Zambians living in South Africa have held a special prayer service for Zambia at the Bread of Life Church International in Midrand, South Africa.

This follows gassing of innocent people and instant mob injustices against individuals accused of being involved in chemical spraying in Zambia.The prayers were graced by Pastor Gideon Kapafu who led the inter-denominational prayers for God’s protection over Zambia.

The Church prayed for peace , love and unity to prevail in Zambia amidst the gassing and mob injustices that the country was experiencing.
And Zambia’s High Commissioner to South Africa Major General Jackson Miti said it was important that the country was committed in Gods hands.

Major General Miti said prayer was a pillar for Zambian’s sustenance, as such, it was important that Zambians united in prayer against recent incidences of chemical spraying and mob injustices.

He thanked President Edgar Chagwa Lungu for asking the nation to pray against gassing and mob justice.

Meanwhile, President of the Association of Zambians in South Africa(ZASA) Fernand Simanya described what Zambia was currently experiencing as disheartening.He called for God’s protection over the nation of Zambia as well as peace and unity among citizens.

Issued by
Mrs Naomi Nyawali
First Secretary Press and Public Relations
Zambia High Commission South Africa

The government says it appreciates the important role that traditional ceremonies play in helping the country in preserving and sharing of traditions, customs and values that define Zambians as people.

Speaking during the 38th Nc’wala Traditional Ceremony for the Ngoni speaking people in Chipata City, Defense Minister Hon Davies Chama said this is an important day not only for the Ngoni people of Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia but also for the entire continent of Africa and the world at large.

Hon Chama said the government recognizes the institution of chieftaincy as an important player in national development.

“It is important to mention that since independence, Zambia has remained a beacon of peace at regional, continental and international levels. This peace we have enjoyed came through our collective responsibility as a people expressed in our national motto One Zambia, One Nation,” he said.

“This has further emphasized in our national values and principles enshrined in our constitution. These National values and principles are morality and ethics, patriotism, National unity, democracy, constitutionalism, human dignity, equity, social justice, equality, nondiscrimination, good governance, integrity and sustainable development.”

The Defense Minister also said government will not stop talking about the need to continue fighting early marriage, teenage pregnancies and gender based violence until social vices are completely curbed.

“Hundreds of our young children, especially the girl child, have their quality of life compromised because they are either married off early or fall pregnant at a tender age thereby preventing them from developing their full potential in life. Both the girl and boy child must be well protected and nurtured to help them realise their full potential,” he added.

And Tourism and Arts Minister Hon Ronald Chitotela says traditional ceremonies are key to the promotion of the tourism sector.

He said this in Chipata in an interview with journalists during the commemoration of Nc’wala Traditional Ceremony for the Ngoni speaking people at Mtenguleni Village.

Hon Chitotela said there is no doubt that traditional ceremonies also help people to live in harmony.

“I am very proud to be here and be with our Ngoni friends who have successfully hosted another colorful ceremony. I must mention that these ceremonies help us to live in harmony as people as well as helping us to promote oneness,” said the Tourism and Arts Minister.

He said his ministry appreciates the role traditional ceremonies play in preserving culture, norms and good values as well as passing this to the young generation.

Hon Chitotela further called on parents to ensure that they pass on the culture to young people saying this will help in preserving Zambia’s good culture.

He emphasized that Zambia has a rich culture and it is here to stay.

Minister of Youth, Sport and Child Development Hon. Emmanuel Mulenga says the government is creating an environment where all children can enjoy their rights, are safe from all forms of violence, empowered with knowledge and skills in order for them to become responsible citizens.

And the Minister says the government has developed the Children’s Code Bill to protect children from abuse and exploitation.

Speaking during the launch of the International Children’s Day of Broadcasting which falls tomorrow, 1 March 2020 in Lusaka today under the theme, “Free, Safe, Empowered and Responsible,” Hon. Mulenga said the day provides the platform on which various stakeholders involved in child development can hear opinions, perspectives and stories affecting the rights of children.

“This is the day when broadcasters all over the world dedicate airtime and programs to children. The children take over the airwaves to highlight their aspirations, dreams and fears on issues that concern them,” he said.

“The day is significant in that children and young people can share with the rest of the world the things that they want to achieve in life for them to grow into responsible citizens capable of contributing to national development,” Hon. Mulenga said.

He said government remains committed towards uplifting the lives of children in the country and emphasized how violence perpetrated on children and young people has long lasting effects as those affected find it difficult to cope with the life and often end up as perpetrators themselves.

Hon Mulenga said this is why violence against any person, more so children should be condemned in the strongest possible terms.

He cautioned youths and children against being used as tools of political violence especially that the country is now approaching the 2021 general elections.

He appealed to all citizens to spare time and listen to the various programmes that will be presented by children on Television and Radio during the international Children’s day of Broadcasting which will be commemorated country wide.