he Kasama Magistrate Court has sentenced a 24-year-old man of Lwimbo Village in Chief Mwamba’s Chiefdom in Kasama District to two weeks community service for criminal trespass.

 George Chituta was convicted after he was found walking on the runway at Kasama Airport.

Chituta, who appeared before Magistrate Willie Banda, was facing one count of criminal trespass.

The offence is contrary to Section 306(a) of the Penal Code, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.

Particulars of the offence were that on January 26, 2026, around 10:30 hours, Tamira Ngoma, a security officer at Kasama Airport, spotted a man later identified as Chituta walking on the runway.

The accused was stopped and questioned about his presence on the runway but failed to give a satisfactory explanation.

He was apprehended and handed over to Kasama Airport Police Station.

During court appearance, Chituta pleaded guilty to the charge.

In mitigation, Chituta pleaded for leniency, stating that he keeps his grandmother and mother and he is the only male they depend on.

Magistrate Banda sentenced him to two weeks community service within the court premises, warning that failure to comply would result in imprisonment.

 President Hakainde Hichilema has reiterated the importance of preserving Zambia’s cultural heritage, describing it as a cornerstone for national unity and economic development.

The President says traditional ceremonies remain critical in fostering peace and harmony as they bring together people from diverse ethnic backgrounds.

He notes that culture gives a nation its identity and must be protected for present and future generations.

The media reports that President Hichilema when he graced this year’s Nc’wala Traditional Ceremony of the Ngoni people in Eastern Province.

He commended Paramount Chief Mpezeni for consistently safeguarding and promoting Ngoni cultural traditions since 1835.

Mr Hichilema further assured the nation that the government will continue investing in tourism infrastructure as a way of growing the sector and boosting economic opportunities.

The Head of State revealed that tourist arrivals have increased from about 500,000 in 2021 to approximately 2.5 million to date.

And, President Hichilema disclosed that plans are underway to construct a public university in Eastern Province to enhance access to higher education.

He added that government’s education reforms have yielded positive results, with the country recording the highest Grade 12 pass rate in its history.

Meanwhile, Malawi’s Vice President, Jane Ansah, praised the Zambian government for agreeing to sell maize to Malawi, describing the move as a demonstration of strong bilateral relations.

Dr Ansah also commended the establishment of the Mwami One Stop Border Post, saying it has significantly boosted trade and economic activities between the two countries.

She further highlighted the role of traditional ceremonies in strengthening unity among different communities.

Earlier, Nc’wala Traditional Ceremony Organising Committee National Chairperson, Dumisani Tembo, who spoke on behalf of Paramount Chief Mpezeni, thanked President Hichilema for attending the ceremony and called on citizens to embrace unity, peace and forgiveness.

Paramount Chief Mpezeni pledged the Ngoni people’s support for President Hichilema in the forthcoming general elections, citing various development projects implemented in the province.

He also appealed to the government to construct a public university in the region to promote higher education learning.

The traditional leader presented the President with a shield, symbolising acceptance into the Ngoni kingdom and protection.

He urged Zambians to avoid divisions based on tribe or political affiliation and instead promote national cohesion.

Meanwhile, one of the ceremony’s sponsors, ZANACO Bank, disclosed that it donated desks to several schools in the province to improve learning conditions.

ZANACO Board Chairperson, Professor Oliver Saasa, said the bank believes traditional ceremonies strengthen cultural heritage, unity, and investment opportunities.

Professor Saasa emphasised that meaningful celebrations should translate into improved livelihoods for communities, hence the bank’s continued support through social investments.

This year’s Nc’wala Traditional Ceremony was held under the theme “Reconnecting Abenanguni and Promoting National Unity and Love”.

President Hakainde Hichilema has called on Zambians to value and invest in traditions which showcase the country’s true identity.

The media reports that Mr Hichilema has further paid tribute to Paramount Chief Mpezeni and all Ngoni chiefs for keeping the legacy of Zambia’s traditional heritage.

“We wish the Paramount chief good health and full recovery,” Mr Hichilema said when he called on the Paramount Chief at his Laweni palace in Chipata.

And Paramount Chief Mpezeni noted that Zambia is a democracy in which one leader should lead at a time.

The traditional leader applauded President Hichilema’s sound leadership which has been demonstrated through free education policy, building of schools and the increased Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

He cited the empowerment funds especially for the vulnerable people in various communities as one of the tangible efforts which has transformed people’s lives.

The Chief said he believes that President Hichilema still stands a chance to lead Zambia for the second tenure following the laws that govern the country.

“We know not many will be happy with you but do not pay attention to such people, and who can work like you have done so far, I want to say this without fear,” the Paramount Chief said.

Paramount chief Mpezeni, however, appealed to the government not to go ahead with the proposed sale of the National Pensions Scheme Authority (NAPSA) building in Chipata as it is serving a lot of people currently under government’s control.

The Chief further handed over a spear and a shield to President Hichilema symbolising authority.

Receiving the two traditional instruments, President Hichilema thanked the Paramount Chief for the trust bestowed upon him saying he will endeavour to keep it.

Earlier, Malawian Vice President, Jane Ansah, also paid a courtesy call on Paramount Chief Mpezeni, expressing her country’s gratitude for the invitation to this year’s Nc’wala traditional ceremony.

Dr Ansah praised Zambia for the warm reception since her arrival in the country, noting that Zambia and Malawi have long enjoyed unity and peace.

