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The Zambian Cabinet has reportedly resolved to amend the Penal Code to strengthen laws preventing actions that incite hatred, ridicule and division in the country.
Chief Government Spokesperson, Cornelius Mweetwa, announced that the proposed changes also included enhancing punishments for discrimination and sectarianism as a deterrent to potential offenders.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Sunday, Mweetwa said the Cabinet has also approved, in principle, the introduction of a Bill in Parliament to repeal the Defence Act.
This move aims to streamline legislation on the Defence Force and pave the way for the repeal of the Zambia National Service (ZNS) Act to ensure conformity with Articles 192 and 197 of the Constitution of Zambia of 2016.
“This is also meant to consolidate the mandate and functions of ZNS and merge the Defence Act with the ZNS Act,” Mweetwa explained.
He added that the changes would operationalise Article 192 of the Constitution of Zambia, which stipulates that the Defence Force of Zambia shall consist of the Zambia Army, Zambia Air Force, and Zambia National Service.
“Furthermore, Cabinet has approved in principle the introduction of a Bill in Parliament to amend the Firearms Act to include provisions that will strengthen firearms licensing and regulatory mechanisms,” Mweetwa stated.
Additionally, the Cabinet has approved the Draft 2023 Zambia Education Curriculum Framework, which proposes to restructure the education system.
Mweetwa mentioned that this implied the commencement of Early Childhood Education at 3 years old instead of 4 years old.
“It also signals the commencement of Primary Education at 6 years instead of 7 years and increases the duration of Secondary Education from 5 to 6 years,” he stated.
The changes also pave the way for the introduction of Advanced Levels at the Secondary Education level and reduce the duration of degree courses from 4 to 3 years.
“Other proposed measures include reducing the eligibility entry age into Grade 1 from 7 to 6 years, among other changes,” Mweetwa added.
These resolutions were made by the Cabinet at its 10th meeting on June 4, 2024.
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