Zambia’s Patriotic Front (PF) Presidential Candidate, Emmanuel Mwamba, has issued a statement emphasizing the importance of not sacrificing national values and principles in light of recent criticism from the United States Embassy in Zambia. Mwamba’s statement came after the Zambian government arrested four LGBTQ activists, a move that was condemned by the U.S. Embassy.

Mwamba stated, “We should not allow foreign values and perversions masquerading as human rights to be forced on Zambia. It is imperative that foreigners that wish to cooperate with us as development partners must respect our national values and principles, and must help us promote and foster our laws, norms, values, culture, and traditions.”

Mwamba added that programs aimed at ending sexual and gender-based violence must not be used to promote LGBTQ+ rights, which he said were offensive to Zambia’s laws, norms, traditional, religious, and cultural values. “Yes, Zambia will fight Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (S&GBV),” he said, “but like other programs such as Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (S&RHR) and Comprehensive Sexuality Education( CSE), these programs must never be used to integrate the Agenda of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Queer (LGBTQ)+.”

The U.S. Embassy had called on Zambia’s leaders to take action against sexual and gender-based violence, focusing resources on preventing SGBV and holding perpetrators accountable, and ensuring all people realize the full and equal freedoms, rights, and protections they are guaranteed under the law.

Mwamba’s statement highlighted the need to address sexual and gender-based violence in Zambia, but emphasized the importance of doing so in a manner that respects the country’s values and principles. He further noted that Zambia must not allow foreign values and perversions masquerading as human rights to be forced on the country.

“While we appreciate the support of the United States Embassy in condemning sexual and gender-based violence, we reject any suggestion that our nation should be compelled to adopt practices and ideologies that are not compatible with our cultural and traditional values,” Mwamba said.

While Zambia is being recognized as a poster boy of Africa by the West and is set to host international conferences promoting democracy, Mwamba asserted that the country must never sacrifice its soul in the process. “Even as Zambia is being identified and fronted as a poster boy of Africa by the West and will be rewarded with official high-level visits from such countries and will host international conferences promoting democracy, it must never come at the expense or expedient of sacrificing the soul of the nation,” he said.

Mwamba’s statement underscores the need for Zambia to remain true to its values and principles while addressing issues such as sexual and gender-based violence. The statement serves as a reminder that development partners must respect Zambia’s cultural and traditional values and work to promote and foster the country’s laws, norms, values, culture, and traditions.

Police in Ndola have arrested and charged three illegal miners with an offence of criminal trespass.

The suspects were apprehended on March 4, 2023 at 10:30 hours in Mushili Lupili area of Ndola where it is alleged that they were illegally mining manganese.

Brief facts are that on the material date, police officers from masala police post were alerted by members of the community that illegal miners were loading manganese onto a truck which they had illegally mined.

Police officers rushed to the area where the illegal activity was being conducted and managed to arrest three people who included the driver of the truck which was being loaded with manganese identified as Thompson Matimba aged 36 of House Number 337/14 Chipata Compound in Ndola.

Others arrested include Chiza Matimba aged 34 years of House Number NSS446 Chazanga Lusaka and Emmanuel Nsamba aged 35 of 2224 Ndeke Ndola .

The suspects are currently detained in police custody while the Scania truck registration Number BAF 2470 and trailer registration number 7302 belonging to Shaann carriers of Lusaka which was found about a quarter loaded with manganese has been impounded and parked at Masala Police Station.

BENEDICT TEMBO

ZAMBIA Army Commander Sitali Dennis Alibuzwi has honoured multi-talented soldier Priscilla Katoba and 28 others for their enormous contribution to the military.

Lieutenant General Alibuzwi honoured and awarded Colonel Katoba along with 28 officers and soldiers, both serving and retired, for their outstanding contribution to the army.

Zambia Army director of public relations and foreign liaison Martin Liyungu said in a statement that the women have been honoured in recognition of their leadership, academic and professional achievements, and contributions to the army.

