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Zambian Women Shine at Africa Women Summit 2023, Major Mwewa Honored as Girl-Child Empowerment Champion

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Zambian Women Shine at Africa Women Summit 2023, Major Mwewa Honored as Girl-Child Empowerment Champion

By BENEDICT TEMBO

NORRYCE Mwewa is among four Zambian women who raised the country’s flag high at the just-ended 4th Africa Women Summit 2023 in Cape Town, South Africa.
Major Mwewa, who recently retired from the Zambia National Service was awarded the Girl-Child Empowerment Champion award in recognition of empowering women and girls in Africa.

“On behalf of the Coalition of Women in Africa for Peace and Development, I would like to express my sincere appreciation for your outstanding contribution to empowering women and girls in Africa. Your unwavering commitment and tireless efforts have helped make a real difference in the lives of many and we are grateful for your dedication and passion,” Kalada Belema Meshack-Hart, the founder the African Women Summit said in a letter presented to Major Mwewa (retired) at Cape Town’s Century City Conference Centre and Hotels on Friday last week.

Mr Meshack-Hart hopes that Major Mwewa, a PhD candidate, founder and chief executive officer of the Organisation Against Girl-Child Early Marriages In Africa (OAGCEMA), will continue to be a beacon of hope and a role model for many others.

“We look forward to working with you in the future,” he said

Socialite Karen Nakawala got “the Women Driving Impact for Sustainable Development special recognition champion award in cervical cancer.”
Nakawala, who said she was sitting pretty, clapping and celebrating various award recipients, shook like a leaf walking up to the stage when he name was called out.

“The shouting, ululating and clapping all drowned as I said a little prayer. The award is dedicated to every woman who is dying in silence because she’s ashamed and to that one fighting the uphill battle for survival. Let’s all add our voice to the fight and not have women die on our watch,” she wrote on her Facebook page.

Fearless Chiengi Member of Parliament Given Katuta Mwelwa excelled in the category of Women in Politics Champions.

“This can only be God. Out of 1,000 nominees, 55 were listed to compete for 22 awards last night and I emerged winner of the Africa Women Summit Award 2023 at Century Convention Centre in the category of Women in Politics Champions. I dedicate this award to the good people of Chienge,” she said.
First National Bank Head of Retail Banking Mwamba Musambo was nominated as mentor of the year.

“Your dedication to empowering women is truly inspiring,” said FNB in its media advertisement in congratulating Mwamba on her nomination as a mentor-of-the-year.
Mr Meshack-Hart says African Women Summit is a platform to learn, network, exchange ideas and make life-long friendship.

The African Women Summit is an annual event that brings together a thriving community of women policy makers, change makers, global experts and professionals from all over Africa and the diaspora. The two-day event provides a platform for African women to strategise and collaborate on shared values and concerns and create lasting solutions to critical issues of sustainable peace and development in Africa.

The event also provides an opportunity for women to engage, network, interact and build partnership with sisters across the continent. It is also an opportunity for women to engage, network and build partnership with sisters across the continent.

The African Women Summit is also described as a community of women policymakers, change makers and global experts, all over Africa.

Bank of Zambia Raises Monetary Policy Rate to 9.50 Percent

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Bank of Zambia Raises Monetary Policy Rate to 9.50 Percent

The Bank of Zambia’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has announced a 25 basis points increase in the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) to 9.50 percent. The decision, made during the May 15-16, 2023 meeting, was driven by concerns over persistently high inflation and the fragility of the country’s economic growth. The committee also took into account risks and vulnerabilities in the financial sector.

The MPC’s decision was based on the projection that inflation would remain above the target range of 6-8 percent in the foreseeable future. Despite a marginal decline in the first quarter of 2023, inflation has remained elevated, largely due to factors such as strong regional demand for maize grain and meal and the depreciation of the Kwacha against the US dollar. Additionally, delays in external debt restructuring negotiations, tighter global financial conditions, and the prolonged Russia-Ukraine war have contributed to upside risks to the inflation outlook.

The Kwacha experienced significant depreciation against the US dollar in the first quarter of 2023, declining by 16.8 percent. This depreciation was driven by excess demand, adverse market sentiments related to external debt restructuring negotiations, and tighter global financial market conditions. However, in April, the Kwacha appreciated by the same percentage due to improved supply of foreign exchange, mainly from quarterly corporate tax obligations and positive market sentiments following the Staff-Level Agreement on the first review of the International Monetary Fund Extended Credit Facility (IMF ECF) arrangement. Nonetheless, pressures in the foreign exchange market have resurfaced, primarily driven by excess demand from various sectors, including wholesale and retail, financial, and electricity, gas, and water supply.

