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UPND Youths have challenged the PF regime to immediately remove their cadres from bus stops and markets failure to which they will be removed by force.
UPND Deputy National Youth Chairperson Gilbert Liswaniso says the struggling marketers, bus drivers, and their conductors, and the traveling public are suffering a lot of humiliation through unnecessary levies and taxes from these PF hooligans.
Mr. Liswaniso said UPND youths will protect the suffering masses and ensure sanity is restored in public places by Wednesday this week.
He said the starting point will be Lusaka’s Intercity Bus Terminus, City Market, Katondo and Lumumba bus stations and make sure that these are handed over to the Lusaka City Council who can run them effectively and enhance revenue collection.
“We cannot have a situation where public facilities are being abused by a few thugs stealing money from struggling bus drivers, marketeers and traveling public while councils are struggling with resources, failing to pay workers and maintain these places”, Mr. Liswaniso said.
He lamented that what is even worse is that the Zambia Police is failing to deal with these criminals, but instead they are harassing innocent masses.
Mr. Liswaniso said UPND is a party of order and will ensure sanity is restored in these public places starting this week on Wednesday.
Leader of the MMD faction Dr Nevers Mumba has challenged Church Leaders to start engaging government on the evils happening in the nation.
Dr Mumba said his heart is burdened with what is happening in the country among them killings and the Church has a solution to the problem.
Addressing congregants at Matero United Church of Zambia where he congregated yesterday, Dr Mumba said the hope for Zambia is not in politicians but the Church hence the need for the church to get involved in Politics.
And Dr Mumba said only the Church can unite Zambia which has been divided by politicians.
He noted that the Church does not change despite the change of governments and embraces everyone regardless of their political affiliation and tribal grouping.
Dr Mumba regretted that because of Politics and in the name of Democracy, young people are being encouraged to kill each other like was the case in Kaoma.
He said if not stopped, killing each other will become a tradition in Politics mainly because it is not the relatives of politicians who being killed.
Dr Mumba said God fearing people must start aspiring for leadership positions in order to clean the governance of the nation.
He said the difficulties Zambia is currently going through such as unemployment, hunger, poverty and poor economy among others will continue as long as the church does not start up to get involved in politics.
A fish cages used to hold fish on Lake Bangweulu under the Kambashe Bream Fisheries pilot project in Chilubi District in Northern Province
80 Black Lechwes have gone missing in the Bangweulu Wetlands in Luapula Province, a Conservationist working in the northern circuit, Nsama Musonda Learns has said.
Ms Learns says the animals were captured from the Bangwelu Wetlands during the now banned exercise where the Department for National Parks and Wildlife began capturing wildlife species from their natural habitats to private ranches.
She has appealed to all concerned Zambians, Civil Society Organisations and Media and Human Rights activists to help locate the Lechwes which are endemic to the Bangweulu Wetlands.
Ms Learns said no one knows where these species have been taken, what the objective for their capture was and whether they survived the transportation and if they have adapted to the new home.
“As the Northern circuit we are demanding for their return as the operations officers at Bangwelu wetlands were not involved in the process, no ecological report was produced and the community was not involved”, she lamented.
Ms Learns said these species are a pride and heritage of the Bangwelu wetlands and they don’t deserve to be robbed of their natural home.
Minister of Tourism and Arts Ronald Chitotela on 2nd October 2019 announced the suspension in the movement of animals from National Parks to Private ranches.
The suspension came a few days after controversy surrounded the movement of animals in Mfuwe where trucks were turned back by residents.
He said it was alleged that one of the Directors at the Ministry of Tourism and Arts signed a certificate of movement of live animals from one national park to a private ranch.
Bangweulu Wetlands is the only place in Africa where the Black Lechwe still occurs in significant numbers.
The population in 2005 was estimated at 35,000 but the area has the potential to carry up to 350,000 Black Lechwe.
Mr Banda speaking at one of the Africa Liberal Network events
Peoples Alliance for Change President Andyford Banda has admitted being a member of the African Liberal Network, a controversial Organisation accused of advocating for Gay rights in Africa.
