Praise God for 2016 and seek divine blessings for 2017 - Lungu

Last night, President Edgar Lungu urged Zambians to celebrate the dawn of the New Year responsibly by praising God for 2016 and seek divine blessings for 2017. 

He said that he hopes that Zambians will work towards reconciliation with a special sense of agency to foster peace, unity and development in the country.

Airtime tariffs adjusted

Mobile service providers have adjusted airtime tariffs due to Government's excise duty increase on airtime from 15% to 17.5% as announced in the 2017 national budget. 

Horse Shoe workers sides with minister, dispels HRC findings

By Staff Reporter, Lusaka 

Workers of the now famous 'Horse Shoe restaurant in Lusaka have termed the Human Rights Commission (HRC) findings of abuse of their rights by the Restaurant management as untrue. 

In an interview when the affected workers stormed Muvi TV studios in Lusaka said there is no abuse of workers at the restaurant as highlighted by Labour Minister, Joyce Simukoko. 

President Lungu tasks DMMU, Ministry of Agriculture to curb the spread of army worms

President Edgar Lungu President has directed the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) under the Office of the Vice-President to join the Ministry of Agriculture in an emergency operation to curb the spread of army worms that have invaded some districts on the Copperbelt, Luapula and Central Provinces. 

WhatsApp extends blackberry shutdown date

WhatsApp earlier this year announced they would no longer be supporting BlackBerry OS and BlackBerry 10 handsets by the end of 2016 but it seems they have changed their mind. 

According to an update in the FAQ section of the WhatsApp App it has now been extended to June 2017. 

MISA dissociates itself from the ‘Zambia Radio Awards’

By Staff Reporter, Lusaka 

The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) has distanced itself from the recently held ‘Zambia Radio Awards’ at a shopping mall in Lusaka on Friday, 16th December, 2016. 

MISA Zambia Chairperson, Hellen Mwale says it has come to the attention of the institution that award recipients were given an impression of the awards being organised in partnership with MISA, with some award recipients still awaiting certificates to be purportedly issued by MISA Zambia. 

YWCA cautions Zambians against over excitement during festive season

The Young Women Christian Association (YWCA) on the Copperbelt has cautioned all Zambians against being over excited during this festive season. 

Regional Coordinator Sharon Chisanga said people should not be careless during this period but to behave responsibly to save their lives and resources.

Increasingly illegal wildlife crime: Plight of Pangolins in Zambia

By Winston Muleba JR 

Stories about illegally trafficked ivory and rhino horns are always in the news. But people hear relatively little about other species of animal and plant heavily plundered around in Zambia. So it might come as a surprise that Pangolins are such major victims in the million dollar deals. However, they could become extinct before most people have even heard of their existence! 

Call for entries: The Michael Elliott Award for Excellence in African Storytelling

The International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) in collaboration with ONE and the Elliott family seek entries for the inaugural 2017 Michael Elliott Award for Excellence in African Storytelling. Mike served as a distinguished editor at The Economist, Newsweek and Time before becoming CEO of ONE. 

Earlier this year, he had spoken of his dream to establish an award that would bring together his belief in great journalism with his commitment to progress in Africa. 

Zambia wins COSAFA under-20 youth championship

By Staff Reporter, Lusaka 

Zambia under-20 national team has won the COSAFA Youth Championship for the 11th time in history. 

The Junior chipolopolo boys bagged their 11th COSAFA title with a deserved 2-1 victory against South Africa at Moruleng Stadium in Rustenberg. 

APPLY: United Nations University Fully Funded Scholarship 2017/18 for Developing Countries to Study in Germany

The University of Bonn and the United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS) are delighted to announce that thanks to support from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) they will be offering up to eight fully funded scholarships to students from developing countries for the Joint Master of Science (M.Sc.) programme “Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security.” 

Strengthening control and preparedness capacities to manage armyworms outbreaks in Zambia

By Winston Muleba JR 

Zambia is among other countries in the SADC region and the world at large that is vulnerable to a number of hazards both natural and man-made. The frequency and severity of extreme hazards such as pest invasions, droughts, environmental degradation and floods have posed serious implications for natural systems and farming systems as well as crop or plant growing season. Among other hazards, pest invasion has proved to have a profound effect on natural systems and economic sectors especially agriculture and livestock.

