GOVERNMENT OF ZAMBIA LAUNCHES TOOLS FOR PROTECTION OF VULNERABLE MIGRANTS

By MacPherson Mukuka

A number of people across the globe travel from their homelands, covering millions of distances in search of better life usually as a result of civil conflicts in their nations.

Some of them succeed while others die on the way; however those who manage to reach their destinations find themselves in complex situations as many become victims of human rights violation.

Human traffickers take advantage of the most of those who may seem to be desperate to finding better living in other countries, promising them of good living standards but later realise later that the situation is different.

The Government of the republic of Zambia and its cooperating partners has developed guidelines which are the protection assistance for vulnerable migrants in Zambia.

The guidelines have been developed as part of a joint programme that is implemented by the international organisation for migration, UHNCR and UNICEF, supporting government of Zambia to build the capacity of national actors in responding to mixed migration.

Launching the handbook at the opening of a 2 day 4^th National Symposium on human trafficking in Zambia, Vice President Guy Scott said it must be accepted that there people living in circumstances that are miserable.

Dr. Scott stressed the need for a balanced response to migration challenges and the need to harmonise compassion and sympathy with discipline and order in Zambia.

And Home affairs Minister Ngosa Simbyakula says government’s commitment to fighting human trafficking is demonstrated by the enactment of the anti-human trafficking act of 2008 to domesticate the countries ratification in 2005 of the United Nations protocol which aims to prevent, supress and punish trafficking persons.

And speaking earlier, Acting UN resident coordinator Simon Cammelbeeck said across generations, human beings have migrated in search of a better life. He said such hope however do not always materialise.

Mr. Cammelbeeck, further states that lures by the false promises of traffickers, many victims are subjected to abuse and violations of human rights of the worst kind, including violence at the hands of traffickers and ultimately facing sexual or labour exploitation.

Meanwhile, EU head of delegation to Zambia Aad Biesebroek says trafficking of human beings is a serious crime and a gross violation of human rights which often linked with organised crime and is considered as one of the most profitable criminal activities worldwide.

Zambia Celebrates International Cultural Diversity

By MacPherson Mukuka

Music was played, traditional drums and music where beaten and sung while the people from different walks of life danced and jubilated during the commemoration of the world day for cultural diversity for dialogue and development.

The United Nations adopted the day in 2002 after the 2001, September 11 twin tower attacks in the United States of America.

Zambia was not left out of the annually celebrated event; the Kabwata Cultural Village was the centre where the activities took place, and attracted hundreds of people, locals and those from overseas.

Tourism and Arts Minister Jean Kapata graced the event in the company of area member of parliament, Given Lubinda, her deputy Laurence Evans, Local government deputy Minister Nicholas Banda among others.

Ms Kapata said in her speech that the significance of the day is that it is a global call for every person to deepen their understanding of values of cultural diversity and to learn to live together better by engaging with people around.

Mrs Kapata added that cultural dynamism may create a generation gap especially between young people and the old because of the way older people do certain things which young ones may perceive as outdated.

And director in the department of tourism and arts Victor Mukashi said the idea of the day is to recognise and respect the many cultures in the world.

Meanwhile, Lusaka Province Permanent secretary Wamunyima Muwana appealed to the Minister to make the cultural village return its beauty by holding events of such nature there.

And area Member of Parliament Given Lubinda pledged his office support to working with the Ministry of tourism to developing the cultural village.

The theme of the day was: do one thing for diversity and inclusion,” and to spice up the theme, food from Egypt, Nigeria and Zambia was on the table to sample.

Remember to do one thing for diversity and inclusion in all what you do.

FORMER ADVISER TO LATE MWANAWASA SPEAKS OUT ON KCM

By MacPherson Mukuka

The remarks by Vedanta Chairman Anil Agarwal have continued to receive mixed reactions from various sections of society.

Some reactions are calling on government to nationalize Konkola Copper Mine one of Africa’s largest producers of the diminishing natural resource and have prompted former special assistant to Late President Levy Mwanawasa in charge of policy, project implementation and monitoring Jack Kalala to speak out.

Mr. Kalala defended the sale of the Mine for 25million US dollars instead of the 400 Million US dollar price.

He urged the Zambian people to take to task the people who removed the windfall tax other than blaming late Mwanawasa.

