The Bemba Royal Establishment says Mwinelubemba Chitimukulu of the Bemba people cannot attend the funeral of late Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV, who was both his tribal cousin and close ally.

In an interview with Kalemba, Chitimukulu’s secretary Richard Mukuka said this is due to longstanding royal customs that forbid the Bemba king from coming into contact with death.

Mukuka explained that the kingship does not engage directly with funerals where the body of the deceased is present and therefore Mwinelubemba cannot attend any part of the funeral or burial proceedings.

“He cannot attend the funeral. He will only send representatives and that will only be after the burial,” said Mukuka.

He added that the same rule extends to graveyards, viewing or touching of bodies.

According to the Royal Establishment, these customs apply even in cases of close personal relations, including family members and allies.

Chitimukulu previously observed the same tradition when he did not attend the funerals of his wife and two children.

The Royal Establishment stated that in cases involving other traditional leaders, the Bemba king may only pay respects after burial and at a designated mourning site away from where the body was kept.

Late Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV died on Saturday last week and will be buried on Tuesday next week.

The Ngoni king ruled the Ngoni nation for 44 years and leaves behind a wife, one child and grandchildren.

A representative of Chief Mpepo of the Bemba-people in Kanchibiya District, has called on Zambians to remain united and peaceful as they mourn Paramount Chief Mpezeni of the Ngoni people.

‎Kennedy Makasa says the nation should remain united as it mourns the late traditional leader describing the demise as a profound loss.

‎Mr Makasa who was speaking in a telephone interview with the  media today, says the death of Mpezeni the fourth should serve as a catalyst for national cohesion rather than division.

‎He recalled a significant moment of inter-tribal solidarity when Chief Mpepo and Chief Luchembe visited Paramount Chief Mpezeni during the 2024 N’cwala ceremony, where they received his wisdom and encouragement.

‎”That visit was a clear demonstration that as Zambians, despite belonging to various tribes, we are more united than divided. We have more in common than what separates us,” Mr. Makasa said.

‎He described Paramount Chief Mpezeni as a “uniting factor” whose leadership transcended ethnic boundaries.

He urged citizens to honor his legacy by upholding the spirit of the “One Zambia, One Nation” motto.

‎”We must honor his memory by demonstrating the unity he stood for. This is not a time for division, but a time for coming together as one people to celebrate a life well-lived in service to the nation,” Mr Makasa stated.

‎Meanwhile, residents of the Chalabesa area in Kanchibiya have joined the nation  in mourning the late Paramount Chief.

‎Andrea Mukuka, said the news of the Chief’s demise was received with shock and called for intensified prayers for the bereaved family and the Ngoni people.

‎”There is a need for all Zambians to unite in prayer. We must support one another and the bereaved family during this difficult period of national mourning,” Mr. Mukuka said.

‎Another resident Sanfulonsa Kangwa urged the public to mourn with dignity and peace until the burial of the Paramount Chief, which is scheduled for June 9, 2026.

‎Ms Kangwa extended heartfelt condolences from the people of Kanchibiya District to the Ngoni people, stating that the grief of the Eastern Province is shared across the country.

‎”We share in the sorrow of our Ngoni brothers and sisters. May the soul of the paramount Chief rest in eternal peace,” she said.

Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary (PS) Thabo Kawana, says the Ministry has recorded significant achievements over the past year, attributing the successes to the dedication and hard work of staff.

Mr Kawana cited some of the achievements scored by the Ministry as the enactment of the Access to Information Act, procurement of motor vehicles to enhance service delivery and continued progress in strengthening the media industry.

He said this in Lusaka today during the 2026 Labour Day Award Giving ceremony where he presented 10 awards and certificates to the deserving staff comprising six from the Ministry and four from ZANIS.

Mr Kawana added that other achievements include the Pension reforms recently assented to, by President Hakainde Hichilema which will result in substantial benefits for workers and retirees.

