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.
Mahogany Airline makes an inaugural landing at Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport in Livingstone
Minister of Tourism and Arts Charles Banda is today expected to sample the first ever Mahogany Air flight into Mansa, Luapula Province.
The Minister said the coming of Mahogany Air on the scene will create the necessary competition and break monopolies in the industry.
Speaking when the airline’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Jim Belemu paid a courtesy call on him at his office today, the Mr. Banda said the airline would now make air travel affordable.
Mr. Banda said his ministry has been fighting the existence of monopolies in the industry ranging from accommodation, operators in national parks and game management areas.
The Minister said many people would love to travel by air affordably than enduring long distances traveling by road mode of transport to visit tourist attractions.
And Mahogany Air flight Chief Executive Officer, Jim Belemu disclosed that a lot of people from Europe have appreciated and are buying tickets following the establishment of the Zambia Tourism Expo.
Dr. Belemu noted that the best tourism is local tourism as it creates new market for travelers hence the reason why his airliner opened up new routes putting Mansa destination on its agenda.
He said his airline has keenly followed a lot of tourism programs about Luapula and hence operating on the Mansa route.
Dr. Belemu assured government that the doors of the airliner would always remain open to all.
This is contained in a press statement issued to the media in Lusaka ysterday by Ministry of Tourism and Arts Public Relations Officer, Sakabilo Kalembwe.
Health Minister Dr Chitalu Chilufya has revealed that seven suspects have been arrested over the theft of drugs and medical supplies at Medical Stores valued at US$ 1 million.
And Dr Chilufya has lashed out at social media bloggers who have criticized government over the scandal and described them as rumour mongers who lack effort in finding out the truth.
Addressing a media briefing in Lusaka yesterday, Dr Chilufya said seven suspects have been apprehended, some of whom where employees of Medical Stores Limited over the scandal.
Dr Chilufya said a further two Congolese nationals, have also been arrested and that they are appearing in the courts of law.
The Health Minister also disclosed that existing security contractor was terminated and a new one engaged and that the Zambian Police Service has been deployed at all Medical Stores Limited Warehouses in Lusaka.
He said all high value products are under kept under stringent lock and key and retained in severely restricted areas.
Below is Dr Chilufya’s full statement
Press Briefing Statement On The Collaborative Initiative Between The Ministry Of Health And Global Fund, To Provide Enhanced Security Of Commodities At Medical Stores Limited.
10th May 2018
Minister of Health Hon. Dr. Chitalu Chilufya MP. MCC
Members of the Press, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Welcome to this press briefing
The purpose of this briefing is to inform you, and through you, the great nation of Zambian, about our ongoing health systems strengthening collaboration, with our Partner, the Global Fund.
The social media has in the recent past days been awash with inflammatory stories purporting that the Ministry of Health has been discovered to have been responsible for massive thefts and losses of Global Fund supported commodities at Medical Stores Limited (MSL). This is an old story that has been very decisively dealt with proactively, both at Government and Institutional level.
The social media that is not informed and alert has noted a recent publication of an old activity that covered the period 2014-2016 and amplified it as “Breaking News”. This is simplistic rumour mongering that reflects a lack of effort in finding out the truth.
The Global Fund is a very strategic partner for the Government of the Republic of Zambia in public health investments to end epidemics in HIV/AIDs, TB and Malaria. Programmes supported by the Global Fund have contributed to a radical reduction of malaria deaths of up to 70% between 2010 and 2015 period.
Further it is appreciated that Global Fund investments in HIV/AIDS have contributed to reducing HIV Prevalence to the current 11.6%. Through the support of Global Funds, PEPFAR and other key partners Zambia has built one of the largest public health supply chains in Africa that has contributed to increased availability and access to key public health commodities.
Investments in commodities and supply chain for HIV/AIDS, Malaria and TB are now in excess of US$140 million.
Much of the supply chain of the commodities is handled by Medical Stores Limited, which is a key public health institution responsible for equitable distribution of Essential Medicines to the Zambia people.
Distinguished members of the press, Ladies and Gentlemen
In October 2016, as part of collaborative transparency with Global Fund in the management of supplies, The Government through Ministry of Health commissioned a surgical investigation following intelligence reports of a highly organised crime cartel involving a few MSL employees and Congolese nationals in the diversion of public health commodities from the supply system.
