I have a right to speak out says PILATO, BRIAN HAPUNDA urges him to respect President LUNGU

By Staff Reporter

A Ndola based artist PilAto real names Fumba Chama says those pushing threats on his life, life is like a blank sheet of paper, it becomes what you write on it. 

“No one buys application letters, you buy blank papers and you turn them into letters. My life is no special and in no way do I plan to run or hide from any of your guns and knives. Better and worthy people have died before and some where even killed by less strong creatures compared to you. If you do not like the opinions in my music and you believe that harming me is the solution, you are welcome. My inspirations are birthed by transpirations so if you don't like what I talk about, change what happens,” he says. 

Where are the men of honour?

By Obbious Chikombola 

In direct reference to Chinua Achebe of the Things fall apart..'Where are the men?'...Men who can not fall for everything because the can stand on Something. It is a fundamental human right the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. It is a folly to cut the only tree that provides shade at the headman's home. 

It is surprising how men can fall for anything and lose stance and pride...these are men that Okonkwo rubbishes of no stamina and courage. 

My long journey towards forgiveness

By Mariam Yassin 

Forgive? How can I do it? “Who dies because of a yes or a no”, the famous phrase by Primo Levi continuously repeats itself in my mind. I feel guilty because I survived! I look around and notice that I am surrounded by death and sufferance. “Please give me water!”, someone asks me. I gather every last bit of strength I have left and begin to help with whatever I can. As I proceed to assist those around me, I begin to scan my surroundings a second time and realize the number of dead bodies scattered across the floor as well as the amount of blood flowing. I feel dizzy now, I can’t breathe and I need to sit. “This cannot be true”, I tell myself. Alas! It is true my worst nightmare has now become my reality. 

Asisat Oshoala, 20, named first BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year

Liverpool footballer Asisat Oshoala has become the first player to win the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year. The 20-year-old forward, who also plays for Nigeria, was voted for by football fans around the world. 

Oshoala said the award had left her feeling ‘happy and appreciated’. 

It affects us all: Gender equality is not a woman’s issue, it is a human issue

By Winifred Ahupa 

One great gift for a Nigerian feminist is a Nigerian man who get it. This is not as common as one would expect. But if you are a Nigerian (female) and and you have that one male friend who you don’t really need to explain a thing to; by all means put that friend to work, let that friend be your mouthpiece or quarterback. 

Kabulonga Boys Teacher Nabbed for Posing as Bursaries Officer, Swindles Parents over CBU Bursaries

By Staff Reporter

A Teacher from Kabulonga Boys has been apprehended by Zambia Police in Lusaka for swinddling parents over bursaries. 

The named Teacher has been posing as a Bursaries Officer and swindling unsuspecting parents. The woman in the picture has been swindled of K6,000 with the promise that the child will be given 100% sponsorship at Copperbelt University. 

NOMINATE: Potential young global leader candidate in your network for a YGL Forum

Deadline: May 31, 2015 

The Forum of Young Global Leaders has established a comprehensive selection process for identifying and selecting the most exceptional leaders under the age of 40. Every year, thousands of candidates from around the world are proposed and assessed according to rigorous selection criteria. Only the very best candidates are selected and all efforts are extended to create a truly representative body. 

No chasing pupils for not paying school fees - MUSHANGA

Government says it is pondering a move to harmonize secondary school fees to help pupils attain secondary education without difficulties. 

Deputy Minister in the Ministry of Education, Science,Vocational Training and Early Education Sydney Mushanga said in an interview with ZNBC in Central province that there was no way schools in the same area would have different school fees. 

World Bank approves loan for girls’ education and women’s empowerment and livelihood project - DR. KADIRESAN

THE World Bank Group has approved a US$130 million loan for Lusaka sanitation and Girls’ Education and Women’s Empowerment and Livelihood projects. World Bank country director Kundhavi Kadiresan said the board of executive directors approved a loan of US$65 million for the implementation of the Girls’ Education and Women’s Empowerment and Livelihood project. 

The project is designed to support the Zambian government access to livelihood support for women and access to secondary education for disadvantaged adolescent girls.

Will Technology Support Global Growth?

By Dr. Dambisa Moyo 

At a time of rapid technological advancements and innovation, what impact might these trends have for global growth? 

In particular, can technology help boost economic growth across the developing world – home to 90 percent of the world’s population – as a period of unprecedented economic expansion begins to slow in some places and regress in others? 

eLearning Africa: Ministers Call for Urgent Investment in African Youth

African Ministers of Education and ICT today (Wednesday) issued an urgent appeal for African Governments to meet the continent’s demographic challenge by investing in African youth. Africa is currently in the midst of a “youth bulge” and a majority of the continent’s population will soon be under the age of 25. 

