"The GOAT Media Centre"

By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusska, Zambia24  --- (1-06-2026) -- The Zambia Institute of Procurement and Supply (ZIPS) has commissioned its 2026 Inspectorate Team to conduct a nationwide compliance exercise aimed at strengthening professional standards in the procurement and supply sector. ZIPS President Fellow Daniel Kabamba commissioned the team after the successful completion of an induction and orientation programme for inspectors. Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Kabamba said inspections were critical to ensuring compliance with the Zambia Institute of Procurement and Supply Act and maintaining professional standards within the sector. He urged inspectors to carry out their duties with integrity, professionalism and impartiality. The induction programme, facilitated by ZIPS Vice President Fellow Polite Hamaleka, equipped inspectors with the skills required to undertake compliance assessments across the country. The inspection exercise will begin in Lusaka during the f...

Mwanza faces backlash after High Court challenge to 101 independent candidates By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24  --- (29-050-2026) --- Governance activist is facing threats Isaac Mwanza following his decision to petition the High Court seeking to disqualify 101 parliamentary candidates who filed nominations as independents for the August 13, 2026 general elections, a move he says is grounded in constitutionalism and good governance. Mr. Mwanza has confirmed that individuals in various WhatsApp groups have not only criticised his legal action but have also issued threats against his life. He says the messages and calls intensified after he and a consortium of civil society organisations initiated court proceedings challenging the eligibility of the affected candidates. He has since condemned the threats, describing them as inconsistent with democratic principles and the rule of law. He argues that good governance requires that electoral disputes be handled through lawful ...

Chinese donation powers schools and health centres as Zambia advances rural electrification drive By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24  --- (29-05-2026) -- Kaumbwe Constituency has received a major solar power boost following the donation of solar mini-grid systems from Chinese company Simba New Materials Technology Company Limited, with the Government of Zambia officially receiving the equipment for installation at selected schools and rural health facilities as part of efforts to expand clean and reliable electricity access in underserved areas. Speaking during the handover ceremony, Ministry of Energy Permanent Secretary Professor Ephraim Mushifwa said the project marks a significant step in government’s drive to increase access to sustainable energy, particularly in rural communities such as Kaumbwe. He said the first phase of the project will see the installation of solar photovoltaic systems and battery storage units at nine public schools and five rural health centres....

NGO WASH Forum, Ministry of Education, calls for stronger policies and collective action to keep girls in school By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24 -- 28-05-2026 -- Menstrual health is a serious public development issue, not a private or taboo matter, requiring urgent collective action, with stakeholders emphasizing that it is a public responsibility whose neglect affects education, equality, and national development. Bubala Muyovwe, the Zambia NGO WASH Forum National Coordinator, said during the commemoration of Menstrual Hygiene Day that the Forum is calling for stronger policies, increased funding, and better integration of menstrual hygiene management (MHM) into national Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) programmes to address persistent challenges affecting women and girls. She said menstrual health remains under-prioritised despite its direct impact on education, dignity, and gender equality. Muyovwe said many girls continue to miss school due to lack of sanitary product...

Zambia records 4.9 million tonnes maize output, but CSPR warns of climate, storage, and market risks The Civil Society for Poverty Reduction (CSPR) says Zambia’s projected maize harvest of about 4.9 million metric tonnes for the 2025/2026 farming season reflects a strong recovery in the agriculture sector, but warns that structural weaknesses could undermine the gains. Isabel Mukelabeli, Executive Director of CSPR, said the estimate from the shows an improvement from last season’s 3.6 million metric tonnes, driven by better production following recent climate shocks. Mukelabeli said the harvest is above Government’s 2026 target of 4.5 million metric tonnes and supports progress toward the 10 million metric tonnes goal by 2030, but stressed that the gains remain fragile. She said Zambia’s continued reliance on rain-fed agriculture leaves production highly exposed to droughts and climate variability, calling for increased investment in irrigation and water harvesting systems. Muke...

Hikaumba urged the Zambian electorate to re-elect HH, saying Zambia must safeguard economic recoveries, jobs and development progress made under the UPND administration By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24 — (26-05-2026) — The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) has urged Zambians to support President in the August 13 general elections, saying the country’s economic recovery and development progress must be protected through continuity in leadership. MDC vice president told journalists in an interview that President Hichilema deserves another term, saying his administration has delivered economic stabilisation, debt restructuring, job creation and improved public service delivery. Hikaumba said citizens are already beginning to feel the impact of ongoing reforms, reflected in improved access to education, employment opportunities and development projects across the country. He said Zambia previously faced high debt, rising living costs and limited government capacity to deli...

