Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) Digital Repository
Not a member yet
1629 research outputs found
Sort by
Memorandum: Budget Analysis of Heads 80: Ministry of Education and 66: Ministry of Technology and Science: Submitted to the National Assembly Committee on Education, Science and Technology
Full text linkThe Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) submitted a comprehensive budget analysis of the proposed 2025 National Budget, focusing on the Ministry of Education (Head 80) and the Ministry of Technology and Science (Head 66). This analysis critiques the allocation of resources, adjusted for inflation, and provides recommendations for both sectors.
The Ministry of Education’s budget allocation is analysed in light of commitments such as the Dakar Education for All and Abuja Declarations, highlighting the gap between budget allocations and actual educational needs, particularly in infrastructure, teaching materials, and addressing overcrowding. The Ministry of Technology and Science's budget, meanwhile, reflects insufficient funding for research and development, skills training, and innovation hubs, potentially stalling Zambia’s technological advancement.
Key recommendations include increasing the education sector’s share of the budget to meet international commitments, improving the timely disbursement of funds, enhancing infrastructure, and investing in science and technology to drive national development
March 2024 BNNB Statement
No full textAs we prepare to celebrate Easter, we are reminded of new beginnings, of renewal and hope knowing that God has never abandoned us, and in his perfect love of mankind we remember that our lives are in the hands of the Creator who sent his only Son to die for us. We seek to overcome fear and uncertainty about the future. In Zambia, amidst food insecurity and rising costs, this message of Easter resonates deeply. Recognising the challenges encountered by communities affected by the threatening food insecurity, we should still aim to instil hope and foster collaborative efforts. As Easter signifies renewal and new beginnings, it is an opportune time to come together, extend support, and work towards sustainable solutions for food security.The Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) observed an increase in the Basic Needs and Nutrition Basket (BNNB) which now stands at K10, 603.40 for the month of March representing a 2.9% increase in comparison to the month of February. The increase in the basket was due to an increase in the prices of some food items such as a 25kg bag of roller mealie meal which cost K284.43 from K226.67 and fruits such as oranges and apples which stood at K43.22 from K27.21 per kg. Despite the increase in the overall basket, it was also observed that the price of 40 kgs of vegetables reduced to K571.43 from K689.97. It is worth noting that these changes reflect a combination of factors driving up the cost of living, including the impacts of El Niño-induced weather patterns on agricultural production, exchange rate depreciation affecting the cost of imported goods, fluctuating fuel prices, and other interconnected economic dynamics.Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF), Norwegian Church-Aid (NCA) and Danish Church-Aid (DCA) - JCP Zambia
The High Cost of Living in Zambia and the Call for Action
No full textA critical assessment of Zambia’s economic landscape reveals that the estimated national average monthly earnings stood at K5, 342.00, with males earning a higher average of K5, 474.00 compared to females whose average was K5, 052.00. Urban areas reported higher average earnings of K5, 802.00 in contrast to the K4,055.00 average earnings in rural areas. The Living Conditions Monitoring Survey of 2022 produced by Zambia Statistical Agency, underscores the severity of the situation, indicating that 60% of the population is currently entangled in the web of poverty.
At the core of this struggle lies the challenge of accessing basic resources such as food, water, shelter, education, health care and transport. High commodity prices, especially for food items, constitute risk factors that undermine the dignity and livelihoods of the people. The deprivation of basic needs violates the principle of human dignity that is inherently bestowed upon human beings by God.Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund, Norwegian Church Aid and Danish Church Aid Alliance (Joint Country Programme - JCP Zambia
Representative Democracy: A Call for Reforms
Full text linkThis article "Representative Democracy: A Call for Reforms" by Fr. Alex Muyebe, S.J., addresses the current state of Zambia's representative democracy, highlighting the detrimental effects of the asymmetrical constitutional framework and the whip system on democratic representation. It critiques the practice of frequent by-elections, noting their high cost and diversion of resources from critical public services. The piece underscores the manipulation of parliamentary procedures for political advantage, leading to an imbalance of power in the National Assembly. The author advocates for electoral reforms, proposing amendments to prevent unnecessary by-elections and to ensure that MPs remain accountable to their constituents rather than their political parties. The call for a people-driven constitutional reform process is emphasized to uphold democratic principles and better serve the needs of Zambians
Parliamentary Submission On Monthly Fuel Price Reviews in Zambia
No full textIn this memorandum submitted to the National Assembly Committee On Energy, Water Development and Tourism Matters, JCTR highlights the need for interventions aimed at protecting the livelihoods of the marginalised through mitigating the adverse effects of monthly fuel price reviews on the cost of production, cost of living and national food basket, ensuring the well-being of the Zambian population.The surge in petroleum prices has added a new layer of complexity to Zambia's economic landscape. This surge in fuel costs has triggered a ripple effect across various sectors, compounding existing economic hardships and posing multifaceted challenges for the nation. The monthly review of domestic fuel prices means that domestic prices of petroleum products will heavily rely on the performance of international oil prices and the kwacha-dollar exchange rates which are currently extremely volatile. Thus, prices will rise whenever a rise is recorded either in the international oil prices or when the Kwacha loses value against the US dollar. Likewise, domestic fuel prices will decline whenever international oil prices reduce or when the Kwacha gains value against the US dollar. The increased prices of petroleum products have drastically elevated transportation costs. Zambia heavily relies on road transport for both domestic movements of goods and international trade. This surge in fuel costs has directly impacted the transportation sector, causing a domino effect across various industries. The resultant increase in the prices of goods and services has not only affected domestic consumers but has also impacted Zambia's competitiveness in the global market
Debt and Quality of Life
No full textZambia faces a fiscal challenge common to many other underdeveloped nations in Africa: high, unsustainable debt burdens, fiscal mismanagement and undisciplined borrowing, poor resource allocation, government graft and corruption, trade revenue net outflows, volatile commodity markets of key exports—all of which impede economic growth and development. This paper analyses the relationship between debt burden and the well-being and quality of life of citizens.
