Press Release:

Lusaka, Zambia-05th December, 2024.

Zambia Institute of Environmental Health (ZIEH) shocked and

saddened by the inclusion of unjust provisions in the Health

Professions Bill 2024 (N.A.B. 11/2024)

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The Zambia Institute of Environmental Health (ZIEH) has learnt with great concern about inclusion

of unjust provisions in the Health Professions Bill (N.A.B. 11/2024) without consensus of all key

stakeholders. Reliable information indicates that only two Professional Associations have been

secretly included in the Bill on the proposed composition of the Board, a deviation from the

agreements reached during prior stakeholder engagements.

ZIEH strongly condemns these actions, which appear not to be driven by collective interests of all

health professionals. We firmly oppose and believe that legislative frameworks should reflect the

interests of the majority and promote equity among all key stakeholders.

As Environmental Health Professionals, we do not support a Bill that does not embrace ALL

PROFESSIONS that are registered under the Health Professions Council of Zambia (HPCZ).

We, therefore, join the rest of the Health Professions in Zambia registered under HPCZ to call for

the immediate withdrawal of the current Bill and demand that it be reintroduced for comprehensive

and inclusive stakeholder consultations. Should attempts persist to proceed with a flawed Bill,

ZIEH working corroboratively with other Health Professions, is prepared to take resolute action to

protect the interests of its members and the broader public.

ZIEH expects that due diligence is done to the current Health Professions Bill before it is made

into law. We remain committed to be objective and ensure that this Bill is inclusive, fair, and

beneficial to the nation as a whole.

Issued by//:

Collins Siame

SECRETARY GENERAL

The Permanent Secretary says Chief Justice Mumba Malila has exercised his discretion to grant the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) permission to broadcast live the delivery of the Constitutional Court’s judgment on 10th December, 2024.

This follows a request by ZNBC to live broadcast court proceedings in selected cases of public interest.

Mr Kawana says the development marks a significant step in enhancing public access to judicial proceedings.

He said while other media houses will be allowed to be present in the courtroom, it is important to note that ZNBC will be the sole media outlet permitted to set up cameras in the courtroom and broadcast the proceedings live.

Government believes that this initiative will positively contribute to transparency and enhance public understanding of judicial processes, furthering commitment to open justice.

At the 10th Policy Committee Meeting held in April this year, which considered the live broadcast of court proceedings in selected cases of public interest and in line with the principle of open justice, Chief Justice Malila, SC, has made a commitment to implement the initiative.

PRESS STATEMENT

For Immediate Release

3^rd December 2024

USE OF UNPARLIAMENTARY LANGAUGE WORRIES NGOCC

The Non-governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has noted with concern, the uncharacteristic utterances by some male Members of Parliament, targeting certain female parliamentarians. Particularly, we have been disturbed by the behaviour and verbal abuse exhibited by the Member of Parliament for Mpika Constituency, Honourable Francis Robert Kapyanga towards Honourable Sibeso K. Sefulo, Member of Parliament for Mwandi Constituency on the floor of the house.

While we note the apology rendered by Hon. Kapyanga and subsequent parliamentary disciplinary procedures, we firmly believe that the derogatory remarks were deliberately calculated to undermine and disrespect a female Parliamentarian. Members of Parliament must be reminded to hold the highest standards befitting the decorum of Parliament by ensuring that they guard against uncouth language. An apology neither takes back the inflammatory remarks nor erases the potential damage to another person’s self-esteem, let alone their persona and standing in society.

Our leaders and citizens at large, ought to be reminded that Zambia has grappled with very few women in decision-making positions, especially at the Parliamentary and Local Government levels. One of the leading causes of this very gloomy situation is the tendency of male leaders and other members of the public, to demean female leaders holding public offices. This practice tends to discourage many women and female youth alike, from aspiring for leadership, including political leadership.

We take this opportunity to urge Parliamentarians and indeed the general public, especially the males to be in the fore front of creating an environment where all citizens are free to participate in leadership without fear of reproach or sexist attacks. Women, like men, have the democratic right to vie for public office at any level and therefore, deserve support from everyone.

ISSUED;

for/NGOCC

Beauty Katebe

NGOCC CHAIRPERSON

Traditional leaders in North Western Province are happy with president Hichilema’s wishing he could continue beyond 2030.

Senior Chief Musele made the remakes in Kasempa during the official signing ceremony for the construction of Mutanda – Kaoma road.

Senior Chief Musele says the UPND administration has demonstrated visionary leadership.

Controversy has continued to swirl around the 220 hectares of land located in Bwana Mkubwa constituency, in Ndola.

Copperbelt Minister Elisha Matambo has distanced himself from the allegation surrounding the land.

Some bus operators in Lusaka want a fare adjustment proposal to the Road Transport and Safety Agency.

In an interview with crown TV, Gift Motoka, says the frequent fuel price hikes have pushed public bus operators to the brink, forcing them to run their businesses at a loss.