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PAOGZ President Joshua Banda Highlights Urgent Need for Farmers to Innovate Amid Drought Crisis

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PAOGZ President Joshua Banda Highlights Urgent Need for Farmers to Innovate Amid Drought Crisis
Bishop Joshua Banda prays for the Chitimukulu

Pentecostal Assemblies of Zambia (PAOGZ) President, Bishop Joshua Banda, underscored the importance of understanding the current challenges and responding effectively to the severe droughts affecting the country’s farmers. Speaking at the annual agricultural conference, themed “Land, My Ancient Inheritance: Understanding the Times, Responding in Time,” Bishop Banda emphasized the necessity for farmers to embrace innovative practices to enhance productivity and sustainability.

The event, featuring exhibitions and demonstrations of various agricultural machines and value-added products, also included expert presentations and discussions on climate-smart agriculture, conservation agriculture, and value addition strategies. Researchers, farmers, and stakeholders contributed their insights, aiming to equip attendees with the knowledge needed to tackle the ongoing agricultural challenges.

During his apostolic visit to the northern district, Bishop Banda, along with his entourage, paid a courtesy visit to Chief Chitimukulu, Mwine Lubemba Kanyanta Manga Sosala, at his royal palace. The Presiding Bishop expressed his gratitude to Chief Chitimukulu and highlighted PAOGZ’s mission of community transformation in Bemba land, seeking the Chief’s support for spreading the Gospel. Bishop Banda took the opportunity to pray for Chief Chitimukulu, blessing him with God’s favor.

Chief Chitimukulu shared his personal testimony of transformation from Marxism and atheism to faith during his imprisonment before ascending to chieftaincy. He thanked Bishop Banda for the church’s efforts in advancing the Gospel in Bemba land and presiding over a large Sunday service in Malole. Apostle Chonya’s success in planting eight branch churches in Malole also impressed Bishop Banda, who encouraged the congregations and prayed for the land, anointing it with oil amidst praises and jubilant songs.

Minister of Agriculture Reuben Mtolo, who virtually officiated the conference, urged small-scale farmers in Northern Province to adopt mechanized agriculture to increase production. He emphasized that mechanization and value addition are crucial for modernizing the agricultural sector, leading to improved productivity and higher farmer incomes.

Mr. Mtolo highlighted initiatives such as the Sustainable Agriculture Financing Facility (SAFF), which enables farmers to acquire machinery, as part of efforts to boost productivity. He also encouraged farmers to adopt innovation and technology to remain competitive and assured them that the Zambia Meteorological Department predicts average to above-average rainfall for the upcoming farming season.

The conference, organized by the Pentecostal Assemblies of God Church in Kasama, focused on promoting mechanization and value addition in agriculture to address the drought crisis and modernize the sector, aiming to improve the livelihoods of farmers across the region.

Innovative Teacher at Nchanga Secondary School Awarded for Creating Beautiful Chairs from Recycled Materials

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Innovative Teacher at Nchanga Secondary School Awarded for Creating Beautiful Chairs from Recycled Materials
Repurposed chairs created by Henry Mingochi, the Design and Technology Teacher at Nchanga Secondary Trust School

Henry Mingochi, a Design and Technology Teacher at Nchanga Secondary Trust School, has been recognized for his ingenuity in creating over 60 chairs using recycled materials. By repurposing old chair frames and damaged 10,000-liter containers from the salvage yard, Mr. Mingochi has breathed new life into discarded items and refurbished another 100 chairs that were destined for the trash.

Mr. Mingochi received an award from the school management for his exceptional use of design and technology skills, which not only saved the school significant funds but also provided quality seating for students. This innovative approach allows the school to allocate the saved resources to other essential needs.

During the award presentation ceremony, KCM Trust Schools Principal Mabvuto Ng’ona praised Mr. Mingochi for his outstanding contributions. “He has provided quality seating space for the children in the classrooms,” Mr. Ng’ona remarked. He explained that the school faced a serious shortage of chairs last year, but Mr. Mingochi took it upon himself to refurbish existing frames and create new chairs from salvaged materials.

