"The GOAT Media Centre"

Public sensitisation drive launched to curb illegal migration and human trafficking in Lusaka communities and beyond By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24  -- (30-4-2026) -- The Department of Immigration in Lusaka has urged communities to work closely with immigration authorities to ensure lawful migration, prevent human trafficking, and promote safer neighbourhoods. The Department of Immigration has also launched a wider community sensitisation programme aimed at increasing public awareness on immigration laws and addressing raising cases of illegal migration and related offences. Speaking during a community sensitization programme held in Matero and Lilanda on 30th April, 2026, Department of Immigration Chief Risk Management and Compliance Officer, Mrs. Jane Kaela Lufwendo, said the call for community cooperation comes amid growing concerns over undocumented foreign nationals living and conducting business in some communities. She said this has made it difficult to effective...

Calls for compliance with compulsory solar standards to protect consumers By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24  -- (30th April 2026) – The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) has strengthened its oversight of the solar industry by urging importers and suppliers to comply with compulsory safety and quality standards for solar products introduced to protect consumers, as Zambia continues to expand access to solar energy, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas. Speaking during the official opening of a stakeholder engagement meeting in Lusaka, ZCSA Executive Director Gerald Chizinga said stronger oversight is necessary to ensure that only safe and compliant solar products reach the market. He said the meeting, held under the theme “Enhancing Compliance and Safety of Solar Products through Standards and Conformity Assessment,” comes at a time when the solar sector is growing but facing challenges linked to substandard products. Chizinga reminded stakeholders that in 20...

TOFAZA urges MPs to act swiftly, citing global momentum for stronger tobacco control Lusaka, Zambia24 — (April 28, 2026 ) — The Tobacco Free Association of Zambia (TOFAZA), has called on Members of Parliament (MPs) to fast-track the Tobacco Control Bill No. 40 of 2025, urging them to act decisively in strengthening the country’s public health response. TOFAZA Executive Director Brenda Chitindi said Zambia must move quickly to adopt stronger tobacco control measures, describing the bill as critical to protecting public health. She cited the as an example, noting its Tobacco and Vapes Bill introduces a “tobacco-free generation” policy that will bar the sale of tobacco to individuals born after January 1, 2008, from 2027. Chitindi said such measures shift focus toward prevention and help protect young people from nicotine addiction. She urged lawmakers to prioritise the bill, stating it would help reduce tobacco-related diseases and ease pressure on the healthcare system. Chitindi ...

Zambia shifts focus to protecting lives, dignity and wellbeing at work as ZASAA honor top-performing individuals and institutions By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia — (28-04-2026) -- Zambia is shifting workplace safety beyond compliance, placing stronger focus on protecting human life, dignity, and overall wellbeing, as deserving individuals and institutions are recognised for their role in advancing safer work environments. The Zambian Government, through the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, said the country is redefining workplace safety to reflect modern risks in the world of work.   Speaking on behalf of Labour and Social Security Minister Brenda Tambatamba, Director of Human Resources Gretson Chipala said occupational safety is now being broadened beyond physical hazards to include mental, emotional, and social wellbeing. He said this shift is central to ensuring that workplace systems protect human life, dignity, and productivity in a more holistic way. He said f...

NPA, ZCSA launch joint prosecution drive to hold suppliers of substandard goods accountable By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24  --- (April 28, 2026 ) — The law is closing in on suppliers of unsafe and substandard products, with the and the agreeing to jointly prosecute offenders in a decisive move to protect consumers and the environment. According to ZCSA Manager Communications and Public Relations, Brian Hatyoka, the two institutions will collaborate in taking legal action against individuals and entities found manufacturing, importing or supplying products that do not meet compulsory standards, signalling a tougher stance against non-compliance. Director of Public Prosecutions Gilbert Andford Phiri said the focus is to deter offenders through firm prosecution and penalties. “Culprits must be made an example of. You cannot manufacture or supply substandard products and go unpunished,” Mr. Phiri said. He stressed that enforcement must translate into successful prosecutions...

CAA and CCPC move to tighten oversight on airline pricing, competition and consumer protection By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia (27-04-2026) — The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen oversight of airline pricing, promote fair competition, and improve consumer protection in Zambia’s aviation sector. The agreement, signed at the CAA Head Office, establishes a formal framework for cooperation between the two institutions in regulating the aviation market and addressing consumer concerns. CCPC Executive Director Mrs. Eunice Phiri Hamavhungwa said the MoU reflects a shared commitment to a fair and competitive aviation industry. She said it is aimed at ensuring “the wings of commerce in our skies operate under the highest standards of integrity.” She noted that aviation plays a key role in trade, tourism, and connectivity, adding that increased liberalisation requ...

