TALITHA KUM ZAMBIA (TAKUZA) HAS REAFFIRMED ITS COMMITMENT TO CONTINUE MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE FIGHT AGAINST THE TRAFFICKING OF HUMANS

Founded in 2021, TAKUZA is a National Network comprising 45 Women Congregations and is a Ministry of the Zambia Association of Sisterhoods (ZAS). Its vision is a “society where everyone is free from all forms of exploitation, especially exploitation due to Human trafficking” and its mission is to end human trafficking. Religious Sisters of Charity spearhead operations of the Network. 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 its 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 conditions.

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.

In Picture: from left to right Ms. Rosa Siamachoka-Programmes officer-TAKUZA, Br. Edgar Karugaba. Missionaries of Africa(MAFr), Sr. Patience Shinondo-Religious Sisters of Charity/TAKUZA-Programmes Manager and Fr. Philip Meraba-Missionaries of Africa | FENZA