“He relentlessly started another project of collecting leaking containers and salvaging more frames within the school to make more chairs from scratch. His creativity, innovation, and consistency have saved the school and company money over the years,” Mr. Ng’ona added.

Mr. Mingochi expressed his passion for solving challenges and the satisfaction he gets from seeing his students happy with their new seating. “I am always eager to find solutions to challenges before me and get gratification from what I do when I see my learners smiling because they have somewhere to sit,” he said.

He encouraged everyone to adopt the triple ‘R’ – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – in their homes and workplaces instead of discarding items to buy new ones.

This recognition of Mr. Mingochi’s efforts underscores the impact of innovative thinking and sustainability in addressing practical challenges in educational settings.

Findlay found with case to answer

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Findlay found with case to answer

Businessman Harry Findlay has been found with the case to answer in a matter where he is charged with possession of more than one passport.

Mr. Findlay has been subsequently put on his defence by Lusaka Principal Resident Sylvia Munyinya.

Magistrate Munyinya has however granted an application for a temporal release of Mr. Findlay’s passport to facilitate his access to medical services.

This is in a matter where Mr. Findlay on October 03, 2022, in Lusaka, allegedly acquired a Zambian passport number ZP 021382, purporting to have lost a Zambian passport number ZP 013259, contrary to the fact.

It is also alleged that Mr. Findlay on the same dates possessed a forged Mwami Immigration Border Control’s Stamp in his passport number ZP 032178, purporting that it was officially endorsed when in fact not.

Former Leader of Opposition Brian Mundubile and Eight PF Members Challenge Miles Sampa’s Election as Party President

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Former Leader of Opposition Brian Mundubile and Eight PF Members Challenge Miles Sampa’s Election as Party President

In a significant political development, former Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, Brian Mundubile, along with eight other members of the Patriotic Front (PF), has filed a new legal action challenging the election of Miles Sampa as the Party President. This fresh case comes after previous challenges were dismissed due to lack of jurisdiction or multiplicity of actions.

Mr. Mundubile and his fellow PF members assert that Mr. Sampa continues to illegitimately hold the position of PF President following his election at an alleged illegal convention. The group is seeking a court declaration that Mr. Sampa’s election in October 2023 is null and void.

The plaintiffs argue that Mr. Sampa violated articles 20, 46, 52, 58, and 64 of the PF Constitution by conducting what they claim was an illegal party convention. They further contend that his actions breached article 60 of the Republican Constitution.

Joining Mr. Mundubile in this legal challenge are PF Parliamentarians Christopher Kang’ombe of Kamfinsa, Ronald Chitotela of Pambashe, Stephen Kampyongo of Shiwang’andu, Remember Mutale of Chitambo, Mulenga Fube of Chilubi, Mutotwe Kafwaya of Lunte, Nickson Chilangwa of Kawambwa, and Musonda Mpankata of Lupososhi.

This move underscores ongoing internal conflicts within the Patriotic Front, as party members contest the legitimacy of the current leadership. The outcome of this legal battle could have significant implications for the future direction of the PF and its role in Zambian politics.

852 Cattle Slaughtered To Curb Spread Of CBPP Disease

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852 Cattle Slaughtered To Curb Spread Of CBPP Disease

852 herds of cattle have been slaughtered in Central Province in the quest to stop the spread of the Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) disease.

Provincial Permanent Secretary Milner Mwanakampwe revealed that the said herds of cattle were slaughtered at a named farm to contain the disease from spreading to other farms.

ZANIS reports that Mr Mwanakampwe was speaking when he officially opened the 2024 Provincial Agriculture and Commercial Show held under the theme, “Creating a Competitive Future”, at the Godfrey ‘Ucar’ Chitalu Stadium in Kabwe.

He observed that livestock diseases such as Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and CBPP have continued to ravage livestock in the province depriving the farmers of the much-needed draft power, manure, nutrition and income.