Are you exchanging sex for love?

By Paballo Molahlehi 

Where are all the good men? Paballo Molahlehi wonders why women fall under pressure of giving sex to possibly find love. 

"Be careful out there. There will be boys who try to mislead you with exaggerated notions of love when the majority is only interested in one thing." 

My late father imparted that knowledge on me after he’d stumbled upon a love letter his ten-year-old daughter had written to her crush. 

TASILA LUNGU, President Lungu's daughter captures young mens attention

By Staff Reporter 

For the first time since President Edgar Lungu became republican president, today during the commemoration of African Freedom Day he unveiled his daughter, Tasila Lungu. 

A young and stunning Tasila prompted the audience at State house grounds to burst into laughter during the commemoration of Africa Freedom Day when she joined the dancers on stage with a traditional dance.

I once had hair but now I'm bald - NATASHA NG'UNI

Natasha Ng'uni, 18, is a Zambian professional photographer. 

She shares her story to inspire other peoples lives. 

“I was born like any normal and healthy child, with a full head of hair.. After I turned 6, I woke up one morning and my mum noticed that my hair was falling off in patches!! In no time, I was completely bald. Hence I began my journey as my mum started visiting different doctors in search for answers! Most of the doctors said it was an allergic reaction to some food I ate and therefore, I was told to stop eating fish, pork and game meat (wildlife), which I did. I was then put on so many medications, injectible, oral and even ointments for the scalp," she says.

Natasha says her mum also tried different kinds of home remedies (traditional African medicine) that could help with hair growth but to no avail. After so many doctors only one doctor identified her symptoms and diagnosed me with Alopecia.

"My caring mother didn't want me to "know" or think about my diagnosisn,"she reveals.

My dream is to marry Obama's daughter - Kenyan Lawyer

Felix Kiprono Matagei A lawyer associated with Deputy President William Ruto is preparing to propose to US President Barrack Obama’s daughter, Malia, when the Obamas visit Kenya in July.

Speaking to one of the local dailies, Felix Kiprono Matagei said that he is ready to meet Barack Obama and Michelle Obama to discuss the matter when the US President visits in July. 

“I got interested in her in 2008. As a matter of fact, I haven’t dated anyone since and promise to be faithful to her. I have shared this with my family and they are willing to help me raise the bride price,” Kiprono said. 

KANENE should serve full sentence in prison

By Rodgers Lesa 

Why are some people complaining that Clifford Dimba popularly known as General Kanene is not on the list of those pardoned on African Freedom Day by the President? 

Firstly why should Kanene be pardoned? Because he is musician? Is it because he mocked the parents of the girl he defiled in his "Kansapato" song? Could it be because he has never been remorseful of his actions till now? Ok may be it is because he has sung one or two songs in support with the government while in prison? 

Why Africa urgently needs to invest in its people

By Elsie Kanza 

The negative connotations usually generated by the word migration never cease to amaze me. In the past week, Africans have suffered in tragedies at opposite ends of the continent; in the streets of SA and in the seas of the Mediterranean. 

That these are horrifying and terrible hardly needs repeating. That they could be prevented by a complete re-think of how we address their underlying causes and the mindset we adopt when we consider the issue of migration, I believe, does. 

Govt awards 1732 CBU freshmen with GRZ Student Loans

By Staff Reporter

The Bursaries Committee in the Ministry of Education has successfully awarded 1732 CBU freshmen with GRZ student loans commonly referred to as 'bursaries'. 

Successful applicants and other self sponsored freshmen are scheduled to open school at the Copperbelt University, Riverside Campus on the 26th May and returning students will open on 1st June.

Girls impregnated by Boko Haram sect want abortions

Recent military onslaught against Boko Haram’s hide-out in Sambisa Forest led to the rescue of hundreds of women and children. Among them were over 200 young girls who are now found to have been impregnated by members of the sect. 

An official working with the girls rescued from Sambisa forest recently said the girls used as sex slaves by Boko Haram during their ordeal in captivity are now saying they do not want to keep their pregnancies. 

Invest money into a solution based thinking - MUBITA NAWA

A Lusaka based author, motivation speaker and entrepreneur, Mubita Nawa has urged people to invest their money into a solution based thinking. 

“If some people can stop going to school and just invest their money into a solution based thinking they will be more successful,” he says. 

