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Reopening Of Schools Postponed Further to February 12th

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Reopening Of Schools Postponed Further to February 12th

Minister of Education Douglas Syakalima says the reopening of schools has been further postponed to February 12, 2024.

Mr Syakalima said the school calendar for both private and government and schools and colleges has been adjusted to recover the lost time.

“Schools and colleges will open for term one on Monday 12th February 2024 and will close on Friday 26th April 2024. And then for term two Schools and colleges will open on Monday 6th May 2024 and will close on Friday 9th august 2024,” Mr Syakalima said.

Speaking at a press briefing held in Lusaka , the Minister stated that the decision was arrived at following the advice from the National Disaster Management and Mitigation Council of ministers meeting.

He added that all alternative methods of education provided by the Ministry of Education should be utilized in order to ensure that learners are kept busy.

He called on the community to work with the government in the fight against cholera.
On 4th January 2024, the Minister of Education announced the postponement of the date of reopening of Schools from 8th to 29th January 2024 due to the cholera outbreak in the country.

Zambia Athletics Coach Kalembo Praises Levy Stadium All-Comer Meet

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Zambia Athletics Coach Kalembo Praises Levy Stadium All-Comer Meet

National athletics team coach Douglas Kalembo has hailed the Zambia Athletics (ZA) All-Comers Meet held at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola at the weekend.

The major highlight at the event saw Commonwealth champion Muzala Samukonga qualify for the delayed African Games to be hosted by Ghana later this year.

Samukonga won with a time of 46.29 seconds, beating the African Games qualifying time of 46.64 seconds.

“This was just his first race and he is just returning from an injury but I am sure the times will keep dropping,” Kalembo said about Samukonga.

“I am surprised that we had as many as five athletes qualifying from just the first race of the year. We have three other events for the athletes to use for others to qualify and they have to keep training,” he said.

Meanwhile, in the women’s 400m race, Green Buffaloes Quincy Malekani was the winner, beating her main rivals Rhoda Njobvu and Niddy Mingilishi.

Malekani timed 52.17 seconds, while Njobvu, in second place, timed 52.88 seconds and Mingilish took third place after timing 54.56 seconds.

100 meters hurdles, long jump and Shot put were some of the track and field events at the competition held on Saturday and Sunday.

50 Year Old Man Drowns In Lusangazi River After Heavy Downpour

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50 Year Old Man Drowns In Lusangazi River After Heavy Downpour

A 50 year old man has drowned in Lusangazi river after a heavy downpour as he was going to chase monkeys in his field in Chief Sinadambwe in Siavonga district.
Sinadambwe ward Councilor who is the uncle to the deceased Ostern Hamunyongwa confirmed the development to ZANIS.

The deceased has been identified as Obbie Chipeka of Hameja village who met his fate around 06:00 yesterday, as he attempted to cross Lusangazi River on his way to the field which was being encroached by monkeys.

Mr. Hamunyongwa has called on Sinadambwe and Siavonga residents to avoid crossing rivers after heavy rains to avoid further loose of life.

The civic leader disclosed that the body of the deceased has not yet been retrieved as a search has been instituted.

” My Nephew met his fate yesterday around 06:00 on his way to the field to chase monkeys after a heavy downpour, unfortunately he drowned as he was crossing Lusangazi river, the body has not yet been found as we still searching,” said Mr Hamunyongwa.

Meanwhile, Sianyoolo Headman Fred Hamoonga in Chief Sinadambwe has described the death of Hameja village headman as a great a loss to the family and the Chiefdom.

Mining Indaba is honoured to announce that President Hakainde Hichilema will deliver a keynote address

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Mining Indaba is honoured to announce that President Hakainde Hichilema will deliver a keynote address

Mining Indaba is honoured to announce that Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema will deliver a keynote address in 2024

During his keynote at Mining Indaba, the President is expected to delve into the future of mining in Zambia, outlining his plans to expand copper production and position the country as a major player in the global mining industry

President Hakainde Hichilema is set to deliver a keynote address at Investing in African Mining Indaba 2024 (https://www.MiningIndaba.com), demonstrating his unwavering dedication to revitalising his country’s mining sector and delivering jobs and economic growth to the people of Zambia.

