ZAMBIA HAS POTENTIAL IN YOUTH SKILLS DEVELOPMENT-Mutati

By Daily News Reporter 

Technology and Science Minister Felix Mutati has said that Zambia is on the right trajectory in breaking grounds through innovation and creativity, hence defining solutions through a strong built up novelty foundation of the ecosystem, for the country, as demonstrated by an innovative winner, Michael Sichilongo, who scooped the first prize project on his developed digital software App that define solutions for the physically challenged persons by using body gestures.

Speaking at the 2024 cohort of the young innovators ICT innovation programme, in Lusaka, were top Five finalists received awards, Mr. Mutati commended all innovators exhibited developed digital Applications and explained that Zambia is building a strong foundation in the innovation - ecosystem demonstrated by tangible outcomes: "It's a strong foundation that we are building in the innovation ecosystem, and the results we are showing, and thanks to you the young ones that are breaking new grounds."

He said Government has continued to invest in a robust and resilient digital infrastructure, with the current ongoing construction and installation of towers across the country, a national developmental digital transformation that will equally augment the innovation ecosystem.

The Minister urged the innovators to assess and catch up with emerging Artificial Intelligence technologies that will position their strength to supersede and cope with technical - know-how age.

Mr Mutati commended 'Lead Ebusaka' an innovative hub that has, over the years, grown and established a Twenty thousand customer - base from the scratch, an indication of limitless business proliferation in the power of creativity and innovation, hence timely addressing potent and sustainable solutions of the country's digital transformation journey.

He added that; Now, you heard Ebusaka are participating outside the country, under the theme called 'Tumbktoo,' and that's the way it's supposed to be."

Hon. Mutati further told the innovators and stakeholders that Zambia is among the Nine countries in Africa selected to host one of the themes of Timbuktoo, (an innovation initiative support programme by the United Nations Development Programme - UNDP). 

He said the initiative will help innovators to develop transformative innovations for the respective countries, Zambia being branded under a theme, Mine Tech, whilst Nigeria will host under Fintech, and Rwanda, on Health Tech.

Mr. Mutati said the Zambian version Timbuktoo - Mine Tech ground breaking takes place (next week) to specifically execute the country's vision to scale up in responding to the delivery of Three Million tons production of copper bordering on a timeframe of Ten years, a challenge he pointed out owed to the innovators - ecosystem to realise the Mine - Tech devised visionary solutions.

The Minister put an emphasis on the public - private partnership and collaboration that were indispensable to help push innovators' energies to thrive. "You may wish to know, that Zambia outside South Africa is number Two, in terms of innovation, particularly raising startup capital, so we must be proud that we are doing something that is correct." He added.

Mr. Mutati, said Government is also carrying out critical amendments to the cyber security bill that will provide protection to the innovation and create an enabling legal framework.

Meanwhile, ZICTA director universal access, Collins Chomba said the presentation of the successive transformative initiative by young innovators is a recognition of their outstanding contributions for driving Zambia's progress through technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation.  

Speaking on behalf of ZICTA director general, Mr Chomba said ZICTA launched the ICT in 2016 to create an ambitious programme to support the young innovators in commercialisng their ICT related ideas and startups. 

"The programme aligns with the broader mandate under the ICT Act number 15 of 2009 to promote adoption, usage and local development of ICTs in the country." He read in his speech.

Mr. Chomba, further explained that since its inception, the ICT young innovators programme has provided technical and businesses developed support to over Four hundred and Fifty innovators, and of these Fourty have received direct financial support from ZICTA and cooperating partners, with a focus to enable them commercialise their respective innovation, a progress initiative that exists to scale up business in the creation of jobs, enhance service delivery, and contribute to solving existing social economic challenges.

And Nakana Mwamba from a nurtured startup, Lead Ebusaka, said the entity is a mobile and cloud based digital market place for waste management designed to transform how waste is collected, managed, and recycled through connecting households and businesses, ensuring transparency, efficiency, and environmental sustainability across the country.

And Stanbic head digital transformation, Yaza Kara, said the financial entity's strategy focuses on client satisfaction, digital transformation and SME growth. 

She said the bank's agenda was not only to enhance service delivery through comprehensive online solutions but also its comittement to stimulate economic growth by promoting entrepreneurship

Meanwhile Airtel Networks Zambia, managing director, Kapa Kaumba, is grateful for her entity to be part of the unveiling prestigious ZICTA ICT, top Five, innovation programme as the network provider's growth strongly is underlined in its commitment to making a difference in the lives of people. 

