Chikaya Community Radio Station

18/09/2025

PRESS RELEASE

(FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE)

18th September, 2025

𝗚𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗡𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗦 𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥 𝟱𝟴𝟬 𝗟𝗔𝗣𝗧𝗢𝗣𝗦 𝗧𝗢 𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝟭𝟭𝟲 𝗟𝗢𝗖𝗔𝗟 𝗔𝗨𝗧𝗛𝗢𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗘𝗦 𝗧𝗢 𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗦𝗧 𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗩𝗜𝗖𝗘 𝗗𝗘𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗬

The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing service delivery and accelerating digital transformation in councils across the country with the official handover of 580 laptops to all 116 local authorities.

Speaking during the handover ceremony in Lusaka, Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Mr. Nicholas Phiri, described the event as an unprecedented milestone in the history of local government, noting that it is rare for councils to receive such a comprehensive ICT package to support their operations.

Permanent Secretary for Administration, Dr. Gabriel Pollen, in his remarks, emphasized government’s unwavering resolve to place digital transformation at the centre of improved governance.

He highlighted that the provision of ICT equipment to councils is a deliberate intervention aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability, and responsiveness while equipping local authorities to better meet the needs of citizens.

Mr. Phiri explained that the laptops will play a critical role in enhancing the use of the Integrated Constituency Development Fund Management Information System (iCDFMIS), facilitating better interaction between councils and citizens through digital tools, and strengthening the capacity of councils to provide real-time, efficient, and accountable service delivery.

He also outlined ongoing digital transformation interventions under the ministry, including the completion of Government Wide Area Network (GWAN) installation in all 116 local authorities, internet connectivity completed in 79 councils with the remaining 37 to be finalized by October 2025, solar system installations in multiple provinces to ensure reliable power supply, and the ongoing rollout of cloud-based video conferencing facilities to reduce travel costs and modernize workflow.

In addition, laptops have also been earmarked for Provincial Local Government Officers, Provincial Engineers, and Provincial Planners. These officials will receive equipment separately to ensure they are equipped to support local authorities effectively.

The Permanent Secretary stressed that local authorities, as the frontline of service delivery, must be equipped with appropriate tools to fulfill their mandates effectively. He added that the laptops, embedded with tracking mechanisms for security, should be allocated to critical functions such as CDF, revenue management, GIS, and website content management.

“Today’s event is not just about distributing equipment. It is about building modern, efficient, and citizen-responsive local governance structures. Let us embrace this opportunity to transform our councils and ensure accountability in the delivery of services to our people,” Mr. Phiri said.

The Vote of Thanks was delivered by the Council Secretary for Mporokoso Town Council, Mr. Henry Siwakwi, who expressed appreciation on behalf of all local authorities for the government’s continued investment in strengthening service delivery.

The Ministry reiterated that the digitalization agenda remains central to government’s efforts to improve transparency, efficiency, and citizen engagement at the local level.

Issued by:
Ms. Liseli Kanyanga
Principal Public Relations Officer
Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development

18/09/2025

Yemwe waima payekha paudindo wamtsogoleri pachisankho chapitachi, a Phunziro Mvula wakhala oyamba kuvomereza kugonja pachisankhochi ngakhale zotsatira sanazilengeze.

A Mvula auza Zodiak Online kuti chiganizochi achichita kaamba kachiwerengero chamavoti omwe akupeza pachisankhochi, omwe ati akuonetseratu kuti sangapambane.

Iwo atsindikanso kuti sanakwanitse kuchita misonkhano yokopa anthu kaamba koti analibe ndalama zokwanira mofananiza ndi ena omwe amapikisana nawo.

A Mvula mavoti omwe awapeza ndichilimbikitso kuti mchaka cha 2030 adzabwereso ndi mphamvu.