Call for applications – Joint AFRO/TDR Small Grants Scheme

Deadline: 31 May 2015 

The African Regional Office of the World Health Organization (WHO/AFRO) and the Special Program for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR) have issued call for applications for Joint AFRO/TDR Small Grants Scheme (SGS) for implementation research in infectious diseases of poverty. 

IPA 2015 Awards: Moroccan Scoops 1st Prize, Runners-Up; Kenyan, South African

Moroccan, Kenyan and South African innovators in agriculture and health beat out 900-plus applicants from 41 countries for cash prizes at the Innovation Prize for Africa 2015 awards. 

Afk insider reports that Adnane Remmal won the top prize of $100,000 for his work on a patented alternative to livestock antibiotics that is expected to help African farmers improve livestock production and prevent transmission of resistant germs to humans. 

Africa Is Moving From Darkness to Light: Thanks to Social Innovation

By Agaki Mweberi 

Despite the despicable acts happening throughout the African continent, I have a dream like Martin Luther King JR had a Dream of a better America. I have a dream that Africa is going to be the light of the world. I have a dream that Africa will be the basket feeding the world. That is why, like George Orwell in the Animal farm was inspired to inform people of the atrocities committed by the totalitarian regimes in Europe, in most of my write ups I write more on social innovation for I know that is one of the way we can solve the social problems in Africa. 

Like the Africa Icon Nelson Mandela said “Education is the only weapon we can use to fight poverty.” and as Andrew Worrall says in the introduction to Animal Farm”the crucial purpose of education is to make us more able to discriminate truth from falsehood”. I believe education is a process of getting information to the people. If the majority gets to understand the importance of social innovation then we will be on the highway to combating the social problems we face. I strongly believe the concept of the wisdom of the crowd. 

Govt will continue empowering women says INONGE WINA

Vice President Inonge Wina says government will continue to empower more women in the country in its on-going quest to reduce poverty. 

Mrs. Wina has however urged women in the country to be proactive in identifying appropriate government programmes in which they can participate and improve their lives and their families. 

She says government has taken deliberate measures by putting in place policies and programmes that favours and support women in various income generating ventures such as cooperative and small scale businesses. 

Nigerian Edo State Governor weds, daughters absent during father’s wedding

Governor Oshiomhole’s daughter, Winifred Oshiomhole and her sisters, were noticeably absent during their father’s wedding yesterday, which triggered speculations that not all members of his family are in sync with his decision to marry Lara. Well, Winifred, who is said to be older than her father’s new wife, is setting the record straight, and she’s not mincing words. 

In a statement Winifred said her sibblings and herself were not properly informed about the father's wedding. 

PF youths calls on Lusaka stakeholders to help LCC clean up the City

Patriotic Front (PF) youths in Lusaka District have called on the private sector and individuals to supplement the Lusaka City Council’s efforts in cleaning the capital city. 

PF Youths Representative Max Chungu says there is need for all Lusaka based firms and residents to get involved in efforts aimed at cleaning the city to help reclaim the status of: “ The Golden City.”

Zambian youth killed in South Africa

By Staff Reporter 

A Zambian youth was this week killed in durban by South Africans.

Misheck Mfula, left Zambia for South Africa to seek greener pastures. 

Mfula was working in a restaurant in durban upto the time of his death. 

He was stabbed to death by South Africa gangsters for pursuing them to settle a bill for the foods they ate at the restaurant. 

US to coordinate efforts, mobilize investment for global entrepreneurship

By Adva Saldinger 

Think entrepreneurship is critical for global development? This week the U.S. government indicated it does too with the announcement of a new initiative aimed at coordinating its global entrepreneurship efforts and spurring additional investment. 

U.S. President Barack Obama announced the Spark Global Entrepreneurship coalition, made investing in women and youth entrepreneurs a top priority, called for greater investment in emerging market entrepreneurs and introduced nine presidential ambassadors for entrepreneurship in an event at the White House. 

APPLY: VISAGE Photography Competition on Gender Equality 2015

Deadline: May 30, 2015 

VISAGE- Vienna International Student Association for Gender Equality-invites students worldwide to submit photographs showing positive examples of gender equality. 

VISAGE is a group of human rights students who share a common concern for the issue of domestic violence against women. Evidence shows that this form of abuse remains very common across Europe and elsewhere in the world. 

Standard education is what we deserve {Case of Education Sector}

By Winston Muleba Junior 

Who accredit licenses to tertiary institutions, for them to operate as learning institutions? I believe its the highest and equal employer of citizens of the land, the “government”.

