Advertisement Banner
Monday, September 15, 2025
Subscribe
Home Blog Page 1017

Work with traditional leaders for Covid-19 vaccines – Nkomeshya

Chief Editor
-
0
Work with traditional leaders for Covid-19 vaccines – Nkomeshya

Senior Chieftainess Nkomeshya Mukamambo the Second of the Soli speaking people in Chongwe district, has appealed to health authorities to work with traditional leaders in raising awareness for the Covid-19 vaccines.

The traditional leader said chiefs play an important role in raising awareness to subjects in their chiefdoms.

Senior Chieftainess Nkomeshya was speaking at a meeting held to train the chiefs on demand generation for the Covid-19 vaccine in Kafue.

“So if the health experts come to Chongwe and I take the vaccine to lead by example, my subject will also accept to be vaccinated,” she said.

She said that the Ministry of Health should start sending a team of medical experts to various chiefdoms across the country so that they can explain to the people the negative and positive effects of the Covid 19 vaccine.

“If you can arrange a team of medical experts to come to Chongwe, I will be the first one to take the covid-19 vaccine for my people to see and emulate the gesture,” she said.

The traditional leader expressed willingness to organise a meeting where headmen can meet the health experts and ask the questions pertaining to the covid-19 vaccine.

She said it is difficult for people of Chongwe and the other districts to start taking the vaccine as they do not have the knowledge of what will happen to them when they take the vaccine.

UK pledge support towards electoral process, contributes £500,000

Chief Editor
-
8
UK pledge support towards electoral process, contributes £500,000

The United Kingdom has pledged commitment to support the upcoming election process by working together with all Zambians in ensuring free, fair, credible and peaceful elections.

To prove this partnership, The British High Commissioner to Zambia, Nicholas Woolley has contributed K16 million to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to directly support the preparations and delivery of the elections.

“I am pleased to announce that the UK is contributing £500,000 (approximately 16 million kwacha) to the “Democracy Strengthening in Zambia” (DSZ) programme, as managed by the United Nations Development Programme,” Mr Woolley said.

“As close bilateral partners, friends within the Commonwealth, and fellow members of the Global Community of Democracies, the UK has been a strong supporter of Zambia’s democracy for decades. Our development and diplomacy activities have supported Zambia’s elections processes over many years, in line with the fundamental rights and freedoms that Zambia’s Constitution provides its citizens. And this year will be no different,” he added.

According to a press statement issued to ZANIS in Lusaka today, the British high commissioner appealed to all political parties to uphold Zambia’s long-standing reputation for democracy and peace.

“There is no place for violence. Disagreeing with someone’s political affiliation is not a reason to hound them from their office, to commit physical harm, to forcefully disrupt radio broadcasts, or to damage their livelihood and property. All of us have a responsibility to discourage and call out violence in the strongest possible terms,” he said.

Mr Woolley said Zambians should get ready to forge a new sense of unity after the elections to care for the most marginalized and vulnerable in society.

Meanwhile, UK High Commission’s Development Director and responsible for the UK’s aid programming in Zambia Steve Beel noted that the upcoming elections have the potential to be the closest and most actively contested since Zambia’s Independence.

Mr Beel said the UK and wider international community look to the electoral processes as a key indicator of the health of democracy and the basis for our engagements in country.

“A key expectation is that all individuals, across the civil service, the electoral institutions, the media, wider stakeholders and public at large, can play their roles in this crucial democratic process, and be ready to get behind whatever government emerges after the elections to drive forward Zambia’s future development,” he added.

And UK’s Head of Elections Programming in Zambia, Markus Weimer said UK’s wider work with the civil society is designed to ensure Zambian citizens have the widest means possible to engage in the electoral processes.

Through the UNDP’s multi donor elections fund, the international community supports the government of Zambia to strengthen democracy through functional and inclusive electoral processes which is provided through the UNDP’s three-year Democracy Strengthening in Zambia (DSZ) programme.

The DSZ builds on previous UNDP-led electoral cycle support to Zambia, addresses challenges and incorporates lessons learnt from previous electoral cycles. The UK has actively engaged in the programme’s development and management processes.

The DSZ project is aligned with Zambia’s Seventh (7th) National Development Plan (7NDP) 2017-2021 in which the government of Zambia pledges to promote transparency, accountability, citizen participation, and strengthen governance institutions.

