NKANI

Citizens First President Harry Kalaba has visited the funeral home in Pretoria, South Africa. Kalaba took time to pray and console the former First Lady madam Esther Lungu. He is accompanied by Citizens First members of the central committee Faith Munthali, Martin Kaluba and Mashindi Ntambu. The CF leader is expected to attend the burial of the late 6th President Edgar CHAGWA Lungu.

A Zambian soldier has died following a deadly attack that occurred on June 20 in the Central African Republic.

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Another Zambian soldier was injured during the same attack and is currently receiving medical treatment.

Ministry of Defence Permanent Secretary Maambo Haamaundu confirmed the incident in a media statement.

“We wish to confirm the attack on Zambian peacekeepers in the Central African Republic, which resulted in the death of one soldier and the injury of another,” he said.

Mr Haamaundu said the Ministry of Defence extends its condolences to the family of the deceased Zambian peacekeeper.

“We further send our best wishes to the gallant soldier who is currently receiving treatment in hospital following the attack on peacekeepers on Friday,” he added.

Mr Haamaundu said the Government is in contact with the United Nations and the families of the affected soldiers to ensure all necessary procedures are followed regarding the burial of the deceased and the treatment of the injured.

He said further details will be released in due course.

Meanwhile, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has strongly condemned the deadly attack on peacekeepers serving with the UN Peacekeeping Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), which claimed the life of a Zambian peacekeeper and left another wounded.

Zambian soldier killed in deadly attack in Central African Republic. A Zambian soldier has died following a deadly attack that occurred on June 20 in the Central African Republic.
Another Zambian soldier was injured during the same attack and is currently receiving medical treatment.
Ministry of Defence Permanent Secretary Maambo Haamaundu confirmed the incident in ...

PRESIDENT HAKAINDE HICHILEMA WILL ADDRESS THE NATION AT 19 HRS

Four armed criminals have ambushed a businessman in Chilanga, shooting him before fleeing with cash.
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THE Bank of Zambia has introduced a new family of Zambian currency.

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The new family of banknotes and coins will consist of six banknotes K500, K200, K100, K50, K20, and K10 and six coins, including K5, K2, K1, 50N, 10N, and 5N.

BOZ Governor Dr. Danny Kalyalya said the new currency will be launched on March 31, 2025.

He said the alpha code (ZMW), the numeric code (967), and the currency symbol (K) will remain unchanged, as will the value.

Dr Kalyalya said the design of the new currency draws inspiration from the country's rich heritage, featuring elements that celebrate Zambia’s unique flora, fauna, and breathtaking waterfalls.

“By incorporating these elements, the new currency not only honors our cultural heritage but also strengthens its role as a symbol of pride and unity for all Zambian citizens, as exemplified by our national motto, One Zambia, One Nation.

This initiative, which was approved by the Board in July 2021, reflects the Bank's commitment to providing currency that is secure, efficient, user-friendly, and well-suited for everyday transactions,” he said.

Dr Kalyalya said the new series represents a significant step forward, combining cutting-edge design with advanced security features to protect against counterfeiting and other threats to the integrity of the currency.

He added that the Minister of Finance and National Planning will soon issue a Statutory Instrument (SI) detailing the procedures for exchanging the old currency for the new series.

“The SI will also specify the exchange period as well as the designated exchange points across the country where the public can exchange their old currency for the new currency.

To facilitate this change, the Bank will launch a nationwide sensitization campaign to educate the public about the new currency so that everyone understands and becomes familiar with its features,” Dr Kalyalya said.

He encouraged members of the public to continue using the existing banknotes and coins, which remain legal tender until a specified time in the SI.

“We also call upon members of the public to embrace other available payment methods, such as digital financial services, as alternative means of making payments.

The Bank further urges the general public to remain calm and actively support the roll-out process. Your cooperation, as esteemed stakeholders, is a critical success factor for this extremely important initiative in our beloved country,” Dr Kalyalya said.

Additionally, the Governor apologized to the nation for what he described as the current poor state of banknotes.

“May I take this opportunity, on behalf of the Bank and indeed on my own behalf, to sincerely apologize for the current poor state of the banknotes. With the introduction of the new currency, this should soon be a thing of the past,” he said.