First Lady Esther Lungu says Zambia’s unbroken record of 54 years of peace and tranquility should be celebrated by well-meaning Zambians.

Mrs Lungu urged Zambians to maintain peace as the country celebrates its independence saying the peace enjoyed in Zambia was fought for at a high cost.

‘’ Dr. Kenneth Kaunda and other freedom fighters were selfless and worked at ensuring that we have independence. We should not do anything to lose this peace because it was fought for at a high cost,’’ she said.

Mrs. Lungu also said Zambia’s continued maintenance of peace was testimony that God was at the helm of the country’s leadership.

The First Lady was speaking in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia when she made a stopover before leaving for Burundi to attend the first Edition of International Women‘s Leaders conference at the invitation of Burundi ‘s First Reverend Denis Nkurunzinza.

She said the objective of the conference was to create a platform for women to share experiences as women endeavor to be agents of change in their communities.

Mrs. Lungu expressed optimism that the conference would highlight important issues that hinder women from participating fully in National development.

While in Addis Ababa, Mrs. Lungu met Central African Republic First Lady Brigitte Touadera who will also be attending the conference in Burundi under the theme “Women of Destiny , Arise, be encouraged and act for the matter concerns you’’.

And Minister of Religious Affairs, Godfridah Sumaili who is in the First Lady’s entourage, said President Edgar Lungu was committed to ensuring that women were part of the National agenda.

Rev. Sumaili said the appointment of many women in key government positions was testimony that President Lungu was walking the talk on the matter of gender parity.

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.

Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has praised Zambia for the continued support to his people in various sectors of development.

And President Mnangagwa has reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s continued support in growing the bilateral relations between the two countries.

Mr. Mnangagwa said the two countries have embraced each other as can be evidenced through the strong bond that has continued to exist as far back as the colonial era.

Mr. Mnangagwa pointed out that the two countries share common values in beliefs, culture, investments and education among others that have further cemented their relations.

The Zimbabwean Head of State was speaking when he graced this year’s 54th independence celebrations at state house in Lusaka today.

Mr. Mnangagwa explained that Zambia’s attainment of independence marked the turning point for the liberation struggle of most African countries, adding that Zimbabwe will remain grateful to the immense sacrifice that Zambians made towards its independence.

Meanwhile, President Mnangagwa disclosed that the two countries are currently implementing various economic projects aimed at enhancing development in the two countries and in the region as a whole.

He stated that as Zambia and Zimbabwe strive to attain the middle income status by 2030 there is need to deepen their relations by investing more in sectors such as Energy, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and tansport.

The Zimbabwean President added that the two countries will also soon start the implementation of the hydro power generation project and a railway line in order to enhance trade and regional integration.

President Mnangagwa also challenged the private sector in the two countries to form business linkages that will cement the economic relations between the two countries and translate into meaningful benefits for the two people.

The Zimbabwean Head of State also congratulated President Edgar Lungu for assuming the Chairmanship for the Southern African Development Community (SADC) organ on politics, defence and security.

Mr Mnangagwa pledged to support President Lungu during his tenure as Chair of the SADC Troika Committee by promoting democratic values, constitutionalism and rule of law in the region.

Zambia today celebrated its 54th Independence celebrations under the theme “celebrating a shared future of unity, development and prosperity,”

And Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa has concluded his state visit to Zambia and has since departed for his home country.

President Mnangagwa was seen off by President Edgar Lungu, Cabinet Ministers, Service Chiefs, senior government and Party officials.

The Zimbabwean arrived in the country yesterday to grace this year’s 54th Independence Day celebrations.

Earlier in the day, President Mnangagwa and his counterpart President Edgar Lung laid wreaths at the freedom statue.

The Zimbabwean Head of State later graced the Independence Day celebrations at State House.

During his visit in Zambia, President Mnangagwa held official talks with President Edgar Lungu at State House and also paid a courtesy call on the First Republican Dr. President Kenneth Kaunda at his residence.

Mr. Mnangagwa was accorded a 21 gun salute and inspected a guard of honor mounted by the Zambia Army before departing for his country.

President Edgar Lungu has honoured 18 Zambians for distinguished and exemplary service to the country at a colourful investiture ceremony held at State House to commemoration Zambia’s 54th Independence anniversary.

Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa graced the commemorations of Zambia’s 54th independence anniversary held under the theme “Celebrating a Shared Future of Unity, Development and Prosperity.

First Republican President Dr. Kenneth Kaunda, Vice President Inonge Wina , Speaker of the National Assembly Dr. Patrick Matibini and Chief Justice Ireen Mambilima, Patriotic Front(PF) Secretary General Davies Mwila, Cabinet Ministers, and Members of the Diplomatic Corp and a cross section of Zambians attended the independence celebrations.

ZANIS reports that President Lungu bestowed the five different classes of honour and recognition to the 18 Zambians drawn from various fields at a colourful investiture ceremony at State House characterized by entertainment, singing and performances by various groups.

The Zambian Head of State bestowed the Order of the eagle of Zambia third division to former Chief Justice Annel Silungwe for his immense contributions to the global legal fraternity.

