Posts in category: Uncategorized

By NATION REPORTER 

THE House of Chiefs Chairperson Chief Chisunka said the disturbing violent clashes unfolding between the Congo and Chipepo communities of Southern Province and the Lunda and Luvale communities of Zambezi in the North- Western Province was saddening. 

He has called on the Provincial Council of Chiefs and the Department of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs in the affected provinces to convene a meeting urgently.

Chief Chisunka said the meeting should be a platform for resolving all outstanding disputes, once and for all.

“I am also encouraged by the statement from the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development on the government’s commitment to putting an end to this violence and finding a peaceful resolution,” he said.

Chief Chisunka has urged all the royal highnesses and other tribal leaders from the affected tribes to be custodians of tradition, peace and harmony.

He said the traditional leaders must guide and advise the nation, political parties, and every group of people on how to coexist in peace as brothers and sisters.

Chief Chisunka said it was important that “we urgently work together to find a peaceful and sustainable resolution to these tribal conflicts, thereby seeing a positive example for all.”

He said the House of Chiefs stands firmly in support of any efforts that promote peace and coexistence. 

“We eagerly anticipate the positive outcomes from the meeting between the concerned tribes and other stakeholders, as this presents a significant opportunity to reach a lasting solution, let us not permit our nation to descend into the chaos that has afflicted other countries. We have only one Zambia, and it is our collective responsibility to safeguard its peacefulness and unity,” he said.

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Bernadette Deka-Zulu (PhD Researcher-Public Enterprise)

AFRICA Climate Week 2023 is set to convene in Nairobi, Kenya from September 4 to 8. This pivotal event provides an invaluable platform for leaders, policymakers, businesses, and civil society representatives to convene and deliberate upon strategies for adaptation and mitigation against the adverse impacts of climate change. 

The event’s theme, “Driving Green Growth and Climate Finance Solutions for Africa and the World,” aptly emphasises the need for sustainable progress on a global scale.

A pivotal call to action

In a world confronting climate change, Africa stands on the frontlines, bearing the brunt of its devastating impacts. The undeniable signs of a shifting climate are already apparent, marked by escalating extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and the relentless encroachment of desertification. 

These challenges strike at the heart of African economies and communities, underscoring the urgency for immediate and collective action.

The event focuses on a number of key issues, including:

Investing in renewable energy and energy efficiency

Reducing deforestation and promoting sustainable agriculture

Building climate-resilient infrastructure

Developing early warning systems for extreme weather events

Mobilising climate finance

Africa Climate Week is an important opportunity for African countries to come together and discuss how to address the challenges of climate change. 

The decisions made at Africa Climate Week will have a major impact on the future of Africa and the world.

Africa Climate Week is a critical step in the fight against climate change. It is an opportunity for African countries to come together and agree on a common way forward. The event is also an opportunity for the international community to show its support for Africa’s efforts to address climate change.

What does it mean for Africa, SADC, and Zambia?

The impact of climate change on Africa, particularly within the framework of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and its member country Zambia, is a critical concern that requires immediate attention and comprehensive action. 

The vulnerabilities of Africa and the SADC region to climate change are substantial and multifaceted, leading to severe consequences for economies, ecosystems, and communities. The importance of addressing these issues with a sense of urgency cannot be overstated.

 Vulnerability to Climate Change

Africa ranks among the continents most susceptible to the adverse effects of climate change due to factors such as its dependence on rain-fed agriculture, limited infrastructure, and a high proportion of people living in poverty.

In the context of SADC, comprising 16 countries in Southern Africa, Zambia stands as one of the nations most acutely affected by climate change impacts.

 Devastating consequences

The implications of climate change are manifested through an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events like droughts, floods, and cyclones. 

Rising sea levels are imperilling coastal communities, while desertification is causing displacement and eroding livelihoods. Shifts in rainfall patterns have profound implications for agricultural productivity and food security. 

Moreover, the heightened risk of diseases such as malaria and cholera pose a significant threat to public health. The toll on infrastructure and loss of life further exacerbates the overall impact.

 Disproportionate impact on vulnerable communities 

It is important to recognise that the effects of climate change disproportionately affect marginalised and impoverished populations. These groups are least equipped to cope with the consequences and have limited access to resources for adaptation. 

This exacerbates existing inequalities and highlights the ethical imperative to prioritise their well-being in climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.

 Urgent action and collaborative efforts

Addressing the challenges posed by climate change necessitates both adaptation and mitigation efforts. The SADC region, including Zambia, must invest in robust adaptation measures such as early warning systems and disaster risk reduction strategies. 