He noted that the reforms demonstrate government’s commitment to protecting workers and ensuring dignity and security in retirement in line with this year’s Labour Day theme, “Securing Zambia’s Future of Work: Protecting Jobs, Skills and Pensions for Decent Work for All.”

Mr Kawana further said while the Ministry serves as the front office of government communication, employees are expected to uphold high standards of integrity, professionalism, competence, discipline and commitment.

He said the awards presented to deserving staff members serve as a reminder of the values that define the Ministry and inspire workers to contribute more effectively towards national development.

Mr Kawana commended members of staff for their commitment and contribution towards the government’s accomplishments adding that Labour Day underscores the importance of investing in the workforce.

And Director Human Resource, Bernard Ndumingo implored the workers to strive to work hard and committed to duty.

In a vote of thanks, Senior Planner in the Ministry’s planning and Information Department, Thandiwe Mbewe, commended government for identifying and recognizing their inputs towards duty.

The officers were awarded in different categories which include the Most hard working employee, Most honest employee and Most improved employee respectively.

Government has purchased 1,930 cellular phones to be distributed to some beneficiaries of the Social Cash Transfer (SCT)programme, in Lundazi district.

The move is aimed at removing bottlenecks in the disbursement of the bi-monthly funds to beneficiaries, where some lack mobile phones to facilitate mobile money transfers.

Lundazi District Social Welfare Officer Lackson Manda said the phones will be distributed to the elderly people and persons with disabilities on the SCT programme to enable them redeem funds on time.

In Lundazi District, a total of 12,500 beneficiaries are on the SCT programme of which 8,508 are female and 3,992 are male beneficiaries.

The Social Welfare Officer disclosed that the March-April 2026 payment cycle has been made.

He however said some beneficiaries on the SCT were still facing challenges to redeem their funds on time owing to lack of phones.

“Beneficiaries who do not own cellular phones find it difficult to redeem their funds on time,” the Social Welfare Officer stated.

“Some SCT beneficiaries on the programme find it challenging to redeem funds as they do not own phones. They move with sim cards wrapped in plastic bags and have to look for someone with a phone for them to access funds sent to their mobile money accounts, “Mr  Manda said.

He said the elderly people and persons with disabilities are the most affected beneficiaries.

“We will be distributing the 1,930 phones to the aged and persons with disabilities so that they could be finding it easy to redeem SCT funds from their mobile money accounts.

“The distribution of 1,930 phones to SCT is expected to ease the redeeming of money by those without phones,” the social welfare officer stated, further thanking government for the gesture.

President Hakainde Hichilema has reaffirmed tourism’s vital role in the country’s development agenda, emphasising its potential to drive economic diversification, job creation, and community empowerment.

In a speech read for him by Vice President Mutale Nalumango during the official opening of the 2026 Zambia Travel Exposition (ZATEX) this morning, The Head of State emphasised regional collaboration, with a call to African nations to work together to boost intra-Africa tourism, improve air connectivity, and jointly bid for global conferences and exhibitions.

Highlighting Zambia’s tourism sector growth, President Hichilema noted that since his government assumed office in 2021, the government has prioritised building a resilient, inclusive, and globally competitive tourism sector.

“Tourism remains a cornerstone of our development agenda,” the Head of State said.

The President noted that looking ahead, the country aims to attract over 2.5 million international visitors by 2026 and generate more than USD $1 billion in tourism revenue.

Mr Hichilema expressed that his government is also implementing targeted strategies including infrastructure upgrades such as rehabilitating roads to key parks like the South Luangwa, Kafue, and Lower Zambezi,as well as strengthening global promotion through initiatives like the “Visit Zambia” campaign.

The President added that government is also promoting a 24-hour economy to support vibrant city life and smooth visitor experiences, while working closely with the private sector to expand hospitality infrastructure, among other developments.

Ministry of Tourism Permanent Secretary, Evans Muhanga emphasised the importance of intensified collaboration with the private sector.

He noted that the government cannot achieve its set targets alone as partnerships are essential, particularly in areas such as destination marketing, product innovation, and other initiatives to grow the tourism value chain.