The current account deficit narrowed in the first quarter of 2023, reflecting reduced deficits in both the primary income and services accounts. The reduction in the primary income deficit was attributed to lower investment income, while the narrower services account deficit was due to reduced expenditure on transportation. In the medium term, the current account balance is expected to rebound and post a surplus as global growth recovers, supported by a rise in exports relative to imports.

Credit growth in the country slowed down in March 2023, primarily driven by reduced lending to the government. However, credit to the private sector continued to grow, indicating ongoing economic activity. Money supply expanded due to increased credit to the private sector and valuation effects related to US dollar-denominated credit. The Zambian economy is projected to experience a slowdown in 2023 but rebound in 2024, supported by the recovery of the agriculture and mining sectors, as well as sustained growth in other sectors such as information and communications, manufacturing, transport, and financial and insurance.

The MPC’s decision to raise the Monetary Policy Rate to 9.50 percent aims to address the persistently high inflation and fragile growth in Zambia. The committee emphasized the importance of observed budgetary discipline, fiscal consolidation measures, and broader economic reforms outlined in the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP) in achieving lower inflation and macroeconomic stability.

The Bank of Zambia will closely monitor inflation outcomes, forecasts, and risks associated with financial stability and external debt restructuring in its future MPC meetings. The next meeting is scheduled for August 21 and 22, 2023.

Stop harassing branded online taxis-Tayali

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Stop harassing branded online taxis-Tayali

Transport and Logistics Minister Frank Tayali has warned the Online Taxi Drivers Association to stop harassing drivers operating branded online taxis.

Mr Tayali has since called upon law enforcement agencies to arrest anyone harassing drivers operating brands online taxis.

He said his Ministry has been developing regulations that will guide operations of online taxis adding for now, branded online taxis must be allowed to operate without any disturbances.

Mr. Tayali was reacting to a statement inside by the Online Taxis Association of Zambia urging its members to shutdown the e-hailing App from Monday accusing online taxis of failing to address their concerns.

“Those that want to take the law in their own hands will be visited by the law. We are in the process of finalizing the S.I that will guide these operations, for now, no one should harass those working with e-hailing Apps,” he said.

But a survey in Lusaka on Tuesday has revealed that the planed shutdown had no effect on Yango operations as customers continued ordering the service as normal.

And Yango Zambia Country Manager Kabanda Chewe says the company is deeply concerned about an unruly crowd that vandalized the company’s hub in an effort to disrupt operations as well as cause disturbance to both service and the transport system of Lusaka as a whole.

Ms. Chewe said Yango emphasizes the importance of respecting legal procedures and resolving conflicts peacefully adding that advocate for dialogue and understanding within the industry, but will engage only in a civilized dialogue with relevant parties to address concerns as well as ensure driver safety.

She said Yango firmly opposes violence and harassment towards the drivers and is committed to fostering a safe and supportive environment for all drivers within the platform.

“We advocate for dialogue and understanding within our industry, but will engage only in a civilized dialogue with relevant parties to address concerns as well as ensure driver safety,” Ms. Chewe said.

“It has come to our attention as well that vigilante forces, likely the same ones responcible for the todays disturbance, have recently commenced driver harassment. We strongly condemn these unwarranted and forceful actions, which are not based on any legal grounds,” she emphasized.

“As an organisation, Yango firmly opposes violence and harassment towards the drivers of our partners. We are committed to fostering a safe and supportive environment for all drivers within our platform. The safety and wellbeing of our drivers have always been and will always be our top priority.”

She added, “We encourage the use of lawful channels to address concerns and urge all parties involved to resolve conflicts peacefully and within the framework of the law.”

Community Leader Urges Parents to Work Together Instead of Blaming Mothers in Teen Pregnancy Incidents

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Community Leader Urges Parents to Work Together Instead of Blaming Mothers in Teen Pregnancy Incidents

Some traditional leaders have appealed to families to work together when a teenage girl child falls pregnant instead of blaming women and chasing the child away from home.

Joseph Chulu, an Induna from Mnkhanya Chiefdom, says when a girl child falls pregnant, many husbands tend to put the blame on their wives for not disciplining the child, instead of working together as parents.

Mr. Chulu said this during a community gate keepers training on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Economic Empowerment (SHE) Supporting out of School Adolescent Girls Rights and Skills organised by Care International, Restless Development and Live well Non-Governmental Organisations.

Mr Chulu noted that no sane and wise parent would encourage her child to engage in illicit sexual activities and in the process fall pregnant.

“Some children are stubborn and no matter how a parent disciplines them, they still sneak out at night and go and engage in activities that put them in the family way.

Therefore, it is not necessary for parents, especially fathers, to put the blame on mothers for the wayward behavior of their children. Instead, they should work together as parents for the betterment of their children,” he said.