Simultaneously, embracing mitigation strategies like the transition to renewable energy sources and enhancing energy efficiency can contribute to long-term sustainability.

 Building climate resilience

Promoting awareness about the critical importance of climate change is essential. Empowering communities with the knowledge and tools to build resilience is pivotal in minimising the adverse effects of climate change. Public education campaigns, capacity-building initiatives, and cross-sector collaborations can drive positive change.

 A path to a sustainable future

The trajectory of Africa and the SADC region is intrinsically linked to their ability to confront the challenges presented by climate change. By fostering collaboration, innovation, and the implementation of evidence-based policies, a more climate-resilient and sustainable future can be forged for the region. 

Recognising that this endeavour requires coordinated international efforts, it is crucial for governments, organisations, and individuals to work in harmony to safeguard the well-being of current and future generations.

Owning these discussions

Assuming a proactive leadership role, African countries must take ownership of climate change discussions and strategies. By spearheading the development and implementation of contextually relevant adaptation and mitigation measures, African nations can effectively address the unique challenges posed by climate change. 

Simultaneously, these countries should assertively advocate for increased financial support from developed nations. 

Given the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable African communities, augmented resources are essential for building resilient infrastructure, enhancing technological capabilities, and fostering sustainable solutions. 

This dual approach, characterised by proactive engagement and diplomatic advocacy, underscores Africa’s commitment to mitigating the effects of climate change and securing a sustainable future for its people and ecosystems.

What are we packaging for the rest of Africa?

At Africa Climate Week, African countries will need to come up with a clear plan on how they will adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change. 

They will also need to agree on how they will share the burden of climate change, both in terms of responsibility and resources.

What does it mean when we signed in France to reduce carbon emission?

In 2015, African countries demonstrated their commitment to addressing the global climate crisis by signing the Paris Agreement. 

This international accord represents a pivotal milestone in the collective effort to combat climate change, as it seeks to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with an aspirational target of 1.5 degrees Celsius. 

By committing to this agreement, African nations signalled their intent to actively participate in the global endeavour to curb greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change.

However, while the Paris Agreement serves as a crucial framework for international cooperation, it is widely acknowledged that the current level of commitments falls short of what is necessary to adequately address the scale of the climate crisis. 

African countries, in particular, face unique challenges in their pursuit of emissions reductions due to developmental priorities, economic constraints, and vulnerabilities to climate impacts. 

Therefore, to meaningfully contribute to the global effort, African nations must not only adhere to their stated commitments but also undertake additional and more ambitious actions to reduce their carbon emissions.

Further actions could encompass a range of measures, including accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources, enhancing energy efficiency, implementing sustainable land-use practices, and investing in climate-resilient infrastructure. 

These efforts are essential not only for the environment but also for the well-being of African populations, as they directly relate to economic growth, poverty reduction, and the overall quality of life. 

By recognising the imperative for more substantial actions beyond the Paris Agreement’s framework, African countries can seize the opportunity to lead by example and play an active role in shaping a sustainable and climate-resilient future for themselves and the global community.

Adaptation and mitigation measures

There are several adaptation and mitigation measure that African countries can take to address climate change. These measures include:

Investing in renewable energy

Reducing deforestation

Improving agricultural practices

Building seawalls to protect coastal communities from flooding

Developing early warning systems for extreme weather events

Alternatives to adaptation

In addition to adaptation measures, African countries also need to invest in mitigation measures. Mitigation measures are aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. These measures include:

Switching to cleaner fuels

Improving energy efficiency

Investing in carbon capture and storage technology

Effects of climate change 

The effects of climate change are already being felt in Africa. In July 2022, a heatwave in southern Africa killed hundreds of people. In October 2022, Cyclone Batsirai caused widespread damage in Madagascar. 

These are just two examples of the many ways that climate change is impacting Africa.

Health factors

Climate change is also having a negative impact on health in Africa. Heatwaves are increasing the risk of heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses. 

Extreme weather events are increasing the risk of injuries and death. And air pollution from climate change is contributing to respiratory diseases like asthma and pneumonia.

Other than economic factors what does climate mean for a common man?

Climate change is not just an economic issue. It is also a human rights issue. The effects of climate change are disproportionately impacting the poor and marginalised. Climate change is also displacing people and causing conflict.

Africa Climate Week is an important opportunity for African countries to come together and discuss how to address the challenges of climate change. 

