Business Relationship Management and the Service Desk
LSA Newsletter_First Edition_2016
1. NEWSLETTER FOR LSA GROUP OF COMPANIES 1ST ISSUE 2016
PHOTO FOCUS
from LSA End-of-
Year parties
W W W . L S A . C O . Z M
FOCUS ON MGEN
I just wanted to share
my experience with a
gentleman from Madison
General. I walked in to
insure my vehicle and my
wife’s. I was pressed for
time. The man gave me
some services that I could
not believe – exceptional.
He is a pleasant person
to deal with. I wish we
have a person like him
servicing clients from
the front office. I really
thought that I should
let you know that you
have an asset where
customer service is
concerned. By the way, I
also was impressed with
your office space and
cleanliness.
R I C KY N Y I R E N D A
Manager – Premier Banking
FNB - Lusaka Stay Innovative, Dr Sikutwa
urges LSA Subsidiaries
The Zika Virus: What is it?
PAGE 8
Stay Innovative, Dr Sikutwa
urges LSA Subsidiaries
The Zika Virus: What is it?
Sternford Munyangala – Graduate Trainee - Receives accolades for excellent customer service
PAGE 12
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
3. CONTENTS
CURRENTAFFAIRS
Stay Innovative-Sikutwa
urges Staff
The Group Executive Chairman Dr
Lawrence Sikutwa has called on
staff to remain innovative, suggest
ways of improving operations and
contribute to designing better
products so as to stay ahead of the
competition.
Reflect and Stay Loyal-
Lumbwe Counsels
The M-Gen Managing Director
Chabala Lumbwe has said
Christmas should be a time for
reflection- a time for sitting down to
reflect on the year: “What is it that I
have done correctly or not correctly
in my life, career, job or family life?”
HEALTHCORNER
Zika Virus Disease
13 18
05
10
46
FRENCH AMBASSADOR TO ZAMBIA MR EMMANUEL
COHET PAYS A COURTESY CALL ON LSA EXECUTIVE
CHAIRMAN DR LAWRENCE SIKUTWA.
LUMBWE IDENTIFIES
SOME BOTTLENECKS IN
INSURANCE
FOCUSONMGEN
MGen hands over
insecticides to
Livingstone Council
MGen Livingstone Branch Manager
Blackson Banda has said that
the LSA Group of companies was
proud to donate insecticides to
Livingstone City Council because
they would not only serve the
interests of tourism operators but
those of the larger Livingstone
community as well.
19
L S A | N E W S 3
4. T
he quality of service must be
superior based on the core
service principle of “Customer
First” and it must above
all leave the customer satisfied if not
thrilled.
Happily, on the cover of this edition we
carry the remarks of one satisfied MGen
customer who could not conceal his
delight and satisfaction with the quality
service he received at MGen and was
moved to write back.
The Group needs many more such
customers-satisfied ones and ready to
return for more! The more they are across
the subsidiaries, the more business the
Group will do and that is what the LSA
Group is about - business.
There certainly can and will be more
business for the Group with enhanced
diligence on the part of service providers
across the subsidiaries. For, quality
customer service is not anything magical
or random nor does it occur in a vacuum.
It is people who offer it and will do so
provided they position themselves
properly and remain mindful of its pivotal
and beneficial role.
In this case, the MGen staff member
Sternford Munyangala pulled it off
excellently. Our policyholder found him
responsive, easy to deal with, helpful and
able to put the client’s welfare above all
else. It worked like a bomb! The customer
was disarmed, pleasantly surprised and
impressed enough to be impelled to
inform management about his pleasant
experience.
He may not be the first across the Group
to have elicited such a response. But he
has set the trend and he certainly should
not be the last to receive accolades over
high quality service. It should be the
norm across the Group. The culture of
excellence must prevail at all times.
Sternford has set an example and given
a timely reminder to all of us about what
lies at the core of business-the great
lubricant – quality customer service. He
has also challenged all of us to at least
emulate him if not surpass his shining
record.
Certainly, with satisfied customers the
Group will be set for better things ahead.
For progress the issue is not negotiable.
What is important is the understanding
that there is nothing magical about
serving a customer to their satisfaction.
It is worked for and depends on the
disposition of the service giver.