Uncompleted CDF projects ahead of August polls worry civic leaders

Photo Editor
-
3
Uncompleted CDF projects ahead of August polls worry civic leaders

Out-going civic leaders in Chasefu District have appealed to council management to expedite the process of implementing Constituency Development Funded (CDF) projects in the area.

Out-going Council Chairperson, Chimwemwe Daka says projects that have not been implemented despite being allocated with funds, should not be inconvenienced by the adoption of councilors in the run up to August 12, general election.

Mrs. Daka said there is need to speed up the procurement processes so that the incoming civic leaders can have confidence in the management.

Her remarks comes following concerns raised by the out-going area councilors who have citing delayed processes of procuring materials for various CDF projects in the district.

The Civic leaders said buying of materials with wrong specifications and procurement under CDF have prolonged implementation of projects in the district.

Manda Hill ward Councilor, Pethias Mkandawire cited Khulamayembe School, where the glass panes procured by the council, failed to fit the window frames, as they were too small.

Another councillor, Mtwalo Hara said some used materials meant for construction of a named project in his ward, came to his attention.

The civic leaders were speaking during Ordinary Council meeting held at Emusa Church of Central African Presbyterian (CCAP) in Chasefu District.

And Chasefu Council Secretary, Raphael Phiri disclosed that management would look in to the concerns raised by the civic leader and appropriate measures taken.

Mr Phiri however disclosed that some projects had been completed while some have delayed that irregularities cited would be rectified.

Work with traditional leaders for Covid-19 vaccines – Nkomeshya

Photo Editor
-
2
Work with traditional leaders for Covid-19 vaccines – Nkomeshya

Senior Chieftainess Nkomeshya Mukamambo the Second of the Soli speaking people in Chongwe district, has appealed to health authorities to work with traditional leaders in raising awareness for the Covid-19 vaccines.

The traditional leader said chiefs play an important role in raising awareness to subjects in their chiefdoms.

Senior Chieftainess Nkomeshya was speaking at a meeting held to train the chiefs on demand generation for the Covid-19 vaccine in Kafue.

“So if the health experts come to Chongwe and I take the vaccine to lead by example, my subject will also accept to be vaccinated,” she said.

She said that the Ministry of Health should start sending a team of medical experts to various chiefdoms across the country so that they can explain to the people the negative and positive effects of the Covid 19 vaccine.

“If you can arrange a team of medical experts to come to Chongwe, I will be the first one to take the covid-19 vaccine for my people to see and emulate the gesture,” she said.

The traditional leader expressed willingness to organise a meeting where headmen can meet the health experts and ask the questions pertaining to the covid-19 vaccine.

She said it is difficult for people of Chongwe and the other districts to start taking the vaccine as they do not have the knowledge of what will happen to them when they take the vaccine.

Charity Malasha – The fritter girl on the way to greatness

Entertainment Editor
-
15
Charity Malasha – The fritter girl on the way to greatness
Charity Malasha selling fritters at a school in Solwezi

In April 2018 Charity Malasha’s life was trapped in a viscous cycle of poverty. At age 12 she had already dropped out of school, was a petty trader and in all probability was destined to become a teenage mother and if ‘lucky’ a wife. There was nothing ahead in her life but doom and gloom – one of the several hundreds of thousands of girl children in Zambia whose potential is never given a chance to blossom.

A bright brain destined for gloom

Charity must have daily looked with anguish in her heart at girls her age who were in the school, knowing that she was never going to have the same chance of a bright future that they had if they continued in school. The pain must have been heavier because Charity knew that she was a bright girl who would have excelled if she had been in school.

Charity’s fortunes however took a dramatic turn for the better one day, all due to a chance encounter with Bruce Lewis and his team from Kansanshi Mining Plc, who were visiting her ‘marketplace’ – Kyalalankuba Primary School – where she was selling home-made fritters.

The visitors were on a tour of schools supported by the company in preparation for the company’s annual sustainability report. Bruce’s keen eye caught what many would not have noted: a school-age girl selling fritters at a school instead of being in school. He asked one of his team members, Tenso Kalala, to find out why. On learning that the family could not afford to keep her in school, Bruce asked whether Charity would like to go back to school if someone offered to pay for it. It did not sound to Charity at that moment that this could be a life-changing conversation. She casually said she would indeed go back to school if there was a benefactor. The visitors left her to continue with her ‘job’. But their interest did not stop there. At Bruce’s request, Tenso checked with the head teacher whether the school would take Charity if someone paid the required fees. On hearing that the school would admit Charity, Bruce paid the required fees there and then. Charity was a pupil once again! What a turn of events.

