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Lusaka, June 22, 2021, ZANIS—-The House of Chiefs has mourned the death of former president Kenneth Kaunda who passed away on the 17th of June 2021.
House of Chiefs Chairperson Senior Chief Luembe described the death of the former president as a sad development which has affected everyone.
“On behalf of the House of Chiefs and indeed on my own behalf, I wish to convey heartfelt condolences to the family and to the entire people of Zambia on the untimely death of Zambia’s first president Dr. Kenneth David Kaunda,” he said.
Chief Luembe said Dr. Kaunda will be remembered for his contribution in uniting all Zambians through his motto of ‘One Zambia, One Nation’.
He said the late President also fought against discrimination of people living with HIV/AIDS.
Chief Luembe notes that Dr. Kaunda, a freedom fighter hosted a number of foreign fighters who later became Presidents in their respective countries.
The House of Chief Chairperson explained that Dr. Kaund managed to unite all the 73 tribes through their Royal Highnesses on the country.
He said Dr. Kaunda will be remembered as symbol of peace and love for mother Zambia.
Chief Luembe further added that Dr. Kaunda disdained people who thrived on tribalism as evidenced in the book entitled ‘The Night without a President’ by Sikota Wina published in 1985.
This is according to a press statement issued to ZANIS by Clerk of House of Chiefs Julian Muleng
FAZ has provisionally suspended National Division One side Kashikishi Warriors for assaulting Mufulira referee Joseph Nyirenda during Sunday’s abandoned match against Trident at Mwaimwena Grounds in Kashikishi.
Nyirenda was beaten and left unconscious by fans after Trident equalised in the second half of this Week 33 match to make it 1-1 in the 60th minute.
According to one of the assistant referees, who could not speak on record, fans descended on the centre referee after disputing the equalising goal scored from a free kick.
FAZ General Secretary Adrian Kashala says investigations on the matter had been instituted with a provisional report from the match officials and evidence received warranting an immediate action.
“In the interim Kashikishi Warriors has been suspended from all football activities. We are suspending participation of all registered officials of Kashikishi Warriors from taking part in any football activity until further notice,” Kashala said.
He said some of the activities of Nyirenda’s assailants’ border on criminality.
FAZ has dismissed Nkana’s complaint against Young Green Eagles over the alleged use of an ineligible player by their rival.
Eagles goalkeeper Phillip Phiri, who was serving a suspension for a red card, was an unused substitute in the 3-2 win over Nkana played on 12th June at Khosa Stadium in Kafue.
The inclusion of Phiri on the line up prompted Nkana to lodge a formal complaint to Football House.
In a media statement released today, FAZ General Secretary Adrian Kashala says Nkana’s case against Young Green Eagles was adjudicated upon and closed.
“Young Green Eagles applied for a waiver as their first-choice goalkeeper was away with the Senior Men’s Football Team while the other goalkeeper available was injured prompting for a special plea that was granted,” Kashala said.
Meanwhile, FAZ has also provisionally banned Young Green Eagles from using Khosa Stadium for their home matches following multiple breaches of the Covid-19 protocols.
Young Eagles will use Choma’s Independent Stadium for their final FAZ Super Division match against Lusaka Dynamos on Sunday.
Ministry of Local Government Permanent Secretary Mathew Ngulube has instructed Provincial Local Government Officers to ensure local authorities under their jurisdiction intensify compliance of COVID-19 measures among members of the public.
Speaking during a media briefing in Lusaka, Mr. Ngulube said the rise in the number of COVID-19 is worrying and requires concerted efforts.
Mr. Ngulube has directed local authorities working in liaison with law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders to place emphasis on heightened awareness through local radios, megaphones, posters among others.
He further guided the local authorities to regularly fumigate all public places including places of worship under their jurisdiction at least once a week.
“Local authorities should ensure masking up in markets, bus stations and other public places is undertaken and constantly monitored,” he said.
Zambia has in the last 24 hours recorded 53 new COVID 19 deaths and 3, 028 new confirmed cases.
Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Technical Services Dr. Kennedy Malama said the country has in the last 3 weeks lost 463 people to COVID 19 representing 27 percent of all deaths recorded since the time COVID was first recorded in the country.
