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Strange knee-jerking disease breaks out among Lunte STEM pupils

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Strange knee-jerking disease breaks out among Lunte STEM pupils

An unknown illness has broken out at Lunte Girls STEM School in Lunte district in Northern Province which is causing knee-jerking among the girls.

The condition which started last month in May has so far affected about 26 girls, was confirmed by area member of Parliament Mutotwe Kafwaya.

Lunte Girls STEM School Head teacher, Micheal Chinika who confirmed the development said some pupils presented some strange knee-jerking disease about a month ago.

Mr. Chinika the school reported the cases to the Ministry of Health which took samples from the affected pupils.

He disclosed that results from the samples taken have not been released yet.

Mr. Chinika said ten girls who had the illness have recovered and are in school while ten others are in the care of their parents and only three pupils are still affected by the unknown illness.

The Headteacher said this when he briefed the provincial Minister and his entourage.

And Northern Province Minister, Leonard Mbao who visited the school for fact-finding mission in the company of senior officers from the Provincial Office, Ministries of Health and Education described the condition affecting the girls at the school as disheartening.

He said the government through the Ministry of Health is doing everything possible to manage the condition as samples were sent to Lusaka.

He said the cause of the unknown illness will be known once the results are sent back.

He has since appealed to the management and pupils to remain calm as they wait for the results from Lusaka.

And Northern Province Education Officer (PEO), Nawa Mulambwa said the school has put in place measures to prevent the further spreading of the disease.

He said the school has decided to isolate the pupils as they await results from Lusaka.

He has since advised the pupils to remain calm as they await the results from Lusaka.

Later the Provincial Minister addressed pupils at the school and assured them of government’s commitment to addressing the problem of water at the school.

Recently, a video circulating at Lunte Girls showing pupils bending while walking.

Covid-19, conflicts hindering Zambia’s efforts to attain SDGs – President Hichilema

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Covid-19, conflicts hindering Zambia’s efforts to attain SDGs – President Hichilema

President Hakainde Hichilema says Zambia’s efforts in attaining the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is being hindered by the continued raging effects of the Covid 19 pandemic and global instability arising from conflicts.

President Hichilema said his administration is working very hard to ensure that it achieves the SDGs set out by the United Nations (UN) as development targets for countries to reduce poverty and improve their socio-economic conditions.

Mr Hichilema observed that attainment of SDGs has been affected by continued increase of commodity prices such as food, fuel, fertilizer among others on the global market.

President Hichilema has since called on the UN to collaborate with his administration to improve the living standards of Zambians through enhanced tailored made development assistance and partnerships.

The President said this when he received credentials from new UN Resident Coordinator for Zambia, Beatrice Mutali at State House in Lusaka yesterday.

Ms Mutali takes over from Dr Cumba Mar Gadio as the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Zambia.

President Hichilema congratulated Ms Mutali on her appointment and advised her not to feel alienated but feel free in Zambia and work towards the benefit of Zambians.

Mr Hichilema said it is the duty of the UN to work with all stakeholders to end raging conflicts around the world and ensure that global peace, and stability returns to enable countries focus on socio-economic development.

The President stressed the need for enhanced collaboration between the UN and Zambian government to provide development and improve the welfare of Zambians.

“Government and the UN need to work together to reduce poverty…we need to improve the standards of living of our people,” said President Hichilema.

President Hichilema urged the UN to consider supporting Zambia in the education, health and water sectors among others.

Mr Hichilema said Zambia continues to need support in the health sector especially with the Covid 19 vaccinations which his administration has increased from around 5 percent to about 30 per cent.

He said his administration is determined to improve water reticulation for Zambians by investing in the sector to provide safe drinking water.

President Hichilema pointed out that Zambia has made strides in attaining the SDG of universal education through its free education agenda which is providing education for all.

The President stated that Zambia remains committed to the Paris Agreement on addressing and tackling global climate change.

President Hichilema said his creation of a ministry of green economy speaks volume about his administration’s desire to address climate and environmental matters.

