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NAQEZ calls for Comprehensive Sexuality Education in schools

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NAQEZ calls for Comprehensive Sexuality Education in schools

The National Action for Quality Education in Zambia (NAQEZ) has called for concerted efforts in promoting Comprehensive Sexuality Education in schools.

NAQEZ Executive Director, Aaron Chansa said issues of sexual education are very important among young people, especially school going children.

Mr Chansa explained that teaching pupils on such issues will help to prevent cases of early pregnancies and other negative vices adding that pupils will be well informed on sexuality.

He said this during a capacity building workshop on Comprehensive Sexuality Education for teachers from across Northern Province held in Kasama district.

Mr Chansa further disclosed that NAQEZ has entered into a partnership with the Planned Parenthood Association of Zambia(PPAZ) to help empower teachers with knowledge on Comprehensive Sexuality Education.

“We are happy that we have a new partner on board who will help make implementation of Comprehensive Sexuality Education a success. We need to teach our pupils on sexuality because these are things that are happening in society hence the need to find best ways of tackling them,” he said.

Mr Chansa has also dispelled misconceptions surrounding the promotion of sexuality education as espoused by some quarters in communities.

“Comprehensive Sexuality Education is not encouraging pupils to indulge in sex, but it educates them on ways of preventing themselves from engaging in vices that can lead to unplanned pregnancies,” Mr Chansa said.

And PPAZ Programmes Officer In-Charge of Youth and Governance, Sitabiso Moyo said the partnership is aimed at equipping teachers with skills and knowledge on how they can counsel pupils on sexuality education.

Mr Moyo added that having a generation of youths who have accurate information on issues concerning sexuality is key in having a well-informed generation.

“We want young people to have information that will help them leave a healthy life,” he noted

Mr Moyo has since called on participants of the workshop to share the acquired knowledge so that the community can have a good understanding on Comprehensive Sexuality Education.

Meanwhile, Amanda Banda who spoke on behalf of the teachers has emphasized the need to teach pupils about sexuality education.

“Pupils need to be taught how to make informed decision of matters relating to sexuality,” said Ms Banda

She explained that educating young people on sexuality will greatly help to reduce vices that lead to teenage pregnancies and early marriages.

President Lungu’s Foreign Observer Invitation; A Personal Commitment Towards Free, Transparent and Credible Election

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President Lungu’s Foreign Observer Invitation; A Personal Commitment Towards Free, Transparent and Credible Election


By Marvin Chanda Mberi

During his annual greetings of the Diplomatic corps accredited to Zambia, held virtually on 23rd March, 2021, President Edgar Chagwa Lungu did not want to leave anything to chance but assure the international community that the elections will be free and fair.

This commitment by the President comes barely when some unpatriotic citizens have with impunity been abusing the cyber space to discredit the hard earned reputation Zambia has acquired as a beacon of peace.

The aspersions being cast on social media seem to suggest that the nation is ungovernable yet the contrary is true.

President Lungu even went an extra mile to indicate to the diplomats who were in attendance that soon the invitations will be sent to the observers who wish to monitor the elections.

This is despite that Zambia is anticipating a third wave of corona virus which is likely to hit Zambia in the third quarter of this year and building up to the elections.

ECL’s open invitation in view of the world as the meeting was streamed live on various social media platforms with a wide following, is highly appreciated as it is commitment towards the transparent and peaceful electoral process.

President Lungu has proved his critics wrong especially those who judge the standard of a free and fair election only if the outcome favored them.

From the time the preparations for elections kicked off, the power hungry politicians who have lost six times consecutively have always discredited the democratic process.
To remind those who maybe forgetful, President Lungu has always been truthful to his holding free and fair elections and he did it in 2016.

In 2016, elections which gave him his first term where highly praised by various institutions as observers freely undertook their calling.

The President’s pledge to the Diplomats is consistent with the assurance he has given to the Zambian people and more recently the directive to the Inspector General of Police Mr Kakoma Kanganja to reform the police service.

The police on the other hand are confident that they will not let the Zambian people down and will be helpful in delivering the peaceful poll.

Now that the highest office in the land has extended an olive branch to international observers, the onus is now on the political players to complement the efforts that have been made by the various institutions.

ECL has demonstrated political will, the onus lies on those with the duty to take necessary measures and ensure that his wish is not put to waste.

