Sandi Chimpala is a tech blogger for popular site techtrends.co.zm . Earlier this year she was awarded Digital Woman of the Year at the Zambian Woman of the Year Awards .

KAPA187: Briefly tell us about yourself.

Sandi Chimpala: I’m 25 years old, I love eyeliner, I love to write, I love to read, I  love to watch random non-Box Office movies, I have no particular fashion sense, I love box braids, and I have God to thank that my weight isn’t a reflection of how much I eat!

Professionally, I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Science from UNZA and I have spent almost 3 years as tech blogger and analyst, as well as a lot of content curation for online platforms like social media.

KAPA187: What inspired you to start blogging/writing about technology.

Sandi Chimpala: I was called to become a part of Techtrends out of the blue by one of the founders who’d served in so many tech companies it was ridiculous he’d consider me to write for his blog. I had no idea what I was doing but then people liked the fact that the tech stories were so raw and relatable, covering questions they’d like to know that were relevant to Zambia and so I continued being a part of that sphere. There was also a lack of a worthy news source on local tech. All the ‘tech’ news you’d ever see in media were the press releases that telecoms companies sent out to journalists after treating them to a nice little breakfast at their headquarters. Did I want to be a techblogger when I grew up? No, but I love every second of it!

KAPA187: Techtrends is a news blog that focuses on technology. What is the main aim of the blog?

Sandi Chimpala: Techtrends is a news blog focusing on technology, based and focused on Zambia. What is technology? To us at Techtrends, it is the progression of ideas and the evolution of solutions.

Our mandate is to teach, educate and inform our readership. This is from the noobs to the geeks, smartphone gurus to gamers, hobbyists to field experts and tomorrows adults.

KAPA187: Would you consider Zambians as being ‘tech-savvy’?

Sandi Chimpala: We’re halfway there. I would like to call Zambia a “tech-curious” country, judging from the many questions people ask about how certain technologies work. The only limitation to being savvy about it is the high cost of devices and internet connectivity for many people, as well a lack of information sharing by device retailers on what their gadgets can really do e.g. they’ll tell you a phone has a great camera, but did they tell you about the other modes like low-lit areas, how to focus in daylight, how to take a panoramic shot, etc.? Most of the stuff we know about our devices is self-educated, through trial and error, without ever knowing the full potential of it. (Thank the Google gods!)

KAPA187:  Internet penetration in Zambia is still quite low. Having high speed internet access is seen as a luxury whereas it is the norm in other countries. Do you think we will see a change in this in the near future?

Sandi Chimpala: Yes it will have to. More and more people are becoming data reliant and consuming higher amounts of it. Even mobile operators are pushing for more data consumption by charging low prices on high data bundles, but limiting validity to a day (which sucks) but that’s a step towards getting people to do more with the internet. ISPs are trying to make internet access packages that cater to both the low-income and high income and still offer unlimited connectivity. The only limitation here is most of it rides on fibre optic cable backbones which are not yet installed in every community. As for speeds, I personally would like to see consistency in it as most have it really fast one day and almost non-existent the next day. It should be even at all times, Africa or not.

KAPA187: Many Local companies and institutions are seemingly not fully utilizing the internet. In what way would you say they have fallen short?

Sandi Chimpala: I can’t renew my ID online in 2016! There seems to still be a dependence on files and books in many institutions that really could be done away with and create more space, literally, for other things. There’s options of having systems installed on PCs that could store all the information that a company needs without having to use and waste paper. If they’re scared of the system crashing, there’s cloud servers for that that they can SECURELY back up all their data to. Let’s save trees, guys!

KAPA187: In the recent past we have seen an increase in E-business; do you think we are doing enough to promote it?

Sandi Chimpala: No because payment gateways are still a problem for many e-commerce sites to integrate into their platforms. Even if they are successful at carrying out a cash on delivery system, there is still so much more that people don’t understand about shopping online for items from their phones. Having worked for one major global e-commerce site, I often came across a lot of people who’d ‘rather walk to the shop’.

KAPA187: In regards to mobile applications. We have a number of local mobile apps available .Techtrends showcases some of them on ‘Local App Friday’ .What do you think the developers need to do in order to promote the use of these apps and even make a living off them?

Sandi Chimpala: Talk about them more. Techtrends is only one outlet for such apps, but they need to push more for the installs themselves. Developers need to fully explain over and over again why and how their apps work. Right now many apps are created and abandoned so locals think Zambian apps are not worth the download. That makes it hard for new developers to even charge a minimal fee to make money off downloads. Because there is a general prejudice that our own apps are crap, to be honest. Some are great, but need much more than one blog to show just how amazing they are.

