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Mwinilunga MP threatens to recommend incompetent council workers for dismissal

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Mwinilunga MP threatens to recommend incompetent council workers for dismissal

 Mwinilunga constituency Member of Parliament Newton Samakayi together with members of Constituency Development Fund (CDF) committee and Councilors have threatened to recommend for transfer and dismissal of staff and management at Mwinilunga town council for alleged misdirection, incompetence, and negligence.

Mr. Samakayi said he is disappointed with the failure by Mwinilunga town council and the CDF committee to submit any community projects to the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development for approval.

“I am disappointed with you council, don’t let us down, we will not allow this”, he expressed.

Mr Samakayi said it was unacceptable that for over three months, no community project applications have been approved and submitted to the ministry.

He  noted that it is unforgivable that the council is carrying out government projects and programmes with no sense of urgency but taking work causally.

ZANIS reports that Mr Samakayi was speaking during a stakeholder’s engagement meeting held in the district today.

Mr. Samakayi has since given the council a one-week ultimatum to submit the report of projects to the ministry failure to which he is ready to recommend for an overhaul of the institution.

Additionally, Town council Chairperson, Jonathan Chinyimba warned council management that he will not tolerate a negative attitude towards work and that he was ready to remove officers from the council who are not performing.

“I will act to ensure that there is sanity in this council, if you don’t want to work you go out,” Mr Chinyimba said.

In responding to the queries, Council Director of works, Munaye Samapimbi said the committee has already selected the projects but was delayed by the development that the CDF committee was required to prioritize the projects, an explanation the MP rejected.

Town Council Secretary, Kennedy Kazanda accepted responsibility for the delay and promised to ensure that the right things are done further promising to send the report accordingly.

Vice President Mutale Nalumango expected in India

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Vice President Mutale Nalumango expected in India

Vice President, Mutale Nalumango is expected in India to attend the Seventeenth Exim Bank Conclave on India – Africa Growth Partnership.

Chimangeni Banda of ZANIS reports that Zambia’s Acting High Commissioner to India, Deliwe Mumbi said that the India -Africa Growth Partnership conclave being organised by the Chamber of Indian Industries (CII) will be held from July 19 to 20 at the Taj Palace in New Delhi, India.

More than 33 African countries have confirmed participation at the India – Africa Growth Partnership meeting which has attracted over 300 representatives from African governments and businesses and nearly 200 leading local Indian firms.

The Acting High Commissioner said Ms Nalumango, will join high-profile international delegates at the conclave among them three African Vice Presidents, Dr Badara Joof of the Gambia, Marie Boissezon of Mauritius and Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah of Namibia.

Ms Mumbi said the Vice President is expected to address the India -Africa Growth Partnership conclave being held under the theme ”Reinvigorating Growth Partnerships’’.

The Zambian Envoy said the conclave will focus on strengthening bilateral engagements and emerging business and economic opportunities between India and Africa.

The Acting High Commissioner said while in India , Vice President Mutale Nalumango will on the sidelines of the conclave hold bilateral talks with her Indian counterpart Venkaiah Naidu, as well as with her fellow African Vice Presidents.

Ms Nalumango is expected to visit India’s richest region Gujarat State which has the largest investment portfolio from India to Zambia and will engage the private sector in the region to scale up investment and trade.

The Vice President will also tour the Amul Dairy in Gujarat State to learn best practices of how the region has managed to form the largest cooperative in Asia with a turnover of US$3.5 billion and membership of over 300,000 farmers in order to replicate the success in Zambia.

The Acting High Commissioner stated that the Vice President will tour leading pharmaceutical plants to explore ways of tapping into their production to help address Zambia’s drugs and medicine challenges.

During her visit , Ms Nalumango will visit one of India’s medical tourism flagship Apollo Multi Speciality Hospital and visit some Zambians at the medical facility.

The Vice President is expected to leave for Zambia after her four day visit to India.

African governments urged to prioritise funding towards nutrition improvement – CSO-SUN

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African governments urged to prioritise funding towards nutrition improvement – CSO-SUN

A consortium of Civil Societies Organisations (CSO) advocating for improved nutrition and food systems in Zambia has expressed concern at the continued de-prioritisation of funds towards the sector in combating malnutrition on the African continent.

