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Government warns health workers against pilfering drugs

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Government warns health workers against pilfering drugs

Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Technical Services Kennedy Malama has warned health workers in the country to desist from pilfering drugs.

Speaking in Chipata yesterday when he addressed directors of health and hospital medical superintendents drawn from all the 14 districts of Eastern Province. Dr. Malama said the government remains committed to ensuring that all health centers in the country are well stocked with essential drugs.

Dr Malama, however, observed with sadness that pilfering of drugs has remained rife in health facilities.

He has since warned that the government will not condone the practice of drug pilfering as any case found will not be treated lightly but dismissed and prosecuted.

“As a government, we will not condone any case of drug pilferage, and offenders will be dismissed and prosecuted. We remain committed to ensuring that all our health centers in the country are well stocked with essential drugs,” the PS said.

Dr. Malama further urged district health directors and superintendents to ensure that all drugs in health centres are managed by qualified people.

Nkana Pick Easy Derby Win Over Kitwe United

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New Nkana coach Kelvin Kaindu watched from the stands as his side edged Kitwe United 2-0 in a sparkless midweek Kitwe derby played at Nkana Stadium in Wusakile.

Nkana captain and striker Idris Mbombo scored two easy goals to inspire Kalampa to their second straight victory in this delayed FAZ Super Division round six tie.

Chingalika had contained Nkana until the 29th minute when Mbombo struck a low shot from inside the box to beat keeper Haveson Ching’ambu.

Nkana doubled the advantage when Ching’ambu gifted Mbombo with a goal just a minute away from the break.

Mbombo slotted the ball into an empty net after grabbing it from Ching’ambu who had tried to dribble him after receiving a back-pass in the box.

Earlier, Mbombo missed a chance to score when sending Diamond Chikwekwe’s cross over the bar after 28 minutes.

Winless Kitwe created fewer scoring opportunities on their way to recording the sixth defeat of the season.

The Stephen Mwansa-coach side remains bottom of the table with four points from 10 matches played.

Meanwhile, Nkana moves to 11 points after playing eight matches and have two more unplayed.


FAZ SUPER DIVISION RESULTS
16/12/2020
WEEK 5
Power Dynamos 2-Napsa Stars 2
Forest Rangers 2-Buildcon 1
WEEK 6
Nkana 2-Kitwe United 0

The high levels of social media abuse at the expense of development worries Chief Chitimukulu

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The high levels of social media abuse at the expense of development worries Chief Chitimukulu

Paramount Chief Chitimukulu of the Bemba speaking people of Northern Province is saddened by the high levels of social media abuse at the expense of development.
He is worried at the low levels of “intellectual output” among citizens thereby leading to unprogressive discourse on social media due to vices such as insults,propaganda and fake news.

Speaking to journalists at his palace when he addressed various topical socio-economic issues, the paramount Chief said it is unproductive for people to concentrate on insulting leaders on social media instead of providing progressive solutions on how the country can be developed.

“Everything has now turned to politics. People do not have anything to do and they are resorting to insulting government and leaders on social media instead of offering solutions on how lives can be made better amidst various socioeconomic challenges, ” Chief Chitimukulu said and attributed the current social media abuse to “low intellectual output”

And the traditional leader is disappointed that people have misinterpreted his message in a statement where he urged people in the Eastern province to vote for President Lungu failure to which, the head of state will also be rejected.

He said all he was trying to encourage was for people to register in large numbers to participate in elections and further questioned what comes first between voting and results.

“What comes first, voting or elections, how can we know if the people have rejected him without voting?” Chief Chitimukulu questioned and said it is illogical to think his statement is an implication and called for attachment of logic to the subject to fully understand his stance on the matter.

In the same vein, Chief Chitimukulu urged people to take full advantage of the 4 days voter registration extension to register as voters and said he has taken personal responsibility to ensure those that did not obtain voter cards do so before the close of the extension period.