(Zodiak- Lilongwe:09/18/2025)

18/09/2025

RECYCLED FAILED LEADERS A THREAT TO AFRICA'S FUTURE

One of the biggest problems in African politics is the lack of leadership grooming for the young generation. Instead of preparing youths to take up leadership, old and recycled politicians who once failed return to claim they can do better than the mess they created. The recent case in Malawi, where an 85-year-old former president who lamentably failed before is being brought back, is a painful reminder of this vicious cycle and wait soon Malawian will be crying again.

In a simple analysis, he has won because he has money to dish out to voters who by now have no mealie meal home and all the alcohol they drink is finished.

Too often, young people are told they are “too young” to lead. In the most arrogant cases, youths are branded as immature or irresponsible. Yet, it is the so-called senior and experienced politicians who are at the center of grand corruption, embezzlement of public resources, and failed policies. Despite their long years in politics, they rarely point to tangible achievements that have truly transformed their nations.

As a social scientist, as well as a developmentalist, I have studied human behavior and political trends across Africa. One undeniable truth is that most politicians, after amassing wealth, do not groom future leaders from among the people. Instead, they prepare their children to inherit power, keeping politics in the hands of a few families. That is why, for decades, countries like Zambia and many others have been controlled by the same names since independence.

African youths must wake up. If you sit and expect someone to groom you for leadership, you are being naive and certainly stupid because that's not what our leaders want. Once they notice that you have qualities and characteristics of a good leader, they will deal with you as their enemy instead of bringing you closer to them and mentor you. Unless we boldly shape our own journey, the future will continue to be dictated by recycled failures. Personally, I have chosen to shape my own leadership path and I am fine with that approach. Because I trust God's plan is the best 🙏

Now is the time for the young generation to rise with courage, knowledge, and vision coupled with discipline. We must reject recycled failures and claim our rightful place in shaping Africa’s destiny.

Leadership is not a favor given by the old guard it is a responsibility we must seize for ourselves. The future of Africa will only be secured when its youth take charge.

SIKAILE C SIKAILE
GOOD GOVERNANCE AND HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVIST AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL AFRICAN CHAPTER

18/09/2025

Eastern Press Club condemns harassing of a journalist

Chipata, September 18, 2025-
The Eastern Press Club has strongly condemned the Zambia Police Service for harassing Prime TV journalist and Press Club Secretary General, Mr. Christopher Banda.

It is deeply unfortunate that Mr. Banda was assaulted while carrying out his professional duties. Such conduct is unjustified and must be condemned by all well-meaning citizens. The harassment of journalists in the course of duty is unacceptable as it undermines press freedom and the role of the media in society.

The Press Club acknowledges that Eastern Province Police Commissioner, Mr. Robertson Mweemba, has expressed devastation over the conduct of the officer involved. We also note with appreciation that the officer, senior police officers, and Mr. Mweemba have since apologised to Mr. Banda and the media fraternity for the incident.

The Club President has appealed to the Police to peacefully co-exist with journalists and to respect their work as partners in national development.

Furthermore, the Club is concerned that Mr. Banda’s phone, which was confiscated during the ordeal, was returned with cracks.
The Police have assured that they will look into the matter.

Issued by:
Mr. Julius Phiri
president, Eastern Press Club

18/09/2025

Rubis fueling station currently

18/09/2025

BUTTERFLY FOUNDATION CALLS ON COMMUNITY MEMBERS TO SUPPORT PEOPLE LIVING WITH ALBINISM.

BY ANNIE BANDA.

Lundazi district Butterfly Foundation of Zambia coordinator Grace Mweenge has called on community members to stop abusing people living with both disabilities and albinism in the society where they live.

Ms.Mweenge hinted that people living with albinism should be treated like any other human being saying that it is not true these people can be used for ritual purposes.

Speaking during a sensitization meeting after the foundation donated one wheel chair,sun-screen lotion and 2 blankets to two eldery women at Kabefu village in senior Chief Mwase's area,Ms.Mweenge explained that her foundation was established inorder to help persons living with albinism,the disabled as well as the aged in communities.