Civil Society Organisation on Scaling up Nutrition (CSO-SUN) Country Director, Mathews Mhuru says the just released report on the status of hunger in the world poses a challenge to Africa whose findings must be closely studied by stakeholders.

“It is surprising that the world hunger index continues to record an increase of hunger in the world and Africa in particular is greatly affected. This report just released should be taken seriously by African countries,” he said.

Mr Mhuru speaking on the sidelines of the ongoing AU Summit in Lusaka said in an interview with ZANIS that many donors and funders were reducing commitments towards supporting nutrition programmes and this is becoming a concern on its part.

He noted that there is need for African countries to move away from the tendency of depending on donor support for fighting malnutrition and agriculture development.

“We need to move away from depending on donor funding. This dependency syndrome is making it difficult to fight malnutrition and hunger effective” he stated.

He pointed out that a check in most budgets the organization has had an opportunity to look at Zambia inclusive, shows that funds towards the malnutrition fight was slowly reducing.

He said it was time member states on the continent took a lead to ensure that such programmes are locally driven and agendas are in line with aspirations to combat the continent’s social economic problems.

Mr Mhuru pointed out that the world hunger index report requires that Zambia and other countries must invest in improving agriculture so that its people are well fed and nourished.

He intoned that the increase in the number of hungry people in Africa was an indication that there is further need for coordination which has been lacking in the past.

Mr Mhuru emphasized on the need for continental bodies which include regional coordination agencies to work together and harmonise programmes so that there is synergy to tackle agriculture which will lead to improved malnutrition.

Mr Mhuru appealed to the government to increase resources so that the support from other partners and donors supplements its home agenda.

The CSO coordinator was reacting to the AU’s report on the status of fighting malnutrition on the African continent and its efforts to date.

Earlier the AU during a sideline event revealed that the World Bank has released 2. 3 billion United States dollars to the commission to support African countries respond to diseases and outbreaks such as locusts, fall army worms, climate change, cyclones and droughts.

AU Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture, Josefa Sacko disclosed this during a press briefing to where she interpreted this year’s AU Mid-Year coordination summit theme adopted by organsiation.

Commissioner Sacko said the organsation is working with the Southern African Development Community and East African Community to enhance the response to emergencies and implement the programme.

The Commissioner further revealed the African Development Bank has released 1.2 billion United States dollars to set up food reserve facilities so as to avoid the crisis that is being experienced following the war between Ukraine-Russian war in Europe.

Ms Sacka disclosed that production of four cereals are being targeted namely wheat, maize, soya beans and rice.

She said the project which has since commenced across the continent will result in Africa having food reserves of 36 million tonnes by the end of four years.

The Commissioner was speaking during a press briefing to interpret the AU theme which is Strengthening Resilience in Nutrition and Food Security on the African Continent on the sidelines of the AU MID YEAR coordination summit been held in Lusaka at Mulungushi International Conference .

Government commended for teacher recruitment

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Government commended for teacher recruitment

Association of Higher Learning Institutions in Zambia (AHLIZ) has commended the government for recruiting over 30,000 Teachers and over 11, 000 health workers who are yet to be announced.

In a statement revealed to ZANIS in Lusaka today, AHLIZ Secretary General Humphrey Monde stated that this is the first of its kind in Zambia from all the successful Presidents and governments as no one has done what the new dawn government has done including the entire African continent.

Mr. Monde indicated that the government means well for the country which can be seen through the introduction of free education policy which the nation is benefiting from and this should be supported by all Zambians as the government develops the nation.

‘’We want to live in a country where there is a job for every person and every person for every job under the new world order of work,’’ he said.

Mr. Monde also encouraged colleges and universities that have not yet registered and accredited with the Higher Education Authority (HEA) a requirement under the higher education authority amendment Act number 23 of 2021.

‘’We are also inviting universities and colleges to register with the association for them to benefit from various key projects that the association is undertaking in the education sector.

President Hakainde Hichilema is a great leader, we have seen what he has done in less than 12 months in office. What’s more when we give him 10 years in office, greater things are coming our way,’’ he said.

ECOSOCC challenges Africa to work as team

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ECOSOCC challenges Africa to work as team

The Economic, Social and  Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) says a lot of efforts still need to be made to achieve the free movement of people, goods and services across Africa.

