By NATION REPORTER
A 24-HOUR economy that makes services available at any time of the day should be actualized, President Hakainde Hichilema has said.
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Scientists in Brazil, the world’s second-biggest consumer of cocaine, have announced the development of an innovative new treatment for addiction to the drug and its powerful derivative crack: a vaccine.
By Nation Reporter
PRESIDENT of the United Republic of Tanzania Samia Suhulu Hassan yesterday gave Parliament a fresh breath of air when she addressed the House with a call for closer collaboration between the two sister nations.
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…MASUZYO NDHLOVU, THE VEDANTA DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS ACCUSES CHRISTOPHER KANG’ombe of peddling unverified and false information against the Anil Agarwal company
BY NATION REPORTER
VEDANTA Resources has denied claims that it is arm-twisting government by making tax holiday demands hence making the Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) deal verbal and unsigned.
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Vedanta Resources Director Corporate Communications, Masuzyo Ndhlovu says the claims are false and baseless because all the developmental agreements entered into are binding and shall be implemented to the fullest.
Vedanta Resources Director of Corporate Communications, Masuzyo Ndhlovu has said the claims are false and baseless because all the developmental agreements entered into are binding and shall be implemented to the fullest.
Kamfinsa Member of Parliament, Christopher Kang’ombe is claiming that Government has decided to settle for a verbal agreement with Vedanta Resources to take over the operations of KCM for the second time because the Anil Agarwal company is demanding tax concessions and the cancellation of certain statutory obligations.
But Mr Ndhlovu said Mr Kang’ombe was giving false information because he may not have been privy to the high-level engagements between Vedanta Resources and the government on the future of KCM and the milestones to be attained.
“The Minister of Mines and Minerals Development Paul Kabuswe has on a number of occasions given a very clear road map of where we stand today and the steps that are being undertaken before Vedanta takes full control of the running of KCM.”
“An announcement was made on September, 2023 at Mulungushi International Conference Centre where the nation was appraised on developments at KCM. It was announced that the government has finalised the negotiations with Vedanta and that Vedanta will return to run and resuscitate the operations of KCM as the majority shareholder alongside ZCCM-IH meaning that a significant milestone was arrived at,” he said.
Mr Ndhlovu said lawyers were working towards concluding revisions to the shareholders’ agreement and its implementation.
He said all the necessary legal formalities and procedures are also being attended to.Mr Ndhlovu said the provisional liquidator would be removed and a new board for KCM would be appointed followed by the appointment of a senior management team to run the day-to-day operations of the national strategic asset.
Mr Ndhlovu said the transition could take between eight to 12 weeks depending on how quick the conclusions on the shareholder agreement and removal of the provisional liquidator would take.
He explained that the payments to creditors and employees would only be made after board reinstatement.
“My approach as Director of Corporate Communications for Vedanta is to take a stakeholder-centric approach so that I give accurate and verifiable information to various stakeholders. I have had an audience with Mr Kangombe before, which I believe was a very fruitful engagement and further to that, I sent him very useful information on Vedanta’s investment in Zambia which residents of his constituency can greatly benefit from. It should also be pointed out that the previous shareholders’ agreement had a clause or a provision for arbitration in case of any disputes.
And Mr Ndhlovu reminded Mr Kang’ombe that an arbitral tribunal had in July 2021 made a partial final award that there was a breach in the dispute resolution provisions provided in Vedanta Resources’ KCM shareholder agreements.
He sai, it was important to note that the Court of Appeal in Zambia ruled in favour of Vedanta in its November 2020 ruling and stayed the winding-up petition and this was also echoed by the Arbitrator.
“Personally, I think this is the best time for Kangombe to start engaging Vedanta to have a full understanding of how the special purpose vehicle that will drive the CSR programs for all our areas of operation in Chililabombe, Chingola, Kitwe and Nampudwe will run so that we revive and revitalise the economic activities on the Copperbelt,” Mr Ndhlovu said.
By Bernadette Deka-Zulu (PhD Researcher-Public Enterprise)
IN a world characterised by its ceaseless motion and boundless diversity, it is through the arena of sports that we find an extraordinary and unifying force. Sport, by its very nature, possesses the exceptional ability to nurture essential life skills and qualities that extend far beyond the boundaries of the playing field.
While academic excellence is undoubtedly a cornerstone of personal development, the attributes acquired through participation in sports – including excellence, competitiveness, discipline, commitment, communication, and the resilience to confront and learn from failures – serve as the foundation for shaping not only athletes but also the leaders, entrepreneurs, students, and parents of tomorrow.
To harness this potential, a transformative shift in perception is required. It necessitates a recalibration of the lens through which we view sports, moving beyond its conventional role as mere entertainment. It demands an acknowledgment of the power of sports to empower women, thus serving as a catalyst for economic growth and societal transformation.
The ability to acquire and master a skill, to exemplify unwavering discipline and commitment, and to possess the self-assurance to confront adversity and emerge stronger are attributes that extend their influence far beyond the playing field.