“Within the three weeks of June, we have lost 463 lives due to COVID-19; this is 27% of all the lives lost in the last 14 months since the start of the pandemic. Three hundred (300) of these deaths were recorded in the past one week alone, with a daily average of 43 deaths.” Dr. Malama said
And Dr. Malama also said that 53 deaths is the highest number of deaths Zambia has ever recorded in 24 hours with Lusaka recorded the highest at 27.
He however expressed disappointment and concern that despite the high number of deaths being recorded , some members of the public are still not adhering to set health guidelines , even at funerals.
He has however urged those with funerals to expedite burying their loved ones in an effort to create space in the mortuaries that are under pressure with the rising number of deaths.
And Dr Malama says Lusaka continues to be the Hotspot for COVID 19 as seen from the 929 new cases recorded in the last 24 hours in Lusaka only from the total 3, 028 new confirmed cases.
He has since disclosed that the country currently has 20, 071 active cases out of which 1, 119 cases are admitted to various isolation facilities with 757 on oxygen and 154 in critical condition.
Dr Malama has reiterated that there is still a 100 percent bed occupacy space in isolation facilities while mortuaries are also getting filled.
Meanwhile Dr Malama has announced that treasury in partnership with the world bank has mobilised funds to procure 4.4 million doses of the Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine expected to be in the country in September this year.
“The Africa Union / Africa Centers for Disease Control & Prevention confirmed yesterday through the Africa Vaccine acquisition task trust that the vaccines are expected in the country in September 2021. This is in addition to the 108,000 AstraZeneca doses expected this month, 120,000 expected in August and the 100,000 doses of Sinopharm expected within June.” Dr. Malama said.
Dr Malama has urged citizens to take the COVID 19 vaccine once it is made available as it has been proved that the number of those who took the vaccines getting very sick or dying from COVID 19 is very insignificant.
The permanent secretary has further announced that 200 doctors and 300 nurses among other health personel have been recruited by the worldbank to help fight the COVID 19 pandemic in the next few months.
“Government would like to take this opportunity to commend the World Bank for supporting the COVID 19 response by recruiting 200 doctors, 46 biomedical scientists, 7 Biomedical Technicians, 300 nurses and 20 emergency technicians for the next three months effective 21st June 2021. This support will go a long way in mitigating the impact of COVID 19 in the country.” he said.
The Zambia National Service (ZNS) has intercepted and impounded foreign trucks laden with 2,400 x 50 kilograms bags of soya beans which were about to be smuggled outside the country using fake export documents.
ZNS Muchinga Regional commander, Phinious Muntanga disclosed that the four trucks were impounded at Nakonde in Muchinga Province over the weekend after owners of the contraband attempted to bribe ZNS officers with K500
Lt. Col. Muntanga said the trucks were intercepted and impounded after alert officers discovered that the consignment destined for a named country had fake documents.
Several trucks ladden with soya beans have in the recent past been intercepted and impounded by ZNS at various check points between Mpika and Nakonde for illegal conveyance of the commodity whose final destination is Kenya and Somalia.
He said after the exporter realized that the officers had discovered anomalies on the export documents, the exporter gave officers K500 as an inducement to facilitate the release of the impounded trucks together with the contraband.
“After being intercepted and impounded, the exporter gave officers K500 as an inducement to facilitate the release of the impounded trucks together with contraband,” said Lt. Col. Muntanga.
Ltd. Col. Muntanga said the impounded trucks together with the contraband will be handed over to the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) for a possible seizure of both the vessels and the contraband in accordance with the law.
And Nakonde District Commissioner Field Simwinga has commended ZNS for remaining vigilant and ensuring that all trucks involved in the illegal conveyance of soya beans, maize and other grains are impounded.
Mr. Simwinga said many Zambians are conniving with foreign nationals to illegally move maize and other grains including soya beans outside the country through Nakonde border.
He warned that government is aware about all the tricks smugglers are using adding that security officers will not relent in ensuring that such illegal tricks and movements are curtailed.
Mr. Simwinga also appealed to ZNS command to increase man power and allocate enough vehicles to the unit to enable officers conduct random checks in various places in the border town.
“Am happy that our security officers in the border town are equal to the task in ensuring that such illegal movement of Soya beans and other grains is stopped but I wish to appeal to ZNS high command to allocate more vehicles to the unit at Nakonde for effective monitoring of movement of maize and other grains.
