Wednesday, October 30, 2024
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Government consistent in releasing Constituency Development Funds

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Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Development Vincent Mwale says government has been consistent in releasing Constituency Development Funds (CDF) to ensure local authorities embark on small-scale projects that have a positive impact on citizens.

The Minister said government is fairly sharing the national cake to ensure every corner of the country benefits.

“Government has been consistent with releasing CDF because it is aware of how important these funds are. Chipangali for instance has been receiving K1.6 million consistently in the last few years,” Mr Mwale said.

ZANIS reports that the Minister was speaking in Chipangali District when he commissioned a maternity wing constructed by the local authority at a cost of K140, 000 using CDF.

He further commended the local authority for prudently utilizing the funds and ensuring the effective implementation of projects.

And Chipangali Council Secretary John Mwanza said the council embarked on implementing 24 projects using CDF out of which seven have been successfully completed.

He thanked government for its consistency in availing funds to the local authority, making the projects to be implemented with much ease.

“This maternity wing being commissioned today is one of the seven projects we have successfully carried out and others include Mgubudu Police Post, Msandile Bridge and toilets at Mshawa Rural Health center,” said Mr Mwanza.

And a resident of Madzi-a-tuba Enelia Lungu thanked government for completing the maternity wing at the health facility.

She said the facility had limited accommodation that forced some women to be sleeping on the floor.

“The maternity wing will greatly help us as women because now we will have adequate space. This move will also improve the hygienic situation for women in labour,” Ms Lungu said.

Meanwhile Mr. Mwale has disclosed that his Ministry is finalizing the process of awarding contracts in all the 11 newly created districts across the country in readiness for commencement of construction works in the respective Central Business Districts (CBDs).

Kampyongo happy with the soon to be enacted Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Bill

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Minister of Home Affairs Stephen Kampyongo has expressed happiness that the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Bill will soon be enacted into Law. Hon Kampyongo said during a briefing in Lusaka today that only wrong doers should be scared of the Bill.

He stressed that that the Bill “purely” intends to protect citizens and not supress their liberties. The minister noted that some people are being swindled by criminals online.

“That is why it is pleasing now that the long awaited for Cyber Security Bill which went through Parliament will become piece of Law. And like I have said before, the only ones who should be scared and concerned about that piece of the legislature are wrong doers, Law Breakers, criminals because cyber space has become such a complicated,” he said.

“I went in Japan a few days ago where I found complaints of some of our citizens who have been duped by scammers who have opened websites as car dealers. And they receive money from people and when it comes to receiving the motor vehicles some people have had to lose their money, hard earned money after serving. So we are trying to collaborate as a global village, to ensure that no wrong doer using cyber space has got sanctuary anywhere. What we are doing here is exactly what is obtaining in any other progressing country. You need to have cyber space that is safe for all the citizens.”

He said those in the habit of transmitting hate speech and stripping other people’s liberties will be caught in the law. The minister however urged the media to understand the Bill so that they disseminate accurate information about it.

Hon Kampyongo said government has a duty to protect its citizens from those abusing the cyber space.

“While other people are working hard to succeed in their businesses other are working hard to steal from them. Now we have so many electronic transactions. People can transact on their phones and people can be swindles on their phones,” he said.

“And if we don’t provide the legal framework that will make those that are swindling others punishable and get the electronic evidence submitted in the courts of Law, it means we are not responsible and caring for the people. So every government must care for its people and protect them. That is what we are trying to do with that piece of the legislation. Purely to protect the citizens and their liberties.”

Analysis of the Constitutional Court’s decision on the required minimum academic qualification to run for an election

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By Edwin Mbewe, LLB, AHCZ and Isaac Mwanza, LLB

Introduction

On 10th March 2021, the Constitutional Court in the case of Nkunika v Nyirenda and Electoral Commission of Zambia (2019) CCZ 005, (the “Nkunika Case”), by a majority of 3-2, delivered a judgment on the interpretation of Article 70(2)(d) of the Constitution of Zambia. The said provision sets as a minimum academic qualification for candidates who wish to contest an election as a Member of Parliament, possession of a grade 12 certificate or its equivalent.

This discussion analyses the Nkunika Case and considers the question on whether or not possession of a grade 12 certificate as interpreted by the Court is necessary or required for candidates who have a higher academic qualification.

The Nkunika Case

In the Nkunika Case, the Petitioner and the 1st Respondent amongst others, stood as candidates for Member of Parliament for Lundazi Central Constituency in the general election held on 11th August, 2016. The 1st Respondent emerged victorious in the said election and was declared duly elected Member of Parliament.

The Petitioner alleged that the 1st Respondent does not meet the minimum academic qualifications as prescribed under Article 70(1)(d) of the Constitution as he does not hold a minimum of a grade twelve (12) Certificate. That as such, the 1st Respondent has contravened and continues to contravene the said provisions of the Constitution by holding office as Member of Parliament when he does not have the prescribed minimum academic qualification.

