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USAID happy with Zambia’s Covid-19 vaccination drive

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USAID happy with Zambia’s Covid-19 vaccination drive

United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is impressed with Zambia’s Covid-19 vaccination programme.

Visiting USAID Covid-19 Taskforce Executive Director, Jeremy Konyndyk says if Zambia continues with the current momentum in vaccinations against Covid-19, the country stands a chance of becoming a model for the rest of Africa.

Speaking during a briefing after touring the Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Zambia (CIDRZ) office to witness the Covid-19 response firsthand, Mr. Konyndyk said the government has shown political will to tackle the pandemic.

He said this is evidenced by having a Special Assistant for Covid-19 at State House.

Mr. Konyndyk observed that the biggest obstacle to the fight against the pandemic in the country is access to the vaccine and not resistance from the public.

He said there is therefore a need to make the vaccine more accessible to citizens by taking it to public places.

And Mr. Konyndyk has praised Zambia for targeting to vaccinate at least 70 percent of the eligible population by June 30, 2022.

“It is a good target, it is a great target. It is a very ambitious target,” he said.

And Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Zambia (CIDRZ) Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Emmanuel Qua-Enoo, disclosed that in the last three years, USAID provided over US$20 million to CIDRZ to run three different projects.

Mr. Qua-Enoo said recently that USAID pumped in an additional US$3.9 million through the Tuberculosis Local Organisations Network (TBLON) project, which supports TB care and treatment in nine districts in Lusaka and Southern Provinces.

“This funding has enhanced bedside care of Covid patients. The project has contributed to increasing the capacity of frontline health workers treating Covid patients by employing 170 short term nurses who were deployed in various parts of the country,” he said.

And Lusaka Provincial Health Office HIV/TB Lead Mentor, Francis Mwape, called for concerted efforts to fight the pandemic.

The USAID delegation’s visit to Zambia follows the announcement that Zambia is one of the 11 countries earmarked to receive surge Covid-19 funding of US$28 million from the United States.

Meanwhile, The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has pledged continued support towards the fight against Tuberculosis, maternal child health, HIV/AIDS among other diseases.

USAID COVID-19 Task force Executive Director, Jeremy Konyndyk acknowledged the need to support the fight against the said ailments simultaneously with COVID -19.

Mr. Konyndyk said in Ndola yesterday after inspecting some COVID- 19 vaccination centers that fighting disease will reduce the pressure health authorities’ face in managing COVID- 19 patients with other chronic illnesses.

“It’s really important that we are fighting all these things at once. If people with other chronic diseases get COVID-19 their bodies become weak and this makes it hard to fight COVID-19 easily,” he said.

He said the agency will continue providing a comprehensive range of health support to the people of Zambia aside the COVID -19 pandemic.

And Presidential Advisor on COVID-19, Roma Chilengi implored health authorities to ensure the vaccines are not stockpiled in the fridges but rather injected in people’s bodies.

Professor Chilengi assured that government has made sure that the supply side of vaccines is sustained.

Professor Chilengi said that government has also made necessary arrangements to ensure the momentum in the supply of vaccines is maintained.

He warned of the anticipated fifth wave as the country enters winter season and that people should troop to the various vaccination centres and protect their lives.

Meanwhile, Copperbelt Province Permanent Secretary, Augustine Kasongo commended USAID for the continued support to the Ministry of Health.

Luapula Province records highest female-headed households

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Luapula Province records highest female-headed households

Luapula Province Social Welfare Department has disclosed that the region has 89 thousand female headed households listed on the social cash transfer programme, making it the highest in the country.

And the Social Welfare Department in Luapula says the new Zambia Integrated Social Protection Information System which the department is using will ease the scrutiny process as it is able to automatically remove people on the social cash transfer who do not meet the criteria.

Luapula Provincial Social Welfare Officer Enock Sakamuna explained that social welfare officers are currently conducting an enumeration in the field so as to update the database for social cash transfer beneficiaries in the Province.

In an Interview with ZANIS in Mansa, the Provincial Social Welfare Officer explained that through the social welfare community workers, they are able to take note of those who get married and follow ups are made where if confirmation is done they are also removed from the program as they become ineligible beneficiaries.