Speaking during the official launch of the policy booklet on the Migration Policy Framework for Africa (MPFA) and the 2022 Young Africans Writing contest (YAWC) last evening at Radisson Blu Hotel, ECOSOCC Head of Secretariat, William Carew said people in Africa still need to obtain VISAs to move to other countries within the continent which hinders the actualization of continental integration which is one of the aspirations of Agenda 2063.

Mr. Carew noted that continental integration especially the free movement of people, goods and services in Africa should be prioritized by all stakeholders in the continent because it presents various development opportunities which is a positive benefit of migration.

He said the free migration policy for Africa was formulated because there was need to enable people to freely move across Africa and to also strengthen inter regional cooperation on matters concerning migration on the basis of established migration processes

Mr. Carew said the policy booklet on the Migration Policy Framework for Africa (MFPA) and its implementation framework was formulated to popularize the framework’s Action plan 2018-2030 as well as the African Union’s free movement protocol within the African civil society movement.

He further thanked GIZ and other stakeholders who have contributed towards the formulation of the Migration Policy for Africa Booklet.

Meanwhile, ECOSSOC Presiding Officer, Denise Khode implored young people in the continent to use their writing skills to voice out their concerns on issues affecting the continent.

Mr. Khode implored young African writers especially those who are contesting for the second edition of the YAWC to write more about the challenges facing migrants.

He also urged parents to encourage their children to take up writing as a skill for them to positively contribute towards building the African continent.

And winner of the first edition of YAWC, Daniela Odong says the story writing gives young people a platform to use their writing skills to voice out their concerns on various issues affecting Africa.

Ms. Odong said stories can revolutionalise change for the continent’s future hence the need to prioritize listening to young voices and their stories.

“Tell your stories, speak, write and advocate. Your stories are change in words that are in waiting,” Ms. Daniela said.

She further urged young African writers to use their stories to inspire change in any way they possibly can.

The Abnormalities In Lusaka, Zambia

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The Abnormalities In Lusaka, Zambia

By Aristide Bance

Introduction

The African Union Mid-Year Summit starts in Lusaka Zambia on the 14th of July 2022. In a bid to make a good impression to the visiting delegates, the government swiftly moved to clear the unsightly booths littered all across most parts of Lusaka, mainly the central business district (CBD) and Great East Road. This is the problem I have with this exercise; it is a temporary solution as the booths will still come back full force after the summit. Why do I say so? Simply, because I saw on the news and heard with dismay from Hon. Garry Nkombo that, ‘the City of Lusaka is going through a clean-up hence the removal of the booths, however, “the street vendors selling all sorts of things ranging from food to clothes will not be removed.” Now honestly, how does the minister think the booth owners feel about this? It does not make sense at all and so I say after the summit, we will go back to the dirty city of Lusaka which by the way is still very dirty even after the removal of the booths.

The Weaponisation Of Street Vending For Political Gain

Going into the Lusaka CBD is an extreme sport whether you are using your own transport, public transport or walking. You are faced with congestion by cars and people. Well, at least with a car, you are shielded from the cold or hot weather but walking in the CBD, one has to navigate vendors’ merchandise, Zamcabs, other pedestrians and cars both moving or parked in islands meant for walking. I was shocked and dismayed as I entered the town for the first time this year to see that Lusaka was just one big filthy market.

Lusaka resembles a big filthy market because politicians have weaponised street vending. It is much easier for the government to remove inanimate things like booths and not deal with live people in the form of vendors. The government hides by saying these are our voters but to what expense? The dirtiness of the CBD. Come on, people let us be serious. The previous government allowed this illegality and the current one is also following suit. First order of the day, that this government should have done was clear the city and deploy soldiers, much like what the previous government tried to do after the national disaster of the Cholera outbreak which by the way is going to hit Lusaka this way if the CBD is left as it is. The government needs to clear the city and deploy soldiers, that is the only way, abafilika learn. They should not be campaigning for 2026. When they perform, they will not need to remind us on the good they have done (Lessons from 2021). The government of the day should not be afraid to tell Zambians that this street vending is wrong and a hazard. There is a way of thinking Zambians like, ati, we encourage street vendors because we buy from them. I do not agree with that. We encourage street vending because we do not speak up and say awe, this is wrong. It is more than that. If we speak up and it is put in law that you cannot put up any katemba and start selling chips and Hungarians in the middle of the CBD, then we are changing our ways.

