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Heartbreaking Encounter with a Street Kid!

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Heartbreaking Encounter with a Street Kid!

Away from the murky world of politics, may I digress and zoom on one of the issues which I find close to my heart – Street Kids! As a member of a Royal family, one of the core values imparted in me during my formative years to remain stoic and take leadership even as the chips went plummeting down, furiously!

So when I came across an urchin rummaging through a dump site as a strong stench from a rotting dog carcass assaulted my nostrils one quiet afternoon, I didn’t harangue him but rather engaged him courteously. He discarded whatever he was nibbling and stood up as he tried to balance himself on his matchstick limbs, awkwardly.

“I’ve to do this everyday to raise money to help support my family,” he yielded to my interrogations regarding his presence at such an unlikely place. “My father abandoned us when my mother was critically ill……and I had to drop out school.”

He was in threadbare clothings and flip-flops which I thought weren’t serving any purpose at all as they had gaping holes in them. He was firmly clutching a soiled sack cloth which seemed to contain his only valuable earthly possessions. Why should someone be eating from the dump site in a country like ours? Why should they be literally in rags? Why should a toddler be the one to fend for his family? Why has society seemingly neglected him and his family? Mixed feelings raced through my mind in rapid successions like a whirlwind!

“I am 9 years old….” he replied cheerfully as if everything seemed normal in the world when he shouldn’t have been there in the first place.

I asked him to come with me as I sought to know about him and his family further. I learnt that he dropped out of school in grade 3. He was the only bread winner as his mother was still ailing to engage in any strenuous activities.

“I still want to go back to school so that I can become a pilot….” he said as he gazed at a chopper circling in the skies as it prepared to land at nearby Presidential Guest House.

He had 2 siblings…….a 12 year old girl who was equally lazing about at home and a breast feeding baby. Whenever he managed to salvage any scrap material of value, he’d sale it to raise money for food. Like most other kids, his favourite food was obviously chicken! However, when lady luck didn’t smile at him on what he considered a bad day and he didn’t stumble upon anything of value, then they’d have to go hungry or make do with plain porridge. I felt like somebody had just punched me hard in the stomach…..I felt like vomiting.

I promptly asked the boy to tell his mom I wanted to have audience with her whenever it suited her. There were a few things I needed to verify just in case Peter was being economical with the truth. Early next morning, we woke up to feverish knocking on our gate! The entire family had come calling. The boy had even changed into decent clothes as though he was coming for a job interview he intended to secure at all costs. Meanwhile, the child cried hysterically and threw its tiny limbs around, furiously as it laboured to tear off the blouse of its mother.

“She wants to breastfeed, but milk hardly comes out nowadays,” she explained, coyly.

They looked as if they hadn’t had a decent meal for ages……..they were literally teetering on the fringes of starvion!

“I don’t have much strength left to do work anymore due to my prolonged illness,” the mother was crying. “Each day that comes, we’ve to wait for my son to raise some money……”

I remained subdued for quite some time as I pondered their predicament. Why dear Lord? Is this the pain that some folks have to endure…….going without food for days on end without even any hope of ever coming into contact with water? I shuddered at the thought of these kids staying away from school well aware that they’ve been condemned to a perpetual life of pain and misery!

At that moment, I recalled the words of John F. Kennedy….arguably one of America’s great presidents, “Ask not what the country can do for you but what you can do for the country!” The challenge of street kids is not even a complex one that demand services of a Rocket Scientist to help us arrive at a practical solutions……What is required is just a bit of compassion from each one of us and then the problem is gone!

If you’re in government, have you put systems in place to ensure that your services are trickling down to vulnerable people in society, particularly the street kids? I even find this idea of randomly rounding up homeless people and putting them in detention as punishment, ridiculous! You ought to equip your citizens with survival means. And if you’re a Church, what is stopping you from running soup kitchens for those in need? If you’re a company, why aren’t you exercising corporate social responsibility by endeavouring to ameliorate the plight of our people in poor communities?

One of the attributes I treasure about Muslims is the emphasis they put on Alms Giving. Fellow Christians; what are you doing for those in need in your communities as commanded in the book of James? You surely don’t have to be Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos or indeed Aliko Dangote to spare a coin for those in need?

