"The GOAT Media Centre"

Lusaka, Zambia24 (29-11-2024) - The Tili Tonse Alliance’s entry into Zambia’s political sphere has been met with widespread skepticism. While it portrays itself as a coalition with grand ambitions, its lack of structure and clear purpose raises doubts about its ability to challenge the ruling UPND government in the 2026 general elections. A Coalition of Contradictions At the heart of the Tili Tonse Alliance lies a loose grouping of “one-man parties” that lack significant parliamentary presence or grassroots influence. These entities, often built around individual figures rather than strong institutions, are criticized for prioritizing political opportunism over meaningful governance. Political analysts describe the alliance as a fragmented assembly, lacking cohesion or a unifying ideology. With no direct role in legislative processes, the group struggles to establish itself as a relevant voice in Zambia’s broader political narrative. PF’s Role: Burden or Boon? The Patriotic Front (PF) ...

.. Former employee accuses CSPR of wrongful dismissal and financial irregularities Lusaka, Zambia (29 - 11 - 2024) - The Civil Society for Poverty Reduction (CSPR) is facing a legal challenge from its former Eastern Province Coordinator, Samson J. D. Mbewe, who has filed a lawsuit alleging wrongful dismissal, unpaid benefits, and defamation. Mbewe, whose employment was terminated on September 1, 2022, over allegations of gross misconduct, which he denies, has also sued his former employer, accusing CSPR of defaming him by alleging he stole four bicycles while employed by the organization. He is seeking compensation amounting to ZMW 140,000 (approximately $13,000), which includes claims for unpaid benefits and damages for reputational harm. He argues that his dismissal violated provisions under the Employment Code Act of 2019 and that CSPR has failed to comply with a 2023 ruling from the Provincial Labour Office, which found the termination unlawful and directed the organization to com...

BMT ....Tambatamba says, the National Skills, Productivity, and Jobs Summit will Align skills development with Zambia’s economic agenda By Francis Maingaila  Lusaka, Zambia - (28-11-2024) - Zambia is set to host the National Skills, Productivity, and Jobs Summit from December 3 to 4, 2024, at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka. The summit, which will focus on “Bridging the Skills, Employment, and Productivity Gap,” aims to address critical issues such as unemployment, skills mismatches, and productivity challenges. During a media briefing on Wednesday, Labour and Social Security Minister Brenda Tambatamba highlighted that the summit will serve as a platform to connect job seekers with potential employers, while promoting work-based learning opportunities such as internships and apprenticeships. “The summit will also foster policy dialogue and strategies aimed at improving productivity and inclusive employment practices,” Tambatamba said. President Hakainde Hichile...

... Emergency systems safeguard public safety, no casualties reported despite widespread disruption By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia – A regional power outage that plunged Zambia and Zimbabwe into darkness on November 24, 2024, has prompted a joint investigation by authorities from both nations. The blackout disrupted business operations, domestic activities, and public services, although no injuries or fatalities were reported. Zambia's Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary, Thabo Kawana, highlighted the role of backup systems in minimizing the impact of the outage. Emergency power supplies ensured critical facilities, such as hospitals, remained functional during the disruption. “Key institutions relied on standby power to maintain essential operations, which helped avert significant risks,” Kawana explained during a press briefing. In Lusaka, the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) restored power within 30 minutes, ensuring no medical procedures were affected. ...

.... ZCSA Confiscates Non-Compliant Goods Valued at K282,171.50 By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia - (November 24, 2024) – The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) has conducted a major enforcement operation, seizing 1,444 non-compliant electrical products in Lusaka valued at K45,451.50 and restricting 651 assorted goods worth K236,720.  Brian Hatyoka, Acting Communication and Public Relations Manager, told journalists in a statement that the ongoing Open Market Surveillance (OMS) inspections, conducted from November 11 to 15, 2024, across key areas such as Town Centre, Soweto Market, and the Intercity Bus Terminus, had led to the seizure of non-compliant items valued at K282,171.50. Hatyoka  said that electrical fittings and connections accounted for the highest proportion of seized products, making up 83 percent of the total.  Other non-compliant items included fruit-flavored drinks, washing detergents, and potable spirits.  According to Hatyoka, Inspectors identified a range o...

... Sinkamba gives way to Katebe who pledges to revitalize the women’s movement as the new board chairperson at the NGOCC Annual General Meeting. By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia – November 23, 2024 – The Non-Governmental Gender Organizations Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has elected Beauty Katebe as the new Chairperson following a tightly contested race at the council's annual general meeting. Katebe secured 48 votes, narrowly defeating the incumbent Grace Sinkamba Manyonga, who received 44 votes. The election, held at Andrews Motel, also saw several candidates elected unopposed to key leadership roles.  Faldes Tambatamba was chosen as Board Secretary, Leah Mitaba as Publicity Secretary, Miyoba Munkombwe as Treasurer, and Martha Simukonda Semnar Citizen as a board member in the Women’s Category. In her acceptance speech, Katebe pledged to revitalize the women’s movement, focusing on restoring its vitality and influence.  “My vision is focused on renewing the strength of the move...