Mr. Silungwe is Zambia’s first Chief Justice and has been hailed as a global legal expert for his contributions to the development of legal sectors in among others Zambia, Namibia and Mauritius where he served in various legal capacities.

President Lungu also bestowed the Order of distinguished service to Christopher Kajimbala for initiating entrepreneurship training in correctional service centers to empower inmates.

The President honoured Francis Yamba who was the first dean at the school of mines for his contribution to the development of the renewable energy sector and pioneering rural electrification in Zambia.

Also honoured under this category is Catholic Priest Professor Michael Kelly for his contributions to the promotion of education, social justice and curbing of HIV/AIDS and Dickson Mwansa for promoting the establishment of Private University Education and Distance Learning mode through the establishment of the Zambia Open University where he served the institution as Vice Chancellor.

President Lungu conferred the Insignia of Honour on Chimozi Jere who is Chief Madzimawe for his pioneering campaign for the eradication of Child marriages in Zambia as well as fighting Gender Based Violence (GBV) and promoting community service.

Under this category, the President also recognized the works of Frackson Musukwa who despite being deaf and dumb established a school for children with disabilities to provide them with education and empowerment.

The President also recognized Celestina Dailey for her role in pioneering the establishment of a programme to train volunteer teachers to decongest classrooms and increase access to education in Mazabuka District.

The President’s Insignia of Mercy was awarded to Augustine Mwila for showing compassion when he came to the aid and rescue of 11 police officers who were involved in a road traffic accident along the Choma-Namwala Road in Southern Province and secured the police firearms and other properties scattered at the accident scene.

President Lungu also bestowed the Insignia of Meritorious Achievement to nine medical staff who successfully operated and separated the co-joined twins named Mapalo and Bupe at Lusaka’s University Teaching Hospital (UTH).

Aside recipients receiving honours and awards, State House grounds was characterized by traditional, gospel and secular music and dances from a cluster of bands and artistes as invited guests danced to the Uhuru fever of 54 years of independence while President Lungu gloriously responded to Gospel artiste Malembe Malembe’s Aka Donki song.

Zambia got it’s name from the Mighty Zambezi river with its source in the Ikelengi hills in Mwinilunga district.

A monument at the Zambezi source was unveiled on October 24, 1964. There is a copper plate at the centre of the independence monument. It’s inscribed, “This plague unveiled on 24 October, 1964… is dedicated to those people, men and women, who by their personal sacrifice enabled independence to be achieved.

Zambezi comes from the Lunda expression Nzambi enzi which literally means “God Come”.Kalonga ka Nzambi means the river of God

Therefore Zambia means Land of God.

Happy 54th Birthday Zambia!!

President Lungu and Zimbabwean counterpart Emmerson Mnangangwa led several dignitaries in laying wreaths at the Freedom Statue in Lusaka in honour of the fallen heroes.

President Mnangangwa , who is guest at Zambia’s 54th Independence Celebrations, was first to lay the wreath, after which his counterpart President Lungu also laid a wreath.

Others that laid wreaths are Service Chiefs and Diplomats accredited to Zambia

Cabinet Ministers, fourth Republican President, Rupiah Banda, Chief Justice Ireen Mabilima, Speaker of the National Assembly Patrick Matibini and other Senior Government Officials also attended the ceremony.

Meanwhile, Zambia National Service Director Chaplain, Colonel Henry Matefeyo emphasised the need for unity in the country.

Colonel Matefeyo said politicians need to rise above differences with one another and be able to promote peace.

The Felix Mutati led MMD says today’s Independence Day celebrations must help Zambians to recommit to liberating themselves economically.

Party National Secretary Raphael Nakachinda says Independence Day is about putting the interest of Zambians above self.

Mr. Nakachinda said the celebration of independence always gives people an opportunity to recommit themselves to the principles that were the bedrock of conviction that drove founding fathers and mothers to fight for liberation of the country.

He said the principle of patriotism and the love for equity among the human race are the fundamental principles that the MMD believe should continuously be revived in Zambians as a human race across the board.

Mr. Nakachinda said Independence Day also gives Zambians an opportunity to remember the background and history of where they are coming from for them to be able to project properly the future and where they should

President Edgar Lungu says the hoisting of the national flag is a symbolic representation of the end to an imperialist reign and subsequent triumph by indigenous people over an oppressive minority rule.

President Lungu said the event also represents the country’s resolve to forge ahead as a self-determined and liberated people to embrace a new and inclusive governance under the motto of ‘One Zambia One Nation.’

The President was speaking in a speech read on his behalf by Defense Minister, Davies Mwila who led hundreds of Zambians in hosting of the national flag to mark Zambia’s 54th independence anniversary in Lusaka last night.

Zambians clad in national colors filled the showgrounds to witness the ceremonial hoisting of the national flag.

Traditional dances and performances were exhibited showcasing Zambia’s historical emblems and were spiced up by Defense choirs from various barracks across the country.

At 23:59 hours the Defense Minister descended from his VIP seat to the playing field to lead the jubilant crowd into a countdown of the hoisting of the flag.

The raising of the flag was accompanied by the National Anthem, blowing of vuvuzelas and beating of drums while all lights were switched off.