The opposition UPND has come under intense criticism particularly from the ruling Patriotic Front for allegedly belonging to the grouping that has a huge membership on the continent interested in pushing for gay rights.
Mr Banda says his party is a member of the African Liberal Network and the ignorance being peddled to just injure people’s reputation without facts won’t take Zambia anywhere.
“We are being attacked indirectly and we shall not sit quietly seeing our characters being assassinated by power hungry and ignorant politicians”, he said.
Mr Banda said he is even shocked that out of ignorance, Kanchibiya PF Member of Parliament Dr Martin Malama proposed a Bill in Parliament to ban political parties that belong to the ALN.
“Why can’t you introduce bills that would give loans to small businesses to access solar energy? I must say that your ignorant propaganda won’t change people’s lives”, he added.
Mr Banda said from now onwards, the People’s Alliance for Change will defend the membership of the African Liberal Network which is the biggest political network in Africa.
“We have political parties coming from countries were LGBT rights are a crime and they are not in the Network to change course but to discuss policies that would help create jobs and to strengthen political parties”, said Mr Banda.
He said through the years PAC has been a member of the ALN, he does not remember gay rights being on the agenda.
Mr Banda and UPND Chairperson for International Relations Ambassador Mulondwe Muzungu at one of the Africa Liberal Network events
Kanchibiya Member of Parliament Hon. Dr. Martin Malama has challenged UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema to come out clearly on statements attributed to him, as being part of the African Liberal Network, which promotes Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) rights.
Dr. Malama has challenged Mr. Hichilema, to clearly state whether or not he is part of the organization rather than accusing people of politicking whenever they raise the issue.
“Look him straight in the eyes and ask him whether he is not part of the African Liberal Network.” Dr. Malama stated.
Speaking when he featured on the Patriotic Front’s weekly Interactive Forum, Dr. Malama urged the Nation to be weary of organizations such as those “allegedly” sponsoring the UPND they could distort the morals of the country’s future generations.
Dr. Malama lamented that it was against the Zambian laws and nature, men could have sex with each other and women in the same manner.
And Deputy government Chief Whip Hon. Tutwa Ngulube indicated that Mr. Hichilema, may not state whether he could be part of the Organization because they come with so many incentives like Elections Funding.
The Patriotic Front Media Director Mr. Sunday Chanda also challenged Mr. Hichilema and his senior party officials to clearly state their position and Stance on the organization.
He said if they were part of the organization, the best they could do is tell Zambians that they have pulled out of the organization.
Chipolopolo on Sunday wrapped-up their October international duty unbeaten following a 2-2 away draw against Benin in Cotonou.
The result came three days after they were held 1-1 away in Niger on the first stop of their two-match friendly tour of West Africa.
Coach Aggrey Chiyangi started ten domestic-based players in today’s game with a clear eye on this Saturdays 2020 CHAN last round, final leg qualifier against eSwatini in Lusaka whom they beat 1-0 away on September 22 in Manzini.
Chiyangi had in the Niger match started the core of the probable’s for next month’s 2021 AFCON Group H doubleheader qualifier against Algeria away on November 14 and Zimbabwe at home during the weekend of November 16.
Orlando Pirates striker Justin Shonga scored a brace for Chipolopolo in a match Benin rallied twice to snatch a home draw.
Shonga, who was the only foreign-based player in the starting XI, put Chipolopolo ahead in the 21st minute.
But Benin striker Kevin Mounie equalized in the two minutes before the break to send the teams tied into halftime.
Chipolopolo then breathed a sigh of relief in the 67th minute when Sebastian Mwange saved Stephane Sessegnon’s penalty.
Shonga then completed his brace in the 79th minute, and a minute later, Chiyangi brought on South African-born goalkeeper Mwenya from Polokwane City for Mwange to see the 25-year-old make his Chipolopolo debut.
However, Benin midfielder Souleymane Adeoti equalized in stoppage time to deny Chipolopolo an opportunity to end their tour with a victory.
FILE: President Edgar Lungu (right) with Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalegn (left) at the State Banquet held on Wednesday at Pamodzi Hotel in honour of the Prime Minister who is in the country on a State Visit.
