Zambia Roundup: Healthcare, sports controversy, uranium recoveries

Zambians choose China for education

A growing number of young Zambians, like 18-year-old Mercy Banda, are choosing China for tertiary education, attracted by its strong academic standards and practical skills focus. Banda is set to study civil engineering in Beijing, believing that education in China will help her become a leading civil engineer and contribute to Zambia's infrastructure development. According to Xinhua, factors driving this trend include China's affordable education, available scholarships, and active promotion of its universities. Wensi Recruitment Agency, which has assisted over 200 Zambian youth in studying abroad, reports a significant increase in interest in studies in China compared to Europe.

Uranium recoveries

GoviEx Uranium Inc. has reported impressive uranium recoveries exceeding 90% at its Mutanga Project in Zambia, surpassing the previous average of 88%. CEO Daniel Major highlighted the advancements in metallurgical testing, which included increased column sizes for more accurate results. The improvements are crucial for the ongoing feasibility study, expected to reveal high recoveries and low acid consumption. GoviEx is finalizing operating and capital cost assessments and plans to release a full feasibility report by year-end, reports Proactive. The company is also working to meet IFC standards for its Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and is exploring early works to expedite the project.

FIFA U-17 women

The FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2024 marks a significant milestone for African football, featuring Kenya's first appearance in a FIFA tournament and Zambia's continued participation. Zambia faced Brazil, losing 1-0 but demonstrating strong defensive resilience throughout the match despite conceding a goal in the 19th minute. Their performance showcased improvement and commitment in international competition. Kenya played against England, losing 2-0 in their historic debut. England took an early lead with a penalty, and despite Kenya’s efforts to counter, they could not equalise. A late goal from England sealed the match. Both teams’ experiences provide valuable lessons for future competitions and development in women’s football in Africa, CAF Online reports.

Zambian healthcare saves the day

Many Zimbabweans, facing a failing healthcare system, are seeking better medical care in Zambia. Shupikai Sithole, a cancer patient, illustrates this trend after her insufficient treatment in Zimbabwe led her family to the advanced facilities at Mtendere Mission Hospital in Zambia. Here, she found hope and compassionate care, contrasting sharply with her experiences in the overcrowded and under-resourced hospitals back home. The crisis in Zimbabwe's healthcare is exacerbated by economic and political issues, driving citizens to seek treatment abroad. Tom Shiriyedenga's tragic experience, having lost his wife due to inadequate care, underscores the need for urgent reform. He advocates for change to prevent others from facing similar hardships. According to Bulawayo, health experts emphasize the dire need for improvement in Zimbabwe’s healthcare infrastructure, calling for government action to ensure access to quality medical services is a constitutional right. As many continue to turn to Zambia and even South Africa for healthcare, the need for reform in Zimbabwe remains critical.

Journalist arrested three times in a year

Zambian journalist Thomas Allan Zgambo was arrested for the third time in a year on October 16, 2024, at a Lusaka police station without charges, sparking concerns from the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). They urged Zambian authorities to release him and drop all criminal cases against him, criticizing the government's failure to uphold press freedom despite President Hakainde Hichilema's promises. Zgambo's previous arrests were linked to charges of seditious practices stemming from his critical reporting on the government. His latest arrest followed Hichilema's public commitment to support press freedom. Zgambo claimed the arrests were attempts to silence him, reports Committee to Protect Journalists.