During the ceremony, other awardees include, Chama Mathews presenting a new hearing mobile app in the Fifth place, Mwiinga Nzala, a cost calculating farmer's project manager app in the Fourth place, and Malizyo Grabiel Muzumala, presenting a service automated medical interpretation in artificial intelligence on the Third slot.And in the second place, Nkonde Bupe, was unveiled in whose project visual operations simulations (VOS).

 WE WILL NOT NEGLECT THE DISABLED -SICHINGA 

By Daily News Reporter 

Kabushi constituency aspiring member of Parliament Tillas Sichinga has vowed to improve the living standards of the physically challenged people across the constituency once ushered into office.

Addressing a sizeable group of the differently and physically challenged people in Ndola's Kariba compound called "Tatwakachule disabled group" Mr Sichinga who is also TTS foundation director expressed saddness over the poor living conditions of the group in the area.

The Kabushi based disability group are currently experiencing various challenges ranging from inadequate wheelchairs, unhabitable housing, house rentals, unemployment, school dropouts and lack of sustainable empowerment programs. 

The group lamented that they felt neglected and left out especially by those entrusted to improve their welfare further appealing to Mr Sichinga to come to their aid as he was their last hope.

In response to the concerns raised by the group , the 2026 Kabushi constituency aspirant said his foundation remains ready to empower the neglected in society through various charitable programs.

And Mr Sichinga has vowed to engage the relevant authorities in ensuring that the said group is at least empowered with plots along Ndola-Mufulira road and that he will provide wheelchairs, procure a peanut making machine for them to sustain their livelihoods further encouraging those willing to go back to school to take advantage of the current free education policy provided by the new dawn administration.

He has however reaffirmed his commitment through the foundation to improve the living standards of Kabushi residents irrespective of one status, religious beliefs, creed or political affiliation adding that he will not neglect the physically challenged across the constituency once voted into office.

 Water crisis affecting livestock 

Siavonga,

By Daily News Reporter 

Livestock Farmers in the rural parts of Siavonga District in Southern Province calls on government to quickly consider providing water reservoirs as their livestock travel long distances to search for water.

Speaking on behalf of Livestock farmers in Mnyama ward Alex Gwati appeals to government to come to the aid of livestock farmers in the area as livestock have no drinking water in the area.

Mr Gwati disclosed  that that about ten (10000)thousand cattle from the surrounding kaseba,Kaumpwe,Jali,Nangoba,Mangwalala, Manchvwa in- land and Nabutezi villages drink water from the water reservoir at his farm in Mnyama ward.

Mr.Gwati explained that these cattle that drink water from kaseba farm travel about 18 to 15 km to reach kaseba farm adding that other cattle get stuck in the same reservoir and other cattle is being stolen on their way as they search for water.

"Please government come to our aid as livestock farmers in Mnyama, Nabutezi wards, our livestock has no drinking water 

other wise the water reservoir where cattle drink from it is meant for watering my garden," he said.

Meanwhile speaking on behalf of livestock farmers in Nadunga area in Mutuba ward in Sinadambwe Chiefdom Wesley Munyumbwe says people are sharing water with livestock from near by Nadunga and kangamachinja streams as boreholes have dried up.

"Villages drink water from Nadunga and Nakamacinga streams with our livestock are Muzima, Hachibozu, Munyumbwe, Manyinga,Nakayuma, Nadunga and Mutanga villages both people and livestock drink from these two streams as boreholes have dried up," he said.

However Siavonga Member of Parliament MP Darius Mulunda speaking earlier during the Consitituency Development Fund CDF  committee revealed that his office is aware of the water challenges people and livestock are facing in the Consitituency.

Mr.Mulunda stated  that from the drought fund emergency response component, funds have been set aside to address water challenges in the area.

" Our people and livestock are suffering of water challenge, and from the drought fund emergency response for addressing water challenge in Nangoba, Hachibozu and other surrounding areas in our Consitituency," said.

Govt commends Beit Cure Children's hospital

By Happiness Chirwa

CHIBOMBO District Director of Health (DHD) has commended Beit Cure Children's hospital for donating an audiology booth to Mwachisompola Mini Hospital.

