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Southern Chiefs hail President Lungu

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Southern Chiefs hail President Lungu

President Edgar Lungu says peace and all democratic tenants are guaranteed as the country heads to the August 12th 2021 General Elections.

And chiefs from Southern Province have pledged to support the government as well as sensitize the people against political violence.

President Lungu reaffirmed that the government will not relent in its quest of quality services delivery to the general citizenry before and after the dissolution of parliament.

The Head of State underscored that service provision to the people is a core mandate of the government and cannot be disturbed by campaigns or general elections.

President Lungu emphasized that when parliament is dissolved next month, his office of the Republican Vice President and Permanent secretaries will continue to implement activities as usual.

The Head of State made the remarks at the state house yesterday, when the delegation of five (5) chiefs from Southern Province called on him.

“It will be business as usual in the public service, my office, Vice President and the permanent secretaries will work closely to ensure that we do not disturb the flow of service delivery to the people. I am very certain that the PF will carry the day based on massive developmental activities that have been implemented since we formed government in 2011,” President Lungu charged.

On political violence, President Lungu explained that he will ensure political violence is curbed and support traditional leaders and other stakeholders that are against the vice.

President Lungu urged all political players and stakeholders to have confidence and support the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) as it is the only institution mandated to manage elections.

“I am happy that key stakeholders like yourselves have shown the zeal to fight political violence through massive sensitizations. We shall source funds to support you with mobility as you embark on this noble cause and we should all work together as Zambia belongs to all of us and peace should be cherished,” president Lungu stressed.

Meanwhile, Chief Chikanta who led the other four (4) traditional leaders, pointed out that all chiefs in Southern Province are happy with President Lungu’s developmental agenda.

Chief Chikanta cited livestock empowerment, fight against gender based-violence being spearheaded by the ministry of Gender and the moral fiber being strengthened by the Ministry of Religious Affairs, as among the visible developments that the government has rolled out.

He stated that chiefs in the province are in a hurry to embark on massive sensitization against political violence, voter apathy and chiefs exchange visits but are facing mobility challenges.

“As chiefs from the Southern Province we are in full support of all projects that the government is rolling out in the province. We also ask for mobility support to enable us to sensitize our subjects against political violence and we are sure that you will come to our aid just as you did to the village head persons,” Chief Chikanta said.

Other four traditional leaders also took turns in praising the government for the massive social and economic development that has been rolled out countrywide.

Chiefs Chipepo and Choongo stressed that President Lungu will not leave office until he accomplishes the developmental projects that he has embarked on.

The duo cited construction of the National House of Prayers and implementation of the social protection policy as among the life changing projects that will benefit generations to come.

The five chiefs that paid a courtesy call on President Lungu at State House are: Chiefs Chikanta of Kalomo district, Mukobela of Namwala, Chipepo of Siavonga, Choongo of Monze district and Chief Choma of Choma district.

Princes Natasha Chansa presents the official Music Video for ‘They Know’

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Princes Natasha Chansa presents the official Music Video for ‘They Know’

Princes Natasha Chansa presents the official Music Video for ‘They Know’ that features Cjayy one half of rap duo, The F.A.K.E.

Movie review: Godzilla VS Kong

Entertainment Editor
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Movie review: Godzilla VS Kong

Kong and his protectors undertake a perilous journey to find his true home. Along for the ride is Jia, an orphaned girl who has a unique and powerful bond with the mighty beast. However, they soon find themselves in the path of an enraged Godzilla as he cuts a swath of destruction across the globe.

PROS

  • Excellent CGI that brought King Kong and Godzilla to life.
  • Fantastic, realistic action scenes.

CONS

  • Not enough background information was given about Godzilla , so if you have not watch the previous movies you will not know what its motivations are.
  • Unnecessary comedic dialog takes away from the overall story.

FAVORITE QUOTES

Ilene Andrews: “Kong bows to no one.”

Nathan Lind: “Through the entrance in Antarctica, we could help him find a new home. And he could save ours.”

Ilene Andrews: “This won’t end until one of them submits.”

