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Zambia abstains on the UN General Assembly Resolution on Israel and Hamas conflict

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Zambia abstains on the UN General Assembly Resolution on Israel and Hamas conflict

The United Nations General Assembly has passed a resolution calling for an immediate humanitarian truce between Israel and Hamas and demanding aid access to Gaza.

A total of 120 countries voted in favour of the resolution, 14 countries voted against including Israel and the United States, while 45 others abstained.

Unlike the rest of the SADC countries and most African countries Zambia abstained in the vote.

For (120):

A: Afghanistan, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan

B: Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei

C: Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Cote d’Ivoire, Cuba

D: Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea), Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic

E: Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea

F: France

G: Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana

H: Honduras

I: Indonesia, Iran, Ireland

J: Jordan

K: Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan

L: Laos, Lebanon, Lesotho, Libya, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg

M: Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar

N: Namibia, Nepal, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway

O: Oman

P: Pakistan, Peru, Portugal

Q: Qatar

R: Russia

S: Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Switzerland, Syria

T: Tajikistan, Thailand, East Timor, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey

U: Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Republic of Tanzania, Uzbekistan

V: Vietnam

Y: Yemen

Z: Zimbabwe

Against (14):

A: Austria

C: Croatia, Czechia

F: Fiji

G: Guatemala

H: Hungary

I: Israel

M: Marshall Islands, Micronesia

N: Nauru

P: Papua New Guinea, Paraguay

T: Tonga

U: United States

Abstained (45):

A: Albania, Australia

B: Bulgaria

C: Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Canada, Cyprus

D: Denmark

E: Estonia, Ethiopia

F: Finland

G: Georgia, Germany, Greece

H: Haiti

I: Iceland, India, Iraq, Italy

J: Japan

K: Kiribati

L: Latvia, Lithuania

M: Monaco

N: Netherlands, North Macedonia

P: Palau, Panama, Philippines, Poland

R: Republic of Korea (South Korea), Republic of Moldova, Romania

S: San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, South Sudan, Sweden

T: Tunisia, Tuvalu

U: Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uruguay, Vanuatu

Z: Zambia

Barotse Royal Establishment Installs Senior Chief Akashambatwa Mbikusita Lewanika

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Barotse Royal Establishment Installs Senior Chief Akashambatwa Mbikusita Lewanika

The Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE) has officially installed Akashambatwa Mbikusita Lewanika as the Senior Chief for Naliele palace, located in Kaoma District. The installation ceremony took place yesterday at Litunga’s winter palace, the Mboo kuta, situated in Limulunga District of Western Province.

Following the installation, Ngambela Mukela Manyando, a prominent figure in the BRE, expressed the strategic significance of Senior Chief Lewanika’s chiefdom. The newly appointed Senior Chief’s territory encompasses three districts, namely Nkenyema, Kaoma, and Luampa.

The installation of Senior Chief Akashambatwa Mbikusita Lewanika, who is 75 years old, comes after the passing of his predecessor, Senior Chief Isiteketo Amukena, in November of the previous year. This event marks an important tradition within the Barotse Royal Establishment and signifies the continuity of leadership within the region.

Miles Sampa Remains PF President After High Court Lifts Injunction

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Miles Sampa Remains PF President After High Court Lifts Injunction

The Lusaka High Court has revoked the Exparte Injunction that had previously barred the newly elected Patriotic Front (PF) President, Miles Sampa, from assuming his role as party president until further notice. As a result, Mr. Sampa will continue to serve as PF President until the court issues a subsequent order.

The decision to lift the Exparte Order was made by Lusaka High Court Judge Situmbeko Chocho. Judge Chocho’s ruling was based on the assertion that the Secretary General of the Given Lubinda-led PF faction, Raphael Nakachinda, did not provide complete disclosure of the ongoing PF proceedings before Lusaka High Court Judge Timothy Atenekwa.

Judge Atanekwa’s proceedings revolve around a Restraining Order against Mr. Lubinda, preventing him from representing himself as PF Acting President. The same order also prohibited the former PF Acting Secretary General from identifying himself as such.

The initial injunction that was discharged had been requested by Mr. Sampa himself.

In response to the ruling, Judge Chocho has maintained November 27, 2023, as the date for an inter partes hearing in the matter, where the Given Lubinda camp has contested Mr. Sampa’s election as PF President.