Zambia’s President Edgar Lungu Zambia has congratulated Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Dr. Abiy Ahmed for winning the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize.
President Lungu commended Dr. Abiy for his tireless efforts to bring peace in Ethiopia and the neighbouring states.
President Lungu said Dr. Ahmed joins other notable Africans such as Mr. Albert Luthuli, former President Nelson Mandela, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who earned the prestigious prize for their work. He said the prize awarded to Dr. Abiy for bringing an end to a 20-year border stalemate between Ethiopia and Eritrea, was a recognition that Africa can resolve her internal conflicts and challenges using her own home-grown mechanisms.
He said the recognition of Dr. Abiy by the Nobel Committee will encourage other African leaders to pursue Peace and Security as a foremost priority.
President Lungu said it was commendable that the peace, security and stability that Dr. Ahmed was pursuing in the region was a foundation for both his economic and democratic reforms he has undertaken in Ethiopia that would help deliver national development.
This is contained in a letter of congratulations written to Dr. Abiy Ahmed, Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Ethiopia by the President.
Junior Chipolopolo hope to secure semifinal qualify to the 2019 COSAFA U17 Cup tomorrow with a match to spare when they face South Africa in their penultimate Group A game in Blantyre.
Oswald Mutapa’s side made a lightening start at the tournament Malawi is hosting from October 11-20 after a 6-0 win over eSwatini in Blantyre on Saturday.
The victory sent Zambia top of Group A on goal difference ahead of Malawi who beat South Africa 3-0 in the second Group A kickoff.
“We watched them (South Africa) play; they are equally a good side. They had their chances but couldn’t take them. We had a training session looking at the strongest points of the opponents but we will also not neglect our strong points,” Mutapa said.
“We are ready to meet them but we feel tomorrow’s game should make us qualify to the next round.”
South Africa coach Velo Khumalo remains optimistic his charges will rebound on Monday from that stunning loss by the record two-time COSAFA U17 winners to the hosts.
“The stage is set for the boys,” Khumalo said.
“We cannot get intimate because this is the platform for all the U17 teams to build on for the 2021 U17 AFCON qualifiers.
“I didn’t see Zambia’s game but we are analyzing how they are playing and we take it from there.
“But this is a development stage; this is the stage for them to express themselves so we cannot come here and get afraid.”
It is the third successive time Zambia and South Africa will meet at the group stage.
Firstly, Zambia has some revenge on their minds heading into the game after South Africa ended their reign and semifinal hopes at the 2018 tournament when they beat Junior Chipolopolo 2-1 in a crunch Group B match to finish on 7 and 4 points respectively.
Junior Chipolopolo’s last tournament win over South Africa was in 2017 when they beat the latter 3-2 in another Group B match en route to lifting their debut COSAFA U17 crown.
Each election cycle, blood is spilled like dirt water. We mourn in rage until another election, while politicians drink beers together. Each election cycle, we employ democratic freedoms to indulge in violence rather than “serve one another humbly in love,” as Paul said to the Galatians. As Christians, we forget that “the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.”
Paul’s picture of devouring is that of a lion tearing helpless lamb to pieces—it is ugly. The shooting of Lawerence Banda, aka Gaddafi in Kaoma, the funeral at the Cathedral of Holy Cross and subsequent violence that ensued following his death and final service was ugly. But it also suggests the disconnect between politics and Christianity. In a country where more than 90 percent self-identify as Christian and politicians and cadres frequent churches, it is evidently clear that Christians are among those engaged in politically-sanctioned violence.
Who is to blame for this violence? PF says it is the UPND, while UPND says it the PF. As this finger pointing continues, blood overflows within our streets, provinces, and nation. Our democratic elections are won with human blood. The PF and the UNPD are equally responsible for this violence. Of course, the PF has state machinery to carry out its schemes. In its strongholds, however, UPND is as violent as PF.
