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ZCCM-IH shareholders endorse 90% acquisition in Mopani

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ZCCM-IH shareholders endorse 90% acquisition in Mopani

Shareholders in ZCCM-IH have overwhelmingly supported its acquisition of a 90% stake in Mopani Copper Mines (MCM).

Glencore agreed the sale of its majority stake in Mopani to ZCCM-IH in a $1.5 billion deal, the miner and trader said in January.

ZCCM-IH said in a statement that the extraordinary general meeting vote on the resolution was the last condition towards the completion of the transaction and ZCCM-IH now holds 100% ownership of Mopani.

The deal is funded by borrowings from Carlisa Investments Corp – a British Virgin Islands-based company through which Glencore holds its stake – and other members of the Glencore group.

ZCCM-IH Chief Executive Mabvuto Chipata said with increased ownership, ZCCM-IH would now be an active participant in the global industry as copper becomes a critical metal.

“Mopani will repay the remaining debt of $1.5 billion from its own cashflows and the repayment is expected to happen well within the remaining life of mine,” Mr. Chipata said.

ZCCM-IH has said it expects to find a new investor for Mopani by the end of the year as it looks to boost copper output from a little more than 34,000 tonnes to 150,000 tonnes.

Glencore said in a separate statement it would continue to retain offtake rights in respect of Mopani’s production.

“The Board is pleased to confirm that all the Conditions Precedent to the Transaction have now been satisfied, allowing for the completion of the Transaction on 31 March 2021. ZCCM-IH is now the holder of 100% of the issued shares in Mopani, transforming the Company from an investment company to owning and operating a multi-billion-dollar mining asset in Zambia. The Board looks forward to providing Shareholders with further updates on Mopani in the coming months,” the statement read.

New Cyber law goes to Court

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New Cyber law goes to Court

Five Civil Society Organisations have petitioned the High Court for a declaration that various provisions of the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act be declared unconstitutional and struck off the statute books.

The five organisations include Alliance for Community Action, Bloggers of Zambia, Chapter One Foundation, GEARS Initiative Zambia and Peoples’ Action for Accountability and Good Governance in Zambia.

Chapter One Foundation Executive Director Linda Kasonde said on behalf of the CSOs that the passing of the Cyber Security and Crimes Act is the culmination of veiled attempts by state actors and government officials to intimidate and even prosecute members of the public who air their opinions on online platforms.

Ms Kasonde says while it is imperative to ensure the safety of the public against cyber security threats, it must always be balanced with the right to freedom of expression and the need to maintain the right to privacy.

Ms Kasonde has maintained that these provisions are unjustifiable in a democratic state and unconstitutional but hopes that the court will give generous interpretation to the rights enshrined in the Constitution which apply without limitation in the cyber space.

Below is the full statement

JOINT CSO PRESS STATEMENT DATED 1ST APRIL 2021 ON THE CYBER SECURITY AND CYBER CRIMES ACT NO 2 OF 2021

On the 23rd March 2021 the President of the Republic of Zambia assented into law the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act No 2 of 2021.

The passing of the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act is the culmination of several thinly veiled attempts by state actors and government officials to intimidate and even prosecute members of the public who air their opinions on online platforms.

We, the undersigned civil society organisations, have petitioned the High Court for a declaration that various provisions of the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act be declared unconstitutional and struck off the statute books.

Prior to its being passed into law we, and many others, bemoaned the lack of engagement and/or consultation of NGOs, CSOs and other stakeholders in the drafting processes. We further attempted to engage the legislature to highlight the fact that, while it is imperative to ensure the safety of the public at large against cyber security threats, this must invariably be balanced with the right to freedom of expression and the need to maintain the right to privacy enjoyed by all members of the public.

Despite several statements highlighting specific provisions of the Bill which threatened to unjustifiably limit constitutionally guaranteed rights, these provisions have been maintained and are now law. While the Act contains progressive provisions particularly with regard to the cyber security of children, there are several provisions that have the potential to facilitate and even enhance the wanton surveillance and censorship of members of public through interception of communications. These provisions are unjustifiable in a democratic state and unconstitutional.