CONCLUSION

Godzilla Vs Kong pits the two monsters against each other in an epic battle to determine who is the apex predator. Visually this was was a spectacular movie, the fight scenes between the two behemoths were riveting and realistic. The storyline was good, it built up to the fight and gave a reason to pick a side to support.

A huge turn off was the needless humor from Brian Tyree Henry who played the character of the conspiracy theorist Bernie Hayes. The character itself was necessary as it helped guide the viewers on the motivations of Godzilla and Kong, however a more serious depiction would have been a greater asset to the movie. The character Josh Valentine (Julian Dennison) was completely unnecessary and added nothing to the movie.

Seeing these legendary, colossal monsters share the screen for the first time since 1963’s King Kong vs. Godzilla, in a series of masterfully choreographed fights, delivers a huge thrill, if it wasn’t for COVID restrictions this would be a perfect movie to watch on the big screen at your local cinema.

RATING

4 out of 5

 

 

By Kapa Kaumba

President Lungu should Fire Police Chief for failing to find the abducted Hatembos

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President Lungu should Fire Police Chief for failing to find the abducted Hatembos

Leader for the opposition Economic and Equity Party (EEP) Chilufya Tayali has called on his Excellency, President Edgar Lungu to fire the Inspector General of Police Kakoma Kanganja for failing to find the abducted Hatembos.

Mr Tayali said during a briefing in Lusaka yesterday that the IG has been a let-down adding that failure to find the Hatembos erodes public confidence in the service.

Pheluna Hatembo and Milton are the witnesses in the case involving UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema where he is accused of fraudulently acquiring farm number 1924 in Kalomo.

The opposition leader charged that the abduction of the duo is Mr Hichilema’s doing.

Mr Tayali said there is evidence that Mr Hichilema forged documents to obtain the land.

He wondered why police are failing to resolve the issue and said if the Head of State fails to fire the police IG he will, “go naked and protest.”

“I think President Edgar Lungu ought to act especially on Kakoma Kanganja because he is on a Six (6) months Performance Contract. I want to state it categorically that he must fire Kakoma Kanganja. Ba Kakoma Kanganja has failed. Actually, he has got so much patience. The way President Edgar Lungu treats these people, you would think that they are his children,” he said.

He mentioned that he has been complaining about the performance of the IG from time immemorial.

Mr. Tayali said Mr. Kanganja does not give confidence and that the Head of State has been too lenient on him.

“Can we have confidence in the Police when you have two grown people missing? Relatives went to the Police, reported the matter…….and the Police seem to have no clue to find where they are,” he said.

“What is going on? Even the forgery case itself, they recorded a warn and caution. The warn and caution is on ice. Why is the warn and caution on ice ba Kanganja? Is it that you have found out that there is no case? I know sometimes they talk about the DPP. Has the DPP given her legal opinion that there is no case? When we can clearly see that there is forgery here. They are letting us down!”

President Lungu Slams Critics at the Party Manifesto Launch

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President Lungu Slams Critics at the Party Manifesto Launch

PRESIDENT Edgar Chagwa Lungu has described his critics and those of government as demagogues, who for political purposes sway ordinary people’s minds using illogical arguments.

Delivering his speech during the PF manifesto launch, President Lungu noted that ‘a particular sworn critic’, ‘a prophet doom’ has continued to argue based on the premise of a wrong conclusion as the PF has transformed the country through infrastructure development as promised.

“We have invested heavily in infrastructure development which has seen the transformation of our country through roads, bridges, schools, universities, hospitals, among others,” President Lungu said.

“We have invested in building hydro-power stations which has seen the reduction in the deficit of electricity. Somebody the other day argued that there is no infrastructure development to talk about because the country is heavily indebted through over borrowing. What this prophet of doom said is referred to as a fallacy of unacceptable premises.”

President went on to explain that, government has indeed used borrowed money in some instances but for good reason which can be pointed at.

“Yes, some of the money we used to build infrastructure was borrowed, but didn’t we build infrastructure? We did. Haven’t we transformed the country? We have. This is exactly what demagogues do – for political purposes they sway ordinary people’s minds, using illogical arguments,” he said.