He assured the new UN Resident Coordinator that his administration will not relent on the corruption fight and that there will be sacred cows as everything will be done within the provisions of the law.

President Hichilema said his administration has worked to ensure that the rule of law and order is restored in society and is now striving to ensure that human rights, liberties and other freedoms are enjoyed by all Zambians.

He pointed out that the UN is not a foreign organization but one that Zambia has a part and share due to her membership to the global body.

And presenting her letter of credence and recall of her predecessor, Ms Mutali congratulated President Hichilema on his election as Zambia’s seventh President.

Ms Mutali commended President Hichilema for maintaining political stability and peace in the country following peaceful elections and transition which the world can draw lessons from.

The UN Resident Coordinator said President Hichilema’s efforts to restructure the country’s debt and restore the economy is commendable and that her office will coordinate all UN agencies to deliver necessary development support.

Ms Mutali described relations between Zambia and the UN at national and global level as excellent.

She said the UN is undertaking reforms aimed at repositioning the global body’s development agenda and system through the attainment of the SDGs by 2030.

Ms Mutali said the UN system in Zambia has formulated and aligned its development cooperation under the UN framework 2023 to 2027 to Zambia’s 8th National Development plan.

“The UN will ensure to work towards achieving of goals under the 8 th National Development Plan,” said Ms Mutali.

She said the UN will support President Hichilema’s administration in its quest for good governance, rule of law, human rights, HIV prevention, decentralization and disaster preparedness among others.

Ms Mutali said the UN remains committed to supporting Zambia’s free education policy and ensure that the education sector is transformed to meet the development needs of Zambians and the country.

She invited President Hichilema to attend a planned summit on education and the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference COP 27 summit to be held in Egypt later this year.

The presentation of credentials was attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Stanley Kakubo and senior State House and Ministry officials.

HH with United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator Ms. Beatrice Musimbi Mutali. delegation at statehouse
HH with United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator Ms. Beatrice Musimbi Mutali. delegation at statehouse

Youths, major victims of drug, illicit trafficking in Zambia – DEC

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Youths, major victims of drug, illicit trafficking in Zambia – DEC

The Drug Enforcement Commission of Zambia (DEC) says youths have become major victims of drug abuse and illicit trafficking in Zambia.

DEC Public Relations Officer Mathias Kamanga said that after the Covid -19 outbreak there has been an increased number of youths who have engaged themselves into drug abuse and illicit trafficking

Mr. Kamanga said this during a Zambian National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) Update program in Lusaka yesterday.

He urged parents to be aware of their children’s behavior and to be quick in noticing changes of behavior in their children.

Mr Kamanga was speaking ahead of the commemoration of the international day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking, dubbed “fighting drugs and substance abuse through strong families and health lifestyle” which falls every year on June 28.

Mr Kamanga urged parents to engage with their children and sensitize on the effects of drug abuse and illicit trafficking to create awareness amongst their children.

“Awareness activities, such as roadshows, street talks, visiting school, churches and market places to sensitize the dangers of drug abuse are some of the activities the DEC is doing,” he noted.

Mr Kamanga appealed to the government to build a national rehabilitation centre that will ensure that people are reformed and rehabilitated to become better citizens.

President Hichilema commends World Bank’s support for Zambia’s economic restoration programme

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President Hichilema commends World Bank’s support for Zambia’s economic restoration programme

President Hakainde Hichilema has commended the World Bank Group for its continued support to Zambia’s economic restoration programme.

And President Hichilema has also appreciated the bank’s support towards Zambia’s quest for a debt restructuring programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Speaking when visiting World Bank Group Managing Director, Anshula Kent paid a courtesy call on him at the State House, President Hichilema explained that he was elected into office by the people of Zambia in order to reform the economy.

He noted that efforts have already been made towards improving the current economic status and enhancing national development.

The President cited the provision of free education from grades 1 to 12, and the promotion of skills development as a tool to create employment opportunities among others as some of the programmes aimed at bettering the lives of the people in the country.