My wife and I have assured the family that we are going to buy uniforms and books for the kids next term and of course assist the mother with a bit of money to start a small backyard business on condition that she helps out with cleaning at our house once in a while.

May those with contrary views add their voices….

Prince Bill M. Kaping’a
Political/Social Analyst

Teaching Service Commission embarks on qualification audit for all teacher

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Teaching Service Commission embarks on qualification audit for all teacher

he Teaching Service Commission has embarked on a qualification audit for all teachers in all schools across the country  beginning with Lusaka Province ahead of the planned placement of teachers according to their qualifications.

And the Teaching Service Commission Chairperson Daphine Chimuka has disclosed that Lusaka district is over staffed by 937 teachers who need to be moved to other schools in the Province which are facing a critical shortage of teachers.

The Teaching Service Commission Chairperson, accompanied by 3 commissioners and the Commission  Secretary, Lynette Walubita, said this when she paid a courtesy call on Lusaka Province Permanent Secretary Robert Kamalata at his office today.

Ms. Chimuka said a number of teachers in various schools  have been misplaced with secondary school teachers finding themselves in primary schools while those who are supposed to teach in primary schools, are teaching in secondary schools.

She said her Commission will from tomorrow July 28, embark on a country-wide qualification audit starting with the Zambia Institute of Special Education (ZAMISE)  in lusaka.

Ms. Chimuka said all officers involved in the qualification audit exercise will be available at (ZAMISE) so that everyone is familiar with the process and what is required to be done before it is rolled out to the rest of the country.

“We are commencing the qualification audit for all teachers in the country and we are starting this exercise with Lusaka Province tomorrow,” said Ms. Chimuka.

Ms. Chimuka said that after this qualification audit exercise is over, the next move would be to place each teacher according to the qualification.

She said over time, there has been an increase in teachers placed in various positions that are not in line with their qualifications.

The Teaching Service Commission Chairperson, further, said that her Commission is in the process of gazetting some schools established in the recent past so that they have their right establishments.

Meanwhile, the Teaching Service Commission Chairperson  says  there is an urgent need to  build teacher’s houses in various schools across the country especially in rural areas.

She said that with the massive recruitment of the teachers last year, the biggest challenge being faced in most of the schools now is lack of accommodation.

Ms. Chimuka said teachers can only be encouraged and motivated to serve  in rural areas if there is good and decent accommodation for them.

“We have employed many teachers in most of the rural areas in the country but the biggest problem we have now is lack of accommodation for these teachers,” said Ms. Chimuka.

And Ms Chimuka says recruitment of the planned  4,500 teachers will be done before the end of this year.

She said the commission will engage provincial offices and ensure that they are involved in the recruitment exercise.

“We are involving the provincial administration in the forth coming recruitment of 4,500 New teachers,” said Ms. Chimuka.

And Lusaka Permanent Secretary, Robert Kamalata, said the recruitment of teachers was very low in lusaka during the last recruitment exercise.

He said the lusaka province had only 800 teachers out of over Thirty thousand recruited teachers last year.

Permanent secretary added that rural areas are still experiencing a shortage of teachers in several schools.

Mr Kamalata appealed to the Teaching Service Commission to involve the provincial administration  in the recruitment of teachers so that they can present the needed numbers of new teachers and where such teachers should be posted.

Mr. Kamalata also appealed to the Teaching Service Commission to ensure serving teachers are upgraded in both status and salaries.

” The cries of most of our teachers especially in rural areas is the need to upgrade them both in status and salaries,” said Mr Kamalata.

He also appealed to the teachers to seriously consider  upgrading their qualifications as it will enable them to reach greater heights.

And Mr. Kamalata says there is huge demand to construct more class rooms following the introduction of free education that has seen an increase in school enrolment in various schools.

“For Lusaka district we are trying to propose if the K1 million per constituency allocated towards the construction of Chief’s palaces, could be channeled towards the construction of class room blocks since we are not constructing any palace in any of the 7 constituencies in Lusaka district,” said Mr. Kamalata.

Commissioners who accompanied the Teaching Service Commission Chairperson included Regina Musokotwane, Fridah Lukwesa and Clement Sinyinda.