Meanwhile, the traditional leader has called for people to heed President Lungu’s strong message warning against complacency in regards to preventive measures in the wake of a possible second wave of the COVID-19.

He said the President’s call should be taken seriously and further asked for the provision of free masks and hand sanitizers as a way to escalate efforts of containing a possible second wave

Mufulira residents urged to utilize 4 days voter registration

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Mufulira residents urged to utilize 4 days voter registration

Mufulira District Commissioner Mike Manda has urged eligible citizens across the country who have not registered as voters to take advantage of the extension period to register as voters.

Speaking in an interview in Mufulira today, Mr. Manda commended the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) for the extending the voter registration exercise so as to allow for more people to register and perform their civic right.

He said the added days will make difference for those who have not yet registered to do so because the new voters’ cards will allow them to vote in next year’s general election since the old voters’ cards will be null and void.

He noted that the governance system does not segregate and called on all Zambians who are holders of National Registration Cards to register as voters instead of robbing themselves off their civic right to vote.

“I want to call upon all Mufulira residents and the rest of the country who are qualified to register as voters and have not yet registered as voters to take advantage of the extension period starting tomorrow 17th December, ending on 20th December, 2020 to register as voters,” said Mr. Manda.

He has also called on all political parties to advise their cadres to refrain from violence and embrace peace and warned that those found wanting will be prosecuted.

Mr. Manda noted that peace in Zambia can only be maintained if people avoid violence.

Government bemoans increased malaria cases

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Government bemoans increased malaria cases

Government has bemoaned the increase in malaria cases that the country has recorded this year.

Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary (PS) Kennedy Malama said in Chipata today that the country this year recorded a 46 percent increase in Malaria cases.

He said the statistics show that the country has recorded 6 million malaria cases compared to 4 million cases in 2019.

Dr Malama said the situation is worrying and urged all stakeholders from the church, traditional leaders and Non-Governmental Organisations to work together in order to combat the disease.

“Zambia has recorded six million of Malaria cases as compared to four million cases recorded in 2019, showing a significant increase of about 46 percent,” he said.

ZANIS reports that the Dr Malama was speaking during the commemoration of Southern African Development Community (SADC) Malaria Week in Chipata.

SADC Malaria Week is observed every year to create awareness about malaria and mobilize the community to participate in the malaria control programmes.

This year the malaria week is being commemorated under the theme; ‘Community involvement is key to achieving Zero Malaria-together we can defeat Malaria’.

Speaking at the same occasion, Eastern Provincial Health Director Gideon Zulu said the agenda to eliminate Malaria is not just for the Ministry of Health but calls for all stakeholders especially the community.

He said Malaria is found in communities, hence the need for the community to get involved and protect their lives from Malaria.

Meanwhile, North-Western Province Minister, Nathaniel Mubukwanu has flagged off the distribution of mosquito nets in Mushindamo district.

Mushindamo district has received a total of 49,450 mosquito nets meant for distribution while 300 nets have already been given out to residents of St. Dorothy area.

Mr Mubukwanu who was also in the district to check on progress made on the construction of Kasapa mini hospital has expressed concern with the high malaria incidence rate in the region.

Mr Mubukwanu has since urged district leadership to ensure all stakeholders play a role in reducing the prevalence rate of malaria in Mushindamo.

“The fight against malaria is a collective effort that should use multi-sectoral approach to sensitize people on the correct use of nets and importance of having their homes sprayed,” he said.

Mr Mubukwanu said that government has invested huge sums of money in the elimination of malaria because it wants to see a malaria free Zambia where people are more productive.

“Government has invested so much in the malaria elimination program. So please let us ensure we sensitize people on the correct and consistent use of misquote nets,” he said.

And Mushindamo district Health Director, Edgar Mutimushi said the malaria incidence rate stands at 500 per 1,000 population.

Dr Mutimushi said community sensitization on malaria prevention strategies is still on going and efforts are being made to ensure people use the treated nets correctly so that the incidence rate may reduce at the end of the exercise.

