Join our community of SUBSCRIBERS and be part of the conversation.
To subscribe, simply enter your email address on our website or click the subscribe button below. Don't worry, we respect your privacy and won't spam your inbox. Your information is safe with us.
A Zambian national, Margaret Mwila Buter has been shortlisted among those contending for the position of London Mayor on the Conservative Party.
Margaret is currently a Councillor in Richmond Ward when she has served since 2014.She is a passionate Conservationist and Environmentalist.
Councilor Buter is the first Zambian born to make history by being elected into the British political system, she speaks of an overwhelming support from the North Richmond community during the time leading to elections in which she eventually emerged with a landslide victory.
The next London mayoral election will be held on 7 May 2020, to elect the Mayor of London. The position is currently held by Sadiq Khan of the Labour Party, who was elected in 2016 with 44.2% of the first round vote.
She announced on Twitter that she was happy with the achievement calling it a milestone.
“I made it on the approved list for Conservatives candidate for #LondonMayor a milestone achievement as an African born woman-now fully endorsing my friend @joymorrissey who has made the final 10. SMASH IT on Saturday #JoyForLondon with fire for the final list. We deserve it!” she tweeted.
Margaret Mwila Buter with David Cameron and Zac Goldsmith
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has accused the Zambian government of failing to enforce a law that protects the right of young mothers to be educated.
Zambia in 1997 enacted a re-entry policy that allowed pregnant girls to return to school after giving birth.
“It was a positive step toward upholding girls’ basic right to education, expanding their future job options, and contributing to the country’s economic progress. But many young mothers are still dropping out of school, because the government isn’t putting the policy into practice,” HRW’s Senior Coordinator for Children’s Rights Susan Raqib, wrote in a piece titled: “Zambia Should Keep Young Mothers in School – Don’t let Pregnancy Be a Barrier to Education.”
She narrated meeting with local groups in Lusaka, one advocate according to her bemoaned the lack of government commitment to implementing the policy to the fullest.
Some of the issues surrounding the poor implementation included school officials are not trained on the policy guidelines and some have never even seen a copy of the policy.Government does not monitor school compliance and there are no consequences if they do not respect girls’ right to be in school.
Other issues include adolescent mothers lack the mental health and logistical support the policy requires, such as assistance with paperwork for school leave and that many encounter stigma and ridicule in school while some faith-based schools, including those with state funding, often force girls who become mothers to transfer to other schools, deeming them a “bad influence.”
Zambia’s child marriage rates are among the highest in the world, hence a national strategy to address the issue.
28 percent of girls and young women aged 15 to 19 in Zambia are mothers or have been pregnant.That is more than 275,000 teenagers.
In addition to this staggering rate of adolescent pregnancy, only 50 percent of girls who become pregnant go back to school.
Human Rights Watch says the government should direct all schools to respect the policy, and provide guidance on pragmatic ways schools can support young mothers.It says government should make sure that school staff know about and comply with the policy guidelines, and that they are accountable if they don’t.
“Trained counselors should meaningfully support pregnant girls and adolescent mothers and help them return to school. Adequately trained teachers should provide education for all students about sexuality and reproductive health”
“It has been more than 20 years since the Zambian government promised that young mothers could return to school. The government shouldn’t delay any longer making sure that girls can complete their education, regardless of pregnancy or motherhood,” she said.
Kenya developed a school re-entry strategy in 1994 but records show that it faces the same hurdles as does Zambia.
Over in Tanzania, there is a clear government policy that bars girls from returning to school after giving birth.
In Sierra Leone, special schools were established for such girls whiles activist dragged government to a regional court over the law banning girls from school post-birth.
Transport and Communication Brian Mushimba has stressed that government is confident that the soon to be launched Zambia Airways will succeed.
Responding to concerns that government has no capacity to successfully run a national airline, Mr Mushimba said government has moved from that stage of fear.
“We are past this stage. Now allow the launch and the taste will be in the pudding. We are extremely confident that the work that has gone into this has covered all risks and having a strategic partner who knows a thing or two about running a sustainable airline, we can only wish for success and success we shall achieve,” Mr Mushimba said in an interview.
