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Police arrest woman for alleged theft of one month old baby

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Police arrest woman for alleged theft of one month old baby

Police in Chavuma District of North-western Province have arrested a 25 year old woman for stealing a three week old baby.

Deputy Police Public Relations Officer Danny Mwale, has revealed to the media that the incident occurred on January 11, 2023 around 21:00 hours at Kapapilo village.

Mr Mwale disclosed that the matter was reported to Police by the mother of the baby boy aged 17 of Kapapilo village in Kalombo area of Chavuma District.

He says investigations revealed that the mother was in the house with her child when she heard a knock on the door and immediately went to check.

The victim told the police that she found a young lady of her age who only identified herself as Chilombo from Mbulika Village in Kalombo area of Chavuma District.

The woman alleged that she was being chased by her husband who wanted to beat her and asked for refuge in the house.

After some time, she asked the owner of the house to go outside and check if the husband was still pursuing her and the mother of the child went out leaving her child in the custody of Chilombo.

When she returned, she found Chilombo had fled with the baby. Police were alerted and immediate investigations were instituted leading to the arrest of the suspect at Chavuma District Hospital around 23:00 hours,” Mr Mwale disclosed.

Mr Mwale further said police were alerted by health workers at Chavuma District Hospital, where she allegedly told them that she had given birth at home.

The suspect was arrested and is currently detained in police custody waiting for court appearance.

Meanwhile, Police in the Eastern Province have launched a manhunt for two suspects who escaped from Emusa Police cells in Chasefu District.

Eastern Province Deputy Police Commanding Officer Lucky Munkhondya has confirmed the escape of the two suspects to the Zambia News and Information Services in Chasefu.

Ms Munkhondya identified the escapees as Muzondi Mvula, who is facing a case of defilement and incest, and Augustine Banda facing the offense of prohibited immigrant.

The Deputy Police Chief said the suspects escaped from lawful custody between January 11 at 21:00 hours and January 12 at 06:00 hours.

Brief facts are that Muzondi Mvula and Augustine Banda were in police custody when the officer in charge checked on them at 21:00 hours on January 11 but they were discovered to have escaped the following day at 06:00 hours.

Ms Munkhondya added that the suspects escaped after breaking the lock using a pipe they pulled from the female cell adjacent to the male cell and later damaged the burglar bar of the office and used the window as an exit.

The Eastern Province Deputy Police Chief said police have since launched a manhunt for the suspects who are currently at large.

President Hichilema returns from Abu Dhabi

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President Hichilema returns from Abu Dhabi

President Hakainde Hichilema has today returned from his visit to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

The President who was attending the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) arrived this afternoon at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport at 15:05hrs, via the Presidential Jet.

And speaking on arrival, President Hichilema described his trip to Abu Dhabi as very fruitful and beneficial to the country following agreements made for investments and development of various sectors.

The Head of State disclosed that all MoUs signed in the UAE will take effect immediately and that discussions and preparations for implementation are currently underway between officials from the UAE and the Zambian officials from the Ministries of Energy, Green Economy and ZESCO

President Hichilema added that the MoUs signed have an added joint development agreements which are expected to aid the speedy implementation.

“This is a fundamentally different agreement. We signed the MoU and then it was accompanied by what we call the joint development agreement. So we have concluded the negotiations. The commencement is like tomorrow. In fact my team has remained. They are now working on the implementation plan,” he said

He further disclosed that the government signed additional agreements with the UAE for the support of the growth of Small to Medium Enterprises who he described as key to the economic growth of the country and job creation.

“In addition to that we have also been able in this very fruitful trip to have been able to reach agreements with the United Arab Emirates funding support for specifically target Small, Medium Enterprises. That equally is important for our small and medium businesses that will help to bring the people in the low levels to the medium class,” he added

While in Abu Dhabi the President held meetings with stakeholders on the sidelines of the ADSW including a meeting with the management of the Etihad Rail Company and the Board Chairperson of the International Holding Company IHC among others.

The President further witnessed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding MoU and Landmark Joint Development Agreement between Zambia and the United Arab Emirates aimed at facilitating massive investment in the country’s energy sector.

Emmanuel Mwamba Calls on Government to Settle Outstanding Payments to Contractors and Suppliers”

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Emmanuel Mwamba Calls on Government to Settle Outstanding Payments to Contractors and Suppliers”

Patriotic Front Presidential Candidate, Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba, called on the government to settle outstanding payments to contractors and suppliers. Amb Mwamba’s comments come in response to the announcement that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) President, Ms. Kristalina Georgieva, will be visiting Zambia.

“The government’s focus and efforts have been spent on resolving international and foreign debt, leaving domestic debt neglected,” said Amb Mwamba. He highlighted the local debt of K76.8 billion as being too large to withhold from the local economy and causing destruction to companies, small, and medium enterprises. “It is clear that the government is determined to impoverish its own citizens by withholding payments for public works done by the private sector and supplies of goods submitted to government ministries and agencies,” he added.

In July 2022, the Ministry of Finance appointed EY Advisory Services, PwC, Client Focus Solutions Chartered Accountants, CYMA Chartered Public Accountants, and Management Consultants, and Mark Daniels Chartered Accountants to audit the local debt accrued by the government. The areas of focus included value-added tax refunds, fuel arrears, farmer input-support program arrears, salaries, road contract arrears, and General Goods and Services arrears. The exercise was expected to take two months to complete and the consultants were expected to submit their final reports at the end of that period.

“The excuse that the local debt was being audited is no longer tenable as the consultants were given two months to do the work and submit reports. Government should not be allowed to willfully bankrupt local businesses for flimsy and unfounded reasons such as the entities were associated with the former ruling party, the Patriotic Front,” said Amb Mwamba. He called on the government to release the audit reports and pay the suppliers and contractors.