With regard to the 2nd Respondent, the allegation was that it too contravened the provisions of Article 70(1)(d) of the Constitution by allowing the 1st Respondent to contest the relevant seat without meeting the minimum academic qualification and continues to contravene the said Article by not taking appropriate action against the 1st Respondent, whom it is now aware did not submit a grade twelve certificate.

The Petitioner contended that the 1st Respondent was holding office as Member of Parliament contrary to the provisions of Article 72(2)(b) of the Constitution and that by allowing the 1st Respondent to continue holding a parliamentary seat when he does not meet the minimum academic qualifications as prescribed, the 2nd Respondent has also contravened the said Article 72(2)(b) of the Constitution.

The Petitioner sought two main reliefs:

  1. That the Court orders that the 1st and 2nd Respondents contravened and have continued to contravene Articles 70(1)(d) and 72(2)(b) of the Constitution;
  2. That the Court declares the Lundazi Central Constituency seat vacant and that the 2nd Respondent holds elections within 90 days.

The Respondents denied the Petitioner’s allegations that the 1st Respondent does not meet the minimum academic qualifications as prescribed under Article 70(1)(d) of the Constitution as the wording of the Constitution says “Grade twelve or equivalent” and that the term “equivalent” in this case meant the 1st Respondent’s tertiary qualifications and General Certificate of Education (GCE) of 2013.

The Respondents relied on the High Court decision of Sibongile Zulu v Attorney-General (2016)/HB/24 (the “Sibongile Zulu Case”), which held that a vocational training/apprenticeships could equate to a grade 12 certification or even be higher.
The Constitutional Court held that:

The term “grade twelve (12) certificate” used in Article 70(1) (d) of the Constitution is synonymous to the term “school certificate”.

The word “equivalent” to a grade twelve (12) certificate as envisaged in Article 70(1)(d) of the Constitution relates to qualifications that are comparable in value, amount, meaning and functions and are neither inferior nor superior to a school certificate. The qualifications may include academic qualifications that have been obtained in other jurisdictions but which are equivalent to a school certificate in Zambia.

A GCE is equivalent to a grade twelve (12) certificate as envisaged under Article 70(1)(d) of the Constitution if the number of subjects, passed and the grades obtained satisfy the requirements for obtaining a school certificate being:

(a) Pass in at least six (6) subjects, including English Language, one (1) of which should be a credit or better; or
(b) Pass in at least five (5) subjects, including English Language, two (2) of which should be a credit or better.

A tertiary, vocational, craft, trade or apprenticeship certificate is not equivalent to a grade twelve certificate (school certificate) as it is not comparable in value, amount, meaning and functions to a grade twelve (12) certificate.

The Respondents did not contravene Article 70(1)(d) of the Constitution as regards the 1st Respondent’s nomination and subsequent election based on the prevailing interpretation of Article 70(1)(d) of the Constitution at the time in the Sibongile Zulu Case and the Constitutional Court could not apply its above interpretation (on what is meant by a grade 12 certificate or its equivalent) to the 1st Respondent retrospectively.

In their dissenting opinions, Justices Chibomba, JP and Mulonda, JC were of the view that the 1st Respondent ought to have vacated seat as his continued stay in Parliament violates Article 70(1)(d) and should thus be disqualified from continuing to hold office, pursuant to Article 72(2)(h) of the Constitution. They disagreed with the majority on their refusal to apply the latest interpretation of the Constitution to the 1st Respondent as whatever is found to be unconstitutional is void or a nullity from the beginning.

Analysis of the decision

There seems to be a misconception that the effect of the decision is that possession of a tertiary qualification but without a grade 12 certificate or its equivalent disqualifies a candidate. This proposition is of doubtful validity for the following reason:

A grade 12 certificate or its equivalent is only a minimum requirement and it is irrelevant where one holds a higher academic qualification

It is important to note that Article 70(1)(d) only requires a grade 12 certificate or its equivalent as “a minimum academic qualification.” This entails that it is the lowest academic qualification a candidate is expected to have but not necessarily a must have. It is perfectly possible for someone to have an academic qualification which is higher than a grade 12 certificate without first having obtained the latter.

For example, by virtue of the Zambia Qualifications Framework (ZQF) Level Descriptors 2016 promulgated by the Zambia Qualifications Authority, a Trades and Occupation (TEVET) qualification ZQF Level 3 Certificate is graded as higher than a grade 12 certificate. Yet, this level also caters for prior learning outside the formal school system. One may then go on and upgrade to Level 4, then Level 5 even to Diploma Level without any trace of a grade 12 certificate or its equivalent.

Further, it is not uncommon for institutions of higher learning to have admission requirements such as three (3) Ordinary Level credits sometimes coupled with practical experience in a relevant field. Some institutions refer to this as mature entry. Three (3) Ordinary Level credits are not equivalent to a grade twelve certificate. Yet, one can perfectly obtain a higher academic qualification with them.