He said the department of veterinary services is targeting to vaccinate 590,000 cattle against FMD in the ten districts of the province while 47,551 have already been vaccinated in Mkushi District.
He added that the department is also conducting test and slaughter activity for CBPP disease positive animals where the disease was detected where 852 cattle have been destroyed.

And Mr Mwanakampwe acknowledged that compared to the 2022/2023 season, the expected production of the rain-fed crops for the 2023/2024 season is generally poor.

“All the crops captured have recorded a decrease of the expected production apart from millet, sorghum and burley tobacco which have recorded increases in expected production when compared to last season,” he said.

However, he expressed delight that the province, despite experiencing drought that has adversely affected production, has ranked number one in nine crops among them maize for seed, barley, Irish potatoes, wheat and soya beans.

Robert Chabinga Honored with African Achievers Award at House of Lords

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Robert Chabinga Honored with African Achievers Award at House of Lords

In a momentous event held at the prestigious House of Lords, Robert M. Chabinga, the Acting PF President and Leader of the Opposition in Zambia’s Parliament, was honored with the African Achievers Award for Leadership Excellence. This accolade recognizes his outstanding leadership qualities and dedicated community work in the Mafinga Constituency.

Mr. Chabinga expressed his profound gratitude for this honor, emphasizing that the award is not merely a recognition of his individual achievements but a testament to the collective efforts of his supporters.

“We take this opportunity to appreciate the support from family, friends, and fellow citizens for trusting us to represent them, being a voice to the voiceless, and putting Mafinga on the map and Zambia at large,” he stated.

The award highlights Mr. Chabinga’s commitment to improving the lives of the most vulnerable members of his community. Under his leadership, Mafinga Constituency has seen significant advancements, including access to the Constituency Development Fund, free education, and social cash transfers. These initiatives reflect the effective policies of Zambia’s new dawn government under President Hakainde Hichilema.

Mr. Chabinga also took this occasion to advise African leaders to prioritize unity for the progress and well-being of their citizens. He believes that such recognition serves as an inspiration to continue striving for excellence and betterment in governance and community service.

This recognition not only honors Mr. Chabinga but also shines a spotlight on the potential for positive change and leadership in Africa.

Journalists are being denied opportunity to ask HH random questions

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Journalists are being denied opportunity to ask HH random questions

Journalists are being denied opportunity to ask President Hakainde Hichilema random questions. For the sake of free media, it is important to mention it.

At the end of 2023 President Hakainde Hichilema held a press conference at Mulungushi International Conference Center in Lusaka. During questions time, journalists asked the president questions that appeared unexpected to him. Before answering the questions, Hichilema protested.

“Thank you very much! Yah, I have to, to smile. I think is important that I smile. Ah…am not very sure, I thought the rules of engagement were that the questions will be around the subject. Because that is why people end up writing totally different things and leaving the message of the press briefing unattended, I thought that was the rule of engagement that you gave.

So, I will suggest colleague that everything has its own time. This is the time for us to report to the nation what we have been doing in the last one year and before. So, it will be helpful to fucus on that, the next quarter maybe you can ask other questions you want, but this quarter, hah, it is so important that you rest in the issues that we raised. It is part of the discipline; it is part of the professionalism to do things like that.” The president added.

But because you have asked the questions, I will answer them, since I am your servant, but for the next questions please focus on a lot of things that require interrogation here, that we have raised. Hay, journalists, let us not focus on super-flash issues, perceptions, views. Kaunda used to call it kachepa in the morning, kachepa at lunch, kachepa in the evening and that is what rude the day. I remember I was still young when Kaunda used to say that,” appearing unhappy and disappointed, president Hichilema protested.

Since then, before taking questions, Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana who is most of the time Hichilema’s press conferences director of ceremonies, makes sure he reminds journalists to stick to what has been addressed by the president.
“Remember the rule. Please stick to the issues that his excellence has addressed. Osati kuwela kuno natumapulani twanu, tuma questions ngawafumya kuni (don’t come here with your plans, asking questions from where no one can tell). Come and ask what has been addressed,” Thabo Kawana reminded and ordered journalists before accommodating questions during Hichilema’s Wednesday June 5th 2024 press briefing.

