The Zambia National Women’s Lobby (ZNWL) Acting Executive Director, Golden Nachibinga, said the organisation is training 500 women aspiring to contest the 2026 general elections.

He has however expressed concern that political parties may use reserved seats as an excuse to avoid adopting women in constituencies.

Speaking in an interview with the media, Mr Nachibinga says ZNWL has introduced contestants for Member of Parliament, mayor, council chairperson, and councillor positions across all provinces.

“Out of the 500 women in our database, about 50 are targeting parliamentary seats while the majority are going for local government positions,” he said.

He noted that despite the 2025 Constitution introducing 20 proportional representation seats reserved for women, many aspirants still face barriers to contesting in constituencies.

“Our fear is that political parties will tell women to wait for PR seats instead of supporting them to win constituency elections,” she said.

Mr Nachibinga stressed on cultural norms that remained a major barrier, with patriarchal attitudes dominating decision making at community and institutional levels.

“It is often believed that men provide better leadership across various levels of the community, and this prejudice affects women who want to participate in politics,” He explained.

He added that many women lacked resources to campaign because they do not control the means of production within their families.

“Significant resources are required to mobilise communities and reach voters, and many women simply do not have access to that kind of money,” he said.

Mr Nachibinga said education barriers also persist, with some women unable to meet the Grade twelve qualification required to run for elective office in Zambia.

He observed that most of the positions were occupied by men, leaving a challenge for women to be adopted in the committees.

“Since adoption committees are often dominated by men, it becomes more difficult for women to be selected as candidates,” He noted

Mr Nachibinga expressed concern on electoral violence that, range from physical attacks to bribery and rising online violence targeting women politicians.

“Online violence is often intended to discourage women from participating in politics, especially now that digital platforms are widely used for campaigns,” He stressed

He noted that barriers can be countered by running capacity building trainings focused on public speaking, resource mobilisation, and use of traditional as well as online media.

“We are training women to engage stakeholders and work with influential people like traditional and religious leaders to build visibility in their wards and constituencies,” He added.

He said   the organisation was also lobbying political parties to place women in meaningful leadership roles beyond mobilisation or entertainment duties.

“Women should not be confined to supportive roles. They must take on leadership roles within political parties to improve their chances of adoption in 2026,” he said.

Mr Nachibinga emphasised on community engagement through radio, roadshows and popular theatre to shift attitudes on women’s leadership.

“We are encouraging communities to assess women based on leadership capabilities rather than gender-based stereotypes,” He added

He further emphasized that the 2026 polls offer four entry points for women consisting of constituency seats, parliamentary PR seats, proposed local government PR seats and youth inclusion lists.

“There are now four entry points for women in the 2026 elections, and we are simplifying these provisions so aspirants and communities understand the opportunities,” he said.

Stakeholders in the education sector have welcomed government’s decision to review the school disciplinary framework to address growing concerns over discipline in schools.

Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANAC) Board Chairperson Henry Kabwe noted that the debate around corporal punishment remains global, but emphasized that protecting the dignity of the learner must be central.

In an interview with the media, Mr Kabwe added that schools should shift focus from punishment to guidance, counselling, and promoting positive behaviour, with greater involvement of parents and communities.

Basic Education Teachers Union of Zambia (BETUZ), Public Relations Officer Michael Chisala said teachers felt inadequately protected under the current framework.

He stressed the need for a balanced approach that safeguards both learners and teachers, while clearly outlining acceptable disciplinary methods.

Mr Chisala also pointed out that although laws were clear on learners’ rights, there was limited sensitization on alternative discipline after corporal punishment was abolished, creating gaps in implementation.

And a parent, Charles Mumanga, said while the country has made progress in moving away from harsh punishment, the shift has created challenges in maintaining discipline, especially in overcrowded government schools.

Dr Mumanga stated that reviewing the framework will help address existing gaps, restore balance, and rebuild parents’ confidence, while emphasising that parents must play an active role in shaping and supporting school discipline systems.

The Government is expected to use the review to strengthen guidance-based discipline, ensure fairness, and align the system with modern education standard.

Solwezi Municipal Council has issued one hundred and seventy- six (176) demolition notices to Business premises and residential properties owners that had built on the Mitec- boom gate road reserve to pave way for the construction of the dual carriage way which is slated for construction after the rainy season.

In a statement issued to the media in Solwezi District , Solwezi Municipal Council Public Relations officer Joy Sichizya said that the local authority has received positive feedback from the community as they have started demolition structures in preparation for the actual road works.