It is submitted that where a candidate possesses the above higher qualifications, a grade 12 certificate being lower than such qualifications, becomes an irrelevant consideration. A minimum should not be insisted upon in the existence of a higher qualification. Article 70(1)(d) of the Constitution does not require that in addition to a higher qualification a candidate must also possess the minimum.

The requirement for a grade 12 certificate or its equivalent only becomes relevant if as was the case in the Nkunika Case, one’s proffered qualifications are found to be inferior to a grade 12 certificate or its equivalent. In the said case, those qualifications were a GCE with 4 passes, craft, vocational and apprenticeship certificates not issued by an appropriate authority as defined by the Zambia Qualifications Authority Act.

No qualification such as a Trades and Occupation (TEVET) qualification ZQF Level 3 Certificate issued by an appropriate authority was ever considered in the Nkunika Case.

When or at what point could the Respondents in the Nkunika Case be said to have contravened Article 70(1)(d) of the Constitution?

It was the majority’s reasoning that in view of the Sibongile Zulu Case which held that: “…the legislature did not set a rigid standard or a qualification based on passes and failures because, firstly, the Constitution itself does not set such a high standard as defined by the Examinations Council of Zambia,” the Respondents acted within the Constitution as the above High Court interpretation of Article 70(1)(d) of the Constitution bound them.

We are inclined to agree with that position. At the time of nomination, the Respondents acted within the Constitution as guided by the High Court. The Sibongile Zulu Case simply rejected the Examinations Council of Zambia’s definition of a grade 12 certificate. The High Court guided that a vocational training/apprenticeships could equate to a grade 12 certification or even be higher.

That was the law until 11th April, 2019 when Parliament defined for the first time what “School Certificate” means. This was by virtue of the Electoral Commission of Zambia (Amendment) Act No. 5 of 2019. It defined “School Certificate” as:

“…the certificate awarded by the Examinations Council of Zambia to a candidate who passes such subjects, in the grade twelve examinations conducted by the Examinations Council of Zambia, as the Examinations Council of Zambia requires for the award of the certificate.”

By that amendment, the Sibongile Zulu Case was overruled by the sharp sword of legislation. It is really only after that amendment that the Examinations Council of Zambia could have an authoritative say on what “School Certificate” means as not even its Regulations on School Certificate and General Certificate of Education 2018 not being by Statutory Instrument, could overrule the Sibongile Zulu Case.

Article 72(2)(b) of the Constitution which was one of the provisions the Petitioner relied on in the Nkunika Case makes interesting reading. The said provision enacts as follows:

“72. (2) The office of Member of Parliament becomes vacant if the member—
(b) becomes disqualified for election in accordance with Article 70.” (Emphasis ours).

The expression “becomes disqualified” contained in the above provision would seem to suggest that one would have initially been qualified but circumstances have since changed and they are now no longer qualified. For one cannot become disqualified if they were already disqualified.

The question is: at what point does a person initially qualified become disqualified? We submit that the disqualification would only arise at the occurrence of a disqualifying fact listed in Article 70. Not having the required minimum academic qualification is one of them.
In the Nkunika Case, it can be observed that the 1st Respondent who was otherwise qualified on the then prevailing authority of the Sibongile Zulu Case, was found to have become disqualified by the Constitutional Court’s interpretation of Article 70(1)(d) which seemingly overruled Sibongile Zulu. We contend that the said case was actually overruled by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (Amendment) Act No. 5 of 2019 considered above.

The possible disqualification fact in the Nkunika Case therefore appears to have occurred in 2019. At that point, was it still irrelevant to consider any post-election academic qualification the 1st Respondent could have since attained? Should relevance still only be placed on want of qualifications at the time of nomination or election which at the time was no disqualification?

We hold the view that a person who becomes disqualified must be regarded as such in view of the obtaining disqualifying circumstances. Thus, as the 1st Respondent became disqualified in 2019, it was relevant to consider if that was really the case in view of the obtaining fact that he had since acquired a degree in Christian Entrepreneurship (whatever that is) obtained from Team Impact Christian University.

Had he still become disqualified for want of a grade 12 certificate when he now had a degree (presumably from an appropriate authority) and when he was not so disqualified at nomination or election owing to the then prevailing interpretation of Article 70(1)(d)? We don’t think so.

We agree with the final decision of the majority but not the path taken to arrive at that decision. In our view, the 1st Respondent had actually not become disqualified by the time Sibongile Zulu was overruled. And at nomination or election, the then prevailing interpretation of Article 70(1)(d) meant that there was no lack of qualifications on his part.

Summary and Conclusion

In the Nkunika Case, the Constitutional Court held that a tertiary, vocational, craft, trade or apprenticeship certificate is not equivalent to a grade twelve certificate (school certificate) as it is not comparable in value, amount, meaning, and functions to a grade twelve (12) certificate.

A GCE is equivalent to a grade twelve (12) certificate as envisaged under Article 70(1)(d) of the Constitution if the number of subjects passed and the grades obtained to satisfy the requirements for obtaining a school certificate.

