MHT at Ndola Trade Fair 2011

MHT participated in the recently held international trade fair in Ndola, Zambia. Attached is a document showing images and descriptions of some of the MHT activities on show.

Story by Humphrey Lombe

MHT starts Motor Bikes As Assembling

MHT SCORE AN AMAZING FEAT
‘As Assembling of Motor Bikes Starts’

Report by Humphrey Lombe

‘Amazing,’ is a descriptive word one can use to refer to what has happened in Choma where 224 electric bikes were assembled in six days by a team that trained for only two weeks in Shenzhen City, China in early March.

{The photo above shows MD Silas Mungala facing down caught in the thick of things during assembling of bikes}

A team comprising five males and two females of MHT members from across Zambia were attached to Futendga E-Vehicle company assembly plant in Shenzhen City, China, initially for a two week period, and efforts to extend training for a further two weeks to a month could not be realised owing to red tape. And while many of us were left pondering whether anything had been achieved in such a short period, or whether this was money spent and had gone down the drain. Without any prior alert call, on April 27, 2011 came this announcement via broadcast email from MHT Managing Director, Silas Mungala, which caught most of us by surprise.

“The Bicycle assembly lines have performed well with operations spanning six (6) days in which 224 have since been assembled. We have made the preparations for sale of the Bicycles which are in four categories.”



This was followed by a cheerful message from MHT Member Number 1 who said he was delighted to have received the first report over the progress made by the technical team who are assembling the electric bicycles.

{The photo on your left shows one of the Model out of the of Assembly line}

“I am delighted to receive your first report and I must admit that I feel excited to see the workmanship of the technicians who learnt the trade only for two weeks, given more time, they can do wonders, adding, ‘We hope to use the same team in our tractor programme from Belarus, ex-Soviet Union,’ wrote member 1 to MD.

The wonder team led by Technical Leader Clark Chilala comprised Gray Nachandwe – Choma, Joshua Chipopa – Monze, Teddy Chilala - Namwala, Patrick Nyirenda – Petauke, Cindy Mudenda and Ruth Mweetwa – Choma.

This an income generating venture supposed to put MHT on a path to self sustainability and for the organisation to make a return on investment and diversifying into other businesses with the hope of resultant growth translating into more money supporting the general membership to exploit their full potential individually and severally. This will go a long in meeting the aspiration of MHT whose objective is to address poverty alleviation by empowering members through education, health and business. But for this to be achieved, the burden lies on the members to stand up and be counted, and move forward the organisation.

The maxim under MHT is for each member to ask himself or herself what is it that ‘am prepared to put in for the organisation to go forward; before I can expect the organisation to give back to me?’

The bikes are in four categories with the big machine having a maximum loading capacity of 200Kg and running on 40 volts current. The smaller one runs on 36 volts current. The Price range is between K4 Million, about US$ 842 to K 3.5 Million, about US$736.

Speaking when they returned from their training stint, Chilala said: “We were taught how to do a complete assembly, which were practical lessons, and we were taught also how to detect faults and repair. We were imparted with knowledge and skill on preventive maintenance including care and maintenance.”

The full training included assembling from scratch to a finished and working product. The stages were as follows:-

1. Balancing of the rim with spokes.
2. Tyre and tube fitting and pumping.
3. Frame mounting.
4. Assembly line.
5. Electrical installations and control module fitting.
6. Cover fitting.
7. Testing of the assembled bicycle.
8. Testing and quality control.

The bikes are to be marketed by members in various locations of Zambia.
They were in Shenzhen City for a two week attachment period acquainting themselves with the way that motor-bike vehicles for transportation are assembled and an assessment will be made if this project can be assimilated by MHT in Zambia.

The training took place at Futendga Factory where all the participants went through the motions of assembling. These included assembling starting from scratch to a finished and tested working product. The stages were as follows:-

9. Balancing of the rim with spokes.
10. Tyre and tube fitting and pumping.
11. Frame mounting.
12. Assembly line.
13. Electrical installations and control module fitting.
14. Cover fitting.
15. Testing of the assembled bicycle on our own.
16. Testing and quality controlling of the bicycle.

The only regrettable thing is that time was short, as a result participants were not afforded adequate training, and efforts to extend their stay for further two weeks proved futile owing to certain encumbrances. A minimum 30 days was required for the trainees to go through rudiments.

‘However, other individuals were a bit slow in catching up but I hope once we start on our own they will definitely improve since it will be team work. The two ladies did well,’ said Clark Chilala, who was one of the participants.



A factory representative said that MHT had acquired 300 bicycles that are in different categories and the biggest machine has a maximum loading capacity of 200Kg and running on 40 volts current. The smaller of these will be running on 36 volts current.

{The photo on your right shows another Model out of the of Assembly line}

“We were taught how to do a complete assembly which were practical lessons and we were also taught how to detect faults and repair. We were imparted with knowledge and skills on preventive maintenance including care and maintenance,” added Chilala.

‘Our Own Member’ Heads Federation of Employers in Zambia

The entire Board and Management of My Home Town (MHT) wish to extend our happiness and felicitations to our Board Member and immediate Past Patron, Mr Alfred Masupha, for a great feat in being elected President of the Zambia Federation of Employers – ZFE.

{Image on right shows: Mr Masupha, right, with Republican President Rupiah Banda, left, and Leader of Labour Movement Leonard Hikaumba}.

We know how effervescent and diligent to duty Mr Masupha is and we have no doubt that he will deliver on the aspiration of the new organisation to which he was popularly elected. Mr Masupha served as MHT Vice Chairperson to late Mr George Cornhill between 2008 and 2009 and became Patron for a year before stepping down but humbled himself to serve as a Board Member, a position that he holds to date. He travelled widely on MHT assignments in an effort augment the standing of our NGO Internationally.

Mr Masupha, took over as ZFE President from the incumbent Dr George Chabwera who he beat in a contest five weeks back by polling 64 votes against his opponent’s 33 votes, and has to date undertaken his first assignment, as part of the five - man Zambian Government delegation that attended a one week session of the African Union Ministers of Labour and Social Services Meeting in Yaoundé – Cameroon. Next on the menu is a World Annual Convention of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), in Geneva toward end of May. And on Sunday, May 1, 2011 he shared the same platform with the Republican President Mr Rupiah Banda and Leader of the Labour Movement Mr Leonard Hikaumba on the occasion commemorating Labour Day celebrations.

ZFE is a central organisation of employers in Zambia established by Act of Parliament, Industrial and Labour Relations Act “Cap 269” of the Laws of Zambia. The Federation operates under constitution, which provides for a general membership mostly corporate entities, board of directors headed by the President and a Secretariat headed by the Executive Director. The President is responsible for chairing ZFE board meetings and leading the federation in lobbying government and other stake holders on issues that affect the business community with a view to creating an enabling environment for a sustainable enterprise.

In expressing his personal appreciation to MHT Member 1 Mr James Ndambo, Mr Masupha who also serves as the Managing Director of Southern Water and Sewerage Company said:

“Sir, do receive my thanks and gratitude to your very kind desk, your family and indeed MHT, for the many opportunities that I have been given to date through travels, appointments to the Senior Leadership of MHT, that extensively exposed me, added extra knowledge to me, without doubt, that added to the knack of bettering myself, thus being viewed by members as someone they could entrust with this very important responsibility.”

