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Nearly 6,000 Congolese refugees return home from Zambia with UNHCR support

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Nearly 6,000 Congolese refugees return home from Zambia with UNHCR support

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, with the governments of Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), has helped nearly 6,000 Congolese refugees to return home since December 2021. The refugees fled political and inter-ethnic clashes in the DRC’s south-east region in 2017 and found safety in Zambia.

They have expressed excitement and joy at returning home and look forward to reuniting with family and friends and starting their lives anew.

Refugees have been issued voluntary repatriation documents and have received expedited immigration clearance, health screening, security, food and water prior to returning. Children account for nearly 60 per cent of the refugees. Children born in Zambia were issued birth certificates as proof of their identity. The Ministry of Education issued transfer documents to schoolchildren, enabling them to continue their education in the DRC.

Those with special needs are being supported by caregivers from Zambia’s Ministry of Community Development and Social Services, to ensure they travel in safety and dignity. Voluntary repatriation of refugees from Mantapala settlement in Luapula province to Pweto in Haut-Katanga province in DRC began in December 2021. The refugees have been transported on buses in weekly convoys of approximately 600 people to the Lunkinda border post. While parts of the country remain highly insecure, other regions like Haut-Katanga have been stable, allowing for the returns.

More than 11,000 Congolese refugees are registered to go back to DRC by the end of 2022 following the declaration of improved security in some areas of Haut-Katanga province. At a UNHCR transit centre in Pweto (DRC), where the returnees are accommodated for two days, Congolese authorities issue documentation including birth certificates for newborn babies and school certificates to allow them to quickly integrate and access services. UNHCR’s health partner also conducts medical screening and cases with special needs receive basic treatment.

Returnees also receive cash assistance to help cover basic expenses upon arrival home. This covers transportation to their destination, hygiene and household items, and initial rent assistance. Based on family size, a month’s supply of pulses, maize meal, oil and salt is also given to returnees.

Additional reintegration assistance, such as helping children in enrolling in school, is also provided.UNHCR will continue to advocate with the Government of the DRC and traditional authorities, who are critical partners in their reintegration, for the enrollment of children in schools, security, access to employment and provision of key civil documentation.

The voluntary repatriation of Congolese refugees is conducted on the basis of the tripartite agreement signed in 2006 by UNHCR and the Governments of Zambia and the DRC. Over 18,000 Congolese have lived in Mantapala settlement where they acquired livelihood skills including farming, carpentry and artisan crafts.

According to a country-wide verification exercise, Zambia hosts 95,677 refugees, asylum-seekers and former refugees. These include 60,236 from DRC. Nearly a million Congolese refuges are still hosted in neighbouring countries.

Millions of refugees dream of going home in safety and dignity. Voluntary repatriation requires a full commitment by the country of origin to help reintegrate its own people and the continuing support of the international community.

UNHCR’s financial requirement for Zambia this year is US$24.4 million and US$225.4 million for the DRC. As of 20 September, however, the operations have been only 23 per cent and 35 per cent funded respectively

Newly recruited teachers urged to bring sanity in the education sector

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Newly recruited teachers urged to bring sanity in the education sector

The government has implored the newly recruited teachers to bring sanity to the education sector. Kasama District Commissioner Elizabeth Goma says teaching is a noble career which demands professionalism at every level.

Mrs. Goma was speaking on Tuesday during the induction workshop of the newly recruited and deployed teachers held at Kasama Girls Secondary School.

“ The induction process is important as it will ensure that the newly recruited teachers integrate well into the education system, “ she said.

“ This ( the induction ) will benefit the ministry of education as an employer by reducing absenteeism, increasing teacher commitment and job satisfaction, “ she said.

The District Commissioner reminded the newly recruited teachers to observe high professional etiquette and ethics expected of them in their daily conduct.

And Kasama District Education Board Secretary Andrew Chipili has also demanded utmost professionalism from the new teachers.

Mr. Chipili said the newly recruited teachers have been given a once in a lifetime opportunity which they should put to good use.

He reminded the newly recruited teachers that some of them struggled for over ten years in their communities before they were employed.

He has since advised the teachers to utilize the opportunity given to them by offering their services in the education sector.

Meanwhile, Zambia National Union of Teachers (ZNUT) provincial organizing Secretary Musonda Chitupi has advised the new teachers to join a teacher union of their choice.

