Zambia Roundup: Social media monetisation, fugitive MP, nationwide blackout

Distribution of oral cholera vaccines

Zambia will begin distributing oral cholera vaccines in the first week of December, focusing on 54 identified cholera hotspots to prevent outbreaks during the rainy season. The country has 2 million doses on hand, with 3 million more expected soon. Enhanced surveillance and oral rehydration points have been established in these areas. Efforts include collaboration with community volunteers to promote hygiene. During the 2023-2024 outbreak, Zambia saw over 20,000 cholera cases and nearly 700 deaths.

Social media monetisation

Zambia's government plans to update the Internet Broadcasting Authority (IBA) Act to monetise social media, according to Information and Media Minister Cornelius Mweetwa. He clarified that this initiative aims to enhance the act without limiting citizens' freedom of expression on social media. The government is already working on repealing and replacing the existing IBA Act.

Almost a quarter of Zambians practice open defecation

On World Toilet Day, November 19, Minister of Water Development and Sanitation, Collins Nzovu, highlighted that 24% of Zambians still practice open defecation, which worsens disease transmission, particularly in vulnerable communities. The commemoration at Chinika Secondary School aimed to raise awareness about the importance of sanitation for public health.

Fugitive MP arrested in Zimbabwe

Emmanuel "Jay Jay" Banda, a fugitive Zambian MP facing robbery charges, has been arrested in Zimbabwe after escaping custody in August. Banda fled through a window at Chipata Central Hospital while under police guard. A bounty of 2 million kwacha (approximately $72,000) was placed on him. He was arrested in Harare at a rented flat and will be extradited to Zambia. The Zambian government is investigating those who facilitated his escape, and opposition figures have decried the situation as politically motivated, claiming the charges against him are aimed at silencing dissent related to alleged state abductions.

Zambia and Zimbabwe experience simultaneous blackout

Zambia and Zimbabwe experienced simultaneous nationwide power blackouts on the night of Sunday, November 24, likely due to a disturbance on power lines connected to South Africa's Eskom utility. The outages began at 8:15 PM in Zambia and 8:25 PM in Zimbabwe. Both state power companies, ZESA and ZESCO, reported system disturbances leading to the loss of power supply. Restoration efforts began immediately, with power largely restored in Zimbabwe by 3 AM the following day. Both countries face significant power generation shortfalls due to low water levels at the Kariba Dam, resulting in widespread and prolonged power cuts, particularly in Zimbabwe where cuts can last up to 18 hours a day.