Mr Chulu urged parents not to chase away their girl children especially teenagers once they fell pregnant, saying allowing them to go and stay with the person who has impregnated them, would only destroy further their future.

“When a girl child falls pregnant and we as parents decide to surrender her to the person who has impregnated her, that will mean we are marrying her off at a tender age and encouraging early child marriages thereby destroying the future of the girl child,” he said.

Mr Chulu said it was better for parents to keep the child and take care of her baby once she gives birth so that the girl child could go back to school, pursue her education and become somebody in future to bring development to the community and the nation at large.

And Mr Chulu further called for the re-introduction of the olden day community gatherings locally known as ‘Mpala’ or ‘Insaka’ a rendezvous that provided an opportunity for children to interact with the elderly on good upbringing and also help them gain some knowledge, learn life skills and chores, wisdom and how to transverse through life as they grew up.

Mr Chulu said the re-introduction of such gatherings would in a way act as a measure to deter young children from engaging in illicit activities that could destroy their future such as underage alcohol drinking, smoking dagga or cigarettes and engaging in sexual activities as the young children will be preoccupied with doing something productive.

He observed that children who were found at such gatherings grew up to be very responsible and full of respect.

Mr Chulu said if such gatherings were re-introduced in communities, young girls would stop getting pregnant and wait for the right time while young boys would also stop impregnating girls and wait for the time when they would marry.

Meanwhile, Mambwe District Health Promotion Officer, Tobias Miti, explained that such initiatives as training gate keepers by implementing partners were needed as many young children were destroying their lives.

Mr Miti observed that many young children were at a stage where they wanted to experiment a lot of things while in the process destroying their own lives.

He called on the community gatekeepers to pass on the information of what they learnt, to others especially teenage girls and boys in their community.

UPND Supports Pending Police Clean-up Exercise to Restore Law and Order

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UPND Supports Pending Police Clean-up Exercise to Restore Law and Order

The United Party for National Development (UPND) has expressed its support for the planned police clean-up exercise announced by Inspector General of Police, Graphel Musamba. In a statement issued by Ruth Dante Heaton, the UPND Media Director, the party welcomed the move, stating that it comes at a crucial time when the UPND-led government is working tirelessly to restore law and order in the country.

Ms. Ruth Dante Heaton, the UPND Media Director, emphasized the significance of the pending police clean-up exercise and its alignment with the party’s core principles. She stated, “As a party that ascended to office on a strong principle of ending graft, political violence, or otherwise, we are of the view that such a move, once fully implemented, would greatly help reduce crime especially with the influx of junkies in most of Zambia’s shanty towns.”

The party recognizes the potential impact of the clean-up exercise on public confidence in the police force, particularly in light of past human rights abuses. Ms. Heaton remarked, “This will also retain the nearly lost public confidence in the police service owing to the numerous human rights abuses recorded in the past. Lost public confidence is a danger to the fight against crime.”

In discussing the re-orientation of political cadres within the police service, Ms. Heaton expressed optimism about the positive changes it could bring. She stated, “Much to this, is the planned re-orientation of political cadres in the Service ‘to try and change the mindset of some political party cadres who were employed as officers’. This, we believe, will greatly enhance service delivery in the Police as the men and women in uniform effectively carry out their duties of maintaining law and order and protecting life and property.”

The UPND places a strong emphasis on the importance of upholding human rights in law enforcement. Ms. Heaton highlighted this, saying, “It is also true that having a Police Service that is well-schooled in understanding matters of human rights is critical in ensuring that liberties of individual citizens are guaranteed and protected.”

Ms. Heaton further criticized the previous government’s employment of political cadres within the police service, attributing it to a lack of political will. She remarked, “The admission that the Police Service has cadres employed by the previous Government is an indictment on the part of the PF regime. This, too, is an indication that there was no political will during the PF rule. The infusion of cadres in the service is what exacerbated the rise in human rights abuses, violence, and corruption by the men and women in uniform.”

In conclusion, Ms. Heaton called upon the general citizenry to actively support the police in combating crime within their communities. She emphasized the importance of reporting criminal activities, stating, “That stated, it remains the responsibility of the general citizenry to ensure they help the Police to stamp out criminality in their communities by ensuring they report criminal activities.”

The planned police clean-up exercise has received the backing of the UPND, whose Media Director, Ms. Ruth Dante Heaton, believes it will contribute to the restoration of law and order, reduce crime, and rebuild public confidence in the police service. The party also highlights the importance of re-orienting political cadres within the police force and educating officers on human rights principles. With the collective efforts of the government, police, and citizens, it is hoped that Zambia can move closer to a safer and more just society.

Who Owns Afcon 2012 Jersey?

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Who Owns Afcon 2012 Jersey?