Mr. Chitupi explained that belonging to a union is very important as the labor movement is proactive in protecting the rights and needs of the workers.

Government urged to include Mporokoso-Kaputa road in the 2023 national budget.

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Government urged to include Mporokoso-Kaputa road in the 2023 national budget.

Some motorists in Nsama district have asked the government to consider including the Mporokoso-Kaputa road in the 2023 national budget.

One of the motorists, James Mulenga, said government should consider budgeting for the road to lessen the challenges transporters face accessing Nsama and Kaputa Towns.

Mr. Mulenga said the people of Nsama and Kaputa districts are expecting that government would budget for the tarring of the road.

In an interview with ZANIS in Kasama on Tuesday, day. Mr. Mulenga said he expects the new dawn government’s second budget to cater for most of the campaign promises which among them includes the upgrading of the road from gravel to bituminous standard.

“We in the transport sector are excited as and looking forward to the inclusion of the tarring of the Mporokoso/Kaputa via Nsama road in next year’s budget, he said.

The transport sector has for many years faced different challenges among them tear and wear, long travelling hours and accidents due to the bad state of the road especially during the rainy season.

His counterpart, Davison Lukwesa said his expectation is to see the opening of the area through the construction of a better road.

“The move will not only open the area to new investments especially in tourism and agriculture sectors but also boost the economic status of the two districts. “Mr. Lukwesa noted”.

He said the tarring of the long awaited road would also help to attract would be investors to set up industries such as rice mills and refrigeration in the two areas resulting in job creation.

Government is this Friday expected to announce its second national budget since assuming office in 2021.

Meanwhile, The stalled works on selected township roads in Chinsali Town, in Muchinga Province have resumed.

The development has elated residents who have expressed happiness over the matter.

Some of the residents in separate interviews on Tuesday, said that the two roads under construction were in a deplorable state for years now.

One of the residents Agness Banda thanked the new dawn government for working on the roads.

Ms. Banda said like other residents that have welcomed the development , she too is grateful to government for the “ miracle “ never imagined will happen in the area.

” We used to find it difficult to gain access to our yards as vehicles including taxis had stopped using this road,” she said.

She lamented that taxi fees to their area were hiked because of the road being in a dilapidated condition.

Another resident Exildah Chungu explained that her house used to be flooding during the rainy season, due to bad roads.

Ms. Chungu added that as a result some portion of her house like the veranda developed some cracks.

“Even my garden was always affected when I plant some crops they would be washed away due rainy water from the impassable road flooding my yard, “ she said.

The three selected roads in rural and FTC areas being worked on are part of the 29.5 kilometer Chinsali township roads.

Reports suggesting that Priests are not happy with Archbishop Alick Banda’s stance on homosexuality are false

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Reports suggesting that Priests are not happy with Archbishop Alick Banda’s stance on homosexuality are false

The Catholic Archdiocese of Lusaka has refuted social media reports suggesting that Priests are not happy with Archbishop Alick Banda’s stance on homosexuality and alleged gay rights promotion in Zambia.

Archbishop Banda last week released a pastoral statement in which he noted increased promotion of gay rights and rising cases of sodomy in Zambia in the last one year.

Archbishop Banda said President Hakainde Hichilema and the law enforcement agencies seem to be paying a blind eye to the rising incidents related to homosexuality in Zambia.

The Archbishop said homosexuality and promotion of gay rights is slowly taking root in the Zambian society, albeit complacency from the State and the law enforcement agencies.

Archbishop Banda’s pastoral statement which has been read in all parishes under Lusaka Archdiocese as per Catholic tradition, has angered UPND supporters.

Some pro-UPND social media platforms have gone on to publish negative remarks against Archbishop Banda, whom they have accused of being a PF supporter.

On Monday, a lengthy social media article went viral in which people said to be Priests in Lusaka said they were not happy with Archbishop Banda.