On the eve of International Women’s Day commemorations, Lt. Gen. Alibuzwi said the women’s contribution to the Zambia Army is enormous and that it is important to honour them for their exemplary service to the nation.

Lieutenant General Alibuzwi said previously, women were only involved in support roles, but that the Zambia Army command remains resolute in elevating women officers and soldiers into decision-making positions.

He said during the award-giving ceremony at Army headquarters in Lusaka on Friday that the command acknowledges the contributions of women in uniform to the army.

Lt Gen. Alibuzwi also reiterated the command’s consideration to start recruiting female special forces officers and soldiers as soon as the necessary infrastructure is put in place. Lt Gen. Alibuzwi stated that the army has female representation in all fields but not special forces, hence the idea to enlist the first female recruits in the core shortly.

He stated that plans are also underway to start promoting more women to platoon commander positions. During the award-giving ceremony dubbed ‘Recognising the Contribution of Women to the Zambia Army’, Lt Gen Alibuzwi also promoted one soldier, Felistus Mambwe from private to Lance Corporal.

“I am proud to say that today, all roles are open to women in the Zambia Army, except the Special Forces core, which is being considered.
“The command is proud of all women who have realised their potential while serving the nation and have demonstrated outstanding professionalism,” Lt Gen. Alibuzwi said.

Speaking at the same event, Col. Katoba, Deputy Director General of Sports, Commerce, and Community Services thanked the command for dedicating the day to women to celebrate themselves. Named the role model for lady officers of the Zambia Army, Col. Katoba said women in uniform should not only be celebrated with ‘lip service,’ but their accomplishments should also be recognised as the Zambia Army has done.

Dubbed the visionary, Col. Katoba was awarded for among other things, building her own brand. She owns a sports academy called Queens Royal Academy in Kabwe and Lusaka. Col. Katoba is credited for having led Green Buffaloes Women’s Football Club unbeaten in the local league during her tenure.
The only female representative on the Football Association of Zambia executive, Col. Katoba has written a book entitled “Be that woman men crave for” dedicated to young women.

Other award receptients who were singled out include Col. Ketty Chikwekwe for her consistent record of academic excellence. Col. Gertrude Mbewe, the director of Information and Communication Technology at Maina Soko medical centre was awarded for scoring firsts.

Defence attache to Namibia Brigadier-General Gladys Chifwelu was the other senior officer honoured. And Staff Sergeant Esther Kalumbi, Zambia Army’s only female telecommunications and electronics engineer thanked the command for making digital innovation a priority in the various military occupational specialties.

Meanwhile, Major Sarah Chokole (Rtd), one of the women honoured for exceptional service in the army, thanked the command for the recognition.
This year’s International Women’s Day is being celebrated under the theme “Digital Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality. “

BENEDICT TEMBO

The battle of Kavalamanja and Kakaro in Luangwa District, which took place on Zambian territory during Zimbabwe’s war for independence, resulted in undocumented deaths, internal displacement, and a humanitarian crisis that continues to plague residents of these remote settlements today.
In remembrance of the brave men and women who gave their lives in defence of freedom, Abdon Yezi, the chief executive officer of Yezi Arts Promotions, started the celebrations on March 6, 2008, which have since been held yearly.

To still honour the fallen heroes, Zambia Army engineers constructed a 1X2 classroom block at Kavalamanja Memorial School in 2021, which was handed over to the ministry of Education on May 20 last year.

It is for this reason that a commeoration in remeberance of the heroes was held last Saturday.

According to the Zambia Army, during the celebrations at the memorial site in Luangwa district, the classroom block was handed over to the people of Kavalamanja by Minister of Defence Ambrose Lufuma and his Zimbabwean counterpart, Oppa Muchinguri.

The ceremony was also attended by Lusaka Province Minister Sheal Mulyata, and Zimbabwe Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Evelyn Ndlovu, among others.

Mr Lufuma urged Kavalamanja residents to appreciate history because it defines who they are and how they relate to the future.
“As Zambians, we should be proud because we helped humanity,” he said.

