Republican President Michael Sata has charged that attempts to frustrate his government’s agenda of developing the country will not succeed. The President explained that since assuming office in September last year, some individuals have been trying to upset government stating that the PF government will not be derailed from fulfilling its promises to the Zambian people.

President Sata dared labor unions to go ahead with their planned strike if government does not meet their demands adding that government will be waiting for them.

The head of state was speaking at State house today when he swore in newly appointed Chiefs and traditional Affairs minister Emerine Kabanshi, Secretary to the cabinet Evans Chibiliti, Education Permanents Secretary Patrick Nkanza and chairperson for the Police and Prisons Service Commission Alexander Museba.

President has urged new office bearers not to be complacent but ensure that they serve the Republic of Zambia.

Yesterday , the Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) said that Government should speed up the bargaining process for new conditions of service for public service workers.

ZCTU President Leornard Hikaumba told ZNBC news in an interview that Government should ensure that negotiations are completed before the existing collective agreement expires on March 31st this year.

Mr. Hikaumba added that the four percent salary increment that Government is proposing only applies to grant aided Government institutions and not non grant aided.

He also appealed to public service workers to remain patient and allow for the smooth conclusion of negotiations. Mr. Hikaumba however said that the ZCTU is confident that the negotiations will be completed amicably.

QFM

Today is the premier of the Official Music Video for Past, Present and Future Off  “The Extraordinaires” by The Holstar and Teck-Zilla. 

The Extraordinaires is a collaboration album between Zambia based emcee The Holstar (Slam Dunk Records) and Canada based producer Teck-Zilla (Str8 Buttah Productions).
A 10 track album made up of gritty, soulful beats and insightful topics. A much needed departure from today’s flash in a pan, pop hook laden rap songs we are all used to.

By Kapa187

First Lady Christine Kaseba has implored parents in North -Western province to desist from marrying off their girl children at an early age.

Dr Kaseba says marrying off the girl child at an early age hinders girls from progressing further in their education.

She said this on Wednesday evening when she launched the Lumwana Scholarship scheme.

The First Lady advised parents to carefully balance the load of domestic chores that girls are given so that their ability to perform
in school is not impaired.

Dr Kaseba has also saluted the traditional leadership in the province for playing a pivotal role in speaking against early marriages.

She also says concerted efforts are needed to completely curb early marriages.

And the First Lady has thanked Barrick Lumwana Mining Company for rehabilitating school infrastructure in the three Chiefdoms surrounding the mining area.

She also commended the company for providing learning material to schools.

Dr Kaseba says it is pleasing to see the Mining firm provide scholarships to the girl child.

She also says such a move will greatly assist the girl child within the mining area to access higher school education.

The First Lady hoped that the holders of scholarships would progress to universities and colleges in the country.

Lumwana has been providing 100 scholarships per year in a bid to inspire the girl child to progress into high school level.

And Barrick Lumwana Mining Company Operations Managers Bob Collier thanked the First Lady for accepting the invitation to grace this year’s International Women’s Day commemorated on Thursday.

[ZNBC]

Southern Province recorded over one thousand nine hundred cases of Gender based violence last year. Choma District ranked the highest with 780 cases followed by Monze with 506. Livingstone was third with 490 cases.

Southern Province NGOCC Liaison Officer, Faith Simukoko says the cases of gender based violence are a reflection of low economic and social status of women in the country.

Ms Simukoko called for unity of purpose among women to fight the injustices against them.

She was speaking at celebrations to mark international women’s’ day at Livingstone Civic Centre on Thursday morning.

And Ministry of Community Development, Mother and Child Health Deputy Minister Jean Kapata called on women to unity and fight for the amendment of defilement to a non bailable offense.

Ms Kapata also urged women not to hide the cases of defilement happening in their homes.

She stressed the need for women not to withdraw cases of gender based violence against their spouses.

And Scores of people on Thursday morning turned up at Ndola Civic Center to commemorate this year’s International Women’s Day.

And officiating at the event, Justice Deputy Minister Alfrida Kansembe called for an end to all forms of injustice and discrimination against Women.

And Mrs Kansembe has urged the media to continue playing a strategic role in raising awareness against gender based violence.

She says the media has also a strong influence on motivating the girl child to aspire to greater heights.

ZNBC

Information and Broadcasting Permanent Secretary Amos Malupenga this afternoon officially introduced prominent Economist Chibamba Kanyama as new Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation(ZNBC) Director General.

Mr Malupenga said that with the vast experience Mr Kanyama has, he was confident that he will carry on from where out going ZNBC director General Joe Chilaizya has left.

Mr Malupenga said that Mr Chilaizya managed to change the perception of ZNBC for the last five months he has been in office. He further said that a lot of changes have taken place at the national broadcaster especially the News content.

And speaking at the same occasion, Mr Kanyama said that Mr Chilaizya brought pride to staff at ZNBC and the viewers in terms of News contents and that Mr Chilaizya is focused, professional, objective and inspiring to his team to produce the best.

Mr Chilaizya welcomed Mr Kanyama and wished him the best as he takes on the challenges which the Corporation is faced with.