Mr Mushimba said Zambia Airways will fly the efficient turbo props for domestic and some regional routes.
He added that the Boeing 700 will be used for routes such as the Lusaka-Dubai and Airbus for the international routes such as Lusaka-New York.
Mr Mushimba also stressed that government is not buying any planes from Russia contrary to media reports from that country.
“I have repeatedly refuted the Russian plane story. Not sure why it has persisted. Zambia Airways is not talking to Russia about any planes. Please take it from me. Those are conspiracy theories,” he stated.
He maintained that 24th October this year still remains the official date on which the Zambia Airways will be launched.
ZCCM-IH has announced that it has signed a Shareholders’ Agreement with China Machinery Construction Group Limited also known as SinoConst for the development of a cement plant.
The project will be developed under the incorporated Joint Venture Company to be called Central African Cement Limited.
Under the Shareholders’ Agreement entered into by ZCCM-IH and SinoConst, ZCCM-IH shall hold 35% of the shares in CAC while SinoConst shall hold the remaining 65%.
The details are contained in the new ZCCM-IH 2018-2023 Strategic Plan released this week.
Last year, President Edgar Lungu launched a US$548m cement plant project to be built in Ndola by the government and China’s Sinoconst.
The project have a cement production capacity of 5000t/day and will use two 20MW captive coal-power plants.
And ZCCM-IH has revealed that it has intentions to diversify into the agriculture sector during the new strategic plan period.
The company says it will use its 2000 Hectares of land in Lufwanyama where no farming activities have been undertaken thus far to venture into agriculture.
It says it will be looking to partner with an investor in the agricultural sector to develop the farm.
The two Kapiri gay men being taken away after making court appearance
District magistrate Ackson Mumba’s shameful conviction and committal to the High Court of Japhet Chataba and Stephen Sambo for the crime of “carnal knowledge against nature” (whatever it means) in Kapiri – as reported by Lusaka Times on August 4, 2018 was applauded by the ghost of the 16th century English King, Henry VIII. The couple now risks spending up to 15 years in prison for engaging in alleged same-gender sex.
As a human rights advocate, I believe consenting adults’ private sexual lives are not the business of the State, the church or the hotel/lodge owner. That the arrest took place in the room of the lodge after the owner called the police is in itself suggestive. For the lodge owner to call the police on the couple after checking into the room is a clear violation of the couple’s fundamental rights to privacy. If lodge and hotel staff peer into rooms after we check-in, then we are entering a very chancy era in our nation. Sadly, the learned Magistrate did not see the immorality and illegality of the lodge owner’s actions—setting a bad precedent for future blackmails of guests by the hotel/lodge staff.
In his ruling, Magistrate Mumba did not explain how the couple’s alleged sexual crime affected other people. Rather he cited Section 155 (a) of the Penal Code, and Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia and Statutory Instrument number 15 of 2015 Constitution. What he did not say is the origin of these laws—they are priced gifts of British colonialism. The law of “carnal knowledge” maybe coated with “Zambia,” but it originates from King Henry VIII, who decreed homosexuality a felony as opposed to a sin.
Religion has always differentiated between a sin and a crime. Many evangelicals view drinking beers, divorce and smoking as sinful, but these acts are not crimes. Despite the health risks associated with smoking and drinking, we do not arrest smokers or those who drink based on our evangelical religious convictions. In fact, if we locked up all drunkards, Magistrate Mumba, President Lungu, politicians and countless religious leaders are likely to rot in jail.
We may have religious reasons to object to homosexuality—but we are a secular nation with secular laws. Unless our nation is a theocracy—a state governed by religious dogma, it is within our democratic rights to choose what we do with our private lives as long as our choices do not harm other individuals. Japhet and Steven are adults, and what they do in private is none of the State’s, the lodge owner’s or my business. I am still to be convinced as to how one’s homosexuality affects my rights.
