President Hichilema emphasizes the importance of informed public service workers for economic transformation

In a bid to bolster efficiency within the governance system and drive productivity in both the public and private sectors, the Economic Governance Training for Cabinet Ministers was launched at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre. The initiative, spearheaded by President Hakainde Hichilema, aims to professionalize the civil service, a crucial component in delivering on promises made to the people of Zambia.

President Hichilema pointed out the significance of an informed and quality public service workforce in executing the economic transformation agenda set forth by his administration. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony held at the Mulungushi Conference Centre in Lusaka, he emphasized the pivotal role of information sharing among public servants as fundamental to economic development.

Conducted by the National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA), the training program for Cabinet Ministers in economic governance is anticipated to catalyze Zambia’s economic growth. President Hichilema articulated that his government’s vision is to translate clear policies and procedures into tangible economic progress, drawing parallels with nations like Singapore that have achieved remarkable economic growth within a relatively short span.

Highlighting 2024 as the year dedicated to economic expansion through job creation, President Hichilema stressed the necessity of a robust economy to sustain initiatives such as the free education policy introduced by his administration. He further underscored the interconnectivity of the energy sector with key sectors like mining, agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism, affirming the government’s commitment to revitalizing the energy sector to bolster the Zambian economy.

NIPA Executive Director, Royson Mukwena, elucidated that the intensive four-day training program aimed to equip Cabinet Ministers with the necessary skills to navigate economic challenges and opportunities. Dr. Mukwena emphasized the pivotal role of Cabinet Ministers as key drivers of economic transformation and expressed confidence that the training would enhance their comprehension of economic dynamics.

Secretary to Cabinet, Patrick Kangwa, lauded NIPA’s efforts in fortifying the public service and commended the institution’s proactive steps towards capacity building. Kangwa highlighted NIPA’s introduction of virtual training sessions to accommodate a broader spectrum of public service workers, underscoring the institution’s commitment to fostering economic growth and transformation.

The Economic Governance Training for Cabinet Ministers marks a significant milestone in Zambia’s quest for economic revitalization, underlining the government’s dedication to empowering its workforce and fostering sustainable development.

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) is in mourning following the tragic passing of Norin Betani, a talented striker for both the Copper Queens and Indeni Roses. Betani’s untimely demise occurred on Wednesday morning at the University Teaching Hospital, where she had been undergoing treatment after being diagnosed with suspected malaria.

Reuben Kamanga, the General Secretary of FAZ, expressed profound sadness at Betani’s passing. He revealed that the player had reported to camp while feeling unwell, prompting immediate action from the team’s medical staff. Betani was swiftly taken to Kanyama Level One hospital for examination before being transferred to the University Teaching Hospital on their recommendation.

“It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of one of our female players, Norin Betani, who was part of the provisional squad for the upcoming match against Ghana,” Kamanga stated. “FAZ, along with the player’s family and her club, Indeni Roses, remained closely involved throughout her hospitalization.”

Details regarding Betani’s funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course, Kamanga assured. He also urged the football community to respect the privacy of the family during this difficult time.

The funeral service for Norin Betani is currently underway at her parents’ residence in Garden House, Lusaka. FAZ General Secretary Reuben Kamanga, along with members of the FAZ secretariat, visited the bereaved family to offer condolences and support.

Betani’s father expressed gratitude for FAZ’s gesture of solidarity and the assistance provided during his daughter’s illness.

Norin Betani was among the 30 players selected for the provisional squad for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games qualifier in Accra, underscoring her promising talent and dedication to the sport.

The Zambian football community joins hands in mourning the loss of Norin Betani, remembering her as not only a skilled athlete but also a cherished member of the football family.

Grace Chivube, a National Trustee of the United Party for National Development (UPND), has strongly criticized former President Edgar Lungu’s purported plans to abolish the UPND Free Education Policy. Chivube emphasized that such a move would insult the intelligence of Zambian women and pose a significant burden, particularly on the girl child.

Ms. Chivube underscored the crucial role of education in national development, stating that quality education serves as the bedrock for progress in any society. She highlighted the importance of the Free Education Policy in empowering women and girls, especially in the face of challenges such as unwanted pregnancies.

According to Ms. Chivube, President Hakainde Hichilema’s decision to reintroduce Free Education was a gesture of gratitude to the Zambian people for their support and contributions, particularly in funding his education during his earlier years under Dr. Kenneth Kaunda and the United National Independence Party (UNIP).

Since the reintroduction of Free Education, Ms. Chivube noted a positive impact, with many women and girls seizing the opportunity to pursue education. She warned that any attempt to dismantle the policy would have adverse effects, potentially exacerbating issues such as youth involvement in criminal activities and unplanned pregnancies.

Ms. Chivube called upon former President Lungu to show self-respect and reconsider his stance on Free Education, recognizing its significance in empowering Zambian women and fostering national development.

Charity Katanga, the former Deputy Inspector General of Police, has been handed a three-year prison sentence in a case where she was charged with the possession of 10 Higer buses believed to be proceeds of crime. The verdict was delivered by Lusaka Chief Resident Magistrate Davies Chibwili.

The case against Mrs. Katanga involved allegations of possessing property deemed to be proceeds of crime, valued at over USD $2 million. It was alleged that Mrs. Katanga, along with unidentified individuals, purchased 10 Higer buses between January 1, 2017, and June 6, 2022, using funds considered to be illicit.

In response to the sentencing, the Africa Parliamentarian Network Against Corruption (APNAC) Zambia Chapter welcomed the court’s decision. APNAC Chairman, Miles Bwalya Sampa, acknowledged Mrs. Katanga’s previous commendable service but emphasized the importance of holding individuals accountable for corruption.

Sampa expressed appreciation for the prosecutors’ efforts in securing a conviction and commended the judiciary for its accountability in corruption-related cases. He highlighted the pervasive impact of corruption on Zambia’s socio-economic landscape, stressing the need for swift and decisive action to address the issue.

While acknowledging the personal and familial implications of Mrs. Katanga’s conviction, Sampa underscored the broader significance of the verdict in deterring corruption within Zambia’s institutions. He urged all members of the law enforcement community to heed the message conveyed by Mrs. Katanga’s sentence and uphold integrity in their service to the nation.

Sampa urged the judiciary to expedite judgments on pending corruption cases, emphasizing that justice delayed only perpetuates injustice.

The sentencing of Charity Katanga serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing battle against corruption in Zambia and the collective responsibility to uphold transparency and accountability at all levels of society.