He has however, commended government through the malaria elimination council for the huge investment made in ending malaria by 2021.

And speaking in a separate interview with ZANIS, Mushindamo district malaria elimination officer, Nawa Mutakela said 6,835 out of 7,256 targeted households have been sprayed under the indoor residue spraying (IRS) exercise.

Mr Nawa said the field officers that were deployed to conduct the exercise for 28 days conducted IRS amidst challenges of refusal by some residents.

“We could not reach our target because some families practice shifting cultivation while others were refusing the officers from spraying their homes,” he said.

Mr Nawa added that the district has received a total of 49,450 mosquito nets for distribution and so far 300 have been given out to the people in St. Dorothy.

He said Mushindamo will also benefit from the mass drug administration (MDA) that will require all residents in the district to take drugs for malaria in an effort to prevent the transmission of a parasite from one person to another.

President Lungu allows partial settlement in Ichimpe forest reserve

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President Lungu allows partial settlement in Ichimpe forest reserve

President Edgar Lungu has authorised the degazetting of part of the Ichimpe forest reserve in Kalulushi on the Copperbelt to allow over 300 people to settle.

Community Development Minister Kampamba Mulenga who is also Kalulushi Member of Parliament disclosed that the residents had written to President Lungu requesting to legalize the area.

Ms Mulenga said President Lungu has since conceded to the residents requests to legalize their stay in the forest.

Mrs Mulenga told the residents who are mostly farmers at a meeting in Donovan area of Ichimpe, that the ministry of lands will soon start processing and demarcating plots in the forest reserve.

And the representative of the residents Patson Kalamata urged government to open up feeder roads in the Ichimpe forests.

Mr Kalamata said the roads in Ichimpe have remained deplorable despite the area being a vibrant farming block.

He also commended President Lungu for degazetting the forest and ensuring that the 300 farmers have pieces of land for farming.

President Lungu to Launch 2020-2023 Economic Recovery Programme at Mulungushi International Conference Centre

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President Lungu to Launch 2020-2023 Economic Recovery Programme at Mulungushi International Conference Centre

President Edgar Lungu will tomorrow launch the 2020-2023 Economic Recovery Programme (ERP) at Mulungushi International Conference Centre.

Secretary to the Treasury Fredson Yamba said that the ERP has been formulated to address various dimensions of the economic challenges that the country is currently facing resulting from a number of factors including the Covid-19 pandemic which had negative and serious consequences on the growth prospects of our economy.

Mr. Yamba said that the plan is aimed at bolstering economic growth while reducing poverty and inequality amongst the Zambian population, adding that the launch is a demonstration of Government’s firm commitment and stance to addressing various macroeconomic challenges in the country with a view of improving the welfare of the Zambians without leaving anyone behind.

Mr. Yamba said the launch of the ERP will be covered live on both Radio Two and ZNBC TV1.

Govt launches Zambia’s first-ever SDGs implementation review Report

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Govt launches Zambia’s first-ever SDGs implementation review Report

The Ministry of National Development planning today launched Zambia’s first-ever Voluntary National Review (VNR) report on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) since their adoption five years ago.

The Minister of National Development Planning Honourable Alexander Chiteme explained that after the adoption of the SDGs in 2015, member countries of the United Nations were encouraged to undertake periodic voluntary national reviews of their implementation of SDGs.

Mr. Chiteme was speaking through the Ministry’s permanent Secretary in charge of Development Cooperation, Monitoring and Evaluation Mr. Danies Chisenda who launched the VNR Report on his behalf in Lusaka.

Mr. Chiteme said the review is aimed at assessing progress as well as identifying key challenges in the implementation of the global agenda. He said Zambia’s review of its SDGs implementation, which have been mainstreamed in the Seventh National Development Plan (7NDP), is a validation of the level of commitment to achieve the vision 2030 and SDGs by 2030.