By Dickson Jere

Who owns the jersey that was worn by the 2012 Afcon champions – Zambia? This question has triggered a very healthy debate in the country. It is good that issues of Intellectual Property (IP) rights are now becoming part of our debate.

So, the answer to the question is twofold.

Firstly, as any lawyer will tell you, the answer is found in the contract between the sports wear company Nike and the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ). Ordinarily, in most of such contracts, the IP rights remain with the sportswear company like Nike but the contract may provide something else. That is the easy answer to the question of ownership of the jersey.

Secondly, the answer can also be very complicated. Four different pieces of legislation comes into play and I will briefly touch on them below.
1. Trademark – the FAZ logos, shapes like the Nike mark and all that on the jersey will be protected under the trademark law. In Zambia, it will be the Trade Mark Act, Chapter 400 of the Laws of Zambia. For them to be protected, they must be registered as such at PACRA.

2. Industrial Design – the design of that jersey, the colors, patterns, stripes, shape, lines, ornament and all, will be protected under the design law. In Zambia, it will be under the Industrial Designs Act No 22 of 2016. I have been reliably informed that the jersey was designed by former FAZ President and our football icon Kalusha Bwalya. So, on face value he can claim the design rights but did he register it with PACRA? Or he handed it over to Nike? In short, the design must be registered in order to be protected.

3. Copyright- the jersey may also contains some write ups, graphics, pictorials or sculptural features. These will be protected by another law – copyright. But hear me here – copyright subsists in the original works of authorship when fixed on the jersey. So, there is no need to register with PACRA – rights are protected automatically! In Zambia copyright is governed by the Copyright and Performance Rights Act, Chapter 406 of the Laws of Zambia.

4. Patent – If that jersey contains some unique and special scientific discovery in its fabric or how it works on the body of the players, then it can also be protected by patent law. This is very rare but some have patented jerseys. In Zambia, patents must be registered at PACRA fir one to claim the invention. This is done under the Patents Act No 40 of 2016.

So, four different laws deal with one simple jersey as demonstrated above. That is way bigger brands will simply insert a clause stating that “all IP rights belong to Nike” meaning that whomever was involved with development of the jersey gives up the rights. This is usually in exchange for cash! Sometimes, the IP rights can be shared.

So, who owns the 2012 Afcon jersey?

The answer lies in the contract between Nike and FAZ! The Kalusha Bwalya executive that signed contract with Nike may shed more light as to whether they gave away the IP rights or not…(I wish I can see the contract and the IP rights clauses). I hope FAZ secretariat have copy in achieves.

By the way, this has nothing to do with wearing of the apparel by citizens at any event so long as it is not counterfeit. You are free to wear them anytime…
Anyway, Zambians are only interested in watching the game between their Legends and Barcelona FC. The team can even play shirtless we do not care…it is the players we are interested in!

The author is Zambian Lawyer and Journalist who is also an IP Rights Practitioner. He holds a Masters Degree in Intellectual Property (MIP) under the scholarship of the World International Property Organisation (WIPO) and the Japanese Government.

Pipeline Rupture at Swaya Results in Spillage of 1 Million Litres of Diesel Destined for Zambia, Tazama Reports

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Pipeline Rupture at Swaya Results in Spillage of 1 Million Litres of Diesel Destined for Zambia, Tazama Reports

Tazama Pipelines Limited, the joint venture between the governments of Zambia and Tanzania, has reported a significant pipeline rupture at KM 839 near M.U.S.T. Iyunga Mbeya, resulting in the spillage of approximately 1 million litres of Low Sulphur Gasoil (LSG). The incident occurred on May 15th, 2023, when a contractor, working on behalf of Tarura, accidentally damaged the pipeline while carrying out road works.

Tazama Pipelines Limited operates a 1,710 km pipeline, transporting finished products from the port of Dar es Salaam to the receiving terminal in Ndola, Zambia. The company owns a tank farm in Tanzania with a storage capacity of 231,000,000 litres and several booster pumping stations strategically located along the pipeline.

Upon noticing an abnormal pressure drop downstream of the pipeline at approximately 13:10 hrs, the operator on duty initiated a line survey and subsequently received a call from the Swaya ward councillor at 13:40 hrs, informing them about the rupture. Tazama’s emergency response team was immediately dispatched to the site, and all necessary measures, such as isolating the affected section by closing valves at KM 799 and KM 856 Songwe, were implemented.

Upon arrival at the scene at around 14:30 hrs, the response team assessed the situation and began containment procedures. Due to the extensive damage caused by the motor grader blade, which created a large hole in the pipeline, additional machinery and equipment were requested from Tazama’s regional office in Dar es Salaam to facilitate repairs. As of now, the team and the required equipment are en route to the site.

