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Learners are govt’s trophy that has to be protected

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Learners are govt’s trophy that has to be protected

ChChasefu District Education Board Secretary (DEBS ) Benny Ngoma has advised teachers in the area to self-disciplined and dedicated to duty. Dr Ngoma says teachers, especially newly recruited ones should show high levels of discipline and avoid sexual relationships with learners or else risk losing the their job.

The DEBS was speaking during a four-day teachers’ orientation meeting held at Church of Central African Presbyterian (CCAP) in Chasefu adding that learners are government’s trophy to protect.

“Learners are government trophy. And anyone who is playing with government trophy then you are on fire. Once you are found wanting it’s instant dismissal because a leaner has got two different stakeholders—a parent and the government,” Dr Ngoma said.

During the meeting attended by teachers from seven teaching zones of the district, the DEBS further challenged newly employed teachers in Chasefu to adhere to the code of ethics in accordance to the education system in Zambia.

Stressing that they must always be cautious about time management, avoid absenteeism, and dress decently, Dr. Ngoma maintained that teachers should be appropriately dressed to be good models to pupils.

“Dress code among teachers is so pathetic. A book on principles of education written by J.S. Tarrant says, and I quote, a teacher is a mirror of society If that claim is true, I expect teachers to dress appropriately, especially the male folk,” Dr Ngoma said.

He advised teachers not to put on jeans during working days and emphasised on male teachers wearing a necktie during working hours.

“If you are allergic to a necktie and you cannot put on it, submit your resignation letter because I will not allow finding a male teacher without a necktie,” he said.

And Education Human Resource Officer Darlington Phiri revealed that out of 473 teachers employed in Chasefu, 440 have received their salaries while 33 are not yet on payroll due to wrong personal data submitted, which he said will soon be rectified.

Meanwhile, Basic Education Teachers Union of Zambia (BETUZ) District Chairperson Getrude Mkhalipi urged teachers to join Unions of their choice, adding that the role of the union is to advocate for better conditions of service and bargaining on salary increments and other allowances.

Mrs. Mkhalipi however warned that no union will support teachers that will contravene the code of ethics.

Mbita Chitala’s book invites lawsuit from Copperbelt Energy Corporation

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Mbita Chitala’s book invites lawsuit from Copperbelt Energy Corporation

Immediate past Zesco Limited board chairperson Mbita Chitala’s recently published book ‘Corporate Capture: The Political Economy of Electricity Management in Zambia (How Not to Manage a State Enterprise)’, has invited a defamation lawsuit against the author.

The Copperbelt Energy Corporation is unhappy with some of the contents in the book and has since dragged Dr Chitala to the High Court seeking damages for defamation.

The energy company contends that the defendant should be answerable for claiming that it had colluded with influential individuals between 2014 and 2021 to disadvantage ZESCO in the power supply business.

It complains in its statement of claim that Dr Chitala accused it of not respecting the Bulk Supply Agreement between it and ZESCO.

Further, Dr Chitala, in the book, alleged that CEC wantonly stopped supplying electricity to domestic customers but instead concentrated on channeling power to mining companies.

CEC contends that allegations leveled against it in the book mean that the plantiff is engaged in bad corporate governance.

It now wants the High Court to compel Dr Chitala to pay exemplary damages for defamtion and any other reliefs the court may deem fit.

After the book was published, CEC, in January this year issued a statement expressing its displeasure over some revelations against it in the piece.

Chifire’s Open Letter to HH: We did not work hard just to change the colour of criminality from green to red

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Chifire’s Open Letter to HH: We did not work hard just to change the colour of criminality from green to red

By Gregory Chifire

Open Letter to President Hakainde Hichilema

This week I wish to address you on a matter that I feel needs you to seriously crack a whip. A lot of things are done in your name and some of us that know the truth feel sad. We laboured and put our lives and those of our families in danger in order to root out the criminality that was taking route in our society. We did not do that in order to just change the colour of criminality from green to red, no! We did it because we believed and still believe in you for a crime free Zambia. A corruption free Zambia. Mr. President, you have the opportunity to do it. Zambians still love you, still believe in you.

Mr. President, there is a matter concerning one Vinod Sadhu who has been on an Interpol wanted list. This man and his son named Uddit Sadhu arrived in Zambia on 18 September 2022 through the KKIA, known top UPND officials received him and offered him VIP treatment under official Statehouse Protocol.

On 29 September, 2022, the Police arrest Vinod and his son Uddit together with a named UPND official,Malikani Chifunda and detain them at Chelstone Police Station
On 29 September 2022, a known senior UPND official, in the company of other party officials stormed Chelstone Police Station at dawn and ordered the immediate release of the trio and further made an order for the arrest and detaintion of the police officers that arrested Sadhu and his son. The officers were remanded in custody on 29 September 2022.
The whereabouts of Sadhu and his son are not known, but are believed to be under the protection of the known senior UPND and Statehouse officials. The police has been prevented from carrying out its duty by these known officials.

A few days ago, Uddit Sadhu was spotted driving a black Mercedes Benz in the streets of Lusaka. Sadhu is facing charges of forgery and uttering false documents and possible money laundering. It is disheartening that Sadhu is committing these acts in conivance with some officers of the State, including some at the Ministry of Justice.

In the event that you don’t have full details, I am ready to avail the details to you. Suffice to state that, so far, Sadhu has received about K114,650,000, money belonging to the Estate of the late John Kalenga. Efforts to stop the Ministry of Justice to continue paying Sadhu have proved futile. The said payments are made directly from the Ministry of Justice into Sadhu’s Swiss bank account.

On my part, Mr. President, I did my bit as a law abiding citizen by engaging relevant officials at the time when the arrest of Sadhu happened in order to ensure that just is done, but nothing has happened.

We are anxiously waiting to see that the right thing is done.

Sincerely yours I remain in national service.

Germany commends Zambia for implemeting the Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative

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Germany commends Zambia for implemeting the Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative

The German government has commended the Zambian government for supporting the implementation of the Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative (DAFI) scholarships programme for refugees.

Celebrating 30 years of leadership in Lusaka yesterday, German Embassy Press Officer, Lisa Stubbs, applauded the government not only for the country’s hospitality to host refugees but also the collaboration in the implementation of the DAFI programme.