And Muchinga Province Permanent Secretary Davison Mulenga has warned people involved in the illegal movement of Soya beans and other grains that they will face the full wrath of the law.
Capt. Mulenga said government has given clear guidance on the movement of Soya beans and other grains.
“I want to warn that we have given enough guidance on the movement of Soya beans and other grains and our officers will remain vigilant and ensure anyone abrogating the law is dealt with accordingly,” said Capt. Mulenga.
The Finish government is set to spend 1.3 million Euros on a project that will use human excreta as manure for agriculture under the Zambia Dry Sanitation Country Project.
Zambia Dry Sanitation Country Project Program Manager Sari Laurila said Finland is conducting fecal matter research after which the program will be done at a larger and commercial scale if the research results will be favourable.
Ms. Laurila disclosed that once the research report is done it will be availed to Zambia through the line ministry.
She was speaking when she paid a courtesy call on Copperbelt Permanent Secretary Bright Nundwe today.
Meanwhile, Copperbelt Province Permanent Secretary Bright Nundwe expressed confidence that the Dry Sanitation Project will be successful as it is also being researched on in Finland.
He noted that once implemented farmers in Zambia can have an alternative form of manure.
Zambia Dry Sanitation Country Project has initiated pilot projects in Ndola, Luanshya and Mpongwe on the use of human excreta as a form of manure to be used in agriculture.
Zambia’s first Republican President, Dr. Kenneth Kaunda’s former Personal Secretary Gloria Sleep has sent a message of condolence to the family of Dr. Kaunda and Zambians at large.
According to a statement released to the media by Mrs Abigail Chaponda, First Secretary for Press and Public Relations
Zambia High Commission in the United Kingdom, Gloria Sleep described the late president as a great human being and a constant lighthouse to the people of Zambia and beyond.
In her tribute Ms. Sleep writes “He was a huge part of my life, and I will always hold a special place in my heart as I mourn with his family and all Zambians. While we mourn let us celebrate the life and achievements of this remarkable man.
I did not apply for the position as Secretary to President Kaunda. I had been Secretary to the outgoing Minister of Native Affairs in the Northern Rhodesian government but was on leave out of the country for some months until January 1964 when President Kaunda became Prime Minister. On my return I duly reported to the Establishment Officer in the Secretariat to be told that my new position would be Secretary to the Prime Minister. This was a senior position usually occupied by single ladies without family responsibilities, so I was rather surprised. When I first walked into his office, I was impressed by this man full of charm who radiated energy and enthusiasm which brushed off on all who met him.
It was an exciting time to be part of this team of his very loyal staff. We all had the utmost respect for him, and this was reciprocated in the way he treated us as his family with care and compassion. On one occasion at State House, I found the Private Secretary squatting on his knees with the telephone in his hand. When I asked him what he was doing he said he could never speak to the ‘old man’ without this token of respect even although he could not be seen. I feared his knees would wear out as he was responsible for calls throughout the day and night.
Gloria Sleep receiving an award from Dr. Kaunda
The President had a great capacity for work and would work long hours to get the job done if he had a speech to work on or any project or problem to be settled. He would often call on a staff member to do some research at any hour of the day when required and this would be done willingly and without complaint.
When we visited the UK on a State visit in 1983 at the banquet, he hosted in honour of the Queen he delighted all the guests with Tiyende Pamodzi. The Queen who was about to make a speech just threw up her hands and said, ‘How do I follow that?’
We spent some very happy days in Luangwa on working holidays. He wrote most of his major Party speeches there. No computers then. I typed everything on a manual typewriter under the trees with all the wildlife in view.
He was very loyal to all his old friends and even travelled to the UK to attend Reverend Merfyn Temple’s funeral where he entertained the local village people singing hymns and playing the piano before the service.
Recently one of the hymns in the service at my Church was ‘What a Friend we have in Jesus’. This hymn always brings a smile to my face as I remember KK sang this regularly as he walked into my office. Somebody who was involved in helping with agricultural programs all over the world paid tribute to him and wrote ‘I have encountered in my whole life only one Head of State who truly seeks to live as a Christian. He is an African, President Kaunda’.
