Mulenga Sata’s defection saddens Mpika residents

Rural News

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May 6, 2016

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Mulenga Sata’s defection saddens Mpika residents

Lusaka Province minister Mulenga Sata’s defection to the UPND has saddened most residents in Mpika District in Muchinga Province.

And Patriotic Front ( PF) Muchinga Women Chairperson Mary Chifuna says the defection of Mr. Sata to the opposition UPND has not shaken the party in the province.

SOME residents in his late Father and late Republican President Micheal Sata ‘s home town, have described Mulenga Sata’s defection to the opposition UPND as a huge mistake.

Mr. Sata hails from Chitulika Village in Mpika District.

In an interview with ZANIS in Mpika today Erica Mulenga, who is Chitulika village headman, expressed her shock and strongly believe that Mr. Sata has made a huge mistake to leave the ruling party.

Ms. Mulenga says Mr. Sata should have exercised some patience and stayed in the ruling party as the people of Mpika would have stood by him.

And former Mpika District Commissioner Catherine Chileshe describes Mr. Sata’s defection as progress for the party and not a loss.

Ms. Chileshe has described the reasons Mr. Sata gave to join UPND as unrealistic.

She says it is not true for Mr. Sata to claim that the ruling party has neglected the cause of the Zambian people when Government is busy implementing infrastructural development in different parts of the country.

Ms. Chileshe adds that it is a sad move especially that President Lungu respected him and gave him big positions in Government.

She has since called on Zambians to give credit where it is due and to be appreciative.

Joseph Mwanja, Chitulika Section chairman says the move that Mr. Sata has taken to leave is a wrong one as he could have waited until after the general elections.

And Patriotic Front ( PF) Muchinga Women Chairperson Mary Chifuna says the defection of Mr. Sata to the opposition UPND has not shaken the party in the province.

Ms. Chifuna said the PF is glowing from strength to strength adding that the defection of Mr. Sata has no impact to the party at any level.

She said Mulenga Sata is not a factor to the ruling party adding that the party is however, disappointed that Mr.Sata has left a party his father founded which shows that he has no respect to the late President and founder of the PF party.

The Provincial chair lady Chifuna said Mulenga and the party he has joined, the UPND will be taught a lesson in the August 11 General Election.

She said the people of Mpika and Muchinga Province in general are very much disappointed with the behaviour of Mr. Sata and warned him not expect any support from Muchinga Province.

Over 6 million Zambians accessing the internet-ZICTA

General News

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May 6, 2016

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Over 6 million Zambians accessing the internet-ZICTA

Latest figures from the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority shows that the country now has 6.1 million internet users, representing a penetration rate of 39 percent.

MTN is still the leading internet mobile service provider currently with 45.5 percent of the data market, followed by Airtel with 40.1 percent and Zamtel with 14.4 percent.

The figures also show that Zambia’s mobile phone penetration rate has reached 74.3 percent of the population, with 11.6 million subscribers out of 15 million Zambians.

ZICTA Director Support Services Mofya Chisala said the adoption of smartphones and other mobile devices has increased internet access and is fuelling the demand for data services.

Mr Chisala said there is huge appetite for internet connectivity among Zambians.

Batoka Gorge hydropower to be ready by 2023-Zimbabwean Minister

Economy

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May 6, 2016

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Batoka Gorge hydropower to be ready by 2023-Zimbabwean Minister

Zimbabwean Energy Minister Samuel Undenge says the $5 billion Batoka Gorge hydropower project Zambia and Zimbabwe plan to build on their shared border could start producing by 2023 and will generate electricity at a cheaper cost than solar or coal.

He said in an interview in Maputo, Mozambique’s capital that the two southern African nations will complete a feasibility study into the project by July, with construction due to start next year.

Mr Undenge said financing has yet to be finalized and will form part of the tender process expected to start in the second half of 2016.
“We hope that there will be financiers that will come through because it’s a very viable project,” he said.

“Hydropower is the cheapest form of power and we estimate that it will come out at about 5 cents per kilowatt hour when completed, which is far below solar energy and thermal power.”