In this discourse, we explore the profound significance of sports, not solely as a source of entertainment but as a dynamic contributor to economic progress. Specifically, we underscore the instrumental role of women in this realm, both as athletes and as vital contributors across the expansive spectrum of the sports industry.
We examine the compelling data that underscores the transformative potential of sports for women and the promising economic opportunities that await.
The power of sport
Sport, often viewed as a physical endeavour, is, in reality, a profound teacher of life itself. It moulds individuals into well-rounded personalities, instilling values and skills that transcend the boundaries of any given game.
Academic excellence is unquestionably essential, but it’s within the realm of sports that individuals sharpen the edges of their character. Excellence becomes not just a goal on the scoreboard but a daily pursuit, fostering a mindset that strives for nothing less than the best.
In the arena of competitiveness, sports provide a stage where individuals learn to push their limits, to understand that victory requires more than just talent; it demands a relentless desire to outdo oneself.
Through these competitions, participants gain a deep appreciation for the pursuit of goals and the drive to succeed, qualities that are just as crucial in the boardroom or the classroom.
Discipline, a cornerstone of sporting success, extends far beyond the training ground. The commitment to early morning workouts, the unwavering dedication to practice, and the sacrifices made in pursuit of a win all reinforce a strong work ethic.
These lessons in discipline, embraced through sports, lay the foundation for success in any endeavour, teaching that hard work, consistency, and perseverance are the keys to achieving one’s dreams.
The ability to communicate effectively is another invaluable skill instilled by sports. It’s not just about conveying strategies to teammates on the field, but also about understanding the importance of teamwork, cooperation, and collaboration.
These attributes, honed through sports, are directly transferable to the professional world, where working with others to achieve common goals is often the norm.
Perhaps one of the most compelling aspects of sports education is the courage to confront and learn from failures. Every loss or setback becomes an opportunity for growth, a chance to dissect what went wrong, and an invitation to come back stronger.
It is this resilience that defines great athletes, and it is this very resilience that prepares individuals for life’s challenges, teaching them to view failures not as defeats but as stepping stones toward success.
Sports do more than entertain; they serve as dynamic classrooms where individuals graduate with the knowledge and skills to excel in life’s most demanding arenas.
The power of sports to shape character, develop leaders, entrepreneurs, students, and parents, and prepare individuals to embrace excellence, competitiveness, discipline, commitment, effective communication, and the courage to learn from failures is an enduring testament to the transformative potential of sports.
Why sports matter?
Not everyone is inherently bestowed with athletic prowess, yet the journey to becoming an athlete is a testament to the power of dedication and unwavering effort.
Beyond the individuals on the playing field, the extensive sports ecosystem encompasses a vast array of roles, from coaches to event organizers, sponsors to fans – each indispensable in its own right.
The significance of sports reverberates across a spectrum of dimensions, each contributing to a mosaic of value, with a profound impact on the broader economy. This impact goes well beyond the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat, extending into a tapestry of economic, social, and cultural domains.
From job creation and revenue generation to community engagement and national pride, sports emerge as a transformative force that transcends the boundaries of the game and holds an enduring place in society’s heart.
It is through these multifaceted lenses that we come to realise that the true worth of sports lies not only in the athletic prowess of its participants but in its ability to galvanise and enrich communities, fuelling a positive impact that extends far beyond the boundaries of the playing field.
Sport economics: Fuelling prosperity beyond the playing field
Before we delve into the remarkable job creation potential within the realm of sports, it is important to recognise the pivotal role that sport plays in economics. This domain, known as “Sport Economics,” embodies the intricate and dynamic relationship between sports and financial growth.
It encompasses the diverse economic avenues that sports open, extending far beyond mere entertainment and leisure. Sport Economics is a powerful driver of economic prosperity, showcasing how the sports industry, from grassroots to the professional level, significantly influences revenue, employment, and economic expansion. In this section, we explore how sports, through their economic impact, foster growth, creating a ripple effect that touches not only the athletes but entire communities and nations.
Job creation
In Zambia, from 2008 to 2021, the participation of women in the labour force increased by 5.33 percent. However, in 2021, 63.99 percent of women were employed in the agricultural sector.
Surprisingly, the 2022 poverty assessment in Zambia revealed that female-headed households were often more economically challenged than their male counterparts.
This is where the significance of sports enters the equation. Athletes, who play sports as their profession, are at the core of this ecosystem. Yet, the ripple effect extends much further.
For athletes to perform and compete, they require a range of support, including infrastructure, uniforms, tickets, event planning, and promotion.
These elements, in turn, lead to job creation in various sectors like merchandising, production, sales, media, and logistics, to name a few. Collectively, these activities generate revenue and drive economic growth.
In 2018, the World Bank emphasised that if women were given opportunities outside the agricultural sector, they could potentially increase their income by about 35 percent. Sport, as an industry, offers an avenue for women to break free from traditional limitations and tap into their full potential.
Impact of sport on economic growth
The direct impact of sports on economic growth is undeniable. At its core, the sports industry is a vibrant economic engine, generating substantial revenue streams that extend into numerous sectors.
