UPND MEDIA DIRECTOR REITERATES THE PARTY'S FIRM COMMITMENT TO FOSTERING SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC GROWTH

 

THE United Party for National Development (UPND) Media Director Mark Simuwe has reiterated the party's firm commitment to fostering sustainable economic growth and creating a conducive environment for investment in Zambia, as well as enhancing trade relations in the region.

 Mr Simuwe emphasized the Government's dedication to advancing policies that drive economic development, improve infrastructure, and expand opportunities for both local and foreign investors.  

 In a statement made available to the Times of Zambia by First Secretary Press and Public Relations Zambia High Commission South Africa, Tamara Nyirenda, Mr Simuuwe highlighted key milestones that have been achieved under the UPND government such as the free education policy, revamped mining activities, agricultural development and the boosting of productivity for food security and for exports.

 ‘The UPND government has achieved so much from the time it was voted into power free education policy, revamping the mining activities, agriculture development and boosting productivity,’’ He noted.

 Mr Simuwe noted that Zambia’s regional trade trajectory has increased under President Hakainde Hichilema’s regime due to initiatives to relax visa conditions.

 Mr Simuuwe was speaking when he paid a courtesy call on Zambia's Acting High Commissioner to South Africa Inonge Mwenya yesterday.

 He further expressed gratitude to Ms Mwenya for her time and reaffirmed the importance of strengthening Zambia-South Africa Bilateral Relations to unlock new trade and investment opportunities for Zambia.

 Mr. Simuwe stated that Zambia had made progress in several areas under the UPND government, citing the free education policy, increased Constituency Development Fund, and improved gender equality that offers an equal opportunity for citizens to contribute to the nation's growth.

 He also indicated the strong commitment to end political violence to ensure peace and stability which are vital in regional trade. 

 He further added that the UPND government had empowered local communities through decentralized development initiatives and infrastructure development such as roads, energy, and digital infrastructure projects to enhance the country’s regional connectivity in line with the broader development agenda. 

 ‘The UPND government has empowered local communities through decentralization development and infrastructure development such as roads, ’Mr Simuuwe noted.

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REPORT SEXTORTION AND GBV CASES

 

Nyapachuma Memorial Foundation has urged students to recognize, report and stand against sextortion and Gender based Violence (GBV) in learning environments.

 Nyapachuma Memorial Foundation Project Administrator Magaret Chinula noted that students should stand and report to relevant authorities at their Universities any form of sextortion where someone was forced into providing sexual favors under threat and GBV.

 Ms Chinula stated that alot of students in the higher learning institutions we're going through sextortion and GBV but we're afraid of reporting because some were being treated by the perpetrators.

 "GBV and sextortion is a serious violation of human rights that affected individuals emotionally, physically and digitally, “Ms Chinula stated.

 She said by raising awareness, supporting those affected and demanding accountability it will create a space were everyone was safe from exploitation and abuse.

 She said young women, boys and girls should be impacted with knowledge from generation to generation on issues that were affecting the younger population in their daily lives.

 Ms Chinula was speaking on the side line during the interaction with the students at DMI St Eugene University in Lusaka.

 Ms Chinula said under the project raised voices for which is the project against vices of sextortion and GBV violence Nyapachuma Memorial Foundation aimed to alleviate rampant cases of the vices.

 She highlighted that the foundation is currently working with the university of Zambia and that it is further working at expanding it’s reach to other higher learning institutions in the country.

 Ms Chinula has expressed concern that the reputation of learning institutions in the country got impacted either negatively or positive by the quality of students who comes out of different Societies due to immoral vices practiced in higher learning institutions.

 Meanwhile Natasha Nambela a third year student of social work at DMI st Eugene university highlighted the need for students to report acts of GBV and sextortion to authorities without fear.

 She urged her fellow students at the learning institution to aid others who might be victims of sextortion or GBV,further urging them to encourage and comfort their fellows in such trying times to avoid premature deaths resulting from acts of suicide.

 During the interaction students expressed themselves as to how best safe spaces at university can help them report such vices to authorities for them to be delt with in good time in order to create a good and safe learning environment that does that hinder academic progress.

 

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Coca-Cola Zambia Presents Cokefest

 

 Coca-Cola Zambia is delighted to unveil Cokefest, a one-of-a-kind music and food festival designed to celebrate the vibrant spirit of togetherness. Taking place on 31 May 2025 at The Showgrounds in Lusaka, this dynamic event promises an unforgettable day of music, culinary delights, and the iconic refreshment of Coca-Cola.