This information was shared with the Global Fund which in the true spirit of partnership availed an external, conflict of interest free and objective forensic audit covering the period 2014 to 2016 to assist quantify the risk, as well as identify the suspected losses in the supply chain system.
Ladies and gentlemen findings from Global Fund forensic audit that Government proactively initiated, covering 2014 and 2017 have uncovered losses that include:
Finding 1. 5,790 HIV test kits valued at US$416,379 (7.5% of total Global Fund-financed kits delivered between 2014 and 2016)
Finding 2. 67,967 bottles of antiretrovirals (ARVs) valued at US$423,209 (2.6% of total Global Fund-financed ARVs delivered between 2014 and 2016)
Finding 3. 11,442 artemisinin-based combination therapy packs (ACTs) valued at US$214,486 (2.4% of total Global Fund-financed ACTs delivered between 2014 and 2016)
Finding 4. 2,521 malaria rapid diagnostic test kits (MRDTs) valued at US$10,714 (1.7% of total Global Fund-financed kits delivered between 2014 and 2016)
Finding 5. Weak internal controls in systems at MSL that put products at risk of diversion.
Members of the Press, ladies and Gentlemen
Allow me to remind the nation that His Excellence the President of Republic of Zambia Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu has set a tone for zero tolerance to thefts and diversion in the public health supply chain system. The Head of State has issued severe warnings to Health Workers and he has been consistent at different for a on the need to uphold values of integrity and being upright in the discharge of Public service.
Investments in health come at huge sacrifice by taxpayers, both local, and those from the brotherly nations and institutions that give a helping hand, and cooperate with us as partners and therefore as a responsible Government, we could not sit idle when there was evidence of unscrupulous behaviour resulting in loss of resources.
Members of the Press, fellow citizens
Ladies and Gentlemen, arising from these findings, And in the spirit of the Directives Given by His Excellency the President, Government swiftly made a decision and instituted disciplinary removal of the leadership and Management at MSL. Seven suspects have been apprehended, some of whom where employees of MSL. A further two Congolese nationals, have also been arrested and are appearing in the courts of law. Further decisive action has included the following:
1. The existing security contractor was terminated and a new one engaged; additionally, the Zambian Police Service has been deployed at all MSL Warehouses in Lusaka. All high value products are under kept under stringent lock and key and retained in severely restricted areas.
2. The Ministry of Health, with all its supply chain stakeholders conduct joint weekly cycle count activities to improve transparency and visibility of the system
3. Government, working through the New MSL Management has developed a Whistle Blower Policy and revised the MSL Human Resource Handbook that strictly guides staff behaviour and practices. In this vein, the Zambian Public are being requested to report any unauthorised activities to the leadership at MSL and The Ministry of Health.
4. All new MSL trucks have a warning that states “This truck is carrying medicines for the people of Zambia. Report any suspicious activities on the this truck to MSL”
5. Government has included the Drug Enforcement Commission, ZAMRA and Police in safeguarding stewardship at MSL. A dedicated task force to investigate corruption and theft at MSL has been established that acts on inter border diversion activities.
Country men and women, members of the press, as a result of the reforms the Ministry of Health has instituted at MSL, wastage of supplies has reduced by more than 95% and indeed for the first time in MSL history there is Zero expiry of ARVs in 2018.
I wish to clearly state that the Government investigations instituted at MSL will continue until all culprits to this crime are brought to book.
There will be no sacred cows in this process as we create a clean and credible MSL as part of the Health Service Deliver pillars in Zambia. I wish to call on the Public to protect what is theirs by taking advantage of the Whistle Blower policy in place to report any suspicious activities in the supply chain to relevant authorities.
Ladies and Gentlemen
The emphatic and decisive actions and reforms implemented by the Government at MSL have been hailed by the Global Fund through a statement from their Executive Director who in the Global Fund Audit Report has stated and I quote “After discovering the problem, Zambia’s response to the losses at MSL has been exemplary.
Since this issue came to light, MSL changed its senior management and co-operated fully with the OIG investigation. It implemented enhanced stock controls and security arrangements. New management also strengthened its internal audits and developed a whistle-blower policy.