This will be Hichilema’s second appearance at Mining Indaba as President, having delivered a keynote address in May 2022, shortly after his landslide election victory in 2021.

Since this historic election, President Hichilema has made quick progress towards achieving his objectives, implementing several measures to revitalise the mining sector in Zambia.

Already the seventh largest copper producer in the world, Hichilema has set out to advance Zambia’s ranking with an ambitious goal of expanding copper production from 800,000 tonnes per year currently to around 3 million tonnes of copper by 2030.

Under Hichilema’s leadership, the government of Zambia has reviewed the mining tax framework, ensuring a stable and competitive taxation system while eliminating double taxation. Furthermore, President Hichilema has personally spearheaded efforts to attract investment along the mining value chain, exemplified by the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Democratic Republic of Congo to build a regional value chain for electric vehicle batteries. These initiatives have already yielded positive results, with major mining groups reinvesting in Zambia and the country’s copper opportunities gaining renewed interest from global players.

During his keynote at Mining Indaba, the President is expected to delve into the future of mining in Zambia, outlining his plans to expand copper production and position the country as a major player in the global mining industry. He will also address efforts for Zambian mining to expand into a wider array of critical minerals including cobalt, nickel and manganese. Furthermore, Hichilema’s speech will explore the potential for collaboration between the government, industry stakeholders, and investors, highlighting the need for partnerships to drive innovation and maximise the sector’s socio-economic benefits.

Just two years into Hichilema’s presidency, there have already been numerous positive developments in Zambia’s mining industry. Since 2019, Barrick’s Lumwana mine has contributed nearly US$3 billion in taxes, royalties, and local employment. In October 2023, the any made clear its support for the Zambian economy by announcing it will invest almost $2 billion to expand Lumwana and increase its annual production to an estimated 240,000 tonnes of copper. This will elevate a once unprofitable operation into one of the world’s foremost copper production facilities.

Similarly, a $100 million investment by First Quantum Minerals (FQM) has successfully brought the Enterprise Nickel Mine – Africa’s largest nickel producer – online. Meanwhile, FQM’s $1.25 billion expansion to its Kanshansi Copper Mine – announced at the Investing in African Mining Indaba 2022 – is expected to create nearly 2,000 jobs in Zambia.

Hichilema’s visionary and steadfast leadership has also encouraged new players to make their mark in Zambia. California-based Kobold Metals, which is backed by tech titans including Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos, is working to start producing copper and cobalt at its project in Zambia. The company has so far invested $150 million to accelerate its search for high-quality metal deposits located in the famous Copperbelt.

Other newcomers include Abu Dhabi’s International Resources, who in December 2023 announced a $1.1 billion investment in Mopani Copper Mines, funding the mine’s expansion plan and increasing copper production to 200,000 tons in the next three years.

President Hichilema’s leadership has galvanised not just the mining industry but also related industries that provide much needed infrastructure and support to the extractives sector. On 26 October, his government signed a memorandum of understanding with the United States and European Union to develop the Lobito Corridor and build a new Zambia-Lobito rail line. This includes a $250 million investment by the United States and will deliver an enormous boost to intra-regional trade, as well as stimulating growth and job creation within Zambia.

Mining Indaba 2024’s theme is ‘Embracing the power of positive disruption: A bold new future for African Mining’. Zambia’s re-emergence as a top investment destination of choice for mining investors demonstrates that positive disruption can deliver positive results and Mining Indaba is excited to provide opportunities to understand the country’s successes and processes for achieving this.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Investing in African Mining Indaba.

Chadiza Court Withdraws Defilement Case Involving Herbalist

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Chadiza Court Withdraws Defilement Case Involving Herbalist

The Chadiza Magistrate Court has withdrawn a defilement case involving a 23 old herbalist who was alleged to have defiled a 15-year-old girl.