Vendors selling all sorts of goods and services right in the CBD and main roads.
Vendors selling all sorts of goods and services right in the CBD and main roads.

Kafue Flyover Bridge Problem And Pedestrian Crossing

The roads in Lusaka have been worked on and that is appreciated. The Kafue flyover Bridge should be reworked especially by the walkways so that pedestrians can be safe. As it is, it is a risk as people and cars miss each other by inches as they meander through the congestion created by…. Yes …Vendors…. that problem again. I wonder where all these people go to relieve themselves as they conduct day-to-day businesses with the limited toilet facilities in town and peoples’ thrifty ways of not wanting to pay K2 to use the few available facilities. The Kafue bridge pedestrian crossing is being used as a place to relieve

Vendors selling all sorts of goods and services right in the CBD and main roads.
Vendors selling all sorts of goods and services right in the CBD and main roads.

oneself as the billboards on both sides offers privacy. How disgusting is that? (Disclaimer: Sensitive). Zambia, let us be serious. We are a dirty nation. I fail to understand how people nicely dressed can behave as we do. This is more than what we see on the outside…our mind-sets are really primitive. While am on this topic, why can’t the water pumps at the Kafue and Kabwe Roundabouts be replaced and be more secured after the first one at Kafue Roundabout was stolen by unscrupulous and selfish individuals. This goes to the issue of people not having fear in terms of respecting public property. That property belonged to all of us. But if people can also steal, the copper eagle that was placed at the Grave of Kenneth David Kaunda, it just goes to show you how as Zambians have deteriorated in our habits and thought processes.

Vendors selling all sorts of goods and services right in the CBD and main roads.
The once vendor-free Kafue flyover walk space is now clustered with people selling things.

The Presidents’ Office (Pa Boma)

Walking along Church road, most of us are old enough to remember what was characteristic of what was there at Levy Mall. To remind those that have forgotten, that place was full of ancient unsightly government buildings and a junkyard for old cars and unusable office machinery. That was until the National Pensions Scheme Authority (NAPSA) took that land and gave us the building Levy Junction. The whole place transformed right before our eyes. Across is a sorry sight as that is where the Presidents’ office or pa Boma as we commonly refer to it as is. The place does not carry that authority as it is a neglected place and poorly maintained. Mu Zambia, let us be serious, even a simple fence like the one at the High Court of Zambia can do. Give the place that authority and dignity it deserves. It can be paved outside, as now we have no excuse, paving companies are all over. The Boma is where National Registration cards (NRCs) are given but the system is so ancient. It is so paper-based. I hope with the new digital NRCs, we will be better. This requires the will and push from all stakeholders.

Part of the filing at National Registration Card Office: Seen here is important records slumped on the floor. Are our records safe, I wonder?
Part of the filing at National Registration Card Office: Seen here is important records slumped on the floor. Are our records safe, I wonder?

The Passport Office Of Zambia

Another abnormality in Zambia is our public services and in this case the passport office of Zambia. It is 2022 and we are operating like 1980. Simple administrative issues do not need a higher office to institute. For example, the collection of passports by applicant should be smooth. A print out or even a notice on the official passport office website notifying applicants that their passports are ready should be put out instead of making people travel to enquire about their passports. During collection of passports, there are two lines, one for surnames beginning with A to L and another with M to Z. There should be guides telling people where to stand or a public service announcement system telling which counter to go to and the counters should be clearly labelled. A ticketing system where a number is given to a person should be issued and a public service announcement system put in place to guide people where to go is also a simple 21st century if not a 20th century system we can employ, for example, “ticket number 1 now being served at Counter 1.” The filing system at passport office also leaves much to be desired. We cannot have papers taking up so much space where as we have cloud-based systems we can use to save our work. The use of technology is simple…. the passport office can use it to better their services, that is what I am merely suggesting.

Passport office: Seen here is the chaotic lines and above the paper-based storage taking up the limited space at the facility.
Passport office: Seen here is the chaotic lines and above the paper-based storage taking up the limited space at the facility.

Conclusion

In conclusion, let us not keep quiet when we see things that are wrong. I know it may look like we are not being heard when we talk but someone is listening. Surely our members of parliament use some of these places and they have seen that things are wrong. We do not need to have a summit to clean up our city. We do not need other people to tell us that we live in filth. The once garden city Lusaka is now a filthy market city. We as Zambians can do better. I end here, till next time.