“Future growth in tourism will require a comprehensive approach, including sectors such as education, wellness, travel, and food tourism, among others. Tourism must also reflect environmental stewardship and cultural preservation,” he added.

He explained that the future of tourism will be shaped by innovation, especially technological advancements in the sector, emphasising that platforms like ZATEX are vital for knowledge exchange and regional collaboration.

He has since urged local citizens to take advantage of the positive performance of the kwacha by patronising local tourism destinations.

ZANACO Bank Chief Executive Officer Mukwandi Chibesakunda, who was represented by the Banks Chief Financial Officer, Itwi Kalaluka, highlighted the bank’s partnership with the ministry, emphasising that tourism creates employment and stimulates value chains across the hospitality and creative industries in the country.

Ms Chibesakunda expressed that the country’s positive momentum in increasing tourist visits reinforces tourism as a key pillar supporting over 400,000 jobs, among other benefits.

She commended the government for its continued support of the sector through infrastructure development and efforts to enhance economic resilience.

Meanwhile, the Tourism Council of Zambia Chairperson Glyden Mungaila highlighted that tourism in Zambia is private sector driven and government led, citing that government has placed deliberate partnerships with the private sector.

Ms Mungaila noted that the sector has continued to nurture and grow domestic and regional tourism even after global markets faced challenges.

The 2026 Zambia Travel Exposition (ZATEX) is being held under the theme, Building Authentic and Sustainable Tourism Through Partnerships.

Government has disbursed over 2.7million kwacha grants to 69 successful youth and women clubs.

The grants are under the 2026 Constituency Development Funds (CDF) for Lubansenshi Constituency in Luwingu District in Northern Province.

Speaking when she officiated at the handover ceremony yesterday Northern Province Acting Permanent Secretary Beauty Undi-Phiri underscored the role that grants plays in stimulating economic activity that contribute to the growth of the local economies.

“Today we are presenting grants to 69 successful beneficiaries out of the total of 225 applications received, this is a testament to keen interest and enthusiasm of our communities in leveraging these opportunities to drive development,” Ms Undi-Phiri explained.

The Acting Permanent Secretary said government significantly increased the Constituency Development Fund allocation from 1.6 million kwacha in 2021 to K 40 million in 2026 to among other thing in empower communities.

“This bold move underscores governments resolve to ensure that communities themselves identify and implement projects that address their most pressing needs,” she added.

Ms Undi-Phiri has since urged beneficiaries to use the grants wisely to better their livelihoods.

And Luwingu District Commissioner Chomba Chileshe appealed to beneficiaries to ensure that they use the money for its intended purpose.

Mr Chileshe further cautioned beneficiaries against sharing the grants as this would perpetuate poverty.

He said government was determined to ensure that people live out of poverty through various initiatives among them, the grants under CDF.

“This government is determined to improve the welfare of its people, the onus is now on you beneficiaries to make the government proud by prudent utilization of the funds,” Mr Chileshe said.

And beneficiaries who spoke through Beatrice Mulenga, Njeke Womens Club Chairlady thanked government for fulfilling its promises to empower local communities.

“I want to thank this government for empowering us, this will alleviate poverty in our households,” Ms Mulenga said.

She has since called on government to ensure that it continues with such initiatives that uplift the welfare of communities.

Hope Walks Zambia Programme Manager Loice Chipere has disclosed that approximately 808 children are born with clubfoot in Zambia every year.

Ms Chipere has warned that untreated clubfoot can lead to lifelong disability, social exclusion and economic hardship.

She was speaking during the commemoration of World Clubfoot Day in Lusaka, under the theme “Clubfoot Treatment: A Right and Not a Privilege. See Early, Treat Early, Run Free,”.

Ms. Chipere said the organisation currently reaches about 40 percent of children born with clubfoot annually, translating to approximately 323 children receiving treatment each year.

She therefore emphasised that the “See Early” message calls on families, communities and healthcare workers to identify clubfoot at birth and seek medical attention immediately, while “Treat Early” highlights the effectiveness of the Ponseti Method in correcting the condition and preventing permanent disability.