UPND writes to LAZ, Human Rights Commission and the Church about their detained Members

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UPND writes to LAZ, Human Rights Commission and the Church about their detained Members

The United Party for National Development (UPND) has written to the Law Association of Zambia, Human Rights Commission, and Church Mother Bodies for intervention into the arrest without formal charge of four of its members for more than the required 48 hours.

Addressing the Press at the UPND secretariat yesterday morning, party Spokesperson, Cornelius Mweetwa expressed concern at the continued detention of former local government Minister Ackson Sejani, Choma Mayor Javan Simoloka, Mazabuka Mayor Vincent Lilanda, and Choma businessman Fines Malambo without any formal arrest and charge.

“Further to the subject above, we write to register our great concern over the continued arbitrary arrests and extrajudicial detention of our members by the Patriotic Front administration using the Zambia Police,” he said.

Mr. Mweetwa who is also lawyer for the detainees said the detention of persons under the suspicion of Commissioning of a crime was a clear violation of the Zambian Constitution, saying Article 18 of the Zambian Constitution provides for the Presumption of Innocence of individuals.

“The Zambian Constitution in terms of Article 18 provides for Presumption of Innocence to all persons held by Police for the commission of a crime. Section 33 of the Criminal Procedure Cap 88 of the laws of Zambia provides that a person taken in custody has to be brought before the court within 24 hours of his detention. The manner of arrest and procedure are contained in Article 18,” said Counsel Mweetwa.

Government to allow Millers Export 20 percent of Mealie Meal

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Government to allow Millers Export 20 percent of Mealie Meal

Government has accepted the proposal by the Millers Association of Zambia to allow millers with their own maize to export 20 percent of their mealie meal.

Agriculture Minister Michael Katambo said that the move is in line with the policy directive that the government will only be dealing with millers who buy their own maize from farmers.

Speaking during a press briefing in Lusaka yesterday, Mr. Katambo reminded millers eyeing strategic grain reserves held by the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) that the stored commodity is meant for relief purposes only.

He disclosed that so far, export permits for maize and mealie meal of up to 100 Thousand metric tonnes have been issued under the Early Maize Export Programme which ran between June 2020 and February 2021.

Mr. Katambo stressed that maize and mealie meal exports in Zambia are currently regulated, as the primary focus of government is to ensure the country is food secure.

The Agriculture Minister noted that Zambia is food-secure and has maize stocks to last up to end of October 2021.

Mr. Katambo also assured that mealie meal prices in the country will remain stable and are expected to start reducing towards the end of April.

And Millers Association of Zambia President Andrew Chintala has expressed gratitude to government for accepting the association’s proposal to allow millers with their own maize to export 20 percent.

Mr. Chintala described the mealie meal export programme as a win-win initiative that will allow millers to continue accessing maize on the market.

Chipolopolo to Watch AFCON 2021 From Home

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Chipolopolo’s slim chances of qualifying for the 2021 Africa Cup in Cameroon ended on Thursday night following a 3-3 home draw against African champions Algeria in the penultimate Group H match in Lusaka.

This is the third straight time Zambia is missing out on Africa Cup qualification.

Coach Micho’s twice came from behind to force a draw at the National Heroes Stadium in the capital city.

The visitors led 2-0 inside the first 25 minutes with goals from Ramiz Ghezzal and Islam Slimani.

Striker Patson Daka ensured that Zambia reduced the deficit to 2-1 going into the half time break when converting a 33rd minute penalty after he was fouled in the box.

Midfielder Clatous Chama headed in the equaliser from Augustine Mulenga’s cross seven minutes after the restart.

Three minutes later the Algerians were back in the driving seat with Slimani completing his brace at National Heroes Stadium but Daka rescued Zambia from a home loss when making it 3-3 from another penalty.

Referee Ali Adelaid from Comoros pointed to the spot for the second time on the night when second half substitute Moses Phiri was fouled in the box.

Zambia almost scored the winner four minutes away from the final whistle when Daka saw his close range strike ruled out for offside.

Algeria, who have already qualified for the AFCON, stay top of Group H on 11 points with second placed Zimbabwe moving to eight points following their 1-0 win over Botswana earlier on Thursday.

Zambia and Botswana have four points apiece with Chipolopolo remaining rooted at the bottom.