{Image on left shows: Mr Masupha centre and Rocky Sombe in New York and MHT US Secretary Rosely Mtonga is second from left}.

Report by Humphrey Lombe
Head of Media and International Relations

MHT and Ambulances for Africa

‘My Home Town’ (MHT) working in a partnership with ‘Ambulances for Africa Ltd’ – a non profit making organisation registered in England and Wales, UK, has embarked on a project to provide ambulances where they are most needed. Although the need is massive (to save lives) our initial target is 40 ambulances with a focus on Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Other requests have already been received from Ethiopia and Somalia with more anticipated. We have already purchased Two Fiat Ducato ambulances (and reserved 4 more) which are robust and, with modifications, well-suited to the African terrain and local circumstances.

Read more

Report by Keddy Banda (MHT UK Chairperson)

Rainbow Bottled Water Has the Potential of Breaking through the Zambian Market

Choma’s Rainbow Purified Water Limited has the potential of increasing its production capacity and finding a niche on the Zambian market if only the company can improve on marketing and logistics.

The general manager Xu Ying said that the company had the prospect of doubling its current production levels if more cash is injected to enhance marketing of the product. Current production stands at 12,000 by 500 milligrams bottles per eight hour shift.

Mr Ying further said that the other problem that the company was facing concerns some members that took mineral water for resale and fail to channel the money back into the organisation.

But in spite of the hiccups the company has managed to create 13 permanent jobs and if production came to full capacity employment opportunities could be raised from 13 to 75, observed Mr Ying.

The mineral water being produced by Rainbow was of high quality and is certified by both the Zambia Bureau of Standards and the University of Zambia laboratory.
Rainbow water is subjected to a full blown technical and scientific process. Mr Ying revealed that some of the companies in the business do not cover the full distance of water processing leading to production. They only go as far the exchange and fine purification process without reaching reverse osmosis, which Rainbow does proficiently, on top of another upward process known as ozone sterilisation.
He and other officials dispelled a myth by the local people alleging that mineral water produced by Rainbow was associated with Satanism and that it was sourced from the mortuary.


A visit to the plant revealed that the source of the water is a borehole within the company premises that has a pipe running from the borehole to the plant.

“There is no contact whatsoever with water from that borehole with any outside source, and people spreading this rumour are simply being malicious and have evil intentions, added Mr Ying.

But he was of the view that the company needed to acquire a big truck to transport the mineral water to customers that are located mainly within Southern Province in Livingstone, Maamba, Kalomo, Mazabuka and Monze. Outside the province, the product is supplied to Ndola on the Copperbelt. But great effort is required to get the product to other provinces and towns, especially Lusaka that provides the biggest market.

Rainbow’s profitability is lowered by the fact that the low valued mineral water is transported at high cost by third-party logistics service providers.

Although in theory railway transport is supposed to be cheaper over a long distance than road transport in relation to bulk consignments, Mr Ying claimed that it was more expensive to deliver mineral water using the Railway Systems of Zambia (RSZ). He claimed that RSZ charged a higher rate based on passenger coach and using passenger compartments.

Mr Ying praised shareholders of the joint venture China-based Sino-Australia and Africa Union Holding Limited of South Africa, adding, the company has the ability to rise above the challenges with the first step being investment in a bulk carrier truck to help reduce on transportation costs.

Mr Ying said Sino-Australia was connected to the Chinese government and that Zambia and Choma in particular stands on a threshold of more industries being established depending on the success of the water project.

Africa Union Holding Limited is linked to Mr James Ndambo, MHT member No. 1 who is the executive chairman. It is Mr Ndambo’s wish that when the company begins to be profitable and shareholders declare a dividend, that will be passed on to MHT to further the organisation’s aim.

MHT registered under the Society’s Act of Zambia CAP 119 of the Laws of Zambia is headquartered in Choma and has membership in 13 countries; Argentina, Botswana, China, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Holland, India, South Korea, the United Kingdom (UK), the United States of America (USA), South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

It started predominantly as a club for people who hailed from Choma, or did their education in Choma or, are married to people whose roots are in Choma, or had a business or, had once worked in Choma. So one had to have a connection with Choma in one way or the other, but this has changed because MHT has assumed international dimension and people from anywhere in Zambia or any part of the world are eligible to become members as long as they buy into the idea after they read the constitution and agree with its concept.

Consequently the organisation has managed to register chapters in the USA, the UK, Petauke and the Copperbelt Province of Zambia.

While many industries in Zambia do not care about the disposal of packaging, Rainbow has decided to bring in a machine to recycle plastic bottles. The machine chops the used plastic bottles into small pieces that are then used as material by other industries.

By Humphrey Nkonde
And Humphrey Lombe

MHT Member 1 in Zambia on a Private Visit

Follow this link to see story with images.

My Home Town Member1 Mr James Ndambo visited Zambia over the weekend on a private mission and still managed to apportion part of his valuable time to be with Copperbelt chapter members.

Mr Ndambo who was accompanied by his wife Theresa, Vanessa Govender and Rita Mukenge both employees of Africa Union Holdings – AUH – to which member1 is the executive chairman and were met at the airport by an enthusiastic welcoming party of MHT members after the plane from Johannesburg landed at Ndola airport after lunch on Friday.

This was followed by a cocktail party in the evening held at the residence of the Mukonkas in Itawa graced by all MHT members and invited guests who among them included a well known Zambian personality Mr Tom Mtine.

During the cocktail Mr Ndambo reminisced over the period in which Mr Mtine was Lonrho Zambia chairman and recalled a time when the group experienced a crisis and a meeting was convened at which 50 General Managers and Chief Accounts attended.

Mr Ndambo said he recalls that as the youngest in attendance, and an apprentice General Manager, still doing his training, was asked by Mr Mtine to say something. He paid glowing tribute to the grand old man adding that he was an inspiration and that he is the reason of the fire that is still burning in him. In recognition of his outstanding contribution and states-man-like attribute, he offered him to serve on the board of an important organisation linked to MHT, and gracefully told him to appoint one his sons.

MHT member1 left for Lusaka Saturday mid morning but was ‘ambushed’ on the way with only a third of the journey left, as he was he met by family members beating African drums as mark of a good welcome. After some time, he proceeded and reached Lusaka at dusk where another cocktail party was lined up for him and his delegation.

Monday morning, he left for Choma where a record crowd turned out at another party, where he found time to mingle and interact with members and guests.

He held a series of meetings today (Tuesday) after which he leaves for Livingstone where the traveling party will spend a night before take off tomorrow (Wednesday) for Johannesburg.

Below is a collection of pictures of the visit by MHT 1.

Acknowledgements: Many thanks to Credit Bupe Lombe, an MHT member, for the pictures.

Humphrey Lombe

Consultant Media, Communication
And International Relations

Thousands Turn up to Mourn MHT Chairperson

MHT Board & Management from left: Mr Chibambula, Mr Humphrey Lombe (Consultant), Mr Thomas Nitini (Consultant), Managing Director Mr Silas Mungala and Mr Xu Ying, GM Rainbow Water.