Mr. Sakamuna stated that the current enumeration exercise in the Province is not aimed at removing beneficiaries on the program but to confirm if they still meet the criteria which have been put in place.

“For female-headed households we target females who are without husbands and once someone gets married then they stop being part of the program,” he said.

He pointed out that under the female headed household, a beneficiary is supposed to have at least three children who are below the age of 19 years old if they are to continue to be on the program.

Mr. Sakamuna also revealed that there are led down guidelines which are followed for someone to be put on the cash transfer program and once someone does not meet those guidelines then the new system automatically removes them.

“Previously we were just using paper work to capture these social cash beneficiaries which was a bit difficult to ascertain if someone really qualified for the program but with the new system it is very easy now to know who really qualifies,” he said.

Mr. Sakamuna added that the new system is also able to pick if two people are sharing the same national registration number (NRC) which can be an audit query once such people are paid the money.

“However, no beneficiary can be removed from the program as long as they continue to meet the criteria which have been agreed upon as the system is ready to pick any new information which might emerge,” notes Mr. Sakamuna.

Luapula Province currently has over 125 000 households under the social cash transfer program whose beneficiaries are getting K 400 by-monthly for those who are above 64 years old, female headed household and Children headed household.

For persons with disabilities and those who are chronically ill they are paid K 800 by-monthly.

Prisons Care and Counselling Association happy with pro bono framework policy

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Prisons Care and Counselling Association happy with pro bono framework policy

Prisons Care and Counselling Association (PRISCCA) has commended the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) for launching the framework for the provision of pro bono legal services to Zambians.

PRISCCA Executive Director, Godfrey Malembeka said that pro bono in the criminal justice system is a timely step in the right direction and will change Zambia’s human rights profile.

Dr. Malembeka explained that the framework policy has been PRISCCA’s wish for many years as it appreciates the importance of legal representation for incarcerated inmates, suspects and remandees.

Dr. Malembeka told ZANIS in Lusaka that there can never be a good justice system with an absence of speedy and easy access to justice.

He explained that the framework is a vital tool that will obligate all LAZ members to represent at least one person free per year, considering the expensive legal services which an average Zambian cannot afford which has impacted negatively on access to justice.

“We appreciate the efforts of the Legal Aid Board (LAB) in providing legal representation to the indigent at a small fee (legal contribution) and are glad this will now be supplemented by pro bono services from private law firms,” Dr. Malembeka noted.

He said that pro bono will act as an effective decongestion strategy and will also go a long way in enhancing non-custodial options such as community service, suspended sentences or fines.

Dr. Malembeka hopes that all LAZ members will respect the pro bono framework guidelines and contribute towards speeding up access to justice for all in Zambia.

He further called for more sensitization across the country so that many vulnerable citizens can access free legal services.

Currently Zambia has more than 25,205 (Zambia Correctional Service, 19 May 2022) incarcerated inmates of which 4,000 are pre-trial remandees.

Perpetrators of Corruption may flaunt short-lived Victory, but justice will catch up with them- HH

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Perpetrators of Corruption may flaunt short-lived Victory, but justice will catch up with them- HH

After a series of defeats suffered by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in courts, sparking a public outrage on the competence of the commission, president Hakainde Hichilema has assured the nation that the wheels of justice will surely catch up with the people that seemed to have secured what he described as a short-lived victory

In a post on his Facebook, the president said that he understood the Zambians’ anger, frustration and the collective resolve to rid our society of the intolerable culture of corruption, especially among those that should be servants of the people.

The president said that, like drug trafficking, corruption is a scourge capable of destroying communities, increasing inequality among our people, distorting and exploiting public investments and reducing public revenues.

The president said that the perpetrators of the vice may flaunt short-lived victory, play the victim and mock the institutions of law and order, but assured that the long arm of the law and the wheel of justice will surely catch up with them.

The President assured Zambians that Corruption will be fought against, with everything that is legally at his government’s disposal, vigorously, relentlessly and the lawbreakers will be brought to book.

Justice Minister Mulambo Haimbe
Justice Minister Mulambo Haimbe

Meanwhile, Justice Minister Mulambo Haimbe has said that the fight against corruption has not been lost, as assumed by some sections of society. Mr Haimbe said that corruption and financial crime cases that commenced are still ongoing and that it would therefore be premature to assume that the fight against corruption has been lost.