Meanwhile, Zambia faces Zimbabwe in the last group match on Monday away in Harare in a formality encounter on the same day Algeria will be hosting Botswana in the north.

Lusaka man nabbed

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Lusaka man nabbed

Police in Solwezi has arrested a 49 year old man of Kabulonga township in Lusaka for threatening violence.

Derrick Kalipinde is alleged to have threatened to shoot Martin Kabengele aged 35, with a pistol at Georgies lodge in Kalumbila district.

North-western Province Commissioner of Police, Joel Njase has confirmed the incident that to ZANIS in Solwezi today.

“Bus Terminus Police Post is in receipt of a case of threatening violence in which Martin Kabengele of U2 Sumbu compound, reported that he was threatened to be shot with a nine millimeter pistol serial number t 6368-19 b 00060 with four ammunitions by Derrick Kalipinde of plot number 292 off Kubu road Kabulonga, Lusaka,” he explained.

He stated that Police managed to recover the pistol which had four rounds of ammunition.

Mr Njase said the motive behind will be established once statements are recorded from the suspect and the victim.

The incident happened on March 22, 2021 around 15:30 hours at Georgies Lodge in Kalumbila district.

Paramount Chief Chitimukulu praises govt.

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Paramount Chief Chitimukulu praises govt.

Paramount Chief Chitimukulu of the Bemba speaking people has commended government for looking into the welfare of traditional leaders in the country.

The traditional leader said this is an indication that government values their contributions to the development of the country.

He noted that government has always been consulting traditional leaders whenever it wants to bring development to chiefdoms.

“Every time the government wants to bring development in our area, it always consults traditional leaders to ensure that we also have an input,” he said.

ZANIS reports that Paramount Chief Chitimukulu said this when Malole Member of Parliament, Christopher Yaluma paid a courtesy call on him at his palace in Mungwi district.

The traditional leader also thanked President Lungu for empowering traditional leaders in the province with transport.

He said almost all the chiefs in Northern Province have received vehicles while their village headmen have been given bicycles, to ease the challenges of transportation.

And Mr Yaluma who is also Minister of Commerce has reiterated government’s commitment to engaging traditional leaders in delivering development.

He said the President understands the role that traditional leaders play in fostering development in their localities.

Mr Yaluma further encouraged traditional leaders in the country to support the Patriotic Front (PF) administration for it to continue delivering development.

“There has been no government apart from the Patriotic Front government which has paid so much attention to the needs of traditional leaders,” he said.

Later, Mr Yaluma handed over 30 bicycles to the Bemba Royal Establishment which were donated by President Edgar Lungu.

Five former Livingstone councillors convicted, MP acquitted

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Five former Livingstone councillors convicted, MP acquitted

Livingstone Member of Parliament Matthews Jere has been acquitted of one count of abuse of authority of office, while former Livingstone Deputy Mayor Fred Sikazwe, and five former Livingstone councillors have been convicted and sentenced to one year imprisonment with hard labour, suspended for six months.

In the first count, Milford Maambo, Fred Sikazwe, Ziwa Ziwa, Patrick Makala, Reuben Kakwasha, Stanley Ngoma, Fennix Liandisha, Frank Kalindima, Steven Simasinti, Friday Nkonde, Aggrey Njkewa, Saxon Simachembele, Matthews Jere, and Liswani Likando were charged with abuse of authority contrary to section 21 (1a) of the Anti-Corruption Act number three of 2012.

Appearing before Kalomo based Magistrate Likando Matakala (sitting in Livingstone), particulars were that, the accused persons on dates unknown but between 1st August 2013 and 31st October 2014, jointly and whilst acting together with other persons unknown in Livingstone, being public officers namely, councillors in Livingstone City Council did abuse their authority of office by allocating plots of land to themselves, on property number LIV/4051.

In count two, Kabukabu Sikwebele, Choolwe Lipenga, Benny Chiyesu and Kingsley Siasinyanga being public officers namely Director of Legal Services, Acting Director of Housing and Social Services, Director of Engineering Services and Director of Finance respectively, were also charged with abuse of authority of office.

Particulars were that the accused persons on dates unknown but between 1st August 2013 and 31st October 2014, jointly and whilst acting together with other persons unknown in Livingstone, did abuse their authority of office by allocating themselves a piece of land on property number 10672, 10676, 10675 and 10674 respectively.