In the final analysis, Zambia needs legal reforms (policies and laws) that support sustainable domestic production systems and their interlinkages (domestic national income accumulation that effectively address poverty and inequality) to improve the citizens’ well-being and quality of life
November 2024 BNNB Statement
No full textThe Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) reports a slight decline in the Basic Needs and Nutrition Basket (BNNB) for November 2024, with the cost for a family of five in Lusaka reducing marginally to K10,393.16 from K10,408.88 in October. The decrease is attributed to seasonal price drops in fruits and essential staples like mealie meal and Kapenta. However, the overall impact was mitigated by significant price hikes in charcoal, groundnuts, and chicken, which continue to strain household budgets.
The report underscores the persistent challenges of high living costs amidst rising urban poverty, stagnant incomes, and energy shortages. JCTR recommends urgent measures, including promoting alternative energy sources, enhancing local production, and expanding social protection initiatives to alleviate the burden on vulnerable households.Norwegian Church Aid (Kirkens Nodjelp) and Danish Church Aid alliance - Joint Country Programme Zambia (JCP Zambia
Cholera and Politics in Zambia
No full textBy the phrase “The Politics of Cholera Epidemics in Zambia” we mean how the government of Zambia deals with the problem of cholera by means of Statutory Instruments, which are nothing but band-aid solutions ― temporary solutions that do not deal with the root cause of a problem. Due to what French political scientist Jean-François Bayart has dubbed “La Politique du Ventre” (the Politics of the Belly), African politicians are unable to get to the root cause of the problem and solve it once and for all. This is true of how successive Zambian governments, including the current one, have dealt with cholera epidemics.Given how Zambia has dealt with previous cholera outbreaks, it is not surprising that the current outbreak in Zambia continues to spread unabated. So far, it has affected a total of 39 districts in 9 provinces in Zambia. As of 11 January 2024, the Ministry of Health had reported 8,276 cumulative cases and 333 deaths, with a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 4%. 94% of all confirmed cases and 97% of all deaths in Zambia occurred in Lusaka Province. Given our history of urbanisation, this is no surprise. The main drivers of the outbreak are the poor water, sanitation, sewage and drainage conditions in densely populated urban/peri-urban unplanned settlements as well as localised floods caused by rains and contaminated water sources in the same areas. Although Zambia recently received 1.6 million cholera vaccination doses from WHO, vaccination is not a long-term solution
Press Statement: Notice of Passing of Fr. Alex Muyebe, S.J
Full text linkThe Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) expresses deep sorrow over the passing of its Executive Director, Fr. Alexander Muyebe, S.J., aged 56, following a brief illness. A dedicated Jesuit priest and a native of Malawi, Fr. Muyebe served in the Southern Africa Province of the Society of Jesus for 21 years and led JCTR for the past four years. His tenure was characterised by unwavering commitment to social justice, advocacy for the marginalized, and public engagement that strengthened JCTR’s influence in policy and community transformation. Fr. Muyebe’s life and work reflected the Jesuit mission of compassionate service and justice, leaving a lasting impact on Zambian society and beyond. His legacy will continue to inspire JCTR’s mission and those devoted to a just and peaceful world.
Issued by: Fr. Boyd Nyirenda Kapyunga, S.J., Deputy Director – JCTR
Date: November 8, 2024
Contact: [email protected]
September 2024 BNNB Statement
No full textThe Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) has reported a reduction in the Basic Needs and Nutrition Basket (BNNB) for September 2024, which stood at K10,478.04, reflecting a K191.29 decrease from August 2024 in Lusaka. This reduction was driven by price drops in key commodities such as Kapenta, vegetables, and charcoal. However, compared to September 2023, the BNNB has increased by K1,331.98, while incomes remain stagnant amidst an economic slowdown, largely caused by the ongoing energy crisis. The JCTR has also observed rising food prices in 2024, posing threats to food and nutritional security for many households. In response, the Centre recommends a range of policy measures, including scaling up social protection packages, enhancing cooperative participation in food production, timely delivery of farming inputs, and revising the minimum wage. Additionally, the Centre calls for a review of the tax system to incentivise local businesses and stabilisation efforts by the Bank of Zambia to manage inflation and currency depreciation. The JCTR emphasises the need for inclusive government solutions to ensure every Zambian leads a life of dignity amidst these challenges.Norwegian Church Aid and Danish Church Aid alliance (JCP Zambia