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Government says Cabinet Office is working in collaboration with the family of the late Former First Lady, Maureen Mwanawasa on burial arrangements.
Secretary to the Cabinet, Patrick Kangwa, said a detailed funeral programme will be released once the burial arrangements have been concluded.
Mr Kangwa stated that the funeral gathering will be held at the late Mrs Mwanawasa’s residence in Roma Park in Lusaka.
He said Dr Mwanawasa aged 61, died last evening, August 13, 2024, at Maina Soko Medical Centre in Lusaka, after an illness.
The Former First Lady was the widow of Zambia’s third Republican President, Levy Patrick Mwanawasa.The late Mrs Mwanawasa served the country as First Lady from 2002 to 2008.
The Zambia Gold Company (ZGC) has approved a K42 million budget dedicated to remedial works at the Kasenseli Gold Mine in Mwinilunga District, North Western Province. This initiative is part of the preparations for the mine’s reopening, which follows a suspension of operations in 2021 due to a spate of fatalities linked to illegal mining activities.
Guy Phiri, Chairperson of the ZGC Board of Directors, announced that the mine is slated to be fully operational by next month. The reopening is expected to create approximately 500 jobs, with ZGC emphasizing the prioritization of local employment opportunities.
Phiri highlighted the importance of ongoing dialogue with the Chibwika Royal Establishment, stressing that the company is committed to integrating the local community into the mining operations. “The government is keen on the reopening of Kasenseli Gold Mine because gold has the potential to significantly enhance the economic welfare of the country,” Phiri stated.
ZGC Chief Executive Officer Joseph Lungu reinforced the company’s commitment to safety and legal compliance in the mine’s operations. He noted that one of the key compliance measures being undertaken is the relocation of the gold processing plant, which is essential before the mine can resume full operations.
The reopening of Kasenseli Gold Mine marks a significant step in Zambia’s efforts to leverage its gold resources for national economic development, with a strong focus on community involvement and safety.
…Against all odds, the Mbala-based women are at the forefront of fighting climate change through beekeeping
By SIMON MUNTEMBA
In the remote village of Kalambo, under Chief Zombe of Mbala District in Northern Province, Zambia, where erratic weather patterns are limiting livelihood options for vulnerable communities and exacerbating poverty levels, the women have taken up beekeeping to diversify incomes and fight climate change.
Erratic weather conditions induced by the El Niño phenomenon have continued hitting Zambia’s rain-fed areas, posing serious threats to the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers, including women and girls who are disproportionately affected.
As subsistence farmers who relied on rain-fed agriculture for years, life became hard for the women in Kalambo Village when crop yields and production reduced drastically because the skies, once generous with rain, had become stingy, leaving their fields parched and barren.
Tired of living in abject poverty at household and community levels, the women took the challenge into their own hands by venturing into the male-dominated beekeeping sector.
In May 2021, 25 women and girls in the village, which is about 170 kilometers from Kasama, the Provincial Headquarters, formed Mushili Women’s Club with the sole purpose of finding solutions to challenges stemming from climate change impacts and bailing themselves out of the bondage of extreme poverty.
“Frustrated by always bearing the burden of erratic weather patterns, we decided to do something to solve our unending problems. We unanimously agreed to form a club (Mushili Women’s Club) in 2021,” says club chairperson Catherine Nanyangwe.
The club nestled 100 beehives in locations that conserve critical wildlife habitats.
This initiative has been made possible because of the technical and financial support from the Zambian Government through the World Bank-funded Transforming Landscapes for Resilience and Development (TRALARD) project.
The TRALARD Project, implemented by the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, seeks to improve natural resource management and support vulnerable communities to better adapt to climatic risks prevalent in selected districts of the northern region of Zambia, namely Luapula, Northern, and Muchinga Provinces.
Ms. Nanyangwe stated that the club received K803,659 (about US$32,000) as start-up capital in October 2022 from the TRALARD project to venture into their proposed beekeeping project, as well as goat rearing and gardening.
To ensure sustainability of the investment, she said all club members were trained in modern beekeeping, including honey collection, processing, and value addition techniques, as well as in conservation farming.