He also expressed concern at the delays for the government to obtain the much-publicized $1.3 billion IMF bailout. “It is clear that the bailout depends on the agreement by creditors to restructure or write-off Zambia’s debt,” he said. Amb Mwamba called on President Hakainde Hichilema to heighten diplomatic engagements with China to help resolve the debt crisis.

“All these visits to New York, Washington or Dubai have yielded nothing but mere Memoranda of Understanding. A visit to China will however resolve the current biggest economic crisis brought about as a result of the foreign debt,” said Amb Mwamba. He further stated that Zambia, like Chad and Ethiopia, owe China more money than any other creditors and the Creditors Committees so far established in these countries faced challenges to resolve the issues. He called on the Minister of Finance to concentrate on mobilizing local resources through collection of fair and just taxes, especially from the mining sector, rather than chasing the wind provided by the IMF. He also warned that the growing budget deficit will destabilize any measures to grow the economy and must be plugged by raising adequate domestic revenue, especially through the mining sector.

8 Croatian nationals still remanded in custody seven days after being granted bail

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8 Croatian nationals still remanded in custody seven days after being granted bail

The eight (8) Croatian nationals charged with the offence of attempted trafficking in four children of Congolese origin on the Zambian territory are still remanded in custody seven days after being granted bail.

This is because the four couples are yet to meet all their bail conditions stimulated by Ndola Chief Resident Magistrate Dominic Makalicha last Thursday.

The suspects shall surrender their passports to Zambian authorities, appear before police after two weeks and legalise their stay in Zambia as part of the bail conditions.

The Croatians are yet to legalise their stay in Zambia following the expiry of their entry visas into Zambia as they were in custody.

The Department of Immigration has denied granting an extension of visas to the four Croatian couples accused of attempting to traffic four children from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The couples have been requested to instead apply and pay for their temporary residence permits.

The Department of Immigration says it does not extend days for people in custody.

Copperbelt Province Department of Immigration regional officer Stewart Chiyayika said in response to a letter written by Legal Aid Board lawyer Kelvin Silwimba requesting for an extension of their visas.

Mr Chiyayika urged Mr Silwimba to adhere to the legal provisions as outlined under Section 57(1) of the Immigration and Deportation Act.

“Following the request from the eight Croatians who are currently in custody and were on January 12, 2023, granted bail by the Honourable Magistrate, I wish to state that as the Department of Immigration, we do not extend days to persons who are in custody. Further, these individuals despite being charged under the Anti-Human Trafficking Act have no valid immigration status and the only option is to be placed on temporary permits or remain in custody. Therefore, we cannot extend their days, but instead you are advised to adhere to legal provisions as outlined under Section 57(1) of the Immigration and Deportation Act,” Mr Chiyayika said.

On Friday last week, Mr Silwimba representing Noah Kraljevic, Ivona Kraljevic, Zoran Subosic, Azra Imamovic Subosic, Nadica Magic, Damir Magic, Ladislav Persic and Aleksandra Persic requested for an extension of visas for his clients.

Mr Silwimba said the request for the extension of the visas is to necessitate the suspects stay in Zambia pending trial.

“Take further notice that their failure to have their visas renewed after their seven days expired was not intentional or by their own doing as on the date of their being apprehended being the seventh day of December 2022, the same were still valid,” reads the letter in part.

Mr Silwimba contends that his clients’ failure to renew their visas was not caused by the applicants themselves but by the institution’s refusal to do so.

He expressed worry saying the decision by the department to refuse granting an extension of his client’s visas is an illegality.

Meanwhile, trial in this case started last Thursday in the Ndola Magistrate’s Court with three witnesses testifying during a three-hour long court session.

On 10th January, 2023, the eight suspects pleaded not guilty to the offence of attempted trafficking in four children of Congolese origin on the Zambian territory.

The Immigration Department last month in collaboration with police in Ndola stopped an alleged illegal adoption involving four Congolese children who were destined for Croatia.

Particulars of the offence are that Damir Magic aged 44 and seven others on 7th December 2022 in Ndola on the Copperbelt Province jointly and whilst acting together did attempt to traffic a child namely Beatrice Magic within the territorial boundaries of Zambia for the purpose of exploitation.

In count two, another couple namely, Subosic Zoran, a musician and Immovic Subosic, a Constitutional Court administrator, on the same date attempted to traffic a child namely Mariella Kalinde Immovic Subosic within the territorial boundaries of Zambia for the purpose of exploitation.

Ladislav Persic, a veterinary doctor and Aleksandra Persic, a dog beauty stylist on December 7, this year allegedly attempted to traffic a child namely Jona Asnate within the territorial boundaries of Zambia for the purpose of exploitation.

Noah Kraljevic, a human rights activist and Ivona Kraljevic, a proxy woman at that country’s national theater, are also alleged to have attempted to traffic a child namely Jean Val Kraljevic.

The case has been adjoined to 23rd January, 2023 for continued trial.

The four children in question are being kept by the social welfare department at a facility in Ndola.

Minister of Community Development Calls for Stakeholders Collaborative Efforts in the Implementation of the Children’s Code Act

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Minister of Community Development Calls for Stakeholders Collaborative Efforts in the Implementation of the Children’s Code Act

Minister of Community Development and Social Services Doreen Mwamba has called for stakeholder collaboration in the implementation of the Children’s Code Act No. 12 of 2022.

Ms Mwamba stated that the Act is very progressive in the enhancement of Children’s rights and welfare, but requires everyone to come on board to support, for it to work effectively.

