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“If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”
John 20:23, NKJV
Forgiveness Will Free You
Friend, after Jesus rose from the dead, He spoke today’s Scripture to His disciples. When you retain someone’s sin, you hold on to it. God was saying that when you hold on to the wrongs people have done to you, the poison contaminates you. When you don’t forgive, the sin you retain that hurt you—that bitterness, anger, hatred, or criticalness—can produce the same results in you.
It can be very hard to forgive, especially when someone has hurt you, but you don’t have to forgive them for their sakes; you forgive for your own sake. Forgiving doesn’t mean you’re excusing anyone or lessening the offense. Forgiveness keeps their poison out of your life and takes away their power to keep hurting you. Forgiveness is about choosing to release the hurt and trust God to make it up to you, so you can claim the amazing future that awaits you. When you forgive someone, you set a prisoner free from chains of anger and bitterness. That prisoner isn’t the person who hurt you; the prisoner is you.
A Prayer for Today
“Father, thank You that I can forgive other people of their sins and stay free from the poison it holds. Thank You that I can look to You to heal my hurts and right the wrongs done to me. I declare I won’t let bitterness, anger, or an offense have control over my life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”
While at Matongo, the resting place during the Kuomboka voyage from Lealui to Limulunga, the Litunga poses for a unique photo with Paramount Chief Chitimukulu of the Bembas.
In a display of unity and cultural richness, the 2024 Kuomboka Ceremony, held on Saturday April 20th, witnessed a historic convergence of traditions with their Majesties King Lubosi Imwiko II, the host, and Chitimukulu Kanyanta Manga II, the guest of honor, along with other traditional leaders from across the country.
The Kuomboka Ceremony, a centuries-old tradition among the Lozi people, marks the transition from the flooded plains of Lealui to the elevated grounds of Limulunga, symbolizing resilience and the enduring spirit of the Lozi community. This year’s ceremony, however, took a unique turn due to climate change-induced drought, redirecting the journey to Mulamba Harbour in Mongu.
The Litunga Lubosi Imwiko II with Paramount Chief Chitimukulu Mwine Lubemba Kanyata II during this year’s Kuomboka Ceremony
Among the highlights of the ceremony was the presence of Paramount Chief Chitimukulu Kanyanta Manga II, showcasing a remarkable display of unity between the Lozi and Bemba speaking peoples. This gesture, reciprocated from last year when the Chitimukulu invited the Litunga to be the Guest of Honor at the Ukusefya pa Ng’wena.
President Hakainde Hichilema and various government officials also graced the occasion, emphasizing the government’s commitment to supporting traditional ceremonies as a means of fostering unity and preserving cultural heritage.
Minister of Local Governement Gary Nkombo beating the Maoma Royal drums
The majestic procession, led by the Litunga aboard the royal barge Nalikwanda, captivated spectators with its vibrant colors, rhythmic drumming, and intricate symbolism. As thousands gathered along the Zambezi River, the ceremony served as a poignant reminder of Zambia’s rich cultural tapestry and the collective strength of its people.
Amidst the grandeur and pageantry, the Kuomboka Ceremony of 2024 transcended its traditional significance, becoming a beacon of unity and solidarity for all Zambians.
President Hakainde Hichilema (L) Paramount Chief Chiti mukulu Mwine Lubemba Kanyata the second during this year’s Kuomboka Ceremony of the Lozi people at Mulamba harbour in Mongu Western Province.
President Hakainde Hichilema (R)interact with Speaker of the National Assembly Nelly Muti (L) second during this year’s Kuomboka Ceremony of the Lozi people at Mulamba harbour in Mongu Western Province.
The Royal Budge (Nalikwanda) docks at the Mulamba harbor in Mongu, Western Province during this year’s Kuomboka ceremony.
Part of the crowd during the Kuomboka ceremony
The Litunga Lubosi Imwiko II with Paramount Chief Chitimukulu Mwine Lubemba Kanyata II during this year’s Kuomboka Ceremony of the Lozi people at Mulamba harbour in Mongu Western Province.
President Hakainde Hichilema expressed gratitude and paid homage during a courtesy call on His Majesty, the Litunga at Lealui, ahead of the Kuomboka Ceremony scheduled for Saturday 20th April.. Despite the challenges posed by climate change, which has affected the Barotse plains, President Hichilema lauded the resilience of the people of Bulozi in ensuring the continuity of the revered tradition.
Reflecting on decades of attending the Kuomboka Ceremony, President Hichilema underscored its significance as a cherished heritage and a symbol of national pride. However, he lamented the adverse impact of climate change on the ceremony’s traditional setting.
In discussions with His Majesty, the Litunga, President Hichilema reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the development agenda of Barotseland. He pledged to prioritize infrastructure development in Western Province, emphasizing the government’s aim to ensure equitable progress across all regions.
