President Edgar Lungu calls for continued peace and unity in the country
Kapyongo before departure for western Province for a day working visit
at City Airport.
President Edgar Lungu has called on the church to pray for continued peace and unity in the country.
President Lungu also appealed to the church to pray for politicians and encourage them to follow and be guided by the teachings of Christ in their quest to aspire for leadership positions.
ZANIS reports that the President said this today, at Saint Joseph’s Parish in Mangango when he attended Mass.
He said there is need for the church to play an active role in championing peace and help address the political violence among politicians.
President Lungu disclosed that he will continue to be a strong believer of Christian values adding that, he will continue to pray and will not be distracted by other politicians who do not believe in God.
He noted that there is need to remain united and not accommodate any schemes being influenced by the devil aimed at destabilising national peace.
And Parish Coordinator, Chikwekwe Nyundu commended government for the various Infrastructure development in the area.
Mr. Nyundu further wished President Lungu peace and unity as he continues to govern the people of Zambia.
Meanwhile, St Joseph’s Priest, John Konkaisha who preached the Gospel from the book of Mark, Chapter 13:24-32 encouraged people to always stay focused.
Father Konkaisha noted that whenever people are faced with challenges they should always seek the face of God.
President Lungu is in Western Province to drum up support for the Patriotic Front (PF) Mangango Parliamentary by Election Candidate, Godwin Putu, slated for Tuesday November 20, 2018.
UN pledges to assist with 2020 Census
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has pledged to provide US$500,000 in terms of Technical Assistance, equipment and financial resources while UNICEF has pledged to provide US$100,000 towards the conducting of the 2020 National Census on Population and Housing.
The pledges were made when the Minister of National Development Planning, Alexander Chiteme, on behalf of the Vice-President Inonge Wina, met Cooperating Partners and the private sector to mobilise resources for the 2020 Census on Population and Housing.
United Nations Resident Coordinator, Janet Rogan announced UNFPA and UNICEF pledges towards the 2020 Census.
Ms. Rogan announced that UNAIDS has pledged to support with technical assistance from UN agencies which is being provided in line ministries to increase data quality.
And the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Chief of Mission, Annie Lane was keen to learn the incorporation and recognition of Migration issues in the 2020 Census.
Ms. Lane emphasised the need for quality data on migration characteristics and variables, in the context of how to better manage and govern internal and cross border migration, ensuring that no one is left behind.
She indicated that IOM will offer technical assistance in Pre-Census Activities; Pilot Post Enumeration; the Main Census activities and Post Enumeration Census.
Meanwhile, USAID thanked the Ministry of National Development Planning (MNDP), and its department the Central Statistical Office (CSO) for the presentations.
The USAID already contributes some resources through Technical Assistance being provided by the US Census Bureau to the CSO.
Zambia will conduct the Census of Population and Housing in August 2020. The 2020 Census will be the first of its kind in Zambia to be conducted using electronic data collection methodology – Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI).
The 2020 Census will be a complete shift from the traditional Pen and Paper Interview (PAPI) to Computer Assisted Personal Interview (CAPI)/digital Census.
The electronic data collection methodology will improve the quality of data collected and reduce the time-lag between data collection and the dissemination of results. The estimated total budget for the 2020 Census of Population and Housing is K841, 563, 560 (about US$75, 139, and 604).
This is contained in a statement made available to ZANIS in Lusaka today by Ministry of National Development Planning Spokesperson, Chibaula Silwamba.
We’ve not sold our SOEs to the Chinese; it’s lies peddled by the opposition, Wina tells Guinea President
Vice President Inonge Wina says reports that the Government of the Republic of Zambia has sold its state owned enterprises (SOEs) to the Chinese are false.
Mrs. Wina said allegations that government has sold its enterprises are being peddled by some opposition leaders who want to gain political mileage by making people rise against Government.
The Vice President was responding to Guinea President, Alpha Conde who wanted to find out, the truth about the media stories circulating that Zambia is experiencing demonstrations as a result of government’s move to sale its state owned enterprises to the Chinese.