In a shrinking civic space, social media platforms and other online media present alternative platforms for members of the public to air their views on matters of public interest and gather virtually to share such views without the inhibitions of the much-abused Public Order Act. This platform has become even more important as the country and the world at large grapples with the Covid-19 pandemic and the regulations it necessitated. The Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act threatens this use of the cyber space.

It is our hope that the court will give generous interpretation to the rights enshrined in the Constitution which we believe apply without limitation in the cyber space.

Linda Kasonde
Executive Director, Chapter One Foundation

Signed for and on behalf of the following CSOs:

Alliance for Community Action
Bloggers of Zambia
Chapter One Foundation
GEARS Initiative Zambia
Peoples’ Action for Accountability and Good Governance in Zambia

Former BoZ Governor Denny Kalyalya lands top World Bank post

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Former BoZ Governor Denny Kalyalya lands top World Bank post

Donor and borrower country representatives of the International Development Association (IDA) have selected Zambia’s Dr. Denny Kalyalya as the Independent Co-Chair of IDA’s twentieth replenishment (IDA20), which will launch later this month.

In this role, Dr. Kalyalya will champion stronger policy and financial support for IDA20 at political and other stakeholder levels across IDA donor and borrower countries.

Dr. Kalyalya will co-chair the IDA20 Replenishment process with Axel van Trotsenburg, the World Bank’s Managing Director of Operations.

Since IDA18, IDA replenishment meetings have had two co-chairs, comprising an independent eminent personality with adequate knowledge of Multilateral Development Banks, and a high-level representative of the World Bank Group appointed by the President of the institution.

An economist, Dr. Kalyalya has experience at the World Bank Group having served as an Executive Director from 2012 to 2014 and as an Alternate Executive Director from 2010 to 2012, representing Africa Group One Constituency of 22 countries.

Until December 2019, he also served as a Borrower Representative for IDA18 and IDA19.

Since June 2019, he has been serving as a Non-Executive Director on the Board of the African Export and Import Bank.

A Zambian national, Dr. Kalyalya’s experience includes serving as the Governor and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Bank of Zambia between 2015 and 2020, having earlier been Deputy Governor responsible for operations.

He has also served on a number of high-level, national, regional and international committees.

Dr. Kalyalya holds a PhD (Economics) and an MA (Economics) from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

He also holds an MA and a BA (Economics) from the University of Zambia.

Background:

In February 2021, IDA donor and borrower country representatives agreed to advance IDA20 by one year, and shorten the IDA19 cycle to two years, due to pressures from the COVID-19 crisis. IDA19 will now cover July 2020 – June 2022, while IDA20 will cover July 2022 – June 2025.

The IDA20 replenishment process presents an opportunity to focus on building back better from the crisis and enhancing the existing IDA policy framework to support the transition to a green, resilient, and inclusive future. Replenishment discussions and negotiations for IDA20 will run from April to December 2021.

IDA is one of the largest sources of funding for fighting extreme poverty in the world’s poorest countries.

IDA provides zero- or low-interest loans and grants to countries for projects and programs that boost economic growth, build resilience, and improve the lives of poor people around the world.

Since 1960, IDA has provided about $422 billion for investments in 114 countries. As an institution of the World Bank Group, IDA combines global expertise with an exclusive focus on reducing poverty and boosting prosperity in the world’s poorest countries.

EIU Report In fact said that PF Cannot win a Free and Fair Election

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EIU Report In fact said that PF Cannot win a Free and Fair Election

By Anthony Bwalya UPND Presidential Spokesperson

Over the past few days, the digital space has been awash with tonnes of misinformation by a poorly read, poorly informed Patriotic Front (PF) media team; purporting that the latest country report by the Economists Intelligence Unit (EIU) has declared the PF and President Edgar Lungu likely victors in the August 12 General Election.