Zambia and Zimbabwe both face severe power shortages as years of under-investment are amplified by low water levels at the Kariba dam hydropower station that they each rely on for about half of total supplies.

Batoka Gorge will produce 2,400 megawatts, about 30 percent more than Kariba, which is the world’s largest man-made reservoir by capacity

President Lungu urges NHCC to declare more sites as National Monuments

General News

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May 6, 2016

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President Lungu urges NHCC to declare more sites as National Monuments

PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu has directed the National Heritage Conservation Commission (NHCC) to declare more sites as National Monuments to stimulate rural development especially in chiefdoms.

The Head of State has also urged all Zambians to become tourists of their own beautiful country.

Mr Lungu said most heritage sites were found in various chiefdoms and hence there was need to declare them as National Monuments to encourage rural development in various parts of the country.

He said this in Livingstone yesterday at Victoria Falls World Heritage site in a speech read for him by Ministry of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs Deputy Minister, John Kufuna, during the commemoration of the first ever African World Heritage Day celebrations.

African countries will for the first time this year going forward, start celebrating May 5 as the African World Heritage Day which is a month commonly referred to as Africa month.

This is the month in which Pan Africanism was born years back during the period when th founding fathers such as Nkwame Krumah, Kenneth Kaunda, Jomo Kenyata and Mwalimu Julius Nyirere among others reigned Africa.

May 5 also marks the 10th anniversary of the African World Heritage Fund.

“I wish to direct the National Heritage Conservation Commission (NHCC) to declare more sites as National Monuments to stimulate rural developments as most of these sites are found in chiefdoms.

“My Government recognises the fact that heritage sites provide opportunities for tourism especially waterfalls that attract a number of tourists and social-economic developments such as adventure tourism, hotel industry, cultural and eco-tourism.

“These activities have spill-over effects on other sectors of the economy such as agriculture, transport and communication which are pivotal to national development,” Mrt Lungu said.

He noted that since most natural heritage sites were located in the rural parts of the country, they had potential of reducing rural poverty through the creation of employment opportunities.

Currently, Zambia has a total number of 4, 052 cultural and natural heritage sites.

Mr Lungu said he was aware that the NHCC was reviewing the Heritage Conservation Act of 1989 and was in the process of finalising the National Heritage Conservation Policy whose process started in 2009.

“I would like to urge the Ministry of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs to ensure that both the Policy and Act must provide for participation off local communities, vulnerable groups and the private sector to stimulate rural development and the creation of sustainable jobs,” he said. .

And President Lungu urged all Zambians to be tourists to be tourists of their own beautify country.

He hoped that Zambians would have the opportunity in their lifetime to visit heritage sites and monuments which mark the historical journey as a people of One Zambia One Nation.

“Our country offers diversify and abundance of cultural and natural sites that encapsulate both the beauty and history of the country.

“Indeed we are fortunate to be living in a country blessed with this beauty, despite having one World Heritage Site (Victoria Falls) which is recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO),” he said.

UNESCO Director General, Irina Bokova, said the World Heritage Day was meant to increase global awareness of African heritage and to mobilise greater cooperation for its safeguarding.

In a speech read for her by Zambia National Commission for UNESCO Secretary General Charles Ndakala, Ms Bokova said Africa’s cultural and natural heritage was a force for peace and a driver of development and innovation.

“Out of the 129 cultural and natural sites on the list of World Heritage List, 17 are also on the list of World Heritage in danger.

“The list of threats is long from armed conflict, terrorism, poaching and global warming to uncontrolled urban expansion and mineral and oil exploration,” she said.

NHCC board member, Clifford Chishala said World Heritage Sites had been known to be key drivers of social and economic development in most countries.

Mr Chishala said the survival and fame of Zambia’s tourist capital Livingstone was largely due to the existence of the Victoria Falls World Heritage site.

He further said that heritage sites required the support and involvement of many stakeholders at national and international level.