This was during an informal meeting on the sidelines of the 11th Extraordinary Summit of Heads of States and Government in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The Vice President explained that state owned enterprises are intact and operating under the statutes of Parliament.
She further emphasized that government has no intentions of selling any of the state owned enterprises.
Mrs. Wina also clarified that the protest that was on the Copperbelt was necessitated by a statement from an opposition leader who misled the citizens that ZAFFICO, a state owned enterprise that deals in timber was being sold to the Chinese when in fact the shares of the company where being floated on the Lusaka Stock Exchange for any person to bid, giving first preference to the workers and Zambians in general.
She also stressed that Zambia is a Sovereign State and Government has an obligation to protect that.
The Vice President further dismissed reports on social media as fake and urged Zambians not to be misled by selfish politicians.
And responding to the Vice President, Guinea President, Alfa Conde said he is not surprised that Zambia too like other African countries, is experiencing the same negative publicity about Chinese investment.
He said the careless use of social media to peddle lies is a problem in many African states, and governments should be alert to this threat.
With particular reference to Guinea, President Conde said some of his citizens had gone to an extent of creating false pictures with a view of misleading people.
The two leaders agreed that the African Union should be concerned about fake news circulating on the continent as this might frustrate Member States and Africa as a whole as the continent makes progress in efforts to develop in all areas of human endeavor and in tandem with the African Agenda 2063.
Citizens are urged to discern between fake and worthy news so as not to be misguided and taking actions that may work against the will of the people.
This is contained in a statement made available to ZANIS in Lusaka today by First Secretary for Press and Tourism at the Zambian Embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Inutu Mwanza.
A Foreigners Guide to Dating a Zambian Woman
By William Phiri
There are a few things you need to take into consideration before you Date a Zambian Girl;
1. They have a skewed conception of Western life. They believe that everyone in the West, especially America, should look like a Movie Star. They are critical of what you wear. Take time to educate her that the “life” she sees in movies is just what it is, “Acting.” Assure her that there are regular People who live ordinary lives in America and Europe; that they wake up in the morning and go to work. They work hard to make ends meet just like in Zambia.
2. Get a Car. Whether you rent, borrow or steal one, get one. It’s a shortcut to her heart. If you have the big Range Rover or Mercedes, you can even Date the President’s Daughter.
I used to work as a Driver. None of the Girls at Church knew and none of them ever talked to me. One day my boss asked me to work on a weekend and later in the afternoon I went to Church with his Car. Believe me, even the Pastor’s daughter came to greet me. I had ladies all around me. Also carry your keys in your hands, don’t put them in the pocket.
3. When you finally get one (Kasha), do not buy her gifts. Jewelry, flowers etc., will not be appreciated. Give her Money. Give her Money. Give her Money.
4. They don’t like public affection. But if you give her Money, you can definitely kiss her in public. Dollars work as a key to unlock public expression of love.
5. Most educated Zambian women don’t have time for dating. They are too busy with their careers. If you date one, just give her a Baby. That’s what she wants. She’s not interested in marriage.
6. Most of them consume a lot of alcohol so don’t be surprised when you take her out to Dinner or to any social engagement.
7. You can not go straight to the wedding ceremony. First, she wants an Engagement Party, Kitchen Party, “Chilanga Mulilo,” then Wedding Ceremony. The engagement ring is not important to her. Just give her a lot of money to do a big Kitchen Party.
8. Most of them do not know how to cook. They grow up in homes with Maids. The Maids do all the cooking. So if you’re Italian or Greek and you’re used to big dinners your mother used to cook, you better get used to eating out in Restaurants.
9. When having sex, they wiggle their waists; they can even lift you up. If you are not comfortable with it, you can tell her. She may do that to want to impress you, but let her know if you don’t enjoy it. I don’t enjoy it, so I tell them.