To think that UPND will become peaceful once in power is a myth. HH will employ the same tactics the PF government employs today, should he by divine intervention, win the bloody 2021 elections. If history has something to teach, wait until 2021. When UNIP ruled, MMD cried foul. When MMD got power, most of us thought the violent nature of the UNIP regime would be history—unfortunately not. MMD became even the more violent than the very party it replaced. PF and UPND cried foul, and we thought PF would change things. Sadly, PF became worse than the MMD. Today Kambwili can cry aloud, but he was among the most violent politicians Zambia has seen. It is time for us to change this sad history.
The funeral house which was ransacked in Friday by PF cadres in Kanyama
Political inspired violence benefit from the cult of the “big” man. To be recognized in Zambian politics, one must shed blood. The most violent and vicious cadres are the very ones rewarded, while the peace loving political cadres are sidelined. William Banda, Willie Nsanda, GBM, Kawimba, Mumbi Phiri—count them one by one, and it will surprise you what makes honorable MPs and ministers. The more brutal, the better the prospect of entering the 2021 race to Parliament.
Politics is often described as a dogfight, but in Zambia, it is now a bloody combat. The useless and immoral phrase “peaceful campaign” as declared by the toothless Electoral Commission of Zambia in every election makes me wonder if we live on the same planet. The number of people who died or had their behinds and faces sliced by opposing cadres should not be a norm in our election. Violence is not the norm in the democratic process. Yet it is an established pattern–poor people’s blood is the fuel that drives cars to Parliament and State House.
The toothless Electoral Commission of Zambia and our politically influenced courts have the power to nullify election results of MPs and Councilors. Yet it is presidential candidates who endorse political violence. As sad as the death of Mr Banda is, it is suggestive nonetheless. Until Lungu and HH bussed Lusaka cadres to Kaoma, no violence was reported. Is it not time to outlaw the bussing of political cadres from other parts of Zambia?
Besides, why should we nullify parliamentary elections based on the free and fair rule, but count the presidential results? We cannot honor the 50+1 clause, while counting results from nullified constituencies. Until presidential candidates know that they will lose their power should results from one constituency be nullified, they will ride on innocent blood to get to Plot One. After all, the big man has the power to appoint even the disqualified individual as MP.
The funeral of Gaddafi at our Cathedral is an invitation to the church to address political violence in the nation. The Church’s failure to hold cadres and politicians accountable for political violence will lead to more funerals. The church must not wait for another coffin to enter our sacred spaces. We cannot sing the hymn of “Christian nation” and reward politicians with big chairs whenever they visit churches when their hands are socked in innocent blood. When will churches boycott the national day of prayer, stop politicians from entering churches until they pledge to non-violent campaigns? Are brown envelopes more important than human blood? It is shameful that we have exchanged God’s people with gold. Shame and shame on us men and women of the cloth!
Lucky Dube’s “War And Crime” bellows from the grave:
I’m not saying this
Because I’m a coward
But I’m thinking of the lives
That we lose everytime we fight
Killing innocent people
…
Who doesn’t know about the [PF]
Who doesn’t know about the [UNPD]
Your mother didn’t tell you the truth
Cause my father did not tell me the truth.
Unless we collectively address political violence, come 2021, our beloved Zambia is on steroids!
The UPND leadership led by Secretary General Steven Kakunta at UTH awaiting for news on the condition of cadre Lawrence Banda who shortly died
By CHARLES CHISALA
FOLLOWING the fatal shooting incident involving rival campaign teams from the ruling Patriotic Front (PF) and opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) conflicting statements have flooded the media.
Two versions have emerged: the first is that a known PF cadre shot the UPND cadre while the second is that a UPND cadre who was firing at a motor vehicle carrying unarmed PF officials, mostly women, accidentally shot his fellow UPND cadre who had stolen a hand bag from a female PF official and was trying to flee with it.
The shot UPND cadre was found lying on the ground with the hand bag he had allegedly snatched.
A UPND cadre only identified as Gadhafi died after being shot in the head during the fracas as the two parties campaigned in the Thursday Kaoma council chairman by-election.
A private tabloid gave a UPND member of Parliament a free full page on which he gave his lengthy version of the shooting story.
In his sympathy-seeking account, the MP accused the PF of killing his party’s member.