Mr Kanyama’s appointment is with immediate effect. He was until his latest position, Zambian Breweries Corporate Affairs Director.

Information Minister Fackson Shamenda unveiled the appointment of Mr Kanyama as ZNBC Director General at a press briefing in Lusaka on Wednesday afternoon.

Mr Shamenda also announced that Mr Kanyama’s predecessor Joe Chilaizya has been deployed to Foreign Service, by President Michael Sata.

He thanked Mr Chilaizya for his valuable service at the helm of ZNBC for the past five months.

Mr Shamenda also said that government is confident that Mr Kanyama will satisfy public expectation in his new capacity as he has vast experience in the media fraternity.

Mr Kanyama worked at ZNBC for a number of years before he joined the corporate world.

ZNBC

By M.Chingala

I should start by saying I am not of the view that man’s supremacy is at stake because of the gender thing. But what if it is? Neither am I saying that men should grab from the women what the latter have taken from them. My argument is basically a thought provoking delve into social streams meant to ignite debate.

Gender activists consistently appear in interviews advocating for this or that woman right. But what happened to demanding equal duties? Why can’t they also advocate for equal jobs (such as underground mining). Why should a man behave like a gentleman in a time when women view such men as sissies?

Which man would like to be seen as a ‘half man? Consequently, every man displays a rough nature. After all the roughest men get the prettiest ladies or am I wrong? Why is it the man who frequents night spots in search of prostitutes so despised by ladies? Why is it a turn off for other women with whom he may not even have intentions of proposing? Personal friends often frown. Is the issue about the concern for the man’s health or what? Isn’t a prostitute better than an unfaithful girlfriend or adulterous wife? I like my friend’s definition of a prostitute. He defines them as people who, for money, do in one night what a wife does in the lifetime of the marriage.

Just like the women’s rights activists or the career-oriented 21st century woman, I like to have fun-except without the worries of a relationship. I care about other people’s feelings so I do not engage in relationships in which I cannot give my all. Well, with the exception of a prostitute. This is because with her, there is mutual understanding to maximize pleasure in one instant and not play offended when either of us is in the company of someone else.

I should say I am quite disappointed with the 21st century woman. She goes out clubbing at night in the company of other men and still demand to be trusted by their partners. Oh, what the hell! Which man would like his lady to do that if he truly loves her?

Women are now enlightened. That is a 21st century woman. Why not be a 21st century man by being the man that you are supposed to be. Don’t think of yourself as a dog. That is just girl talk though it may be true in some areas (such as style of peeing-against something and not in the open!) Think of yourself as a lion, a predator, an animal that enjoys the search. Be outgoing. Meet people. Isn’t that how male genitals are? Outside the body. Seeking to explore, to devour. Besides, our orgasm is also characterized by fluid being ejected.

So what’s my conclusion? Simple. Ladies should not expect me to practice chivalry. They should forget about me ever opening the door for them or helping out with the heavy luggage. Right? Wrong? I will continue to do that but not with the free willingness that they call ‘sissie.’ Some will call me frustrated. That maybe I have had a rough time with ladies. Wrong. I just believe in treating someone the same way they treat me. Just like gender activists, I believe in equal rights, but with equal duties and equal responsibilities. Regards fellas, I’ve got matebeto to attend- My chivalrous friend found a mate.

Republican President Michael Sata has upgraded the gender division into a full cabinet ministry and appoints Inonge Wina as Gender Minister.

Speaking today in Lusaka at the commemoration of the International Women’s days which falls on 8th March every year, President Sata said that Emerine Kabanshi, who was Gender Division deputy Minister, has now been promoted as Cabinet Minister to take over from Ms Wina as Chiefs and Traditional Affairs Minister.

President Sata said he is encouraged by the unity exhibited by women during the celebrations regardless of their political affiliation. The President Sata has also pledged his government’s commitment to address gender based violence by domesticating international conventions on gender.

Speaking earlier, NGOCC chairperson Beatrice Grillo appealed to government to operationalize the Anti gender law to ensure that the escalating cases of violence against women are alleviated.

Ms. Grillo further called on government to declare gender based violence a national disaster while urging President Michael Sata to set up a commission of inquiry to look into matters of gender based violence.

Ms. Grillo also demanded that article 23 of the Republican constitution be removed from the new constitution as it hinders women progress.

She has also called on the ministry of justice to set up fast track courts to expeditiously deal with cases of gender based violence.

And UNDP Director Kanni Wignaraja called on Zambians to ensure that traditional and cultural practices that affect the progress for women to be discarded.

She urged government to introduce a minimum threshold in political offices that will attract more women participation in leadership positions.

Hundreds of women and men thronged the show grounds this morning to commemorate the international Women’s day characterized by dances, poems and a match past from Munali round about along the great East Road to the show grounds, the venue of the celebrations among other activities.

This year’s international Women’s day theme is “Connecting girls, inspiring futures, mentorship for success.”

The gathering observed a minute of silence in respect of women who have died as a result of Gender Based Violence.

QFM