Metro

South Africa to introduce law decriminalizing prostitution

Published

2 years ago

December 10, 2022

The South African government is to introduce a new law aimed at decriminalizing prostitution in a bid to combat growing violence against women in the country.

The legislation presented by the Justice Department on Friday, states that the “offer and use of sexual services will no longer be treated as a crime” so as to protect the over 150,000 commercial sex workers spread across the country.

The presentation which was made by Justice Minister Ronald Lamola at a press briefing, noted that decriminalizing prostitution will create better access to care and protection for the sex workers.

“It is hoped that decriminalization will reduce human rights violations against sex workers,” Lamola said.

“It would also allow for better access to care and protection for sex workers, better working conditions and less discrimination and stigma,” he added.

The minister also noted that South Africa which is one of the countries with the world’s largest HIV epidemic, has been hit by a wave of violence against women with commercial sex workers often targeted for rape and brutall attacks often leading to their death.

“Police figures released in November showed that the number of rapes and sexual assaults increased by 13% between 2017-2018 and 2021-2022. A rape is reported to the police every 12 minutes, not counting all those that are never reported,” the Justice Department report said.

“Murders of women jumped to 52% in the first three months of this year compared to the same period last year. If sex workers are no longer labelled as criminals, they will be able to work much better with the police to combat violence,” it added.

The bill, which has been released for public consultation, however, deals only with decriminalization of prostitution and does not regulate the sex industry, which the Justice Minister said would be addressed at a later date.

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Metro

World Bank pledges $3b to support Zambia’s development goals

Published

12 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The World Bank Group has pledged to avail Zambia with approximately $3 billion to support the country’s development goals under the new Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for 2025-2029, with nearly half of the funds already disbursed.

World Bank Country Manager, Achim Fock, who made this known at the CPF launch at the Mulungushi Conference Centre in Lusaka on Wednesday, outlined the global lender’s focus areas, which included enhancing jobs, human capital, and climate resilience.

Fock highlighted that $200 million had been approved to strengthen Zambia’s social protection programs, including the Refugee and Host Community Project.

He also expressed optimism for upcoming approvals, including the Climate and Economic Resilience Financing and the Zambia-Tanzania Interconnector.

Zambia’s Finance and National Planning Minister, Situmbeko Musokotwane, who also spoke at the event, noted that 2.3 million Zambian households have so far benefited from social protection interventions such as the Cash for Work Programme, emphasizing the government’s commitment to safeguarding lives amid crises like the recent drought.

Musokotwane further reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting lives during times of crises such as the recent drought.

“More than two thirds of the Zambian population was affected by the drought. It was the government’s view that the first priority was to save lives,” Musokotwane stated.

Metro

Chinese mining giant CNMC set for $1.6 billion investment in Zambia

Published

1 day ago

November 13, 2024

Isaac Dachen

A Chinese mining giant, China Nonferrous Metal Mining Company (CNMC), has announced the investment of over $1.6 billion in Zambia, following successful discussions with President Hakainde Hichilema at the State House on Tuesday.

CNMC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Wen Gang, who held the discussions with Hichilema along with the Chinese Ambassador to Zambia, Han Jing, confirmed the company’s commitment to furthering Zambia’s economic development.

“We are actively investing in critical sectors of Zambia’s economy,” Gang said after the meeting.

He noted that CNMC was currently pumping water from Shaft 28 at Luanshya Copper Mine, where 29.9 million cubic liters have been cleared as part of intensified dewatering efforts, adding that the company plans to inject an additional $200 million to develop a greenfield mine on the Copperbelt.

President Hichilema who welcomed CNMC’s commitment, highlighted the potential economic impact of the firm’s investment which will include job opportunities for Zambians.

“This $1.6billion investment, alongside advanced technology and expansion, will extend operations and create more jobs and opportunities for Zambians, especially in mining contracting and supply,” the President said.

He also expressed gratitude to Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Chinese government for their shared commitment to fostering growth and cooperation between the two countries.