After considering the evidence, Magistrate Matakala said despite having two counts in the matter, the offence committed was one.

Magistrate Matakala said the accused persons did not allocate themselves land but were mere applicants like any other, and the procedure was followed as their names were recommended by a competently constituted committee to the full council.

She also noted that while some procedures were not fully complied with; those which were not followed could not amount to abuse of authority of office as they were just administrative lapses.

“The State failed to prove their case beyond reasonable doubt and as such, I find all the accused persons not guilty of the offence of abuse of authority of office and I acquit them accordingly,” she said.

However, following the acquittal, the State advanced an alternative argument that some of the accused persons failed to declare interest contrary to section 28 (1) of the Anti-Corruption Act number 3 of 2012.

Milford Maambo, Fred Sikazwe, Ziwa Ziwa, Patrick Makala, Reuben Kakwasha and Stanley Ngoma were the accused who were members of the committee that sat to deliberate on the said land allocation and had voting rights, but failed to declare interest in the matter.

The other accused persons were acquitted despite being present in the committee meeting as they were not members of that particular committee and had no voting rights.

In mitigation, defence counsel Adrian Nkausu said his clients were first offenders and deserved leniency.

Mr Nkausu asked the court to consider a suspended sentence while the other defence lawyer Brian Gumbo said the convicts were bread winners and should not be sent to prison as it was congested and posed a high risk of them contracting Covid -19.

But in passing judgement, Magistrate Matakala said the subject offence carried a maximum sentence of 14 years and it would be unfair to let the convicts go scot free.

She sentenced the six convicts, Maambo, Sikazwe, Ziwa, Makala, Kakwasha and Ngoma to one year imprisonment with hard labour, suspended for six months.

President Lungu accords Magufuli national mourning

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President Lungu accords Magufuli national mourning

President Edgar Lungu has declared tomorrow, Friday the 26th of March 2021 a Day of National Mourning in honour of the Late President of the United of the Republic of Tanzania Dr John Magufuli.

He said the national mourning period will be from 06:00 hour to 18:00 hours and all flags will fly at half-mast.

President Lungu stated that programmes of an entertainment nature on both radio and Television should be cancelled or postponed.

He described the late President Magufuli as a great son of Africa whose death will forever be vividly imprinted in the hearts and minds of the Tanzanian people.

The President stated that the late leader was determined to bring about socioeconomic transformation and prosperity to Tanzania.

President Lungu last Monday the 22nd of March joined other Heads of State from the Southern Africa Region to pay their last respects to the Late Dr Magufuli at the State Funeral held at Jamhuri Stadium in the city of Dodoma.

The Tanzanian leader died last week on Wednesday, 17th March, 2021 and will be put to rest tomorrow on Friday, 26th March, 2021 in his hometown of Chato in Geita region, North Western Tanzania.

This is according to a statement issued to ZANIS by Secretary to the Cabinet, Simon Miti.

President Lungu commends APRM for supporting tourism, mining efforts in Zambia

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President Lungu commends APRM for supporting tourism, mining efforts in Zambia

President Edgar Lungu has commended team members from the African Peer Review Forum of Heads of State and Government Continental Secretariat for their dedication towards the targeted review of the Tourism and Mining Sector in Zambia.

President Lungu said the team conducted a meticulous mission that highlighted salient issues in both sectors in the country.

He stated that the detailed targeted review report by the consultants echoes the great potential of heritage and conservation sites in the Northern circuit of Zambia.

The Head of State said this in a speech read on his behalf by Foreign Affairs Minister Joe Malanji during the Visual 30th Summit of the African Peer Review Forum of the participating Heads of States and Government of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) in Lusaka today.

“I wish to state that heritage and conservation sites also provide the main base of tourism in Zambia. The observation of limited marketing strategies for the tourism products as a challenge is a real one and this is what has overshadowed the numerous tourist attractions in Zambia,” he said.

Dr Lungu indicated that the Zambian government together with the relevant stakeholders, has embarked on a vigorous strategy of marketing Zambia’s tourism products, both within the continent and beyond.

He said all the strategies being done by the government are running despite the current challenges being faced as a result of the covid-19 pandemic.