10. When dating a Zambian Woman, always please her friends and the people in her life. You will notice that even her brother who does not have a job gets too close to you. That’s how it is. You don’t date just your girlfriend in Zambia, you date the whole village. Give money to everyone you come to know through her. They are expecting it. Otherwise, your relationship may not last for a long time.
11. If you prefer Dating older women, go for Widows. They are usually calm and down to earth. Look out for Toyota RAV 4s. That’s a car for Widows.
DO NOT go for Divorced women. Most Divorced Zambian women are bitter and angry. Most of them join Women related NGOs. They use it as a conduit to express their anger for men. They hate men. Period!
Suspected Anthrax killing Hippos in Luangwa River
Hippos in Luangwa River in Chama district in Muchinga Province are reportedly dying from suspected Anthrax disease.
Confirming the development to ZANIS, Chama District Commissioner (DC), Leonard Ngoma said a team from the University of Zambia (UNZA) has since visited the affected areas to collect samples for testing.
Mr. Ngoma said results for the samples taken are yet to be released to confirm if the hippos are dying from suspected Anthrax or it is because of over population.
He said the affected areas are mainly in Chikwa and Chifunda Chiefdoms involving close to 8 villages.
The District Commissioner has since discouraged people in the area from eating meat from the carcass and any other animal that may have died from unknown causes as this could be a source of infection which could lead to severe illness and even death.
In October of 2016, Anthrax broke out in Chama district affecting over 40 people.
The outbreak was blamed on people handling, cutting, cooking, and eating meat from hippos that had died from Anthrax in the Luangwa River.
Last month, Cabinet approved three bills and resolved to reduce the hippo population along the Luangwa River following reports of damage to the environment.
Current population of the hippos in Luangwa River is at 13,000 which is beyond the carrying capacity of 9,000 on a 270km stretch.
This has caused considerable damage to the environment, river banks and continues to threaten the sustainability of the river system.
Government release funds to construct a bridge across Luangwa River
Government has released K5 million to go towards repairing of a temporal bridge across Luangwa River which has developed cracks.
Chama District Commissioner (DC), Leonard Ngoma disclosed this in Chama district when Muchinga Province Permanent Secretary (PS), Jobbicks Kalumba paid a courtesy call at his office on Friday.
Mr. Ngoma said Government has released K5 million for the repairing of a temporal bridge across Luangwa River as well as towards the construction of the main bridge which is yet to start on the same crossing point.
The DC said the heavy rains experienced in the district early this year which also resulted in floods, have contributed to the bad state of the temporal bridge across the river.
He said that the embankment of the bridge has developed cracks leaving the bridge vulnerable and on the verge of collapsing.
Mr. Ngoma said preliminary works towards the repairing of the temporal bridge have since commenced adding that, works are expected to commence once the consultant engineer arrives in town.
The DC has since appealed to motorists and the general public not to panic as remedial measures have been put in place to protect the bridge.
And Muchinga Province PS, Jobbicks Kalumba said there is urgent need to construct a permanent bridge across Luangwa River.
Dr. Kalumba also appealed to the contractor to expedite the works noting that, with the onset of rains, the temporal bridge is risky in its current state.
He said should the bridge collapse, it will mean Chama being cut off from the rest of the province.
Dr. Kalumba was in Chama district to check on the state of the bridge following reports that the infrastructure had developed serious cracks and is on the verge of collapsing.
My dismissal should be taken as an opportunity to rebuild MMD-Mutati
Movement for Multi-party Democracy MMD President Felix Mutati has directed his national secretary Raphael Nakacinda to call for a National Policy Conference which will among other things discuss the future of the party.
And Mr. Mutati says his dismissal should be taken as an opportunity for members of the party to ensure that they work hard in rebuilding the party to make stronger and ensure that it remains relevant to the country’s politics.
Speaking during the launch of the card renewal for Lusaka Province, Mr. Mutati said his party makes decisions in consultations with the members and that the decision of how the party moves forward as regards the 2021 elections lays in the hands of the membership hence the need for a policy conference.
He said the policy conference should discuss the way forward for the party because members have been asking for a clear road map on the operations of the party going forward.