I did not leave Zambia through my own choice, but I did continue with my work for him here in the UK. It was a privilege and honour to serve him. Some years ago, a speaker on BBC’s Thought for the day described how just a few people stand out as lighthouses. Philip Brownrigg, an old friend, then said ‘Such a one is Kenneth Kaunda, a great human being and a constant lighthouse to the people of Zambia and beyond”.
OUR POSITION ON THE CURRENT COVID CRISIS AND KKs BODY GOING TO THE 10 PROVINCES!
We are faced with one of the worst catastrophic waves of covid our nation has ever experienced. We have lost so many loved ones parents, siblings, spouses, relatives and friends. In the last 7 days there are 17,497 new cases of covid and over 275 people have died to covid! We must NOT get used to this type of death!
Our Party President Dr Nevers Mumba strongly feels Government needs to realize the gravity of this situation and respond quickly and appropriately! We are in a WAR with this pandemic and Government needs to provide strong leadership in response . Drastic decisions needs to be taken to ensure the safety of the Zambian people. Government need to adopt war time defense systems to protect our people from this pandemic because our infection rate continues to skyrocket , positivity rate is over 25% and our people are dying in record numbers .
The immediate response of Government must be to defeat this pandemic . We are greatly concerned because we seem to be losing the battle in that our hospitals are running out of oxygen, mortuaries are running out of space and overall our health system seems to be failing to handle the ever increasing cases of covid!
As the Movement for Multi Party Democracy we feel the Solutions are the following:
1) Raise Our voices cooperately to God in prayer that this death angel May Passover over us
2) Each person Take Personal Responsibility by wearing masks, social distancing, sanitizing , stay at home where possible , protect yourself and protect others . Follow the guidelines provided by The Ministry of Health and World Health Organization.
The pandemic has come at a time during elections however our priority must be the health, safety and well being of the Zambian people! We the Movement for Multi party democracy have suspended our campaign because our No1 priority is to protect the Zambian people .
With this foundation laid it brings me to the issue of taking Our Founding Father Dr Kenneth Kaundas body to the 10 provinces. Her Honour The Vice President announces that Our late Presidents body will be taken around our nation! We are OPPOSED to this! It is inconceivable that Government would want to put the Zambian people at risk by this super spreader event!
We know our late President who loved the Zambian people would NOT choose this irresponsible behavior. Considering the outpouring of grief globally it would be devastating for KKs death to be remembered as a death that caused so many other deaths due to people getting covid as his body is transported around the nation !
We appeal to Government to put an immediate stop to this plan to take KKs body around the nation! It makes no sense that we are in a terrible crisis and then want to engage deliberately in a super spreader event !
Let us give Our Founding Father KK the honourable and dignified send off and farewell he so rightfully deserves . All 10 provinces of Zambia and the world at large can watch the funeral proceedings virtually. Again we emphasize KKs body must NOT be transported to the 10 provinces of Zambia!
The health, safety and well being of the Zambian people must be and will always be our priority!
Dr. Mwaka Twagirayesu
MMD Presidential Spokesperson
Qatar Airways is continuing its expansion in Africa with a new route launching to Lusaka, Zambia and Harare, Zimbabwe on August 6th.
The flag carrier of Qatar is excited to connect passengers to the two cities while meeting increasing cargo demand with the move.
The airline’s wide bodies will be flying on what will become the firm’s fifth and sixth new African destinations launched since the beginning of the global health crisis.
Amid this launch, Qatar Airways is set to transport plenty of goods with a total of 30 tonnes of cargo capacity per service. This operation will form part of a wider shipping network between worldwide center points in the likes of the United Kingdom, Germany, China, and the United States.
Qatar Airways Group CEO Al Baker took a moment to share how valuable routes in Africa are to his company.
Overall, the airline has been expanding well across the continent, now conducting over 100 weekly flights to 27 destinations here.
“Africa continues to be an area of strong growth for Qatar Airways and launching this service will support the development of the economy and tourism sector in both countries,” Al Baker shared in a statement.
“Not only do we continue to rebuild our network after the pandemic, but we are actively expanding it with the addition of these two key destinations. These are the fifth and sixth new destinations in Africa added to our network since the start of the pandemic, taking our total new destinations added across the globe to 10.”
The family of late Founding President Dr Kenneth Kaunda is today expected to send a Protest Letter to government over its decision to move Dr Kaunda’s body across the country.
Sources close to the family have revealed that the Kaunda’s are not happy that government did not consult the family before announcing the entire programme.