The Global Fund initiated support to a multi-agency national task team, which conducted high-profile investigations and enforcement operations that led to arrests associated with an organized cross-border crime network targeting MSL.
Seven people, including former employees of MSL and two foreign nationals, have been taken to court.
The Zambian authorities continue to investigate. The Global Fund is working with stakeholders in Zambia to review and strengthen physical security systems at MSL and its regional hubs and has agreed with MSL and the Principal Recipient, the Ministry of Health, on specific management actions to address gaps identified during the investigation”.
This information is widely accessible on the Global Fund Website, and I therefore urge all Zambians, to maintain patriotic values, and not shoot from hip, on issues that may injure our relationships with strategic partners such as the Global Fund. What gains does amateurish reporting and writing and commentary will it benefit any Zambian, when we put lives at risk by tarnishing our own image? Let us all be serious.
As I conclude, I want to assure the Zambian people that the supply chain for Malaria, TB and HIV commodities is intact, and all our Partners are solidly with us in their steadfast support. We shall continue as Government to provide the steady hand on our stewardship role, to ensure that the health of all Zambians is not only maintained, but enhanced in order for us to build a nation of productive and healthy citizens, that shall see the fulfilment of the vision Zambia 2030.
The results of what happen, when we work together, are abundantly manifest, and in this I must thank the whole fabric of our society, for coming together to this day, when we are reporting zero cases of Cholera, from the epidemic that recently confronted us.
Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Christopher Yaluma
Government says value addition and industrialization continues to be at the core of government’s agenda to diversify the Zambian economy and achieve a broad-based and inclusive growth.
Commerce and Trade and Industry Minister, Christopher Yaluma said it is for this reason that government has partnered with the Zambia Association of Manufacturers (ZAM) in implementing the Proudly Zambian Campaign.
ZANIS reports that Mr. Yaluma said the Association and its members lie at the heart of the buy local campaign and are cardinal in stimulating the Zambian economy towards higher and more sustainable economic growth.
He said it is therefore with great pleasure that they continue to collaborate with ZAM towards the issuance of the official “Proudly Zambian Logo”.
Mr. Yaluma said this in Lusaka today during the ZAM 32nd Annual General Meeting under the theme, “consolidating ZAM’s positioning for National Development”.
Mr. Yaluma said the theme is crucial and necessary to achieving Zambia’s objective of becoming a prosperous middle-income country by 2030.
He said the benefits of having a consolidated and strong industrial base cannot be understated as it turns into poverty reduction through wealth creation.
Mr. Yaluma said government understands the value of having a vibrant manufacturing sector in the country.
He said it is for this reason that his Ministry has partnered with ZAM in implementing the Proudly Zambia Campaign.
Mr. Yaluma said ZAM and its members lie at the heart of the “buy local” campaign and are cardinal to stimulating the Zambian economy towards higher and more sustainable economic growth.
He has since urged both service providers and producers to take heed of the directive to ensure that marketing materials and packaging containing references to “Proudly Zambian” and utilizing un-official slogans are phased out by September 2018.
Mr. Yaluma said this will pave way for the new brand of Proudly Zambian” products and services that are inspected and approved for quality and compliance, as well as good environmental and competitive practices.
Meanwhile, ZAM President Roseta Chabala said the challenges the sector has faced are numerous and anchored in various issues that ultimately translate to a high cost of doing business for manufactures.
Ms. Chabala said there is need to ensure active implementation of these policy documents in order to support key interventions such as the Proudly Zambia Campaign.
Police in Kaoma have launched a manhunt for a witchdoctor behind the moving coffins drama popularly known as Kikonde in local language.
The witchdoctor is said to have gone into hiding after realising that police might pounce on him after the latest event where mourners damaged the official GRZ vehicle belonging to Kaoma District Commissioner Kennedy Mubanga.
Mr Mubanga’s GRZ vehicle was damaged after he issued instructions to soldiers and police to ensure the coffin was buried.
The witchdoctor whose name is not known has been charging members of the public who want to have the coffin of a dead person direct them to the person suspected to have caused the death shortly before burial.
