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.

 

 

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.