“We appreciate your support in our debt restructuring programme which is very important to us, we came into office on the ticket of bringing change, and people took this decision because they want the economy to be restructured in order to bring development,” he said.

The Head of State noted that the government is committed to delivering an expanded economy that takes into consideration the social needs and development of the people.

He however, stated that for this to be achieved, there is need for the government to address its financial challenges such as the high debt.

President Hichilema expressed concern that the current debt levels have a negative impact on the country’ economic development agenda.

He said this is why there is a need for institutions such as the World Bank Group to come on board and assist Zambia through the IMF deal.

“The current debt level is choking, if nothing is done to address it, it has the potential to affect our economic development agenda, that is why we need your support in our debt restructuring programme,’’ he stressed.

The Head of State has also said that Zambia will reinforce its partnership with institutions such as the World Bank Group for the benefit of the country.

President Hichilema pointed out that the country is likely to accrue more benefits by interactions with international organisations like the IMF and the World Bank Group, contrary to the beliefs by certain sections of the society that they do not mean well.

World Bank Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer Ms. Anshula Kant and her delegation at State House.
World Bank Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer Ms. Anshula Kant and her delegation at State House.

And World Bank Group Managing Director, Anshula Kent has pledged her organisation’s support to efforts by Zambia to reach a debt sustainability programme by the IMF.

Ms. Kent said the World Bank Group is pleased with the economic transformation being undertaken by the government of Zambia hence will support any initiatives targeted at enhancing its development.

“We appreciate the collaboration that we have with Zambia, and will support your efforts to improve the economy of the country and the whole process that you are doing to restructure it,” she said.

The World Bank Group Managing Director who is also Chief Finance Officer is in the country for a three day working visit where she is expected to hold a number of high level meetings with key stakeholders and visit World Bank funded projects.

World Bank Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer Ms. Anshula Kant and her delegation at State House.
World Bank Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer Ms. Anshula Kant and her delegation at State House. House.

Why are people insulting the President?

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Why are people insulting the President?

By Prince Bill M. Kaping’a Political/Social Analyst

During the previous regime, daring to insult the president would have entailed a mortuary or ICU case, thanks to the almighty PF cadres that were keen to take matters into their own hands. Lately, we’ve witnessed a number of people insulting the president. What is causing all this? Some people have, of course, weighed in and offered conflicting reasons, more prominently UPND spokesperson Hon. Cornelius Mweetwa MP and New Heritage Party Leader Chishala Kateka.

Addressing a media briefing at the UPND secretariat recently, Hon. Mweetwa MP appealed to the previous PF administration to stop sponsoring people use the social media to insult the president.

Earlier on, Kateka had claimed that the rising number of cases of members of the public either insulting or defaming the President could be that Zambians are unhappy with his leadership and have no other option but to insult the presidency.

For the record, we don’t subscribe to either of the assertions! But what could be the main reason, you may still wonder. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to get to the root cause of this problem. During the previous administration, caderism had taken to another level. Reminiscent of the dreaded vigilantes during the UNIP era who were eager to lift suspected critics ‘by air,’ the notorious PF cadres were ubiquitous in the markets, bus stations, CBDs and even public offices. Some of them had even gone to the extent of decorating themselves with revered titles as commanders and put on military uniforms!

Anybody who dared criticize the humble leader risked having “a ton of blocks falling on them!” Any perceived culprit would be abducted and taken to secluded places where they would be subjected to spine chilling indignities. Remember the journalist in Chipata that had himself peed into the mouth for writing articles critical of government? And if you thought you were smart and offloaded profanities against President Lungu on social media, they would hunt you down with the help of ZICTA and mete out instant justice on you!

As everyone would recall, when President Hichilema got into State House, he immediately pronounced a big NO to caderism.

“If you commit a crime in the name of the party UPND, remember you are on your own!” he fired a warning shot.

