The government has expressed concern over the continued abuse of social media by unscrupulous people.

Information and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary Amos Malupenga said it is unfortunate that some people are using social media to commit crimes such as cyberbullying, online sexual harassment and hate speech among others.

Mr Malupenga said Government values social media and fully supports its use but will not tolerate any form of abuse.

He said Government wants to ensure that the cyber space is safe for electronic business transactions and safe for receiving information for both genders and all age groups.

The Permanent Secretary was Speaking when he officially launched the Zambia National Women’s Lobby Group social media monitoring initiative in Lusaka yesterday.

And Mr. Malupenga has expressed happiness that organizations such as the Women’s National Lobby Group and the National Democratic Institute are coming up with initiatives aimed at raising public awareness on cyberbullying, hate speech and online sexual harassment against women.

He explained that the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes law which recently came into force was meant to cure such abuse.

“There is no law in Zambia that is against the use of social media and Government has no intention of enacting any law against the use of social media. We know that social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, WhatsApp among others, have transformed the communication landscape the world over and Government would not like to have its citizens remain in the past,” he said.

“Government is doing everything possible to get as many citizens as possible on the internet for their own benefit and ensure they move together with the rest of the world. That is why Government has, so far, spent over US $ 280 million in building and upgrading over 1000 communication towers across the country,” he said

And Zambia National Women’s Lobby Board Chairperson Beauty Katebe said her organization is worried with the fast growing trend of cyberbullying, hate speech and sexual harassment against women in politics.

She disclosed that more than 70 percent of the Zambian female political leaders have testified experiencing online bullying, hate speech or sexual harassment in the course of their political leadership.
“Our organization, with the help of other partners, hopes to create a safe environment for women’s participation by raising awareness against such vices. We have since set up a monitoring tool through which members of the public as well as victims can report such incidents,” said Ms. Katebe.

Zambia National Women’s Lobby group has come up with a WhatsApp and Mobile Tip-Line (0973591491) which will be used by members of the public to report cases of cyberbullying, hate speech and sexual harassment against women in politics.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services Press and Public Relations Unit.

The government does not own MV Gauja, the cargo ship that was intercepted in the Mediterranean Sea on suspicion that it was carrying illegal arms, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary for International Relations and Cooperation (IR&C), Ambassador Chalwe Lombe has said.

And Ambassador Lombe says Government does not own MV Antalya general cargo ship and has never registered the vessel. Ambassador Lombe said Government has never at any time issued any registration of the general cargo vessel, MV Gauja.

“The Government is yet to set up an International Ship Registry. Further, the Government is not undertaking any operation in the Mediterranean Sea,” Ambassador Lombe said.

He said as a consequence, Government had communicated to the International Maritime Organisation to inform the body responsible for all maritime matters, of this position.

The Permanent Secretary was responding to a press query on allegations suggesting that a vessel registered in Zambia and bearing the Zambian Flag was intercepted by the European Union Naval Force on suspicion of carrying illegal arms.

Ambassador Lombe also said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was in receipt of communication from the European Union Naval Force dated May 10, 2021 regarding the vessel MV Gauja that was intercepted in the Mediterranean Sea.

He said the matter was being addressed through the relevant diplomatic channels.

“The Government of the Republic of Zambia remains unequivocally committed to safeguarding the interests of the country and its people, and reiterates its unwavering commitment to the principles that underpin its Foreign Policy in furtherance of cordial relations with other countries,” Ambassador Lombe said.

Meanwhile, Government says it is in receipt of communication from the European Union Naval Force dated June 21, 2021 regarding the vessel MV Antalya that was intercepted in the Mediterranean Sea.
Ambassador Lombe clarified that Government does not own MV Antalya general cargo ship and has not issued any such registration.

“The Government of the Republic of Zambia has not yet set up an International Open Ship Registry and does not issue registration for international vessels,” he said.
Ambassador Lombe reiterated that Government is not undertaking any operation in the Mediterranean Sea.