On Tuesday June 25th 2024 President Hichilema held a follow-up press briefing at State House. Again, director of ceremonies couldn’t hesitate to remind journalists to strict questions to what Hichilema addressed.

“We have come to the point where we allow questions. We shall take them in set of three, please remember the rule. The president has been very clear, let us strict our questions to what the president has addressed,” as usual, Kawana advised and ordered journalists before accommodating a set of first three questions.

“So, we can have the first set of three,” he continued. “We stick to the issues.” President Hichilema interrupted to remind journalists again. “Yes, we stick to the issues, only what the president has addressed,” director of ceremonies said in approval before finally allowing questions.

There is nothing wrong with reminding journalists to stick to what has been presented or addressed as it is a common rule in presentations. However, because the president has protested against journalists asking unexpected questions before, doing that undermines free media. It reminds journalists of the protest and very possible affect performance; ask only questions that would please the president, which doesn’t amount to free media.

For the sake of free media, which is a pillar of every strong democracy, because President Hichilema has protested against being asked random questions before, director of ceremonies should stop reminding journalists to stick to what the president has addressed.

Journalists in Zambia deserve unlimited freedom to ask questions.
By Venus N Msyani

Message For Today:Be Renewed

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Message For Today:Be Renewed

Today’s Scripture

…and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.
Colossians 3:10, NIV

Be Renewed

Friend, you won’t be successful as long as you have a negative image of yourself. Like a magnet, the image you have of yourself will keep pulling you toward it. If you see yourself struggling, barely getting by, having a scarcity mentality, that’s what you’re moving toward. What would happen if you started seeing yourself as blessed, prosperous, talented, having a bountiful year? Then because you have the right image, because you’re in agreement with God, you’d be moving toward abundance, overflow, good breaks, a bountiful life. You’d put your shoulders back and carry yourself as the royalty God created you to be.

God’s Word says that when we face adversities, “the Lord delivers us out of them all.” It says that when the enemy comes in like a flood, God will raise up a barrier. If you see yourself as a victor and not a victim, then even in tough times you’ll stay confident, hopeful, expecting God’s favor, knowing that He didn’t bring you this far to leave you. He hasn’t failed you in the past, and He’s not going to start now.

A Prayer for Today

“Father, thank You that I can start this day with a fresh new attitude because You dwell in me and have given me a new nature. Thank You that I can get in agreement with Your Word and believe what You say about me. I’m going to be my best and make the most of this day. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

Joel Osteen Ministries

Copper Queens Draw

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Copper Queens Draw

copper queens

Zambia and New Zealand have played to a one all draw in an international friendly game.

The game that was a test match of both sides prior to the commencement of the 2024 Olympic Games was played at the Louis Darragon stadium in Vichy, France.

Having played the first half to a goalless score line, the second half started with a bang as the Copper Queens opened the score-line in the 49th minute through RHODA CHILESHE.

Their one nil advantage was however short-lived as New Zealand pulled a goal back from the penalty spot after defender ESTHER SIAMFUKO was penalised for a handball.

KATIE KITCHING stepped up to convert the spot kick and made no mistake in her execution as she sent Copper Queens Goalkeeper NGAMBO MUSOLE the wrong direction to level matters for her team.

ZNBC

Public Encouraged To Invest In Government Securities

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Public Encouraged To Invest In Government Securities

Western Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WCCI) has called on its members and the general public in the province to invest in the government securities.

WCCI Secretary, Samuel Litebele says there is a need for people in the province to participate in the buying and selling of government securities to, among others, avert the challenges of accessing affordable capital.

Mr Litebele said this in an interview with ZANIS in Mongu after an investing in government securities sensitization meeting that was organised by WCCI and the Bank of Zambia (BoZ).

“We want to encourage our members to participate in the buying and selling of securities because as we know one of the challenges we are facing as a province is access to affordable capital.

“This investment is good as the facilitators have guided that it is risk free or has minimal risks especially when you compare with real estates, moving assets like vehicles or houses that are a bit difficult to manage,” Mr Litebele said.

