Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary for Educational Services Joel Kamoko says government is committed to promoting education as a key sector for national development.

Mr Kamoko says the donation of classroom structures by the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints has come at a better time when the government in 2022 introduced the free education policy from early childhood education to grade twelve.

He said this when he graced the handover ceremony of the Shifwankula primary and Secondary school infrastructure in Mungule area in Chibombo District.

The Permanent Secretary stated that the free education policy has enabled every child to be provided with an opportunity to access free education.

Mr Kamoko further stated that his Ministry is delighted to have partners like the church of Jesus Christ of the latter-Day Saints working with the government of the republic of Zambia in supporting such projects so that free education is indeed well realised.

He disclosed that the church has so far been responding positively to requests many schools have made to them.

“Both primary and secondary schools have benefited greatly. At Shifwankula primary school,the church has completed the construction of a one by three and a one by six classroom block, two ablution blocks for both boys and girls: and a donation of 500 double seater desks. The secondary school has also benefited through the rehabilitation of two classroom blocks,” he said.

Mr Kamoko added that the church has been supporting the Ministry of Education since 2019 and has supported schools in Chibombo, Chilanga, Chongwe and Lusaka Districts.

He disclosed the pending Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which is expected to be signed soon between the church and my ministry.

He further disclosed that the document is currently undergoing final scrutiny by the ministry of justice and once that process is completed, the MOU will then be signed by the two parties.

“Among the potential benefits, the signed MOU will enable the church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints to widen the scope of school infrastructure support to a much broader scale,” he said.

And Chibombo District Education Board Secretary Franklins Musakula said his office is humbled for the gesture which will aid to mitigate strides in meeting the eighth National Development goal.

Mr Musakula highlighted that this can only be attained once cooperating partners such as the church and other stakeholders work together in coming up with initiatives like the one whose handover we are witnessing today.

He expressed gratitude to the church of Jesus Christ of Latter – Day Saints, as their cooperating partner for fostering development through their endless support to the school and the community at large.

European Union (EU) Ambassador Jacek Jankowski says the partnership between Zambia and the European Union has continued to accelerate, reaching new heights.

Ambassador Jankowski cited the first ever Zambia-EU economic forum last year, the visit by EU Commissioner for Agriculture as well as other events that were jointly held to promote local manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and medical products as some of the partnerships built.

The Ambassador further mentioned the signing of the Zambia – EU Forest Partnership between President Hakainde Hichilema and the European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen at the Climate Summit in Sharm-el-Sheikh.

Speaking during the commemoration of the European Day celebration in Lusaka, Ambassador Jankowski announced a European high-level mission in the country this year, demonstrating that Zambia among other EU member states remains high on the EU agenda.

Meanwhile, the Ambassador said that the EU condemns the Russian invasion and brutal aggression against Ukraine.

He explained that the crimes committed against civilian population in Ukraine including women and children are terrible atrocities which should not be kept unanswered.

He said the EU believes that the future peace of Ukraine must bring justice and fully restore Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity.

And Ambassador Jankowski commended Zambia for supporting the principles as enshrined in the United Nations Charter.

“We celebrate today the increasingly close partnerships between Zambia and the EU member states,” Ambassador Jankowski stated.

The Ambassador disclosed his end of tenure in the country noting that he holds a great impression of the Zambian people and leadership.

He said that the peaceful transition of power after the 2021 general elections in Zambia continues to put Zambia as a great example of genuine democracy.

Gracing the event, Minister of Agriculture Mutolo Phiri said that the celebration signifies the collective efforts of EU member states towards working to create a better world for future generations while resolving in upscaling the aspiration attainment of the people.

Mr Phiri reiterated Zambia’s commitment to strengthen cooperation with the EU which continues to be a partner that has contributed to the development agenda of the country.

He reiterated EUs continued support to Zambia through innovative mechanisms such as the European Development Fund (EDF) and Zambia’s EU forum which has served as key instruments in financing for Zambia’s development agenda.

“The EU has been one of Zambia’s considered development partners for many years and it is for this reason we greatly value cooperation with the EU at all levels,” Mr Phiri stated.

The Minister disclosed that in line with the post – Cotonou partnerships agreement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation will on May 19, 2023, will convene the 2023 Zambia-EU political dialogue meeting.

Mr Phiri explained that this will continue to serve as a platform for discussion of various global, continental and regional issues of mutual interests.

He noted that Zambia looks forward to aligning the objectives of the post – Cotonou agreement with the eighth national development plan to ensure sustainable development and economic progression in the country.

The European Day marks a historical day in 1950, only five years after the second world War when the then French Foreign Minister proposed a new form of cooperation in Europe.

The Tanzania-Zambia railway (TAZARA) line is a symbol of the strong relationship between China and Zambia, according to Batuke Imenda, the Secretary General of the United Party for National Development (UPND). Speaking at the Tazara Memorial Cemetery in Lusaka during a visit from the International Department of the Chinese Communist Party (CPC), Imenda said that the railway was a testament to the true brotherhood that exists between the two countries.

Imenda paid tribute to the Chinese people who worked on the railway, saying that they made a great sacrifice for the benefit of Zambia. He acknowledged that the Chinese were willing to lose their lives while working on the railway, and said that their sacrifice should never be forgotten. Imenda said that TAZARA was also a symbol of China’s sacrifice for Africa, to the extent that the Chinese lost their lives in the line of duty.