“We the CATHOLIC PRIESTS of the LUSAKA ARCHDIOCESE are alarmed at BISHOP ALICK BANDA’s departure from his role as a shepherd of the flock of the Lord. We cannot keep silent any more. We have watched with great pain BISHOP ALICK BANDA anointing himself as a spokesperson for an OPPOSITION POLITICAL PARTY, PF, and speaking about anything he thinks will discredit the RULING GOVERNMENT. His ACCUSATIONS that the GOVERNMENT was behind the STEALING of TV SETS from EDGAR LUNGU’S Ibex hill residence and now his recent rants that the GOVERNMENT was ENCOURAGING homosexuality were all messages lifted up from OPPOSITION PF blogs.A BISHOP should be above partisan politics and look at greater social justice and faith.As CATHOLIC CLERGY, we believe our bishops have a prophetic role to play by denouncing injustice, as was the case with old testament prophets and as did our Lord JESUS CHRIST. This was beautifully stated in paragraph 1 of the Vatican II’s Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern Word (Gaudium et Spes) promulgated by Pope Paul VI as follows: “The joys and the hopes, the griefs and the anxieties of the men of this age, especially those who are poor or in any way afflicted, these are the joys and hopes, the griefs and anxieties of the followers of Christ. Indeed, nothing genuinely human fails to raise an echo in their hearts.” This entails that the CATHOLIC CHURCH and its LEADERSHIP cannot abandon the matters of SOCIAL JUSTICE, especially matters affecting the POOR. But to have a BISHOP ANOINT HIMSELF as SPOKESPERSON for the ELITE and FORMER RULING PARTY, PF, is to ABDICATE this CATHOLIC MANDATE,” read part of the article.

But Lusaka Archdiocese Vicar General Fr. Solomon Tembo, who is the second in command in the Archdiocese, had released a media statement backing Archbishop Banda.

Fr. Tembo said no Priest in the Archdiocese was against Archbishop Banda.

Fr. Tembo said he was astonished by the social media reports suggesting that Priests are against their Archbishop.

The senior Catholic Priest said he doubted the authenticity of the article that quoted anonymous priests.

Fr. Tembo said Priests in Lusaka Archdiocese have disassociated themselves from all sentiments and views expressed in the said article circulating on social media.

“I have read an article on social media entitled, “Catholic Priests speak against Bishop Alick Banda,” with astonishment and disbelief. I would like to inform the general public that this is not a collective effort or work of the Catholic Priests of the Archdiocese of Lusaka at all as alleged by the author of the said article. I doubt whether it is even the work of a priest. Catholic Priests of Lusaka are equally concerned and distraught by the said article. As Vicar General, I express displeasure and discontentment, and on behalf of all Catholic Priests in the Archdiocese of Lusaka wish to disassociate ourselves from all sentiments and views expressed in the article circulating. May Mary Mother of the Church continue interceding for the Archdiocese of Lusaka,” Fr. Tembo stated.

Meanwhile, Archbishop Banda had warned that if nothing is done to raise awareness among people, LGBTQ+ will become an acceptable norm in Zambia, despite the existence of laws that criminalises these activities.

He called for action from all Zambians against offensive tendencies like homosexuality that is being manifested through sodomy.

“Corroding the fabric of our society. A call to action – against offensive tendencies
Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all!My dear brothers and sisters in Christ and people of good will. I hereby wish to
address a thorny issue inter alia other issues that seem to be slowly taking root in our society, albeit complacency from the State and the law enforcement agencies. In the last 12 months, we have witnessed an increase in the number of incidents and events that promote LGBTG+ tendencies contrary to the Laws of Zambia and our Zambian culture. Additionally, there has been an increase in the number of incidents of sodomy where boys and men are raped by fellow boys and men with impunity.On Tuesday the 17th May 2022, the Swedish and Finnish Embassies in Lusaka flew gay pride flags, contrary to the provisions of article 20 of the Vienna Convention which allows foreign missions to only fly the flag and emblem of their country of origin on their premises.On Saturday, the 3rd September 2022, a company called PR Girl Media Limited hosted an event dubbed “Lusaka July 2022” at Lusaka Polo Club. Pictures and videos that emerged from this event showed attendants double dressing in attires of the opposite sex and appearing to promote LGBTQ+ behaviour,” Archbishop Banda said.