Poor nutrition worrying Kapoche Ward Nutrition Committee

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Poor nutrition worrying Kapoche Ward Nutrition Committee

The Kapoche Ward Nutrition Committee (WNCC) has bemoaned the failure by caregivers to give nutritious foods to children.

Maureen Miti, a member of the committee, says most of the caregivers in the ward are avoiding nutritious meals such as porridge with groundnuts in preference to snacks like giggys and Maheu.

Ms Miti, who is also the In-charge at Kakula Health Post, said her institution during the first quarter of the year, recorded five malnutrition cases.

Speaking during a Germany Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) supported WNCC meeting, she attributed the failure to the food preference that caregivers adopted instead of sticking to nutritious foods.

“The challenge we have is that mothers are now finding nutritious foods such as porridge with groundnuts as a thing of the past and now prefer jiggys and Maheu to feed their children,” she said.

Ms Miti, however, stated that counselling and awareness was done to help the mothers and caregivers stop the trend to better the lives of their children.

“During the counseling sessions, we advise them to stick to locally available foods so that their children can grow and be in good health,” she said.

She also indicated that for children whose situation worsened, necessary medical steps were taken in order to save their lives.

Meanwhile, Kapoche Ward Councilor, Yelesani Mwale, said his committee was making strides to educate the community on good nutrition practices.

“We talk about feeding children and we usually teach them effective breastfeeding, nutritious foods such as orange fleshed sweet potatoes,” he said.

However, Mr Mwale emphasised the need for repeated sensitisations and awareness raising campaigns on the need to feed children high nutritious foods as opposed to foods with low nutritional profile.

Govt committed to provision of clean,safe wate

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Govt committed to provision of clean,safe wate

Government says it will continue to partner with various stakeholders in ensuring that people have access to clean and safe drinking water.

Kasenengwa Town Council Chairperson, Falesi Soko, says people in the district still have a challenge of accessing clean and safe drinking water, hence the need to partner with other stakeholders to ensure that the problem is mitigated.

Ms Soko said this at Zilole Village in Chief Mishoro”s area when she commissioned a Solar Water Scheme constructed by Innovation Africa at a cost of 65,000 United States Dollars.

She said she was happy that Innovation Africa had plans to complete four water schemes in the district that would benefit 12 villages which would result in improving the living standards of people.

Ms Soko said such partnerships were imperative in complementing the efforts of the government in bringing development especially in rural areas like Kasenengwa.

‘’As a local authority, we remain committed to working with various partners even in identifying benefitting communities with a mission to bring development to our district and ensure that we deliver meaningful development to the residents of Kasenengwa,’’ he said.

And District Commissioner, Racheal Phiri, said it was the desire of the government to see to it that all Zambians had access to clean and safe drinking water regardless of location.

Ms Phiri noted that the government was still committed to ensuring that the vision of having access to potable water sources and improved sanitation facilities to 100 per cent by the end of 2023 was achieved.

Meanwhile, Innovation Africa Country Manager, Pauline Phiri, said her organization had further trained some villagers in the area with various skills to enable them fix some breakdowns on the scheme which would translate into sustainability of the project.

70 year old refugee murdered

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70 year old refugee murdered

A 23 year old Zambian man has allegedly murdered a 70 year old man of Meheba settlement in Kalumbila district of North-western Province.

North-western Province Commissioner of Police Denis Moola confirmed the incident that occurred today, July 28, 2023 around 06:00 hours.

“First-hand information on the case of murder occurred on July 28, 2023 around at 06:00hours at Meheba Refugee camp Road 34 block D of Kalumbila District,” said Mr. Moola.

Mr. Moola said the incident was reported on July 28, 2023 at 07:00 hours at Meheba police station by a man identified as Zikingali Pius aged 35 years, a congolese national of the said area.

“He reported that a member of the community identified as Cony Andrew aged 70 years a Congolese national of Chief Matebo, village Meheba has been brutally murdered by a man identified as Boas Ndanji a Zambian national aged 23 years of Chief Mumena, village Ndanji who came to Meheba Refugee camp Road 34 block D to do some piece works,” he said.

He explained that police rushed to the scene and found the body of the deceased laying on the ground facing upwards.

“Physical inspection was conducted on the body of the deceased and the findings were that the deceased sustained a crushed head and a cut on the right hand,” he added.

