By Masuzyo Chakwe, Saturday 10 Oct. 2013
The Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) has awarded a nationwide television construction permit to Catholic Television, as well as nationwide radio broadcasting licences to Christian Voice and Radio Phoenix.
IBA board chairman Emmanuel Mwamba yesterday said radio and television licencing committee has also awarded licences to Mungu FM Radio (Mongu) – Full broadcast licence, Lukulu Community Radio (Lukulu) – Full broadcast licence, Radio Phoenix – nationwide coverage, Radio Christian Voice – Nationwide , Hot Fm Radio – Repeater stations in Kabwe, Kapiri Mposhi and the Copperbelt.
Mwamba stated that others that were awarded test transmission licences were Valley FM Radio – Nyimba and Serenje Community Radio – Serenje.
He said committee had also allowed Kokoliko Radio to begin constructing their commercial radio station in Chingola. Mwamba also announced that the licencing procedures for applying for radio and television broadcasting licences had changed, in accordance with the IBA Act (2002) and Amendment Act (2010).
He said IBA board will soon be announced that since the IBA was now in place. Mwamba said it was desirous that the procedures for applying for a radio or television licence be changed to follow provisions of the IBA Act.
He also said the digital migration policy had been submitted to Cabinet office for review and that the Independent Broadcasting Authority had received a number of applications for various kinds of licences including national, commercial, community and religious, as well as television. Mwamba further said that IBA would advise all prospective radio or television applicants on the next available frequencies and areas where broadcast services will be required. This is according to a statement by IBA director general Josephine Mapoma.
On October 6, 2013, SAP Blog published also similar news about Malawi.
See: Preparations to Roll out New Catholic Radio Station Underway in Malawi
Month: October 2013 Page 2 of 4
By Masuzyo Chakwe, Saturday 10 Oct. 2013
The Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) has awarded a nationwide television construction permit to Catholic Television, as well as nationwide radio broadcasting licences to Christian Voice and Radio Phoenix.
IBA board chairman Emmanuel Mwamba yesterday said radio and television licencing committee has also awarded licences to Mungu FM Radio (Mongu) – Full broadcast licence, Lukulu Community Radio (Lukulu) – Full broadcast licence, Radio Phoenix – nationwide coverage, Radio Christian Voice – Nationwide , Hot Fm Radio – Repeater stations in Kabwe, Kapiri Mposhi and the Copperbelt.
Mwamba stated that others that were awarded test transmission licences were Valley FM Radio – Nyimba and Serenje Community Radio – Serenje.
He said committee had also allowed Kokoliko Radio to begin constructing their commercial radio station in Chingola. Mwamba also announced that the licencing procedures for applying for radio and television broadcasting licences had changed, in accordance with the IBA Act (2002) and Amendment Act (2010).
He said IBA board will soon be announced that since the IBA was now in place. Mwamba said it was desirous that the procedures for applying for a radio or television licence be changed to follow provisions of the IBA Act.
He also said the digital migration policy had been submitted to Cabinet office for review and that the Independent Broadcasting Authority had received a number of applications for various kinds of licences including national, commercial, community and religious, as well as television. Mwamba further said that IBA would advise all prospective radio or television applicants on the next available frequencies and areas where broadcast services will be required. This is according to a statement by IBA director general Josephine Mapoma.
On October 6, 2013, SAP Blog published also similar news about Malawi.
See: Preparations to Roll out New Catholic Radio Station Underway in Malawi
I just finished the Pilgrimage in Galilee. What an interesting, fascinating and renewing experience. Visiting and walking in the places Jesus lived. It was indeed a time of discovery and growth in faith; a moment of appreciation and revelation for me. Praying on the boat on the Sea of Galilee, bathing in the Jordan and relaxing on the Mountain of the Beatitudes. I had the privilege to visit the following places: the land of Dan and Naphtali; Lebanon border; Syrian border; Jordan border; the town of Nazareth; the Jordan River sources; the wilderness experience; lake side Eucharist along Lake Tiberias; mount Tabor of the transfiguration; Jesus baptismal place in the Jordan; Jericho. I met many pilgrims from Africa, Europe, Asia, America and some even from South Africa, to mention but a few. This weekend, I am trying to integrate this one week experience. We are at about half way through the Pilgrimage. Very historical and divine experience for me!