“Subsequent to the above events, we have witnessed several cases of sodomy and homosexuality on the increase in our society much to the displeasure and disapproval of the general public. Unfortunately, the law enforcement agents and the President who took oath to protect the Constitution seem to be paying a blind eye. The question that begs an answer is: Is it by design or by default?However, on Friday, the 16th September 2022, when a group of concerned citizens decided to undertake a peaceful protest in order to raise awareness to the ever escalating cases of homosexuality and sodomy in the country, the Police were quick to apprehend them together with journalists who were covering the event. These were detained, arrested and charged with unlawful assembly.The above events are alarming. If nothing is done to raise awareness among our people, LGBTQ+ will become an acceptable norm in Zambia, despite the existence of laws that criminalises these activities and worse still being offensive to our Cultural and Christian values,” Archbishop Banda said.

Archbishop Banda said it is necessary that Zambians act against the proliferation of LGBTQ+ and other vices which are averse and seem to be on the increase corroding the fabric of society such as abuse of authority, abuse of state institutions and arbitrary disrespect of the rule of law.

He announced that the Archdiocese of Lusaka, through its Directorate of Integral Human Development, is embarking on raising awareness against offensive trends which seem to be on the increase in society.

“From the foregoing, it is necessary to act against the proliferation of LGBTQ+ and other vices which are averse and seem to be on the increase corroding the fabric of our society such as abuse of authority, abuse of state institutions, arbitrary disrespect of the rule of law, the hounding of the opposition members and constitutional office bearers perceived not to toll the line, the rise of nepotism, hybrid hypocrisy, deception, and lies, etc.During His memorable sermon on the Mount, our Lord, Jesus Christ declared to His disciples that: “You are the salt of the earth…” (cf. Mt. 5: 13). The primary use of salt in ancient times among other things was to avert decaying of foodstuff. So, when Jesus says, “You are the salt of the earth”, He is calling us to avert moral degeneration. We are therefore, invited to manifest in person and give witness to our Christian calling – to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world.The Archdiocese of Lusaka, through its Directorate of Integral Human Development, is embarking on raising awareness against these offensive trends which seem to be on the increase in our society. To this effect, ADL – IHD will communicate an action plan in the next couple of days, spelling out the way forward. In the meantime, we are inviting all our faithful to pray and fast against all these vices that seem to be accepted by the authorities that be.May Mary the mother of the Child Jesus, intercede for us that our lives may become salt to avert moral degeneration and light to illuminate the world from the darkness of evil,” Archbishop Banda concluded.

Meanwhile, President Hichilema, who was cited by Archbishop Banda has denied allegations that his government supports gay rights or homosexual rights.

The President said Zambia should discuss more important matters than issues of gay rights or homosexuality.

“Zambia is a Christian nation. It is clear you will all agree but some times we want to extract sections of our communities and say these are not Christians. Yah, religion in diversity, Churches in diversity but one body of Christ. And I want to say it is not right, I am following what is going on in our country today. To say the New Dawn government is promoting lesbian rights, gay rights, that is not right. We have said it before in opposition and now in government that we do not gay, lesbian rights as a government. The records are there, the media houses carry those records from years back but today, in recent days people are propagating in church preaching about lesbian rights and UPND Government. New Dawn government doing this and that. That is divisit, you know it is not right. Let’s focus on unity, let’s focus on materiality. Things that matter for this country. Keeping our children in school matters more than the petty matters,” President said in the video.

“Good morning fellow citizens Our position on this issue has been very clear and consistent from our days in opposition. We must focus our energy in addressing pressing issues affecting our people and not be detracted,” he stated in the text accompanying the short video.

Nalumango calls for strong policy framework to prevent RTAs

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Nalumango calls for strong policy framework to prevent RTAs

Vice President, Mutale Nalumango, has directed relevant ministries to strengthen the policy framework on the prevention of road traffic accidents for public transport operators in the country.

Ms. Nalumango said the Ministries of Home Affairs, Transport and Logistics and Infrastructure Housing and Urban Development should work together in guaranteeing road safety to avoid the escalating number of traffic accidents in the country which have claimed many lives.

She said this in a speech delivered on her behalf by Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Collins Nzovu, during the send-off church service of the 12 Great East-University of Zambia (UNZA) junction road traffic accident victims at Christ the King Parish in Kaunda Square Stage Two in Lusaka today.

Mrs. Nalumango noted with concern that the road traffic accidents are as a result of human error and neglect especially by public transport operators.

She noted that the accidents can be avoided if road safety is realised by the government and all road users.