Speaking when he addressed the Media in Lusaka, the Justice Minister said the Courts have shown that they operate independently with the recent court decisions such as the reinstating of seized property to Kabushi Member of Parliament Bowman Lusambo. Mr. Haimbe noted that it is also an indication that the accused persons will receive fair trials before the courts.

He said what the country has seen are temporary decisions and that does not mean that the accused persons have been acquitted. Mr. Haimbe also said it is wrong to assume that law enforcement agencies are ill-prepared to handle investigations as financial crime matters are complicated and need to be given diligence in handling them.

And the Justice Minister reiterated that Government remains committed to judicial reforms and that this will be anchored on the rule of law. Mr. Haimbe said judicial reforms will always be driven by the Judiciary itself and that the Judiciary is equal to that task.

Meanwhile, Mr. Haimbe has with immediate effect, dissolved the National Prosecutions Authority (NPA) board. Mr Haimbe said the dissolution of the board was in accordance with article 270 of the Constitution of Zambia.

“I would like to bring it to the attention of the nation that I have taken the decision to immediately dissolve the board of the National Prosecutions Authority pursuant to section 7 of the National Prosecutions Act number 34 of 2010 as read together with section 26 of the interpretation and the general provision Act 2, ” he said

FQM Hosts One-Day Junior Golf Tournament at Kalumbila

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FQM Hosts One-Day Junior Golf Tournament at Kalumbila

Over 60 junior golfers in Kalumbila area on Thursday took to Kalumbila golf course to compete in the one-day junior golf championship organised by FQM Trident Limited.

The boys and girls were selected from communities around the Kalumbila Mine.

Most of the youngsters are part of the newly formed junior golf academy being spearheaded by the mine.

Gabriel Khumalo scooped the championship in category A after finishing 18 holes.

Tinovimba Muzinda emerged second overall followed by Abraham Mukaso.

Xholani Nhlani won category B of the championship followed by Emmanuel Zulu and Nathan Kumanda after finishing three holes.

FQM Trident Limited assistant general manager Junior Keyser pledged the mine’s commitment to supporting junior golf.

“Golf is such a good sport to teach young people not even young people but people discipline, integrity and sportsmanship so that is why we support initiatives like these. Today we are rewarded with over 60 kids and most of them are from our local community,” Keyser told reporters.

“We want to bring this lovely sport to the people of Kalumbila. We are having some of the best coaches available teaching them (junior golfers) the right techniques, the right discipline,” he said.

This is the second edition of the junior golf championship organised by the mining firm.

UPND youths bemoan low sensitization on accessing CDF

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UPND youths bemoan low sensitization on accessing CDF

The United Party for National Development (UPND) youths in Kitwe district have appealed to the Town Clerk to quickly develop a strategy of highlighting the procedure for accessing the Constituency Development Funds (CDF) to youths and the vulnerable in the district.

UPND Kitwe District Youth Chairman Bowas Kapata noted that councilors and ward development committees in the district have not done enough to educate the people on the grass root on how to access the CDF.

He has since challenged the councilors to conduct sensitization meetings in their communities where people can be guided on how to access the CDF and other empowerment opportunities that government is providing.

“We are very concerned with the existing ignorance among youths on how to access the funds which government has rolled out to benefit the youths and other vulnerable people in society,” he said.

Speaking to ZANIS in Kitwe today, Mr. Kapata said without a proper sensitization strategy, youths and several vulnerable people will not access the increased CDF money which people are supposed to benefit through developmental projects.

Mr. Kapata has however announced that the youth wing will soon initiate sensitization meetings to try and educate their colleagues on the available government empowerment programs especially those under CDF.

Several stakeholders have expressed worry on the lack of information on the procedure to access CDF and other empowerment opportunities that the government is providing which has resulted in a lot of people failing to access these empowerment initiatives.

On Tuesday this week, Copperbelt Permanent Secretary Augustine Kasongo directed Heads of Government departments in the province to ensure that they remove all bottlenecks to the access to CDF.

