"The GOAT Media Centre"

Lusaka, (30-04-2024) In Zambia's competitive real estate market, finding affordable and accessible land solutions can be a challenge. However, Meadland Real Estate stands out as a beacon of opportunity, offering traditional or titled land at competitive prices with a commitment to client satisfaction. Affordable Options, Transparent Processes At Meadland Real Estate, transparency is paramount. When purchasing land from us, clients receive the mother title, even if the land has been subdivided. This approach streamlines the purchasing process and reduces costs for our clients, who can obtain their own title at a lower expense. Competitive Pricing, Flexible Payment Terms Our dedication to affordability is evident in our pricing structure. With plots ranging from K150,000 to K180,000, we offer competitive rates compared to other agencies selling similar properties for K200,000 to K350,000. We understand that each client's financial situation is unique, which is why we provide flex...

By Francis Maingaila ♥️ 💖  Lusaka, Zambia24 (25-04-2024) - Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) welcomes the release of the Special Audit Report on External Public Debt of the Republic of Zambia by the Office of the Auditor General, covering the period from January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2022.  Nyambe told Zambia24 in a statement that the newly released report responds to a decade-long advocacy effort by civil society. According to Maurice K. Nyambe, Executive Director at TI-Z, "The mismanagement of Eurobonds, failure to finance the Sinking Fund, and inflation of interest and principals on loans have contributed to Zambia's debt distress."  Nyambe noted that the report confirms concerns about Zambia's unsustainable external debt, which peaked at 70% of GDP in 2020, with a debt stock to domestic debt ratio of 170% in 2015. He said TI-Z acknowledges the comprehensive nature of this Special Audit, which responds to public demands and goes beyond Annual Audits.  ...

By Francis Maingaila  Lusaka, Zambia24 (25-04-2024) - The National Action for Quality Education in Zambia (NAQEZ) has called on the Minister of Education to extend the 2024 Term 1 holiday from one week to two weeks.  "This request follows a thorough examination of the academic calendar and consideration of the significant economic, social, and academic impacts of a short break," he said. According to Dr. Aaron Chansa, Executive Director at NAQEZ, a solitary one-week holiday will impose financial strain on parents with children in boarding schools and exacerbate social and emotional stress for learners due to consecutive travel commitments.  Furthermore, Dr. Chansa believes that a one-week break will not allow adequate time for teachers and learners to recharge mentally and physically, compromising their preparedness for Term Two and resulting in adverse academic consequences for the education sector. Extending the holiday to two weeks, however, will not disrupt the educationa...

By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24 (25-04-2024) The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has taken enforcement action against Taam Zambia Limited and Vivo Energy Zambia for non-compliance with the Energy Regulation Act and breach of license conditions. Taam Zambia Limited received a fine of K60,000 for operating without a valid license, in breach of Section 10 of the Energy Regulation Act No. 12 of 2019.  According to Namukolo Kasumpa, Manager of Public Relations at ERB, this undermines the regulatory framework, which is crucial for ensuring safety, quality, and accountability in the energy sector. Vivo Energy Zambia was reprimanded for failing to meet the requirements of Clause 7 of Zambian Standard 385, which mandates a well-documented Complaints Handling Procedure.  "This requirement ensures consumer protection by resolving disputes in a fair and transparent manner," Kasumpa explained. "These actions demonstrate the ERB's dedication to fostering a sustainable and resp...

... This initiative aims to foster sustainable development in the face of environmental challenges. By Francis Maingaila  Lusaka, Zambia24 (25-04-2024) - The European Union (EU) has initiated the €46 million Green Nexus Programme in partnership with international collaborators to address environmental challenges and foster sustainable development in Zambia. Collins Nzovu, Minister of Green Economy and Environment, outlined the program's objectives, which include tackling climate change, biodiversity loss, and water scarcity while integrating environmental sustainability with economic development and social well-being. Key projects under this program include Sustainable Landscape through Integrated Management (SLIM), Integrated Water Catchment Management and Landscape Protection in Zambia (AWARE 2.0), and Enhancing Livelihoods and Smallholder Agricultural Markets (ELSAM). Nzovu emphasized Zambia's ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to mitigate greenhouse gas em...

