"The GOAT Media Centre"

Lecturers’ union passes vote of no confidence in Vice-Chancellor, Senate, Management and Council over exam disruptions and governance failures By Francis Maingaila  Lusaka, Zambia24 --- (18-06-2026) -- The University Of Zambia Lecturers And Researchers’ Union (UNZALARU) has passed a vote of no confidence in the Vice-Chancellor, University Management, Senate, and the University Council over what it describes as failures in managing the 2025/2026 academic calendar, particularly the mid-year examinations and Term II sessional dates. UNZALARU President Prof. Andrew Phiri and General Secretary Mr. Dominic Liche told Zambia24 that the decision follows repeated disruptions, conflicting communications, and the indefinite postponement of examinations, which have created uncertainty for both students and staff. The union said it had earlier warned against rushed changes linked to water and sanitation rehabilitation works and called for a stable academic calendar. However, it says these warnings ...

New report warns of escalating climate risks undermining development gains, calls for urgent adaptation and stronger early warning systems By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24 --- (18-06-2026)  --- The State of Africa Climate Report 2025, which highlights worsening climate-related disasters across the continent, has been launched with a warning that Africa is facing escalating climate risks that are already undermining development gains, urging accelerated climate adaptation efforts. Zambia’s Secretary to the Cabinet, Mr. Patrick Kangwa, said through Luckson Kasanka, Permanent Secretary for Special Duties at Cabinet Office, that Africa is already experiencing rising temperatures, extreme weather events and shifting rainfall patterns that are threatening food security, water resources and economic development, a reality that demands urgent action. He cited the 2023/2024 El Niño-induced drought in Southern Africa, which affected more than 60 million people and led six countries, ...

Teachers’ body calls for urgent reforms in welfare, payroll systems, and education funding By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusala, Zambia24  --- (18-06-2026) - The National Union of Public and Private Educators of Zambia has announced new leadership and called for reforms in teacher welfare, payroll systems, and the wider education sector. The newly elected Executive President, Dr Charity Kampamba Tembo, said the union has entered a new phase following the departure of former president Mr Victim Jumba. She said the focus will be stronger engagement with government and stakeholders to improve working conditions and education quality. Dr Tembo welcomed the Education Amendment Act of 2026, which introduced free education from early childhood to secondary level, saying it has increased enrolment and reduced dropout rates. However, she said rising pupil numbers must be matched with more classrooms, teachers, and funding. She warned that overcrowding and high pupil–teacher ratios remain a maj...

Judges rule petitioners failed to prove Dorika Banda lacks constitutional qualifications, clearing Socialist Party ticket for August polls. By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24 -- (18-06-2026) -- The Constitutional Court has dismissed a petition challenging the eligibility of Socialist Party presidential candidate Dr. Fred M’membe and his running mate, Dorika Banda, to contest the August 13, 2026 General Election, effectively clearing the duo to proceed with their campaign. In a judgment delivered by Justice Maria Kawimbe on behalf of a full bench, the court held that the petitioners failed to provide sufficient evidence to prove that Ms. Banda does not possess a Grade 12 certificate or its equivalent, as required under Article 100(1)(e) of the Constitution. The petition was filed by governance activist Isaac Mwanza and the Consortium of Civil Society Organisations for Good Governance and Constitutionalism, who sought a declaration that Ms. Banda did not meet the constitutional qu...

Stakeholders intensify awareness campaigns across Lusaka to strengthen hygiene, enforcement, and safe food handling practices at every stage of the food chain. By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24 --- (16-06-2026) - The 2026 World Food Safety Day Organising Committee has intensified public awareness campaigns in Lusaka, urging stronger food safety practices and reinforcing that safe food is a shared responsibility that begins on the farm and ends at the consumer’s table. The campaign is being coordinated by the Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency in collaboration with the Lusaka City Council, the Ministry of Health, the National Food and Nutrition Commission, the Food and Agriculture Organization, and the CUTS International Zambia, among other partners. The programme brings together coordinated sensitisation activities aimed at improving food safety practices among producers, traders, and consumers. Speaking during media engagements and public awareness activities, committee ch...

Operator praised for advancing sustainable tourism, conservation and community development as Zambia records 2.3 million international visitors. By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24  -- (16-06-2026) -- Zambia’s tourism sector continues to register strong growth, with international tourist arrivals reaching an estimated 2.3 million visitors in 2025, reflecting the country’s rising profile as a leading travel destination and growing demand for sustainable tourism experiences. The positive outlook comes as Green Safaris commemorates 10 years of operations in Zambia, a milestone that highlights the increasing role of eco-tourism in supporting conservation, local livelihoods and national economic development. Speaking during the company’s 10th anniversary celebrations, Ministry of Tourism Permanent Secretary Evans Muhanga, in remarks delivered by Director of Human Resources and Administration Vivian Ndlovu, commended Green Safaris for its contribution to the growth of Zambia’s tourism...