Call for Nominations: Knight International Journalism Awards

The International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) seeks nominations for the 2017 Knight International Journalism Awards. 

The Awards recognize journalists who, through their pioneering work or technological innovations, produce quality news and information that make a significant impact on the lives of people in the developing world. 

Youths commends ZB for reducing beer prices

Lusaka youths are overjoyed by Zambian Breweries’  decision to reduce the recommended retail price of its clear beer in the run-up to the festive season. 

Last Monday, Zambian Breweries (ZB) announced promotional savings on the recommended retail price of its products of between 50 ngwee and K2 in recognition of the current tough economic climate for consumers. 

Lusambo awards over six full-scholarships to Journalists

Copperbelt Minister Bowman Lusambo has urged Journalists in Zambia to remain professional and ethical in the execution of their work. 

Mr Lusambo said the media is a key partner in national development hence the need to adhere to highest levels of ethical standards. 

[VIDEO] 27-year-old Zambian sparks controversy, marries a woman 18-years older than him

A 27-year-old Zambian gospel artiste commonly known as Steve G has sparked controversy after marrying his lover who is 18-years older than him. 

Steve tied a knot with a 45-year-old woman who is identified as a Zamtel employee.

Download video HERE 

Stop casualization, its against the labour laws, Eastern councils told

The Zambia United Local Authorities Workers Union ZULAWU has condemned the continued casualization of some workers in councils in Eastern Province. 

ZULAWU President, Misheck Nyambose told the media in Chipata yesterday that casualization should be stopped in councils because it is against the labour laws. 

Zambia Breweries slashes beer prices

Zambian Breweries has reduced the recommended retail price of its clear beer in the run-up to the festive season. 

The company has announced promotional savings on the recommended retail price of its products of between 50 ngwee and K2 in recognition of the current tough economic climate for consumers. 

Encroachment on Ndola’s Kafubu river banks: Gateway to disaster

By Winston Muleba JR 

It may seem hard to believe that a small, slow-flowing stream or gentle river could cause serious damage to people and the places in which they live and work, but looks can be deceptive! 

Believe it or not, the rapid growth of Ndola City has necessitated the expansion of settlement and infrastructures to accommodate relative increases in population. The increasing need for human development through rapid urbanization has led to a wide spread horizontal development in the city. As a result of this, streams and river banks have been encroached, vegetal covers removed, soil properties modified and many micro to macro ecosystem have been driven into extinction. Where these changes are not met with complementing planning and management measures, challenges such as water pollution, high risk disaster (flood), and unstable food production are unavoidable, particularly along the river banks. 

APPLY: TRACE Prize ($10,000) for Investigative Reporting – Uncovering Commercial Bribery

Deadline: 31st January, 2017 

TRACE International, the non-profit anti-bribery business organization, is now accepting entries for its annual Prize for Investigative Reporting. The award recognizes reporting that uncovers business bribery with the goal of increasing commercial transparency.

UNICEF launches free online course on Social Change

University of Pennsylvania and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) are jointly launching a free massive open online course on social norms and social change. 

The complete course, which consists of one theoretical and one practical part á 4 weeks coursework, is taught entirely in English.

APPLY: Pan-African Re/Insurance Journalism Awards for Journalist across the Continent

Deadline: January 31, 2017 

The Pan-African Re/Insurance Journalism Awards are open. Sponsored by Continental Reinsurance, the award recognise the outstanding work of journalists from across the continent. 

Successful candidates have to demonstrate how their articles have raised awareness and understanding of the re/insurance sector in Africa. 

ZAFFICO takes over Kawambwa Tea Estate

The Zambia Forestry and Forest Industries Corporation (ZAFFICO) has taken over the ownership of Kawambwa Tea Estate, with immediate effect. 

Kawambwa Tea Company Manager, Johns Bunda confirmed the takeover of the beleaguered State company which he says has since changed its name to ZAFFICO Tea Company. 

Allocating 1.5 million to the office of first lady is theft of public resources - FDD

By Staff Reporter, Lusaka 

FDD spokesperson Antonio Mwanza says the decision by the PF Government to allocate 1.5 million kwacha in the national budget to the office of first lady is fraudulent and institutionalized theft of public resources. 