Charity came from a poor family that could not afford to send her to school. The fact that primary education in public schools in Zambia is tuition-free did not make it easy enough for her parents. They still could not afford to buy her the uniform and the exercise books that she needed to be in school. Money for school was a luxury the family could not afford when they were struggling to put food on the table. Charity’s education was sacrificed.

At home and with nothing to do Charity took ‘a job’ selling fritters for a neighbour at the very school where she had once been a pupil. It must have been painful for Charity.

School here I come again

Girl on a mission: Charity Malasha back at school Kyalalankuba Primary School

Without losing any time, Kansanshi put Charity on the company’s financial assistance list, bought her all she needed, and the girl was in school again.

A bit over-age, but Grade 5 was the most suitable grade for her to join. Life had never been sweeter for Charity. She took to school with enthusiasm. No adversity could keep her away from school. Not even the relocation of her parents to a different part of town where it was impossible for Charity to commute daily to school could stand in Charity’s way. She wanted to be in school. By God’s good grace, the lady that Charity used to sell fritters for offered Charity a home until she completed her primary education. With that problem sorted out Charity turned to her books with the tenacity of a bull fighter. She had a lot of catching up to do.

Kyalalankuba Primary School distinguished itself not by the resources it had but by the heart and commitment to duty of the head teacher and her staff. The majority of children who attend this school can barely read and they lag behind expected levels of performance by several grades. Over and above the commitment of the school, it takes remarkable determination by the pupils and consistent home support for any child to stand a chance of passing the final primary leaving examinations with points good enough to progress to a good secondary school. Charity only had the dedication of her teachers and her indomitable spirit to rely on as she soldiered on towards completing primary school.

The results of Charity’s tenacity quickly showed in her academic performance. Within one year of returning to school, Charity changed from being the dropout girl to top of her class!

Kansanshi Mining was overjoyed and put Charity in a much better school – Sentinel Kabitaka School.  Sentinel Kabitaka is arguably one of the top three schools in the whole of the North-Western Province of Zambia, offering an international Cambridge curriculum as well as the local Zambian curriculum.

But Kansanshi’s efforts to secure a place for Charity at Sentinel Kabitaka were not without challenges. Even though the management of Sentinel Kabitaka had bent backward to consider Charity for their school, Charity did not pass the assessment given to her by the school. Although she was nearly 13 years old, she was assessed to have the reading age of a nine-year old. Excitement by all involved quickly turned into disappointment. But nobody gave up. Charity returned to her school to work towards the national Grade 7 examinations.

If one needs proof that determination yields positive results look no further than Charity Malasha. Notwithstanding all the factors that militated against her success in the national examination, Charity passed quite well. She was over the moon with excitement; so were the Kansanshi staff that had worked hard to put Charity back in school. With these results in hand, perhaps Sentinel Kabitaka would be persuaded to take another look at the girl.

I spare you the details. Suffice to say that Charity is now enrolled at Sentinel Kabitaka. What a journey! What a transformation! From being a school dropout selling fritters in 2018 to a boarder at Sentinel Kabitaka. Charity is on a journey. Already her story of fortune and fortitude is riveting. But I bet you there is more coming. Watch this space.

Charity Malasha: Sentinel Kabitaka here I come!

ZNS anti-maize smuggling efforts commended

Photo Editor
-
5
ZNS anti-maize smuggling efforts commended

Northwestern Province Minister, Nathaniel Mubukwanu has commended the Zambia National Service (ZNS) for playing a key role in combating smuggling of maize and other commodities out of the country.

Mr Mubukwanu said smuggling of maize from Northwestern to other countries was putting the regional food security at risk.

He said ZNS working closely with the provincial administration has managed to reduce smuggling activities.

“Commandant, we appreciate the high levels of discipline exhibited by your officers in the region and they are cooperating. They have also greatly contributed to the reduction of smuggling activities. We urge them to continue with the spirit and job well done, together we can spur development in our country,” he said.

ZANIS reports that the provincial minister said this when ZNS Commandant, Lieutenant General Nathan Mulenga paid a courtesy call on him at his office.

Mr Mubukwanu also thanked government for having connected all the districts in Northwestern Province to the national grid.