The display of fireworks in the air was one of the spectacular things to watch as the skies were lit and colored.

This year’s hosting of the national flag at midnight marks 54 years from the time Zambia gained its independence from the British rule on October 24, 1964.

American Ambassador to Zambia Daniel Foote has congratulated Zambia for its 54th Independence Anniversary and for being one of the best examples of democracy and stability on the continent.

And Mr. Foote has disclosed that the American Government has over the past decade provided more than $ 23 million to the Lusaka Province Health Office in support of HIV programmes aimed at halting the further spread of the disease.

ZANIS reports that the American envoy wished all Zambians a “Happy Independence Day” on its 54th year journey that falls tomorrow.

Mr. Foote said this when he handed over 43 motorbikes and assorted specialised laboratory equipment worth $ 1 million to Lusaka Province Minister, Bowman Lusambo at the Provincial Administration today.

And Mr. Foote said the donation of motorbikes and assorted essential laboratory equipment symbolizes the American Government’s continued committed to a strong and healthy Zambia.

He added that, the U.S. government is a proud partner of the Zambian government as evident with support from President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), The U.S. Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Mr. Foote explained that this continued support is meant to contribute to high quality, comprehensive, and sustainable HIV prevention, care and treatment services.

He noted that these efforts will contribute to the goal of reaching HIV epidemic control by 2020.

And receiving the donation, Lusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusambo said President Edgar Lungu’s administration attaches great importance to the provision of quality health care services as close to the community as possible.

Mr. Lusambo said President Lungu’s administration also enjoys a strong partnership with the U.S. government in HIV response which has targeted significant reduction in new HIV cases from 46,000 cases to less than 5,000 cases per year.

The Lusaka Provincial Minister pointed out that government’s vision of bringing health services to communities are in line with the Seven National Development Plan (7NDP) and the National Health Strategic Plan 2017-2021.

Earlier, Lusaka Province Director of Heath, Consity Mwale said the Ministry of Health (MoH) has committed itself to the delivery of universal health coverage using primary health care strategies.

Dr. Mwale stated that this focus is anchored on health promotion, disease prevention, and curative services alongside rehabilitative and palliative services.

The donation included motorbikes, refrigerators, freezers, centrifuges and other essential laboratory equipment.

Meanwhile, Queen Elizabeth II has congratulated Zambia on the country’s 54th Anniversary of Independence.

In a message to the Zambian President, The Queen said:

“It brings me much pleasure to send Your Excellency my congratulations on the celebration of your National Day, together with my best wishes for the happiness and prosperity of the Government and people of Zambia for the coming year.”

British High Commissioner, Mr Fergus Cochrane-Dyet OBE, added his own warm congratulations:

“I congratulate Zambia – and all Zambians – on their Independence Day. The United Kingdom remains a committed partner in delivering a more prosperous Zambia for all citizens, building on the many years of strong bilateral ties that exist between our two countries.”

The OASIS Forum has charged that instead of a colonially imposed dictatorship, Zambia now has a locally grown autocracy 54 years after independence.

OASIS Forum Chairperson Eddie Mwiitwa said that instead of ruling white elite, Zambia now has a ruling African elite that has imposed a similar system of oppression and dictatorship as the white elite.

In a statement made available to medias, Mr. Mwiitwa says the development of a police state has greatly contributed to the unconstitutional powers assumed by dictatorial type governance.

Mr. Mwiitwa said that he was concerned that the Police service which is supposed to be a professional institution guided by the constitution and the Law, bu is instead found to be taking instructions from the government and even directly from the ruling party.

Mr. Mwiitwa has expressed displeasure on how the police are misusing the Public Order Act where they are prohibiting and sometimes attacking public protests and opposition party meetings and even arrest people on pretext that such meetings do not have a police permit.

He has added that this contributes to the perpetual stay in power of a dictatorial government by inducing fear in the citizenry through reckless conduct of some police officers who seem to specialize in violating people’s right to lawful assembly and freedom of expression.

Mr. Mwiitwa states that there is no requirement for a police permit in the Public Order Act.

Below is the full statement

The Road Transport and Safety Agency has announced that new sites for speed camera enforcement will be active effective Friday 2 November 2018.

The New Sites include Addis Ababa Road in Lusaka, Burma Road, Chilumbulu Road, Great North Road Between OYDC and Katuba Toll Plaza and Kafue Road between Lilayi Roundabout and Shimabala Toll Plaza

This follows trials that were conducted on these roads which indicate that more than 51 percent of motorists are driving above the legal speed limits.

In a statement issued by the RTSA Public Relations Unit, motorists have been advised that all matters relating to speed signage on these roads are being addressed adding that the camera enforcement will only be done on roads that have visible speed signs.

The Agency reiterated that the deployment of speed cameras is a nation-wide program which will be focused on most accident-prone areas.

Meanwhile, the Agency has disclosed that compliance has increased to as high as 99 percent on roads monitored by cameras since commencement on July 11, 2018.

It said 150 cameras will be deployed across the country in the coming months to reduce the carnage on roads caused by excessive speed and reckless driving.