Furthermore, President Hichilema encouraged the participation of traditional leaders from various parts of Zambia in such ceremonies, citing their role in fostering national unity and cohesion under the banner of “one Zambia, one Nation.” President Hichilema pays a courtesy call on His Royal Highness, Paramount Chief Chitimukulu who is in Mongu for this year’s Kuomboka Ceremony
Following the meeting with the Litunga, President Hichilema extended gratitude to His Royal Highness, Paramount Chief Chitimukulu, for his presence at the upcoming Kuomboka Ceremony in Mongu. He emphasized the importance of such gatherings in promoting unity amidst Zambia’s diverse cultural landscape.
President Hichilema concluded by expressing appreciation to both the Litunga and the people of Bulozi for the opportunity to partake in the Kuomboka Traditional Ceremony, underscoring the significance of such cultural events in Zambia’s national fabric. President Hichilema when arrived in Mongu for the Kuomboka ceremony
Vehicles sit abandoned in floodwater covering a major road in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Wednesday, April 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Jon Gambrell)
If Dubai is the ultimate Instagram city, then this was the week the filter came off.
Over an unprecedented 48 hours, the skies over the United Arab Emirates darkened and torrential storms washed away Dubai’s picture-perfect image.
About 25cm (10in) of rain – roughly twice the UAE’s yearly average – fell in a single day, leaving much of the city’s outdoor infrastructure under water.
Jordache Ruffels, a British expat living in Dubai, told BBC News experiencing the storms was like “living through the apocalypse”.
He watched from his apartment overlooking the city’s usually tranquil marina as furniture was flung from balconies by gale-force winds and Rolls Royce cars were abandoned on roads suddenly transformed into rivers.
“We live high up and could barely see a thing past the balcony… It felt like midnight in the middle of the afternoon,” he said.
A cluster of four large storms, each of them towering 15km (9 miles) into the atmosphere and fuelled by a powerful jet streams, rolled into the UAE one after another, according to forecasters at BBC Weather.
Heavy rainfall over the desert landscape of the Gulf is not unheard of, and residents were warned via a public alert system – but Dubai’s weather infrastructure was unprepared for the worst rain since 1949.
In many ways, few modern cities would have coped with the size of the deluge that hit Dubai this week.
The city’s top attractions – largely indoors to protect from the searing heat – struggled to handle the sudden influx of water.
Caroline Seubert, 29, from the UK, was with her husband at a shopping centre when the storm hit.
“The mall was flooded, ceilings were collapsing,” she said. “We were told to leave, but the metro was shut and the taxis were not running.
“We were stranded, had to sleep in the mall lobby overnight.”
Matt Weir, a British teacher who has been based in Dubai for 10 years, said “people were aware” a storm was coming but the force of it left “neighbourhoods under water”.
While the forecast looks more typically blue and sunny for the week ahead, some storms remain possible – and with roads and other infrastructure still crippled, Dubai’s rulers are counting the cost.
The UAE’s President Sheikh Mohammed bin Nahyan issued a public order for “authorities to quickly work on studying the condition of infrastructure throughout the UAE and to limit the damage caused”.
Government employees have been told to work from home until the end of the week, while private firms have been encouraged to do the same. Schools across the country have been shuttered.
So far, the official death toll in the UAE is just one person – an elderly man who died when his vehicle was swept away in Ras Al Khaimah, according to local media.
Some of the worst disruption has been at Dubai International Airport, the world’s second busiest, where nearly 90 million people – more than the population of Germany – are expected to pass through in 2024.
It is an important hub for travel to the Gulf and connecting flights heading further afield – but witnesses say it has descended into bedlam after the floods.
A flooded taxiway meant planes were unable to reach the runway to take off and passengers were left stranded in the terminal building.
The country’s state-owned airline Emirates was forced to stop accepting check-in passengers at all. While it has since re-opened check-in, it says many passengers “are still waiting to get on flights”.
Jo Reilly is among the travellers left in limbo. The 41-year-old was flying back to the UK from Vietnam via Dubai with her daughters Holly, 13, and Ruby, nine, when the storm struck.
After two-and-a-half hours circling over the Gulf waiting for a chance to land, they eventually landed at another Dubai airport, before being told in the middle of the night to get on a bus to head for their original destination.
She told BBC News her daughters “were practically crushed in a stampede as hundreds of desperate people were fighting for a seat on the coach”.
Once they eventually reached Dubai International Airport, the situation was no better. Jo said: “We asked can we have water, can we have food? Nothing. There’s nothing here. People are really, really in a bad way.
“We’ve been told it’s Sunday night the earliest we can get home and apparently we’re quite lucky to have that option.
“Emirates are saying there are no hotel rooms so I said, ‘Oh, so we’re just to carry on sleeping on the floor?’ And they said, ‘Yes, go make yourself comfortable over there’ and pointed to the corner of the check-in area.”
