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President Hakainde Hichilema has assured Mumbwa residents that government will soon start rehabilitation works on the old Mumbwa road, which links the district to Kabwe.
ZANIS reports that President Hichilema says the road which provides a shorter route to Kabwe has been in a deplorable state for a long time.
Speaking when he addressed a gathering at Kaunda square grounds, the President said government remains committed to enhancing development in the country.
“We increased the Constituency Development Fund which has taken development to the grassroots, we reintroduced the free education policy and we are constructing a number of schools and health facilities across the country,” he said.
The Head of State also directed Central Province Minister Mwabashike Nkulukusa and Mumbwa Member of Parliament, Credo Nanjuwa, to ensure the construction of a police station and reconstruction of the veterinary office which was gutted down by irate residents in a protest last year are implemented.
“We want to ensure that the much needed services are delivered to our people,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Head of State said government is ready to deliver agriculture inputs ahead of the 2024/2025 farming season urging farmers to plant early as the country is expected to receive adequate rains.
Mr Hichilema noted that unlike in the 2023/2024 farming season, the country is assured of adequate rains and a good season.
“We have been told that we shall receive normal to above normal rains, we need to prepare and start planting in good time,” he stated.
President Hichilema also urged eligible youths to acquire National Registration Cards (NRC) for them to benefit from government’ social protection programmes such as the Social Cash Transfer and CDF.
“Government is offering many programmes aimed at reducing hunger and poverty, and those eligible can only benefit if they have NRCs,” he said.
The Head of State noted that youths can only participate in elections if they acquire the national identification document and the voter’s card.
And Mumbwa Central Member of Parliament, Credo Nanjuwa highlighted that Mumbwa has witnessed improved developments in the three years of the new administration being in power.
Mr Nanjuwa disclosed that the district has seen 98 community projects and that 89 clubs and cooperatives have benefitted from the CDF grants and loans in the constituency.
He also noted that 13,000 vulnerable households are receiving cash under the Drought Emergency Cash Transfer in Mumbwa District.
Earlier, United Party for National Development (UPND) District Chairperson, Maybin Kalambwe also appealed to government to rehabilitate the Mumbwa-Kabwe and Mumbwa-Kasempa roads.
President Hakainde Hichilema has commissioned the 600 Million United States Dollars Sinomine Kitumba mining project in Mumbwa District, Central Province.
President Hakainde Hichilema has commissioned the 600 Million United States Dollars Sinomine Kitumba mining project in Mumbwa District, Central Province.
President Hichilema said the ground breaking of the copper cathode production at Kitumba Mine demonstrates government’s dedication to revitalizing the mining sector and delivering jobs and economic growth.
Mr Hichilema said the mine project will come with a 50 Megawatt solar power plant that will be integrated into Zambia’s main electricity grid.
He added that the investment is expected to create over 2,500 direct and indirect job opportunities to the local people.
“This investment will help span multiple sectors including infrastructure, agriculture, education and health signaling a new chapter in the bilateral relationship between the two countries,” he said.
Mr Hichilema also cautioned Members of Parliament, civic leaders, traditional leaders and others charged with responsibility, to deliver all projects which they are in charge of and ensure that they are completed.
“Zambians expect us to better their lives through growing the investment portfolio like the Sinomine Kitumba mine project,” he said.
And Sinomine Kitumba Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Wang Pingwei said during the construction phase, the company will conduct additional geological exploration, which include increased drilling to increase the copper resource volume and resource grade.
Mr Pingwei added that based on exploration results, the company will consider increasing investment in a timely manner to expand production and capacity.
He also added that the company plans to construct a 50-megawatt solar power plant and integrate it with Zambia’s national electricity grid.
“The project is expected to create approximately 2,500 direct and indirect job opportunities and through this initiative such as donations and dedicated funds and skills training, we aim to improve healthcare, education and living standards for local residents,” he said.
Earlier, Minister of Mines and Minerals Development, Paul Kabuswe said President Hichilema has been implementing several measures to revitalize the mining sector from the time he came into office.
Mr Kabuswe noted that the fighting between mining investors has been delaying development in most districts which have mineral resources.
“I was assigned by the President to bring to an end the fighting between investors and to inform them that they should withdraw all cases from courts of law and here we are today, celebrating this groundbreaking,” he said.
[ZANIS]
President Hakainde Hichilema has accorded an official funeral to the late former First Lady Maureen Mwanawasa, who died on Tuesday, 13th August, 2024.
President Hichilema has also declared Monday, 19th August, a day of national mourning in honour of the late former First Lady.
This is in recognition of the Late Dr. Mwanawasa’s contributions to humanity when she served as First Lady from 2002 to 2008.
Secretary to the Cabinet, Patrick Kangwa, said in a statement that the late former First Lady supported the vulnerable of society through the Maureen Mwanawasa Community Initiative.
Mr Kangwa said the Late Former First Lady will be put to rest on Monday, 19th August, 2024 at the Leopards Hill Memorial Park, in Lusaka.
