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Fashion designer Mwandwe Mwelwa discusses her love for fashion

Entertainment Editor
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Fashion designer Mwandwe Mwelwa discusses her love for fashion
Mwandwe Mwelwa

 

“I really don’t think there’s one thing that I can pick that made me fall in love with fashion, I always found myself drawn to colorful and strange pieces whenever I went shopping .I should believe it was a gift that was slowly shaping me into designer LOL “

Mwandwe Mwelwa is a female designer based on the Copperbelt. She describes herself as a lover of God. She runs her own clothing label called “Asaph”. Talking about her label she said, “Asaph is a women’s clothing brand who’s main aim is to redefine minimalism. The motivation is simply trying to give every woman an opportunity to feel comfortable in everything she wears as well as take charge of everything around her.” She aims to grow her label in the near future and be able provide employment for her fellow youths.

Mwandwe is inspired by many designers both locally and international. “Favorite local designer; well Tendia of Lwenji, the girl is playful with her designs I love her. And Donna and Christina of Kamanga wear, I love how colorful and complex their designs are. International designers would have to be DVF (Belgian-American fashion designer Diane von Fürstenberg) her play on colors and the simplicity is amazing.” She explained.

Zambia fashion week . Mwandwe in the centre with models wearing her designs

This year Mwandwe took part in the Vodafone JUMP designer’s challenge. It gave upcoming designers the chance to exhibit their designs with the winners getting the opportunity to showcase at this years Zambian fashion week. Mwandwe was one of the winners. She described the feeling of as overwhelming. “I still smile and do a praise dance when I think about it.”

 This years Zambia Fashion week was a huge success with more than 30 talented local designers getting the opportunity to showcase their collections. The theme was “Beyond Reality”. Mwandwe had the opportunity to showcase her designs to the droves of fashion enthusiasts that thronged New Government Complex for the premier fashion event. She labeled the experience as exciting, saying it gave her the chance to not only display her work to a wide audience but to network with other designs as well. “My designs are more on the simple, playful and colorful everyday wear, kind of look. I don’t have a favorite fabric, I prefer playing around with any kind that appeals to my eyes.” She doesn’t use any computer software for her designs, its all free hand. Her design process usually starts with the idea she wants to portray through the piece. When she is done with the concept she works on the pattern then goes fabric shopping. “I try to always stay on top of what’s trending that season but making sure I don’t stray far from personal ideas.”
Zambia has embraced the world of fashion with open arms. Young and old alike do their best to look good at every occasion. Mwandwe concurs; “I sit and look at people’s Instagram and I’m totally blown away by some of the looks. I think what constitutes Zambians fashion is that we try to stay true to our personal identities and the things we like.”

Asaph clothing brand

In the western world i.e. USA, UK etc. and even here in Africa in countries such as Nigeria and South Africa, people are able to make a good living in the fashion industry as designers, stylists, make-up artists etc. We asked her what the situation is like in Zambia. “The fashion industry is slowing growing and most designers are able to make a good living. I think it all just comes down to how business minded one is.” She said. Mwandwe went on to explain that in the next 10 years she would like to see the fashion industry at a much higher level than it is now. With more people on the scene that will contribute positively to the country GDP and provide sustainable employment. “I’m excited to see what the future has in store.”

View some of her designs below:

Zambia fashion week ,Asaph clothing
Zambia fashion week , Asaph clothing
Zambia fashion week , Asaph clothing
Zambia fashion week, Asaph clothing
Asaph clothing
Asaph clothing brand
Asaph clothing brand
Asaph clothing brand

Interact with Mwandwe on social media:

Facebook: asaph01

Instagram: lady_of_asaph 

Twitter: MwamwaT

 

BY KAPA KAUMBA

Inonge Wina apologizes for voting with UPND MP’s

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Inonge Wina apologizes for voting with UPND MP’s
Vice President Inonge Wina having a light moment with Lands Minister Jean Kapata during the memorial service for the late President Micheal Sata at Child Jesus Church

Vice-President Inonge Wina on Thursday apologized to Patriotic Front MPs for voting with the opposition on a motion to expedite payments for retirees in Parliament.