Let me state from the onset, that the purported election victory by the PF is CONDITIONAL on a set of diabolical set of circumstances falling into place, circumstances which in effect would constitute an assault on Zambia’s democracy by the PF and its leadership, effectively rendering the results of the August polls a mockery to our collective intelligence.

Here is a list of critical insights contained in the March 30 2021 report by the EIU, insights conveniently and foolishly overlooked by the regime to claim that election victory is guaranteed in their favour when Zambians head to the polls this August.

INSIGHT #1

Under the PF regime, Zambia’s democracy index is down from 5.09 to 4.86, designated from flawed democracy to hybrid regime. This means that we are no longer a recognized democracy, but a cross between a democracy and an authoritarian regime, like Benin, Uganda, Thailand.

A further downgrade of Zambia’s democracy rating is expected should President Lungu succeed in clinging on to power.

INSIGHT #2

President incumbent of the PF is designated as an authoritarian leader in the report.

I do not need to explain what this means.

INSIGHT #3

The policy focus of the PF regime to hinge on short-term, populist features to endear the masses into keeping the regime in power. This is why we have seen and overflow of money in empowerment, social cash transfer and FISP.

All this careless splashing of cash will soon be back to bite all of us.

INSIGHT #4

The report proposes or points to a possible Chinese takeover of state assets as part of a possible Chinese debt restructuring program – this could further escalate anti – Chinese sentiments in our country.

We have always warned about the lack of transparency around the quantum and conditions around Chinese debt. We think that it is this lack of detail and transparency from the regime that is escalating fears.

INSIGHT #5

Zambians must be braced for a painful austerity ahead. This could and usually means cuts may be made to critical public services – no proper funding for healthcare, education, while salaries for civil servants may be expected to become more erratic.

Already, many council workers go for several months without being laid salaries, while the widespread degeneration in critical public services was witnessed in the dying years of the UNIP regime.

INSIGHT #6

Zambia has now been cut off from external funds thanks to poor infrastructure program implementation by the PF.

We always warned that the cost of infrastructure was unsustainable, especially that this was funded by very expensive debt money.

Zambia was officially cut off from external borrowing the moment we decided we will not make Eurobond coupon payments because the PF wanted to focus on splashing money.

INSIGHT #7

Decision to abolish 2005 voters’ register seen to likely lead to the registration of more voters in ruling party strongholds than opposition ones.

We all saw what happened during the exercise to issue NRCs and voters cards, and there are numbers to back up our initial fears.

INSIGHT #8

Zambia’s functioning of governments score at 2.93, reflecting PF corruption and mismanagement of the economy and public finances, including weakening of independence of BOZ by abrupt changes in governors.

This killed confidence in the Central Bank’s ability to steer an objective monetary policy. Bad for business.

INSIGHT #9

The EIU projects that the election will neither be free nor fair as PF will be forced to rely more on Zambia’s partisan security forces to aggressively narrow the political space for the opposition.

We have seen an increasing appetite by the police to use a heavy hand when dealing with opposition political parties- arbitrary arrests, detentions and citizens being killed by police bullets.

Now, ALL this is contained in the same EIU Report the PF are using to claim victory come August.

The report is a public document and I urge people to read it and understand full well the path to nowhere the PF have set us onto.

 

Vote for UPND to cleanse the Shame of Poverty and Unemployment -HH

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Vote for UPND to cleanse the Shame of Poverty and Unemployment -HH

United Party for National Development (UPND) President Hakainde Hichilema says voting for him and his party is cleansing the shame of poverty and unemployment on his shoulders in the forth coming general elections.

And Mr Hichilema has assured the nation that he will file in his nominations for Presidency as the Zambian people want him as a Candidate for Change.

In receiving, the former PF Deputy Minister of Sports and Mufumbwe Member of Parliament Stephen Masumba at the Party Secretariat today, Mr Hichilema bemoaned the current social and economic challenges, under the leadership of President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, which continues to subject Zambians into a sea of abject dehumanizing misery.

