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NGOCC Expresses Concern Over Reduction of Women in Cabinet Following Ministerial Reshuffle

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NGOCC Expresses Concern

The Non-governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has voiced its disappointment regarding the removal of Chushi Kasanda as Minister of Information and Media in a recent ministerial reshuffle by President Hakainde Hichilema. The move has prompted concerns from NGOCC about the decreasing representation of women in the Zambian Cabinet.

President Hichilema, on Monday evening, appointed Cornelius Mweetwa, the immediate past Southern Province Minister, as the new Minister of Information and Media, effectively replacing Ms. Kasanda.

NGOCC, an umbrella organization representing various non-governmental gender-focused groups, emphasized the need for gender balance in decision-making positions. They expressed their belief that President Hichilema’s decision to replace Hon. Kasanda with another male minister further exacerbates the issue.

“While recognizing the constitutional discretion given to the appointing authority to hire and dismiss, the Head of State should have considered replacing Hon. Kasanda with another woman or transferring her to another Ministry,” lamented Anne Mbewe Anamela, the Executive Director of NGOCC, in a statement issued on Tuesday.

Over the years, NGOCC and the women’s movement in general have been deeply concerned with the low numbers of women in decision-making positions as this adversely impacts the development trajectory since decisions are made devoid of women’s voices. It is critical that when making decisions, the unique needs of women, men, girls, and boys should be taken into consideration. It is, therefore, sad to note that the number of women remains low both at Parliamentary and local Government levels,” Ms. Anamela stated.

Furthermore, Ms. Anamela noted the reduction in female representation in the Cabinet following Hon. Kasanda’s removal. She also highlighted the dismissal of Ms. Anne Songolo, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, and expressed hope that Ms. Songolo would be replaced by another woman.

In the same statement, Ms. Anamela extended her congratulations to Princess Kasune on her appointment as Provincial Minister for Central Province. She expressed confidence that Hon. Kasune would provide the leadership needed to drive development in the province.

Article 259 of the Republican Constitution emphasizes the importance of gender balancing in appointments to various positions. NGOCC reiterated that sustainable development could only be achieved when women, who make up 51 percent of the population, are included in the decision-making and development processes.

Source: Lusakatimes

Zambia News

President Hichilema to Visit Seseli Mine

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Seseli Mine in Chingola

President Hakainde Hichilema is scheduled to visit Seseli Mine in Chingola on the Copperbelt, where a number of illegal miners find themselves trapped in a flooded open-pit mine. The announcement was made by Copper Minister Elisha Matambo during a press briefing in Chingola, reflecting the government’s commitment to addressing the critical situation.

Minister Matambo expressed confidence in the measures and interventions implemented by the government, ensuring that the ongoing rescue mission will reach the trapped miners. The President’s visit underscores the gravity of the situation and the government’s hands-on approach in coordinating the rescue efforts.

Mines Minister Paul Kabuswe provided further assurance, stating that safety precautions are rigorously being followed to maximize the chances of a successful rescue operation. He emphasized that the government has engaged with families affected by the incident, with twenty-seven families having come forward to claim missing relatives.

Source: aljazeera

In other news – It all ended in tears for Faith Nketsi

News that well-known Mzansi reality TV star and influencer, Faith Nketsi whose full name is Mapholoso Faith Nketsi was finally divorcing her short-term husband Nzuzo Njilo was met with relief from fans of the reality star and businesswoman.

Faith Nketsi

The reason behind the celebration of the divorce was because Faith’s brand took some knocks when her husband’s corrupt business ways were aired on the covers of Mzansi’s biggest. Read more

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Zambia News

PF MPs Urged to Embrace New Leadership Dynamics in National Assembly

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Robert Chabinga

The leader of the opposition in Parliament, Robert Chabinga, has commended President Hakainde Hichilema for demonstrating a spirit of unity and magnanimity towards his predecessor, former President Edgar Lungu. In the midst of heightened provocations, Mr. Chabinga emphasized that President Hichilema and the United Party for National Development (UPND) are not responsible for the challenges within the former ruling Patriotic Front (PF).

Speaking from his position as the Member of Parliament for Mafinga, Mr. Chabinga advised PF Members of Parliament to acknowledge the changed leadership in the National Assembly. He urged them to embrace discipline and decorum in the legislative body, emphasizing the importance of non-political conduct and effective representation aligned with the wishes of the electorate.

“President Hichilema has demonstrated love towards his predecessor, former President Lungu, even in the face of heightened provocation. The challenges within the PF should not be laid at the doorstep of President Hichilema and the UPND. It is essential for PF MPs to accept the new reality and move forward,” stated Mr. Chabinga in a statement issued to ZNBC News in Lusaka.

He underscored the importance of maintaining discipline in the National Assembly, urging MPs to prioritize the interests of the people who elected them. Mr. Chabinga emphasized the need for constructive checks and balances from opposition MPs, fostering an environment of cooperation and effective governance.

“Opposition MPs have a crucial role in providing constructive checks and balances in the House. It is imperative for all MPs to refrain from antagonizing one another and focus on contributing positively to the legislative process,” added Mr. Chabinga.

Source: Lusakatimes

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