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.

 

 

LONG STANDING ZAMBIA - INDIA COOPERATION TIES BOOST SKILLS AND EDUCATION TRAINING

 

Ministry of Technology and Science Minister Felix Mutati has saluted the long standing, of over Sixty years, mutual Zambia and India Cooperation ties that has continued to record growth in many sectors as demonstrated on the current training opportunities securing One Hundred, and Seventy open - slots for the Civilians, and also Eighty - Four for the Defence Forces a gesture that will help lift up the Country's professionalism amongst trainees and largely contribute to the Nation's development.

 

Speaking at the Indian Technical Education and Cooperation (ITEC) commemoration day, the Minister said Cooperation in ITEC will help strengthen skills and education acquisition amongst the Zambian people especially with a recognition of India's Global leadership stature in the areas of partnership, professional, skills, and education training.

 

He believed the ITEC programme was lowering barriers to access training and providing conveniences to explore skills and education.

The Minister appreciated India's long Bilateral Relations and support towards the agriculture, health, and infrastructure sectors inclusive an important role it played to support Zambia's debt restructuring.

 

He encouraged local potential students to seize the available ITEC - training opportunities.

And Indian High Commissioner to Zambia His Excellence Ashok Kumar said India - Zambia natural - long standing Diplomatic Relations remain significant as history record India's first recognition of Zambia's independence in 1964.

 

The High Commissioner said Indian Bilateral Relations record a growth in 2023 of a Six Hundred Million Dollars budget signifying economic collaborations to support Zambia's diverse economic sectors.

His Excellence Kumar disclosed that the ITEC programmes were currently open and offering One Hundred, and Seventy Civilians training slots and also Eighty - Four for the Defence Forces.

His said the ITEC programmes will be undertaken, in the Indian high learning institutions, in various focussed disciplines of agriculture, micro and small scale enterprise, information technology, and public finance management.

 

 

 

 

BIOGAS ENERGY TECHNOLOGY ASSESSED FOR EFFECTIVE AGRICULTURE AND ECONOMIC USAGE

The Ministry of Technology and Science is exploring the use of biogas energy under a project with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), a Gevena based UN Agency. The Project on biogas technological assessment programme implemented started in 2021, in the Country. 

 speaking during the launch of a UNCTAD- Zambia Technology Assessment Report and Action Plan on the assessed biogas energy, in Kasupe - Lusaka West at the Nyamazana Farms, Ministry of Technology and Science Acting Permanent Secretary William Katongo, stated that the report elaborated biogas as an alternative source of energy. 

The project main objectives are to build and strengthen capacities of Zambian science, technology, and innovation for policy makers, academia , researchers, entrepreneurs, and other relevant stakeholders. 

 Mr. Katongo said the UNCTAD biogas report emanate at a backdrop of wide consultations leading to completion of the initial methodical set up steps in whilst pending conclusion on quality assurance protocols and subsquently publication for report an action plan. 

 He disclosed that the report is enshrined with assessments inclusive analysis, findings, recommendations for wider adoptions, and commercialization for diffusion of biogas technology in Zambia.

 Mr. Katongo said the skills acquired and lessons learnt could be replicated for agriculture and other economic sectors by the Government in the Country. 

 

Acting Permanent Secretary said Globally technology assessment is recognized as a vital methodological tool box for selecting particular technologies and innovations that support social economic development from an extensive pool of Global technologies. 

 He said in the project the energy sector was given top priority by the Zambian stakeholders.

 Standard Chartered Bank Zambia Launches International Banking

By Daily News Reporter

Standard Chartered Bank has today launched its International Banking (IB) product offering. Through International Banking, the Bank will now offer its Zambian clients with access to global banking products and services offered in international financial centres including the UAE and the UK, amongst others.

Speaking during the launch of International Banking (IB), Standard Chartered Bank Zambia CEO, Sonny Zulu, stated that the introduction of IB in Zambia marks a significant milestone for Standard Chartered and signals a profound promise to cater to the evolving needs of its valued clients in Zambia.

