Monday, June 9, 2025
Subscribe
Home Blog Page 372

Unsupervised boarding houses are being used for drug abuse and sexual activities-Lusambo

Chief Editor
-
13
Unsupervised boarding houses are being used for drug abuse and sexual activities-Lusambo

Former Lusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusambo has said President Hakainde Hichilema should tackle the issues of increasing unsupervised student boarding houses that are being abused as he addresses Parliament on Friday on the Application of National Values, Ethics, and Principles.

Mr. Lusambo said mushrooming unsupervised student boarding houses are being used for drug abuse and sexual activities by students.

The former Kabushi Member of Parliament said some students are engaging in “mini-marriages” with no regard for traditional and cultural values.

Mr. Lusambo observed that the growth in tertiary education over the last few years has evidently brought with it unprecedented demand for student accommodation.

“The tragedy of unsupervised student boarding houses. As President Hichilema addresses Parliament on Friday on the Application of National Values, Ethics and Principles, we wish to draw the nation to a matter of serious concern, one that threatens national values and risks decimating the moral fiber of this great nation. The growth in tertiary education over the last few years has evidently brought with it unprecedented demand for student accommodation. All Universities and Colleges, both private and public have been outstripped with regard to student bed spaces while a number of these Institutions are operating with no provision for student accommodation. In their desire to obtain a qualification, most young people are choosing to live in boarding houses as they pursue their educational goals,” Mr. Lusambo said.

“What we have seen now is the emergence of a social tsunami where students as young as 17 are being forced to look for boarding houses to rent for the entire duration of their study programmes. Their level of vulnerability is so high such that by the time they graduate, these young people would have been exposed to so many social and moral ills that would have a lasting impact on their lives forever. Gathered evidence is showing that most boarding houses are now dens of sin, criminality and outright moral decay. We now have students engaged in “mini-marriages” with no regard to traditional and cultural values. Others have been introduced and have gotten addicted to hard drugs while living in these boarding houses and the lack of adequate sanitation services at these boarding houses poses a serious public health threat. If nothing is done urgently to curb the rise in these boarding houses, Zambia will face a huge public health crisis in the next 10 years. We will have a generation of young adults that won’t be able to function as the moral backbone would have been weakened,” Mr. Lusambo stated.

He proposed measures aimed at helping address the crisis of student accommodation.

“The Higher Education Authority should place a moratorium on the issuance of new licenses for Universities and Colleges that do not have student ready accommodation spaces. An application should only be reviewed after evidence has been provided to show that adequate bed spaces to absorb at least 90% of students is available. Existing higher learning institutions should be given a two year grace period to provide accommodation facilities for at least 90% of the students. After the two year period has elapsed, the Higher Education Authority should review and inspect the bed spaces before renewing the license. The Ministry of Education and Ministry of Finance working with the Bankers Association of Zambia should collaborate to develop a financing framework for higher learning institutions to access cheaper financing for them to construct student hostels closer to campus,” Mr. Lusambo said.

He further urged councils to collaborate with Higher Education Authority to carry out inspections on all boarding houses to check for compliance to public health laws

“Local authorities should work with Higher Education Authority to carry out inspections on all boarding houses to check for compliance to public health laws. Institutions flouting those guidelines should face stiffer penalties. Higher learning institutions should insist on only offering Acceptance Letters to students who will present Lease Agreements signed off by guardians and property owners that will show how and where the student will be accommodated for the duration of their study programme. Higher learning institutions should carry out periodical compliance checks to ensure that students are staying in boarding houses that are traceable. It is our strongly considered view that President Hichilema should take this matter seriously to protect the future of this great nation,” Mr. Lusambo said.

Eight Croatians moved to the High Court in Ndola City

Chief Editor
-
6
Eight Croatians moved to the High Court in Ndola City

The case in which eight Croatians are accused of attempting to traffic four children from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on the Zambian territory has been moved to the High Court in Ndola City.

And the Croatian suspects have been released from prison on bail pending trial.

This follows a decision made on Wednesday by High Court judge Yvonne Chembe who granted the State the application to have the case heard in the higher court of Zambia.

Last Tuesday, the State filed a notice of motion stating that the matter has garnered widespread attention at local and international level adding that it would be suitable that the matter is heard before the High Court.

In an affidavit in support of originating notice of motion filed in the Ndola High Court, assistant immigration officer Kombe Sakeni said it is inevitable that the laws of Croatia and the DRC will be a point of consideration during the hearing of the trial.

“That part of the evidence touches on communications made by and to a sovereign state, that is, the DRC and could conceivably be on international interest.

“That the case also involves the four children namely Beatrice Magic, Mariella Kalinde Subsic, Jona Asnate Persic and Jean Val Kraljevic whose fate will be affected by the outcome of this matter,” he stated.

Mr Sakeni further contends that if the order is granted, it will be to the general convenience of the parties and will not prejudice the accused persons.

“I am reliably informed by counsel that this court is clothed with the jurisdiction to hear this application and that this is a proper matter in which this honorable court can exercise its jurisdiction to order that the respondents be committed to trial before itself,” he said.

And when the matter came up in chambers, defense lawyers did not contest the application.

Judge Chembe adjourned the case to a later date.

Recently, the eight Croatians and a senior Department of Immigration officer Gloria Sakulenga, 36, who is on police bond were charged with the offence, to which they all pleaded not guilty.