And Lt. General Mulenga said all his units in the region are functioning properly due to the power connection and support from government.

He stated that the officers will not relent in curbing smuggling as it is dangerous to the country’s development.

Lt. General Mulenga further reiterated the call for officers to refrain from politics saying anyone found wanting will face disciplinary actions.

PF Finalises the List of its candidates for the 2021 Elections

Chief Editor
-
23
PF Finalises the List of its candidates for the 2021 Elections

THE RULING Patriotic Front (PF) has announced the list of its adopted candidates for the Parliamentary, Mayoral and Council Chairperson positions for Eastern, Copperbelt and Lusaka Provinces ahead of this year’s August 12 General Elections.
The development marked the end of the vigorous adoption process by the PF as the ruling party had already announced its adopted candidates for seven other provinces going into this morning’s final three.

Making the announcement during a press briefing at the party Secretariat this morning, PF CEO. MCC. Hon. Davies Mwila revealed that Members of the Central Committee met on Tuesday 11th May, 2021, to adopt candidates for Eastern Province.
Hon Mwila said the Central Committee members led by His Excellency President Edgar Chagwa Lungu convened again on Wednesday 12th May, 2021, to adopt candidates for the Copperbelt and Lusaka provinces.

“I wish to announce to our members and the Zambian people that our party President Edgar Lungu and the Members of the Central Committee met yesterday to adopt candidates that will represent the party in Lusaka and Copperbelt provinces in the August elections,” Hon Mwila said.

And Hon Mwila has announced the Parliamentary candidates adopted for Eastern Province as Hon Olipa Phiri Mwansa (Nyimba), Dr. Aaron Daniel Mwanza (Kaumbwe), Hon Dora Siliya (Petauke Central), Elias Daka (Msanzala), Lackson Lungu (Kapoche), Hon Masautso Kazungula Tembo (Sinda), Peter Phiri (Mkaika), Melesiana Chibwe Phiri (Milanzi) and Jonathan Daka (Chadiza).
Others are Acleo Banda (Vubwi), Amon Jere (Chipata Central), Patricia Mphanza (Luangeni), Hon Makebi Zulu (Malambo), Philemon Twasa (Kasenengwa), Andrew Zindhlu Lubusha (Chipangali), Hon Pilila Jere (Lumezi), Brenda Nyirenda Chisopa (Lundazi) and Thomas Mtonga (Chasefu).

And Hon Mwila has announced the Mayoral and Council Chairperson Candidates adopted for Eastern Province as Gadson Tembo (Nyimba), Charles Nyanoka (Petauke), William Banda (Lusangazi), Julius Phiri (Sinda), Fanuel Chama (Katete), Edwin Phiri (Chadiza), Vincent Mwale (Vubwi) and William Phiri (Chipata).

Others are Stephen Zulu (Malambo), Falesi Joyce Soko (Kasenengwa), Maxson Nkhoma (Chipangali), Oliver Mwale (Lumezi), Golden Tembo (Lundazi) and Chimwemwe Hunga Banda (Chasefu).

He has announced the Parliamentary candidates adopted for the Copperbelt Province as Hon Richard Musukwa (Chililabombwe), Michelle Kazala Phiri (Chingola), Rosemary Regina Chipoya (Nchanga), Golden Mwila (Mufulira), Dr. Bishop Edwaed Chomba (Kankoyo), Hon Anthony Mumba (Kantanshi), Hon Kampamba Mulenga, (Kalulushi, Don Mungulube (Lufwanyama), Hon Joseph Malanji (Kwacha), Hon Alexander Chiteme (Nkana), Hon Pavyuma Kalobo (Wusakile) and Christopher Kang’ombe (Kamfinsa).
Others are Golden Mulenga (Luanshya), Nathan Chanda (Roan), Brenda Mwamba (Ndola Central), Hon Bowman Chilosha Lusambo (Kabushi), Dorothy Nachibongo (Chifubu), Hon Dr Jonas Chanda (Bwana Mkubwa), Hon Michael Katambo (Masaiti), Chande Christine Kalumbwa (Kafulafuta) and Emmanuel Kasambo (Mpongwe).

