Posts in category: Uncategorized

By LUCY PHIRI

DIRECTOR of public prosecutions (DPP), Mr. Gilbert Phiri has refused prosecute expelled Matero Member of Parliament Miles Sampa and his cohort Morgan Ng’ona in a criminal matter the Patriotic front (PF) has sued the duo for perjury, forgery and uttering of false documents.

By MICHAEL MIYOBA

PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has hailed the Chipopolopo Queens for making history by qualifying for a third consecutive Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after beating Angola 12-0 on aggregate to qualify for the 2024 edition to be held in Morocco. 

And Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) president Andrew Kamanga congratulated the Copper Queens and the technical bench led by coach Bruce Mwape for beating Angola home and away to secure qualification for the WAFCON. 

Zambia humiliated Angola 6-0 in Luanda before matching the same win in Ndola on Tuesday night to return to the WAFCON for a third consecutive period having competed at the 2018 and 2022 championships. 

President Hichilema reminded the team to set its eyes on winning the title and qualifying for a second consecutive Women’s World Cup championship. 

“Qualifying to the WAFCON with a bang. Great work girls! More work starts now ahead of the tournament and set our eyes on the trophy itself and another qualification to the World Cup,” Hichilema said. 

“Great to note that both the Chipolopolo boys and Copper Queens have simultaneously qualified for the continent’s biggest competitions,” he added. 

Kamanga said the Copper Queens have made the nation proud for qualifying for their third consecutive WAFCON.

‘’On behalf of my executive committee and myself, I wish to congratulate the Copper Queens and the technical bench for sealing qualification to next year’s WAFCON. 

The Copper Queens brand has continued to grow and established itself as a regular at international tournaments,” Kamanga said.

“It is a mark of great pride that the Zambian flag will fly at the WAFCON for the third consecutive time. It goes without saying that the graph speaks for itself having always bettered our performance progressively at every tournament.”

The FAZ president says with qualification attained, the next step will be laying the ground for quality preparations.

“Like we have done for any single team that has qualified for major tournaments, we will liaise with the technical bench over an intensive preparatory programme,” he said.

Kamanga thanked the thousands of fans that turned up at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola to spur the Copper Queens to victory on their debut at the 44, 000-capacity stadium.

Meanwhile, Zambia Sports Fans patron Peter Makembo saluted the girls for making the nation proud with an impressive display of exciting football in Ndola. 

He said the Copper Queens gesture to appreciate the fans with Barbra Banda gifting one of the fans her jersey motivated the fans who were proud of the team’s achievement. 

He urged the girls to stay focused and work hard to challenge for the tittle at next year’s competition after winning bronze at the 2022 edition which was also held in Morocco. 

PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema says the government is determined to make agriculture the leading industry in the country through formulation of favourable policies.

…Zambia wins maiden Africa Netball title in Botswana

By MICHAEL MIYOBA

THE Zambia national netball team has finally scooped its maiden Africa Netball Cup title after overcoming regional rivals Namibia 57-55 in a tightly contested final played at the University of Botswana Sports Arena in Botswana. 

The final against Namibia presented Zambia one of the toughest tests at the championship where they suffered only one loss and five wins in six games. 

The Copper Queens who were only beaten by fourth best ranked in Africa Zimbabwe started the tightly contested final on a shaky note and lost the first quarter 13-11.

But the Zambians bounced back in the second quarter to ensure a 23-23 stalemate at half time. 

The Lazarus Tembo-drilled Copper Queens dominated the game in the third quarter which they managed to win 35-33 before Namibia bounced back to send the game into extra time after a 43-43 stalemate at full time.  

In the first quarter of extra time, Zambia was trailing by one goal as Namibia enjoyed a 49-48 lead over the Copper Queens. 

The Copper Queens redeemed themselves in the  final quarter to win the cagey affair 57-55 and scoop Zambia’s first netball Africa Cup title in the absence of giants Malawi, South Africa and Uganda who couldn’t take part in the competition due to various reasons which included the lack of resources to travel for the games. 

The win cheered Tembo who complained about the officiating which he said was substandard but hailed the Copper Queens for maintaining their focus to win their maiden Africa Cup trophy. 

“I feel excited. It wasn’t an easy one. It went all the way to extra time and I think it means a lot for us and for our fans back home,” Tembo said. 

“This was the best game of the tournament. I think both Namibia and Zambia gave the fans a good game to watch,” Tembo said. 

