ALL ZUNO MEMBERS TO HAVE 30% DISACCOUNT TO TAU

By Daily News reporter

Texila American University Zambia (TAU) and the Zambia Union of Nurses Organization (ZUNO) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to promote collaboration in advancing nursing education and practice in the country.

During the signing ceremony, Professor Ajay Poddar, Vice Chancellor at Texila American University, stated that the role nurses play in healthcare, both in Zambia and across Africa and it promotes health care system in the health sector.

And Prof. Poddar said that the University is committed to bolstering higher education across various sectors, including nursing, alongside Business management and technology.

He further said that through this partnership the University will foster the academic excellence in nursing, through workshops, training programs, and initiatives aimed at elevating standards.

He added that the university advocates for a holistic approach to nursing education, encouraging proficiency in clinical competencies as well as supplementary areas like information technology and communication.

Meanwhile ZUNO President Fray Michelo, said that this partnership is a welcome move by extending discounted education fees to ZUNO members and their families, fostering growth and empowerment within the nursing community.

“The collaboration signifies a significant step towards advancing nursing education and improving healthcare outcomes in Zambia,” he said

He added that ZUNO Members to take advantage for this partnership to increase their access of quality skills in health sector.

This agreement will cover in 11 programs at TAU for all ZUNO Members across the country.

 Standard Chartered Records Steller Growth at Group and Country Level

By Daily News Reporter

Standard Chartered Bank has announced Zambia's financial performance for 2023 which looked bright. The Bank has demonstrated remarkable performance with significant growth in various key metrics, reflecting its commitment to delivering excellence in the banking sector at Group and country level.

Speaking to the media in Lusaka, Standard Chartered Bank Zambia CEO, Sonny Zulu said, “At the Group level, the bank achieved remarkable progress, with operating profit increasing by an impressive 27% compared to the previous year, reaching $5.7 billion. And the income showed a robust growth of 13%, a testament to the bank's sound business strategies. The Return on Tangible Equity (RoTE) at the group level stood at a commendable 10.1%, showcasing sustained efficiency and profitability.”

He further noted that the stellar performance of Standard Chartered Bank Zambia. “Our revenue in Zambia surged to K1, 521 million in 2023 from K1, 195 million in 2022, representing a substantial increase of K326 Million. He said.

The Bank's profit after tax also saw a remarkable uptick to K615 million in 2023, compared to K245 million in the previous year, demonstrating a significant leap in financial performance. The RoTE at the country level stood at an impressive 14.3%, demonstrating the bank's strong financial health and strategic execution,” he stated.

He further highlighted the bank’s achievements, stating, "We are pleased with the exceptional performance witnessed at both the group and country levels. These results underscore our unwavering commitment to delivering value to our stakeholders by achieving sustainable growth and creating lasting impact in the communities we serve."

Mr Zulu also shared exciting updates on the key milestones pertaining to expansion and technological advancements. "We have invested in 23 new Cash Deposit Machines (CDMs), enabling our customers to enjoy convenient and hassle-free banking services. Furthermore, our agent network has grown to 142, with 23% of branch transactions migrating to the agencies from the branch underscoring our commitment to delivering accessible banking services to more customers in underserved areas,” he explained. 

The CEO further stated that the bank’s personal loans grew by an impressive 70% year on year, with over K860 million worth of loans booked, highlighting the bank's strong lending portfolio and commitment to fuelling economic growth.

Under Community Investment, Standard Chartered's Women in Tech programme has seen increased investment of K4million pumped into Cohort 4 of the WIT programme translating into more female winners and women undergoing training. Meanwhile, the Bank's youth programmes continue to be a key component of its community engagement efforts, demonstrating its commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders and change-makers.

 

 

Airtel Africa and Cisco secure connectivity for businesses in Africa 

By Daily News Reporter

Airtel Africa and Cisco revolutionizes secure connectivity for businesses in Africa with Network-as-a-Service Offering

 Airtel Africa, a leading telecommunications service provider, today announces a ground-breaking expansion of its service portfolio in collaboration with Cisco. The strategic partnership aims to empower businesses to seamlessly embark on their digital transformation journey by offering Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) solutions across various service platforms.

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, Airtel Africa recognizes the growing need for businesses to accelerate their operations without the additional task of building or managing network infrastructure.

The NaaS offerings include an array of services such as enhanced security, surveillance, connectivity, and cloud solutions, all delivered through a secure cloud platform.

Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) represents a paradigm shift in how organizations consume network infrastructure, allowing users to operate networks efficiently without the need to own, build, or maintain physical infrastructure. This innovative approach reduces the challenges associated with traditional network models, including capital expenses, manual service provisioning, and lengthy issue resolution processes.

Airtel Africa’s NaaS offerings, powered by Cisco’s cutting-edge Catalyst and Meraki cloud- ased platforms, promise to revolutionize connectivity for businesses of all sizes. The solutions are designed to replace hardware-centric VPNs, load balancers, firewall appliances, and Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) connections. With the flexibility to scale up or down based on demand, rapid service deployment, and reduction of hardware costs, Airtel Africa and Cisco are reshaping the future of business connectivity.

As Africa transitions digitally, businesses will require a fusion of connectivity, mobility, security, and cloud into a service offering for every business irrespective of geographical spread or operational needs, remarked Oliver Fortuin, CEO of Airtel Business Africa. Airtel Africa NaaS also allows a managed service option, enabling Airtel Africa to fully manage the daily operational requirements of supporting such infrastructure as growth accelerates.

 The NaaS offerings will be accessible to all business customers, including small businesses, as well as global customers with operations worldwide. Airtel Africa and Cisco Systems are committed to facilitating a smooth digital transition for businesses, providing them with the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly connected world.

“At Cisco, we believe that every organization would benefit from simplifying powerful technology,” said

Vish Iyer, President, Service Provider, Asia Pacific and Japan, Cisco. “Together with Airtel Africa, we are reducing networking complexities and securely connecting the world through Network-as-a- Service. This innovative approach is a great option for businesses wanting to shift to a cloud operating model without a heavy lift. Our partnership with Airtel Africa marks a pivotal moment as we pledge to deliver the majority of our cutting-edge technology portfolio to businesses across the continent in the most simplified, flexible manner imaginable: cloud-driven, cloud-delivered, cloud- managed, offered as-a-service, and, above all, fortified with unparalleled security.

 

ZMA TO REPLACE NEW TINS COMMONLY REFERRED TO AS MEDAS

 

By Daily News Reporter

 

The Zambia Metrology Agency -ZMA- says it will make standardised measuring tins mandatory.

ZMA Executive Director Humphrey Nkobeni has said that all standardized measuring containers will gradually replace the makeshift tins commonly referred to as medas in the markets and other tins that are not authorized.

He said this after a successful pilot project that was carried out as tins were distributed to selected markets across the country for those trading in beans, rice and kapenta.

He further said that the agency will first engage local manufacturers to produce the proposed measuring tins at a large scale in order for all traders to be able to have access to them

 

 

Monetary Policy Report LAUNCHED

 (PICTURES BY BOZ)

By Daily News Reporter

 

THE Bank of Zambia launched its first publication of the Monetary Policy Report (MPR) that is expected to enhance transparency, accountability, communication and interactions on monetary policy matters.

The MPR is a product of the newly constituted Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) which was established by statute, thus making it the first time in the history of the Bank to have a statutory MPC.

Bank of Zambia Governor Denny Kalyalya disclosed at the launch of the report in Lusaka, that previously the bank had been publishing the MPR only for internal use but that the new BOZ Act of 2022 requires that the bank publishes it for the public to promote accountability and transparency.

Dr. Kalyalya emphasized the importance of the report which reviews macroeconomic development and gives prospects for inflation over the months ahead.

Dr. Kalyalya explained that the monetary policy committee raised the policy rate by 150 basis points to 12.5 percent to steer inflation towards the 6-8 percent target band and thus help anchor inflation expectations.

He said the decision to raise the policy rate was arrived at after judging from the inflationary pressure which had persisted and inflation was projected to remain above the target band during the forecast period.

Dr. Kalyalya also indicated that inflation is projected to average 12.5 percent in 2024 and then slowdown to 9.9 percent in 2025.

Various stakeholders who attended the launch of the Report called on the people of Zambia to have a change of mindset in order to achieve development.

 

 

COMMUNITY-BASED ADAPTATION GENDER-RSPONSIVE ACTION LAUNCHED

 

By Daily News Reporter

CARE International Zambia and its program partners have launched a BMUV-IKI funded project: Community Based Adaptation: Scaling up Community Action for Livelihoods and Ecosystems in Southern Africa and Beyond (CBA-SCALE+) in Lusaka.

 

And this is a multi-country and multi-year project covering Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique; and it is being implemented by a consortium of 4 partners.

 

The overall objective of the CBA-SCALE+ is to build community resilience to climate change while protecting ecosystems and biodiversity and it will be implemented in all the 12 wards of Zimba District, Southern Province of Zambia.