“In addition, we used part of the funds received to drill the first-ever solar-powered borehole with the installation of a water reservoir tank to support our gardening activities. Besides, it is also a source of clean and safe drinking water for the entire community, and cases of diarrheal diseases have drastically reduced in the village. As a club, we are now growing a variety of vegetables throughout the year using animal manure, which means generating surplus income and increased profits,” Ms. Nanyangwe said with a smile as she pointed at the solar-powered borehole.
These activities have offered women some source of income to strengthen food security and improve their livelihoods, a stark contrast from the past when they had no sustainable economic activities to support their families.
In the recent past, members of Mushili Women’s Club, like other women across the region, suffered an outsized burden of climate change, largely due to gender inequalities. A solar-powered borehole drilled and installed by the women’s club is providing clean and safe drinking water for the entire community. Photo by Simon Muntemba IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON WOMEN AND GIRLS
According to a report on the Regional Gender Action Plan for Eastern and Southern Africa (2024-2028) by the World Bank Group, the majority of women across Southern Africa face unequal economic opportunities and an inequitable burden of the socio-economic consequences of poverty.
Despite being actively engaged in agricultural activities, women in the region have less access than men to credit, land rights, extension services, and generally face disenfranchisement within the community, impairing their productivity and most likely constraining their capacity to adapt to climate change.
In many parts of the world, women hold traditional roles as primary caregivers in families and communities, and as the main providers of food and fuel, they are more vulnerable when flooding and drought occur. The United Nations estimates that 80 percent of those displaced by climate change are women.
During droughts, traditional gender roles cause girls to suffer disproportionate education disruptions, creating higher risks of child marriage. For instance, girls are compelled to walk long distances to fetch water at the expense of studying.
Due to increased deforestation, women are equally forced to cover longer distances in search of firewood.
Mushili Women’s Club member Judith Nakazwe, 18, narrated that she and other girls in the village walked long distances to fetch water at the expense of studying during their junior secondary school time.
“Unfortunately, when the final grade 9 examination results were announced, my results were bad. I am even ashamed to tell you that I failed lamentably. And because my uncle who was sponsoring me died that same year, out of frustration, I dropped out of school in grade 9. I couldn’t make it to grade 10. Along the way, I got married, and the rest is history,” said Nakazwe, a young mother of one.
Nakazwe’s experience mirrors what is happening across the region where gender inequalities, fueled by societal norms and defined gender roles, affect not only females’ exposure to hazards but also limit their resilience and adaptive capabilities.
Like in many parts of the world, women in the region bear the greatest burden of the erratic changes in weather patterns, as they are the mainstay of agricultural production.
“In the province, poverty is high and economic opportunities for women, in particular, are severely limited. This is why my Government, in collaboration with the World Bank, has prioritized financial and technical support to women’s groups to enable them to engage in diversified livelihoods and improved farming practices,” says Northern Province Deputy Permanent Secretary, Lewis Mwape.
Meanwhile, District TRALARD Project Operations Officer Chiindi Chiputa disclosed that over K34 million had been disbursed as grants for livelihood activities to 46 groups, including Mushili Women’s Club in Mbala.
It is heartwarming that with such grants, members of Mushili Women’s Club are determined not to be beaten by the impact of climate change but to be at the forefront of efforts exploring alternative avenues.
As extreme weather conditions creep up, the fight to stop climate change is truly a matter of life and death for them. They have waged a spirited fight against persistent climate change through beekeeping. The club also drilled the first-ever solar-powered borehole with installation of a water reservoir tank to support their gardening activities throughout the year. Photo by Simon Muntemba BEEKEEPING OFFERS REAL PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS
Beekeeping is a promising income-generating activity for many rural households, as it directly and indirectly contributes to the income of households and the economy of the nation.
“Our lives have been transformed ever since we started the beekeeping business. In our first harvest, we made K30,700 (US$1,180) profit. Beekeeping has improved food security and the nutritional status of our families. Unlike in the past, we are now able to have decent meals and support our families,” testifies a visibly happy Mushili Women’s Club secretary, Mervis Chanda.
In addition, beekeeping, according to the Global Journal of Melittology published in 2019 by the University of Kansas, is an important practice that can help people adapt to and lessen the effects of climate change.