And headman Chiphumba Panji Chirwa who spoke on behalf of other headmen,thanked the foundation for the help rendered to both the disabled,albinos and the aged.

18/09/2025

Lunte Member of Parliament Mutotwe Kafwaya has been suspended from the National Assembly for 30 days on allegations of disordery conduct.

(C) Millennium

18/09/2025

FARMERS URGE GOVT TO CONSIDER GIVING SAFF LOANS TO RIGHT PEOPLE.

BY RUBEN.

Some farmers in Lundazi district have urged the government through the office of the District Commissioner to ensure Sustainable Agriculture Financing Facility -SAFF- loans are given to the right people.

Farmers who spoke on condition of anonymity told Chikaya News that despite the government introducing a progressive financing facility,leaders who are spearheading the program are frustrating the process by politicizing it so that they are the ones who benefit from the same.

They have called on Lundazi District Commissioner Marjory Banda to follow up the concern with the agency it deserves as it is retarding development in the district.

The residents have complained that from the time SAFF started very few people have benefited,adding that those who got these loans are either cadres or government officials.

Sustainable Agriculture Financing Facility -SAFF- is an innovative initiative designed to empower Zambia's small scale farmers by providing them with access to essential financing resources.

And efforts to get a comment from Lundazi DC failed at broadcast time

18/09/2025

UNITED PARTY FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Office of the Secretary General

PRESS STATEMENT
For Immediate Release

UPND DISMISSES REPORTS ON ADOPTION PROCESS AND LONG-SERVING MPS

Lusaka, September, 18, 2025 – United Party for National Development (UPND) Secretary General, Hon. Batuke Imenda, has dismissed media reports attributed to the party’s Deputy Secretary General, Ms. Getrude Imenda, and circulated by Radio Phoenix, suggesting that the UPND is calling on long-serving Members of Parliament to step aside for new aspirants.

Mr. Imenda clarified that the adoption of parliamentary candidates is not determined by the Party Secretariat. Instead, the process involves broad consultations across all party structures, beginning at the ward, constituency, district, provincial levels, and culminating in the National Management Committee (NMC), which is the highest decision-making body on matters of policy and adoption.

“The Secretariat has no mandate to decide who stands and who does not. These matters are comprehensively handled by the NMC after due process and recommendations from the lower party organs. To date, the NMC has not issued any official position regarding the mode of adoption or who should be adopted for the 2026 general elections,” Mr. Imenda said.

He further emphasized that the statement attributed to Ms. Getrude Imenda does not represent the official position of the party. “People should set aside such reports as there has been no resolution or directive from the NMC on this matter,” he stated.

Mr. Imenda reaffirmed the UPND’s commitment to a fair, transparent, and democratic adoption process, guided by the party’s constitution and the collective will of its members.

Issued by:
Hon. Batuke Imenda
Secretary General
United Party for National Development (UPND)

18/09/2025

Zotsatira zosatsimikizika zochoka m'ma Constituency 5 mwa 10 (5/10) omwe ali m'boma la Dowa.

Dr Joyce Banda (PP)-1,745

Thokozani Banda (IND)-732

Akwame Bandawe (AAA)-1,704

Dr Lazarus Chakwera (MCP)-101,732

Kamuzu Chiwambo (PETRA)-470

James Chilungo (Independent) - 124

Cosmas Chipolojola (Independent) - 122

Dr. Dalitso Kabambe (UTM) - 2,084

Atupele Muluzi (UDF) - 402

Pro Peter Muntharika (DPP) - 9,753

Phunziro Mvulo (Independent) - 68

Frank Mwenefumbo (NDP)-68

Kondwani Nankhumwa (PDP)-74

Jordan Sauti (PCP)-4

Smart Swira (Independent)-31

Wilward Tobias (Independent)-63

Dr Michael Usi-204

(by Wilson Henry-Dowa: 09/18/25)


Zodiak

18/09/2025