Chisamba District Commissioner, Joel Mboyoma, has called for multi-sectoral efforts in dismantling barriers preventing adolescents and young people from accessing Sexual and Reproductive Health Services (SRHS) in Chisamba District of Central Province.

Mr Mboyoma, says community members and service providers must actively collaborate to change the narrative and enhance access to SRHS for local adolescents and the youths.

He made this call during the Community District Interface meeting, aimed at improving access, availability, affordability, quality, and equity of adolescent-friendly SRHRS in Chisamba.

Mr Mboyoma noted that various national policies and strategic frameworks recognise that adolescents and young people have distinct health needs which require responsive, accessible, acceptable, equitable, and high-quality services.

“Today’s meeting therefore serves a critical purpose. It provides an opportunity to join efforts and identify solutions and share responsibilities to improve health outcomes.

“As we move forward, let us remember that improving adolescent sexual and reproductive health services is a shared responsibility. Government, health workers, community’s parents, traditional leaders, civic leaders, civil society organisations, and young people all have a role to play,” Mr Mboyoma said.

Group Focused Consultations Executive Director, Field Phiri, commended the government for fostering an enabling environment that promotes adolescent-friendly SRHRS.

Dr Phiri cited teen pregnancy, early marriages, school dropouts, birth-related disabilities, and intergenerational poverty as critical challenges facing adolescents and youths that must be addressed through SRHS.

“We want to appreciate what the government has put in place. We are looking at the constitution and all the guidance that government has put in place. In the area of sexual reproductive health, we realizsd we have STIs, alcohol abuse, teen pregnancies and early marriages. To address this, we have engaged adolescents and youths so that they can reach out to their friends,” Dr Phiri said.

And Executive Director of the Alliance for Accountability Advocates Zambia (AAAZ), Luchembe Chilufya, stated that SRHR are a cornerstone of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to health, education, and gender equality.

“It is essential for us because it addresses issues to do with gender equality, human dignity and health equality. Lack of sexual and reproductive health rights access can track families in poverty, increase maternal mortality and expose individuals to abuse and disease,” Mr Chilufya said.

Meanwhile, Peer Educator, Eunice Mboyonga, said adolescents identified a lack of trained staff in disability inclusion, negative attitudes from service providers, and peer pressure as the primary challenges they face in accessing SRH services.”

“Adolescents identified 13 Challenges in accessing SRHS. The five most critical ones are lack of friendly space, lack of resources in implementing effective adolescents SRHS, adolescents living long distant places, lack of parental support in sexual and reproductive health services, and low community acceptance of Adolescent in SRHS,” she said.

Stakeholders in Chisamba have since formulated a comprehensive action plan, integrating both short- and long-term measures to enhance adolescents’ access to SRHS.

The Space to Lead Project alongside implementing partners such as Group Focused Consultations and the Alliance for Accountability Advocacy Zambia (AAAZ), convened the meeting in Chisamba, with support from Plan International Zambia.

Children of Senior Chief Kasempa of the Kaonde speaking people have described their father who has marked 50 years Golden jubilee reign on the throne since 1976 as a beacon of love, peace and fountain of wisdom not only for his family but the entire chiefdom as a whole.

Speaking on behalf of other children during the celebration of the Juba Ja Nsomo golden Jubilee ceremony in Kasempa today, princess Bertha Kasempa said their father was indeed chosen by God for the reign from the time of enthronement looking at how he has managed to look after his people well embracing everyone.

“As your children we are grateful to note that even when with your busy schedules, even in your ill health you always find time to give us the exclusive attention we desire to get your guidance and tap into your wisdom, “She said.

Princess Bertha said from the time their father was enthroned as senior chief Kasempa he no longer belonged to them alone but also to his subjects and the entire chiefdom in so many ways.

And organising committee chairman Norman Katombela congratulated Senior Chief Kasempa for attaining 50 years on the throne and for his steadfast leadership and dedication to promoting cultural practices, values and norms that bind his people together.

Mr Katombela said the celebration is a testament to the enduring power of customs and the importance of preserving culture.

“It is through ceremonies like this that we reaffirm our connection to our ancestors and to ourselves, “he said.

The children encouraged their father who is now over 80 years old quoting David’s story in the bible when he began to reign at the age of 30 where some said David you are too young to be a king. We need someone younger. By the time David ruled for 40 years he was 70, and others were probably saying David you are too old to be King of Israel. It is time to turn it over to someone younger. In God’s sight age is not really an issue he uses the young and old.

Senior Chief Kasempa of the Kaonde speaking people ascended to the throne on 12th October,1976 marking a Golden jubilee reign this year.

This year’s Juba Ja Nsomo golden Jubilee ceremony was being held under the theme, “commemorating 50 years of dedicated leadership marked by peace, unity and social-economic development of Senior Chief Kasempa the 12th.