If the service-givers set out and position
themselves to satisfy and even better
delight the customer through attention
to detail and diligence, the most likely
outcome is that the customer will,
like in the MGen case be thrilled with
satisfaction. But if the service-giver is
despondent and slovenly, it will rub off
the customer who may decide never to
try again and that translates into loss of
business!
It is within the control of each one
of us to decide what impression the
customer walks away with. After this, that
impression across the Group subsidiaries
should always be as or more positive than
the MGen case. Sternford’s case should
only be the beginning and needs to be
replicated many times over. Everything
that is needed for quality service is within
the control of the Group staff.
Time has come for the Group companies
to never compromise on giving a high
standard of service as part of our
culture and without being plodded.
The Group was always known for an
uncompromisingly high standard of
service that always won it admiration and
more importantly the crucial bottom-line
more business. Lets maintain the culture
of honesty and excellence which the
founders of the Group lived by.
There are few options in this increasingly
crowded and competitive business
setting. It can’t be business as usual if you
are to be a market leader.
Congratulation Sternford. Well done and
may your star rise ever high in the sky.
Sternford has demonstrated that it is
achievable and has set the trend that
needs following up across the Group.
The challenge is to make high quality
service, already a key value of the Group
look commonplace. It should be the
distinguishing feature of the LSA Group
of Companies into the future. Then
everything will surely come together for
the Group and employees.
WANTED: MORE SATISFIED CUSTOMERS
High quality service is what will differentiate the LSA Group companies from the rest
and give them the sought after competitive edge. It is the best way to navigate the
increasingly competitive world of Zambian business which going forward, will be even more
competitive.
CO M M E N T
4 L S A | N E W S
5. H
e announced the
introduction of the “Most
Innovative Company
Award” to be awarded the
company in the group with the best
innovative ideas and described the new
award as “an important cornerstone
for the competitiveness of our group
of companies.” And the first to win
the Award is Madison Life Insurance
Company Zambia Limited (MLife).
Speaking on December 19, 2015 at the
end of year staff party held at Madison
House, Dr. Sikutwa called attention
to the increased competition in all ar-
eas of the LSA’s operations observing
that the competition was getting quite
tough and only the tough and strategic
could keep going.
“The entry of new players is likely to
continue even in those sectors where
the minimum capital requirements
STAY INNOVATIVE-SIKUTWA URGES
STAFF
The Group Executive Chairman Dr Lawrence Sikutwa has called on staff to remain
innovative, suggest ways of improving operations and contribute to designing better
products so as to stay ahead of the competition.
C U R R E N T A F FA I R S
Dr Sikutwa with MLIfe CEO Mrs. Agnes Chakonta after her company was declared winner of the
now most coveted award in the Group:
"Indeed only those
companies which can
offer the best prod-
ucts and services can
have a realistic chance
of staying afloat.”
L S A | N E W S 5
6. have been or are due to be adjusted
upwards. In this situation only the most
efficient, diligent and vigilant compa-
nies can survive. Indeed only those
companies which can offer the best
products and services can have a real-
istic chance of staying afloat,” he said.
He observed however that even with
the increasing competition, the LSA
still had an advantage in the form of the
Madison Brand.
“It is a well-established brand and
stands on a solid foundation, support-
ed by our world-class infra-structure.”
Staff should continue to rally around
the Madison brand in order to retain a
competitive edge.
“Equally important is the quality of our
staff. Our members of staff need to ex-
ert all their energies to the attainment
of good results for the Group.”
He said the Group continued to em-
phasize the need for the management
teams to inculcate in their staff the spir-
it of responsibility, accountability and
ethical conduct in all their dealings.”
He noted a disturbing rise in fraud dur-
ing 2015 particularly in those compa-
nies that dealt with cash and said that
several members of staff had lost their
jobs due to fraud.
“Corporategovernancedemandstrans-
parency from each of us. We all have a
duty to disclose how we have acquired
assets. This duty has remained with us
from the time we were toddlers. Every
parent demands to know where their
children get things from and likewise
every family wants to know where fam-
ily members get things from and even
us in the group want to know how and
where our members acquire their as-
sets. This is normal,” he said.
“As I have said before, going forward,
there will be zero tolerance for fraud.