She stated that the local authority has started setting out the boundaries of the Mitec-Boom gate road to determine where the road will sit as per design, further appealing to other property owners to heed to the notice and ensure smooth works on the road.

“Some business premises have started complying with the notice of the delimitation, we were on the ground today and we were able to see some facilities being brought down, wall fences that sat on the road reserve,” she said.

Meanwhile Ms Sichizya disclosed that the local authority has conducted an engagement meeting with key stakeholders such as Government departments, utility service providers and private sector players to deliberate on the design requirements and ensure coordinated planning.

She disclosed that the engagement provided an opportunity to identify and address potential challenges early and enhence project preparedness.

She added that stakeholders provided valuable input on critical technical aspects, particularly the integration of essential services such as water, electricity and telecommunications infrastructure.

“The discussions highlighted the importance of collaboration in delivering major infrastructure projects with stakeholders reaffirming their commitment to a coordinated approach that will support smooth implementation,”she added.

Ms Sichizya empasised that the Local authority will continue engaging stakeholders in delivering well-coordinated, sustainable and community responsive development projects.

The proposed 4.8 Mitec-Boom dual carriageway which is under a partnership between Kansanshi Mining PLC and Solwezi Municipal Council is expected to improve traffic flow, enhance road safety and contribute to economic growth in Solwezi District.

President Hakainde Hichilema has urged the church and traditional leaders in Central Province to take advantage of the delimitation of constituencies to nudge local authorities to use the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) on impactful developmental projects.

President Hichilema says the increase in the number of constituencies is aimed at addressing the developmental needs of the people at community level.

He said the church and traditional leaders should get involved in identifying critical developmental needs of the people, adding that councils should not be left to decide alone on the kind of developmental projects to be undertaken in their areas.

President Hichilema was speaking in Kabwe when he met the church and traditional leaders of Central Province shortly after commissioning the Zambia-China Mulungushi Textiles.

“As government, we want the church and traditional leaders to work closely with the councils to develop the country through CDF. There will be more money going into the councils following the delimitation of constituencies. The money should benefit the people,” he said.

President Hichilema said government remains committed to improving the welfare of citizens through implementation of viable policies.

The Head of State has since directed Secretary to the Cabinet, Patrick Kangwa, to ensure that the church is incorporated among CDF beneficiaries to foster development at community level.

He said government has allocated sufficient resources for the rehabilitation of feeder roads and the implementation of various developmental projects across the country.

Mr Hichilema said the increase in the number of constituencies is a clear indication of government’s commitment to equitable distribution of resources to all parts of the country through CDF.

President Hichilema also called on the church to pray for peaceful elections as the country heads towards the August 13, 2026 general elections.

“The church should promote peace and unity so that we can have peaceful elections. We don’t want chaos,” President Hichilema said.

Meanwhile, Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ) Central Province Coordinator, Moses Banda, who represented the church mother bodies, said the church is impressed with the transformative policies that government is implementing in various social sectors.

“As a church, we are happy with the transformative policies being implemented by the government such as the free education, school feeding programme and many others. These policies have lessened the burden of families,” Bishop Banda said.

And the chiefs in Central Province have commended government for increasing their salaries, and for the various developmental projects being undertaken using the CDF.

Provincial Council of Chiefs’ Chairperson, Chief Chibale, appealed to government to expedite the construction of palaces.

He also urged government to help in resolving boundary disputes through its established systems.

Meanwhile, President Hichilema has assured the farming community that government will look into the price of cotton to encourage more farmers to venture into cotton farming.

Minister of Labour and Social Security Brenda Tambatamba has commissioned the Zambia United Local Authorities and Allied Workers Union (ZULAAWU) Mineral Water Plant in Kafue District.

The mineral water plant, operating under the brand Aqua ZU Fresh and owned by ZULAAWU, has been established at a cost of K720,000.

Speaking during the official opening, Ms Tambatamba commended ZULAAWU for embracing the country’s industrialisation agenda.

She noted that President Hakainde Hichilema has taken a leading role in steering the country towards industrialisation, a development that should be embraced by all stakeholders.

“I must commend ZULAAWU for taking this step and aligning itself with the country’s industrialisation agenda, which President Hakainde Hichilema is championing,” she said.

Ms Tambatamba stated that the establishment of the mineral water plant  was  a milestone and a clear demonstration of the value that leadership places on prudent management of resources raised through member contributions.

She further urged other unions in the country to emulate ZULAAWU by venturing into investments that promote job creation.