Musonda’s team claims top honours as corporate golf day blends competition, infrastructure investment and community engagement By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Kabwe, Zambia24 – (25-04-2026) — Bayer drove golf excellence in Kabwe as Natasha Musonda led her team to victory at the Bayer Zambia Day Golf Tournament, emerging as overall winners in a tightly contested competition played in groups of four at Kabwe Golf Club. Musonda, alongside Alex Roberts, Dullabh Shanker and George Lubumbula, secured first position after outperforming a strong field in a format that demanded consistency and teamwork across all groups. The quartet finished ahead of the second-placed team of Wallace Zulu, Teddy Kalumba, Joseph Mwanza and Annie Pangani, who also delivered a solid round but fell short of matching the winners’ combined score. Third position went to Don Burton, Darpan Desai, General Chitambo and Siegfried, rounding off the top three in a tournament marked by competitive group play. In the special...

Kabwe Golf tournament blends agriculture innovation, youth development and farmer engagement By Francis Maingaila Kabwe, Zambia – (25-04-2026) — Bayer Zambia brought together golfers, business partners and community stakeholders at Kabwe Golf Club over the weekend for a sponsored corporate golf day that combined competitive play with community impact and stakeholder engagement. The field attracted about 60 players, including junior golfers from surrounding communities, with the tournament staged as a full 18-hole competitive format that brought together amateurs, club players and corporate golfers in a shared tee-off experience. Bayer Zambia Operations Manager Victoria Kamona said the golf day forms part of the company’s 2026 Back of Day initiative, designed to strengthen stakeholder relationships through sport while supporting youth development in golf. “This is not just about the scorecard. It is about engagement, development and building long-term relationships on and off the...

Groups warn Electoral Process Amendment risks weakening transparency, voter participation and democratic safeguards Civil society organisations have rejected the Electoral Process (Amendment) Bill No. 44 of 2026, with Peter Mwanangombe warning that several of its provisions could undermine transparency, voter participation and key democratic safeguards. Mwanangombe, speaking on behalf of the Alliance for Community Action (ACA) , Caritas Zambia , Chapter One Foundation , and the Christian Churches Monitoring Group (CCMG) , said the groups had formally submitted a memorandum to Parliament calling for significant revisions to the Bill. He said while the National Assembly’s move to seek public input was commendable, the current draft falls short of regional and international standards. The submission follows earlier consultations with the Electoral Commission of Zambia and a Ministry of Justice engagement held in March. Mwanangombe said one of the major concerns is the requirement f...

Civil society group says proposed law could erode parliamentary immunity and weaken separation of powers By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24, (April 25, 2026 ) — The Acton Institute for Policy Analysis Centre (AIPAC) has strongly opposed Bill 46 currently before Parliament, warning that its enactment in its present form would pose serious risks to Zambia’s democratic framework, parliamentary immunity, and the principle of separation of powers. AIPAC Executive Director Solomon Ngoma said the proposed legislation could make Zambia the first country to abolish parliamentary immunity, exposing Members of Parliament (MPs) to possible loss of their seats and imprisonment for alleged misconduct within the House. Ngoma said parliamentary immunity remains a cornerstone of democratic governance, allowing lawmakers to debate freely, challenge policy, and hold the Executive to account without fear of retaliation. “Abolishing this protection would undermine the independence of the Natio...

ZCLU cites supplier exclusion, slow job creation and urges enforcement of local content laws By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24  --- (25-4-2026) ---The Zambian Civil Liberties Union (ZCLU) says the Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) deal is in doubt, raising concern over the mine’s alleged failure to honour commitments on local supplier inclusion and job creation. ZCLU Executive Director said Isaac Mwanza the organisation has received complaints from local businesses claiming that is not adhering to promises of inclusive procurement following its return under . Mwanza has called on the to enforce compliance with Statutory Instrument No. 68 of 2025, which is aimed at promoting local participation in the mining sector. He warned that sidelining Zambian suppliers risks weakening citizen-owned enterprises and undermining broader economic growth. Mwanza further cautioned that the reported practices could erode public confidence in the (UPND) administration, which had assured citizens that...

ECZ rolls out online system for verification of academic qualifications ahead of 2026 General Elections By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24  -- (24-4-2026) -- The Examinations Council of Zambia (ECZ) has introduced an online system to facilitate the digital screening of aspiring candidates ahead of the 2026 General Elections, as part of efforts to streamline the verification of academic qualifications required by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ). ECZ Executive Director Dr. Michael M. Chilala said the system has been developed to ensure smooth confirmation of Grade 12 certificates or equivalent qualifications for individuals seeking elective office in the August 13, 2026 polls. Speaking on Friday, April 24, 2026, Dr. Chilala said the initiative is aimed at improving efficiency and accessibility in the verification process, which is a legal requirement for all aspiring candidates. He said Zambia will go to the polls on August 13, 2026, adding that all candidates must su...

