Local News

By Staff Reporter   Emerald and Semi-Precious Stones Mining Association of Zambia – ESMAZ has called for the abolishment of the re-introduced 15 percent export tax on Gemstones. Zambia has re-introduced a 15 percent export duty on Gemstones, through a statutory instrument dated 30th December, 2024, which came into effect on 1st January, 2025, revoking […]

By Respite Kaoma   The Timber Producers Association of Zambia (TPAZ) has called on President Hakainde Hichilema to fulfill his campaign pledge to lift the Mukula timber ban, citing challenges faced by industry players. TPAZ President Charles Masange told Mafken News that members of the association have struggled with delays in obtaining concession licenses and […]

By Comfort Nthala   Lusaka lawyer Celestine Mukandila has criticized the statement attributed to Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis, claiming it poses a threat to national security.  Speaking recently at a Political Party Liaison Committee meeting in Petauke, Mrs. Zaloumis expressed concerns about candidates who resign or withdraw after being nominated, describing […]

By Fridah Chalwe   Democratic Progressive Party DPP President, Antonio Mwanza, has called on government to cancel all existing export contracts related to power sales to other countries.   In a phone interview on the Mafken Fm express Chitchat Review, Mr. Mwanza criticized the handling of the Kariba Dam by ZESCO.    He pointed out […]

By Morgan Chomba   Recent heavy rains in Lusaka’s Kabanana area have left several families stranded, with many losing their homes and expressing fears of a potential cholera outbreak.   Blocked drainage systems have caused severe flooding, posing significant health risks to the affected residents. Elizabeth Mutonga and Emelda Kawambayi, residents of the area, have […]

By Anthony Chomba   A Social Justice Advocate Nonde Sikazwe has observed that the human rights of drug users in Zambia are not respected.   Mr. Nonde says in most cases, law enforcers are seen abusing drug users with impunity. Speaking during a Drug Sensitization meeting in Lusaka, Mr. Nonde called for action to end […]

By Staff Reporter   Occupational Health and Safety Institute says it is finding it challenging to provide health services to Artisanal Miners because they operate in a disorganised manner. Institute Chief Executive Officer Martha Chakulimba says the Institute is more than willing to offer its services to artisanal miners commonly known as jerabos in order […]

By Fridah Chalwe   Residents of Kawama West in Mufulira District on the Copperbelt Province, have raised concerns over the increasing theft of ZESCO cables in the area.  This comes after a suspected vandal was reportedly found lifeless while attempting to steal ZESCO transformer cables.   Josephine Mwansa, a resident, has called on government to […]

By Respite Kaoma   The National Union of Public and Private Education of Zambia (NUPPEZ) on the Copperbelt province has announced new partnerships aimed at supporting teachers and improving education in the region. Speaking in an interview with Mafken news in Kitwe, NUPPEZ Copperbelt Provincial Chairperson Agent Munkombwe revealed that, the union has signed a […]

By Comfort Nthala   Despite a slight increase in water levels at Lake Kariba, ZESCO has warned that the reservoir’s usable storage remains critically low. In a statement availed to Mafken News, ZESCO spokesperson Matongo Maumbi explains that although the rising water level is a positive development, it still falls far short of what is […]