Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) Director general Josephine Mapoma has called for continued stakeholder collaboration against incidences of harassment and violence against journalists in the country.

Speaking at the closure of a three day workshop in Lusaka yesterday, Ms Mapoma there is need to ensure that perpetrators of violence and harassment against journalists are brought to book.

The IBA Director general advised media owners and institutions should always engage Zambia Police Service whenever they are hosting political exposed persons or high risk programmes.

The workshop was conducted as a consequence of the realization that journalists in Zambia and the world over continue to suffer attacks perpetrated by various individuals and groups especially during elections.

“ On the other hand , lack of professionalism among journalists has sometimes resulted in a backlash and has impaired people’s confidence in the media,” she said.

She re-affirmed that her Authority commitment to promoting the safety of journalists in Zambia , especially as the country enters an electoral cycles where several incidences of violence and harassment of journalists is rife.

“We call upon political parties to stop attacks on journalists who disseminate relevant information to the public, we urge political parties to learn to co-exist with journalist as they need them for their manifestos to reach the masses,”Ms Mapoma said.

This is contained in a statement signed by the four implementing partners namely IBA, MQAZ, MISA and BBC –Action and made available to the media in Lusaka yesterday.

The workshop was held with the support from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and cultural organization (UNESCO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under the Democracy Strengthening in Zambia(DSZ)Project.

Among resolutions made during the workshop were that IBA and Electoral Commission of Zambia should work together in ensuring fair coverage of all political parties during elections.

Secondly, it was resolved that political parties, as revenant stakeholders, should engage the media for them to have adequate knowledge about their programmes and activities adding that the Zambia Police Service should apply the law fairly.

140 participants drawn from Civil society Organizations, Electoral Commission of Zambia , Human Rights Commission , Media Organizations , Zambia Police Service , Media owners and chief executives Officers , media bodies , political parties and line ministries attended the workshop.

A maid , who allegedly stole three children in Ndola recently, has pleaded not guilty to the charge. This is a matter in which 38 year old Mary Nakamba , is charged with child stealing which is against the laws of Zambia.

Nakamba who stood for plea before Ndola Magistrate Brain Simachela pleaded not guilty to the offence saying she had no intentions of hurting the said children.

Particulars of the offence were that on November 9 this year, Nakamba allegedly kidnapped Chileya Manda’s three children in Chifubu Township.

ZANIS reports that Nakamba who was working as a maid at the complainant’s house has been accused of fraudulently taking away the three named children, two of them under-fives.

The accused disappeared with the children after she informed neighbours that she was taking them to the under-five clinic but did not return.

Police arrested Nakamba in Kapiri Mposhi after a manhunt.

The eight-year-old was found in Ndola and the two babies were located at an orphanage in Kapiri Mposhi.

The matter has been adjourned to November 26 this year for trial.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Joseph Malanji says the European Union (EU) has played a key role in the fulfillment of the Zambian development agenda.

Mr Malanji said EU has continued to be a reliable partner especially in the implementation of the Seventh National Development Plan (7NDP) with focus on economic diversification and job creation, among others.

Speaking at the opening session of the Zambia-EU Political Dialogue, the Minister emphasized the importance of the meeting noting that it will enhance the cooperation between Zambia and the EU.

“I must underscore the importance of the dialogue as we endeavor to increase and solidify cooperation between Zambia and the European Union. I have no doubt that this year’s dialogue will build on the successes of the previous ones, and will be another opportunity to consolidate our relationship and explore new avenues of cooperation,” Mr Malanji stated.

He stressed the need for collective efforts by the international community to heighten cooperation in research for vaccination and cure for the Coronavirus.

Mr Malanji noted that with concerted efforts, there will be equity access across the world to ensure effective control of COVID-19.

Meanwhile, the Minister said effects of climate change have negatively impacted on the agriculture and energy sectors, thereby causing food insecurity among other challenges in the country.

Mr Malanji explained that through bilateral and multilateral support from the EU, the government has put in place measures to control the ongoing challenges.

“Whilst the Zambian Government has put in place remedial measures, it is only through collective and concerted effort can such global challenges be overcome. I would therefore like to convey the Zambian government gratitude for the continued support at both bilateral and multilateral levels, in the area of climate change including the ongoing challenges of eradicating the African Migratory Locusts affecting Zambia,” he said.

He further indicated that the Zambian government remains committed to promoting principles of good governance, democracy and the rule of law, hence assured that the 2021 general elections will be free and fair.

The Minister is confident that the political dialogue meeting will further consolidate Zambia’s cooperation with the EU.

Meanwhile, EU Ambassador to Zambia, Jacek Jankowski said Zambia and the EU continue to be strong partners in good governance and the rule of law, as evidenced by the engagement in the implementation of recommendations of the 2016 EU election observation mission.

Mr Jankowski assured that EU will continue to support the electoral process in Zambia, with the aim of strengthening electoral institutions and processes, and enhance conflict prevention in the coming elections.

He disclosed that EU and EU member states recently contributed more than K185 million through the United Nations Development Programme to the electoral process in Zambia.

“As you all know, governance is at the heart of the common values we share. Zambia and the Zambian people can be proud of their longstanding democratic tradition, and they deserve elections they can trust. We need to acknowledge that the upcoming 2021 general elections are going to be very sensitive,” Mr Jankowski noted.

The Ambassador welcomed the official invitation from the Zambian government for EU observers to be deployed for the 2021 general elections.

And Mr Jankowski said EU is in support of President Edgar Lungu’s view that climate change is one of the most pressing challenges that required urgent interventions.

President Edgar Lungu has arrived in Chipata district, Eastern Province for a six-day working visit.

