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Govt will not tolerate indiscriminate job terminations against women

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Peter Daka (L)

Science, Technology and Vocational Training Minister Peter Daka says Government will not allow indiscriminate termination of jobs and marginalisation of women based on gender by employers.

 

Mr Daka has also said that Government will not tolerate organisations that are in the tendency of employing expatriates for the jobs that can be done by Zambians.

Speaking in Mansa yesterday when he addressed workers during this year’s Labour Day celebrated under the theme ‘Creating Secure Employment with Employment, Equity and Human Dignity’, he said Government has put in place strategies and policies aimed at providing secure employment in line with the theme.

Mr Daka stated that Government will ensure that there is safe and dignified work for women employees, as this will guarantee that no female employee will be dismissed from work on the basis of being pregnant or child bearing.

He stated that for the first time in the history of this country Government has set minimum standards for this category of employees adding that under CAP 268 of the Industrial and Labour Act, it will ensure workers are from indiscriminate termination of employment.

On international firms that employ expatriates at the expense of Zambian professionals, Mr Daka said the MMD government under President Rupiah Banda is going to set restrictions on the job positions which should be taken by expatriates.

He said Government will only allow the positions of Chief Executive Officer and second position to go to expatriates, but middle management jobs will be reserved for Zambian professionals.

“This government will not allow companies to bring people from abroad to do jobs that Zambians can do. Zambia is renowned to be a resource centre, with people of good education background and qualifications to run these companies,” he said. “We will not allow companies to bring professionals from abroad. For the CEO and second position, yes, we can allow that but we will ensure certain positions must be given to Zambians,” Mr Daka said.

He underscored that Government appreciates that foreign investors bring economic development to the country, but observed that such investment must ensure that local manpower is utilised.

Speaking at the same occasion, Zambia Employers Federation representative Dr Chitalu Chilufya called for continued social dialogue between employers and employees as one better practice of curbing confrontational bargaining.

Dr Chitalu said the federation of employers will always endeavour to promote social dialogue among its affiliates because it is through this process that workers can meaningfully engage management.

He said that social dialogue has the potential of leading to creation of sustainable enterprises, a prerequisite of stable and secure employment.

He said unnecessary confrontational engagement can be avoided between employees and employers once social dialogue is appreciated as a continuous process and not just as a means of engagement during actual collective bargaining process.

He said this is because continuous social dialogue between employees and employers can help to cement good working relationship and create understanding of the business dynamics in an organisation.

Dr Chilufya said the federation of employers is also optimistic that the Sixth National Development Plan (SNDP) will deliver on Infrastructure development that will attract local and foreign investment thereby creating employment and contributing to meaning levels of poverty reduction.

At the same event, Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) Trustee Sifuniso Nyumbu said there is need for consistency and coherence in the promotion of decent work in the country.

Mr Sifuniso said decent work should not just be a matter of consistency, but of coherence by refocusing national development to make decent work a central policy objective.

He noted that ZCTU has identified a clique of unscrupulous employers who have taken advantage of the high unemployment levels to subject workers to cruel conditions knowing that workers are desperate for employment and will not complain.

He also said that some employers are being driven by greediness to scale down staffing levels in their companies and in the process subject a few workers to overwork.

Mr Sifuniso said this behaviour is inhuman and exploitative, adding that ZCTU and all stakeholders should not accept the practice to continue.

ZANIS

Nkana Labour To Draw

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Nkana were made to work hard for a home draw by Kabwe Warriors who are coached by beleaguered trainer Ronald Chinku.

The two old foes battle to a 2-2 draw at Nkana Stadium in Kitwe in a match Warriors rallied to lead 2-1 into the break before the hosts forced a share of the points.

Evans Kangwa put Nkana ahead in the 19th minute but Maunga Kabuku equalized three minutes later.

Rodrick Kabwe put Warriors ahead as Nkana looked on course to suffering their second successive league defeat.

However, highly rated Nkana protégé Raynold “sate-sate” Kampamba conjured a 69th minute goal to see the two rivals share the points.

Meanwhile, Red Arrows went top of the table after a 1-0 home win over Green Buffaloes.