On Wednesday, Mazabuka Central UPND MP Garry Nkombo, who was the mover of the motion, said it was unfortunate that retirees had become destitute in their own country.
Mr Njombo’s move was seconded by Roan MP Chishimba Kambwili but the motion failed as 83 MPs voted against with only 58 backing it.

But results of the electronic voting system revealed that Vice-President Wina voted with the opposition.

Mr. Nkombo, who is the UPND Whip commended Mrs Wina for putting the interests of the electorates above anything else.

“Mrs Wina has demonstrated true leadership befitting a democratic dispensation. I further thank all the MPs that have continued to represent the interests of the electorates on matters affecting the country. We hope and pray that this spirit continues even on many other motions to come for the interest of the nation,” stated Mr. Nkombo.
But in a personal statement in Parliament on Thursday, Mrs Wina blamed her vote on an electronic mishap.

“You’ll recall that yesterday, Wednesday 8th November, 2017, the House considered a private member’s motion moved by the Honourable member for Mazabuka Central, Mr G G Nkombo MP and seconded by the Honourable member for Roan Dr C Kambwili MP, urging the government to expedite the payment of terminal benefits to all former government employs who retired prior to 5 January, 2016. At the close of the debate, the motion was put to a vote and voting was undertaken electronically and results of the vote are as indicated on division list number three which list has been distributed as required by standing order number 16. Sir, Honourable members, standing order number 16 of the National Assembly of Zambia standing orders 2016 provides as follows: 16 (i) The Clerk shall record the votes and proceedings of the Assembly or a Committee of the whole House and the records shall be reproduced as the votes and proceedings and distributed to members … when the House is sitting. (ii) The votes and proceedings shall be signed by the Speaker and shall constitute the official day the record of proceedings of the Assembly. (iii) A clerk shall have the custody of all votes and proceedings, records and other documents belonging to the Assembly,” said Vice-President Wina.

“Mr Speaker, Honourable members, the division list number three which has been circulated correctly shows that I voted along with the ‘Is’. Mr Speaker, Honourable members, in order to avert possible speculation and a dissention regarding my vote, I would like to place it on record and inform the House and the public at large that I inadvertently voted with the ‘Is’. Mr Speaker, I wish to apologise to the right (government side) for unintentionally reducing the figures. Additionally, to the left (opposition side) to apologise for inflating the figures unnecessarily. This was, indeed, an electronically induced mishap.”

Government pleased with progress on Chinsali general hospital construction works

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Government pleased with progress on Chinsali general hospital construction works

A team of engineers from the Ministry of Infrastructure Housing and Development says they are happy with the progress made by the Chinese contractor engaged to construct Chinsali General Hospital.

And Chinsali District Commissioner Maximo Chitambi said government appreciates the partnership with china and it benefits through infrastructure development.

Head of Project Management team, Mweene Musanu who led the team says the contractor is beyond schedule and the pace is impressive.

ZANIS reports that during a third site meeting held at the construction site yesterday, Mr. Musanu who is a Senior Architect in the department of Public Infrastructure said the works in phase 1 are nearly completion as the contractor has no challenges in terms of material and resources.

Mr. Musanu noted during the meeting attended by Chinsali District Commissioner Maximo Chitambi and acting Town Clerk Joseph Zulu, that China National Compete Engineering Corporation need to be sensitive enough to ensure that electrifying the structures be done according to the agreed drawing adding that the hospital equipment will be compatible to the wiring system.

The USD 28.4 billion Morden General Hospital project will include hospital equipment and staff houses and is expected to be completed in august 2019.

Meanwhile, Chinsali District Commissioner Maximo Chitambi said government appreciates the partnership with china and it benefits through infrastructure development.

Mr. Chitambi said capital project such as the construction of a Morden General Hospital requires close supervision to ensure that quality work is adhered to as agreed on the initial drawings.