THE Chairperson of MHT Mr Gorge Cornhill who died on Monday, October, 11, 2010, was put to rest on Friday October, 15, 2010 at the family farm in Chisekesi a rural outpost located 169 kilometres south of the Zambian capital Lusaka.

Mr Cornhill who led an illustrious life as farmer and businessman, was a man of the people, and as stated in his address to the mourners - First MHT Vice -Chairperson, Mr Gilbert Chibambula said that ‘the name George Cornhill was synonymous with Monze and Monze was synonymous with George Cornhill.’

MHT Vice Chairperson Mr Chibambula addressing mourners

Thousands of people turned up to bid farewell and traffic came to a standstill as the hearse that brought the body from the family home where it lay in state meandered its way leading a convoy over one kilometre long, to the Roman Catholic Church for a requiem mass. The church is sited a few metres away from the main road leading to Lusaka and Livingstone in the opposite direction. Traffic on the highway was halted briefly as State Police controlled affairs.

Important people from the present government and previous administrations including serving ministers and top civil servants, business executives and prominent commercial farmers including leaders of opposition main political parties, traditional leaders and ordinary people from all walks of life came.

Parliamentary Chief Mr Mwaanga and Southern Province Minister Mr Elijah Muchima

And Finance and National Planning Minister Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane, who represented the Republican President, called on historians and the media to document stories about freedom fighters who are not known by the general public.



Dr Musokotwane

And a documentary prepared by an eminent citizen Mr Mark Chona who served as a top aid to the First President Dr Kenneth Kaunda links Mr Cornhill to the liberation struggle. Mr Chona writes that Mr Cornhill met Dr Kaunda with whom he travelled to several places in order to liberate Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia) from British colonialism.



Mr Munkombwe

Mr Daniel Munkombwe, who was the first MHT Chairperson at inauguration in 2007 and from whom Mr Cornhill took up the mantle from, described the deceased to whom he was also related, as a generous man and one who could not be easily pushed around. Mr Munkombwe ceased office when he took up a political appointment in 2008. He thanked My Home Town for contributing a coffin worth a lot of money.

Mr Cornhill's burial ended with the sons firing blanks using two shotguns, something considered as a tradition in the Cornhill family at a burial ceremony.

The Zambian freedom fighter was born a Siamese twin in Macha, Choma district a day after Christmas in 1932 to George Stephen Howard Cornhill and Mary Muma. His Siamese twin brother died at the age of six and the deceased met his father for only 11 months.

Mr Cornhill attended school in Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) with Aaron Milner another freedom fighter, who served as a minister in President Kaunda's government.

Having lost his scholarship in South Africa, Mr Cornhill studied law in Tanzania as a day scholar.

He also attended school in South Africa's Cape Province with John Mwanakatwe, who became Zambia’s first education minister and who was the first African to obtain a university degree in Northern Rhodesia.

Mr Cornhill got inspired to take up civil rights activism after meeting India's Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela, South Africa's foremost freedom fighter and first African President.

As a result of his involvement in civil rights activism, Mr Cornhill lost his scholarship for his studies in South Africa and was forced to return to Zambia.

His civil rights activism spread to Kenya, where he was involved in the Mau Mau uprising, a military struggle by the Africans against the British Army.
It was as a result of the Mau Mau uprising in the early 1960s that led the British Government to grant sovereign rule to indigenous Kenyans.

After Northern Rhodesia gained political independence, Mr Cornhill served in 18 parastatal companies including Ndola's Indeni Petroleum Refinery, INDECO, Maamba Collieries, Zambia State Insurance Corporation and National Hotels Corporation.

As businessman, he participated in buying cattle from Southern Province and was also involved in hunting crocodiles for their skins. He was employed at the age of 19 by the Lever Brothers in Ndola.

Family members children and grand children laying wreaths

He is survived by 30 grandchildren, three great grandchildren and 13 children who were born between 1962 and 1982.

After burial and speeches, many dignitaries and other curious mourners congratulated Mr Chibambula over his speech and wanted to know more about MHT.

Funeral & Burial Arrangements for Mr George Cornhill

Dear all,

The funeral gathering will be at the family home of the Cornhills' in Monze Town. For the moment, close family members are gathered at the residence of the son in law University of Zambia Great East Road Campus Lecturer's compound.

Mr Cornhill, a very well known and respected personality distinguished himself as a selfless individual in whom all the three governments of Dr Kenneth Kaunda, first and second republic and Dr Frederick Chiluba, third republic saw it fit to appoint him chairperson of various quasi-government institutions namely National Agricultural Marketing Board [Namboard], Maamba Collieries, Lands Board of Zambia, Zambia State Insurance Corporation [ZISC], and Southern Water and Sewerage Company, among others.

President Rupiah Bwezani Banda extolled Mr Cornhill as a great person and personal friend in his message of condolences to the Cornhill family.

On Thursday morning the funeral procession will leave St Ann's Funeral Palour for St Ignatius Catholic Church in Rhodes Park for a Church Service at 11 hours. Immediately after the service, the body will be driven to Monze where it will lay in state at the family home. Another church service will be held in his honour at the Roman Catholic Church on Friday.

The name Cornhill is synonymous with Monze, a place that he loved and lived from his youth onward into his old age. Mr Cornhill died of a kidney problem at the age of 78 in Lusaka where he had been receiving medical attention for over three months.

The requiem mass in Monze on Friday will commence at 0900 hours, and burial will follow and take place at Mubanga Farm, five kilometres on Chikuni/Canisius Road from Chisekesi, where his mother was put to rest.

Mr Cornhill took over from Mr Daniel Munkombwe who was My Home Town (MHT) Chairman at the inaugural meeting in July 2007. Mr Cornhill was the Vice Chairperson and assumed the chair when Mr Munkombwe took up political office as Southern Province Deputy Minister early 2008.

MHT will be represented in full force with delegations from Choma, Ndola and Lusaka to be led by First Vice Chairperson Mr Gilbert Chibambula, Managing Director Mr Silas Mungala and Consultant Media and International Relations Mr Humphrey Lombe.

Humphrey Lombe

Consultant Media, Communication
And International Relations

DEATH NOTICE

My Home Town regrets to announce the death of its chairman Mr. George Cornhill, a distinguished personality who passed away on Monday 11th October after a long battle with kidney trouble. He was aged 78.

We will remember Mr. Cornhill for his versatility in handling matters and for being a peacemaker in tumultuous situations. He was always calm and collected and endowed with wisdom and a great sense of humility.

He served the country with distinction on various boards in the first and second and third republic, notable being National Agriculture Marketing Board [Namboard] Zambia State Insurance Corporation [ZISC)] Maamba Collieries, Lands Board of Zambia, and Southern Water and Sewerage Company, among others.

He was a businessman and farmer of repute in the community of Monze where he lived from his youth onward until his death. Mr. Cornhill took over as MHT Chairman from Honourable Daniel Munkombwe who was the organization’s first Chairperson at its inception in July 2007. Mr. Munkombwe relinquished the position when he took up a political appointment as Southern Province Minister in early 2008. Mr. Cornhill took over the mantle as Vice Chairperson.

Our thoughts are with the widow Mrs. Anne Cornhill and the entire family.
Mr. Cornhill ’ s body kept overnight at the family home in Monze town will be followed by a requiem at the Catholic Church at 0930 hours, and burial will take place at Mubanga Farm, which is the first farm on the way to Chikuni Mission, where his mother is buried.

