Education Meets Consumer Safety

Partnership between education and commerce sectors fosters responsible consumer habits. Spot checks and awareness campaigns coincide with the 2026 Nc’wala Traditional Ceremony.

By Francis Maingaila

Lusaka, Zambia24 — (23-02-2026) -- The (ZCSA) and the (CCPC) have partnered with schools in Eastern Province to teach pupils about consumer safety and responsible purchasing habits.

The initiative coincides with preparations for the 2026 Nc’wala Traditional Ceremony, where spot checks and awareness campaigns will be conducted.

Speaking during a courtesy call on the Eastern Province Education Officer (PEO), Brianly Malambo, on Monday in Chipata, ZCSA Manager for Communications and Public Relations Brian Hatyoka urged pupils and other consumers to develop the habit of reading product labels to protect themselves from unsafe products.

“Pupils should always read labels to ensure that their future is safe, informed, and empowered,” Hatyoka said.

He added that labels should clearly indicate the name of the product, manufacturer’s name and address, batch number, list of ingredients, country of origin, storage instructions, directions for use, manufacturing date, and expiry date.

“The language on the label must be in English, even if other languages are used on the side,” he said.

Hatyoka explained that the courtesy call aimed to brief Malambo on the joint ZCSA–CCPC School Clubs project, which promotes consumer protection and product safety awareness among pupils.

“The partnership introduces key concepts of consumer rights, safe products, and informed decision-making into school clubs,” Hatyoka said.

Through the initiative, learners will participate in engaging and educational activities such as commemorations of Consumer Rights Day, debates, articles and essay writing, puzzles and quizzes, and branding activities with simplified product safety education.

Hatyoka also urged pupils and the public to buy products only from trusted, regulated, and reputable outlets to safeguard their health.

The ZCSA and CCPC delegation in Chipata included ZCSA Provincial Inspector – Eastern Province, Zikhalo Mtine; CCPC Investigator – Eastern Province, Gift Mwaba; and ZCSA Public Relations Officer, Onishias Maamba.

Speaking at the same meeting, Malambo said his office will work closely with ZCSA and CCPC to sensitize schools and pupils on product safety.

“There is a need to safeguard learners from unsafe products on the market. The health and safety of pupils must not be compromised by expired and other unsafe goods,” Malambo said.

Malambo described recent engagements with education stakeholders as “progressive,” praising initiatives that focus on early literacy and overall learner well-being.

“We had a very progressive meeting. I was impressed that the programme is targeting learners at a tender age. When children develop strong reading skills early in life, it strengthens their entire educational journey,” Malambo said.

He also stressed the link between health and learning, noting that a healthy body supports a healthy mind. “Illness and poor health can distract learning and negatively affect academic outcomes,” he explained.

Malambo called for continued collaboration among educators, parents, and other stakeholders to ensure children receive both quality education and proper care.

Hatyoka added that ZCSA regulates 102 imported and locally manufactured products, including food, beverages, solar products, fuel, cement, detergents, electrical appliances, and used motor vehicles.

The agency inspects products at borders and local industries, conducts market surveillance, and educates the public on compulsory standards.

ZCSA, he said, will exhibit at the 2026 Nc’wala Traditional Ceremony in Mtenguleni Village from February 26 to 28 to educate the public on compulsory standards.

“This initiative is about building a generation that values safety, quality, and responsibility,” Hatyoka said. “ZCSA remains committed to its mission — ‘With Your Safety in Mind.’”