This is in exercise of the criminal and procedures Code Chapter 88 of the laws of Zambia which gives authority to withdraw a case from prosecution.

The withdrawal of the case from prosecution sent the herbalist in a state of disbelief.

This was after the Public Prosecutor Bronson Banda asked the Chadiza Resident Magistrate Fred Musaka to withdraw the case following the last hearing.

On 10th January 2024, the Chadiza Magistrate Court had adjourned the matter to January 23, 2024 for continued trial due to inconsistencies in the evidence adduced by the juvenile victim.

When the matter came up for trial in the Chadiza Subordinate court on January 10, 2024 the juvenile failed to give a proper account of what transpired the day she was purported to have been defiled by the herbalist named Happy Phiri.

The juvenile who is a grade 7 pupil at Chadiza Primary School failed to explain what the herbalist did to her while she slept at his house in the company of a friend.
This was despite the court giving her enough time to give her own side of the story.

Particulars of the offence are that Happy Phiri aged 23 of Chadiza district in Eastern province, had carnal knowledge of the girl who is under the age of 16.

Phiri, of Kamwala compound, also a herbalist, is alleged to have defiled the girl between 1st November and 8th December 2023.

Two witnesses testified including the girl’s mother Agness Banda aged 31 testified in the matter.

The other witness was the section Chairperson named Mabvuto Kaila. Phiri, a Malawian National has since been released from police custody.

Magistrate Musaka has however, mentioned that should the State find more substantive evidence, it will not hesitate to re-arrest the accused.

Government Not Subsidizing Fuel – ERB

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Government Not Subsidizing Fuel – ERB

The Energy Regulations Board (ERB) has refuted claims that government has been subsidizing fuel.

ERB Chairperson Reynolds Bowa disclosed that following the increase of fuel prices on the international market in September last year, ERB used the strategic reserve fund to support price stabilization in the country.

Mr Bowa explained that to avoid the price shock, a decision was made that the cost of transporting petroleum products in Zambia would be cushioned by the use of the strategic reserve fund.

He was responding to reports by some sections of the media that government has been subsidizing fuel, hence the steady price flow.

He stated the purpose of the reserve fund is to support the development of the petroleum industry in the country.

“This use the of the strategic reserve fund is an authorized use of the fund and is one of the purposes for which the fund was created and does not in any way constitute a subsidy,” Mr Bowa states.

The ERB Chairperson further clarified that the fund resides in the restricted coffers in the Ministry of Finance and National Planning, and are accessed by the Board after justifying the use.

Prior to occasional shortages of fuel in the country in 2005, Cabinet at the time decided to create a strategic reserve fund. For every purchase of a litre of fuel by consumers, a deduction of K1.50 is channeled to the strategic reserve fund for use when need arises.

Illegal to marry below 18 – Zambia passes the landmark  Marriage (Amendment) Act, 2023

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Illegal to marry below 18 – Zambia passes the landmark  Marriage (Amendment) Act, 2023

In a momentous stride towards safeguarding children’s rights, Zambia’s parliament passed the Marriage (Amendment) Act of 2023 on December 22,2023.

This landmark legislation unequivocally sets the marriageable age at 18, without
exception, for all marriages, including customary marriages, representing a significant shift in the nation’s commitment to eradicating child marriage.

Research shows that robust laws prohibiting the practice have a positive influence on lowering rates of child marriage and adolescent pregnancy, and children’s general welfare improves.

According to Sally Ncube, the Regional Representative for Southern Africa  at Equality Now,“The legislation directly responds to the nation’s urgent challenges, with Zambia witnessing a staggering 1.7 million child brides, 400,000 of whom were married before age 15.” This alarming statistic underscores a grim reality — whereby every day in the country, over 1,000 girls under the age of 15 face the harmful consequences of child marriage, as reported by UNFPA-UNICEF.