Ms Stubbs however bemoaned the restrictions that allegedly make it difficult for refugees to access education among other amenities. She nevertheless said Zambia has provided a conducive environment to ensure success of the DAFI programme.

She added that the programme targets to close the gender inequalities in the education sector for refugees.

Ms Stubbs said Zambia is one of the countries that has achieved the goal, with 35 females receiving tertiary education out of the 71 students currently being supported under the DAFI programme in the country.

She reiterated that the DAFI scheme has been the most enduring opportunity for refugees that ensures access to tertiary education.

“With the help of the DAFI programme, young refugees can further develop their skills and knowledge and acquire academic qualifications,” Ms Stubbs said.

She further explained that the DAFI scholarships target talented refugees to enable them undergo technical and professional training in the country of asylum or their home country.

And Education Officer at the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), Jockshan Foryoh, acknowledged the effort being made by the Zambian government to support education.

Mr Foryoh said the demographic of refugees hosted in Zambia reflect a high number of a young population in need of education.

He said that the Zambian government has recognised this and has continued to expand education services and facilitate access to education for young refugees within and outside refugee settlements.

Mr Foryoh said this in a speech read on his behalf by UNHCR Protection Associate, Susan Shanzi.

Meanwhile, UNHCR implementing partner, Caritas Czech Republic Programme Manager, Lucie Hrabcova, is happy to be part of a programme that provides young people with an opportunity to attain tertiary education even in a country of asylum.

Ms Hrabcova said the programme is perfectly designed, as it provides access to future development for refugees.

Meanwhile, a beneficiary, Onesphore Murishi, who is a Burundi national, said the programme gave him hope for a bright future.

Dr Murishi said the DAFI scholarship helped him to graduate as a medical doctor at the University of Zambia.

He has since called on other refugees to take advantage of such opportunities.

The DAFI scholarship programme offers qualified refugee and returnee students the possibility to earn an undergraduate degree in their country of asylum or home country.

A Created Adversarial Press Against The Bemba Royal Establishment

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A Created Adversarial Press Against The Bemba Royal Establishment

Dr. Henry Kanyanta Sosala

PART II

The Amos Chanda Saga

One of the world’s greatest evangelists, Billy Graham once said, ‘’Laugh and the world laughs with you; weep and you weep alone.’’ And this has been true in the life of Amos Chanda. In the first place when he was a star at State House, he operated a sort of night club which used to be packed to capacity by people who thought Chanda could pass some words to the President on their behalf. But, alas, as soon as he suddenly lost the post, nobody went there and it was closed.
Second, when PF lost power and in what he thought was a ‘’clever tactical move’’ to find favour within UPND, he ditched the PF. It is in our human nature and we all need sympathy when we face certain situations. And after Amos was arrested, cited for serious criminal charges and remanded in the cruel world of prison, he desperately needed sympathy. And the only remaining institution according to him that could offer blind unreserved sympathy on tribal lines was his tribal lineage i.e., the Bemba Royal Establishment.

Amos Chanda then wrote the following article which his sympathizing fellow press men published in the Watchdog: ‘’The Bemba Royal Establishment (BRE) is disturbed that Amos Chanda, the former State House press aide has been kept in unlawful dentation for almost a week without being taken to court when the offence he is charged is bailable.
On Sunday night Senior Chief Mwamba sent a message through his representative who visited Mr Chanda at Kabwata Police station where the former State House press aide had been detained since Thursday last week.

Senior Chief Mwamba said he was an emissary of Paramount Chief Chitimukulu, of the Bemba people. Senior Chief Mwamba said the Mwine Lubemba was particularly concerned that Mr Chanda was allegedly being persecuted over an offence that was bailable and over a court matter that the Royal Establishment understood closed in 2020.
The Bemba chiefs are concerned that the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) and the other law enforcement agencies had targeted Mr Chanda for harassment in a bid to get to the former President Edgar Lungu who he served as special advisor for press.’’

But unfortunately his desperation led him to make the Bemba chiefs over-sympathize far beyond their capacity. For sure we chiefs know nothing about bailable cases since we do not deal with those situations in our traditional courts and not even in the nearby local courts. On the other hand, the chiefs in their lines of duty only know the people that they daily see and interact with such as the C.C.P.A., the local court messengers, the police, the soldiers, prison warders and the district messengers who accompany Provincial Ministers, Permanent Secretaries or District Commissioners when they visit their palaces. But we definitely know nothing about the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) and we therefore cannot issue any statement regarding any situation since we do not know what they do.

But what had really motivated Amos to apply the ‘’cunning tactical maneuver’’ to manipulate and involve what he supposed to be the ‘’institution of ignoramuses’’ to his advantage? I believe Robert Sternberg, ‘’a stupid expert’’ can help us understand Amos Chanda’s motives in this scenario: ‘’…….this is not actually stupidity in the classical sense, which is usually thought as of a very low IQ. This kind of foolishness must be distinguished from the ‘’mental retardation.’’ And this kind of idiocy has been identified with inferiority complex arising mostly from highly questionable family background. This kind of stupidity comes with displaced ambition; such stupid persons believe that because they are so smart; the world does and should revolve around them. They are gripped by the omniscience fallacy. They are convinced that they know more than everyone else and can influence public opinion to their advantage and that others are just big idiots whom they can easily manipulate.’’

And incidentally who is Amos Chanda and what is so special about him that could cause the BRE such furore inspite of him being arrested and detained on alleged criminal charges! I have known Amos Chanda as a Bemba from Chinsali in Muchinga Province and I know one of his closest relative and is not in any way connected to the Bemba royal family by marriage, sweat or any other way.

The old institution of chieftaincy also like courts of law draws a lot from past precedents. For example, the Bemba Royal Establishment was silent on such a Bemba political hero like Mr. Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe who resigned as Zambian Republican Vice-President ‘’because the people from the northern part of Zambia, the Bemba-speaking people if you like, have suffered physically and sometimes been beaten. They have suffered demotions and suspensions because of my being Vice-President. I cannot sacrifice any longer these people……’’ He was later detained, not on criminal charges, but when his political party the phoenix-like United Progressive Party (UPP) was banned.