“In view of these developments where organisations are illegally using the Zambian Flag and the Zambian Ship Registry, the Government of the Republic of Zambia has continued to engage the International Maritime Organisation, the body responsible for all maritime matters, and the European Union Naval Force to ensure that the matter is resolved urgently and conclusively,” Ambassador Lombe said.

He said it was unfortunate that a private tabloid published two articles regarding this matter without seeking an official Government position.

Vice President Inonge Wina says government intends to recruit more agricultural extension officers to teach farmers new methods of farming in the face of climate change that poses a serious challenge to the agricultural sector.

Mrs. Wina also said government would continue to support the vulnerable people in society through the social cash transfer, which she said would be increased. Speaking in Ngabwe today, Mrs. Wina said government wants to promote development in Ngabwe in the next two years.

She added that government would want to have an aerodrome constructed in the district in order to exploit the tourism potential. She said all the developmental projects taking place in the district cannot be realised if the headmen and the community were not working with government.

Mrs. Wina reiterated that the creation of new districts was initiated by the late President Michael Sata. She feared that voting for another political party would reverse all the development activities that have been initiated by the Patriotic Front (PF) administration.

”These districts were created for a purpose due to challenges our people were facing by walking long distances. That is why PF felt the need to make these services available to our people who live in rural areas,” she said

Speaking earlier on behalf of headmen, Kennedy Kasongo commended government for the early delivery of farming inputs under the Fertilizer Input Support Programme (FISP). Mr. Kasongo further commended the government for the social cash transfer programme and for putting up communication towers in the district.

Meanwhile, Vice President Inonge Wina has thanked traditional leaders in Ngabwe district for making sure that peace is maintained in the area during the campaigns for the forthcoming elections on August 12.

Mrs. Wina noted that there has been no serious clashes that have been recorded in the district since the inception of the campaign period.

She said this is because of the good leadership that traditional leaders have provided in the district.

Mrs. Wina was speaking in Ngabwe district in Central Province this afternoon when she held a meeting with the traditional leadership in the area.

And the Vice President stated that President Edgar Lungu remains committed to ensuring that the implementation of infrastructure development in the new district is completed.

Mrs. Wina noted that new districts are a creation of the Patriotic Front, hence the government is committed to ensuring that civil servants in these areas have decent accommodation while children have equal access to education among other services.

And chief Mwinuna thanked the government for the many developmental projects that have been implemented in Ngabwe district.

The traditional leader said it would not be fair for the people of Ngabwe to vote for other political parties or independent candidates when the development in the area is so visible.

Chief Mwinuna has since assured that the two traditional leaders in the area will continue working together to ensure that the headmen encourage people of Ngabwe to vote for the PF candidates and also sensitise them on challenges likely to be faced if they vote otherwise.

Meanwhile, chief Mukubwe thanked government for completing the construction of a mini hospital in the area.

He said once operational, the health facility will help address the many challenges people face when accessing health services.

Later, Mrs. Wina addressed headmen in the district and called on them to ensure that President Lungu and all the PF candidates are voted into power for continuity of developmental programmes.

The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) has expressed happiness for being granted an opportunity to be part of the election observers for the August 12, 2021 general elections.

COMESA Secretary General Chileshe Kapwepwe disclosed that her organisation is already deploying an election observer mission which will be led by Members of the COMESA Committee of Elders, Ambassador Ashraf Rashed of Egypt with the assistance of Hope Kivengere of Uganda.

Ms. Kapwepwe added that others in the mission will include observers from Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Kenya, Libya, Malawi, Rwanda, Sudan, Somalia, and Zimbabwe and the COMESA Secretariat staff.

This is according to a statement issued to ZANIS by an officer in the COMESA Secretariat Corporate Communications Unit, Muzinge Chibomba.

Ms. Kapwepwe said the COMESA election observer team will be deployed to the field after going through a training programme on the COMESA election observer principles and methodology.

She further noted that the observation process will be guided primarily by the Zambian constitution and legal framework, as read with the relevant international and regional instruments including, the COMESA guidelines on election observation.