He explained that President Edgar Lungu’s vision is to ensure that Zambia attains a middle income status by 2030 through inclusiveness and participation.

And Chinsali Acting Town Clerk Joseph Zulu said the local authority in the district will also ensure that it supports all the projects that government has embarked on which are his suppression are completed and handed over to the public.

Government has so far paid USD 538,728 towards phase 1 of the hospital.

The foundation stone for the construction of Chinsali General Hospital was laid by Republican President Edgar Lungu in 2016 when he visited Muchinga Province.

President Edgar Lungu appeals to EU to help Zambia build capacity to fight corruption

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President Edgar Lungu appeals to EU to help Zambia build capacity to fight corruption
President Edgar Lungu and Ambassadors and High Commissioner accredited to Zambia take official photo at State House

President Edgar Lungu has appealed to the European Union to help Zambia build capacity in investigative wings to fight corruption in the country.

President Lungu says the problem of corruption can NOT be addressed by mare accusation and finger pointing but need capacity building to fight the vice.

The President was speaking when he met a delegation from the European Union-EU-and African Union-AU during a closed-door meeting at State House in Lusaka.

Special Assistant to the President for Press and Public Relations Amos Chanda briefed Journalists after the meeting that the EU and AU would consider helping Zambia to build capacity in the fight against corruption.

President Edgar Lungu having a light moment with European Union Ambassador Alessandro MARIANI and Germany Ambassador Achim Burkart (l) at State House

And Mr. Chanda said the EU delegates also talked about the current political situations in the Democratic Republic of Congo which has led to Thousands of asylum seekers trooping into the country.

He said the delegates expressed concern that the worsening political conflict in Congo D.R. would make it difficult for Zambia to host the increasing number of refugees.

Mr. Chanda said the EU and AU have pledged to render Financial support to help Zambia host the Congolese refugees.

Meanwhile Mr. Chanda also disclosed that President LUNGU was also briefed about upcoming 5th African Union-European Union Summit to be held on November 29-30 in Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire.

CDF funds cause rift in Kazungula District

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CDF funds cause rift in Kazungula District

Kazungula District Town Council Secretary Given Muleya says the amount of Constituency Development Funds (CDF) that the district receives cannot be evenly distributed to all the 14 wards in the district at once.

Mr. Muleya has for this reason for this reason advised councilors to be realistic whenever they lobby for the funds for specific projects applied for in various wards in the district as the money is not enough to cater for all the projects in the district.

The Council Secretary said this during a full council meeting that was held at the council chambers in Kazungula yesterday.

Mr. Muleya noted that most councilors were in the habit of lobbying for CDF resources to go towards certain projects which required huge sums of moneys to be completed.

He added that he would like to see a situation where resources are allocated to specific projects.

Earlier Mandia ward councilor Milner Simbangu and Kazungula Town Council Vice chairman Elias Siamibia , who is lamented that their wards were not included as beneficiaries for 2017 CDF allocation.

The duo stressed that their wards had a number of unfinished projects that required funding from CDF allocation but wondered why the wards were not given little share to go towards the progression of the projects.

Meanwhile, Kazungula District Town Council has approved a total of over K700 thousand part of 2017 CDF to go toward the construction of four different projects in four different wards in the district.

The proposed projects that were approved include the construction of teachers’ houses, health post, mothers’ shelter and a classroom block.

In his report to the full council meeting, Kazungula District Town Council Secretary Given Muleya disclosed that a total of 69 applications for funding using the 2017 CDF were received out of which the CDF committee had recommended for 9 projects to be approved.

Mr. Muleya explained that the general recommendation were that four projects be approved due to the limited resources while the rest of the projects will be considered in the next allocation of the remaining half.

Impasse arises at Chisokone market over foreign traders

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Impasse arises at Chisokone market over foreign traders

Copperbelt Minister takes part in a street cleaning exercise along Ndola's Chisokone Avenue
Copperbelt Minister takes part in a street cleaning exercise along Ndola’s Chisokone Avenue

Marketeers at Chisokone market in Kitwe City in Copperbelt province are up in arms with the rising number of alleged foreign nationals who are doing business at the facility.