Speaking when she paid a courtesy call on the Central Province Minister, Mr Credo Nanjulwa, Ms Mwamba reiterated that, contrary to assertions that it gives too much freedom to children, the Act actually provides a clear legal framework to implement child friendly policies that border on the promotion and protection of their rights.

“We are not going to leave our children behind as we talk development, and I want to emphasize that there is no clause saying children must not be responsible, but actually promotes parental responsibility in the promotion of children’s values and principles,” she said

She noted that the law now provides for punitive measures for parents who deliberately neglect their children to wander off in the streets and also guides against vices such as early marriages, among other progressive clauses.

Ms Mwamba has since encouraged stakeholders to familiarize themselves with the Children’s Code Act so that they can help the government in its quest to promote children’s welfare across the country.

And Central Province Minister, Mr Credo Nanjuwa is happy that the country now has a legal framework that addresses issues to do with children.

He pledged to fully support the implementation of the Act in the province by collaborating with other stakeholders and spearheading monitoring of children related programmes.

Mr Nanjuwa has further appreciated the success stories coming out of the implementation of various social protection programmes under the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services.

He told the Minister that the Social Cash Transfer programme, for example, has made tremendous progress and significantly improved the welfare of the vulnerable in society.

The objects of the Children’s Code Bill of 2022 are to: (a) reform and consolidate the law relating to children; (b) provide for parental responsibility, custody, maintenance, guardianship, foster care, adoption, care and protection of children; (c) provide for the grant of legal aid to, and establish procedures for the treatment of, children in conflict with the law; (d) provide for the making of social welfare reports in respect of a child in conflict with the law; (e) establish diversion and alternative correctional programmes and promote the rehabilitation of a child in conflict with the law through programmes to facilitate restorative justice and compliance with laws; (f) provide for the protection of a child victim and child witness in investigative and judicial processes; (g) provide for the probation of a child in conflict with the law and provision of probation services.

Additionally, (h) provide for the development of treatment programmes, early intervention services and programmes to combat crime and prevent further offending; (i) limit the negative effects of confinement by minimising the impact of a finding of guilty on the family of a child in conflict with the law and facilitate the re-integration of the child in conflict with the law into society; (j) provide for the establishment of child approved centres and child reformatory centres; (k) provide for the regulation of child care facilities; (l) provide for child safeguarding; (m) domesticate the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, the Convention on Protection of Children and Cooperation in Respect of Inter-Country Adoption and the Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction; (n) repeal the Legitimacy Act, 1929, the Adoption Act, 1956, the Juveniles Act,1956 and the Affiliation and Maintenance of Children Act, 1995; and (o) provide for matters connected with, or incidental to, the foregoing.

President’s consultations on street vending should provide a lasting solution – New Heritage Party

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President’s consultations on street vending should provide a lasting solution – New Heritage Party

The New Heritage Party has called on President Hakainde Hichilema to gather together an indaba of different expertise to debate and propose a solution that will permanently address the issue of street vending.

The New Heritage Party Vice President Samuel Kasankha stated that since President Hichilema has taken this initiative to ask for consultation, he should therefore take time and use every workable means that will hopefully be permanent and satisfactory to all concerned parties.

“As New Heritage Party, we urge that not only should we heed the President’s call for consultation but that the type of consultation must be all inclusive and exhaustive. Let us not be in a hurry to find a solution to this problem because firstly it’s not a situation unique to Zambia, but also, as already observed, we’ve lived for a while with it. Solutions will not come easy and in abundance but must be searched for carefully,” he said

Mr Kasankha said that their Party sympathise with the President’s stance because there are indeed certain factors to street vending that must be considered before they throw vendors out, adding that firstly, they do not believe that Mr Nkombo’s effort at forcibly eliminating the vendors is sustainable, as this is a route that has been tested before and has resulted in failure, and for as long as the police (and sometimes even military personnel) remained on the streets on guard, the vendors stayed off, and as soon as they demobilised, the vendors slowly trickled back and ultimately filled the streets again! So, commanding the vendors out by ultimatum or physical force will only agitate angry anti government reactions at a time when anti government sentiment is arguably already very high.

“The reasons why our populations are trooping into the streets to trade there have everything to do with the current economic doldrums the majority are going through, most have no alternative means to earning a living so we sympathise with the President’s stance because unless we give our people alternatives, they will starve and fail to take care of their families. Street vending is an almost sole alternative means of livelihood for many, so we must seriously consider how to help them before we can chase them,” he said

He disclosed that given an opportunity, Mr Nkombo would by last Monday 16th January, 2023 have eliminated street vendors from the streets of Lusaka, and since he has not stated what he would have done if they had ignored his ultimatum, let’s assume that as usual, he would have fallen on the force of law enforcement agents from the Zambia Police Service and the Lusaka City Council.

“We sympathise with both Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Gary Nkombo’s and President Hakainde Hichilema’s different positions on the issue of street vending,” he said

“We sympathise with his desire to eliminate street vendors, and we believe Mr Nkombo has the support of many other Zambians on that one,” he added

Mr Kasankha cited that there are several critical considerations, some among which are as follows: 1. They lead to the accumulation of filth in the central business area of our capital city, 2. There are inadequate sanitation facilities for the crowds that mass in town daily such that many use unconventional means to answer the call of nature resulting in serious health threats including possible outbreaks of diseases like cholera, which has happened in the past, 3. The overcrowding in the streets limits space for mobility both in the shop corridors and in some lanes of roads like Lumumba and Freedom Way, making it hard to manoeuvre whether by car or on foot, and finally, 4. The overcrowding also creates an opportunity for thieves, pickpockets and other deviants to easily perform their unlawful acts against unsuspecting passersby. It therefore abets crime.