A Festival of Flavors, Beats, and Connection

Cokefest is a celebration for all, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, blending live performances, mouthwatering local cuisine, and engaging experiences that capture the essence of Zambia's rich culture. Highlights of the festival include:

Electrifying Live Performances: More than 10 international and Zambian artists, including emerging talents, will light up the stage, showcasing Coca-Cola’s commitment to empowering and uplifting local creatives.

Delicious Food Pairings: A curated menu featuring Zambia’s favorite dishes, perfectly complemented by ice-cold Coca-Cola, promises to turn every bite into a memorable experience.

Interactive Engagement Zones: Designed for fun, sharing, and social media moments, these zones will help attendees capture the magic of Cokefest.

Faith Nehanda, Senior Manager, Frontline Marketing at Coca-Cola, highlights the festival’s spirit:

“Cokefest is not just an event—it’s a celebration of the moments that bring us together. With music, food, and Coca-Cola, we are creating a unique platform for Zambians to connect and make lasting memories.”

Mwanto Musonda, Revenue Growth and Trade Marketing Director at Coca-Cola Beverages Zambia, added:

“This festival reinforces our dedication to supporting local talent and businesses. Cokefest is a testament to Zambian creativity and entrepreneurship, all while strengthening the love for Coca-Cola.”

Get Your Tickets and Join the Fun

Tickets for Cokefest are available at Shoprite outlets nationwide. Stay connected with Coca-Cola Zambia on Facebook for updates, exclusive artist announcements, and behind-the-scenes content.

For decades, Coca-Cola has been refreshing Zambia and championing its communities and cultural heritage. Cokefest 2025 is a reflection of the brand’s commitment to uplifting every meal, moment, and memory with the joy of Coca-Cola

ZMA URGES FARMERS NOT TO SELL THEIR MAIZE TO BUYERS WHO DO NOT USE ZMA-CERTIFIED WEIGHING

 

BY CYNTHIA NKHATA

THE Zambia Metrology Agency (ZMA) has urged farmers not to sell their maize to buyers who do not use ZMA-certified weighing scales.

ZMA Board Chairperson, Musamala Nyirongo said this was part of the measurement oversight strategy aimed at shielding farmers from exploitation by unscrupulous briefcase buyers during the 2024/2025 grain marketing season.

He also said the goal was to prevent the distribution of substandard and underweight inputs, ensuring farmers receive full value and contributing to national food security.

Mr Nyirongo said all weighing verification scales that will be used for by the food reserve agency (FRA) in this year’s grain marketing season have been put in place.

He said the move was aimed at ensuring that only accurate trade scales used in the purchase of maize and other grains from the farmers was very important for national food security and business sustainability.

Mr Nyirongo encouraged all private traders and buyers to present their weighing instruments to the Zambia metrology agency (ZMA) offices which are spread across the country for statutory verification before engaging in any grain trading activity.

‘This is not only a legal requirement under the metrology act no. 6 of 2017, but also a crucial measure to ensure fairness, transparency, and equity in all trade transactions,’’ Mr Nyirongo noted.

He said the Zambia metrology agency will not hesitate to take enforcement action against any trader found to be non-compliant.

Mr Nyirongo further commended the government and all partner agencies for their continued support and called for collective responsibility in upholding measurement integrity and trade fairness.

Meanwhile, Food Reserve Agency (FRA) Executive Director Justin Chuunka commended the Zambia Metrology Agency for its vital support in ensuring accurate stock certification and accountability in the procurement and storage of grain.

Mr Chuunka described the scale certification process as a critical component of FRA operations, particularly as the agency engages in large-scale procurement of maize and other grains from smallholder farmers.

 "This process is essential to ensure that what we buy from the farmers is exactly what we receive at our storage depots." Mr Chuunka said.

He explained that without proper scale calibration, the FRA would face serious challenges in accounting for stock, potentially leading to discrepancies and losses.

Mr Chuunka emphasized that certified scales offer both the FRA and suppliers assurance that the correct quantities were being transacted, thereby avoiding disputes and supporting proper record-keeping.

He further reiterated FRA's commitment to maintaining high standards in grain handling and procurement, stating that the scale certification process was now a prerequisite before any marketing or distribution activities commenced.

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