President Lungu further wondered how people would still not give credit to government for reducing power deficit but instead pick unreasonable arguments.

“When I said we have reduced the power deficit, another critic argued that it is rainfall that has resolved our problem. And I say yes, of course the rainfall has helped because hydro means water. But can water generate electricity on its own? You have to build a power station to generate electricity. And that is what we have done,” said President Lungu

Ministry of Health PS dismisses reports of compensation on Covid-19 vaccine reactions

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Ministry of Health PS dismisses reports of compensation on Covid-19 vaccine reactions

Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Technical Services Kennedy Malama has dismissed reports that there will be compensation for any negative reaction to the Covid-19 vaccine.

Reacting to a story published in the Times of Zambia dated Tuesday 20th April 2021 derived from his Sunday interview program on ZNBC 1 that his Ministry announced compensation to any reaction, Dr. Malama said that the is story is not only erroneous but misleading to the public.

He explained that the article fell short of going into details to explain what was alluded to during the interview that all matters of adverse events following immunization are looked at critically on a case-by-case basis with appropriate action taken.

The PS noted that at no time during the interview was it stated that any negative reaction to the vaccination will lead to compensation.

“Documented adverse events following immunization are explained to the clients before they are vaccinated and as part of the pharmacovigilance and monitoring measures, follow up and feedback information is routinely collected to address quality, safety, and efficacy, “, he said.

He further said side effects following immunization are due to a number of factors and are expected to varying degree hence such information is included on the manufacture’s leaflets accompanying the vaccines which are also used by healthcare workers as vaccines are being administered to the people.

Dr. Malama has assured the people that the COVID–19 vaccines that have been recommended for Zambia including the AstraZeneca are safe, efficacious, and suitable for the fight against the global pandemic.

He added that the Ministry of Health dissociates itself from the stated story.

"3000 NURSES, 309 DOCTORS OFFICIALLY PLACED ON PAYROLL,"ANNOUNCES HEALTH MINISTER.

Meanwhile. the Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority ZAMRA, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health has embarked on a nationwide sensitization and training of healthcare workers following the launch of the COVID-19 vaccination program last week.

This was contained in a statement released to the media yesterday by ZAMRA Senior Public Relations Officer Christabel Mutale Iliamupu.

“The training is directed towards building capacity of health care workers in implementation of the vaccine programme that among other things include; identification, monitoring and reporting of adverse events following immunization(AEFI), ” Ms Iliamupu said.

Mrs. Iliamupu disclosed that research has shown that all medicines have potential to cause adverse effects, therefore this will training will facilitate timely decision making and intervention on adverse events through early detection, causality assessment and prevention as the vaccine is rolled out.

She has therefore appealed to all members of the public that have been vaccinated with the AstraZeneca vaccine to report any adverse events and suspected medical product quality problems to the authority for appropriate regulation action.

Going Green will Help the Zambian Economy Flourish Again Post Covid-19

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Going Green will Help the Zambian Economy Flourish Again Post Covid-19

By WWF Zambia Country Director – Nachilala Nkombo

Globally, recessions due to Covid-19 have run havoc and the impact on the Zambian economy has led to a full-blown economic crisis. High Inflation and debt repayments have been hard-hitting, businesses have shut down; investment spending has been cut and people have lost work. Dr. Ngandu Zambian Minister of Finance confirmed that Zambia defaulted on a 42.5 million Euro Bond coupon payment in November 2020 after lenders refused to give the government a moratorium.

As a response to this crisis, President Lungu launched the Economic Recovery Program 2020-2023 (ERP) that is focused on restoring growth, safeguarding livelihoods through macro-economic stability, economic diversification, and debt sustainability. This economic meltdown presents a rare opportunity for Zambia to reset and rebuild its economy-based green investment pathways. This approach for Zambia provides an opportunity to deliver green growth, green jobs while securing the very ecosystems that support the economy. What Covid19 taught us is that we cannot choose economy over health, without paying. Similarly, we cannot make economic recovery decisions that disregard the environment without paying.