The decisions made at Africa Climate Week will have a major impact on the future of Africa and the world.

Join the conversation and let your voice be heard. (bernadettedekazulu@gmail.com) 

Though oral health issues can affect overall health, the two are considered unrelated and are frequently addressed separately when it comes to treatment. However, existing research shows that patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are more likely to have periodontitis and vice-versa, suggesting an “oral-gut axis” linking the two conditions reciprocally. As such, collaborative, holistic health care may serve as an effective approach for such patients.

THE Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) has unearthed a transit fraud scheme involving a truck with a 40-foot container load of safety Matches. Officers incepted the empty truck along Great North Road after the cartons of match sticks (matches) had been off loaded in Kabwe. ZRA corporate communications manager Oliver Nzala said in a statement that […]

By NATION REPORTER

ONCE Zambians turn their backs on President Hakainde Hichilema and move on, they never return and it will not matter how many public rallies or appearances he will make to regain their confidence, Economic Front president Wynter Kabimba SC has said.

Mr Kabimba, says President Hichilema has pushed Zambians to a breaking point with the highest cost of living ever and that no amount of dramatic progress made would change their minds to begin to chant along his rhetorical economic progression. 

“It does not matter how many rallies President Hakainde Hichilema would hold because Zambians are about to get to the breaking point where they will turn their backs on him because of the high cost of living. It is not wise to hold rallies in Mandevu and Matero where people are hungry, angry and miserable,” he said.

Mr Kabimba reminded the head of State of the promises he had made that things under his administration would be better, cheaper and easier but had instead embarked on an economic trajectory that had condemned citizens to deeper poverty and misery.

He said the appearance of President Hichilema in places where most people were hungry would not fill people’s hungry stomachs but would instead enrage them each time        they saw his huge motorcade.

Mr Kabimba said Zambians were aware that President Hichilema was fooling them by claiming that he understood their problems forhe did he would have been listening to their cries about how difficult life had become under his leadership. 

“President Hichilema and the UPND are taking people for granted which is a mockery to citizens. He should be the first one to learn lessons that what he is doing to others would would be done to him when he leaves power,” Mr Kabimba said.

He cited an example of how Zambians turned their hearts against the Patriotic Front (PF) even when it did a lot of good things for the country and when life was more bearable than it had become under the UPND government.

“There is a saying in Shona from Zimbabwe that says the fact that people are silent does not mean they are not talking,” Mr Kabimba said.

He said the fact that people attended President Hichilema’s rally did not mean they were not talking behind the scenes he the head of State had brought upon them.

Mr Kabimba who ushered the PF into power in 2011 as secretary general, said governing parties  usually stage managed their rallies, as people would be ferried from other constituencies.

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TWO months before the 2026 World Cup qualifiers kick–off, Zambia faces the danger of playing home matches away from home as the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium and National Heroes do not appear on the list of approved stadiums. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has released a list of over 30 stadiums that have been approved […]

By MILLENNIUM REPORTER

THE Lusaka City Council says it plans to place 600 litter bins within the central business district (CBD) to ensure that cleanliness is upheld following the removal of street vendors.

In an interview with ZANIS, Lusaka City Council Public Relations Officer Chola   Mwamba said the local authority will place litter bins in strategic areas within the CBD so that people moving around can easily access where to throw their litter.

Ms. Chola said the development will make it easier for the local authority to manage waste in Lusaka.

She stressed the importance of ensuring that the CBD is kept clean and appealing   to both local and international visitors that would be moving around town.

“We want to ensure that all areas within the central business district have bins, so that people in town have where to throw their rubbish,” stated Ms. Mwamba.

Ms. Mwamba also said the compliance levels of business owners painting their business buildings is very low.

She warned that the local authority will use the 2024 health permit provision as an enforcement mechanism to make progress in having buildings painted.

 Ms Mwamba said the council will not issue health permits to business owners that would not comply with the ministerial directive to paint their buildings.

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THE State has agreed to pay five UPND sympathizers more than K32million for malicious detention and prosecution on allegations of treason in 2017. This comes barely a month after the State consented to pay another group of 10 UPND cadres who were accused of burning Lusaka City Market in 2017, will be compensated K1 million […]

…Zambia has successfully applied for debt restructuring deal, Ghana, Ethiopia, Sri Lanka have so far officially defaulted on their national debt, says African Forum and Network on Debt and Development

By BUUMBA CHIMBULU in Dakar

SEVERAL African countries are currently showing signs of either defaulting on their national debt or needing to apply to the G20 Common Framework, an indication of mounting debt stress the continent is going through.