“With early diagnosis and proper treatment, these children can go on to lead active and productive lives,” she said.

And UTH Director of Clinical Care, Humphrey Kunda said early intervention is critical in ensuring that children born with clubfoot grow up to live active and productive lives.

Dr Kunda said this year’s theme highlights the need to guarantee access to timely and effective treatment for all children, regardless of their social or economic background.

He noted that clubfoot remains one of the most common congenital musculoskeletal conditions affecting children worldwide, but can be successfully treated when identified early.

“No child should be denied the opportunity to walk, play, learn and participate fully in society because of a treatable condition,” Dr Kunda said.

Dr Kunda reaffirmed UTH’s commitment to providing specialized orthopedic services and strengthening early detection systems to ensure that more children receive quality care.

Speaking at the same event,

Meanwhile, Majory Lusozanga, a parent of a child who successfully underwent clubfoot treatment, thanked the University Teaching Hospital and Hope Walks Zambia for the support in ensuring that children with the condition have an opportunity to live healthy and fulfilling lives.

Ms Lusozanga urged parents to avoid believing myths and misconceptions surrounding clubfoot and instead seek professional medical advice.

She encouraged parents to take their children to health facilities for early diagnosis and treatment, saying timely medical intervention can help children achieve positive outcomes and live normal lives.

World Clubfoot Day is observed annually to raise awareness about clubfoot and promote access to effective treatment for children born with the condition.

Acting Chief Nyamphande of the Nsenga people of Lusangazi District has urged communities not to relent in their efforts to address climate change and deforestation.

He was speaking after the signing of the Chiefdom Emissions Reduction Coordinating Committee (CERCC) agreement under the Eastern Province Jurisdiction Sustainable Landscape Project (EP-JSLP).

He said sustained commitment to environmental conservation was the only way to achieve lasting results.

The traditional leader noted that tree-planting and forest conservation initiatives require patience and consistency before tangible benefits can be realized.

“Since we have been doing this for a long time, we need to continue with this effort as evidenced by the two Community Forest Management Groups in the Chiefdom,” she said.

Meanwhile, EP-JSLP Petauke District Project Officer Chipango Lukungu explained that the project’s mission to the chiefdom was to facilitate the formation of the Chiefdom Emissions Reduction Coordinating Committee (CERCC).

Ms Lukungu said the Committee is being established to create structures and systems that will support the implementation of the Benefit Sharing Plan (BSP) and eventual realization of carbon credit benefits within the chiefdom.

She explained that proceeds generated from climate-smart agriculture activities, forest conservation initiatives and the use of improved cook stoves would be managed through the CERCC committee once carbon credit revenues begin to flow to the Chiefdom.

And speaking after her election as Chairperson of the Nyamphande Chiefdom CERCC, Sarah Sakala welcomed the timely involvement of traditional leaders and communities in the emissions reduction programme.

Ms Sakala said the initiative would equip communities with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively address deforestation and climate change.

She added that the Committee looks forward to receiving information and support that will help reduce unsustainable practices such as charcoal burning and excessive firewood collection and tree cutting.

“What we would like is to be equipped with initiatives that will help us reduce deforestation and charcoal burning. We also want access to alternative sources of energy for cooking, including electricity so that we can reduce the cutting down of trees in our chiefdom,” she said.

The Eastern Province Jurisdiction Sustainable Landscape Project is supporting community-led initiatives aimed at reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation while promoting sustainable livelihoods or alternative livelihoods and climate resilience approaches.

Mungwi District Commissioner, Muma Musonda has reaffirmed government’s commitment to improving the agriculture sector.

Mr Musonda says government has also continued to seek ways of transforming the sector to a vibrant driver of the economic growth that also creates job opportunities.

Speaking when he officiated at this year’s Mungwi District Agriculture show, Mr Musonda noted that the agriculture sector remains the backbone of the district’s economy.

The District Commissioner observed that many households in the area depend on farming and related activities for their income and food security hence agriculture being key in the district.

