"The GOAT Media Centre"

Lusaka. Zambia24 - (29-04-2025) - During her visit to Kalumbila, Hon. Brenda Tambatamba always  known for her grace and wisdom had some straight talk for party members: "We worked too hard to get it here to start fighting each other now." The Minister reminded everyone how difficult it was to form government after years in opposition. "It's painful to see us attacking our own leaders when we should be explaining all the good work our government is doing in every ward across Zambia," she said, shaking her head. With the warmth of a big sister but the firmness of a leader, Tambatamba addressed the early 2026 campaign talk: "Why are we rushing? The President and our team have delivered projects in every single ward in just three years. Shouldn't we focus on supporting them first?" Her message cut through the political noise: "We're all UPND soldiers. When we fight each other, we're only helping those who want to see us fail. Let's rem...

....Evans Mukobela charts a bold path to transform Matero from hardship to prosperity. By Francis Maingaila  Lusaka, Zambia24 - (Tuesday, April 29, 2025) — “Enough is enough. The time for change in Matero is now.”  These words, spoken with urgency and conviction, echoed through the streets of Matero as Evans Mukobela, aspiring Member of Parliament, launched a fierce call to arms for the people of the constituency.  Mukobela is no longer asking for votes — he is demanding action to lift Matero out of its cycle of neglect and despair. “I appreciate the overwhelming support I’ve received, but this race is about more than winning,” Mukobela declared.  “It’s about restoring dignity to every resident of Matero. It’s about bringing real change, not just promises.” Mukobela’s vision is not a pipe dream — it’s a lifeline. The people of Matero, he argues, have endured enough.  For years, they’ve been caught in the grip of poor infrastructure, unemployment, and lack of access to basic services. M...

Youth Activists Slam Zambia’s Mining Sector, Demand Corporate Accountability By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24 - (25 April 2025) – Youth activists and environmental justice advocates have issued a blistering condemnation of Zambia’s mining industry, accusing it of committing “ecocide and genocide” through unchecked pollution, community exploitation, and regulatory impunity. The rebuke comes in the aftermath of a high-level public lecture held at the University of Zambia, where stakeholders exposed the devastating cost of the country’s mineral wealth on people and the environment. Organised by Youth4Climate Justice in partnership with ActionAid Zambia, the lecture brought together youth-led organisations, academics, government officials, and affected community representatives under the theme “Examining Zambia’s Economic Growth Through the Mining Sector vis-à-vis Environmental Sustainability.” At the heart of the communiqué issued by the participants is a damning indictment: Zambia’s...

... Zambian journalists unite to oppose state interference through the proposed Zambia Institute of Journalism Bill. By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24 – (April 24, 2025) — Zambian journalists have unanimously rejected the proposed Zambia Institute of Journalism Bill, which they argue threatens to impose state regulation on the media. In response, the journalists reaffirmed their commitment to media self-regulation, which they believe is vital for preserving press freedom and journalistic integrity. Kennedy Maambwe, Chairperson of the Media Self-Regulation Committee, opened the press conference by underscoring the importance of unity among journalists. He called the situation a battle for the future of journalism in Zambia. “This is a battle for the soul of journalism in Zambia,” Maambwe stated. “We reject statutory regulation. The nation is watching — and we must stand together.” Maambwe reminded those present of the critical role that media professionals play in shaping the nation...

…. DP sparks a movement to make Parliament reflect the people. By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24 – (April 24, 2025) The opposition Democratic Party (DP) has made a passionate call for constitutional reform, urging President Hakainde Hichilema to lead the charge in amending Article 68 of the Republican Constitution to institutionalize mandatory representation for women, youth, and persons with disabilities in Zambia’s Parliament. Speaking during a press briefing held at Pamodzi Hotel in Lusaka on Thursday, party President Judith Kabemba described the current political framework as “systemically exclusionary” and “deliberately indifferent” to marginalized voices. She warned that without legal guarantees, the democratic promise of inclusive governance would continue to elude the majority of Zambians. “Article 68 gives the President the power to nominate up to eight MPs. But the Constitution says ‘may,’ and that one word has been used to sideline those who are already excluded from pol...