He stated that the official funeral programme will be preceded by a Requiem Church Service at the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Cross, at 10:00 hours.
Mr Kangwa further advised that during the period of national mourning which will be observed from 06:00 hours to 18:00 hours, all activities of entertainment nature on both radio and television should be suspended while flags must fly at half-mast.
He added that members of the public intending to attend the official funeral should adhere to the preventive Public Health measures as given by the Ministry of Health to prevent spread of diseases.
Lombe Chali, the wife of Petauke Central Member of Parliament Emmanuel Banda, has been arrested and charged with aiding her husband’s escape from lawful custody. The arrest occurred on August 9, 2024, following Mr. Banda’s escape from custody while he was admitted to Chipata General Hospital on August 4, 2024.
In addition to Mrs. Chali, two police officers and three prison warders have also been arrested and charged in connection with the escape. Police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga identified the officers as Phineas Mfungwe, Benson Kabole, Moses Sakala, Nathan Mbao, and Musa Spider Zulu.
Mr. Hamoonga stated that all six individuals have been released on police bond and are expected to appear in court soon to answer to the charges brought against them.
The police spokesperson emphasized that the police remain committed to upholding the law and ensuring that anyone who breaches it, regardless of their status or position, is held accountable.
The upcoming court appearances will determine the legal ramifications for those charged in connection with this incident.
US tennis professional player Cole Conner interacting teenagers during his tour of Zambia last year.
Former Zambian tennis star Sydney Bwalya’s charitable organization, Love-40, epitomizes his desire to give back to the sport that has shaped his life. A former Davis Cup player and touring tennis professional based in Dallas, Texas, Bwalya is dedicated to helping the children of Zambia receive the proper equipment to learn and play tennis.
His deep love for the sport and commitment to his homeland led him to create Love-40, with the goal of introducing tennis to underprivileged children in Zambia. Through his charity, Love-40, Bwalya aims to improve the lives of Zambian children by introducing them to tennis and providing ongoing instruction.
A highly motivated tennis coach with 16 years of experience in college, university, and club-level tennis, Bwalya currently serves as a tennis professional at the TBarM Racquet Club in Dallas. He believes that tennis can be a powerful tool for social change, teaching discipline, resilience, and hope.
Since its inception, Love-40 has provided young Zambians with tennis equipment, professional training, and mentorship, focusing on juniors who have limited access to resources. With the help of well-wishers, Love-40 has been shipping tennis equipment to Zambia.
Bwalya is grateful for the continued support from TBarM management and donors, which has contributed to the success of the Love-40 organization. “Your generosity has enabled us to empower children in Zambia and work towards making them responsible citizens. You truly make a difference for us, and we are extremely grateful,” he says.
Bwalya’s vision is to create a generation of Zambian tennis champions who excel both on the court and in life. “Growing up in Zambia, I saw firsthand how sports can shape a child’s future. With Love-40, we aim to give every child the opportunity to dream big and achieve greatness through tennis,” Bwalya says.
Under his leadership, Love-40 has continued to expand its outreach, touching the lives of many young athletes in Zambia. His organization’s work not only aims to develop tennis skills but also to instill values that will guide young players throughout their lives.
Bwalya began playing tennis at the age of eight. Coached by his father, Adrian (late), he emerged as one of the top junior players in Africa and reached No. 295 in the world International Tennis Federation (ITF) junior rankings as a teenager. He became a stalwart on the Zambian Davis Cup team from 1995-2001, including stints as the team’s playing captain in 1998 and 2001.
Before being named to the 1997 Davis Cup team, the indomitable Bwalya won both the Zambian Closed and Open Championships. Bwalya migrated to the U.S. in 2000, accepting a tennis scholarship at Barton County Community College in Great Bend, Kansas, at the age of 25. In his debut season at BCCC, Bwalya guided the school to a second-place finish in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Championships. He was named to the ITA/NJCAA All-American team in 2000 and 2001.
Two years later, he transferred to Washburn University in Topeka and played No. 1 singles and doubles for the Ichabods. Bwalya inspired the Ichabods to qualify for their first NCAA Division II National Championships.
To date, Bwalya remains Zambia’s winningest Davis Cup player ever, with 22 match wins in singles and 10 in doubles. He reached as high as the 1100s in the ATP rankings, playing in several ITF Futures and Challenger events in and around Africa.
Luanshya District Commissioner Oncemore Ngonomo has disclosed that the HIV prevalent rate in Luanshya currently stands at 8. 1 percent and Copperbelt Province is at 11.9 percent.
He said the 8.1 percent for Luanshya is out of the 11.9 percent prevalent rate for the Copperbelt Province.
Mr Ngonomo said that according to the Zambia Population Base HIV/AIDs Impact assessment of 2021 out of the ten provinces in Zambia, Copperbelt Province is at number four.
” Out of ten, we are number four, we are not doing well,” he said.
He said that the district has 96 percent of people knowing they are living with HIV and knowing their HIV status and 96 percent of people confirmed with HIV are on treatment, and 94 percent people who are on treatment are virally suppressed.