“The targeted review team visited Zambia at a time when there was debate on whether to convert part of the lower Zambezi national park to allow mining activities. The team visited the area to physically assess the situation, through consultations with local stakeholders,” he explained.

President Lungu said Zambia appreciates the recommendations from the team to conduct a detailed feasibility study on the matter.

He added that Zambia has been progressing very well in the mining sector, with the opening of new mines in the North-Western province of Zambia, where large deposits of copper were discovered.

The President however indicated that the benefits of the discovery of copper products have not fully permeated to the local people, as observed and alluded to in the report.

“It should, however, be understood that the proceeds of such investments usually takes time to trickle down to local communities, let alone to the country at large,” he said.

Dr Lungu highlighted that the Zambian government remains committed to ensuring that local communities begin to benefit from the opening up of the new mines.

He explained that the report on mineral resources also highlights the importance of a predicable tax regime to guarantee investments.

The President agreed with the observations in the report that frequent tax change regime affects long-term investment of the mining companies.

“Nevertheless, I wish to clarify that, in the national interest, government is compelled to make such adjustments to ensure that we have a win-win situation for all parties involved,” he said.

President Lungu disclosed that the recent discovery of gold in the North-Western Province provides the Zambian government an opportunity to learn lessons from other gold- mining African countries on how it can harness this potential for the benefit of its people.

He reiterated his government’s appreciation of the targeted review team for unearthing the best practices in both tourism and mining sectors saying the recommendations provided will be prioritized accordingly, under short, medium and long-term categories.

And South African President Cyril Ramaphosa who chaired the meeting said COVID-19 has caused great suffering on people and has claimed many lives.

Mr Ramaphosa said the pandemic has strained the system of governance in many governments in Africa and world over.

He stated that the APRM takes on a great significance as Africa tries to rebuild itself in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said the APRM summit will help in strengthening the African counties effective governance and their social economic development.

The mandate of the APRM is to ensure that policies and practices of participating Member States conform to the agreed political, economic and corporate governance values, codes and standards contained in the African Union Declaration on Democracy, Political, Economic and Corporate Governance.

During the same meeting, a moment of silent was observed in honour and memory of late President of the Republic of Tanzania, John Pombe Magufuli.

Heads of State in attendance were Félix Tshisekedi, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi, and Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio.

And other dignitaries present were Chairperson of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat, and Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of African Development Bank Group.

Church urged to engage political parties

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Church urged to engage political parties

National Guidance and Religious Affairs Minister, Godfridah Sumaili has called on the church to engage all political players to ensure that peace is maintained as the country heads towards the 2021 general elections.

Rev Sumaili said there is need for the church to ensure that peace and unity are preserved as Zambia is known for being a peaceful country.

She observed that it is the responsibility of every Zambian to ensure that the country’s peace is preserved.

“As government, we respect the voice of the people and want the church to promote peace and unity. We need to work together and not tear the country apart,” she said.

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ZANIS reports that Rev. Sumaili said this when she paid a courtesy call on Copperbelt Province Permanent Secretary, Bright Nundwe.

She said the objective of her visit was to engage the church and discuss the COVID-19 empowerment fund guidelines for churches.

“This COVID-19 fund empowerment programme, for the churches is an indication that the President has heard and responded to their cries as we work closely with them and want to continue working with them,” she said.

Rev. Sumaili urged churches to manage and utilise the funds well as it is a revolving fund.

And Mr Nundwe observed that the empowerment programme is important as government does not want the church to be left behind.

Govt launches K40 million integrated resource plan

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Govt launches K40 million integrated resource plan

Government has launched a K40 million Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) for the development of the electricity sector in the country.

ZANIS reports that Minister of Energy Mathew Nkhuwa said the IRP will help government assess the available energy resources and opportunities in order to meet Zambia’s electricity requirements.

Mr Nkhuwa said the development of the IRP through a British grant of 1.3 million pounds equivalent to K40 million presents Zambia with an opportunity to generate and enhance private sector participation in the generation, distribution and supply of electricity to domestic and commercial users.

He said the IRP will among others ascertain Zambia’s electricity investment needs, improve the reliability, affordability of electricity supply, reduce costs for delivering electricity services and minimize environmental and climate change impacts.

Mr Nkhuwa regretted that the country had over the past years failed to plan for the development and expansion of electricity generation and distribution and as the focus was mainly on supply.