In this case, it is alleged that on December 7, 2022, in Ndola, Sakulenga, a senior Department of Immigration officer attempted to traffic four children within the territorial boundaries of Zambia for the purpose of exploitation.

The eight Croatians include Zoran Subosic, 52, a guitarist in a well-known band Hladno Pivo or Cold beer, Immovic Subosic, 41, an administrator, Damir Magic, 44, an electrical technician, Nadic Magic, 45, a technician, Ladislav Persic, 42, a medical doctor and Aleksandra Persic, 43, a hair salon attendant.

Others are Noah Kraljevic, 40, a programme director and Uvona Kraljevic 36, a dog handler.

It is alleged that on December 7, last year, the four couples acted together in an attempt to traffic the four children.

President Hakainde Hichilema is a heartless extortionist-Edith Nawakwi

Chief Editor
-
10
President Hakainde Hichilema is a heartless extortionist-Edith Nawakwi

Hakainde Hichilema is a heartless extortionist who wants to increase electricity tariffs at a time when Zambians have gone beyond the limits of suffering, FDD leader Edith Nawakwi has charged.

And Economic Front (EF) leader Wynter Kabimba described the President as a stubborn “chintomfwa” who will not listen to the poor people’s cries, but that judgment day is coming for him in 2026.

Speaking through an interview on the proposed hike of 37 percent in electricity tariffs by the state-owned utility company, Zesco, Nawakwi said no Zambian deserves to be burdened further with high electricity costs after the President has already decimated them with high fuel prices, resulting in the skyrocketing cost of living for ordinary Zambians.

She said President Hichilema was a “hard-nosed” capitalist who is pandering to the west as that is what has been included in the $1.3 billion IMF facility.

“That was what was included in the agreement that he will be an agent of death for the Zambian economy and people of Zambia,” Nawakwi said. “You have seen the price of mealie meal skyrocketing yet there isn’t one single construction going on in the country.”

She said Zambia was a country without a shepherd, and therefore everything was at a standstill “because our leader has no eyes, because if he had he would have seen the people’s suffering not to burden them with further electricity tariff hikes.”

“He has no heart. If he has it doesn’t feel the people’s pain. The only heart he has is ‘how much will be in my pocket.’ It’s insensitive for anyone to inflict more pain on the people at this time,” Nawakwi said, and that IMF will be responsible for the President’s eviction in 2026.

Nawakwi said it was ironic that the same government that claimed that tariffs have to be hiked to attract investment, were also saying that they are exporting power and making millions from the same.

“Hakainde doesn’t listen to anyone. He doesn’t listen to God. He has power and he will do what he wants,” she said.

President Hichilema during a recent radio appearance described the skyrocketing prices of mealie meal as extortion and sabotage as the government had offloaded maize through the FRA to the millers to cushion the high prices. But Nawakwi urged the President to consider his own actions before blaming others.

“He is the extortionist. He has been increasing the price of fuel because mealie meal cannot be delivered in isolation of fuel,” Nawakwi said, adding that “the cattle economist” is detached from reality as mealie meal prices cannot be stabilised by just offloading maize as it requires time to do so.

She said she had never seen a situation where the minister of Agriculture was the one presiding over which millers should receive the maize.

“I have said he doesn’t understand economics. He is a cattle economist. He only understands the economics of cattle where they are walking from Kalomo to Kafue and he is creating deforestation and calls himself a cattle rancher,” said Nawakwi.

And Kabimba said the tariff increments must affect the mines who were the heavy consumers as apart from being given tax holidays they also paid little on the energy they consumed despite being the heavy users of the commodity.

He said the rule in terms of tariffs must move alongside the lines of taxation where those who earn more pay more.

Kabimba said he and others were representing the voice of the poor who will be the main judges of President Hichilema’s stay in power “against the mining companies to who can claim that they will rig elections for him and get 10 helicopters to fly him around the country.”

“HH must stop cheating himself that he can treat the poor people in the manner he feels because he has got the support of his fellow capitalists in the mines,” said Kabimba, adding that the trend he was developing of getting the poor to sustain the rich could not build peace. “HH has proven to be a very stubborn man to hold office. And this is confirmed by those working around him. Ni chintomfwa (He’s someone who never listens to anyone)

Mundubile Dispels Falsehoods About Contractors Getting Money But Failed To Deliver

Chief Editor
-
6
Mundubile Dispels Falsehoods About Contractors Getting Money But Failed To Deliver

The allegations that some contractors received payment for services not rendered during the PF regime have been dispelled by Mporokoso Member of Parliament, Hon Brian Mundubile. He challenged the Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Hon Garry Nkombo, to reveal how much money the government lost through non-delivery of contracts.

Since the New Dawn Administration took over, many local contractors have not been paid because they have been labeled as PF cadres. Despite delivering their services to the government, they have not been paid, which has led to worsened money scarcity and an escalated cost of living.

In their defense, UPND officials have claimed that the contractors did not deliver the services as per the contract. However, Hon Brian Mundubile has schooled the New Dawn in Parliament on how contracts and business with the government are conducted.

Hon Mundubile explained that in the standard contract he has known for the past 20 years, either a contractor is paid an advance payment in exchange for an advance payment bond or an Interim Payment Certificate (IPC) is signed by the consultant. If there is payment that has been signed without work, the government can still execute the performance bond of the consultant. He challenged Hon Nkombo to state how much money the government lost regarding the matter in question.