He stated that brief facts of the matter are that the deceased was on his way to church when he was attacked by Boas Ndanji.

“The suspect has been arrested and will appear in court soon. Meanwhile the suspect has given no reason for his actions,” he added.

Mr. Moola also said the body of the deceased has since been deposited into Lumwana First level hospital mortuary awaiting post-mortem and burial.

HH encourages Zimbabweans to maintain peace

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HH encourages Zimbabweans to maintain peace

President Hakainde Hichilema has wished the people of Zimbabwe peaceful elections as the country goes to the polls on August 23, 2023.

President Hichilema has further urged the people of Zimbabwe to remain peaceful, during and after the elections.

Mr. Hichilema has implored political parties taking part in the August polls to conduct themselves responsibly, by holding peaceful elections.

“We would like to indicate how concerned we are that elections in our countries, region, continent and the world must remain peaceful, free and fair.”

He said this when a special envoy sent by President Emmerson Mnangagwa paid a courtesy call on him at State House.

President Hichilema further urged the people of Zimbabwe to remain united and accept the outcome of the elections.

He said despite the anxiety that comes with elections, especially during the counting period, the people of Zimbabwe must remain calm and respect the wishes of the voters.

He said the wish of Zambia is to forge strong economic relations with Zimbabwe, which is anchored on brotherhood.

The Head of State said this will greatly benefit the two peoples, adding that this will result in strong bilateral cooperation.

President Hichilema reiterated that he was looking forward to seeing strong friendships and partnerships prior and after the elections in Zimbabwe.

And in delivering a special message from President Mnangagwa, ZANU PF Treasurer General Patrick Chinamasa informed President Hichilema that the political environment in the neighboring Zimbabwe is peaceful.

Mr. Chinamasa hoped that the prevailing situation will remain the same during and after the August 23rd polls.

“So far, the political environment is peaceful, it’s our expectation that it will remain peaceful during the campaign,” He said.

He said the livelihoods of the people of Zimbabwe and Zambia are intertwined, hence the call to uphold good neighborliness.

Mr. Chinamasa said Zimbabwe is looking towards being integrated in the operations of the Kazungula bridge.

He hoped that Zambia will support the integration of Zimbabwe’s partnership in the Kazungula border.

Meanwhile Mr. Chinamasa has disclosed that there are two projects that Zimbabwe is pushing in order for them to be implemented for the benefit of the two countries.

He cited the Batoka and the Beira railway line as the two projects that need to be implemented with speed.

He said the Beira railway line will link Zimbabwe to Zambia and hence trade between the two countries.

Mr. Chinamasa said if the two projects are undertaken will further cement the already existing relationship.

The special envoy later held closed door talks with President Hichilema at State House.

Cabinet Approves Access to Information Bill to Promote Transparency and Accountability

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Cabinet Approves Access to Information Bill to Promote Transparency and Accountability

The Cabinet has granted initial approval for the introduction of the Access to Information Bill in the Parliament, marking a significant step towards promoting transparency, accountability, and curbing corruption. Chief Government Spokesperson, Chushi Kasanda, made the announcement following the 12th Cabinet Meeting held at State House to address key developmental policies and legislative matters.

Once enacted into law, the Access to Information Bill aims to empower citizens with easy access to information from both public and relevant private bodies. The bill is envisioned to be a powerful tool in preventing corruption, countering misinformation, and debunking falsehoods that may hinder the nation’s progress.

Addressing the media, Ms. Kasanda emphasized that the government’s decision to push for the Access to Information Bill reflects its commitment to open governance and a desire to foster a more informed and engaged citizenry. By granting the public greater access to information, the government seeks to enhance public trust and strengthen democratic institutions.

In addition to the Access to Information Bill, the Cabinet has also given the green light for the publication and introduction of the 2023 Public-Private Partnership Bill in the Parliament. This bill is set to play a crucial role in bolstering the institutional framework for the implementation of Public-Private Partnership projects in the country. By creating a more robust framework, the government aims to attract private investment, foster innovation, and accelerate economic development.