While in Kaoma, President Edgar Lungu condemned the violence and directed police to arrest and prosecute those involved regardless of which political party they belonged to.
Shortly after the incident, UPND president Hakainde Hichilema issued a scathing statement in which he called the PF “thugs” and ordered his cadres to “kindly defend” themselves should they come under attack from the ruling party.
Many people have, however, condemned Mr Hichilema’s statement saying it has the potential to fan more political violence. They have urged him to tone down and promote peace.
Hot FM radio station belatedly gave the PF a chance to give its side of the story.
During the Breakfast Show programme the presenters called PF deputy secretary general Mumbi Phiri, who was at the scene and was caught up in the skirmish.
Here are excerpts of a distraught Ms Phiri’s eyewitness account:
Hot FM: We have on the line PF deputy secretary general madam Mumbi Phiri. Good morning.
Phiri: Good morning mwebana (children).
Hot FM: Good morning.
Phiri: Aha, nimwapusukeni (it was a narrow escape).
Hot FM: Madam, you were in Kaoma on Sunday when the incident happened. Just run us through. What exactly happened?
Phiri: I was there. We moved from Mongu at 06:00 hours to go to Kaoma and we arrived around 03:00 hours, and we divided ourselves. We were the three of us: myself, Honourable Kampamba Chewe, Honourable Olipa Phiri. The two, Honourable Kampamba Mulenga and Honourable Olipa Phiri, went to the Catholic Church.
I went with the candidate to UCZ where to congregate from. We prayed; we went back to our campaign centre, and we started now going where we were supposed to address a rally.
Me, Hon. Kampamba and Hon. Olipa we were in the third vehicle. You know kulya kumushi kwalibo tushila twatondo (in the village there are bush tracks). You give each other way.
We saw a UPND branded vehicle and we just heard gun shots, we started scampering in different directions, running for our lives.
Hot FM: And you were in the car still?
Phiri: We were in the car. Me, Hon Kampamba and Hon Phiri we were in the same vehicle, which was the third. The UPND blocked us because we were in the third vehicle.
The first vehicle, it was blocked and that’s when we heard gun shots. So we had to run for our lives.
It was in the morning. It was before 12(:00 hours], somewhere there. Yes.
One was shot in the leg, and the other one was shot in the head.
The police were having a meeting somewhere with the Electoral Commission of Zambia. Because it was not far from town they also heard gun shots. That’s how they rushed to the scene beside where those shots were coming from and they picked those two people because the one who was shot in the head and in the leg, they couldn’t walk.
They were picked and taken to the hospital. The others who were injured were taken.
There were no exchange of fire. There was one person who was firing indiscriminatoy [indiscriminately]. Just one from the UPND. There was no exchange of fire. The locals who were there, they know each other. That is why it is not good to bring people from outside because they will know that you, you are new there. So, the locals knew the person.
Later, this guy disguised himself, moved out of the vehicle, and got on a Honda (motor cycle) and because the locals knew him, a Mr Chola, an ex-soldier he was followed.
It was citizen’s arrest. They caught him, and guns were recovered from him.
And those people who were not there who are saying what they are saying, that guy who was shot in the head, I am sure the bullets are still in the head.
I am sure the police will match the guns which he had and our group is the group that picked even the magazine because it was dropped and we handed it over to the police.
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed…”
(Proverbs 11:25, NIV)
Be Generous
Do you need refreshing today? So many people go around overwhelmed, tired, worn down, and barely get by. But that’s not God’s best. He wants us to prosper. He wants us to be refreshed. Here’s the key: be generous and refresh others. Is there someone at the office that you can be a blessing to? Can you lighten someone’s load? Maybe a family member is going through a hard time. Can you help them out? Can you cook them a meal? Refreshing someone can be as simple as a smile or an encouraging word. Don’t wait until you feel like doing it; that day may never come! Do it because the Scripture tells us to. Do it because it blesses the Lord.
It’s easy to get so busy and think, “I don’t have time to help others. I have my own problems.” Helping others can be the key to seeing your situation turn around. The people you see who need encouragement, who need a ride, who need a hand, who need help accomplishing a dream—they are opportunities for you to go to a higher level. Step out and refresh others; live a life of generosity. As you do, you will be refreshed in return and experience His blessing in every area of your life!