Consequently, those in UPND cadres with evil intentions of emulating their peers from PF would immediately refrain from such illegalities. Today, citizens are free; there are no cadres to instill fear anymore, but instead of enjoying these newly found liberties, some people have now realized a golden opportunity to insult the president with impunity!

Even in the so-called free world, we don’t see individuals insulting presidents and their parents to such an extent as literally undressing and describing their body anatomies in graphic detail. It’s even shocking that some of these insults are coming from our mothers and children who ought to uphold good morals.

The president has encouraged us to criticize any wrongdoing on the part of his government. However, this doesn’t mean we should now start competing for entries in the Guineas Book of World Records for having uttered earth-shattering insults against the head of state!

A few good men

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A few good men

By Nkonkomalimba Kafunda

While it is undoubtedly healthy, right and proper for citizens to take keen interest in affairs of governance, to treat government with suspicion, misgiving and apprehension, seeing criminality in almost all transactions and initiatives undertaken, tends to defeat the whole purpose of upholding checks and balances.

Understandably, endemic scepticism after a seven-year kleptocracy is to be expected even, to some extent, accepted. However, not all leaders go into government with nefarious intentions. There are exceptions to what Africans have come to accept as the rule.

Listening to radio call-in programs, a habit I should have embraced much earlier, I hear callers, uninformedly and without basis, accuse the government and by implication, the President of awarding contracts to friends, associates and acquaintances as reward for bankrolling last years election campaign, among other things. The people’s ignorance is exacerbated by an orchestrated, concerted malicious social media misinformation campaign whose core objective is to paint the president black. An unfortunate outcome was gullible youths blatantly, impertinently insulting the head of state and getting their just deserts. Well done Zambia Army. Human rights, freedom of expression notwithstanding, our values, norms and cultures remain paramount. Privately, most of those calling for action against the Army officers seen disciplining the errant youths, would prefer they be given medals.

Devoid of facts, callers talk of fertilizer supply contracts tendered and awarded opaquely, major road projects being given to friends of the president, KCM being handed over to Vandetta and so on.

While the Sowers of these seeds of hatred, ridicule and contempt rub their hands in collective, malicious glee, matching malevolent grins in tow, the Zambian people are denied an opportunity to buy into the bigger picture, a picture painted on a canvass of hope, rejuvenation, vitality, prosperity and good will.

Granted, the Patriotic Front reign of illicit jollification has left more than just a nasty hangover in our people’s collective psyche, it has left Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but that does not mean the country lacks good, honest, upright leaders with pure intentions.

Let these few good men lead you, fellow Zambians, to a place you deserve to be: progressive, prosperous and peaceful.

Over 160 persons arrested in Eastern Province for drug related offences

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Over 160 persons arrested in Eastern Province for drug related offences

The Drug enforcement Commission has arrested over 160 people among them 12 juveniles from January to date on charges of drug trafficking and seized 6 tonnes of cannabis in Eastern Province.

Eastern Province Drug Enforcement Commission Regional Commander, Charles Ndulumina said drug trafficking, substance abuse and illegal cultivation of narcotic and psychotropic substances such as cannabis still remains a threat to the development of the economy.

ZANIS reports that Mr Ndulumina said this when he officiated at this year’s World Anti-Drug Day commemoration under the theme “ Addressing drug challenges in health and humanitarian crises” in Mambwe District.

Mr Ndulumina said the Commission is determined to put an end to drug trafficking and has thus declared Zero tolerance to any form of drug abuse, trafficking and cultivation.

He added that through its education and counseling department, the Commission has also reached out to 15,443 people with drug and money laundering awareness information and 37 people have so far been attended to under counseling.

Mr Ndulumina further reaffirmed the Commission’s resolve to continue engaging other stakeholders such as the Ministry of Education which has included Drug Preventive Education in the Curriculum and formation of anti – drug clubs in Schools, the Ministry of Health, Traditional Leaders and the Zambia Police among others.

And Mambwe District Commissioner, William Banda said drug abuse if left unchecked, will continue to be one of the lead factors in escalating crime rates destroying the lives of people.