Hon Nkombo had earlier stated that the government lost a lot of money. He assured the public that only those that did the work will be paid, and there will be reconciliation. He also admitted that there is a lot of work to be done to harmonize the feeder roads and address the issue of debt.

Hon Mundubile lamented that most local contractors have fallen victim to the government machinations, and as a result, contractors are failing to secure facilities with banks and international business. He said that the contracts don’t invite outsiders, not even the government, to resolve the challenges but the parties to the contract. He said that the sector has collapsed because of the mistrust that exists from the government.

The PF presidential hopeful challenged the Minister of Local Government to be clear on what contract was used in the particular transaction and which consultant is before the court today for having signed an IPC where no work was done. He explained that a contract is just a normal business.

Hon Mundubile said it is high time the government started promoting local businesses and ended the mistrust that exists between them and the contractors.

Zambia’s Economy at Risk as Bank of Zambia Fails to Meet Bond Auction Targets, Says Fred M’membe

Chief Editor
-
9
Zambia’s Economy at Risk as Bank of Zambia Fails to Meet Bond Auction Targets, Says Fred M’membe

Zambia’s Socialist Party President Dr Fred M’membe has expressed concern over the failure of the Bank of Zambia to meet the required K2.6 billion per bond auction. The latest auction results published on February 17 this year saw the Bank of Zambia only raise K854 million, a shortfall of over 67%.

Dr M’membe believes that the subscription rates are an economic barometer of the economy. An over-subscription is generally seen as a mark of economic confidence by investors, while an under-subscription is seen as a score for low investor confidence. He said, “The failure of the Bank of Zambia to raise the required amount shows that investors are on the fence due to uncertainty with regards to national debt restructuring.”

Dr M’membe also expressed concern that the under-subscription of government bonds could negatively impact the funding of government operations. He strongly suspects that financial institution participation in government securities has dwindled, resulting in low subscriptions. “The effects of removing liquidity from the markets are now being seen, and we will not be surprised if the bankers of economic evils eventually start printing money,” he said.

The Socialist Party President further stated that the rise in interest rates in the United States and Europe is incentivizing non-resident investors to pull out of emerging markets bond investments and redirecting back to the United States and Europe, which carry less country risk than emerging markets. He believes that this will result in a net payout position for government securities with the following consequences: “Depletion of international reserves as investors externalize their investment, pressure on the Kwacha with a medium-term outlook of continued depreciation, which will result in higher, imported inflation impact.”

Dr M’membe has called for urgent action to address the situation. He believes that reversing the generous tax holidays given to the mining sector, engaging China on a bilateral basis to give Zambia a three-year moratorium on its debt, and introducing austerity measures, including government-wide international travels at all levels, including for the Head of State, are necessary steps to take. He also called for the reversal of wrong monetary policy decisions taken by the Bank of Zambia to increase the statutory reserve ratio.

“The under-subscription in government securities is partially due to reduced participation of the banks in subscribing to government securities,” he said. “It is also clear that this policy direction will not impact the exchange rate depreciation as it is now evident that the forex demand side is significantly driven by non-resident/offshore investors cashing out and not rolling over their government securities. This is a highly misdirected policy decision.”

Dr M’membe believes that the situation is urgent and that the government must act quickly to find alternatives to raise funds for the shortfall. “Given the already underperforming economy, what alternatives does the government have? External loans? But who will be ready to give us loans? The commercial loans window is closed given the debt default and limited bilateral funding.”

U.S Congressional delegation visits Zambia to witness U.S. government support

Chief Editor
-
9
U.S Congressional delegation visits Zambia to witness U.S. government support

A U.S. Congressional delegation along with the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Agencies in Rome Cindy McCain this week visited Zambia to witness how the U.S. government, in partnership with the Government of Zambia and UN agencies, is investing in Zambia’s greatest resource – its people.

The delegation of leaders from the U.S. Senate Committees on Appropriations and Foreign Relations included Senators Lindsey Graham, Bob Menendez, Chris Coons, Martin Heinrich, Chris Van Hollen, and Mark Kelly.
The delegation, accompanied by U.S.

Ambassador to Zambia Michael Gonzales, met with Minister of Foreign Affairs Stanley Kakubo and Minister of Tourism Rodney Sikumba to discuss the Zambian Government’s commitment to improve accountable and responsive governance, inclusive economic growth, and the delivery of services.

The delegation also visited Kabuyu Primary School to observe how the Zambian Government, with support from the U.S. government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the World Food Programme (WFP), is strengthening the quality of education and improving nutrition for children attending school.

While at the school, the delegation observed a reading lesson supported through the USAID Let’s Read program, which partners with Zambia’s Ministry of Education to improve reading outcomes for approximately 1.4 million children from pre-primary classes through Grade 3 in Zambia’s primary schools.

The Let’s Read program is implemented in over half of all public primary and community schools across Zambia.

The delegation also saw how the Zambian Government, through its Home Grown School Meals Program, is improving school enrolment, attendance, and retention by providing meals to students and enhancing their nutrition intake.

The delegation also visited the Kabuyu Bulking Center to observe how the Zambian Government is working with United Nations agencies to protect smallholder farmers against climate-related shocks such as floods and droughts by promoting conservation agriculture practices; diversifying livelihoods; and facilitating access to finance and stable, predictable markets.

Before departing Zambia, the delegation had the opportunity to appreciate the majestic Victoria Falls and explore investment and people-to-people opportunities through Zambia’s tourism industry.

