A Lusaka HIV and AIDS activist Nkandu Luo has challenged the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) to embark on legal reforms on HIV and AIDS in an effort to address the issue of alcohol abuse and gender violence among others.

Professor Luo said alcohol abuse was issue that to contracting HIV and AIDS and the sad thing was its abused in bars and taverns by juveniles.

She said this on Friday in Lusaka during the launch of the LAZ HIV and AIDS workplace policy where urged LAZ show Zambians what she called, “art of Implementation” of policies.

“One source of HIV is alcohol and abuse of it by young people who always drinking in bars and taverns everyday. I challenge you LAZ to embark on a legal reform to refrain such people to drinking as know what alcohol can do to people,” she said.

She said the epidemic was a health issue which affected other human developments hence, the need for lawyers to look at laws which deal with alcohol abuse and gender violence how they could link the two to the disease.

She said the country was one of the seven most affected countries in Africa with a 14 per cent HIV prevalence rate following reduction of 1.3 per cent HIV prevalence rate in eight years.

Prof Luo said Zambia could do more to reduce the prevalence rate to single digit figure if learnt the art of implementing many policies it was formulating.

However, she said it was gratifying to see LAZ coming on board to fight the epidemic which had raged communities and professionals from sectors in the past 20 years.

She was optimistic with lawyers on board; the goal of making the country a free HIV incidence could be possible.

She warned LAZ against putting the document after being launched on shelves instead time to implement was now if the fight against the epidemic was to be won.

Earlier, LAZ vice-president Stephen Lungu said the disease in the last 20 years had taught them many lessons of fighting it and was happy the disease could be reduced.

Mr Lungu said the launch of policy would help the Association to create awareness of the epidemic amongst its members and staff and that of immediate families.

“We also provide our members with information and tools to help them make informed decisions regarding the prevention, care and treatment of HIV/AIDS and related sexually transmitted and opportunistic infections,” he said.

He reminded all the members and staff that each one of them had a responsibility to ensure the policy did not become a monumental item for the shelves and drawers in their offices instead it being read and used always.

[Times of Zambia]

Today’s Scripture

“I know all the things you do, and I have opened a door for you that no one can close” (Revelation 3:8, NLT).

Today’s Word from Joel and Victoria

God is ready to present you with new opportunities. He wants to open new doors before you. It doesn’t matter what’s happening in the world around you, in the economy, the housing industry, or with job reports; God’s Word still remains true. He rewards the people who seek after Him. He’s not the least bit concerned about how He’s going to supply your needs. There is no recession in heaven. He has His eye on you, and He still opens doors that no one can shut! In an instant, He can bring the right people into your life, the right opportunities, and the right resources to take you to a new level.

But in order to go to a higher level, you have to have a higher way of thinking. You can’t stay focused on what’s happening in the natural nor allow worry and fear to fill your thoughts. Remember, God’s ways are higher than our ways. He is working on your behalf behind the scenes in the supernatural realm. Choose to keep an attitude of faith and expectancy. As you do, you’ll move forward through the open doors of blessing God has prepared for you.

A Prayer for Today

Father in heaven, I bless Your holy name. Thank You for opening doors for me that no one can close. Fill me with Your peace and joy today as I wait on You. In Jesus’ Name Amen.

Joel Osteen ministries

National Group for Emerging Leaders has challenged government to allow young people to get involved in the running of the country by appointing youths into government.

Organization Secretary General Stembridge Mwangala says young people have for a long time been struggling to get recognition by government.

Briefing the press in Lusaka today, Mr. Mwangala said young people should be given chance to participate in national affairs.

He pointed out that young people need to be incorporate into leadership and groomed to take up leadership.

Mr. Mwangala said it is worrying that young people are being discriminated against in terms of leadership.

He said they are many young people with the capacity to hold influential positions in government.

Mr. Mwangala noted that young people are facing many social challenges that include the ravages of HIV/AIDS and unemployment.

He questioned how long young people should wait before they are given chance to participate in national affairs.

And government says it is committed to supporting young people to become agents of positive change.

Sports, Youth and Child Development Deputy Minister Dr. Christopher Kalila says this is why the ministry of sports, youth and child development has placed the youth at the centre of all its work.

He added that there is need for youths to be proactive participants in shaping their future and that of the country.

Dr. Kalila was speaking when he officiated at the Dance For Life ceremony in Lusaka today.

Speaking earlier, Students Partnership World Zambia Country Director John Kalage said Dance for Life initiative aims at bringing HIV and AIDS education to young people through music and dance, inspiring them to take action to push back the epidemic.

Mr. Kalage said young people account for almost 45 percent of all new HIV infections with an estimated 5.5million young people living with HIV today.

