SPICE FM 91.1 Kabwe

29/10/2026

NKANDU CALLS FOR STRONGER COOPERATION TO IMPROVE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION DISSEMINATION

Newly appointed Minister of Information and Media Elvis Nkandu has called for collective effort and cooperation among management and staff in the Ministry to strengthen the provision of Government information to the public.

Mr Nkandu said the Ministry must enhance its communication role to ensure that citizens are adequately informed about Government policies, programmes and priorities.

He stressed the need for every Zambian to understand and participate in the Government’s Grow Zambia Agenda, noting that the Ministry should explore effective ways of extending the reach of Government information to people across the country.

Mr Nkandu was speaking when he was officially welcomed to the Ministry, where he expressed his desire to establish a cordial working relationship with management and staff.

He said although he was familiar with the media sector, he was keen to gain a deeper understanding of the Ministry’s functions and responsibilities to effectively execute his mandate.

Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary for Information and Media Thabo Kawana outlined the Ministry’s key institutional responsibilities, mandate and legislative matters requiring the Minister’s attention.

Mr Kawana assured the Minister that management was ready to provide the necessary briefings and technical support as he settles into office.

He identified broadcasting and television services as one of the Ministry’s three core functions, highlighting the roles of the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) and the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC).

Mr Kawana further disclosed that new legislation intended to replace the laws governing the IBA and ZNBC was awaiting commencement orders.

He recommended that the Minister receive a comprehensive briefing on the new Acts before decisions are made regarding their commencement and implementation.

The Permanent Secretary also outlined the Ministry’s responsibility for providing policy direction on information dissemination and media development.

On the regulation of journalism, Mr Kawana noted that Zambia does not have a specific statutory law governing journalism practitioners, adding that journalists, like other citizens, remain subject to the laws of the Republic.

He explained that allegations of criminal wrongdoing involving journalists are ordinarily handled through the criminal justice system, while the Ministry has no legal mandate to adjudicate or intervene in disputes between journalists and law enforcement agencies or the courts.

Mr Kawana also highlighted the roles of Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS), ZANIS TV, Zambia Daily Mail and Times of Zambia in disseminating official information, promoting civic education and informing the public about Government policies, programmes and services.

He further recognised the role of the Zambia Institute of Mass Communication (ZAMCOM) in providing communication and media training.

Mr Kawana reaffirmed management’s commitment to providing the Minister with the necessary institutional support and technical guidance as he assumes responsibility for the Ministry.

SPICE FM 91.1 Kabwe NEWS

29/10/2026

29/10/2026

*THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29TH 2026.*

*THIRTIETH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR II.*

*FIRST READING*
“Take the whole armour of God, that you may be able, having done all, to stand.”

*A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Ephesians (EPHESIANS 6: 10 - 20)*

Finally, brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we are not contending against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having fastened the belt of truth around your waist, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the equipment of the gospel of peace; above all taking the shield of faith, with which you can quench all the flaming darts of the Evil One. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that utterance may be given me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

*The Word of the Lord.*

*RESPONSORIAL PSALM*
Taken from Psalm 144: 1, 2, 9 - 10 (R.) 1a

And the response is;
*R/. Blest be the Lord, my rock.*

Blest be the Lord, my rock,
who trains my hands for battle,
who prepares my fingers for war. *R/.*

He is my merciful love, my fortress;
he is my stronghold, my saviour,
my shield in whom I take refuge.
He brings peoples under my rule. *R/.*

To you, O God, will I sing a new song;
I will play on the ten-stringed harp to you
who give kings their victory,
who set David your servant free from the evil sword. *R/.*

*GOSPEL ACCLAMATION*
Luke 19: 38; 2: 14

*Alleluia.*
Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord; peace on earth, and glory in the highest.
*Alleluia.*

*GOSPEL*
“It cannot be that a prophet should perish away from Jerusalem.”