He said just like in 2016 when the party decided to go into partnership with the ruling Patriotic Front (PF), the policy conference will consult with the MMD membership and give direction on the way forward.
And Mr. Mutati says the MMD will continue to embark on its mobilization to ensure that it remains a critical component of the country’s democracy just like the forefathers envisaged at its formation.
He said with hard work from members across the country and Gods blessings the party will regain the numbers it once hard.
He said the party will ensure that it goes down the lowest members to ensure that they are reactivated so that the party is put in shape to effectively participate in any election.
And the MMD President added there was no need for political players to intimidate one another because the country belongs to everyone.
He said politics that encourage division such tribal politics and political violence should have no room in the country.
And the MMD has posthumously honoured its first party and second Republican President Fredrick Chiluba with a framed statue of an eagle for his contribution to the party and the nation at large which was received by his son Darlington.
And in receiving the honour, Darlington Chiluba said the family was humbled and grateful to the party’s leadership for recognizing his father’s role in democracy.
President Lungu holds closed door meeting with the the Litunga
President Edgar Lungu yesterday held a closed door meeting with the Litunga Lubosi Imwiko II of Western Province at his Limulunga Palace before proceeding to Mangango Constituency.
At Limulunga Palace, the President was received by the Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE) Indunas and District Commissioners for Limulunga and Senanga, Litambo Ndombo and Vivian Mubukwanu respectively.
President Lungu was accompanied by Patriotic Front (PF) Secretary General Davies Mwila, Presidential Affairs Minister Freedom Sikazwe, Health Minister Dr. Chitalu Chilufya, Roads Development Agency Board Chairman Samuel Mukupa, senior party and government officials.
The President is today expected to attend a church service at Mangango Catholic Church in the morning, then tour Mangango Mission Hospital and later in the afternoon address a public rally in Mangango and then return to Lusaka the same day.
And four political parties are contesting the Mangango Parliamentary By-election seat.
The Patriotic Front (PF) is fielding in Godwin Putu, the United Party for National Development (UPND) Mwendoi Akakandelwa and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Kashandola Yuvwenu while Kambinda Chingunde is contesting on the United Prosperous and Peaceful Zambia (UPPZ) ticket.
The Mangango Parliamentary Constituency seat fell vacant following the death of the UPND Member of Parliament Naluwa Mwene.
The people of Mangango Constituency goes to the polls on 20th November, 2018.
Should Judges in Zambia appointed or Elected as Government contemplates amending the Constitution?
By Peter Sinkamba
In Zambia, judges are appointed by the President under Article 140 of the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) 2016. In the United States, some judges are pointed while others are elected by popular vote.
Following the 2016 Amendment, appointment of judges to fill up new courts that were established has been acrimonious than ever before.
Now, Government is contemplating amending the Constitution. Any time from now, Government may advertise its proposed amendment.
Should Article 140 be one of proposals for reviewed so as to provide for elected judges? Or should the status quo of appointing judges be retained?
The events in the US in the last one month on appointment and election of judges has given us a feel of the two sides of the coin. First, it was the acrimonious appointment of Judge Brett Kavanaugh, a Republican judge, who went through one of the most contentious, partisan, divisive, and polarizing confirmation process, to the Federal Supreme Court Bench.
Then last week, Mid-Term elections were held. Several office bearers were on the ballot, among them, Congressmen and Congresswomen, Senators, Governors, and interestingly, State judges.
A total of 297 appellate court seats were up for election, including 68 supreme court seats, and 228 intermediate appellate court seats.
Interestingly, one Judge lost his re-election bid. His name is Judge Glenn Devlin??a judge in Houston in Harris County.
The Judge is one of the 59 Republican Judges who were replaced by Democrats following the Mid-Term elections.
What did Judge Devlin do thereafter?
One day after he lost his re-election bid, he released nearly all juvenile defendants who appeared before him as long as they answered “no” when he asked if they planned to kill anyone.