There has been outpouring of grief from MHT members based in Argentina, China, South Korea, USA, UK, South Africa and Zimbabwe over the unexpected death of the chairperson.

HUMPHREY LOMBE
MEDIA AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS CONSULTANT
BY ORDER OF BOARD AND MANAGEMENT

MHT Patron featuring on Zambia Blog Talk Radio

Dear All,

Please be informed that the MHT Patron, Mr Alfred Masupha will be featured on Zambia Blog Talk Radio on 8th May 2010 from 11:00 am to 11:30 am (EST) or 17:00-17:30 hrs Zambian Time. You can listen to him from the internet if you go to www.zambiablogtalkradio.com For those in North America you can participate or ask questions by calling 347 237 4270. I also ask you all to vote for Miss Janet Grace Choongo everyday. We support Zambia her to win missafricaunitedstates pageant. Please register and vote at www.missafricaunitedstates.com Go to finalists and go to page 4 and vote for her.

Please let me know if possible.

Dr Elliot Munsanje-USA

New MHT Board and Management for 2010

Dear all,

Please follow the link to see the document with information about changes in the MHT Board and Management 2010 structure.

Regards,

Humphrey Lombe
(Media Consultant)

MHT MEDIA CONSULTANT TOURS KABUMBWE

MHT Consultant Media, Communication and International Relations, Mr Humphrey Lombe, took time off from his busy schedule while in Choma and visited Kabumbwe and Ndambo village in particular, where he was privileged to see for himself the beautiful church building that was constructed and handed over to the community recently. Mr Lombe did not travel to see the commissioning of the church building by MHT Member number 1 Mr James Ndambo.

Mr Lombe, who was in the company of Mrs Glenda Ndambo Mumba, was well received by the locals, led by headman Mr Paul Ndambo. Mrs Mumba is a sibling to headman Ndambo. He was taken around on an inspection tour by General Manager of the church property Mr Chulu and Mr Lombe commended Mr Chulu and the congregation for taking wonderful care of the property, and urged him to take precautionary measures aimed at keeping the facility spotless especially the toilets. Mr Lombe was in Choma attending the MHT Annual General Meeting held during the Easter period.

The consultant was privileged to learn that plans are afoot for the next phase of the programme, which will be building a clinic and staff houses, the clinic will serve the community, and a borehole has already been sunk and two storage tanks erected.

MHT-USA Inc registered as an NGO in the US

Dear All,

We wish to report that MHT-USA Inc was incorporated in the State of Pennsylvania in November 2009 for the North American Chapter. In addition to this, the Federal Internal Revenue Service has approved MHT-USA Inc’s application for Tax Exempted Organization (NGO) with a Tax I.D. Exemption number under 501 (C) 3. This is a landmark achievement in the development of our organization.

My responsibilities will not be complete without giving due recognition to Mrs. Heli Kwamanakweenda for perseverance and positive attitude throughout the registration process of the organization. Also each member should pat himself or herself on the back for the moral support offered to the management team at this initial stage. This is by no means a small achievement. We are moving in the right direction for more successes in alleviating obstacles that hinder fellow humankind full development. Let us stay focused and united as all times since everything is possible with team work.

As usual, we are also excitedly looking forward to MHT fellowships that start in the spring and summer time.

Congratulations and thank you all for the constructive support and contribution.

Gift M. Kabilizya
Chaiperson MHT-USA

Minister of Education - Hon. Dora Siliya (MP) Visits MHT in Choma

Saturday, 13th February, 2010 was a hive of activities on the calendar of My Home Town in that the organisation was humbled and honoured with a visit by the Minister of Education in the Government of the Republic of Zambia - Honourable Dora Siliya, M.P. who arrived, with her entrouge, at 13 hours in Choma and after her courtesy call to the office of the District Commissioner: Mr. Laiven Apuleni proceeded
to tour the MHT bottled water factory, the Rainbow Purified Water Company.

After the tour, the Honourable Minister, together with some members of My Home Town and others who had thronged the Factory premises to receive and welcome her, departed for Miyosi Guest House where Mr. and Mrs. Mutemwa were the hosts for that weekend's Fellowship. At the Fellowship Gathering, a multitude of members of My Home Town, invited Guests, Senior Government and Parastatal officials, including officials of the Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD) were already seated, awaiting for the gracing of the occassion by the Honourable Minister.



The Patron, in welcoming the Honourable Minister to the Fellowship Gathering, in particular and to My Home Town, in general, gave an outline of the origins of the Organisation, its objectives and the works that it had accomplished, to-date! He also placed a passionate appeal to the Honourable Minister to mitigate to the Government, on behalf of the Organisation, as regards the exemption to My Home Town
in terms of payment of duty on imported goods that were brought into the Country with a view to assisting the less priveledged and needy members of our Communities! He also explained, in detail, the principle behind the concept of Fellowships that had been running since the commencement of the year and shall continue running until the end of the year. In conclusion, he thanked the Honourable Minister quite
sincerely for having spared time from her, no doubt, busy schedule to come to Choma and share with the Organisation various topics that hinged on Education, which was the onus of the Ministry that she was Honourable Minister.

The Honourable Minister, in delivering her key note address to the Fellowship, firstly, expressed her indebtness and her being humbled by the Organisation's invitation extended to her to come to Choma for the visit. She expressed her happiness with what she saw during her tour of the purified water plant and commended the investing Companies - i.e. the Chinese and African Union Financial Services based in the Republic of South Africa - under the auspices of My Home Town - for the US$1million investment. The Honorable Minister expressed her appreciation of the value addition in terms of investment to the town of Choma and also the creation of thirteen (13) jobs at the factory and added that she was optimistic that more jobs shall be created as the factory expanded.

The Honourable Minister informed the Fellowship gathering that her main theme of address was to hinge on the importance of education to the children of the Communities, as enshrined in the ideals of My Home Town, in particular and also as is of necessity to the children of the population of the Republic of Zambia, in general. She stated that it was of importance that all parents felt the importance of assisting their children to receive education as it was the best investment that parents could curve for their children. She shared with the Gathering the views of Mr. Nelson Mandela, who said, that, "it was through education that a child of a Domestic Servant, can one day in the future become a Medical Doctor, a child of a Miner can one day become a Mine Captain."

The Honourable Minister commended My Home Town for the great strides that it had so far made in sponsoring a very good number of children of its members to institutions of learning within and outside the Country and she re-emphasised that there was no better way of empowerment other than through education. She implored the Organisation to keep it up!

Expounding, further, the many benefits of education, she lauded the aspect of positive character building and also instilling of confidence in school children as some of the huge benefits that learned children reaped in the long run.

In talking about the need and importance for all parents/children to have dreams in life, dreams which they wished to turn into reality, she recounted to the Fellowship gathering how, four years earlier, she had a discussion with our dear MHT1 in which he shared with her
his dream of the establishment of the Organisation - My Home Town and to her amazement and delight this has come to be a reality. She said she was even more happier that she had the priviledge and honour of coming into contact with the Organisation and sharing with its members, that afternoon, on the subject that was very dear to her heart - EDUCATION.