On the political landscape, President Hichilema said it is not fair that the Zambian people are abused with their own money PF is dishing to them in a bid to buy them off.

And Stephen Masumba vowed to campaign for the UPND and President Hakainde Hichilema for change.

He says it is unfortunate that PF has been governing the country with lies and unfulfilled promises citing lack of employment and empowering the foreigners at the expense of the locals especially in the mining sector.

He further said it will be difficult for PF to penetrate North Western Province as he contributed to popular politics when he was in MMD and PF.

Nkana End Five Game Losing Run

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Nkana ended their almost two –month long, five-game losing run on Thursday in dramatic fashion with a late rally in a 2-2  home draw against fellow strugglers Green Buffaloes at Nkana Stadium in Kitwe.

It was  a game of  two halves with  Green Buffaloes running riot in the first half against a Nkana side that was chasing shadows in that period after handing four players debuts in the starting XI who included ex-Zambia defender Emmanuel Mbola who signed as a free agent.

Buffaloes took a deserved lead in the 10th minute through a solo run by Friday Samu.

Nkana then suffered a  setback in  the 24th minute  when  key striker Simon Mulenga  was stretchered  off after suffering a right thigh injury and  replaced  by Emmanuel Mwiinde  who stuttered  into the break.

The defending FAZ Super Division champions then survived an embarrassing episode in the 37th minute when Zimbabwean defender Jimmy Dzingai’s back-pass was not read by compatriot and goalkeeper Talbert Shumba, but fortunately for both, the ball rolled marginally wide of the post.

But Nkana were a different side after the restart thanks to two changes coach Kelvin Kaindu made when winger Ackim Mumba and midfielder Obbedy Masumbuko came on for Harrison Chisala and new boy David Ambokile respectively.

Masumbuko’s vision and Mumba’s pace on the right wing put pressure on Buffaloes for most of the second half.

It paid off in the 84th minute when Mwiinde pounced on the rebound to slot in Mumba’s cross that had bounced off the beam.

But midfielder Jack Chirwa put Buffaloes back in the lead in the 86th minute following a bulldozing move that involved him, Samu and Youremember Banda.

However, Mumba restored parity in the 88th minute with a fine volley to hand Nkana their first point since beating Tihad Casablanca 2-1 at the same venue on February 14 in a CAF Confederation Cup pre-group stage fixture.

Nkana, though, have yet to win a league match since February 4 when they beat Nkwazi 2-0 away in Lusaka.

The result sees both sides stay put with Nkana at 16th on 21 points and Buffaloes 14th on 23 points.

Meanwhile, Nkana now pack their bags and head to Tanzania on Friday ahead of Sunday’s CAF Confederation Cup Group D game against Namungo in Dar es Salaam.

RSTA streams some services to Kapiri council

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RSTA streams some services to Kapiri council

The Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kapiri Mposhi Town Council aimed at decentralizing provision some of its services to the district.

Under the MoU Kapiri Mposhi Town Council has been engaged to issue Vehicle Road Tax, inspection of vehicle roadworthiness for fitness certificates to motorists in the district and surrounding areas.

Representing RTSA Chief Executive Officer, Gladwel Banda, Principal Licensing Officer, Anthony Chewe signed the MoU on behalf of the Agency while Kapiri Mposhi Town Council Secretary, Isaac Zimba signed for the Council.

Under the arrangement, the Council will be entitled to a four percent commission.

Mr. Chewe said the MoU was signed in order to take RTSA services nearer to motorists in the district.

He said RTSA has embarked on a programme to pilot issuance of Road Tax and examination of motor vehicles through selected Local Authorities in the country.

” It’s a statutory requirement for motor vehicles to be certified roadworthy before they can be used on public roads therefore this MoU will ease challenges motorists encounter in accessing RTSA services in Kapiri Mposhi and surrounding areas,” Mr Chewe said.

And Council Secretary, Isaac Zimba noted that the MoU has come as a relief to motorists in the district.

Mr Zimba explained that currently, motorists drive to Kabwe or Ndola for all RTSA services.