Jonathan Finchett, also from the UK, described “apocalyptic” scenes in the airport, where people were arriving to find their flights had been cancelled.
He told BBC News he saw families “barricading themselves behind a circle of luggage trolleys to keep themselves safe because they didn’t feel that safe because there was absolutely no staff”.
Queues at ticket desks were “pure chaos”, he said, adding: “There were hundreds of people stampeding towards this, like a crush. All of a sudden you had women screaming saying they couldn’t breathe.”
Emirates said it appreciated “how difficult it is for everyone affected” and that schedules were returning to normal.
Dubai International Airport said: “As much as possible, we’ve been providing necessary assistance and amenities to affected guests but due to road blockages, it’s taken longer than we would have liked.”
As for how things are now in the city, Jordache Ruffels said things had “practically returned to normal” after swift action by the authorities. “There’s a sense of unity and togetherness in times like this,” he added.
The storms hit a Dubai – home to 3.5m people – which would be unrecognisable to the 100,000 residents who called it home in the 1970s, before the oil boom.
FLASHBACK: A child receives measles immunisation during the child health week in Lusaka
Measles has struck Chasefu District, situated in the Eastern Province of Zambia, with 33 suspected cases reported in the area, indicating an ongoing outbreak.
According to Jacob Banda, the District Surveillance Officer, among the 11 samples collected and sent to the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) in Lusaka for examination, four have tested positive for measles. Banda revealed this information during an Epidemic Preparedness Meeting held at Emusa Day Secondary School.
Banda emphasized that the confirmation of two positive tests out of five suspected cases solidifies the existence of the outbreak. The first case was reported in March at Lusuntha Rural Health Center, and since then, there has been a concerning increase in cases.
Furthermore, Banda disclosed that an outbreak of rash in Phikamalaza has also been recorded, although it has not yet been officially classified as measles.
In response to the outbreak, Aaron Mwango, the Chasefu District Health Director, stated that his office is strategizing to engage the Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI) to contain the spread of the disease. This proactive measure aims to swiftly address the situation and prevent further escalation of the outbreak.
The health authorities in Chasefu District are working diligently to implement containment measures and ensure the safety and well-being of the community members. Efforts are underway to provide necessary medical interventions and raise awareness about preventive measures against measles.
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has announced its decision to appeal the acquittal of former Justice Minister Given Lubinda on charges related to the possession of properties deemed to be proceeds of crime. ACC Head of Corporate Communications, Timothy Moono, made the announcement during a media briefing held in Lusaka.
Mr. Lubinda was acquitted of the charge of possession of properties, which were alleged to be proceeds of crime, amounting to over $200,000. The ACC has expressed its intention to study the court judgment thoroughly before launching the appeal process.
The decision to appeal comes after the Economic and Financial Crimes Court acquitted Mr. Lubinda of corruption charges on April 18, 2024. The court ruled that the properties acquired by Mr. Lubinda were not proceeds of crime but were legally acquired. It cited that funds received by Mr. Lubinda in his dollar account were in respect of a loan facility entered into by his company, Highview Investment, with Qingdao Ruichang Cotton Company.
The state had accused Mr. Lubinda of receiving $50,000 from China Africa Cotton Limited and $180,000 from Qingdao Ruichang Cotton Industrial Company Limited, alleging that these funds were proceeds of crime. However, the court found that they were part of a legitimate loan arrangement.
In addition to the appeal against Mr. Lubinda’s acquittal, the ACC provided updates on its recent activities. Over the past three months, the commission has seized 68 motor vehicles valued at over 41 million Kwacha in connection with various cases under investigation. Additionally, 25 motor vehicles valued at 20 million Kwacha were forfeited to the state.
Mr. Moono explained that these motor vehicles were recovered during investigations and subsequently forfeited to the state after the expiration of a Gazette Notice for the owners to claim them. The ACC’s efforts underscore its commitment to combating corruption and recovering assets obtained through illicit means.
Rainford Kalaba former Zambia National Team Captain
The University Teaching Hospital (UTH) has reported a significant improvement in the condition of Rainford Kalaba.As of April 18, 2024, Mr. Kalaba’s health notably improved, with his condition now stable.
According to Nzeba Chanda, the Public Relations Officer at UTH-Adult, Mr. Kalaba achieved a milestone by consuming his first meal since his admission. Additionally, he is fully conscious and able to engage in conversation, marking a positive turn in his recovery journey.
Despite these positive developments, the medical team at UTH remains vigilant, providing continuous monitoring and attentive care to ensure Mr. Kalaba’s ongoing recovery and well-being. The hospital administration has reassured the public that they will continue to provide regular updates on Mr. Kalaba’s condition, underscoring their commitment to transparency and accountability.
Rainford Kalaba, the former Zambia National Team captain was left in a critical condition after a tragic accident on Saturday April 13,2024 along the Great North Road at Kafue S Corners near Kafue Quarry.