This was in response to the low number of people that have applied for CDF funds in various councils, a situation that has been attributed to the cumbersome procedure and lack of information among the general public on the procedure.

Private, and public sectors urged to join in implementing e-government plan

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Private, and public sectors urged to join in implementing e-government plan

The government has called on the public and private sectors to participate in the development and implementation of the national electronic government plan.

Acting Secretary to the Cabinet, Patrick Kangwa, explained that the national e-government plan will form the basis for providing a unit of purposes in addressing multi-sectoral information communication technologies (ICT) programmes in both the public and private sector in the country.

Mr. Kangwa said this when he officiated at the validation meeting on the implementation of the national e-government plan in Lusaka today.

He stated that the government is open and ready to partner with the private sector in supporting the development of home-grown digital solutions that promote job creation and socio-economic development of the country.

“I encourage the private sector participation through various incentive schemes, promoting diversification and innovation of ICT products and provision of ICT infrastructure to support effective electronics that serve the delivery of services to the citizens,’’ said Mr. Kangwa.

He noted that ICT is critical in accelerating public service management to achieve the strategic goals enshrined in the vision 2030 and the eighth National Development Plan (8NDP) of social economic transformation for improved livelihoods.

“I invite the private sector and all ICT and tech start-ups to engage and collaborate with the government in the area of digital innovation and development research. I also wish to direct the National Coordinator, Electronic Government Division Smart Zambia institute to ensure that a mechanism for monitoring ICT implementation and performance across government ministries, provinces, other institutions and sectors is defined and put in place,’’ said Mr. Kangwa.

He added that once validated, the national electronic government plan should provide strategy direction regarding all ICT based implementations across sectors.

And Smart Zambia National Coordinator, Percy Chinyama, explained that the national electronic (NEGP) government plan is intended to achieve strategies and projects for reducing paper documents in public bodies and strategies and projects for the management of administrative resources by public bodies.

Mr. Chinyama pointed out that the NEGP is aimed at providing projects for installing an information and communication network among public bodies and securing safety among other things.

“The draft plan was developed in consultation with Cabinet administration, policy analysis and coordination at the Ministry of Finance and National Planning, selected government institutions, Tony Blair Institute and Smart Zambia office.

The national e-government plan is not only intended to address public ICT initiatives but also bring on board the needs of the private sector and other key external stakeholders who have a stake in the operation of government,’’ he said.

Meanwhile, Management Development Division Permanent Secretary, Kusobile Kamwambi, said that the e-government plan should focus on a whole of government and holistic approach ensuring that all the implementation of ICT projects and initiatives are in conformity to the laid down standards and regulations.

Ms. Kamwambi noted that the plan should address the new dawn priorities of decentralisation by ensuring that all districts in the country are interconnected and have access to electronic government services.

Copper exploration commences in Kapiri Mposhi

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Copper exploration commences in Kapiri Mposhi

A Zambian firm , Mwashia Resources Limited based in Kitwe, says it has commenced explorations for a large scale copper mine in Kapiri Mposhi Town, Central province.

The local mining firm says this follows the Zambia Environmental Management Agency’s (ZEMA)’s approval of the Environmental Project Brief (EPB) on the project, last October.

The proposed mining project sited in Kabwale area in Chief Chipepo’s Chiefdom has met requirements under the ZEMA Act Number 12 of 2011 and the Environmental Impact Assessment requirements.

Geo Quest, a company analysing the ore samples from the explorations for copper, on behalf of Mwasha Resources Limited , says it is certain of the potential for a copper mine in the area.

The Firms Geologist, Fortson Chisenga disclosed that so far the drilled samples are presenting between 1.5 and 2.5 percent grade of copper at the depth of less than 60 meters.

Updating Kapiri Mposhi District Commissioner, Francis Hasalama during a conducted tour of the site, Mr Chisenga stated that there will be potential for an open pit mining in the area.

” We are getting something like one and half percent to two and half percent in this mineralized zone so probably the next hole we drill maybe we are on the middle maybe the zone might be wider and the grade might be enhanced to something above three percent and if we get that there is potential for an open pit mine,” Mr Chisenga said.

And Kapiri Mposhi District Commissioner, Mr Hasalama has implored the mining firm to restrict its activities to approved exploration area and environmental requirements.