“On the part of motorists it has been very expensive to always get to Kabwe or Ndola just for the vehicle fitness certificate this MoU is a big relief to them,” Mr Zimba said.

Mr Zimba assured that the Council will diligently perform to the expectation of RTSA and motorists in the area.

He urged motorists to take advantage of the initiative which had brought RTSA services nearer to them to ensure that they comply with the Road Traffic Act.

Govt prepares for tourists return

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Govt prepares for tourists return

The Ministry of Tourism and Arts has started preparations of tourists’ return to Zambia following the announcement of the roll out of the COVID- 19 vaccine.

Speaking during a workshop held at Government Complex on Implementation of Incentive measures for the tourism sector, Director for Tourism Lillian Bwalya said the Ministry is confident that tourists will start trickling back into the country following the roll out of the jab.

She called on owners of tourism establishments to take advantage of the incentives put in by government through the Minister of Finance to mitigate the impact of the effects of COVID -19 pandemic.

“My department looks forward to further collaboration with the operators so that they are fully trained on several facets like Customer care, Hospitality Etiquettes among other values for the sector,” Ms. Bwalya said.

And Zambezi Association of Tour Operators (ZATO) Chairperson Maxwell Masempela said the workshop comes as a ray of hope for the sector.

He said the workshop is a first step to prepare for the return of tourists to Zambia and that customer service and Etiquettes are focal points for happy tourists who want to enjoy their visit.

“There is also a need to have the right behaviour by all staff in the tourism space,” Mr. Masempela cautioned.

Meanwhile, Waterfalls Hotel General Manager Tamika Mwale said the workshop was an eye opener and a privilege for operators that attended both physically and virtually across the country.

She said operators need the training as they prepare to reopen their facilities to tourists.

This is contained in a statement issued to ZANIS in Lusaka by Ministry of Tourism and Arts Public Relations Sakabilo Kalembwe.

Find sustainable ways of raising funds- church told

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Find sustainable ways of raising funds- church told

Serenje Constituency Member of Parliament, Maxwell Kabanda has advised churches to find sustainable ways of raising funds.

Mr Kabanda said this during a church service at Serenje Central Seventh-Day Adventist Church where he donated K10, 000 for purchase of a Public Address (PA) system.

Mr Kabanda said if churches are to better serve its members and the community, they should find sustainable ways of raising funds.

Mr Kabanda highlighted that the church and government are partners in uplifting the lives of people hence the need for churches to think objectively and find sustainable ways of raising funds to run its programmes.

“The church and government are one side of the coin but it is not good for the church to always move with a begging bowl. You need to think objectively about how to raise funds,” He said.

Mr Kabanda further advised that churches should venture in business and form cooperatives to generate funds to effectively run their churches.

“Churches should get into business, acquire farm land and join cooperatives so that as government is giving fertiliser, you can also benefit,” Mr. Kabanda said.

TIZ launch project to deter vote buying

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TIZ launch project to deter vote buying

Transparency International Zambia (TIZ) Justice for all Network (J4AN) Ndola District Coordinator Mike Mushanga has cautioned electorates not to accept gifts and material from politicians aspiring for office in exchange for a vote in the run-up to general elections.

ZTIZ today launched the Justice for all Network in Ndola district to provide a platform for residents to report issues of corruption.

Speaking during the launch in Ndola’s Chipulukusu Township, Mr. Mshanga said the organization has noted with concern pockets of alleged corrupt activities being registered in the ongoing primary elections for political parties where aspiring candidates are reported to be buying votes for adoption.

Mr. Mshanga said the trend serious repercussions in the future when it comes to service delivery if left unchecked.

He called on community members and party hierarchy to reject corruption if the country is to attain desired development.

“We need quality leadership which will drive the vision of this country in attaining the middle-income status by 2030. Now, if we allow candidates to bribe their way into office, it’s the community themselves who will pay if the leader elected does not perform to expectation. People must choose leaders on merit,” he emphasized.