The minister also thanked the Zimbabwean government for funding construction of the classroom block.

And Ms Muchinguri expressed sorrow over the brutality of the white settler regime that massacred the valiant sons and daughters of the land in 1978.
Ms Muchinguri said Zimbabwe has noted that Zambia has been a regional peace ambassador, providing safe havens for young men and women fighting the colonial settler regime for liberation.

She noted that Zambia was also providing training and transit bases to see Zimbabwe and the southern African countries liberated.
“Despite the difficulties, Zambia was determined to fight for its liberation until the Rhodesians were forced to hand over power to the black majority in 1980,” Ms Muchinguri said.

And Ms Mulyata said that government supports the Kavalamanja-Kakaro memorial, and it was her desire to have the event recognised as an international event so that the two countries’ relationship could be maintained for future generations.

At the end of the ceremony, Ms Ndlovu, Zimbabwe’s education minister, called for unity and peace between the two countries.

The two-day ceremony was characterised by candlelight, cultural dancing troops, and the presentation of desks donated by the Abantu Manufacturing Company through the Zambia Army Ladies Association.

The commemoration was the 16th edition since its introduction and 45 years after the incident.

Mr Yezi said 2023 event was well attended with high level delegations from both the Zambian and Zimbabwean governments by defence ministers. He said it also uniquely had defence deputy chiefs in attendance, and a further call for the event to be gazetted on the national calendar.

“We are back from Kavalamanja with additional memories. All went well, and the commemorations continue to grow. A unique aspect is our book, Zambia Bleeds was favourably received..Zambia’s Ministry of Defence found good reason to give it out as a gift to the visiting Zimbabwean delegation,” Mr Yezi said.

He said there is something of interest that you need to read from the book.
“Zambia Bleeds is authentic,” Mr Yezi said

Zambia Army Commander Lieutenant General Sitali Dennis Alibuzwi has disclosed that the army is considering recruiting female Special Forces officers and soldiers as soon as the necessary infrastructure is put in place.

Special forces officers are combat leaders and staff officers who also advise Commanders on all aspects of special operations.

They are experienced subject matter experts in unconventional warfare and operations, fusing intelligence and planning at all levels across the operational continuum.

Lt Gen Alibuzwi made the remarks at Arakan Barracks during the ‘Recognising Contribution of Women in the Zambia Army’ honouring ceremony in line with 2023 International Women’s Day celebration.

In his speech, Lt Gen Alibuzwi said that the Army has female representation in all fields but special forces, prompting a plan to enlist the first female recruits in the core in the near future, as well as promote more women to platoon commander positions.

“I am proud to say that today, all roles are open to women in the Zambia Army, with the exception of the Special Forces core, which is being considered.Let me also state that I am honoured to witness a paradigm shift in the employment of women from non-combatant roles to roles in which capable women have the freedom to be or not be.Command is proud of all women who have realised their potential while serving the nation and have demonstrated outstanding professionalism,” Lt Gen Alibuzwi said.

Speaking at the event, Colonel Priscilla Katoba, Deputy Director General Sports, thanked command for dedicating this day to women to celebrate themselves.

She said that women in uniform should not only be celebrated with ‘lip service,’ but their accomplishments should also be recognised.

Staff Sergeant Esther Kalumbi, Zambia Army’s only female telecommunications and electronics engineer, thanked command for making digital innovation a priority in the various military occupational specialties.

Major (rtd) Sarah Chookole, one of the women honoured for her exceptional service in the army, thanked the command for the recognition.

“The recognition was significant because it will allow young officers and soldiers to see where we have come and will pave the way for encouraging them to take on important tasks in the future.”

The Army Commander honoured twenty-nine officers and soldiers, both serving and retired, for their outstanding leadership, academic and professional achievements, and contributions to the Army, and promoted Felistus Mambwe from Private to Lance Coporal.

This year’s International Women’s Day is under the theme ‘Digital innovation and technology for gender equality ‘.

Meanwhile, the Government has hailed Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) ladies for coming to the aid of vulnerable children at Riverrain Combined School in Kitwe.

