His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia Mr. Hakainde Hichilema called for the 12th Cabinet Meeting in the Year 2022, held on Monday, 12th June, to discuss policy and legislative issues aimed at facilitating the general development of the country. The following are the issues discussed:
- Private Security Companies Regulation Bill, 2022.
Cabinet approved in principle, the introduction of a Bill in Parliament for the regulation of private security companies in Zambia in order to monitor the companies’ activities and enhance accountability.
The private security sector in Zambia has grown with companies offering a variety of services with different structures and mandates. Currently, they are registered by the Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA) as provided for in the Companies Act Cap 388 of the Laws of Zambia.
Cabinet, has, therefore, realised the need to introduce legislation to regulate the activities of the private security companies in the country.
- The Forests (Amendment) Bill, 2022.
Cabinet also approved in principle, the introduction of a Bill in Parliament to amend the Forests Act No. 4 of 2015, in order to provide for stiffer penalties, strengthen enforcement mechanisms and establish procedures for the gazeting, excision and bring the law in line with new and emerging issues such as Forest Carbon Stock Management.
Cabinet is of the view that the current Forests Act of 2015 is weak regarding penalties against offenders. This scenario, therefore, has continued to pose enforcement challenges and perpetuates illegal activities in the forests with an observed increase in repeat offenders.
It is also time for Government to protect its forest natural resources especially for selected high value endangered tree species such as Mukula, Rosewood, Teak and Mukwa so that the citizens benefit from such, through value addition going forward.
- The Non-Governmental Organization (Repeal and Replacement) Bill, 2022.
The third legislative issue Cabinet approved in principle is the introduction of the Bill in Parliament to repeal and replace the Non-Governmental Organisations Act No 16 of 2009 in order to strengthen the current legal framework by providing for the registration, coordination and regulation of the Non-Governmental Organizations in line with the National Non-Governmental Organizations Policy that was approved by Cabinet on 9th April, 2018.
Cabinet noted that Non-Governmental Organisations play a pivotal role in contributing to national development by complementing Government’s efforts in service delivery and also through advocacy, capacity building activities and checks and balances to Government. Therefore, the need for the creation of a conducive environment for active participation of NGOs in national development through putting in place appropriate legislation is the best way for both Government and the Non-Governmental Organisations.
- Appointments to the Zambia Law Development Commission.
During the same Meeting Cabinet approved the appointment of a thirteen (13) member team of the Zambia Law Development Commission in accordance with the Zambia Law Development Commission Act Chapter 32 of the Laws of Zambia as amended by Act No. 4 of 2019 and Act No. 17 of 2021.
Currently, there are no members of the Commission in place since the tenure of the previous office holders expired in June, 2021. The appointment of the members will ensure effective discharge of the mandate of the Zambia Law Development Commission.
- Implementation of the Cash Plus Approach.
In winding up deliberations for the day, Cabinet approved the implementation of the Cash Plus Approach in order to enhance the efficacy of social protection programmes and offer the ultra-poor and vulnerable in the country, an opportunity to be lifted out of poverty.
Cash Plus is an approach to Social Protection that provides regular cash transfers with other social assistance programmes, social insurance, social security and livelihoods and empowerment interventions.
Cabinet has indicated that Cash provision alone to the targeted beneficiaries country-wide only provides a safety net to prevent absolute destitution, however, with the implementation of the Cash Plus, this will increase income and diversity in production for poor and vulnerable households which will enhance their graduation from abject poverty.
Hon. Chushi Kasanda, MP
MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND MEDIA AND CHIEF GOVERNMENT SPOKESPERSON
14th June, 2022