Representing Mr. Sampa in the legal proceedings is the prominent Lusaka lawyer, Jeah Madaika.

Mr. Sampa secured the PF presidency during a convention held in Lusaka, where he emerged victorious over six other candidates.

In light of the court’s decision, Mr. Sampa expressed his gratitude to his legal representative, Mr. Jeah Madaika, and announced his commitment to rebranding the party, welcoming all interested parties to be part of this process.

Late President Sata’s Anniversary Should be Celebrated with Dignity and Respect- Vice President Nalumango

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Late President Sata’s Anniversary Should be Celebrated with Dignity and Respect- Vice President Nalumango

Vice President Mutale Nalumango has urged Zambians to honor the memory of the late President Michael Sata with dignity and respect. She described the late President as a hardworking man who was committed to his political cause and should be remembered as a leader who won the hearts of many through his commitment to development.

Regarding security arrangements for the 9th-anniversary celebration of late President Sata, Mrs. Nalumango assured the assembly that the event has been consistently marked with lawful and respectful observance. She affirmed that the Zambian police would provide the necessary security measures for the commemoration, reflecting the government’s commitment to honoring the memory of the late President in a fitting manner.

This message of reverence for the late President came during a parliamentary session where Vice President Nalumango also addressed other important matters.

She disclosed that the Zambian government is currently in the process of evaluating a proposal put forth by the Zambia National Service (ZNS) to establish a smelter in Kabompo District. Mrs. Nalumango shared this information in response to a question raised by Member of Parliament for Lunte, Mutotwe Kafwaya. The inquiry sought to gain clarity on ZNS’s intentions to construct a smelter valued at 15 billion United States Dollars in Kabompo.

The Vice President explained that ZNS has taken the necessary steps to secure licenses and is actively engaging with potential investors to gather the required expertise and resources for the project. The proposed smelter is expected to have a significant impact on the local economy, provided that it is deemed feasible and beneficial by the government.

During the session, Mrs. Nalumango also touched upon the agricultural sector, expressing the government’s commitment to addressing challenges faced in previous farming seasons. She emphasized the importance of ensuring timely delivery of agricultural inputs to farmers and informed the assembly that the distribution process has already commenced across various regions of the country. Designated depots are currently receiving and distributing these essential agricultural resources.

Twisting Scriptures For Selfish Reasons; Case Of One Prophet Sunday Sinyangwe

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Twisting Scriptures For Selfish Reasons; Case Of One Prophet Sunday Sinyangwe

It’s quite disheartening the clergy, particularly those from the ranks of the protestant movement, continue to use the scriptures for selfish reasons. One such character that stands out from the rest of the pack like a sore middle finger is one Sunday Sinyangwe, owner of one of the mega Church businesses in Lusaka.

During the just ended National Day of Prayer, Fasting, Repentance and Reconciliation; Sinyangwe invited former president Edgar Lungu who somehow found himself in his Church in Kanyama shanty compound to step forward.

“On behalf of the youth,” begun Sinyangwe as Lungu paraded himself before the vibrant congregation. “I am asking you to release us from whatever happened that day in the stadium.” He was of course referring to the booing Lungu suffered at the hands of the youth when he went to Heroes Stadium to handover the “instruments of power” to the newly elected president, Hakainde Hichilema.

“We need the mercies of God for all the abuse…..all the things that have been thrown at you….” continued the excited papa. “My humble request is for you to declare a release that it may be well with us; our blessings and prosperity are tied to you!”

Now wait a minute…..what exactly is the meaning of this? I don’t need a Bible scholar or indeed a prophet (I actually have a challenge recognising such grandiose titles as the real prophets only existed in Biblical times) to help me fathom the blessings and properity of our nation can be tied to an individual…..worse still, someone that only came to know Christ when he stepped inside the gates of State House for obvious reasons. What can deny a nation blessings or deter her from prosperity as the case may be with us isn’t a single human being but rather the relentless political violence , unbridled corruption and absolute plunder of national resources as we witnessed during the tenure of the man Sinyangwe shamelessly asked to pray for our beloved nation.

It’s actually embarrassing that these so-called men of God, or gold if you life, can arrogantly or igonarantly continue to use the pulpit to make outlandish declarations and peddle lies with a straight face as their gullible followers cheer on and ululate.