Faz Super Division Week 6 Results

30/04/2011

Nkwazi 0- Forest Rangers 1

01/05/2011
Green Buffaloes 0-Red Arrows 1
Green Eagles 1-Zanaco 2
Roan United 0-Nakambala Leopards 1
Lime Hotspurs 1-Power Dynamos 1
Nkana 2-Kabwe Warriors 2
Konkola Blades 1- Nchanga Rangers 0
Kalewa 0-Zesco United 3

[standings league_id=18 template=extend logo=false]

Lusaka City Council thinking of allocating 3 streets in the city to vendors

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Street vendors in Lusaka

The Lusaka City Council (LCC) is pondering allocating some streets in the city where street vendors will be allowed to conduct their business.

LCC Public Relations Manager Chanda Makanta said the local authority was working on measures to organise street vendors instead of chasing them without giving them alternative places to sell their merchandise from.

The City Council has in the past attempted to curb street vending in the city but this proved futile as vendors returned to the streets alleging that they had nowhere to conduct business from.

In an interview with ZANIS in Lusaka yesterday, Mrs. Makanta said the local authority was aware of high unemployment levels among citizens hence the decision to allocate certain streets such as Katondo, Nkwazi and Chiparamba to vendors.

She explained that this was in order to prevent street vendors from trading anywhere else in the city.

The Council Public Relations Manager said the local authority has had meetings with shop owners in the named streets most of whom were agreeable to the idea except for few who were still engaged in dialogue with LCC.

Mrs. Makanta said according to the laws of Zambia, street vending was illegal but the Council was planning to make it more organised so that traders were compelled to making the streets clean as opposed to the current scenario.

She appealed to shop owners, who were still hesitant, to consider the Council’s proposal so that street vendors could be directed where to conduct their business.

LCC seeks repossession of the unfinished building on Katondo Street

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The Lusaka City Council (LCC) has written to the Commission of Lands to re-enter the unfinished building at the junction of Freedom Way and Katondo Street . The building has remained incomplete for over a decade now.

In an interview with ZANIS in Lusaka over the weekend,LCC Public Relations Manager Chanda Makanta said the Commission needed to repossess the building adding that the Council had been finding difficulties in pursuing the owner following frequent change of ownership of the structure.

She noted that the building posed a danger to the public as it was used as a hide out for criminals and prostitutes.

 

ZANIS

Zambian Labour force hard working-RB

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President Rupiah Banda
President Rupiah Banda

President Rupiah Banda has expressed happiness with the Zambian Labour force whom he described as hard working and have managed to win accolades internationally.

President Banda who said this today during the commemoration of Labour Day held at the Freedom Statute in Lusaka today added that Zambian workers had won praises from foreigners concerning their hard working spirit.

Mr. Banda said this year’s Labour Day theme’ Creating Secure Employment with Freedom, Equity and Human dignity” was well thought and called on the labour force in the country to be united for the benefit of the country.

Mr. Banda said Government was proud of its workers and that his administration will continue motivating its employees for their dedicated service to the country.

ZANIS reports that the President said that the country had continued recording unprecedented growth in the economy because of the hard working spirit of Zambian workers.

Mr. Banda stated that the country was developing economically in many sectors of the economy because of dedicated Civil Servants whom he noted put in the best for Zambia.

He attributed the good performance of the Agriculture, Mining, Health, Education sectors among others to a dedicated team of farmers, teachers, doctors, nurses and miners saying they were putting in the best in developing the country’s economy.

Mr. Banda pledged that Government would continue implementing good labour laws favourable to Zambian workers for the country’s continued economic growth for the benefit of all Zambians.
He said Zambia had continued recording foreign investment of over two billion dollars in 2010 and over 18 000 new business investment ventures as a good for Zambia.

The President said Zambia had also continued wooing foreign investment to the country because of Government’s good economic policies adding that the trend should continue.

Speaking at the same occasion, Zambia Congress of Trade Unions President Leonard Hikaumba said though Government was making strides in improving the welfare of its workers in the country, he said there was need for it to accelerate coordinated action to create decent sustainable jobs and safeguard existing ones.

Mr. Hikaumba noted that Government should ensure adequate social protection, raise wages and purchasing power of workers in order to eradicate poverty and insecurity, promote education for all in the country.