Furthermore, the Cabinet has approved the introduction of the 2023 Public Procurement Amendment Bill, which seeks to bring about essential reforms in the public procurement process. Among its objectives, the bill aims to streamline the procurement process, introduce restrictions on subcontracts for procurement of works, and extend subcontracts to local bidders. These reforms are expected to enhance efficiency, promote local participation, and ensure the fair allocation of contracts.

Keeping in line with the government’s commitment to technological advancements, the Cabinet has also approved the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Policy and its Implementation Plan. The new ICT Policy will serve as a comprehensive roadmap to update the 2006 version, ensuring that the country is well-equipped to navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape. The policy will lay the groundwork for harnessing the full potential of technology in various sectors, driving innovation, and bridging the digital divide.

Finally, the Cabinet has granted approval for the appointment of the Zambia Institute of Advanced Legal Education (ZIALE) Council. The appointment of this council will play a crucial role in overseeing legal education and maintaining professional standards in the legal sector. It highlights the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that legal professionals are well-trained and equipped to serve the nation.

Retirees To Be Paid 3 Months After Retiring

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Retirees To Be Paid 3 Months After Retiring

In a bid to address the longstanding issue of delayed retirement payments, President Hakainde Hichilema has declared that retirees will now receive their terminal benefits just three months after they retire. The move is aimed at reducing the backlog of retirees who have been waiting for their dues for several decades. President Hichilema made the announcement during a meeting with Bishops from the Anglican Church at State House.

During the meeting, President Hichilema expressed his government’s commitment to resolving the plight of retirees who had endured years of uncertainty and financial strain due to delayed payments. He disclosed that his administration had already cleared the pending retirement benefits for the majority of retirees who had been waiting for up to 20 years.

Additionally, the Zambian President unveiled plans to implement a Credit Window, offering citizens access to credit with interest rates below commercial levels, especially designed to support businesses. The Credit Window initiative is expected to provide significant benefits for the agricultural sector, enabling farmers to plant crops twice a year, which, in turn, would lead to increased yields.

President Hichilema emphasized that the Farmer Input Support Program (FISP) had encountered challenges as some individuals took advantage of the system, accessing fertilizers meant for farming and subsequently selling them for personal gain without engaging in any agricultural activities. The new Credit Window is intended to offer farmers better access to financial resources for their agricultural needs and curb the misuse of agricultural support programs.

The announcement of the Credit Window has been met with enthusiasm from various agricultural stakeholders, as it is anticipated to have a positive impact on the productivity and livelihoods of farmers across the country.

Meanwhile, during the meeting with the Anglican Church representatives, Archbishop Albert Chama of the Central African Province praised the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) for its transformative role in empowering communities. He commended the initiative, stating that it allowed people to decide on development projects according to their specific needs and priorities.

However, the Archbishop also expressed concerns about the National Health Insurance Scheme Authority (NHIMA), noting that the coverage provided did not include all illnesses. He urged the government to extend NHIMA’s coverage to include a broader range of medical conditions, as many Zambians could not afford treatment in private health facilities.

President Hichilema assured the Anglican Church representatives that his government would take their concerns into serious consideration and strive to make improvements in the country’s healthcare system to ensure better access to medical services for all citizens.

Lundazi trio jailed for unlawful possession of game meat

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Lundazi trio jailed for unlawful possession of game meat

Three people in Lumezi District have been sentenced to one month imprisonment with hard labour for unlawful possession of a government trophy.

Lundazi Resident Magistrate, Joseph Kapila sentenced Maxwell Chima, 68, of Musekeni Village, Winson Mbebe, 55, of Chibamba Village and Manase Banda, 38, of Mumbi Village all of Chief Kazembe’s area.

Facts of the offence are that the trio on 18th July, 2023, jointly and whilst acting together had in their possession a government trophy, namely Kudu meat weighing 33 kilograms without a certificate of ownership as required by law.

The trio pleaded guilty to committing the offence and asked the court to exercise lenience on them as they were the first offenders.

In mitigation Chima told the court that he was looking after four children at home and no one would sell his harvested cotton if sent to jail.

Mbebe and Banda said they did not know that the meat was a government trophy as they were just given a kilogram and half each by the first convict.

In passing judgement, Magistrate Kapila reminded two of the convicts that they were supposed to ask the type of meat they were given before getting it.

Meanwhile, Magistrate Kapila said he took into consideration the statement of the convicts and noted that two of them were senior citizens.