 

The specific objectives are as follows:

• To strengthen the planning and implementation of inclusive, gender-responsive and nature-based community-based adaptation (CBA) actions.

• To create an enabling environment for implementation of community-based adaptation (CBA) actions.

• To capture learning with the goal of driving increased support for and replication of inclusive, gender-responsive and nature-based CBA.

 

Speaking during at the launch Ministry of Green Economy and Environment Dr Dought Chibamba stated that this project aims to empower local people, especially women and girls, to take ownership of their futures, to innovate, and to adapt in the face of adversity.  

“By scaling these community actions, we not only build resilience of the people in Zimba district and Southern Province but also create ripples of positive change that resonate across all other districts,” Chibamba said.  

He also said that the government under the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, it will try out the policies and guidelines on the ground such as the National Adaptation Policy as this will help to identify what is working and what is not and will greatly inform and contribute towards policy review and strengthening at all levels of governance.

“This will also greatly enhance efforts to scale community actions for livelihoods and ecosystems in all corners of this country and beyond Southern Africa,” Chibamba said.   

And CARE International Zambia Country Director Chikwe Mbweeda said that this project is very crucial and strategic as it comes at a time when climate change is reaching alarming levels in our country and is deeply disrupting livelihoods and the ecosystem.

“The project will therefore go a long way in contributing towards our desire to see a society that is free from poverty among the communities in Zimba district of this country,” she said.   

She added that CBA SCALE+ project it will provide a great opportunity to leverage the tested approaches such as the Farmer Field Business School, Village Savings and Loans Associations, Social Analysis and Actions.

“The design of the project also integrates our pillars of locally led, gender equal and globally scale and I am confident that this alignment to our strategy will help the project to deliver gender-equitable impact in the lives of women and girls and for the majority of those affected by climate change,” Mbweeda said. 

 

She urged all partners to have a collective responsibility to promote a sustainable world for all.

“Let us leverage our collective expertise, resources, and networks to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those most affected by climate change, especially women and girls,” she said.

 

 

Malaria is caused by a mosquito bite

 

By Bilke Mulenga

 

MALARIA is a life-threatening disease spread to humans by some types of mosquitoes. This disease is commonly found in tropical countries. However, malaria is preventable and curable.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the infection is caused by a parasite and does not spread from person to person unless through a mosquito bite.

Malaria symptoms can be mild or life-threatening. Mild symptoms are fever, chills and headache. Severe symptoms include fatigue, confusion, seizures, and difficulty in breathing.

The renowned global health organization states that: “Infants, children under 5 years, pregnant women, travellers and people with HIV or AIDS are at higher risk of severe infection.”

Malaria can be prevented by avoiding mosquito bites and with medicines. Treatments can stop mild cases from getting worse.

‘’Malaria mostly spreads to people through the bites of some infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Blood transfusion and contaminated needles may also transmit malaria.’’

It is common that the first symptoms may be mild, similar to many febrile illnesses, and difficulty to recognize as malaria.

Sad news is that if left untreated, falciparum malaria can progress to severe illness and death within 24 hours.

The most important thing to note is that the common early symptoms of malaria are fever, headache and chills.

Medical personnel indicate that symptoms usually start within 10–15 days of getting bitten by an infected mosquito.

Symptoms may be mild for some people, especially for those who have had a malaria infection before, because some malaria symptoms are not specific, getting tested early is important.

Severe symptoms include: extreme tiredness and fatigue, impaired consciousness, multiple convulsions, difficulty in breathing and dark or bloody urine among others.

People with severe symptoms should get emergency care right away. Getting treatment early for mild malaria can stop the infection from becoming severe.

Malaria infection during pregnancy can also cause premature delivery or delivery of a baby with low birth weight.

According to the latest WHO report on malaria, there were 249 million cases of malaria in 2022 compared to 244 million cases in 2021. The estimated number of malaria deaths stood at 608 000 in 2022 compared to 610 000 in 2021.

 

 TEVET INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATIVE SUPPORT CHEERS GOVERNMENT

 

"NORTEC Auto - Heavy Duty Workshop Construction Enhance Access and Quality Skills"

 

Government has continued to implement robust programmes through international collaborative ties with a focus to tranform the economy in uplifting skills training for quality and improve the infrastructure says Technology and Science Minister Felix Mutati.