“This is a pivotal moment for Standard Chartered Bank Zambia as we fortify our commitment to our clients by providing them with access to global financial opportunities. And it will enhance our ability to offer tailored solutions and an expanded array of products that cater to diverse investment requirements, positioning our clients for sustained success on the international stage.” Zulu Said.

He further added that the launch aligns seamlessly with "Here for Good" proposition, emphasizing our unwavering dedication to the Zambian market as a pivotal hub for growth and prosperity.

“It is the only international bank offering both retail and corporate banking, as well as our long-standing heritage and global network, Standard Chartered is ideally placed for a prominent role in this ever-expanding market,” he said.

The CEO expressed his enthusiasm for the unprecedented value that International Banking services will deliver to clients, empowering them to navigate the global financial landscape with confidence and ease.

“Our newly introduced IB services which offer a wide array of benefits, which include but are not limited to, recognition of clients' international status, opportunities to grow wealth internationally, and the convenience of seamless banking through features such as multi-currency account opening and global fund transfers. Additionally, clients can leverage the ability to own property overseas, among other advantages,” he added.

Mr. Zulu, also added, “We are the go-to bank for wealth and investment solutions based on our network and global expertise. The IB services will empower clients to diversify their investments and unlock unprecedented opportunities by tapping into Standard Chartered Bank’s renowned offices in London, Dubai, Singapore, Hong Kong, China and India. We encourage local communities to come on board and enjoy these services.”

Standard Chartered was the first bank to open in Zambia 118 years ago. The Bank is firmly committed to promoting economic growth by offering affordable and convenient products to its clients.                                              

 ZMA TO ENSURE ACCURATE MEASUREMENTS IN ALL SECTORS

 

“The agency will continue enforcing the provisions of the Metrology Act No. 6 of 2017 through meticulous statutory compliance inspections, covering both locally produced and imported prepackaged commodities” Nkobeni

 

By Daily News Reporter

 

The Zambia Metrology Agency (ZMA) has played a crucial role in 2023, ensuring accurate measurements across various sectors and safeguarding consumer rights.

 

From maintaining national standards to inspecting pre-packaged goods, their efforts have impacted trade, agriculture, and daily life for Zambians

This is in line with their outlined strategic objectives in the 2022-2026 Strategic Plan.

 

The agency ensures that the scale used to measure the products are standardized and not fine tuned to suit the seller or the other way round. This cuts across different fields from agriculture, mining to the petroleum industry.

 

And ZMA has plans to broaden its services, which include electric meter testing, installation of electric vehicle charging points, water meter testing, and enhancements in healthcare and road safety management.

 

Speaking to the during ZMA’s media interaction in Lusaka, ZMA executive director Humphrey Nkobeni expressed appreciation for the support received from the board of directors, governmental ministries, media, and the public.

 

Addressing concerns spanning various sectors such as construction, manufacturing, petroleum, and agriculture, ZMA implements a range of enforcement measures, from guiding SMEs towards compliance to resorting to fines and prosecution as a last resort.

 

Challenges encountered by ZMA include adapting to evolving technology and securing adequate resources, yet opportunities emerge in advocating for precise measurements to strengthen fair trade practices.

 

In the petroleum sector, ZMA prioritizes improving compliance, ensuring the use of approved measuring instruments, and rectifying measurement discrepancies. Similarly, it supports the construction sector by ensuring adherence to standards in infrastructure projects.

Prompt reporting of consumer complaints facilitates enforcement actions, supported by automation to enhance operational efficiency and reduce turnaround times.

 

The agency surpassed annual targets in key areas like non-tax revenue, verifications, and inspections and over 51,700 measuring instruments were verified for accuracy, exceeding the set target.

 

And the achievements of the agency in maintaining national measurement standards, accrediting five laboratories to international standards, and providing calibration services for over 3,300 measuring instruments.

 

It will also continue to provide top-notch metrology services across the nation and the agency ensured that five (5) of its laboratories were accredited to the Quality Management System.

 

He further added that the agency will continue enforcing the provisions of the Metrology Act No. 6 of 2017 through meticulous statutory compliance inspections, covering both locally produced and imported prepackaged commodities.

 

"Through a meticulous risk-based inspection approach, comprehensive inspections were conducted on both locally produced and imported prepackaged commodities at various stages such as importation, manufacturing, or through market surveillance." He added.