Mr. Mshanga said the J4AN platform launched will give an opportunity to residents to raise issues affecting them and legal advice will also be provided.

He said that various organizations have been incorporated in the network which includes the Civil Society Organization (CSO’s), the church, and government institutions to expedite disposing of cases to attain justice for all.

“This is opening of new chapter in dealing with corruption issues in Ndola and government is represented because complaint mostly are against service delivery.

TIZ is coordinating with various institutions to ensure people of Ndola also take part in the fight against corruption especially that we are going towards elections.

President Lungu Warns against Reckless Behaviour during Easter

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President Lungu Warns against Reckless Behaviour during Easter

President Edgar Lungu has wished all Zambian families wellness and God’s protection during the Easter holiday.

And the President has also warned against reckless behaviour such as alcohol abuse, and any violent and immoral acts saying he is aware that some people will use this time to engage in bad vices.

President Lungu says he would like to take this opportunity to join all Zambians across the nation to commemorate the crucifixion and celebrate the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.

“Zambia is a Christian nation and it is my sincere prayer that during this period Christians will uphold the sacredness of the triduum by praying and worshipping to God almighty and seeking his face for forgiveness,” he says.

The President added, “I am grateful to God almighty that yet again we, as Christians are commemorating the suffering, death, burial and the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ”.

And the Head of State has urged the nation to reflect on the goodness of God who allowed Jesus Christ to die on the cross for man to receive salvation.

The President has further advised Zambians to continually seek the face of God by repenting and asking for forgiveness for whatever sins may have been committed.

“The word of God in 2 Chronicles chapter 7 verse 14 says and I quote if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and hear their land, end of quote,” he says.

Meanwhile, the President has noted that the Easter period offers people an opportunity to restore their relationship with God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

He adds that the Easter triduum is a call to everyone to engage in acts of charity, mercy including, preaching salvation, love, peace and unity to everyone.

“As we observe this sacred period, reckless merrymaking and other uncouth behaviours should not take centre stage in our lives over the sole purpose of the Easter triduum,” President Lungu has urged.

He adds “Let us use this season to render a helping hand to those who are less privileged in our society and indeed, to preach salvation and the love of God.”

And the President has noted that during this period and going forward, it is imperative that families remain united by praying together stating that when families are united it will culminate in the unity of the nation.

“We are commemorating the triduum at a time when we are still faced with the deadly COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, I urge you all Zambians not to lower your guard as the pandemic is still with us. Let us continue adhering to public health guidelines of masking up, social distancing, hand washing and sanitizing. We should at all costs avoid situations that will expose us to COVID-19,” cautions the President.

President Lungu says it is his prayer that Jehovah God who is the great healer will touch all those who are afflicted by the pandemic and many other health challenges.

The Head of State remains confident that during this period everyone from different walks of lives will exercise maximum restraint by living in harmony, love, peace and unity and will continue to do so especially, as general elections approach on August 12, 2021.

“I am hopeful that before, during and after the elections we will continue treating each other as brothers and sisters. I pray that this Easter comes with renewed hope to mankind,” he says.

President Lungu further prays for peace around the world, for god’s protection and for love for one another.

This is according to a statement made available to the media in Lusaka this afternoon by the State House Press Office.

Jae Cash collaborates with K’millian and Jazzy boy on “Love of my life”

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Jae Cash collaborates with K’millian and Jazzy boy on “Love of my life”

Apa ili so Entertainment front liner Jae Cash is here with this beautiful love song with quite a dramatic story line . ‘Love of my life’ is a relatable situation based on how relationships go on and off all because of misunderstandings from the third party . Jazzy boy & Legend K’millian feature on this particular one . Official music video was shot by inkdrop Big picture .

Police caution political parties

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Police caution political parties

The Zambia Police has called on the political party leadership in Mkushi district to ensure that party members understand and adhere to the stipulations of the Public Order Act.

Officer Commanding for Kapiri, Mkushi and Luano region, Brighton Mwape reminded party officials when he officiated at a police initiated meeting with political parties yesterday.