Independent presidential candidate says provincial health infrastructure expansion will improve healthcare access and medical training Iusaka, Zambia24-- (26-05-2026) - Independent presidential candidate has pledged to establish teaching hospitals in all provincial headquarters across Zambia if elected in the August 2026 general elections. Speaking on the Power FM Breakfast Show on Wednesday morning, Ms. Katuta said the proposed hospitals would help improve access to quality healthcare services while strengthening medical training institutions across the country. She said her administration would prioritise investment in the health sector to ensure citizens in all provinces have access to specialised treatment and better-equipped medical facilities. Ms. Katuta also urged Zambians to support independent candidates seeking various leadership positions, including Members of Parliament, Mayors, Council Chairpersons and Councillors, arguing that independent leaders are more accountabl...

CSPR says policy rate cut may not translate into cheaper credit or meaningful household relief without structural reforms in banking and fiscal policy By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24  --- (26-05-2026) --- The Civil Society for Poverty Reduction (CSPR) has welcomed the Bank of Zambia’s decision to reduce the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) by 25 basis points to 13.25 percent but says the expected relief for households and businesses remains uncertain. Isabel Mukelabeli told Zambia24 that the rate cut reflects improving economic conditions, including lower inflation and more stable external finances following the Monetary Policy Committee meeting held on 11–12 May and announced by Bank of Zambia Governor Dr. Denny Kalyalya. Mukelabeli said the decision follows a long tightening cycle that began in 2022, when the policy rate stood at 9.25 percent and later rose to 14.5 percent in January 2025 to contain inflationary pressures. Mukelabeli said inflation has now declined from 11.9 ...

IBA introduces guidelines to ensure fair, balanced and responsible media coverage ahead of 2026 polls By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24  -- (26-05-2026) --- The Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) has introduced new rules for election broadcasters aimed at promoting fair, balanced, accurate and responsible media coverage ahead of Zambia’s 2026 General Elections scheduled for August this year. IBA Director General said the guidelines have been developed to provide practical direction to broadcasters in their coverage of elections and election-related matters. IBA Director General Webster Malido said the guidelines have been developed to provide practical direction to broadcasters in their coverage of elections and election-related matters. Mr. Malido explained that the guidelines provide clearer direction on the responsibilities of broadcasters during election periods and set out standards expected of media houses when covering political activities. He said the framework ...

Community health workers push for formal recognition as government is urged to fast-track CHWAZ registration amid concerns over coordination gaps, weak support systems, and long-standing challenges in Zambia’s primary healthcare delivery. By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia 24 --- (26-05-2026) --- The Community Health Workers Association of Zambia (CHWAZ) is pushing for formal recognition, with growing calls for government to speed up its registration process. The National Coordinating Committee (NCC) of PSI affiliates in Zambia, supported by partners under Public Services International, has urged authorities to urgently register CHWAZ, saying delays are affecting coordination and slowing improvements in health service delivery. Nearly 1,000 community health workers have already joined the proposed association, reflecting strong demand for a unified national platform. Community health workers remain a critical part of Zambia’s primary healthcare system, supporting maternal and...

ECZ confirms over 10,000 qualifications as verification exercise ends, flags forged documents and issues replacement certificates By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24  --- (26-05-2026) ---The Examinations Council of Zambia (ECZ) has completed the confirmation of qualifications for aspiring candidates ahead of the 2026 General Election, clearing more than 10,000 applicants while detecting cases of document forgery during the verification process. Speaking on Tuesday, 26 May 2026, ECZ Executive Director Dr Michael M. Chilala announced that the exercise, conducted under the 2026 Election Confirmation Online System, successfully concluded on 22 May 2026 after being extended due to high demand. The said a total of 10,731 confirmation letters were issued during the exercise. Of these, 10,020 were processed through the online system, while 711 were handled through physical submissions at ECZ service centres across the country. Dr Chilala said the introduction of the online platform s...

Opposition warns escalating violence could undermine trust, safety and fairness in the 2026 general elections By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24  - 24 -05-2026) - The People’s Pact has warned that escalating political violence ahead of the 2026 general elections is placing the credibility of Zambia’s polls at serious risk, raising concerns over fairness, safety and public confidence in the democratic process. Vice President Bob Sichinga said during a press conference that the country was facing a dangerous pattern of intimidation and violence that could compromise the integrity of the elections if not urgently addressed. He told diplomats, election observers, international organisations and civil society groups that the situation had moved beyond normal political competition into what he described as a “critical warning phase” for Zambia’s democracy. Sichinga accused the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) of allegedly using violence as a political strategy,...

Government condemns political violence, warns of firm legal action ahead of elections By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24  - 24 -05-2026) - The Government has strongly condemned acts of political violence, saying it will not tolerate disorder and will deal decisively with perpetrators in accordance with the law. Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary, Thabo Kawana, said concerns raised by stakeholders over recent incidents of political violence were being taken seriously, warning that such conduct threatens peace, stability, and democratic processes. He said Zambia must not return to what he described as “dark days” of political intolerance and violence, adding that the current administration remains committed to enforcing law and order without fear or favour. “That behaviour is condemned in the strongest terms possible… it will not be tolerated and will be dealt with decisively in accordance with the law,” he said. Kawana said all perpetrators of political v...