“The establishment of the plant is a milestone and a clear demonstration of how the Union leadership is prudent in managing resources,” she said.

Ms Tambatamba added that Zambia, under President Hichilema’s leadership, was  being repositioned through an economic transformation and job creation agenda, and called on all citizens to take part.

And Kafue District Commissioner Maurice Hikapulwe said the establishment of the ZULAAWU mineral water plant demonstrates visionary leadership by the Union.

Mr Hikapulwe noted that through diversification into the production of Aqua ZU Fresh mineral water, ZULAAWU was not only expanding its financial capacity but also contributing to the industrialisation of the district.

“This diversification into Aqua ZU Fresh mineral water is not only expanding the Union’s financial capacity but also contributing to the industrialisation of the district,” he said.

Meanwhile, ZULAAWU President Emmanuel Mwisa described the project as a milestone for the Union, reflecting its commitment to development and self-reliance.

Mr Mwisa said the establishment of the plant indicates the Union’s ability to drive positive change and create opportunities for its members and the wider community.

“This project is a milestone for the Union and reflects our commitment to development and self-reliance,” he said.

A man of Ndola’s Chinese Complex has died after allegedly taking his own life following the loss of money on a betting platform.

Copperbelt Province Police Commanding Officer Mwala Yuyi confirmed that the deceased, identified as 38-year-old Ali Mulenga, a junior engineer at ZESCO, shot himself using a hunting rifle around 09:00 hours.

Mr Yuyi said the incident occurred after Mulenga reportedly lost money he had raised from the sale of his two vehicles through an Aviator betting game.

He explained that the deceased had recently sold his two Honda Fit cars and used the proceeds on the betting platform, where he lost all the money. Following the loss, Mulenga is said to have been experiencing marital challenges.

Mr Yuyi further disclosed that Mulenga did not leave behind a note explaining his actions.

He narrated that prior to the incident, Mulenga’s brother received a call from their mother, Dorothy Kazunga, who alerted him that the deceased had intentions of harming himself and urged him to rush to his house.

Upon arrival, the brother reportedly heard a gunshot from inside the house. He forced open the locked bedroom door and found Mulenga lying in a pool of blood.

“The deceased died instantly and the firearm was found lying on the floor beside him. He sustained a deep wound on the left side of the head, and one empty cartridge was recovered at the scene,” Mr Yuyi said.

Police officers who visited the scene confirmed the findings, and the body has since been deposited at Ndola Central Teaching Hospital mortuary.

Mr Yuyi said investigations into the matter are ongoing and described the findings so far as preliminary.

He has since urged members of the public to seek help and avoid resorting to self-harm when faced with challenges.

Home Affairs and Internal Security Minister Jack Mwiimbu has clarified that the recent recruitment of police officers was neither secretive nor illegal, amid growing public concern over the process.

Delivering a ministerial statement in Parliament, Mr Mwiimbu acknowledged that the exercise had attracted mixed reactions, with some members of the public labeling it as lacking transparency.

He explained that the Zambia Police Service was granted Treasury authority to carry out the recruitment following a comprehensive human resource needs assessment, which identified critical staffing gaps within the service.

Mr Mwiimbu stated that the exercise was aimed at strengthening public safety and enhancing operational effectiveness across the country.

He further noted that the recruitment largely focused on internal candidates, targeting qualified personnel already serving within police-related institutions, as part of efforts to reinforce capacity using existing human resources.

Labour Commissioner Givens Muntengwa has underscored the critical role of Zambia’s labour systems in driving investment, stating that sustainable economic growth is anchored on strong labour policies and institutions.

Speaking at the final day of the Zambia -Africa Investment and Industrialisation Summit 2026 held at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre, Mr Muntengwa said the Ministry of Labour and Social Security plays a central role in promoting investment through frameworks that ensure productivity, stability and skills development.

He explained that social dialogue, which brings together government, employers and workers, is implemented through the Tripartite Consultative Labour Council established under the Industrial and Labour Relations Act.

“This platform allows all social partners to discuss policies, share concerns and agree on interventions that support both workers and investors,” he said.

He added that the council enables government to consult widely before implementing labour-related policies, ensuring that proposed laws and reforms support productivity and investment rather than hinder them.

Mr Muntengwa further highlighted the importance of addressing skills gaps, pointing to the Skills Mismatch Advisory Committee created under the Employment Code Act.

Speaking at the same event United Federation Employers in Zambia (UFEZ)Vice President Dr Chilao Mutesa said the organisation has mobilised a fund to support SMEs with financing, networks and technical expertise to grow their businesses.