Catholic Bishops condemn inclusion of “families of same-sex marriage” in School Curriculum

Chief Editor
-
21
Catholic Bishops condemn inclusion of “families of same-sex marriage” in School Curriculum

The Zambia Catholic Bishops Conference (ZCCB) are pushing the government to revise the school curriculum that seeks to introduce same-sex relationships to school-going children in the Southern African country.

In a recent report, the Catholic Bishops in Zambia say the curriculum, as it is, will not be taught in Catholic schools in the country.

“Recently, pictures emerged on social media allegedly extracted from the yet-to-be-introduced school text books on CSE (Comprehensive Sexuality Education). The pictures showed families of same-sex marriage,” ZCCB members say.

They add, “The Catholic Church teaches that a family naturally springs from the marriage of man and woman. And this marriage is ordered to the procreation and education of children.”

According to ZCCB members, Zambia’s Ministry of Education (MoE), through its Curriculum Development Centre (CDC) with support from UNESCO and the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) has produced a curriculum in life skills that focuses on CSE.

The Catholic Bishops say that the curriculum framework was developed to enrich the provision of Reproductive Health and Sexuality Education (RHSE).

In the February 8 report, ZCCB National Education Secretary, Fr. Leonard Namuvumba, notes that the Catholic Church holds on to the biblical understanding of family as designed by God and its definition of a family “as those of the same household”, and as the pairing of a man and a woman, along with their children.

He highlights the types of families as being nuclear, single-parent families, extended families, childless families, stepfamilies, and grandparent families.

Fr. Namuvumba says that the books that have been published do not stress the role and place of cultural and Christian values on family, marriage, sex, and sexuality, adding that the textbooks need to be revised so that there is the right material for the right age.

“Sex and sexuality education needs to be contextualized in such a way that only the right material is given to the appropriate age group unlike a situation where pupils are being exposed to unnecessary information,” he said.

Chinese Foreign Minister says ready to deepen cooperation with Zambia

Chief Editor
-
2
Chinese Foreign Minister says ready to deepen cooperation with Zambia

Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang says China is ready to work with Zambia, an all-weather friend, to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation.

Qin said China is ready to strengthen practical cooperation with Zambia in various fields under the high-quality cooperation of the Belt and Road Initiative and within the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

He added that China welcomes more high-quality Zambian goods to enter the Chinese market.

Talking via phone with Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Stanley Kasongo Kakubo, Qin recalled the telephone conversation between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema in May last year, which has charted the course for the development of bilateral relations.

“China is willing to work with Zambia to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, enhance political mutual trust, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, strengthen mutual support, and promote the stable and long-term development of bilateral relations,” Qin said.

For his part, Mr. Kakubo said Zambia and China enjoy profound traditional friendship.

“We discussed among other things, Zambia-China relations, economic and development cooperation and strengthening already well established bilateral relations. We went further to reassure one another of the commitment of our Heads of State to forge forward in increasing close cooperative ties,” Mr Kakubo wrote on his Facebook page.

Mr Kakubo said the meeting also expansively discussed the Zambia’s debt as he made another call for a conclusion to the negotiations.

He thanked China for its strong support for Zambia’s national construction and development over the years and hopes to continue to deepen bilateral practical cooperation in various fields and further develop the all-weather friendship between the two countries.

Mr. Kakubo added that Zambia firmly adheres to the one-China principle and is ready to strengthen mutual support with China on issues concerning each other’s core interests and major concerns.

Upfront debt cuts could save hardest-hit countries $148 bln, says UNDP

Chief Editor
-
0
Upfront debt cuts could save hardest-hit countries $148 bln, says UNDP

A 30% upfront cut of debt-stressed countries’ borrowings could save them $148 billion over eight years, the U.N. Development Programme said on Wednesday, proposing a move to address global debt problems stirring growing international concern.

A ‘haircut’ of 30%, or $191 billion, on the 2021 external debt of the 52 most “debt vulnerable” nations could reduce their combined debt service bill by $66.4 billion to private creditors, $44.2 billion to multilateral lenders and $38.9 billion to bilaterals by 2029, the UNDP said in a report.

Improving the loan restructuring process for countries struggling with their debts is expected to be prominent on the agenda of the G20 finance minister and central bank meetings taking place in India in the coming days.

Sri Lanka, Ghana and Ukraine joined the likes of Lebanon and Zambia in default last year, while Tunisia, Pakistan and Egypt are among countries that have sought help from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) amid problems of their own.

“The problem, for many (developing economies), is not an absence of growth but the fact that tepid growth and high interest rates in 2023 and 2024 will not provide enough fiscal or monetary space to mitigate crises,” the UNDP report said.

It said that the average country in the 52 it analysed owed 82% of its external public debt to bilateral and multilateral creditors, such as other countries and the IMF or World Bank. Meanwhile, 16 owed more than 30% of their foreign debt to private lenders.

Countries whose international bond interest rates are more than 10% higher than those on U.S.
Treasuries, a premium or ‘spread’ usually deemed as unaffordable by economists, rose from five at the end of 2019 to 14 currently, the report found.

Money borrowed from the ‘private sector’, often in the form of bonds that countries usually pay higher interest rates on, accounted for 65% and 45% of external debt in Ghana and Sri Lanka, respectively.