The witchdoctor charges between K1,500 and K5000 depending on whether relatives of the deceased wanted the coffin to move itself or direct pall bearers to the suspected witch.
This year alone, residents of Kaoma have witness five incidences of coffins containing dead bodies refusing to be burial before directing mourners to the suspected witch or wizard.
The development prompted Kaoma District Commissioner to call on the police and Zambia Army to force burial of the same.
Police launched a manhunt for the witchdoctor as they believed he was behind the riots that had been experienced in Kaoma District.
The police have since called on the members of the public to give information that would lead to the arrest of the witchdoctor.
Millennium Challenge Account Zambia has terminated two contracts with Elevolution Engenharia (Elevo) of Portugal worth US $52.3 million under the Lusaka Water Supply, Sanitation and Drainage Project for consistently failing to meet its construction targets and to remedy performance concerns despite sustained efforts by MCA-Zambia.
According to MCA Zambia Head of Communication John Kunda, the underperformance by Elevo poses a risk of not completing the infrastructure works on schedule thereby denying the residents of Lusaka, the expected benefits of increased access and availability of clean water and proper sanitation.
Dr. Kunda said Elevo has also continuously failed to ensure quality work according to Contract specifications, including the reinstatement of public roads and private driveways.
He further said Elevo has not been compliant with the labour laws of Zambia resulting in industrial unrest among its construction staff.
“On behalf of Government of Zambia, MCA-Zambia is fully committed to ensuring that the two infrastructure contracts are delivered for the benefit of the people of Zambia and the expectation of the United States Government, through the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC),” Dr. Kunda said.
Elevo was contracted in February 2016 through a competitive and transparent procurement process to construct water supply and sewerage network in both Mtendere and Mtendere East.
This included laying about 60 kilometers of water main supply lines and 82 kilometers of sewer lines, and select sewerage facilities in Salama Park and Chelstone.
In addition, Elevo was contracted to carry out works to replace old, leaking water pipes to reduce water losses in the existing network and to replace malfunctioning and obsolete water meters, in select parts of Lusaka to improve accurate billing.
“MCA-Zambia reassures its various stakeholders of its unwavering commitment to ensure that the construction works are completed, in line with Lusaka Water Supply, Sanitation and Drainage Project objectives,” Dr. Kunda said.
On Saturday, 12 May 2018, Stella Artois will host a launch event at Ndola’s Urban Hotel. The stylish venue has partnered with Stella Artois to celebrate Zambia’s culinary delights. In attendance at the event will be an array of consumers including celebrities, socialites and local business leaders on the Copperbelt.
The Belgian beer was officially launched in Zambia on 3 March 2018 and has since continued to create unforgettable premium experiences at Zambia’s lifestyle events and venues. Under the theme ‘Host Beautifully’, Urban Hotel will present a special menu that merges international and local cuisine. With culinary delights such as “slow braised oxtail in stella beer served on toasted nshima”, the event promises to be an experience of the finest of gourmet food.
“We value our consumers and partners on the Copperbelt and we are honored to have the opportunity to celebrate Zambia’s top Chefs with one of the world’s best selling beers. Stella Artois is founded on a long heritage and ability to blend into multicultural markets. We look forward to more of these opportunities and moments with our consumers not only on the Copperbelt but across the country” stated Jose D Moran, Country Director of Zambian Breweries Plc.
House DJ El Mukuka and local DJ Welly Styles will entertain the guests in the colourful backyard of the upmarket and trendy hotel. Details of the event can be found on PR Girl Media social media platforms, the PR & Events Management Agency organizing the launch event.
Military officers stand by the coffin inside churchSamson Simwanda Jr breaks down during the church service
The Zambian Mission in Belgium yesterday held a remembrance church service for the late Defence Attache Brigadier General Samson Simwanda who died in Brussels.
The church service which was held at the International Baptist Church of Brussels was preceded by a guard of honour mounted by the Belgian defence forces.
During the service, Charge d’ Affairres Henry Ngilazi described the death of Gen. Simwanda as a loss to the Mission and the country.
Mr. Ngilazi said Gen. Simwanda was a remarkable diplomat who served the Mission and the nation professionally and diligently.