MNDP PS Danies Chisenda - centre, UN Res. Co. Dr Coumba Mar Gadio and UNDP Res. Rep Lionel Laurens display Zambia SDGs review report
MNDP PS Danies Chisenda – centre, UN Res. Co. Dr Coumba Mar Gadio and UNDP Res. Rep Lionel Laurens display Zambia SDGs review report

Mr. Chiteme said the VNR had showed that progress was uneven and there was need for more initiatives for the Vision 2030 to be achieved.
Notwithstanding the challenges, the Minister noted that Zambia had learnt some important lessons in the implementation of the SDGs.
“The first lesson is that effective partnership is key to improved development outcomes. The collaborative efforts in social sectors have proven to be effective and have provided best approaches and practices to learn from. For instance, the 2018 Zambia Demographic and Health Survey shows improvements in key health outcomes.” Mr. Chiteme said. “Secondly, climate change has the potential to undermine development gains. Climate change negatively impacted on Zambia’s economic growth during the review period and has emerged as one of the most pressing issues affecting the country’s socio-economic development. The response to climate change, therefore, demands the attention, commitment and decisive action by all actors at all levels.”

The Minister noted that one of the major concern highlighted in the Voluntary National review |report is that awareness of SDGS at sub-national levels remains quite low compared to national level.

“As a way of increasing visibility at sub-national levels, as well as effectively disseminating the results of the VNR report, it will be imperative for the report to be translated into national local languages in line with the tenets of whole-society-approach by leaving no one behind,” the Minster said.
He added the ministry will soon start the dissemination of the voluntary national review report to all provinces to influence policy dialogue on SDGS and enhance stakeholder participation in the implementation of the goals.

Mr. Chiteme assured stakeholders that the Government will continue to mainstream SDGs in future national development plans.

“Interestingly, the voluntary national review report is being launched at a time when the Government is preparing its Eight National Development Plan (8NDP) for implementation during the period 2022 to 2026. This will be following the expiry of the 7NDP in 2021,’ Mr. Chiteme said. “As my ministry prepares the 8NDP, efforts will continue to be made to mainstream SDGS in the new Plan so as to accelerate the attainment of the goals. In this regard, all key stakeholders including the UN systems are encouraged to work with our ministry to ensure that SDGS programmes and projects are adequately catered for in the new Plan.”

And speaking during the same function, UN Resident Coordinator Dr. Coumba Mar Gadio said the United Nations in Zambia is pleased to support the Government on the delivery of the SDGs and to ensure that “No One is Left Behind”.

“This year the Government successfully presented its first VNR at the 2020 High Level Political Forum. Zambia’s VNR showcases the country’s path in the implementation of the Agenda 2030 and the SDGs. Zambia has adequately mainstreamed SDGs (86 per cent) into the 7NDP. I am happy to note that Zambia’s first VNR is an outcome of participatory and inclusive consultations based on a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approaches,” said Dr. Mar Gadio.

“I would like to thank Government for the successful delivery of yet another milestone in Zambia’s path towards the attainment of the SDGs,” Dr. Mar Gadio.”
She said some of the highlights from Zambia’s VNR Report showed that the country had a stronger and integrated SDG compliant national development framework, Zambia has undergone considerable infrastructure investments, which forms the basis to unlock sustainable development throughout the country, the country’s commitment to the implementation of the Paris Agreement as well as gender and women empowerment, and effective patnerships.

Dr. Mar Gadio encouraged the wider development community to continue its support to Zambia’s development to achieve its development aspirations.

This is according to a media statement issued in Lusaka today by Ministry of National Development Planning spokesperson Chibaula Silwamba.

COMESA, EU sign 7.6 million euro financing agreement

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COMESA, EU sign 7.6 million euro financing agreement

The European Union (EU) and the Common Market for East and Southern Africa (COMESA) have signed a 7.6 million financing agreement for the COMESA institution capacity building programme.

