ZCSA trains journalists on compulsory standards and product safety

By Ennie Kishiki Mutepuka

The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) Executive Director, Gerald Chizinga, says the media plays a critical role in shaping public awareness and understanding of standards, quality, and consumer protection. 

Speaking during a media engagement training in Kitwe, Mr. Chizinga, who was represented by ZCSA regional Manager Domestic Quality Monitoring North, Maxwell Saili, said the training aims to strengthen the journalists' reporting skills on matters of standards and consumer protection.

Mr. Chizinga said ZCSA is eager to work with the media to inform, educate, and empower the nation with information that safeguards consumer safety and health. 

And Mr. Chizinga said the training is designed to recognize journalists' contributions to ZCSA's public education efforts and to foster stronger partnerships between the agency and the media.

Recognizes that its mandate can only be fully realized when the public is well informed, which is only possible through effective collaboration with journalists.

Mr. Chizinga said Copperbelt Province ranks second only to Lusaka Province in media coverage of ZCSA's mandate, a remarkable achievement that demonstrates

journalists' commitment to informing the public about compulsory standards and product safety.

He said ZCSA will continue to engage the public through radio stations, television, newspapers, and digital media in English and 7 of Zambia's major local languages to reach people in rural and urban areas.

Mr. Chizinga said that through this partnership, ZCSA and the media can promote compliance with compulsory standards, safeguard public health and safety, and contribute to national development.

He further mentioned that the training is expected to empower journalists with accurate information, enabling them to educate the public on compulsory standards and product safety, ultimately protecting consumers from unsafe products. 

The agency has since urged consumers to be vigilant, product safety conscious, and report any sale of expired or suspicious products.

ZCSA's mandate is to maintain and enforce compulsory standards for public health and safety, consumer and environmental protection. 

The agency regulates 102 imported and locally manufactured products, including food products, construction materials, beverages, and household electrical appliances.

The agency further appealed to consumers to read labels on products, check manufacture and expiry dates, and report any non-compliant products to ZCSA.