She implored all the members of the Organisation to take a leaf from the man that initiated the concept of My Home Town, Mr. James Ndambo, so that each member can establish and do equally positive things for their "Home Towns." She assured the Fellowship gathering that on her part she had caught the spirit of the concept and she was going to endeavour to have the Organisation assist her esblishlish a Chapter of itself in her "Home Town, Petauke,", without further delay. She also indicated her willingness and readiness to subscribe to My Home Town as a member as soon as possible!

At the end of her key note speech, the Honourable Minister was given a standing ovation by the gathering! Mr. Rocky Sombe - Fellowships Team Leader - moved a vote of thanks to the key note speech of the Honourable Minister in which he expressed the immense thanks and gratitude of My Home Town to her, for having spared time from her busy schedule to come and visit the Organisation's Rainbow Purified Water Company as well as grace the Fellowship Gathering of that particular weekend!

The Honourable Minister, before taking leave at 1745 hours, went around and shook hands with every person that was present at the function, to the appreciation of all!

Photographs that tell the rest of the story of the Honourable Minister's visit to My Home Town - Choma are available at the MHT Website

Regards,

Alfred Masupha.
MHT Patron.

MHT Management Structure + AGM 2010

From: Head of MHT Media & Communications
To: All MHT Members
Subject: MHT Management Structure + AGM 2010
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear All,

Following a two day MHT international conference held in Johannesburg, South Africa, on 5th and 6th September 2009, the mandate of the current MHT management structure officially came to an end but was extended for a further six months. This decision was reached between MHT Member No 1 (i.e. Mr James Ndambo) and the Patron (i.e. Mr Alfred Masupha) on the understanding that an extended handover period was required given the magnitude of the work in progress; and also the organisational structure that has been assisting MHT on a voluntary basis since its legal inception in July 2007.

The extended period expires on 31st March 2010. This, therefore, means that all those who have served in office since inauguration and feel that they are unable to continue in their roles should indicate their intentions to the MD by March 15 2010. This will enable the current leadership to have ample time to plan a new structure that will come into effect by 1st April 2010.

To this effect, at a meeting held on 21st January 2010 at the office of the Patron - Mr Masupha at Southern Water and Sewarage Company where he is employed as CEO; attended by MHT Chairman Mr George Cornhill, the MD - Mr Silas Mungala and Director Finance - Mr Arthur Ntanda, it was unanimously agreed and resolved that the AGM will take place on April 2 followed by a workshop on 3rd and 4th April 2010 in Choma.

End of Announcement

Kind Regards,

Humphrey Lombe (Head of MHT Media & Communication Department)

MHT Donates Braille Machine to St Mulumba School in Choma, Zambia

Dear All,

Kindly, find attached hereto a Newspaper Article that appeared in one of Zambia's National Newspapers - The Post - of Monday, 11th January, 2010, depicting the "My Home Town team", led by the Patron (Mr. Alfred Masupha) , in the company of the Managing Director (Mr. Silas Mungala), the Director: Finance and Administration (Mr. Arther Ntanda) and the Director: Agriculture (Mr. Timothy Twambo) handing over a Braille Machine to St. Mulumba Special School based here in Choma for your perusal. The hand over ceremony took place on Friday, 8th January, 2010 at the School. The event was also broadcast on both the local radio and national radio stations!

The Chairperson of the Board of Directors - Mr. George Cornhill, His Royal Highnesses, Senior Chiefs Nalubamba and Mwanachingwala, The Choma District Commissioner and many other wellwishers phoned us to express their commendation for the good works of My Home Town in alleviating the suffering of the physically challenged pupils in the handicap of blindness at the school!

Submitted for your kind perusal!

Regards,

Alfred Masupha.
Patron.

MHT1 Visits Zambia - 23/12/09 to 04/01/10

Dear All,

In the first instance, kindly allow me to wish you a happy and prosperous year of 2010, in the aftermath of the just concluded festive season. I have no doubt that the festive season was quite enjoyable and we all are now poised to tackle the challenges of the impending months of the year 2010!

Back home, here in Choma, Zambia, the festive season was filled with a lot of excitement and activity in the wake of the visit to Zambia of our dear MHT1, his dear wife - Mrs. Theresa Ndambo, two daughters, namely - Nicholai and Rene, Mr. and Mrs Fillipa and Mr. Shaun Harris as from the 23rd December, 2009 to the 4th January, 2010.

Our dear MHT1 and his entrouge landed at the Livingstone International Airport at 12hours on Monday, 23rd December and on hand to welcome them was the Patron and a score of other members of our Organisation coming from as far as Chililabombwe, Ndola, Lusaka, Monze and Choma.

Arriving on the same day for the same programme but coming through the Victoria Falls Airport was the Minister for State Enterprises in the Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe - Honourable Walter Chidakwa, M.P. and his dear wife - Mrs. Chipo Chidakwa, who upon crossing into Zambia were equally met by the Patron at the Royal Livingstone Hotel after which they drove to Choma to join our dear MHT1 and other delegates. The Honourable Minister came at the invitation of our dear MHT1 in his personal capacity as a member of My Home Town.

Admittedly, as you noted on the itinerary of the Visit to Zambia of our dear MHT1 and other diginitaries, as sent to your kindselves earlier, the programme spanned over a period of thirteen days and, therefore, to compress information and pictures that covered this period in one email is not advisable if one was to avoid compromising clarity of the daily extremely exciting and fulfilling episodes of the visit, which, no doubt, shall go down into the annals of the Organisation as being historic.

In view of the above mentioned consideration, therefore, I shall be sending events of each of the thirteen days of the Tour for your kind perusal.

To start the ball rolling, kindly receive pictures of the first day of our dear MHT1's arrival at the Livingstone International Airport and later on at the Mahogany Bush Lodge in Choma, where he and the rest of the travelling party stayed through out their stay in Choma Town.

The episode of the visit for Day 2 in pictures shall be sent to your kindselves tomorrow!

Regards,

Alfred Masupha.
Patron.

MHT Youths to treat orphans to a Christmas of their lifetime

The youths of My Home Town, a non-governmental organization with headquarters in Choma, Zambia, and with a strong membership of over 500 across the World plan to host a number of events for orphans as part of their Christmas celebration and fun day on December 20 in Lusaka.

MHT Deputy Managing Director in charge of Youth Affairs, Ms Alpha Ndambo speaking from her base in South Africa said the intention is to give the orphans a greatest treat of their life. The fun day outing will cater for 50 children selected from various orphanages across Lusaka focusing on the 3-12 age groups. The programme of events will run from 10 hours to 17 hours at Barclays Sports Complex on the material date.

Various forms of entertainment will include Father Christmas who as usual will dish out gifts and a live band will be on hand and patrons both the old and young will be given the opportunity to interact with the orphans while food and drinks will be on sale.

She has appealed to all MHT members and members of the public to attend and advised that they will be called upon to pay a minimal gate charge that is yet to be determined. All My Home Town members are encouraged to donate generously to this worthy cause, which will see fifty per cent of raised funds donated to Lusaka based orphanages and the other fifty per cent will be directed to an Orphanage in Choma.

“We would like to expose the children who are underprivileged to a Christmas experience that they have never had and which they will not forget. Some of these children have only heard about Christmas but without really experiencing it,” said Alpha.