“As part of its mission, the observer team will consult various electoral stakeholders including political parties, security, the Electoral Commission of Zambia, civil society, and the media, among others. They will also exchange views with other election observers,” Ms. Kapwepwe explained.

Prior to the deployment of the observers, the COMESA Secretariat, which is based in Zambia, has been monitoring the evolving pre-electoral situation in the country including campaigns, civic education, and voter registration, among others.

Ms. Kapwepwe added that the mission will cover all the 10 provinces and was looking forward to the cooperation of all Zambians

Chief Chikanta of the Tonga-speaking people in Dundumwezi, has said that every political leader has the responsibility to restrain their cadres from engaging in political violence during and after elections.

Speaking when President Lungu paid a courtesy call on him and chief Mapanza in Choma, Chief chikanta said the country should not disintegrate because one person wants to be President.

The traditional leader said the country must remain peaceful even after the August 12 General elections.

“We will surely take that responsibility of maintaining peace seriously, the country can not disintegrate because one person wants to be President whether you or the opposition.

The country must remain peaceful, elections are just one day, thereafter, we remain Zambians,” Chief Chikanta said.

“So we must not destroy the country by engaging in political violence, everybody must take account of their actions. It’s people who make choices,” he said.

And Chief Chikanta said President Lungu is free to visit any part of Southern province because claims by some opposition parties that it’s their stronghold does not hold.

“When in Lusaka people deceive you that Southern province is UPND stronghold, but you can see how people are happy to see you outside as the Head of State. If it was not for Covid – 19 you would have seen a lot of people who want to see you. Issues of strongholds do not hold, we want to see you more in rural areas. Let’s play our roles responsibly otherwise you are welcome to any part of Southern province,” Chief Chikanta said.

And speaking earlier President Lungu said he was happy with a warm welcome accorded to him by the people of Southern province.

“Your Royal Highnesses, I can see alot of joy outside and it reflects the love of our people. Sir, this country has been a peaceful country, one Zambia one Nation, so mostly my prayer is talk to these people, these two political groups who are fighting, who are killing each other, destroying properties, it is not worthy dying for President Lungu or Hakainde Hichilema, you will lose your life,” President Lungu said.

“Destroying properties should not be tolerated. Those who are known call them and talk to them and tell them what you are doing is wrong because you have an important role to play in maintaining law and order, security and development, so don’t underestimate your role to maintain peace,” the Head of State said.

Chief Mapanza said he was happy with the developmental agenda embarked on by President Lungu and the PF Government.

“We are behind you because of your development in this country we are so happy. Continue your journey and we want you to continue governing even after August 12,” Chief Mapanza said.

Meanwhile, President Edgar Lungu has hailed the formidable team that late first Republican President Dr. Kenneth Kaunda constituted in his leadership hierarchy.

President Lungu said that there is a need to give credit to past leaders who played a critical role in the country’s development.

Speaking shortly after visiting late politician Mainza Chona’s gravesite in Southern Province, the head of state described the late diplomat as a true hero who played a pivotal role in the country’s development.

Mr Mainza was a politician and diplomat who served as the third vice president of Zambia from 1970 to 1973 and Prime Minister on two occasions, from 25 August 1973 to 27 May 1975 and from 20 July 1977 to 15 June 1978 and was instrumental in the formation of the United National Independence Party (UNIP) under which he was the Secretary-General.

Mr Mainza also held various government positions, including Justice Minister (1964–1968), Home Affairs Minister (1968–1969) and Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney-General (1975–1978). He was also Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China from 1984 to 1989 and later served as Ambassador to France until 1992.

President Lungu therefore called for the need to emulate the kind of leadership exhibited by Dr Kaunda, which embraced all tribes across the country.

“We need to learn from the exemplary and humble leadership of Mr Mainza Chona who was instrumental in the formation of UNIP” President Lungu recalled and reminded other leaders to do good for others as opposed to claiming ownership as founder members of a party at the expense of unity.