Zambia secures funds for climate adaptation with Commonwealth support

Chief Editor
-
1
Zambia secures funds for climate adaptation with Commonwealth support

Vulnerable communities in Zambia will receive vital support to address water shortages caused by climate change, through a project being implemented by the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation (MWDS), developed with the help of the Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub (CCFAH).

The project was approved for funding by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) in July 2022.

The country has seen a significant drop in average annual rainfall over the past 40 years, especially in the southern part of the country, with repeated droughts, flash floods and extensive degradation of land.

Since 1960, the mean annual temperature has increased by 1.3°C, which is far above the global average, and rainfall in the rainy season has decreased by 7.1mm every decade.

Water is increasingly scarce, directly impacting people’s lives as well as the economy, particularly the agricultural sector.

Shorter agricultural seasons, for instance, have forced farmers to plant more and later in the season.

To help communities adapt to these conditions, the GEF is providing US$2 million to set up a solar-powered water supply scheme that aims to ensure access to safe water, improved sanitation, irrigate farms and water for livestock.

Senior Hydrogeologist in the Ministry of Water Development, Beatrice Kanyamuna-Pole, said:
“This project will be crucial to improving the lives and livelihoods of 85,000 people of the Nyimba and Lumezi Districts in Eastern Province, where flash flooding and episodes of drought are a part of life. Many people live in extreme poverty and do not have access to drinking water. Not only does the project envisage a reliable source of fresh water, but it will be using solar-powered water pump systems, reducing greenhouse gas emissions while building resilience.”

Chief Climate Change Officer in the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, Beausic Chongo, also acknowledged the contribution of the Commonwealth National Climate Finance Adviser for Zambia, Othniel Yila, who worked closely with the Government to prepare the original proposal to secure GEF funding.

Mr Yila, said: “This project is an important opportunity for the Government of Zambia to support a climate resilient future, protect its economic and social sectors from effects of climate change, and build towards achieving Zambia’s Nationally Determined Contributions and other important goals that will support this nation well into the 21st century.”

The two-year project will assess the groundwater supplies in several rural areas and build human, technical and institutional capacity for sustainable groundwater management while creating an enabling environment for the solar-powered water systems to operate successfully and sustainably over the long term.

Lessons learned from the project will also be compiled to facilitate future up-scaling and replication of good practices.

The contribution of the Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub is part of the Commonwealth Secretariat’s efforts to support member countries to adapt to and mitigate climate change.

It also aligns with the Commonwealth Living Lands Charter: A Commonwealth Call to Action on Living Lands which seeks to support integrated actions addressing climate change, biodiversity loss and land degradation.

The CCFAH currently has at least 16 national and regional advisers deployed in various countries; to date, it has supported governments in mobilising more than US$61 million in climate finance, including US$3 million in co-financing.

President Hichilema welcomes Heriot-Watt Principal and Vice-Chancellor

Chief Editor
-
3
President Hichilema welcomes Heriot-Watt Principal and Vice-Chancellor

President Hakainde Hichilema has met with Professor Richard Williams, the Principal and
Vice-Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland, to discuss strengthening the University’s links with Zambia.

Mr Hichilema invited Professor Williams to visit Zambia with Professor Gillian Murray, the University’s Deputy Principal for Enterprise and Business.

The meeting marked a milestone for Heriot-Watt as its alumni numbers in Zambia passed 1,000.

Professor Richard Williams, Principal, Heriot-Watt University said, “It was a great honour to meet with President Hichilema and explore ways to continue building our unique partnership.”

President Hichilema said: “We are delighted to host our Heriot-Watt colleagues, who have done so much to develop skills and leadership in our country.”

The itinerary for Professor Williams and Professor Murray also included meetings with senior officials from Zambia’s Ministry of Education; with the British High Commissioner to Zambia, Nicholas Woolley; with the Principal of the University of Zambia and with Heriot-Watt alumni in Zambia.

Heriot-Watt’s 1,070 former students in Zambia have studied programmes including an online Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Edinburgh Business School, the University’s graduate school of business.

Other subjects include accountancy and finance, strategic planning, management, brewing and distilling, construction management and business and enterprise.

One of Heriot-Watt’s MBA scholars is Regina Mtonga, who has set up a social enterprise called Asikana Network – meaning ‘young women’s network.’

“I wanted to use technology to create a community of confident and capable women and to help more women find employment,” Ms Mtonga said.

“So my co-founders and I set up the Asikana Network to train Zambian women in technology and increase their capability in the tech space. Working with international companies like Meta (formerly Facebook), we have now trained more than 30,000 women since 2013.”

Ms Mtonga is a graduate of Heriot-Watt’s Scholarship for Women in Zambia. The programme, launched in 2019 in partnership with the Scottish Government, offered 20 fully funded MBA scholarships to women passionate about business and tackling gender inequality.

Other Heriot-Watt alumni in Zambia include Norman Chipakupaku, who is currently Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Defence in Zambia, and Heriot-Watt Honorary Graduate Sam Abrahams, who is founder and Chief Executive of First Aid Africa.

This is a humanitarian organisation providing sustainable medical equipment and first aid education across rural parts of Southern and Eastern Africa.

The Watt Club, the University’s alumni association and the oldest association of its kind in the United Kingdom, held a special reception for graduates in Lusaka to celebrate the 1,000 alumni milestone.
Last month, with support from donors, Heriot-Watt University launched the Denis Goldberg Scholarship Programme in Zambia.