Dr Hendrix Yona said the opening of the audiology booth at that health facility was an important thing to both the Government and the residents of that area and sorrounding communities.

The audilogy [medical equipment] is used to examine and treat patients with ear, nose and throat problems, which is the reason it is mostly called ENT.

Dr Yona said the Government of Zambia was working extra hard to deliver quality health care services in all diseases which affects human being, therefore such donation from the Beit Cure Children's hospital was a milestone to the Government.

He said hearing loss is a global challenge, and as such the World Health Organization has recognized it as a fourth leading cause of disability.

He also lamented that, the World Health Organization has projected that by 2050: " Nearly 2.5 billion people - one in every four will live with some form of hearing loss."

"The opening of this audiology booth, at Mwachisompola Mini Hospital, will play a vital role in advancing Ear, Nose and Throat - ENT services in Zambia," he said.

He emphasized that the move signified a step in the right direction towards addressing the needs of ear, nose and hearing care among the people.

Dr Yona noted that the ear, nose and throat conditions negatively affect physical health, emotional well-being and social intergration of human beings.

Speaking earlier Beit Cure Medical Director Cyril Moyo said his hospital was proud to donate the audilogy booth at Mwachisompola Mini Hospital because it was fulfilling its objectives of delivering quality healthcare services in ear, nose and throat problems among the vulnerable children in that community and the province at large.

Dr Moyo said as the World Health Organization has predicted that by the year 2050, nearly 2.5 billion people, will have some form of hearing loss, his organization was working hard to provide care to vulnerable children with such conditions in many parts of the world.

"This reality by WHO compels us to act with compassion and determination, ensuring that no child is left behind in their journey toward better hearing, health and quality life

"This is why today, we have gathered here to celebrate a remarkable mileatone in the journey towards ensuring accessible, quality healthcare for all, especially in the realm of ear and hearing health," he said.

Dr Moyo said these in the speech read on his behalf by Dr Chisomo Shawa who is an orthopeadics surgeon that Beit Cure Children's Hospital.

He disclosed that the prevent project of community Ear and Hearing Health Care and Rehabilitation of Disability Loss has been an extraordinary intervention with funding from the Scotish Government.

He also said that initiative aligned with the ministry of health's 2022-2026 national health strategic plan which dedicated to addressing challenges within the health sector.

And medical Officer in- Charge Martin Lufumbo also commended  Beit Cure Children's Hospital for the gesture.

He said the audiology booth was a remarkable additional medical service at that hospital and was a shared vision for improving to the deliver of quality healthcare services to the people in that community and beyond.

Dr Lufumbo stressed that the openning of an audiology booth at that health facility, shall mark a new chapter in contributing positively to the mission of the hospital which aims at serving the people.

He sincerely commended the Beit Cure Children's hospital management and assured them that the equipment shall be put to good used and guarded jealously.

 

EAGLE’S EYE ON KARIBA DAM

…A tour to world’s wonder site

BY MOSES WALUBITA

LUSAKA

ONE of the seven principles of the eagle by Bahamian evangelist Myles Munroe is the leadership principle which the eagle possesses on vision.

In the first place, leadership is influencing others to join in the pursuit of a vision for the future. Without vision, there is no leadership.

But the vision required for effective leadership is not just mere wishes you would like to see come pass. A strong vision is built from a sense of purpose - a need you strongly want to see solved, or a reality you feel obligated to create, according to leadership expert Dr Munroe (now late).

On November 14-15, Zambia Institute of Public Relations and Communication (ZIPRC) had a Continuous Professional Development (CPD) training programme in Siavonga with Information and Media Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana as guest of honour.

During the training, ZIPRC requested for a tour of the Kariba Dam to understand the current water situation, which has been affected by the drought.

The tour was a joint venture between the Zambezi River Authority, ZESCO Limited, the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) and the Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU).

At the workshop held at Savee Beach Resort, a presentation was made on ‘’Navigating Energy Challenges Posed by Low Water Levels at Kariba Dam.’’

The low water level is affecting ZESCO power generation at Kariba North Power Bank in Siavonga District, Southern Province of Zambia.

Kariba North Power Bank’s senior manager Cephas Museba said due to low water level as result of drought currently ZESCO at Kariba North Power Bank is at 59 centimeters of live water for power generation and one turbine is in operation out of six and operating at 110 megawatts (MW) instead of 180 megawatts (MW) normal operation.