Meanwhile, the Africa Netball is in the process of getting sponsors to cushion the costs for teams attending tournaments.

Re-elected Africa Netball Treasurer Martha Lungu-Sichone said the continental netball mother body has identified some potential  sponsors who can cater for food and accommodation when teams travel for tournaments.

Sichone, who is also Netball Zambia President has called on governments to help fund the sport if it is to grow to the required standards.

She has observed that attendance at the 2023 Africa Netball Cup would have been enhanced if teams received adequate funding.

The 2023 Africa Netball Cup saw six female and four male teams participating while some teams pulled out at last minute citing financial incapacity and other reasons.

…Emmanuel Mwamba, the PF information and publicity chairperson says the expelled Matero MP has committed yet another contempt of court

By Nation Reporter

ATTEMPTS by expelled Matero Member of Parliament Miles Sampa to purport to expel Patriotic Front (PF) Members of Parliament from the party are not only contemptuous but illegal and a confirmation of the involvement of the State to highjack and kill the former ruling party, Emmanuel Mwamba has said.

Japan has passed a bill to legalize cannabis-based medicines in a landmark revision of its stringent drug laws, while toughening its ban on recreational use of marijuana.

Bernadette Deka-Zulu (PhD Researcher – Public Enterprise)

On November 25, 2022, Zambia joined the global community in commemorating the International Day of the Elimination of Violence Against Women. This marked the beginning of the 2022 campaign of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV). In the midst of these efforts, Zambia faced a significant change as the Gender Ministry was relegated to a division, coinciding with a disturbing increase in GBV statistics. As I participated on a global platform and panel discussing the impact of cyberbullying, I delved into the complex interplay between GBV, cybersecurity, and the participation of women in politics.

GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE AND ITS ESCALATION

The decision to relegate the Gender Ministry to a division in Zambia sparked apprehensions within the community, especially in light of the escalating statistics on Gender-Based Violence (GBV). As the ministry, once a dedicated entity focused on addressing gender-related issues, saw its prominence reduced, the impact on the fight against GBV began to surface.

The repercussions of this restructuring became starkly evident as women encountered heightened levels of threats and harassment. Without the dedicated focus of the Gender Ministry, the mechanisms for addressing and preventing GBV faced challenges. The shift in dynamics was not merely administrative; it permeated society, influencing the perception and treatment of gender-related issues.

In the absence of a centralized ministry, the response to GBV became fragmented, with various divisions handling aspects of the issue. This decentralization, coupled with a lack of a cohesive strategy, hindered the effectiveness of combating Gender-Based Violence. The once-unified efforts now required a more concerted approach to address the surge in incidents.

The intersection of gender issues with broader societal changes further complicates the landscape. Economic shifts, cultural transformations, and evolving social norms all played a role in shaping the dynamics of gender relations. The implications of these changes reached far beyond the immediate concerns of the relegated Gender Ministry, necessitating a comprehensive examination of the multifaceted challenges faced by women in Zambia.

The increased threats and harassment against women were not isolated incidents but reflected systemic issues that required systemic solutions. This included addressing root causes such as entrenched gender stereotypes, economic disparities, and a lack of education and awareness. Without a dedicated ministry spearheading these efforts, the battle against GBV became more challenging, requiring collaborative action from various stakeholders.

The ripple effects of the decision to relegate the Gender Ministry extended beyond the realm of policy and administration. They permeated communities, workplaces, and homes, affecting the lives of women across Zambia. The need for a coordinated and focused approach to tackle Gender-Based Violence became more urgent than ever.

In response to the surge in GBV incidents, civil society organizations, activists, and concerned citizens rallied to fill the void left by the restructured ministry. Grassroots movements emerged, advocating for the rights and safety of women. However, the absence of a centralized authority dedicated to gender issues created gaps in coordination, making it challenging to implement comprehensive and cohesive strategies.

In essence, the decision to relegate the Gender Ministry to a division had far-reaching consequences, intensifying the challenges posed by Gender-Based Violence. It underscored the importance of not only recognizing the significance of gender-focused entities but also ensuring their continued strength and efficacy in the face of evolving societal dynamics.

THE RISE OF CYBERBULLYING IN ZAMBIA

Amidst these shifts, the Women in Energy Conference became a crucial platform for dialogue. However, it’s essential to correct the reference to “Women in Energy” as it appears that this might have been a misunderstanding. Nevertheless, the conference served as a backdrop to discuss the multifaceted challenges women in Zambia were facing, including the alarming rise in cyberbullying.