Mr. Ngilazi said Gen. Simwanda dedicated his life to selfless service and generously rendered his knowledge and expertise whenever called upon.
“During his tour of duty, Gen. Simwanda served as the President of the Corp of Air, Military and Naval Attaches (CAMNA), an assignment that brought pride to the Mission and the Republic of Zambia. He was a multi-talented serviceman who executed his duties with excellence. The Mission will truly miss his exceptional services,” said Mr. Ngilazi.
And Dean of CAMNA Brig. Gen. Abdelaziz Al Hama said the association of Defence Advisors accredited to the Kingdom of Belgium is saddened by the death of Gen. Simwanda.
He described Gen. Simwanda as a man of good humour who was committed to serving the association.
Gen Hama said this in a tribute read on his behalf by Defence Attache of the South African Embassy in Brussels Brig. Gen. Macdonald Letsholo.
A representative from the Dutch military, Head of the International Military Liaison Brig. Gen. De Jong described Gen Simwanda as a professional man who was always eager to learn from his colleagues.
Gen. Simwanda began his career in the Zambia Air Force (ZAF) in 1988 and rose to the rank of Colonel in May 2012, before being promoted as Brigadier General on 3rd February 2017, a position he held at the time of his demise.
He was appointed into diplomatic service on 23rd March, 2015.
Gen Simwanda, 50, died on 1st May 2018 and is survived by a wife Mika and five children.
Meanwhile, a book of condolences has been opened at the Zambia Embassy to allow the diplomatic community to pay their last respects.
The body of the deceased is expected to be repatriated to Zambia today and arrives at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport on Friday aboard Ethiopian Airways at 14:30 hours.
Issued by:
Phyllis Chilekwa (Ms.)
First Secretary – Press and Public Relations
Embassy of the Republic of Zambia
Brussels – BELGIUM
Military officers salutes the body of the late Brig Gen Simwanda during body viewingMr Henry Ngilazi Charge D’affaires, Embassy of Zambia in Brussels pays his last respect during body viewing.
Power Dynamos defender Billy Mutale is excited to bounce back into the Chipolopolo squad after a one-year absence.
Mutale has been named in the 30-member provisional squad by acting Chipolopolo head coach Beston Chambeshi ahead of Zambia’s 2018 COSAFA Cup outing in South Africa.
The defender has not been called for national duty since June 2017 when he allegedly declined to feature in Zambia’s friendly match against South Africa alongside forward Fwayo Tembo.
“It is nice to be called to the national team. You know how important the national team is to every processional footballer’s career,” Mutale reacted.
He is now targeting to earn a place in the final squad that will be in South Africa for the regional tournament.
“I will put in my best to make the final squad. Going to COSAFA means all the hard work is paying off,” Mutale said.
The ex-Nchanga Rangers and Kalulushi Modern Stars player is a regular at Power.
The Government has issued a statutory instrument (Accountants [Client Fees] Regulations, 2018 [Statutory Instrument Number 34 of 2018]) to regulate the fees charged by accountants in order to avail accounting services to more citizens and micro, small, medium, and large organisations.
Commenting on the Statutory Instrument that she signed, Minister of Finance Margaret Mwanakatwe expressed hope that the measure will protect clients, protect accountants and above all, ensure the integrity of the accountancy profession.
Mrs. Mwanakatwe stated that “this is a pragmatic step in reducing the cost of accountancy transactions and will result in the growth of accountancy firms and further lead to job creation for many young people entering the accountancy profession.”
The key objectives of the Statutory Instrument are as follows:
1) To prescribe in fee unit, form fees chargeable by practicing accountants, taking into consideration the individual accountants involved in an accountancy assignment;
2) To provide the basis for agreements between the accountant and the client on the fee scale; and,
3) To provide a standardized, fair, and transparent mode of charging accountants fees.
Before Statutory Instrument Number 34 of 2018 was brought into effect, fees chargeable by accountants in practice and auditing and non-auditing firms were not based on any framework, legal or regulatory, and were in some cases out of the reach of many individuals and businesses.
Whichever way, the fees chargeable were not an indicator of the cost or the quality of services that were offered. This trend compromised the integrity of the accountancy and auditing professionals and organisations.