Let us face it—prostitution is a crime in Zambia. Yet each passing night and day, in Zambia’s hotels and lodges, men buy sex from the streets. Are we suggesting arresting men who have solicited sex in hotel/lodge rooms based on the staff’s positions on prostitution? We are trading on perilous waters—something Magistrate Mumba’s ruling sanctions.
We must all understand the injustice of this shameful ruling. Stephen and Japhet are breadwinners for many other people—their imprisonment will surely ruin their lives, and affect countless family members. Is it not time we accepted that some people are gay and that no law will stop them from falling in love with people of the same gender? We can force gays into the shadows and lock them up, but the truth is – as long as our mothers continue to give birth, new gays will be born. It is on us to promote love and not injustice—as learned magistrate Mumba does. Our courts should be sentencing corrupt government officials to jail rather than gay persons.
I can only pray that the High Court will dismiss this shameful ruling!
Moise Katumbi being welcomed by his supporters at Kasumbalesa border postDemocratic Republic of Congo -DRC Presidential Aspirant Moise Katumbi says Zambians should be proud that they have a president who is focused on development.
Mr. Katumbi says the unprecedented development taking place in Zambia can only be achieved with a leadership that is centered on serving its people.
He says President Edgar Lungu has a vision to develop Zambia judging by the infrastructure development taking place in the country.
Mr. Katumbi says a focused leadership, coupled with peace, stability and democracy will see Zambia’s economy growing even further.
He says having been a Governor for Katanga Province in the DRC, he is aware of the amounts of money involved in road construction, and other infrastructure.
In an Interview in Kitwe, Mr. Katumbi said there are a lot of lessons that the DRC can learn from Zambia’s economic progress.
Mr. Katumbi also advised the opposition in Zambia to appreciate the works of the government, adding that criticism is normal in a democracy, but that it should be constructive.
He said the peace and rule of law that exist in Zambia is the envy for many African countries.
Mr. Katumbi said Zambia’s democracy has grown over the years, as the opposition are free to criticize government without fear.
Mr. Katumbi is in Kitwe after being denied entry into the DRC and has until Wednesday to file his nomination papers ahead of the anticipated democratic polls in the neighbouring country.
Dora Siliya
Information and Broadcasting Minister Dora Siliya has asked the Independent Broadcasting Authority to increase awareness on the fact that citizens have the right to complain about various services they are not satisfied with.
Speaking when she toured IBA, ZNBC, ZANIS and other stands at the show grounds, Saturday, Siliya said citizens should not always wait for politicians to complain on their behalf.
“I just hope that during this show, you will educate people on the need to complain because a lot of people believe that it’s something that politicians should do, but I think even ordinary citizens have a right to complain about a number of things.”
“I see South African broadcasting advertise something on Multichoice that if you have a complaint, complain to the broadcasting commission.”
“I have seen an advert on Multichoice but I am not so sure if I have seen an advert that says ‘if you have a complaint contact IBA,” Siliya said.
And speaking after touring the ZNBC stand, Siliya said the K273 million digital migration loan, which was used to purchase outside broadcasting vans, among other things, was for the benefit of all Zambians.
“The investment that government has made was made for the people of Zambia and I think the people of Zambia wanted to actually see the results of this huge investment in digital migration at K273 million, and this is what we are displaying now that we have got digital TV1 and ON TV2. It means that the quality is better but beyond just better quality using ICT in broadcasting now from analogue to digital”.
“It also provides opportunities for the young people to be more creative so that they can get better jobs, more wealth creation. And it is not just the results that they see on TV, we are also building new studios in various parts of the country.”
“So we really want to take broadcasting in Zambia to another level to be international so that we don’t remain behind. Technology has now converged. Television is not just about a TV screen, it is about all terminals including particularly in the cell phone and we do not want to remain behind,” said Siliya.
SOCIALIST Party presidential candidate Dr Fred M’membe
Socialist Party (Zambia) deputy general secretary and the party’s 2021 presidential candidate, Dr Fred M’membe says Sunday’s attempt on Venezuela’s President Nicholas Maduro’s life is a horrendous terrorist act.