European Union Ambassador accredited to Zambia and COMESA, Jacek Jankowski indicated that the programme aimed at responding to the institution, will help the Secretariat as well as member states, towards effective implementation of regional cooperation projects.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Mr Jankowski pointed out that the regional integration continues to encounter challenges, which includes overlapping membership, inadequate capacities of regional economic communities and over-reliance on external funding from developed countries.

“The programme clearly responds to COMESA’s institutional capacity constraints. It will address among others human resource, capacity and management challenges at both the Secretariat and at member states levels,” Mr. Jankowski explained.

The Ambassador expressed confidence towards COMESA’s capabilities of engaging its member states and delivering concrete results, thereby benefiting the targeted beneficiaries.

In light of the coronavirus pandemic outbreak, Mr Jankowski stressed the need for private sector and international financial institutions engagement if the Sustainable Development Goals are to be achieved by 2030.

He explained the importance of promoting value addition and regional value chain amidst COVID-19, saying that they go hand in hand with free, fair and more sustainable trade.

The Ambassador reiterated the EU’s commitment to supporting COMESA in better fulfilling its central and transformative role in the region.

He however implored COMESA to effectively coordinate, manage and implement the programme at regional and national levels.

And COMESA Secretary General Chileshe Kapwepwe disclosed that the Euros 7.6 million is the last series of the Euros 85 million overall COMESA sub envelop under the institutional capacity building programme.

Ms Kapwepwe indicated that the programme will provide necessary backing to achieve the set goals for the good of the member states who remain the target beneficiaries.

She added that the programme was timely for the region as it will help to strategise the priority activities and create a public awareness with a view to organize resources.

“These priority areas include strengthening technologies, systems and enhancement of statistical skills on new tools,” Ms Kapwepwe explained.

She added that the programme will strengthen partnerships, dialogue and communication on regional integration policies among all key stakeholders.

The Secretary General was happy that the support will enable COMESA to implement a business process, re-engineering to redesign ways of doing business to better support its mission.

She said this will enable the institution to influence policy and decision-making through dissemination of information on the benefits of enhancing the regional economic integration.

The COMESA institutional capacity building programme is financed through the 11th European Development Fund (EDF). It is in line with the EU and COMESA policies to enhance the capacity of both the COMESA Secretariat and COMESA member states, including the private sector to deepen regional integration. The Euros 7.6 million programme will be implemented over a period of five years.

DEC arrests three for operating a pharmacy illegally

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DEC arrests three for operating a pharmacy illegally

Three people of Chadiza district in Eastern Province have been convicted and fined K3, 000 for operating an illegal pharmacy.

Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) Senior Public Relations Officer Christabel Iliamupu said in a press statement issued to ZANIS today, that the trio were convicted and fined for operating a pharmacy without a Certificate of Registration contrary to section 14(1) of the Medicines and Allied Substances Act No. 3 of 2013.

Mrs Iliamupu named the trio as Alice Lungu, aged 25, Neverson Njobvu, aged 27 and Joseph Kandongwa, aged 37.

She said the trio appeared before Magistrate Fred Musaka at Chadiza Magistrate court following their arrest on December 5th , 2020.

And in a related incident, a business woman, also of Chadiza district in Eastern Province was arrested for operating a pharmacy without a Certificate of Registration contrary to the law.

Mrs Iliamupu said Pricilla Tembo, aged 37 has since been released on police bond and will appear in court soon.

She said Ms Tembo was arrested following surveillance and inspection by the Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA) and the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), aimed at curbing the sale of medicines and allied substances from unregistered premises.

Mrs Iliamupu said a consignment of Pharmacy sale (P) and Prescription-only medicines were seized.

The Commission has since appealed to the general public to refrain from illegal operation of drug stores or risk being prosecuted in accordance with the provisions of the law.