North-Western Province Deputy Permanent Secretary Luckson Mulumbi has called for the preservation of traditional ceremonies for the present and future generations as they remain an integral part in Zambia’s rich cultural heritage.

‎Mr Mulumbi said that the preservation and promotion of culture is essential for maintaining Zambia’s identity and pride.

‎He said it is everyone’s responsibility to teach the younger generation on the beauty of traditional customs and their significance.

‎Mr Mulumbi said this in Kasempa today during the celebration of the Juba Ja Nsomo golden Jubilee ceremony of Senior Chief Kasempa of the Kaonde speaking people who ascended to the throne in 1976.

‎He said traditional ceremonies play a key role in promoting unity in diversity adding Zambians should be proud of the country’s diverse and rich cultural heritage and take time to learn different cultures in order to understand each other and consequently live in harmony as one people in line with the one Zambia One Nation motto.

‎”These traditions are the anchor that binds us to our past and provides guidance for the future,” Mr Mulumbi.

‎Mr Mulumbi said people must ensure cultural practices including customs, artisanal skills and songs are passed on to the younger generations adding that it is through such continuous transmission that Zambia’s cultural heritage will not only be safeguarded but also remain vibrant and relevant in the modern World.

‎He commended Senior chief Kasempa for his positive contributions in delivering    meaningful social and economic development in his chiefdom throughout his 50 years of reign on the throne.

‎”It is for this reason that government acknowledges the significance of the Juba Ja Nsomo traditional ceremony which promotes food security through the celebration of a good harvest. A successful harvest not only sustains our families but also strengthens our economy and ensures that resources are available to support one another,” Mr Mulumbi said.

‎He assured the traditional leader and his people that the government remains committed to the implementation of developmental projects and programmes in all sectors of the economy aimed at improving people’s livelihoods by bringing development closer to the people.

‎Mr Mulumbi highlighted some of the developmental projects government has Implemented to improve the welfare of people in Kasempa under the 2022-2025 Constituency Development Fund (CDF) community projects in line with Presidential directives as drilling of 122 boreholes and equipped and 93 boreholes have been rehabilitated,

‎”Others are four pieces of earthmoving equipment (motor grader, water Bowser, roller compactor and tipper truck) procured and constructed two Chiefs palaces for Senior Chief Kasempa and Chief Ingwe,” he said.

‎Mr Mulumbi said government has also constructed and operationalised the Mukema police Post, graded feeder roads, procured 6,000 school desks and 2000 beneficiaries of CDF bursaries for secondary and skills development.

‎Meanwhile, organising committee Chairperson Norman Katombela has congratulated Senior Chief Kasempa for attaining 50 years on the throne and for his steadfast leadership and dedication to promoting cultural practices, values and norms that bind his people together.

‎Mr Katombela said the celebration is a testament to the enduring power of customs and the importance of preserving culture.

‎”It is through ceremonies like this that we reaffirm our connection to our ancestors and to ourselves, “he said.

Chief Mumena of Kalumbila District in North-Western Province has called on the corporate World to partner with government in the fight against malaria as Zambia works towards eliminating the disease by 2030.

Speaking when he graced the End Malaria Golf Tournament held at Kansanshi Golf Estate in Solwezi District on yesterday, Chief Mumena emphasized the need for stakeholders to remain committed to sustaining the progress made in combating malaria.

The media reports that Chief Mumena, who is also a Board Member of the End Malaria Council, commended the initiative and urged the private sector to play a more active role in supporting malaria elimination programmes.

“We need more and more investment in the fight against malaria. We want to invest in the distribution of more mosquito nets, mass Malaria drug administration, we want to invest in clearing our surrounds and we want to make sure that everybody has information about ending malaria,” he said.

And End Malaria Council Chairperson Godwin Beene said the golf tournament was organised  to raise funds for malaria awareness activities in North-Western Province.

Beene said the tournament is part of ongoing efforts to mobilise resources and strengthen community engagement in the fight against the disease.

“Malaria is a source of connected diseases particularly kidney failure, for this reason we urge to become malaria champions and we are grateful that you turned out to participate in this event. The funds we will raise from this event will be channel to that particular cause and we shall ensure it is accounted for,” he said.

The Provincial Health Office was represented by Chief Environmental Health Officer Francis Nsofwa, who highlighted the importance of continued collaboration among stakeholders in malaria prevention and control.

 Nsofwa said malaria has remained a challenge in the province, saying that at least 5 out of 10 people are diagnosed with the disease in the province and various interventions have been put in place to control the situation.

“Malaria is a burden in the province and in terms of incidents, it is about 500 per 1000 meaning that in every 10, five people are sick of malaria,” he said.

Meanwhile, one of the event sponsors, Spectra Oil, has called on the business community in the province to invest in malaria eradication initiatives through Corporate Social Responsibility programmes.