In forested areas that are experiencing the impacts of climate change, it is possible to diversify from agricultural-based livelihoods to others, such as beekeeping, that allow farmers to continue generating income while maintaining the resilience of the environment and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
By incorporating beekeeping into their agricultural systems, farmers have the potential to create more resilient ecosystems while simultaneously mitigating the impacts of climate change.
“Bees are significant pollinators and, as such, play a crucial role in the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem health. We can assist in preserving healthy ecosystems that are better equipped to absorb carbon and minimize the effects of climate change by supporting beekeeping and fostering the growth of pollinator-friendly plants,” says Dr. Ackson Phiri, a lecturer at Zambia Forest College.
In an interview, Dr. Phiri, who is a renowned bee expert, adds: “Bees feed on nectar in flowers, and since they carry pollen on their hairy legs when collecting nectar, they pollinate crops like sunflowers, mangoes, legumes, and pawpaw. Good pollination increases crop yields and consequently improves food security.”
Indeed, as evidenced by testimonies given by members of Mushili Women’s Club, beekeeping offers numerous benefits, including providing income opportunities for individuals, especially women who wish to engage in sustainable practices.
It is also interesting to note that club members have remained resilient in the use of indigenous local knowledge to adapt to climate change. The club used part of the funds received to build a goat house and stocked it with 45 goats. THE USE OF LOCAL KNOWLEDGE TO ADAPT TO CLIMATE CHANGE
Indigenous local knowledge refers to the unique knowledge and practices of native communities embodying traditional lifestyles relevant for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.
It is generated by the community over a long period of time and enables them to know some form of indicators that are used to predict weather patterns, as well as to understand and live within their environments.
For example, most of the rural areas in Zambia do not have automated weather stations, hence communities rely on indigenous knowledge for weather predictions and make informed decisions on their adaptation to climate change and variability.
Janet Mulenga, a member of Mushili Women’s Club, explains how she is able to predict weather patterns: “A drought season is characterized by a high prevalence of some kind of special insects, especially those in the family of caterpillars.”
Ms. Mulenga, 73, adds: “A normal season in terms of rainfall patterns will display a combination of the following weather patterns: there will be plenty of fruits, normal wind direction, hot summers, and the appearance of black ants just before and during the rainy season.”
Moreover, the threat of losing crop diversity due to climate change has spurred members of Mushili Women’s Club to establish a network of community seed banks that preserve local, drought-resistant varieties of crops such as sorghum, millet, and legumes.
The club members combine traditional seed-saving techniques with modern storage technologies to ensure the preservation of genetic diversity in the face of changing climatic conditions.
To this end, the success story of members of the club engaging with indigenous knowledge to combat climate change is one of hope, innovation, and cultural revival.
From their success, it is also evident that when supported, women and girls have the potential to contribute significantly to environmental sustainability, food security, and adaptation efforts.
The Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) has so far delivered 220 metric tonnes of relief maize to Luangwa District.
District commissioner, Luke Chikani, says the district has been allocated 160 metric tonnes of relief maize in addition to the earlier 60 metric tonnes allocation.
The District Commissioner said this when he monitored distribution of the 160 metric tonnes of relief maize in the district.
He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to ensuring that the livelihoods of the people in the country are safeguarded.
“Your President, Mr Hakainde Hichilema cares for you, despite the drought, the government is ensuring that no one dies of hunger,” Mr Chikani said.
He further assured the people that the government is opening Food Reserve Agency (FRA) outlets in all wards in the district.
Mr Chikani explained that FRA outlets will ease the access of maize by community members.
The District Commissioner cautioned the beneficiaries to utilise the commodity for the intended purposes.
“Do not sell the maize, please use it for consumption,” he stressed.
Representing the beneficiaries, Headman Kapyanyika, Cecilia Phiri, and Dominic Njobvu thanked the government for the gesture.
“May God continue to bless our President, He has saved us from hunger,” they said.
20% of the relief maize is meant to benefit the chronically ill, women and child headed households, the aged, persons with disability, and other vulnerable persons, while 80% is meant for food for work.
President Hakainde Hichilema has called on the residents of Sinazongwe to support the Maamba thermal power expansion project, emphasizing its potential to drive economic growth and create opportunities for the local community. The President made these remarks during a public rally at Kanzinze Stadium in Sinazongwe, following the commissioning of the Maamba Energy Limited Phase II thermal plant, a $400 million investment set to double the plant’s capacity to 600 megawatts.