He said that government securities are good securities as they can be used as collateral if one wants to get a loan from somewhere by using part of the securities if not everything.

Mr Litebele said that if someone was able to invest in government securities, such people would be assured of getting returns as agreed with the central bank through short- term debt instruments as treasury bills or long-term debt instruments as government bonds.

Meanwhile, BoZ Assistant Manager-Government Securities, Chikatu Chiputa and BoZ Operations Assistant-Government Securities Dealings, Moffat Banda assured that government securities have benefits and are constitutionally protected.

The duo added that the securities were protected from external threats as the central bank was dealing with its own kwacha and not a foreign currency.

One Dead, Two Critically Injured After Shooting at Trump Rally

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One Dead, Two Critically Injured After Shooting at Trump Rally
Trump shot during Pennsylvania rally.
courtesy Sky news

PENNSYLVANIA — One person was killed and two others critically injured at a rally for former President Donald Trump on Saturday after multiple gunshots were fired toward the stage where Trump was speaking. The US Secret Service, responsible for the safety of presidents and key political figures, confirmed the details in a statement.

Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi stated that the shots came “from outside the rally venue” and that agents “neutralized” the shooter, who is now deceased.

“US Secret Service quickly responded with protective measures, and the former president is safe and being evaluated,” Guglielmi said. “One spectator was killed, two spectators were critically injured. The incident is currently under investigation, and the Secret Service has formally notified the Federal Bureau of Investigation.”

Law enforcement officials said the incident appeared to be an assassination attempt on Trump, who was speaking at a rally in Pennsylvania. Trump was quickly pulled away by Secret Service agents after the attack, his campaign later confirming he was “fine.”

Posting on his Truth Social media site approximately two and a half hours after the shooting, Trump revealed that a bullet had “pierced the upper part of my right ear.” He described hearing a whizzing sound and feeling the bullet ripping through his skin, leading to significant bleeding.

The shooting, which took place just four months before the presidential elections and days before Trump is expected to be officially named the Republican nominee, is the first attempt to assassinate a president or presidential candidate since Ronald Reagan was shot in 1981.

During Trump’s speech, a popping sound was heard, prompting Trump to put his right hand up to his ear as people in the stands reacted in shock. After two more shots, Trump crouched down. Secret Service agents then tackled the former president, shielding him with their bodies as other agents searched for the shooter.

Amid the chaos, screams were heard from the crowd of several thousand people, with one woman’s scream particularly loud. After the shooter was neutralized, agents confirmed the situation was under control and moved Trump to safety.

Police Arrest Circumcision Camp Organizers in Livingstone for Illegal Activities

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Police Arrest Circumcision Camp Organizers in Livingstone for Illegal Activities

Police in Livingstone have arrested two organizers of a circumcision camp, commonly known as Mukanda, for allegedly taking children into the initiation camp illegally.

Kenneth Makai, 67, of Mwandi Township, and Kays Kapalu, 46, of ZECCO Township, have also been accused of criminal trespass on a portion of land near Nakatindi Cemetery, which belongs to the Livingstone City Council.

According to a statement from Southern Province Police Deputy Commanding Officer Moono Namalongo, the two men set up the Mbunda Circumcision Camp on June 29, 2023. The camp has been operational for 12 days. Namalongo added that several parents and guardians have accused the men of taking their children into the camp without their knowledge or consent.

In a related development, Office of the President Gender Division Permanent Secretary Mainga Kabika has condemned the Mukanda gathering in Livingstone. Mrs. Kabika stated that the gathering was organized by unscrupulous individuals who falsely claimed to have the endorsement of the Zambezi Royal Establishment.

Mrs. Kabika emphasized that performing harmful traditional practices on children without the consent of the children or their parents or guardians is a violation of children’s rights and contravenes human rights.

The arrests and subsequent condemnation highlight the government’s stance on protecting children’s rights and ensuring that cultural practices do not infringe upon individual freedoms and human rights.