ZESCO has recorded an increase of five centimeters of water in the first two rainfalls. He explained that if the rain continues the way it has started, water levels may increase at Lake Kariba.

The Kariba Dam rehabilitation project started around 2019 with the aim of prolonging the life span of the Kariba Dam that was built around 1958 funded by European Union, World Bank and other partners.

Kariba Dam rehabilitation project was undertaken in two phases but happening at the same time. Phase one was the reshaping of the dam foundation and plunge pool as it had developed cracks due to erosion and was worked on by Razel Bec, a French company.

Phase two of Kariba Dam rehabilitation project was to work on the spill gate by the French company.

The purpose of the Kariba Dam rehabilitation project was to address the hazard that would have caused loss of many lives in the Lower Zambezi River covering Chirundu, Kafue and part of Lusaka.

In his book, RHODESIA AND NYASALAND LANDS AND PEOPLES (1961), Colin Black writes that a wall 420 feet high and nearly half a mile wide tamed one of Africa’s greatest rivers.

According to Colin Black, it had been apparent that the two Rhodesias-Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) and Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia) would have to use their potential resources for hydro-electric power if their economic progress were to be maintained and then accelerated.

The former British territories belonged to the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland which lasted from 1953 to 1963.

After many investigations Lord Malvern, Prime Minister of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland told the Federal Parliament in 1955, that the Government had decided to proceed with the Kariba project.

On January 1, 1960, the first power from Kariba flowed to Northern Rhodesia’s Copperbelt. Sir Roy Welensky was the last Prime Minister of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland.

And on November 14, 2024, opening ZIPRC’s workshop on Ethics and Professional Responsibility programme, Zambia’s Information and Media Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana said it is imperative that all practitioners in public relations (PR) and communication comply with ZIPRC Act. No. 11 of 2022.

The Act provides clear legal guidelines to govern the profession. Every individual either employed or practicing PR and communication in Zambia should be registered with ZIPRC and must possess a valid practicing certificate issued by the institute.

Ethics and professional responsibility is the backbone of every profession. It guides individual organisations to a higher standard of conduct.

Mr Kawana said: ‘’Today’s programme reflects the dedication of ZIPRC in elevating standards of public relations and communication practice in our country.’’

Government recognises the indispensable role that strategic communication plays in transforming Zambia’s landscape. Communication and PR is not simply a means of information sharing.

Communication is a powerful tool that shapes public perception, fosters understanding, and strengthens the connection between leaders and citizens.

 As Zambia strives for sustainable economic growth, effective communication becomes even more essential, enhancing transparency, inspiring confidence, and driving participation across all sectors.

Mr Kawana is aware that ethics in public relations and communication is about adhering to key values such as honesty, openness, loyalty, fairness, integrity and straightforward communication.

However, there are some cases where PR practitioners fail to uphold these principles because they are not part of decision-making processes and therefore, end up ‘’covering up things’’ for organisations.

In other words, they are called upon to repair damages which could have been avoided if they were part and parcel of decision-making.

He urged PR practitioners and their management teams to consider elevating PR and communication functions.

 MARK TAMBATAMBA: 

THE TEACHER-CUM POLITICIAN

MOSES WALUBITA

MARK Mwika Tambatamba was a passionate traditionalist, educationist and a disciplinarian. He educated his children and many of his extended family members.

While the Chinese say: ‘’A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step’’, Tambatamba appeared to have been inspired by the Kaonde proverb which says: ‘’Lweendo ntaangi, lubule ntaangi lwalaala’’, literally translated to mean: ‘’Any journey is about a leader, if it has no leader then it won’t be undertaken or successful’’.

His brother Mukombo Jonathan Tambatamba recalls: ‘’He took leadership seriously in whatever he did at family, village, district and national levels.’’

A baby born breached in Kikaonde carries the name of Mwika. Mark Mwika Tambatamba was a breached baby born on April 28, 1928 in Kasempa in North-Western Province of Zambia. He was the first born.

 Mark Mwika Tambatamba’s father was Mukombo Tambatamba from Kanyakula Village where he later became the headman Kanyakula after retirement from government where he was the head messenger for Kasempa district.

Mark Mwika Tambatamba’s mother was Sambaliya Tambatamba from Ngambo Village. Being matrilineal, Kaonde children inherit the clan of their mothers.