Addressing the crowd, President Hichilema highlighted the achievements of his administration over the past three years, including delivering on key promises such as providing free education and increasing the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). “We have brought peace, you are freely moving about with no intimidation, we have employed your children as teachers, nurses, and army officers across the country,” he said, underscoring the government’s commitment to improving the lives of Zambians.
The President assured the people of Sinazongwe that his administration is dedicated to completing critical infrastructure projects, including the Maamba-Batoka road, and enhancing the economic status of both the district and the province. He urged residents to embrace the thermal power expansion project, which he noted would open doors for local businesses through contracts and linkages with the mines. “You will start doing business through contracts with the mines, ensure you support the project, it will also support you,” he added.
At the event, Minister of Mines and Minerals Development, Paul Kabuswe, commended President Hichilema’s leadership, stating that Zambia is on a path of recovery. He called on the public to continue supporting the President’s vision, particularly in the energy sector.
The Maamba thermal power expansion project, slated for completion in 24 months, represents a significant step towards addressing Zambia’s energy deficit. President Hichilema noted that the project is a testament to the government’s determination to achieve energy security and praised the successful resolution of conflicts between Maamba Energy and ZESCO, which had previously hindered progress.
The President also emphasized the importance of environmental responsibility in the implementation of the project and called on the power plant management to prioritize the employment of locals.
In a related matter, President Hichilema advised residents in areas affected by the recent anthrax outbreak in Southern Province to avoid consuming carcasses of animals that succumb to the disease and to ensure their livestock are vaccinated. The government, he assured, is working diligently to control the outbreak.
Energy Minister Makozo Chikote, speaking at the same event, highlighted the long-term impact of the Maamba expansion project, stating that it would transform Zambia’s energy landscape for generations. Maamba Energy board chairperson Ashvin Devineni and ZCCM-IH Board Chairperson Akanenwa Muyangwa also expressed their commitment to advancing the country’s energy sector through continued investment.
It is with deep regret and sadness that we report the death of former First Lady Maureen Mwanawasa on 13th August 2024.
The nation is mourning the loss of former First Lady Maureen Mwanawasa, who passed away today at Maina Soko Military Hospital in Lusaka. Mrs. Mwanawasa was the wife of the late President Levy Mwanawasa and served as First Lady from 2002 until her husband’s passing in 2008.
President Hichilema said “It is with deep shock and sorrow that we have learnt of the passing of the former first lady, Mrs Maureen Kakubo Mwanawasa.We call on the country to unite as we join her family, and indeed the nation, in prayer.
May her soul rest in eternal peace. ”
Dr. Nevers Sekwila Mumba, President of the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD), expressed his deep sorrow at the news, offering heartfelt condolences to the Mwanawasa and Kakubo families. “My heart goes out to the entire Mwanawasa family during this difficult time. May God comfort, strengthen, and keep us united in this bereavement,” Dr. Mumba said in a statement.
He praised Mrs. Mwanawasa’s legacy, noting her dedication, kindness, and compassion, which left a lasting impact on the nation. “May her legacy of hard work, kindness, compassion, and dedication to our nation continue to inspire us,” Dr. Mumba added.
On behalf of the MMD and in his personal capacity, Dr. Mumba expressed profound sadness over her passing, stating, “Rest in peace, Mrs. Mwanawasa. You will be deeply missed.”
As the country reflects on her contributions, Mrs. Maureen Mwanawasa is remembered for her role in advocating for social causes and her unwavering commitment to Zambia’s development.
Maureen Kakubo Mwanawasa was born on 28 April 1963 in Kabwe, Central Province, Zambia, to Jeniya Lupumpaula Chilunga Kakabo and Lupumpaula Buluwayo Kakubo. She was the eighth of ten children in a family of six boys and four girls.
Her educational journey began in 1970 at Raphael Kombe Primary School in Chimanimani Township, Kabwe. In 1976, she moved to St Mary’s Secondary School in Maramba, Livingstone, where she graduated in 1981.
Maureen met Levy Mwanawasa in Kabwe and they were married on 7 May 1987. The couple have four children: three daughters and a son.