This follows a dispute over some of the market stalls that the foreign nationals have allegedly taken over at the facility.

There was near fight scenario which however was controlled by armed police who rushed to the area to calm the situation..

The development attracted attention of Kitwe District Commissioner Binwell Mpundu who appealed to the warring parties to trade in harmony.

Mr. Mpundu said government has no intentions of prohibiting foreign nationals from trading at Zambian markets as there were some Zambian entrepreneurs who were trading in markets in neighbouring countries he did not name.

ZANIS reports that the District Commissioner who was accompanied by officers from the Immigration department, Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) and the Zambia Police said that foreigners could not be removed from the market.

He warned that his office would not hesitate to revoke trading licenses on any erring marketeer.

Mr Mpundu assured the Zambian traders that his office would ensure that foreign nationals operated in accordance with the laws of the country.

He however said his office and the immigration department in the district would intensify the screening process of foreign nationals coming to do business stating that those coming to Zambia should comply with the laws of the country.

In a related development, Mr Mpundu informed the gathering that his office would call for a consultative meeting this Friday with all stakeholders including the foreign nationals to find an amicable solution to the impasse.

COSAFA U20: Champions Zambia face Uganda in Group A opener

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Zambia’s opener at the 2017 COSAFA Under-20 Championship will be against guests Uganda at Arthur Davies Stadium in Kitwe on December 6.

Kick off is at 17h30.

Holders and hosts Zambia will tackle nemesis Malawi two days later at the same venue before wrapping up Group A action against Swaziland at Nkana Stadium on December 11.

The top teams in each group advance to the semifinals along with the best-placed runner-up.

The regional junior competition will get under way earlier on December 6 when Swaziland take on Malawi at 11h30.

Meanwhile, last year’s runners-up South Africa must contend with North African guests Egypt, Mozambique and Mauritius in Group B.

Group C has Angola, Lesotho, Namibia and Zimbabwe vying for top spot.

Matches will be played at the Arthur Davies and Nkana stadiums in Kitwe.

UPND is not going to drop the presidential petition-HH

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UPND is not going to drop the presidential petition-HH

HH at the UPND Women Event
United Party for National Development (UPND) president Hakainde Hichilema has said that the trophy he received in South Africa stimulates the party’s will to continue pursuing the presidential petition to curb electoral malpractices and foster for an Electoral Commission that is independent from government interference.

Speaking at the UPND Secretariat yesterday, Mr Hichilema said the Africa Freedom Award he received from the Germany headed Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom is not for his personal glory but that of all UPND members as they too played their part in fighting their fight to restore rule of law and respect for human rights.

Hichilema said the party is not going to drop the presidential petition because the same electoral malpractice that were seen in the August 2016 General Elections will be repeated in future elections hence, there is need to rectify them.

“The trophy I received in South Africa stimulates the party’s will to continue pursuing the presidential petition to curb electoral malpractices and foster for an electoral commission that is independent from government interference” Hichilema said.

The women, under the auspices of UPND national women chairperson Namakau Kabwiku, staged the event to officially receive the 2017 Friedrick Naumann Foundation Africa Freedom Award that was presented to Hichilema in South Africa on October 27.

“This function has caught me by surprise. UPND women came to my home and said ‘we heard that you were recognised, we want to thank you for the job well done for being the winner of the 2017 Friedrick Naumann Foundation Africa Freedom Award’. It is given on a competitive basis – you don’t apply! A decision was made at global level to award your community worker, HH. This award was not won by Hakainde but by each of you because of the resilience and your refusal to shed blood after the August 11, 2016 elections, which were clearly manipulated. You our women decided not to shed blood,” Hichilema said.

Mr Hichilema, while singling out the womenfolk, reiterated that had it not been for the understanding and cooperation of the party membership, there would have been confusion in the aftermath of last year’s general elections.