Named after the social campaigner who was jailed for 22 years for resisting apartheid, the scholarship is designed to help talented graduate employees in southern Africa study an online, part-time Master of Science (MSc) without having to leave their home country.

It offers MSc degrees in Renewable Energy, Construction Management and Real Estate Management.

Jane Mazimba launches new book, Catching F.I.R.E lays out practical steps towards wealth creation

Chief Editor
-
0
Jane Mazimba launches new book, Catching F.I.R.E lays out practical steps towards wealth creation

Multiple Award winning personal finance Educator Jane Mazimba has announced the launch of her new book Catching F.I.R.E, an informative and practical guide to helping people journey towards building wealth.

Catching F.I.R.E comes with each chapter containing weekly suggestions designed to help the reader set goals, identify their core values, evaluate their financial; position, start saving, manage debt and begin to invest.

The book is available in print and digital formats and unabridged audio edition of the book, read by Ms. Mazimba is planned for later.

A public launch event will be held on Saturday, February 25th 2023 at Latitude 15° in Lusaka and tickets for the event are going for K500 inclusive of an autographed copy of the book, entertainment, snacks and networking.

This is Ms. Mazimba’s first book and chronicles her personal finance journey and offers bite sized chapters that suggest small changes that have a big impact on overall financial health.

In it, Ms. Mazimba, guides readers to a new way of thinking about life and money through her well researched personal anecdotes and provides specific answers on how to get started by taking control of personal finances.

The book targets to help public sector workers, middle class earners, students and every person who not only wants to build wealth strategically but also to restructure their debts and make steps to live debt free.

“Catching F.I.R.E is a book that is needed for anyone seeking a life of personal financial freedom, early retirement and wealth creation. As a whole, this is a collection of my proven theories and practical top tips on how to get attain total financial freedom,” she said ahead of the launch.

“It’s a true anthology of my money journey and a handbook for growing your financial discipline. I want this book to serve as a guide for people who want to take the next step in shifting their perspective on personal finance and beyond.”

Ms. Mazimba added, “This is a book about action. The book bridges the gap between theory and reality. The book provides the reader with bite-sized actionable guidelines to create a strong foundation for their financial independence and Early Retirement journey.”

Drawing from her experiences as a Mother and Banker, Ms. Mazimba shares the habits and principles she has developed to successfully adapt to a life of financial independence and overcoming various financial obstacles.

Promotional plans for Catching F.I.R.E will include a book tour in selected cities and a detailed media calendar.

Among other accolades, Ms. Mazimba is a three time recipient of the Bank of Zambia Governor’s Financial Literacy Award for her contribution to Financial Literacy in Zambia.

She is a 2021 TEDx Speaker and 2022 World Speech Day Speaker.

Part II: Promotion System Of Judges In The Judiciary

Chief Editor
-
7
Part II: Promotion System Of Judges In The Judiciary

By Isaac Mwanza

(Continued from yesterday)
In the last article, we focused on the effect of appointing to new Judges on judicial infrastructure and operation. In this article, we examine the emerging pattern in the appointment system of Judges of the superior courts and its subtle effect on motivation and delivery of justice.

ZAMBIA’S PATRONAGE-BASED JUDICIAL SYSTEM

In the recent appointments of Judges of the superior courts, Zambia’s Republican President His Excellency Hakainde Hichilema has appointed fourteen new Judges, twelve of whom will become Judges of the High Court while two will join the Constitutional Court of Zambia, once ratified by Parliament.

Mr Arnold Shilimi, the new appointee to the office of the Deputy President of the Constitutional Court, is most likely poised to take over the Presidency of the Court when the newly-appointed President of the Constitutional Court, Her Ladyship Justice Margaret Munalula, retires in the next few months to come.

One may express some reservations about the President appointing a completely new comer to the Court as Deputy President of the Court instead of one of the sitting Judges who have been on the Court since its inception in 2016 or alternatively, by transferring one of their Lordships and Ladyships from the Supreme Court whose rank is co-equal with their colleagues on the Constitutional Court.

It used to be good appointment practice in the distant past that both promotion and appointment to the bench, followed a hierarchy of seniority by service. Experience in the adjudication process was always rewarding while others entered the side door for good reasons.

The Chief Justice was succeeded by the Deputy Chief Justice; new members on the Supreme Court were promoted from the bench of the High Court; and our magistrates followed the path of Registrar of the High Court before they were seated as Judges of the High Court. One would have served as Director of Public Prosecutions or Director General of one of our law enforcement agencies.

In other words, we always had a good idea who was headed for judicial office by the route they were placed on by His Excellency the President working with the judicial authorities.

Occasionally, the President would appoint members of the bar, our legal practitioners, to the bench. Even in this case, new entrants who had a practical and lengthy feel of courtroom litigation ascended the Judicial ladder on their way to a seat on the Supreme Court. Experience in litigation rather than the time when a lawyer was admitted to the bar as a legal practitioner counted the most.

But appointing authorities, being politicians as they are, have abandoned the path we had previously paved for our Jurists to rise to a Judgeship on our superior courts. We are beginning to see more and more “newcomers” taking up seats on our superior courts without previous experience either on the bench or in the courtroom.

It is now practically possible for a lawyer who was admitted as a legal practitioner many years ago, abandoned or step aside from the practice of law to becoming motor vehicle mechanic, banker, academician, journalist, etc, to tomorrow become Chief Justice or Deputy Chief Justice, President or Deputy President of the Constitutional Court or Court of Appeals, ahead of those currently serving on the bench or with experience in courtroom litigation.