“I direct all the line ministries to work together in ensuring that road signage is properly marked in highways, road traffic rules and regulations are adhered to by the public transport operators with no exception,’’ she said.

 Munali Member of Parliament Mike Mposha called on the Ministry of Home Affairs to establish the cause of the accident and convey the report to the bereaved families as soon as possible because they have the right to know what led to the accident.

Mr. Mposha, however, thanked President Hakainde Hichilema for responding quickly to help the bereaved families with all the funeral necessities in order to lighten their burden of the loss of their loved ones.

‘’We thank the Disaster Management and Mitigating Unit (DMMU), the defence force and everyone who came on board in assisting the beavered families with food supplies and transport and logistics for burial during the funeral of their family members,’’ he said.

Meanwhile, emotions from family members kept pouring as they took turns to read tributes for their deceased relatives and described their sudden death as traumatising, shocking and a huge loss.

Human Rights Commission speaks on LGBTQI

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Human Rights Commission speaks on LGBTQI

The Human Rights Commission says it has noted with regret the tendency by some stakeholders to deliberately confuse criminal acts with Human Rights issues when dealing with matters relating to the situation of the Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex (LGBTQI) community in Zambia.

Human Rights Commission Mudford Mwandenga said there is need for stakeholders and the public to make a distinction between supporting the human rights of the LGBTQI community and gender identity, which is a criminal offence in Zambia.

He said this in a press statement made available , today Mr. Mwandenga says the Commission has received correspondence from various stakeholders expressing fear about the safety of the LGBTQI community in Zambia

 “Regrettably, the Commission has noted the tendency by some stakeholders to deliberately confuse purely criminal acts with human rights issues when dealing with matters relating to the situation of LGBTQI in Zambia,” he said.

“A distinction must be made between supporting the human rights of the LGBTQI community, which rights accrue to them by virtue of them being human and supporting them to freely and publicly exercise their sexual orientation and gender identity, which is a criminal offence in Zambia,” he said.

He said the reported cases of sodomy in the country are a criminal offence which should be thoroughly investigated and dealt with by the Zambia Police Service in accordance with the provisions of the law.

Mr. Mwandenga said law enforcement against sodomy should not be confused with clamping down on the LGBTQI community in Zambia.

He added that individuals that are suspected of having committed acts of sodomy should be treated like any other suspect and accorded equal protection of the law and not be subjected to unlawful actions and/or violation of their Human Rights.

Mr. Mwandenga further highlighted that the Commission has noted with concern the continued hate speech and threats of physical attacks against persons based on their perceived or real sexual orientation and gender identity is a criminal offence.

He said the Commission is alive to the fact that practicing homosexuality or lesbianism is illegal in Zambia and emphasized that those found on the wrong side of the law or in conflict with the law should be treated in a humane manner.

 Mr. Mwandenga said by virtue of being party to various human rights instruments, Zambia is bound to protect the indivisible and inalienable rights of all citizens including those found on the wrong side of the law or who come in conflict with the law.

He said the Commission is calling on the State to put in place measures to stop the emerging hate campaign against the LGBTQI community in Zambia, stating that it is the obligation of the State to adopt effective measures of protection against actions of individuals.

Free education brings along teething problems – Mbangweta

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Free education brings along teething problems – Mbangweta

Western Province Minister Kapelwa Mbangweta says Government’s free education policy , just like any new programme, comes with teething problems that will easily be handled with time.

Mr. Mbangweta says the new dawn government attachés great importance to educating of the children and nation at large.

The minister said this during a conducted tour of Kalale Secondary School, Kampombo and Kangolongolo Primary Schools , where he found no staff houses, adequate classroom space and desks against a swelling pupil population.

However, Kampombo Primary School Head teacher Lubinga Lubinga expressed delight that a one by two classroom is under construction , thanks to the increased constituency Fund ( CDF ).

Mr. Lubinga said the project will help create extra classroom school space for the current number of pupils that has increased.

Nkeyema CDF chairperson Cristas Mweene said the construction of the classroom block is in line with the vision of Government’s plan in the provision of free education to all children.

Mr. Mweene advised he community to help the contractors on site when need arises as the structures being erected will benefit the community.