She added that the two countries share a lot in common including culture and traditions.

The Paramount Chief expressed happiness with the visit by the Malawian Vice President and her delegation, and for their being part of this year’s Nc’wala ceremony

Minister of Transport and Logistics, Frank Tayali, says the government remains committed to upgrading airports and is taking the issue seriously.

Mr Tayali adds that government desires to see that all airport infrastructure across the country is upgraded to match international standards.

The media reports that the Minister said this when he conducted a tour of the ongoing works at Mfuwe International Airport in Mambwe District yesterday.

Mr Tayali observed that Mfuwe Airport has been an international airport for a long time, hence needing to meet international airport standards unlike only having one 2.2 kilometre runway.

He expressed happiness that with the current upgrade, the old runway will serve as a taxiway leading into an international standard 3-kilometre runway.

Mr Tayali added that the improvement of auxiliary facilities such as the car park was important in preparing for the anticipated increase in traffic volume, further stating that the plan fits right into President Hakainde Hichilema’s economic recovery plan.

Mr Tayali further called on the contractors to ensure that they uphold quality standards in their works and that the project be completed within the expected timeframe.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Transport and Logistics Assistant Director for Aviation, Paul Mulola, disclosed that K2 Billion had been budgeted for the upgrade of Mfuwe International Airport.

Mr Mulola explained that the contractors had applied for an advance payment of K261 Million, out of which K33 Million was paid to them in July of 2025, and the other part payment of K100 Million towards the advance payment was paid in October 2025 with a remainder of K128 Million.

He noted that according to the update given by the contractors, the works were at 28 percent completion.

Mr Mulola indicated that there were some delays with the environmental impact assessments by the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA), which have however been settled, adding that soon, the main contractor will commence works on the planned 3-kilometre runway.

And Mambwe District Commissioner, William Banda, said the upgrade will improve service delivery.

Mr Banda also commended the Minister for taking time to assess the progress on the project.

 Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Chipoka Mulenga, has called on all well-meaning Zambians to actively participate in the country’s economic value chains to accelerate national development.

Mr Mulenga says Zambia is taking decisive steps to fast-track economic growth by reinforcing collaboration between the government and the private sector.

He has explained that this is why the government has established a Public-Private Dialogue Forum (PPDF) alongside a dedicated Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU).

In a statement made available to the media by Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry Principal Public Relations Officer, Everness Nankalah, the Minister said the two structures are aimed at ensuring that policies formulated by the government translate into tangible benefits for citizens and the business community.

Mr Chipoka further noted that key policies to support trade, investment and industrial development are already in place and stressed that the next phase requires active engagement from citizens, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders to maximise the impact of initiatives.

“This is a call to action. The policies are in place, but success depends on all of us getting involved and together, we can make Zambia a land of hope and opportunity,” he said.

Mr Chipoka added that by fostering inclusive dialogue and strengthening accountability mechanisms, the government seeks to unlock new opportunities for economic expansion, job creation and enhanced regional competitiveness.

He said the initiative reflects a broader vision of building a resilient and inclusive economy where the government and citizens work collaboratively to achieve sustainable development.

 Lusaka Province Principal Public Relations Officer, Logic Lukwanda, has bemoaned that most parents are not taking advantage of the free education policy by taking their children to school.

Mr Lukwanda says it is disheartening that some parents are denying children access to education and has implored them to ensure that children attend school under the policy, urging communities to report violators.

He has however expressed happiness at Lusaka Province’s surpassing enrolment of one million learners, describing it as a significant milestone.

Mr Lukwanda told the media in an interview that the government has also heightened the feeding programme in schools, built and expanded classroom blocks through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) as well as recruitment of teachers to ensure effective implementation of the policy.

“All these strides made in the education sector are to ensure that the free education policy runs smoothly as intended,” said Mr Lukwanda.

Meanwhile, Basic Education Teachers Union of Zambia Director for Public International Relations, Obby Chisala, commended the government for the attention it has given the education sector.

Mr Chisala says the union has seen massive improvement in the allocation of school grants countrywide.

“As a union we have noticed that in the four years of the current government, the allocation of grants has been timely and consistent,” he said.

Mr Chisala further urged the school management to always use the school grants for the intended purpose and encouraged the school to ensure that all projects are documented for accountability purposes.

Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts, , has called on the private sector to come up with initiatives that help shape the young people for leadership.

Mr Nkandu says President Hakainde Hichilema in his address to Parliament was very clear on national values and principles that young people must be given information that shape them for the future.

The media  reports that speaking during a courtesy on Central Province Minister, Mwabashike Nkulukusa, ahead of the youth Indaba in Kabwe, Mr Nkandu said the occasion is an opportunity to inculcate knowledge into young people to bridge the information gap between the policy makers, implementers and the youths.

He said it is important that young people are counseled before being empowered in order to achieve best outcomes.

Central Province Minister, Mwabashike Nkulukusa, said the biggest challenge has been the gap between the policy makers, policy implementers and the young people.

Mr Nkulukusa stated that the government has been giving out a lot of empowerment but sustainability to grow remains a challenge due to the information gap with the young people.

Meanwhile, Bwacha Member of Parliament, Sydney Mushanga, thanked President Hichilema and his administration for the unwavering commitment to better the welfare of young people.

And, Kabwe Central Member of Parliament, Chrizoster Phiri, said the indaba should help address drugs and other substance abuse among the young people.