A Prayer for Today
“Father, I choose to put my trust in You. I press forward in faith so I can overcome fear. I believe You have my best interest at heart and know that You are leading me in the paths of righteousness all the days of my life in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
The funeral service at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross of the murdered UNPD Cadre
By: Anthony Bwalya – UPND Member
To PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema of the UPND, I want to say this: I can see and feel the pain in your eyes. But in that pain and suffering, rests your love for your country and it’s people. That will always be your greatest victory.
I also want to be clear and on the record from the onset on a number of things:
Firstly, that the UPND holds a very clear agenda for change and reform; an agenda we wish to use in interrogating what we believe has been a failed PF development agenda, as well as their legacy and culture of corruption and bad leadership whose results are evident in all of our homes and communities.
Secondly, the UPND as an organization does not espouse, promote or encourage political violence. The tenets that gave birth to the party, the same tenets that has held it together for so many years, are very clear in focus. It is about creating a rule of law that works for all of us, restoring the credibility, quality and standard of life for our people by reducing poverty and putting people back at the center of national development and growth.
Thirdly, the UPND has no policy of arming or encouraging it’s members to carry or brandish assault, military grade and other offensive weapons. The UPND continues to emphasize the primary responsibility for the police to maintain law and order and keep all of us safe and to effect the law with impartiality.
Also important to note, is that the call by the UPND leadership for it’s members to defend themselves when attacked, is often done so reluctantly and with such dejection and despair, and as a rallying cry for help and for the police to do their job. The UPND always encourages it’s membership, even under the most intense of provocation, to respond with the utmost restraint, caution and with such complete and total respect for human life.
Further, that the UPND remains committed to collaborating with all stakeholders and political actors in working through all available options and alternatives, to ensure that we retain order to public life, and rid our politics of rapidly degenerating culture of political violence.
The UPND does not want the country to lose focus of the critical conversations around jobs, education, government corruption, poverty, inequality, healthcare, land administration, the economy etc.
These are and will remain our primary areas of focus of engagement as we enter the crucial period leading up to 2021.
But we also take great exception to the deceitfulness of our colleagues in the PF. Yesterday, while Hon. Kelvin Samoa was on Let The People Talk purportedly talking peace with our Gilbert Liswaniso, PF CADRES were in fact mobilizing and preparing to ambush, attack and disrupt the UPND in their process of mourning and remembering the life of Lawrence Banda, slain by paid political assailants.
That was disingenuous on the part of the Patriotic Front leadership and it raises questions around their willingness and commitment to decist from any conduct which may be understood as promoting and sponsoring political violence.
We also think it is distasteful for the PF Deputy Secretary General Madam Mumbi Phiri to wantonly and without an ounce of caution, level Lawrence Banda a criminal who died while trying to steal a bag. That is not how leaders communicate. Her remarks were nothing short of inflammatory and caused anguish to the entire UPND family, but even, to the family and children of Lawrence Banda.
Violence cannot and must never be adopted as the principal medium of communicating our political differences and disagreements. It overshadows and undermines our collective ability to focus on the right sort of developmental, progressive, productive and constructive conversations.
It is sad, that instead of the country discussing the state, quality and standard of public education and healthcare, so that my son can have a fighting chance at a decent future, the country is firmly gripped into a discussion of violent political party politics and polarisation.
When will we have a discussion around how we collectively resolve the question of securing long term land rights for Zambians when current public policy places a demand for hefty payment against it, against a heavily impoverished local population whose ability to buy has been eroded by a fast collapsing economy?
When will we have a productive, honest conversation around public sector grand, political corruption and state capture; all of which have ocassioned such incalculable damage onto our people, irrespective of political party affiliations?
I am proposing a crisis meeting between PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu of the PF and the Republic, and PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema of the United Party for National Development (UPND), and the leadership of the police, to be mediated by the Church, to kickstart a different conversation around how we will make violent politics stop.