Mr Kasankha mentioned that there are other offshoots of street vending which readily come to mind but for now, the above provide sufficient reasons to support the permanent elimination of street vending especially when and where it is proven that alternative trading spaces like markets have been provided but people have opted to trade on the streets.

“To this extent, therefore, we agree with Mr Nkombo that these people must be moved,” Mr Kasankha stated

An 81-year-old man walks to freedom on Marijuana charges

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An 81-year-old man walks to freedom on Marijuana charges

An 81-year-old man from Kavuma Compound in Lusaka’s Waterfalls area has been acquitted on charges of trafficking in 68 grams of marijuana. The accused, Tie Mwape, admitted to the charge but claimed that he was using the drug for medication on his grandchild who has an ear infection.

Mr. Mwape was charged with trafficking in psychotropic substances, an offence that carries a maximum sentence of 25 years. Allegations against him stated that on November 26th of last year, he trafficked in 36 grams of marijuana, a herbal product of cannabis sativa, without lawful authority.

Mr. Mwape spent his Christmas in jail while awaiting his next court appearance. Despite his age and the fact that his wife is reportedly ill, he was not granted bail as drug trafficking is not considered a bailable offence.

During the court hearing, two investigation officers testified that they never found Mr. Mwape selling the drugs and that they did not have a warrant when they searched his house. A scenes of crimes officer at Chelstone Police Station, Rosa Chutu, stated that she was assigned to accompany a deputy criminal investigations officer to recover stolen goods in Kavuma and that they were with one suspect, Chipusa Kamanga, who was charged with theft.

In the end, the court acquitted Mr. Mwape.

Two Ndola mothers in shock after baby swap

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Two Ndola mothers in shock after baby swap

Two Ndola mothers have been left in shock after they discovered that their newly born babies were allegedly swapped at Ndola Teaching Hospital shortly after giving birth.

One of the affected mothers Violet Mulenga, 26, has narrated that her joy of giving birth to her first child has been ruined by the disturbing development and wonders how the swap took place after giving birth.

Mrs Mulenga said she heard the other mother, Majory Kiprios complaining that the child she was given was not hers as her name tag seemed to have been tampered with.

“I then went to the sister in charge and explained the ordeal. The following day, the nurse came and told us that they would engage management,” she narrated amid sobs.

She wondered how the babies would be swapped when Mrs Kiprios gave birth an hour earlier than her, and that they went in theater at different intervals.

Despite not having breastfed the baby after the shocking news, Mrs Mulenga has, however, insisted, her child is the one weighing 3.4 kilogrammes.

She explained that after the two babies were weighed, the one she was given weighed 4.4 kilogrammes and not 3.4 kg as initially indicated by the midwife immediately she gave birth.

“I never claimed any child but I was just given the child by the nurses, I really don’t know if the two babies were swapped, because immediately after giving birth, I was told my child weighed 3.5 kg, therefore its shocking that I was given one weighing 4.4 kg, how can a baby gain weight within hours of giving birth, ” she said.

And her husband, Mr Mulenga who declined to give his first name, has accused management at Ndola Teaching Hospital for negligence.

Mr Mulenga said apart from negligence, there could be a member of staff who is behind the ongoing cases of baby swap at the health facility because this is not the first time such is happening

But the hospital authorities in collaboration with Zambia Police have since taken a Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) test to determine which baby belongs to who.

Copperbelt Police Commanding Officer, Peacewell Mweemba said police in Ndola received a case of suspected child swapping which occurred on Friday the 13, last week.

Mr Mweemba said Danny Kiprios, 35 a father to one of the newly born infants complained that the baby boy his wife, Majory, 25 gave birth to was swapped by unknown people.

“Brief facts are that on January 13th, last week at about 10:00 hours, the wife to the complainant gave birth to a baby boy at the above mentioned Hospital through caesarian section. She was shown the baby boy who weighed 4.4kg,” he narrated.

Thereafter it was taken to the nursery. The newly born baby was given a tag placed on the baby’s hand bearing its mother’s details. On January 14th, the next day after she recovered, she was taken to Post Natal ward. Mrs Kiprios asked for her baby boy. She was given a baby who appeared to be of a less weight to the baby she was shown first,” he said.

Mr Mweemba said Mrs Kiprios claimed that her baby boy was with another mother named Violet Mulenga aged 26.

Mr Mweemba said that the collection of DNA samples was done in the presence of the team of investigators from Ndola Central Police Station and relatives to the affected parties.

He said DNA specimen is likely to be taken to Zambia Police Service Headquarters’ Forensic Department for determination of the rightful parents to each of the babies in dispute.

He said logistics are being prepared for one Police officer and one hospital official to travel.

Mr Mweemba said the concerned parties have been assured to be availed with Forensic results as soon as possible.

Efforts to get the hospital senior medical superintendent Dr Justo Banda were unsuccessful as he was in a management meeting.

Government praises Egyptian Pharmaceutical market potential

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Government praises Egyptian Pharmaceutical market potential

Presidential Advisor on health, Roma Chilengi has praised the pharmaceutical market size of Egypt, saying it has the potential to supply Zambia with drugs needed in all health facilities.

And an Egyptian Pharco Pharmaceutical Company has donated 1000 doses of medicine to Zambia that will go towards the treatment of Hepatitis C and a further 1000 doses of Zink and Iron to treat Anemia in pediatric patients.

Professor Chilengi says this is the reason the Zambian delegation is in Egypt with the possibility of sealing a deal to purchase the much-needed essential drugs in hospitals.

Professor Chilengi has told ZANIS in an interview in Cairo today, that there are over 120 pharmaceutical companies in Egypt of which some are multinational companies with local production facilities hence the need to collaborate with them.