According to Police Public Relations Officer,Rae Hamoonga, the incident involved a Howo truck horse and an unregistered Mercedes Benz car.
Mr. Muyunda Isaac, aged 32 years, of Kamwala South, was driving the Howo truck whilst a woman identified as Charlene Mkandawire was driving a Mercedes Benz car, unregistered, from south to north direction.Tragically, she succumbed to her injuries at the scene of the accident.The passenger Rainford Kalaba was onboard the Mercedes Benz vehicle. He sustained suspected internal injuries and was promptly transported to UTH for urgent medical attention.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the accident occurred as a result of improper overtaking by the Benz car, leading to a collision with the oncoming truck.Ealier that day the Mercedes Benz was seen being driven erratically.
In a bid to address the rising prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among students, the Copperbelt University (CBU) main campus in Kitwe has been distributing over 5,000 condoms every month. This initiative comes as the university grapples with a student population of approximately 15,000.
According to Charity Kaziya, the Acting Head of Public Health at CBU, the condom distribution program aims to tackle the alarming rates of STIs prevalent among students. Kaziya emphasized that the distribution is facilitated by a team of 50 trained peer educators, ensuring accessibility for all students.
Kaziya further explained that the university has observed a notable uptick in sexual activities among students, prompting the establishment of a youth-friendly corner within the public health office. This dedicated space will provide students with essential information on sexual and reproductive health, fostering a supportive environment for addressing related concerns.
Additionally, the CBU Public Health Department has identified a concerning trend regarding the misuse of emergency contraceptives, commonly referred to as morning-after pills, among students. Matildah Lukwesa, a CBU Midwife, highlighted this issue, stating that the university is actively undertaking door-to-door family planning services to combat the misuse of emergency contraceptives.
The proactive measures undertaken by CBU are meant to promote the health and well-being of its student body. By offering comprehensive sexual health services and education, CBU aims to empower students to make informed decisions and prioritize their health.
As Bemba speaking people we are honored to have our Paramount Chief Chitimukulu honored to play the role of guest of honor at this year’s Kuomboka. We however advise that no politician should attempt to use the name of our traditional leader in their political fight against the Republican President. Chief Chitimukulu feels honored to be at the same event with his host His Majesty the Litunga and the President of the Republic of Zambia.
The President can visit any part of Zambia with or without a special invitation. President Hichilema should not think twice about both his right and obligation to attend events of national significance like the Kuomboka Ceremony.
He should not pay any attention to any politically inclined special groups trying to intimidate him out of attending the cultural event of the Lozi people of Barotseland. He is the President of the Sovereign Republic of Zambia of which Western Province is a part of.
The argument that the President should not attend the Kuomboka Ceremony because he has not been invited as Guest of Honor exposes the root of both ignorance and the nature of the current Zambian toxic politics.
The President cannot be a guest of honor for every event he attends. If the President attends our Victory Bible Church, he should do so because he wants to come and share in our worship. He needs no special invitation. He doesn’t have to come as a guest of honor.
The politicians who are raising this issue come from the old fading school of the all powerful, all controlling Presidency. This is a new season of a servant leader President. Who takes the lowest seat at the banquet as the scriptures teach us.
This is the same argument being raised by those claiming that President Hichilema is belittling the Presidency by Commissioning the sanitary project of flushable toilets. They believe he should only commission big shiny projects attended by the rich serving the interests mostly of the rich.
A new flushable toilet to a poor man in the compound who uses a dangerously built pit latrine is equivalent to commissioning a newly tarred road for those who drive. The president is a president of both the rich and the poor. Humility is to do those small things that mean much to those who need them.
Finally, to the police, we advise that you not be heavy handed in your quest to maintain order at this very important national event.
Let us celebrate this historic event under the umbrella of our national banner of “ONE ZAMBIA, ONE NATION.”
State House says President Hakainde Hichilema will attend Saturday’s Kuomboka Traditional Ceremony as a citizen and enthusiast of the event.
Chief Communication Specialist Clayson Hamasaka issued the following statement.
“We wish to clarify once again President Hakainde Hichilema’s attendance at the Kuomboka Ceremony this Saturday, following various accounts circulating on various media platforms. President Hichilema is fully aware of the invitation of His Royal Highness Paramount Chief Chitimukulu as the guest of honor at this year’s Kuomboka ceremony. This invitation is a reciprocal gesture, following last year’s invitation of King Lubosi Imwiko II as the guest of honor at the Kusefya Pa Ngwena ceremony in the Northern Province, which President Hichilema fully supported.
It must be emphasized that President Hichilema is not intending to usurp or take over the Chitimukulu’s role as Guest of Honour at this year’s Kuomboka ceremony. He is simply attending as a citizen and enthusiast of the event. Indeed, President Hichilema has participated in the Kuomboka and many other ceremonies across the country long before he entered mainstream politics. Even as an opposition leader, he attended these ceremonies not as a guest of honor, but as a citizen who respects traditions, and as a headman in his own right.