... Sinkamba gives way to Katebe who pledges to revitalize the women’s movement as the new board chairperson at the NGOCC Annual General Meeting. By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia – November 23, 2024 – The Non-Governmental Gender Organizations Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has elected Beauty Katebe as the new Chairperson following a tightly contested race at the council's annual general meeting. Katebe secured 48 votes, narrowly defeating the incumbent Grace Sinkamba Manyonga, who received 44 votes. The election, held at Andrews Motel, also saw several candidates elected unopposed to key leadership roles.  Faldes Tambatamba was chosen as Board Secretary, Leah Mitaba as Publicity Secretary, Miyoba Munkombwe as Treasurer, and Martha Simukonda Semnar Citizen as a board member in the Women’s Category. In her acceptance speech, Katebe pledged to revitalize the women’s movement, focusing on restoring its vitality and influence.  “My vision is focused on renewing the strength of the move...

... Government, Private Sector, and Global Health Partnerships Collaborate to Address Challenges and Improve Child Healthcare By Francis Maingaila  Lusaka, Zambia – (23-11-2024) - The importance of collaboration in enhancing pediatric care and child wellness took center stage at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Pediatrics Association of Zambia (ZPA).  The event, which attracted healthcare professionals, stakeholders, and industry partners, focused on efforts to strengthen Zambia's healthcare system, especially in the area of pediatric health. Representing the Minister of Health, Dr. Asper Choonga reaffirmed government’s dedication to strengthening pediatric healthcare within its universal health coverage agenda.  Dr. Choonga highlighted substantial investments in healthcare infrastructure, workforce expansion, and strategic initiatives. Over 14,000 health workers have been recruited in recent years, with plans to onboard 4,000 more by the end of 2024.   Notable projects incl...

... Tambatamba Says the Credibility of Any Union Depends on the Quality of Leadership Elected to Manage Its Affairs November 21, 2024 By Francis Maingaila The University of Zambia Lecturers' and Researchers' Union (UNZALARU) has called on the government to act swiftly in resolving ongoing issues related to the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA) penalty waiver and delays caused by the Evolvements Commission. Outgoing UNZALARU president Prof. Andrew Phiri highlighted that although progress was made with confirmation in November that the framework for the waiver was ready, immediate action is needed to finalize agreements with NAPSA and implement the waiver without further delay.  He expressed concern about the slow processing of NAPSA penalty waivers, noting that the Minister had promised in 2023 that a penalty waiver framework would be established.  While acknowledging the start of the process, he stressed that it needs to move faster, as union members, burdened by unpaid...

... Civil society leaders and policymakers stress the urgent need for stronger social accountability, sustainable poverty reduction strategies, and inclusive development to tackle Zambia’s deepening poverty crisis. By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24 - (November 21, 2024) - A consortium of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) has called for stronger social accountability to address the persistent poverty affecting nearly half of Zambia's population. Isabel Mukelebai, Executive Director of the Civil Society for Poverty Reduction (CSPR), stated that Zambia's poverty rate remains alarmingly high at 60%, despite ongoing government efforts to address it. Mukelebai noted that poverty is particularly severe in rural areas, where economic opportunities are scarce. Speaking at the National Poverty and Social Protection Dialogue Meeting, held at Mulungushi International Conference Centre on Thursday, Mukelebai highlighted that child malnutrition is a critical concern, with 42.5% of c...

.... ZCSA aim to provide Protection to Consumers through Standards By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia — November 20, 2024 — The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) is urging businesses to prioritize safety by adhering to established standards for both imported and locally produced products, reflecting the agency’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding public well-being. According to a statement issued by Onishias Maamba, ZCSA's Public Relations Officer, ZCSA Executive Director Gerald Chizinga was speaking in Lusaka during an engagement meeting between ZCSA and representatives from chain stores.  During this  session, ZCSA Executive Director Gerald Chizinga, stressed the importance of complying with the Compulsory Standards Act No. 3 of 2017.  "This meeting provided an opportunity for participants to gain a clearer understanding of the legal requirements for product safety," Chizinga stated.  He highlighted that the responsibility for ensuring consumer protection i...