Report by Mr Humphrey Lombe (MHT Head of Media)

MHT UK Fellowship Dinner

MHT Members in the UK recently held a fellowship dinner at the Chairman - Dr Andrew Yaluma's residence in Bolton, UK.

Visit the MHT UK's page on the 'My Home Town' website at www.myhometown.org.zm or for MHT members, log into the 'private space' to find out more about this event.

Cheers
Daisy

Exploring possibilities for general investment into My Home Town - type projects

The MHT Patron (Mr Alfred Masupha) recently hosted a fellowship dinner for Mr. Andrew Harris frics, fcim, Chief Executive of Partnership Projects – Preston – United Kingdom who visited the organisation in Zambia to explore possibilities for general investment into My Home Town - type projects.

Detailed information can be found in the following official correspondence from the MHT Patron.

---

Dear All

I am pleased to inform you that resultant of discussions between our Dear MHT 1 and Mr. Andrew Harris frics, fcim, Chief Executive of Partnership Projects – Preston – United Kingdom with regard to general investment into My Home Town - type projects, so much in this direction, to date, has transpired.

Mr. Harris got interested in the My Home Town activities after learning of the My Home Town concept from some of the UK delegates who attended the 2009 Trade Fair here in Zambia. Mr. Harris kindly accepted to visit Zambia for about three days to have a feel of what is obtaining on the ground.

Mr. Harris was availed preliminary information from the representatives of My Home Town – England - the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson, respectively. My Home Town’s initial attraction was specific to Industrial Villages that Partnership Projects Ltd build and this was with a presently ongoing project of My Home Town on the outskirts of Choma – Kabumbwe – in mind, where something similar may be considered as a Pilot Project, which if successful, could be extended to other localities.

In the fruition of envisaged plans, Mr. Harris accompanied by Mr. Phil Kaila arrived in Zambia on Sunday, 8th November and were met at the Lusaka International Airport by the Coordinator – Projects - Mr. Rocky Sombe, Member M/s Alice Makukula
and Mr. Humphrey Lombe - Consultant : Media Communication and International Relations.

In the evening, Messrs Harris and Kaila were treated to a Fellowship Dinner, at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Sombe, where many of the Organisation’s Lusaka based members were invited and turned up.

Tuesday 10th November 2009, the team set off for Choma but stopped over in Monze to pay a courtesy call on the Board Chairperson - Mr. George Cornhill, with a view to Mr. Harris getting an overall feel for My Home Town. The traveling party were hosted to lunch at the Board Chairperson’s residence. After this, Mr. Harris and his team then drove to Choma where they paid a courtesy call on the Patron – Mr. Alfred Masupha – at his residence at 20:00hrs. Thereafter, Mr. Harris, Mr. Kaila and Mr. Sombe, were hosted to a Fellowship Dinner at the residence of the Patron, to which a cross section of members were invited and turned up for the event.

Attached hereto are photographs of the Fellowship Dinner at the Patron’s residence which speak for themselves of the joy and warmth that enveloped the event.

Wednesday, morning, 11th November: Mr. Harris and his team traveled to Kabumbwe Village to go and see for themselves what My Home Town was striving to achieve in terms of the concept of villages that Partnership Projects Limited propagate.

Wednesday, Afternoon : Mr. Harris and his team visited the Town Clerk of the Municipality town of Choma where fruitful discussions were held, focusing on the long term plans of the town in terms of envisaged development, particularly the
aspect of tertiary education.

Thereafter, Mr. Harris and his team left Choma and drove to Livingstone.

Thursday 12th November:

Morning : Mr. Harris and his team will visit the Mighty Victoria Falls.

Afternoon : Mr. Harris and his team will hold a meeting with the Town Clerk, His Worship the Mayor of the City of Livingstone, including other civic leaders, pertaining to the exploration of an interface of collaboration between the
Council of the City of Livingstone and My Home Town – with the inspiration of Partnership Projects Limited .

Thursday Evening: Mr Harris and his team shall be treated to a Boat Cruise on the “African Queen Boat”

Friday, 13th November:

Messrs. Harris and Mr. Kaila depart Livingstone International Airport and fly off to the Republic of South Africa.

On behalf of our Dear MHT 1, Chairperson of the Board of Directors and Directors, Management, the general membership - world wide - of our organization and indeed on my own behalf, I wish to take this opportunity of thanking most profoundly, Mr. Harris, Mr. Kaila for setting aside time from their businesses in the United Kingdom, to come to Zambia for the cause of all of us members of My Home Town.

Special thanks, too, go to Mr. Humphrey Lombe - Consultant: Media, Communication and International Relations. Co-ordinator: Projects, Member – Miss Alice Makukula, the Town Clerk of the Municipality of the Town of Choma and all those of our members who are too numerous to acknowledge, individually, for all their effort, without which the trip of Mr. Harris and Mr. Kaila, would not have been the success that it has, undoubtedly, been!

Submitted for your kind information!

Regards,

Alfred Masupha.
MHT Patron

MHT donates vehicle to Monze Mission Hospital in Zambia

Dear All,

I am pleased to announce that My Home Town (MHT) donated a motor vehicle to the Monze Mission Hospital in Zambia on Saturday, 24th October, 2009. The handover ceremony was officiated by the MHT Chairperson of the Board of Directors - Mr. George Cornhill - who also was Guest of Honour, the event was also attended by the Patron, Senior Administration Staff, some senior government leaders and indeed some of our members.

The Medical Doctor in Charge of the Monze Mission Hospital - Dr. John Mvula, Sister Mariana Bbalo - General Superior - Sisters of the Holy Spirit - Monze, all spoke at different intervals to profoundly thank My Home Town for the donation and pledged to put the Motor Vehicle to good use for the benefit of the Hospital. These speakers were flanked by Sister Juunza Mwangani -Assistant Human Resource Officer and Father Cosmas K Moonga of Monze Diocese who later prayed for the Motor Vehicle and My Home Town and blessed the Vehicle with Holy Water from the River Jordan.

Regards,

Alfred Masupha.
MHT Patron

Young MHT member wins two medals

Teya Yaluma, winner of one of the MHT awards presented last April during the Salsa event which was organised by Mr Kaila recently won two more medals at the South Manchester Gymnastics Centre in House competitions. She was awarded a gold and a silver medal.

MHT 2009 Trade Fair and Festival Postmortem

Dear All

After a well attended and articulated postmortem held at the Pyramid Conference Centre in Johannesburg City on 6th September 2009, the Patron, Mr James Ndambo announced that he was relinquishing his daily activity of answering emails and offering direction on administrative issues. But that was not all, he also abdicated his position as Patron, but this will be subject to ratification by the MHT General Council at its next sitting.

Mr Alfred Masupha, who until the Johannesburg meeting was First Vice Chairperson, assumed the post of Patron. The Board will meet and decide whether it is necessary to carry on with the status quo of maintaining two positions of First Vice Chairperson and Second Vice Chairperson.

The MHT concept has been in existence for over two decades and initially operated around the Patron’s family circles and close friends. Early beneficiaries include MHT Director of Micro Finance Mr Rocky Sombe and Makeni Gardens Managing Director Mr Harries Ndambo and his entire family and family members in England, South Africa, the United States of America and Malaysia.