He disclosed that in order to deter offenders and help the convicts to reform, he sentenced them to month imprisonment with hard labour with effect from July 20th, 2023.

FQM commences nickel mine operations

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FQM commences nickel mine operations

Trident Limited, a subsidiary of First Quantum Minerals (FQM) is set to turn into Africa’s largest Nickel mine as production has commenced at its Enterprise Nickel mine in Kalumbila district of North-western province.

FQM Trident Public Relations Officer Mwiza Nzila confirmed to ZANIS in Kalumbila today, that production at the Nickel mine has commenced and the mining firm is expected to ramp up annual production to 32,000 tonnes of Nickel.

“Following the first ore processing through the plant in February, 2023, the production of a saleable grade of concentrate at Enterprise started in Quarter 2 of 2023,” said Ms Nzila.

She further stated that the initial Nickel ore is transitional and the quality is expected to improve as the mining pit keeps being developed and deepened.

“The ramp-up of mining operations, continues commercial production and full plant throughput in 2024, as plant performance will improve as the ore quality improves when the pit deepens. 2023 production for Enterprise is expected to be at the lower end of guidance of 5,000 –10,000 contained tonnes of Nickel,” explained Ms Nzila.

She emphasized that as the pit develops, it is expected that production volumes will increase towards 32,000 tonnes of Nickel per year, making Enterprise mine the biggest Nickel mine in Africa.

“The employment profile between FQM Trident and the Mining Contractors currently stands at 700 full-time employees in the Enterprise Project,” she added.

Ms Nzila also stated that FQM planned to restart the Enterprise project last year, which included the resumption of the pre-stripping of the pit, the construction of the required infrastructures and the completion and refurbishment of the process plant at a cost of $100 Million.

“The project cost is on track with this investment,” added Ms Nzila.

Health Professions Councils to crack whip on institutions enrolling Students without grade certificate

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Health Professions Councils to crack whip on institutions enrolling Students without grade certificate

The Health Professions Council of Zambia (HPCZ) is saddened that various universities and colleges in the country have continued to enroll students without full grade 12 certificates.

HPCZ Register Professor Faston Goma said the council has also noted with concern that a number of health practitioners have continued to operate in different health facilities with fake annual licenses.

Prof Goma who described such practices as unacceptable, stated that this is hindering the progress of delivering quality health care services to people.

Prof Goma who is also HPCZ Chief Executive Officer said this today during a media briefing.

He noted that as a regulator, HPCZ will do everything possible to ensure that the situation is corrected.

Prof Goma noted that the council has since urged all universities and colleges to discontinue training students without a full grade 12 certificate.

He said applicants should also desist from enrolling if they do not have the qualification.

Prof Goma stated that letters have been written to the concerned institutions and hopes that they will all compile without fail.

He said sanctions will be effected to those institutions that will not comply.

“As a regulatory body we are saddened that colleges and universities have continued to enroll students without full grade 12 certificates. And we have also noted that the same students are a problem because they have also continued to enroll when they know they do not have the qualifications. We have since written to these institutions to discontinue such students until they have correct results,” said Prof Goma.

Prof Goma, however, noted that the second professional licentiate examinations will be conducted from the 18th of September to 6th October 2023.

He said that registration of candidates is ongoing and that the deadline for submitting applications is 18th August 2023.

“ We encourage all eligible candidates to apply for the September examination considering that the next year the examination will be conducted in February 2024. The examinations are open to fresh graduates and to those who did not perform well during the 2023 February examinations, ”Prof Goma stated.

Prof Goma also noted that there is a critical shortage of healthcare staff in various public institutions and that the situation presents challenges in the accessibility of quality healthcare services for all.

He said government is working towards ensuring that more health personnel will be deployed to ease the burden in the affected health facilities.

“During our HPCZ routine inspections, we discovered that some health facilities especially in the rural areas operate with only one trained health practitioner while others do not have available technical staff for their scope of services. Government is working to address this challenge in the distribution of human resources in the facilities,” said Prof Goma.

President Hichilema receives credentials from 7 foreign Envoys, calls for partnerships

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President Hichilema receives credentials from 7 foreign Envoys, calls for partnerships

President Hakainde Hichilema says that Zambia is ready to enhance its economic diplomacy in a quest to achieve government’s economic transformation agenda and improve the social sector.

