Minister of National guidance and Religious Affairs Godfridah Sumaili has called on the church to be a beacon of peace ahead of the August 12th general elections.

Reverend Sumaili noted that as the country heads to the polls, it is during this period that a number of people aspiring for office try to maximize any opportunity given to attract more votes.

The Minister encouraged the church across the country to remain neutral by preaching the word of God adding that it should not be coerced in doing that which is un godly.

She was speaking at the 2021 Founder’s Day Celebration for the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AMEC) held at Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal church in Chilenje.

Rev. Sumaili noted the role of the church in Zambia is to continue guiding the country in both good and hard times, thus should talk to their congregants especially the youths to refuse to be used as instruments of violence.

“I appeal to you to continue uniting the nation, praying for those in government and the opposition so that we can have a credible election free of political violence. Let us work together as the Body of Christ to ensure that the declaration of Zambia as a Christian nation is not polarized by vices such as political violence, tribalism, hate speech and other acts that only bring disunity in the nation,” she told the congregation.

The Minister commended African Methodist Episcopal Church for supplementing government’s efforts in attaining the sustainable goals on development number 4 and 5 which seeks to promote quality education and gender equality through humanitarian works.

She disclosed that the church was involved in a number of notable evangelism projects among which included helping the aged, sponsoring the less privileged, advocating for girl’s rights to education, among other works.

Rev. Sumaili reminded that the history of Zambia cannot be complete without mentioning the contribution that the church has made to the freedom fighters during the liberation struggle.

She stated that the church provided shelter, spiritual support and counsel and prayers for the freedom fighters.

She noted that government was aware of the challenges the church was experiencing due to COVID-19 hence encouraged them to take advantage of the Church, religious and faith based Organisations empowerment scheme.

Meanwhile, Ebenezer AME Pastor In-Charge Martin Chembo assured government of its support in both challenging and good times.

Noting that the country was going through uncertainties but that the church was not going to neglect government, Pastor Chembo encouraged government to put God first even as it devices stringent against calamities such as the outbreak of COVID-19 and effects of climate, should put God at the centre to intervene.

“I can assure you that all shall be well. These of COVID-19, climate change among other issues affecting our country shall come to pass. We will support and work with the government of the day,” Reverend Chama stated.

He noted that his church has made it a requirement for every eligible member to obtain a voter card and not limit them to participate in the upcoming general elections.

United Church of Zambia (UCZ) Northern Presbytery Bishop Maybin Mulenga has called for smart campaigns ahead of this year’s general elections.

Bishop Mulenga said there is need for political parties to campaign peacefully and further called on Zambians to embrace love and unity.

Advising politicians against being divisive before, during and after the elections, Bishop Mulenga noted that a nation built on violence will not flourish but only cause division among ethnic groupings.

He said this during the induction service for Reverend Aaron Sinyinza at St Paul’s UCZ Congregation in Kasama.

And Bishop Mulenga has counselled the church to remain relevant and stand on God’s word

He explained that the church plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the country upholds the “ One Zambia, One Nation “ motto on which it was founded.

“Let us help build peace for the country just as we the United Church of Zambia focuses on the ALL ONE IN CHRIST theme which echoes well with the country’s motto of One Zambia, One Nation, “he said.

Meanwhile, Kasama District Commissioner Kelly Kashiwa said government recognises the significant role the church plays in supplementing its effort of providing holistic development to the people of Zambia.

Mr. Kashiwa said UCZ has been a dependable partner in the provision of quality education and health service through the construction of mission schools and hospitals.

The District Commissioner also urged the church not to involve themselves in partisan politics.

“The church is highly expected to unite the nation and prosperity can only flourish when there is peace and unity, “he said.

Zambia’s Honorary Consul in Istanbul, Bulent Goktuna says Zambia and Turkey have established mutually beneficial relations that have continued to grow in recent years.

Dr Goktuna said Turkey regards Zambia as a strategic partner both in the Southern African region and the continent as a whole.

“ Turkey and Zambia have established an extremely good relationship and this is accelerated during this period and I am happy that there has been an acceleration of relations in a positive manner,” Dr Goktuna said.

He was speaking at the Zambian Chancery in Ankara shortly before handing over a consignment of 12 computers and a laptop worth 166,000 Turkish Lira (US$23,000) to Zambia’s Ambassador to Turkey, Joseph Chilengi.

This is according to a statement to ZANIS signed by First Secretary for Press, at the Zambian Embassy in Turkey , Jeremy Munthali.

Dr Goktuna said the high-level reciprocal visits in July 2018 by President Edgar Lungu, and his Turkish counterpart Tayyip Erdogan, were a demonstration of the growing relations between the two countries.

He expressed happiness that the reciprocal visits culminated into the signing of 12 bilateral agreements on cooperation in various fields between the two countries.

“I am confident that we will have a further stronger relationship between Turkey and Zambia and this is our target. I am sure that many other good things are yet to come and this is just a part of it,” Dr Goktuna said.

He also pledged to work with the Mission to improve relations with countries in the region such as Azerbaijan.