All it needs is a President who has fully developed the art of not listening to anyone, or considering the expectations or feelings of Judges who have gained experience over time, waking up one morning to actualise such a scam and make it appear all normal. This is all done under a semblance of what is called a recommendation from his or her appointees at the Judicial Service Commission and having a Parliament to rubberstamp the decision.

This current practice of appointments has an adverse impact on those members of the bench who are looking to be promoted to higher levels of the Judicial service but who see their path blocked by the appointment of “outsiders” to the bench.

Of course, it may be argued that the alleged newcomers are already serving in some capacity or as legal practitioners employed as company secretaries, directors for legal in some banks or some commissioners, even though they don’t get into courtroom to personally participate in litigation. That’s a lame excuse.

Whatever the case, following an established hierarchy and experience on the bench does have a motivational aspect to it, in that persons who are already in service, can look forward to having their work recognised by way of promotion to a higher level in some form of order, so that everyone feels that they have a more or less equal opportunity of rising in the judicial service.

This author would like to see a return to the old order of our Judges, from magistrates to the Supreme and Constitutional Courts, rising through service and by promotion through the various stages of Judgeship.

The fairness in the justice system, impartiality of a court, and the quality of judgments are determined by how its adjudicators are appointed and the reasons behind such appointment. If a judge is appointed to serve the commands and interests of politicians, who are the appointing authority, the rule of law becomes a laughing stock.

President Hichilema has also elevated two Judges of the High Court to the bench of the Constitutional Court and Court of Appeal, respectively, while Madam Justice Munalula has been elevated to Judge President of the Constitutional Court, which this author considers to be “the people’s court.”

It should be noted that Madam Justice Munalula was previously the Deputy President of the Court and is now ascending by promotion, following the retirement of her illustrious predecessor, her sister Madam Justice Hilda Chibomba.

If we may discuss the work of our courts, there is no doubt that our judges at the Constitutional Court have set a standard for timeous disposal of cases brought before it, and it is everyone’s hope that this will continue.

It is heartening to know that going before the Constitutional Court will bring results in a timely fashion and one hopes that all our courts at all levels, will adopt the working methods of our Constitutional Court to ensure speedy delivery of judgments, within a reasonable timeframe, usually 3 to 4 months at most.

We may say the same in terms of the speedy disposal of cases before the Court of Appeal, where The Honourable Judge Mwiinde Siavwapa has now been appointed to take over the leadership of that Honourable Court. It is noteworthy that the Honourable Judge Siavwapa has been elevated to leadership ahead of his senior colleague, his brother the Honourable Judge Chalwe Mchenga

Of course, the Constitutional Court has been criticised for being vague, lacking clarity and inconclusive judgments in cases that directly hinge on the interests of politicians in power just as the Supreme Court has been criticised for its laissez faire in late delivery of judgments. The case of Katele Kalumba and others should appeal to the conscience of the court that an injustice was occasioned.

CONCLUSION

One of the duties the President of the Republic of Zambia is to appoint Judges of the superior courts. President Hichilema has inherited a tap-on-the-shoulder system of appointing and promoting Judges which dates back to 1991 but he is a leader who Zambians had expected was to change this practice where judges are appointed for patronage purposes and because of connections rather than merit.

The recent appointments of Judges to the superior Courts by President Hichilema adds to the unfortunate pattern which has established itself, over the years, in which merit, hard work, and experience due to length of service is never rewarded in the Judiciary.

It is apparent that adjudicators of superior courts (and indeed the Subordinate Courts) can only progress and be rewarded only if they are perceived to be singing from the same hymn book with politicians. Under this scenario, justice become tailored to commands and interests of politicians than the law itself. This must change. Zambia must go back to merit-based appointment system of Judges, and indeed judicial officers.

(To be continued tomorrow)

[Published by the Zambia Daily Nation, February, 2023]

Decriminalizing same sex relationships will violate Zambia’s morals and beliefs-Haimbe tells UN

Chief Editor
-
24
Decriminalizing same sex relationships will violate Zambia’s morals and beliefs-Haimbe tells UN

Justice Minister Mulambo Haimbe has stated that Zambia will not decriminalize same sex relationship as doing so violates the country’s values, morals and beliefs as enshrined in the Constitution.

Mr Haimbe made the remarks recently at the UN Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group in Geneva, Switzerland.

He was responded to recommendations that Zambia take steps to reform laws on same sex relationships.

According to recommendations made by a special team of UN experts, they want Zambia to decriminalize same-sex relationships between consenting adults.

They also recommended that Zambia repeals laws that criminalize same-sex conduct between adults and review all legislation, policies and programs to foster equality and prevent discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.

The panel also recommended that Zambia decriminalizes same sex relationships between consenting adults and strengthen efforts to address inequality and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

They also recommended that Zambia respects the rights and fundamental freedoms of the LGBTI people through the repeal of all norms that criminalize and stigmatize the LGBTI person.

They further recommended that Zambia reviews and repeals the legislation that criminalizes consensual sexual behavior between people of the same sex; and prohibit degrading practices imposed on people of the LGBTI community, such as forced anal examinations.

And in his response to the panel, Mr. Haimbe stated that Zambia considers the recommendations as those that violate its values, morals and beliefs as enshrined in the Constitution.

