting fate, an indication of the high levels of risk involved in doing in business in Africa. The ITM Group, an investment company whose interests ranged from agriculture to mining has its rise and fall detailed here. The book can be found at Bookworld and other bookshops at K190,000 Enjoy, LusakaOnline
Posted by LusakaOnline at 5:30 AM 0 comments
Labels: Books, Business and Politics
Monday, March 12, 2007
Celebrating Youth Day
Hi out there, March 12 will be used by politicians from all walks of life to make strong policy statements outlining their direction(s) on various issues ranging from education to empowerment. But one lesson I have learnt is that it cannot be considered done until it is done. Take for example the Tourism Development Credit Facility: There was speculation when it was launched that it would focus on the youth and target employment and wealth creation. But that seems to be a credit facility benefitting only the super-rich, who have had long careers in government and are on their way out of active life. These are the people pulling the strings at the tourism ministry when it comes to who gets the first consideration Cheers LusakaOnline
Posted by LusakaOnline at 11:56 AM 0 comments
Zambia Skyways: A Dream Come True for Local Business and Leisure travellers
Hi readers, Interesting news on the local scene is that Zambian Skyways will now fly from Lusaka in Zambia to London for $800 return and $550 Lusaka to Dubai, return. When I called their office(s), the gentleman who spoke to me was eager to attract me to the point of giving me additional telephone numbers People such as Michael Dell (Dell Computers)and Richard Branson (Virgin) have transformed the world of IT and flying, respectively. In partnership with Air Zimbabwe, Zambia Skyways will definitely be a good package for leisure as well as business travellers Enjoy LusakaOnline
Posted by LusakaOnline at 11:41 AM 0 comments
Sunday, February 25, 2007
We are open!!!, say the Lower Zambezi
This is one thing I could not believe but had to: A colleague of mine who works with one of the travel agencies told me the Lower Zambezi was open, I mean for tourists, both local and international. She went on to reveal they were actually staying at Kiambi (www.kiambi.co.za) and were having a good time. After what we would a slightly dry spell, we are back to wet days and nights. This will not last; meaning a food crisis for Zambia this year because the rains could destroy the crop that is ready for harvest. One would only hope for the better Cheers, LusakaOnline
Posted by LusakaOnline at 9:56 AM 0 comments
Labels: Weather and tourism destinations
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Hello there
Fellow readers, I am obliged not to address any nation or people directly: Many will have access to my site and be tempted to contribute. So, even if I am writing from Zambia in Central Africa, the world is reading. Look forward to more information about Zambia, life in general including travel advice/info. I will be able to keep you posted on a range of topics, ranging from current affairs to holidays and travel. See you soon Thanks, LusakaOnline
Posted by LusakaOnline at 9:10 AM 0 comments
Labels: Politics and humor, Travel