“You know Egypt is a big player in the pharmaceutical industry, and we can tap into that for our medical needs and pharmaceutical technology which they have developed over time, “Professor Chilengi stated.

He added that his team is impressed with the standards and competencies which have been exhibited by Egyptian Pharmaceutical companies so far.

And Ministry of Health, Director, Clinical Care and Diagnostic, Alex Makupe, has thanked Pharco Pharmaceutical Company, for donating 1000 doses of medicine to Zambia that will go towards the treatment of Hepatitis C.

Dr Makupe further disclosed that Pharco has further donated 1000 doses of Zink and Iron used in the treatment of cases of Anemia in pediatric patients.

“As you may be aware Zambia has a huge number of people being treated with Hepatitis B even health officials also contract this pandemic a lot and this donation will go a long way in the treatment of our patients,” he said.

A multidisciplinary team is in Cairo, Egypt, to conduct due diligence of the bulky purchase of medicines.

The team comprises Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA), Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority, ZAMSA, ZPPA, Ministry of Commerce Trade and Industry, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and Ministry of health officials.

Last week Health Minister Sylvia Masebo said the government will improve processes in 2023 to ensure speedy purchase of necessary medicines.

Government will supply maize to millers to control rise of mealie meal prices – Agriculture Minister

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Government will supply maize to millers to control rise of mealie meal prices – Agriculture Minister

Agriculture Minister Reuben Mtolo has announced that the Government has stopped supplying maize through the Food Reserve Agency – FRA to traders but will instead limit the supply of the commodity to millers in order to control the rise in the price of mealie meal.

Addressing the media in Lusaka this morning, the Agriculture Minister Reuben Mtolo stated that this is because of the current pressure on the limited stocks of maize in the country, adding that FRA will now concentrate on supplying maize to millers who will in turn sell to the traders.

“At the moment, FRA is distributing 250,000 metric tonnes of maize to all millers countrywide,” Mr Mtolo mentioned

Mr Mtolo said that despite the foregoing, the private sector still remains free to export maize and its products sourced from elsewhere other than the FRA.

He added that the Ministry is working with Law Enforcement Agencies to ensure that the export of mealie meal at borders is done in a legitimate manner.

The Minister noted that in view of the foregoing, government will closely monitor retail prices among the millers receiving maize grain from FRA to ensure that all the millers sale the product at the recommended price and any miller found arbitrarily increasing the price of mealie meal will cause government to restrain supply of the commodity.

Mr Mtolo has since assured the nation that Zambia has enough maize stocks to last up to the next harvest, adding that the country is headed for a bumper harvest because the rains are good and the distribution of farming inputs is almost complete.

Meanwhile, Mr Mtoolo disclosed that about 124,000 hectares of maize and wheat in all the 10 provinces has been affected by the army worms, and to combat the fall army worms that have invaded these hectares of agricultural land, the government has released about 55 million Kwacha towards the procurement of chemicals.

“The destruction represents 11 percent of the crop,” he noted

He further disclosed that the release of 55 million Kwacha by the treasury has helped in the acquisition of 99,000 liters of different types of chemicals which has so far been distributed to farmers for free.

Mr Mtolo cited that the whole purpose of distributing different types of chemicals to the farmers periodically changing the type of chemicals to be spread is to avoid buildup pests’ resilience.

“Every province has so far received and are still receiving the chemicals to combat the widespread of armyworms,” he said

He has since advised all the farmers to immediately report to the agriculture officers in order to access the free chemicals that are being provided for by the government through his Ministry.

And Mr Mtolo has also disclosed that overall the government has distributed 96 percent of farming inputs across all the provinces as of yesterday.

“The overall performance in terms of FISP shows that a lot of progress has been met and the targets are also being met, for instance of the total allocation of 153, 665.10 metric tonnes of D compound Fertilizer, the entire quantity of this fertilizer type has been distributed across the country, we concentrated on the distribution of Compound D fertilizer as it is needed first in the field, where some use it as they plant, while others wait for the plants to have a few leaves then they apply it,” he said

The Agriculture Minister revealed that so far, the countrywide distribution of Compound D fertilizer has been completed while Urea of the total 153, 665.1 metric tonnes, a 140, 006 metric tonnes has been delivered which represents 92 percent distribution of Urea.

Mr Mtolo disclosed that of the 1,024,434 targeted farmers, a total of 1,016, 998 farmers have deposited their contribution resulting in total deposits made of about 406 million Kwacha which translates into 99.27 percent of farmers having made their deposits.

“When I say farmers have deposited, it means they have paid the 400 Kwacha which is the contribution amount to be given the inputs that costs about 9000 Kwacha hence, farmers are only required to pay a sum of 400 Kwacha,” Mr Mtolo explained

Epidemic response Committee calls for strengthened surveillance in Sinazongwe

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Epidemic response Committee calls for strengthened surveillance in Sinazongwe

The epidemic preparedness committee in Sinazongwe District has resolved to strengthen disease surveillance and intelligence to enhance preparedness and response.

This came to light when the committee met yesterday in a meeting held at council chamber for an update on the current epidemic situation in the district by Sinazongwe Health Office.

Sinazongwe District Health promotions officer Owen Malawo said there was need for all stakeholders to participate in raising awareness on the epidemic responses.

“The district will be implementing the measles vaccination campaign and sensitization on other epidemics in a multi- sectoral way by engaging all stakeholders,”he said.

Mr Malawo has also called on stakeholders in the committee to participate in responding to rumors and correct misinformation about measles and Covid-19 vaccinations that will be undertaken in the district.

And presenting the district epidemic situation update to stakeholders and the committee, District Health Office Surveillance Officer Mwiinga Ngwama indicated that there were reduced cases of Covid-19 in the district as of last year.