Zambia’s human rights record was examined by the UN Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group for the fourth time last month on 30 January 2023.

This was Zambia’s fourth UPR review with the first, second and third UPR reviews having taken place in May 2008, October 2012 and November 2017, respectively.

The documents on which the reviews are based are national report which contains information provided by the State under review and information contained in the reports of independent human rights experts and groups, known as the Special Procedures, human rights treaty bodies, and other UN entities and information provided by other stakeholders including national human rights institutions, regional organizations, and civil society groups.

The three reports serve as the basis for the review of Zambia on 30 January can be found here.

The UPR was established by the General Assembly of the United Nations (UNGA) in 2006, as a State-driven voluntary peer-review process which provides the opportunity for each State to declare the steps taken at the national level to improve the human rights situation in that State and to fulfill their human rights obligations.

At the UPR, all 193 Member States of the UN are reviewed without any selectivity or discrimination.

It is periodic and is repeated every four-and half years.

Three sessions are held each year and 14 countries are reviewed in one session. As such, each Member State of the UN is reviewed every 4 years.

Ministry of Education clarifies misinformation on Comprehensive Sexuality Education books circulating on social media

Lusaka Times Editor
-
14
Ministry of Education clarifies misinformation on Comprehensive Sexuality Education books circulating on social media

The Zambian Ministry of Education has issued a statement regarding Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) in response to concerns raised by stakeholders. The Ministry clarified that CSE is integrated into various subjects in the Zambian curriculum and is not a separate subject. A Multi-Ministerial Technical Committee was appointed to review the CSE Framework following concerns raised by stakeholders, and the revised framework has since been renamed the Life Skills and Health Education Framework. The Ministry emphasized that the books circulating on social media regarding CSE are not developed by the Ministry of Education, and are photo-shopped and a misrepresentation of the Zambian CSE curriculum framework. The Ministry remains open to further submissions and welcomes any opportunity to raise awareness on CSE with stakeholders in Zambia.

Below is the Full Statement.

 

PRESS STATEMENT ON COMPREHENSIVE SEXUALITY EDUCATION IN RELATION TO THE RECENT INFORMATION CIRCULATING ON SOCIAL MEDIA

BOOKS CIRCULATING ON SOCIAL MEDIA ARE NOT DEVELOPED BY THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION.

Government through the Ministry of Education implemented the Revised Curriculum in 2014 that included information to help adolescents cope with numerous challenges as they transition from childhood to adulthood. The information covering various topics from Grade 5-12 was put in a document called Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) Framework.

Unlike other countries, CSE in Zambia is integrated in carrier subjects such as Integrated Science, Home Economics, Social Studies, Religious Education and Civic Education.

However, towards the end of 2020, there had been concerns from some members of society on the content of CSE. In responding to the demands from stakeholders, Government appointed a Multi-Ministerial Technical Committee to review the CSE Framework. The review was preceded by consultative meetings which were conducted in all the ten (10) provinces of Zambia, with sittings in three (3) district per province totaling 30 districts, classified as rural, peri-urban and urban which were sampled in each province.

The concerns and suggestions were submitted by Traditional leaders, Religious leaders, parents, learners, head teachers, teachers, community leaders, Civil Society Organisations, Standards officers, line ministries, service providers and Ministry of Education officials.

Country men, ladies and gentlemen, the stakeholders did not entirely reject the teaching of Comprehensive Sexuality Education but made the following observations:

  1. Learners indicated that CSE was useful in their lives as it enabled them to make informed decisions and protect themselves from STIs and early pregnancies.
  2. Teachers were however, not comfortable with the title Comprehensive Sexuality Education.
  3. Parents and most Religious Leaders said that contraceptives should not be taught to school children but emphasis should be on abstinence. Most Traditional Leaders suggested to change Comprehensive Sexuality Education to another appropriate name.
  4. Stakeholders did not find any content that was promoting homosexuality in the textbooks produced by the Ministry of Education which are used from Grade 5 to 12.

The Technical Committee has since completed reviewing the CSE Framework by addressing the concerns raised by stakeholders. The name has since been changed to Life Skills and Health Education Framework. However, the revised Framework is yet to be validated. This is because, following the Presidential directive to reform curriculum, CSE is also under review since it is integrated in carrier subjects.

Fellow countrymen, ladies and gentlemen the recent posts on social media are meant to tarnish Government and the great strides that the Ministry of Education and other partners have attained in combating teenage pregnancies and STI infections.

The current posting circulating on social media was first circulated in Zambia in 2021 and has been forwarded many times. It actually originated from Tanzania.

As a Ministry, we undertook a survey into bookshops and checked through the titles of the books circulating on social media and our findings were that:

  1. The books circulating on social media are NOT developed by Ministry of Education. The cover is correct but that page circulating is not from any of the Zambian books. These are photo-shoped, even the pagination is different.

The Ministry remains open to any further submissions and welcomes any opportunity to further raise awareness on CSE with stakeholders in Zambia including parents, traditional leaders, and religious bodies. We, at the same time, are deeply concerned about misleading and alarmist information (both internal and through social media) on the content that is a clear misrepresentation of what is contained in the Zambian CSE curriculum framework.

I THANK YOU

 

Issued by: Douglas Syakalima

Minister of Education

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

1...371372373...5,636Page 372 of 5,636

Company

Trending

Categories

© Lusaka Times