Zambia’s Legal Entanglement on Child Marriage

Zambia’s legal framework on child marriage presents a complex mix of customary and statutory laws that created ambiguity in interpreting where the country stands. For instance, prior to the 2023 amendment, the Marriage Act of 1964 allowed for parental and judicial consent for marriages between the ages of 16 and 21, and customary marriages had no age restrictions,thereby allowing children of all ages to marry under traditional law.

Following Zambia’s cabinet approval of the Marriage Bill 2023 in July 2023, the Network on Ending Child Marriage in Zambia (NECMZ), a coalition of 35 civil society organizations working to end child marriage in Zambia through advocacy and engagement, welcomed the move and pushed for further legal reforms. 

“We need to ensure that child marriage was made illegal in its entirety,” said Womba Wanki, the Executive Director of Generation Alive (GAL), who is also the chairperson of the NECMZ Network. The coalition has been calling for the government to address inconsistencies in the law around the age of marriage. 

“In our submissions to parliament, we cited other laws such as the Anti-Gender Based Violence Act, No. 1 of 2011, the Education Act of 2011, and the Penal Code Act that also represented similar inconsistencies,” said Wanki. “The Children’s Code Act of 2022 prohibits marriage and harmful practices under the age of 18 for both boys and girls, yet the contradictions in the Marriage Act 1964 made it impossible to protect and fight for the rights of children fully,” she explained.

Child Marriage Puts Girls At Greater Risk Of Harm

Child marriage is a formal or informal union where one or both parties are under 18 years old.Girls are especially vulnerable to child marriage due to patriarchal norms, gender discrimination,cultural and religious beliefs, and limited or curtailed access to education. When families experience financial hardship, some parents view early marriage as a coping strategy to elevate monetary difficulties and shield daughters from sexual violence. Children who are in child marriages are more likely to drop out of school compared to their unmarried counterparts, keeping many across Eastern and Southern Africa trapped in a cycle of poverty. 

Child marriages also increase the likelihood of early pregnancies, posing significant health challenges to both young mothers and their babies. It can result in complications during pregnancy and childbirth and is associated with higher maternal and infant complications and mortality. Furthermore, children who are married off are also vulnerable to STIs, including HIV,and child brides are exposed to greater risk of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse and violence.

What the newly enacted Marriage (Amendment) Act, 2023 means

The groundbreaking Marriage (Amendment) Act of 2023 now defines the child as a “person who has attained, or is below, the age of eighteen years,” as assigned in Zambia’s Constitution. It also states that a marriage between persons, either of whom is a child, is void. 

“Clear, consistent laws have the impact of not just acting as a deterrent but also of demonstrating to the community the need to allow children to grow and positively influence societal attitudes,” said Ncube.

Zambia is a signatory to International human rights instruments such as the Convention on the Rights of Children (CRC), the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC),and the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (Maputo Protocol) that all categorically state the minimum age of marriage as 18,without any exceptions. 

“The removal of exceptions for customary marriages is a significant leap forward in achieving a society free from the harms of early marriages. As the nation celebrates this milestone, we anticipate positive changes that will resonate through generations,” says Wanki.

How will Zambia eradicate child marriage?

By passing this law, Zambia joins six other countries in the Southern African Development Community (SADC), including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Malawi, Mauritius,Mozambique, Seychelles, and Zimbabwe, that have laws that fully provide for the minimum age of 18 for both boys and girls with no exceptions. This is in line with the SADC Model Law on Eradicating Child Marriage and protecting children already in Marriage that was adopted in June 2016 by the SADC Parliament.
However, more than legislation is required. “As we celebrate with Zambia on this progressive legal reform milestone, We call on the Government of Zambia to close the divide between legal approaches and those aimed at influencing social and community norms,” emphasizes Ncube.

“Government agencies and CSO partners have to educate the public about why child marriageis harmful, and this requires a multi-sectoral approach with ample budgetary allocation. It is alsovital that the government and stakeholders accelerate mass public awareness of the law and review and strengthen relevant institutions and duty-bearers for efficient and effective implementation. 