The sources said the family is opposed to the idea of the countrywide tour of the body and will tell government to respect its wishes.
The family is also upset that government wants to bury Dr Kaunda at Embassy Park contrary to his wish that he be buried next to his wife, Betty at State Lodge.
“The country tour is not the idea of the family and government did not also consult them on burying at Embassy Park. So the family will today send Secretary to the Cabinet Simon Miti a Protest Letter demanding that they honor KK’S wish to be buried next to his wife,” the source said.
Democratic Party leader and Former Foreign Affairs Minister Harry Kalaba
And Democratic Party leader Harry Kalaba has written an Open Letter to President Edgar Lungu advising him to reconsider the decision to fly the body all over the country.
“We have been informed by the Vice President of your governments intention to take the remains of our dear departed First Republican President Dr. Kenneth David Kaunda to the 10 Provinces as a means of providing an opportunity to everyone to pay their last respect. This funeral has hit the country at the very core by robbing us of a gallant soldier and son of the continent that deserves the highest honor in as much as mourning him is concerned,” the letter read.
“It is for this reason that my party, the Democratic Party (DP) has suspended its campaigns and joined the rest of the country in observance of the 21 Day National Mourning that you declared. Notwithstanding the gravitas of the demise of Dr. Kaunda, I am writing to express our concern as the DP to allow the remains of Dr. Kaunda to be taken to all the 10 Provinces.”
“The processions will be turned into Covid-19 super spreader events as people will want to view the body or at least want to get as close as possible to the hearse. The country as you may know is battling with limited resources in the Health Sector and taking the cottage across the 10 Provinces will increase the resource burden for the country which will lead to a further strain on our already ailing medical facilities. If as advised by the Vice President that body viewing will be done on television across the 10 Provinces, we do not see the relevance of sending men and women in uniform across the 10 Provinces just so people can follow deliberations on Television,” it read.
“We have in the last few weeks seen a lot of our loved ones succumb to the ravaging effect of Covid-19 and the guidance from Health Authorities is that we reduce movements, practice social distance and by all means mask up when in public. The current economic hardships we are going through as citizens makes it hard for people to follow through with these protocols as some people can hardly afford a mask let alone to keep away from someone who they feel can give them even as little as K10.”
“With an incubation period of 5 days, it is more than likely that some people who may be affected during the countrywide tours your government is planning to have may end up dying on or by the 7th of July thereby missing the opportunity of watching their beloved KK being interred.”
“In view of the above, I am requesting that you reconsider your decision of taking our late Presidents remains countrywide in the interest of saving lives as well as to preserve the little resources left in our coffers. I humbly request that you spend the funds you intend to move the cottage around the country to procure more Oxygen which our hospitals badly need. I know that President Kaunda would not have wanted the people of Zambia to be sacrificed at the table of political and electoral expedience. It is my prayer that you will do the right thing as Republican President and Commander in Chief by changing the program with the removal of the provincial visits so as to save lives. As ever, I remain at the service of the people of Zambia.”
kenneth Kaunda and Martin Luther King Jr in the United States
BY Chanda Mbao
when I heard the news about the passing of Kenneth Kaunda, I didn’t want to believe it.
While it is true, he lived a blessed and long life and we should indeed be grateful for who he was and celebrate him, I’m still sad. I’m sad because aside from losing him as a human being in this physical world, I can’t shake the feeling that we’ve also lost an important symbol of who we are as Zambians and what we used to stand for. My hope is that we can use this time to indeed celebrate his life and legacy but also to remember some important things he taught us.
Here are some things I will be reflecting on as inspired by Kenneth Kaunda:
1.VISION and PRINCIPLES
In a modern world where we seem to prioritize individual gain by any means necessary, I believe Kaunda was a man who had a vision of a BIGGER PICTURE. Not only did he have a VISION but her had the COURAGE to stand up and take ACTION on his vision at great personal cost. Today, it seems we arrange our decision-making around our comfort and making sure we do not suffer. KK opted to STAND for something despite what the outcome would be for him as an individual. (Remember: independence was not necessarily assured for Zambia in 1964–all of our neighbours except 2 were still under colonial rule.)