“This is obviously what the voters wanted,” Judge Devlin is reported to have said when he released juveniles who have been charged with a wide range of crimes, according to ABC 10.
“If I release you, will you go out and murder anybody?” he asked the juveniles. And if the juvenile said “no”, he released them.
It is not known how many juveniles were released, but the number, according to the outlet, is at least seven — four of whom faced aggravated robbery charges.
The Judge also rescheduled all cases to be heard during the first week of January next year, which is when Democrat Natalia Oakes will take the bench.
In civics, we are taught from a young age that the best form of government is a democratic government where people elect their leaders and officials. In a democracy, citizens participate in this process by voting for president and other offices.
But in Zambia, one branch of government — the judicial branch — often escapes the direct application of democracy through judicial appointments instead of electing judges.
The benefits of having Presidents and MPs appointing judges for life rather than putting their seats up for election have been debated in Zambia since the Mwanakatwe Constitutional Review Commission of 1993. These debates have come from the fact that there are many good and bad consequences of having appointed judges.
Although electing judges makes intuitive sense in a democracy, the appointment method of judge selection most fairly accomplishes the goal of the judicial branch — to read and interpret the law.
Given that direct democracy allows citizens the most control over their government, to elect our judges may seem like the best method of selection. Indeed, judges who depend on re-election to keep their jobs could be friendlier and appear more productive especially towards elections.
Elected judges will endeavour to keep people happy and they will therefore often do what the majority of people in their jurisdiction would think is best.
Unfortunately, sometimes being a good judge means making decisions that don’t make people happy. Clearly, most judges (whether they be elected or not) should not be afraid to make unpopular decisions in court as long as they are in keeping with the law.
However, the application of direct democracy to the court system may lead to some level of majority rule in the courts. While majority rule is a good thing in Parliament and the State House, judicial rulings should be based on objective interpretation of the law. Therefore, judicial rulings must not be influenced by public opinion.
Another reason good reason to support appointment of judges is that Presidents and MPs make judicial selections based on the backgrounds and records of candidates. The assumption here is that background checks will be made from the premise of professionalism not caderism. If cadres take the lead in conducting background checks then the result of careful deliberation and research by the President and MPs is compromised.
Sometimes judges go through the nomination process based purely on their party affiliation — a mistake which encourages political advocacy from the bench instead of ensuring that justice be served in our courts.
The assumption is that when a judge is appointed, the person in charge of that appointment will look at their entire record as a judge rather than just check the background check on party affiliation —- PF, UPND, Green Party, NAREP etc.
Judges should be selected with the intention of being objective and non-partisan, not to implement a particular party’s platform.
So, from the above discourse, what do you think the best way that should be adopted in the next constitutional amendment to guarantee unbiased and fair rulings in our courts?
Which mode of adoption should be enacted as the best standard method of judicial selection?
As stated above, judges should make decisions they believe to be fair, regardless of whether public agree with them. No doubt about it, the public expect judges that make rulings based on independent interpretations of the law and make the best decisions.
The question is: should we trust our highest elected officials to appoint these officials? If so, what fool-proof system should be put in place to guarantee that only the most qualified candidates take up these positions?
The second question is: what system should we devise which, on one hand is dependent on the consent of the governed, and on the other hand ensures deliver of justice without being controlled by public opinion during election season, and party cadres after the elections?
The Author is the President of the Greens Party in Zambia
Chief Mwene Mutondo advises people to work and support the government of the day
Chief Chief Mwene Mutondo of the Nkoya speaking people of Kaoma district in Western province has advised people in the country to always work and support the government of the day.
The traditional leader has since appealed to people in his chiefdom to support the Patriot Front (PF) government because of the development that it is taking to various areas.
He said there is need for people to separate politics from development adding that it is good for people to associate themselves with leaders who are developmental oriented.
ZANIS reports that the Chief was speaking in Kaoma yesterday when President Edgar Lungu paid a courtesy call on him at his palace.
” I want to appeal to my subjects that there is no time to waste, let us join people who are developmental oriented for us to stop walking long distances to clinics and schools let us support PF,” he said.