AU intends to establish Stock Exchange

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AU intends to establish Stock Exchange

The African Union (AU) is intending to establish a pan African Stock Exchange.

To this effect, The African Union Commission will enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the African Security Exchange Commission to establish the stock exchange.

Speaking at a media briefing on the sidelines of the ongoing 41st Ordinary Session of the Executive Council meeting in Lusaka, African Union (AU) Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals, Albert Muchanga said the agreement will be signed in the next few days.

He said this is in a quest to mobilise domestic resources for member states.

Mr Muchanga disclosed that last month some African sovereign investors with a combined asset base of 13 billion United States dollars decided to set up an African Sovereign Investors Forum.

“The key objective of the Forum is to mobilise financial resources to invest in cross country infrastructure projects across Africa” he said.

He also said the African Diaspora is also coming on board to contribute in meeting the financial needs of the continent.

Mr Muchanga said a feasibility study is being undertaken on the establishment of the African Diaspora Finance Corporation.

He further revealed that AU has entered into a strategic partnership with the Africa Finance Corporation as a measure to mobilise domestic resources.

Mr Muchanga said in addition to the African Development Bank and the African Export Import Bank, the Africa Finance Corporation has been identified to help mobilise domestic resources.

“Our work on domestic resource mobilization operationalises a key provision in the African Union Agenda 2063 and that is that to fully implement this Agenda, 75 to 90 percent of resources must be mobilised domestically, “he said.

DEC Arrest People for withdrawing over K 6 million from a company account by false pretense

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DEC Arrest People for withdrawing over K 6 million from a company account by false pretense

The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has arrested five (5) people through its Anti-Money Laundering Investigations Unit (AMLIU) for various money laundering activities contrary to the Laws of Zambia.

DEC Public Relations Officer Mathias Kamanga said the Commission has jointly charged and arrested Mpundu Chanda, a male business man aged 37 years of Ibex Meanwood, Wesley Moonde Liyungu, an unemployed male aged 36 years of Kamwala South, Jimmy Mwemba Mwelwa, a male Business man aged 27 years of Chilenje South and Charles Mutoshi Kahokola, a male Banker aged 34 years of Kamwala South for forgery and uttering, unauthorized access to data, theft and money laundering contrary to the Laws of Zambia.

Mr. Kamanga said Chanda Mpundu jointly and whilst acting together with Wesley Moonde Liyungu, Jimmy Mwemba Mwelwa, Charles Mutoshi Kahokola and other persons unknown on dates unknown but between 1st January 2021 and 19th May 2021 did forge letters of instructions to a named Bank which enabled them withdraw K750, 000.00, USD 5,000 and K 6, 681, 568. 00 from a company account

“The details of the matter are that Chanda Mpundu jointly and whilst acting together with Wesley Moonde Liyungu, Jimmy Mwemba Mwelwa, Charles Mutoshi Kahokola and other persons unknown on dates unknown but between 1st January 2021 and 19th May 2021 did Forge letters of instructions to a named Bank which enabled them withdraw ZMW 750, 000.00, USD 5,000 and ZMW 6, 681, 568. 00 from a company account,” Mr. Kamanga said.

He further revealed that DEC in a separate incident has arrested Shaka Zolani Khoza, also known as Thola Khoza Samukonga, of Plot No. 7109/M Lusaka West for Obtaining Money By False Pretenses Contrary to Section 309 of the Penal Code Act, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.

Mr. Kamanga revealed Thola Samukonga in his capacity as a Director in Khoza Africa Exports Ltd jointly and whilst acting together with other persons unknown on dates unknown but between 1st February 2020 and 1st February 2022, allegedly did obtain money amounting to K369, 945.00 from various farmers across the country in the pretext that he was going to provide them with incentives to grow Moringa when in fact not.

“In a separate incident, the Commission has arrested Shaka Zolani Khoza, also known as Thola Khoza Samukonga, of Plot No. 7109/M Lusaka West for Obtaining Money By False Pretenses Contrary to Section 309 of the Penal Code Act, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia, for being in possession of more than one National Registration Card (NRC) Contrary to Section 13 (1)(i)(2) of the National Registration Act Chapter 126 of the Laws of Zambia and Money Laundering Contrary to Section 7 of the Prohibition and Prevention of Money Laundering Act No. 14 of 2001 as amended by Act 44 of 2010,” Mr. Kamanga said.