“When our election was stolen, we chose not to go in the streets – not because we can’t fight, no! But we decided to follow a civilised route, which is invoking the Constitution of Zambia through a presidential petition. We asked you not to go in the streets and for sure, you didn’t! Many countries would have gone to war but we provided leadership, even when the Constitution was being breached,” Hichilema said. “We are still in court today – osanamiwa (don’t be cheated). We’ll continue pushing for this petition so that our right to be heard can be respected. We don’t have fear and we are not going to relent to push for a civilised way of doing things.”

The opposition leader added that “this award is yours, continue supporting us and continue showing strength.”

UPND Women event organised for HH
UPND Women event organised for HH
UPND Women event organised for HH
UPND Women event organised for HH
UPND Women event organised for HH
UPND Women event organised for HH
UPND Women event organised for HH
UPND Women event organised for HH
UPND Women event organised for HH
UPND Women event organised for HH
UPND Women event organised for HH
UPND Women event organised for HH
UPND Women event organised for HH
UPND Women event organised for HH
UPND Women event organised for HH
UPND Women event organised for HH
UPND Women event organised for HH
UPND Women event organised for HH
UPND Women event organised for HH
UPND Women event organised for HH

Cleo Ice Queen unveils highly anticipated visuals for “XO Fever”

Entertainment Editor
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Cleo Ice Queen unveils highly anticipated visuals for “XO Fever”

Cleo Ice Queen carries through her melodic side of rap with this smash hit titled “XO Fever”

The contagious song was produced by Zambian super producer Kekero. The video was creatively directed by Ice Queen herself, shot and edited by Dj Lo of Reel Studios.

Choreography by dancers Frank Sinya and Chaka Chellah

Dancers of the Zoca dance group – Amanda Lee Kruger, Bupe Chiwala, Temwa Mkandawire and Denise Simon Cameos from the Trippy hippy group of Zambia.

Fire dancers and jugglers; Barefeet theatre Zambia MUA; Diamantes Mobile MakeUp Wardrobe: HausOfHaze and Lydia designs

 

 

BY KAPA187

Numba names provisional Zambia U20 team

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The Zambia Under-20 bench led by head coach Mumamba Numba has announced a 45 member provisional team for next month’s COSAFA Cup on home soil.

The 2017 COSAFA Under-20 Cup takes place from December 6-16 in Kitwe with Zambia as defending champions.

Numba has promoted several youngsters from the Under-17 team that won the COSAFA Cup earlier in the year.

According to team manager Mwansa Kapyanga, the provisional squad will regroup on Sunday in Lusaka.

Zambia won the 2016 edition after overcoming hosts South Africa in the final in December.

The hosts are in Group A where they will play Swaziland, Uganda and Malawi.

FULL LIST

(GOAL KEEPERS)
Danny Sikanyika (Lusaka Dynamos), Ben Mwale (Zanaco), Bradley Mweene ( LusakaYouth Academy), Prince Bwalya (Green Buffaloes), Emmanuel Mphasi Emmanuel Mphasi (Golden Celtic)

(DEFENDERS)
Jack Chisha (Young Zesco), Justine Mwanza (Young Nkana), Poncilio Kapampa (Kabwe Warriors) Hillary Mwiinga (Red Arrows), Joseph Phiri (Kamwala Academy), Kasonde Mulenga (National Assembly), Chrispin Kawezya (Malalo Police), Andrew Phiri (Kafue Celtic), Jonathan Kapelembe (Romeki), Victor Kasokola (Konkola Blades), Godfrey Mwila (Kamwala Academy), Christopher Katongo (Kasama United Youth), Kingsley Hakwiya (Kansanshi High School), Dalitso Banda (Young Zanaco).