“In addition, there is a need to ensure accountability mechanisms for the implementation of the law to ensure enforcement, survivor-centered access to justice, protection and support provision as well as timeous prosecution of perpetrators,” remarked Ncube. 

In the collective effort to combat child marriage in Eastern and Southern Africa, four insightful policy briefs have emerged as collaborative endeavors of Equality Now, UNFPA, and the SADCParliamentary Forum, shedding light on crucial aspects of this pervasive issue. The first brief meticulously delineates the Gaps and Opportunities in Legislative Frameworks about child marriage, emphasizing the need for comprehensive legal reforms. Simultaneously, it.

The second brief addresses the challenges and potential benefits of Domesticating the SADC Model Law and reviews the extent to which SADC Member States have domesticated the SADC Model Law on Child Marriage. 
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This third policy brief highlights the challenges in implementation, best practices, and recommendations on how the implementation of child marriage laws and policies can be improved within the East and Southern Africa region. The brief focuses explicitly on the situation in three countries – Zambia, Uganda, and Malawi – using them as case studies to analyze the Challenges in Implementing Domestic Laws and the SADC Model Law on Child Marriage. 

The fourth brief, Ending Child Marriages in Eastern and Southern Africa: A Multi-Sectoral Approach, defines the multi-sectoral approach in the context of child marriage, highlights best practices from countries already implementing it – specifically focusing on the role of parliament and CSOs – and gives recommendations on making the approach more effective. 

All Set For Mayembe By-Election Amidst Accusations of Irregularities

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All Set For Mayembe By-Election Amidst Accusations of Irregularities

The Mayembe Ward in Shiwang’andu District of Muchinga Province is gearing up for a by-election today. According to Isaac Mwale, the Shiwang’andu District Electoral Officer, all preparations are in place, and the deployment of poll staff is proceeding as planned.

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) Vice Chairperson, Ambassador Ali Simwinga, expressed the commission’s satisfaction with the peaceful environment during the campaign period. He commended the participating political parties for maintaining unity and respect, stating that the commission hopes the by-elections will be conducted successfully and peacefully.

Ambassador Simwinga assured the public that the ECZ has diligently worked to ensure necessary logistics are in place and that all poll staff are adequately trained for the local government poll. The by-election was triggered by the resignation of Ward Councilor Hosea Chitemboi on October 1, 2023.

However, amidst the optimism surrounding the by-election, controversy has erupted.
Fred M’membe, President of the Socialist Party, accused the UPND of making it impossible to have free and fair by-elections. M’membe claimed that the UPND is distributing large sums of money to voters and even resorting to slaughtering animals to influence the outcome of the by-elections.

M’membe questioned the integrity of the process, labeling the UPND’s actions as shameless and without restraint. He drew parallels to past accusations against the Patriotic Front (PF) for fraudulent victories in ward by-elections.

M’membe challenged the UPND, stating, “Let them deceive themselves and ‘win’ and see where it will take them. The PF used to cheat themselves with fraudulent ward by-election victories. But where did it take them?”

North -Western to Benefit From EU’s 50 million Euro Education Programme

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North -Western to Benefit From EU’s 50 million Euro Education Programme

North Western Province has been selected to be among provinces scheduled to benefit from the 50 million Euros European Union funded education programme in line with the 8th National Development Plan (8NDP).

This came to light when a delegation from the Ministry of Education headquarters and United Children’s Fund (UNICEF) paid a courtesy call on Provincial Permanent Secretary Grandson Katambi in Solwezi district.

And Ministry of Education Senior Education Officer Directorate of Early Childhood Education, Caster Mulamfu, said the programme will also be implemented in Luapula Province.

“We are in the Province because North Western is among the two provinces picked for the implementation of this 50 million Euros programme to be funded by the European Union and will be managed by UNICEF,” he said.

Mr Mulamfu said the programme is aimed at constructing infrastructure to support Early Childhood Education (ECE) in the country and build capacity among stakeholders.