The papa is never shy of courting controversy. A few months before the elections, Sinyangwe who appeared to be seething with uncontrollable rage could be seen in a video that went viral on the internet discrediting and disparaging Hichilema and his political party UPND from the comfort of his pulpit as his audience applauded and chanted amen!

“Mr. HH and your leaders, I beg with you by the mercies of the Lord,” he pokes a warning finger into the camera. “Go before God and ask for mercy for what you did on Friday.”

The nation would remember that around that same period, there was a crucial council chairman by-election taking place in Kaoma, Western province which was marred by violence from PF cadres after sensing embarrassing defeat at the hands of a resurgent UPND. A UPND cadre was caught up in fracas and shot in cold blood. Instead of waiting for the police to conclude their investigations, the papa attempted to twist things in favour of the former ruling party PF. Isn’t a serious indictment on his part that some PF members ended up being arrested and for murder at the end of the day?

In the same video, Sinyangwe is seen bragging that he’s now taking to the pulpit to make a decree.

“If you don’t reverse what you did on Friday,” he continues daring Hichilema “You’ll never enter State House. Your party will be rejected. You’ll never sit on the throne!”

If outcome of the August 2021 general elections is anything to go by, then clearly, whatever Sinyangwe preached on that day wasn’t of God but his own fickle imiganation as the will of God finally prevailed amidst attempts to rid the elections. Last time we checked, Hichilema was sitting on the throne: providing much needed free education to our people; taking development direct to the masses through increased CDF; stamping out cadrerism in the stations and markets; uprooting political violence synonymous with PF and most importantly, reuniting the nation by appointing a cabinet that has a national character.

Prince Bill M Kaping’a
Political/Social Analyst

Zambia ready to host Public Health Africa conference -Masebo

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Zambia ready to host Public Health Africa conference -Masebo

Minister of health Sylvia Masebo says   Zambia is honoured to be the host of the 3rd Annual Conference on Public Health in Africa.

The annual International Conference on Public Health in Africa provides a unique African-led platform for leaders across the continent to reflect on lessons learned in health and science.

The conference creates a way forward for creating more resilient health systems, and serves as a catalyst to drive sustainable progress against longstanding and emerging health threats.

Ms Masebo noted that hosting of the conference is in the interest of the government as it positions Zambia   as a regional leader in public health security matters.

ZANIS reports that Ms Masebo was speaking when she inspected progress made in preparing for the Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA) that will be held in Lusaka Zambia at the Kenneth Kaunda International Conference Center from 27th to 30th November 2023.

The health Minister of Health said this is the reason President Hakahinde Hichilema has invited among other high-level delegates 14 Presidents from across the continent.

Ms Masebo said the conference is expected to host up to 3,500 international and over 1,500 local delegates.

She stressed that the event is an important conference as it boosts the country’s economic agenda and interests and aligns with the desire for Zambia to host as many regional and international conferences and meetings.

“This you may all agree, will, among other benefits, market the country’s tourism, boost its economy, and enable our citizens to build skills and increase knowledge through interactions,” she said.

“Zambia, and more specifically Lusaka, stands to enjoy an increased global profile, growth in local employment, immediate and short-term economic benefits, and increased long-term investment,” she added.

Last year, the conference was held in December 2022 in Kigali, Rwanda and 2,800 scientists, policymakers, and advocates from around the world gathered in person.

The conference spotlighted African science and innovation, and helped strengthen local, regional and global collaboration.

And CDC Africa Director General Jean Kaseya said Zambia has a lot to share to the world on public health as it handled the pandemic in a unique manner.

Dr Kaseya expressed happiness with the progress that Zambia has made so far in preparation for the event.

Man 26, commits suicide after losing wife

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Man 26, commits suicide after losing wife

A 26-year-old man of Katupisha village in Kabompo district has committed suicide by hanging himself to a tree after losing his wife and unborn baby last month.

Kabompo District Commissioner, Hubert Chinyanga confirmed the incident which occurred yesterday, October 26, 2023 in Senior Chief Sikufele’s area.

Mr. Chinyanga told ZANIS in an interview today that the deceased’s father Kanongesha Malisawa, 56, reported the matter to Police and identified his son as John Malisawa aged 26.

He explained that the deceased failed to accept the death of his wife who died last month and attempted to commit suicide several times prompting the family to take him for church counseling and prayers.

Mr Chinyama said the deceased only managed to succeed in committing suicide yesterday after he was left alone at home by hanging himself using a tree fiber.