 

He said locally produced pre-packaged goods achieved a 95% compliance rate, reflecting improvement from previous years, and 98.6 percent of imported pre-packaged goods and 100 percent of imported measuring instruments adhered to regulations.

 

Meanwhile, the agency also responded to consumer complaints, leading to 26 enforcement actions, including product seizures, cautions, and fines.

 

So far the agency received a combine 39 consumer complaints mainly from petroleum, manufacturing, construction, and agriculture and the complaints were coupled with the agency’s planned inspections led to 26 enforcement actions, resulting in some product seizures, cautions, and fines.

 

Standard Chartered Bank Zambia Launches State-of-the-Art Priority Centre Branch

 

By Daily News Reporter

 

The Standard Chartered Bank Zambia has officially launched an ultra- modern Priority Centre at its iconic Head Office building-a pioneering step in the evolution of banking excellence. The exclusive Priority Centre branch represents a paradigm shift in the realm of affluent banking, setting a new precedent for client-centric services in Zambia.

As the first of its kind in Africa and only second to Hong Kong in its design, the branch embodies modernity, convenience, and sophistication, reflective of the bank's unwavering pursuit of innovation.

Speaking during the launch, Standard Chartered Bank Zambia, CEO, Sonny Zulu, stated that the new facility is expected to offer world class services to the Bank’s priority client segment in a unique and modern environment. 

 "The launch of the Priority Centre branch is a proud moment for the Bank as we continue to demonstrate our commitment to innovation and excellence in client service. This new branch reflects our dedication to offering world-class services, and we are delighted to present our clients with an environment that not only facilitates banking, but also encourages wealth growth and financial success,” he said.

Highlighting the Bank's unwavering commitment to Zambia, Sonny reaffirmed the bank’s continued investment in the country.   "As Zambia’s only international Bank (Retail and Corporate), we are deeply committed to Zambia and its potential for growth and prosperity. This new investment in the form of the Priority Centre branch is a testament to our belief in the country's future. We don't just want people to Bank; we want to offer solutions that enable our clients to grow their wealth and conduct their banking in an environment such as this,” Sonny explained.

The CEO added that the launch of the Priority Centre branch signifies a pivotal moment in the Bank's journey, as it continues to revolutionize the banking landscape in Zambia by delivering unparalleled experiences to its esteemed clients.

The spacious and modern design of the Priority Centre aims to foster meaningful engagements between clients and Relationship Managers, facilitating seamless and personalized banking experiences. By embracing this progressive approach, Standard Chartered Bank Zambia has reiterated its commitment to offering world-class services, setting the benchmark for exceptional client care and financial solutions.

 

“LET US QUICKLY ADDRESS THE ISSUE OF AI THROUGH FAIRNESS AND RESPONSIBIVE WAY”

“Artificial Intelligence has taken the digital world by storm and it will also have serious implications for consumers safety and digital fairness………………………” Fwoloshi

By Daily News Reporter

Zambia this year will join the rest of the world in commemorating the world consumer rights day which will fall on the 15^th of March 2024 and under the theme” Fair and Responsible AI for consumers”,

Speaking to the media in Lusaka Consumer Protection Organizing Committee Chairperson Ms. Kutemba Roselind Fwoloshi and NHIMA Membership and Contribution Manager said that Artificial Intelligence has the potential to enhance consumers ‘purchasing decision –making process by providing them with personalized recommendations based on the their preference and past behavior.

“Businesses can leverage AI to detect fraudulent activates and safeguard consumers against scams and phishing attacks,” she said.

She also stated that they is potential misuse of AI and traders may use it to manipulate consumer behavior that are not in their best interest of the consumers and its crucial for consumers to be informed of their consumer rights and traders or business outlets to be transparency in their use of AI.

“As consumers it is for us to understand what AI is, how it works and its impact on our lives in order for us harness its significance” Fwoloshi said.

She has further urged all consumers and the general public to ensure that they is transparency and accountability in AI systems and to safeguard consumer privacy and data protection in the collection, processing and use of personal information by AI technologies.