NGOCC saddened by increased cases of partners’ killings

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NGOCC saddened by increased cases of partners’ killings

The Non-governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) is deeply saddened by the increased incidences of killings related to misunderstandings in relationships. We are particularly concerned that women are again at the receiving end of these heinous crimes with the recent killing of 21-year-old Ms. Mapalo Masiku, a student at Chitambo Nursing School. The Chitambo incident comes barely a few months after the killing of Dr. Tasila Tembo in almost similar circumstances.

The two incidences and more go further to epitomize just how our societal values of love, appreciation, accountability for one’s actions, respect for life, among others have been eroded. It is totally unacceptable that as a country we should remain silent while families and relationships are being bogged down in abuses and misunderstandings that are now ending up in fatal loss of lives. In our collective community safeguards, time is now that we should all champion humanity and invest in avenues that promote tolerance in relationships and decisive steps to part on a peaceful note when dialogue fails.

As the women’s movement, we would like to appeal to families and indeed communities to take seriously aspects of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, especially that which happens between partners. By and large violent relationships start early on and imminent danger signs most often manifest in many ways. We wish to advise partners to prioritize hearty discussions on matters affecting their relationships and indeed none should accept being treated any lesser in line with human rights dictates.

In all this, NGOCC notes sadly, that women have remained at the receiving end of violent tendencies as we continue to lose many of them in their productive age groups. This is contributing to the nation being robbed of the much-needed human capital for various development related pursuits. It is therefore critical that government, through the Ministry of National Guidance and Religious Affairs, urgently puts in place a “Reflection Team” to include various stakeholders such as the church, community leaders, civil society organisations, private sector, professional bodies and media to deliberate on key societal values enhancing approaches. Our main principle in this should be that violence of any form is destructive and can never resolve misunderstandings.

Our deepest condolences to the families that have lost their loved ones in these circumstances.

Issued by

Engwase B. Mwale
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Russian delegation seek investment in Zambia

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Russian delegation seek investment in Zambia

A delegation from Russia is in Zambia to explore opportunities of investments and collaboration in areas of agriculture, mining and technology with the Zambian government.

The delegation who this morning paid a courtesy call on Lusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusambo notes that Zambia stands out as a strategic partner in investment, due to the transparency and openness exhibited by its people.

Head of delegation Masambaka Kah who is also Director of Industrial Education said his team wants to create partnerships in agriculture, education and industry, as Zambia and Russia have similar climatic conditions which he said makes it easier to share technologies, to advance the agriculture sector.

And Mr Lusambo stated that with a view of diversifying the economy from mining, the people of Zambia require technological knowledge to grow the agriculture sector.

Mr Lusambo also noted that there are opportunities in livestock and aquaculture which he said could lead to the growth of the economy when fully exploited.

He praised the Russian government for support rendered in the agricultural sector, saying Zambia and Russia started collaborating in many areas of development during the Kaunda era.

The Provincial Minister added that the initiative to form cooperatives which Zambia has developed over the years was adopted from the Russian people.

Mr Lusambo explained that the cooperatives have proved to be an effective tool of empowering the local people especially in the agriculture sector.

He said that Zambia stands out to be the destination of investments due to its strategic location, peaceful people and the development of both air and road transport.

Meanwhile, Lusaka Province Permanent Secretary Elias Kamanga said the government has secured 100, 000 hectares of land for the development of a farming block in Chief Shikabeta’s area in Rufunsa district.

Mr Kamanga appealed to the team to consider partnering with the Provincial administration to invest in the area, and help expand development in the agriculture sector.

Kansanshi foundation brings christmas early to orphans in Solwezi

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Kansanshi foundation brings christmas early to orphans in Solwezi
Kansanshi Foundation’s annual Christmas party for underprivileged children.