Mr Banda added that drug abuse is a complex socio economic issue that requires an integrated approach in order to fight it.

“The fight against drug abuse affects all and must not be left to Law Enforcement Agencies only but rather, it requires all stakeholders to come on board and join in raising awareness on the dangers of drug abuse and treatment of addicts,” he said.

Mr Banda said it was also necessary to encourage individuals and families to seek early assistance for problems related to alcoholism and drug abuse.

Meanwhile, Charity Banda, a grade Twelve Pupil from Mambwe Boarding Secondary School urged the Drug Enforcement Commission to continue sensitizing on drugs and its effects.

Ms Banda added that youths especially, needed to take the message to “Say No To Drugs” seriously, think outside the box and figure out ways of making the message known to everyone.

The Drug Enforcement Commission has managed to sensitize pupils on drug abuse in schools in Mambwe district, among them Mambwe, Matula, Mfuwe Day, Jumbe Day, and Yosefe Secondary schools..

Quickly resolve obstacles in disbursement of empowerment funds to communities – ZANAMAC

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Quickly resolve obstacles in disbursement of empowerment funds to communities – ZANAMAC

The Zambia National Marketeers Credit Association (ZANAMAC) has appealed to the government through the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development and other Ministries to quicken facilitating the process of resolving issues of disbursement of funds meant for empowerment programmes.

ZANAMACA President, Mupila Kameya said resources such as the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) should be unblocked so that the association can also access the funds to implement the transformational and game changing initiatives for youth unemployment .

Mr Kameya said the association with its strategic partners have designed a youth job creation initiative using mobile technology to formalize some specially selected members of the informal sector in order to track youth job creation .

He said the Digital Graduation of Informal Sector entrepreneurs (DIGISE) is aimed at creating more jobs for youths in a short period of time within five years.

Mr Kameya said that the objective of the Programme entails digital entrepreneurship, knowledge transfer ,formalization of enterprises and acceleration of the informal sector of their growth with already identified interventions.

He urged the government and donor community to support the association by providing resources to launch a programme that is creative , practical , innovative and critical to create massive job creation.

Mr Kameya noted that as an association believes that most practical and effective channel for fast tracking the creation of formal jobs ,and working together with government and cooperating partners.

“We understand the informal sector in general and we know the needs of its various sub sectors and which informal sectors can be formalized because we have presence throughout the Country so the formalization of informal entrepreneurship cannot be a challenge to us once the resources are available,” he said.

Mr Kameya said that the association has numbers, the Knowledge and the technology to create youth jobs and all that is needed is the resources to make the initiatives a reality.

Govt creating resilient health systems to counteract disease outbreaks – Masebo

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Govt creating resilient health systems to counteract disease outbreaks – Masebo

Minister of Health, Sylvia Masebo says government is creating resilient systems that will withstand emergencies and disease outbreaks.

Ms. Masebo noted that there is a need to develop a healthcare system which will protect the Zambian citizens regardless of the disease.

Speaking during the Czech Solutions for Zambian Healthcare Workshop, the Health Minister noted that the country is exploring ways Government and the Czech Republic can build a mutually beneficial working relationship.

Ms. Masebo said the health facilities required that government enhance their function with modern equipment and technologies.

She added that well-functioning equipment is key to creating a strong and resilient healthcare delivery system.

The Minister noted that infrastructure and equipment need rehabilitation and construction across the country.

She said the replacing of critical medical equipment will enable health personnel to perform their duties in a safe and conducive environment.

Ms. Masebo added that lack of addressing the health challenge will pose a negative impact on the quality of healthcare for the citizens.

She stated that there is a need to invest in health delivery systems such as health infrastructure, and modern medical equipment among others.

And Czech Republic Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister, Martin Tlapa said that his country will partner with Zambia to facilitate projects that will enhance relations and businesses.