The Zambian Mission in Turkey covers Azerbaijan, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Georgia and North Macedonia as countries of extra accreditation on a non-residential basis.

Dr Goktuna also pledged to continue supporting the Mission in its efforts to actualise Zambia’s Foreign Policy anchored on Economic Diplomacy.

Meanwhile, the Zambian Envoy thanked Dr Goktuna for the donation and assured that the computers would be put to good use to ensure efficiency in the work of the Embassy.

“I need to acknowledge that this is modern equipment, state-of-the-art and it will go a long way to support the work of the embassy and the Government,” Dr Chilengi said.

He also commended Dr Goktuna for his long service to Zambia, which dates back before 2014 when the Zambian Embassy in Ankara was opened.

And Dr Chilengi has unveiled a photo wall display of Presidential portraits of the six Heads of State that have ruled Zambia since independence in 1964.

The display at the entrance of the Zambian Chancery showcases Presidential portraits of President Lungu, Dr Kenneth Kaunda, Dr Frederick Chiluba, Dr Levy Patrick Mwanawasa, Mr Rupiah Banda and Mr Michael Sata.

Dr Chilengi said the photo wall display was a demonstration of Zambia’s rich political history as well as impeccable democratic credentials that the country was renowned for.

THE African Union in collaboration with AE Trade Group and the Africa Business Association, have honoured President, Edgar Lungu with an appreciation award.

The award is in recognition of the efforts and work done by President Lungu in realising the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Zambia’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union, Emmanuel Mwamba received the award on behalf of President Lungu at a Ceremony held in Addis Ababa.

And after he received the award on behalf of President Lungu, Mr. Mwamba said President Lungu led concerted efforts to ensure that broad consultation were done on the AfCFTA amongst stakeholders.

He said President Lungu also ensured that Cabinet approved the trade agreement and was later ratified by Parliament.

The appreciation Awards Ceremony was held on Friday, 26th February 2021 for African Heads of State and Government whose countries have so far ratified the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

This is contained in a statement signed by First Secretary (Press &Tourism) at the Zambian High Commission in Ethopia, Inutu Mwanza.

Trading under the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement commenced on 1st January 2021.

The AfCFTA offers African businesses and investors the ability to conduct ninety (97) percent of their trade, tariff free.

The AfCFTA will create a combined GDP of over $2 trillion and offers a lucrative market of about 1.3 billion people.

Mr. Mwamba said Zambia’s accession to the Agreement reaffirmed its commitment to continental integration, to the implementation of the African Union Agenda 2063, so that Africa could reap maximum benefits, such as creation of employment for the youths from the implementation of the AfCFTA.

Kifuwe primary school management in Mufumbwe district, Northwestern province, has bemoaned the school drop outs among girl children on the Keeping Girls in School (KGS) programme in the district.

Speaking during the District Development Coordinating Committee (DDCC) meeting in Mufumbwe yesterday, Kifuwe primary school deputy head teacher, Oliver Kalemba said it is very disappointing to note that some girls stopped going to school even after being brought back by government under KGS programme.

“Despite government spending money on these girls, some of them decide to drop out again,” Mr Kalemba said.

He said it is like some girls do not know the value of them being educated and seem to luck parental guidance.

“Government is committed to ensuring that more girls get educated, this will help promote gender equality in all aspects of life,” Mr Kalemba said.

He explained that the value of girls can only be experienced if they start competing with boys in academic studies.

Meanwhile, Resource Center Coordinator, Rydia Makalashi commended the government for the support it has continued to render to women in the education sector.

Mrs Makalashi said more women are now being noticed as they are leading some departments in secondary schools than before.

Some critical departments like natural sciences are being headed by women in some schools, she said.

Government has strongly advised Local contractors in Luapula Province to involve qualified engineers if they are to develop quality works resilient to climate change.

Provincial Minister Nickson Chilangwa observes that the failure to consult engineers is a major factor to shoddy works thereby making infrastructure susceptible especially during heavy storms.

ZANIS reports that Mr. Chilangwa was speaking when he visited St. Mary’s Secondary School where heavy rains have left trail of destruction.

‘ Government is incurring unnecessary expenditures on destroyed infrastructure due to poor workmanship, “ he said.

Accompanied by Luapula Province Permanent Secretary Charles Mushota, Mr. Chilangwa says the damage caused by the rains to the school infrastructure can partially be attributed to poor workmanship.

He explained that climate change is imposing new pressures on public infrastructure hence the need to engage engineers at every stage of construction.

And Mr. Chilangwa has revealed that government has already taken interventions to avert any danger of the disruption of learning at the institution.

And Mr. Mushota has directed engineers responsible for public infrastructure in the Province to keep a check on old infrastructure such as schools, bridges among others to avoid disasters.

Mr. Mushota warned that he will not accept poor workmanship by contractors when awarded contracts.

Meanwhile, School Head-teacher Florence Musawa of the children’s continued learning despite the destruction to some infrastructure.

Sr. Masuwa has allayed fears in the area that learning will be disrupted at the institution.