Plan International Eastern regional manager Richard Kalyata has said that statistics for teen pregnancies in the Eastern Province are still very alarming with Chadiza recording 1,020 from January to October 2019.
Speaking at the event to mark the girl child which fell yesterday, Kalyata said Plan International would continue cooperating with the government in the fight against early marriages and teen pregnancies to ensure the girl child excel in life.
“When you look at the statistics of teenage pregnancies, which are coming out, the other time I remember we had statistics for Chipata, they were quite alarming. Currently, we have statistics for Chadiza district. In 2015 we had 468 girls who fell pregnant, in 2016 we had 336, in 2017 we had 336 then in 2018 the number grew to 1,601. You can imagine from 336 to 1,601. This year from January to October we have already recorded 1,020 teen pregnancies and these statistics are coming from Ministry of Health,” he said.
Kalyata said the figures were coming from the communities and not schools.
“It’s like there is a lot of awareness to the school going girls but we have neglected those girls who are not in school, meaning that there is a gap which has been created and needs to be addressed by us stakeholders so that those girls in the community are also able to get the message on issues of sexuality and be able to change the way they look at things,” he said.
Kalyata said the international day was being commemorated under the theme ‘empowering a girl for a brighter tomorrow’.
“When a girl is educated, her future is brighter, no wonder they say when you educate a girl you educate the nation. We are happy that Mitchell has taken over the office of the mayor today and this is going to inspire her. If she will continue working hard. one day she is going to become a mayor. As Plan International, we are working with government, traditional leaders and other stakeholders to ensure we empower the girl children,” he said.
ARV Drugs
Copperbelt Provincial Health Director, Dr Robert Zulu has dispelled reports that some health facilities in the region have run out of essential drugs. Dr. Zulu said he is taken aback that some people have been widely spreading unverified information that some health institutions in the area have run out of essential drugs. He said the claims are not true because all health facilities in the province are fully stocked with drugs.
Dr. Zulu said drugs such as antiretroviral (ARV) which are part of the essential drugs are available across the province. He noted that people should not mistake standard drugs such as Panadol for essential ones which have substitutes and end up complaining that there no drugs in clinics and hospitals. Dr. Zulu has urged residents to consult relevant authorities on any related matters than alarming the nation.
He said despite not commissioned, the provincial medical stores hub is functioning well and the storage and distribution of drugs in health facilities across the province is constant. There have been complaints from members of the public that most health facilities in the province have run out of essential drugs and they are allegedly being served with prescriptions
UPND cadres taking the coffin of the deseased after parading it in the Streats of Lusaka
Information and Broadcasting Services Minister Dora Siliya has questioned the rationale of moving with a coffin in town by suspected by United Party for National Development (UPND) cadres.
Reacting to action by UPND cadres to parade the coffin of their deceased colleague in the streets of Lusaka, Ms Siliya said that what happened yesterday was unZambian because funerals are supposed to be respected.
Ms Siliya said funerals are solemn occasion where the dead should be respected as opposed to what happened.
And PF Secretary General Officiates Davies Mwila is expected Hon Mwila will also call on the Church to speak against what he termed as the ungodly behavior that would cause the UPND and its leader to support and parade a dead body through the Lusaka Central Business District in what he described as an unthinkable procession.
Meanwhile, the government has said that requested for a full report of what happened yesterday in Lusaka’s Central business district where one person was shot by suspected UPND cadres.
Acting Home Affairs Minister Dora Siliya said that the police will have to explain what measures were put in place to prevent the fracas.
Ms Siliya said that the police will also have to state what is being done to prevent such from happening again, adding that party cadres cannot be allowed to disturb the public by conducting unauthorized processions in the Central Business District.
Ms Siliya, who is also chief government spokesperson, said that the culture of using guns by cadres should also not be allowed to continue and that it is for this reason that the police should deal with the culprit whether they belong to PF or UPND.
Police in Lusaka have instituted investigations in a matter where unruly UPND cadres allegedly shot at a trader during an unlawful procession in the central business district yesterday.
Thomas Chibilika, 42, who was shot while at Intercity Bus terminus in his boutique is admitted to University Teaching Hospital.