During the 2001 presidential election, Maureen actively campaigned alongside her husband, who won the election on 27 December 2001 and was inaugurated on 2 January 2002.
In 2006 she was considered a potential presidential candidate, but after her husband’s death she did not seek to represent his party in the election. In particular, she clashed with Michael Sata of the Patriotic Front at her husband’s funeral, resulting in Sata being removed from the premises.
Maureen Mwanawasa was a former president of the Organisation of African First Ladies Against HIV/AIDS and founded the Maureen Mwanawasa Community Initiative (MMCI) in 2002. She also co-owned Mwanawasa & Company, her husband’s law firm, until he entered politics. In 2006, she was honoured with World Vision’s International Hope Award.
Originally a Jehovah’s Witness, she was excommunicated in 2001 for her political activities and later became a Baptist Christian.
In May 2016, Maureen announced her candidacy for the position of executive mayor of Lusaka under the United Party for National Development (UPND).
She received endorsements from prominent figures and promised to address the city’s problems, including cholera outbreaks, water shortages and garbage issues. Despite her efforts, she came second in the Lusaka mayoral election on 11 August 2016, losing to Patriotic Front candidate Wilson Kalumba.
Maureen Mwanawasa’s contributions and dedication to her community and country will be remembered with great respect.
The nation mourns the loss of a respected leader and cherished figure.
The Lusaka High Court has dismissed the Attorney General’s request to lift a stay granted to nine Patriotic Front (PF) Members of Parliament (MPs) whose seats were declared vacant by Second Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Moyo. The MPs, who challenged the Speaker’s decision in court, successfully obtained a stay that temporarily blocks the enforcement of the decision.
Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha’s application to overturn the stay aimed to allow the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to proceed with scheduling nine parliamentary by-elections. However, this move has faced significant criticism from the public, particularly in light of the country’s current financial constraints.
The High Court’s decision means that the stay remains in effect, and the ECZ will not announce any by-elections for the contested seats at this time. The main hearing for the case is scheduled to commence on September 9, 2024.
The MPs involved in the case are Brian Mundubile, Stephen Kampyongo, Remember Mutale, Christopher Kang’ombe, Ronald Chitotela, Nickson Chilangwa, Davies Chisopa, Mulenga Fube, and Mutotwe Kafwaya. They sought judicial review after their seats were declared vacant in July, challenging the legality of the Speaker’s decision.
As the case progresses, it is expected to draw significant attention, given its implications for the political landscape and governance in Zambia.
I am writing to bring attention to a deeply distressing situation concerning my 72-year-old mother, who is suffering from a severe case of gangrene in her foot due to complications from diabetes. Despite numerous attempts to secure urgent medical intervention from the Ministry of Health, no action has been taken.
My mother’s condition is rapidly worsening, and the lack of response from the Ministry has left our family in a state of despair. We have reached out to the Health Minister, Dr. Elijah Muchima, but have yet to receive the necessary assistance. This is a matter of life and death, and the inaction is putting my mother’s life at even greater risk.
As a last resort, I am turning to the media to highlight this grave situation in the hope that public attention might prompt the authorities to take immediate action. I am pleading for your help in raising awareness of my mother’s condition and the urgent need for her to receive the surgical intervention that could save her life.
Attached to this email are images showing the severity of my mother’s condition. I urge you to consider sharing this story to help us secure the medical care she so desperately needs.
Is this how the country treats its senior citizens, particularly those that have served the country?
The Zambia Police Service has confirmed the circulation of a disturbing video on social media, capturing an assault that took place on August 2, 2024, in the Kisasa area of Kalumbila District.
The video shows the assault of 21-year-old Ms. Kavui Mwanaute, a resident of Kisasa and originally from Village Mukanda in Chief Ishindi’s area of Zambezi District. According to police reports, Ms. Mwanaute was assaulted by Ms. Annie Phiri, also of Kisasa, following accusations that Ms. Mwanaute was involved in an extramarital affair with Ms. Phiri’s husband.
The assault, which occurred at approximately 17:00 hours on August 2, left Ms. Mwanaute with bruises on her back, buttocks, abdomen, and general body pains. The incident reportedly took place after Ms. Phiri confronted Ms. Mwanaute at a local market, forcibly taking her to her residence and assaulting her with slaps and kicks. The attack was eventually halted when neighbors intervened.