Speaking in Ndola during the ground breaking ceremony to mark the construction of an Automotive and Heavy Duty Repair extension workshop at the Northern Technical College (NORTEC), the Minister commended the initiative - support to enhance TEVET infrastructure at the courtesy of UNIDO, SIDA, and VOLVO through partnership to improve quality skills training.

Meanwhile, the Minister made reference to a practical mining sector, huge investment, that has largely committed to inject over Three Million, Five Hundred Thousand Dollars in skills development, a testimony realised in the Western and Copperbelt provinces. He believed there was a need to adequately prepare and equip energetic cadre of trainees in view of the mining huge investment in the TEVET sector so as to effectively deliver quality output services.

The Minister explained and alluded to the selection of Zambia to host the first ever 2025 World Skills Africa Competition, to take place on the soils of Africa, a step undertaken and arising from a competitive - vetted platform that resulted with an opportunity to host the renowned international event. He urged college management to steer collective efforts so as to push for the transformation agenda of skills development devised on a proactive preparation for the competition.

He said Government will continue to collaborate at lengthy with its partners and further strengthen relations currently enjoyed with UNIDO, SIDA, and VOLVO to broadly define challenges and tranform skills development through provision of the appropriate skills, equipment, and training tools.

The Minister encouraged the college to refine the curriculum, upgrade lecturers skillfully, and expose students to the modern industry. He further urged the college academia to interrogate issues surrounding access so as to enhance the pedagogy platform through the provision of effective skills training, equipment, and tools.

He said the Government set aside Seventy - Nine Billion Kwacha in the budget can help to to equip some trainees.

The Minister also urged the college mangement to productively make use of the CDF - Skills bursary funds a facility that President Hakainde Hichilema introduced to enhance skills training as the case, currently, NORTEC has recorded a highest - student enrollement standing at Two - Thousand students in Heavy Duty Equipment Automitive Skills training.

And speaking at the ground breaking event UNIDO Consultant William Goldsmith said the generosity and commitment of the people of Sweden has been instrumental in providing substantial funding towards construction of vocational skills training facilities in order to equip skills with the young people and for developmental programmes towards a success Global economy.

Mr. Goldsmith expressed gratitude to the Minister and the Government of Zambia for profound and dedication towards technology advancement and innovation a bedrock on which the project stood.

He said the project will create growth and provide for an economic bright future and a prosperous socio economic landscape of Zambia.

And in his remarks college Principal Martin Kasonso said construction of the Automotive and Heavy Equipment repair extension workshop project will deliver standalone workshops hence apart from training activities the workshops will provide for basic infrastructure to enhance on the college business enterprise in automobile servicing and repairs.

Principal Kasonso further explained that the workshops will also provide space for student's innovations and graduates incubation hubs.

 

 

IT’S UNPROFESSIONAL FOR SALARIED TEACHERS DEMANDING MONEY FROM VOLUNTEER TEACHERS- Hamusunga

By Daily News Reporter

The Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC) Executive Director has condemned the act which teachers in some part of the country are taking advantage of the volunteer teachers,

Speaking to Daily News Reporter in Lusaka ZANEC Executive Director George Hamusunga said that this is unprofessional for qualified teachers to start taking advantage of volunteer teachers who are being paid in deferent ways,

“We are concerned on some of the administrators demanding a portion of the little money that the government is giving to them as token of appreciation for their commitment and dedication to serving in the community schools,” Hamusunga said.

He further urged the volunteer teachers to report such matters to the government without delay,

“This act should stop for better Zambia in the teaching sector,” He added.

He also said that the ministry of Education should registering some Trade Unions which don’t add value to the education industry

“It is sadden that some unions are mushrooming in the industry which are not helping the teachers or members,” he added.

Mr Hamusunga said that the education sector has enough unions which are there to help its members.          

And one of the teacher Unnamed has said that unions are not helping the industry they are just one paper

“Let the ministry and registered unions take up the job and the members”  

 

 

STOP INTERFERING THE TOBACCO CONTROL BILL ENACTMENT PROCESS! - Kapolyo

 

“This is determined to sabotage a bill that prioritizes the wellbeing of Zambian youths from the harmful effects of tobacco use…………….

By Daily News Reporter

Tobacco Association of Zambia (TAZ) held the engagement and awareness meeting with members of Parliament for the committee on health, social, and community development and the committee on agriculture, land, and natural resources in Lusaka,

Speaking during the meeting TAZ Board Chairman Phil Daka stated that the tobacco industry has played a role in shaping the country's cultural heritage.

