Free Press Initiative – FPI says Cabinet’s approval for the introduction of the Access to Information (ATI) Bill in the National Assembly following the 12th Cabinet Meeting at State House on 27th July 2023 should lead to enactment of the law.

FPI Founder and Executive Director Joan Chirwa said her organization is part of the ATI Coalition that has been calling for the enactment of the ATI law as a matter of right.

She said the FPI hopes provisions of the Bill which will be tabled in the National Assembly remain progressive and to the benefit of the citizens under whose watch effective implementation of democratic principles rests.

Chirwa further said the decision has come at the right time because the need for information among Zambian citizens is high.

She said there has been a lot of disinformation of which the ATI would be a landmark platform for Government to be open enough in providing information around implementation of numerous projects that are of interest to the citizens.

The FPI Founder said journalists have also been having trouble with Access to Information because certain critical information has been denied to them.

“When we talk of a fight against corruption both in Government and the private sector, this cannot be done effectively when critical laws such as Access to Information are missing. Hopefully, we will see this ATI Bill being tabled in the National Assembly, being deliberated upon and going through all stages for eventual assent into law by the Head of State,” she said.

Ms Chirwa, however, said this is not the first time the country has reached the current stage because the MMD Administration once introduced the Bill in the National Assembly but was shot down in the first stage of it being in the House.

“We hope this is not what is going to happen. Therefore, there is quite a lot that needs to be done by members of parliament, especially those from the United Party for National Development, to ensure that when this Bill is taken to the House, it sees the light and not shot down because some people may think it is not going to serve their interests. At times, we see people getting worried about Access to Information. Only scared humans who know have a lot to hide can be worried about the access to information law,” she said. “What the current government must realize is that passing the ATI Bill into law is something that will also work in their favour because it will ensure that what they are trying to do now, such as fighting corruption and speedy delivery of government services to the people that voted them into power, does actually happen. People will now say ‘yes this was promised and it has been done’ because there is someone who is keeping an eye on what is going on on a daily basis.”

Ms Chirwa said the ATI is a progressive law that must be supported fully by both the ruling and opposition MPs.

“There has to be that realization that Access to Information is something that everybody needs. Everyone should ensure that they work together to pass this Bill into Law because it will benefit everyone. Yes, the UPND has taken a good step in the right direction in ensuring that this is pushed to where it is now but that is not an end in itself because there are other major processes ahead that will have to be put in place to ensure that they truly live by their campaign promises,” she said.

Ms Chirwa said it becomes difficult to make informed decisions where Access to Information is restricted.

“Let our MPs move together to ensure that Zambia is one of the countries that are making progressive steps toward ensuring that citizens are not denied Access to Information because that is their right,” she said.

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.

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.

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.

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.