Mr. Kalala further stated that at the time the windfall tax was been removed under the leadership of former President Rupiah Banda, the investors did not object to the tax but the manner it was be rolled out.

Meanwhile, Government also has revealed that KCM has more than 100 million US dollars overdue dates credit balance owed to its suppliers and contractors.

Mines, Minister Christopher Yaluma told a gathering in Lusaka yesterday that government will make sure Vedanta sticks to its commitment of settling the bills.

The Minister further mentioned that the Government will investigate the alleged sentiments made by Mr. Agarwal especially those touching on the company’s revenue and its profitability.

It was also disclosed in the meeting that Vedanta has up-to-date not complied with its commitment to inject 350 million US dollars into KCM as foreign direct investment.

ICT KEY TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT- EDUCATION DEPUTY PS

BY MACPHERSON MUKUKA

The introduction of the revised educational curriculum by Government became a hot topic with so many suggestions and questions on how it was going to benefit the learners especially on the part of the introduction of local languages in schools.

Surprisingly, one component of the new curriculum did not seem to carry any weight neither did it evoke the attention of the society.

Government in its new education curriculum has included the ICT component which will give learners an opportunity to have ICT skills at the early stage of their education journey.

In view of this, Government has engaged Microsoft Corporation to train teachers and staff from Educational Broadcasting services who will in turn train the learner some ICT skills.

Speaking during the official launch of the train the trainer workshop in Lusaka yesterday, Ministry of Education Deputy Permanent secretary Christine Mayondi the importance of ICT cannot be overemphasized, because of its contribution to the way various activities in the educational and other sectors are conducted.

Mrs. Mayondi further called on the trainees not to look down on their learners as some of them may have more knowledge on ICT than they do.

She told the trainees to take advantage of the training and ensure they use the acquired ICT knowledge as reformed officers and champions for ICT.

And Microsoft programmes Manager for Eastern and Southern Africa Phil Odour said the workshop will provide basic and secondary skills for the ICT tutors to deliver quality lessons to the learners.

Meanwhile, some participants shared what they intend to achieve from the workshop.

The workshop which started on Monday has attracted about 30 participants most of whom are teachers from government school.

The aim of the workshop is to equip ICT teachers with the skills on how to prepare and present lessons to the learners on ICT.

Zambia launches first ever ITC policy evaluation project National report.

By MacPherson Mukuka

Zambia on Friday May 30^th, 2014 joined the rest of the world in commemorating world no tobacco day and subsequently launched its first ever international tobacco control (ITC) policy evaluation project National report.

The report which is based on the 2012 survey findings is aimed at promoting evidence based strategies to fight the global tobacco epidemic.

The launch was preceded by a much past from north mead to Mulungushi conference centre where the rest of the activities were held.

Speaking during the launch, health deputy minister Chitalu Chilufya says tobacco is a risk factor that is fueling the new epidemic of non communicable diseases.

Dr. Chilufya further stated tobacco has of late caused a rise in the cost of providing health services to the people due to an increase in the number of NCDs.

And ITC Zambia evaluation project, principal investigator, Fastone Goma said in his presentation on the finding from the ITC survey in Zambia that the country has not done well in implementing policies on tobacco control.

Dr. Goma added that a number of smokers are willing to stop smoking but are not motivated by the price of tobacco, hence he called on the government to increase the tax on the price of the commodity.

Meanwhile, ITC evaluation project principle investigator, Prof. Geoffrey Fong in 2011 alone, 27 % of the deaths recorded were due to none communicable diseases which are as a result of smoke.

And the epilepsy association of Zambia expressed happiness at the launch of the report.

Association President Antony Zimba said, Smoking has an effect on epileptic patients because it hinders progress.

The theme on the day was increase tobacco taxes to reduce tobacco smoking.

If you are a smoker, you must be guilty of contributing to the death of over 600 thousand people in the world every year, due to the smoke from your cigarette. 

EDUCATION MINISTER BEMOANS POOR EXAM RESULTS IN LUSAKA PROVINCE

BY MACPHERSON MUKUKA

Education has for long been regarded as a key to success. It has said that where people are educated, they can do anything developmental either as individuals or a group.

Government of the republic of Zambia has prioritized education just like health and Agriculture.

This can be cited by the practical commitment in infrastructure development across the country. The revision of the educational curriculum is also another commitment government has shown in the development of the education.