He said the design of the programme is that the government plans to establish Early Childhood hubs to be fed by (ECE) satellite centres within the selected districts.
“The programme has already been approved by cabinet and we have decided that the Early Childhood hubs which will be headed by head teachers and will act as (ECE) centres and be supported by the teachers from (ECE) satellite Centres

Mr Mulamfu has also made a clarion call on local contractors to take ownership of such projects when contracted to undertake such.

UNICEF Childhood Development Specialist Zewelanji Serpell, said the programme will be implemented in five districts including: Solwezi, Mufumbwe, Zambezi, Kabompo and Mwinilunga.

Ms Serpell said the delegation is in the province to conduct a scope study to establish a comprehensive report for the implementation of the programme.

Meanwhile, UNICEF Deputy Country Representative, Henri Heikura said the duration of the project is five years and the implementation is expected to start by mid-2024.
Colonel Katambi (Rtd) has expressed gratitude that the province has been selected to be among the few provinces to benefit from the 50 Million Euros programme.

“North Western Province has been lagging behind in terms of development despite being host to rich minerals and it is gratifying to know that it has been selected to be among the selected two provinces,” he said.

Col Katambi said the programme has come at the right time adding that it is the right intervention to encourage parents to send their children to school at an early age.
He said the government attaches great importance to Early Childhood Education (ECE) as it has potential to play a role in bridging the gap in rural areas.

Col Katambi bemoaned lack of civilization among some parents and guardians in rural areas as some are still in the habit of forcing children into early marriages.
The delegation further interacted with various stakeholders in Solwezi district where the Ministry of Education Senior Education Officer Directorate of Early Childhood Education Caster Mulamfu urged community members to be vigilant and safeguard the infrastructure once the programme is implemented.

Continued Kwacha Depreciation

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Continued Kwacha Depreciation

Our leaders running the economic sector of this country need to come down to earth and stop this “Blue Sky” thinking propaganda.

Most recently the Minister of Finance made a pronouncement based on a number of mining initiatives that the kwacha will not depreciate in 2024.

This was further alluded to by the deputy governor of the Bank of Zambia at a media conference in Siavonga.

The reality however is that since January 1, 2024, the kwacha has continued to depreciate on a weekly basis. It is anticipated that by end of this week the Kwacha will be trading at K27 to a dollar. The rate today is K26.80.

So the question is: which 2024 are these government officials living in because the kwacha has continued its weekly depreciation since January 1, 2024?

Government officials should ensure that their statements are backed by results, otherwise they risk their credibility and public confidence dwindles as a result. The market remains mute despite positive statements being issued because the statements are seen as political rhetoric.

Right now investor confidence is low. We should also not underestimate the negative impact on investors due to seemingly unstable political environment arising from bad governance and dwindling democratic space. It’s not only economic factors that affect the kwacha but also perceived political instability. Take the PF wrangles as an example. These wrangles have also resulted in perceived political instability in the country and consequently foreign investors are cautious to make decisions to invest in Zambia.

Fred M’membe
President of the Socialist Party

Sweaty Situation: Football Fans Unhappy with Zambia’s Team Jersey

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Sweaty Situation: Football Fans Unhappy with Zambia’s Team Jersey

The Zambian national football team has been making headlines at the ongoing AFCON tournament, but not for the reasons they would have hoped. While fans eagerly anticipated victories and stellar performances, a different concern has emerged – the infamous “Sweaty Jersey.” Football enthusiasts took to social media to express their displeasure, emphasizing the negative impact the jersey seems to be having on the players’ performance.

Comments from fans shed light on the discomfort players maybe facing due to the seemingly sweat-absorbing nature of the Chipolopolo jerseys. One fan lamented, “Chipolopolo jerseys appear to retain the sweat, and players have been dripping with perspiration just minutes after matches have kicked off.” This observation is supported by the vivid descriptions of players looking as though they had just emerged from a swimming pool merely 10 minutes into the game.