Mr Mwape stressed that the essence of reaching out to the political parties is aimed at ensuring that peace is maintained among the political players, during the campaign period.

He said that it was important for political parties to understand the tenets of the Public Order Act, adding that the cardinal principle is aimed at preserving peace, law and order in society.

He said that the force will execute their duties professionally in this regard without favour, saying that the idea of inviting political parties is to strengthen a partnership with police, in order to stem electoral violence.

“We partner with you on the matter of promoting peaceful campaigns and elections, so it is important to acknowledge that we are not enemies”, he noted.

Mr Mwape also assured the political parties that his department will not hinder any party from operating as long as that party is doing its activities within the confines of the law.

The Political Parties that attended this meeting were the Patriotic Front (PF), and the United Party for National Development (UPND).

Nursing school gets bus empowerment

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Nursing school gets bus empowerment

Solwezi Catholic Diocese Bishop Charles Kasonde has thanked government for procuring a bus, to ease transport challenges at Luwi collage of nursing in Mwinilunga district.

Bishop Kasonde said the church appreciates the gesture government has made in trying to supplement efforts towards service delivery at the nursing school.

The Bishop said this when he received the bus on behalf of Luwi collage of nursing in Solwezi today.

“We are so thankful to the government for this gesture. The bus will improve service delivery and the nursing school,” he said.

Bishop Kasonde explained that the nursing school and the hospital in Ntambu area of Mwinilunga district, is an appreciation to the people in the area, through providing them with quality health care services.

Handing over the bus, North-western Province Permanent Secretary, Willies Mangimela urged the students and school management to safeguard the bus.

Mr Mangimela said the bus has been procured at a great cost hence the need for the beneficiaries to use it for its intended purpose.

“Let us look after this bus very well. Luwi is very far, hiring a bus is very costly so now that you have your own bus look after it well so that you provide quality services to the people,” he advised.

Acting Principal Tutor, Sister Chrisphine Kamwanga thanked government for the transport, saying for the past three years the college relied on hired transport for student’s mobility.

Sr. Kamwanga said it was very challenging to run an institution without proper transport.

Enhance sensitisation on Elephantiasis drug administration- Solwezi DC

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Enhance sensitisation on Elephantiasis drug administration- Solwezi DC

Solwezi District Commissioner, Rosemary Kamalonga has called for enhanced sensitisation on the importance of the elephantiasis mass drug administration, slated for April 12th , 2021.

Ms Kamalonga said elephantiasis is one of the neglected tropical diseases that is currently endemic in Zambia, and needs massive sensitisation on the subject, to enable effective administration of the preventive measures put in place.

“Zambia needs a healthy population in order to be developed and thrive. And as government, we still hold affirmation and promise to work towards the elimination of neglected tropical disease.” The DC lamented.

Ms Kamalonga called on residents to take necessary precautions against the disease as it is transmitted from person to person through an infected mosquito, with irreversible effects.

“The parasite enters the uninfected person and affects the lymphatic system. This infection may take up to 20 years to manifest and when it does, the disability it causes can be irreversible”, she said.

Ms Kamalonga said this when she officially opened the elephantiasis mass drug administration stakeholders sensitization meeting held in Solwezi.

Meanwhile, Acting Solwezi district Heath Director, Mulenga Sekute called on stakeholders to take a leading role to dispel all myths surrounding the mass drug administration.

Mr Sekute, said many people in the community have a misconception that any drugs being administered are related to the COVID-19 vaccine.

“There are a lot of myths and misconceptions especially as we fight the Coronavirus. People are looking at every situation with a lot of suspicion,” he said.

Mr Sekute urged stakeholders to be ambassadors and encourage residents to dispel the myths and misconceptions in order for the mass drug administration exercise to be a success.

The door to door mass drug administration exercise is scheduled to begin on April 12th, 2021, and will last for 10 days, targeting atleast 65 percent of Solwezi residents above two years old.

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