He stressed that Zambians should always have a common goal of development hence the need to work towards achieving it in a united manner.
And Chief Mweenetondo thanked President Lungu for visiting his palace, noting that he is the second Head of state to have visited the place after first President Kenneth Kaunda.
He added that the visit by President Lungu will remain historical and meaningful to the chiefdom and his subjects.
He also praised government for constructing a modern mortuary in the area adding that people will be buried in dignity and honour compared to the past when people used to be buried hastily due to lack of a mortuary.
And President Lungu appealed to traditional leaders in the country to help politicians by inculcating messages of peace and unity in them.
Mr.Lungu disclosed that there is so much division among politicians especially those championing tribal and regionalism.
He noted that this is why traditional leaders should come in and ensure that people uphold the One Zambia,one Nation Motto.
President Lungu further noted that Presidents and other leaders should be elected on merit and not using tribalism to decampaign others.
” Help us as traditional leaders to inculcate this message in our people, let us stop this tribal thing, all Ministers and Presidents should be elected on merit,” he stated.
He further added that in his administration he will not live anyone behind in the quest to develop the country.
The President is in Mangango of Kaoma district in Western province to campaign for PF candidate Godwin Putu in Tuesday’s November 20 parliamentary by election.
Zambia supports the motion to give former presidents a role at the AU
Zambia has supported the motion that the selection panel for the Senior leadership of the African Union Commission should be comprised of former Presidents, former Foreign Affairs Ministers and former Chairpersons of the African Union Commission with regional representation.
Speaking when she made an intervention statement on the reforms of the African Union during the opening of the 11th Extraordinary Summit for Heads of States and Government, Mrs Wina said Zambia supported the motion in view of the understanding that the eminent personalities were part of the vision owners of the Africa union flagship programme dubbed Agenda 2063.
The Vice President said the decisive development to reform the African Union would richly contribute to the attainment of Agenda 2063, a strategic framework for socio economic transformation of the continent over the next 50 years.
She reiterated government’s commitment to the reform process and expressed Zambia’s desire that the AU moves expeditiously as well as methodically in completing the landmark effort to reform the institution.
She commended the African Union for spearheading the reforms saying the soil was fertile for the critical and landmark achievement which would in turn also ensure gender parity on the continent.
‘’The reforms are extremely important especially as they aim at ensuring Gender parity. This is a fundamental breakthrough for women in Africa who will directly benefit in many ways. Significantly, women will have the opportunity to participate on an equal footing in the development of the continent’’, she said.
She applauded the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Dr Abiy Ahmed for leading by example in promoting equal representation of women in Government.
Ethiopia is the only African country that has a female President. The Country also has a female leader of the Supreme Court and a female Minister of Defense.
And officially opening the 11th Extra Ordinary Summit, AU Chairperson Paul Kagame emphasized that the purpose of the summit was to advance the institutional reform of the Union as events on the continent continued to affirm the urgency and necessity of the initiative.
He said Africa should realize that nothing was impossible when the continent is united. ’’It was your unwavering support that brought Africa’s candidate to head the francophone, Loiuse Mushikiwabo , to victory. This shows yet again that when we are united, nothing is impossible for Africa, ‘’ he said.
He welcomed the lifting of sanctions against Eritrea by the UN Security Council stating that the action would contribute to the ongoing process of the normalization in the horn of Africa.
He further extended condolences to the governments and people Malawi and Tanzania for this week’s tragic loss of their peace keepers in Congo.
Ethiopian Prime Minister, Dr Abiy Ahmed who spoke during the official opening said Africa could achieve more if the continent was united. He took the opportunity to urge African Nations to consider actualizing the CFTA so that Africa countries could freely trade with each other.
AUC Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat reiterated that the proposed reforms would enhance the commission’s efficiency.
Zambia not spared by climate change
Minister of Agriculture, Michael Katambo, says government is working tirelessly with the public and private research and development institutions to address climate change challenges.