Consider, for instance, the infrastructural investments made to host sporting events, ranging from the construction of state-of-the-art stadiums to the development of world-class training facilities.
These projects result in job creation, stimulate local economies, and trigger an influx of investments, all of which contribute significantly to economic growth.
Moreover, the sporting world boasts an array of industries tied to its success, including sports equipment manufacturing, merchandising, and media.
Sports events are watched and followed by millions, providing an invaluable platform for marketing and advertising, generating substantial revenues in the process.
Sponsorship deals, broadcasting rights, and ticket sales are prime examples of how sports events serve as direct drivers of economic growth.
Beyond these, the sports industry also fuels tourism, with major sporting events attracting visitors from around the globe, filling hotels, restaurants, and local businesses.
These collectively positions sports as a substantial contributor to the GDP of nations, exemplifying the intricate link between sports and sustained economic development.
The direct influence of sports on economic growth is undeniable. The multitude of revenue streams and the broad array of industries interconnected with sports underscore its vital role as an economic powerhouse.
This impact extends to infrastructural investments, job creation, and the stimulation of local economies, firmly establishing sports as a pivotal force in fueling economic prosperity.
A game changer for women
Sport is a transformative experience, a character-building tool that holds the power to reshape lives. However, its potential goes beyond personal development. Empowering women within the sports industry can create a significant shift in societal dynamics.
A new status quo must be established that values and promotes women’s roles in sports, not only as athletes but as integral contributors across the entire sports ecosystem. This shift is an opportunity to challenge societal perceptions of women’s contributions and, in doing so, unlock economic growth, job creation, and personal empowerment.
The transformative power of sports transcends personal development, extending its reach to reshape entire societies. Within this dynamic landscape, the empowerment of women in the sports industry emerges as a game changer that not only fosters gender equality but also holds the potential to revolutionise societal dynamics in profound ways.
Recognising and harnessing the vast economic potential of women in sports is not only a matter of social justice but also a strategic imperative for sustainable economic growth.
Women’s participation in sports embodies a gateway to empowerment, breaking through traditional gender norms and challenging preconceived notions of women’s roles.
While the journey to empowering women within the sports industry is ongoing, it is undoubtedly an avenue for progress. This shift is not only about levelling the playing field but also about recognising that women are integral contributors across the entire sports ecosystem. Whether as athletes, coaches, administrators, or in various support roles, women have a vital role to play in the sports industry. By encouraging women’s participation, not only as competitors but as decision-makers, leaders, and professionals, we promote diversity and unlock a wealth of untapped potential.
The transformational potential of women’s involvement in sports extends to economic growth. Women’s engagement in sports opens the door to job creation in various sectors, from management and marketing to media and merchandising.
It bolsters the resilience and productivity of communities and nations by tapping into a broader talent pool. With increased economic opportunities for women in the sports industry, they gain the means to secure their financial independence, leading to more equitable societies.
Ultimately, empowering women within the sports realm is a powerful catalyst for a brighter and more equitable future, where the world of sports serves not only as a source of entertainment but as a driving force for economic empowerment, societal progress, and gender equality.
In summary, recognising and leveraging the economic power of sports, especially by promoting women’s participation, is the path to a brighter and more equitable future.
Sports should be a catalyst for economic empowerment and societal advancement, transcending its role as mere entertainment.
.Suwilanji Mpondela-Daka, an athlete and economist contributed to this writeup.
…after excommunicating Miles for conducting an illegal electoral convention from which the former Matero lawmaker installed himself president of the PF
By NATION REPORTER
THE Patriotic Front (PF) has written to Speaker of the National Assembly Nelly Mutti to declare the Matero Constituency seat vacant for the expulsion of its beleaguered Member of Parliament, Miles Sampa from the former ruling party.
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…orders the former Matero Member of Parliament to immediately stop masquerading as president of the Patriotic Front
By GRACE CHAILE
THE Lusaka High Court has granted the Patriotic Front (PF) an interim ex parte order restraining embattled former Matero Member of Parliament Miles Sampa from masquerading as president of the former ruling party.
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Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death for women within most racial and ethnic groups in the United States. A new study in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology characterizes the risk profile for Black and non-Black women with obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) enrolled in the Women’s Ischemia Syndrome Evaluation (WISE) cohort study. It concludes that racial and ethnic disparities in long-term cardiovascular outcomes were not observed among women with obstructive CAD recruited from university/academic centers who received guideline-based treatment.
A new study has found that it may be possible to use stimulants to treat stimulant use disorder. People with amphetamine-type stimulant use disorder who are treated with prescription psychostimulants such as methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine (commonly used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)) may lower both their craving and stimulant use, especially if such treatments are administered at high doses.
After surveying the views expressed by 41 advocacy, medical, and transplant-focused organizations on the Uniform Determination of Death Act, a brain injury expert is calling for much-needed reforms to the legal definition of death in the United States. The recently announced pause by the Uniform Law Commission, which is spearheading revisions, is disappointing, the expert notes, but should not permanently stall practical fixes to longstanding problems with the Death Act.
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