... Mupapa Wood Initiative lead the Charge in empowering communities through environmental Restoration and Combating climate change with community-driven forestry By Francis Maingaila  Chikupi, Kafue – (18-11- 2024) -  The Mupapa Wood Initiative, through its Environmental and Social Sustainability Initiative (MESSI), has launched an ambitious reforestation project in Chikupi, a rural community in Kafue, aimed at combating deforestation and addressing climate change. The initiative, which seeks to plant over 1,500 indigenous tree seedlings, is part of a broader effort to restore degraded ecosystems, improve local biodiversity, and build climate resilience in the region.  The project focuses on reversing the ecological damage caused by deforestation, which has led to soil erosion, disrupted water cycles, and increased vulnerability to climate-related disasters. Reversing Ecological Damage Chikupi, like many rural areas in Zambia, has suffered significant ecological degradation in recent ...

... COMESA and IOM Focus on Migration and Economic Integration By Francis Maingaila  Lusaka, Zambia24 - (18-11-2024) - The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) has officially accredited Frantz Celestin, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Regional Director, as IOM’s Special Representative to COMESA.  This accreditation further strengthens the collaboration between the two organizations, which is focused on addressing migration challenges and advancing regional economic integration. Mulenga Kapwepwe, the COMESA Secretary General, welcomed Celestin to his new role, highlighting the importance of the partnership between COMESA and IOM.  She stressed that the cooperation is crucial for addressing migration and labor mobility issues, both of which are key to the region's development. “I am delighted to formally accept your letters of credence and welcome you as IOM’s Special Representative to COMESA. Your appointment comes at a critical time when migrati...

...  Zambia Hosts AAIS 25th Conference and Sapphire Jubilee to Address Global Challenges By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24  - (15 – 11 - 2024) - Zambia will this year host the 25th Biennial Scientific Conference and the 45th Sapphire Jubilee Anniversary of the African Association of Insect Scientists (AAIS).  The event, officially launched by Honourable Felix C. Mutati, MP, Minister of Technology and Science, aims to highlight the critical role of insects in addressing global challenges, such as climate change, food security, and public health. Minister Mutati emphasized the importance of insects, stating, "Insects may often be overlooked, yet they are essential to sustaining life on Earth.  From pollination and soil health to pest control and their vital contributions to medical research, their value cannot be overstated."  He also acknowledged the contributions of AAIS in advancing insect science, which has supported agriculture, environmental conservation, and publ...

...Suspend Juldan Motorways' operating License suspended over fatal accidents and safety violations By Francis Maingaila  Lusaka, Zambia24 - (Thursday, November 14, 2024) - The Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) has announced the suspension of Juldan Motorways' operating license for three months following multiple violations of road safety regulations. This decision comes after an extensive investigation revealed serious safety breaches, including two fatal accidents involving the company, raising significant concerns about passenger safety. RTSA Director and CEO, Eng. Amon Mweemba, addressed the ongoing challenges in road safety in Zambia, citing alarming statistics that highlight the need for stricter enforcement. Mweemba began by discussing Zambia’s rising road traffic fatality rate, which averages over 2,000 deaths annually—equating to about five deaths each day. He pointed out that road traffic accidents cost the country nearly 4.7% of its GDP every year. Human error ...

...  183 Students Graduate from IAM Zambia’s Class of 2023 Lusaka, Zambia24 (16 November 2024) – IAM Zambia today celebrated the graduation of 183 students, marking a significant milestone for the Class of 2023.  The ceremony, held in Olympia, saw graduates receive diplomas in various vocational fields, including Food Production, Cosmetology, Fashion Design, Textile Technology, and Information Communication Technology (ICT). Angela Munkombwe, Country Director of IAM Zambia, opened the ceremony with remarks on the institution’s progress and future growth.  Munkombwe highlighted the institution’s success in expanding its student base, from a modest start of 20 students to 183 graduates this year.  “Our plan is to grow the institution. If the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) can assist, we would appreciate more support to enroll additional students,” Munkombwe said.  “Often, we apply for funding to support 80 students, but we are allocated funds for only 20,” she explained. She also sp...

.... UNICEF calls for immediate measures to address pneumonia, believed to be a leading cause of death among children and elderly persons in Zambia. By Francis Maingaila Lusaka,  Zambia24, November 12, 2024 - Zambia marked World Pneumonia Day 2024 with a strong call to action to tackle pneumonia, one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Dr. Kennedy Lishimpi, the Permanent Secretary for Technical Services at the Ministry of Health, kicked off the event under the theme "Championing the Fight to Stop Pneumonia."  He emphasized the severe toll of pneumonia, describing it as the world’s deadliest infectious disease.  Dr. Lishimpi noted that pneumonia claims over 700,000 young lives annually. “This loss is unacceptable, especially when the disease can be prevented and treated,” he said.  He urged the community to become champions in this crucial fight, calling for collective action to curb pneumonia-related deaths. The Ministry of Health spotlighted the importance of preventio...