As part of International Women’s Day commemoration, 50 female employees of CEC decided to buy 81 pairs of shoes for vulnerable learners from grades 1 to 4 at Riverrain Combined School.

Speaking at the event,Kitwe District Commissioner Lawrence Mwanza said the gesture by the CEC ladies was encouraging especially that the company has continued to partner with government in social investment.

He said activities compliment government efforts in addressing some of the challenges that have come about as a result of the free education policy.

Kitwe District Education Board Secretary Christopher Nyungila also applauded the CEC ladies n implored the Head teacher of Riverain Combined School to ensure the shoes are given to the right recipients.

Meanwhile,CEC Chief Legal Counsel Julia Chaila said the women came to the aid of the vulnerable learners as most of them were walking to School without proper school shoes

Illegal mining of manganese in un-authorised area is becoming rampant in Ndola with Police on the Copperbelt so far arresting five people in connection with the matter.

Groups of people have been illegally mining manganese in Ndola’s Lupili residential area in recent times.

Lupili Ward Councilor Emmanuel Mulenga has been raising alarm over the illegal mining activities in the area.

In the latest incident, Police have arrested three people who were found loading manganese onto a truck which they had illegally mined.

Copperbelt Police Commanding Officer Peacewell Mweemba has confirmed
Police officers rushed to the area where the illegal activity was being conducted and managed to arrest three people.

Mr. Mweemba identified the suspects as Thompson Matimba aged 36 years of Chipata Compound in Ndola, Chiza Matimba aged 34 years of Chazanga in Lusaka and Emmanuel Nsamba aged 35 years of Ndeke in Ndola.

The three were charged with the offence of criminal trespass and detained in custody while the truck a Scania and trailer belonging to Shaann Carriers of Lusaka which was found about a quarter loaded with manganese has been impounded and parked at Masala Police Station.

“Kindly be Imformed that Masala Police Station has received a report of illegal mining OB No 1237/2023 which occurred on 04/03/23 at 1030 hrs in Mushili Lupili area of Ndola in which unknown people where illegally mining manganese.
Brief facts are that on 04/03/23 at 1030hrs information was received to the effect that illegal miners were loading manganese onto a truck which they had illegally mined. Police officers rushed to the area where the illegal activity was being conducted and managed to arrest three people; the driver of the truck which was being loaded with manganese M/ Thompson Matimba aged 36 yrs of Hse No 337/14 Chipata Compound Ndl V: Magodi C: Magodi T: Tumbuka D: Lundazi Occ: Driver, M/Chiza Matimba aged 34 yrs of Hse No NSS446 Chazanga Lsk V: Magodi C: Magodi D: Lundazi T: Tumbuka Occ: Co-Driver and M/ Emmanuel Nsamba aged 35 yrs of 2224 Ndeke Ndola V: Kanyanga C: Mutondo D: Kaoma the agent who arranged transport to ferry manganese,” Mr. Mweemba stated.

“They were charged with the offence of criminal trespass and detained in custody while the truck a Scania by make Reg No BAF 2470 and trailer Reg No BAL 7302 belonging to Shaann Carriers of Lusaka which was found about a quarter loaded with manganese has been impounded and parked at Masala Police Station. Investigations are ongoing,” he said.

Meanwhile, in late February, two other suspects were arrested by Police for conducting illegal mining activities in a residential area without permission

“Be informed the Anti Robbery Ndola has received a report of illegal mining activities from a Lupili Ward Councilor M/Emmanuel Mulenga aged 42 years phone number 0964193568, who reported that they was a group of unknown people who where conducting illegal mining activities in a residential area without permission. Police rushed to the scene at Lupili Ward in Mbwana Mukubwa constituency where two people were apprehended namely M/Boyd Mulenga aged 31 yrs of Hse no. A15/5 Hillside area and M/Robby Lukonde aged 27yrs of House no. 3234 Mushili and further impounded a Truck and trailer registration number AJD 5219 and ARB 5923T loaded with suspected magnese driven by M/Henry Mupila aged 41 yrs of Hse 84/27 Mtendere East of Lusaka and the same is kept at Masala Police Station. This occurred between 20:30hrs and 23:30hrs at Lupili Ward near Kaloko area of Ndola. The suspects are detained at Ndola Central Police Station,” Mr. Mweemba stated.