“’let us all commit ourselves to promote fair and responsible AI for the benefit of all consumers”’ she said

And CCPC Director Consumer Protection Mrs. Eunice P. Hamavhwa added that Zambia has maintained the highest bar in being part of this world Rights consumer day which has necessitated by the global call to protect consumers from unfair business practices and to have access to safe, quality goods and services,

“This day will highlight its need for various stakeholders to work together to promote consumer rights and address consumer concerns and we feel the move for Zambia to commemorate this day create  a platform for enhanced consumer awareness,” Hamavhwa said.

She said that with the drive of both the private and public sectors to digitize services in Zambia and there has been an increase in the use of advanced technology tools across all sectors of this country’s economy.

 

 

OPPOSITION MPS WARNED

By Daily News Reporter

Parliamentary Chief Whip Safford Mulusa warned independent and opposition Members of Parliament to desist from issuing media statements on the conduct of the house as it is a breach of parliamentary etiquette.

He noted that recently some independent Members of Parliament held a press briefing, who questioned the impartiality of the Speaker was unfortunate as there is a procedure for them to have their queries handled.

He has also condemned Lumezi Independent Member of Parliament MUNIR ZULU who recently insinuated that members of staff at the National Assembly are from the Zambezi region.

 

 

ZICA TO CONTINUE TO HIGH STANDARD OF ACCOUNTING AND TAXATION PRACTICE

By Daily News Reporter

The Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants - ZICA Has said that it will continue to promoting high standards of accounting and taxation practice in Zambia.

Speaking during the official opening of ZICA tax updates workshop in Lusaka which aims of providing attendees with the latest information and guidance on tax laws and regulations that affect businesses and the accounting profession, ZICA Chief Executive Officer, Anthony Bwembya said Compliance with tax laws is the cornerstone of good corporate citizenship for businesses and unwavering patriotism for a professional accountant.

Bwembya said ZICA recognises this crucial role that accountants and the business community play in the tax value chain adding that tax collection process is incomplete without accountants and as such, ZICA will always endeavour to keep its members abreast of the latest developments in tax legislation. "This is the reason why tax workshops will continue to be an annual feature on the institute's CPD calendar."

Bwembya said the workshop was designed to be interactive and fit-for-purpose, aimed at achieving dual objectives of raising tax compliance and maintaining professional knowledge and skill at the required level.

"Our nation is confronted with many constraints hampering our attempts to increase tax revenue. The high proportion of the informal sector, coupled with high levels of debt and the structure of the economy, have a severe bearing on the domestic tax effort." He said.

“Through this ZICA workshop is to provide a platform where businesses and accountants can learn and interact directly with policy setters, policy enforcers, and tax experts." Said Bwembya.

The event featured resource persons and facilitators from EY, KPMG, PwC, ZRA, BOZ, Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Justice, who are experts in their respective fields and shared their expertise with attendees, and provided a platform for businesses and accountants to learn and interact directly with policymakers, policy enforcers, and tax experts.

 

REA APPROVES K594 MILLION BUDGET FOR RURAL ELECTRIFICATION PROJECTS IN 2024

By Daily News Reporter

The Rural Electrification Authority -REA- Board of Directors has approved a K594, 214,177 budget for the implementation of rural electrification projects across the 10 provinces of Zambia. 

Speaking to the Media in Lusaka, REA Chief Executive Office Linus Chanda said with this budget, the authority will undertake 48 new grid development projects, 8 new off-grid renewable energy projects in 2024 and will complete 64 grid development projects which commenced in 2023.

Engineer Chanda further said that the new off grid renewable projects that REA which will undertake include solar for health project, solar for agriculture, solar for markets, solar for chief’s palaces, solar for households, biogas digesters, solar mini grid network at Ntatumbila in Nakonde district and expansion of the grid at the 640kw Kasanjiku Mini-Hydro Power plant in Mwinilunga district.

He has revealed that cumulatively, all projects to be undertaken by the authority will yield into 28,389 households, 252 schools, 206 rural health centers, 57 markets, 115 chiefs’ palaces and 39 other public facilities that include local courts, police stations, immigration offices, agriculture camps, and national assembly offices.