By SYLVIA MWEETWA –
SONGS of praise to God and dancing characterised the candle light and thanksgiving service in  commemoration of Zambia’s Golden Jubilee celebration on Sunday night. Central Province  Minister Obvious Mwaliteta called on Zambians to value and reflect on the peace the country had been enjoying since independence.
Mr Mwaliteta said there was need to ensure that women, children and men treated with dignity.
He bemoaned the increased cases of gender-based violence in the province and the nation as a whole.
Mr Mwaliteta said this in a speech read for him by Central Province Permanent Secretary Edwidge Mutale during the launch of the Central Province thanksgiving prayers to mark 50 years of Zambia’s independence.
The celebrations held at Kabwe Chapel were attended by Deputy Permanent Secretary Ronald Sinyangwe, senior Government officials, and members of the clergy, among others.
He said the country was entering a fresh phase and that there was need to continue looking to God as the source of wisdom, strength, and peace.
“We should continue to pray for our development so that our children, men and women may continue to enjoy our God-given freedom. The launch of the
“Golden Jubilee celebrations in the province will culminate in the grand finale on the October 24, 2014,” he said.
He said as the country celebrated the Golden Jubilee, it was important for Zambians to reflect on the peace and unity being enjoyed since independence on October 24, 1964.
Zambia Army chaplain Shadreck Mwale, in his sermon, urged Zambians not to take the peace the country was enjoying for granted.
Lieutenant Colonel Mwale further challenged Zambians to use the jubilee celebrations to evaluate their conduct if the country was to develop.
He said there was need to bring to an end cases of gender-based violence, which he said was becoming part of people’s lives.
Kabwe District Commissioner Patrick Chishala called for unity.
He urged the Zambians to work hard and move Kabwe and the province as a whole to another level.
The celebrations were spiced up by songs of praise and dancing from the combined security wings choir, Kabwe Chapel, and Busokololo of the United Church of Zambia.
The atmosphere was electric as congregants from all walks of life filled the church building to capacity, forcing others to sit outside.
The meeting also took time to pray for President Michael Sata, the Cabinet, traditional leaders, and political party leaders.