KAPA187: Are we seeing enough innovation among our tech developers or are they simply following trends?

Sandi Chimpala: A lot of the innovation is a copy and paste idea from something already existing without even considering how it fits into the Zambian scene. I’d like to see more apps that are absolutely relevant for Zambians by Zambians.

KAPA187: Social media is a powerful tool that goes beyond posting selfies .Some people are able to earn a living solely on their social media activities. Here in Zambia do you feel it is being fully utilized.

Sandi Chimpala: I agree. In many countries, brand influencers work entirely on social media, urging the masses to buy into a product or service, In Zambia, that’s still a new concept. I’ve seen and been part of a few social media campaigns that use influencers to sell a business, and pay them for using their followers as a target audience. Now you understand why celebrities are selling teeth whitening kits on Instagram right? Lol.

KAPA187: In the next 10 years do you see Zambia still being on the consumer side of technology or moving towards innovation and production?

Sandi Chimpala: Towards the latter, because problems are increasing and solutions are being sought in technology. There is no way we’ll avoid innovation. The only limitation will be how fast we can adopt it.

KAPA187: At this year’s Zambian Woman of the Year Awards you were honored as Digital Woman of the Year. How did receiving this award make you feel? And what does it mean to you?

Sandi Chimpala: To be honest I thought they were kidding me when I was called about the nomination. I thought some other woman would get it while I would be I don’t know, second runner up! It was so exciting, I made a short stuttered speech appreciating that my work didn’t go unnoticed. It means everything to me. I look at the gold statue every day and smile, because I know someone out there need me to wear my tech cape and save the ICT world that day, one blog at a time.  I hope to see more girls in tech and ICT, whatever they do in it, given an audience as well for the next awards.

KAPA187: What is your word of advice to young women who want to venture into IT related careers?

Sandi Chimpala: for it! I wish I hadn’t focused on what others said about certain courses but done what I wanted to do. Nothing is for boys anymore 🙂

KAPA187: Apart from your work with Techtrends, what else are you involved in?

Sandi Chimpala: I am currently handling all social media and online content for the BBC Media Action’s projects in its Zambia office, as well as mentoring some of its partners on the use of social media effectively.

KAPA187: Any last words?

Sandi Chimpala: Can I be a cliché techie and end with a quote from Steve Jobs? Yeah? Ok.

“We are here to put a dent in the universe, otherwise why else would we be here?”

I just hope everyone is hitting hard enough to make a mark.

 Follow Sandi on social media ;

Twitter: @sandichimpala

Follow her work on techtrends:  techtrends.co.zm

BY KAPA187

Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) public relations officer Cris Akufuna said in a statement in Lusaka yesterday that an estimated 5,600 newly-registered voters were missing from the provisional register.

Mr Akufuna said the anomaly, which was traced during the 10-day verification exercise of the register, represented about 0.3 per cent of the 1.69 million new voters recorded during the 2015/2016 voter registration exercise.

“Some districts reported missing voters from the 2016 provisional register of voters with an estimated 5,600 new registrations affected in the 12 districts.

The districts are Kapiri Mposhi, Itezhi-Tezhi, Lufwanyama, Chingola, Sinda, Nchelenge, Lusaka, Kaputa, Kabompo, Kasempa, Manyinga and Kalomo.

Mr Akufuna said preliminary reports from the districts countrywide indicated an average turnout of 30 per cent of eligible voters who turned up to inspect the register at the various polling stations.

“The short code *214# recorded more than 453,000 verifications while the ECZ website recorded more than 23,800 searches,” he said.

Mr Akufuna said some voters were found to be registered to vote at wrong polling stations and this was evidenced at six polling stations in Chisamba, Luanshya, Sinda and Chinsali districts.

He said the Commission was taking corrective measures to all the anomalies encountered during the verification exercise.

For each of the report of missing voters, Mr Akufuna said the ECZ would process records from back-up files and registration forms after which the affected individuals would be added to the register.

“For the voters registered in wrong polling stations, registration data from the affected kits is being analysed to resolve the issue.

“Errors for individual records were addressed by the inspection officers in the various polling stations and at the head office during the verification exercise,” Mr Akufuna said.
He also said the Commission was taking seriously a media report alleging that the provisional voters’ register contained entries of foreigners.

The report, which was being investigated by the police, further alleged that a named political party had facilitated the issuance of National Registration Cards (NRCs) to foreigners in constituencies bordering Malawi, specifically Chadiza and Vubwi in Eastern Province.