On the other hand, the Bemba Royal Establishment is currently silent on Mr. Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba. He resigned as Defence Minister when I was being harassed by President Sata. And the President asked him to choose between his highly remunerative and prestigious job and myself. And here are his words: ‘’ ‘’ …it’s important for Zambians to know that I hail from the Bemba royal family and it is therefore unacceptable for President Sata to stop me from visiting my grandfather. There is no way I am going to forsake my own blood for the sake of politics. So for me as GBM, I am sorry. I am a very principled person and I resign from government.’’

Mr. Mwamba had risked his own life besides his businesses by standing on the principle of being loyal not only to me personally but to the Bemba people and tribe. And him being a member of the Bemba royal family he failed to betray his tribe for the sake of money and position.

If the Bemba Royal Establishment could be silent on such heroes who gave up great privileges for the sake of our tribe, how on earth could we be so concerned about such an unknown and insignificant individual as Amos Chanda.

And here is what Amos chanda himself later wrote after being released from custody: ‘’Good afternoon. I have been granted bail by the court. My only word for now is that I am thankful for the professionalism of the court which rejected DEC’s absurd opposition for bail on grounds that if released I would repeat the same offence. How can I repeat an offence that I have ever committed in the first place.

‘’The vitriol malice and personal hatred is extraordinary. But I will confront all this during my defence once trial begins on November 23. Magistrate Washimanga directed that there was no legal basis to deny me bail for an offence that is bailable and ordered bail for K10,000 in the recognizance of the two working sureties. I also wish to thank the Bemba Royal Establishment which sent His Royal Highness Senior Mwamba to come and give moral support during my unlawful detention for six days in a crowded cell at Kabwata Police Station.

‘’I have since met Senior Chief Mwamba here in Lusaka and spoken to the Mwinelubemba, Paramout Chief Chutimululi of the Bemba people to assure him that I was well and ready to defend myself against the absurd charges from the DEC’’

On the other hand, Senior Chief Mwamba confirmed that Amos Chanda went to see him at the hotel and apologized for all the misinformation that had taken place while he was in custody. The chief, however, told me that he does not know even where Kabwata police station was and he added that if ever he was taken there could any police man identify him as having ever visited Amos Chanda ? But deducing from his press statement, Amos merely twisted his visit Senior Chief Mwamba to reaffirm the statement that he had posted on the Watchdog

But on my part, I believe Amos Chanda has become a pathological liar since to the best of my knowledge I have never spoken to him for the whole of this year and for him to claim he spoke to me means that his incarceration is having a negative impact on his brains most probably leading to dementia.

Epilogue

And in closing, being the most senior member of the Bemba Royal Establishment, I must declare that I myself and all Bemba Chiefs are committed to work with the current UPND government and President Hakainde Hichilema, just as we cooperated and worked with the Patriotic front government and President Lungu. And I furthermore wish also to recognize and appreciate the fact that we are represented in government by our sisters and brothers from the three Bemba-speaking provinces i.e., Luapula, Northern and Muchinga and we have been honoured to have the Republican Vice-President who hails from this region.

Don’t underate me for the PF top Position-Kafwaya

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Don’t underate me for the PF top Position-Kafwaya

Patriotic Front (PF) presidential aspirant Mutotwe Kafwaya has warned that he shouldn’t be underrated in the race for the top party position.

Mr. Kafwaya, the Lunte Member of Parliament, is contesting the PF presidency against Brian Mundubile, Greyford Monde, Chishimba Kambwili, Miles Sampa, Emmanuel Mwamba, Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba and Dr Chitalu Chilufya among others.

He has been accused of overrating himself by going for the top PF post by his critics.

But Mr. Kafwaya has told the Mast Newspaper that what will happen at the party’s convention may be shocking.

“We have to end at saying everyone of us is a threat in a unique way and I think I am a very serious threat because what might happen may shock people,” he said.

In an interview, the Lunte PF member of parliament said the race must be viewed with physical and spiritual eyes.

Mr. Kafwaya stated that there could be so many comments implying that he was least among the contenders who include Brian Mundubile, Greyford Monde, Chishimba Kambwili, Miles Sampa, Emmanuel Mwamba, Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba and Dr Chitalu Chilufya.

“So many people will have their views. All those views must be accepted and respected,” he said. “That is why each one of us have our own supporters and our own supporters carry different views. For me I cannot dismiss anyone of those who decided to put up their application. I have no right to dismiss anyone of them. The same way I could not dismiss the others.”

Mr. Kafwaya said every candidate must be perceived as a threat.

“Every single one of them is a threat. There is not a single one who is not a threat. Our judgement of the people is based on what we know about them. What I know about the contenders could be a fraction of what other people know about them. So I will be deciding based on what I know and yet other people know other…” Mr. Kafwaya said.

“In these matters, there is a Saul factor and we also have a David factor. Do you know that David was the youngest son of Joseph? So I am thinking, there is a possibility that the first born can take it or the last born could be looked. It depends on where you are standing or the terraces you are seated on. Are you sitting on the one which is the Joseph side or going for the one which views the Reuben and this is the problem. It is a diversity we live in. So for me, David was preparing by killing lions and bears. He was under preparation when his brothers were at home. So when it came to facing Goliath, the guy who had capacity to kill a lion with bare hands was easily able to defeat Goliath. The guys who were at home were hiding in the crowd. So this process is one that must be seen with both physical and spiritual eyes. We have to end at saying everyone of us is a threat in a unique way and I think I am a very serious threat because what might happen may shock people.”

Mr. Kafwaya said Zambians wanted an empathetic government.

“Let us hope for the best for the country because this matter is not for us, it is not even for those who successfully tendered their application. This matter is for the country. The country requires a leadership which can demonstrate empathy to the Zambia people,” said Mr. Kafwaya.

“We now sit with the government that is emphatic to foreigners who have invested in the country and taken away all the taxation so that the guys can just pick our copper and yet UPND has highest cost of living. Zambia now is the most expensive in terms of the price of fuel in southern Africa. This for me is more important. If you view these applicants from what they able to contribute and take examples of what they have done in the past, it will be easy to chart the correct way forward,” he said.

The PF is preparing to choose a party President at a convention that is expected to be held in March next year.

PF presidential aspirants include Emmanuel Mwamba, Mutotwe Kafwaya, Emmanuel Mwamba, Chishimba Kambwili, Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba, Brian Mundubile and Greyford Monde.

These aspirants have already filed their nominations for the PF presidency before acting Secretary General Nixon Chilangwa.