Speaking during his fact finding tour at the exploration site, Mr Hasalama advised the mining firm to formalize its presence in the Town by notifying his office and the traditional leadership where the said mine is domiciled.

” We have just come for a fact finding because there was an oversight on the part of the investor to notify the traditional leadership and government that he had started this venture but all is well.

“ …. We are looking forward to a positive outcome from these explorations because the benefit will accrue to the community, the mine itself and government,” Mr Hasalama said.

And Kapiri Mposhi Town Council Vice Chairman, Steadwell Magumbo is excited over the project noting the economic and social benefits to accrue to the locals once the mine is operationalized.

Mr Magumbo, who is also Kabwale Ward Councilor notes that the mining investment will be a life changer in the area as it will offer both direct and indirect job opportunities to the local people.

” If this mine exploration gives a positive result then we are assured of having employment to the local people and also the economic benefit will be there schools roads and health facilities could be built by the mine through its social corporate responsibility,” Mr Magumbo said.

Anti-Corruption Commission says it is still in charge of Bowman Lusambo’s Property

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Anti-Corruption Commission says it is still in charge of Bowman Lusambo’s Property

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has said that it is still in control of the properties of former Lusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusambo situated in Chamba Valley by way of the Restriction Notice which is in force.

Lusaka Resident Magistrate Albert Mwaba yesterday set aside the Warrant of Seizure on Lusambo’s properties on account that it is an abuse of court process as there was a Restriction Notice which was already in place on the same properties.

In a statement released to the media, ACC said that the Restriction Notice is still in force as there has been no decision of any competent court to reverse or vary it, adding that the Commission is dissatisfied with the ruling of the Court to set aside the Warrant of Seizure as provided under the Anti-Corruption Act no. 3 of 2012 subsection 58(1) which provides for the seizure of properties under investigation.

The Commission further noted that, while it respects the decision of the Court, there is no legal requirement for the Commission to cancel a Restriction Notice before a Warrant of Seizure can be obtained and that the two actions can be enforced without any repercussions to the other as they each serve different purposes, adding that the provisions under Section 58(1) of the Anti-Corruption Act states:

“Where in the course of an investigation into an offence under this Act, an officer has reasonable grounds to suspect that any movable or immovable property is derived or acquired from corrupt practices, is the subject matter of an offence or is evidence relating to an offence, the officer shall, with a warrant, seize the property.“

The Commission concluded the statement by saying that it believes that it is on firm ground in the actions it is taking in its quest to investigate and prosecute matters relating to the corrupt acquisition of property.

Below is the full statement

Economist welcomes BoZ’s decision to maintain monetary policy rate

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Economist welcomes BoZ’s decision to maintain monetary policy rate

An economic and financial analyst has welcomed the decision by the Bank of Zambia (BoZ) to maintain the monetary policy rate at nine percent.

Zambia National Commercial Bank (ZANACO) Economist, Patrick Chileshe, said the decision means that the cost of loans will remain the same to the borrowers, a development he said was positive for the economy.

Dr. Chileshe said maintaining the monetary policy rate is good for a better economy as the level of inflation will reduce thereby stabilising the economy.

He said lenders such as commercial banks will adjust their lending and interest rates downwards.

Dr. Chileshe explained that this will cause many borrowers to flock to banks to get loans to start or grow their businesses.

He added that the Central Bank’s decision to maintain the monetary policy will promote liquidity, which means more cash flow will flood the market.

Dr. Chileshe explained that an increase in cash flow on the market is a good signal for the country to attract investors.

He explained that if inflation keeps on skyrocketing, few people will put the money in banks, making it difficult for the commercial banks to lend to borrowers for their investments.

“This is a signal that inflation will keep going down and more people will run to banks to deposit and borrow for their investments resulting in liquidity and price reduction in goods and services,” he said.

Dr. Chileshe further said the decision by the Central Bank will also spur confidence in the investors who will in turn invest in financial assets such as government bonds among others.

This week, the Bank of Zambia maintained the monetary policy rate at nine percent thereby restoring confidence in the Zambian people especially the business community.