Mukombo Jonathan Tambatamba says all Kaonde chiefs are based on clans. While Mark Mwika Tambatamba’s father was from the goat (Bena Mbuzhi) clan his mother Sambaliya Tambatamba was from the mushroom (Bena Kyowa) clan and a princess in senior chief Kasempa’s royal establishment.

As such, Mark Mwika Tambatamba was a possible candidate to inherit the senior chief Kasempa’s throne when it became vacant at some point but opted not to be considered.

Mark Mwika Tambatamba was a traditionalist who supported the royal establishment very well.

One of the key contributions to the senior chief Kasempa’s royal establishment and the very people of Kasempa was his pioneering of the ‘’Juba ja Nsomo’’ traditional ceremony for the Kaonde people of senior chief Kasempa.

 Mark Mwika Tambatamba was married to Lyness Tambatamba and had nine children.

The current Minister of Labour and Social Security Brenda Mwika Tambatamba is the first born.

 Brenda Mwika Tambatamba is Member of Parliament (MP) for Kasempa, the same constituency that her father led and also the first woman MP for the area.

In an interview, Mukombo Jonathan Tambatamba said: ‘’Mark Mwika Tambatamba served Kasempa Constituency from 1973-1988, a period of 15 years is todate the longest serving Kasempa MP.’’

Freedom fighter and former Member of United National Independence Party (UNIP Central Committee Bautis Kapulu remembers Mark Mwika Tambatamba as a humble person and hard working.

Kapulu first Mark Mwika Tambatamba in Luapula Province where he served as District Secretary for Mwense when Kapulu was privileged to serve as Minister of State.

‘’I did not stay long’’, Kapulu recalls.

The two politicians were reunited when Mark Mwika Tambatamba served as Kasempa MP and Kapulu was UNIP Central Committee Member in charge of North-Western Province.

Mark Mwika Tambatamba’s humility was shown during the official opening of the Solwezi Teacher Training College in North-Western Province when he stood up to interpret for Joshua Munkena who was Governor for Kasempa District.

In attendance was His Excellency Kenneth David Kaunda, President of the Republic of Zambia at the time, who commended Mark Mwika Tambatamba for his humility despite being a Cabinet Minister.

Kapulu worked with Mark Mwika Tambatamba at Lusaka Province as Provincial Secretary for two years until change of Government in 1991 following general elections which ushered in the Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD).

Kapulu says: ‘’That is the man (Mark Mwika Tambatamba) of humble character’’

Mark Mwika Tambatamba did his primary school at Mutanda Mission School in Kasempa District.

Upon completion of Standard 6 upper he went to Kitwe Teacher Training College on the Copperbelt to train as primary school teacher.

When he completed he was posted to Kasempa Primary School where he rose to the position of head teacher.

During his time as head of the school, Mark Mwika Tambatamba supported freedom fighters, high ranking UNIP officials such as UNIP President Kenneth David Kaunda, Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe and Matiya Ngalande.

In the early days of Zambia’s Independence, Mark Mwika Tambatamba was sent to Australia by government for further studies in recognition of his hard work.

When he returned from Australia, he was promoted to the position of inspector of schools. He briefly worked in Kasempa before being transferred to Lusaka in 1967 in the same position.

In 1973 after so much pressure from the people of Kasempa he retired from the civil service to pursue a political career with limited resources.

Mark Mwika Tambatamba contested the Kasempa parliamentary seat as an MP.

He won the seat with a massive vote margin as a second area MP. In 1975, he was appointed as Minister of State for Mines and Industries by President Kenneth Kaunda.

Among Mark Mwika Tambatamba’s key positions was that of Minister of Information and Broadcasting. The construction of the Mass Media Complex on Alick Nkhata Road in Lusaka was being done under his tenure as Information Minister.

His passion included education. Kasempa Boys Secondary School was built during his term as MP.

Mark Mwika Tambatamba died on August 11, 1992 in Lusaka and was buried four days later at Kasempa’s Kamilonga Royal Cemetery.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 TOO MUCH OF MUSHROOMING OF PRIVATE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES IN THE HIGHER EDUCATION SECTOR -PRO KAZHILA 

By Daily News Reporter 

"THE MUSHROOMING OF PRIVATE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES THAT HAS NOW MARRED OUR SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION IS A DIRECT CONSEQUENCE OF OUR LACK OF RESPECT FOR LAW AND ORDER...........