Preliminary estimates indicate that the incident has resulted in the loss of approximately 1 million litres of LSG. The costs associated with the repairs, including the mobilization of manpower and equipment, supervisory and administrative expenses, and environmental cleanup, will be determined once the repairs are completed. Additionally, the financial impact of the idle time and loss of business caused by the incident will be calculated.

Tazama Pipelines Limited expects that operations will resume within two days upon the completion of repair works and environmental remediation. It is worth noting that the pipeline’s right-of-way is well-marked, but it appears that the contractor neglected the markings during the road construction activities.

The company assures the public that it is fully committed to addressing the situation promptly and minimizing any further environmental impact. Tazama Pipelines Limited will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident to prevent such occurrences in the future.

We have fulfilled most of the promises we made to the Zambian People-UPND

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We have fulfilled most of the promises we made to the Zambian People-UPND

Copperbelt Province Minister Elisha Matambo has said the UPND Government has fulfilled most of the promises it made to the people of Zambia prior to coming into power in 2021.

Speaking in Ndola on Tuesday , Mr Matambo cited the recruitment of teachers and doctors as well as the introduction of free education as some of the achievements made by the UPND Government in nearly two years.

Mr. Matambo said there are several projects across the province and beyond being implemented using the expanded Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

He said the New Dawn Government is also keen and determined to finish the delayed multimillion Kafulafulatu Water project that is expected to service Ndola, Luanshya, Masaiti and Mpongwe Districts.

Mr. Matambo said President Hakainde Hichilema and his Government has been pragmatic.

“His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema has walked his talk. We have tried to follow his vision by creating an enabling environment on the Copperbelt so that investors are free to invest in our province without having sleepless nights that their money is unsafe. We are trying to maintain law and order, there is no cadrelism which we used to have. Copperbelt sometimes was referred to as Beirut (war zone) because of the violence which used to be here. This time around we have tried to maintain law and order so I think those who will come and invest in the Copperbelt they will be doing the right thing, they will reap what they will sow in terms of their investment. In terms of power (electricity) I am sure the people are happy with what his Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema and the team has done in terms of ending load shedding,” Mr. Matambo said.

He added that the Government has found money through Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit to fix sewer lines in Kitwe’s Kwacha Constituency and in Kabushi Constituency of Ndola District.

Mr. Matambo earlier officiated at a ground-breaking ceremony of over K3 million road rehabilitation project in Luanshya District.

The poor state of many roads and bridges in Luanshya has been a thorn issue for many years.

“The road rehabilitation works is jointly financed by Luanshya Council and Luanshya Copper Mine and expected to create 50 direct and 100 indirect jobs.The road rehabilitation works will be done using pavers therefrom transferring skills to the youths.We were also happy to commission Roan Bridge across Luanshya stream funded by Road Development Agency (RDA) and Luanshya Council using locally generated income at a total cost of K2.6 million.We appealed to Luanshya residents to look after the infrastructure jealously.It was also remarkable to handover Newtown Police Post built by Luanshya Council using Ward Development Fund (WDF) amounting to over K400,000,” he said.

“We urged all stakeholders to support the police by ensuring that our men and women in uniforms receives necessary support.Other projects that we were privileged to commission are procurement of brand new garbage compactor at cost of K1.6 million and installation of 40 refuse bins done in conjunction with Luanshya Council and Engineering Institute of Zambia (EIZ) aimed at keeping Luanshya clean and green,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mr. Matambo has warned Head-Teachers against misusing school grants meant to facilitate the provision of free education.

Mr. Matambo said he has received information indicating that some head teachers in the province are using school grants for personal activities.

He said some school head-teachers have spent the grants on workshops and other unnecessary things.

“In some schools money has not been used according to the intended purposes. Some schools have spent money on workshops, traveling and other unnecessary things. I want to appeal to all the Head-Teachers on the Copperbelt Province, use that money according to the guidelines given. We don’t want to end up with situations where schools won’t have chalk because grants have been channeled to unnecessary things,” Mr. Matambo said.

Warriors extend Numba’s stay by two years

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Warriors extend Numba’s stay by two years

By BENEDICT TEMBO

MTN Super League side Kabwe Warriors have extended the contract for coach Numba Mumamba by two years. Numba joined the Magnificent People’s team on an initial six months deal last year in December. He has since been in charge of 21 games, recording nine wins, nine draws and three losses. Warriors chairman Mutale Ngandu says sponsors Zambia Railways and the executive committee are happy with the performance of Numba as he met the targets set for him to make the team survive relegation.

“As you are aware we signed coach Numba to a six month contract and we are very happy with his performance and we know that since he will be starting with the team for the 2023/2024 season, he will be able to plan adequately so that we compete in the league favourably,” Ngandu said.