Why transition to a green economy?

Because a degraded planet is not good for anyone and not good for any business. Our current economic model that runs highly on carbon destroys the environment and hence not sustainable. Overlooking the current high trends of nature loss will be more catastrophic for Zambia’s development agenda. The landmark decision by the UN Member States last month to include the contributions of nature to future calculations of GDP is a strategic move. This implies that the Zambia ERP goals should move the country towards a green and inclusive economic recovery that unlocks opportunities for many Zambians. With low financial reserves, natural capital stocks, well managed could be the pillar for the ailing economy to rebound.

In the last 10 years, Zambia emitted 125 million tonnes of carbon, climate change has, in turn, cost the economy between US$4-7 Billion in the last 10 years and plunged more people into poverty. In the face of both crises, promoting a green approach will generate growth and jobs without destroying the natural capital base upon which the economy depends. A green economy is defined as low carbon, resource-efficient, and socially inclusive. This shift will not only support economic recovery but deal with major environmental degradation the country faces such as deforestation, climate change, and pollution.. To mitigate these costs, businesses and communities, have to actively help stop rapid environmental degradation and contribute to the de-carbonization of the Zambian economy.

Possible initiatives to Green Zambia’s Economic Recovery Plan?

With deliberate public policies to attract large-scale nature-based investments, governments can relaunch the economy sustainably. Under the ERP, the option of Debt for Nature Swaps can also be used to contribute towards the reduction of Sovereign debt distress. These are deals Zambia can negotiate with its creditors to channel investments in activities that can restore nature, generate green growth, and reduce debt defaults. The deal allows the country to swap making external dollar debt payments on eligible debt, for making payments in local currency to nature restoration and climate adaptation projects based on agreed terms. Nearly 30 countries have used these Debt swaps since the 1980s to provide more than USD 1billion to protect the environment.

WWF Zambia and its partners are driving landscape-based green bankable investments through the Dutch Fund for Climate and Development (DFCD ). Eligible projects have to be private sector-led and have to help save degrading landscapes. Essentially, green funds will flow to projects in Zambia that deliver the commercial, social and environmental returns.

Lastly riding on the Covid19 bond, launching green bonds can support ERP sustainable growth and job targets. Proceeds from these green bonds would be used to promote economic diversification goals by investing in COVID19 bond marginalized sectors central to sustainable recoveries, such as climate-resilient agriculture, eco-tourism, and sustainable forestry.

As a way of bringing businesses on board, there is a need for government to consider a tax system that will encourage supply chains to reduce their emissions and support the maintenance of key environmental services that support their businesses and drive the economy. This tax would be a boost to the Zambian treasury.

Conclusion

The call to go green is about the survival of economies, companies, communities, and landscapes. It’s thus imperative for leadership in the public sector and private sectors to lead the green reforms. Lack of bold action on climate change will lead to another 6% reduction in the size of the economy – that will lead to more lost opportunities and livelihoods. A green economic agenda will not only offer Zambia a secure and sustainable future but will make the country less vulnerable to the next crisis coming.

WWF Zambia Country Director – Nachilala Nkombo
WWF Zambia Country Director – Nachilala Nkombo

Napsa Stars Shine , Nkana Tumble as Continental Race Nears End

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The sun is quickly setting on Zambia’s envoys in this season’s CAF Confederation Cup campaign but Napsa Stars fared better than Nkana during Wednesday’s penultimate round of group matches.

At National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka, Doisy Soko’s 53rd minute goal handed Napsa their debut group stage triumph in a 1-0 result that also ended Moroccan club RSB Berkane’s CAF Confederation Cup title defence.

Napsa stay bottom of Group B on 4 points, Berkane are third on 5 points but cannot catch Coton Sport of Cameroon and JS Kabylie of Algeria who occupy the top two on 9 points with a match to spare.

JSK went top of Group B on Wednesday following a 2-1 win in Cameroon.

At Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, Nkana stayed put at number three after losing 1-0 to second placed Pyramids of Egypt and are 6 and 9 points respectively heading into next Wednesday’s final Group D matches.

Abdalla Mohamed’s 77th minute goal virtually ended Nkana’s quarterfinal interests in this season’s competition.

Meanwhile, runaway leaders Raja Casablanca who host Nkana next week won 3-0 away in Tanzania at bottom placed Namungo who have zero points at the end of round five.

Raja has maximum 15 points.  

Health care workers to receive vaccination monitoring training

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Health care workers to receive vaccination monitoring training

The Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority ZAMRA, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health has embarked on a nationwide sensitization and training of healthcare workers following the launch of the COVID-19 vaccination program last week.

This was contained in a statement released to ZANIS news in Lusaka today by ZAMRA Senior Public Relations Officer Christabel Mutale Iliamupu.

“The training is directed towards building capacity of health care workers in implementation of the vaccine programme that among other things include; identification, monitoring and reporting of adverse events following immunization(AEFI), ” Ms Iliamupu said.

Mrs. Iliamupu disclosed that research has shown that all medicines have potential to cause adverse effects, therefore this will training will facilitate timely decision making and intervention on adverse events through early detection, causality assessment and prevention as the vaccine is rolled out.

She has therefore appealed to all members of the public that have been vaccinated with the AstraZeneca vaccine to report any adverse events and suspected medical product quality problems to the authority for appropriate regulation action.

Govt launches COVID-19 vaccination exercise on the Copperbelt

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Govt launches COVID-19 vaccination exercise on the Copperbelt

The much anticipated COVID-19 “AstraZeneca “ vaccine has been launched on the Copperbelt with Minister of Health Jonas Chanda advising residents in the region to voluntarily take the jab for their own safety.

And Senior Chief Chiwala has urged his fellow traditional leaders on the Copperbelt Province to encourage their subjects to take the COVID 19 vaccine to protect their lives.

ZANIS reports that speaking at the launch in Ndola , Dr. Chanda , said it is unfortunate that myths surrounding the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine are still doing rounds in various social circles.

“ It is unfortunate that there are increasing myths surrounding the vaccine warning that the general public are advised to receive the jab as the third wave of COVID-19 is more lethal if the general public becomes careless, “ he said.

Dr. Chanda however re-emphasised that taking the vaccine is voluntary as people have a choice either to get vaccinated or not.

The minister of Health, officially launched the COVID-19 vaccination on 14 April 2021 at the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka.

The country received the first consignment of 228,000 doses of the vaccine from the COVAX facility, a global Initiative representing a partnership between the World Health Organization (WHO), Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI), United Nation’s Children Fund (UNICEF) and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) working on the equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines.

The voluntary COVID-19 vaccination exercise in the country is targeting a total of 8.4 million people above the age of 18 years.

Priority has been given to frontline health workers who are essential in sustaining the COVID-19 response, who includes teachers, immigration, police, journalists , religious and traditional leaders), who are people at greatest risk of severe COVID-19 disease .

And Dr. Chanda has noted the overwhelming response from members of the general public trekking various health institutions for the jabs.

“The country is slowly moving from COVID-19 denial to now going by the increased demand for the vaccine especially in Lusaka where the vaccine was launched,” Dr. Chanda said.

38,200 vaccines have been given to the Copperbelt , he said , adding that the vaccines will not only be given to public frontline workers but those from private institutions as well.

The vaccines have been certified by certified health bodies and that people should take comfort as the vaccine is efficacious.

Dr. Chanda said the vaccination programme will be done in a cautious manner and phased approach, further stating that over 4 , 000 people were vaccinated by yesterday.

“Someone is better off vaccinating from coronavirus. We are all working together internationally to look after the health of our people and to know extent we will try to eliminate the lives of people,” he said.

And Copperbelt Province Permanent Secretary, Bright Nundwe who has commended government for commencing the Provincial COVID-19 vaccination on the Copperbelt, said the general citizenry in the province is looks forward to get vaccinated.