“As a result of this report, the Commission has since written to political parties to submit information to assist with investigations in the matter.

“The Commission invites political parties to inspect the provisional register at its premises in this regard,” Mr Akufuna said.

UPND President Hakainde Hichilema has bemoaned the lack of development in Luapula Province despite the massive water bodies that can be harnessed and create jobs through agriculture, fishing and tourism.

Speaking when he addressed a public rally at Kaole grounds in Mansa this afternoon, Mr. Hichilema said that through his 10 Point Plan, he will ensure that the country will be transformed through value addition industries, taking into account each region’s comparative advantage.

He reiterated the need to support small businesses through the provision of affordable credit schemes and loans, especially for youths and women as one clear way to diversify the economy.

He wondered why Luapula Province cannot be transformed into a hub for industries such as fish canning for both local and international markets given its geographical position neighbouring DRC.

And UPND Vice President for Administration Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba reminded the people of Luapula Province of the rough days they have suffered under the PF leadership and that the UPND team under President Hakainde Hichilema will economically liberate them.

UPND National Chairperson Mutale Nalumango called on the people of Luapula Province not to listen to divisive elements that are bent on creating confusion in the country.

He called on the people of Luapula Province to give Mr. Hichilema and the UPND leadership a massive vote as they were determined to unite the country by embracing each other.

MMD President Dr. Nevers Mumba charged that Zambia needs an economic manager such as Mr. Hichilema who has a clear vision and economic policy alternatives.

Former Vice President Dr. Guy Scott said PF under President Lungu has failed to live up to its promises, hence the need to vote them out of office.

UDF President Miles Sampa said the time had come for people of Luapula Province to reclaim their economic freedom under the leadership of Mr. Hichilema.

Mulenga Sata, son to Late President Sata caused emotion when he lamented how the current PF leadership of President Lungu had departed from his father’s vision.

The people of Mansa turned out in numbers to watch as UPND presidential candidate Hakainde Hichilema, UPND Vice President Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba, former Republican Vice President Guy Scott, UDF President Miles Sampa, MMD President Nevers Mumba and Mulenga Sata all joined hands to unite and call for the economic liberation of all Zambians.

The speakers called for unity behind the UPND vision and the 10 Point Plan so that come 11 August 2016 the Zambian people vote to fight the common enemy of Zambia – poverty.

Excited children from Luangwa District flew with Proflight Zambia to the Lower Zambezi on Friday (May 20) to learn about wildlife and the importance of conserving the environment for future generations.

The country’s leading scheduled airline enabled 24 children and four teachers from various government schools in Luangwa to undertake a three-day wildlife and environmental conservation education programme given by Conservation Lower Zambezi (CLZ) being conducted over the weekend.

Besa Kaoma Environmental Education Manager for CLZ explained that during three days, the children would learn how to preserve wildlife, the environment and the natural resources that surround them while also going into the national park on game drives and boat cruises.

“Proflight provided three aircraft to pick up the children and the teachers from Feira airstrip in Luangwa to reach their destination in the Lower Zambezi. The trip that could have lasted more than 14 hours of travelling, only took 30 minutes, hence we as CLZ are happy and proud to give a huge thanks to Proflight and the pilots for flying the kids safely again this year to Lower Zambezi as they also did last year by sponsoring the return trip,” said Mr Kaoma.

The children need to be responsible while they are still in school, as they are the custodians of their natural resources and wildlife, he added.

“Proflight understands the close synergy between wildlife, conservation, education, and tourism,” said Proflight Director of Government and Industry Affairs Capt. Philip Lemba. “As an airline we care passionately about the conservation of our natural resources, and the importance of imparting that passion to the younger generation; flying with Proflight was a thrill they will never forget, and hopefully it will instill that passion in them.”

The support being showed by Proflight has increased, encouraged and motivated a lot of schools in Luangwa to participate in educating their pupils through setting up Conservation Clubs, explained Lweendo Sindaza, a teacher at Katondwe Primary School.
The schools taking Part were Luangwa Primary, Luangwa Feira, Mwavi Primary, Katondwe Primary, Mankhokwe Primary, Janeiro Primary and Kaunga Secondary Schools.

(Mwebantu.com)

The ECZ has also for the second time revised the nomination fees for aspiring Mayors, Council Chairpersons for municipalities and Councillors.

ECZ Public Relations Manager Chris Akufuna said in a statement issued to ZANIS in Lusaka yesterday that the decision to make the final revision of nomination fees was arrived at following concerns from stakeholders.