Having interacted with different human resources practitioners from both private and public service, on several counts they emphasize that some named Colleges including Universities are just business ventures meaning their papers carry little or no value in public service even in private service. This is to say some institutions are below Standard. 

Liberia Declared Ebola Free

After 14 months, Liberians were finally able to dance in the streets after being officially declared Ebola-free, reports the BBC. 

As of May 9th, the virus has claimed the lives of 11,079 people throughout Guinea, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Mali, and the United States, with 4,700 people succumbing to the disease alone in Liberia. 

Call for Applications: AWDF’s 2015 ‘Writing for Social Change’ Workshop for African Women

The African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF) in collaboration with FEMRITE – Uganda Women Writers Association, invites African women writers and journalists to apply for the Writing for Social Change Workshop 2015. 

This 10-day writing workshop, will be aking place in Uganda from July 27 to August 5, 2015. 

The workshop will be facilitated by veteran BBC journalist and media expert Elizabeth Ohene from Ghana and award-winning writer Yewande Omotoso, from Nigeria/South Africa/Barbados.

LUNGU appoints youthful PATRICK MWANAWASA as Eastern Province Deputy PS

His Excellency, President Edgar Lungu has appointed yet another youth, Patrick Mwanawasa as new Eastern Province Deputy Permanent Secretary. 

Eastern Province Permanent Secretary Chanda Kasolo confirmed in Chipata yesterday that Mr Mwanawasa was the new deputy permanent secretary for the province taking over from Zechariah Luhanga who has been transferred to Public Service Management Division (PSMD) in the same capacity. 

Women4Africa Officially Awards MALAMBO and others

By Staff Reporter

The 4th Annual Women4Africa Awards in association with Lebara took place on 9th May, 2015. Dubbed by the commonwealth as 'The largest gathering of African women in Europe' with guests having flown in from Nigeria. Ghana, South Africa, United States, Somalia, Zambia etc it promises to be a night of celebration and elevation. 

Women4Africa officially awarded Buumba Malambo and others in the following respective categories; Author of the year, Media personality of the year, career woman of the year, humanitarian of the year to mention a few. 

KAMBWILI instructs police to arrest Zambia's youngest opposition leader

Chief Government Spokesperson Chishimba Kambwili has directed the Police to move in and arrest Zambias youngest opposition leader, Fourth Revolution Party president Erick Chanda for defaming President Edgar Lungu. 

Mr. Kambwili who is also Roan Member of Parliament told ZNBC news in Luanshya that the Police Service should not wait for instructions on what to do with people that are insulting the President.

Why young men should marry single mothers

By Silas Nyanchwani 

Dear 25 to 35-year olds, 

I hope this finds you well. Allow me to make a special appeal this week: If you can, marry a single mother. 

I write this letter to all real men to stand up and be counted. You probably have a sister or two, female cousin or several of them who are single mothers. 

Barring those who decidedly prefer single motherhood, I know most of them want to get married. But the society has relegated them to second-class citizens. In marriage, we are recommending widowers, senior bachelors and other men, whom we deem less desirable. 

Copperbelt Minister urged farmers to be creative

Copperbelt Province Minister Mwenya Musenge has urged farmers country wide to be creative and add value to agricultural produce to enhance and sustain productivity. 

Mr Musenge said farmers should take farming seriously adding that it is the centre stage of economic development. 

The Copperbelt Province Minister said farmers can not achieve super normal profits by selling their produce but through value addition. 

Should A Man Cook & Clean When He Has A Wife?

Growing up in a typical African home, it is believed that some chores are meant for the girls and women while others are meant for the men. 

But as we grow older, obviously some of you begin to notice a reversal of roles. Some call it western influence, some call it development, while others would call it pure madness. 

Women and youths require empowerment to better their livelihood - EMMANUEL MWAMBA

Zambia’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Emmanuel Mwamba made the remarks today on the occasion of the double launch of the Emmanuel Mwamba Community Shield Sports Tournament and the Imbuto Empowerment Initiative at Kasama Stadium. 

He stated that the games will keep the youths busy from engaging in illicit activities such as beer drinking, dagga smoking and sexual immorality among others. 

Set goals: The value of an idea lies in the using of it {Case of media gurus in Zambia}

By Winston Muleba Junior 

If you have thought of something, at least other people might have it as well. 

There's a big leap between an "idea" and a successful execution + commercialization, so unless you show that you can drive the idea all the way home - the idea is worth nothing. However, the value of an idea lies in the using of it. 

