LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF ZAMBIA TO PARTNER WITH UNIVERSITIES

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF ZAMBIA TO PARTNER WITH UNIVERSITIES

By Alex Mukuka

Mansa/ June 26, 2017/ THE LEADER……… THE Local Government Association of Zambia (LGAZ) have approved the proposal from the executive committee to provide a diploma in local government for elected Councillors and elected heads of councils.

This will be done in partnership with local universities in Zambia who will submit a course outline and syllabus for approval to the Zambia Qualifications Authority and the Higher Education Authority.

This came to light during the meeting of Mayors and councilors from all the 10 Provinces of Zambia which was held at TEJA lodge in Mansa, and hosted by Mansa Mayor Emmanuel Chungu.

Mayor Emmanuel Chungu said the programme should first target the Councillors before including the Mayors and Chairpersons because of the urgent need to raise their capacities.

The proposal was supported by Mayor Ntalasha of Chibombo District and respective Town Clerks who added that both categories of leaders should enrol at same the time in January 2018.

The meeting was chaired by Kitwe Mayor Christopher Kang’ombe who is also President of LGAZ. He urged members to take advantage of the proposal and learn via distance and open learning to acquire academic qualifications.

However, Mr. Kang’ombe was quick to observe that the immediate challenge would be to find local finances to sponsor the 2-year training programme.

The Local Government Association of Zambia was established in 1947 and has a membership of 109 councils headed by either Mayors or Council Chairpersons and 1624 Councillors in Zambia.

ENDS/AM/ LEADER/………………………………………………..