MMD President and Founder of Victory Ministries, Dr Nevers Mumba, has called on Zambians to take a stand on national values and choices. In a statement released yesterday, Dr Mumba expressed his shock at how many Zambians seem agitated over issues that he and other Christian leaders warned about over 25 years ago.

“It’s shocking to see how the issues we have been warning about for years are now unfolding right in front of our eyes. The Zambian church is facing a powerful global movement that has now gone ten steps ahead, and if we do not act now, we risk losing our Christian heritage and values,” Dr Mumba said.

Dr Mumba believes that the time has come for Zambians, and believers in particular, to take a stand on national values and choices. He emphasized the need for Christians to be actively involved in legislative positions, such as parliament, to safeguard the country’s Christian heritage and values.

“For many years, we have said that we must place Christians in legislative positions such as parliament in order to safeguard our Christian heritage and values. At that time, most of us were playing church, and we made our choices. Now, we are facing the consequences of those choices,” he said.

Dr Mumba further lamented the fact that the Zambian church has been weakened, and Christians have convinced themselves that civil matters do not belong to them.

“Over the years, we have convinced ourselves that the place of a godly man is only the pulpit. We have convinced ourselves that the Christian message is only good enough in the choir and in the pulpit. This has weakened us, and now we are being made to sit quietly and watch as others take center stage in shaping the social direction and moral fabric of Zambia as a nation,” he said.

Dr Mumba also warned that the Zambian church could soon be accused of hate speech and human rights violations if it tries to raise its voice about those who are shouting that it’s their choice.

“We must wake up and choose right over wrong at whatever cost. Zambia shall be saved, but we must repent from the evils that are upon us,” he said.

Dr Mumba’s statement has sparked debate across the nation, with many people expressing their views on the matter. Some have commended him for speaking out, while others have criticized him for what they see as an attempt to impose Christian values on the entire nation.

A Zambian journalist, Brian Malama, believes that Dr Mumba’s statement is timely and highlights the need for Christians to be actively involved in shaping the nation’s future.

“As a Christian, I believe that Dr Mumba’s statement is timely and highlights the need for Christians to be actively involved in shaping the nation’s future. However, we must also respect the rights of others and not impose our beliefs on them,” he said.

Another Zambian, Samuel Mwila, thinks that Dr Mumba’s statement is divisive and could create more problems than it solves.

“I think Dr Mumba’s statement is divisive and could create more problems than it solves. We must learn to coexist and respect each other’s beliefs, even if we do not agree with them,” he said.

President Hakainde Hichilema emphasized the importance of education during the meeting, stating that “education is the best equalizer and a key element in human development.” He also highlighted his government’s commitment to providing free education and understanding that human capital development is crucial to graduating Zambia from LDC status.

“We explored ways to partner with QFFD, so that Zambian students that qualify, can receive scholarships to study in Qatar, through initiatives like Education Above All Foundation (EAA),” said President Hichilema. He sees the partnership as an opportunity to provide Zambian students with access to quality education, enabling them to contribute to the development of the country.

Meanwhile, Minister of Information and Media, Hon. Chushi Kasanda, warned the public about the prevalence of scholarship fraudsters. She stated, “purported scholarships are fake,” and urged citizens to be cautious when seeking out scholarship programs.

To verify the authenticity of scholarship opportunities, the Minister advised the public to contact the Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board (HELSB), adding that information on scholarship programs is also publicized in print media and on official social media platforms.

The Zambian government’s efforts to secure scholarships for its citizens are a step towards improving access to education and promoting human development. However, the public’s vigilance against scholarship fraudsters is also necessary to ensure that individuals are not taken advantage of during their pursuit of education.