ONLINE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE AND ITS IMPACT ON POLITICAL PARTICIPATION

In the digital age, online violence emerged as a formidable barrier to women’s active involvement in politics. The economic consequences of online gender-based violence cannot be overlooked, as threats and harassment often lead to self-censorship, limiting public engagement. Beyond politics, damaged online reputations become stumbling blocks, restricting career opportunities, and discouraging women from pursuing leadership roles.

ECONOMIC REPERCUSSIONS

The economic fallout is pervasive, extending beyond immediate political participation. Online attacks result in isolation, limiting access to political networks and resources crucial for a successful political career. Moreover, the psychological toll of persistent online harassment affects women’s mental health, diverting their focus from essential political responsibilities.

MITIGATING ECONOMIC REPERCUSSIONS

To address these economic repercussions, a multifaceted approach is imperative. Strengthening legal frameworks, promoting digital literacy, and collaborating with online platforms to ensure safer environments are foundational measures. Community engagement, mentorship programs, and responsible media reporting play pivotal roles in countering online attacks and supporting women in politics.

INCENTIVES AND DISINCENTIVES

Incentives and disincentives through policy mechanisms can play a pivotal role in discouraging online harassment. Strict legal consequences, insurance coverage against reputational damage, and financial support for victims serve as incentives. Conversely, fines for platforms, corporate social responsibility requirements, and financial penalties for perpetrators act as powerful disincentives.

INTEGRATING ECONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS INTO POLICY FRAMEWORKS

To ensure a comprehensive and sustainable approach, economic considerations must be woven into policy frameworks combating cyberspace violence. This involves allocating resources for robust cybersecurity measures, fostering public-private partnerships, funding research and development, and conducting economic impact assessments. Penalties for non-compliance, international cooperation, and user awareness campaigns are integral components of a holistic strategy.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the complex intersectionality of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), cybersecurity, and cyberbullying in Zambia underscores the urgent need for proactive measures and collaborative efforts. The decision to relegate the Gender Ministry to a division, combined with the alarming surge in GBV statistics, has created a critical juncture that demands a comprehensive and strategic response. Beyond the immediate ramifications on women’s safety and well-being, the multifaceted challenges presented by this confluence necessitate a holistic approach that addresses both the social and economic dimensions.

The intertwining nature of GBV with cybersecurity and cyberbullying emphasizes that these issues are not isolated but interconnected components of a broader societal landscape. Efforts to combat online gender-based violence must be accompanied by a nuanced understanding of the root causes of GBV, acknowledging the societal and cultural factors that contribute to these challenges. Moreover, a concerted focus on creating a safer and more inclusive online environment for women in politics is not just a moral imperative but also an economic necessity.

Recognizing the economic ramifications of online gender-based violence, especially in the political arena, is crucial for the progress and well-being of Zambia. The impediments posed by cyberbullying and online harassment have far-reaching consequences, affecting not only individual women but also the overall participation of women in politics. Therefore, addressing these challenges requires not only legal safeguards, digital literacy programs, and collaborations with online platforms but also a broader societal shift towards inclusivity, respect, and gender equality. By weaving together, a tapestry of comprehensive policies, collaborative initiatives, and cultural shifts, Zambia can pave the way for a more equitable and secure future, where women can actively and fearlessly participate in the political landscape.

bernadettedekazulu@gmail.com

By NATION REPORTER

MUTOTWE Kafwaya, the Patriotic Front (PF) Lunte legislator on Tuesday protested debating the report of the committee on Youth, Sport and Child Matters on child labour stating that it was signed by an “illegal” Auditor General, Dr Ron Mwambwa.

By LUCY PHIRI

GOVERNMENT must immediately close the Senseli mine until mine safety measures have been put in place to protect the lives of people, Leader of Opposition in Parliament Brian Mundubile has said.

…accuses President Hichilema of sponsoring confusion in the PF with the intention of increasing numbers in Parliament to effect clandestine changes in the Constitution

By NATION REPORTER

PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema is destroying the country by allegedly promoting lawlessness by sponsoring the destruction of the Patriotic Front (PF) by orchestrating the purported expulsion of nine parliamentarians by expelled Matero Member of Parliament Miles Sampa and his cohorts, Fred M’membe has said.