... Muhanga says t he star grading program marks a major milestone in Zambia’s efforts to elevate its tourism industry and attract high-value visitors. By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24 – (10 September 2025) – Thirty-six hotel and lodge establishments across Zambia have officially earned star grading certificates under the 2024 Zambia Tourism Agency (ZTA) hotel classification programme — a bold step towards raising hospitality standards and boosting the nation’s international tourism appeal. Speaking during the star grading award ceremony held at Urban Hotel in Lusaka, Ministry of Tourism Permanent Secretary Evans Muhanga, who represented Minister Rodney Sikumba, reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to improving service delivery in the tourism sector. “The grading system promotes uniformity and quality across all establishments,” Muhanga said. “Tourists expect the same standards wherever they book,” he added. He emphasized that the star grading exercise is a vit...

... Chikote says these infrastructure upgrades aim to reduce load-shedding and stabilize regional supply. By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24 – (April 11, 2025) – The launch of the Zambia-Tanzania-Kenya Interconnector Project (ZTKIP), which will eventually extend to Cairo, marks a turning point in addressing the power shortages that have plagued the COMESA Region and hindered economic growth. Makozo Chikote, Energy Minister, said during the commissioning ceremony that this landmark power infrastructure project is expected to transform the country’s energy sector, unlock cross-border electricity trade, and spur regional economic growth. He described the project as a game-changer for both Zambia and the region, citing its potential to solve long-standing energy challenges while positioning Zambia as a regional energy hub. “This interconnector is more than just a power line—it’s a solution to Zambia’s energy deficit and a step toward regional energy security,” Chikote said. “It...

.. Mutati advocates for a more strategic, data-driven approach to innovation as a means to accelerate Zambia’s economic development in an increasingly competitive global landscape. By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24 – (10-04-2015) - Minister of Technology and Science Felix Mutati expressed concerns about the widespread redundancy in government programs and the lack of data-informed decision-making, which he believes are slowing down Zambia’s economic progress and stifling innovation. He shared these insights during the launch of the "State of the Developer Ecosystem in Zambia Survey 2025" in Lusaka. Mutati explained that the government had identified substantial duplication in innovation initiatives being implemented by various ministries, agencies, and private-sector players. This redundancy has led to inefficiencies, wasted resources, and minimal tangible results. “We have seen multiple competitions and innovation drives across different ministries, including NTBC...

... ZCSA Intensifies Fight Against Unsafe Imports – Illicit textiles and unregulated spirits threaten consumer safety as the agency cracks down on prohibited imports. Lusaka,  Zambia24 - (APRIL 03, 2025) – The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) has issued a strong warning to importers and traders against the illegal sale of used undergarments and unregulated potable spirits, which pose significant health risks. According to ZCSA, the sale of used undergarments, including pyjamas, nightgowns, underwear, bras, camisoles, and vests, is prohibited under Zambian Standard ZS 559: Inspection and Acceptance Criteria for Used Textile Products (Salaula).  The agency emphasized that violating this standard would result in stern action, including the seizure and destruction of the products in question. ZCSA Manager of Communications and Public Relations, Brian Hatyoka, highlighted the serious health risks associated with used undergarments, which can harbor bacteria, fungi, and viruses even...

Hon Christopher Shakafuswa CSPR demand urgent reforms to improve fund management, accountability and transparency. By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24 – (April 1, 2025) - The Civil Society for Poverty Reduction (CSPR) has urged greater transparency and accountability in managing the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), citing delays in disbursement and limited community involvement as key concerns. At a roundtable dialogue and advocacy meeting at Radisson Blu, attended by senior government officials, parliamentarians, civil society representatives, and community leaders, Emmanuel Zulu, Economic Governance Lead at CSPR, presented findings from a study on participatory budget tracking and service monitoring. The research examined how CDF allocations impact service delivery, particularly in marginalized communities. Reading on behalf of Board Chairperson Partner Sianutaba, Zulu acknowledged the government's decentralization efforts through CDF but pointed out persistent ch...