There is need for farmers to change the way they were farming-Given Lubinda

Economy

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May 6, 2016

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There is need for farmers to change the way they were farming-Given Lubinda

Agriculture Minister Given Lubinda speaking during the official opening of the first joint Pan-African Grain Legume and World Cowpea Conference currently being held at AVANI Victoria Falls Hotel. Picture by Jeffrey Oliver — Agriculture Minister Given Lubinda speaking during the official
opening of the first joint Pan-African Grain Legume and World Cowpea
Conference currently being held at AVANI Victoria Falls Hotel. Picture
by Jeffrey Oliver

FARMERS must be innovative and invest in appropriate farming technologies that will enable them to feed the growing global population, Zambia’s Agriculture Minister Given Lubinda has said.

Mr Lubinda said agriculture could not continue as business as usual and hence there was need for farmers to implement solutions and innovations that adapt to climate change inducements and adverse weather conditions.

He said there was need for farmers to change the way they were farming in view of various challenges affecting the sector.

Mr Lubinda was speaking in Livingstone at AVANI Victoria Falls Hotel on Tuesday night when he officially opened the World Farmers Organisation (WFO) General Assembly which is being held under the theme ‘Partnerships for Growth’.

The three-day conference, which has attracted delegates from the global farming community, is being hosted by Zambia National Farmers Union (ZNFU).

President Edgar Lungu is today (Friday) expected to open the first-ever WFO General Assembly to be hosted in Zambia.

“If we are to feed an ever increasing population from reducing resources, we need to be more innovative.

“The population of the world is growing drastically and yet the resources we need to feed the people are diminishing,” he said.

He urged farmers to embrace Information and Communications (ICT) advancements as continued reliance on outdated technologies could not lead to increased productivity and growth.

He said the adoption of appropriate mechanisation and husbandly technologies, e-payments and other e-services was what would unlock the growth potential of agriculture.

“This should be further enhanced by the promotion of appropriate irrigation and agro processing and value addition technologies across the food value chains.

“If we are to end hunger worldwide in the next 15 years, we certainly need to ensure that farmers partners with all other players in the world economy and farmers should be position where they belong at the centre of our global economy,” Mr Lubinda said.

He said the 2016 WFO General Assembly came at a time when Zambia was making significant milestones in achieving an all-inclusive private led private sector agricultural development.

Mr Lubinda said the Zambian agriculture was enjoying positive effects of good Government policies and enhanced private sector participation investments and ever improving industry stakeholders’ consultations and collaborations.

“With increasing climate change effects, depleting water resources and energy deficits, our regions and world is facing with the challenge of feeding our growing population.

“Our Zambian farmers are not spared from this situation as they continue battling a number of challenges such as limited access to finance, fairly priced production inputs, poor access to competitive commodity markets, limited processing of value addition prospects, high post-harvest losses, limited access to extension services and unfortunately climate change induced weather,” Mr Lubinda said.

Mr Lubinda noted that majority of the poor farmers in Africa were the actual producers of food and hence there was need for the WFO to seek ways of ensuring that the producers were well nourished.

He also said the Government of Zambia would this year provide inputs to small scale farmers using the electronic voucher system beyond the 241 that were provided inputs last year to between 600 and 2, 000 this year.

WFO president Evelyn Nguleka said the conference came at a time when the world was looking at coming up with strategic development goals to ensure that no stomach goes hungry.

Dr Nguleka, who is also ZNFU president, said it was a job of farmers to feed the global population.

“Let us make sure that farmers in our own areas and villages nobody should go to bed hungry.

“For us, this is an important event. Let’s go home remembering that we are partners in fighting poverty,” she said.

In a recorded message, Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Director General from Rome Mr Joze Graziano Da Silva expressed hope that the WFO General Assembly would be successful.

In another recorded, United Nations World Food Security (CFS) committee chairperson Amira Gornass said farmers were the backbone of food and nutrition security in terms of feeding the 793 million hungry people.

Kampyongo urges councils to engage casual workers on permanent basis

Economy

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May 6, 2016

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Kampyongo urges councils to engage casual workers on permanent basis

LOCAL Government and Housing Minister Stephen Kampyongo has urged councils to look at the possibilities of engaging casual workers on permanent basis in line with the new labour laws.

The new legal framework graduates a person from a casual employee to a short term employee at the expiry of the initial six months of engagement.