North-Western Province Spectra Oil Senior Sales Manager Museveni Phiri said malaria effects everybody, hence the need for more invest to eradicate the disease.

“We understand that malaria affects everyone in one way or the other, this is why we came on board and partner with the End Malaria Council and we are calling on every corporate company out there to contribute in any way possible to eradicate malaria,” he said.

Some of the participants interviewed said they decided to participate in the tournament good cause.

Christelize Kuhn who shared that she has said from malaria several times said she wants to ensure that malaria is eradicated in all ages including children

The tournament attracted more than 70 participants drawn from various sectors and winners received assorted prizes.

Police in Mkushi have arrested a 31-year-old truck driver for defiling his 15-year –old sister in-law.

According to Central Province Police Commissioner Lemekani Chirwa, the suspect identified as Felix Kapupula is reported to have taken advantage of the grade 4 minor when her elder sister, who is his wife, was away for work on Friday, June 12.

Mr Chirwa told media in a statement that a juvenile who went to spend some days visiting her elder sister was left home alone, as the suspect left home together with the sister to the victim.

He stated that the suspect returned home at about 13:00hrs, while the sister to the victim was still away from home.

He found the victim washing clothes at the nearby dam.

Mr Chirwa said Kapupula called the victim and told her to go home with a bucket she had carried to the dam, which they also use to weigh maize.

“When the victim followed the perpetrator home, he asked her to enter the bedroom and help him lift a bag of maize so that he could start weighing it. When the victim entered the bedroom, the perpetrator pulled her by the hand, undressed her skirt, tights, and pants, and forcefully had carnal knowledge of her,” explained Mr Chirwa.

The Central Province Police chief said the victim started crying following the ordeal.

“Kapupula gave her his cell phone with a false PIN and told her to withdraw K85.00 from his account to calm her down after which he reportedly returned for work,” he said.

When the perpetrator left and went back to work, the victim inserted her SIM card into the same Calus phone and called her mother, who advised her to go to her place.

When the victim went to her mother’s place, the mother checked her private part and found semen and blood. Thereafter, she told an elder brother to the victim, to follow the perpetrator at his workplace and apprehend him.

“When the brother reached the perpetrator’s workplace, he engaged one of the security guards, who assisted, and managed to apprehend him,” Mr Chirwa said.

After the apprehension of the suspect, the mother of the victim reported the matter to Nkumbi Police Post.

Mr Chirwa said police issued the victim with Medical Report Form ZP32 and a docket of case was opened and arrest made.

“The suspect has been detained in lawful police custody for the offence of defilement,” said Mr. Chirwa.

The accused will appear in court soon.

The Bank of Zambia (BoZ) has expressed concern over the rising ratio of non-performing loans among public service workers.

Deputy Governor for Operations Francis Chipimo warned that the trend poses significant risks to lending institutions and the country’s financial sector.

Dr Chipimo said this in a public notice and obtained by the media in Lavushimanda today.

He said the recent financial stability assessments have revealed growing challenges associated with payroll-based lending, particularly in cases where prescribed Debt Service Ratio (DSR) and affordability requirements are deliberately circumvented.

He noted that some public workers are increasingly accessing credit outside the payroll system, commonly referred to as off-payroll credit, often borrowing amounts that exceed permissible limits.

According to Dr Chipimo, some borrowers have been obtaining additional loans through misrepresentation of their financial positions, failure to disclose existing loan obligations and borrowing from multiple institutions simultaneously.

He said these practices have contributed to an increase in loan defaults, putting pressure on lending institutions and heightening risks to the overall financial system.

The Deputy Governor further observed the weaknesses in credit underwriting practices among some lending institutions, noting that certain lenders have not consistently utilized information provided by the Credit Reference Bureau (CRB) when assessing loan applications.

He added that some financial institutions have, in certain instances, disregarded CRB data altogether, thereby undermining responsible lending practices and effective risk management.

Dr Chipimo stressed that compliance with DSR and affordability requirements remains mandatory for all regulated lending institutions, employees and payroll administrators, as these standards serve as important safeguards for consumer protection, prudent credit underwriting, responsible borrowing and financial stability.

In response to the growing concerns, the Bank of Zambia has since directed all regulated lending institutions to strictly adhere to debt service ratio limits and strengthen responsible lending practices.

He also urged payroll administrators to reinforce internal payroll controls, improve recovery mechanisms and take appropriate remedial or disciplinary action where abuse of payroll-based deduction arrangements is identified.

Meanwhile, Dr Chipimo said the Bank of Zambia will continue to monitor compliance with the Banking and Financial Services Act (Provision of Credit Data and Utilisation of Credit Reference Services) Directive of 2020 by all regulated entities.

He added that the central bank will closely monitor both off-payroll and payroll-based lending practices and take all necessary measures to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations and prudential standards aimed at safeguarding financial stability and promoting responsible lending in the country.