The Respondents did not contravene Article 70(1)(d) of the Constitution as regards the 1st Respondent’s nomination and subsequent election based on the prevailing High Court interpretation of Article 70(1)(d) of the Constitution.

The Court never ruled that a grade 12 certificate or its equivalent is also required where one has a higher academic qualification. An example of a higher academic qualification one can have, without having a grade 12 certificate or its equivalent, is a Trades and Occupation (TEVET) qualification ZQF Level 3 Certificate. Such a qualification is not equivalent to a grade 12 certificate and it does not have to be for the obvious reason that it is higher.

WEEKEND SCORECARD: JSK Arrive For Napsa’s Group B Clash

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Storm clouds are gathering in Kitwe and Lusaka ahead Nkana and Napsa Stars’ Wednesdays match-day-two CAF Confederation Cup group home games against their respective North African opponents.

Both Nkana and Napsa are rock bottom of Group D and B respectively following their March 10 defeats in North Africa.

Napsa’s guest JS Kabylie of Algeria, who are second in Group B on 3 points, arrived late Sunday evening in Lusaka.

JSK is second in Group B after a 1-0 home win over Cameroon side Coton Sport.

Napsa are seeking their first points after losing 2-0 away in Morocco against CAF Confederation Cup defending champions and Group B leaders RS Berkane.

Meanwhile, Nkana’s opponents Raja Casablanca of Morocco were due to arrive by press-time late on Monday evening in Ndola ahead of their match there at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.

Nkana, like Napsa, lost in North Africa in mid-week following a 3-0 defeat in Egypt against Cairo side and Group D leaders Pyramids FC.

Raja is second on 3 points after a 1-0 home win over Tanzanian side Namungo.

WEEKEND SCORECARD

2021 ABSA CUP QUARTERFINALS
Woodlands Stadium, Lusaka
13/03/2021
Forest 0 Rangers -Konkola Blades 1(Emmanuel Mwaba 73′)

*Zesco United 1(Tafadzwa Rusike 89′)-Kansanshi Dynamos 1(Scotch Mwanza 90’+1 pen)
*Zesco advance 5-3 on pp

14/03/2021
*Lusaka Dynamos 1(Tshite Mweshi 15’og)-Prison Leopards 1(Taddy Etekiama 35′)
*Lusaka Dynamos advance 3-1 pp

*Zanaco 2(Moses Phiri 50′,Roger Kola 88′)-Kabwe Warriors 2(Akakulubewa Mwachiyaba 26′, Field Kandela 82′)
Zanaco advance 6-5 on pp

SEMFINALS
Arthur Davies Stadium,Kitwe
17-18/04/2021
Zesco-Konkola
Zanaco-Lusaka Dynamos

ECZ to Clarify on Wednesday on the Grade 12 Certificate Requirement to Stand for Public Office

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has said that it will give guidance on the debate which characterized on qualifications to be used to file for the nominations.

Corporate Affairs Manager Patricia Luhanga said that this will help the public to know what qualifications to be used for file nominations during this year’s general elections.

Ms Luhanga said that the Commission will inform the public on Wednesday this week regarding the matter.

In an interview, Ms Luhanga said that, therefore, the public should wait for clarification from the Commission so that everything can be put on record. “The Commission will give guidance on the matter on Wednesday, CEO will be addressing the media,” Ms Luhanga says.

Last week, the Constitutional Court delivered split judgment in the Lundazi Central petition ruling that member of Parliament Lawrence Nyirenda did not breach the constitution and also that he does not have the requisite Grade 12 certificate and must vacate the House, leading to the debate about the interpretation of the grade 12 certificate debate.

This is in a matter where losing candidate for Lundazi Constituency Colonel Bizwayo Nkunika asked the Constitutional Court to declare the Lundazi parliamentary seat vacant and order the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to hold elections within 90 days.

Col Nkunika, who had cited Lawrence Nyirenda as first respondent and ECZ as the second respondent in the matter claimed that Nyirenda does not have the minimum academic qualifications as prescribed under Article 70 (1) (d) of the Constitution of Zambia because he does not hold a minimum grade 12 certificate.

One section of the Constitutional Court said that Nyirenda and the Electoral Commission of Zambia did not breach the Constitution when the electoral body allowed Nyirenda to file his nomination for the 2016 parliamentary election without the requisite grade 12 certificate or its equivalent. According to the majority judgment by judges Ann Sitali, Mungeni Mulenga and Martin Musaluke, the Constitutional Court stated that Nyirenda’s nomination was based on other qualifications that were deemed equivalent to grade 12 certificate as notified by the electoral body. The court said the Electoral Commission of Zambia had an obligation to obey the pronouncement of the High Court in the Sibongile Zulu case that a draft vocational or apprenticeship certificate would be equivalent to a grade 12 certificate. Judge Musaluke said the court cannot disregard the central role which the judgment of the Sibongile case played in the 2016 elections in regards to the interpretation of what constituted a grade 12 certificate.

He said the description by the Zambia Qualifications Authority and the Examination Council of Zambia of what constitutes a grade 12 certificate cannot apply to Nyirenda because at the time of his nomination and election, there was a binding High Court decision upon which the electoral body acted.