ZDA commends WSO for setting up offices in Zambia

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ZDA commends WSO for setting up offices in Zambia

The Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) has commended the World Sustainability Organisation (WSO) for coming on board to help promote Zambian companies and products in the global market.

ZDA acting Managing Director, Albert Halwampa said Zambian companies and traditional products have been straggling to penetrate the global market for a long time.

Mr. Halwampa noted that the failure has been attributed to certification and tariff barrier procedures that exits in international markets.

ZANIS reports that the director said the coming of the WSO in the country will help increase access to international markets.

He added that the agency will make sure that they sensitize and train Zambian companies on certification of products so that they get promoted outside.

And the World Sustainability Organisation founder and director Paolo Bray said the organisation is set to open up an office in Zambia before the end of September this year.

Mr. Bray noted that the aim is to help promote Zambian companies to meet the desired standards that are required in the global market

He added that about 10 Zambian professional workers will be employed at the WSO to help in the certification of Zambian companies.

Investigate cases thoroughly before effecting arrests – President Hichilema

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Investigate cases thoroughly before effecting arrests – President Hichilema

President Hakainde Hichilema has called on the law enforcement agencies to carry out their duties thoroughly and professionally in an effort to regain public confidence.

President Hichilema observed that some cases being handled by the law enforcers do not go beyond conviction, which has become of public concern.

The Head of State therefore challenged the law enforcement agencies to ensure that they carry out thorough investigations before making arrests, which will convince the public in governments’ effort to fight corruption in the country.

President Hichilema said this during a swearing-in ceremony of 19 senior government officials who included the Anti-Corruption Commission Board, Human Rights Commissioners, the Police Public Complaints Commissioner, Judicial Complaints Commissioners and Diplomats, at State House.

The Head of State implored the appointed officials to serve the public with diligence and efficiently in their individual capacity and collectively as a team to meet the expectations of the Zambian people.

He reiterated government’s commitment to ensuring that there is an improved governance record in the country.

President Hichilema urged the different agencies to work together and bring reforms that will enhance the governance of Zambia.

“These appointments therefore come at the right time when we have embarked on a new trajectory of our country in all sectors,” President Hichilema stated.

Addressing the newly sworn-in Police Public Complaints Commission Chairperson Zunga Siakalima, the Head of State wants his government to open the economy 24/7 where factories are able to operate at any time without citizens fearing for their safety during night time.

President Hichilema further expects the Human Rights Commission to be proactive and ensure that the rights of people are safeguarded.

He also told the Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate cases and ensure that when a matter is taken to court, it will be convicted so that citizens are convinced with the Commission’s mandate.

For the Judicial Complaints Commission, President Hichilema stressed the need for the country to be run on the constitution rather than placing others above the law.

He says it is unfortunate that sometimes the Zambian people have had their rights infringed on due to the slow processes by the judicial system.


And he also urged the Diplomats to create opportunities for citizens within the country and also look after the welfare of citizens in the diaspora.

Meanwhile, newly conferred State Counsel Mulambo Haimbe assured that he will provide guidance to the legal profession and help in developing the law and the sector to benefit the general public.

HRC Vice Chairperson Pamela Samboa said the Commission will engage various law enforcement agencies to ensure that the rights of people are not taken away.

Others who were sworn in include Musa Mwenya as ACC Board Chairperson, Henry Mbushi as State Counsel, Gilbert Phiri as ACC Director General and Isabelle Lemba as Ambassador.

Others include Elias Mushya as Zambia’s High Commissioner Designate in the Commonwealth of Australia, Patricia Kondolo as Zambia’s Ambassador in Italy, while Syvester Mundanda serves as Zambia’s Ambassador Designate to the Kingdom of Belgium.

RUGBY :Arrows Bury DIGGERS to Cement Top Spot

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Defending champions Red Arrows consolidated their stay at the top of the National after thrashing Diggers 33-08 in Lusaka to move to 31 points.

Arrows scored tries by Enock Mutembo, Birthrock Sikaona Thomas Mwakenja, Elisha Bwalya and Peka Phiri.