He also noted that the sector has seen an increase in foreign direct investments in cigar manufacturing and commitments towards primary processing plants in various multi-facility economic zones (MFEZs), including Lusaka South MFEZ and Chibombo MFEZ. Over $125.3 million has been invested in the past five years, contributing close to 3% to the nation's gross domestic product.

He emphasized that Zambia is a member of the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which is a global treaty, and as such, the country navigates the complex terrain of balancing the economic benefits of tobacco cultivation with the undeniable health risks associated with its consumption.

"This includes ensuring a delicate balance between the interests of farmers, tobacco industry stakeholders, the well-being of citizens, and the long-term economic sustainability of the nation," Daka said.

Mr. Daka added that the company and industry stakeholders have requested that, as the measures on tobacco consumption or use escalate, there is a need for an all-inclusive approach and not leaving anyone behind in order to have a comprehensive and balanced legal framework for tobacco use.

He added that these measures should not undermine the lives of hard-working farmers or cut down the tobacco industry; instead, they should seek to promote a sustainable future for both the industry and the nation, guided by principles of fairness, transparency, and inclusivity.

He has further urged all stakeholders involved to engage in constructive dialogue and adopt a balanced and evidence-based approach.

"The tobacco industry can create a tobacco industry that not only safeguards the health of citizens but also supports farmers and ensures the long-term sustainability of the tobacco industry in Zambia."

Meanwhile Africa Tobacco Control Youth Ambassador Given Kapolyo has condemned attempts by the tobacco industry in Zambia to undermine the tobacco control bill through engagement activities with Members of Parliament.

“It is disturbing to see the tobacco industry organize a meeting with selected committees of parliamentarians under the guise of engagement and awareness,” she said.

Speaking to Daily News in an interview in Lusaka, Ms. Kapolyo has called on the executive and Speaker of the National Assembly to take note of this blatant inference and question why the tobacco industry feels the need to engage members of parliament outside the confines of parliament now, when the bill is about to be taken to parliament.

“This should not happen because this is determined to sabotage a bill that prioritizes the wellbeing of Zambian youths from the harmful effects of tobacco use and exposure to second-hand smoke,” She said.

 

 

ANIMAL HEALTH SYSTEM PROJECT LAUNCHED

 

“They is need to improve animal health through this project,” Chikote

 

By Daily News Reporter

The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), along with other UK Government Science Agencies acting on behalf of The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), is executing an official UK development initiative focused on “The Animal Health System strengthening” in Zambia.

This project targets the enhancement of animal and aquatic animal health safety measures within the country, with the overarching goal of improving the prevention, detection, and control of animal diseases and to also safeguard public health and promote the economic well-being of the population.

Speaking during at the launch of a project in Lusaka Minister of Fisheries and livestock Hon. Makozo Chikote stated that this project will improve the live hood and drive economic growth and national development of this country in sector.

He also said that this enhance the country’s animal aquatic health systems through various means by improving veterinary services.

“This will also bolster the resiliency of fisheries and livestock sector, mitigate the impact of animal and aquatic diseases and productivity.” Chikote said

Mr. Chikote added that the government will create an enabling environment for such initiative through in collaboration of United Kingdom partners.

“Zambian famers to graduate from being small scale farmers and break into the international market,” Chikote said.

Mr. Chikote added that the government will create an enabling environment for such initiative through in collaboration of United Kingdom partners

And at the same event British High Commissioner to Zambia Nicholas Woolley said this Animal Health Systems Strengthening Project aims at building resilient systems to protect animals and humans from diseases

 Zambia National Public Health Institute Director Prof Roma Chilengi started that will start collaborating with government departments that deal with animal health to respond to any diseases that may arise from the drought.

 

UK’s support to tackling the spill-over of pathogens from animals to people – the main cause of emerging infectious diseases – as part of that Government’s Animal Health System Strengthening (AHSS) project.

 

The AHSS is a £5 million multi-year (2022-2025) technical partnership project, currently operating in Ghana, Zambia and The Gambia. The Project commenced in Ghana in March 2023.

Animal health system strengthening – planned engagement in Zambia

• Training field staff in aquatic animal health (AAH) management

• Development of an AAH module for veterinary paraprofessional curriculum

 

 

HEAD-TEACHERS DEMANDING MONEY FROM VOLUNTEER TEACHERS

By Daily News Reporter

The Zambia Open Community Schools (ZOCS) has warned all head teachers across the country to desist from extorting volunteer teachers, and some administrators are taking advantage of volunteer teachers in community schools by taking away their one-off incentive that the organisation and ZANEC is currently disbursing in some districts of Zambia.