Justice Musaluke said Col Nkunika did not challenge the validity of Nyirenda’s nomination or his election due to the instructions by ECZ that candidates without grade 12 certificates but had other qualifications should be accepted.

He added that Col. Nkuinka’s claims regarding the contravention of Article 70 (1)(d) of the Constitution failed and was dismissed.

However, the other Constitutional court judges thought otherwise in their dissenting judgments. Constitutional Court President Hildah Chibomba and Palan Mulonda said Nyirenda ought to be disqualified as a member of parliament as he does not have the requisite academic qualifications and contravenes Article 70(1)(d) of the Constitution. Justice Chibomba in her dissenting judgment said the Sibongile case should not oust the interpretation of Article 70(1)(d) as the implication of such a decision was that a contravention of the Constitution must not arise until the court declares. She said any Act that contravenes the constitution after it came into force should be rendered unconstitutional and illegal ab initio.

“The Sibongile Zulu case did not qualify any person in an election or member of parliament. It directed would be candidates to present their qualifications before ECZ in a manner evidencing that he or she has completed the required education programme or its equivalent,” justice Chibomba said.

She said ECZ’s mandate was to either accept or reject the nomination based in the qualifications submitted by candidates. Judge Chibomba cautioned the electoral body against allowing candidates who do not have a grade 12 certificate or its equivalent to file their nominations.

“It has not been shown that ECZ complied with the guidelines given by the High Court in the Sibongile Zulu case. In my view, Nyirenda and ECZ contravened Article 70 (1)(d) of the Constitution on grounds that the certificates Nyirenda produced during his nomination were not equivalent to a grade 12 certificate,” said judge Chibomba.

” I would have ordered that since he did not meet the requirements of Article 70 (1)(d) of the Constitution his nomination and election and continued holding of office as member of parliament is contrary to the said Article and should be disqualified from continuing to hold office.”

And justice Mulonda said the Sibongile Zulu case cannot continue to hold in view of the fact that Nyirenda does not possess requisite academic qualifications.

He said the constitution was clear on the consequences of its contravention and any contravention of the Constitution was illegal.

Judge Mulonda ruled that according to the evidence by ZAQA and the Examination Council of Zambia, which was that Nyirenda does not possess requisite academic qualifications Article 70 (1)(d) of the Constitution, disqualifies him from being a member of parliament.

“Nyirenda not being in possession of a grade 12 certificate or its equivalent stands disqualified in terms of Article 70 (1)(d) of the Constitution and cannot continue to sit in Parliament as to do so will not only be illegal under Article 1(2) of the Constitution but a dereliction of duty on our part as a court. I would have ordered that Nyirenda should not have continued to sit as a member of parliament as this goes against Article 70 (1)(d) of the Constitution,” said justice Mulonda

The Rising Era Of Digital Health Passports

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By Mwanambuyu Sitwala

The world has evolved so fast in the last 12 months ushering us into a decade which those in religious circles see as the beginning of apocalyptical times. The world we have always known and long to return to from 2019 and backwards is gone. Only time will tell if we will ever get back to the old normal we knew it. Yes, we may drop off the face masks later in 2021 or years to come but the way of life like overseas travel maybe impacted in a long time to come.

This takes us to the discussion of the Digital Health Passports or Health Pass in relation to Covid-19. Following the roll out of the Pfizer, Moderna and other Covid-19 vaccines across North America and Europe, the possibility of introducing digital health passports across the globe as an alternative way to easy lockdowns and allow normal travel is more likely to be one of the possible options that could be on the table on various business houses and foreign governments. The proponents of health passports see them as an easy way of identifying people with immunity and lower risk of spreading the virus.

What are Health Passports?

A Health Passport can be defined as “a digital or paper based-document which is used to certify if a person is unlikely to either catch or spread a disease”. In the case of Covid-19, authorities or business houses could choose to use health passports to verify whether the holder is vaccinated or tested negative for Covid-19 or has recovered from the disease if he tested positive. The proponent of this argument claim authorities worldwide can use health passports to lift covid-19 imposed-lockdowns thereby enabling people to return to normal as before. This is also seen as another way to prevent social breakdown and the looming global economic down turn.

Are Health Passports already in use?

Yes, these health passports are already in use in some countries. One of the examples of a digital health passport is COVI-PASS which was developed by a British cyber security firm. The COVI-PASS works by using the colour code system that comprises green, amber and red to show if a person tested positive or negative to COVID-19. China is already using this similar kind of digital Health Passport (app-based health code system) that uses medical and travel data to give people a green, yellow or red rating which indicates the likelihood of people having the COVID-19 virus, and whether or not they can walk around freely.