He added that Students Partnership World Zambia recognizes then value of protecting our young people by imparting them with life skills.

And Zain Zambia Public Relations  and Corporate Affairs Manager Kennedy Mambwe said Zain was happy to be part of the Dance for Life initiative that brings together youths in 19 countries worldwide via satellite to celebrate the achievements of young people in pushing back HIV and AIDS.

He said youths form part of that group of people with plenty of potential that should be harnessed for the development of our continent.

ZANIS/GP/AM/ENDS

The Investment Climate Facility for Africa-ICF today signed an agreement with the Judiciary of the government of Zambia on the computerization of the Zambian courts.

The Agreement is aimed at increasing Judicial efficiency by computerizing and automating all courts procedures.

The first phase of the project which will cost US$600,000 will not only facilitate computerization but also provide training for court staff to ensure they are able to use the new technology.

The Judiciary in Zambia currently record court proceedings manually and by computerizing existing systems, the time spent on each case will be dramatically reduced.

Chief Justice Ernest Sakala said the Project of computerizing the Zambian courts comes at a time when society has raised concerns at the slow pace the Judiciary is disposing off matters in courts.

Chief Justice Sakala said the project has also come at a time when everywhere in the region, courts are being called upon to deliver a service to communities they serve saying the world is at the same time under going immense technological change.

The Chief Justice explained that while upgrading of physical facilities on its own would not guarantee autonomy and independence of the Judiciary, better facilities and work environment often contribute to higher motivation and productivity of the members of the Judiciary.

He pointed out that there was need though for the Judiciary to be efficient, effective and equitable in its duties.

Chief Justice Sakala said it is the aim of the Judiciary that the computerization project with the assistant of the ICF will translate into a cost efficient system for the Judiciary in Zambia.

He revealed that the initial phase is expected to run for the next nine months saying upon success, the Judiciary will embark on the second phase which will cost over US$4 million.

He also revealed that the second phase is also expected to automate all registries, introduce and electronic data base to safe guard all court records and provide standby generators.

Chief Justice Ernest Sakala reiterated the need for the Judiciary to respond to the concerns of the citizens by improving the rate of disposing cases.

Speaking at the same function, ICF Executive Officer, Omari Issa said the changes to the Judiciary are relatively straight forward to implement but that the results are enormous in terms of the improvements to Zambia’s investment climate.

Mr. Issa said a modern Judiciary gives investors assurance that they can enforce contractual obligations fairly and speedily saying it is also an important indicator of a government’s commitment to create a healthy investment climate.

He reiterated ICF’s support to the project in Zambia.

And the Law Association of Zambia-LAZ Honorary Treasurer Overs Banda said LAZ is excited about the project saying LAZ will work with the Judiciary and the Consultant to ensure the success of the project.

ICF is a unique public-private partnership between government and business that aims to help Africa create a more attractive business environment and realize its potential as a global player and trading partner.

ICF works to remove real and perceived obstacles to domestic and foreign investment by assisting Africans to prepare and promote the continent as an investment destination.

ENDS/CBM/AM/ZANIS

President Rupiah Banda has called for the refurbishment and continuous maintenance of the Cathedral of the Holy Cross which was built over fifty years ago.

Mr. Banda said all the problems that the country has faced have been solved through gatherings at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross.

He said it was important therefore to have the church refurbished as soon as possible saying his administration is committed to seeing the Cathedral Partnership Corporate projects aimed at raising funds to refurbish the church succeed.

Mr. Banda was speaking in Lusaka last evening at the Cathedral Corporate Partnership ball whose theme was ‘ Restoring a National Spiritual Heritage through Partnership’.

The Republican President said the peace that the country is enjoying is unique as many countries on the continent have been to war while some are still torn apart from conflicts.

Mr. Banda noted that the church has a bid role to play in ensuring that the country continues to enjoy the peace and tranquility.

And speaking earlier Anglican Bishop of the Diocese of Lusaka The Right Reverend David Njovu said the Cathedral of the Holy Cross has continued to play a central role in Zambia’s spiritual affairs and in guiding the nation.

Rev. Njovu said the Cathedral was therefore a symbol of Christ’s Lordship over Zambia which has now become even more significant with the declaration of Zambia as a Christian nation.

He noted that the church is humbled and inspired by the wisdom in the leaders to declare Zambia a Christian nation.

And the Duke of England Richard Roster who sent his best wishes for the Cathedral Corporate Partnership through the British High Commissioner, said the Cathedral was an important cultural centre.

Meanwhile Bank of Zambia Governor Kaleb Fundanga said the partnership should go beyond the immediate needs of the Cathedral but look further to the wider needs of the community.