Alex Mwewa converted three tries while Gabriel Mungalaba converted one as Diggers scored a try through Maybin Mukosa and a penalty by Mulenga Mwila.

Diggers dropped one position to number four on 24 points.

KPF with a game in hand, are second on goal difference after thumping Lusaka 54-3 to amass 31 points from seven games played.

In other games, Konkola posted their first win of the season after beating struggling Ndola Wanderers 23-6 at home in Chililabombwe.

The win over Ndola moved Konkola out of the bottom position.Konkola are now second from the bottom with six points, one above bottom placed Ndola.

Results Week 8
=National League
Konkola 23 – 06 Ndola Wanderers
Mufulira Leopards 29-03 Green Eagles
KPF 54 – 03 Lusaka
Red Arrows 33 -08 Diggers

=Presidents League
Chibuluma 06-24 Nkwazi
Roan 05 -12 Nchanga

=Ladies League
Leopardess 26 -19 Eagles

=Youth League
Linda Lions 07-08 Chibolya

Zambian Breweries plans to invest $80m in its Lusaka plant

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Zambian Breweries plans to invest $80m in its Lusaka plant

Zambian Breweries plans to invest $80m in its Lusaka plant which is expected to double production capacity over the next 18 months.

Zambian Breweries Country Director Michelle Kilpin said that the capital investment is supported by the enabling investment and trade climate under the New Dawn Administration.

Ms. Kilpin said the investment, scheduled to be completed by the end of next year is expected to create more direct and indirect jobs and expand the company’s agriculture out-grower schemes.

Ms Kilpin said that this will offer further procurement opportunities for local suppliers and service providers and contribute additional tax revenue to government.

Ms. Kilpin added that the investment will enhance the company’s beer production capacity and significantly contribute to the wider national economy.

She said this in a statement to the media.

And Zambian Breweries Board Chairperson Monica Musonda said the new investment is another demonstration of the company’s long-term commitment and contribution to Zambia.

Zambia is food secure and we expect Mealie prices to gradually fall-Information Minister

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Zambia is food secure and we expect Mealie prices to gradually fall-Information Minister

The government has assured the nation that Zambia is food secure beyond the next harvest and that it expects mealie meal prices to gradually fall.

Chief Government Spokesperson Chusi Kasanda attributed the expectation to new maize stock from small-scale farmers which will start being offloaded on the market.

In a statement released to the media, Ms Kasanda however noted that the relatively high mealie meal prices being experienced are a result of the high cost of carry-over maize grain which is being used to process the mealie meal.

Currently, the latest retail price of breakfast mealie meal is averaging K150 per 25-kilogram bag while the price of the same quantity of roller meal is averaging K110.

Ms Kasanda said Prices are slightly higher in some areas of Muchinga, Northern, Eastern and Western provinces mainly as a result of external influences such as smuggling.

Ms Kasanda, who is the Information and Media Minister also said that the country is food secure beyond the next harvest, adding that there is adequate mealie meal supply throughout the country.

Ms Kasanda revealed that the country produced over 2.7 million metric tonnes of maize during the 2021/2022 agriculture season and that the country had a total maize carry-over stock of over 1.5 million metric tonnes, leaving the country with excess maize stock of over 1.2 million metric tonnes.

Below is the full statement

STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND MEDIA AND CHIEF GOVERNMENT SPOKESPERSON HON. CHUSHI KASANDA, MP, ON THE NATIONAL FOOD SECURITY

Some sections of our society have in the recent past raised concern about what they feel is a weak food security situation in the country, coupled with high mealie meal prices.