He said Government should create more jobs for many millions of Zambians with skills who were currently unemployed and were suffering.

Mr. Hikaumba said Workers’ rights were human rights and that promoting and defending them was and would remain a priority for the worker’s movement.

The ZCTU President also called on all youth in the country to denounce violence as the country heads towards elections.

Mr Hikaumba equally implored politicians in the country to conduct clean politics by advising their supporters not to engage in violence as this was detrimental to the nation.

He said Zambians should embrace peace in this year’s elections and warned youths not to be swayed by greedy politicians who might expose them to problems.

Zambia Federation of Employers President Alfred Masupha said the Association would always endeavour to promote social dialogue among its affiliates adding that the organisation believed in maintaining industrial and labour relations, peace and tranquility.

Mr. Masupha said his organisation also acknowledged the need to strengthen social dialogue mechanisms and institutions as a means of realising participatory democracy.

He added that the organisation believed that this year’s Labour Day Celebrations would be realised through promotion of dialogue on the Labour market and that workers would be able to engage management in their respective enterprises and express their views freely.

ZANIS

Huge investment into Zambia’s economy triggers employment-Veep

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Vice President George Kunda has disclosed that the huge investment that Government has pumped into various sectors of the economy has significantly helped to create employment in the country.

Mr. Kunda said investments in the agriculture, health, education and mining sectors have created thousands of jobs for Zambians.

Speaking when he officiated at this year’s Labour Day celebrations whose theme is “Creating Secure Employment with Freedom, Equity and Human Dignity” in Kitwe today, Mr. Kunda said Zambia was now a preferred investment destination because of its economic policies.

“Indeed Zambia is now a preferred destination for investment, this is contributing significantly to job creation,” he said.

ZANIS reports that he further said Government was undertaking massive infrastructure development in the Copperbelt Province which was also contributing to job creation in Zambia .

Mr. Kunda said in the education sector, the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) government was currently constructing high and basic schools in Lufwanyama, Mpongwe, Masaiti and Kitwe districts which have gobbled billions of Kwacha.

He explained that Government was constructing Lufwanyama and Mpongwe high schools at a cost of K23 billion each while Masaiti high school and Kamfinsa high school in Kitwe were costing K23 billion and K14 billion respectively.

In the health sector, the Vice President said Government was currently constructing Lufwanyama district hospital at a cost of K1.2 billion and upgrading Ndola-Kabushi health centre which had since gobbled K500 million

Mr. Kunda added that Masaiti district hospital was under construction at K1 billion while Ndeke mini-hospital in Kitwe had already consumed K500 million.

“Construction of Doctors’ houses and Nurses’ flats is in progress at Ndola Central Hospital , Kitwe Central Hospital and Arthur Davison Hospital ,” he said.

The Vice President, who is also Minister of Justice, further revealed that the construction of Doctors’ flats at Kitwe Central Hospital and Nchanga General hospitals was at K5.8 billion and K4.9 billion respectively.

Mr. Kunda said all these projects have created employment among Zambians.

“The MMD government is determined and committed to employment creation and uplifting of the standard of living and poverty reduction,” he stressed.

Mr Kunda said this year’s theme did not just highlight good labour management principles but was in line with the Sixth National Plan whose strategic focus was realising broad based pro-poor growth, employment creation and human development.

He said Government has put in place measures to ensure that citizens have access to secure and decent jobs that go with freedom and human dignity.

He said these measures include sensitisation of employers on the need to curb casualisation of labour in line with the current labour legislation.

The Vice President also called upon leaders at Provincial and District levels to denounce violence before during and after the tripartite elections.

Mr Kunda said for the country to develop there was need to maintain peace that people have lived to enjoy.

At the same event, Copperbelt Minister Mwansa Mbulakulima said the constant economic transformation taking place on the Copperbelt had helped to maintain a high employment level in the province.

Mr Mbulakulima said increased mining activities on the Copperbelt have seen employment levels to steadily remain high.

He said besides Government, the mining industry was the largest employer in the province and with the constant economic transformation taking place, the number of workers would continue to be the highest.

And Zambia Federation of Employers Representative Eugene Appel said the federation would endeavour to promote social dialogue among workers and was able to engage them and management to express their views.

