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We are KALEMBA, we are Zambia's most trusted, credible and authentic source of online news. We strive to be informative, educative and entertaining while providing a platform for ordinary Zambians to tell their stories. We believe everyone has a story to tell. We are a team of qualified journalists whose desire is to practice ethical Journalism.

Nigeria through to the final!
22/07/2025

Nigeria through to the final!

Katete farmers want more Maize depot - DCFARMERS in Katete District are expressing deep frustration over the significant...
22/07/2025

Katete farmers want more Maize depot - DC

FARMERS in Katete District are expressing deep frustration over the significant reduction and limited operational status of Food Reserve Agency (FRA) maize depots, forcing them to travel long distances to sell their produce.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1B6mQZ1C12/?mibextid=oFDknk

According to Katete Town District Commissioner Raphael Phiri, this poses a serious challenge to the agricultural marketing season in the region.

Phiri said this when the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development Permanent Secretary, Nicholas Phiri paid a courtesy call on him at his office last Friday.

He said Katete was originally allocated 22 maize buying depots for its 22 wards one per ward but Katete also serves farmers from neighbouring Mambwe District.

Phiri said while FRA recently approved an additional eight depots for Katete, only three of these new ones have commenced operations so far.

This brings the current total operational depots, including those serving Mambwe, to a mere 25, with only nine actively buying maize at present.

"The remaining 16 are still awaiting sample collection and moisture content testing," he shared while disclosing that local farmers during the 2020 drought period, were provided with 44 depots opened for the sale of maize to avert a hunger crisis which they adapted to.

"Our people had gotten used to that huge number of depots. So now to reduce that from 44 to 22, which is 50 percent, it's like a blow to our people," lamented DC Phiri.

While authorities explain that the 44 depots were an emergency measure, and the current number represents a return to "normal," farmers are struggling to accept the change.

Despite the challenges, Phiri noted that the response from farmers at the nine fully operational depots has been quite good, with some bringing maize even before official opening.

However, the widespread dissatisfaction underscores a pressing need for more accessible buying points for farmers in Katete.

Meanwhile, Phiri said Katete farmers District was severely disadvantaged in the last farming season, with no farmer benefiting from The Sustainable Agriculture Financing Facility (SAFF) loans.

"SAFF is an innovative initiative designed to empower Zambia's small-scale farmers by providing them with access to essential financial resources," the Ministry of Agriculture shared.

"Established with the goal of enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability, SAFF aims to bridge the financing gap that smallholder farmers often face, enabling them to invest in better farming techniques, purchase necessary inputs, and ultimately increase their crop yields."

Government therefore collaborates with financial institutions, government bodies, and agricultural experts, to ensure SAFF offers a range of financing options that are accessible and affordable.

But Phiri believes that the local named bank in Katete has proved not equal to the task in facilitating the crucial agricultural financing.

"Up to now, our bank doesn't seem to be really ready. We are yet to see this year....But going by history, I think we are not satisfied that they can handle the situation," Phiri said.

In light of the bank's shortcomings, the District Commissioner confirmed that farmers are now being advised to seek financial services from other institutions.

"Right now we are advising our farmers to either go to Natsave or Indo Zambia Bank that have proved to be very, very helpful in terms of SAF," said Phiri.

Kalemba July 22, 2025

Monze aspiring MP calls for an end to GBV in MonzeMONZE Central aspiring Member of Parliament, Victor Cheelo has condemn...
22/07/2025

Monze aspiring MP calls for an end to GBV in Monze

MONZE Central aspiring Member of Parliament, Victor Cheelo has condemned the rising cases of Gender Based Violence (GBV) in Monze, especially among married couples.

https://www.facebook.com/share/175fj87stZ/?mibextid=oFDknk

This follows the brutal murder of a woman by her husband in Hamudebwe village which occurred on Sunday.

Cheelo described the act as senseless and a painful reminder of the growing threat of gender-based violence in the district.

“I am deeply disturbed by the recent surge in gender-based violence, particularly the tragic incident in Hamudebwe village where the husband killed his wife,” said Cheelo.

“This senseless act is a stark reminder of the urgent need to address domestic violence in our communities.”