And the project which is at 80 percent, will be ready for hand over in October this year, said Nkeyema Acting Council Secretary Chimbala.

In reaction, Provincial Minister Mbangweta called on stakeholders to emulate Japan Tobacco International by ploughing back to the community.

Mr Mbangweta said this after receiving a one by three renovated classroom block at Kampombo Primary School which had its roof blown off during the last rainy season.

Japan Tobacco International Head of Communication and Co-operate Affairs Litia Matakala while handing over the classroom block to the school administration requested the community to guard jealous the structure against vandalism.

Mr. Matakala said Education is a game changer and must be taken seriously by the community.

The free education policy introduced by Government has seen unprecedented swelling numbers of pupils in public schools across the country, seeking to get educated.

Impartial implementation of rule of law critical in governance

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Impartial implementation of rule of law critical in governance

United States Ambassador to Zambia Mike Gonzales says the impartial implementation of the rule of law is critical in ensuring accountable and responsive governance.

Mr Gonzales said the implementation of the rule of law also attracts foreign investment that will consequently create jobs and contribute to the national treasury.

The US Ambassador noted that both government share the mutual goal of strengthening democratic institutions and protecting fundamental freedoms.

He added that the two countries have witnessed challenges in the democratic systems which require solutions.

Mr. Gonzalez said this when he paid a courtesy call on Acting Foreign Affairs Mulambo Haimbe in Lusaka today.

The US Ambassador has also pledged to promote prosperity in both the United States and Zambia.

“I look forward to working with you, to strengthen democracy, to promote economic growth to improve health outcomes and to deepen the US and Zambia security relationship,” he explained.

Meanwhile, Mr. Haimbe who also acting Minister of Justice said he is optimistic that the US and Zambia will have good working relations.

He said government will do its best to encourage Zambians to follow the tenets of democracy.

The Minister noted that governance is crucial in the quest to improve the administration of the country adding that the Ministry of Justice will play their role in ensuring governance is practiced.

“We are committed towards ensuring that we are a beacon for democracy in our sub region, on the continent and the world at large.

The added that government intends to grow the cordial relations between Zambia and the United States of America.

Rains leaves destruction in Mwinilunga

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Rains leaves destruction in Mwinilunga

Following heavy rains have blow  a roof at Kabanda primary school in Mwinilunga district in North Western Province .

District Commissioner (DC) Harrison Kamuna who rushed to the school upon learning of the development confirmed to ZANIS that the incidenthappened around 15:00 on Monday, while 53 grade two learners were having lessons.

“Fortunately our children were all safe, they escaped unhurt,” he said.

One classroom and home economics department office had one side of their roofs completely blown off while the computer lab had a few iron sheets removed.

Mr. Kamuna explained that apart from a few desks which got damaged as they  got soaked, nothing else was destroyed.

The  district administration working together with the local authority will utilize the five percent disaster fund component under Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to repair the damaged roof before rains intensify.

“This should not take us time to repair, we shall use CDF to quickly work on it,” he said.

The remote Town has recently experienced significant amount of rainfall activities.

Movie review : Me Time

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Movie review : Me Time

Me Time ; Kevin Hart

Sonny (Kevin Hart) is a stay-at-home parent who makes healthy smoothies, runs PTA meetings and curates school talent shows, but never makes time for himself; until old friend Huck (Mark Wahlberg) gives him an opportunity for independence.

PROS

  • Good performances by Kevin Hart and Mark Wahlberg.
  • Simple but effective storyline.

CONS

  • Poor acting by Che Tafari (Dash) who played Kevin Harts son. His performance felt forced and unnatural.

FAVORITE QUOTE

 “He Is A Housewife. Sorry, English Is Not My First Language.” – Armando 

CONCLUSION

‘Me Time is a light-hearted comedy about a tightly wound stay-at-home-dad who gets an opportunity to let off some steam on a wild weekend with an old buddy of his. It is precisely what you would expect from a Kevin Hart movie, filled with hilarious moments and doesn’t take itself too seriously.

Most of the time, the movie stays away from examining the dishonest, ambitious, and unstable dynamics of Sonny’s(Kevin Hart) marriage. That dynamic may have offered a little more intrigue to the plot of the movie, instead, spiraling chaos fills the void of any emotional journey. That is not necessarily a bad thing, as ‘Me Time is meant to be a fun easy-to-watch weekend movie.

