FANNY KALONDA, MARY LEMBA  Lusaka STAKEHOLDERS have called on civil society organisations (CSOs) to uphold objectivity, fairness and accountability when commenting on matters of national interest, particularly the apprehension of former Petauke Central Member of Parliament Emmanuel Jay Banda. They have questioned the approach taken by some CSOs in discussing Mr Banda’s apprehension and transfer from Mozambique to Zambia, arguing that human rights advocacy should be balanced with respect for the rule of law and the rights of all affected individuals. Featuring on Crown TV’s Spotlight programme, democracy advocate Fabian Mutale accused some CSOs of hypocrisy for questioning the circumstances surrounding Mr Banda’s apprehension without adequately considering his alleged escape from lawful custody. Mr Mutale said stakeholders should focus on ensuring that Mr Banda answers to the allegations against him through the judicial process rather than demanding details of the security agencies’ operations. “It is time for JJ Banda to...

TRYNESS TEMBO, JOSHUA MAZIMBA Lusaka ZAMBIA Development Agency (ZDA) has signed an investment promotion and protection agreement (IPPA) with Rong Xing Investments to invest US$122 million in a copper processing project in Kalulushi in Copperbelt Province. The agreement was signed yesterday, with ZDA director general Albert Halwampa describing it as a strong sign of Zambia’s commitment to fostering a conducive climate for direct foreign investment. “Today’s signing demonstrates Zambia’s steadfast commitment to supporting private investment,” Mr Halwampa said. “This agreement strengthens investor confidence and further reinforces our nation’s position as an attractive destination for mining and industrial investment.” Rong Xing Investments, which has been operating in the country for 10 years, is located in the Sabina area on the Mufulira road in Kalulushi. A Zambian subsidiary of Jin Xun, it has already invested US$42 million into the project while US$30 million is currently being invested in the construction of plant...

Veep says no loadshedding, isolated power outages due to routine maintenance PHILIP CHISALU Lusaka GOVERNMENT has assured the nation that Zambia has sufficient electricity to avoid a return to load-shedding. Vice-President Mutale Nalumango gave the assurance during Vice-President’s Question Time in National Assembly yesterday, dismissing concerns about a possible return to power rationing. She attributed the isolated power outages in some areas to routine maintenance. Mrs Nalumango also maintained that Government would not explain the circumstances surrounding the arrest of former Petauke Central Member of Parliament Emmanuel Jay Banda, saying Mr Banda should explain how he was apprehended. She was responding to Sesheke East MP Romeo Kang’ombe, who expressed shock that some civil society organisations were demanding an explanation from Government over the operation that led to Mr Banda’s arrest. Mrs Nalumango called for objective commentary on the matter, referring to Mr Banda’s previous claims that he could foresee events...

CLIVE SIKAONGA Lusaka THE Bank of Zambia (BoZ) has donated laundry equipment worth K1.5 million to the University Teaching Hospitals (UTH) to improve operations at the Adult Hospital. Speaking during the handover in Lusaka, BoZ Deputy Governor Rekha Mhango said the donation will support efforts to renovate the facility and improve conditions for patients and healthcare workers. The equipment comprises two industrial pressing irons, three industrial pressing machines, two digital scales and two hydro extractors to help manage large volumes of laundry and reduce cross contamination risks. Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for donor coordination George Sinyangwe said laundry services are essential to infection prevention and patient safety. Dr Sinyangwe urged hospital management to ensure the equipment is properly installed, maintained and accounted for. Meanwhile, Lusaka District Commissioner Rosa Kayuni Zulu commended BoZ for complementing government efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery, urging UTH management to safeguard the equipment and ensure...

CHOMBA MUSIKA Lusaka THE Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) has congratulated Emelda Musonda on her appointment as Zambia Daily Mail’s first female managing director. IBA director general Webster Malido said the authority is confident that Ms Musonda’s experience, institutional knowledge and leadership will contribute to the continued growth and success of the institution. “IBA looks forward to continued collaboration with your organisation in advancing our shared commitment to informing and serving the public,” Mr Malido said in a statement issued yesterday. He has wished Ms Musonda success in her role. And Women in News (WIN) Zambia Chapter says the appointment of Ms Musonda is a breakthrough in public media leadership, noting that men held the top position at the public media company for more than 70 years. Chapter lead Jubiel Zulu said the appointment is particularly significant because Ms Musonda is not only an accomplished media leader but WIN Zambia’s country...

MATHEWS MALAZIKA Lusaka GOVERNMENT has proposed a K19.9 billion supplementary budget, with K14.7 billion earmarked to pay farmers who supplied maize to the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) this year. Presenting the supplementary estimates to the House yesterday, Minister of Finance and National Planning Situmbeko Musokotwane said the additional funding is required to meet spending pressures, particularly following FRA’s purchase of maize volumes far above its original target. Dr Musokotwane said the agency has bought 2.7 million tonnes of maize against a target of 500,000 tonnes. Of the proposed supplementary budget, K15.8 billion, representing 79 percent, has been allocated to the Ministry of Agriculture. The allocation includes K14.7 billion for payments to maize suppliers and K1.1 billion to support the 2026/2027 Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) e-voucher scheme. The Ministry of Finance and National Planning has been allocated K1.3 billion, representing 6.3 percent of the proposed supplementary budget. Dr Musokotwane said...