Education Minister John Phiri has embarked on a nationwide tour of various education infrastructure most of which are secondary and primary schools. The tour which started  in Luangwa district of Lusaka province has brought to the fore the many challenges teachers face in their quest to deliver quality services to the learners.

However government has stated that it will not relent regardless of the challenges. Speaking during one of the meeting with teachers from the Lusaka Central Zone, Dr. Phiri called on the teachers to take teaching a profession and not a career, and ensure they use what is available to educate the Zambian Child.

Dr. Phiri further advised the teachers to check their personal life and become examples to the learners.

The Minister however expressed disappointment at the poor results Lusaka produced in last year’s exams despite it having the cream of teachers. He described the performance as uncalled for,  for a province like Lusaka.

And Lusaka Province Educational Officer Kotati Ngosa urged the teachers to concentrate on developing the sector other than concentrating on extra curriculum activities such as inter school competitions which do not add much value to the academic performance f the learners.

From the information gathered while in the company of the Minister, it is evident that government is really committed to its promises of bettering the living standards of its people through education; communities through PTA have also shown commitment through their participation in the development of learning facilities such as construction of additional classrooms.

Retirement age- Zambia

By MacPherson Mukuka

The debate on the proposed upward adjustment of the retirement age by Government from 55 to 65 has continued. Some people spoken to feel those who are not yet employed will a likely to stay for a long time without finding jobs whilst those in employment may die before they retirement bearing in mind the nation’s life expectancy.

Meanwhile, a public forum was yesterday held in Lusaka under the auspices of the Labour institute of Zambia with financial support from the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung   Foundation (FES), with the main aim of strengthening social dialogue on the review of the retirement age policy.

The forum was attended by various stakeholders in the labour sector, including the biggest employer, the government.

And Government has expressed hope that the retirement age policy reforms will inevitably lead to pension reforms in the country.

Labour and social security’s deputy Minister Rayford Mbulu says there are challenges with the existing social security systems which Government is set to fix through wholesome reforms.

He said, government believes that there many positives associated with the policy especially at this time when the nation’s Gross Domestic Product is rising.

Mr. Mbulu added that another positive that a longer retirement age is likely to bring is affordability repayment terms for house loans.

The deputy Minister further pointed out that Government has embraced the policy of home empowerment for workers which has resulted in the rise of the Mortgage market.

And FES programmes Manager Cathy Sikombe has pledged her organisations continued support to different stakeholders in the labour sector on matters on labour reforms.

Meanwhile, Labour Institute of Zambia Executive Director Clement Kasonde says his organization’s aim is to bring together various stakeholders from the labour market to dialogue in order for all the players to benefit from all labour reforms whilst putting government on the centre of the discussions.

The debate like any other needs total participation from all stakeholders if positive results are to be obtained.

CHAWAMA

By MacPherson Mukuka

   

Chawama Ward 3 councillor Portipher Tembo has expressed concern over the poor workmanship being exhibited by some officials at the clinic in the area.

Councillor Tembo who also new Deputy Mayor of Lusaka told ZNBC in an interview that some workers at the clinic mostly cleaners are reported to be reporting for work without carrying their work suits and wondered how the will be discharging their works. 

The councillor further said that progress in the rehabilitation of the drainages in the area and construction of a police post as well as the office of the Member of Parliament has taken an advanced stage.

Times of Zambia Printpak

By MacPherson Mukuka

Government says there is need to follow rules and channels in everything any organisation does whenever they want to engage Government.

Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary Beit Mushala told the Breakfast show in that the request made by Zambia Union of Journalist to Government to bail out Times Printpak should come from Company Management through the Board.

He said, the Board is more informed of the operations of the company unlike the Union who are just workers in this case.

Mr. Mushala added that at one point, Government even hard a meeting with the workers, in Ndola where made a call to work hard in terms of raising funds for the company.

This comes in the wake of the call by The Zambia Union of Journalists (ZUJ) on the Government to bail out Times Printpak Zambia Limited and save the nearly 170 unionised workers from the current hardships.

Currently, the ZUJ draws its membership from the Zambia Daily Mail, the Zambia Printing Company and the Times Printpak Zambia Limited, the publisher of Times of Zambia and the Sunday Times of Zambia newspapers.

And the Union has challenged the board of directors at the Zambia Daily Mail to expedite the recruitment of the Managing Director at the public media house.