Mr Appel said this engagement between employers and employees would lead to creation of sustainable enterprises which was a pre requisite of stable employment.

He called on workers from the public and private entities to seriously engage and exhaust every channel provided for in the process of social dialogue and not to wait for bargaining time.

Mr Appel noted that this would cement working relationships and understanding of business dynamics therefore avoiding confrontational engagement during the collective bargaining process.

He disclosed that during the first quarter of this year, the country recorded eight illegal strikes adding that this retarded national productivity.

Zambia Congress of Trade Unions first Deputy President Chrispin Munyukwa said it was in the public interest that the informal economy was not discriminated but a decisive move be taken to help transform the sector in wealth creation towards decent jobs.

Mr Munyukwa advised Government to set clear priorities and focus strategic action on employment promotion, poverty creation and skills development

He further said Government must address risks and uncertainty in informal economy given its strategic nature in development agenda.

On the political front, the union appealed to all political players in the country to embrace tenets of democracy by avoiding engaging themselves in war of words against each other at the expense of expending their energies on resolving problems facing the nation

He said the labour movement would not support an atmosphere of political violence and intolerance among political players in this year’s tripartite elections.

Mr Munyukwa said the labour fraternity would instead support and participate in various activities aimed at building peace justice and respect for human rights and dignity.

The speeches at the Diggers Rugby Club grounds were preceded by a match past and drive past by more than 30 Kitwe based companies and Government institutions.

Workers from Grizzly mining, Mopani Copper Mines, MOBA hotel, security firms, parastatal companies, the public and Government institutions among other organisations.

Vice President George Kunda who also presented some awards to deserving workers was accompanied to Kitwe by Community Development Deputy Minister Friday Malwa.

Grizzly mining workers received the best dressed employees’ award.

ZANIS

Just Agree with God!

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TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“As it is written: ‘I have made you a father of many nations.’ He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed — the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not”
(Romans 4:17, NIV)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Twenty years before Abraham ever had a child, God said to him, “Abraham, I have made you a father of many nations.” Notice God spoke to him like it had already happened, in the past tense. I’m sure Abraham thought, “God, you must have made a mistake. I’m not a father. I don’t even have one child. Abraham could have talked himself out of it; but instead, he chose to believe.

Today, you may be thinking, “I’m not blessed. I’m not confident. I’m not healthy. I’m not favored.” But when God says you’re blessed, don’t try to figure it out. Just agree with God and say, “I am blessed.” When God calls you prosperous, don’t go check your bank account. Don’t go look at the stock report. Just agree with God and say, “I am prosperous.” Things may look impossible. That’s all right. That’s the way things looked for Abraham. But sure enough, God’s promises came to pass, and he became the father of many nations.

Remember, when you agree with God, you are positioning yourself for a miracle. You are activating His truth in your life. When things look difficult, don’t agree with your circumstances, agree with His promises because He is faithful, and He will complete what He’s started in your life!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Heavenly Father, I bless You and thank You for Your goodness and faithfulness in my life. I receive Your promises as truth, no matter what is going on around me. Fill me with joy and peace as I hold fast to Your promises for me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

— Joel & Victoria Osteen

ECZ maintains current poll campaigns are unofficial

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http://www.lusakatimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/ecz.jpeg

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has said it would not allow unofficial campaigning on radio and television as commencement of the election campaign period was determined by the electoral body under Section 26 of the Electoral Act.

ECZ Public Relations Manager Cris Akufuna said the Commission was aware of some political parties and aspiring candidates having begun campaigning through conducting of public rallies, meetings and publication of political manifestos and adverts in the media, a situation he described as illegal and against the Electoral Code of Conduct.

In a Statement to ZANIS in Lusaka today, Mr. Akufuna told ZANIS in Lusaka today that campaigns could only commence once the poling day had been announced as provided for in section 27 of the Electoral Act and as determined by the Electoral Commission under Section 26 of the Electoral Act .

He said political players should therefore adhere to the Electoral Code of Conduct to ensure that no participating candidate was unduly disadvantaged in the electoral process.

And Mr. Akufuna has asked all media houses to respect the rights and freedom of aspiring candidates and political parties.