Further, an employee engaged on short term contracts graduates to a fixed term employee and finally to a permanent employee while the old law had no room for one to graduate.

Mr Kampyongo said there was need for the local authorities to look at the possibility of engaging casual workers on permanent basis instead of dismissing them following the recent changes in the law.

Speaking in an interview in Livingstone, Mr Kampyongo said the Government had done an amendment to the Local Government Equalisation Fund which would enable councils to have money to pay workers across the board.

“I am encouraging all councils who had people who were working as casual workers before the new law not to throw these workers.

“Look at the possibility of engaging these workers on permanent basis. We have done an amendment to the Local Government Equalisation Fund and the money went for a third reading in Parliament on Tuesday. The money will help councils to draw a certain amount to go to emolument to pay council workers across board and not just a specific grade of workers,” Mr Kampyongo said.

He also said he would be updating Parliament soon on the status of suspended councils in the country namely Livingstone, Kitwe and Ndola following the elapse of their 90 days of suspension.

Mr Kampyongo said appointed the Local Government administrators were performing official duties backed by the lack and there was no need for the public to panic.

“The suspension of councils was not meant to publish anyone but to restore order and confidence.

“Not all councillors in suspended councils are guilty of wrongdoing. There are a few individuals who are being pursued by law enforcement agencies and others are appearing in the court of law,” Mr Kampyongo said.

He also said he received complaints from Livingstone residents who complained that the local authority gave them a short period to pay for their plots and asked the council to address the matter.

Mr Kampyongo, who is Patriotic Front (PF) national youth chairperson, said the defection of former Lusaka Province Minister Mulenga Sata to United Party for National Development (UPND) was regrettable.

He however urged PF youths to soldier when some party officials were jumping out of the ship.

“I want to appeal to Mulenga Sata not to burn bridges because there is more to the future and if he has found peace, we will leave to the people of Zambia to judge.

“He has joined UPND, which his father failed to work with in an alliance. I wish him well and should he wish to return, the PF Youth wing will leave the door open but I want him to go with dignity,” Mr Kampyongo said.

Government, EU hold talks

General News

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May 6, 2016

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Government says it is seeking ways of enhancing new initiatives on how best to accelerate and expand the EU- development co-operation.

Foreign Affairs Minister Harry Kalaba said this in Lusaka when he officiated at the Zambia-EU political dialogue meeting on the side-lines of the European Union week.

Mr. Kalaba who led a delegation of some cabinet ministers that included Ngosa Simbyakula, Nkandu Luo, Joseph Katema and Margaret Mwanakatwe and other senior government officials later held private talks with EU Head of Delegation to Zambia Alessandro Mariani who was accompanied by 16 other dignitaries accredited to Zambia.

The minister noted that the last Zambia-EU political dialogue meeting was held in June 2015 and described the talk as successful.

Mr. Kalaba said the Zambian government wants to have a clear understanding on issues such as the migration crisis and terrorism affecting the European Union (EU) .

He pointed out that migration and terrorism are issues that have global implications on other countries including Zambia and that the country stands ready to support efforts aimed to countering terrorism.

Mr Kalaba reiterated that the Zambian government has continued to actively participate in peace initiatives and activities within and outside the region which includes contribution to personnel to the peace keeping in war torn countries like the Central African Republic.

And the minister disclosed that his ministry has finalized the diaspora policy and would soon be submitted to cabinet for approval before it is launched.

Mr. Kalaba said the policy contains issues of access to land, dual citizenship, and partnership in business, exchange of information and promotion of Zambia’s interests with other countries.

And speaking at the same occasion, EU Head of Delegation to Zambia Alessandro Mariani hailed the political discussions as a milestone as Zambia is preparing to hold general elections in august, this year.

Mr. Mariani reiterated the EU’s confidence in the Electoral Commission of Zambia to conduct free and fair elections in accordance with Zambia’s electoral laws.

Mumbi Phiri’s ZNBC Sunday Interview

Videos and Audios

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May 6, 2016

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Lumwana saluted for halting Zesco

Sports

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May 5, 2016

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The Lumwana Radiants bench has saluted its players for holding their own against defending FAZ Super Division champions Zesco United on Wednesday.