Mr. Akufuna said aspiring candidates for Presidential and the National Assembly will now pay K60, 000.00 and K7, 500.00 respectively from the previous K75, 000.00 and K10, 000.00 respectively.

He said aspiring Mayors and Council Chairpersons will now be required to pay K5,000.00 and K2,000.00 from the previous K7, 500.00 and K3, 500.00 respectively.

Candidates aspiring for the positions of City and Municipal Councilors will now pay K750.00 from the previous K1, 500.00 while aspiring Councilors for district councils will now pay K400.00 from the previous K750.00.

Mr. Akufuna said the commission will make arrangements to refund the difference to political parties that have already paid the nomination fees in full.

Meanwhile, 10 political parties have successfully paid their presidential nomination fees either in full or partly in readiness for the August 11 general elections.

Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) chairperson Esau Chulu announced at a stakeholders’ meeting for aspiring presidential candidates attended by President Edgar Lungu in Lusaka yesterday that out of the 10, only two had paid the nomination fees in full.

He named the two political parties as the ruling Patriotic Front (PF) and the opposition United Party for National Development (UPND).

“The other eight political parties have paid 50 per cent of the nominations fees and these are Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD), Green Party, Democratic Assembly, People’s Alliance for Change, United National Independence Party, United Progressive People, Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD), and Rainbow Party,” he said.

Mr Justice Chulu said the pre-processing of the supporters for the aspiring presidential candidates took place from Monday, May 23 to Friday, May 27, 2016.

He said all was set for the commencement of the filing in of nominations tomorrow.

“I would like to say from the onset that even though some of you may be familiar with the nominations process, it is still important that they are reminded of what is expected of you on that day,” he said.

Mr Justice Chulu reminded the nominees that they would be required to fill in the appropriate documentation which includes nomination papers, statutory declaration of assets, and proof of full payments of a non–refundable nomination fee, among other requirements.

He called on the political party leaders to advise their members to ensure that they abide by the provisions of the Electoral Code of Conduct and other laws.

And PF secretary general Davies Chama said the ruling party was happy that all the requirements outlined by the ECZ were within what the ruling party had planned.

He said the PF was ready in all aspects including the announcing of the presidential running mate which he said was still a puzzle for other political parties.

“We are satisfied and I can assure you that we are going into this election fully prepared and we are winning it in the very first round,” he said.

FDD leader Edith Nawakwi complained of high nomination fees for presidential and parliamentary candidates stating that it was a deliberate move by the Government to disadvantage other parties like hers.

She appealed to the ECZ to reconsider changing the nomination dates if possible to allow some changes in the nomination fees.

President Edgar Lungu has been urged to withdraw the adoptions of former Kawambwa central Member of Parliament, Nickson Chilangwa and Council chairperson Angela Sichone with immediate
effect.

Kawambwa PF central constituency made the call at a meeting chaired by Kawambwa Central constituency chairperson, John Chisanga attended by six PF district officials, eight ward chairpersons and representatives of 450 branches.

The officials and cadres have threatened to resign from the party and join the opposition or vote for independent MP and council chairperson during the forthcoming general elections if the duo are adopted to stand.

The PF officials allege that the former MP, Nickson Chilangwa failed to
deliver during his five year term of office while Mrs Sichone is alleged to be not in possession of a grade 12 certificate as demanded by the amended constitution.

PF Kawambwa Central constituency information and Publicity
Secretary Cosmas Nyemba stressed that there will be no 50 per cent plus one vote for President Lungu if he does not withdraw the adoption of Mr
Chilangwa and Mrs Sichone.

“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

(Ephesians 5:1–2, ESV)

Be an Imitator of God

Have you ever spent time with a small child or baby and had them mimic your every sound or action? To them it’s a fun game, but internally, they are learning by watching and copying everything you do. They just observe and do the same thing. That’s because we are all wired to be imitators.

Even as adults, just like little children, we are all still imitators. So many people today end up imitating what they see in the world, on TV, in the news and magazines. But scripture tells us that we are to be imitators of God and follow His example of love.

If you need to make a change in your life today, change what you are imitating. Change your focus. The more you focus on the Word, the more you will imitate God. When you do things God’s way, you will get God’s results—peace, joy and blessing all the days of your life!

A Prayer for Today

“Father, I choose to put You first in my life and imitate You. I set aside the things of the world and invite You to search my heart and mind. Give me Your heart of love and let me be an example of Your goodness in Jesus’ name. Amen.”