Violence against women in elections

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Violence against women in elections

Vice President Inonge Wina says government is committed to creating a conducive environment for women’s participation in attaining leadership positions in the country’s governance structures.

Mrs. Wina said government remains committed to ensuring that the country attains gender parity not only in key sectors such as education, agriculture including agribusiness, health and commerce but also in the political space.

Speaking a Virtual high-level dialogue under the theme “increasing women’s participation, the Vice President said government firmly believes that gender equality is a precursor to sustainable development and strongly encouraged more women to join politics.

“I stand here as an example of this commitment as the first female vice-president of the republic of Zambia”, she said.

Although Zambia has made strides in increasing women’s representation in parliament, having attained 19 percent representation in the 2016 general elections, the country still falls short of the regional average of 24 percent.

Furthermore Zambia falls short of the 50/50 gender parity required by the southern Africa development community protocol on gender and development and the African union agenda 2063.

“ As the country aspires for greater heights in attaining gender equality, participation levels are still very low especially that women account for more than 50 percent of the population, “ hinted the Vice President.

Stressing that the distortions need to be addressed within the shortest time possible, the Vice President has since called for affirmative action as dependence on the first-past-the–post in elections will not yield positive results in the short to medium term.

Mrs. Wina noted that women are not asking for favours, but an opportunity to share leadership and democratic views at the same table with men.

She further added that women and men can work together to contribute equally to the advancement and strengthening of good governance and democracy through the institutionalization of gender equality and embracing diversity in all aspects of political and social life.

United Nations resident coordinator Coumba Mar Gardio has commended government for measures it has put in place in order to end gender-based violence in Zambia.

Ms. Gardio stated that there is need for concerted efforts in order to have tangible results in the fight against Gender Based Violence at all levels.

She said there is need to explore ways to stop violence against women in the coming elections.

And United Nations Deputy Secretary Amina Mohammed called for equal participation and social protection policies for women across the continent.

Ms. Mohammed said equal participation and social protection policies will lead to sustained peace as women continue to be disadvantaged.

She added that political parties must support women and end stereotypes.

And former President of Liberia Ellen Johnson Sirleaf said a lot more needs to be done in order to achieve gender equality.

Ms. Sirleaf noted that all women should be allowed to operate in an environment that protects and assures of security.

BOZ keeps an eye on Kasenseli gold mine

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BOZ keeps an eye on Kasenseli gold mine

Bank of Zambia (BOZ) Deputy Governor in charge of Operations Francis Chipimo has expressed happiness with the works at Kasenseli Gold mine in Mwinilunga district of North-Western province.

Dr Chipimo expressed confidence that once operational the mine will contribute to the country’s economy and further strengthen the country’s currency.

“We are encouraged and impressed on how they are operating, the opportunity they see to develop this mine has made me to be confident in this process,” he said.

ZANIS reports that Dr Chipimo was speaking when he visited Kasenseli gold mine in Mwinilunga district.

Bank of Zambia signed a Memorandum of understanding (MOU) in December last year with the Zambia Gold company that allows the bank to legally buy gold produced from Kasenseli mine.

He added that signing of the MOU will also allow the bank to stock up for the treasury and thus strengthen the local currency.

He pointed out that the MOU is bearing fruit and is key for the realization of the country’s economic recovery plan.

Dr Chipimo said the gold reserves will provide economic and financial stability as the Kwacha will compete with other foreign currencies and create economic resilience amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

And Zambia Gold company Limited Project Manager Charles Mjumphi observed that the MOU between the two entities has made BOZ become the off takers of all the gold produced from Kasenseli mine.

“This partnership will go a long way in securing gold as a strategic reserve because all the production will find its way to the national coffers,” Mr Mjumphi said.

He assured BOZ that the company will endeavour to deliver in accordance with the agreement made between the two entities.

Over 1000 new jobs created in first quarter

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Over 1000 new jobs created in first quarter

The Zambia Development Agency (c) has disclosed that government created more than 1000 jobs during first quarter OF 2021.

ZDA Policy and Research Manager, Stephen Chundama told ZANIS in an interview that 1,445 jobs have been created in this year’s first quarter representing an increase when compared to their target of 1,254.