Imenda recounted the history of the railway, explaining that an agreement was signed in Beijing in 1967 for the construction of TAZARA. The initial idea was for the railway to start in Tanzania and end in Zambia, and the railway was officially opened in 1975. The Tazara Railway is a single-track railway that is 1,860 km long, and it links the port of Dar es Salaam in east Tanzania with the town of Kapiri Mposhi in Zambia’s Central Province. The railway is operated by the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA), and it is important for the economies of both countries.

During the visit, the Director General for Bureau of Sub-Saharan African Affairs of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, Wang Heming, paid tribute to the 36 Chinese experts who died during the construction of the TAZARA. Heming said that over 50,000 Chinese experts have worked on various projects in Africa. He also explained that China considers TAZARA a railway of freedom and liberation because during the apartheid regime, the railway made a great contribution to Southern Africa.

Heming expressed happiness that the cooperation between China and Zambia is continuing under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The visit by the CPC officials to the Tazara Memorial Cemetery was an opportunity to pay tribute to the Chinese workers who lost their lives while building the railway, and to reaffirm the strong relationship that exists between China and Zambia.

Central Province Permanent Secretary, Milner Mwanakampwe, has expressed worry over the mushrooming of bars and taverns in Kabwe.

Speaking during the adolescent’s health indaba held over the weekend, Mr Mwanakampwe observed that most of the shanty compounds in the district have more bars and taverns than they have recreation facilities.

He says it is worrisome that most of the adolescents are found patrolling these premises and engaging in illicit activities like beer drinking, drug abuse and sexual activities.

Mr Mwanakampwe has since called on the local authority to take charge and get rid of certain unauthorized businesses that might injure the well-being of youths in the district.

He said the local authority should channel its efforts to enhance the youth resource centres and public libraries which the adolescents can use to learn various skills and enhance their knowledge levels.

The PS has challenged adolescents to take responsibility for their lives and avoid activities that may distract them from advancing their goals.

He said for a long time, adolescents have cried for the availability of youth recreation centres yet none of them takes advantage of the already-existing resource centres in Kabwe.

“As you can see, the government is already doing its part in safeguarding your interests through various empowerment programmes such as this Indaba and opportunities in the Constituency Development Funds (CDF). But what are you doing to reciprocate the support?” he asked.

He further called on the adolescents to feel free to interact with his office saying that will help the government to effectively address their needs.

Mr Mwanakampwe said his office has an open-door policy where youths can go and make viable contributions and suggestions as well as raise concerns on issues that affect them.

He said it is the desire of the government to see adolescents and youths in the country thriving economically and that he will do everything possible in his capacity as PS to ensure that the young people are helped.

“A platform has already been set for our adolescents to express themselves and we need to support their talents and skills if we are to have a better Zambia and better future leaders,” he stated.

South African coastal city of Durban is buzzing as thousands of delegates attend the 2023 edition of Africa’s Travel Indaba (ATI), the continent’s premier tourism trade show hosted at the iconic Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre this week.

The highly anticipated Africa’s Travel Indaba 2023 is back after hiatus caused by Covid-19 and figures have shown that participation is almost reaching pre-COVID-19 levels.

With over 21 African countries participating including Zambia, showcasing over 350 tourism products, this year’s event is vibrant and represents a diverse representation of Africa’s tourism industry offering a vast array of unique and exciting offerings that the continent has to offer.

The 2023 edition of Africa’s Travel Indaba will bring together stakeholders from across the tourism industry ecosystem, from no less than 1000 buyers, just under 1000 exhibitors, destination marketing bodies, hotel groups, airlines, tour operators, and 10 African tourism boards.

Organised by SA Tourism, Africa’s Travel Indaba aims to facilitate networking and business opportunities within the African tourism industry, all with the shared goal of aiding the much-needed recovery of our sector.
With a focus on collaboration, the event serves as a crucial platform for industry professionals to come together, share insights, and forge partnerships that will drive growth.

Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille officially opened the trade show on Tuesday with the ringing of the bell to symbolise the commencement of trading.

“We are determined to drive the recovery of the tourism industry and to ensure that we continue to contribute to creating jobs and grow the continent’s economy. It is vital that we work together to promote Africa as a preferred tourist destination for both leisure tourism and business events.

Minister de Lille said the public and private sectors must unite to showcase the continent’s diverse offerings and leverage technology, spur innovation, and create memorable experiences for visitors.

“The trade show provides an opportunity for face-to-face interactions, networking, sharing ideas, and forging partnerships that will enhance the industry’s recovery, particularly after the COVID-19 lockdowns and disruptions to the greater global tourism industry,” she said.

“We are ready to welcome the world to the Zulu Kingdom and let our story shine through our rich history, meandering mountains, authentic Zulu culture, our renowned World Heritage sites and vibrant city nightlife,” said KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube.

“As the province of KwaZulu-Natal, we are ready to show the world that the province is still their most loved destination and will showcase many of the great products and developments that have come into the market since we last met. Our magnificent province is indeed a safe destination in which to enjoy a well-needed getaway, either along the beautiful coastal shores or in one of many game reserves surrounded by magnificent wildlife and tranquil nature. I would like to encourage delegates attending Africa’s Travel Indaba, to plan to take some time after the event to visit areas of the province and experience our tourism products, restaurants, cuisine, nightlife, great weather, hospitable people and rich history and culture,” Siboniso Duma, the KZN MEC for Economic Development, Tourism & Environmental Affairs.

“We know that Africa’s Travel Indaba has an immense impact on the South African economy and its people, and we look forward to the positive outcomes that the 2023 edition brings,” said Ms. de Lille.

Durban was voted ‘Africa’s Leading Festival and Event Destination 2022’ by voters of World Travel Awards.