And Hon Mwila has revealed that the Parliamentary candidate for Chimwemwe Constituency would be announced at a later stage.
He has also announced the Mayoral and Council Chairperson Candidates adopted for the Copperbelt Province as Simakando Ng’andu Trudy (Chililabombwe), Titus Tembo (Chingola), Dr Dominic Mwale (Mufulira), Mpasa Mwaya (Kitwe) and Chomba Mervis (Luanshya).
Others are Mabenga Zacharia (Lufwanyama), Jonas Kalyati (Ndola), Brian Chitafu (Masaiti) and Mpondamali Prestone (Mpongwe).
And Hon Mwila has revealed that the Mayoral candidate for Kalulushi would be announced at a later stage.

Meanwhile, Hon Mwila has announced the Parliamentary candidates adopted for Lusaka Province as Hon Miles Sampa (Matero), Samwimbila Patrick (Munali), Hon Elizabeth Phiri (Kanyama), Christopher Shakafuswa (Mandevu), Danny Yenga (Kabwata), Margaret Mwankatwe (Lusaka Central), Tasila Lungu Mwansa (Chawama), and Emmanuel Tembo (Feira).

Others are Bartholomew Kalambalala (Rufunsa), Kamana Joseph (Kafue), Hon Maria Langa (Chilanga), Hon Japhen Mwakalombe (Chongwe) and Mwangala Kwana (Chirundu) while Chilando Chitangala had been adopted to stand as the Mayoral candidate for Lusaka City.

Traditional leaders advised against partisan politics

Photo Editor
-
5
Traditional leaders advised against partisan politics

A traditional leader has cautioned his colleagues to focus on preaching unity and love as the country ahead of the 12th August polls.

Chief Mabumba of Luapula Province has therefore condemned some chiefs who are in the forefront of hand picking parliamentary candidates saying it was wrong and against the agenda of unity of purpose.

Chairing a coccus meeting for chiefs to discuss the adoption of parliamentary candidates in Muchinga province held at the civic centre, Chief Mabumba has advised his colleagues to counsel aspiring candidates ahead of the August 12 general election,

Accompanied by Chief Munkonge and Kalasa at the meeting, the traditional said the trend by some traditional leaders to influence the adoption process of candidates only contributed to voter apathy.

“The picture portrayed has not responded to the noble cause of reducing political conflicts and I hope that the adoption results will not culminate into voter apathy,” said Chief Mabumba.

And patron for the chiefs group in Muchinga, Father Richard Kangwa called on chiefs to unite all the candidates and embrace them so that no one should contest as an independent.

Flanked by Father Francis Kasolo , Father Kangwa appealed to chiefs to preach and show love to all candidates whether picked or adding the church and chiefs are pillars of peaceful elections.

Speaking earlier, Chief Luchembe of the Bemba speaking people of Mpika regretted the alleged recommendations done in favour of some candidates to contest on Patriotic Front tickets in some constituencies.

Chief Luchembe said the conduct by some chiefs to influence the adoption is regrettable but was quick to appeal to all candidates to work together and support the Republican President Edgar Lungu , seeking his re-election on 12 August.

“Some candidates who applied to stand on the PF ticket and have not been adopted, feel injured by acts of some chiefs who openly supported a particular candidate in their chiefdom and we only hope that this situation will not affect the polls on August 12, ” said Chief Luchembe.

Meanwhile, both chiefs Chikwanda and Munkonge called on the traditional leadership in Muchinga province to refrain from partisan politics but work with the government of the day.

The dignity of being a chief can only be restored by being neutral and treat everyone equally, Chief Munkonge said.

The meeting which was supposed to be attended by all aspiring candidate who were not adopted on PF ticket was disrupted by ECZ presidential supporters verification as most candidates rushed to Civic center.

However, the chiefs resolved to go flat out and sensitize electorates on the importance of exercising their democratic rights and pledged to offer transport to the voters whose polling stations are a distant from their residence.

Muchinga Provinces wages war on Malaria

Photo Editor
-
1
Muchinga Provinces wages war on Malaria

Ministry of Health in Nakonde District of Muchinga Province, has engaged various stakeholders to help in the fight against Malaria.

Nakonde District Administrative Officer, Alex Sinkala thanked the stakeholders for their respective efforts to eliminate Malaria in the region.

Speaking when he officially opened the stakeholders advocacy meeting in Nakonde yesterday , Mr. Sinkala implored participants to help disseminate information to the community.

“We are not here for fashion, but because we have this honour. The stakeholdership is not supposed to end here, we should not discuss issues here and when we go back we keep them to ourselves for our benefit. Then the message will not actually be transmitted,” he said.