“I am happy that this statutory instrument sets a platform for the protection of public interest as it will contribute to improved financial governance in the country,” stated Mrs. Mwanakatwe.
Copies of the (Accountants [Client Fees] Regulations, 2018 [Statutory Instrument Number 34 of 2018]) can be procured from the Government Printer.
Issued by:
Chileshe Kandeta
FOR MINISTRY OF FINANCE
NOTE: Copies of the (Accountants [Client Fees] Regulations, 2018 [Statutory Instrument Number 34 of 2018]) can be procured from the Government Printer.
China Telecom Global (CTG), a subsidiary of China Telecom Corporation Limited – one of the world’s largest providers of integrated telecommunication services, and Liquid Telecom, a leading pan-African telecoms group, announced today the signing of a historic strategic partnership whereby the two companies will collaborate to provide Africa and Asia with industry-leading network solutions and services.
The agreement will enable both companies to serve their respective enterprise and wholesale customers with extended network coverage across some of the fastest growing economies in the two regions.
China Telecom Global has already established a Point-of-Presence (PoP) at Liquid Telecom’s East Africa Data Centre in Nairobi, and will establish further PoPs at its data centre facilities in Johannesburg and Cape Town. CTG and Liquid Telecom will also continue to explore joint service opportunities under the partnership.
Commenting on the agreement, Changhai Liu, Managing Director of China Telecom (Africa and Middle East) Limited, said: “With more than 50 countries in the region, Africa is nonetheless the booming new market with the highest development rate just after Asia, and a very important market for CTG. This collaboration will enable both CTG and Liquid Telecom better serve our customers and explore untapped business potential for further development. Under this partnership, we are well positioned to enhance the connectivity and network infrastructure in both regions.”
“This partnership with China Telecom Global reflects the strong global demand for world-class network services across Africa. Our combined service and network capabilities will be of great value to multinationals operating in some of the fastest growing economies across Africa and Asia-Pacific,” said Willem Marais, Group Chief Business Development Officer, Liquid Telecom.
A signing ceremony was held at Liquid Telecom’s Johannesburg office and was attended by senior representatives from both companies, including China Telecom Global’s EVP Donald Tan, China Telecom (Africa and Middle East)’s MD Changhai Liu, Liquid Telecom’s Group CEO Nic Rudnick and Liquid Telecom’s Group Chief Business Development Officer Willem Marais.
Three Zambian Truck drivers have been petrol-bombed and their trucks burnt to ashes by violent protesters in Groblersbrug, Limpompo Province, South Africa in two separate incidences that happened on Tuesday night.
And the Zambian High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa has appealed to the South African government through the Department of International Relations and Co-orporation (DIRCO) to urgently help safe guard the safety of Zambian truckers involved in the transportation of goods between the two countries.
One of the drivers whose identity is yet to be confirmed with his employers, an identified Zambian registered trucking company sustained life threatening injuries and has been admitted to a nearby hospital while the another one identified as Vincent Yavwa, 54, sustained minor burns and has since been discharged from hospital.
Mr. Yavwa,a driver at Southgate Investments Limited was attacked along the R 572 road at around 18 hours South African time by violent protesters en route to Groblersbrug.
According to the information made available to the Zambian Mission in Pretoria, truck registration number BAH 1795ZM with interlink trailers belonging to Southgate was set alight by petrol bombs and burnt to ashes including the cargo it was to deliver.
Last week about 30 foreign trucks including three (3) Zambian trucks were burnt to ashes on the N3 Toll Route near Mooi River in KwaZulu-Natal bringing the total number of Zambian trucks burnt in various parts of that country to six.
In a note written to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation DIRCO, Zambia’s High Commissioner to South Africa His Excellency Mr. Emmanuel Mwamba has called on the South African government to put in place urgent measures that would guarantee the safety of Zambian truckers.
He said that the unfortunate development had the potential to disrupt international trade and halt the movement of goods and services between the two countries as there were many South African trucks transporting goods to Zambia and Vice versa.
Mr. Mwamba noted that the attacks were unfortunate and the Mission will continue to engage South African authorities to ensure that human life and property were protected.
He noted that he was so far encouraged by the immediate response by government to arrest those allegedly involved in burning to ashes of trucks.