Following the incident, a case docket was opened at the Kalumbila Police Station, and Ms. Annie Phiri was arrested on August 6, 2024. She has been formally charged with Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm (OABH).
In recent days, videos of the assault have surfaced and gone viral across various social media platforms. The Zambia Police Service has expressed serious concern over the dissemination of these videos, emphasizing that sharing such content can lead to further victimization of the victim and may have legal consequences.
“We urge the public to refrain from sharing this content,” said Zambia Police Public Relations Officer Rae Hamoonga. “The Zambia Police Service is committed to ensuring justice is served and will investigate the source of these viral videos. Anyone found to be involved in the unlawful distribution of the footage will face legal action.”
The police have reassured the public that they are taking the matter seriously and are determined to uphold the law in this case. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
27 children have been reintegrated with their families from child care facilities in Chilanga District under the Intensive Family Support Programme.
District Social Welfare Officer, Emelda Ng’oma explained that the children were reintegrated with their families to ensure alternative family care for the vulnerable children.
In an interview with ZANIS in Chilanga, Mrs Ng’oma stated that the reintegration followed an assessment of the children’s families to ensure that they were returning to safe homes.
She added that the assessment revealed that some families were capable of caring for their children but needed support that would enable them to access basic necessities such as education for the children.
“After a period of establishment, the children were released into the care of their biological parents or next of kin. This successful reintegration initiative highlights the importance of community-based support in keeping families together and ensuring the well-being of vulnerable children,” said Mrs Ng’oma.
She pointed out that the department empowered 33 families by providing resources to start small businesses, such as selling vegetables or fish, with funding from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to enable them generate income and create a stable environment for the children.
“The children were previously living in child care facilities because their families were unable to provide for their educational and basic needs. However, not all 33 empowered families had children in facilities, as some were at risk of separation and received preventive support,” said Mrs Ng’oma.
She also urged child care facilities to collaborate with the government through the social welfare department to protect children’s rights in the country through initiatives like the Intensive Family Support Programme.
Mrs Ng’oma added that the programme aims at promoting children’s well-being by creating a safe family environment as an alternative for vulnerable children.
A witness in the ongoing corruption trial involving former Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) officials has testified that she engaged in an affair with former ZRA Director of Administration, Calistus Kaoma, from which she received a motor vehicle valued at 35,000 Kwacha.
The witness, Emily Banda, a former temporary employee at ZRA, told the court that Mr. Kaoma gifted her the vehicle from an auction sale for which she did not qualify. She revealed that she was initially given 12,000 Kwacha by Mr. Kaoma as a directive to pay for the vehicle, which she felt compelled to accept.
This testimony is part of a broader case in which Mr. Kaoma and former ZRA Commissioner General, Kingsley Chanda, face charges of willful failure to comply with legal procedures in the disposal of 22 used motor vehicles belonging to the commission, as well as abuse of authority.
In another testimony, ZRA Security Supervisor Emmanuel Moyo recounted receiving instructions on September 18, 2018, to release six vehicles under circumstances that violated ZRA protocols. Mr. Moyo testified that he received a gate pass listing six vehicles under a single name, which was unusual and against the auction sale rules that restricted employees to purchasing only one vehicle each.
The vehicles involved in this irregular release included one Toyota Hilux, four Mitsubishi Pajeros, and one Nissan Navara. Mr. Moyo stated that despite his concerns and escalation of the issue to his supervisor, he was directed to release the vehicles due to Mr. Kaoma’s authoritative position in the department.
The charges against Mr. Chanda and Mr. Kaoma pertain to their alleged misconduct between January 14, 2017, and December 31, 2020, in Lusaka. They are accused of failing to comply with the applicable laws and procedures in the disposal of several vehicles, including Mitsubishi Pajeros, Toyota Hiluxes, and a Toyota Prado, all property of ZRA.
The case continues to unfold, with more testimonies expected in the coming days as the court examines the extent of the alleged corruption and abuse of authority by the former ZRA officials.
Should President Hakainde Hichilema be given more time to fight corruption? Corruption is not a politics-free issue in the country so expect biased answers to questions like this.