“Details of the matter are that Thola Samukonga in his capacity as a Director in Khoza Africa Exports Ltd jointly and whilst acting together with other persons unknown on dates unknown but between 1st February 2020 and 1st February 2022, did obtain money amounting to k369, 945.00 from various farmers across the country in the pretext that he was going to provide them with incentives to grow Moringa when in fact not.The suspect was also found with two National Registration Cards (NRCs) bearing two different registration numbers and details. The suspects are currently on police bond and will appear in court soon,” Mr. Kamanga concluded.

President Hichilema is Serving the interests of capitalist movements-Frank Bwalya

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President Hichilema is Serving the interests of capitalist movements-Frank Bwalya

Former High Commissioner to Australia and New Zealand, Frank Bwalya, has accused President Hakainde Hichilema of serving interests of capitalist movements such as the Brenthurst Foundation at the expense of Zambians.

Mr. Bwalya who was recently recalled from the foreign mission where he served under the Patriotic Front government says the Brenthurst foundation is a capitalist movement that has allegedly developed a system to put puppet leadership in countries including Zambia.

Speaking on Friday’s edition of let the people talk programme, Mr. Bwalya has also taken a swipe at the new dawn administration for allowing the setting up of a United States Africa Command-USAFRICOM– office saying this move is a preliminary to setting up of a base and Zambia inheriting the American foreign policy.

He is urging government to remain none aligned by working with the united states government, china and other nations as opposed to inheriting America’s policies which he argues, may not be in the best interest of Zambians.

But Presidential Spokesperson Anthony Bwalya says President Hichilema is not answerable to anyone else part from the Zambian people who voted him into power hence the ongoing developments such as the enhanced constituency development fund, massive recruitment of teachers, health workers and payments to retirees among other issues of interest to citizens.

First Lady pays tribute to Global Citizen

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First Lady pays tribute to Global Citizen

First Lady Mutinta Hichilema has thanked the Global Citizen for supplementing government’s effort in empowering women in the Agriculture Sector in rural areas.

Speaking today at State House when the Global Citizen delegation paid a courtesy on her, Mrs Hichilema noted that her office’s main focus is on women and girls empowerment especially in rural areas.

Mrs Hichilema said this is in order to uplift their living standards through various initiatives such as Agriculture.

She assured that the office of the first lady and it’s technical team will partner with Global Citizen in ensuring that the lives of Zambian women and girls is improved through various projects.

And President Hakainde Hichilema who joined the meeting expressed gratitude to the Global Citizen delegation for choosing to work with the office of the First Lady in improving the welfare of women and girls in Zambia.

President Hichilema encouraged the Global Citizen Initiative to take up many more projects of improving the lives of the people in various parts of the country.

Meanwhile, Global Citizen Board Member, Sabrina Elba assured the office of the First Lady in working with them in various Agriculture Projects, targeting women in rural areas in Zambia especially in Chibombo district of Central Province.

Mrs. Elba pledged to partner with the office of the First Lady in working to invest in Agriculture which is her passion and improve the lives of the women and girls in Zambia.

Unicaf University Partners with Prudential Life Assurance Zambia (PLAZ) to Provide Exclusive Scholarship opportunities to its Employees and Clients

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Unicaf University Partners with Prudential Life Assurance Zambia (PLAZ) to Provide Exclusive Scholarship opportunities to its Employees and Clients

 Unicaf University in Zambia has announced its partnership agreement with Prudential Life Assurance Zambia to increase staff and client access to quality higher education.

With this partnership, Prudential clients and employees can earn up to a 75% Scholarship for Bachelor or Master’s degree programmes and take advantage of Unicaf’s Professional Development Short Courses. The partnership offers employees and clients an opportunity to earn internationally recognised degrees and enhance their professional expertise.

Eligible candidates will enjoy exclusive scholarships on a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees as well as Professional Development short courses at Unicaf University and its partner universities Liverpool John Moores University (UK), the University of East London (UK), the University of Suffolk (UK), and University of California, Riverside Extension (USA).