(MIDFIELDERS)
Jonathan Tembo (Gomes), Dauti Silwimba (Young Zesco), Kelvin Kapumbu (Lumwana Radiants), Godfrey Chanda (Green Buffaloes), Ngosa Sunzu (Napsa Stars), Kunda Nkandu (Zanaco), Musonda Kalale (Chambeshi FC), Mukuka Chanda (Gomes), Harry Milanzi (Young Green Buffaloes), Benson Kolala (Nchanga Rangers), Jimmy Hamanzuka (National Assembly), Niza Simutenda (Mphande Youth Academy), John Mulalangabo, Michael Kafusha (Kasama United Youth), Muma Mumba (Zamcoal Diggers), Prince Mumba (Kabwe Warriors), Clinton Lubula (Kabwata Dynamos), Alex Bulaya (Nakambala Leopards)

(STRIKERS)
Lameck Banda (Nkwazi), Gamphani Lungu (National Assembly), Martin Njobvu (Nchanga Rangers), Christopher Phiri (Kafue Celtic), George Nyimbili (Young Zanaco), Damiano Kola (Zanaco), Francisco Mwepu (Chambeshi FC), Paul Mwachisemu (Kafue Celtics)

AFRIMA awards, in which Cleo Ice queen and Roberto are among the nominees, to be broadcast live

Entertainment Editor
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AFRIMA awards, in which Cleo Ice queen and Roberto are among the nominees, to be broadcast live

Multichoice is pleased to announce that it will be broadcasting the All Africa Music Awards live on GOtv on 10-12 November. The Awards will be screened on GOtv Max and GOtv plus Channel 29.

The All African Music Awards (AFRIMA) is one of the biggest music awards in Africa with participation of over 700 artistes across the continent. The awards, which are in their 4th year, will be held in Nigeria, which has been the host city since 2014 and will be co-hosted by multi-award winning artist and composer, Akon and one of Cameroon’s biggest entertainment personality and host Sophy.

“This is the first time that we have screened these spectacular awards live on our platforms. We hope to be able to keep showcasing these awards in the future, so that we are part of celebrating the amazing musical talent that we have in our continent,” said Managing Director Ngoza Matakala.

Nominees in over 33 regional and continental categories are battling it out for the coveted AFRIMA 23.9 karat gold-plated trophy. These include the AFRIMA Legend Award and Music/Entertainment Journalist of the Year award. Well-known sensational African music names on the AFRIMA nominees list include: Becca ft Patoranking (Ghana), Yemi Alade and Tiwa Savage (Nigeria) in the Best Female in West Africa Category; Eddy Kenzo (Uganda), Davido (Nigeria), Fally Ipupa (DRC) in the Artiste of the Year Category; Darassa (Tanzania), Ebony (Ghana), The Dogg (Namibia) and Nyashiki (Kenya) in the African Fans Favourite Category. Artists vying for Album of the Year include Angola’s Anselmo Ralph, Dark suburb (Ghana), Wizkid (Nigeria), Hugh Masekela (South Africa) and more. You can get the full nominees list on https://afrima.org

Other categories include Best African Jazz, Best African Pop, Best African Reggae, Ragga Dancehall, Most Promising Artist of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, and Video of the Year. Past winners have included Sally Boss madam (Namibia) – Best Female in Southern Africa, Kuseim (Uganda) Producer of the Year, VVIP (Ghana) – Video of the Year, Flavour (Nigeria) – Best Male in West Africa and Diamond Platinumz (Tanzania) for Best Male in East Africa.

Our very own Roberto and Cleo Ice Queen have been nominated in the categories Best Male Southern Africa and Best Female Southern Africa respectively.

Roberto will be competing against the likes of Casper Nyomvest , Nasty C , AKA while Cleo ice Queen will be against the likes of Bucie , Zahara ,Babes Wodumo.

Who will take home a gold AFRIMA trophy this year? Tune in to GOtv Max and GOtv Plus to find out! The channels will go live with content from Friday 10 November at 23:00 CAT until Sunday 13 November at 21:00 CAT.

Govt commends Barrick Lumwana mine for its corporate social responsibility activities

Support Editor
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Govt commends Barrick Lumwana mine for its corporate social responsibility activities

Kalumbila District Commissioner in Northwestern province Robinson Kalota has commended Barrick Lumwana mine for incorporating government as a key stakeholder in the planning and implementation of corporate social responsibility activities of the firm.