“When Police rushed to the scene they found the body still hanging by the neck to a branch tied with a tree fiber. And upon physical inspection no physical injuries were found to suggest foul play hence relatives have been advised to bury as Police opened an inquiry,” he said.

Mr Chinyama said it is unfortunate that the country has lost a young man who was still in the productive age group.

He has since appealed for more mental health facilities especially in the district saying this can help reduce suicide cases in the country.

“It is always sad to lose young lives, 26 is a very productive age for our country, my appeal is to also emphasize to the relevant authorities to introduce more mental health facilities and services so we can have reduced suicide cases as this is very worrisome,” he said.

Polio vaccination campaign kicks off in Kasama

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Polio vaccination campaign kicks off in Kasama

Northern Province Permanent Secretary, Bernard Mpundu has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protect children against various diseases, including Polio.

Mr. Mpundu said Polio is a devastating disease that has no cure, but can be prevented through vaccination.

He said this is why the government, through the Ministry of Health, has been conducting vaccination campaigns as a measure to protect children from the disease.

 Mr Mpundu said this in a speech read on his behalf by Assistant Secretary, Jordan Mwenya at the launch of the Polio Vaccination exercise in Kasama.

Mr Mpundu has commended the Department of Health in the province for being vigilant in the fight against Polio.

And Provincial Public Health Specialist, Paul Mayeya said the ministry is ready to conduct the vaccination campaign saying they have enough vaccines and health workers are already on the ground.

Dr. Mayeya has assured members of the public that the Polio vaccine is safe.

“Please welcome the health workers that are coming to your homes to vaccinate your children,” he said.

And a Chiba resident, Margaret Chansa,  has commended the Ministry of Health for embarking on the vaccination campaign which will help protect children from the disease.

Ms Chansa has since called on the Ministry of Health to continue sensitizing members of the public on the causes, effects and prevention of Polio.

The Polio round four vaccination campaign which runs from 26 to 29 October, 2023, is targeting children who are eight years of age and below.

Zambia, China hold talks to resume digital migration

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Zambia, China hold talks to resume digital migration

Government through the Ministry of Information and Media has started negotiations of a better deal to resume the halted digital migration phases two and three.

Minister of Information and Media, Cornelius Mweetwa who is in China, held talks with StarTimes Chairperson, Xinxing Pang on the possibilities of resuming the project to complete the remaining 10 percent.

Mr Mweetwa says the government wants a win-win situation on the project considering that works that include construction of eight  provincial television studios, transmission sites as well as building of the National Operation Centre was already at 90 percent.

He, however, said one of the reasons that led to the suspension of the project was escalation of prices stating that a better deal will suffice.

Meanwhile, StarTimes Chairperson, Xinxing Pang said a more conducive arrangement will be offered to the Zambian government.

Mr Pang said the company will consider squatting the repayment of the outstanding balances of 590,000 United States dollars for phase one and the 12.5 million dollars for phase two and three.

He said the company is willing to complete the project within 13 months once all formalities are done.

The minister is accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, ZNBC as well as the Planning Department under his Ministry.

Cholera Outbreak in Lusaka: 26 Confirmed Cases and 2 Fatalities

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Cholera Outbreak in Lusaka: 26 Confirmed Cases and 2 Fatalities

A cholera outbreak has emerged in Lusaka, with health authorities confirming a total of 26 cases since the disease’s outbreak on October 15th. This outbreak has claimed the lives of two individuals within the same period.

Health Minister Sylvia Masebo made this revelation in a Ministerial Statement delivered in Parliament. The affected areas include Kanyama, Chawama, and Chipata Compounds, which have been particularly hard-hit by the outbreak.

In response to this public health crisis, Ms. Masebo reported that health officers have intensified surveillance and contact tracing efforts in the affected regions. These proactive measures are aimed at containing the spread of the disease and mitigating its impact on the community.

Additionally, Health Minister Masebo issued a plea to the public, emphasizing the importance of taking preventive measures to reduce the risk of cholera transmission. She urged individuals to boil their drinking water and adhere to stringent hygiene practices. These measures are vital in safeguarding the public’s health and preventing further cases of the disease.

The government is working diligently in collaboration with healthcare professionals to manage the outbreak and provide necessary medical assistance to those affected. Cholera is a highly contagious waterborne disease that can spread rapidly, making the prompt response of health authorities crucial in safeguarding public health.