Bureaucracy hindering access to CDF funds – Nkandu

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Bureaucracy hindering access to CDF funds – Nkandu

Minister of Youth, Sport and Art Elvis Nkandu says red tape is delaying a number of registered cooperatives in not accessing the Constituency Development Funds (CDF).

Mr Nkandu says having observed the flaw, his ministry has since compiled a report and accompanying recommendations he says will soon be submitted to President Hakainde Hichilema.

He says his Ministry is , in line with President Hakainde Hichilema’s recent directive, proposing for revision of the policy and legal frame to access government empowerment funds.

Speaking during a meeting with Copperbelt province Minister Elisha Matambo, Thursday, Mr Nkandu said his office is alive to the fact that accessing the CDF goes with it a number of bureaucracy, existing policy and regulatory frameworks, among others, that he said are undergoing consideration.

“The President is alive to the existing barriers to accessing empowerment under the constituency Development Funds, Ministry of SME and Youth and Sport.

“ He ( President Hichilema ) gave my ministry an ultimatum to provide solutions and we have since done our homework to unlock access and a report will soon be submitted to his office, he said.

He lamented that new dawn government wants to do more but current policies and regulations by the former regime are prohibitive to roll out its agenda.

President Hichilema recently said there is a deliberate ploy to block citizens from accessing Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

Mr Hichilema charged that there is a deliberate ploy to block citizens from accessing CDF adding that he was aware that there are concerns relating to accessing CDF among stakeholders.

President Hichilema said the New Dawn Government wants equity when it comes to accessing CDF in constituencies.

And Copperbelt province Minister Elisha Matambo expressed fear that if barriers in accessing the CDF funds remain unchanged , the disbursed CDF might return to the Treasury.

Mr Matambo told his Youth and Sports counterpart, that says his office called for a consultative meeting with principal officers from local authorities in the province to find solutions to challenges being faced by the public.

“ If the CDF barriers are not removed in time, it will be regrettable to see the funds disbursed under CDF are likely to be returned to the Treasury, ” he lamented.

The new dawn government has increased the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) from K1.6 million to K25.7 million per constituency.

Meanwhile, government says it will finance the completion of youth resource centres which are at 80 percent of completion across the country.

Disclosing the development , Ministry of Youth and Sports minister Mulenga said the new administration wants to use the facilities for entrepreneurship education, skills training and non-existent youth services.

He also mentioned that starting July this year, government will start empowering graduates from skills training centres with capital and working tools.

The Minister has also advised youths in the country aspiring to venture into agriculture to take advantage of resettlements schemes where government is offering parcels of land, equipment and input as startup capital.

“The new admissions does not want youths and women to only aspire to work in the formal sector.

“ We have added incentives such as equipping of tools, land and working capital to create wealth for themselves and create the much needed jobs,” he emphasized.

Pro Bono service framework to provide access to criminal and civil justice launched

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Pro Bono service framework to provide access to criminal and civil justice launched

Minister of Justice, Mulambo Haimbe has commended the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) for launching the pro bono policy framework which achieves the notion of providing access to criminal and civil justice for the disadvantaged in society without cost.

Mr. Haimbe stressed the need for legal representation as a fundamental right for every Zambian as enshrined in the constitution.

The Minister said the framework, therefore, responds to a duty of the legal sector to ensure that the rights of the accused persons are upheld in the criminal justice for the public good.

Speaking during the launch in Lusaka, Mr Haimbe was happy that LAZ has made sure the pro bono services become a reality.

He was pleased that the pro bono policy framework contains quality control measures which require the lawyers to treat matters with the same importance and care as the private matters.

“This is a great milestone for the people of Zambia especially the indigenous who grapple for legal representation in the courts of law,” Mr Haimbe noted.

Mr Haimba assured of his ministry’s support towards the implementation of the pro bono policy framework for the benefit of vulnerable Zambians, as it is a vision of the government to uphold human rights and the rule of law.

The Minister noted that government places great importance on the rule of law, civil liberties and human rights and inter alia, ensuring that speeding up of the dispensing of Justice and widening access to justice for all.

LAZ president, Abyudi Shonga disclosed the association resolved to actualise the pro bono framework following the need to improve access to justice and ensure that its members fulfil their oath of doing justice.