*A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (LUKE 13: 31 - 35)*

On that day some Pharisees came, and said to Jesus, “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.” And he said to them, “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I finish my course. Nevertheless I must go on my way today and tomorrow and the day following; for it cannot be that a prophet should perish away from Jerusalem. ’ O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, killing the prophets and stoning those who are sent to you! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not! Behold, your house is forsaken. And I tell you, you will not see me until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! ”’

*The Gospel of the Lord.*

28/10/2026

PRESIDENT HICHILEMA CHALLENGES NEW CABINET TO FAST-TRACK SERVICE DELIVERY AND INVESTMENT

President Hakainde Hichilema has challenged his newly appointed Cabinet to accelerate service delivery, facilitate investment and eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks, saying Government performance must be measured by tangible results that improve the lives of Zambians.

Speaking during the swearing-in of his second-term Cabinet at State House in Lusaka, President Hichilema identified digitalisation of public services, efficient revenue collection, energy security, export promotion and accelerated economic growth as key priorities for the new administration.

The President called for greater accountability, teamwork and financial discipline among public officials, urging Ministers to take collective responsibility for implementing Government programmes and delivering measurable results.

He directed the digitalisation of revenue collection processes, particularly ground rent, property transactions and related fees, to reduce delays, improve efficiency and strengthen domestic revenue mobilisation.

On energy security, President Hichilema set a target of 10,000 megawatts of electricity generation, calling for increased investment in alternative energy sources that are less dependent on rainfall. He also emphasised the need to improve electricity access across constituencies.

The President further disclosed plans for a new Harare-Lusaka petroleum pipeline aimed at diversifying fuel supply routes and strengthening Zambia’s energy security.

On trade and investment, he urged the Ministry responsible for commerce and trade to intensify export promotion, particularly in regional markets such as Botswana and Namibia, noting that increased trade and investment are essential for economic growth and job creation.

President Hichilema also challenged Ministries and public institutions to remove unnecessary administrative delays that frustrate investors.

He cited the United Capital Fertilizer project, which he said had attracted more than three billion United States dollars in investment, with the figure projected to rise to five billion dollars.

He stressed that stronger coordination among Government institutions was necessary to expedite investment approvals, create employment opportunities and expand the national revenue base.

The President urged the new Cabinet to work as a united, results-oriented team, ensuring that national development priorities translate into tangible economic and social benefits for citizens.

Meanwhile, President Hichilema has appointed 28 Cabinet Ministers to oversee various portfolios.

The Ministers are Situmbeko Musokotwane for Finance; Mulambo Haimbe for Foreign Affairs; Professor Roma Chilengi for Health; Dr Gilbert Siame for Green Economy and Environment; Ambrose Lufuma for Defence; and Dr Clement Andeleki for Home Affairs.

Others are Moses Moyo for Agriculture; Olive Chiboola for Livestock; Dr Caroline Katotobwe for Trade and Exports; Noel Nkoma for Industry; Lucky Sichone for Small and Medium Enterprise; Brenda Tambatamba for Mines; Peter Kapala for Electricity; and Makozo Chikote for Petroleum.

Princess Kasune has been appointed Minister of Tourism, Collins Nzovu for Infrastructure, Patrick Mucheleka for Lands, Elisha Matambo for Water Development and Sanitation, and Elvis Nkandu for Information and Media.

The remaining appointments are Douglas Syakalima for Skills and Higher Education; Felix Mutati for Technology and Science; Harry Kamboni for Education; Gift Sialubalo for Local Government; Jack Mwiimbu for Justice; Misheck Nyambose for Labour and Social Security; Sheal Mulyata for Community Development; Likando Mufalali for Youth and Sports; and Christopher Chibuye for Culture and Arts.

President Hichilema has also appointed ten Provincial Ministers.

They are Mwabashike Nkulukusa for Central Province; Emmanuel Kasambo for Copperbelt Province; Yamikani Phiri for Eastern Province; Lesley Mulwanda for Luapula Province; Obvious Mwaliteta for Lusaka Province; Jairos Simbeye for Muchinga Province; Wedden Chileshe for Northern Province; Robert Lihefu for North-Western Province; Edgar Sing’ombe for Southern Province; and Kapelwa Ashley Mbangweta for Western Province.

The appointments come as the President calls for greater efficiency in public administration, stronger investment facilitation and coordinated efforts to advance Zambia’s economic and social development.

SPICE FM 91.1 Kabwe NEWS