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.

The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) in Ndola district on the Copperbelt province has raided a house for a suspected drug dealer identified as Jonathan Mulinda aged 27.

During the search at the residence of the suspect at house number 32 Kopa Road in town center, officers discovered 45 rounds of ammunition suspected to be that for a pistol and whitish powdered substance.

Brief facts of the matter are that on February 28,2023 in the early hours, the DEC Officers based in Ndola acting on the information that a named suspect mentioned was dealing in drugs, they raided the above mentioned address.

The officers had earlier obtained a search warrant from the courts and on the material day they proceeded to conduct a search.

It was during the search that the officers found some whitish powder substance which was suspected to be cocaine and further found 45 rounds of ammunition in the bedroom of the suspect hidden in the drawers of the wardrobe.

However, when the whitish powered substance was subjected to analytical tests, the results came out negative, indicating that the substance was not a drug.

Copperbelt province police commanding officer Peacewell Mweemba says the suspect was yesterday March 6,2023 handed over to the police and investigations have since been instituted in the case of being in possession of prohibited articles.

Mr.Mweeemba disclosed that when the suspect was questioned regarding the ammunition, he indicated that the same belonged to one of his friends whom he briefly stayed with at some point and later left the house to an unknown place and had asked him to keep them for him.

The suspect is currently detained in police custody and will appear in court soon

The National Action for Quality Education in Zambia (NAQEZ) has commended the government’s decision to employ more teachers as it will improve the quality of education in the country.

NAQEZ Executive Director, Aaron Chansa said that the move will help address the over enrollment in class rooms of public schools due to the introduction of free education in 2022.

He urged the government to set aside money to employ at least 15,000 teachers in 2024 compared to the 4,500 employed in 2023.

He also added that there is a need for the government to build more infrastructure especially in rural areas to accommodate pupils and teachers.

Mr Chansa was speaking in a telephone interview with ZANIS in Lusaka today.

He explained that currently the country needs more than the stated deficit of 150,000 teachers.

“The deficit of teachers continues to increase, last year it was at 75,000, this year it is at 150,000. The truth of the matter is that we still need a lot of teachers, our survey indicates that we still have a lot of schools with one or two teachers, this is not good for quality education.” He said.

He further noted the need for the government to build proper accommodation for teachers in rural areas as the teachers will soon want to migrate to urban areas.

Meanwhile Secondary School Teachers Union SESTUZ General Secretary Sitibekiso Wamuyuwa said that any move to employ more teachers by the government should be appreciated as the country’s economy is not able to sustain the high number of employed teachers.

He said that the low number of enrolled students in the school of teaching is attributed to the low number of teacher employment in the past years.

Acting President, Mutale Nalumango, is tomorrow scheduled to officiate at the 2023 International Women’s day celebrations which will be hosted in Kabwe, Central Province.

Central Province Permanent Secretary, Milner Mwanakampwe, confirmed the development to ZANIS saying Mrs Nalumango is expected to arrive in Kabwe at 09:00 hours after which she will officiate at the Women’s Day celebrations at Kabwe Worriers stadium.

Mr Mwanakampwe stated that the national commemorations of this year’s Women’s Day will be held in Kabwe under the theme ‘Digital: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality.’

And Mr Mwanakampwe has observed that women have been financially neglected, a situation which leaves them vulnerable to abuse.

He said the majority of women in the province remain economically vulnerable.

Mr Mwanakampwe has since advised women to take advantage of government empowerment programmes such as the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) that can help improve their livelihoods.

“Our women should take advantage of such programmes and engage in income generating activities (IGA) to improve their economic standing,” he said.

Mr Mwanakampwe further said the increased CDF has a component of empowerment for women and youths.

He has therefore invited women in Kabwe district to join in the commemorations.

Meanwhile, Dade Moyo, a businessperson dealing in Longrich products in Kabwe, has urged women to use technology and the digital platforms positively to promote unity and development.

Ms Moyo, who is Longrich Brand Ambassador, said technology has eased the way of doing business stating that women should support one another and use technology to curb the negativity which they may be associated with.

On this year’s theme: ‘Digital: Innovation and technology for Gender Equality,’ she explained that women were fitting well in the digital platform but should completely stop attacking one other on social media.

“With technology, we have been able to organize ourselves and say, let us not look down on each other. Let us support a woman doing business and the men are out there supporting us,” she said.

And another woman, Maina Kabanda, urged women to celebrate their day peacefully.

Mrs Kabanda said men and women should support each other for the development of their families without overburdening one another.