Mr Ngwama said the district had also recorded a reduction in malaria incidences while measles claimed three lives from one area called Siamambo fishing camp but recorded 164 cases cumulatively last year.

He said the measles spread through community transmission but were treated apart from the three that died.

Mr Ngwama also presented that dog bites in the district were on the rise and needed to be controlled.

“Despite no record of confirmed rabies the district has a record of more than 20 dog bites as of last year and the situation has remained worrisome to date, “said Mr Ngwama.

He called on the council, veterinary department and Zambia Police to come on board to control the situation by way of sensitization and cropping stray dogs suspected of not being vaccinated.

However, Sinazongwe District Commissioner Nchimunya Siakole has reaffirmed Government’s commitment in stamping out Covid-19 with the onset of the sub-variant omicron virus XBB.

“Government is still committed to stamping out COVID-19 especially with the coming of the sub-variant omicron virus XBB and has taken it as a public health emergency,” he said.

He said this in a speech delivered on his behalf by District Labour Officer Chipango Muyaka.

Mr Siakole said despite reduction of Covid-19 cases in the district last year, there is need to intensify the uptake of the golden rules guided by health office.

He said the district may not be spared from the Covid-19 and other pandemics if the public health guidelines are dropped.

Mr Siakole added that epidemic preparedness and response required sustainable engagement of stakeholders at all levels.

Here is Why Past and Current Youth Empowerment Programs have failed

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Here is Why Past and Current Youth Empowerment Programs have failed

Ministry of Youth, Sport and Art’s “new” Projects are mirages for mass Job Creation

By Mwansa Chalwe Snr

Zambia’s various administrations since independence in 1964 – United National Independence Party (UNIP), Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD), Patriotic Front (PF) and now the United Party for National Development (UPND) – have all implemented various Youth empowerment programs in order to solve the intractable Youth unemployment problem. These programs include the National Service, Youth Development Fund, Multi-Sectoral Youth Empowerment, Constituency Development Fund, and a myriad of others. They have all failed to solve the problem. This article identifies their flaws, and suggests a 21st Century approach, which covers the entire Youth empowerment value chain that includes intellectual capital and technology, rather than the concentration on financial empowerment as is the case now.

New Dawn Youth empowerment Programs

The New Dawn Administration have launched various ad hoc, but apparently not well thought out empowerment programmes because they are mere repeats of the failed old ones. In December, 2022, Minister of Youth, Sport and Art, Elvis Nkandu launched three empowerment projects: Internship/graduate Apprenticeship and Volunteer Programme, Youth Connekt Hubs and Digital Platform and the Equipment modernization of the Youth Resource Centres. These initiatives are in addition to the fuel tankers empowerment and the Constituency Development Fund (Youth and Women component). What is crystal clear is that these programmes are very similar to the failed MMD and PF Programmes. There is no evidence of any innovation at all. It follows, therefore, that these initiatives are likely to fail like in the past ones. The Ministry is doing the same thing, and expecting a different result.

It is very easy to prove that the latest batch of “new” Projects were started under the PF administration. They are merely cut and paste initiatives and not credible solutions. The Youth Conneckt programme, for example, is a Rwanda based initiative and was launched in Zambia by the former Vice President Mrs. Inonge Wina in March, 2018.The internship programme is old too. It seems like the technocrats are just coming up with these refurbished projects to hoodwink the President and the public that something is being done to solve the youth unemployment problem. There is completely lack of innovation. They will create very few jobs, if any.

Magnitude of Youth unemployment

In order to put the magnitude of the Youth unemployment problem in context, there is need to highlight a few numbers. The situation has reached alarming and dangerous levels and need emergency action at the very top. Zambia’s youth unemployment rate is estimated to be between 40-60%, and there are about 7.5 million youths unemployed. Furthermore, there are about between 300,000 to 350,000 youths entering the labour market every year. In the past one year, there have been several red flags that have been flashed. During the recruitment exercise of Teachers and Medical Personnel in 2022, there were a total of 100,877 applicants for 30,496 teaching positions, which amounts to a 30% success rate. And for 137,129 applicants for medical positions, only 11,276 were picked which amounts to 8% success rate. There was also a stampede throughout the country for about 46,000 temporary jobs (39,570 enumerators and 6,430 supervisors) for last year national census of population and housing by the Zambia Statistics Agency. And recently, the Minister of Defence Ambrose Lufuma, announced the recruitment of 5,000 service personnel which attracted 200,000 applicants which is 2.5% success rate.

The rational expectation is that it is these numbers that should inform the design of solutions to solve Youth unemployment by those concerned. The latest projects announced by the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Art fall far short of even scratching the surface of the numbers of the unemployed youth. The Ministry’s current solutions do not fit the size of the problem because they are not critical mass solutions.

Flaws in Current and Past Youth Empowerment Programs

There is no doubt that past Youth empowerment programmes, and the recent refurbished ones, by the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture, are not going to solve the Youth unemployment problem due to flaws in diagnosis, identification, design and implementation. There seems to be a lack of research in coming up with solutions.

The first flaw is that the youth unemployment problem has not been properly diagnosed by those responsible for solving it. It seems like there has not been any proper and comprehensive research to find out what the main causes are, and how they could be addressed. You cannot treat a disease that you have not properly diagnosed. It would be interesting to ask the technocrats in the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Art to identify and list – off the cuff – the eight main (8) causes of Youth unemployment and what their individual solutions are.

The second major flaw is that the interventions have been mainly focused on financial capital empowerment to the exclusion of intellectual capital empowerment. The experience of the Youth Development Fund (YDF) which was started under MMD in 2000, the Multi Sectoral youth empowerment under PF in 2020, and other finance based empowerment programs have all demonstrated that money alone is not a solution to job creation.