President Hichilema Meets with Magistrates and Judges Association to Address Judicial Challenges

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President Hichilema Meets with Magistrates and Judges Association to Address Judicial Challenges

President Hakainde Hichilema held a meeting with the Magistrates and Judges Association of Zambia (MJAZ) at their request at State House yesterday. The purpose of the meeting was to listen to the challenges faced by the judiciary and to hear the association’s recommended solutions on matters affecting its members and the professional body.

President Hichilema emphasized the government’s commitment to dialogue as a means of resolving issues and moving the country forward. He highlighted the importance of open and constructive conversations in addressing national challenges and finding solutions that benefit all citizens.

“Our government firmly believes in dialogue as a precursor to resolving issues. We are committed to continuing this approach as a way to move our country forward,” President Hichilema stated.

The meeting underscores the New Dawn Government’s dedication to engaging with various sectors to ensure that their concerns are heard and addressed. By fostering a collaborative environment, the administration aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of Zambia’s judicial system.

President Hichilema assured the MJAZ of the government’s support in addressing their concerns and reiterated his administration’s commitment to working with the judiciary to uphold justice and the rule of law in Zambia.

JJ Banda’s Alleged Murder,Robbery Case Committed To High Court

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JJ Banda’s Alleged Murder,Robbery Case Committed To High Court

The case in which Petauke Member of Parliament Emmauel Banda is charged with aggravated robbery and attempted murder has been committed to the Chipata high court for summary trial.

Chipata Principal Resident Magistrate Boniface Mwala this morning committed the case involving the Petauke law marker after the state through its Deputy Chief state Advocate Richard Masempela submitted a certificate of committal from Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Gilbert Phiri.

ZANIS reports that this was after the defence applied for an adjournment to allow the legal team to obtain some documents to be submitted to the magistrate court that was scheduled for a preliminary inquiry whose application was granted last week.

But the state informed the court that the scheduled preliminary inquiry had been over taken by the latest development in which the DPP has issued a certificate committing the matter to the high court for summary trial.

Last week Magistrate Mwala granted a new application to conduct a preliminary inquiry into the attempted murder case and aggravated robbery which the court had scheduled to hear today.
The application had been filed by defence lawyer David Banda of JMP and associates
As the Member of Parliament appeared in court today, there was tight security around the court premises.

The Law marker is facing charges of aggravated robbery and attempted murder.

President Hichilema Pledges Rule of Law and Collaboration with Catholic Church

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President Hichilema Pledges Rule of Law and Collaboration with Catholic Church

President Hakainde Hichilema has reassured Catholic Bishops that his government remains committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that the rights of all citizens are respected. During a dialogue meeting with the Zambia Council of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) at State House, President Hichilema also issued an apology for the recent misconduct of police officers in Kabwe and the Copperbelt, labeling their actions as unacceptable.

The President informed the Bishops that administrative measures have been implemented to prevent such incidents from recurring. He emphasized that there is no conflict between the Catholic Church and the government, reiterating his administration’s respect for the Church.

President Hichilema called on the Church to partner with the government in addressing the challenges posed by the ongoing drought, which has led to food insecurity in various parts of the country. He briefed the Church on government measures aimed at mitigating the drought’s negative effects and stressed the importance of collaborative efforts to ensure food security for the Zambian people.

He also assured the Bishops that solutions to the current energy crisis are forthcoming and highlighted the realignment of the 2024 national budget to prioritize critical areas as part of the drought response strategy.

The ZCCB president, Archbishop Ignatius Chama, along with other Bishops, expressed concerns over the planned by-elections in nine constituencies, suggesting that such elections would strain the national treasury. They also appealed for a clear roadmap on the Constitution-making process and recommended suspending the new education curriculum to allow for broader consultations.

President Hichilema responded by reiterating his opposition to unnecessary by-elections and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working with the Church as a partner in national development.

The State House Press Office issued a statement following the meeting, highlighting the discussions on various national issues including drought, food and energy security, anti-corruption efforts, human rights, and social justice. President Hichilema expressed gratitude for the Church’s prayers and support in the government’s efforts to build a better Zambia for all.

President Hichilema holds a meeting with Catholic Bishops at State House
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