When Mr Ndambo delved into the initialization of formalizing the concept into a legal entity that it has become he had no idea that the growth of the organization would be as rapid as it has been two years down the line. Paradoxically, little did the Patron know that the concept would gain international appeal with support from Asian, South American and European Countries and indicators are that more are set to join with Czech Republic , Poland and Cyprus as the likely prospects.

Unless the Patron took a strategic move as quickly as he has done, the organization risked being branded as exclusively Choma and with Choma being Mr Ndambo’s birthplace, the whole concept would have lost meaning and stifled immense interest for the idea from within Zambia and internationally among many members yearning to contribute knowledge, leadership, inspiration and charity work to places of their origin where they hold sentimental values for various reasons.

In order for the concept to remain abuzz with desire, the Patron recommended a strategy where Choma does not lose its focus by having someone immensely talented and residing in Choma take over the coordinator functions of the organization, thereby freeing the Patron from the daily activity of administrative work and taking up a more equitable role of international oversight with emphasis on business development that will sustain MHT’s administrative funding requirements.

Therefore the structure of the organization still remains as before, Mr George Cornhill as Chairman; Mrs Grace Tawila Vice Chairperson, Mr Kennedy Muchimba Board Member, Mr Silas Mungala – Managing Director, Mr Carl Ziervogel Deputy Managing and Ms Alpha Ndambo Deputy Managing Director Youth Activities. These constitute the Board of MHT.

The Management team comprise consultants; Mr Mungala MD, Mr Timoth Twaambo Agriculture, Dr Anne Phiri Healthy and Education, Mrs Grace Ndambo Deputy consultant Healthy and Education, Reverend Siachalwa Muchimba Administration and Fellowships, Arthur Ntanda Finance, Thomas Ntini Transport and Insurance, Mr Sombe Micro Finance and Mr Humphrey Lombe Media, Communication and International Relations.

It is hoped that this clarification will help put this matter to rest as to who the Patron is.

Incidentally, this is the last time that I am using the route of mass copying an email, please take note that from now onward you are all encouraged to visit the website that is now up and running. If you have been experiencing a problem in gaining access to the private sites; contact the administrator Dr Daisy Mwanza Simwami on the following email addresses: daisy.mwanza@btconnect.com or daisy@myhometown.org.zm

Plans are afoot to ensure that the website undergoes regular updates and this will come into effect in a matter of weeks.

One World One MHT.

Good Luck to You All

HUMPHREY LOMBE

CONSULTANT MEDIA, COMMUNICATION AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

MHT Argentina News - Choma Trade Fair 2009

Top Musicians Spice MHT Show

‘Local and International Guests left yearning for more’

A full package of local and international musical artists took Choma by storm during My Home Town Trade Fair and Festival entertainment bill held at Rosewood farm on 2-4 July.

On the musical menu were famous Zambian musicians providing the vibes and chief among them was Danny, Mampi, Petersen, John Chiti while from South Africa was the kwaito outfit Mina Nawe and a vibrant gospel singer Keke and a local traditional performer Amos Milambo. To spice it all was an array of salsa dancers from England and Scotland headed by MHT Preston based member Phil Kaila.

Local residents and international guests present were not disappointed with the variety of entertainment on the musical menu.

It was a grand occasion as Mampi belted her famous hits and performed salsa with her dancing partner. Danny also took the huge crowd by storm with his famous Kaya beat while Keke sent the crowd in frenzy as he performed with a lot of feeling and the crowd was left yearning for more. The entertainment was high class and the sound system provided by Smart Stage of South Africa provided an ideal stage setting.

MHT Patron Throws Gauntlet

“We are all created by God to be Creative”

Mr James Ndambo, the MHT patron prior to the show undertook a six day visit to Ndola, Solwezi, Kabwe and Lusaka, Nega Nega and Monze. Mr Ndambo is based in Johannesburg, as chairman of Africa Union Holdings Limited, which has business interests in sub-Saharan Africa with associates in the Far East and Europe. Due to the nature of his job, Mr Ndambo was unable to visit family and friends based in Zambia for many years.

Therefore, he took advantage of the show hosting to see family members who have had bereavements for which he was unable to attend, with the exception of the visit to Lumwana mine in Solwezi which was private. During the visit in which his nucleus family, siblings and first cousins accompanied him, many fellowships took place. Of particular interest was the first fellowship on the night he touched down in Zambia, which was held at the Mukonkas in Lubuto west, Ndola. Mr Ndambo took time to show his personal guest and former Zambia Air force commander Major General Sandy Kayumba and family the room which he used to occupy in the Mukonkas home during his younger days.

The patron in his discourse started by inviting those that are poor to put up their hands and almost instantly nearly all the hands were up. He then followed by asking a series of questions: “who among us here has no eyes, no hands, no legs, and no mouth, please put your hand”. No single hand was raised. The patron told his audience that none is born poor but that each one finds he/herself in a position of poverty due to circumstances.

“We were all created by God to be creative, and therefore the creator endowed us with the capacity to think and be creative. Even in terms of education, one can be uneducated, but with time and effort one can educate himself or herself. One can be sick, but if one has the will to live, he can get better. To this effect, he invited his niece Isabel who he brought up as his own child and educated. He also referred to his brother Isaac Banda who was incapacitated with illness but because he had the will to live, today he is fit and successful and many people today want to associate with him. At the end of his speech, he pledged to contribute K500, 000,000.00 (ZAMBIAN KWACHA FIVE HUNDRED MILLION) almost US$100,000.

“I want you to elect a committee and set up a bank account to which some among you will be signatories. The idea is for you to come up with a project that should generate income and revolve so that you can become self sustaining as MHT Copperbelt.”

To this effect, a meeting to look into the composition of the committee took place on July 17 and a date was set for July 20 to elect the committee which went as follows:

Nominations:
1. Mrs Glenda Mumba
2. Mr Lee Musonda
3. Mr Kepson Muntanga
4. Mrs Edith Samba
5. Ms Winnie Mukonka
6. Mrs Faneli Jere
7. Mrs Alice Lufwino
8. Mr Clever Mweempe

Chairperson
Lee Musonda 5
Glenda Mumba 5
Chairman‘s deciding or casting vote picked from cup Glenda Mumba’s name

Secretary
Mrs Edith Samba 7
Mr Lee Musonda 0
Mr Clever Mweempe 2
Mr Kepson Muntanga 1

Treasurer
Kepson Muntanga 2
Mr Lee Musonda 6

Committee Members
Mr Kepson Muntanga 9
Winnie Mukonka 0
Faneli Jere 0
Chairman’s deciding or casting vote picked from cup Faneli Jere’s name

The patron made similar pledges including on his concluding visit to his home village Macha, Choma district.

MHT Argentina News - Choma Trade Fair 2009

MHT Argentina News - Choma Trade Fair 2009

EXHIBITION AT THE MHT CHOMA TRADE FAIR

TO: All Members

Dear All

In order for the Organizing Committee to reserve space for you to exhibit any products that you have prepared for the fair, it will be important for you to state what kind of items that you will exhibit and the space you require.

The available space inside the marquees is a booth measuring 3m x 3m. For items that are too bulky to fit inside the marquees, there is plenty of space outside.