Receive my Greetings from the Holy Land. Shalom!
Phelim Malumo, M.Afr
New global index exposes ‘modern slavery’ worldwide
17 October 2013
Nearly 30 million people around the world are living as slaves, according to a new index ranking 162 countries.
The Global Slavery Index 2013 says India has the highest number of people living in conditions of slavery at 14 million.
Global Slavery Index 2013 PDF file
What is modern slavery?
In 2013, modern slavery takes many forms, and is known by many names. Whether it is called human trafficking, forced labour, slavery or slavery-like practices (a category that includes debt bondage, forced or servile marriage, sale or exploitation of children including in armed conflict) victims of modern slavery have their freedom denied, and are used and controlled and exploited by another person for profit, sex, or the thrill of domination
But Mauritania has the highest proportional figure with about 4% of its population enslaved. The report’s authors hope it will help governments tackle what they call a “hidden crime”.
‘Better measure’
The index was compiled by Australian-based rights organisation Walk Free Foundation using a definition of modern slavery that includes debt bondage, forced marriage and human trafficking.
“A lot of governments won’t like hearing what we have to say,” WFF chief executive Nick Grono told the French news agency Agence France-Presse.
“Those governments that want to engage with us, we will be very open to engaging and looking at ways in which we can better measure the issue of modern slavery.”
The organisation’s estimate of 29.8 million slaves worldwide is higher than other attempts to quantify modern slavery. The International Labour Organisation estimates that almost 21 million people are victims of forced labour.
India, China, Pakistan and Nigeria have the highest numbers of people enslaved, the charity said.
Proportional ranking
1: Mauritania 2: Haiti 3: Pakistan 4: India 5: Nepal 6: Moldova 7: Benin 8: Ivory Coast 9: The Gambia 10: Gabon
Together with five other countries, they account for three-quarters of the total estimated number of people in modern slavery worldwide.
The report said India’s ranking was mostly due to the exploitation of Indians citizens within the country itself.
While the highest proportion of slaves is in Mauritania, with many people inheriting slave status from their ancestors, Haiti is second in the index and Pakistan is third.
The new survey has the backing of world figures including former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, ex-British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Mrs Clinton said that although the index was not perfect, it provided a starting point, according to the Associated Press.
“I urge leaders around the world to view this index as a call to action, and to stay focused on the work of responding to this crime.”
Estimated number of slaves
1: India; 13,956,010 – 2: China; 2,949,243 – 3: Pakistan; 2,127,132 – 4: Nigeria; 701,032 – 5: Ethiopia; 651,110 – 6: Russia; 516,217 – 7: Thailand; 472,811 – 8: DR Congo; 462,327 – 9: Burma; 384,037 – 10: Bangladesh; 343,192
This is the first edition of the Global Slavery Index. It is the first Index of its kind – providing an estimate, country by country, of the number of people living in modern slavery today.
Dear confreres,
Since yesterday, I have been receiving messages from confreres, relatives and friends after our island was hit by an earthquake of magnitude 7.2. Many asked about the situation of my parents and siblings. Of course they panicked especially that people who are leaving the seashore have to evacuate as tsunami might follow. Few people came to our house to seek for an asylum. There was no electricity and a shortage of water. They were also disturbed by the aftershock which came repeatedly. According to the report, it came about 800 times. I thank the Lord that they are all safe as we are here in Cebu!
In fact, I am supposed to go for my eight day retreat to Bohol but, when I went to the pier to take a boat, I found that the trips are canceled. The pier at the capital city of Bohol is also damaged. I could have gone to other piers but traveling by land on the island is very tricky at the moment. Many bridges, roads and houses are destroyed. Some of our historical churches are swept badly, around ten of them. Luckily, the church in the parish where I come from is not totally damaged but the bell tower and part of the infrastructure have fallen. We will see what the people can do. I believe that in due time life will be back to normal.