An important part of his vision, I believe, was of a POWERFUL Zambia which lived up to its POTENTIAL. I believe his actions point to a burning PASSION and BELIEF in the ABILITIES of the Zambian people. His approach to creating a Zambia where we as Zambians would have OWNERSHIP was evident in how he approached the development of the industries we had then (from Mulungushi Textiles to Dunlop and beyond). His passion and vision was also evident in how he carried the Zambian flag across the entire WORLD and we could continually TRUST him to do so with the highest level of poise and stature. His vision of Zambia as a LEADER is clear in the sacrifices he was willing to make to stand behind other nations facing their own independence and other political struggles. The countless resources we shared and the countless of our African sisters and brothers whom we hosted in times of turmoil is something I pray the continent never forgets.
As a monument to his VISION, think how FINDECO house, constructed in 1979, was Zambia’s tallest building for almost 40 years! It was only recently usurped by the upgraded Society Business House. Imagine–it took us almost 40 years to catch up to his vision!
Malcom X and Kenneth Kaunda
2.UNITY
KK was the father of ‘One Zambia, One Nation.’ This is perhaps related to the prior point as it could be said that the most important part of KK’s VISION was the one he had of a UNITED Zambia. The father of ‘One Zambia, One Nation’ saw us coming together to create the BEST Zambia possible for ALL ZAMBIANS regardless of tribe/ethnicity. He surrounded himself with people from all parts of the country in his cabinet and was known for travelling and visiting all parts of the country where school children would scurry excitedly to catch a glimpse of him, his smile and his signature white handkerchief.
We will never forget the spirit of ‘One Zambia, One Nation’ and I pray we don’t just RECITE it but PRACTICE it forever and ever!
Sam Nujoma, Kenneth Kaunda, Samora Machel, Julius Nyerere, Robert Mugabe and Jose Eduardo dos Santos
3.MERITOCRACY A meritocracy is “a society governed by people selected according to merit” and I truly believe this is something that KK stood for. One of the greatest testaments to this is the legacy he left in EDUCATION. As some know but maybe the youngest of us may not realize, our parents (and grandparents in some cases) were educated by a KK government that believed in INVESTING in Zambian HUMAN CAPITAL and by and large they received essentially FREE education. Particularly impressive and important in my eyes is how the system was designed to identify talent at an early age which would see children placed in schools according to their PERFORMANCE with many of our strongest students ending up at high schools such as DK, Hillcrest, Munali and others. From there the best could receive bursaries to attend our nation’s PRIDE and JOY, UNZA! Many were even supported to study abroad at the world’s premier institutions with the understanding that they would come back home to run our nation’s institutions and industries. Kaunda educated administrators, mining engineers, healthcare professionals and many others of all walks of life from ALL parts of the country.
The prevailing idea was to put in the right position the BEST and most SUITABLE woman or man for the TASK, regardless of background. Kaunda’s was a system where you could be sure that your performance would MEANSOMETHING in society, would be RECOGNIZED and would REWARDED!
I believe this was also evident in his governmental appointments which saw many of our best minds elevated to positions of power as ministers, diplomats, central bankers etc. Many of these stars were products of the same well oiled educational system that he and his government had set up.
It saddens me to think we may have lost some of this spirit of meritocracy. I pray that we remember what KK taught us and we uphold this spirit of investing in the best women and men all across the nation.
Commenting on KK’s legacy is no easy feat and I am no trained diplomat. However, I am a proud Zambian and I am keenly aware of the virtues and lessons that KK taught us. While the father of our nation was a great father, he was indeed a man with his own imperfections and flaws as well. These imperfections, however, do not obscure the great knowledge, legacy and spirit he left behind for all for us to tap into.
Let us celebrate and honour the father of our nation, Kenneth Kaunda! Let us not stop there, however. Let us do the important work he would want us to continue doing: to honour the VISION of a POWERFUL Zambia deserving of an HONOURABLE place in the WORLD!
The use of formal financial services offered by the banks has decreased from 24.8 percent to 20.7 percent.
German Sparskassentiftung Project Manager and Representative for Zambia, Reinhold Hoernle said this during the official opening of an eighth branch for African Banking -AB in Ndola today.
Mr Hoernle said 58 percent of the adults are instead using mobile money according to the introduction of the new FinScope study for the year 2020 for Zambia.
Mr Hoenle observed that COVID-19 has shown the need for expanding the digital and mobile services which has seen AB bank having 600,000 clients already online and using the platform.