” As a province out of estimated two hundred and forty three thousand, hundred fifty people living with HIV we have two hundred and twenty eight thousand five hundred and sixty one people currently on treatment,” he said.
Mr Ngonomo who was speaking during the commemoration of 2024 HIV Testing and Counseling day in Luanshya also said there is need to intensify HIV/AIDS testing and counseling services in all health facilities and promote HIV/AIDS prevention care and support.
He further said it is crucial for every Zambian to get involved in the fight against HIV/AIDS if Zambia is to achieve the target of ending HIV/AIDS by 2030.
“Ladies and gentlemen the dawn government will not leave any one behind in the national response to HIV, this therefore applies that delivering HIV/AIDS related prevention and treatment services requires a holistic approach that addresses the needs of hardest hit population,” Mr Ngonomo said .
He said that evidence continues to show that the new HIV infections are on the rise among the young people aged between 10 and 24 years in Zambia.
He noted that investing in adolescence and young people was important adding that health intervention remains a key priority for the UPND Government as majority of young people in the country continues to face health challenges.
Nearly 38 years ago, Hakainde Hichilema stood in the square at the University of Zambia (UNZA), proudly receiving his first degree—a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Business Administration. Today, he returned to the same hallowed ground, this time to accept an honorary Doctorate of Business Administration (Hon. D.B.A.), a recognition that has stirred deep memories of his time as a young student.
Reflecting on that momentous occasion years ago, President Hichilema recalled the pride of shaking hands with Zambia’s First President and then-Chancellor of the University, Dr. Kenneth David Kaunda. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to UNZA for bestowing such a significant honor upon him, underscoring the emotional resonance of receiving this award where his academic journey began.
UNZA, a venerable institution, holds a special place in the history of Zambia and beyond. It has produced four graduates and one lecturer who went on to become Presidents of their respective nations. Among its distinguished alumni are the late President Levy Patrick Mwanawasa, immediate past President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe, and President Hichilema himself. Additionally, the late President of Namibia, Dr. Hage Geingob, once served as a lecturer at this prestigious institution.
President Hichilema at the University of Zambia
In his acceptance speech, President Hichilema dedicated the honorary doctorate to the cause of advancing graduate employability, inclusive development, and the fight against social inequalities, unemployment, and poverty. He urged the private sector and UNZA alumni to collaborate with the government in delivering quality higher education in Zambia, emphasizing the importance of public universities adapting to changing circumstances to ensure effective governance and continued excellence.
The ceremony was not just a moment of personal reflection for President Hichilema, but also a call to action for the entire nation to invest in the future of its youth and the quality of its higher education system.
President Hakainde Hichilema says the exploration of the country’s mineral endowment is critical in the development of the mining sector.
President Hichilema said the mapping of mineral endowment is an important ingredient in driving the country’s national development.
The Head of State said this when he launched the country wide high resolution aerial geophysical survey. He pointed out that the mapping exercise will be used to bring order in the mining sector as opposed to people mining illegally.
President Hichilema noted that the country’s rich resource endowment should benefit everyone and not a few selected individuals.He indicated that the government will only be able to know what mineral sits in a particular region before forming joint partnerships with would-be investors.
The Head of State stated that the mineral exploration will also be used to determine how much underground water is in the county.
President Hichilema said from the findings, the government will be able to invest in irrigation so as to avert hunger in the wake of the drought.
He urged Zambians to ignore people fond of fabricating lies alleging that the government has sold the mineral worth of the country to foreigners.
And speaking at the same event, Lusaka Province Minister, Sheal Mulyata said the launch of the aerial geophysical survey is crucial in determining the country’s full mineral potential.
Mrs Mulyata noted that the mineral mapping exploration will provide the government with information on the mineral endowment in all the ten provinces.
She expressed optimism that the launch of the mineral mapping exercise will greatly contribute in reshaping the future of the mining industry in Zambia.
And Xcalibur Smart Mapping Chief Executive Officer, Andres Blanco Grasa thanked the government for entrusting the company with the responsibility of generating the mineral mapping data.
Mr Grasa said the data to be generated during the national mineral mapping exercise will be of high quality.
He explained that the technology to be used in the exercise is being used for the first in Africa and Zambia will have the best mineral data mapping compared to other African countries.
Mr Grasa assured the government that his company will train some Zambians as part of skills transfer in the interpretation of mineral data.
Meanwhile, Minister of Mines and Minerals Development, Paul Kabuswe thanked President Hichilema for providing the leadership towards the launch of the mineral exploration exercise.
Mr Kabuswe said this is the first time that mineral mapping has been done in Zambia since 1972 saying the mineral mapping exercise will enable the government know what mineral deposits are found in different parts of the country.
Mr Kabuswe pointed that the mineral mapping exercise is meant also to bring order and sanity in the mining sector.
He said some scrupulous people took advantage of the absence of a mineral map to engage in illegal mining activities.
Mr Kabuswe commended President Hichilema for the prudent policies his government is putting in place as they are yielding the desired results.
ZANIS
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.