Dr M’membe said in a statement that the Socialist Party was confident the Venezuelan revolutionaries would not let terrorists win and that they will never be cowed by such terrorist acts.
President Maduro survived a drone attack during a national army parade in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas. Seven people were injured.
Below is the full statement:
Press Statement
From Dr Fred M’membe, Deputy General Secretary of the Socialist Party (Zambia) and the party’s 2021 presidential candidate on today’s terrorist attempt to kill Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro
We are shocked and angry today by the barbaric attempt at kill the revolutionary Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro.
We are horrified by this horrendous terrorist attack that has left seven Venezuelans injured. Our thoughts are with these injured Venezuelans, their families and friends.
We are confident the Venezuelan revolutionaries will never let these terrorists win, and will never be cowed by terrorist attacks.
Any government or organisation that supports terrorist actions like this is complicit in the attempt to murder President Maduro and injure innocent people and is equally guilty of terrorist crimes.
Today, all revolutionaries and people of good will are united beyond all borders in support of President Maduro and Venezuelan revolutionaries’ courage and determination.
We stand in absolute solidarity with President Maduro and Venezuelan revolutionaries.
We all have to step up the struggle against, and defeat, the ideology that fuels such terrorist attacks.
Hon. Alexander Chiteme at Catholic Church in Kitwe
Minister of National Development Planning Honourable Alexander Chiteme, MP, has urged youths to change their mindsets and believe in themselves to succeed in life.
The Minister was speaking in his Nkana Constituency in Kitwe during the Thanksgiving Mass for Father Mark Ngwenya, who was ordained as a Jesuit Priest, at Our Lady of Africa Parish on Sunday.
Hon. Chiteme advised the youths to desist from bad vices and focus on working hard for them to realise their purpose in life.
“My appeal to the youths is that let us change our mindsets. Let us believe that only hardwork is going to make you fulfil the destiny you were made for,” the Minister said.
He cautioned the youths against tolerating the beliefs that they could be rich through Satanism or killing people.
He observed that some parents had inculcated wrong beliefs in their children that people who were succeeding and creating wealth in their lives were dependant on powers of the devil.
“That is bad and not true. Let us believe in God and work hard,” Hon. Chiteme said.
The Nkana Member of Parliament expressed concern about youths’ gangs such as Sons of the Devil and Tokota Boys that have been terrorising people in Kitwe.
He urged parents to monitor their children and guide them in the right direction for them to grow up with God’s love for one another.
“These Sons of the Devil, Tokota Boys come from our homes. They are our children, they are our youths. Let us show them the way of peace and not beating up people, stealing and all those bad vices they are involved in,” the Nkana Member of Parliament said.
He urged Zambians to emulate the hardwork of the Chinese instead of just complaining that they were grabbing their land.
“If you go towards Chingola Road the land was givem to us Zambians. Who has sold it to the Chinese again? We sold it to the Chinese ourselves. Now we come to cry that the Chinese have grabbed land from us. The Chinese are doing the very things that right now you are supposed to be doing,” he said.
The Minister urged the Zambians to acquire financing from the government, and invest in agriculture and other sectors to grow the economy.
He added that people should heed the call of the forefathers to ‘go back to the land’ and invest in agriculture.
Hon. Chiteme said Zambians must diversify the economy for the benefit of the current and future generations.
The Minister congratulated Fr. Ngwenya and wished him God’s grace to continue fulfilling his calling.
Zanaco have declared that the 2018 FAZ Super Division title race is over for them.
The seven-time champions and 2017 runners-up were dismantled 3-0 away by 2018 winners and current league leaders Zesco United on Saturday in Ndola to suffer their third straight league defeat.
That loss left the 2016 champions seventeen points behind Zesco with eleven games to go.
“It is not possible for us to win the league,” Zanaco coach Mumamba Numba said.
“We have now refocused our plans and all we are working on now is try and finish within the top four brackets then we we can pick it up from there next year.