The International Community’s Confidence In The Zambian Government Has Created Miracles

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The International Community’s Confidence In The Zambian Government Has Created Miracles

By Dr. Chris Patrick’s

The Zambian economy continues to perform beyond expectations as the world grapples with the combined effects the Covid pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the general meltdown of global economic activity.

The United States, the United Kingdom and other G7 most developed countries are battling historically high rates of inflation and astronomical fuel and food prices forcing respective Central banks to continuously raise lending rates to push up the cost of borrowing in order to reign in money supply in bid to fight inflation.

In the UK the cost of living crisis with particular emphasis on energy costs, in part, has created political instability and economic uncertainty seldom seen in a first world country. As a result, the British have changed governments three times since September. Countries like Turkey and Lebanon have inflation rates of over 80%.

As for Africa, Ghana’s currency, the CEDI has lost over 60% of its value against the US dollar since January causing havoc in that highly import dependent country. Two weeks ago 80 members of Parliament from the ruling party demanded the sacking of the Finance Minister for ineptitude and incompetence as skyrocketing prices made lives of ordinary Ghanaians unbearable.

However, it is not all doom and gloom. In Zambia the year old government of the United Party for National Development (UPND) has under extremely difficult circumstances managed to stabilize an economy and a county, which was severely distressed.
First some background. After Zambia held tripartite polls in August 2021, the country ushered in a new government led by president Hakainde Hichilema dubbed the new dawn administration, ending ten years of inept Patriotic Front government that had left the country debt ridden, bankrupt, lawless and polarized.

As a result, the United Party for National Development inherited a country gripped by serious economic challenges which led to people going through severe hardships. Putting food on the table had become a nightmare and the economic problems were exacerbated by the effects of the Corona Virus, which limited economic activity. The war in Ukraine further caused economic upheaval as pries of fuel and food soared owing to supply chain constraints resulting from the conflict.

Against this back drop the new administration has managed to control inflation, reduce and stabilize the Kwacha exchange rate against major convertible currencies, decentralized resource allocation through enhanced Constituency Development Fund, created employment in education and heath, among others.

Additionally, increased Foreign Direct Investment due to restored investor confidence has seen leading Canadian based miner FQM investing over US$1.2 billion in existing mining projects as well as a US$250 million investment in setting up the biggest Nickel mine in Africa.

Other notable successes of the past one year include, but are not limited to, making the Zambian kwacha the world’s second-best performing currency and Africa’s 6th most powerful currency. Perhaps the most notable achievement as been in the area of unlocking the country’s unsustainable foreign debt burden.

From inception the new government went all out to negotiate with creditor nations and institutions to restructure the country’s debt which was in excess of Us$28 billion inclusive government guarantees for projects such as power generation. This was cardinal as the country had defaulted on Euro Bond payments in Novmber2020, making it a pariah in the international world to high finance. Without structured relief from creditors all efforts at economic recovery and restoration would have come to naught.

With good governance, transparency and accountability as Zambia’s guiding principles, the IMF soon agreed to a staff level agreement which was quickly followed by a US$1.3 billion bail out package to give the country relief in turbulent economic waters. The World Bank soon followed suit granting Zambia concessional long-term loans for improvement and enhancement of several economic sub sectors such as agriculture, tourism and manufacturing for job creation and poverty alleviation.

The opaque world of Chinese debt was, however , a different matter. The Chinese owed in excess of US$6.7 billion contracted by the previous government without regard to repayment capacity or modalities, are, as a rule secretive in their lending transactions and have historically, never been part of any debt restructuring or forgiveness framework.

To the surprise and then delight of Chinese debtor nations, the Zambians in April managed to get China to co chair its debt committee with France. Headway has been made with China Exim bank now heading negotiations to restructure all of Zambia’s China debt in its entirety.

Dr. Chris Patrick’s is Associate Professor in the Department of Political Sciences and Director of the Centre for Mediation in Africa. He also publishes on multilingualism in higher education and journalism studies. He is a former award-winning journalist.

Wada and Grant Make Chipolopolo Shortlist

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Avram Grant and Wedson Nyirenda have both made the 10-man shortlist for the vacant Chipolopolo Zambia job.

The job is currently vacant after Aljosa Asanovic of Croatia quit his position in September barely eight months into a four-year contract with FAZ.

Grant, a former Chelsea and Ghana coach, has been making the local news after filling in his application.

But Grant faces a strong challenge for the public’s sentimental favourite Wedson Nyirenda.

Nyirenda is seeking a second shot at the job after serving from 2016 to 2018 but quit allegedly after a strained relationship with FAZ.

He is currently coaching Ferriovario Beira of Mozambique where he has returned for a second stint after leading them to their debut league title in 2016.

Another interesting name on the shortlist is ex-Egypt boss Hossam El Badry who enjoyed some domestic and continental success with Cairo giants and record African club champions Al Ahly.

El Badry also had a brief but successful stint a decade ago in Sudan with El Merreikh.

Honour Janza is the other Zambian on the shortlist who served from 2013 to 2015 and was the last man to qualify Chipolopolo for AFCON.

Janza is currently Tanzania national team coach.

The rest of the names on the list are Antoine Hey, Peter Butler, Sebastian Migne and Gert Engels, Roberto Bianchi and Goran Stankovic.

EIZ express worry over floods in Lusaka

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EIZ express worry over floods in Lusaka

The Engineering Institution of Zambia – EIZ has expressed worry over the continued floods in some parts of Lusaka despite offering a proposal to the Lusaka City Council – LCC on how to permanently curb the flooding situation in the City.

Because of the continued flooding issue in some parts of Lusaka, the Engineering Institution of Zambia President, Abel Ng’andu has since summoned the Lusaka City Council Director of Engineering Liftary Ndaba to explain why floods keep recurring, despite their institution’s guidance.

“I have summoned the Director of Engineering to come to our offices so that we can engage them as our stakeholders in order to see why the previous proposals to sort out the flooding issue in Lusaka has not taken off,” he said

Mr Ng’andu told journalists in Lusaka that it is disappointing that the people of Lusaka are subjected to floods every rainy season, when the engineering body gave advice on how to end the problem.

He explained that the EIZ wants to understand why the plan to end flooding has not been implemented by the Local Authority.