I wish to assure the nation that the country is food secure beyond the next harvest. As at 12th May, 2022 when the Minister of Agriculture Hon. Reuben Mtolo Phiri, MP, announced the crop Forecast Survey results for the 2021/2022 Agriculture Season, the country had the following stocks:

1. Maize

During the 2021/2022 agriculture season, the country produced a total of 2,706,243.00 metric tonnes of maize. In addition, the country had a total of maize carry-over stock of 1,506,432 metric tonnes, giving a total stock of 4,209,675.00 metric tonnes. The total annual national maize grain requirement for human, livestock, industrial and other uses, stands at 3,004,763 metric tonnes.
When this is netted out of the total available stock of 4,209,675 metric tonnes, it leaves the country with an excess maize stock of 1,204,912 metric tonnes.

2. Maize price

Prices of the new maize crop average K3.50 per kg (about K175 per 50kg bag) while the previous season’s maize average K4.00 per kg (about K200 per 50kg bag). These prices are expected to gradually reduce to around K3.20 per kg (about K160 per 50kg bag) as the new crop which is currently being harvested, is on the market in July, 2022.

3. Mealie meal prices and supply

The latest retail price of breakfast mealie meal is averaging K150 per 25kg bag while the price of the same quantity of roller meal is averaging K110. Prices are slightly higher in some areas of Muchinga, Northern, Eastern and Western provinces mainly as a result of external influences such as smuggling.

Otherwise, mealie meal is in adequate supply throughout the country. Different brands are found in different areas of the country, thereby giving the consumer a wide choice. These brands are also being sold at different prices.

I further wish to state that mealie meal prices for millers that are participating in the Maize Export Programme are lower as they are compensated with exports. The government projects mealie meal prices to gradually fall as the new maize from our small-scale farmers starts being offloaded on the market.

The relatively high mealie meal prices currently being experienced are a result of the high price of carry-over maize grain which is being used to process the mealie meal.

4. Wheat

I further wish to inform the nation that the country currently has a total wheat stock of 319,356.00 metric tonnes. The country also expects to produce 874,400.00 metric tonnes of cassava flour and 63,911 metric tonnes of paddy rice.

On behalf of the Government, once again, I wish to assure the nation that we are food secure despite the reduced harvest during the 2021/2022 farming season.

Through stakeholder consultation and collaboration, Government will ensure that mealie meal, our staple food, is available and affordable and that no citizen of this country will go hungry.

KCM and Indo Zambia Bank hold exploratory discussions for bridge financing to the company

Chief Editor
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KCM and Indo Zambia Bank hold exploratory discussions for bridge financing to the company

Konkola Copper Mines Plc (KCM) and Indo Zambia Bank have held exploratory discussions to establish a strong business partnership, which would unlock bridge financing to the mining company by the bank to pave the way for growth.

KCM Provisional Liquidator Celine Nair, who is also the acting Administrator General and Official Receiver of Zambia, held business talks with Indo Zambia Bank Managing Director Kowdichar Shashidhar and other senior bank officials during a visit to KCM in Chingola. The Provisional Liquidator’s team comprised her agent Jason Kazilimani, the acting Chief Executive Officer Enock Mponda and other senior management officials.

The discussions centred on creating synergies to ensure potential structured financing of mining operations, possible lending by the bank to employees of KCM and other facilities that would assist in unlocking some of the untapped mining activities of Konkola Copper Mines.

Indo Zambia Bank expressed their desire to explore and partner with KCM in the short to medium term. The bank is also willing to explore possibilities of extending credit lines and other facilities. “KCM is looking at ways of doing business with Indo Zambia Bank through a win-win situation. We would like to create a strong mutually beneficial business partnership with Indo Zambia Bank,” Ms Nair said. Ms Nair said her office would continue to strengthen relationships with lending institutions to in order to create a strong platform for take-off by a new investor in KCM for continuity in mining operations. The government of Zambia is looking for an investor to take over the running of KCM.

“The global market is presenting opportunities for entities like KCM and we as Indo Zambia Bank would like to be part of the support to unlock such opportunities,” the Indo Zambia Managing Director, Mr Shashidar said.

The two parties agreed to explore pooled support to Community initiatives such as tree planting to aid a green economy, which is the thrust of the New Dawn Government for environmental promotion activities, and also in the areas of promoting various sports disciplines.

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