Speaking to the media in Lusaka Higher Education Authority (HEA) Director General Professor Kazhila Chinsembu stated that the new regulations which the authority is implementing does not target only the private higher education institutions but also with the public universities and colleges,

"For this month we will start with CBU Auditing and next month UNZA because this has led to lack of respect for law and order in the education sector," Prof Kazhila said.

Prof Kazhila said that due to this of respect for law and order some faith-based and youth-based institutions have abrogated the law by enrolling students that do not meet the minimum entry requirements,

"All those institutions that have gone against our regulations will be deregistered we need to respect regulations that govern higher education because we are a government of laws not of Men so watch out," Prof Kazhila said.

Prof Kazhila also noted that those mushrooming institutions have started providing titles such as doctorate,PHDs which are not recognized by the Authority especially faith-based and youth-based institutions.

"You will find out that someone has been offered a PHD or Doctorate degree from the church and is called Doctor or Professor without our recognition and you can't claim to provide opportunities to youths or anyone by breaking the law,by evading higher education Act and also by making them cheat their way into college," Prof Kazhila added.

He has further urged the clergy to desist from the temptations of dishonest assuming and misappropriating to themselves the revereda academic titles of doctor and professor, regardless of pastor or bishop of the church. 

All  Copyright Reserved.

"You are pastor or bishop of the church, how will enter heaven when you stole the academic title of doctor or Professor?," Prof Kazhila has warned.

Prof Kazhila also added that with due respect of our royal highnesses it's noted that some respected chiefs that wear doctoral graduation gowns and regalia need to follow the law and order of the HEA.

 MWAISENI STORES AND THE ZAMBIA COOPERATIVE FEDERATION TO SUPPORT MSEMEs

By Daily News Reporter 

Mwaiseni Stores, a local retail chain, and the Zambia Cooperative Federation (ZCF) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at empowering local cooperatives and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

The collaboration between Mwaiseni Stores and ZCF, is  focusing on supply chain development, market access, capacity building, economic empowerment, and joint marketing initiatives.

This partnership will benefit thousands of cooperative members across Zambia, upscaling their production capacities and contributing to the country's economic prosperity through market linkages by local market outlets.

Under the partnership, ZCF-affiliated cooperatives and MSMEs will supply various products, including fresh produce, processed goods, and fast-moving consumer goods, to Mwaiseni Stores, while the retail chain will provide technical support, ensuring products meet industry standards, and offer long-term contracts and consistent off-taking arrangements.

Speaking at the signing ceremony Lusaka,Mwaiseni Stores representative and management partner Richard Haatontola stated that the chainstore has committed to procuring quality products from ZCF-affiliated cooperatives that meet quality, pricing, and supply chain requirements for the benefit of the Zambian market and the growth of individual suppliers. He said the chainstore will promote products through branding and dedicated shelf spaces.

Mr.Haatontola said through the partnership, the chainstore expects ZCF to coordinate timely and quality product supply from its members, ensuring products meet Mwaiseni Stores' quality control and packaging standards, and enhancing production capabilities and value addition.

Mr.Haatontola also urged the chainstore to remain committed in supporting local enterprises through the ‘Local is Laka” initiative and contributing to Zambia's sustainable economic development

 He further added that local manufacturers, SMEs, family owned businesses, and drop shipping companies to take advantage of the available supply and vendor opportunities that the chain store is presenting. 

The rebounding of the once popular local chain store is anticipated as a stimulus for economic development and industrial developmental emancipation in Zambia.

 "We seriously need to invest in mental health amidst economic hardships"

By Daily News Reporter

The current economic hardships being experienced in Zambia calls for a serious investment in mental health in order to help citizens cope with the state of affairs.

Fellow countrymen and women, it is a well known fact that a number of Zambians are currently undergoing hardships financially as a result of the tough economy and because of this, we have continued seeing reports of people commiting suicide due to failure to handle this stress. A day rare passes by without us having a report (s) of suspected suicide. This is worrying and requires urgent interventions.

Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community. It has intrinsic and instrumental value and is integral to our well-being.

At any one time, a diverse set of individual, family, community and structural factors may combine to protect or undermine mental health. Although most people are resilient, people who are exposed to adverse circumstances – including poverty, violence, disability and inequality – are at higher risk of developing a mental health condition.

Many mental health conditions can be effectively treated at relatively low cost, yet health systems remain significantly under-resourced and treatment gaps are wide all over the world.