Mr Ng’andu expressed worry over the flooding issue and he has since assured that their Institution will take a very proactive approach this time around, as they will engage the Director of Engineering, the Lusaka Mayor, as well as the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development.

“If it’s an issue of budgets, then let’s have a holistic point of view we look at all the issues such as drainages, roads separately, so that they are dealt with as separate issues because we seem to be failing dealing with everything at once,” Mr Ng’andu said

From the onset of this year’s rain season, most parts of Lusaka are already experiencing floods and damage to property, and the Central Business District – CBD has not been spared as the Kulima Tower Bus Station is one of the places which was flooded on Sunday and the Lusaka City Council through the Fire Brigade rushed on the scene to drain the water from the Bus Station which led to the disturbance of business for both bus drivers and traders who operate within the bus station as their prospective customers were hindered from accessing the bus station because of the floods.

ZEMA closes down an illegal manganese mine operating in the premises of Muchinda Boarding School

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ZEMA closes down an illegal manganese mine operating in the premises of Muchinda Boarding School

The Zambia Environmental Management Agency – ZEMA has closed down an illegal manganese mine operating in the premises of Muchinda Boarding School in Serenje District of Central Province.

ZEMA Acting Director General Maxwell Nkoya stated that after conducting an assessment at the site, the inspectors at the site found out that the mine had no authority to embark on large scale open pit mining at the school premises.

Mr Nkoya disclosed that he had issued a stop order to the mine a few days ago to cease all its operations, adding that it is unfortunate that the mining operations went ahead despite the mine owners not getting approval from ZEMA.

And Serenje Member of Parliament George Kantafula has welcomed the decision by ZEMA to close down the illegal mine.

Mr Kantafula mentioned that the mining activities were threatening the safety of buildings at Muchinda Boarding School and as well as a nearby bridge.

Meanwhile, Chief Kabamba of the Lala people of Serenje District in Central Province expressed unhappiness with the Investor Mining at Serenje’s Muchinda Boarding School premises, adding that he is disturbed by a Zambian investor conducting large scale open pit manganese mining at Muchinda Boarding Secondary School premises in Serenje District, of Central Province.

The Traditional Leader who is a Caretaker of the Muchinda Chiefdom following the demise of Chief Muchinda years ago said that the Royal Establishment and the people of Muchinda could not believe to see a mine and mining activities taking place at the school premises.

“I was almost implicated that I went tell the community members about the people who want to extend and complete the construction of the Muchinda Boarding School, but the community being the major stakeholder was supposed to be engaged and consulted beforehand, because if the community is not involved whom will you stay with and consult,” he said

Chief Kabamba has since urged the Government to step up efforts in addressing the matter, stating that despite mining being an important economic activity that brought about jobs and increased host communities spending power, but order needed to prevail on how things are to be conducted.

“The removal of mineral royalties to chiefdoms has left chiefs as mayor spectators without benefiting in any way,” Chief Kabamba said

He disclosed that they had eight processing plants in Pensulo Musonda area in his Chiefdom but little or no benefit could be felt in the Chiefdom.

Chief Kabamba mentioned that the mining activities had simply worsened the 50km Kabundi Road which continued to deteriorate.

He highlighted this when the Centre for Environment Justice – CEJ paid a courtesy call on him at his Palace in Serenje.

And CEJ Executive Director Maggie Mwape was shocked that the investor was daring the New Dawn Government which recently closed some non-compliant mines violating environmental regulations.

Ms Mwape warned that the total disregard by the investor violates children’s Right to Education especially that the school has water supply and electricity.

She explained that the Government in 2013 started building a boarding school in Kabundi area with works currently exceeding 85% to completion, this helped children access education unlike the 50 Kilometres distance pupils covered to access senior secondary school.

Ms Mwape emphasized that CEJ was not against investors as they created job opportunities, paid taxes, increased host communities’ income and raised the purchasing power of locals, leading to an overall boost in targeted economies.

The CEJ Executive Director has since called on the Government to complete the school, further requesting the Ministry of Education together with the Ministry of Mines to tour the school and the mine.

Ms Mwape disclosed that the aim of their organization is to work on two projects in the Chiefdom that will ensure that the people within the Chiefdom are impacted with knowledge and skills that will help improve their livelihood.

THURSDAY BRIEFS: Fashion Doubt For Israel Friendly, Shepolopolo in Visa Departure Delay

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Fashion Sakala is a doubt for next week’s friendly against Israel while the Shepolopolo Zambia’s departure for Colombia suffers a setback.

INJURED FASHION
The Glasgow Rangers striker is in a race against time to recover from an injury he sustained in Sundays 2-1 away loss at St Johnstone.
Fashion was substituted in the 84th minute of that match with a muscle injury.
Fashion went on to miss Wednesday 1-0 home win over Hearts.
“Fashion has a minor muscle issue from Sunday and will be out for a week and back for sure after the World Cup,” Rangers coach Giovanni Van Bronckhorst told media.
Fashion is on Moses Sichone’s 24-member list for Chipolopolo’s historic debut game against Israel and visit to the Holy Land on November 17.

VISA ISSUES HIT SHEPOLOPOLO
Shepolopolo Zambia’s trip to face Colombia this weekend has been delayed for 24 hours.
Zambia was due to leave on Wednesday evening for Colombia via Qatar and the USA.
However, Zambia did not have USA transit visa’s forcing the team to reroute its flight to Cali where Colombia will host Bruce Mwape’s team on November 12 and November 15.
Zambia will now leave for Colombia on Thursday night.

Closing the treatment gap for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers living with HIV cardinal

Chief Editor
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Closing the treatment gap for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers living with HIV cardinal

Minister of Health Sylvia Masebo has said closing the treatment gap for pregnant and breastfeeding adolescent mother living with HIV is cardinal to end AIDS in children by 2030.

Speaking at the HIV/Aids advocacy campaign luncheon on ending aids in children at Hotel Intercontinental in Lusaka on Wednesday, Ms. Masebo advocated more efforts aimed at helping Zambia attain the goal of ending AIDS in children by 2030.

The Minister of Health said there is also a need to prevent and detect new HIV infections among pregnant and breastfeeding adolescent girls and women.