Speaking to Daily News in Lusaka ZOCS Executive Director Mrs. Cleopatra Muma said that some schools administrators are demanding a portion of the little money that the government is giving to the volunteer teachers as token of appreciation,

“This money was meant for the volunteers not the head teachers who are on salary,” Muma said.

She also said that it’s illegal and unprofessional for those in higher authority in schools tom demand money from volunteer teachers.

Mrs. Muma noted that it has been that the majority of these teachers are not on salary and only get appreciated by the communities through gifts in kind such as a bag of maize, a chicken, and sometimes cash as low as K150.00.

She further urged the volunteer teachers to stay alert to these fraudulent moves by administrators in schools and report to nearest police station, DEBS or ministry of education offices.

Mrs. Muma has called on the Ministry of Education to start considering by allocating some funds from the National Budget a three million kwacha to support the payment of the volunteer teachers.

Also the Ministry of education through the teaching Service Commission to start also to consider the volunteer teachers with qualifications in recruiting process.

 

 

“THEY IS NEED TO SENSITIZE OR EDUCATE THE GENERAL PUBLIC ON COMPULSORY STANDARDS” Thole

By Daily News Reporter

Eastern Province Permanent Secretary, Paul Thole, has called ZCSA to give more public awareness on products which are covered by compulsory standards so that consumers are protected from unsafe products on the market.

Mr Thole said more should be done to educate people on regulated locally manufactured and imported products to enable the public make informed choices.

(According to a statement issued to Daily News by ZCSA Public Relations Officer  Maamba Onishias Kamana), He was speaking in his office in Chipata when a delegation from the Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) paid a courtesy call on him on the sidelines of the 2024 Ncwala traditional ceremony.

Mr Thole said Eastern Province has seen an increase in cooperatives that are involved in food processing and hence it is important to ensure that such products are safe, reliable and of high quality.

“ZCSA need to have a proactive approach in enforcing compliance on compulsory standards and appealed to the Agency not to relent in its mandate,” He said

 “Here in Eastern Province, we are having an increase in value addition of agro products. The World Bank is sponsoring women driven agro-cooperatives. The women have established production centres in about four districts of Eastern province and there is need to enhance quality on these products,” he said.

He further urged ZCSA not to be punitive especially on upcoming food processors, adding that the Agency must been seen to be guiding producers with best manufacturing practices.

He said some cooperatives in the province have started producing stock feed locally using raw materials from maize and groundnuts.

Mr Thole said his office will fully support ZCSA’s mandate of ensuring public safety, health, environmental and consumer protection.

The Permanent Secretary noted that some locally manufactured alcoholic drinks were harmful to consumers.

“We agree with what you are advocating especially when it comes to the safety of our people in terms of food products and beverages which they consume. For example, the alcohol content of the locally produced beer for example ‘Kachasu, and spirits is very high. I feel for inspectors because it is a challenge for them to go and regulate the ‘Kachasu’ brewing,” he said.

Mr Thole also expressed concern that some people are currently having strange diseases after wearing second undergarments.

He says although some people have resisted the Agency’s stance on used undergarments, there is need to find ways of amicably resolving the problem.

“On consumables such as second hand inner clothing, we totally agree with you that such clothing should not be allowed on the market especially that we don’t know the health status of people who were wearing the used undergarments.

Mr Thole assured that his office is ready to support ZCSA officers in Eastern province so that they carry out their duties effectively.

Meanwhile ZCSA Head of Communications Brian Hatyoka said his Agency is currently exhibiting at the 2024 Ncwala traditional ceremony in Mtenguleni village, Chipata.

Mr Hatyoka said ZCSA will host a roadshow in Chipata at Saturday Market on Sunday, February 25, 2024 to educate the public on dangers of  embracing unregulated potable spirits and health risks associated with wearing of used undergarments.

“ZCSA would also like to talk about common locally produced products in Eastern Province such as peanut butter, maize meal, cooking oil and packaged drinking water. The message generally is to encourage people producing, packaging and supplying these products illegally to formalise their businesses and register with the Agency as required by the Compulsory Standards Act No. 3 of 2017,” he said.

Mr Hatyoka said Eastern Province, being an agricultural inclined region, presents many opportunities for growth in the area of small and medium scale agro-processing for products like peanut butter, maize meal, crude and refined edible vegetable oil, poultry feed and other products which ZCSA regulate.

“We, therefore, appeal to your office, Permanent Secretary, to support the Agency in educating the public on the importance of producing and consuming safe products to safeguard the health of consumers,” he said.