Press Release, 11th February 2014
Increased debt amidst high cost of living a cause for concern
Lately, there have been statements by senior government officials commenting on the state of debt levels in the country. The comments have partly been assurances that the current debt stock is sustainable.
Various sections of society have expressed fears that the country’s debt stock is increasing to levels that may become unsustainable. While the government has made several assurances that the nation’s debt levels are within manageable limits, it is important that the government is seen to contract and manage debt in ways that do not potentially worsen the livelihoods of the majority poor. If debt being contracted is not prudently invested on high return projects to enable debt repayment without compromising social sector spending, then debt contraction even in the current sustainable debt levels is a source of concern. Increasing debt levels now also imply higher future taxes on the already heavily taxed workers and consequently a higher cost of living.
Press Release
BNB January 2014
Category: News Page 45 of 79
News from Sectors and Rome
Press Release, 11th February 2014
Increased debt amidst high cost of living a cause for concern
Lately, there have been statements by senior government officials commenting on the state of debt levels in the country. The comments have partly been assurances that the current debt stock is sustainable.
Various sections of society have expressed fears that the country’s debt stock is increasing to levels that may become unsustainable. While the government has made several assurances that the nation’s debt levels are within manageable limits, it is important that the government is seen to contract and manage debt in ways that do not potentially worsen the livelihoods of the majority poor. If debt being contracted is not prudently invested on high return projects to enable debt repayment without compromising social sector spending, then debt contraction even in the current sustainable debt levels is a source of concern. Increasing debt levels now also imply higher future taxes on the already heavily taxed workers and consequently a higher cost of living.
Press Release
BNB January 2014
Delivering unto ourselves a new and people driven constitution is the best way to celebrate Zambia’s golden jubilee
The Oasis Forum, do hereby fully support the recent observations made by Reverend Suzanne Matale from the Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ) that it is difficult to see the “joy” of the Jubilee-Year in Zambia when so many of our people, including our dear freedom fighters, are wallowing in abject poverty and being subjected to fear and intimidation by their own leaders. In addition, we would like to reiterate the demand we earlier made that the best Jubilee gift for Zambia in this “Year of the Lord’s Favor” is a new and people driven constitution. Thus, notwithstanding the current Government’s many attempts to stall and their maneuvers to abort the constitution making process, we the Oasis Forum remain resolved to mobilize the masses at the grassroots and campaign, in a peaceful manner, for the immediate release of the final draft of the constitution and its enactment through a national referendum. So, help us God! FULL TEXT
By Bro. Clenerius Mutale Chimpali, M.Afr
My home leave started on the 20th November 2013 to end up on the 17th February 2014. It was a time of good rest, encounter with friends and family members and above all a time of discovery whereby I found the sacredness in my daily life at home as much as with neighbors, friends and confreres.
It was very gratifying to be welcomed so well by the provincial community in Lusaka, Kawama community in Kitwe, two Missionaries communities in Kasama and the Lualuo formation house. Indeed the Bemba people would say ‘Uwakwesha Ubushiku, bamutasha ngabwacha!’ and ‘uushitasha, mwana wandoshi!’
I felt at home as I gained wisdom from our senior most confreres. I could also refresh my memories with my fellow young confreres whom we met during formation time.
I got the opportunity to be closer to my elderly father of 81 years old. I felt so touch whenever I saw him actively farming which prompted me to join him. This old man could still wake up at 5:30 am to work.
I also enjoyed the memorial service of my late Mother on the 16th December which brought many family members and friends together. The unveiling of the tombstone refreshed our good memories with our mother. At the same time, it gave us a sense of strength and unity, responsibility, hardworking, forgiving one another and loving one another as we remembered mom’s common key phrases.
Another interesting occasion of my holidays was the invitation by the Sector Superior to attend the Sector Assembly. Thanks to Fr. Oswald, the Sector Assembly was an eye opener, a time of encounter and frank talk with new confreres.
An occasion in Kasamba enabled me to visit my cherished brother’s family and my friend Fr. Kamunenge. On the 26th January 2014, I was part at the Parish of those who ushered the chosen new Bishop of Mansa. It was like a triumphant entry as people danced with braches, singing and welcoming Father Patrick Chisanga OMF from the road side.
My visit to Mansa town was so great. I had good time with friends whom I met a long time ago. It gave me an opportunity to visit Musonda Fall and Musonda technical secondary school. As an electrician, I profited from my visit to Musonda to go to the electric power station which was so interesting.
Finally, I was among the multitude of people who witnessed Bishop Patrick Chisanga ordination in Mansa on the 1st February. It was a moving experience and a time to enjoy Safya Beach.
Indeed my home leave was restful, enjoyable, made me feel closer to my family and friends and above all gave me a home touch. Allow me to use Anais Nin’s words: “Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born.”
Many Thanks to all, God bless you.
Pray for me as I go back to the mission in Ghana-Nigeria Province in Tamale-Ghana.
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – On February 2 , 2014, the Holy Father Rev. appointed Fr. Vincent Mduduzi Zungu, O.F.M., Definitor General for Africa and the Middle East, in Rome as Bishop of the Diocese of Port Elizabeth (South Africa).
Fr. Vincent Mduduzi Zungu, O.F.M., was born on April 28, 1966, in the village of Mbongolwane, in the Diocese of Eshowe. He studied Philosophy and Theology at St. John Vianney Major Seminary, in Pretoria. He entered the Franciscan Order on January 18, 1988. He obtained a Licentiate in Moral Theology at the Catholic University of Strasbourg, France (2001-2005). He was ordained a priest on July 8, 1995.