He further encouraged the participants from various sectors such as traditional leaders, the clergy, the media, education and local government to be keen to learn from the workshop as they are representatives of their communities.

“You are important stakeholders because we understand you also have structures under you in the whole of Nakonde, so even the messages you are going to learn from this meeting are for the benefit of the whole Nakonde,” he said.

And Speaking at the same event, Nakonde District Health Director, Arthur Mataka has appealed to stakeholders to come on board and help eliminate malaria.

Dr. Mataka acknowledged that Ministry of Health cannot fight Malaria alone without input from other participants.

“We might not manage to end Malaria by December, 2021 as earlier planned but we are on course. Our ambition to end Malaria still stands and by 2022 will be proud to have fought against it,” he said.

A variety of Malaria interventions such as indoor residual spraying, long lasting insecticide and mosquito nets will be used by health authorities to curb the disease in the area.

“We will use these three main methods to help us get rid of malaria in our communities. We can easily achieve this goal if we all work together,” he said.

Meanwhile, Nakonde District Health Promotions Officer, Gertrude Chipampe has urged people in communities to make use of the mosquito nets distributed to them and not just bank them in their houses.

Ms. Chipampe also discouraged the habit of self- administering of drugs whenever someone is unwell and advised the residents to always visit health facilities for assistance.

“Those mosquito nets we give out are distributed for a reason so as a ministry we would like to see people in our communities make use of them so that we can reduce cases of malaria.

“ Also, it has come to attention that a lot of people have a habit of self-diagnosing sicknesses and putting themselves on medication without visiting the clinic. That should not be the case,”she said.

Police Station commissioned at Mokambo border

Photo Editor
-
8
Police Station commissioned at Mokambo border

Ministry of Home Affairs, Permanent Secretary Masiye Banda has cautioned police officers not to take part in partisan politics during this year’s general elections.

Speaking when he commissioned a newly constructed police station and offices for the Immigration Department at Mokambo Border in Mufulira District, Mr. Banda said taking part in partisan politics could hinder them from executing their duties professionally.

He said any officer found openly expressing support for any political party will be discharged from their duties.

And Mr. Banda said government will continue improving office infrastructure for men and women in uniform in order to motivate them in the course of their work

He said President Edgar Lungu had directed the ministry to improve office infrastructure for men and women in uniform hence the construction of the police station and immigration offices at Mokambo border.

Mr.Banda said government will also continue building decent houses for men and women in uniform.

He said the 51 housing units for police officers in Mufulira and Masaiti districts which were commissioned in February this year is evidence of government’s commitment to improve living and working conditions of men and women in uniform.

Meanwhile, Copperbelt Permanent Secretary, Bright Nundwe said the newly constructed infrastructure will ensure reinforcement of security at Mokambo border.

Mr.Nundwe noted that the reinforcement of security at Mokambo border will help in curbing smuggling of mealie meal and other grain.

He called on police to ensure that peace prevails during this year’s election period.

And Copperbelt Province Police Commissioner, Elias Chushi commended government for its efforts at addressing the many challenges being faced by the Zambia Police.

Mr.Chushi said the police station will help to eradicate crime at the border.

And Immigration Director General, Denny Lungu thanked government for improving the working environment for the department saying it also benefitted from the housing project which was commissioned at Mokambo border last year.

He said Mokambo border is a very important border control as people use the entry for business and other purposes.

Proudly Zambian campaign catalogue launched

Chief Editor
-
6
Proudly Zambian campaign catalogue launched

The Ministry of Commerce Trade and Industry has challenged residents who still doubt locally produced goods to try the products showcased in the proudly Zambian Campaign Catalogue, and prove that they are of excellent quality.

Minister of Commerce Trade and Industry, Christopher Yaluma, notes that government recognizes that consumers buy goods and services of high standards and quality, as opposed to purchasing the locally produced commodities.

Mr Yaluma assured the public that the products with the proudly Zambian logo are of good quality and go through a vetting process to ensure high standards.

“The proudly Zambian logo assures customers of quality. You may wish to note that products and services that are certified as ‘proudly Zambian’ go through a vetting process to ensure that they are of the highest standard,” he said.

The Minister called on citizens, businesses and institutions to pride themselves in Zambian products and think local first, as they buy products.