He however, noted that for the agriculture sector to fully contribute to the economic growth of the district there was need to go beyond production and focus on trade, investment and value chain development.

“I want to call upon the private sector and potential investors to come and invest in livestock, crop production and agro- processing, these will add to the economic development of the country,” Mr Musonda said.

He noted that efforts were being made to improve access to agricultural inputs, extension services, and financing infrastructure to empower farmers as well as attract investment in the sector.

The District Commissioner also urged farmers in the area to adopt Climate Smart Agriculture practices, citing increasingly unpredictable weather patterns that favor the need for a climate smart approach in the sector.

And Acting Mungwi District Agriculture Coordinator Kisha Mulenga applauded farmers for the good turnout at this year’s agricultural show.

Ms Mulenga appealed to stakeholders in the district to prepare adequately for the provincial show scheduled for this month.

A farmer from Mulilo Agricultural Camp, Davies Mulenga, has thanked government for the good policies that are aimed at promoting the sector.

Mr Mulenga cited the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP), and the Food Security Pack programme under community Development and Social Services and some of the policies that have continued to move the agriculture forward.

Meanwhile, deserving Cooperators and agricultural camps were recognized and awarded in different categories with Chonya camp scooping the first prize and going away with K13 000

Government has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering development to communities through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

‎Muchinga Province Permanent Secretary Tuesday Bwalya said the completion of the projects demonstrates government’s determination to improve the lives of citizens and ensure that no community is left behind.

‎Dr Bwalya was speaking during the commissioning of seven CDF projects held at the National Assembly Office in Isoka District.

‎He described the projects as a significant milestone in the district’s development agenda.

‎“The completion of these seven CDF projects marks yet another milestone in government’s unwavering commitment to delivering meaningful development to our people and ensuring that no community is left behind,” Dr Bwalya said.

‎He urged the community to take ownership of the facilities and safeguard them for future generations.

‎Dr Bwalya said government will continue to utilise the CDF to address developmental challenges and improve access to essential services in communities.

‎And Isoka Town Council Secretary Brian Musonda said the district has recorded significant progress in the implementation of CDF projects since the fund was increased in 2022.

‎Mr Musonda said a total of 86 community projects valued at over K87.5 million have so far been implemented across the district.

‎“Isoka has seen a lot of success in the implementation of CDF projects since 2022 when the fund was increased. We have implemented a total of 86 community projects at a cost of K87,629,232,” he said.

‎He added that the seven projects commissioned have a combined investment value of over K7.5 million and are aimed at improving access to healthcare, education, sanitation and public services in the district.

‎“The projects include the Lualizi Maternity Annex, Chizongolo Health Post, Malale Health Post, Nazareth Health Post, the Sansamwenje Market Ablution Block, a one-by-three classroom block at Mwenikasi Primary School equipped with 25 double-sitter desks, and the National Assembly Constituency Office,”he noted.

‎Meanwhile, community members have welcomed the projects, particularly the construction of a health facilities, saying it will improve access to healthcare services.

‎Sara Nakamba a community member said the community had faced numerous challenges in accessing healthcare due to long distances to health facilities.

‎“We are so excited to receive this hospital. We suffered a lot to access healthcare in this area and we are happy that services have now been brought closer to us,” she said.

‎And Nondwa Village Headman Cephas Silumbwe thanked government for the health facility and other infrastructure projects implemented through CDF.

‎“We are grateful to the UPND government for this hospital and other CDF projects such as classroom blocks and ablution blocks. We are really seeing the benefits of CDF in our community,” Mr Silumbwe said.

‎

‎Another resident, Grace Namukonda, said women in the area previously endured hardships during pregnancy due to inadequate health infrastructure.

‎“We suffered a lot in the past, especially during maternity. We had to walk long distances to access healthcare services and sometimes slept on the floor because there was no proper structure,” she said.

Senior Citizens and members of the public in Nyimba District have expressed satisfaction with the peaceful manner in which political campaigns are being conducted ahead of 13 August, 2016 General Elections.