He noted that among the sectors which presented the highest job creation was the agricultural sector with 668 jobs created.

He added that the manufacturing industry also created 216 jobs followed by other sectors.

Mr Chundama said the Government and the agency pays particular attention to empowering special groups which consist of vulnerable people in society by ensuring that they are taken care of.

He said most of these people are women and youths, and government has come up with empowerment programs to uplift the standards of these people in society.

“During this first quarter, 48 percent of male owned groups have been supported, followed by 28 percent of women groups while 24 percent presents the youths.

Our interventions also focuses on ensuring that these specific groups are well taken care and supported that’s why Government has embarked on different empowerment programs to enable these people earn a living,” he said.

He added that the agency provided business development services to a total of 1,075 Small Medium Enterprises (SMES) representing a 432 percent of their target.

He further said about 354 Small Medium Enterprises have benefited from these interventions.

Mr Chundama said in the provision of business intelligence and marketing formation 214 in total benefited under the program.

People with disabilities in Ngabwe empowered

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People with disabilities in Ngabwe empowered

The Ngabwe Council has handed over wheel chairs and crutches to persons living with disabilities in the district worth over K72, 300.

Council Chairperson, Tabitso Mizinga gave out the 10 wheelchairs, 10 pairs of armpit crutches, five pairs of elbow and five pairs of walking sticks on behalf of President Edgar Lungu.

The donation was made during a church service at Chisanga Union Baptist Church in Ngabwe recently.

Ms Mizinga said the equipment is not enough to cover everyone and through her office, she would continue to engage higher offices for more funds to help in areas of need.

“As a church, may you continue to preach peace and unity and especially praying for the leaders of this country, what we have received today is just an indication that the Patriotic Front government is committed to improving the lives of the people,” she said.

Ms Mizinga also made a donation of 70 iron sheets costing over K10, 700 and encouraged other cooperating partners to come on board and help the vulnerable.

And Felix Pensulu, a beneficiary thanked the President and Ms Mizinga for the gesture saying the equipment will go a long way in helping improve their lives.

“It is not easy for persons with disability to move, being in a vulnerable and remote district makes it even hard for us to afford the equipment, we are very thankful for this gesture,” he said.

President Edgar Lungu launches a PF Manifesto for the next 5 years

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President Edgar Lungu launches a PF Manifesto for the next 5 years

President Edgar Lungu has launched a five-year Patriotic Front (PF) Manifesto at Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka to be implemented between 2021 and 2026.

The Head of State said the PF Government would create a Stabilization Fund to cushion challenges and work towards eliminating road taxes in light of the road tolling program being implemented in Zambia.

He said the PF Government would roll out affordable loans to Zambians, recapitalize local banks to build capacity and reduce interest rates, consolidate taxes into single tax paid by companies as well as investigate and quickly prosecute cases reflected in the Auditor General’s Report to fight corruption.

President Lungu had since congratulated the Given Lubinda led experts for a well-thought-out Manifesto which was a measurement tool for the ruling party giving direction to PF.

He said the Manifesto created a new covenant with the Zambian people as a tested and experienced party whose focus was to make every Zambian count further promising better days to come.

The President said challenges affecting key economic sectors were not limited to Zambia alone as they had been compounded by the COVID 19 pandemic thereby affecting job creation and cost of essential commodities.

He said the PF Government remained committed towards debt servicing stressing that investments were wisely used to invest in infrastructure development which among others saw the energy deficit addressed.

President Lungu said the Manifesto was in line with the Economic Recovery Plan launched last year to address fiscal matters by reducing inflation and debt accumulation in order to spur growth.

He directed PF Secretary General Davies Mwila to give the document to all aspiring candidates at levels to campaign in line with the new Manifesto.

And PF Secretary General Davies Mwila said the new manifesto gave an account of all the key policies, programs, and projects that the PF initiated and implemented since forming Government in 2011 and the next five years.

Mr. Mwila said the Head of State had led a solid foundation for future development of the nation.

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