“Looking at the rate Zesco and Green Buffaloes are going, I am very positive Zesco will retain the league title.”
Zanaco have not failed to finish in the top four since 2013 when they ended the campaign at number five.
And now Zanaco’s only hopes for silverware this year will be in the Barclays Cup, a competition in which they are the holders and perennial campaigners following their 2017 debut win in a competition.
They are also hold the record of most Barclays appearances despite just the one triumph.
Power Dynamos reclaimed fourth post on Monday afternoon after barely breaking sweat to beat struggling Lumwana Radiants 3-0 at home in Kitwe.
The victory at Arthur Davies Stadium saw Power rebound from last weekend 1-0 away loss at Red Arrows in Lusaka that sent them down to fifth.
Zimbabwe international defender Jimmy Dzingai scored a brace on his home debut in his second game since joining from Zimbabwean club Yadah.
Dzigani scored two headers in the 3rd and 48th minutes but the latter goal left him with a mild concussion and had to be taking off and replaced by White Mwanambaba.
Power then put the result beyond doubt in the 65th minute through midfielder Larry Bwalya who capped his great day at the office with a goal after two assists for Dzingai.
Power have 48 points, two behind third placed Green Eagles and and two ahead of Nkana who have dropped to number five.
Lumwana meanwhile, are in a precarious situation at number 16 just above the bottom four relegation trap door on 27 points, six ahead of improving Napsa Stars and one behind National Assembly who are also steadily swimming away from the giant sucking sound of the drop zone.
President Edgar Lungu, Show Society President Caroline Silwamba (c) Lusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusambo (r) arrives in the main arena at the show groundThe 92nd edition Zambia agricultural and commercial which opened its doors to the public on July 31st, 2018 has come to its close, this evening.
This year’s show which was held under the theme: “Sustainable Economic empowerment ” was officially opened by Republican President Edgar Lungu and attracted 24 foreign countries, 106 international and over 1000 local participant.
President Lungu in his opening address tipped the farming community to use Agriculture as a business by learning to negotiate for good prices to get profit.
Mr. Lungu challenged the farmers and the private sector to always work hard and not just wait for government to set limits if they are to maximize profits in the agricultural sector.
Agriculture and Commercial Show Society of Zambia President Caroline Silwamba had by broadcast time not issued the official position of the of the success of this year’s event.
Mrs. Silwamba has however encouraged both local and international exhibitors not relent and utilize the platform in showcasing their products and services in future.
During this year’s show, a number of seminars for show-goers to understand fully various issues regarding the agriculture sector such as promoting sustainable business in Zambia, among others.
A number of local exhibitors such as Amon Lungu used the event to show the country’s potential in social- economic that needs to be exploited and promoted.
Mr. Lungu exhibited his innovation, the first-ever-sports car propelled using a mobile phone, much to the excitement of show-goers including President Lungu, senior government officials and technocrats.
This year’s show added more add colour with South African and Zimbabwean artists Mafikizolo and Jah Prayzah, respectively taking center stage in entertaining the show-goers most of whom presumably enjoyed themselves.
Not to be left out , the traditional dancing troop also did its share of dancing with the makishi dance from Zambezi district, North-western Province taking the center stage much to the amusement of the guests.
Permanent Secretary Rev. Howard Sikwela, WWF Zambia Country Director Nachilala Nkombo and Minister of Tourism and Arts Charles Banda during the launch of the drones project.
Government has bemoaned the increased number of women being conduits of wildlife crime.
Ministry of Tourism Permanent Secretary Howard Sikwela says a number of unsuspecting women are being used by poachers as conduits of wildlife crime.
Mr. Sikwela recently three women have as a result been handed five years in prison sentences each for various wildlife crimes by Subordinate Courts in Lusaka and Chipata Districts, respectively.
The Lusaka Subordinate Court convicted and sentenced two women one of the these being 47-year-old, Scholastica Chisimba, who was sentenced for five years imprisonment with hard labour for Unlawful Possession of Prescribed Trophy, namely two (2) leopard skins, contrary to section 130 (2) of the Zambia Wildlife Act No. 14 of 2015.