In a speech read on his behalf by Bank of Zambia Corporate Affairs Manager Danny Kalyalya, Dr. Fundanga said there is enormous potential for public private partnerships to move this country forward saying the Bank of Zambia recognizes the importance of corporate social responsibility.

Dr. Fundanga who donated K10 million towards the refurbishing of the church urged the Cathedral community to open a Cathedral Corporate Partnership Account.

WORLD acclaimed award-winning music group, Hillsong United, this week put up a larger than life performance at the Lusaka Showgrounds where thousands of Christian faithfuls braved the showering evening for four hours of praise and worship.

The K20,000-per-head show, initially scheduled to run from 18:00 hours to 20:00 hours, started around 19:00 hours and went on and on until a few minutes before mid-night, as fans kept shouting for more from the band that has distinguished itself as an all-encompassing gospel group.

The venue was filled to capacity with only small portions remaining at the far end of the field, where it was darker.

Literally, every available space was taken up, and just a few minutes after the start of the show, the VIP gate was closed and patrons that had initially bought the tickets in advance had to end up using the main arena gate.

During the show, the group belted several popular tunes such as Everyday, We look to You, Hosanna, and Amazing Grace.

The audience danced their lungs out, raised hands in adoration and bowed knees in worship as the song leaders churned out one tune after the other.

It was an all-inspiring night that did not need one to know the lyrics of the song in order to sing along.

Two huge plasma screens placed at the far end of the stage simultaneously showed the lyrics and live pictures of the concert proceedings as one worship leader after the other took to the stage.

The stage itself was magnificently befitting for this significant gospel musical concert that could not just seem to have quenched the thirst of the Zambian fans, who have over the years been fed on sub-standard shows without an option.

The stage, which was flown in and mounted a few days before the show, was as high as 15 metres with psychedelic lights flashing all over the field.

“This is the first concert of its kind. I have never seen such a professionally organised concert in Zambia,” commented a female fan as she looked lost in the mammoth crowd. “We have a long way to go before we can get to this level in Zambia.”

Earlier, gifted singers Ephraim Mutalange and Stanley Chipuma, had ably delivered a curtain-raiser that stirred the hunger of the people, and seemingly prepared the audience for the things to unfold later in the evening.

Information Minister Ronnie Shikapwasha, who graced the occasion, commended the organisers, Doxa Music, for bringing the international group in the country and assured that “Zambia will always remain a Christian Nation”.
Times of Zambia

Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives in Solwezi district has received more than K800,000,000 from sales of fertilizer and seed under the Fertilizer Support Programme to farmers in the district.

Acting District Marketing and Cooperatives officer Francis Mwansa said in an interview, Friday, that his office has collected K872,908,572 from farmers through maize seed and fertilizer sales in less than two weeks but due erratic supply of fertilizer all stocks has since been exhausted in the shed.

Mr Mwansa said that his office only received 15,352 x 50kg bags (1919 packs) instead of 19,200 x 50 kg bags (2400 packs) resulting in a serious shortage of both urea and basal fertilizer in the district.

He nevertheless, advised the farmers to only deposit money for maize seed so that they are able to plant as they wait for more fertilizer expected to be delivered soon.

He appealed to farmers not to panic as the situation was being handled by higher authorities to ensure that the remaining fertilizer is sent to the district.

By Tuesday this week about 136 registered cooperatives had collected their consignment of fertilizer from Nyiombo depot.

Meanwhile 15 registered cooperatives from Mushindamo block may not benefit from this years fertilizer support programme due to the late submission of the farmers applications forms.

Chairperson for Lwambanga cooperative, Abel Kafwimbi said that he was not happy that his block had been left out in this year’s fertilizer support programme.

Mr Kafwimbi, who is also Vice Chairperson for Mushindamo block, said that the fertilizer got finished and the entire Mushindamo block only managed to get 240 x 50 bags (30 packs) which have not been collected yet.

The cooperatives that submitted late include, Kafifolo, Lubinga, Lifesaver, Lunga source, Kan’gamo, Kyamato, Mushindamo, Masaka, Milembe, Kashiba, Kyafulabunga, Lwamibanga, Kasanfu, Kapako and Minkonk.

However, District Agriculture Committee Chairperson (DAC), Paul Chipoya said the distribution of the fertilizer has been okay.

He said that the number of bags of fertilizer was too low as compared to the number of applicants, adding that farmers bought off all the stocks in the shed resulting to some cooperatives not benefiting.

Mr Chipoya said that Mushindamo block should not blame DAC for not participating due their late submission of applications, but told the 15 cooperatives that in case of any additional fertilizer the DAC may considered them.