NGOCC raises alarm over irregularities, violence and disputed processes ahead of 2026 polls By Francis Maingaila Lusaka. Zambia24 --- (24-05-2026) - The Non-Governmental Organisations Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has raised concerns over irregularities, violence and confusion during candidate nomination processes ahead of the 13th August 2026 General Elections. NGOCC Board Chairperson Beauty Katebe said the concerns stem from reports of disrupted nomination processes, disputed adoption certificates and incidents of intimidation in some parts of the country. Katebe said NGOCC’s core mandate is to promote equal participation of women and men in governance, noting that women remain underrepresented in political leadership in Zambia. She said the organisation engaged political parties before the nomination period to advocate for the adoption of more women candidates. NGOCC also submitted lists of qualified women for consideration in various parties’ adoption processes. Katebe said p...

HH urges Zambians ahead of August polls, saying the election is about protecting economic recovery, free education, peace, and national unity achieved under the UPND administration. By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24 --- (22-05-2026)  -- President Hakainde Hichilema has urged Zambians to defend the gains made under the United Party for National Development (UPND) government, declaring that “there is no going back” as the country heads towards the August 13 presidential election. Addressing supporters shortly after his presidential nomination papers were accepted, Mr Hichilema said the forthcoming election was not just about electing leaders, but about protecting the progress and promises fulfilled during the UPND administration’s four years and nine months in office. “The election is about protecting the promises fulfilled and there is no going back,” Mr Hichilema told cheering supporters during a rally held after his successful nomination. The President said he had officia...

ZCSA trains Copperbelt journalists to strengthen consumer protection and standards awareness By Francis Maingaila Lusaka , Zambia24 — (22-05-2026) --- The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency’s (ZCSA) fight against unsafe and non-compliant products has intensified following its move to strengthen media involvement in consumer protection through a specialised training programme for journalists on the Copperbelt. The agency has trained 40 journalists from Kitwe, Ndola, Chingola, Kalulushi, Luanshya and Mufulira in compulsory standards, product safety and public awareness reporting during a media engagement workshop held at Sherbourne Lodge in Kitwe. Officially opening the training on Thursday, ZCSA Executive Director Mr. Gerald Chizinga said the media remains a critical partner in protecting consumers from unsafe products and promoting compliance with compulsory standards. Mr. Chizinga’s speech was delivered on his behalf by ZCSA Regional Manager for Domestic Quality Monitoring (North...

By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia — 21-05-2026 — The Non-governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has expressed deep concern over incidents of violence and intimidation reported at several nomination centres during the filing of nominations, warning that such acts threaten democracy and discourage women from participating in politics. NGOCC Board Chairperson Beauty Katebe condemned the disturbances witnessed in parts of the country, particularly the incident at the Mandevu Nomination Centre involving aspiring candidate Jean Kapata. The organisation said Ms. Kapata was allegedly forced to take extraordinary measures to navigate what it described as a hostile environment created by unruly elements. NGOCC also condemned the reported attack on former Local Government and Rural Development Minister , saying the incident occurred in full view of police officers. “These incidents are deeply troubling and unacceptable in a democratic dispensation like ours and...

Business rallies behind women empowerment, health and girl child initiative ahead of Lusaka race By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24 — (21-05-2026) --  The Wonderful Group Marathon has attracted strong corporate backing, with leading institutions across banking, insurance, healthcare and the private sector aligning behind an initiative aimed at promoting women’s empowerment, supporting the girl child, and encouraging healthier lifestyles in Zambia. Scheduled for 30 May in Lusaka, the event has been positioned as more than a sporting competition, but as a national platform for community development, gender equality and public health awareness indicating that the growing support reflects a shared commitment to using sport as a tool for social impact, with plans already underway to establish it as an annual national event. Speaking during the launch, Wonderful Group Deputy Chief Executive Officer Roy Mwamba said the marathon was inspired by the company’s desire to give back to societ...

AIPAC Condemns Intimidation of Independent Candidates Ahead of 2026 Polls By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24  --- 20-05-2026) --- The (AIPAC) has condemned acts of intimidation and obstruction against individuals seeking to contest the 2026 General Elections as independent candidates, describing the conduct as unlawful and a threat to Zambia’s democratic process. AIPAC Executive Director Solomon Ngoma told Zambia24 that the organisation was deeply concerned by reports of cadres allegedly blocking and intimidating aspiring independent candidates in Mazabuka and Choma, warning that such behaviour undermines constitutional rights and weakens confidence in the country’s democracy. “AIPAC wishes to express its deep concern over the disturbing behaviour of certain cadres who have been blocking and intimidating individuals seeking to participate in the 2026 General Elections as independent candidates,” Ngoma said in a statement issued in Lusaka on May 20. He stressed that the Cons...