And thanked the sponsors Zambia Railways and executive committee for having confidence in him.

“I am very grateful (for the contract extension). It will give me an opportunity to coach this great team Kabwe Warriors. Kabwe Warriors is a very big brand and it deserves to be at the top. I think the support I have received since I came has been overwhelming and again I am very grateful for the opportunity they have given me for the next two seasons,” Numba said.

The Coach has pledged to help steer Kabwe Warriors back to its glory days.

“I think it is a huge task ahead. We have to get down to work immediately so that we make sure that we compete favorably like the way we are known to be. I think from the time I came, the supporters have also shown great support to the team which has helped us to perform the way we have performed. I encourage the supporters to keep on supporting the team because they are the 12th player. Without them we can not do well. We value their support and we can only promise to do our level best to make them smile.”

Meanwhile, Kabwe Warriors General Manager Charles Chakatazya said; “ I am very grateful to the sponsors and the Exco for the support they have given the team. It is not easy but we have been able to survive and now we can plan well for next season. We are very happy to have Coach Numba on board. He is one of the coaches with vast experience. We wish him all the best in the next two seasons.”

Warriors travel to Chingola to face Nchanga Rangers for the season closing fixture towards the end of the month.

Connect schools to national grid – ZNUT

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Connect schools to national grid – ZNUT

North Western province Zambia National Union of Teachers organising secretary Setty Maseka has called on government to ensure most schools are connected to the national grid to enable pupils to fully benefit from digital education.

Mr Maseka commended Government and partners for the initiative of training teachers in digital technology but noted that the training should not only benefit children in urban areas.

“Most of our schools are in rural set ups where there is no power that’s the more reason why we should all of us as stakeholders lobby government to ensure that most of these schools are connected to the national grid” Mr Maseka said.

ZANIS reports that Mr Maseka said if power connection is not possible at the moment, other alternative sources of energy such as solar can be provided.

“If some of these schools can be provided with some solar gadgets to be able to access some internet connectivity, that will go a long way in meeting the education standards” Mr Maseka stated.

The Provincial organising secretary stated that the need to equip teachers with digital technology education skills now cannot be more emphasized especially now that the world is shifting online.

Mr Maseka said if teachers are equipped with these skills, the skills will be imparted also in the learners to help them acquire skills of research.

ZNUT Provincial organising secretary said research increases the knowledge levels of pupils as well as grasping of concepts.

Bribery still a challenge among public, private institutions – ACC

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Bribery still a challenge among public, private institutions – ACC

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) says bribery remains a huge challenge in both public and private institutions. ACC Acting Northern Regional Manager Lackson Daka says this is despite the reduction of the bribery index from 10.9 percent in 2019 to 10.1 percent in 2022.

He says the 2022 Zambia Bribe Payers’ Index (ZBPI) survey findings show that the overall bribery index was reduced by 0.8 percent. Mr Daka said this today at the dissemination of the 2022 Zambia Bribe Payers’ Index survey report findings in Kasama district.

He said that the reduction of bribery is a manifestation of the efforts government has put in place to reduce corruption. He says some measures put in place include rolling out integrity committees,introduction of corruption prevention practices like service charters,conflict of interest guidelines and codes of conduct in public institutions.

He says the fight against corruption is a mammoth task which requires concerted efforts from all stakeholders. He has since appealed to all government departments to ensure that they establish integrity committees and make them functional.

CTPD Calls for Government Action in Strengthening the Legal Framework for Protecting Local Communities’ Rights to Land

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CTPD Calls for Government Action in Strengthening the Legal Framework for Protecting Local Communities’ Rights to Land

The Centre for Trade Policy and Development (CTPD) has issued a press statement expressing deep concerns about the abuse of human rights and environmental violations resulting from irresponsible Large-Scale Land-Based Investments (LSLBIs). The organization calls for immediate government action in strengthening the existing legal framework to protect local communities and their customary rights from the adverse effects of these investments.

As climate change continues to have increasingly adverse impacts on vulnerable and marginalized communities, the CTPD emphasizes the need to address the ongoing environmental degradation and human rights abuses. While the government’s focus on accelerating economic growth and enhancing livelihoods is crucial, it should not come at the expense of environmental sustainability and human rights.

Recent observations have shown that extensive land and forest clearances for investments in agriculture, mining, construction, and manufacturing sectors have led to environmental degradation, land grabbing, displacement, and loss of access to natural resources. Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Collins Nzovu, conducted a fact-finding mission in Mumbwa district, revealing that local pastoral communities have been restricted from accessing communal grazing areas. These findings highlight the abuse of customary rights and the degradation of the environment due to land clearing, contributing to global warming and climate change.