The third flaw is the silo approach to solving the Youth unemployment. The one size fits all approach has been very dominant so far. In the past, there has not been enough recognition of the different Youth demographics. There has been very little attention paid to the fact that the Youth population is diverse, and not homogenous. Solutions are supposed to take into account of this heterogeneity. The envisaged solutions should, therefore, be comprehensive, by first identifying the different Youth demographics and crafting solutions for each of them.

The fourth flaw is that most of these Programmes and Projects’ designs don’t have any feedback loop set up, between the implementing agencies on one hand, and Cabinet Office, State House and the people Zambia on the other. The study of the Youth Development Fund (YDF) by Zambia Institute of Policy Analysis and Research (ZIPAR) confirmed this. The Youth Development Fund started in 2000 but there was no strong formal Monitoring and evaluation (M&E) framework in place to find out how the fund was performing and whether it was achieving its objectives. The first M& E was contracted in 2017 which is 17 years after its commencement.

The fifth flaw was the lack of appreciation of the importance of marketing communications strategy in project design. Budgets are not provided for this component which is vital for wider outreach and higher participation.

The sixth flaw has been the politicization of most these empowerment projects. The evaluation of the Youth Development Fund clearly identified this, as a major cause of failure of the YDF programme.

“The involvement of politicians in the disbursement of funds has negatively influenced the public perception of the Fund, and its potential as a youth economic empowerment vehicle. This is because the Fund is highly linked to the political structures, which make youths think the fund are a political reward or benefit”, ZIPAR study observed.

Private Sector Collaboration Lacking
According to reliable sources, the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Art has not been welcoming to private sector proposed solutions to Youth unemployment, and simply ignore them. This is a major flaw. The sources say that the ministry is sitting on an innovative critical mass youth job creation solution from a private sector company.

In their research on Africa’s youth unemployment problem, the Africa Development Bank (AfDB) has recommended that in order for governments to solve the problem, they need to collaborate with the private sector.

“There is often insufficient consultation with and engagement of the private sector. The private sector is an essential stakeholder in addressing youth unemployment, not only as the engine of job creation but also as a potential partner to implement complex interventions alongside governments”, the AfDB noted in its research of why African government Youth empowerment programs fail.

The reluctance to work with the private sector, who have the practical experience on how JOBS and WEALTH are created, is undermining the New Dawn transformational vision which is anchored on collaboration with private sector. There is no doubt that there are many technocrats who view private sector proposals as encroaching on their tuff rather than being complementary. In the process, the nation is losing out on innovation. The above disconnect between what President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration’s vision is for the Country, and what the government bureaucracy is used to, appears to be apparent. The President has noted the same, and appealed to the newly appointed the Secretary to Cabinet, Mr. Patrick Kangwa, to carry out reforms in the way the Civil Service operates. There is a need for a mind-set and attitude change by technocrats. President Hichilema has demonstrated that for the country to succeed, the public sector and the private sectors have to work together by setting up the Public Private Dialogue Forum (PPDF).This spirit is not trickling down.

“One of the issues that is coming out now, is that, at a higher level, we are doing the right things, saying the right things, but the system is not responding. The system is clogging down things. I think we should address this matter. The narrative at the top must be the same as narrative in the middle and at the bottom,” President Hakainde told Government officials as was reported by Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC).

The 21st Century Approach to Youth empowerment

In order for the Youth unemployment problem to be solved once and for all in Zambia, solutions should be anchored on research – knowledge. There is need to prepare a comprehensive road map based on research findings as to the main causes of Youth unemployment and their respective solutions. This road map should outline the short term, medium term and long term solutions. And in order to ensure that future youth empowerment programmes succeed, the approach to their designs and implementation will need to be changed drastically. The designs should incorporate the following components: marketing communications strategy, technology elements, intellectual capital, private sector participation, financial literacy skills, market linkages and the recognition of the diversity of the youth demographic, in addition to financial empowerment. It should be recognized that the Youth empowerment value chain is much more than financial empowerment.

Conclusion

The New Dawn Administration is aware and conscious of the fact that they are not doing enough to address the Youth unemployment problem. The Finance Minister, Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane, admitted this, during the 2023 post budget symposium organised by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in October, 2022.

“Our government feels that the biggest challenge that we have as a country or the biggest challenge that we have is how to create the jobs. Jobs, jobs, jobs. We are not yet doing enough to absorb the number of young people looking for jobs. We are not doing enough,” he told the Chinese Chamber of Commerce audience.

The New Dawn Government was brought into power by the Youth vote, and may be thrown out of power by the same Youth vote, if they do not meet the aspirations of the millions of youth they promised so much, by starting to give them hope with credible and innovative solutions rather than the discredited initiatives of past regimes.

The current programs and projects announced by the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Art are mere mirages for critical mass job creation. The current projects that the ministry is implementing will have very minimum impact on job creation. These are “brought in dead” initiatives. There is no way they will create the hundreds of thousands or millions of jobs that are required, in coming years. It is, therefore, imperative that both the top Civil Service and Political leadership prevail on the ministry, and demand that it goes back to the drawing board by ensuring that they collaborate with the private sector as per government policy, and come up with fresh, innovative and critical mass solutions to solve Youth unemployment.

 

The writer is a Chartered Accountant and Author. He is a semi-retired international MSMEs Knowledge Consultant, and an independent financial commentator. He is also an Op-Ed Contributor to the Hong Kong based, Alibaba owned, and South China Morning Post (SCMP). Contact: [email protected]

Forbes names Zambeef CEO Faith Mukutu among women to watch in 2023

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Forbes names Zambeef CEO Faith Mukutu among women to watch in 2023

Zambeef Plc Chief Executive Officer Faith Mukutu has been named as one of Forbes’ Women to Watch in 2023.