Speaking when he received credentials from Ambassadors and High Commissioners designated to Zambia from seven countries at State House, President Hichilema stressed the need to deepen relations with other countries in an effort to exploit investment and business opportunities, among other areas of mutual interest.

 President Hichilema noted that this will lead to improving the livelihoods of citizens through people to people relations, business and government to government relations.

The Head of State explained that this will create a baseline for the country’s foreign policy anchored on economic diplomacy.

He stated that all countries are important to the economic development of Zambia and therefore urged the Ambassadors and High Commissioners to create more ventures and partnerships in sectors such as mining and education for the Zambian youths to benefit.

“There is been to therefore strengthen the bonds for economic gains to support the social side,” President Hichilema indicated.

Meanwhile, The Head of State stressed the importance for countries across the region and globe to uphold peace, security and stability as a prerequisite for economic development.

President Hichilema said that countries should prioritize trading in natural resources such as minerals instead of bullets.

Meanwhile, the Ambassadors and High Commissioners pledged to build on the bilateral and multilateral relations established for mutual benefits.

Angola’s Ambassador to Zambia Albino Malungo said he hopes to bring closer strategic partnership in diversification in various areas for both countries’ economies.

Philippines Ambassador designated to Zambia Noralyn Jubaria said she will work towards establishing relations in the area of political consultancy.

And Romania’s Ambassador to Zambia Cecilia Sitaru intends to upscale her country’s commitment to strong education partnerships in the years to come.

Among the credentials received included those of Gambia’s High Commissioner to Zambia Fatoumata Jagumpa, Australia’s High Commissioner Minoli Tehani, Iran Ambassador to Zambia Abbas Navazani and Uganda’s High Commissioner designate to Zambia Fred Mwesigye.

Other countries included Angola, Philippines and Romania.

Meanwhile, President Hichilema has sworn in Winnie Chibesakunda as Zambia’s Ambassador to Germany and Percy Chanda as Zambia’s High Commissioner to India.

The Head of State implored the two to fit into the national agenda and focus trade and investment partnerships.

President Hichilema noted that both countries have developed economies and Zambia would like to tap into the opportunities available in order to develop the livelihoods of citizens.

He implored the High Commissioner to India to explore the areas of quality health care services that can be brought to Zambia for vulnerable people who can’t travel to that country to get treated locally.

He reminded the two diplomats their co-mandate is service to the people first before their personal interests.

President Hichilema called for proper conduct as the two represent the country’s agenda.

President Hichilema meets Qatar, Maamba delegation

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President Hichilema meets Qatar, Maamba delegation

A delegation from Qatar is in the country to explore investment opportunities.

The Qatar delegation is being led by its Head of the Qatar Investment Authority for Africa, Middle East and Africa Sheikh Faisal Bin.

Speaking when the delegation called on President Hakainde Hichilema at State House, Mr. Bin said Qatar wants to explore areas of common interest with Zambia, especially in the areas of Energy, Mining, Agriculture and Hospitality.

Mr. Bin further announced that while in Zambia his team is expected to sign Investment, Promotion and Protection Agreements with the Zambia Development Agency Authority (ZDA) in some specific areas of interest.

And in response, President Hakainde Hichilema has called for an action plan to fast track the implementation of some agreements being signed.

President Hichilema assured the Qatar delegation that Zambia is endowed with various opportunities which can be considered for investment.

Later the Zambian Head of State met another delegation from Maamba Collieries who informed him that the company is in need of about 300 Million Dollars to enable it to successfully embark on the phase 2 expansion project.

And Maamba Collieries Resident Director Ashok Devineni says once the expansion is effected, the company is expected to increase its power generation by an additional 300 megawatts of power.

The meeting was also attended by Energy Minister Peter Kapala.

First Lady Mutinta Hichilema Advocates for Girl Education and Combating Vices

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First Lady Mutinta Hichilema Advocates for Girl Education and Combating Vices

First Lady Mutinta Hichilema addressed attendees at the Merck Foundation Zambia Annual Summit and Award Ceremony. Mrs. Hichilema highlighted the adverse impact of vices like early marriages on the progress of the girl child’s education, emphasizing the need for transformative initiatives.