The press statement also highlights the lack of coordination and synergies between the government and traditional leadership in implementing policies and legislation. The case in Mumbwa district is just one example of numerous instances of human rights abuses and environmental degradation resulting from Large-Scale Land-Based Investments (LSLBIs), which disproportionately affect the poor and vulnerable.

Recognizing the government’s efforts to review and develop new policies and legal frameworks, the CTPD commends these steps and sees an opportunity to address the inadequacies in existing legislation. The organization emphasizes the importance of responsible investment anchored on international and national agreed principles, such as Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC). This principle requires investments to respect legitimate land tenure rights and holders and involve participation in decision-making, transparency, accountability, and equal sharing of benefits and risks.

The CTPD points out that countries like Sierra Leone have enacted legislation, such as the Customary Land Rights Act, to protect customary land rights and apply FPIC principles. Therefore, the organization urges the Zambian government to enhance and develop the legal framework to adequately address customary land tenure rights, ensuring the protection of local communities and the environment from investment abuses. Additionally, the government should integrate customary land tenure rights into the investment assessment and approval process and promote Inclusive Business Models (IBM) that foster equitable sharing of benefits and risks between investors and local communities.

Kitwe Teaching Eye Hospital urged to submit plans for expansion to Government

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Kitwe Teaching Eye Hospital urged to submit plans for expansion to Government

Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Administration Christoper Simoonga has advised management at Kitwe Teaching Eye hospital to submit their plan on the expansion of the eye facility to the Ministry of health .

Dr Simoonga says the government was eager to build its own specialised eye center that would help reduce on the current number of referrals to other countries hence the need for management to make its submissions so that a budget to expand the hospital can be made available.

ZANIS reports that the Permanent Secretary said this when he visited Kitwe eye hospital in Kitwe district.

He said the government wants to see a situation where the capacity of local facilities are enhanced to handle eye treatment cases that are currently being referred abroad to reduce expenses.

“We are lucky we can always go into a memorandum of understanding with experts in India so that they can teach some of the specialised health personnel here in Zambia instead of us transferring the patients to India making us spend on air tickets among other expenses which is extremely expensive,” he said.

Dr Simoonga says the Ministry of finance was supportive as it wants to see the health care facilities equipped and ready to offer health care services to the people

He added that eye hospitals, cancer disease hospitals are a fourth level of excellence that must be built strongly in both research and service.

And Kitwe teaching eye hospital Senior Medical Superintendent

Dr.Chileshe Mboni said the hospital needs to be expanded as it now receives about 150 patients a day than the previous days when it used to receive about 60 people.

He added that there is need for more health practitioners at the clinic to help attend to the growing number of patients.

He said management will be consulting the Ministry of Health to see how best the issue of inadequate staff and expansion of the hospital can be finalised.

He observed that the hospital performs about 2000 eye surgeries in a year and also carters for children with eye problems hence the need for more health workers.

President Lungu’s Immunity does not extend to his wife and Children

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President Lungu’s Immunity does not extend to his wife and Children

Gertrude Imenda, the Deputy Secretary General of the United Party for National Development (UPND),has asserted that the immunity enjoyed by former Zambian President Edgar Lungu does not extend to his wife and children. Imenda emphasized that they can be subject to investigation and legal proceedings if any wrongdoing is suspected.

Imenda’s comments came in response to remarks made by Brian Mundubile, a presidential aspirant from the Patriotic Front (PF), who claimed that Lungu was unjustly treated by the UPND government, alleging that he had not committed any actions to warrant such treatment.

Responding to Mundubile’s assertions, Imenda clarified that Lungu was not being harassed by the UPND government, as implied. She reiterated that the investigation into Lungu’s alleged misdeeds was carried out in accordance with the rule of law and due process.

Imenda further explained that presidential immunity, which shields former heads of state from prosecution for acts committed during their tenure, is limited to the individual holding the office. The immunity does not extend to the immediate family members, such as the spouse and children.

Yesterday, Ho Mundubile, a presidential aspirant from the opposition Patriotic Front (PF) party, expressed his disapproval of the treatment received by former Zambian President Edgar Lungu at the hands of the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) government. Mundubile questioned the justification behind the treatment and accused the government of infringing on Lungu’s rights as a citizen.

Mundubile specifically referred to Justice Minister Mulambo Haimbe’s statement regarding Lungu’s continued enjoyment of benefits despite alleged misbehavior. He questioned the notion of misbehavior and urged the government to clarify the actions they were referring to. Mundubile emphasized that as a citizen of Zambia, Lungu is entitled to all the rights and freedoms accorded to him, and any attempt to control his behavior would be an infringement on his rights.

Furthermore, Mundubile drew a parallel to the respectful treatment of former presidents in neighboring Kenya, particularly mentioning President Uhuru Kenyatta’s respect for former President William Ruto. He called upon the UPND government to learn from this example and urged ministers and the head of state to show similar respect towards Lungu.