President Hichilema Pays Respects to Late Finance Minister Ng’andu Magande

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President Hichilema Pays Respects to Late Finance Minister Ng’andu Magande

President Hakainde Hichilema has extended his heartfelt condolences to the family and the nation as a whole following the passing of former Minister of Finance and National Planning, Ng’andu Magande. The President described the late Mr. Magande as a dignified, hardworking man who had left an indelible mark on Zambia.

President Hichilema lauded Mr. Magande for not only his strong work ethic but also his unwavering honesty in serving the country. He emphasized that Mr. Magande had conducted himself in a highly professional manner while carrying out his duties, setting an example that young people should strive to emulate.

The Head of State expressed his deep sense of loss and highlighted that Mr. Magande’s departure was not only a profound tragedy for his family but also for the entire nation. The late Mr. Magande’s contributions to the country, particularly in the field of finance and planning, were described as invaluable.

During his visit to the funeral house in Lusaka’s Chilanga area, President Hichilema took a moment to reflect on the late Mr. Magande’s remarkable career. He thanked God for the opportunity to serve the nation, beginning from parastatal organizations to central government.

President Hichilema underscored the importance of cherishing individuals who demonstrate a strong work ethic and uphold integrity in their public and private endeavors. He encouraged young people to draw inspiration from Mr. Magande’s exemplary life as they navigate their own paths.

At the funeral house, President Hichilema was welcomed with traditional dances and songs, reflecting the respect and reverence for the departed former Finance Minister.

Ng’andu Magande’s final resting place will be at Leopards Hill Memorial Park in Lusaka, where he will be laid to rest on October 27, 2023.

Several prominent figures, including Vice President Mutale Nalumango and Dr. Nevers Mumba, expressed their heartfelt condolences and deep respect for the late Mr. Magande. His passing has deeply touched the nation, with many acknowledging his significant contributions to Zambia and his exemplary public service.

Dr.Nevers Mumba signs the book of condolence in honour of the late former Finance Minister Ngandu Magande.
Vice President Mutale Nalumango at the funeral house of the late Former Finance Minister of Ngandu Magande
Socialist Party President Fred Mmembe visits the funeral house of the late Former Finance Minister Ngandu Magande

Sean Tembo’s Language: A Growing Concern in Zambia’s Political Discourse”

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Sean Tembo’s Language: A Growing Concern in Zambia’s Political Discourse”

Of swelling scrotums & masturbation!

By Prince Bill M. Kaping’a
Political/Social Analyst

Day by day, Sean Tembo, leader of a nondescript political establishment is fast proving himself to the public as a raw, uncouth and uncultured politician. Why do we say so?

Whenever he try to engage in political discourse or dialogue of any kind, be it splashing his thoughts or going live on Social media, he chooses to use the most corrosive, condescending, insulting and vile language! Surely, is this the way we should be conducting our politics in this era of Social media when our children are ever fidgeting with handsets in pursuit of knowledge or anything entertaining?

Tembo probably thinks he’s endearing himself to the public by electing to unleash expletives on Facebook once in a while. To the contrary, he’s being a bad example to the youth of this country and probably his own children as they are likely to take it as normal to use insulting language.

We will cite a few examples: Commenting on the affordable mealie meal that ZNS is offloading through some chain stores to cushion the impact of the exploitative price of our staple food; he wrote on his Facebook page, “Bally selling few bags of ZNS mealie meal using Shoprite to create a perception of low prices is equal to masturbation.” Say what! Language experts would be quick to explain to you this does not only constitute hate speech, but is equally insulting to the head of state since he’s the subject in this sentence.

In another video which has gone viral on Facebook whereby he’s complaining about the torture occasioned on him by the police at a location in Makeni, he claims that the cops had to use pliers to squeeze his scrotum, hence making it swollen. It’s a pity if such a thing happened to our brother; but surely, couldn’t he have found palatable or politically correct language to use such as ‘private parts’ as opposed to perforating the ear drums of little children with his strong language?

What Tembo is doing isn’t the best way to showcase himself to the general public as a fearless man that doesn’t fear anyone! Not even Julius Malema, the South African outspoken opposition leader uses such kind of coarse and graphic language as he engages with his perceived opponents. We know everyone is desperate to go to Plot 1 Independence Avenue but let us try to civil at all times!