He further urged the media to provide fair and balanced news coverage to political parties and aspiring candidates before and during the official campaigning period.

ZANIS

FAZ AGM fails to resolve differences as Andrew Kamanga Executive walks out

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The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) Annual General Meeting held today at Kabwe’s Mulungushi Rock of Authority in Central Province failed to resolve differences with the Andrew Kamanga led Executive Committee walking out of the meeting following the withdrawal of the Vote of No Confidence agenda which was being pushed by the same committee.

The Kamanga led executive was prompted to boycot the meeting after Mazabuka United Chairperson Evans Mushimba withdrew its Vote of No Confidence agenda which was being pushed against the Kalusha Bwalya led Executive.

Reacting to this development, FAZ President Kalusha Bwalay refused to pass the motion of banning Andrew Kamanga abd Simataa Simataa and in the interest of reconciliatio however described the behaviour of the two as uncalled for and warned that if the duo continued with the same behaviour in the next three months they would be subjected to disciplinary action.

In a Live TV broadcast by MUVI Television and monitored by ZANIS in Lusaka today, Bwalya said the AGM was a meeting where matters of policy concerning soccer developments should be resolved and not a platform to castigate one another.

Violet Bwalya seated helplessly after she was denied entry into the FAZ AGM at Mulungushi Rock of Authority in Kabwe. Picture by Noah Kangali
Violet Bwalya seated helplessly after she was denied entry into the FAZ AGM at Mulungushi Rock of Authority in Kabwe. Picture by Noah Kangali

He said Zambia had for a long time held a good history of soccer but wondered why the two and their group were exhibiting such behaviour by walking out of the meeting after the Vote of No Confidence was withdrawn by Mushimba.

Kalusha further urged Andrew Kamanga led Executive to put the interest of players, soccer fans and football first and put personal differences aside and always resort to dialogue.

And FAZ committee member Macha Chilemena described Kalusha Bwalyaa’s action towards the dual as a description of good leadership.

Mr.Chilemena also said people who had moved out of the meeting clearly demonstrated their pure lack of passion for the success of Zambian football.

Speaking at the same meeting, International Football Association (FIFA) Director of Member Association Primo Corvaro said the world soccer governing body and Confederation of African Football (CAF) had been closely following football affairs in Zambia since October last year.

And FIFA Director of Member Associations Primo Covaro, who insisted that the motion be on the agenda, warned that the meeting resolves all contentious issues or possibly face the consequences.

Last night the Andrew Kamanga led executive released a statement saying that they were pleased to announce that a last minute attempt to exclude the vote of no confidence motion using underhand methods at the delayed annual general meeting has been botched.

The interim committee received disturbing news that Mazabuka United, movers of the motion, had been induced to withdraw the item.

An emissary, who is in the police service, was sent to Mazabuka by our colleagues at Football House on Wednesday and met two officials.

According to the statement the official from the dysfunctional FAZ induced some members at Mazabuka United and asked them to withdraw the motion and stay away from the meeting aimed at resolving the crisis in Zambian football.

The two officials at Mazabuka United were told to withdraw the motion on claims that the seconder, Pemba United, had withdrawn its support.

“We wish to categorically state that this is an act of desperation by our colleagues which does not serve the interest of the Zambian people, most important the many sponsors that have invested in it awaiting a smooth administration to take over”, read the statement

“It must be noted that the vote of no confidence motion cannot be withdrawn by anyone, Mazabuka United inclusive, because it became a property of the FAZ council immediately it was seconded and constitutionally approved.”

“We are saddened that having gone through a close to half a year dispute, our colleagues are not ready to end the standoff and would do anything to frustrate an important motion that FIFA has directed must be part of deliberations at the meeting in Kabwe”

“Our caucus held at Chrismar this evening was alerted of activities by our colleagues but resolved to stand firm and ensure the vote of no confidence is tabled.”

“We are happy that FAZ officials from the Copperbelt, Western, Southern, Central and North Western provinces attended the caucus at Chrismar in Lusaka and are resolute in supporting the motion”, the statement concluded.