ZUJ President James Muyanwa said the unionised employees at Times Printpak, the publisher of Times of Zambia and Sunday Times of Zambia newspapers, have suffered long enough and deserve a bail-out package.

“Our members at Times Printpak Zambia Limited have suffered for a long time now. The workers have been getting their salaries late for about four years now. For instance, currently they are in two-month salary arrears, and have literally been surviving by the grace of God,” he said.

Mr Muyanwa suggested that through its subvention, the government should take up the repayment of which the company contracted for the purchase of a printing machine and the payment of retirees’ terminal benefits which are taking up most of the monthly revenue for the company.

FAWEZA, OXFAM LAUNCHES “I CARE ABOUT HER SCHOOL PROJECT”

By MacPherson Mukuka

Violence against women and girls has been a major root of concern in the past years. Women and girls are dying almost on a daily basis at the hands of those who once claimed to cherish them.

Gender-based violence is also invasive in our Country Zambia. Just in the last 2 years, January 2012 to date, about 13 thousand cases of GBV has been recorded in Zambia.

In trying to mitigate the scourge, various strides have been made by different women organisations.

 Yesterday, the forum for African women educationalists of Zambia with support from Oxfam and in partnership with the Ministry of Education launched the ‘            I care about her school project, aimed at sensitizing the young boys on the effects of GBV.

And speaking during the launch, Ministry of education Permanent secretary (PS) Chishimba Nkosha, says government is concerned with the escalating number of GBV cases against school girls which has made most of them drop out of school.

The PS said most young girls have stopped school after failing pregnant.

Mr. Nkosha further said that his ministry is confident that the new intervention with have a positive impact on the lives of both girls and boys in school.

And Oxfam Country Director Nellie Nyang’we says her organisation has partnered with FAWEZA to intensify the Campaign against GBV.

Meanwhile, FAWEZA National Chairperson Lillian Kapulu says targeting the boys in school will greatly help fight the vice.

Some school girls and boys spoken to have expressed happiness at the launch of the project stating that it will help those with less or no information on GBV to gain some knowledge. 

Gender Based Violence in Zambia has to some extent become a part of everyday life; however we must all unite by any possible means and fight the vice.

IMPACTS OF NATIONALISATION 50 YEARS DOWN THE LINE

By MacPherson Mukuka

One of world’s largest sources of copper ore is found on the border of Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, in a region known as the Copperbelt. Since the first

Commercial mine was opened at Roan Antelope (now Luanshya) in 1928 copper mining has dominated Zambia’s economy.

In 1968, 5 years after Zambia was liberated from colonial rule, President Kenneth Kaunda raised concerns that, from independence, the two companies that owned the mines had put in little new money.  The companies claimed that the royalty system by which they were taxed dissuaded investment. The Government responded in 1969 by announcing the nationalization of the mines.

The Constitution was amended through a referendum. All rights of ownership of minerals as well as exclusive prospecting and mining licenses reverted to the state. The mining companies were forced to give 51% of shares in all existing mines to the State. The two nationalised companies were combined in 1982 to form Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines (ZCCM).

What exactly pushed the UNIP Government to undertake such a process, Dr. Kaunda who was President then says, much as the decision was tough, Government had to do it so that what the mines where getting could also benefit Zambians

And, a Historian says there was need to develop areas which the colonialists neglected.

Dr. Eusten Chiputa says the government deliberately made the decision in order to develop areas like the education sector.

By 1976, it was anticipated that the Mining sector which had contributed almost one half of the gross domestic product, at the time of independence would supply no revenue to Government.

Surprisingly, cost of production of ore had increased on top of higher prices for imports, economic diversification programmes were slowed down. These problems were particularly critical because the engine of Zambia’s economy was in a period of severe recession because of low copper prices.

Was the nationalization of the key industry largely responsible for the country’s economic chaos?

Mr. Yusuf Dodia is an economist and has a different view, and he says KK’s ideology was a move in the right direction, because so much money was going out of the country, and it was time to develop Zambia which despite been the largest producer of the mineral, was still under developed in terms of infrastructure

Mr. Dodia however says that there was time that some of the nationalised sectors needed to be handed back to private hands.

“Nationalization of key industries was done in good faith, however there was need to put in place initiatives that where going to play as back up if things went sour, and Privatization by the new party in power was seen as the best solution, but it came at a wrong time.” He said.