Looking ahead, President Hichilema encourages cultural exchanges among traditional leaders, where ceremonies and other traditional engagements are presided over by traditional leaders from different regions. This initiative will undoubtedly promote national unity and peaceful coexistence among the diverse ethnic groups in our country. President Hichilema holds deep respect for Their Majesties King Lubosi Imwiko II and The Chitimukulu. As President, he urges all citizens to respect our rich and diverse culture and traditions.
The President is looking forward to joining other patrons and the Lozi people at this weekend’s Kuomboka ceremony. ”
Meanwhile Chitimukulu as said it will be an honor to be in the presence of President Hakiande Hichilema.
Chief Chitimukulu of the Bemba speaking People said it will be a great honor for him and the Litunga of the Barotseland to meet President Hakainde Hichilema during the 2024 Kuomboka Traditional Ceremony of the Lozi people of Western Province in privacy.
The Chitimukulu, who is the Guest of Honour at the annual Traditional Ceremony, said this will provide the three leaders an opportunity to confer in privacy on a number of issues affecting their people and the nation. The Mwinelubemba said he sees nothing wrong with the President attending the ceremony despite being invited as the Guest of Honor and advised people to avoid creating discontent over a non-issue. He advised people to ignore social media gossip.
The decision by President Hakainde Hichilema to attend this year’s Kuomboka Traditional Ceremony in his capacity as a subject of the Litunga has raised dust especially among political players who have called on the President not to go uninvited.
Reformist Mubita Nawa’s candidacy for one of the world’s most prestigious police jobs is entering a critical stage as preliminary assessments are set for next week. Mr. Nawa is vying for the position of Secretary General of International Police (INTERPOL) and is facing competition from three candidates from the Americas, Asia, and Europe. The Zambia Police Service director of administration is undaunted by competition and stands not only on the standard virtues of policing but also on the pedestal of reform so that INTERPOL reflects a true global image. The Deputy commissioner of police is inspired by his passion for a world safe for everyone and one that presents opportunities to all. His candidature also seeks to reverse a trend that has excluded Africa for more than 100 years of INTERPOL’s existence as the position of Secretary General has only been held by representatives outside the continent. And that, Mr. Nawa says, should be the beginning of reform. Should he go through, as he believes he will, reform will start from within the executive committee and secretariat which are seemingly a closed shop for Africa. His blueprint also details major changes even in the way projects are spread across the globe so that they reflect the global character of the organization. Preliminary assessments of the four candidates are set for April 22 to 26 while the final will be around June. Despite facing an obvious stiff competition, Mr. Nawa is unfazed as his confidence is full to the brim not only because of the reform agenda but his unparalleled curriculum vitae that clearly sets him apart. “I am very confident as I believe I have the right expertise, exposure, and experience for the job,” Mr. Nawa says. He has immense exposure and experience in international law enforcement from the Southern African Development Community, the United Nations, and Interpol.
Backing
Apart from endorsement of the Zambian government, Mr. Nawa boasts of support almost throughout Africa. The African Union at its recent summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia unanimously agreed to rally behind one African candidate which is Zambia. His strength so far includes exposure to a wide range of jurisdictions, different international organizations, having worked in several multi-cultural environments, and having worked at leadership positions in all these places. Mr. Nawa has gained experience at operational and strategic level, especially the experience of the realities of the policing challenges, dynamics, and realities from the field having been Director of the Interpol regional bureau for Southern Africa. Being the only African candidate, Mr. Nawa also has the consensus of countries to implement change of the status quo. He sees the Executive Committee voting for the Secretary General and not the General Assembly as the only threat. “The Brazilian candidate is a member of the Executive Committee where he is vice president for the Americas region, which is responsible for the interviews and selection of the SG. The United Kingdom candidate Stephen Kavanagh is the Executive Director Police Service at Interpol headquarters, technically number two from the Secretary General. The fourth contestant is Faisal Shankah. While Mr. Nawa is still struggling to raise resources for his campaign, the Brazilian candidate Valdery Urquiza and his UK counterpart can traverse the world directly meeting Heads of State and Government under the guise of their current positions while canvassing for support for their candidacy. He is also disadvantaged by not having direct access at certain levels which in some cases delays the campaign activities. “Direct access allows for proper briefings and putting the authorities in a clear perspective of the processes involved. Reporting through third parties creates information gaps,” Mr. Nawa says. He has engaged relevant offices to assist. “For instance, I have direct access to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation senior officials. We have been having physical and virtual meetings arranged by Foreign Affairs,” Mr. Nawa says.