“I wish to call upon all citizens, business and institutions to take pride in our products and think local first by buying proudly Zambian products and services” Mr Yaluma said.

He stated that proudly Zambian products carry an official logo which is a mark of quality assurance and national pride, and differentiates them from other products.

Mr Yaluma noted that due to the negative effects that the COVID-19 pandemic had on the economic performance of country, residents should rally behind the proudly Zambian campaign that seeks to support the recovery of Zambia’s local businesses.

“In the response to the weakening economic performance, the government of the Republic of Zambia has put in place an economic recovery programme aimed at resorting economic growth to 3 percent by 2022,” he added.

The Minister said this during the official launch of the proudly Zambian campaign catalogue held at Mulungushi Conference Centre, in Lusaka yesterday.

And speaking at the same event, Zambia Association of Manufacturers President Ezekiel Sekele expressed hope that the proudly Zambian campaign catalogue will make it easier for consumers to identify local products, which will result to increased consumption.

The ZAM President explained that the association decided to showcase some of the products registered under the campaign and compiled them in a catalogue for everyone to see.

Mr Sekele, in a speech read on his behalf by ZAM Board member Bridget Kambobe, stated that the catalogue will be widely distributed in both print and soft copy, in order to reach as many people as possible.

“I also note that that the catalogue is among the items that your ministry will be shipping to the upcoming Dubai expo and other international expos. This will greatly assist Zambian products penetrate international markets,” he added.

Meanwhile, the proudly Zambian Campaign National Steering Committee Chairperson, Roseta Chabala revealed that since 2018, 33 companies have been registered under the campaign and are expecting more to be registered this year and the years to come.

Ms Chabala expressed pleasure that stakeholders, have begun to demand for the proudly Zambian Catalogue, in order to acquaint themselves with the registered products.

“Buying a product registered under the proudly Zambian campaign has benefits which go beyond consumer satisfaction,” she added.

COVID-19 has hit Zambia’s Hospitality Industry

Chief Editor
-
3
COVID-19 has hit Zambia’s Hospitality Industry

The Hostels and Catering Association of Zambia (HCAZ) in Mbala district says tourist arrivals to Kalambo Falls and other tourist attractions in the area have drastically dropped due to COVID-19.

HCAZ Abercorn Chapter Chairperson, Geoffrey Chellah who also a proprietor of Lake Chila, Great Kalambo, and Ntala lodges said the drop in the tourist inflow has resulted in the hospitality industry in the area operating below average.

He has however expressed opportunism that the measures put in place to curb Covid 19 will enable the area to pick up in tourism.

“With concerted efforts being put in place globally to fight the pandemic, we are hoping to record some positive changes especially in 2021,” he said.

Mr. Chellah who is also a member of the Zambia Tourism Board said this in an interview with ZANIS in Mbala.

Meanwhile, Mr. Chellah has hailed government for the strides it is making in developing the tourism sector in the area despite the advent of COVID-19.

He said government has made efforts to improve the road network and develop other infrastructure leading to various tourism sites.

Mr. Chellah stated that the construction of the 40 kilometers Mbala-Kalambo and 22 kilometers Mbala-Kasesha road is also expected to help increase the inflow of tourists once the pandemic is mitigated.

He said this is a clear demonstration of government commitment to boost the sector.

Mr Chellah noted that the opening of the Samora Marshal Airport to civilian planes is yet another milestone in enhancing the sector as while as boosting trade in the Northern circuit and beyond.

He further disclosed that works by a Chinese firm on a 150 kilometers stretch to connect Mbala and Kasaba Bay in Nsama district through the Nsumbu national park has also advanced.

Meanwhile, a local tourist, Isaiah Kazeze from Mungwi has called on Zambians to promote local tourism by regularly visiting various sites.

He said Mbala has a number of tourism attractions such as Kalambo falls and also Nsunzu Mountain which has the highest peak, for mountain climbing lovers.

Mr. Kazeze appealed to Zambians living in the Diasporas to help in marketing the tourism sector in order to help the country earn foreign exchange.

And another tourist, Constance Sakala said she was impressed to see the Kalambo falls and other places linked to World War II such as Malwilo, lake Chila, and the Motomoto Museum.

Schools will not close; The School calendar will run along side the General Elections-PS

Chief Editor
-
5
Schools will not close; The School calendar will run along side the General Elections-PS

Ministry of General Education Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Jobbicks Kalumba has emphasized that the school calendar will still run alongside the August 12, 2021, General elections as scheduled.