Cheelo, who is eyeing political office in the 2026 general elections under the UPND ticket, appealed to couples to resolve marital disputes through dialogue rather than violence.

He called on families to embrace communication, empathy and understanding as tools for conflict resolution.

“Violence is never the answer. We must create a society where families live without fear and relationships are built on respect and compassion,” he said.

He further urged those facing difficulties in their marriages to seek help from local authorities, counselling services, or support groups.

Cheelo emphasized that gender-based violence should be condemned in all its forms and encouraged the community to stand united in protecting the vulnerable.

“My thoughts are with the families affected by this tragedy. Together, we can make a difference and build a future where love, respect, and understanding thrive in every home,” he said.

The aspiring MP called on Monze residents to unite in preventing such tragedies, adding that homes must become safe havens, not places of fear and danger.

Kalemba, July 23, 2025

Choklet!
22/07/2025

Choklet!

📸 New Nkwanzi Head Coach, Keegan Phiri!
22/07/2025

📸 New Nkwanzi Head Coach, Keegan Phiri!

22/07/2025

Mkushi South MP Davies Chisopa asked the Vice President Mutale Nalumango why Technology Minister Felix Mutati didn't inform the August House that AI was able to chew and speak fluent Bemba

Witches don’t exist, when someone dies, it’s God’s doing - HichilemaPRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema says Zambians have a ce...
22/07/2025

Witches don’t exist, when someone dies, it’s God’s doing - Hichilema

PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema says Zambians have a certain mystery about life and death, such that, when someone dies, they start pointing fingers and calling each other witches.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1C5sUhiwMT/?mibextid=oFDknk

Speaking at a Swearing-In Ceremony at State House this afternoon, President Hichilema stated that witches don’t exist and it is only God who controls life.

The Head of State said this to encourage the newly sworn in ambassador Plenipotentiary and Extraordinary to Israel, Mahuba Hazemba
who will be heading to the war torn country for duty.

President Hichilema said Hazemba shouldn’t be afraid of death for he was safe and protected by God.

He further advised the ambassador to stay away from the war front in order to protect himself from danger.

“Don’t be afraid of going there, you will be safe, don’t be afraid of dying. Zambians have this mystery about life and death. Only One controls life, He there...," the President said while pointing upwards.

"Where we are here, if God wanted, one of us will not leave this room in the next minute, you will remain here dead, he knows it, he’s already designed it that way. When somebody dies, you start fighting each other, kicking, calling each other witches... there are no witches."

He added:"Ambassador designate, there are no witches. They don’t exist, don’t fear death, you will be okay, obviously don’t walk to the war front."

Other officials sworn in at State House today, include Shadreck Mbewe as Commissioner of Lands, Brigadier General Wilson Tembo as Ambassador Plenipotentiary and Extraordinary to Zimbabwe and Lt Gen Sitali Alibwizi as ambassador Plenipotentiary and Extraordinary to Brazil...https://kalemba.news/politics/witches-dont-exist-when-someone-dies-its-gods-doing-hichilema/

By Catherine P**e

Kalemba, July 22, 2025

PHOTO STORY: President Hakainde Hichilema swore in newly appointed office holders at State House today.The officials inc...
22/07/2025

PHOTO STORY: President Hakainde Hichilema swore in newly appointed office holders at State House today.

The officials include Shadreck Mbewe as new Commissioner of Lands, Lieutenant General Sitali Dennis Alibuzwi (Retired) as Zambia’s Ambassador to Brazil, Mahuba Wesley Hazemba as Zambia’s Ambassador to Israel and Brigadier General Wilson Tembo (Retired) as High Commissioner to Zimbabwe.

Pictures by Catherine P**e

Kalemba, July 22, 2025

Katete to benefit from Government's targeted 7,000 km nationwide rural roads developmentKATETE District in Eastern Provi...
22/07/2025

Katete to benefit from Government's targeted 7,000 km nationwide rural roads development

KATETE District in Eastern Province is poised to benefit significantly from the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development's ambitious plan to develop 7,000 kilometers of rural roads across Zambia this year.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19RfLPLdG8/?mibextid=oFDknk

The ministry's Permanent Secretary for Technical Services Nicholas Phiri announced that Katete has been allocated K3.2 million specifically for the procurement of lubricants and fuel to operate its road equipment, effectively removing a long-standing excuse for poor road maintenance.

