SABMILLER ZAMBIA COUNSELS KABULONGA PUPILS

By MacPherson Mukuka in *Lusaka*

Brewer takes campaign against underage drinking to Kabulonga Girls

Kabulonga Girls' School students celebrating the a talk by SABMiller on the dangers of underage drinking

Kabulonga Girls Headteacher, Hilda Mudenda (in grey suite) and SABMiller Zambia representative, Allan Bwalya (in yellow cap), with some of the pupils that attended the talk on the dangers of underage drinking sponsored by SABMiller.

 SABMiller Zambia recently held an awareness programme on the dangers of underage drinking and reminded young people to avoid engaging in such vices.

The Group says the future of the nation rests with the youth, hence the importance of ensuring they do not consume alcohol at a young age. 

Speaking during school assembly during a recent visit to Lusaka’s Kabulonga Girls Secondary School as part of its nationwide campaign against underage drinking., SABMiller Zambia representative, Allan Bwalya said half of Zambia’s population is under the age of 16.

He said his organisation believes that, as a beer manufacturer, It has a responsibility to sensitize young people on the adverse effects of underage drinking.

And school’s Headteacher, Hilda Mudenda, bemoaned the destructive habit of underage drinking and highlighted the vice’s negative impact on pupils’ academic performance. 

She urged pupils, to not stifle their potential by engaging in illicit activities, as the nation’s future rested on their shoulders.

Meanwhile, SABMiller Zambia Corporate Affairs Director, Ezekiel Sekele said his organisation takes the matter very seriously and is a core part of its sustainability agenda. 

He said SABMiller strongly believe today’s decisions should not compromise the ability of future generations to build meaningful livelihoods. 

Mr. Sekele said against this background, SABMiller has embarked on a vigorous campaign in schools to discourage underage consumption of alcohol. 

He disclosed that the company seeks to reach at least 6,000 pupils.

He added that SABMiller Zambia wants to continue to grow sustainably stating that this can only be done through nurturing of today’s youths into future responsible adults. 

Mr. Sekele says the youths of today, therefore, should be allowed to focus on education and avoid negative vices such as underage drinking.

The role of the youth in nation building is crucial. They are problem solvers, have a positive influence on other young people and the nation.

In promoting responsible alcohol consumption among consumers, Zambian Breweries has also partnered with the Road Traffic and Safety Agency, in the enforcement of existing legislation on drinking and driving.

Source: Langmead and baker

VOTE FOR A GOD FEARING LEADER- REV. PHIRI

By MacPherson Mukuka in Lusaka

A clergywoman in Lusaka has called on electorates across the country to rally behind a presidential candidate who has a heart for Zambians and one who fears God.

Reverend CHOONGO PHIRI of heart of Mercy says Zambia will only remain a Christian nation if its leadership is God fearing.

She says electorates have the power within themselves to decide Zambia’s future through voting.

Rev. PHIRI says voting for God fearing leaders will not only uphold Zambia’s Christian values but also help the nation remain peaceful.

The Clergywoman has also appealed to electorates to turn up in numbers on Thursday and vote yes in the referendum.

She says voting yes in the referendum is the only way that will guarantee Zambians have access to free social amenities among others.

CARTER CENTER LAUNCHES ELECTION MISSION IN ZAMBIA

By MacPherson Mukuka *In Lusaka*

The Carter Centre has launched a limited international election observation mission ahead of the August 11 General election and national referendum on the Bill of Rights.

Center field office Director RACHEL FOWLER says the mission will be led by former Prime Minister and Acting President of Burundi SYLVIE KINIGI.

She says an additional four medium term observers have been deployed to assess electoral preparations and development on the provincial level and will be joined by additional observers on the Election Day.

Ms. FOWLER says the Mission is accredited by the electoral commission of Zambia to observe the general elections and the national referendum.

She says members of the mission will hold regular meetings with election key stakeholders including members of the international community.

She has further indicated that carter’s election mission is limited in nature and will not offer a comprehensive assessment of the electoral process and Election Day proceedings.

She says the mission will focus on the legal framework, election administration, general election political environment, electoral violence, and resolution of any electoral disputes.

Ms. FOWLER adds that the center assesses the electoral process based on Zambia’s national legal framework and its obligations for democratic elections contained in regional and international agreements.

This is contained in a statement released to the Developmental Journalist in Lusaka today.

REJECT VIOLENT PARTIES, LEADERS- VOTERS TOLD

By MacPherson Mukuka *In Lusaka*

The opposition National Party has called on Zambians to manifest the One Zambia, One Nation.

Party president RICHARD KAMBULU says the one Zambia; one Nation is not a slogan but a motto which must be lived.

Speaking to THE DEVELOPMENTAL JOURNALIST in a walk –in- interview, Reverend KAMBULU said the escalating number of political violence are a signal of failure to uphold the National motto.

He says it is unfortunate that people have developed hatred against each other based on because of divergent political views.

Rev. KAMBULU says it is the right of every Zambian to belong to a political party of their choice and must be respected by others.

He has urged Zambians to look forward to celebrations next week and not plan for battle.

Meanwhile, opposition Zambia Republican Party ZRP has expressed concern over the alleged attacking of a woman perceived to be a PF supporter by suspected UPND cadres in Sinazongwe.

ZRP National Information and Publicity Secretary DAVID KAFWANKA told THE DEVELOPMENTAL JOURNALIST in a walk-in-interview that the act is barbaric and that the law must take its course.

Mr. KAFWANKA says the attacks on women or any other person must be condoned by a civilized society.

He says the incident is unfortunate because it has happened at the time political party leaders have made an undertaking to put an end to political related violence ahead of next week’s General election.

He has called on Zambians from all walks of life to join hands and reject political parties and leaders who are in the habit of perpetrating violence.