Secretary to the Cabinet, Patrick Kangwa, has emphasised a renewed commitment to performance, accountability, and citizen service by public workers.

He said this in a speech read for him by Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet for Administration, Oliver Kalabo at the opening of a three – day Public Service Training Programme for Chief Executive Officers at the National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA) Main Campus in Lusaka.

The media reports that Mr Kangwa noted that the exercise is a performance contract that the chief executive officers must deliver on for the benefit of the people of Zambia.

He further stated that issues that include the fight against corruption, protecting human rights, guiding economic decisions, and managing public money are absolutely central to the government’s national development plans, and, therefore public offices should be accountable.

Meanwhile, Executive Director of NIPA, Jacob Malungo, welcomed the training programme saying it represents a significant commitment to professional development at the highest levels of public service leadership.

“As an institution, we aim at improving the operational efficiency, effectiveness and competence of the public sector,” he said.

Professor Malungo further noted the institution’s commitment to deliver a training which is not only technically sound, but also responsive to the needs of the public sector leadership.

 Minister of Finance and National Planning, Situmbeko Musokotwane, says the government is committed to modernising Zambia’s data systems to enhance data production, management, and sharing.

T he media reports that speaking at the 2025 African Statistics Day Commemoration today, Dr Musokotwane noted that government is implementing innovations such as automated quality checks and real-time monitoring to enhance data accuracy and service delivery.

He added that collaboration across the government and partners promotes strengthening of the national statistical system, supporting better governance, inclusive economic growth, and social justice.

‎Dr Musokotwane further emphasised that continuous investment in digital tools, data governance, and partnerships is essential for Zambia to lead in national data innovation and modernisation.

Zambia Statistics Agency Acting Statistician General, Sheila Mudenda, stressed that strengthening data systems is directly linked to better governance and societal outcomes.

Ms Mudenda argued that robust data systems are essential for ensuring equitable resource allocation, providing early-warning statistics for peace-building, identifying and addressing vulnerabilities for inclusion, and enabling evidence-driven economic transformation for prosperity.

She further affirmed ZamStats readiness to continue leading the National Statistical System’s modernisation efforts.

Meanwhile, Zamstats Board of Directors, Oliver Chinganya, said statistical innovations are essential for addressing challenges like demographic shifts, climate pressure, and economic disparities.

He noted that technological advances are transforming the statistical landscape in Africa, enhancing data collection and analysis.

The 2025 African Statistics Day, was held under the theme “Leveraging Innovations in Data and Statistics to Promote a Just, Peaceful, Inclusive and Prosperous Society for Africans” at Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka.

The event concluded with the release of four key reports that include the Forced Displacement High-Level Survey, the 2024 Gender Status Report, the 2024 Zambia Demographic and Health Survey, and the Government Public Finance Report.

A 43-year-old man has allegedly raped an 18-year-old woman who he offered a lift from Mansa to Luwingu.

Luapula Province outgoing Police Commanding Officer, Mwala Yuyi confirmed the incident that happened between 22:00 hours and 05:00 hours on Thursday November 13 and Friday November 14, 2025.

Mr Yuyi explained that the victim, a resident of Senama in Mansa district was picked by a truck driver identified as Flady Mwape at a layby where she had gone to hike for a vehicle heading to Luwingu.

“The suspect, a resident of Lusaka’s 15 miles, offered the alleged victim a lift who he later informed that he was passing through Kawambwa to deliver fertilizer then proceed to Luwingu later,” Mr Yuyi said.

He said that the victim accepted the ride and they proceeded to Kawambwa where they reached around 22:00 hours and spent a night in Kawambwa as it was late.

Mr yuyi said the victim was allegedly raped on two occasion by the truck driver while in Kawambwa.

He said the suspect was apprehended and is in custody.

A police officer in Mufulira District on the Copperbelt has allegedly committed suicide while on duty.

Copperbelt Police Commanding Officer, Pethias Siandenge, confirmed to the media that the deceased officer, Erick Ikowa, who was attached to Mopani Copper Mines’ Mufulira Plant, is suspected to have shot himself while on night duty at the mine.

Mr Siandenge said the body was discovered by his workmate, Gaylord Kabwita, who had gone to relieve him around 06:00 hours on November 16, 2025.

He said Mr Kabwita found Officer Ikowa lying in a pool of blood with a gunshot wound to the head.

The incident was immediately reported to the supervisor and later to Kantanshi Police Station.

Mr Siandenge noted that although police suspect suicide, the possible motive has not yet been established.

He added that investigations have since been launched, and the body of the deceased has been deposited in the Malcom Watson Mine Hospital mortuary.

Chief Kabamba of Serenje District has urged government to enact laws that will make Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) mandatory for investors operating in local communities.

The traditional leader made the call when the Parliamentary Committee on Environment and Climate Change paid a courtesy visit to his palace.

Chief Kabamba noted that although investors involved in manganese processing in his chiefdom have helped reduce unemployment, their presence has not translated into improved living standards for local people because they are not compelled to carry out CSR activities.

“We need investors, but their presence should result in improved living standards for the people. When you approach them for CSR, they do not respond positively because they are not compelled by law,” he said.

He added that once such legislation is in place, investors will have no excuse for failing to give back to the communities they operate in.

Chief Kabamba further appealed to government to sensitise communities about the environmental impacts associated with mining and mineral processing, particularly manganese, so that residents understand necessary safety and protective measures.

He lamented the poor conditions at some manganese processing plants, citing damaged roads, unattended open ditches and widespread cutting of trees for charcoal used in processing activities.

However, he noted that the recent closure of several processing plants had led to rising criminal activities due to increased unemployment.

Chief Kabamba has since appealed to government to consider allocating a portion of daily power supply to manganese processing facilities in Kanona to help stabilise the situation.

And Parliamentary Committee Chairperson on Environment and Climate Change, Twambo Mutinta, commended Chief Kabamba for his dedication to environmental protection.

Mr Mutinta, who is also Itezhi-Tezhi district Member of Parliament, assured that the committee would discuss the concerns raised.

The Vision Network Foundation in Luapula Province has commended the Technical Committee on Constitutional Amendments for successfully engaging the members of the public on the entire process.

In an interview with the medis, Vision Network Foundation Executive Director, Maxwell Luchile, noted that the submissions, which were made by the general public to the technical committee, were inclusive.

“There has been no segregation as to who can come through and who cannot, provided you indicate your interest. And I also observed that enough time was given to different types of people so that they can express themselves fully,” he said.

Bishop Luchile further observed that the number of people who turned up to make submissions was overwhelming.

He said this was testimony of the importance people attach to the republican constitution.

“I can describe the event to be well attended as we had people from many walks of life, the clergy like myself, civil society, members of the community and professionals, let me just say different sectors from our community were represented at this important national event,” he said.