Top flight debutants Lumwana rallied from one-down to hold the five-time champions to a 1-1 away draw at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in he two sides first-ever competitive meeting.

Zesco took the lead in the 6th minute through Jesse Were but Lumwana equalised in the 32nd minute through Hillary Bwalya before the visitors tenacious suffocated their hosts with ten men behind the ball en route to a historic point against the champions.

The result also ended Zesco’s 100 per cent start to the 2016 season that had seen them win all five of their opening league games in this campaign.

“It is always difficult to play a team like Zesco United. They are very organised, they play at a very high tempo, you could see the experience but a point is good for us,” Lumwana assistant coach George Chilufya said.

“I think the boys showed a lot of character. We psyched them, they were in good shape in terms of mental strength and I think that is what really helped us.”

Lumwana rise from 13th to 11 after the draw on 9 points, ten behind leaders Nkanaa and five adrift of 2nd placed Zesco.

Power Dynamos fire Chilumba?

Sports

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May 5, 2016

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FAZ Super Division side Power Dynamos have reportedly fired head coach Tenant Chilumba.

According to the club media team, Chilumba has been dismissed together with goalkeeper coach Martin Mwamba and physical trainer Lennox Changala.

Coach Anderson Phiri who was Chilumba’s assistant is said to have been made interim head trainer.

“Power Dynamos Coach Tenant Chilumba, goalkeeper coach Martin Mwamba and physical trainer (Lennox) Changala have been fired with immediate effect.

“Anderson Phiri and coach Alex Namazaba are in charge,” read the statement from the Power media team.

Power are eighth on the table with 10 points from 7 games.

Meanwhile, Power Chief Executive Officer Ricky Mumfunda has expressed ignorance over reports suggesting that his club had fired Chilumba.

“Unfortunately I am not in Kitwe so I can’t issue any statement. I cannot comment on anything that is on social media,” Mumfunda said.

Chilumba was last month given an ultimatum after Power kicked off the season on a low note.

There is no Shortage of Grade 12 certificate holders in Zambia-Frank Bwalya

General News

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May 5, 2016

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There is no Shortage of Grade 12 certificate holders in Zambia-Frank Bwalya

Patriotic Front Media Committee Chairperson Frank Bwalya

PF Deputy Spokesperson Frank Bwalya says complaints that there are no Grade 12s to stand as councilors are unfounded because the country has enough educated people.

Mr Bwalya said he does not believe that the country does not have qualified people to stand as MPs or Councilors but that those complaining are the people who do not have the new requirement.

“I don’t believe that the majority Zambians have not reached Grade 12 but what I may believe is that the majority Grade 12 are not aspiring to stand as Councillors or MPs.

“The problem in this country is that we are having a lot of people coming to radio stations like this one misleading people sometimes out of ignorance, it’s not correct that the reason why there has been this complaint about Grade 12 is because Zambians are not educated, it is not correct, it is not right. However, I may agree with someone who says that the people who would want to stand as councilors or MPs who are few do not have that requirement,” he said.

He said the requirement would bring positive change to public service..

“Look at it from the positive side, it means that from now on we are beginning a change to ensure that all the people who are serving the public at that level are people who have got a certain level of education at which they will be able to comprehend certain things,” he said.

State enters nolle in M’membe and Funga case

General News

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May 5, 2016

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State enters nolle in M’membe and Funga case

Fred Mmembe leaving court today — Fred M’membe leaving court today

The state has entered a nolle prosequi in the case in which Post Newspapers Editor in Chief Fred M’membe and Reporter Mukosha Funga are charged with the case of publishing classified documents.

Particulars of the matter were that on 17th April 2015, M’membe and Funga while jointly and acting together published a letter by Anti-corruption commission (ACC) Director General Rosewin Wandi to President Edgar Lungu informing him that ACC wanted to commence investigations on his political advisor Kaizer Zulu.

But when the matter came up this morning, State advocate Patrick Mutale said the nolle prosequi is the appropriate course to take at this age and does not mean there is a lack of evidence to proceed with the matter.