“Children around the world are still far less likely than adults to have access to HIV prevention, care, and treatment services. This is despite the progress made to reduce transmission of HIV from mothers to children; this is despite the increase in testing and treatment, and this is despite theexpanded access to information. Globally, only half (52%) of children living with HIV are on life-saving ARVs, far behind adults where three quarters (76%) are receiving ARVs. Here back home in Zambia, we have an estimated 80,000 children aged 0 -14 years who are HIV positive yet only about 60% of them are on life saving ARVs. This indeed is a scandal when we compare to more than 90% of HIV infected adults who are on HIV treatment. Concerned by the stalling of progress for children, and the widening gap between children and adults, UNAIDS, UNICEF, WHO and partners have brought together a global alliance to ensure that no child living with HIV is denied treatment by the end of the decade. This will also prevent new infant HIV infections. This new Global Alliance for Ending AIDS in Children by 2030 was announced at the International AIDS Conference in Montreal, Canada where I represented Zambia as one of the 12 most affected countries,” Ms. Masebo said.

“For us to have an effective strategy to end AIDS in children by 2030, our efforts should be centered around the following identified four pillars for collective action: closing the treatment gap for pregnant and breastfeeding adolescent girls and women living with HIV and optimizing continuity of treatment; preventing and detecting new HIV infections among pregnant and breastfeeding adolescent girls and women; accessible testing, optimized treatment, and comprehensive care for infants, children, and adolescents exposed to and living with HIV; and addressing rights, gender equality, and the social and structural barriers that hinder access to services,” she said.

Ms. Masebo revealed that Zambia has continued to see high rates of new infections especially affecting adolescents and young people.

“Indeed we applaud the significant progress in the HIV response in children and adolescents in the last 2 decades in terms of prevention of mother to child transmission and care and treatment. But let us reflect also on the fact that we have continued to see high rates of new infections especially affecting adolescents and young people; let us reflect also on the fact that we continueto lag behind in finding the children living with HIV who need ARVs for better and healthier lives. In order to respond to these identified remaining gaps, the government has employed key strategic programs in 1) HIV prevention for adolescents 2) HIV case finding of children 3) optimized ARV drugs to improve retention to care and viral suppression. Further, through the Ministry of Health, the government has strengthened leadership and coordination of all players. These include funding agencies, implementing partners, civil society organisations and the community that are involved in the childhood HIV response,” she said.

“It is for this reason that when the invitation to a strategic partnership with the Global Alliance to end AIDS in Children came, we grabbed it with both hands. We grabbed it with bonds especially that there is already existing high-level political commitment supporting the HIV response in the country. The Global Alliance to End AIDS in Children is an opportunity to renew our commitment to children and their families to unite. It is indeed an opportunity to speak and to act with purpose and in solidarity with all mothers, children and adolescents. Our Ministry’s commitment will include, among many other things: (a) convening a country team to participate in relevant Alliance working groups and activities, (b) measuring and sharing data relative to key indicators of the Alliance, and (c) continue implementing of WHO recommended guidance and policies to achieve global targets,” Ms. Masebo said.

She said the newly launched HIV/AIDS advocacy campaign will contribute towards ending AIDS in children and keeping mothers healthy.

“This HIV/AIDS advocacy campaign you (First Lady Mutinta Hichilema) are launching today will contribute towards ending AIDS in children and keeping mothers healthy through the following goals: Raised awareness of the HIV epidemic in children and the need to prioritize children and mothers. This will ensure that successes achieved in reducing infections are extended to this vulnerable group. Increased understanding of how to prevent HIV and AIDS in childhood by 1) keeping mothers healthy 2) preventing mother-to-child transmission and 3) ensuring fast and effective identification and treatment of HIV infected children. Advocacy for resources and prioritization of the delivery of effective and sustainable HIV and AIDS health services; these services should be accessible to all who need them.Increased awareness of how services to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV are well placed to achieve wider health goals. This will lead to improved outcomes for children and mothers, including the elimination of syphilis,” she said.

“The Ending AIDS in children campaign should have a goal of supporting communication and advocacy in Zambia’s efforts to achieve HIV epidemic control.The campaign should aim at moving away from HIV campaign fatigue and re-ignite the focus on HIV prevention. It is anchored on taking control to end AIDS, respecting self and others and making a difference. We must all sprint together to end AIDS in children by 2030. To succeed, we need a healthy, informed generation of young people who feel free to talk about HIV, and to get the services and support they need to protect themselves and their children from HIV. As we sprint together let us not leave mothers and women behind. Let us showwhat is possible when we let women and communities create solutions tailored to their realities,” Ms. Masebo stated.

“As I conclude let me highlight what I and the ministry of health believe; Our ministry believes that through this approach we will be able to fix one of the most glaring disparities in the AIDS response; Our ministry believes that this wide gap in treatment coverage between children and adults is an outrage but yet fixable; Our ministry believes that through these alliances, we will channel that outrage into action; Our ministry believes that bringing together new improved medicines, new political commitment, and the determined activism of communities, we can be the generation who end AIDS in children; Our ministry believes that no child should be born with or grow up with HIV; Our ministry believes that no child with HIV should go without treatment; Our ministry believes that we can remove this scandal, and a stain on our collective conscience; and Our ministry believes that we can win this – but we can only win together,” she concluded.

8,790 cases of Gender Based Violence recorded countrywide during the Third Quarter of 2022

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8,790 cases of Gender Based Violence recorded countrywide during the Third Quarter of 2022

The Zambia Police Service has disclosed that it recorded 8,790 cases of Gender Based Violence (GBV) countrywide during the Third Quarter of 2022.

Police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga said from the 8790 cases 2,101 child victims were abused countrywide representing 23.9%.

Mr. Hamoonga said Lusaka Province recorded the highest number of GBV criminal cases with 1,375 cases translating to 21.8%, followed by Copperbelt Province with 922 cases translating to 14.6%.

“A total number of 8,790 cases of Gender Based Violence (GBV) were recorded countrywide during the Third Quarter of 2022 comprising 6,303 recorded as criminal cases while 2,487 were non-criminal cases translating to 71.7% and 28.3% respectively. This is in comparison to 4,042 GBV cases recorded in the same period of 2021.The Third Quarter of 2022 Gender Based Violence disaggregated data indicates that 2,101 child victims were abused countrywide representing 23.9% of all the victims of Gender Based Violence out of the 2,101 Children, 1,640 were girls representing 78.1% while 461 were boys representing 21.9%. A total of 5, 043 women and 1,646 men were abused countrywide representing 57.4% and 18.7% respectively. In terms of gender vulnerability, a total of 6,683 were females representing 76% and 2,107 were males representing 24% were abused during the period under review countrywide,” Mr. Hamoonga stated.