Mr Katambo says Zambia has not been spared by the negative impacts of climate change such as increased temperatures, droughts, erratic rainfall and floods which reduce crop production and productivity.
He said this when he officiated at the Golden Valley Agricultural Research Trust (GART) Field (GART) Seed Fair and Field Day at Chaloshi Farm in Chisamba district under the theme ” climate smart agriculture for improved crop productivity and income”
Mr Katambo noted that the theme for Seed Fair and Field Day was in line with some of the objectives in the National Agricultural Policy which seek to increase agricultural production and productivity through the use of improved technologies and climate change resilient production methods.
He added that the use of improved seed varieties and agro chemicals as well as improved management of high value crops such as soya beans is key to improved agricultural production and productivity.
Mr Katambo further urged management of GART and other partners to continue working together in complimenting government’s efforts by supporting extension officers in disseminating information aimed at increasing agricultural production and productivity.
And GART Director, Martin Muyunda, said the Seed Fair and Field Day is aimed at allowing seed and agro chemicals companies to showcase their innovative products to farmers.
Dr Muyunda added that such events should be encouraged in order to expose farmers to new ways of increasing crop production in the presence of climate change challenges.
He further appealed to farmers to take advantage of such events to gain information which could be used to improved crop production and productivity.
Government committed to supporting movie industry
Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services Dora Siliya says the film industry has the potential to effectively contribute to the growth of the economy if properly harnessed.
Ms. Siliya who is also Chief Government Spokesperson, notes that the film industry can help to create jobs and wealth among young people in the country.
She,however, says this can only be realised if the business industry such as financial institutions take a chance on the film industry like is the case in countries where the sector is thriving.
She further emphasised on the need for Africa to intensify collaborations beyond borders in order to tell African stories through the industry.
Ms. Siliya said this last evening in Lusaka at a fundraising cocktail for the Making of the Island movie production.
Meanwhile, Ms. Siliya has noted the need for Zambian movie industry players to take advantage of other movie producers that are willing to partner with Zambia to produce more movies so that Zambian stories could be told and heard by the whole world.
She further stated that there is need for a national film festival that would help identify young talent in the industry that is just going to waste.
Ms. Siliya added that not everyone would want to be in formal employment hence the film sector opens up the latent innovation which is in many young people not only in Zambia but the rest of Africa.
She noted that the film industry is not Just about actors but that it also creates jobs for many other people.
Ms. Siliya said the brief role that the Zambian Actor, Patrick Shumba, the producer for Making of the Island Movie, played in Black Panther was the beginning of awakening the Zambian talent.
She said this is why Zambia must begin to identify young talent and connecting it to the right people to help it grow.
The Minister noted that the coming to Zambia of the Director, Producer and other active players in the making of the Island movie is also the beginning of greatness in the industry.
She added that her Ministry will on the other hand provide clarity on film policy in the country.
Today’s Message: He’s Working in You
Today’s Scripture
“…he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
(Philippians 1:6, NIV)
He’s Working in You
Sometimes when God is doing a work in our lives, it can begin to feel a little uncomfortable. We may encounter people who are hard to get along with or have circumstances that seem beyond our control. When this happens, instead of complaining, getting sour or trying to change everything around you, why don’t you look deep inside? Say, “Lord, thank You for doing a work in me.” See, I’ve learned that God is more interested in changing me than He is in changing my circumstances. If I choose to stay sour because I’m not getting my way or discouraged because things aren’t happening on my timetable, that’s going to keep me right where I am.
If you want to see change, if you want to see God open up new doors, the key is to bloom right where you’re planted. You can’t wait until everything gets better before you decide to have a good attitude. You have to be the best that you can be right where you are. When you bloom where you’re planted, you’re allowing God to work in you, and He will be faithful to complete what He’s started in you!
A Prayer for Today
“Father God, thank You for doing a work in me. I choose to align myself with Your plan by blooming where I’m planted. Help me, by Your Spirit, to be an example of Your love and life everywhere I go in Jesus’ name. Amen.”