During her address, the First Lady underscored the pivotal role of girl education in fostering self-sufficiency and economic independence among young girls. Recognizing the importance of providing opportunities for girls to pursue education, she revealed a collaboration between her office and the Merck Foundation through the program named ‘Educating Linda.’ The program’s primary objective is to support girl education and provide scholarships to girls, enabling them to complete their tertiary education by covering their tuition fees.

Since its inception, the ‘Educating Linda’ initiative has already made a significant impact, with 21 girls benefiting from scholarships to pursue nursing and health sciences in colleges and universities. These scholarships not only empower the girls to achieve their academic aspirations but also pave the way for their future success in the healthcare sector.

Chief Executive Officer of the Merck Foundation, Rasha Kelej, also addressed the gathering, highlighting the Foundation’s commitment to empowering doctors in Africa and Asia. Over the years, the Merck Foundation has provided a total of 1,570 scholarships for doctors in underserved fields such as diabetes, oncology, fertility specialty, respiratory care, and more. Notably, 126 of these scholarships have been extended to indigenous Zambian doctors, contributing to the advancement of the country’s healthcare capacity.

In response, Health Minister Sylvia Masebo, who was represented by Permanent Secretary Christopher Simoonga, expressed her gratitude to the Merck Foundation for its unwavering support in enhancing Zambia’s healthcare system. By providing specialist training to local doctors, the Foundation has contributed significantly to building a skilled medical workforce that can address critical healthcare challenges in the nation.

The Merck Foundation Zambia Annual Summit serves as a platform to discuss and promote essential healthcare initiatives and advocate for women’s empowerment through education. Through collaborative efforts like ‘Educating Linda’ and the provision of specialized scholarships for doctors, the Merck Foundation is playing a vital role in transforming lives and making a positive impact on Zambia’s healthcare and education sectors.

First Quantum Minerals (FQM) hands over Bwana Mkubwa Mine land in Ndola

Chief Editor
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First Quantum Minerals (FQM) hands over Bwana Mkubwa Mine land in Ndola

First Quantum Minerals Limited (FQM) handed over approximately 517 hectares of land to various recipients, including the government, Chief Chiwala, the community, and its employees. The land handover comes as part of FQM’s exit plan following the closure of its Bwana Mkubwa mine site, where it had been conducting mining activities since the 1990s.

Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Elijah Muchima, presided over the land handover ceremony in Munkulungwe Ward of Bwana Mkubwa Constituency. Expressing gratitude, Minister Muchima commended FQM for its decision to provide land to the community and its employees. He revealed that his ministry would be sending surveyors to demarcate the land for the 338 employees who will receive 114 hectares.

Copperbelt Minister Elisha Matambo also lauded FQM for empowering its employees with 135 hectares of land, emphasizing that the company’s gesture demonstrated a commitment to improving the lives of its workforce. The land allocation of 106 hectares to Chief Chiwala will further contribute to the development of the local community.

FQM Country Manager, Godwin Beene, reiterated the company’s belief in putting people first. In his address, he urged the recipients not to waste the land and emphasized the significance of responsible land management for the benefit of all stakeholders.

During the ceremony, FQM Immediate Past Country Manager, General Kingsley Chinkuli, appealed to the recipients to use the land appropriately to bring prosperity to the community. The land distribution also included allocations of 116 hectares to ex-servicemen, 10 hectares to the NGO called ZAPA, and 36 hectares to Kafubu Water.

Minister Muchima issued a stern warning against any illegal land allocation and stressed the need for proper land management. He emphasized that surveyors would analyze the land, and those engaging in unlawful activities could face serious consequences.

The handover of land by FQM has been met with enthusiasm and appreciation from the community and local representatives. Bwana Mkubwa Member of Parliament, Warren Mwambazi, expressed hope that the land handover would help resolve land wrangles in Munkulungwe Ward. Minister Matambo highlighted the importance of prioritizing the well-being of the people as FQM surrendered its land to the government and Chiwala Chiefdom.

In addition to the land allocation, FQM Country Manager, Dr. Godwin Beene, emphasized that the company was also preserving certain heritage sites in the area, showing their commitment to environmental and cultural preservation.

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