The opposition aspirant criticized the alleged harassment and humiliation that Lungu has endured, particularly by the police and the UPND government. Mundubile argued that there was no justification for such treatment, and the government’s contradictory statements and activities concerning the former president’s office raised suspicions. He called on the UPND to reflect on their actions, stating that their treatment of a former head of state was drawing negative attention globally.

Mundubile suggested that Lungu’s harassment stemmed from the UPND government’s fear that his interactions with citizens would expose their failures in fulfilling their promises. According to him, the government’s sensitivity arose from their realization that they had not delivered on their commitments to the Zambian people. Mundubile cited potential topics that Lungu might address, such as drug shortages, agricultural sector challenges, compromised judiciary appointments, and concerns within the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ).

Meanwhile, Mundubile challenged Justice Minister Haimbe’s assertion that a former head of state’s treatment was based on their conduct while in power. He accused the UPND government of handling the matter in a childish manner, calling for a proper legal process if they had any case against Lungu, including laying charges, removing his immunity in Parliament, and prosecuting him in a dignified manner.

Parliamentary Committee Chairperson Calls for Unified Efforts to Fight Corruption Irrespective of Political Affiliation

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Parliamentary Committee Chairperson Calls for Unified Efforts to Fight Corruption Irrespective of Political Affiliation

Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee Chairperson and Ndola’s Bwana Mkubwa Member of Parliament Warren Chisha Mwambazi has said all citizens have a moral obligation to support the fight against corruption regardless of their political affiliation.

Mr. Mwambazi said corruption is a fundamental developmental problem that must be fought at all cost.

He said corruption and bribery hurts the poor and erodes progress in society.

Mr. Mwambazi said Zambia must fight past and current corruption cases and put prevention measures against future bad Governance practices.

He said public officers and employees must at all times be accountable to the people by serving them with utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty, and efficiency

Mr Mwambazi said public officers must work with patriotism, justice and lead modest lives.

“Public office is a public trust. Public officers and employees must, at all times, be accountable to the people, serve them with utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty, and efficiency; act with patriotism and justice, and lead modest lives.We all have a moral obligation to support the fight against corruption no matter which side of politics we belong to. Corruption is a fundamental development problem. It hurts the poor and erodes progress. We must fight past and current corruption and put prevention measures against future corruption. We need stiffer punishments for those who steal from the poor people.Never give solidarity to corruption. Give solidarity to the fight against corruption,” Mwambazi said.

Meanwhile, Mr. Mwambazi has highlighted functions of the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC).

He said examining the accounts of government departments and agencies to ensure that public funds are being used efficiently and effectively is a key function of PAC.

Mr. Mwambazi said PAC must scrutinise the performance of government departments and agencies in relation to the delivery of public services.

He said PAC is also instrumental in investigating cases of financial irregularities, fraud, and corruption within government departments and agencies.

“The functions of the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee-PAC which I happen to be the chairperson include;Examining the accounts of government departments and agencies to ensure that public funds are being used efficiently and effectively.
Scrutinizing the performance of government departments and agencies in relation to the delivery of public services.Investigating cases of financial irregularities, fraud, and corruption within government departments and agencies,” he stated.

The Bwana Mkubwa lawmaker emphasised PAC’s role of ensuring that the government is held accountable for its use of public funds and that public services are delivered efficiently and effectively.

“Making recommendations to improve financial management and accountability within government departments and agencies.Monitoring the implementation of recommendations made by the Committee in previous reports.Engaging with stakeholders, including government officials, civil society organizations, and the public, to gather information and views on matters within its mandate.Reporting its findings and recommendations to Parliament, and making these reports available to the public.Holding public hearings and summoning witnesses to give evidence on matters within its mandate. Ensuring that the government is held accountable for its use of public funds and that public services are delivered efficiently and effectively,” he said.

MMwambazi recently challenged public officers to adhere to the Public Finance Act and the Public procurement law to reduce audit queries that are highlighted in the Auditor General’s report annually.

Mr. Mwambazi said public resources must be utilised well for the benefit of the Zambian people.

“For us to reduce the volume of the audit queries in the auditor general’s report that entails that we become more serious with how we carry ourselves as government workers, as civil servants as controlling officers. We follow the public finance act number 1 of 2018 and the entirety of what it requires us to do. Then we are going to reduce queries in the auditor general’s report. We should desist from business as usual as government workers, as permanent secretaries. You see when we are doing procurement, when we are doing all these things we are privileged people because 18 million plus Zambians choose you as permanent secretary, it is a privilege but you need to be accountable because when you come to the Public Accounts Committee we won’t spare you,” he told journalists in Ndola recently.

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