Mr Shonga explained that even when there are efforts by legal bodies such as the National Legal Aid Clinic For Women and the Legal Aid Board providing pro bono services, a large section of Zambian society still cannot access justice due to lack of representation.

“While the number of advocated has to creased over the last decade, there has not been a corresponding increase in access to justice by the vulnerable and marginalized members of society,” Mr. Shonga indicated.

He said LAZ understands the role that its members must play in society and will continue to endeavour that it remains relevant and contributes to the development of society at various levels.

Meanwhile, Legal Aid Board acting Executive Director, Humphrey Mweemba says the framework resonates well with its mandate of providing legal services to persons of inadequate means in society.

Mr. Mweemba said taking matters on pro Bono basis is beneficial to both the Legal Aid Board and legal practitioners as it will help clear the backlog of cases.

He explained that an action that will promote access to justice for all as litigations will feel that justice has been accorded to them in good time.

Mr. Mweemba added that matters on pro Bono basis will further help develop professional skills among practitioners as well as enhance the firms’ reputation which in turn may open new doors for business.

“Offering your services for free has innumerable benefits for your clients and professional development alike,” Mr. Mweemba stated.

Govt urged to ensure actualising of investment pledges

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Govt urged to ensure actualising of investment pledges

National Union of Miners and Allied Workers has government to ensure that mining companies pledging huge financial investments actualize their pledges.

NUMAW Treasurer Saul Simujika says unlike that in the recent past where some investors made investment pledges that have never been actualized up to date, the new dawn government should be on top of things in ensuring the actualising of investment pledges.

ZANIS reports that Mr Simujika said it is very important that the new dawn government takes a leading role in actualisation of investment in terms of supervising mining companies despite its minority shareholding.

He said government should have the final whip to ensure that the pronouncements by mining investors do not end as mere lip pronouncements that are never fulfilled.

“ We got the news that First Quantum Minerals will be able to invest quiet substantial amount of money in their business, what we are expect is that when this money is ploughed into the business, it should translate into increased production, expansions on mining projects and improved conditions of service for workers,” He said.

And Mr. Simujika says the unions further expect increased job creation from the mining company as it injects the pledged investment.

Recently, during the Mining Indaba in South African where President Hakainde Hichilema gave a keynote speech, First Quantum Minerals pledged to invest $1.25 billion in an expansion programme of Kansanshi Mine.

The expansion project is expected to extend the life spun of the mine to around 2040 and increase copper and gold production by about 25 per cent.

Cleo Ice Queen collaborates with Towela Kaira “On my own” music video

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Cleo Ice Queen collaborates with Towela Kaira “On my own” music video

Cleo Ice Queen and Towela Kaira released the video for “On my own“. The video was directed by Director LO of Reel Studios.

Government must explain why Sweden and Finland were allowed to fly Lesbian, Gay Flag-Nevers Mumba

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Government must explain why Sweden and Finland were allowed to fly Lesbian, Gay Flag-Nevers Mumba

Radio Phoenix reports that Former diplomat Nevers Mumba is urging the government through the ministry of foreign affairs and international cooperation to guide the nation on the laws regarding adherence to the Vienna Convention.

On Tuesday, May 17th 2022, the Swedish and Finnish embassies in Zambia flew the rainbow flag along with their own national flags on their premises which stands for the support of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer And Intersex -LGBTQI- rights.

This act has received criticism from some stakeholders who have described it as a breach of the 1961 Vienna convention, and a lack due regard to the laws of Zambia and cultural sensitivity to its people.

Under article 20 of the Vienna convention, the mission is only allowed to fly the flag and emblem of their country on their premises and on the vehicle.

However, under the 1961 Vienna Convention Guiding Diplomatic Relations, diplomats are mandated to respect the law of the receiving state and it is a serious breach of the convention to break the law of the host country.

Commenting on this matter, Dr. Mumba says it is important that the ministry of foreign affairs makes it clear to Zambians why the two countries flew the rainbow flags and which laws and convention guided their actions in order to avoid wrong perceptions.

Zambia has not recognized LGBTQI rights and the practice of homosexuality remains a criminal offence in the country.

Efforts to get Foreign Affairs Minister Stanley Kakubo on the matter proved futile as his mobile phone was switched off.

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