India has also developed a first ever digital V-health passport for overseas travellers that can provide airline passengers and airline industry with secure digital health passport that validates the identity of the passenger, and further authenticates his/her Covid-19 test results and vaccination status details all in one secure app. The V-Health Passport is said to use VCode to provide advanced closed loop technology and end-to-end encryption as opposed to bar or QR code technology that can be easily hacked.
Israel is not lagging behind with this technology. It has already proposed “Green Passports” for all individuals vaccinated against COVID-19. People with green passports will be exempted from quarantine if they are crossing borders, and will have easy access to public restaurants and events, while those without them will not enjoy these benefits.
Examples of countries signalling that they will embrace the digital Health Passports are quite a lot. Industries like the airline through its global lobby group, the International Air Transport Association also stated that it will soon launch a digital health travel pass early this year that will include passengers’ COVID-19 vaccination data.

Are there concerns?

Health passports are raising a number of public health and privacy concerns across the globe. Some people fear that the introduction of digital health passports could pave way for many authorities to extend the use of such technologies to individual’s criminal and social-media profile that would result in increased censorship all in the name of safety.

Other people fear that the digital nature of health passports could also lead to abuse of data that would be collected from them especially in future when such systems become integrated into one online database containing all personal history of every citizen.

The other questions begging answers on the use of Health Passports are; how many years will one remain immune to Covid-19 after being vaccinated? How about those who recover from the disease? Wont they be immune to COVID-19 to some extent? If so, for how long?

Regardless of the ongoing debates, some countries as earlier mentioned have already embarked on this journey to roll out digital Health Passport in their nations. Only time will tell how far this will go.

 

The Author is an Australia Awards Scholar – Public Health Monash University, Melbourne

Zambia commemorates World Consumer Rights Day

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Government has reaffirmed its commitments towards ensuring mutual business-consumer relations that promotes both industrial and economic growth.

Ministry of Commerce Trade and Industry Permanent Secretary Mushuma Mulenga says his Ministry is putting in place measures that will halt challenges such as plastic pollution and indiscriminate disposal of masks resulting from COVID-19 which has left a negative impact on commerce and trade.

Mr Mulenga explained that the COVID-19 pandemic has not only been a health and economic challenge but also an environmental challenge contributing to plastic pollution.

He disclosed that due to the pandemic the country has witnessed indiscriminate disposal of surgical masks, gloves and single use protective clothing’s.

ZANIS REPORTS that the Permanent Secretary made the remarks when he virtually launched the World Consumer Rights Day in Lusaka today.

“This year’s commemoration is being held under the theme “Tackling Plastic Pollution and Consumer Protection amid the COVID-19 Global Pandemic”. We are celebrating this year’s World Consumer Rights Day amidst two challenges, specifically the COVID-19 pandemic and plastic pollution. The COVID-19 pandemic has not only been a health and economic challenge but also an environmental challenge contributing to plastic pollution. Due to the pandemic we have witnessed indiscriminate disposal of surgical masks, gloves and single use protective clothing’s,” he said.

To mitigate some of the effects of plastic pollution, Mr Mulenga stated that government has put in place mandatory manufacturing and use of bio degradable plastic carrier bags and legalized extended producer responsibility.

He was however quick to mention that there is still need to extend the measures to consumers for sustainable plastic consumption.

And Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) says it has put in place a vigorous fight against plastic pollution in the country.

ZEMA Principal Inspector for waste management Perine Kasonde said consumers and producers are being sensitized about the dangers of indiscriminate disposal of waste.

Ms Kasonde ZEMA is encouraging the use of bio-degradable plastic bags in order to protect the environment from non-biodegradable materials.

She further explained that the agency is encouraging consumers to use bags when going for shopping in order to discourage regular purchase of plastic bags.

Zambia today has joined the rest of the World in Commemorating World Consumer Rights Day under the theme ‘Tackling Plastic Pollution and Consumer Protection amid the COVID-19 Global Pandemic.

153 Covid-19 cases recorded in 24 hours

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Minister of Health Jonas Chanda has revealed that the Zambia has continued to record a downward trend in new Covid-19 cases. Dr. Chanda said in the last 24 hours, a total of 153 new cases were recorded out of 4,353 tests conducted. This represents four percent.

He said in a press statement issued to the media in Lusaka today that the cumulative number of confirmed cases recorded to date is 84,950.

He said with regards to provinces, Copperbelt recorded 36 new cases, Lusaka 25, Northern 24, North-Western 23, Southern 21, Luapula 11, Western 7 and Eastern 6.

Dr. Chanda noted that the highest positivity was recorded in Copperbelt province while Eastern Province had the lowest positivity.

He added that Luapula and North-Western Provinces had positivity above national average.

The Health Minister disclosed that two deaths were recorded in Lusaka province while Copperbelt, Eastern, Northern and North-Western provinces had one Covid-19 related death each.

“The cumulative number of Covid-19 related deaths recorded to date stands at 1,164. The deaths are classified as 639 Covid-19 deaths and 525 Covid-19 associated deaths,” he said.

He added that a combined total of 619 discharges were recorded from both the Covid-19 isolation facilities and home management, bringing the cumulative number of recoveries to 82,375.

