TALITHA KUM ZAMBIA (TAKUZA) HAS REAFFIRMED ITS COMMITMENT TO CONTINUE
MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE FIGHT AGAINST THE TRAFFICKING OF HUMANS.
During the donation of essential items to the Ministry of Community Development and Social
Services today 23rd August 2024, Elias Phiri, Head of Human Resources for the Zambia
Association for Sisterhood (ZAS), spoke on behalf of TAKUZA’s board chairperson, Sr. Elizabeth
Muleya.
Mr. Phiri emphasised TAKUZA’s mission to support those affected by human trafficking by providing tangible help. Mr. Phiri said TAKUZA identified the areas of need in it contribution towards the fight against human trafficking and decided to donate essential goods to support the survivors. He further noted the importance of collaboration saying it is the key to making strides in attaining the goal towards stopping human trafficking.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services,
Angela Kawandami, acknowledged the ongoing challenges Zambia faces with human trafficking
due to social and economic hardships. She stressed that the government cannot fight this battle
alone and needs partners like TAKUZA and thanked them for the gesture.
Kawandami highlighted that the ministry currently operates six safe houses across five provinces, which are inadequate and difficult to maintain, making such
donations vital. Meanwhile, the Director of the Anti Human Trafficking Department in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Boris Mulengu, pointed out that safe houses often struggle to meet required standards and that donations like TAKUZA’s are essential in improving these.
The donated items, intended for use in safe homes, include toiletries, groceries, mealie meal,
and kitchen supplies, aiming to enhance the support provided to victims of human trafficking
and gender-based violence.