President Lungu who arrived aboard a Zambia Airforce (ZAF) airplane, touched down at Chipata airport at 10.20 hours

The President was welcomed by Provincial Minister, Makebi Zulu and other provincial heads, security chiefs, and party officials.

The Head of State is being accompanied by Presidential Affairs Minister, Freedom Sikazwe and other senior government officials.

President Lungu took time to greet members of the public who thronged the airport to welcome him in the province.

The Head of State is expected to visit selected districts, inspect developmental projects, and interact with chiefs, the clergy and party officials during his visit in the area.

The President is also during his visit expected to launch 2020/2021 farming season.

Meanwhile, -President Edgar Lungu has donated 78 bicycles to village headmen in Lukashya constituency in Kasama district.

Lukashya Member of Parliament (MP), George Chisanga who handed over the bicycles on behalf of the President said the bicycles have been donated to help headmen in their mobility.

Mr Chisanga stated that the bicycles will go a long way in assisting headmen with their daily activities.

“You had requested for bicycles from President Lungu when he came for campaigns during the Lukashya Parliamentary by-elections and like he indicated, he could not give you then, because it was a campaign period but now that the campaigns are over, he has delivered,” Mr Chisanga said.

The Lukashya law maker said the President has earmarked to handover a total of 250 bicycles to all village headmen in the area.

‘We are today handing over 78 bicycles but we expect to deliver 250 in total and this will be done in phases. The President wants to work with you in delivering development in the area,” he said.

Meanwhile, Chisanga Village Headman, John Musonda praised the President for honoring his pledge of providing them with bicycles.

Mr Musonda said headmen in the area are thankful to President Lungu and have pledged to work and support him.

He assured that headmen in Lukashya are behind President Lungu.

National Democratic Congress (NDC) President Chishimba Kambwili has been found with a case to answer in a matter he is accused of defaming President Edgar Lungu.

Lusaka Magistrate Felix Kaoma has placed Kambwili on his defence in the matter which Republican Progressive Party Leader Peter Chanda took to court alleging that he put the name of the President in ridicule by uttering defamatory words.

Particulars are that on 9th September last year, with intent to bring the name of the president into hatred, ridicule, and contempt, Kambwili published defamatory words.

It is alleged that Kambwili defamed the President when he insinuated that the Presidential jet is being used to carry drugs, the words which are suggestive that President Edgar Lung has been trafficking drugs.

When the matter came up for the continuation of trial, the state presented its last witness, Kamima Nyirenda, a pilot at the Zambia Air Force.

The Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) Assistant Director for Debt Recovery Unit Mr. Joseph Mfula, a has been commended for turning down a K1 million bribe to lower tax assessment payable to ZRA by Opermin Zambia Limited.

Reacting to the arrest of Opermin Zambia Limited Director by Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) for attempting to corrupt a ZRA officer with K1 million cash, Ibrahim Kabwe Mwamba, PF National Students Mobilisation Coordinator, said he is proud to be alive at a time such as this and applauds ZRA for displaying highest acts of patriotism and dedication to the fight against corruption.

Mr. Peter Samboko, aged 41 of Riverside Kitwe, has been charged with one count of Corrupt Practices with Private Person after he jointly and whilst acting with other unknown persons corruptly offered and gave Mr. Joseph Mfula, an Assistant Director – Debt Recovery Unit at Zambia Revenue Authority, One Million Kwacha (K1,000,000.00) cash as an inducement in order for Mr. Mfula to lower the tax assessment payable to ZRA by Opermin Zambia Limited, a matter or transaction that concerns Zambia Revenue Authority.

This gives confidence to many of us youths who follow with keen interest the operations and activities of the institution tasked to collect taxes on behalf of government.

Credit also goes to Commissioner General as this is clear demonstration of credible and good leadership at the top. We also wish to take this opportunity to recommend for promotion such rare acts of integrity from individuals. Under the prevailing economic situation it’s very easy for someone to fall prey to temptations of corruption but this particular officer showed courage and has instilled confidence in others to follow suit. You have by this act earned yourself and the institution some reasonable mileage of credibility and this must be applauded by every well meaning citizen of our great nation.

The National Heritage Conservation Commission (NHCC), says it is committed to develop tourist attraction sites across the country.

NHCC Northern Region Director, Kagosi Mwamulowe said the Commission will endeavour to develop various tourist attraction sites to boost tourism as well as growing the country’s economy in line with the Seventh National Development Plan(7NDP).

ZANIS reports that Mr Mwamulowe said this in Chinsali when he handed over the site to the developer, Bwacha Camping Sites, which has partnered with NHCC to develop Chipoma falls.

He noted that Muchinga Province and the rest of the regions in the northern circuit has great potential for tourism development.

Mr Mwamulowe said the tourist attraction sites in the northern circuit are set to be transformed and make them more attractive by partnering with other developers.

“The event we are witnessing today started in 2008 where stakeholders including the NHCC decided that this area around Chipoma falls be developed so as to attract tourists,” said Mr Mwamulowe.

And Bwacha Camping Sites Director, Joyce Nsamba said her organisation is committed to develop the area to international standards.

“We have plans to construct charrettes, ablution block, restaurant, and other facilities that will attract both local and foreign tourists to visit this place,” said Ms Nsamba.

And a local resident, Peter Chanda called on other residents to render support to Bwacha Camping Sites so that the area is developed.

“We are happy that a local developer is coming to develop our place. This is a welcome move and I appeal to all the residents of Chipoma falls area to support this development,“ said Mr Chanda.

The Chipoma falls is on Chimanabwe river that flows through an attractive series of rapids and cascades averaging about five metres each.