The fans not only criticized the jerseys for their apparent lack of breathability but also highlighted how this issue might be contributing to the team’s performance on the field. The discomfort caused by excessive sweating could potentially hinder the players’ focus, stamina, and overall game performance. The issue is not merely cosmetic, as one fan pointed out, “On top of shambolic performance, we add, shambolic jersey.” The fans are calling for an investment in proper football jerseys that will not compromise the team’s play.

During one match, fans noticed that the team changed jerseys at halftime, hoping for a better outcome. However, it seems that the problem persisted, with one fan humorously remarking, “By the 55th minute, again John the Baptist visited the boys and baptized them.”

Football fans are demanding action from the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), urging them to invest in jerseys that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional for the players on the pitch. A fan expressed concern about the health implications, stating, “Sweating abnormally isn’t healthy for players.” Another fan emphasized the importance of a proper kit for the team’s success, saying, “If the boys qualified in these carrier bags you call ama jersey, imagine what they can achieve in a proper kit?”

As Chipolopolo battles it out on the AFCON stage, it’s clear that the team’s jersey has become a focal point of dissatisfaction among fans. While the team’s qualification in the same jersey is acknowledged, fans argue that a proper kit could elevate their performance to new heights. FAZ faces the challenge of addressing these concerns promptly to ensure that the Chipolopolo can focus on the game without being distracted by the discomfort of their jerseys.

President Hichilema Urgently Directs Review of Gun License Issuance

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President Hichilema Urgently Directs Review of Gun License Issuance

In response to growing concerns over the alarming rate of gun ownership and related incidents, President Hakainde Hichilema has issued a directive to the Ministry of Home Affairs to urgently review the issuance of gun licenses.

The President emphasized the need for Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Jack Mwiimbu, and other relevant authorities to treat this matter with utmost urgency.

The Head of State said the rate at which people are in possession of guns is alarming.

President Hichilema made the remarks during the church service for the late Lieutenant General Ronnie Shikapwasha held at Mulungushi International Conference Center in Lusaka.

President Hichilema said if not addressed urgently more lives may be lost.
He explained that the directive has nothing to do with the death of the late Shikapwasha but that he has noticed the trend is becoming worse.

“ Let me take this opportunity and direct Mr Mwimbu to review the act of issuing gun shots. I have heard and seen this happen so many times these days. But this has to stop,” President Hichilema noted.

Mr Hichilema further observed that he has seen people attending parties with firearms and wonders why they carry them.

President Hichilema said relevant authorities should relook at the permits and processes of who should own a gun and why.

He noted that people use money to buy bullets instead of fertilizer or seed.
“ Why should they use their money to buy bullets instead of investing in fertilizer or seed? Once you buy these things at least you are guaranteed food. But why bullets,” the President said.

President Hichilema further added that it is high time that people feel safe in their country and not to live in fear.

Zambia Shows Resilience in 1-1 Draw with Tanzania Despite Challenges

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Zambia Shows Resilience in 1-1 Draw with Tanzania Despite Challenges

In a closely contested match against Tanzania, Zambia demonstrated resilience and determination, securing a 1-1 draw in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations. The match saw Patson Daka being named Man of the Match for his crucial contribution.

Tanzania took an early lead with Simon Msuva finding the back of the net after 11 minutes, putting Zambia on the back foot. Despite facing adversity with the red-carding of captain Roderick Kabwe just before halftime, Zambia fought back and equalized in the 88th minute through a goal by Patson Daka.

Patson Daka named Man of the Match

The first half was marked by challenges for Zambia, starting with the swift counter-attack that led to Tanzania’s goal. Captain Kabwe’s second yellow card, resulting in his expulsion, further added to Zambia’s difficulties. The team’s coach, Avram Grant, also found himself in the referee’s book, receiving a yellow card amid the heated moments.

Despite these setbacks, Zambia displayed defensive solidity, with goalkeeper Lawrence Mulenga making crucial saves. Daka, a prominent figure having played in the Premier League with Leicester City, showcased his skills, forcing a save from Tanzanian goalkeeper Aisha Manula before securing the equalizer.

