Zambia Roundup: Mineral investment, railway museum, ending gender-based violence

Hakainde Hichilema accused of subverting democracy

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema is accused of using lawfare to weaken opposition and secure re-election. He has targeted opposition leaders through the courts and manipulated the judiciary, parliament, electoral commission, and civil service to consolidate his power. According to Mail and Guardian, this includes arrests of opposition leaders, suppressing the right to protest, and skewing appointments in his favour. Critics argue that Hichilema is undermining democracy and human rights.

Railway museum shines light on Jewish history

The Gateway Jewish Museum in Zambia sheds light on the country's rich Jewish history. At its peak, there were about 1,200 Jews in Zambia, but today there are only 11. Despite their small numbers, they had a significant impact on the country's commercial, political, and intellectual life. The Jewish community in Zambia had open and equitable relations with Africans and made important contributions to the nation's development. The museum and a medical school in Ndola, funded by the Council of Zambian Jewry, serve as a tribute to the Jewish heritage in Zambia. The Jerusalem Post reports that Rabbi Moshe Silberhaft of the African Jewish Congress oversees the needs and heritage of the remaining Jewish community in Zambia.

Woman raises funds for children with sponsored 7200-mile walk

Maxine Stevens, a woman from Basingstoke, southern England is organising a sponsored 7,200-mile virtual walk to raise money for a school in Livingstone, Zambia, where she has supported a young man for 25 years. Self-employed Maxine who runs a holistic therapy business visited Zambia in the early 2000s and ended up sponsoring a five-year-old boy called Paul Kamwi.The funds raised will go towards providing a reliable water source and a safe play area for the schoolchildren. Gazette adds that the virtual event, open to all, will take place from July to September, with participants walking, running, swimming, or cycling the distance. To donate or take part in the fundraising events, email [email protected] or visit the GoFundMe page.

Ending gender-based violence

In Zambia, gender-based violence (GBV) increases the risk of HIV infection for women. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) supports training healthcare workers to identify and respond to GBV. This has led to a decrease in HIV-positive tests for survivors of GBV. Health centres also enlist survivors to address harmful social norms in the community. This support has rekindled Queen, a gender-based violence survivor's dream of becoming a nurse and has given her hope for the future, Share America reports.

Mineral investment

Zambia is poised to create a dedicated organization focused on mineral investment and trade, aiming to maximize profits from its abundant natural resources. This initiative received the green light from the Cabinet on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. As Africa's second-leading copper producer, Zambia plans to launch a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) through ZCCM Investment Holdings, which currently holds various mining assets, to facilitate investment and trading activities, reports Zawya.