The Minister noted that energy is a critical enabler for the development of the economy, wealth creation and reduction of poverty.

Mr Nkhuwa noted that Zambia is endowed with the necessary renewable and non-renewable energy resources which need harnessing.

He pointed out that Zambia needs to develop and diversify her energy generation from the traditional hydro power to smart technologies to meet rising demand for energy.

The Minister was speaking when he addressed stakeholders during a virtual launch of the IRP.

And British High Commissioner to Zambia Nicholas Woolley said his government remains committed to supporting Zambia develop her energy sector to help address the electricity deficit resulting from effects of climate change as seen from droughts the country has experienced.

The British envoy noted that Zambia’s socio-economic development has been slowed down by the continued power shortages and cuts which can be addressed by investing in alternative viable energy ventures.

He expressed optimism that the IRP will help unlock opportunities for the private sector to come on board and invest in the energy sector.

Mr Woolley said climate change has affected the globe and its paramount that smart solutions are

And IRP Project Director Joseph Mutale said development of generation and transmission infrastructure will be cardinal in developing Zambia’s electricity sector.

Professor Mutale said the project will run for 30 years as the country strives to incorporate smart grid technologies for the generation, distribution and supply of electricity on the market.

He said the project will ensure that both human resource and institutional capacity development are undertaken in order to enhance the development of the electricity sector in the country.

Minister of health warns of unpredictable cold season

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Minister of health warns of unpredictable cold season

Following the continued reduction in the country’s positivity tests and hospital admissions with the Coronavirus, government has begun to gradually scale down on the numbers of staff stationed in COVID-19 isolation centres, Minister of Health Jonas Chanda has disclosed.

Dr Chanda indicated that the move is meant to help strengthen health service delivery with regard to other disease burdens.

The Minister assured that the sector remains committed to providing all staff with onsite mentorship and virtual training for sustained capacity building.

Contained in a statement issued to ZANIS in Lusaka today, Dr. Chanda disclosed that Zambia has in the last 24 hours recorded 244 new cases out of 6,248 tests conducted representing a four percent positivity.

He added that three deaths were recorded, while a total number of 159 cases were discharged from both the COVID-19 isolation facilities and home management, and that the country currently documents 2,116 active cases.

Dr. Chanda noted that among the 116 cases admitted in health facilities, 83 are on Oxygen therapy while 25 are in critical condition.

“The new cases broken down by province includes 49 from Eastern, 46 North-western, 40 Lusaka, 34 Copperbelt, 29 Luapula, 27 Northern, seven Central, seven Southern, seven Muchinga, and one Western.

Of the 244 positive samples, 187 were collected within the last 24-72 hours whereas 57 were older than 72 hours. The province with the highest positivity rate was Eastern at 11 percent, while Southern one percent and Western recording 0.2 percent thereby having the lowest positivity,” Dr. Chanda segmented the cases.

The Minister stated that the cumulative number of confirmed cases recorded to date now stands at 86,779, the cumulative number of COVID-19 related deaths recorded at 1,185, and the total number of recoveries is 83,478.

He commend those actively involved in the fight against the pandemic both at community and facility levels, saying that their efforts have effectively played a major role in managing as well as reducing the cases of COVID-19 in the country.

Dr. Chanda further disclosed that UNICEF, with support from Sweden and other donors, has agreed to support the procurement of the new Oxygen Plant for the Copperbelt Province which will be located at Kitwe Teaching Hospital.

The Minister added that UNICEF has also procured 310 Oxygen Cylinders which arrived in the country over the weekend, and has also procured 3,000 interagency health centre kits with support from Sweden, Germany and the United Kingdom, while 1,700 kits are in the pipeline.

He stated that the World Health Organisation (WHO) is also in the process of procuring Personal Protective Equipments (PPEs) worth 1.5 million United States dollars.

Dr. Chanda reiterated the government’s commitment to the development of policies based on evidence, and that it applies to the stance taken in the COVID-19 response.

He has since urged the general public to sustain community adherence and continue to enhance behaviour change if the country is to avert a third wave, especially as the cold season approaches.