Traders from Chongwe transporting charcoal to the market in Lusaka on their bicycles
The news on the directive to ban charcoal production announced by the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment through the Honorable Minister has been received with mixed feelings by members of the public, As the Forestry Institute of Zambia, we would like to address the recent decision by the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment to ban the issuance of permits for charcoal production in certain districts of Central Province. First and foremost, we express our full support for the government’s initiative to address the pressing issue of deforestation, particularly in the identified districts of Mumbwa, Itezhi Tezhi, and Shibuyunji.
The unprecedented levels of deforestation pose a significant threat not only to our environment but also to the livelihoods of countless Zambians who depend on the forests for their sustenance and economic well-being. The decision to ban the issuance of charcoal production permits underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for decisive action. Forest degradation and deforestation are indeed critical concerns, especially in light of the recent declaration of a national disaster by our esteemed Republican President. It is imperative that we act swiftly and decisively to preserve our natural heritage for current and future generations. Furthermore, we firmly believe that the ban on charcoal production permits should not be limited to the three mentioned districts but should be extended to all parts of Zambia. The trade in charcoal, while lucrative, exacts a heavy toll on our environment and contributes significantly to deforestation. Therefore, a comprehensive and nationwide ban on charcoal production is necessary to curb this destructive practice and promote sustainable alternatives. One such alternative that warrants exploration and promotion is the adoption of charcoal briquettes to replace raw charcoal. Charcoal briquettes offer a more environmentally friendly and sustainable solution, utilizing waste from both forest products and agricultural sources.
Initiatives such as the ongoing project in Katete including same initiatives in other districts demonstrate the feasibility and potential impact of transitioning to charcoal briquettes as a cleaner and more sustainable energy source It is crucial to emphasize that while we support this emphatic and courageous move by the government, measures must be put in place to protect the livelihoods of those in the charcoal value chain and promote alternative energy sources for charcoal users.
We call upon the government to place emphasis on the measures that will be put in place to ensure that those currently affected by this ban can easily adopt new and more sustainable energy sources. These measure may include incentivizing business houses and persons engaged in importation and trade of alternative energy technologies by removing any taxes or duty associated with such completely as well as exploring the enhancement of possible means of utilizing the Constituency Development Funds to finance the access to alternative energy sources by members of the public. In implementing these interventions, it is anticipated that compliance with environmental standards and guidelines will increase, leading to a reduction in deforestation rates and the restoration of degraded ecosystems.
Programmes focusing on sustainable land and forest management, community-based natural resources management, water catchment protection, and natural resource valuation will be key to achieving these objectives. As we embark on this journey towards sustainable development, it is essential to engage all stakeholders, including local communities, government agencies, civil society organizations, and the private sector. Collaboration and collective action will be vital in overcoming the complex challenges posed by deforestation and environmental degradation. We encourage citizens to embrace this development and not to have any fear regarding this ban. As earlier alluded to, this action well established in the 8th National Development Plan on page 64 to be precise and is not targeted at specific region but will roll out to the rest of the country in due course. We encourage Zambians to embrace a mindset shift and begin to invest in alternative energy sources such as solar for their domestic lighting, entertainment and cooking at household level. The Forestry Institute of Zambia stands ready to support and collaborate with the government and all relevant stakeholders in implementing the ban on charcoal production permits and promoting sustainable alternatives. Together, we can work towards a future where our forests are preserved, our environment is protected, and our people thrive in harmony with nature.
Yours In Service,
Eng. Chaliafya Katungula
Secretary General
FORESTRY INSTITUTE OF ZAMBIA
By Field Ruwe, EdD PLEASE NOTE: I am an academic, not a politician, and do not envision myself as having a political career. This is a thoroughly researched piece of work, not an opinion editorial. You have to read the entire article to fully comprehend its content.
On July 12, 1966, Chancellor of the University of Zambia, Kenneth Kaunda, spoke: “I have to reiterate on this most important occasion what I have already said in the past, that as far as education is concerned, Britain’s colonial record is most criminal. This country has been left by her as the most uneducated and the most unprepared of Britain’s dependencies on the African continent. This record is even treasonable to mankind when it is recalled that in the seventy years of British occupation, Zambia has never lacked money, and, except for a year or two, her budget has never been subsidized by the British Treasury.”
The occasion was the official opening of the University of Zambia. The above quote was Kaunda’s scathing rebuke of Britain’s failure to develop a robust educational system in Northern Rhodesia. In January 1964, the then Prime Minister Kaunda had received the controversial 1963 Lockwood Report on the establishment of the University of Zambia.
In planning the establishment of the University of Zambia, the Lockwood Committee recommended that the proposed University of Zambia entrance requirements be a “lower level than was the norm in Africa” [see Report on the Development of a University in Northern Rhodesia, 1963]. This decision can be grandfathered into the University of Zambia’s degree deemed as inferior by the UK NARIC recognition agency.