 Mr Kalota said government is happy working with investors like Barrick Lumwana which are helping communities through their being part of social investment activities.

 He was speaking in Kalumbila district when officials from Barrick Lumwana mine presented him with awards they won during the Zambia Chamber of Mines Annual mining awards gala.

 The prizes, he said,  are a clear testimony and reflection of what the mining company is doing in improving the lives of people in the district and called on them not to relent in their efforts.

 And Barrick Lumwana mine sustainability manager, Christopher Mukala said the company will remain committed in helping the communities and sustaining partnerships such as the Lumwana Community trust.

 Barrick Lumwana Mine was crowned as the Best Performer in Social Investments and Best Mining Employer for the year 2017 at the recently held Zambia Chamber of Mines Annual mining awards gala in Ndola.

Government concern on high maternal deaths in Eastern province despite interventions

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Government concern on high maternal deaths in Eastern province despite interventions

EASTERN Province Permanent Secretary, Chanda Kasolo, speaking when he officiated at this year’s Tuwimba traditional ceremony of the Nsenga people of Nyimba district on Saturday. PICTURE BY STEPHEN MUKOBEKO/ZANIS
EASTERN Province Permanent Secretary, Chanda Kasolo, speaking when he officiated at this year’s Tuwimba traditional ceremony of the Nsenga people of Nyimba district on Saturday. PICTURE BY STEPHEN MUKOBEKO/ZANIS

Government says it is saddened with the continued high maternal deaths being recorded in Eastern Province despite the many mitigation efforts against the vice.

Eastern province Permanent Secretary Chanda Kasolo says government is all the same determined to put in place measures that would ensure that no Mother loses life while giving another life.

Mr. Kasolo said seventy (70) maternal deaths have been recorded in the province this year alone.

He said this in a speech read on his behalf by his Assistant Secretary Royd Tembo at a Multi-Sectoral Maternal Deaths Surveillance and Response meeting held at Luangwa House in Chipata yesterday.

Mr. Kasolo said that most of the deaths occurred in health facilities adding that six of these deaths occurred in communities in Chipata,
Lundazi, Petauke and Vubwi districts, respectively.

He however, attributed to some of the deaths to the traditional beliefs and practices of hiding pregnancy when it is below three months which makes it difficult for maternal health workers to detect and manage pregnancy complications effectively.

The PS has since appealed to the traditional leaders to continuously engage their subjects to help in sensitizing their communities on the importance of early booking to help workers detect pregnancy complications to facilitate prompt treatment provided.

We seriously need to interrogate Zambia’s successes and failures in manufacturing industry

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We seriously need to interrogate Zambia’s successes and failures in manufacturing industry
President Edgar Lungu flanked by Seba Foods Managing Director Ram Ray Vijayvargiya during the tour of stands at the Zambia Association of Manufactures symposium at Radisson Blue Hotel
President Edgar Lungu flanked by Seba Foods Managing Director Ram Ray Vijayvargiya during the tour of stands at the Zambia Association of Manufactures symposium at Radisson Blue Hotel

President Edgar Lungu has stressed the need to seriously interrogate the country’s successes and failures in the manufacturing industry across the country.

Speaking at the manufacturers’ meet the President seminar themed “solutions for Zambian manufacturing” at Lusaka’s Radisson blue today, President Lungu said there is need to chart the way forward to develop the manufacturing industry if Zambia is to achieve the status of a prosperous middle income country.

“We need to seriously interogate where we are as a nation in the industry, we need to interogate our successes and failures. We need to chart the way forward to develop our industry, if we are to achieve the status of a prosperous middle income country, ” he said

The President Lungu urged Zambians to rise to the occasion and take keen interest in adding value to agricultural products and minerals, among others.

The president said value addition to mangoes, tomatoes cotton, cashew nuts, and copper is the answer to the nation’s industrialization, job creation and wealth creation.