Speaking when he paid a courtesy call on the District Commisioner, Raphael Phiri last Friday, the PS made a strong call to the Katete Town Council, and by extension, all local authorities nationwide, to ensure that roads are constructed and maintained.

"We do not want a situation where a year elapses and no road has been done," he stated.

"Previously the excuse was that you didn't have money for fuel and lubricants. Now you have, you have got the building equipment, we are paying you money for lubricants and fuel. There should be absolutely no excuse why we cannot create the roads."

Phiri emphasised the importance of close collaboration between councils, the District Commissioner's office, traditional leaders, and ward councilors in prioritising which roads are critical for opening up access to markets and essential social and economic services.

The Permanent Secretary's remarks came after the Katete District Commissioner (DC) highlighted the dire state of the Katete-Chanida Road, describing it as a source of worry with almost nothing happening.

However, the DC will have a reason to smile over the Katete Chanida Road as the Road Development Agency (RDA) shared yesterday that they had started working on the road.

According to RDA, Government signed a Concession Agreement with Messrs. Lutembwe Consulting Company Limited to rehabilitate the Katete-Chanida Road and build a new border post at Chanida to a One Stop Border Post (OSBP) standard using the Public Private Partnership (PPP) financing model funded through equity and debt.

"As a result, the Concessionaire proposed to begin construction on about 10 kilometres of the project highway starting from the junction of the Great East Road and the Katete-Chanida Road utilising the equity component," RDA wrote.

"In light of the aforementioned approval, the Concessionaire has subsequently mobilised to the site and begun construction works."

The Katete-Chanida Road is a key trade route, connecting Zambia to the Port of Beira in Mozambique and handling a significant portion of Zambia's fuel imports and copper exports...https://kalemba.news/business/katete-to-benefit-form-governments-targeted-7000-km-nationwide-rural-roads-development/

Kalemba July 22, 2025

The fight of Amapiano and Afro Pop on the WAfCON pitch. Who is going to the final, Nigeria or South Africa?
22/07/2025

The fight of Amapiano and Afro Pop on the WAfCON pitch. Who is going to the final, Nigeria or South Africa?

Happy birthday to the girl we raised with our bundles 😅 Nigerian comedian turns 15.
22/07/2025

Happy birthday to the girl we raised with our bundles 😅 Nigerian comedian turns 15.

Keagan Phiri takes over as New Nkwazi FC head coachTHE Zambia Police Service has officially unveiled Acting Chief Inspec...
22/07/2025

Keagan Phiri takes over as New Nkwazi FC head coach

THE Zambia Police Service has officially unveiled Acting Chief Inspector Keagan Phiri as the new head coach of Nkwazi Football Club, signaling the start of what is expected to be a transformative era for the police-sponsored side.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EENyinoKH/?mibextid=oFDknk

Phiri, who has risen through the police ranks and now takes the technical reins of Nkwazi, has been tasked with guiding the club to new heights in the upcoming 2025/2026 FAZ Super League season.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony today Inspector General of Police Graphel Musamba, described Phiri’s appointment as a statement of confidence and trust in his leadership abilities.

“This is not about maintaining the status quo; it is about transformation. I want to see a team that exhibits structure, passion, resilience, and tactical discipline,” Musamba said during the unveiling.

The Inspector General emphasised that Nkwazi is not just a football team but a symbol of the Police Service’s discipline and values, and Phiri’s leadership must reflect those principles on and off the pitch.

Musamba assured the new coach of the full backing of the Police Service, promising resources and strategic support as Phiri steps into his new role.

By George Musonda

Kalemba July 22, 2025

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We are KALEMBA, we are Zambia’s most trusted, credible and authentic sources of online breaking news. We strive to be informative, educative and entertaining while providing a platform for ordinary Zambians to tell their stories. We believe everyone has a story to tell. We are a team of qualified journalists whose desire is to practice ethical journalism.