‘Me Time’ may not be the best film by Kevin Hart and Mark Wahlberg but it sure is a lot of fun!

RATING 

3 out of 5

 

 

BY KAPA KAUMBA

Chipolopolo Heading Home After Downpour Damper

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Chipolopolo Zambia is on their way back home after Monday’s friendly against Mali was abandoned.

Mali and Chipolopolo’s friendly was washed away after just 17 minutes played in Bamako after rains left the Stade du 26 Mars waterlogged.

The match was scoreless as it abandonment.

It was game two after Mali beat Zambia 1-0 in game one on September 23 at the same venue through an El Bilal Toure goal in the 7th minute.

The friendlies also marked the start of life without Aljosa Asanovic who quit late last week over a row with FAZ.

Assistant coach Moses Sichone was in interim charge of the Mali-friendly tour.

161 Saving for Change groups operating in Kazungula to improve rural life

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161 Saving for Change groups operating in Kazungula to improve rural life

A total of 161 Savings for Change groups in 19 agricultural camps in Kazungula district have been created to empower rural communities with alternative livelihoods.

Kazungula Senior Agricultural Officer, Thundu Kaonga, said the Savings for Change groups comprising a total of 2,519 members have shared K3.1 million to venture in alternative livelihoods in the agriculture sector.

Mr. Kaonga said the creation of the Savings for Change groups has been done by the Strengthening Climate Resilience in Agricultural Livelihoods in Agro-ecoregions I and II (SCRALA) project and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP).

He said Savings for Change groups are encouraging farmers to come together and put up the local savings with a view that they use the income they have for agricultural purposes and for social needs such as school fees and health.

Mr. Kaonga explained that some individuals have started investing in economic activities such as bee production, construction of houses, mobile money businesses, goat rearing, cattle rearing, and vegetable production to improve their livelihoods.

And Lusumpuko Savings group President, Harriet Malambo of Mandia Agricultural Camp in Kazungula, said the groups have assisted the members to buy agricultural inputs such as seed and fertiliser.

Ms. Malambo said her Savings for Change group has 25 members comprising women only who started their savings in 2021.

She disclosed that the group has enabled individual members to engage into various types of businesses and are now able to sponsor children to school and purchase agricultural inputs.

A beneficiary, Betty Mukosana said she joined the Savings for Change group because she was encouraged by a member who constructed a house from the savings group money.

Ms. Mukosana explained that she intends to secure a plot in Kazungula border and start building a house from the share outs she will be receiving.

Meanwhile Eucaria Mainza said she has since started building a house in Zimba district which she intends to put on rent when it is completed.

Mrs. Mainza pointed out that her savings group had slightly over K37,000 share capital contributed by the members.

She said she accessed K7,000 from a group to start a business.

Govt. plans to extend Zambezi river source forest cover

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Govt. plans to extend Zambezi river source forest cover

Government plans to extend the forest cover at the Zambezi river source in Ikeleng’i district by 1,700 hectares in order to protect and sustain the existence of the river source.

The Zambezi river source it currently sitting on 270 hectares of land, making it one of the smallest forest reserves in the country.

Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Elijah Muchima said the current 270 hectares of forest is being threatened by increased human activities which are affecting the source.

Mr. Muchima said this in Ikeleng’i district today during commemorations to mark this year’s World Rivers Day under the theme; ‘importance of rivers for biodiversity’.

“As a ministry, we intend to increase the forest here at the Zambezi river source by about 1,700 hectares,” he said.

Mr. Muchima said the Zambezi river source is critical for supporting communities that depend on it for survival as well as economic activities such as power generation.

Speaking at the same event, World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Country Director, Nachilala Nkombo called on government to legally protect the source of the Zambezi river which she said is important to national economic development.

Ms. Nkombo said not protecting the Zambezi river source will put the many lives that depend on it for survival at risk.

“Our plea is for government to take steps and legally protect this source. Lack of its protection will put the lives of people that depend on it at risk,” she said.

Speaking earlier, Stanbic Bank Chief Executive Officer, Mwiindwa Siakalima said there is need for all stakeholders to partner with government in securing the source of the Zambezi river.

Mr. Siakalima said preservation of the source will help mitigate the impact of climate change on the environment.