“Lusaka Province recorded the highest number of GBV criminal cases with 1,375 cases translating to 21.8%, followed by Copperbelt Province with 922 cases translating to 14.6%. Airport Division recorded the lowest GBV criminal cases with 32 cases translating to 0.5%. GBV Criminal Statistics from the rest of the Provinces were as follows; Central Province had 840 cases translating to 13.3%, Luapula Province 645 cases translating to 10.2%. Western Province 583 cases translating to 9.3%, Southern Province 449 cases translating to 7.1%, and Eastern Province 445translating to 7.1%, North-Western Province 408 cases translating to 6.5%, Mchinga Province 349cases translating to 5.5%, Northern Province195 cases translating to 3.1% and Tazara Division 60 cases translating to 1%.The Zambia Police Act N0: 14 of 1999 mandates Victim Support Unity officers to provide professional counselling to both victims of crime and offenders. The Third Quarter Statistical Report indicates that a total number of 7,282 or 82.8% were counselled by Victim Support Unit officers countrywide.5, 058 or 69.5%counseled were under the criminal cases category where as 2,224 or 30.5% were counselled under the non-criminal cases category. Out of the 5,058counseled under the criminal cases category, 3,356 or 66.4% were victims comprising 609or18.2% were men, 1,662or 49.5%` were women, 193 or 5.7% were boys and 892or 26.6% were girls. 1,702 or 33.6% were offenders in which 253or15% were men, 842or49.5% were women, 120 or 7% were boys and 487or 28.6% girls. Out of 2,224 counselled in the non-criminal case category, 1,276 or 57.4%were women, 740 or 33.3%were men, 85 or 3.8% were boys and girls were 123 or 5.5%,” Mr. Hamoonga said.

Mr. Hamoonga further revealed that Police recorded 28 cases of sodomy were reported during the period under review representing 3.7% of which 18 were boys.

“Twenty-Eight 28 cases of Sodomy were reported during the period under review representing 3.7% of which 18 were boys translating 64.3%, Nine men translating to 32.1% and One woman translating to 3.6%. Out of the 28 Sodomy cases, 10 are pending in court, 17 are still under investigations whilst one case was closed at the Police Station. A total of 540 cases of Child defilement translating to 70.7% were recorded, of which all were girls representing 100 % of all the reported cases.Under Physical Abuse, a total number of 3,366 cases were recorded translating to 53.4% compared to 2,427cases recorded in during the same period in 2021. The figure showings an increase by 939 cases or 38.7%.Under Economical Abuse 1,535 cases were recorded translating to 24.4% compared to 692 cases recorded in 2021 showing an increase by 843 cases or 54.9% increase.Under Sexual Abuse 1,000 cases were recorded translating to 15.9% compared to 685 cases recorded in 2021showing an increase by 315 cases or 31.5%,” Mr. Hamoonga revealed.

He added:”Under Emotional Abuse 398 cases were recorded translating to 6.3% compared to 224 cases in 2021 showing an increase by174 cases or 77.7%.

The 2022 Third Quarter GBV Criminal Report indicates that 764 Sexual offenses were recorded representing 16.1% compared to 713 cases reported in 2021 showing an increase by 51cases translating to 7.2%.Out of these 764 cases, 567victims were girls translating to 74.2%, 184victims were women translating to 24.1%, 10 victims were boys translating to 1.3%, while three victims were men translating to 0.4%. 28 cases of Sodomy were recorded representing 3.7% in which 18 were boys translating 64.3% and 9 were men translating to 32%. A total of 540 cases of Child defilement cases were recorded translating to 70.7% in which all the victims were girls representing 100 % of all the reported cases.”

Police further recorded 122 rape cases in which 111 victims were women while 11 were girls.

“Eastern Province recorded 92 cases translating to 17 %, followed by Southern Province with 89cases translating to 16.5%. Central Province recorded 60 cases translating to11.1%, Copper belt and North-Western Provinces recorded 45cases each translating to 8.3% while Northern and Western province recorded 22 each representing 4.1% Muchinga Province recorded 15 cases translating to 2.8%.Luapula Province recorded five representing 0.9%. Airport and Tazara Division recorded Nil.Still under Sexual Offences; 122 rape cases were recorded in which 111 were women while 11 were girls.31 attempted rape cases were recorded during the period under review. The country also recorded 50 cases of indecent Assault out of which 40 victims were women and 10 girls. 20 cases of incest were recorded in which 15victims were girls and five victims were women,” Mr. Hamoonga said.

“Under Physical Abuse, the country recorded a total of 3,366 cases translating to 53.4% in which 533 victims were men translating to 15.8%, 2,521 were women translating to 74.9% cases, 171 were girls translating to 5.1% and 141were boys translating to 4.2% compared to 2,427cases recorded in 2021 Third Quarter showing an increase by 939 cases translating to 38.7%.Out of 3,366 Physical Abuse cases 2,939 were Assault OABH cases representing 87.3% of all the reported Gender Based Violence cases. 2,521 translating to 74.9% were women while 533 translating to 15.8% were men. 36 cases of Grievously Bodily Harm (G.B.H) were also recorded.31women and five men translating to 86% and14% respectively.22 Murder cases were recorded during the period under review translating to 0.7% compared to 20 cases recorded in 2021 third Quarter showing an increase by two cases translating to10% increase. Out of 22 murder cases recorded country wide, 12 victims were Women translating to 54.5%, six victims were men translating to 27.2%, and four victims were girls translating to 18.2%. While boys recorded Nil. Four cases of attempted murder comprising of three women and one boy was recorded during the period under review compared to two cases recorded in 2021 Third Quarter showing an increase by two cases translating to 100%. 2, 939 cases of Assault OABH were recorded compared to 2,427 cases recorded in 2021 Third Quarter showing an increase by 512 cases translating to 21.1%,” he said.

Mr. Hamoonga concluded by highlighting GBV statistics relating to assault, economic abuse and emotional abuse.