.. Nawakwi says this is a collaborative effort towards brighter gutures for all Munali Learners "Empowering Inclusive Education" By Francis Maingaila  Lusaka, Zambia24 (22-04-2024) - Stakeholders and businesses gathered at Munali Girls Secondary School for a significant donation event, organized by Inclusive Education for Sustainable Development (IESD) in collaboration with the Ministry of Education. The aim was to provide essential items to the special unit at the school.  Ruth Nawakwi, the Executive Director at IESD, emphasized the importance of quality education for every child, regardless of ability or background.  She articulated her organization's vision of an inclusive society where every individual has the opportunity to succeed and thrive. Nawakwi highlighted the pivotal role of every contribution in ensuring that all children have the opportunity to flourish.  She underscored the collective commitment to inclusive education and its profound impact on supporting ...

...ZAAB challenges corporate dominance and protects farmers' rights"  By Francis Maingaila  Lusaka, Zambia24 (20-04-2024) - The Zambia Alliance for Agroecology and Biodiversity (ZAAB) criticizes the Seed Control and Certification Institute (SCCI) for favoring the Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) over farmers' interests, particularly evident in the proposed Plant Breeders' Rights (PBR) Bill. This alignment with UPOV standards raises concerns about increased corporate dominance in seed and food systems, potentially threatening Zambia's food sovereignty and agro-biodiversity.  During a press conference, Vladimir Chilinya, ZAAB's Chairperson, highlighted the risks associated with the PBR Bill, especially within the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) and its intellectual property protocol.  He emphasized potential consequences, such as privatization of land and seeds, centralizing genetic resources and agri-food markets under...

... Driving Change Together for Environmental Harmony By Francis Maingaila  Lusaka, Zambia24 (19-04-2024) - The Mupapa Environmental and Social Sustainability Initiative (MESSI) in Zambia has initiated a tree planting campaign to address the escalating impacts of climate change, such as erratic rainfall patterns.  This endeavor aims to mitigate the adverse effects by strategically planting trees to alleviate environmental challenges.  Kaillan Mitchell, Director of MESSI, underscores the significant benefits of tree planting and the transformative potential of regreening the mindset of the populace. Mitchell highlights the importance of live trees, including fruit and indigenous varieties, in fostering biodiversity and maintaining ecological balance.  He emphasizes the crucial role of tree planting in promoting environmental and social sustainability, advocating for a holistic approach essential for lasting success. Mitchell stresses the importance of not only revitalizing the environme...

... Taxila American University Introduces Dynamic IT Programs for Zambia's Digital Evolution! By Francis Maingaila  Lusaka, Zambia24 (18-04-2024) - Texila American University (TAU) was proud to unveil its new IT degree programs, designed to equip students for success in today's digital landscape. Vice Chancellor Prof. Ajay Poddar stressed the vital link between education and industry within Information and Communication Technology (ICT). "Institutions had to foster a research culture to arm graduates with practical skills," Prof. Poddar asserted. TAU not only offered professional certifications but also embedded hands-on experience into its curricula to boost graduates' employability. He underscored the need for collaboration between academia and industry to drive innovation, instill ethics, and ready graduates for the workforce. The freshly introduced programs prioritized practical learning, covering areas such as computer programming, cybersecurity, and data ana...

... Collaborative safety measures and vigilance  in iranium detection andanagement" By Francis Maingaila  Lusaka, Zambia24 (17-04-2024) - The detection of uranium during routine water sampling at a local treatment plant at Barrick Lumwana Mine has sparked attention, yet poses no immediate threat to human health or the environment. Minister of Science and Technology, Felix Mutati, assured the public during a media briefing that Barrick Lumwana Mining Company promptly alerted the Radiation Protection Authority (RPA) upon discovering elevated uranium levels in drinking water, highlighting their dedication to safety. Mutati emphasized that the uranium concentration of 0.037 milligrams per liter does not pose an immediate risk to human health, with analysis confirming levels below international safety standards. Immediate measures were taken, including suspending the use of water from the treatment plant and providing alternative sources for employees. The collaboration between the RPA...

.. ActionAid Zambia Transforms Suulu Community School with Vital Infrastructure and Financial Empowerment Initiatives By Francis Maingaila  Lukulu, Zambia24 (16-04-2024) -  ActionAid Zambia has delivered a significant boost to Suulu Community School in Lukulu District, Western Province, by providing two classrooms and 50 desks valued at K670,000. Jovina Nawenzake, interim Country Director of ActionAid, emphasized the organization's commitment not only to poverty alleviation but also to ensuring universal access to education for all children, positioning it as a fundamental right rather than a privilege. Handing over the infrastructure to the community, Nawenzake stressed the importance of creating a conducive learning environment, especially for the 226 learners who have endured sitting on mud floors for years, leading to high absenteeism during rainy seasons due to wet conditions. Furthermore, Nawenzake called upon the government to fulfill its obligation not only by providing edu...