He explained that the newly launched fund was inspired by the need to bridge the financing gap affecting many entrepreneurs, despite their potential and innovative ideas.

“We have brilliant Zambian men, women and youths with viable business ideas, but they lack capital,”he said.

Dr Mutesa expressed optimism that the initiative, combined with knowledge-sharing and networking opportunities provided at the summit, will unlock new investment prospects for SMEs.

Meanwhile Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) Business Development Manager Janis Nduli has emphasized the critical role of women in driving inclusive economic growth, calling for increased participation in funding opportunities and business development initiatives.

Ms Nduli said the summit’s focus on women aligns directly with CEEC’s mandate of empowering underserved groups across the country.

Ms Nduli noted that the Commission is prioritising access to finance, skills development and mentorship for women, particularly those operating in rural areas and informal sectors.

The summit has brought together policymakers, business leaders and development partners to explore strategies for boosting investment and industrialisation, with a strong focus on inclusive participation and productivity.

Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana has emphasised government’s commitment to promoting media freedom across the country.

Mr Kawana says government attaches great importance to the critical role the media plays in informing the public and shaping public opinion.

Mr Kawana, however, emphasised the need for media houses to act responsibly and verify information before publication.

He explained that the media must also ensure that the public receives accurate and timely information in order to make informed decisions.

Mr Kawana made the remarks during a tour of duty in Mpika District, Muchinga Province.

The permanent secretary, who is accompanied by Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) Director General Webster Malido, is in Muchinga province to monitor operations of broadcasting stations.

Mr Kawana pointed out that since the New Dawn administration came into power, no single radio station has been closed due to political interference or any other selfish interest, a situation he described as encouraging.

He said media houses across the country were now enjoying greater freedom than ever before.

Mr Kawana however, warned that government will not tolerate any media house that publishes information capable of dividing the nation or causing disorder.

“All media houses must remain professional and adhere to media regulations established by the Independent Broadcasting Authority,” he said.

He also commended Yusufu Radio Station in Mpika for being recognised by the IBA as the best newcomer in Muchinga province.

He attributed the recognition award to the station’s dedication and professionalism.

He has since urged other radio stations to emulate Yusufu Radio Station, while also challenging the station not to relent but to work even harder.

And Yusuf Radio Station Manager, Father Raymond Mulenga, thanked government and the IBA for the recognition, describing it as motivating to the station’s workers.

Father Mulenga said receiving such an award also shows teamwork and dedication of the station, adding that the award means a lot to all staff and that more inspiring opportunities lie ahead for the station.

“We are happy that our radio station has been awarded as the 2025 best newcomer in Muchinga province,” he said.

He expressed happiness that despite Yusufu Radio Station being two years old, it had managed to get an award.

Meanwhile, Mpika District Commissioner David Siame called on both private and public media not to be used by politicians to broadcast divisive information.

“Information is a critical asset and must be used prudently to build and not destroy others,” he said.

A 25-year-old woman of Chama District in Eastern province has committed suicide by hanging herself using a mosquito net tied to a pole inside her grass thatched house.

Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer Robertson Mweemba has confirmed the suicide which occurred on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, around 09:00 hours at Chimbilima Village, in Chief Kambombo’s area and was later reported to Chama Police Station at about 11:40 hours, by Mphalausenga Ward Councillor.

The deceased has been identified as Esther Zimba of Chimbilima Village.

According to information made available to police, Esther Zimba, had been separated from her husband, Gideon Luhanga, with whom she had two children.

“Earlier on the same day around 08:00 hours, Mr Luhanga visited his estranged wife at her mother’s residence and requested to take the children to his home for a holiday. However, Esther initially refused, only agreeing after persuasion from her mother to release one child, a six-year-old girl,” Mr Mweemba said.

It is reported that the development did not sit well with the deceased.

“Shortly after, the now deceased went to a nearby maize field. She later returned home, left the harvested maize outside, entered the house and allegedly hanged herself,” Mr Mweemba detailed.

He said she was discovered by her mother, who attempted to rescue her, but it was too late as she had already died.

Police officers who visited the scene observed rope marks around the neck, a protruding tongue, and other signs consistent with suicide.

The body has since been deposited into Chama District Hospital mortuary awaiting burial.

Mr Mweemba stated that both the family and police do not suspect any foul play.

An inquiry into the matter has however been opened to establish further details surrounding the incident.

“Members of the public should seek help and guidance during times of emotional distress,” he has advised.