Mental health care is often poor in quality when delivered. Sadly, people with mental health conditions often also experience stigma, discrimination and human rights violations.

I am aware that we have one or two public Institutions offering mental health services but that is not adequate looking at current trends and human resource specifically trained to handle mental health services is inadequate. 

Secondly, we need to break the stigma surrounding mental health and institutions in the country by investing in public awareness campaigns starting from a community level. We need to establish community - based mental health centers that provide care and support options for people with mental health conditions and psychosocial disabilities in the community (e.g. day care centers, rehabilitation centers). Family support system also need to be encouraged.

Above all, Zambia should seriously invest in mental health like yesterday and as a matter of priority. We have seen a surge in Gender Based Violence (GBV) cases, alcohol abuse among young people continues being a source of concern and now we have the infamous "junkies" who are abusing drugs and in the end attack innocent citizens. All these are mental - related behaviors.

In an effort to tackle this matter head-on, I am calling upon government, CSOs, the church, community based organizations, politicians and the general citizenry to join me in this campaign.

Remember, a health people means a wealthy and productive nation. Together we can achieve this.

 

ZAM REVIEWS NATIONAL BUDGET

By Daily News Reporter

The Zambia Association of manufacturing (ZAM) with support from the USAID Revenue for Growth Project, held the Post-Budget meeting. The event was graced by the Minister of Finance and National Planning, represented by Mrs. Mwaka C. Mukubesa, Acting Permanent Secretary – Budget and Economic Affairs stated that ZAM’s proposal align with the government’s overarching objectives of fostering a vibrant and competitive manufacturing sector,

Mrs. Mukubesa noted that this year’s budget may not have fully addressed all of the association’s request due to fiscal constraints

She ensured the sector that the government has taken steps to support the sector through targeted tax incentives, infrastructure improvement and measures to protect the sector

“THE GOVERNMENT AND ZAM CAN WORK TOGETHER TO CREATE AN ENVIRONMENT THAT ENCOURAGES INVESTMENT, INNOVATION, AND SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC GROWTH IN ZAMBIA.”

During the meeting, ZAM President Mr. Ashu Sagar presented our analysis of the 2025 National Budget. Key highlighted the sector record which showed a modest growth of 4.7% in 2022, contributing 0.4% to national GDP growth.

Increased allocation to the Zambia Credit Guarantee Scheme, introduction of surtaxes on selected imports to support local production, and enhanced road infrastructure through PPPs.

Mr. Sagar also noted that they are some of the absence of new tax concessions in 2025 which may hinder industrial growth, while increased excise duties on non-alcoholic beverages and tobacco could drive up production costs.

Mr. Sagar urged the government to adjust Corporate Income Tax for value-added exports, reform the VAT system to address refund delays, and implement cost-reflective electricity tariffs while ensuring affordability.

Meanwhile Proudly Zambia Campaign Chairperson Ms. Kim Otteby added that ZAM complied and submitted various proposals on Tax and Nontax to benefits ZAM for 2025 national Budget.

She also noted that some proposals were adopted including on the introduction of a 5% selected goods surtax on imported printed paper products and packaging materials the increment of 20% SGS on imported garden hose pipes   

“THESE MEASURES ARE DESIGNED TO SUPPORT DOMESTIC PRODUCTION, ENCOURAGING GROWTH IN ZAMBIA’S PACKAGING SECTOR AND PROMOTING LOCAL INVESTMENTS IN INDUSTRIES SUCH AS AGRICULTURE. “ Otteby said.

(PICTURES bY ZAM)

© Copyright Protected

 STORY OF MIGHTY KARIBA DAM

Kabriba in 1959

Kariba in 2023-24

BY MOSES WALUBITA

LUSAKA

IN his book, ‘RHODESIA’ AND NYASALAND LANDS AND PEOPLES’, published in 1961, Colin Black writes that a wall 420 feet high and nearly half a mile wide has tamed one of Africa’s greatest rivers.

At Kariba Gorge on the Zambezi River, some 200 miles to the east of the Victoria Falls, a great curved concrete wall was completed in 1959 and finally check the flow of a river which no African had lived near its bank or seen the power of its flood would agree could ever be halted.

“By the end of 1959, the lake which was forming was estimated to be half full. The waters will be pushing back for 175 miles and with a width varying between twenty and ten miles the area of Lake Kariba will be about 2,000 square miles - or just about enough to cover Northern Rhodesia’s Copperbelt”, Colin Black notes.