Latest reports are that the Andrew Kamaga group held their own executive meeting and announced the formation of a break away National Football league

Ex FAZ member, Violet Bwalya, barred from AGM

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There was a near punch up between the chief usher and delegates at the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) Annual General Meeting entrance when former FAZ executive committee member Violet Bwalya was denied entry into the meeting this morning at Mulungushi Rock of Authority in Kabwe.

The confusion ensued when one of the chief ushers asked Bwalya for her affiliation card and which club she belonged to.

In response, Bwalya told the Chief usher that she was life member and did not need a pass or club membership to enter but she was asked to move away.

The usher later told Bwalya that she was causing unnecessary confusion as he had received specific information to filter delegates out of the meeting and he would only allow those who were recognised by superiors.

“I have driven all the way from Ndola as an observer now you are telling me I can’t go in because I am not a club member, that’s nonsense “said Bwalya.

Speaking to ZANIS after being pulled from the feud by some concerned delegates, Bwalya claimed the ushers were merely hired thugs meant to cause confusion.

“Some people’s livelihoods depend on football no wonder they are promoting hooliganism “ Bwalya said.

Violet Bwalya who resigned alongside Pivoty Simwanza, Henschel Chitembeya last year, expressed surprise at the manner the AGM was organised by FAZ.

Others barred from entering were Mansa Football Club Secretary Josam Siamambo, Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) Kabwe based journalists and other designated delegates.

ZANIS

MMD calls for law to deter ex Ministers from oath flouting

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An official in the ruling Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) has appealed to President Rupiah Banda to ensure enactment of a law that will deter former Cabinet Ministers from breaking oath when fired from Government.

Lusaka Constituency Chairperson Chilekwa Munkonge made the appeal saying the move will bring sanity to both MMD and Government.

Mr Mukonge also condemned politics of insults that were being perpetrated by some former Cabinet Ministers against President Banda.

In an interview with ZANIS in Lusaka today, he also assured the President of 100 percent votes in this year’s elections sayng the opposition had nothing to offer.

The current Zambian Constitution stipulates oath of allegiance taken by every member of the National Assembly before taking their seat and they subscribe to it.

ZANIS

If you think elections will be rigged, don’t contest, RB challenges Sata

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President Rupiah Banda
President Rupiah Banda

President Rupiah Banda has challenged Patriotic Front leader Michael Sata not to contest in this year’s presidential elections if he is convinced that the elections will be rigged as he has been telling the people.

Speaking when he addressed hundreds of people who gathered at Solwezi Trades Training Institute to witness the official opening of phase one of the institution which has cost Government K3.4 billion to build, Mr Banda said it will be a waste of time for the PF leader to contest the election which he knows will not be credible.

ZANIS reports that the President however said, contrary to what Mr Sata and his sympathisers were saying, his Government was determined to ensure that the elections are free and fair so that the results will be acceptable to all the people of Zambia as well as the international community.

“ I wish to advise Mr Sata to sit back In his house and cry because he knows that he has already lost the election,” President Banda said.

He told the ululating crowd that he was sure of victory and that this time around, he will beat Mr Sata with a wider margin than was the case in the 2008 by election.

He said Mr Sata will this year break a record for being Zambia’s presidential candidate who stood four times and lost.

The President said he will not relent to help the less privileged people in society just because the country will be going to the polls this year adding that he will stand by the wishes of the people of Zambia because that is the only way the country would develop.

The President told the people to refuse to be told lies by those that are retrogressive minded but that they should instead work with Government in order that more meaningful development could be achieved in the nation.

Later, the President received scores of people who defected from their various political parties mostly United Party for National Development (UPND) and the PF to join the MMD .

The President who has been in Solwezi since yesterday, was accompanied by former Vice President Enock Kavindele, Mines and Minerals Development Minister Maxwell Mwale, Gender Minister Sarah Saifwanda, Energy Minister Kenneth Konga and Science and Technology Minister Peter Daka.

Several traditional leaders were also in attendance.

ZANIS

LT-Update: Lusakatimes.com maintenance

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This serves to inform you that starting this evening at 18:00 hours Zambian Time (ZMT) , we shall be carrying out extensive repair work on the back end systems of our site to try and deal with server problems that we are currently struggling to stabilize. The work will stretch throughout the weekend and we hope to be 100% done by Sunday evening.