The other one the same court convicted and sentenced is Beatrice Lupazula, equally for five years imprisonment with hard labour for Unlawful Possession of one (1) lion skin.
Elsewhere, the Chipata Subordinate Court convicted and sentenced Howard Nyirenda, to 5 years imprisonment with hard labour on 27 July 2018 for Unlawful Possession of Prescribed Trophy, namely two (2) pieces of ivory weighing 6.6kg, contrary to section 130 (2) of the Zambia Wildlife Act No. 14 of 2015.
Under the Zambia Wildlife Act No. 14 of 2015, Unlawful Possession of Prescribed Trophies such as Elephant Ivory, Rhino Horn, Cheetah, Leopard and Lion skins carries a prison sentence of up to 10 years.
Mr. Sikwela says it is therefore important for locals ( and women in particular ) to actively take part in curbing dangerous vices like poaching that threaten many wildlife species to the brink of extension and rob the country of much needed revenues.
This is according to a press statement made available to ZANIS by Ministry of Tourism and Arts Public Relations Officer Sakabilo Kalembwe in Lusaka, today.
PF Secretary General Davies Mwila speaking during a joint media briefing with the UPND leadership at the UPND Secretariat
Zambia Youths Association in the Fight against Corruption (ZYAFAC ) says it is pleased with the peace pact sealed between the Patriotic Front (PF) and United Party for National Development (UPND).
The country’s two biggest political parties signed a memorandum of understanding to prevent any form of violence during elections with the recent mayoral and district chairpersons’ elections being relatively incident free being one of the indicators of the truce.
ZYAFAC Executive Director Maurice Malambo says the truce shows that Zambians have the moral “ wiring “ to put differences aside and reach a reconciliation.
Mr. Malambo says this gesture shows that although as a people can differ like all humans do, Zambians have the moral wiring of putting differences aside and reach reconciliation, a very rare quality of human character.
“ As an organization, we have always expressed concern in respect of the increasing political violence in the country. Therefore, the peaceful campaigns conducted by all political parties during the past by-elections held last week in different parts of the country, clearly engraves the fact that as a national can conduct violence free elections if we commit to archiving this record.
“ We therefore commend the President of the Republic of Zambia, His Excellency Mr. Edgar Lungu for providing leadership in the call to stop the violence, “ he said in a statement obtained by ZANIS, today.
He went on to state that his organisation has also commended the two political parties youth wings led by their leaders, Mr. Steven Kampyongo and his UPND counterpart Mr. Munji Habeenzu for taking practical steps towards realizing a notable reduction in political violence and follow up engagement made by both Chief Executives of the two political parties.
He stated that these moves led to peaceful campaigns conducted by all political parties during the past by-elections held in different parts
of the country which he said clearly demonstrates the peaceful nature of the citizens.
Mr. Malambo highlighted political violence as one of the major factors behind the high levels of voter apathy.
If the peaceful atmosphere exhibited during election campaigns continues, it will build public confidence and the levels of
voter apathy will be brought to a barest minimum.
ZYAFAC Executive Director has therefore urged youths from all political parties to stay away from blood thirsty political and civil society leaders.
The Zambia Information and Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA) has revealed that it has so far pulled down over 200 fake Facebook accounts.
This follows Information and Broadcasting Services Minister Dora Siliya’s instructions to ZICTA to write to Facebook to delete fake accounts, including 155 for President Edgar Lungu and 434 for Ministers.
ZICTA Corporate Communications Officer Hanford Chaaba, however, says it is difficult to identify those opening fake Facebook accounts because they are not using their actual names.
In an interview with QTV during the ongoing Show Society, Mr. Chaaba has disclosed that it is against this backdrop that ZICTA has engaged the Zambia Police.
Mr. Chaaba says this is in order to help ZICTA identify the culprits so that they can be brought to book.
He has warned that ZICTA will not relent in ensuring that all those operating fake Facebook accounts to swindle unsuspected members of the public are held accountable for their action.