Man Hit By Train as He Listened to Music Using Headphones

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Man Hit By Train as He Listened to Music Using Headphones

A devastating incident unfolded in Kabanana compound, Lusaka, as a 35-year-old man was tragically struck by a goods train. Gilbert Kapenda, a Community School Teacher at Chimwansa Community School in Kabanana, sustained severe injuries and, regrettably, was pronounced dead upon arrival at the University Teaching Hospital.

According to Deputy Police Public Relations Officer Danny Mwale, the incident occurred at approximately 11:00 hours in Kabanana Compound on the previous day. Swift responses from officers of the Zambia Police and Zambia Railways Police confirmed the incident.

Police investigations into the incident indicate that Mr. Kapenda was walking alongside the railway line while wearing headsets, engrossed in music streaming from his cellphone. The proximity of the headphones seemingly left him unable to hear the train’s warning signals.

At the scene of the accident, authorities discovered Mr. Kapenda’s headsets and cellphone, providing somber evidence of the circumstances that led to this tragic event. His life was abruptly cut short as a result of the collision.

The deceased’s body currently rests in the University Teaching Hospital’s mortuary, awaiting a postmortem examination.

A Bitter Taste of One’s Own Medicine: PF Faces Consequences

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A Bitter Taste of One’s Own Medicine: PF Faces Consequences

The Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) has expressed its concern over the prevailing state of confusion within the former ruling Patriotic Front (PF) party. While not celebrating the PF’s predicament, the MMD has pointed out that the former ruling party is now experiencing a taste of its own medicine.

In a statement released by Dr.Nevers Mumba , the MMD has highlighted what it sees as hypocrisy and arrogance among those who previously orchestrated injustices against others. The MMD emphasizes that it is surprising to witness the very people who once remained silent in the face of these injustices now becoming the most vocal in their pleas for support and sympathy.

Recalling events from a few years ago, the MMD reminisces that it was the Patriotic Front itself that launched a protracted, immoral, and well-funded assault on the MMD. During this period, not a single word of objection was raised by those who are currently advocating for the MMD to come to their defense.

MMD President Nevers Mumba
MMD President Nevers Mumba

The MMD’s perspective on the situation is aptly summarized by the biblical verse Ecclesiastes 1:9, which states, “That which has been is what will be, that which is done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun.” This appears to suggest that the cycle of political events may repeat, and the consequences faced by one party today were once endured by another.

The MMD’s statement highlights the complex and often cyclical nature of political dynamics in Zambia, where parties and individuals may find themselves experiencing the very challenges they once imposed on others. This current situation within the Patriotic Front serves as a poignant reminder that the political landscape is ever-evolving, and circumstances can change rapidly.

Complaints of Poor Working Conditions among Drivers Raise Concerns

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Complaints of Poor Working Conditions among Drivers Raise Concerns

The government has been registering an increasing number of complaints regarding the subpar working conditions faced by drivers throughout the country. The Minister of Labour and Social Security, Brenda Tambatamba, emphasized the importance of fostering healthy relationships between workers and employers within the transport sector.

Minister Tambatamba stressed the pivotal role the transport industry plays in the modern economy and noted that workers are the driving force behind the nation’s prosperity. Her remarks were made during the inaugural stakeholder consultative meeting held in Lusaka, referred to as the “Transport Sector Indaba.”

The Minister acknowledged the ongoing grievances from drivers concerning inadequate working conditions but also highlighted employers’ concerns regarding the high costs associated with conducting business in the sector. The Transport Sector Indaba aims to address these pressing issues and find solutions that benefit both drivers and employers.

Zechariah Luhanga, the acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, encouraged all stakeholders to familiarize themselves with the various initiatives provided by the Ministry. These initiatives include a toll-free helpline and readily available reports accessible on the ministry’s website.

The Zambia Federation of Employers President, Mara Sakala, revealed that the Indaba emerged as a result of a labor inspection conducted to assess compliance within the transportation sector concerning workers’ rights, in accordance with Zambia’s labor laws. This inspection sought to ensure that employees in the sector receive fair treatment and protection.

Joseph Chewe, the President of the Zambia Congress of Trade Unions, expressed satisfaction with the government’s commitment to addressing the challenges outlined in the stakeholder report. He emphasized that stability within the sector is crucial for fostering growth and development.

As discussions continue at the Transport Sector Indaba, the hope is that solutions will be found to enhance working conditions for drivers while ensuring the sustainability and growth of the transport industry.

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