It doesn’t mean Zambians should stop asking questions like this. Because the question can potentially attract public debate, it is worth asking. Debate is key in dealing with complicated issues and corruption is no exception.
“You can’t root out corruption in two years eleven months because you find a fiber of people; a number of people who have grown up thinking that corruption is the way to go,” Hichilema told attendees at the Zambia National Service (ZNS) Officer Cadets commissioning parade in Kafue district on July 19, 2024.
Hichilema is known for using technical language to speak. On this, it is easy to tell his direction. Hichilema is lobbying for more time to fight corruption in the country. That is what drives the above question. Should he be given more time?
Hichilema is right. Corruption in the country is too deep-rooted to be rooted out in three years. However, giving the United Party for National Development (UPND) administration more time to fight the vice wastes time and resources.
On Friday, August 19, 2022, during a live interaction with the public on Hot FM radio at State House in Lusaka, Hichilema revealed he still maintains interest in his businesses. This implies that Hichilema has clients and obvious business partners, which means he is not free from conflict of interest. Hichilema may be clean, but obviously, not all his clients and business partners are.
Punishment is inevitable in the fight against corruption. For a successful fight, all corrupt acts must be punished. Because Hichilema is not free from conflict of interest, he can’t punish every corruption act. This is evident in the way the president is struggling to handle some corruption scandals in the country.
Meanwhile, Hichilema has fired the interred board of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) following Dr. O’Brien Kaaba’s allegation that the ACC is corrupt. Dr. Kaaba is a constitutional law professor at the University of Zambia and also a senior research fellow at Saipar. He is a former ACC Board member.
He had advised Hichilema to get rid of the now-dissolved ACC board in the article Three Things That Have Gone Wrong with the UPND Government’s Fight against Corruption and What the President Must Do.
It is the first time Hichilema has listened to advice in the fight against corruption. To some, it implies the president is getting tough on corruption. He should be given more time to fight the vice. To me, and definitely to many others corruption has mutated to an advanced and sophisticated level. Hichilema should step down for the right person to come and fight the vice. Someone free from conflict of interest. One who is capable of declaring assets and liabilities annually for others to follow.
Politicians in Zambia beat other groups when it comes to corruption scandals. It implies they believe they cannot make it in politics without corruption. To win the fight against the vice this kind of mindset needs to be changed.
There is a need to instill a culture of integrity, transparency, and accountability into politicians. It starts with encouraging them to willingly publicly declare assets and liabilities annually. Not once, not twice, but several times people have advised Hichilema to publicly declare assets and liabilities. The president has refused to do so hence hindering the very purpose.
It doesn’t mean Hichilema doesn’t know the importance of publicly declaring assets in the fight against corruption. He is not free from conflict of interest, which makes refusing to publicly declare assets and liabilities the best choice for him. Unfortunately, it makes Hichilema appear to be trying to hide something. It makes him a corruption suspect. and because of that he doesn’t deserve more time to fight the vice.
What do you think? Should President Hakainde Hichilema be given more time to fight corruption in Zambia?
Senior Chief Ishindi of the Lunda people of Zambezi
President Hakainde Hichilema graced the 2024 Lunda-Lubanza Traditional Ceremony as the guest of honor in Zambezi District, North Western Province. The event, which brought together Lunda communities from Angola, Congo DRC, and Zambia, coincides with Zambia’s 60th independence anniversary, highlighting the nation’s commitment to embracing diversity to foster harmony and unity.
In his address, President Hichilema emphasized the significance of the ceremony, especially during a challenging period in Zambia’s history as the El Niño-induced drought has severely impacted many parts of the country. He stressed the importance of preserving and passing on the rich cultural heritage celebrated at the Lunda-Lubanza Ceremony to future generations, noting that such traditions have the power to unite the nation.
“The Lunda-Lubanza is not just a celebration of our culture, but a reminder of the strength we find in unity,” said President Hichilema. “In a time when our country faces significant challenges, it is our shared traditions and values that will guide us through.”
The Lunda Lubanza ceremony held in Zambezi district
The President also called on the Mukandakunda Royal Establishment and the organizing committee to collaborate with the government to develop the Lunda-Lubanza Ceremony into a major tourist attraction. He highlighted the potential for the event to showcase Zambia’s rich cultural diversity on a global stage, boosting both tourism and national pride.