He argued that the charges the duo is facing is serious and is in contravention of Section 5 of the State Security Act.

He said the decision was also meant to dispel insinuations that M’membe and Funga were been persecuted.

But defence counsel Nchima Nchito said the state entered into a nolle prosequi because it has no evidence against his clients.

He said it is unfortunate that state has entered a nolle after subjecting his clients to spending a night in police cells.

Judge Sikazwe warned the duo that they are being discharged and not acquitted which means that they can be re-arrested any time.

Zambia Public Procurement Authority advises ECZ to Review Ballot Printing Tender

Headlines

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May 5, 2016

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Zambia Public Procurement Authority advises ECZ to Review Ballot Printing Tender

The Zambia Public Procurement Authority has advised the Electoral Commission of Zambia to review the tender to print ballot papers for the August elections.

This was after the Commission recommended that the multi million-dollar tender be awarded to a Dubai based printing firm.

Commission Chairman Justice Esau Chulu told a meeting of political party representatives this morning at Mulungushi International Conference Centre that the ZPPA has written to ECZ advising that the tender be reviewed.

Justice Chulu said this follows the objections raised by all the 13 companies that participated in the tender against the awarding of the tender to the Dubai firm.

He however reiterated that the Commission has not awarded the tender to anyone but merely recommended that Alghurairi Printing & Publishing LLC of Dubai be awarded the firm.

Justice Chulu also appealed to political players who have objected to the ECZ’s choice of printer to provide tangible evidence to the Commission.

The ZPPA’s intervention is the latest twist in the controversial tender after ECZ Director Priscilla Isaac maintained that the Commission’s choice of the printer is final as prescribed in the ECZ Act.

Earlier today, Political parties took the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to task demanding an explanation why it has insisted on awarding the contract to print ballot papers to a company in Dubai.

During a heated (ECZ) stakeholders meeting in Lusaka this morning, political party presidents who included vice president Inonge Wina, UPND president Hakainde Hichilema, FDD President Edith Nawakwi, Green party President Peter Sinkamba, People’s Party president Mike Mulongoti, Poor people’s party Alex Muliokela and many others also expressed concern on the country holding the referendum alongside the general election.

UPND president Hakainde Hichilema said that it was sad that despite stakeholders writing to the ECZ on the decision to print ballots in Dubai, they have not paid attention to the concerns raised.

FDD President Edith Nawakwi asked the Commission to explain how they are working out modalities for security officers who will be sent to other towns to police the election process.

Ms Nawakwi says the commission should avail the list of the officers and where they will be sent to political parties.

Meanwhile the ECZ has announced that official campaigns for the general election will commence on the 16th May, 2016 and close on the 10th August, 2016.

EleFest 2016 : Zambia’s wildest music and arts festival

Headlines

Entertainment Editor

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May 5, 2016

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EleFest 2016 : Zambia’s wildest music and arts festival

On 14 May, the herds will gather at the Lusaka Showgrounds to celebrate wildlife conservation in Zambia. After the success of last year’s first EleFest, the 2016 festival line-up has expanded with exciting new international acts, including Mokoomba, an acclaimed Zimbabwean Afropop band currently touring the US. Mokoomba will share the stage with several household names of Zambian afro-jazz and soul who are trumpeting their support for the conservation of Zambia’s wildlife including Maureen Lilanda, James Sakala and the Elect Band, Wezi, MumbaYachi and KapiriMposhi 4.0.

These ele-gends of the Zambian music scene are currently working on a surprise collaboration about our wonderful wildlife. All epic talents in their own right, never before have they sung together and all the more reason for this important cause of highlighting conservation in Zambia. A video will be shot on location in Zambia’s breathtaking wilderness of the collaborators performing their inspiring song together. Watch out for this spine-tingler live on stage at the EleFest!

As well as music, EleFest will host entertaining and informative installations about wildlife wonders and the work being done to protect it. Festival goers can bring the kids along to the “Where the Wild Things Are” corner as well as sample the local food and drink!

Why EleFest? What’s the cause?

Our Wildlife…..what’s going on?