The exhibition rates for MHT members are as follows:-

a) Booth inside the Marquee - K 25,000

b) Open Space Outside - K 50,000

c) Corporate/Company - K250,000

For the application form contact:-

OC Chairman: mskadvocates@zamtel.zm

Victor Makashi

Posting a new topic

Hello everybody,

I am posting a new topic just to see how this system works. Ideally, we would all post our messages here then others would comment on the message that we post instead of circulating emails.

I am also adding this image to see how it works

Try commenting on this to see how it works.

Cheers
Daisy

DATES FOR MY HOME TOWN (MHT) TRADE FAIR AND FESTIVAL IN CHOMA, ZAMBIA -

THURSDAY, 2ND, FRIDAY 3RD AND SATURDAY 4TH JULY, 2009, ALL DATES INCLUSIVE

The Chairperson - MHT USA

The Chairperson - MHT UK

The Coordinator - Argentina

All MHT Leaders, Members and indeed sympathisers in other Countries.

Iam pleased to inform you that following consultations with the Chairperson of the Organising Committee and indeed other stakeholders of My Home Town (MHT) as regards the Trade Fair and Festival - 2009 and also addressing concerns from, especially members coming from overseas - United Kingdom, United States of America and Argentina that on account of pre-booked travel dates to arrive in Zambia on Saturday 27th June and depart on Monday, 6th July, the dates of staging the festival have been conclusively agreed as Thursday, 2nd, Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th July 2009, all the three dates, inclusive. This, therefore, means that Sunday the 5th July 2009 shall be the depature date for Lusaka for those flying out of Zambia on Monday 6th July, 2009.

Further, kindly, be informed that the following shall apply:-

(i) the Visitors shall be bussed to Livingstone on Sunday 28th June, 2009, returning to Choma late on Tuesday 30th June
2009 and have a day - Wednesday, 1st July 2009 - to prepare for the festival. However, Visitors requiring practice for
Beauty Pageantry, Salsa and other arts, shall remain in Choma for practices during the tourism period in Livingstone.

(ii) All Visitors shall spend Wednesday, 1st July in Choma preparing for the actual event.

(iii) Thursday, 2nd July to Sunday 4th July, 2009 shall be the ACTUAL DATES OF THE TRADE FAIR AND FESTIVAL

(iv) Sunday, 5th July, 2009 depature of International Visitors for Lusaka whilst Choma residents mop up the Trade Fair and
FESTIVAL area to leave the place as clean as we would have found.

We are confident that this ultimate timing and placement of fresh dates would not impact negatively on return air tickets that, no doubt,
have already been paid for by Visitors from abroad.

Kindly, take the above as final confirmationn of the timing of the dates and indeed programme for the MY HOME TOWN Trade Fair and
Festival - 2009 to be held here in Choma - Zambia.

Regards,

Alfred Masupha
FIRST - VICE - CHAIRPERSON

Dear members,

A wonderful setting awaits the hosting of the MHT Trade Fair in which the creation of media hype will characterize the pre show period.

The media campaign will take the form of interviews on topics of interest relating to the activities and programmes of MHT. To this effect, selected MHT youths will undergo training to handle camera and audio equipment and data control. A provisional date in which to commence training has been set for Monday, 25th May 2009 in Lusaka

Nine, have so far have been selected leaving a shortfall of three, though one has been identified and are scouting around for two more. Adaptability and a strong inclination to computer literacy will form the basis for selection. Please if you know you fall in this category, endeavour to get in touch and submit your name to me latest, by Friday 22nd May 2009, and please bear in mind this exercise is exclusive for youth based in Zambia.

We again call on you our members wherever you may be to offer suggestions on which 20 topics to base the shoots on will be anchored.

The shoots to be conducted over a two week period from the 1st June 2009 to the 19th under four directors from South Africa will be quite intense. Each footage will be devoted to eight minutes air time and filming will be conducted at various locations with material being generated daily feeding in to ZNBC for the series to run unhindered.

The process will be challenging and the 12 trainees require thorough training and any room left to lopsidedness could render the whole process untenable.

Please roll in
Please roll in our suggestions on the 20 topics through mass circulation and bear in mind the deadline is Monday, 25th June 2009.
Kind Regards,
Humphrey Lombe
Consultant Media, Communication and International Relations

Freedom Fighter Mudenda Interred and Given State Funeral

Mr. Elijah H.K Mudenda was accorded a state funeral and was put to rest with full military honours on Thursday.

Mr. Mudenda a distinguished freedom fighter and former Prime Minister during the reign of first Zambian President Dr Kenneth Kaunda died on Sunday after a long struggle with stroke which he suffered sometime back.

A church service was held in his memory at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and several distinguished guests attended including newly elected president Rupiah Banda, opposition leaders Michael Sata, Hakainde Hichilema and General Godfrey Miyanda. First and second republican presidents Kaunda and Fredrick Chiluba were also in attendance.

The government declared Thursday as a day national of mourning and flags flied at half mast and both the national broadcaster and private electronic media houses played solemn music throughout the day and all programmes of an entertaining nature including sporting activities were suspended.

And during church service, Dr Kaunda in his eulogy, said Mr. Mudenda was a great fighter.

“We have lost one of the compatriots, a freedom fighter who dedicated his life to the service of human beings. In 1962, the political struggle intensified, and the wind of change was sweeping on the continent of Africa and soon affected Zambia,” he said.

Dr. Kaunda said at hat time, Zambia did not have many educated indigenous people because the colonial government deliberately overlooked education to them. He said upon realising that elections would be called upon any time, they began to make arrangements by recruiting some people with higher education.

“Comrade Kaiba Mudenda was a research officer at Mount Makulu. We decided to approach him in order to request him to join the freedom struggle. That was in 1962, and some colleagues were assigned this task namely comrade Sikota Wina and Aaron Milner. We discussed with him and he agreed and readily accepted to join the struggle and the rest as they say is history.

Upon attaining Independence in 1964, Mr. Mudenda who was a member of the central committee was appointed Minister of Agriculture.

“He was a very effective minister who worked well with a professional touch. I later appointed him minister Finance and later Minister of Foreign Affairs. He was a team player ad a committed servant of the people, a selfless leader who served his country with honour and sincerity and integrity,” he said

Dr. Kaunda said in 1975, he appointed Mudenda as Prime Minister until 1977. He described him as a humanist, family man and a brother to all those who served with him.

Another politician John Mwanakatwe who served under Dr Kaunda’s first cabinet thanked government for according Mudenda an official funeral. He said he had lost a brother.

And giving Mudenda’s life history, another old politician Peter Matoka said Mudenda was born in 1927 in Macha, Southern Province. He went to school there then proceeded to Munali Training Centre.

“I was privileged to meet Mudenda on the day that he arrived at Munali. We were lynched by the old students because we were newcomers, that same evening I was painted white and given ‘chinkwangwa’, nshima remains, with beans and lots of chillies. I was only a kid of 13 years. I was in tears most of the time. It was Elijah that protected me and threatened them, Matoka said, adding that he appreciated Mudenda’s protection even to date.

Matoka said it was during their Munali days that he saw the intellect in Mudenda. He said from Munali Mudenda went to do his first degree and got double distinctions. He later went to Cambridge University to do his masters.

Mudenda was buried with full military honours and his coffin was draped in the national flag and army personnel were the pole bearers.

Ends…….