Let us join together to pray for all who are affected and that they may be united to build their churches again.
Dioscoro Malugao, M.Afr
Lilongwe, Malawi, CISA N0 092, October 15, 2013
Preparations to roll out Tuntufye FM Radio for the new Karonga Diocese of the Roman Catholic Church are at an advanced stage, the Research and Communications Department at the Episcopal Conference of Malawi has confirmed.
According to Nyasa Times, Malawi’s local daily, the development was revealed barely after ECM’s Research and Communications Department visited the diocese to appreciate efforts made to enhance communication in all the church angles.
Karonga diocese successfully negotiated for a radio licence with the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) and this was gazetted on July 26, 2013.
So far a lot has taken place to have the radio station hit the air waves by January next year.
“There is quite a lot that Karonga diocese has done to have this radio station in place. The diocese is trying to put things in place as regards opening a radio station and one of the achievements has been the negotiations with MACRA for a radio license which is finally in possession of the diocese.”
The diocese is currently holding sensitization sessions with Catholic Christians on different level s and various forums as a way of initiating and engaging them in the radio project so that they can own and support it.
Bishop Martin Mtumbuka of Karonga diocese is also working hard to have this radio station as evidenced from a number of written proposals that have been submitted to potential donors where the feedback has been positive and many have pledged funding.
“So far the diocese has receiving the first consignment of radio equipment from SIGNIS which is the World Catholic Association for Communication that brings together Catholic communications and media professionals from across the globe. Plans to renovate a building that will house radio studios are also there,” Research and Communications Officer at ECM, Prince Henderson said.
The Diocese of Karonga is a new one with 12 priests and over 65,000 Catholic.
The radio will primarily targeting Catholic Christians but still there will be an option for other denominations will be given a chance to interact and contribute to the radio station.
Apart from pastoral, the radio will also focus on development, economic, social and cultural issues that concern all groups of people.
Tuntufye FM Radio will add up to the already existing Catholic radio stations like Radio Maria in Mangochi, Radio Alinafe in Lilongwe and Radio Tigabane in Mzuzu.
Recent government’s position on the ATI bill: what‘s the real issue?
The Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) welcomes Government’s recent announcement from the Ministry of Information that a consultant has been engaged to harmonise the Draft ATI Bill with “13 other existing pieces of legislation. This is, indeed a very necessary exercise if this important piece of legislation is to realise its intended purpose. As JCTR, we remain committed to championing the enactment of the law and to work collaboratively with the government to ensure that the law is passed without any further delays. We appreciate the government’s effort in updating the public on the status of the bill this far and we want to believe that every explanation we have received so far is valid. “The only challenge we have is that these explanations seem to be isolated and somehow not foreseen”, says Sr. Kayula Lesa. FULL TEXT
By Humphrey Mukuka
The day of 22 September 2013 was marked by various reasons for us to celebrate as a community of “Fraternité Lavigerie” of Abidjan. We were privileged to hold the official welcome of the new community members, the declaration of intent by the students of second year of theology, inauguration of our community project and finally the 53rd anniversary of independence of Mali. These and many other reasons made us proud to consider this day as extraordinary and as very significant. We waited impatiently for this day before it was finally accomplished. This day was especially designated as the official day of welcoming the new community members. We were very glad to receive ten confreres in our community which makes a community of 31 members in total. Before beginning the Eucharistic celebration, the new community members were greatly welcomed according to the Ivorian culture by giving them water to drink before asking their motif of coming to “Fraternité Lavigerie”. The rest of the community members were greatly overwhelmed when they heard that the ten came to live with them in order to form a community. The rector, Fr Georges-Jacques was so happy such that he welcomed them with very encouraging words. FULL TEXT
Dear Confreres,
Just to let you know that I arrived safely on Sunday morning at around 03.40 hrs in Tel Aviv. Fortunately, I was picked by Emmanuel our Zambian Deacon and Limo (Deacon from Kenya).