Kalulushi school pupils have meals while standing

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Kalulushi school pupils have meals while standing

Over 500 pupils at Kalulushi’s Chati South Boarding Secondary School are having their meals while standing, and the situation has not pleased Copperbelt, Province Permanent Secretary, Bright Nundwe who visited the school.

Mr. Nundwe who in the company of Copperbelt Region Disaster Managent and Mitigation Unit – DMMU Coordinator, George Akalemwa said it is unacceptable to subject learners to such an environment while having meals.

A check by ZANIS crew revealed dining hall was empty with one table only and pupils were standing while holding plates.

Mr. Nundwe was briefed by school head teacher, Godfrey Siachisumo that the Permanent Secretary that the school only has 300 desks against the population of 420 borders and 80 day scholars.

While at school, Mr.Nundwe also learnt that the learning institution is receiving electricity bills beyond its capacity where not less than K40 thousand is charged per month by ZESCO.

ZANIS reports that Mr. Nundwe has since pledged government’s quick response to the challenges which the school is currently going through.

He emphasised that pupils should not get demotivated because of the issues whose solutions can easily be found and applied.

Mr. Nundwe also pledged to engage relevant offices to ensure that the deteriorated floors in the dinning and school halls are worked immediately.

Meanwhile, Mr. Nundwe has also commended the DMMU regional Coordinator for ensuring that the school’s feeding programme is supplemented through the distribution of mealie meal and other food stuff.

And Mr. Akalemwa said all the 24 boarding schools in the province have benefited from the distribution of mealie meal which is part of the COVID 19 relief aid to the learning institutions.

Mr.Akalemwa said through the office of National Coordinator, the DMMU will continue supplementing the schools’ feeding programmes.

And Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) Copperbelt Assistant Director, Jubilee Hamwala said the authority is pleased that the mealie it’s been impounding from smugglers put to good use.

Ms. Hamwala said as long as smugglers will still be involved in the smuggling of mealie meal, ZRA will continue offloading the commodity to the DMMU so that the vulnerable in society can benefit.

A Corrupt Free Civil Service in Zambia is Possible-Kaunda

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A Corrupt Free Civil Service in Zambia is Possible-Kaunda

The government has directed public service workers not to relent in stamping out corruption in the public service.

Ministry of National Development Planning Permanent Secretary, Trevor Kaunda said there is a need for government officers to take a leading role in weeding out corruption in public institutions and service delivery.

According to a press statement issued to ZANIS in Lusaka today, by ministry Spokesperson Chibabula Silwamba, Mr Kaunda said government officers should utilize the integrity committees that have been established in various ministries, departments and agencies to stamp out corruption.

The Permanent Secretary was speaking when he officially opened a five-day Anti-Corruption training for staff from the Ministry of National Development Planning and Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) hosted the training to equip the participants with knowledge and skills to combat corruption and enhance public service delivery in their respective institutions.

“The fight against corruption requires the participation of all stakeholders. Anti-corruption crusade is not the responsibility of the Anti-Corruption Commission alone but every person in Zambia… It is in this vein that the Government has continued mainstreaming corruption prevention programmes in public institutions through establishment of integrity committees,” said Mr. Kaunda.

He pointed out that the establishment of Integrity Committees is one of the strategies being used by the Government to enforce the promotion of a zero tolerance culture to corruption in all ministries and other public institutions.

“You will agree with me that no meaningful development can take place where there is corruption and without appropriate strategies to curb the vice. It is for this reason that the Government through the Seventh National Development plan (7NDP), whose implementation is being coordinated by our ministry, has prioritised and mainstreamed corruption prevention in its developmental intervention,” said the Permanent Secretary.

Mr. Kaunda reminded the participants that the training of Integrity Committee members was a step towards implementation of President Edgar Lungu’s directive to operationalize Integrity Committees in public institutions to enhance the fight against corruption.

“This training of Integrity Committee members is a step towards implementation of the President’s directive and confirmation of his Government’s commitment to the fight against corruption,” said Mr. Kaunda.

He said Integrity Committee members were carefully selected to act as role models, and show exemplary behavior in work places as they serve the nation in curbing corrupt practices.

“The knowledge gained from this training is expected to be put into practice to the fullest and it is our expectation that you will fully apply yourselves in this noble national assignment. Your performance in the fight against corruption will be reviewed based on how your institution, particularly your work place, is performing on the integrity scale!” Mr. Kaunda said.

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