Mr Hoernle said that formal financial inclusion increased to 61.3 percent from 38.2 percent, but that the financial services by adults offered by the banks had decreased.
“According to Fin Scope- study 2020 for Zambia a study about financial literacy stated that the growth in the Zambian economy has been subdued since 2015 with real gross domestic production projected at negative 4.2 percent in 2020,” he said.
He added that the situation has had a direct impact on households as it spoke to fewer opportunities for income generating activities for households.
He said the need to open a new branch in Ndola was part of increasing the number of inclusion of more people accessing bank services.
“The doors of the new banks are not only widely opened to offer services and attract customers. This is not about sales figures, but about inclusion. Besides granting loans, AB bank has become a role model when it comes to capacity building and financial literacy,” he said.
Mr Hoernle added that financial services were essential for the development of a region or a country by offering to the small and medium sized entrepreneurs, who are the core clientele for AB bank.
And AB Bank Chief Executive Officer Cosmin Olteanu said that opening of the Ndola branch was in line with the institutions vision 2023 which offered every citizen simple and affordable financial services.
Copperbelt Province Patriotic Front (PF) Presidential Campaign Manager Frank Ngambi has called for unity among party members to ensure all the 22 constituencies emerge victorious in the August 12 polls.
Mr. Ngambi said this when he addressed party structure leaders in Ndola yesterday that the goal for the party is to achieve victory for President Edgar Lungu.
“We need to unite and work together because we have no choice but to deliver the presidential vote. As party members you have to bury all the issues and ensure that we all campaign for our party,” he said.
Mr. Ngambi also cautioned PF adopted candidates against thinking that they are popular saying it is the party that is popular and not individuals.
He urged the adopted candidates to remain loyal to the party for continuity of the party’s developmental agenda.
And Chifubu constituency Acting Chairperson George Kalala said some named independent aspiring councillors the aspiring are campaigning using the PF slogans and regalia a situation he described as propaganda and disheartening.
He said the named independent aspiring councillors left the party and decided to contest on their own personal grounds hence the need to refrain from using the of party’s regalia adding that they should use their own structures as they no longer belong to the party.
And Provincial Women’s Chairperson Rose Mukupo has directed that those supporting independent candidates should be removed from the party.
Ms. Mukupo however said the PF party is bigger than individuals hence the need for the structures to recruit more members.
The Ministry of Health says it is giving equal importance to other health matters despite being faced with challenges arising from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Eastern province Health Director Gideon Zulu says this is why government has kick started the 2021 child health week activities to ensure there is no disease outbreak from preventable ailments.
He was speaking in Chipata yesterday during the launch of the child health week activities.
“This exercise we are launching in the province today has the blessings of government. This is why we are here today, to share the news with everyone in the province”, he said.
Dr. Zulu said government is ensuring that the covid-19 responsiveness does not overshadow other equally important exercises like child immunization.
He said paying less attention to exercises like child immunization could lead to other pandemics like measles and pneumonia in children.
“The activities to be undertaken during this period are for the benefit of everyone, including the health sector as it will reduce the disease burden,” he noted.
And officiating at the launch, Acting Eastern province Permanent Secretary, Royd Tembo called on the Ministry of Health to ensure that it reaches the targets set as it embarks on the immunization exercise.
Mr Tembo said the successful hosting of the exercise is another way of sustaining the gains achieved in key child health and nutrition indicators.
“Government is committed to ensuring all children under five years get vaccinated against preventable diseases despite being hit by covid-19 challenges that are impacting on the smooth delivery of health services,” he explained.
He added that government has made tremendous strides in reducing child mortality in the province and country as a whole, with Eastern province being above the national target of 90 percent.
The Acting Permanent Secretary also announced that two other major activities including the administering of the second dose of Covid 19 and mass drug administration against bilharzia will also be taking place during the same week of child health.
He reminded the public and the Ministry of Health to ensure covid-19 guidelines are strictly adhered to during this period.
“Let me mention that, as you bring your children to access these services that include deworming, vitamins supplementation, catch up on immunizations, among others, ensure you adhere to the five golden rules against covid-19 guidelines”, he said.
The 2021 child health week that is running from yesterday up to 26th June is being held under the theme “Thriving for a universal health coverage even amidst covid-19 pandemic”