Set your goals high, and don't stop till you get there. Successful people maintain a positive focus in life no matter what is going on around them. 

Over 7,000 girls are back to school after falling pregnant – Mabumba

Government says over seven thousand girls have gone back to school after falling pregnant and delivering from May 2014 to date. 

Education Deputy Minister David Mabumba says the re-entry policy has received an overwhelming response from stakeholders and parents who are encouraging their children to get back into school after delivering. 

KEKE PALMER Empowers Young Girls to Stay Fit

Staying fit is said to improve the body and the mind, and positive energy from a good workout may pump up inspiration, taking productivity to the next level. 

Playtex® Sport® is partnering with Broadway, film and television actress Keke Palmer to encourage girls to find the fitness activity or sport that’s right for them to positively impact not only their year ahead, but their futures. 

Palmer, a young woman who embodies self-confidence and a healthy, active lifestyle, will support the launch of New Playtex® Sport® Ultra-Thin Pads, Body Shape Panty Liners and Combo Packs, and encourage girls to feel comfortable and protected while staying active. 

Apply for 2015 Nelson Mandela Essay Challenge- $1000 Cash Award

Deadline: May 15, 2015

African Youth Union (AYU) invites youths to participate in its annual Nelson Mandela Essay Challenge. This essay challenge was introduced to preserve and honor the legacy of Nelson Mandela for a better Africa. It also aims to inspire young people to learn from Mandela and to think about how each of them can use the Mandela inspiration to make a difference in the world. 

The theme for this year’s essay is “My Role as the Mandela of Today”. 

Awards 

The following awards will be given in the Children’s category and Youth category respectively: 

- 1st Prize: Certificate and prize of R10,000 ($1000) 

- 2nd Prize:Certificate and prize of R5,000 ($500) 

- 3rd Prize:Certificate and gift 5 entrants 

- Honorable Mention:Certificate and gift 20 entrants 

- 1st prize winners will be invited an award ceremony in Kampala, Uganda scheduled for Mandela Day 2015. (Travel expenses will be covered by the organizers.) 

- Additional awards (Recognition for Effort, Best School Award, and School Incentive Award) will be given if applicable. 

Letter: Mental Health in Zambia

By Maurice Makalu 

When the minister of health talks about health in Zambia, does he remember mental health? How many mental hospitals do we have in Zambia? 

Are they at province at least? Is their a program to fight mental illness like there is for malaria, male circumcision, etc? 

BOWMAN LUSAMBO urges youths to create their own jobs

MMD National Youth Secretary Bowman Lusambo has urged youths in Zambia to utilise their God given talents to create employment opportunities. 

Mr Lusambo said the high levels of unemployment calls for young people to be innovative and use their talents to create jobs. 

He said Government alone cannot manage to offer jobs to all the unemployed young people. 

McMAHON defeats CATHERINE, takes WBC Gold bantamweight title

The 21-year-old boxer went down to the Irish 40-year-old Christina McMahon in a close 10-round bout for the WBC bantum weight Gold title. 

Catherine Phiri, a grade eleven pupil has for the first time lost a match since she began her boxing career. 

In an interview with ZNBC new WBC Champion, McMahon said “Catherine will be a world champion by the age of 24.

She added "Catherine is the toughest fighter I have fought in 20 years, Africa must take care of her"

GET INSPIRED! Kay Chiteta - CEO & Founder Tripa.co and ProudlyZambian. com

If you are a regular in the world of web-apps and internet startups then chances are you’ve either seen his projects or used one of them for personal or business use. But whether you have or not,his exceptional inspiring inventions are simply dazzling and deserve everyone’s attention. 

At age 27, Zambian born entrepreneur and self-taught programmer, Kaumbu Chiteta commonly know has Kay has co-created and co-coded more than 15 projects and startups. 

He’s also creator and co-owner to some of the internet’s trending projects including but not limited to Tripa.co (a cheap flights booking site) and proudlyzambian.com (a free promotion platform for Zambian talent). 

Post newspaper hash on me, enough is enough - IRIS KAINGU

Iris Kaingu, education ministers daughter has bemoaned the Journalism practiced by the Journalist at the Post newspaper.

Iris says she does not respond when compromised stories about her are published in the Post nevertheless, enough is enough. 

“I normally take the high road and don’t say anything when it comes to these matters but enough is enough,” says Iris. 

Adding that “granted my father is a political figure but in civilized political systems, the children of the politicians are kept out of the headlines for ethical reasons.”