Dr. Kalumba said the Ministry will not heed calls by stakeholders in the education sector who are lobbying for Schools to be closed before the general elections as such may de-franchise pupils that have registered for voting at the respective schools.

Dr. Kalumba said this in an interview with ZANIS in Lusaka yesterday.

‘If you say you close the school earlier than the elections then it means that you are going to de-franchise the children. We are working on a mechanism that will allow the children to vote and immediately they vote they even go home,” he stated.

Mr. Kalumba further advised that the Ministry is working on rearranging the calendar for a few days to allow for students and teachers that have registered as voters to pack and go home.

Almost 100 000 people in Zambia get the COVID-19 Jab-Malama

Chief Editor
-
10
Almost 100 000 people in Zambia get the COVID-19 Jab-Malama

Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Technical Services Kennedy Malama has disclosed that five thousand and fifty eight people have been vaccinated against COVID-19 in the last 24 hours bringing the country’s cumulative number of people that have taken the vaccine close to one hundred thousand.

Dr Malama says 90,916 have been vaccinated since April 14, when the exercise was launched.

Dr. Malama said in Lusaka yesterday morning that 59 positive cases have been recorded out of 4,800 tests that were done in the last 24 hours.

He stated that 8 percent of the patients in admission require oxygen while 15 to 20 percent are in a critical condition.

And Dr Malama has said the risk of getting blood clots which has been a topical issue regarding astrazenca and Johnson and Johnson vaccines is insignificant.

He states that research has shown that the risk of getting blood clots may be as low as one out of 2 million people who are vaccinated.

“When you compare the incidences of blood clots among COVID-19 patients, it’s just the same, in some cases it is higher among those that are not vaccinated,” he said.

He said that it is statistically insignificant as the World Health Organisation (WHO), the European Medicines Agency and the UK Medical healthcare Products Agency and other regulatory bodies agreed that the benefits of the vaccine outweigh the risks.

Meanwhile, Dr Malama has urged the public to continue adhering to the COVID-19 prevention rules even though the number of cases being recorded have drastically reduced.

Dr Malama has also attributed the reduction in COVID19 cases to the continued efforts by all stakeholders in the fight against the pandemic.

Dr Malama said this in a speech read on his behalf by Chief Health Promotions Officer, Winfredah Mulenga when the Zambia Public Relations Association (ZAPRA) donated over 500 washable face masks to Minibus drivers, conductors and commuters at Lusaka’s Kulima bus station in Lusaka yesterday.

Dr Malama has since thanked ZAPRA for the timely donation.

“The reduction in cases and deaths due Covid19 is as a result of continued efforts by all stakeholders such as yourselves. This donation today attests to the fact that we stand as a winning team in the fight against Covid19” he said.

And speaking at the same event, ZAPRA President, Mwamba Siame said the Association decided to partner with the Government and all the other stakeholders in the fight against the pandemic.

“In addition to the 5 golden rules, ZAPRA would like to propose a message which says #tell your neighbor about coronavirus. We think that as a combined effort with the ministry of health and ZNPHI we can pass this message on to bus drivers, conductors and commuters that we have targeted today” she said.

And the receivers of the masks have expressed gratitude for the donation

Parliament to dissolve on Friday

Chief Editor
-
7
Parliament to dissolve on Friday

The Fifth Session of the Twelfth National Assembly yesterday May 12, 2021 came to an end.

Clerk of the National Assembly Cecilia Mbewe said that with regards to the dissolution of Parliament, Article 81(3) of the Constitution of Zambia states that Parliament shall stand dissolved ninety days before the holding of the next general elections.

Mrs. Mbewe said article 56(1) of the Constitution sets the date for a general election.

She also explained that article 56(1) says a general election shall be held every five years after the last general election on the second Thursday of August.

Mrs. Mbewe noted that Parliament dissolves automatically ninety days before the Second Thursday of August.

She explained that the second Thursday of August for the forthcoming general election will be Thursday August 12, 2021, 90 days before the date is Friday May 14, 2021.

Mrs. Mbewe stated that in view of that Parliament will stand dissolved automatically by operation of the law on Friday, May 14, 2021.

.

1...1,0161,0171,018...5,663Page 1,017 of 5,663

Company

Trending

Categories

© Lusaka Times