Speaking about the partnership, Mr Kachiza Kwenda – Chief Executive Officer, Prudential Life Assurance Zambia said, “Prudential believes in partnerships for growth and we are delighted to have signed a memorandum of understanding with Unicaf University, who will provide quality international education in a progressive and diverse environment. Through this partnership and others like it, Prudential will strive to ensure that employees, our agents, and their families are appropriately skilled and well supported to meet business demands, help fulfil organisation and business objectives, and their personal goals”.

The Unicaf University in Zambia Vice-Chancellor, Dr Christine Phiri Mushibwe echoed Mr Kwenda’s sentiments saying, “Unicaf University prides itself on pursuing excellence in teaching through modern, quality higher education which provides opportunities for global exchange and interaction, and it is not confined within the borders of one country. This strategic advantage, combined with a cutting-edge technological infrastructure, facilitating easy access to online learning at any time and from any place, further increases Unicaf University’s importance. It feels great to be at the helm of such an innovative, pioneering institution.

Through this partnership, Prudential clients and staff members will be able to earn internationally recognised higher education qualifications in their own free time and at a fraction of the cost. Our degrees are accredited by the Higher Education Authority of Zambia (HEA) and our University is accredited internationally by the British Accreditation Council (BAC), based in the UK.”

For interested clients and employees of Prudential Life Assurance Zambia to undertake the process of applying for any of the Unicaf University programmes, they need to follow the simple process below:

• Access the exclusive Prudential & Unicaf University landing page here

• Complete and submit an online application form

• Receive an email and call from a dedicated student advisor to guide on all required documents

• Documents are reviewed and the client receives final approval to get started

AU yet to select host for Africa Medicines Agency Headquarters

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AU yet to select host for Africa Medicines Agency Headquarters

The African Union Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, Simate Minata says the Executive Council of Ministers at the on-going 41st Ordinary Session of the Executive Council are studying the conclusions of the technical team to designate the country that will be honored to host the Africa Medicines Agency (AMA) Headquarters (HQ).

Commissioner Minata explained that in 2019, the AU Heads of States and government adopted a treaty establishing the African Medicines Agency (AMA).

The Commissioner disclosed that the treaty has been on course and currently housing 18 ratifications, 22 signatures with some member states depositing their interest to ratify the document.

Speaking during a press briefing, Commissioner Minata stated that AMA seeks to strengthen the capacity of member states of the regional economic communities which are the pillars of the AU to ensure they regularize a technology in the manufacturing of medicines.

She said that learning from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, it became imperative for Africa to establish an institution to focus on manufacturing medicines among other medical needs for Africa.

“After the entry into force of the treaty on AMA, there is a process in place which seeks to determine the country that will host the Headquarters of AMA,” Commissioner Minata indicated.

Ms. Minata noted that AU seeks to strengthen nutrition to speed up the development of human capital and society, and also to strengthen the health system which is interlinked to nutrition.

She added that the AUs priority is towards food security and advocacy for Africa to be a production hub for agriculture.

She called for shared responsibility and solidarity among AU members if the highlighted issues have to be achieved and address the continents challenges.

AMA first received 13 offers from interested countries but has scaled down to eight candidates seeking to host the HQ of AMA.

A lot of ground work has been done by a technical team to designate a country that will host the HQ.

EU delegation pay courtesy call on President Hichilema

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EU delegation pay courtesy call on President Hichilema

President Hakainde Hichilema has thanked the European Union (EU) for its continued support to Zambia in various sectors.

Speaking yesterday at State House when the EU President, Charles Michelle and his delegation paid a courtesy call on him President Hichilema expressed delight on the invitation to the EU Parliament a few weeks ago in Belgium, Brussels.

He said that Zambia is looking forward to tapping in the Global Gateway funds to improve various sectors such as Education, Health and Infrastructure.

“We look forward to discuss more especially on how we can access the Global Gateway fund which is exciting to us and we know that it is part of the bigger pool for many other countries,” said President Hichilema.

The Head of State added that Zambia will continue to strengthen ties and relations with the EU in order to accelerate access to the funds and development of the country.

“We are delighted to have you and your team here in Zambia. We want to express our appreciation to you for inviting us to address the EU Parliament.

I must say that we enjoyed ourselves there,” said President Hichilema.