“We currently have 1,411 active cases of whom 1,262 are under community management and 149 are admitted to our Covid-19 isolation facilities. Among those admitted, 107 are on oxygen therapy and 26 are in critical condition,” he stated.

Yesterday, government announced that a total of 323 new Covid-19 cases were recorded in 24 hours.

KBF was Expelled From PF and Cannot Attend the Party’s General Conference-Davies Mwila

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The Patriotic Front Secretary General Davies Mwila has said that Lusaka Lawyer Kelvin Bwalya Fube, popularly known as KBF, is not a member of the ruling party as he was expelled.

Responding to a question on the eligibility of KBF to attend the general conference and challenge the incumbent, President Lungu, Mr. Mwila said that Mr. Fube does not qualify to attend the general conference because he is not a member of the PF having been expelled.

Mr. Mwila announced that the PF Central Committee has set April 10th and 11th 2021 as dates for the General Conference of the Patriotic Front to elect the Party President and Members of the Central Committee, adding that the Central Committee met on Saturday 13th March and among the issues deliberated upon was the conference.

“In accordance with the Party Constitution and in line with our democratic practices and beliefs, the Patriotic Front must hold a General Conference every five years to elect the Party President and Members of the Central Committee,” he said

He said the Central Committee in its last sitting, approved and adopted the new Standing Orders in conducting the General Conference to ensure that compliance to the Health Guidelines on Covid-19 as prescribed by the Ministry of Health.

“In view of the above, the Central Committee resolved that the General Conference shall be done virtually to avoid the spread of COVID-19. The General Conference is expected to be attended by over 2300 delegates who will participate virtually from their respective provinces across the country,” he said.

He added that all members of the Party who are eligible in accordance with the Party Constitution and Electoral Guidelines are free to contest any position of their choice.
Further, the party SG announced that the Lusaka provincial conference will be held on Thursday 18th March 2021 as Lusaka is the only province countrywide that is to hold its Provincial conference.

“As a truly democratic party, the Patriotic Front has been conducting free, credible and fair elections in all the 10 Provinces of Zambia, starting from the branch up to the Provincial level. So far, we have conducted Provincial Elections in all the 10 provinces except Lusaka.”

“All those that eligible in line with our Party Constitution and Electoral Guidelines are free to contest any position of their choice at the Conference,” he added.

More Early Childhood Education Teachers Needed-Kalumba

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Ministry of General Education Permanent Secretary Jobbicks Kalumba says there is need for more training of Early Childhood Education (ECE) Teachers in Zambia, in order to boost the foundation of young learners while at a tender age

Mr Kalumba told ZANIS in an interview today that more teachers in early childhood need to be trained at Diploma and Degree levels so as to improve service delivery at nursery level for children especially in government schools.

He noted that children will have an opportunity to improve their personality and discover their strength at an early stage in life provided the country has enough teachers in ECE.

“Children perform well in school when the nursery level is carefully nurtured through creation of an environment which provides pre-reading and pre-writing skills for children,” he explained.

Mr Kalumba also noted the importance of creating a favourable environment for children at nursery level in order to build their intellectual personality.

Mr Kalumba disclosed that some primary schools have classes harnessed to provide pre-reading and pre-writing skills for children at nursery level.

“We have put in place the Director of ECE based at the National headquarters whose mandate is to spearhead the ECE policy in some primary schools,” said Mr Kalumba.

He stated that government primary schools have ECE centers where children can access early childhood education in Zambia.

“We have some primary schools where children can access early childhood education in Zambia, which is a great opportunity for the less privileged who cannot afford private nursery school,” explained Mr Kalumba.

Mr Kalumba further indicated that the government is working with other partners like UNICEF and the World Bank who are supplementing in improving in-service and infrastructure development for early childhood education in Zambia.

Mr Kalumba further indicated that government is working towards improving infrastructure in schools in order to create more space for ECE centers where children can go and play.

Early Childhood Education is a government policy which is aimed at providing early childhood education in some government primary schools.

Over 1800 Women Targeted, Financial Literacy Programme

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Over 1800 women in Kapiri Mposhi district in Central Province, are earmarked to receive technical skills in financial literacy and entrepreneurship. This will be done through a project dubbed Facilitating Linkages to Financial Services and Products, funded through the Rural Financial Expansion Programme (RUFEP) and being implemented by the Jesus Cares Ministries.

The project is aimed at facilitating linkages to financial services and products for 100 women groups in the district, in order to improve the viability of their various income generating activities.

Project Programs Coordinator, Chishimba Mwiche observed that most women in the rural parts of Zambia are unable to establish sustainable enterprises, needed to improve their livelihoods and income due to being financially excluded.

In a statement to the media , Ms Mwiche said the programme is aimed at building technical skills in mobile banking, financial literacy, money management and entrepreneurship, among women.

“The Finscope report shows that women in Zambia are disadvantaged when it comes to accessing financial services, compared to men.” Ms Mwiche said.

Ms Mwiche added that the project will be implemented under a period of one year and has been initiated in fulfilment of the National Financial Inclusion Strategy which targets to increase rural financial inclusion among women by 2022.