Analyzing the performance, football experts pointed out both positives and areas for improvement. The defensive resilience of Zambia was commendable, particularly considering they played with ten men for the entire second half. However, critiques were raised about decision-making, particularly in the lead-up to Tanzania’s goal.

The lack of pace in Zambia’s defensive center-back pairing was identified as a potential vulnerability, affecting the team’s ability to transition quickly into the attack. Football analysts also highlighted the importance of team collaboration over individual glory, citing an opportunity where Daka could have passed the ball to Fashion Sakala.

Looking ahead, Zambia has a 50% chance of progressing to the round of 16, with all four teams in the group having drawn at least one match. The team’s fate will be determined in the final group match on Wednesday in the Ivory Coast, where Zambia aims to secure a positive result and advance in the tournament.

Burial Service of Late Lieutenant General Ronnie Shikapwasha in pictures

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Burial Service of Late Lieutenant General Ronnie Shikapwasha in pictures

President Hichilema leads mourners at late Shikapwasha’s funeral

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President Hichilema leads mourners at late Shikapwasha’s funeral

President Hakainde Hichilema joined hundreds of mourners from all walks of life to put to rest the late Ronnie Shikapwasha who died on January 15, 2024.
Speaking during the church service held at Mulungushi International Conference in Lusaka, President Hichilema described the late Lieutenant General Shikapwasha as a dignified son of the soil.

President Hichilema said his commitment, professionalism and dedication to duty is something that the country will forever remain cherishing.He said the late Lt General Shikapwasha demonstrated what it means to serve the country diligently without hidden agendas.

President Hichilema noted that people become leaders for different reasons among them selfish needs adding that this is not what the late Shikapwasha believed.
The Head of State said the late Lt General Shikapwasha believed in hard work and that is what the country should emulate to develop.

“ It is sad that we are putting to rest this man who I was with some months ago. We shared a lot of words and today he is no more, “ President Hichilema said.

President Hichilema has since urged the family and the Zambian people to mourn the deceased in dignity despite the circumstances that led to his death.

And former Katuba Member of Parliament, Jonas Shakafuswa who spoke on behalf of chiefs, said the chiefs have described the late Lt General Shikapwasha as a man who unified all traditional leaders in the country.

Mr Shakafuswa thanked the government for the good send off of their son, Lt General Shikapwasha.

Zambia Army Director Religious and Moral Services Reverend Shadreck Mwale encouraged mourners to always think about death and make peace with God.Rev Mwale said death is a mystery and people should make sure that while alive they should do the best and live a good life.

In giving tributes, Former First Lady Maureen Mwanawasa who represented the siblings to the late, described him as a loving and caring brother who was also rooted to life affairs.

Ms Mwanawasa said the late Shikapwasha exhibited exceptional leadership skills not only to government but also to the family.

And Tusa Shikapwasha who is one of the children of the late Lt General Shikapwasha described him as a loving and caring father.
Ms Shikapwasha noted that the children will always remember how he taught them about dedication and commitment to duty adding that they will continue to live as he guided them.

Betty Kongela, one of his grandchildren said they will remember his grandfather as a man who used to bring the family together.

And in giving the service life history for the late Shikapwasha , Zambia Air Force Brigadier General Rueben Mwansa said the late was dedicated to duty and was an inspiration to many.

And giving a church history for the late Lt General Shikapwasha, Jesus His Life Church Zambia Raymond Chishala said the late was ordained as pastor in 2004.
Pastor Chishala observed that his selfless devotion to God, at some point in time sponsored 30 pastors who were deployed to different churches across the country.
He noted that his dedication to God, also saw the church opening nine other branches in Lusaka and others around the country.

Pastor Chishala added that apart from being dedicated to God, the late Shikapwashahad a loving heart as he used to help vulnerable people adding that the church will continue riding on his teachings and way of life.
[ZANIS]

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