“Lusaka province recorded 612 cases of Assault OABH translating to 20.8%. Central Province recorded 517cases translating to 17.6%. Copper belt Province recorded 303 translating10.3% Western Province recorded 289 representing 9.8%; Southern Province recorded 259 representing 8.8% ,North-Western Province recorded 240cases representing 8.1%, Muchinga Province recorded 227representing 7.7%.Eastern Province recorded 169 cases representing 5.8%. Luapula Province recorded 163 cases representing 5.5%, Northern Province recorded 105 cases translating to 3.6%, Tazara recorded 54 cases representing1.8% and Airport Division recorded one case at 0.03%. Under Economic Abuse, 1,535 cases were recorded country wide translating to 24.4%. 694 cases of Failing to Provide Necessaries of life and 636 cases of Neglecting to Provide Necessaries were recorded translating to 45.2% and 41.4%.”

“Further, under Emotional or Psychological abuse, 398 cases were recorded translating to 6.3%. 168 cases of the use of insulting language 73 men, 95 women Nil boys and girls. 58 cases of threatening Violence were recorded in which 14 victims were men, 43 women and one boy.

Finally, out of the 6,303 GBV criminal cases reported countrywide, 1,214 cases representing 19.3% were taken to court resulting in 150 convictions translating to 12.4%, 12 acquittals or 1%, 207 withdrawals or 17.1% and 845 or 69.6% pending in various courts of law around the country. On the other hand, 2,581 cases are still pending under investigations while 2,508 cases were withdrawn at police stations translating to 50.7% and 49.3% respectively. A comparison with the Third Quarter of 2021 which recorded 4,042 cases compared to 6,303 cases recorded in 2022 showing an increase of 2,261 cases or 55.9%,” Mr. Hamoonga concluded.

Of PF bouncing back to power…….

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Of PF bouncing back to power…….

By Prince Bill M. Kaping’a (Political/Social Analyst)

Part 1

During the recently held by-elections in selected parts of the country, the Patriotic Front could only manage to salvage 2 seats out of 22, while the rest of the opposition political parties which were brave enough to join the fray amassed zero! What do we make of this?

Well, like a reckless driver who defies all the odds, and miraculously emerges from the wreckage of a grisly fatal accident, totally unscathed and goes on to have fun on the road again; the August 2021 general elections didn’t leave the former ruling party ‘comatose,’ desperately gasping for survival on some sort of life support mechanism save for the initial shock of suffering defeat. You see them grumpy and still complaining that the elections were rigged and that they can wallop UPND if the elections were called today!

With over 60 parliamentary seats to their name and their resources probably still intact, PF poses a significant threat to UPND’s hold on power than the likes of Kelvin Bwalya Fube, Fred M’membe, Harry Kalaba or Sean Tembo and Saboi Imboela, who both have a knack for coming out crude and combative, put together! As the Bembas say, “Chimbwi pakulila, ninshi naishiba epo ashintilile (When a hyena to howls, there’s a reason for doing so.)” This exactly applies to PF; who are convinced that they can bounce back to power as early as 2026.

When MMD wrestled power from UNIP in 1991………through the ballot, of course; the former didn’t waste time hauling, and hurling the heroes of our liberation struggle into the lake of fire! Everything panned out so fast and furious – government vehicles were savagely grabbed from former ministers at gun point; their homes were frisked in the middle of the night while others were evicted from government houses wee of the day and dumped on the streets. Those serving in foreign missions weren’t spared either – they were given 24 hours to report back home and henceforth, condemned to a life of misery on the streets! And as if to further add salt to injury, their Bank accounts were instantly frozen while their businesses were crippled to make it impossible for them to mobilize resources and possibly fight back!

Since the incoming government didn’t find anything incriminating against the UNIP leaders as most of them were arguably humble and decent human beings who didn’t relish dipping their hands into the treasury unlike most of the leaders of our present times, the state had to concoct some sort of clandestine plots to find an excuse to send them to jail, hence the infamous – ZERO Option Plan and Black Mamba. The narrative the state fed to the public was that the former ruling party was hellbent on sponsoring covert operations such as planting bombs or gutting public infrastructure to make the country ungovernable so that they can sneak back to power through the back door! As expected, a number of individuals would be effectively rounded-up and detained, indefinitely. It was just a matter of time before this ‘poison’ would take effect and dispatch UNIP to the grave, prematurely.

Fast forward 2011; Sata’s PF deposed MMD from power. In a case of history repeating itself, the Patriotic Front went full throttle destabilizing MMD. Using the state machinery – the combined mighty of Zambia Police, DEC, OP, ZRA and Immigration, hundreds of campaign vehicles were confiscated from MMD, cooked up charges were slapped on them and they were sent to Chimbokaila or Mukobeko while their businesses crushed. Curiously, several factions would sprout up from within the party. While the other political parties were busy mobilizing despite the hostile environment, it was a ‘court season’ for the MMD – it was one court case after another as several individuals dragged each other to court for one reason or another.

Lusaka Councillor Lauds Residents’ Empowerment Initiative

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Lusaka Councillor Lauds Residents’ Empowerment Initiative

MATERO’S Kapwepwe Ward 25 Councillor, Salubusa Mwamba, has lauded the residents for kick-starting an initiative to empower vulnerable and old women in his ward with funds to start-up small and medium businesses.

Speaking this evening when he handed over funds donated by the community members to Eniea Mubanga, Councillor Mwamba said it was important that members of the community work together to supplement initiatives aimed at helping people to uplift themselves.

“Ending poverty in our communities should not be left to government alone as we all must work together and put our small resources together to help the lowest members of our society to move away from the doldrums of poverty,” he said.

Councillor Mwamba said helping vulnerable members of one’s community by empowering them with capital is one way of showing true love for neighbours.

He has since encouraged the recipient of the funds to make good use of the resources by investing and growing a business which will become an example to other women and families in Zambia.

And Chairman of the group Ceasar Mbao said they intend to help more women by creating a revolving fund for vulnerable and old women who show a commitment to run small businesses that brings food on their table.

Mr Mbao said the group will ride on the Know Your Neighbour Programme which was launched in Kapwepwe Ward to rekindle community interest in the welfare of every member of the community.

He said he is optimistic that the group will raise sufficient funds through monthly contributions to help at least 20 women by February, 2023.

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