Five  countries, Zambia, Ghana, Ethiopia, Chad and Sri Lanka have officially defaulted on their national debt, with Zambia successfully applying for debt restructuring deal under the G20 framework, a deal which is yet to be completed.

The development of more countries indicating debt default or the need to apply to G20 Common Framework has worried the African Forum and Network on Debt and Development (AFRODAD) Board Chair, Barbara Khalima-Phiri, who said these countries were paying the price of irresponsible borrowing.

She expressed concern at the on-going third African Conference on Debt and Development (AfCoDD III) in Dakar yesterday that more countries on the continent were under debt trap.

The conference, being held under the theme “The 4Rs for Africa Rule-Maker: Reimagining, Rethinking, Reorganising, and Remobilising for an African World Order ” aims to foster innovative ideas and strategies that redefine Africa’s role in the global financial architecture and drive the continent towards a sustainable and equitable future,”

At the conference, Ms Khalima-Phiri said: “Several countries on the continent have shown signs of wanting to apply for G20 common framework. Africa’s debt burden is directly becoming a burden on Africans who are having to pay the price both irresponsible borrowing and equal irresponsible   lending.”

She, however, said the AfCODD III conference was timely as experts had gathered to brainstorm on the debt could be managed on the African continent.

Speaking earlier, Trust Africa Executive Director, Ebrimall Sall called for urgent home-grown solutions to tackle debt in African countries.

Dr Sall emphasised the need for African countries to quickly strategise on solutions that would foster economic transformation for the continent.

“A number of African countries are in deep dent distress and this needs transformation process for better future. This also calls for solutions that have to be pan African for us to have lasting solutions to debt,” he said.

And Daonda Sembene, AfriCatalyst Managing Director said the conference was timely as most African countries were currently facing debt challenges.

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By GRACE CHAILE

THE State has consented to a judgement that the five UPND members who were arrested together with President Hakainde Hichilema for treason in 2017 be compensated a total sum of K32 million

Attorney General, Mulilo Kabesha has consented to an order which would see each of the appellants receive K6.4 million. The order has since been filed in the Lusaka High Court and dated August 14, 2023 signed by both the State and the appellants.

High Court Judge Pixie Yangailo is yet to endorse the consent order.

The five include Wallace Chakawa, President Hichilema’s senior Private Secretary, Mr Hamusonde Hamaleka, Mr Pretorius Haloba, Mr Laston Mulilanduba and Mr Muleya Hachinda.

“By consent of the parties through their respective advocates, it is hereby ordered as follows; That the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th plaintiffs will receive a payment of K6, 400,000.00 each, as full and final settlement of all their claims in this matter and that the defendant shall pay the sum of K1, 000, 000.00 as costs,” read the consent order.

The plaintiffs are represented by ZS Legal Practitioners

In this matter, Mr Hichilema (then as opposition leader) and five others, in May of 2021, commenced the action in the Lusaka High Court that it orders the State to pay compensatory damages equivalent in value to monies lost and the property that was looted, damaged and destroyed at his home during what he termed as an unlawful operation to arrest him on charges of treason carried out on April 10 and 11 in 2017.

The five were claiming damages for malicious prosecution, unlawful detention, false imprisonment, torture among other claims. They alleged that their arrest, detention and subsequent prosecution was without justifiable cause and that it was malicious.

Last year, Mr Hichilema however discontinued the matter on the basis that the President has no legal capacity to sue or to be sued under Article 98(2) of the Republican Constitution.

And another group of nine UPND members have filed a lawsuit in the same court demanding damages for assault and false imprisonment. 

The complainants are also claiming aggravated and exemplary damages for malicious prosecution.

The nine include Robby Mukamba, Funwell Hasulwe, Brian Malambo, Trywell Chipuka, Sikendo, Wills Moonga, Joseph Miyoba, Innocent Chipuka and Clement Mayambu.

The plaintiffs stated they were on December 15, 2016, arrested without reasonable cause by Zambia Police Service and later charged for the offence of riotous behaviour.

“The plaintiffs were assaulted and detained for eight days from December 16 to 23, at Garden Police Post and subsequently at Kamwala Police Post.

They alleged the prosecution lasted from December 15, 2016 to October 1, 2018 before the Lusaka Magistrate Court.

Mukamba and others said the matter was withdrawn after the prosecution failed to call witnesses.

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