The Mining Sector did not get Tax Exemptions in the 2022 budget-Chamber of Mines

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The Mining Sector did not get Tax Exemptions in the 2022 budget-Chamber of Mines

The Zambia Chamber of Mines has said that stakeholders in the mining sector should not mistake the much-needed competitive mining tax regime for tax exemptions.

Chamber Chief Executive Officer Sokwani said that Zambia remains one of the only two country’s with the highest effective tax rate in this part of the world, that needs to be reviewed.

Mr Chilembo said that what was given to the mining sector in the 2022 budget are not exemptions but adjustments that are necessary to make the country’s sector more competitive with Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, currently the highest tax locations in copper mining in this part of the globe.

While there are calls for increased taxation in the mining sector in 2023 as opposed to relaxed measures in the current 2022 national budget, the Chamber of Mines highlights that third-party studies in 2021 put Zambia’s taxation on the old Copperbelt at 77 per cent and 57 percent for the new Copperbelt in the north west while the rest of the world is averaging out for high cost mines in the region of mid-forties and open cast lower cost mines in the mid-thirties.

Mr. Chilembo said that while things improved within the 2022 budget, there is need for the 2023 fiscal year to be more enabling with eyes set on the 2023 budget presentation that is scheduled for this Friday.

Mr. Chilembo added that that Zambia’s mining industry players have set their efforts into refocusing targets to deliver as much as possible after the country’s half year copper production figures fell by a total of 7.17 percent due to operational challenges such as heavy rains in North Western Province and floods in Kwazulu Natal of South Africa that impacted the supply chain negatively.

Vedanta makes moves into car battery industry

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Vedanta makes moves into car battery industry

Vedanta has set its eyes on Zambia with the prospect of investing in the electric car battery manufacturing sector.

This follows the recent signing of a Memorandum of understanding between Vedanta and the state of Gujurat of India to set up a semiconductor fabrication plant commonly referred to as a fab unit, a display fab unit, and a semiconductor assembling and testing unit in Ahmedabad in western India.

Vedanta Country Director Dr. Moses Banda says Vedanta is considering engaging the Zambian Government to consider the possibilities of participating in the electric car battery manufacturing industry that the country plans to set up in collaboration with the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Dr. Banda said the planned partnership between Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo to jointly embark on the production of electric vehicle batteries and other electronic accessories to create a firm position in the global supply chain is critical and timely.

He noted that Vedanta, one of the largest players in the Southern African mining industries, stands ready to partner with the Government to ensure the creation of viable ventures that will spur employment and other economic opportunities to ensure mutual benefit.

The joint venture recently embarked on in India is looking at setting up a semiconductor manufacturing plant in the next two years and replicating it in Zambia; will boost the countries’ mineral value chain. With the partnership between Zambia and the DRC, Vedanta is poised to work with both countries and connect them to the industry players in India.

Dr. Banda stated that Vedanta shares the Zambian Government’s interest in ensuring value addition in the mining industry, which will help to create a robust sector, crucial to the country’s overall development.

Vedanta will hold 60% of the equity in the JV while Foxconn will own 40%. Foxconn is the world’s leading and largest electronics manufacturer and technology solution provider, and it continuously leverages its expertise in software and hardware to integrate its unique manufacturing systems with emerging technologies.

In Zambia, Vedanta is represented by Vedanta Resources Holdings Limited and the Zambian subsidiary Konkola Copper Mines (KCM), the country’s largest integrated copper producer, with an entire production value chain comprising open pit and underground mines, concentrators, a state-of-the-art smelter, tailings leach plant, and a refinery. It has operations in four locations, including Chingola, Chililabombwe, Nampundwe, and Kitwe, playing a key role in the communities around these mining areas. The company’s product or service includes copper cathodes, copper-cobalt alloys, sulphuric acid, pyrite, and anode slimes.

Vedanta has successfully operated KCM from 2004 to 2019 and invested USD 3 billion which includes 1.3 billion in sustaining CAPEX and USD 1.7 billion into project Capex.

Upon its return to running the asset (KCM), Vedanta plans to invest an additional $1 billion into mine development, growth projects, and increase copper production which will ultimately contribute to the attainment of three (3) million tonnes of copper in the next ten years as projected by the government.

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