He adds: “It will be three times the size of the island of Mauritius or a quarter the area of Israel. Such a sheet of water forming the greatest man-made lake in the world - four times the size of Hoover Dam in the United States - and forming a hundred rivers to un backwards into the boundary hills, has set problems as well as records.”

On the northern bank, where the area was more crowded, some of the tribes refused to move, and the Northern Rhodesia Government (present day Zambia) had to force the old men, women and children to leave their low-lying villages for the safety of higher ground.

According to Colin Black, it had been apparent, however that two Rhodesias - Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) and Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia) would have to use their potential resources for hydro-electric power if their economic progress were to be maintained and then accelerated.

The former British territories belonged to the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland which lasted from 1953 to 1963.

After many investigations Lord Malvern, then Prime Minister of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, told the Federal Parliament in 1955, that the Government had decided to proceed with the Kariba project.

On January 1, 1960, the first power from Kariba flowed to Northern Rhodesia’s Copperbelt.”

 Sir Duncan Anderson, the Chairman of the Federal Power Board, said: “The Kariba project has been an example to the world of the way in which Europeans and Africans can work together, pulling together vigorously on the same rope in the same way.”

Sir Duncan had been knighted for his work at Kariba. As Colin Black writes, the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland had a cabinet and government modelled on the British system and its Parliament was in effect, a miniature of the House of Commons.

The Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland comprised Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia), Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) and Nyasaland (now Malawi). Sir Roy Welensky (20 January, 1907-5 December, 1991) was the last Federal Prime Minister.

The history of the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) may be said to have begun in November 1964 when the Central African Council appointed the Inter-Territorial Hydro-Electric Commission.

In May 1951 the Inter-Territorial Hydro-Electric Commission recommended the development of a dam at Kariba electric power station.

In June 1954 the Hydro-Electric Power Act was passed which provided for the establishment of the Federal Hydro-Electric Board charged with the function of Coordinating the generation and supply of electricity within the Federation.

The Zambezi River Authority says in May 1956 the Federal Power Board was established pursuant to the enactment of the Electric Act. This was a reconstitution of the Federal Hydro-Electric Board.

The new Federal Power Board was vested with the power to build dams and power stations to transmit electric power and sell same to Electricity undertakings. A hydrological data collection organisation territory was also established. In 1963, the Federation was dissolved.

 The integrated system for the control of generation of power and its transmission continued to be operated and was fully developed as a single system under joint ownership and control of the two Governments of Northern and Southern Rhodesia under the Central African Power Corporation (CAPCO) which was established in the same year.

The Central African Power Corporation was vested with the assets and liabilities of the Federal Power Board.

The general function of Central African Power Corporation was to supply electricity to Electricity undertakings in the two territories while its conduct was regulated by a higher authority for power comprising two ministers appointed by each of the two Governments.

In 1987 the Zambezi River Authority Act was passed simultaneously in the two states of Zambia and Zimbabwe dissolving Central African Power Corporation and reconstituting it as Zambezi River Authority (ZRA).

Central African Power Corporation (CAPCO) was divested of its electricity production and bulk distribution assets which were allocated to the National Electricity undertakings of the two states.

The Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) was therefore left with the responsibility of the operation and maintenance of Kariba Dam Complex, investigation and development of new dam sites on the Zambezi River and analysing and disseminating hydrological and environmental information pertaining to the mighty Zambezi River and Lake Kariba.

The Zambezi River is the fourth-longest river in Africa, the longest east-flowing river in Africa and the largest flowing into the Indian Ocean from Africa, according to the Zambia Tourism Agency.

The 2,574 km (1,599 miles) river rises in Zambia and flows through eastern Angola, along the north-east border of Namibia and the northern border of Botswana, then along the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe to Mozambique, where it crosses Mozambique to empty into the Indian Ocean.

The Zambezi’s most noted feature is Victoria Falls but there is so much more. Other notable waterfalls include Chavuma Falls at the border between Zambia and Angola, and Ngonye Falls, near Sioma in Western Zambia.

The Zambia Tourism Agency says hippo, Nile crocodiles and monitor lizards are commonly found along many of the calm stretches of the Zambezi River. Species of birdies, like heron, pelican, egret and African fish eagle are found in large numbers here. Riverine woodlands then support many large animals such as buffalo, zebra, giraffe and elephant.

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