Mr. Mwamba has since called for calm among truck drivers and the Truckers Association of Zambia as the Mission had engaged the South African government to help put measures in place to safe guard the safety of the truckers and their goods.
This is according to First Secretary Press and Public Relations at Zambia’s High Commission in South Africa Mrs Naomi Nyawali.
Janifer 11 (r) with traditonal instructer Beza Sakala during an initiation ceremony organised by the Kunda people of Mfuwe in eastern province. This was in Ndola’s Chifubu township.
Senanga District Young Women Christian Association (YWCA) Advocate Volunteer, Kapinda Mubita, said families should talk freely about sexual reproductive health with their children for them to be well informed on measures to prevent teenage pregnancies that lead to early marriages.
Mrs. Mubita said that the modern generation should do away with the old traditions of not talking about topics of sex with their children because parents have a critical role to play in their children’s lives.She added that the ending child marriage campaign can include adult mentors.She further stated that certain traditional practices such as initiation ceremonies for girls should be done after girls have completed school as most of the teachings given, lead to young girls engaging in pre-marital sex.
Mrs. Mubita observed that most girls who undergo the initiation ceremony at a young age are likely to have teenage pregnancies and not complete school compared to those that are not subjected to such ceremonies.
Meanwhile Zambia Center for Communication Program (ZCCP) says ending the Child Marriage campaign in Senanga should focus on reasons that lead to early marriages in the district.
Senanga District ZCCP/Kwatu Programs Officer Namate Lyenda said it is important to know why teenagers are engaging in early marriages for the campaign to be effective.
ZANIS reports that Mr. Lyenda stated that the pilot campaign should include women empowerment programmes as the vice is mainly caused by high poverty levels in communities.
He said communities that record early marriages need to understand the law and what it constitutes regarding early marriages because most families consider girls that have reached puberty to be adults hence, they get married at an early age.
Government through the Ministry of Gender in partnership with UNICEF is running a pilot project on ending child marriage campaign in Senanga district in Western Province and Katete district in Eastern province.
Zambian house music pioneer El Mukuka releases “All I Need” music video. The song features long time collaborator and friend Alan Thompson. Mukuka’s signature melodic house sound with Thompson’s velvety-smooth vocals makes this song a “must-have” for your love song playlist.
UK-based Zambia U20 call-ups striker, Mwiya Malumo, and midfielder, Lifumpa Mwandwe, joined camp in Rwanda.
The duo are the only foreign-based call-ups summoned for Saturday’s 2019 U20 AFCON first round, first leg qualifier away against Rwanda.
Lifumpa, 17, a midfielder of Shrewsbury Town, and 18-year-old Wigan striker Malumo joined the Zambia Under-20 team on Wednesday evening in Kigali after flying out from Lusaka on the same date.
Zambia on the other hand arrived earlier on Wednesday morning in Kigali from Malawi where they had set up a five-day camp and played two friendly matches while there.
Zambia beat hosts Malawi 1-0 on Saturday and club side Silver Youths whom they beat 3-1 on Tuesday.
Copperbelt Province Permanent Secretary Bright Nundwe
Copperbelt Permanent Secretary,Bright Nundwe has expressed happiness with Northern Command Military Hospital in Ndola on the way it professionally handles patients.
Mr.Nundwe said management at the military hospital is offering the most outstanding reception to patients, a methodology he said is contributing perfectly well to offering quality health care services to the people.
He observed that rendering a good reception to patients by medical practitioners is good treatment on its own before administering of drugs.
ZANIS reports that the Permanent Secretary said this today when he visited the hospital.
Mr. Nundwe said despite the challenges being faced by the health facility, management is working in a professional way in a bid to offer quality health care services not only to the military personal but also the general public.
And Northern Command Military Hospital Commandant, Bernard Kapatamoyo said that from the time the hospital started operating in 2015, it has helped decongest Ndola Teaching Hospital.
Bri. General Dr. Bernard Kapatamoyo said the high demand for medical services by the general public has made the facility operate daily to cater for the population.
He further stated that the hospital which is currently on phase one is not only offering medical services to the Copperbelt but also North-Western, Luapula and Northern Provinces.