I had at least one hour thirty minutes to get ready for Galilee-Nazareth about 160 km from Jerusalem. We had some stop overs along the way. We first stopped in Caesarea; thereafter we went to Megiddo. After Megiddo, we moved to Haifa and visited the World Centre of the Baha’i Faith on Mount Carmel. We also visited the Carmelite Church and had about one hour of prayer in the chapel dedicated to the Prophet Elijah. The final journey was to Nazareth itself and we arrived around 18.00 hrs. We are lodging in Bethharam, a beautiful lodge running by religious Fathers. Immediately after Supper, I went for a long rest as I was very tired. This morning I feel very flesh and ready to visit various places and sites around Nazareth.
Thanks for your prayers and support. Many greetings from the Holy Land.
Fr Phelim Mutambekwa Malumo M.Afr.
See also: Some news about Phelim Malumo
And: Funeral of the parents of Father Phelim Malumo in Mongu, Zambia
Carl Stauffer was born and raised amidst the war in Vietnam. In 1994, he and his family moved to South Africa under the auspices of the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), a faith-based international relief and development agency. In South Africa, Stauffer worked with various transitional processes such as the Peace Accords, Community-Police Forums, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and Local Community Development structures. From 2000 to 2009, Stauffer was appointed as the MCC Regional Peace Adviser for the Southern Africa region. His work has taken him to twenty African countries.
This interview is a very interesting resource for our JPIC commitment. In this interview, divided in three parts, Carl Stauffer shares with us how he is deconstructing and processing the systemic violence he has found during his ministry in Africa and now in the States. In the second part of this interview he remarkably uses a whole imaginary from the African traditions to develop the seven roles of a peacebuilder. He says: “I wanted to find a new language, and I wanted that language to be contextual to Africa, as well as contextual to my Christian faith, and many of the Christian leaders I was working with in Africa. So the language borrows from all of those, different streams and my need for creativity. I wanted to make it as contextual as I could within what I was experiencing at a gut visceral level, on the ground, in practicing peacebuilding in Africa for 16 years.”
Links:
Anti-Slavery campaign Interview Series with Carl Stauffer (Part 1)
Anti-Slavery campaign Interview Series with Carl Stauffer (Part 2)
Part Three will be posted next week.
By Patrick Raphaël Sebyera, stagiaire at Serenje Parish, Zambia
In the morning of the 10th October, from the driving school in Mansa, I was getting ready to go back home but stopped first at the office of Caritas Mansa. Reaching the gate, I saw an old man on a wheel chair. Poor man! He was struggling to climb a stiff slope. He was tired and sweating. I saw many people passing by but no one helped him. I came closer and greeted him.
— Can I help you?
— Yes! Please!
I pushed him up to the junction where I was planning to turn on my way home.
— Where are you going?
— I’m going to the compound after the hospital.
We continued on the road while I was asking to myself what he has done to deserve this. At a certain point, he asked me if I drink. I answered positively. Then, he told me to stop for a drink. However, I proposed him to simply pursue our journey. Reaching a high hump, I asked him how he manages to cross it when he is alone.
— God sends me somebody like you to help me.
As we were approaching the place where he could easily move by himself, women were selling some fruits.
— Let us buy some bananas, he said.
He had some coins in his pocket. He gave me 20 coins of 5 Ngwee to make one Kwacha. I brought the money to a women selling bananas.
— For whom do you want them?
— For the bashikulu (the old man).
I do not know why, but she was annoyed and gave me three small rotten bananas.
— Can you not give even one which is good?
— If you don’t want them, take your money back.
Once more, I was asking to myself what the bashikulu has done to deserve this. I took those bananas to him. He refused them saying “awe mukwai”. As a result, I went to take back the money. I felt bad.
As we reached the place where he could easily go by himself, I told him that it was time for me to go back to where we met in the first place and go home. He blessed me and gave me his 20 coins of 5 Ngwee. I thanked him adding that I was happy to help him without reward.
— Who are you to refuse a drink and my kwacha?
I simply gave him my own blessing which he accepted. I left my bashikulu and came back home asking to myself again and again what has he done to deserve this.