HH with EU President, Charles Michelle delegation
HH with EU President, Charles Michelle delegation

And President of the European Union, Charles Michelle assured the government of strengthened ties.

Mr. Michelle also congratulated President Hichilema for delivering a powerful speech at the EU Parliament few weeks ago in Brussels, Belgium.

“It’s my pleasure to meet again, we were together in Brussels a few weeks ago.

I would like to congratulate you on your powerful speech in the European Parliament. We sincerely would like to strengthen ties with you .We are convinced that there are many possibilities to deepen and strengthen partnerships with Zambia and the European Union. We also think that in challenging times we will have the liberty to come through,” he said.

Chibwe Turns Villian in Chipolopolo’s Cosafa Semi’s Victory

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Chipolopolo Zambia goalkeeper Mwenya Chibwe turned villain in Saturday’s 2022 COSAFA Cup semifinal win over Senegal at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.

Zambia won 4-3 but the match almost went the other way after Chibwe conceded three goals in the last twenty minutes of the second half.

It all started on a promising note when Kelvin Mubanga put Zambia ahead in the 15th minute to score his first of two on the day.

Senegal leveled three minutes later through Lamine Camara but Zambia restored their lead in the 34th minute through Spencer Sautu to go two-one into halftime.

Ricky Banda added the fourth in the 53rd minute and Mubanga completed his brace in the 63rd minute.

But that is when Chibwe decided to steal the spotlight when he was caught off his line by El Haji Ndiaye in the 72nd minute to see Senegal mount a convincing comeback.

Enock Sakala Junior interrupted that momentarily in the 77th minute but was denied Senegal goalkeeper Aliou Faty who palmed out his goal-bound shot as his luckless run continued for a second straight COSAFA Cup game.

That was just a brief interlude before the Chibwe show resumed in the 88th minute when Moussa Ndiaye hammered in an embarrassing long-range volley to punish him for another poor judgment of positioning.

Then three minutes deep into stoppage time, Jean Diouf fired an acute angle shot that rolled on the goal line and hit the far post but fortunately Chibwe scrambled to keep out the ball before the final whistle saved the bell for him, and Chipolopolo.

Zambia has qualified for the final on July 17 to be played at the same venue where they will face Namibia who beat Mozambique 1-0 in the first kickoff of Friday’s COSAFA Cup semifinal doubleheader.

AU countries challenged to enhance social protection

Chief Editor
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AU countries challenged to enhance social protection

The Economic, Social and cultural Council (ECOSOCC) has called on the countries in the African Union to devise strategies aimed at enhancing the social protection rights in social and cultural spheres.

ECOSOCC Civil Society Group Expert Tando Sonwevu says this is because despite social protection being a human right, issues of social and cultural rights have not been given adequate attention compared to human rights.

Speaking to ZANIS in Lusaka today on the sidelines of the ongoing-meeting of the 41st ordinary session of the Executive Council of the African Union, Ms. Sonwevu said there is need for proactive efforts to put in place a continent framework that will uphold the rights of social protection.

She explained that as the region is working towards achieving the vision of the AU agenda 2063, countries should consider revising various instruments that hinder the effective implementation of most social and cultural documents.

She noted that matters of social protection should not be the preserve of the formal sector, but that it should be compressive to include the people in the informal industry.

Ms. Sonwevu noted that this is why regional groupings like the AU should encourage public and private partnership in the promotion of human rights like rights on social protection.

She further noted that the implementation of social protection should not be done in sailos in order to allow active stakeholder participation.

And Africa Platform on Social Protection Executive Director Nhongo Tavengwa said social protection is a human right that should be respected and maintained all the time.

Dr. Tavengwa expressed delight that most African countries have recorded progress in upholding the right to social protection among citizens.

He explained that a number of countries in the African region have enshrined social protection in their national constitution.

He said this is a progressive step towards universal coverage of social protection programmes and projects.

Dr. Tavengwa has since advised countries to develop home grown social protection programmes that will ensure sustainability and ownership.

He said doing so will help governments to fund their own programmes that can benefit all the vulnerable groups in society.

Meanwhile, African Union Commission (AUC) Senior Protection Officer Lefhoko Kesamang disclosed that the Commission has recorded progress in ensuring that access to social protection is increased and made comprehensive.

Mr. Kesamang said to this effect various protocols have been devised to support access to social protection programmes among women and children on the continent.

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