Since ordination he has served in various pastoral and diocesan roles: 1996-1999: Assistant priest in the Mission of Hardenberg; 2000-2006: Master of Novices and Guardian of the convent of Besters; 2007-2008: Professor of the St. John Vianney Major Seminary, Provincial Vicar and Assistant of the Postulants; 2008-2009: Provincial of the Franciscans in South Africa. (SL) (Agenzia Fides 03/02/2014)
Pope Francis appoints new bishop for Catholic Diocese of Port Elizabeth
The community of Woodlands was very pleased to welcome the MSOLA Sisters on the 11th February 2014. Among them, the Superior General Sister Carmen Sammut and Sister Maria del Carmen Ocon Moteno, General Assistant, from Rome. Then, Sister Margaret Kennedy, Regional East African Region. Sister Flora Ridder is a member of the MSOLA community in Lusaka.
By Masuzyo Chakwe, The Post Neswpaper, Zambia, Mon 10 Feb. 2014
POPE Francis has appointed Fr. Moses Hamungole as the new bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Monze. Zambia Episcopal Conference spokesperson Father Paul Samasumo said yesterday that the bishop-elect was a Diocesan priest of Lusaka Archdiocese.
Fr Samasumo said until his appointment, Fr Hamungole had been working as the director of English service Africa and Kiswahili radio programmes at the Vatican Radio in Rome, Italy. He said the current Bishop of Monze, Right Rev Emilio Patriarca, would continue in his role until Fr Hamungole was ordained on a date to be announced. Fr Samasumo said Fr Hamungole was born on May 1, 1967 in Kafue.
“He started his junior secondary school at Kafue Boys but completed his senior secondary school education, in 1986, at Mukasa Minor Seminary School in Choma. In 1987, he was accepted to study philosophy and started his priestly studies at St Augustine’s Major Seminary in Mpima, Kabwe. Later, in 1990, he proceeded to St Dominic’s Major Seminary in Lusaka for pastoral and theological studies. He graduated with a degree in Theology in 1994,” he said. “After his ordination as a priest on 6 August ,1994, Fr Hamungole worked as an assistant parish priest in Lusaka and Kabwe before being appointed to the then Yatsani TV Production studios (now CMS-TV Production studios) as studio manager, in 1997. Two years later, he proceeded to study at the Gregorian University in Rome where, in 2002, he graduated with a Licentiate in Social Science.”
Fr Samasumo said Fr Hamungole had also worked at AMECEA secretariat as secretary of social communications in Nairobi, Kenya between 2002 and 2009.
“During this time, he was also president of SIGNIS Africa. (SIGNIS is the world association of Catholic communicators). While working at the Vatican Radio, Fr. Hamungole has also been studying as a doctoral student of the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium,” said Fr Samasumo.
February 7, 2014
By BILKE MULENGA
FEBRUARY 1 2014, was like any other day…but it will remain a memorable day for the most people of Mansa, particularly members of the Catholic Church. Hundreds of the church members from all over Zambia and from the neighbouring countries gathered at Don Boscoe’s grounds of St James Parish in Chimese, just almost a kilometer away from Mansa central business district. The aim of the gathering was to witness the consecration of a Catholic priest, Father Patrick Chisanga as the Bishop of Mansa Diocese. The diocese had no bishop for five years. FULL STORY
Also on SAP Blog: Episcopal Ordination of Tr Rev. Patrick Chisanga OFM Conv
A critical website [1], the Zambian Watchdog, one of which President Michael Sata and his cadres dismiss as a rogue media outlet has leaked one of the ruling party’s most guarded secrets – the draft constitution.
The 264 page document was leaked the night of Wednesday, January 14, 2014 and has since gone viral with members of the public whom President Sata did not want to give the document – at least for now – accessing it.
President Sata had promised to deliver a constitution with 90 days of assuming power on September 22, 2011 but now in his three years of governance the promise like many others has gone unfulfilled.
Although President Sata appointed a Technical Committee to Draft the constitution, whose among the many terms of reference, was to release the document simultaneously the Head of State reneged and demanded only 10 copies.
This outraged the public and a well organised Prayer Vigil was massively attended to demand the release of the constitution but those calls from members of the public, the church, civil society organisation, students and opposition fell on deaf ears.
However, Zambians will cry no more for the document as the Zambian Watchdog – blocked from access within Zambia – has given it out in its draft form as compiled by the Technical Committee in August 2013.
The draft constitution contains all the contentious clauses President Sata is opposing including the 50+1 threshold to elect a president, a presidential running mate and dual citizenship clause, among others.
Only available on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZambianWatchdog
[1] The Zambian Watchdog, a private online publication which exposes alleged government corruption, has been blocked by the government. See: http://www.humanipo.com/news/6901/zambian-watchdog-accuses-government-of-blocking-their-site/
Episcopal Ordination of Tr Rev. Patrick Chisanga OFM Conv
Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Mansa, Zambia, 1st February 2014
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- Hon Harry Kalaba giving his speech
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- Laying on of hands by the Nuncio
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- There goes the newly ordained, Bishop Patrick OFM
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- Transport for the new Bishop – Gift from the Diocese of Mansa
Jean-Baptiste made his Declaration of Intent at St. Lawrence Parish on Sunday the 2nd February in front of the Christian Assembly. Jaya Mrutyun and Bernhard Udelhoven, who presided Mass, signed also the Declaration.
Also present: Marc Nsanzurwimo, Romaric Bationo, Serge St-Arneault and Jean-Pierre Sauge.
At the request of Jean-Baptiste, a chorale made of youth sang a song in French.
The stagiaire Philippe Dakono was also witnessing the event.