 Mansa Consumers urged to reject banned goods and illicit spirits as agency intensifies nationwide enforcement By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24  --- (24-4-2026) -- The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) has warned traders and consumers in Mansa against dealing in substandard and hazardous products, including used undergarments and unregistered alcoholic beverages. Speaking during a roadshow at UB Market on Friday, ZCSA Manager for Communications and Public Relations Brian Hatyoka said the agency is intensifying efforts to protect public health through enforcement and consumer awareness. Hatyoka, speaking on behalf of ZCSA Executive Director Gerald Chizinga, said the agency regulates a wide range of products and is mandated to ensure they meet required safety standards. He warned that used undergarments and illicit spirits pose serious health risks, including infections and life-threatening conditions, and remain prohibited under existing regulations. “Consumers must avo...

By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24 -- (23 April 2026) --' Justice for Zambian Citizens Against Predatory Lenders (JZAP) has welcomed the enactment of the Banking and Financial Services Act, 2026, describing it as a decisive step aimed at restoring order, accountability, and fairness in Zambia’s lending sector. Daimone Siulapwa, Governance and Social Activist, told Zambia24 that the new law represents a major turning point in addressing long-standing abuses in the financial services sector, particularly by unregulated and predatory lenders. He said for years many Zambians have been exposed to exploitative lending practices, including hidden charges, unlawful deductions, intimidation, and abusive debt collection methods, largely due to weak regulatory oversight. “For years, Zambians have been subjected to exploitation by unregulated and predatory lenders operating with little accountability. That era is now over,” he said. The new law places all financial service providers und...

NPA and Kids Alive International sign MoU to strengthen prosecution, victim support and child protection systems in Zambia By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24  --- (23-4-2026) -- The National Prosecution Authority (NPA) and Kids Alive International have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU under a new pact aimed at strengthening the fight against child sexual violence in Zambia. NPA Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr Gilbert A Phiri, SC, said the new pact on child abuse establishes a coordinated framework to prevent and respond to sexual violence against children, strengthen prosecution capacity, and improve support services for victims and witnesses. Speaking at the signing ceremony held at Cresta Mkango Hotel in Lusaka, Mr Phiri said sexual violence against children remains a serious violation of human rights, taking forms such as defilement, incest, indecent assault, child marriage and online exploitation. He expressed concern over the growing use of digital platform...

Agencies call for stronger procurement systems and tighter market regulation to curb unsafe and substandard products By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24  - (23-4-2026) - The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency and the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission have urged urgent reforms in procurement systems and market regulation, warning that existing gaps are exposing consumers to unsafe and substandard products. In a joint statement issued by Onishias Maamba ZCSA public Relations Officer and Memory Phiri, CCPC PRO, the agencies said strengthening oversight, enforcing compulsory standards, and improving procurement practices were critical to safeguarding public health, enhancing product quality, and ensuring a safer and more competitive marketplace. Luapula Province Education Officer, Mrs. Grace Kandeke Sinkolongo, echoed the call, stressing the need for stronger regulation to curb the supply of substandard, unsafe, expired, and defective products, as well as unsuitable s...

As the alliance unveils campaign team ahead of general elections and urges mobilisation begins By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24 -- (22-4-2026) -- The opposition People’s Pact has picked Dorica Banda as running mate to presidential candidate , while also unveiling its presidential campaign leadership structure ahead of the upcoming general elections, in what the alliance says is a key step in strengthening its national mobilisation. Dr M’membe described Ms Banda, the younger sister of former President , as a leader of integrity, experience, and strong national values. He said her selection followed a careful and deliberate process aimed at identifying a candidate capable of contributing meaningfully to national leadership. Dr M’membe said Ms Banda brings more than three decades of professional experience spanning energy, finance, business, and public service, adding that her background positions her to contribute to economic governance and national development. “She brings...

750 GCE students enrolled in remedial programme to strengthen access to tertiary education and STEM pathways By Francis Maingaila  ♥️ The Forum for African Women Educationalists of Zambia has enrolled 750 General Certificate of Education (GCE) learners into structured remedial learning centres hosted across five universities as part of a national initiative aimed at improving access to higher education and strengthening progression into Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields. Speaking during a media briefing in Lusaka on April 22, 2026, FAWEZA Executive Director Costern Kanchele said the placement of learners in university-based centres marks a major step in addressing long-standing gaps in support for GCE candidates. He said the initiative is designed to provide a structured academic environment for learners who do not meet direct entry requirements into university, enabling them to upgrade their O-Level qualifications and transition into tertiary education...

Locally developed system strengthens Zambia Police’s ability to investigate digital crime and protect citizens from rising cyber threats. By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24  - (21-4-2026) - The Information and Communications University (ICU) has handed over locally developed cyber tools to the Zambia Police Service, marking a significant step in strengthening the country’s response to growing digital crime. The system, delivered to the Forensics and Cybercrime Department in Lusaka, is designed to combat offences such as mobile money theft, online fraud and phone theft. It includes cybersecurity monitoring equipment, forensic hardware and software, as well as a mobile application called “My Companion.” The solution will also support investigations involving WhatsApp and other social media platforms, enabling officers to gather and analyse digital evidence more effectively. Speaking during the handover ceremony, Head of Research and Innovation at ICU, Professor Oliver Silumbe...