During this period the site will be intermittently available and operating at reduced capacity. There will be even much much longer periods when the site will be offline.

Sincere apologies for any inconvenience this will cause.

Thanks for your understanding and support to lusakatimes.com

LT team

Are Zambian Youths Tomorrows Leaders?

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By Wesley Ngwenya

File: Lusaka residents enjoying black label beers

Over the Easter holiday I have been reflecting on the role of the youths in this country. I have heard the term “youths are the leaders of tomorrow” way too many times. Honestly I am getting sick of this.

 

Friday afternoon I decided to check out a few drinking places in town. I saw youths drinking their heads off. Some looked hopeless, others looked lost while others looked confused. In one drinking place, there was a television in the far corner and a politician is busy talking about “youths are the leaders of tomorrow” wow!

How can youths be leaders of tomorrow when the politician making such statements has been in politics for almost 50 years? How can youths be leaders of tomorrow when they have no jobs? How can youths be leaders of tomorrow when they are unable to go to college or learn a skill? How can youths be leaders of tomorrow when they have no access to finance? How can youths be leaders of tomorrow when they do not participate in the decision-making process in the country? How can youths be leaders of tomorrow when they are not given opportunities to leadership positions? How can they be leaders of tomorrow when the Chinese have more rights in Zambia than they do?

Zambian youths have been left to figure out things on their own. They have been disappointed by the politicians, business leaders and even their pastors. There is no clear roadmap to address issues on the youths in Zambia. Instead youths are used for political expediency by the politicians.
It is the youths who sing and dance for the politicians. It is the youths who fight during political rallies. It is the youths who get shot at and killed by cops. It is the youths who are used day in and day out. What then is the youths’ role in all this? What options do the youths have in Zambia? Here are a few suggestions.

As Zambian youths we have an obligation to participate positively in things that affect us and that will affect our children. We need to speak out against vices such as corruption. As youths, we need to hold our leaders accountable by voting for only those who can do the work and not who belong to this or that political party. We also need to participate in various forums such as the Youth Indabas that are organized by the Ministry of Sport Youth and Child Development. Through these forums you can make your voices heard.

One thing that I personally encourage youths to do is work on developing ourselves. No matter what your situation, is it is important to keep your head up. Be positive about the present and hopeful about the future. Participate in programs that are going to benefit you. We have been encouraging youths to participate in the advocacy for the forth coming (African Growth and Opportunity Act) AGOA meeting that will be held right here in Lusaka.

Youths are encouraged to join facebook pages like AFRICAN YOUTHS SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURS so that we can let the leaders in Lusaka and in Washington DC know what we are going through. Let us know what is happening in your neighborhoods. Let us know what is going on in your families.

We are demanding that youths be given the necessary attention they deserve during the forth coming AGOA meeting. We want Hillary Clinton to read this page. So post your messages. We may just ask you to come and participate during this important meeting.

UK to pump K48.5b into Electoral Commission of Zambia

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http://www.lusakatimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/ecz.jpegThe British government will spend 48.5 Billion Kwacha to help the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) deliver free and fair elections during this year’s polls.

British High Commissioner to Zambia Tom Carter says part of the money will also go towards enhancing democracy in the country.

Mr Carter says the assistance which will be done through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will involve training of police officers to enable them handle elections in an effective manner.

High Commissioner Carter told ZNBC News in an interview that his country will also train election observers.

He is hoping that the elections will be free of violence and the political players will accept the election results.

Zambia’s government has allocated 322 billion Kwacha for the electoral commission to organize this year’s elections.
The exact date of the elections is determined by the President, who has yet to make an announcement.

And new director at ECZ says commission has begun “earnest preparations” for the general elections to be held later this year. Priscilla Isaac says the electoral commission will need over 60,000 “trained and tested” officials to conduct this year’s vote. She says the electoral body is implementing new training strategies for its officers to help “publicize and educate the electorate on what to expect in this year’s elections at the grassroots-level.”

Ms Isaac also rejected the demand of a PVT system , saying the electoral commission is “the only legitimate body mandated by the constitution to organize elections in Zambia.” She says the electoral process as it stands is “open and transparent enough.”

Click below to listen to her full interview with Clottey of the Voice of America

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