"The GOAT Media Centre"

Mijere says, ending preventable maternal injuries through stronger health policies and community action is a matter of urgency. By Francis Maingaila LUSAKA, Zambia24 — (21-05-2025) - The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has called for urgent national action to eliminate obstetric fistula in Zambia, framing it as an issue of maternal justice that demands immediate attention from health authorities, policymakers, and communities alike. Speaking during a media orientation commemorating Safe Motherhood Week and the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula, UNFPA Fistula Specialist Jennipher Mijere described obstetric fistula as a preventable tragedy that continues to rob women and girls of their health, dignity, and fundamental rights. “Obstetric fistula is not just a medical condition—it is an injustice,” Mijere said. “No woman should suffer simply because she couldn’t access timely, quality maternal care.” A Preventable Tragedy Obstetric fistula results from prolonged, obstructed...

.... ZMA bans uncertified equipment to protect farmers from fraud. By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24 – (21-05-2025) - The Zambia Metrology Agency (ZMA) has urged farmers not to sell their maize to buyers who do not use ZMA-certified weighing scales. This strong stance is part of a Measurement Oversight strategy aimed at shielding farmers from exploitation by unscrupulous briefcase buyers during the 2024/2025 grain marketing season. ZMA Board Chairperson, Musamala Nyirongo, told journalists at a media briefing that all weighing scales intended for use this season have been successfully verified. The move is expected to ensure fairness and transparency in grain trade. Nyirongo emphasized ZMA’s critical role in enhancing industrial competitiveness, protecting consumers, and promoting fair trade through accurate measurement enforcement. “I am pleased to report that no formal complaints have been recorded from farmers regarding the quantity of input supplies this season,” he said. “T...

Journalists Join Safe Motherhood Fight and are challenging taboos to protect women’s health. By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24 — (20-05-2025) - The Ministry of Health convened a critical media orientation in Lusaka to commemorate Safe Motherhood Week and the International Day to End Obstetric Fistula, emphasizing renewed efforts to improve maternal health outcomes across Zambia. The event brought together media professionals, health experts, and key stakeholders to amplify messages on safe maternal health services and the urgent need to end obstetric fistula. In his keynote address, Dr. Aspha S. Choonga stressed the pivotal role of the media in advocating for women’s rights to safe, dignified, and respectful maternal health care. “Your presence here today is not just appreciated—it is vital,” Dr. Choonga said, urging media practitioners to break taboos and inform the public on these critical issues. He outlined the four pillars of Safe Motherhood: family planning, antenatal care, c...

... Fr. Bwalya Calls for Price Cuts, Condemns Propaganda, and Addresses Misinformation, Tribalism, and Excessive Pricing By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24 - (May 19, 2025) - The United Party for National Development (UPND) has called on suppliers to pass on economic gains to consumers by lowering prices for essential goods such as mealie meal and sugar. Addressing journalists in Lusaka, UPND National Media Committee Director General Frank Bwalya said that recent improvements — including a stable power supply, increased local fertilizer production, and a significant K6 drop in diesel prices — should result in lower production and transportation costs. “This trend is already visible in places like Livingstone, where the prices of essentials like mealie meal and sugar have started falling,” Bwalya said. “We urge the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, relevant government agencies, and civil society to ensure these benefits reach every Zambian.” He accused some suppliers of...

...As UNZA Students audit unit Praise Ministry of Energy for Renewable Energy Shift as Audit Shows Savings from Solar and Lighting Upgrades By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24 – (16 May 2025) –An energy audit conducted by fifth-year students in their first semester from the School of Engineering at the University of Zambia has revealed notable strides in energy efficiency and consumption management at the Ministry of Energy, particularly in the areas of lighting upgrades and the shift to renewable energy sources. The audit, part of a collaborative initiative between the university and the Ministry, identified areas of improvement while also commending the Ministry for taking commendable steps toward reducing energy consumption and improving efficiency. Among the key findings was the successful retrofitting of outdated lighting systems with LED bulbs under the ZESCO Switch and Save programme, a move that has significantly reduced electricity usage within the Ministry. While the Mini...

Simuuwe dismisses accusations, saing UPND’s mission is law and order, not revenge. By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka – May 16, 2025 - United Party for National Development (UPND) Media Director Mark Simuuwe has delivered a scathing response to former Patriotic Front (PF) official Mumbi Phiri, dismissing her claims that he and President Hakainde Hichilema harbor hatred toward former President Edgar Lungu as a desperate attempt to shield the former ruling elite from the law. Speaking in response to remarks made by Phiri on Hot Seat, a programme aired on Hot FM, Simuuwe said it was shameful and irresponsible for someone of Phiri’s seniority to peddle such inflammatory narratives. He accused her of deliberately misrepresenting the government’s anti-corruption efforts in order to paint Lungu as a victim and distract the public from the real issues of accountability. “Let’s be clear—this government is not driven by hatred. It is driven by the need to clean up a mess left by a regime that normal...

MSCZ Gains Legal Status By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24 - (Friday, May 16, 2025 ) -  The Media Self-Regulation Council of Zambia (MSCZ) has officially been registered, marking a watershed moment in the nation’s media landscape and reinforcing Zambia’s democratic credentials in upholding press freedom. In a statement issued Friday, MSCZ Chairperson Pastor Kennedy K. Mambwe commended the Government of the Republic of Zambia for demonstrating unwavering commitment to ethical journalism and media independence by granting the Council full registration status. “This is a historic milestone that reaffirms our collective commitment to responsible journalism anchored on integrity, professionalism, and accountability,” Pastor Mambwe said. The certificate of registration was issued on May 14, 2025, by the Registrar of Societies under the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security, officially empowering MSCZ to operate as a fully recognized media self-regulatory body. The development al...