“We have a unique opportunity to turn this celebration into a platform that not only preserves our heritage but also promotes our country to the world,” President Hichilema added. “Let us work together to ensure that the Lunda-Lubanza becomes a symbol of our nation’s resilience and unity.”
As Zambia marks its 60th year of independence, the Lunda-Lubanza Ceremony serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of cultural preservation and the role it plays in fostering national unity and pride.
Highvie Hamududu goes to greet President Hichilema
The Government has temporarily closed all three border crossings with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on the Copperbelt, including the Ndola-Sakania border. The decision comes as a precautionary measure to safeguard property and human life amid ongoing protests in the neighboring country.
Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister Chipoka Mulenga announced the closure, which affects the Kasumbalesa, Mokambo, and Sakania border posts. Minister Mulenga explained that the move is intended to protect Zambia’s interests as the situation in the DRC grows increasingly volatile. The protests, which have persisted for the past ten days, were sparked by the DRC’s recent ban on the importation of lime and beverages, leading to widespread unrest.
In a statement from Kasama, Minister Mulenga reassured the public that the Zambian government is in active communication with DRC authorities to find a resolution to the crisis. He also urged patience from drivers and the general public, acknowledging that the border closures could cause significant traffic congestion and disrupt trade.
“The safety of our citizens and the protection of our nation’s assets are paramount,” said Minister Mulenga. “We are closely monitoring the situation and will reopen the borders once it is safe to do so and the matter has been resolved.”
The temporary border closures will remain in effect until further notice as diplomatic efforts continue to address the underlying issues driving the protests in the DRC.
Paris , France – 7 August 2024; Muzala Samukonga of Team Zambia celebrates after finishing third in the men’s 400m final at the Stade de France during the 2024 Paris Summer Olympic Games in Paris, France. (Photo By Sam Barnes/Sportsfile via Getty Images)
The 2024 Paris Olympics saw impressive performances from athletes around the world, but only 12 African nations made it onto the medals table.
Muzala Samukonga etched his name into Zambian sports history by winning the bronze medal in the 400m at the Paris 2024 Olympics. With a remarkable time of 43.74 seconds, Samukonga not only achieved a personal best but also set a new national record for Zambia. His achievement marks a historic moment for the country, as it is Zambia’s first Olympic medal in 28 years.
At just 21 years old, Samukonga’s performance at the Olympics signals a bright future for Zambian athletics. His success is a source of immense pride for the nation and serves as an inspiration to young athletes across Zambia. Before Samukonga, the only two Olympic medals won by Zambia were Keith Mwila’s bronze in boxing at the 1984 Los Angeles Games and Samuel Matete’s silver in the 400m hurdles at the 1996 Atlanta Games.
Another historic moment unfolded as Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo claimed victory in the 200m final, becoming the new Olympic champion. Tebogo, also 21, stormed to the finish line in an African record time of 19.46 seconds, thrilling the crowd at the Stade de France. His victory denied pre-race favorite Noah Lyles the chance to secure a sprint double, as the American finished third behind his compatriot Kenneth Bednarek.
Tebogo’s win is Botswana’s first-ever Olympic gold medal, and he dedicated the victory to his late mother, Elizabeth Seratiwa, who passed away in May. Tebogo honored her memory by displaying her date of birth on his spikes and painting her initials on his fingernails. “I believe she could be one of the happiest people on the planet,” an emotional Tebogo said after the race. “Because she believed in me, even when I had so much doubt in myself.”
The 200m race, however, was not without drama. After crossing the finish line, Lyles revealed that he had tested positive for COVID-19, which had affected his performance. The track superstar had to be assisted off the track in a wheelchair, adding a poignant twist to the night.
Another spectacular race was the men’s 4x100m relay where South Africa took silver.The quartet set an African record of 37.57sec in the race won by Canada.Akani Simbine passed four other teams in the final leg to secure the country’s first ever medal in the men’s 4x100m relay.
As the Paris 2024 Olympics draw to a close, the achievements of athletes like Samukonga Tebogo and Simbine underscore the rising prominence of African athletes on the global stage, bringing hope and inspiration to their respective nations.