It is imperative to keep a sense of historical perspective to fully understand where I am headed with this. Between 1890 and 1925, the absence of a defined educational policy in Northeastern Rhodesia and Northwestern Rhodesia, established under the British South African Company, was due to Cecil Rhodes’ opposition to educating natives. Consequently, Rhodes refused to create a budget for the education of indigenous people in the two territories. It was Rhodes who inserted words like “inferior,” “primitive,” and “backward,” in the “othering” language that white settlers perpetuated and Queen Victoria failed to condemn.
Upon the British government assuming control of the two regions and establishing Northern Rhodesia in 1925, the American Phelps-Stokes Commission was formed with the aim of developing an education system suitable for the local inhabitants. The commission advocated for the training of Northern Rhodesia’s indigenous population in skills like manual labor and craftsmanship, instead of establishing Western-type schools like was the case in other British territories in Africa. Similarly, the British implementation of the education system for indigenous inhabitants of Northern Rhodesia between 1925 and 1964 aimed to align with many of the proposals put forth by the Phelps-Stokes Commission.
Apparently, the Lockwood Committee chaired by Sir John Lockwood, former Vice Chancellor of London University, was aware of the Phelps-Stokes Commission’s recommendations. Conceived out of a conference on the Development of Higher Education in Central Africa, held in September 1962, at Antananarivo, Malagasy, the Lockwood Committee was tasked with the establishment of a university in Northern Rhodesia.
The then Minister of Local Government and Social Welfare, Kenneth Kaunda, was hoping the proposed Zambia University (University of Zambia) would replicate the educational models of Makerere University (Uganda), Dar-es-Salaam University (Tanzania), University of Nairobi (Kenya). These institutions like the others in the British colonies in Africa mirrored the higher education system of Great Britain and held affiliations with the University of London.
Between 1946 and 1970, the University of London engaged in collaborative efforts referred to as “schemes of special relations” with universities in the Commonwealth. Such institutions were conferred a royal charter which granted them specific privileges. The charter, signed by the Queen of England, enabled colonial universities to align with the University of London on matters such as student admission criteria, course content, examination procedures, and academic affairs.
Imbued in the British imperial doctrine of keeping the indigenous people of Northern Rhodesia at the bottom of the totem pole, Sir John Lockwood, a former Vice Chancellor of the London University, made no effort to enroll the University of Zambia into schemes of special relations with the University of London. Instead, the Lockwood Committee deviated from the British education model and made the University of Zambia autonomous, as opposed to a university benefiting from the British education system.
Kaunda was fully aware of this. After completing his studies at Munali Central Trade School in 1941, Kaunda acknowledged the importance of acquiring a British education. The British Department of Education had imposed the British system of education and their language on their colonies. As education began to occupy a prominent position in the consciousness of the indigenous inhabitants, the desire to learn English and attend British schools surged.
Bearing this in mind, Kaunda, who assumed office as republican president on October 24, 1964, was infuriated upon learning that the Lockwood Commission had excluded Zambia from the schemes of special relations. He became even more outraged when he discovered Zambia was the only country in the Commonwealth omitted. Dissatisfied with the Lockwood Report, Chancellor Kaunda contemplated the rationale behind the unjust treatment that Her Majesty’s most affluent African territory had endured in its educational history. He could not help but to suspect an element of racism in the decision-making process.
In the scholarly paper titled “Education in Zambia: Qualitative Expansion at the Expense of Qualitative Improvement,” J. Elliot sheds light on the intentional racist actions taken by colonial masters and white settlers in Northern Rhodesia to impede the educational advancement of indigenous people in Northern Rhodesia. According to Elliot, the underlying motivation was driven by self-interest and the desire to secure own employment and uphold a system that kept the native population uneducated and limited to menial jobs.
Elliot’s supposition was reflected in the Lockwood Report that set out to keep the indigenous people in an inferior status by recommending a University of Zambia of a lower caliber compared to other universities in the Commonwealth. The Lockwood Committee, in its recommendation, proposed that the University of Zambia should have admission criteria that were relatively lower compared to other African and colonial universities.
The committee provided a rationale for its decision by referencing the limited number of “A” level Form Six graduates and asserting that exclusively admitting them to the University of Zambia would restrict academic prospects. The committee further recommended that achieving a specific standard of performance in the “O” level of the G.C.E. examination should be the basis for admission into degree programs of the University of Zambia. This marked a stark departure from the usual practice in the Commonwealth of Nations, in which university admission typically necessitated “A” levels.
On independence day, the Kaunda government encountered a significant dearth of human resources, as there were only one thousand indigenous Zambians possessing school certificates and a mere one hundred university graduates who had schooled abroad. With this, Kaunda, in need of rapid acceleration, failed to condemn and challenge the recommendations of the Lockwood Committee. In 1965, Kaunda went ahead and commissioned the building of the University of Zambia on Great East Road as recommended by the Commission.