“The project is aimed at contributing to economic growth for the rural women through provision of suitable financial services and products, linking women to mobile banking platforms to enable them access financial services and products, and facilitate delivery of financial services, products and technology for improved savings and access to small business loans,” Ms Mwiche explained.

Church urged to counsel politicians

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Mbala District Commissioner, Maybin Chibalange has called on the church to counsel politicians to promote peace and unity as the country heads towards the general election.

Mr. Chibalange said the church need to encourage politicians to dialogue and desist from all forms of violence.

He urged the church to preach more about peace and love in order to promote good Christian values.

“We want to see the church promoting dialogue and urging politicians to refrain from violence and live according to the Christian nation principles” he said.

The District Commissioner was speaking during the induction church service of Reverend Martin Sakala of the United Church of Zambia (UCZ) Trinity Congregation in Mbala.

He also commended the church for helping government with provision of education and health services in the country.

He said the church has remained a key partner of government in promoting health and education services.

“We commend the church for being all-weather partners of the government in fostering development in the country,” he said.

Meanwhile, UCZ Northern Presbytery Bishop, Maybin Mulenga has called on Christians to embrace dialogue, peace, and unity as the country heads to the August polls.

Bishop Mulenga has further advised people to wait on God for everything stating that God’s time is always the best.

He was preaching under the theme “Go therefore, all one in Christ” taken from the book of Acts 10:20.

And Reverend Sakala has thanked Christians in Mbala for welcoming him to the church.

Zambians in SA respond to dual citizenship

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The government has expressed happiness with the high number of Zambians applying to have their citizenship restored after renunciation.

Home Affairs Minister Stephen Kampyongo says the response for dual citizenship has been overwhelming.

Mr. Kampyongo said this in Johannesburg, South Africa, when he met Zambia’s High Commissioner to that country Major General Jackson Miti.

He said the implementation of dual citizenship has seen a high number of Zambians having their citizenship restored following new application.

He said the other category applying for Zambian citizenship was that of people born outside the country.

Mr. Kampyongo expressed satisfaction with the effective collaboration among stakeholders in ensuring speedy processing of applications, adding that further guidelines would soon be issued through Zambia’s Missions abroad for ease of reference.

He urged applicants to ensure they provide accurate information as required to avoid delays in their applications.

And Mr. Kampyongo says Zambia is committed to ensuring that legitimate civil registration processes were facilitated.

He said registration and movements of migrants within the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) member countries would be handled according to the legal framework provided by the regional body as well as individual countries.

He has since called on Zambians living in South Africa to have updated documentations for them to easily access Consular services whenever need arose.

This is according to a statement issued to ZANIS in Lusaka today by First Secretary Press and Public Relations at the Zambia High Commission in South Africa Naomi Nyawali.

Zambian Afropop Princess, Katongo, releases new song ‘Yoyo’

Yoyo is an Afrobeat dance track written and performed by Katongo and Zambian Rap star Mic Burner. The song speaks of a tumultuous relationship in which the female feels she is being treated like a toy yoyo, picked up and then discarded by her partner at a whim.

Yoyo is Katongo’s first single release in 2021. So far in her career, she has released popular songs such as ‘Joy Joy’ with Zambian legend JK, ‘Kiss of Life’ with Reggae artist Cactus Agony, ‘All Over Me’ with Congolese star BM (Rosalina) and Tinofara with Zambian Hip Hop Star Slapdee.

In 2019 Katongo was named Best Female Newcomer at the Kwacha Music Awards and has since been working on her debut album.

Yoyo certainly wets our appetites for more of what the songstress has to offer.

Victoria Falls thundering towards record levels in 2021

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The rainy season in the Zambezi River catchment area begins around November and lasts until March.

During this time and beyond, the Zambezi experiences high water levels and an intense curtain of water barreling into the 100m chasm of Victoria Falls. The 2020/21 season has been extraordinary.

In February, Vusa Sibanda, a local travel guide said: “Never have I seen Victoria Falls this full during this time of the year”. He explained that waters from the big catchment area in Angola haven’t even arrived yet. “I just can’t imagine how will they look then.”

Sibanda has guided tourists to the Falls for the past 20 years.

The rainy season in Zimbabwe begins in December, but local rains do not have the biggest impact because they aren’t as heavy as the upper Zambezi River catchment in Angola.

This water usually only reaches Victoria Falls in March, April and May. With current levels it may reach one of its highest volumes in history when the big waters flow in.

At present the flow is almost triple the amount recorded last season.

At peak between February and April, an average of 500 million litres cascades over the falls every minute.

This season will prove dramatically higher.

Nigel Frost, COO at Africa Albida Tourism which owns the iconic Victoria Falls Safari Lodge and Boma restaurant said: “The Falls is probably at its most magnificent. Certainly more beautiful than I’ve ever seen.”

Frost added that he anticipates the surge in water to mimic the surge in tourism as the vaccine roll-outs start kicking in and the world begins to travel again.