Mr Mwanza says the office of the first lady is an imaginary office which does not legally exist and it is theft of the highest order to allocate public funds to an office which is not only illegal but actually does not exist. 

APPLY: Journalism Fellowship Programme

Are you a mid-career journalist with a minimum of five years’ experience? 

Would you like to develop your academic understanding of the global media industry at one of the world’s most prestigious centres of learning? 

Government campaign for AU seats wrong timing - Chipenzi

By Staff Reporter, Lusaka

Electoral expert McDonald Chipenzi says he reads with great interest and admiration the desire by Zambian government to get some seats at the AU which has led to the dispatch of close to five cabinet ministers who are currently criss-crossing the African continent lobbying for support from other African countries for support to its candidates Dr. Austin Sichinga and Albert Muchanga . 

Mr Chipenzi says this is a move which is important but perhaps taken at a very wrong time.

Chief Hanjalika appeals to DMMU for relief food

Chief Haanjalika in Mazabuka District has appealed to government through the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) for relief food for hundreds of residents facing hunger. 

Chief Hanjalika’s Representative Malambo Chiinjila says the people face hunger because of a poor harvest last season due to inadequate rains. 

Southern PEO urges girl child to desist from having sex at a tender age

Provincial Education Officer in Southern region Florence Chikalekale has advised girls to desist from having sex at a tender age as it may lead to early pregnancies which can hinder girls’ achievement in life. 

She said girls should instead explore a number of career prospects that can help them realize their potential. 

1,245 vulnerable girls to benefit from GEWEL initiative

Over 1, 000 vulnerable girls in Mungwi District are to benefit from the Keeping Girls in School programme under the Girl Education and Women Empowerment Livelihood (GEWEL) initiative, it has been learnt. 

ZANIS reports that Acting Mungwi District Community Development Officer Sandra Sinkamba disclosed this in an interview in Mungwi District today. 

YALI bemoans UPND's directive to its members of parliament

Young Africans Leaders Initiative (YALI) has advised United Party for National Development (UPND) to put national interest first before banning its MPs from attending state functions. 

YALI Governance Advisor Isaac Mwanza says state functions are vital for the opposition as it is the platform where matters of national interest are resolved. 

Unemployment levels contribute to GBV - Sialumaano

Health Help Zambia Executive Director Jonas Sialumaano says high unemployment has contributed to an increase on cases of gender based violence. 

Mr. Sialumaano adds that unemployment has made some couples stay home all day without anything to do but only find faults in each other. 

Police in search of people who started social media racism discourse against Horse Shoe management

Police spokesperson Esther Katongo says investigations have been instituted to find the people who started the whole social media racism discourse against Horse Shoe management. 

“It is not difficult to get hold of the people behind this but we are not going to pre-empt our plans because we are looking at both sides of the coin. I can confirm that this is a matter that we are working on seriously,” she says.

Call to Civil Society Organizations to Apply for Funding

The United Nations Democracy Fund invites civil society organizations to apply for project funding. Project proposals may be submitted on-line between 18 November 2016 and 18 December 2016 at www.un.org/democracyfund/. 

Violence against persons with disabilities is a global human rights issue

Over the past two decades, the disability community has more openly discussed the issue of violence against persons with disabilities. As a result, governments and members of society in more countries are paying greater attention to the issue. This increased awareness is also the result of a stronger, more organized disability rights movement, and the impact of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the more recent Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

Siliya in Ivory Coast to campaign for two Zambians seeking senior posts at the African Union

By Staff Reporter, Lusaka 

Agriculture minister Dora Siliya has arrived in Abidjan, Ivory Coast to launch a campaign for two Zambians seeking senior posts at the African Union. 

“I have just arrived in Abidjan, ivory coast on a three country tour of Ivory Coast, Togo and Burkina Faso as a special envoy for President Lungu,” she says. 

BoZ dispels rumours that more banks are facing imminent closure

The Bank of Zambia (BoZ) has strongly cautioned members of the public and online media to desist from falsely speculating that certain banks or financial institutions are facing imminent closure following the Central Bank’s takeover of Intermarket Banking Corporation.