The President said that Zambia’s ultimate objective as government is to attain a proudly industrialised Zambia, a regional hub for unequalled manufacture of high quality Zambian products to compete favourably on the regional and international market.

The President further said that he was aware of the challenges the manufacturing sector was currently facing and wished to take the opportunity to emphasise that his government remained committed to addressing these challenges and to creating an enabling environment for industrialisation.

The president said that challenges included unfair competition affecting the local manufacturing industry as a result of imported products, particularly those that were smuggled into the country, adding that this scenario was a source of concern to my government.

The President also said that Government was also concerned about the illicit trade as it does not only cause a leakage of the much needed revenue, but was a deterrent to the advancement of industrialisation.

President Edgar Lungu signs a Certificate during the tour of stands at the Zambia Association of Manufactures symposium at Radisson Blue Hotel,
President Edgar Lungu signs a Certificate during the tour of stands at the Zambia Association of Manufactures symposium at Radisson Blue Hotel,
President Edgar Lungu talks to Trade Kings employees during the tour of stands at the Zambia Association of Manufactures symposium at Radisson Blue Hotel
President Edgar Lungu talks to Trade Kings employees during the tour of stands at the Zambia Association of Manufactures symposium at Radisson Blue Hotel
President Edgar Lungu during the tour of stands at the Zambia Association of Manufactures symposium at Radisson Blue Hotel
President Edgar Lungu during the tour of stands at the Zambia Association of Manufactures symposium at Radisson Blue Hotel

Muchinga Province ready for digital migration – Nundwe

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Muchinga Province ready for digital migration – Nundwe

 Muchinga Province Permanent Secretary Bright Nundwe says the province is ready to migrate from Analogue to Digital as works on the modern television transmission site in Chinsali district of Muchinga province have progressed.

 ZANIS reports that Mr. Nundwe said the main purpose for the construction of the modern television transmission site is to improve the signal for television in the district and other outlying areas.

 

 He added that Chinsali is privileged to have a facility of a modern structure just like all other districts in the country to enable people to experience the benefits of digital migration.

 

 The permanent secretary said this  when he inspected the construction site yesterday that the province is ready to migrate from Analogue to Digital as observed by the fast pace of the construction works.

 

 Mr. Nundwe  has also commended the Ministry of   Information and Information Services for its commitment in helping the country to shift to digital television.

 The Permanent Secretary used the occasion to advise the people of Muchinga Province to acquire the Topstar decoders in order to stay abreast with latest information in the digital era once the analogue transmitters are switched off.

 Mr. Nundwe also appealed to relevant authorities to protect the facility by putting up high security measures in order for it to last for more years to come.

 Meanwhile, Mr. Nundwe has called on the Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO) to quickly put up a transformer on the site and connect the facility to the national grid.

 He charged that if ZESCO were to build their facility at the site, the move would expedite the construction works due to readily available power supply in the proximity.

Mr. Nundwe said Government is committed to ensure that all districts have access to digital television.

 A Chinese contractor engaged to construct the modern television transmission site in Chinsali has finished constructing the main building and transmitters have already been installed and tested.

 The Chinese firm is currently working on the transmission tower.

 Elsewhere, a team from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services (MIBS) has already tested the equipment in Isoka and Mpika Districts whose transmission sites and have so far been constructed and equipment successfully installed.

 

And Minister of Information Kampamba Mulenga has announced that rest of the country will migrate from analogue to digital terrestrial television before the end of the year 2017.

 This is after a successful switch off of the analogue transmitters along the line of rail on October 1, 2017.

 Ms. Mulenga who was part of the entourage has further directed public signal distributor Top Star Communication Company to enhance its publicity so that people, especially in rural areas, are not affected by the analogue switch off.

 She has also directed the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) to facilitate the transiting of its licenses to digital broadcasting platform before the analogue switchover to digital terrestrial transmission.

 Meanwhile, Top Star Communication Chief Executive Leo Leo says United States 273 million dollars will be spent on the construction of modern transmission sites and provincial broadcasting stations to ensure all parts of the country have access to digital television.

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