Favourite K. Chisi

Teledoctor Zambia Founder, Professor Wilbroad Mutale, has ecpressed concern over the growing number of unemployed medical graduates in Zambia, describing the situation as a “painful reality” that demands urgent and innovative action. In a statement issued this week, Prof. Mutale a physician and medical academic said it is disheartening to see talented young doctors, many of whom he mentored and taught, idle due to limited employment opportunities in the health sector. “There comes a time when silence is no longer wisdom,” he said. “I have watched with pride and pain as our medical education system produces brilliant doctors, yet the system offers them no place to heal.” In response to this crisis, Teledoctor Zambia, in collaboration with the Resident Doctors Association of Zambia (RDAZ) and the Zambia Medical Association (ZMA), has launched two key initiatives: the Steth Aside Competition  and the Healthcare Development and Empowerment Indaba . Prof. Mutale has explained that the S...

Public Health, Youth, and Community Education expert Dr. Beck Banda has said   that the recent forensic audit of the medical supply chain by Price   water   house   Coopers (PwC) has exposed the government’s failure to move beyond rhetoric on accountability. “We have seen that people talk more than they act. There is too much politicking and not enough implementation of systems that serve the interests of citizens,” Dr. Banda said. He has described the audit report as a shame and deeply disappointing, noting that even under the new administration, the country continues to fall short of governance standards meant to protect public health interests. Dr. Banda has stressed that  the forensic audit is not a routine report, but one that presents detailed evidence of resource mismanagement and plunder. “It is unfortunate that systems have not been put in place at a critical institution like the Ministry of Health to prevent internal scandals,” he added. Dr. Banda has ...

The Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) Programme, which recently concluded, is currently undergoing a comprehensive review aimed at assessing its impact, efficiency, and sustainability. Community Development and Social Services Minister Doreen Mwamba sa id  the findings will guide potential expansion and inform strategic next steps to better support Zambia’s most vulnerable citizens. Delivering a ministerial statement on the impact of social protection programmes   including the Social Cash Transfer (SCT) and Cash for Work initiatives , Ms. Mwamba said the government will use insights from the review to enhance coordination, expand digital systems, and strengthen partnerships with various stakeholders. She has stressed that social protection should not be seen as a handout but rather as an investment in human dignity, a driver of inclusive growth, and a key pillar of national development. The Minister has reiterated government’s unwavering commitment to improving the quality of lif...

Beltz Mining Limited Director Nkandu Beltz  has described Zambia’s mining sector as being on the right path, despite ongoing challenges and complexities on the ground. Speaking in an interview, Ms. Beltz has acknowledged that while operating in the country presents several hurdles, significant progress is being made particularly noticeable to those observing Zambia’s development from both within and outside. “It hasn’t been easy. We've had a few issues recently, but that does not negate the progress achieved so far. I believe we are heading in the right direction,”  she said. Ms. Beltz has commended the government’s efforts in managing the surge of interest in mineral discoveries, especially given that many of these deposits are now accessible at or near the surface, leading to a rush in mining activities particularly by artisanal miners. “People are rushing because they are hungry. They want to feed their children. It’s a tough situation, but the government is taking the righ...

A new report by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) has revealed that 26% of Africa’s assessed freshwater fish species face the threat of extinction, with experts warning that the true number could be much higher due to widespread data gaps. Released ahead of the Ramsar COP15 global wetlands conference in Zimbabwe, the report "Africa’s Forgotten Fishes"  raises the alarm over the silent collapse of freshwater biodiversity on the continent, which could have far-reaching consequences for food security, livelihoods, and ecological health. “Africa is a global hotspot of freshwater fish diversity, home to over 3,200 species, but it’s also a hotspot of risk,” said Eric Oyare , WWF Africa Freshwater Lead. “When these fish disappear, we lose much more than species: we lose food and nutrition security, livelihoods, ecosystem balance, and our ability to adapt to climate change.” The report underscores Africa’s dependence on freshwater ecosystems. With an average per capita catch of 2....

The National Water Supply and Sanitation Council (NWASCO) has, for the first time since launching the ‘Battle of the Brains’ competition in 2019, extended the quiz to primary schools, marking a major milestone in promoting water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) awareness among younger learners. NWASCO Public Relations and Communications Manager, Mpunga Chipepo Simukwai, said the event   held in partnership with the Bremen Overseas Research and Development Association (BORDA) Zambia   was a significant step for both the education and water sectors. “We are thrilled to celebrate young minds who have risen to the challenge of engaging with critical water and sanitation issues, all of which are central to national development and everyday life,” she said. “We strongly believe that fostering a water-conscious and sanitation-smart Zambia begins with engaging our children early and meaningfully.” This year’s finalists   Chainda Open Community School, Chibolya Combined School, and ...

The atmosphere was electric with anticipation at the 2025 Battle of the Brains grand finale , as enthusiastic pupils from Chainda Open , Chibolya Combined , and Kamanga Primary Schools  took their seats, ready to compete in Zambia’s first-ever national WASH-themed quiz  tailored for primary school learners . Hosted by the National Water Supply and Sanitation Council (NWASCO)  in partnership with BORDA Zambia , the event was more than a knowledge contest. It was a celebration of vision, innovation, and youth empowerment   a powerful demonstration that children, especially at the primary level, must be central to the national conversation on water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) .   Kamanga Primary School   After a fiercely contested and inspiring round of quiz challenges, Kamanga Primary School  emerged victorious, scooping the top prize  and earning national recognition  as champions. Chibolya Combined School  secured second place, walki...