James Tembo, 82 of Chief Ndake area has praised political parties for maintaining the peaceful campaign atmosphere.

Mr Tembo said in the past people used to be afraid during election time but now campaigns are calm.

‘We can listen to all candidates without fear or intimidation this is the Zambia we want,” he said.

And Residents of Chinambi ward, in Chief Luembe area echoed similar sentiments.

Esneya Phiri, a farmer, said peaceful campaigns will allow voters to make informed choices.

She said she  was  happy that youths  were  not fighting or engaging in violence.

“Political parties should continue preaching peace for the purpose of unity,” she said.

Meanwhile, Nyimba District Conflict Management Committee Chairperson Chad Thawe said the current prevailing situation is what is ideal, to allow free and fair elections.

He reaffirmed Electoral Commission of Zambia’s commitment to ensuring a peaceful electoral process.

 Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis has urged political parties, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to study and understand the newly enacted Electoral Process Amendment Act No. 12 of 2026 as the country prepares for the general election.

Speaking during a stakeholder orientation meeting in Lusaka , Ms Zaloumis said the Commission said the changes are critical because the Constitution now requires a mixed-member proportional representation system.

She explained that the Electoral Process Amendment Act No. 12 of 2026, accepted by Parliament in May 2026, gives effect to the new constitutional framework and ECZ officers will take stakeholders through the detail.

Ms Zaloumis highlighted four key participation guidelines which includes procedures for political parties to participate in the proportional representation system and timelines for submission of party lists and how seats will be distributed.

She added that the Act now extends Proportional Representation (PR) to local councils to increase representation of women, youth and persons with disabilities and the specific formula to be used to allocate PR seats to each political party.

“If you go around the councils, you find there are very few women, sometimes none at all, and definitely people living with disabilities will not be included in this. The PLR now extends to local councils so that we can have women, we can have youths, we can have people living with disabilities,” she explained.

The ECZ Chairperson urged stakeholders to pay close attention and ask questions during the orientation, stressing that understanding the changes is essential for credible elections.

“I therefore urge you all to pay close attention, participate actively, and feel free to pose any relevant questions, it Is essential that you fully understand these changes as we prepare for the upcoming general elections,” she added.

ECZ Vice Chairperson Vincent Mukanda explained that the new law introduces significant changes, including provisions that make the mixed-member proportional representation system operational.

He added that the proportional representation component presents a significant opportunity to amplify the abilities of marginalised groups, especially under the participation and empowerment of women in the leadership and decision-making process, thereby promoting greater inclusivity and representation within democratic governance structures.

The Vice Chairperson stressed that the success of the reforms depends on all stakeholders to promote awareness and informed participation.

“The responsibility before us is therefore a shared one. Political parties, civil society organisations, faith-based organisations, the media, operating partners, and all electoral stakeholders each have a vital role to play in promoting awareness and informed participation in the electoral process,” the official said.

Government has launched the Presidential Irrigation Initiative for Schools, that is aimed at promoting food security and innovation, while Expanding STEM Education.

Speaking during the launch in Lusaka, Deputy Secretary to Cabinet, Oliver Kalabo says that the initiative will also contribute to the sustainability of the school feeding programme.

Dr Kalabo explained that the irrigation programme will enable learners to gain hands-on experience in water management, environmental conservation, agriculture production, technology application and entrepreneurship.

“Zambia experienced the worst droughts in living memory, resulting in significant crop losses and livestock death, these challenges have reinforced the importance of investing in reliable and sustainable agricultural systems,” said Dr Kalabo.

He added that the experience will reinforce competence-based learning and strengthen the connection between education and national development priorities.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary for Administration, Noriana Muneku, added that the innovation will support her ministry’s commitment to a competent based curriculum, while preparing young people for the demands of a changing economy.

Ms Muneku said that the initiative will enable schools to serve as centers of learning, innovation and productivity.

Meanwhile, National Science Center Director, Benson Banda said that the programme will inculcate values of food production in the young learners.