According to the statement issued by Forbes Women magazine, “In July of 2022, Mukutu was promoted from CFO to CEO of Zambeef, the largest processor of beef in Zambia and one of the biggest agriculture businesses in central Africa. As Chief Executive Officer of the company, she oversees an expansive row-cropping operation – Zambeef grows maize, soya beans and wheat for its animal feed and flour milling businesses – and has been charged with expanding Zambeef’s overall footprint in Africa.’’

Zambeef Board Chairperson Michael Mundashi commented: “Ms Mukutu possesses exceptional business acumen and admirable leadership skills that assure me of the great things to come for Zambeef. Her inclusion on this list of influential women, to watch, in 2023 serves as proof of the confidence we have in her as the board, to lead the agribusiness to the next phase’’.

The prestigious list, entitled ‘Power Rising: These are the Women to Watch in 2023’ is an annual compilation by the global Forbes magazine that features women in spheres of influence across the globe.

“As more women take on key positions in major corporations, the number of role models for young women has increased. The mandate of such lists and recognitions is to show young women all over the world, including those from developing countries like Zambia, that so much is possible and that their dreams are valid,” said Ms Mukutu.

Ms Mukutu features on the list alongside the likes of French Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne – who is the second woman, in French history, to hold that position, and Sudanese-American physician Dr Iman Abuzeid – co-founder and CEO of nursing staffing start-up Incredible Health.

Zambia and UAE Sign Landmark Agreement for $2 Billion Renewable Energy Investment

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Zambia and UAE Sign Landmark Agreement for $2 Billion Renewable Energy Investment

In a significant move towards sustainable energy, Zambia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Joint Development Agreement (JDA) to facilitate massive investment in renewable energy in Zambia. The MoU and JDA will see ZESCO, the country’s state-owned electricity company, partner with MASDAR, a key investment funding entity of the UAE, to form a joint venture in developing and deploying large-scale solar projects across the country, estimated at US$2 billion.

Writing about the MOU, President Hakainde Hichilema said, “This MoU and JDA will see ZESCO partner with MASDAR, a key investment funding entity of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), to form a joint venture in developing and deploying large scale solar projects across the country, estimated at US$2 billion. This is not a loan but a capital injection in which the Zambian people, through ZESCO, will be partners in shareholding.”

The projects will be undertaken in a phased manner, starting with the phased installation of 500 megawatts. Once completed, the projects will result in an additional 2000 megawatts of electricity in the country, within the next few years. This significant increase in electricity supply will be a major boost for the country’s economy, as it will result in more accelerated economic development and increased employment opportunities for citizens.

The significance of this project is that, in the last 58 years of Zambia’s independence, the country has only developed 3,500 megawatts of electricity. President Hichilema said, “The historical significance of this project is that, in the last 58 years of our independence, the country only developed 3,500 megawatts of electricity. This remarkable investment shall bring in the much needed 2000 megawatts, within a shorter period of time.”

The President also highlighted the renewed confidence that investors have in the sound leadership of the country, resulting in more players expressing interest to participate in the country’s planned diversified energy mix, which will include solar, wind, and hydro power.

In addition to the MoU and JDA signing, President Hichilema also recently held a meeting with Ali Rashed Alrashdi, the International Holding Company (IHC) Board Chairman, to discuss ways in which citizens involved in small-scale mining can be properly organized and benefit from the country’s mineral resources. The President said, “We are transforming our small or artisanal mining sector from the demeaning situation where they were being labelled illegal miners (jerabos) to an environment where they can obtain licences, assisted with some capital and equipment and provide ready market for them within the vicinity of their operations.”

He emphasized the need for joint ventures as the only way foreign companies can transfer knowledge and skills to citizens, enhance job creation, and exploitation of opportunities. He also mentioned the need for mineral processing plants and value addition facilities around small-scale mining to avoid a situation where investors extract soil and export it in raw form.

“We look forward to the actualization of more of such engagements and projects,” said President Hichilema. The signing of this MoU and JDA, as well as the discussion on small-scale mining, is a clear indication of the government’s commitment to promoting sustainable energy and economic development in the country.

Smart Zambia signs MoU with UAE Company

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Smart Zambia signs MoU with UAE Company

Smart Zambia has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Presight AI, a leading Artificial and Predictive Intelligence Company based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

The three-year MoU seeks to enhance collaborations between the two parties in the use of e-governance in Zambia.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Corporation Permanent Secretary in charge of International Relations and Corporation, Isabelle Lemba led the Zambian delegation on behalf of the Ministry at the signing ceremony which took place at the Presight Offices in Abu Dhabi.

Speaking prior to the signing, Mrs Lemba says President Hakainde Hichilema was eager to leverage on the opportunities provided by Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) to ease the way of doing business and create jobs especially for young people.

“When we talk about job creation for the youths, we are not just talking about any jobs but we mean clean and decent jobs that are relevant to the world that we are living in today,” she explained.

Mrs Lemba said government wants to see the country have a dynamic youth that will not only be looking for employment opportunities when they leave school but become job creators themselves.

She reminded the two parties that government is now eager to see its implementation.

And Zambia National Coordinator, Percy Chinyama Smart signed on behalf of Zambia while Presight Chief Executive Officer, Thomas Pramotedham signed on behalf of his company.

Mr Pramotedham said his company is keen to start collaborations with Smart Zambia now that the MOU has been signed.

He further said his team was ready to meet their partner so that together they can identify priority areas that need concentration.

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