The following year, the University of Zambia admitted 233 degree students, with the highest degree available at the time being a Bachelor’s. Among the total student population, 204 students with “O” levels were required to take a year of “A” levels, while the remaining 29 students who already had “A” levels were able to enter directly into the second year of studies. As a result, the first cohort of degree students completed a two-year program and earned a comprehensive four-year degree upon graduation, while “A” level students took three years to complete their studies.
In 1967, the University of Zambia provided equal opportunities for degree examinations to external candidates, without any distinction in the qualifications obtained. The imposition of this proposal, supposedly in response to the Zambian government’s request for skilled labor, ultimately led to a further reduction in quality standards. Furthermore, standards were diminished when the Committee suggested the introduction of correspondence studies.
The historical context outlined in this article reveals that UNZA was established not with the intention of conforming to global standard, but rather to addressing the specific requirements of Zambia. Consequently, the university continues to struggle to achieve its intended roles as a prestigious educational institution, a repository of knowledge, and a hub of innovative research.
As long as the University of Zambia maintains its status quo, the UK NARIC evaluation that has bedeviled the UNZA graduate and degraded his/her degree to an inferior diploma level will maintain the stigma.
The most serious obstacle to the growth of the university is its reluctance to jettison the Lockwood recommendations and embrace a universally accepted dynamic ecosystem that spurs sound and relevant academic programs. It is the opinion of this author that the university should no longer draw its inspiration from the local environment but from those universities around the world that have created educational systems that yield positive outcomes.
The rights to this article belong to ZDI (Zambia Development Institute), a proposed US-based Zambian think tank. On May 19, 2022, a comprehensive proposal was delivered to President Hichilema through Principal Private Secretary Bradford Machila. Author Dr. Field Ruwe holds a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership. He is affiliated with Northeastern University, Boston, MA, US.
President Hakainde Hichilema has called on Zambians to develop the spirit of entrepreneurship and hard work that late politician, Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula believed in.
Mr Hichilema said the current crop of leaders must draw lessons from the late Nkumbula’s entrepreneurship skills and his strong spirit amid hardships.
Speaking when he launched the Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula Foundation in Lusaka , Mr Hichilema advised Zambians to remain strong amid the crisis of the drought.He explained that the late Nkumbula was a strong and skilled fundraiser who went from house to house for any form of donation in order to champion and finance the independence struggle that time.
Mr Hichilema also praised the late Nkumbula for promoting unity and democracy in the country which Zambians are now enjoying.
“From this illustrious son of the soil, Zambians must learn lessons to be industrious, hard work, strong and have entrepreneurial skills in order to contribute positively to the growth of the country, my message to Zambians is to work hard and nothing else,” he said.
He added that the spirit of entrepreneurship and hard work which Nkumbula espoused must be embraced by Zambians through setting up businesses to generate resources to help grow the economy.
The President indicated that once the country has a functional economy, sectors such as education, health, agriculture among others will receive significant support to benefit the Zambians.He said to this effect, his government will continue promoting the investment expenditure which he described as key in building the economy as opposed to the consumption type of economy.
He further said that despite facing various challenges such as cholera, Covid-19 and climate change crisis, especially the drought, Zambians must remain steadfast and hopeful to surmount them.
“I implore every Zambian to learn lessons from Nkumbula to remain strong for us to achieve our intended goals in life, Nkumbula, Kenneth Kaunda and other political figures showed tenacity and dedication to fight for independence, “ he said.
Mr Hichilema stressed that his government is on top of things to devise a climate change resilient mechanism in order for the country to remain strong and afloat.
He observed that Zambia is on the economic growth trajectory especially after restructuring the huge debt the country had with bondholders and other official creditors.
The President has since commended the Nkumbula family for the establishment of the Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula Foundation which will help to preserve political history among others.
And Chief Justice Mumba Malila described, late Nkumbula as an outstanding statesman who believed in the rule of law and a proponent of democratic tenets.He observed that Nkumbula’s political life today stands as a reminder of a man who had a vision to liberate Zambia and promoted peace which the Zambians are now enjoying.
Justice Malila said the memories of Nkumbula reminds Zambians of the requisite value that a good leader must possess, such as tolerance, vision, humility among others.He added that the late Nkumbula held a high ethical standard and principles in his pursuit for freedom from British rule.The Chief Justice said Mr Nkumbula was an influential political figure who served the nation with an unshakeable belief in national reconciliation.
In her vote of thanks, the late Nkumbula’s daughter, Ompie Nkumbula praised President Hichilema for the introduction of the free education policy and that her late father was a proponent of offering quality education to all.
She thanked President Hichilema for eulogizing her father for scoring on education and entrepreneurship prior to Independence which had set a tone for Zambia.
The late Nkumbula, who was born in 1916 and died in 1983, was the second and longest serving president of Zambia’s foremost political organisation, the African National Congress (ANC).
The Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula Foundation (HMNF) was established this year by the Nkumbula family to preserve the memory of the late leader to promote and defend the principles of Liberal nationalism for which he stood.