A sense of awe and excitement descended over Solwezi on Friday (December 11) as underprivileged children from across the district joined the annual Christmas party organised by First Quantum Minerals’ Kansanshi Foundation.
The annual tradition, which has become a highlight of the festive calendar, was made extra special this year with the children – many of them orphans – receiving a hand-crafted doll from the mine made by local crafts company Tribal Textiles.
“This year has been a particularly difficulty period for most. The children and communities we support remain at the heart of everything we do, and more than ever before, it is so important that we help them end 2020 on a brighter note,” said Kansanshi Foundation Manager Bruce Lewis.
“They need so much more and deserve so much better,” Mr Lewis said. “For these kids, it means a lot. It is something that gives them something to hope for.”
Mr Lewis thanked the North West Chamber of Commerce for contributing to the five orphanages and called on others to get into the Christmas spirit and share what they have with the less privileged, especially children, this Christmas season.
“While hope is not a tangible gift, you can see it in the eyes and the smiles of the children you will directly impact with a gift this Christmas,” he said.
The Chitenge-clad dolls, named Charity after Tribal Textiles’ Country Director, were hand crafted with locally sourced material using traditional techniques. Some 250 dolls, along with 20 toy lions, were given to the children in a gesture that also means Kansanshi was supporting a local enterprise.
Tribal Textiles works to create sustainable impact through creativity and craftsmanship by reinvesting in community strengthening initiatives, and supporting local wildlife conservation.

Some of the dolls made by Tribal Textiles given to children at Kansanshi Foundation’s annual Christmas party.

Kansanshi Mining General Manager Anthony Mutukuma joined in the celebration with the orphans. While it was his first time attending the annual party as the mine’s General Manager, Mr Mutukuma said the event made him feel at home, and that the joy from the children made the event more memorable and would leave a lasting impression.
“Seeing the beautiful smiles on the children’s faces and watching their eyes light up with excitement was truly magical,” said Mr Mutukuma.
As part of FQM’s community development initiatives, the mine has supported orphanages in and around its operations in Solwezi and Kalumbila for several years, with the party becoming a fixture for the last three years. Each year, FQM donates food, toys and other essential needs.

‘No other Zambian has ever done what I did’ -Samuel Matete

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‘No other Zambian has ever done what I did’ -Samuel Matete

Former 400m hurdles world champion Samuel Matete reflects on one of the finest achievements in Zambian sporting history.

Government to improve student-teacher ratio

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Government to improve student-teacher ratio

Ministry of General Education Permanent Secretary Jobbicks Kalumba has disclosed that the government is working on a robust program towards teacher recruitment, aimed at improving the education system in the country.

Dr. Kalumba indicated that in the recent past government has been recruiting about 5000 teachers every year, in order to refine the student-teacher ratio.

The Permanent Secretary noted that his ministry is aware of the challenges that pupils in various schools go through due to an inadequate number of teachers, thereby compromising on the provision of quality education.

He guaranteed that the government will soon make pronouncements that will transform the education sector, saying that it is the responsibility of the authority to ensure that teachers are recruited, hence parents should not be worried.

“We are a Ministry that is concerned about the plight of the children in the schools and we need the adequate number of teaching staff to handle the children, but we must not also forget that some five years ago, every year government would recruit 5,000 teachers yearly, and the number went to over 30, 000 teachers. It’s just this period when we have slowed a bit but there is a robust program ahead,” Dr. Kalumba explained.

The Permanent Secretary expressed happiness that the school calendar is successfully being implemented amidst the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

He stated that with the outbreak of COVID-19, many people expressed negative sentiments towards the school calendar among which included doubt that the country would manage to conduct general certificate examinations.

He commended the teachers for ensuring that learning was on course after laxity of COVID-19 restrictions, announcing that grade nine exams have concluded today, incident-free while grade 12 exams have also commenced.

He acknowledged that it was only through concerted efforts from the teachers, parents, and pupils who adhered to the COVID-19 guidelines that the 2020 school calendar was not compromised.

“From what we have seen today, there is a successful conduct of examinations, we want to thank the teachers, pupils and the general public for having to safeguard the future of the nation through examinations,” the Permanent Secretary stated.

The Permanent Secretary was speaking in an interview with the media in Lusaka, today.

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