The Elephant population of Zambia is one of the most significant in Africa but their numbers are declining rapidly. Experts have reported that 100 elephants are being killed every day in Africa. Elephants are killed for their ivory tusks, which are used for ornaments and medicine mostly in Asia. It is illegal to be involved in elephant poaching or ivory trafficking in Zambia. If they are found guilty, elephant poachers can go to prison,for 5 to 20 years.

As well as elephants, Zambia is also home to the most trafficked animal on the planet: the pangolin. It is illegal to capture or sell these animals and people found guilty of this offence can go to jail for 5 years. Our pangolin population is at threat. If you see anyone selling a pangolin, you should report it immediately to Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW).

Its not just ivory and other trafficking but also the illegal bush meat trade which threatens both pangolins and elephants as well as almost all other Zambian animals. Eating meat from wild animals killed illegally has been reported as the the primary cause of decline of wild animals across Africa. Bush meat is harvested mainly by the use of wire snares. Every day, poachers may use thousands of such snares across Zambia. It is estimated that almost 90% of animals caught in snares are not collected by poachers, but left to rot. Bush meat poaching is the least efficient use of any wildlife resource. The bush meat trade is in no way sustainable and highly destructive of Zambia’s wildlife. As well as damaging to the environment, eating bush meat can also be very harmful to your health. Epidemiologists strongly suspect that infectious diseases such as Ebola and HIV jumped to human populations through the hunting and eating of bush meat. Illegal bush meat is often lumped together in unidentifiable bundles with consumers unaware of what animal they are eating and how hygienically the meat has been prepared and transported therefore risking dysentery and other zoonotic diseases.

In Zambia there are some legal game meat options from game farms but much of the meat that is available is illegal. Eating and trading in bush meat without a licence is illegal. If found guilty, you can go to prison for 7 years. Next time you see bush meat on sale or being served, think twice. Is it legal? You can ask to see the Department of National Parks and Wildlife or Wildlife Producers Association of Zambia licences that legal producers should have. Buy legal game meat only!

If you see any wildlife trafficking or suspect illegal bush meat trading or consumption you can report it immediately to the Department of National Parks and Wildlife’s (DNPW) Intelligence and Investigations Unit in Chilanga. DNPW have a good informer network. Join them to make a difference.

Our Zambia

Zambia is home to a breathtaking diversity of rare wildlife and habitats. It is home to the world’s largest mammal migration (Straw Coloured Fruit Bats, Kasanka National Park), second largest wildebeest migration (Liuwa Plains National Park), one of the world’s most important African Wild Dog strongholds (Kafue National Park) and Lion strongholds (South Luangwa National Park).The tourism industry employs more than 80,000 people and contributes more than K9.2 billion to Zambia’s economy every year. There is a huge growth potential for this industry especially as it doesn’t rely directly on rain or copper prices.

Have you visited our National Parks in Zambia? They are on our doorstep, make a plan and check out the Zambia Tourism website www.zambiatourism.com

EleFest supporters WWF Zambia have been working to support Zambia’s wildlife for over 50 years. The Lusaka office is located at Longacres Roundabout. WWF Zambia is involved in several different conservation projects in Zambia. This work is done through partnerships with government institutions, conservation organisations, private companies and many other partnerships.

The Department of National Parks and Wildlife under the Ministry of Tourism and Arts (previously known as ZAWA) carries out conservation efforts in Zambia with the support of many organisations including WWF Zambia. At the beginning of 2016, ZAWA moved back into GRZ under the Ministry of Tourism and Arts as a result of the Government’s dedication to conservation.

EleFest 2016 is supported primarily by WWF Zambia and Game Rangers International as well as many other organisations and people including Mojo, Benson Sound, A Jackson Design, Ad-dicts, Events Hire, Tanuger Travels, The Art Shop Limited and ProSigns Zambia.

To find out more join the EleFest 2016 event on facebook, twitter and instagram.

Doors open at midday on Saturday 14 May at the Lusaka Gymkhana Club.Tickets will be on sale from 14 April at the Four Seasons Bistro and the Lusaka Gymkhana Club, Showgrounds. Pre-sale: K100. On the door: K150. Children under 12: Free.

(sdrtv.com)