LSA employees are expected to con-
centrate their efforts on career devel-
opment and their work.”
He urged staff and those working for
MFinance to give the new management
team all the cooperation required as he
had no doubt that the new team would
point the company in the right direc-
tion.
During the function, Dr Sikutwa re-
warded a number of staff, among them
his Personal Executive Assistance and
LSA Manager of Administration Mrs
Karen Nkhoma who received $5,000 for
being LSA Employee of the Year. Other
recipients were staff who have clocked
10 service with the Group. These in-
cluded Group Finance Director Ms Cin-
dy Chiputa. For ten year-service, staff
receive K1,500 for each year served.
C U R R E N T A F FA I R S
The industry is lucrative as it has high growth
potential especially with innovative products
and responsiveness.
From left to right: Mr. Lancelot Kaseele – Life Manager, Mr. Denson Lunga – General Manager Sales and Marketing, Mrs. Agnes Chakonta – Managing
Director, Dr. Lawrence Sikutwa – Executive Group Chairman, Mr. Patrick Mumba – Deputy General Manager Corporate Business, Mr. Ellison Munyenyembe
– Chief Financial Officer and Mr. Taurayi Ndoro – General Manager Operations.
6 L S A | N E W S
7. C U R R E N T A F FA I R S
PRODUCT INNOVATIONS WHICH WON MLIFE THE PRESTIGIOUS AWARD:
MFinance Managing Director Mr. Titus Waithaka was voted 2015 Chief
Executive of the Year. In the picture: Mr. Waithaka receives the Award
from Dr. Sikutwa
LSA Administration Manager and Executive Assistant to the Group Execu-
tive Chairman Mrs. Karen Nkhoma being congratulated by Dr. Sikutwa
for being voted 2015 LSA Employee of the Year
Senior management officials of MFinance pose for a photo with Dr. Sikutwa. From Left: Takudwa Zwaranyika (Head of IT), Beatrice Odiyo (General Man-
ager- Business Development) Lawrence S Sikutwa (Group Chairman), Titus Waithaka (Managing Director), Muntanga Mutale (Board Member), Idreen
Malambo (Chief Financial Officer) and Zandile Shaba (Executive Director - Operations
L S A | N E W S 7
8. P R O D U C T I N N O V AT I O N S W H I C H W O N M L I F E T H E P R E S T I G I O U S A W A R D :
Step 1 – In the event of death of an insured member, SMS “Claim” to 4440
Step 2 – Obtain and fill in the claim form
Step 3 – Submit the claim form and all required documentation to your nearest MLife Branch
Claims will be paid out within 24 hours of providing all claim documentation
CLAIMS PROCEDURE:
TILITONSE
Tilitonse is a Mobile Burial Costs Insurance Plan by Madison Life (MLife). It is unique. It offers
a cash benefit upon the death of the insured provided that premium payments are up to
date and plan conditions are met. It is an innovative product that allows for registration
through mobile phones using a Starter Pack.
T
he product provides cover for
people resident in Zambia
and if they are not permanent
residents but are working
on a work permit for longer than six
months.
Eligibility is between 18 and 85 years
while registration is done through the
mobile phones. It is offered as a One
Month Renewable Term Assurance
product.
There is no limit on the number of
dependents that can be covered.
It is affordable: As little as K18 per
month for K3, 000.00 funeral cover.
No medical underwriting is required.
Registration is easy and convenient
and it has a wide coverage because it is
mobile phone based all networks.
Premium payments can done by cash,
Mobile money, Kazang, c-Grate (543
Konse Konse) and approved retail
outlets.
MLife’s Tilitonse offers a cash funeral
benefit thereby allowing flexibility
on the choice of funeral service
providers and provides immediate
cover for all accidental deaths, be
it a snake bite or an auto accident.
It has a short waiting period of six
(6) months for all the other causes
of death.
1. INDIVIDUAL COVER
Sum Assured Monthly Premium
Planholder K3,000.00 K18.00
2. FAMILY COVER
Sum Assured Monthly Family Premium
Planholder K3,000
K 30.00
Spouse K3,000
Child 16-25yrs K3,000
Child 12-15 yrs K1,500
Child 6-11 yrs K1,000
Child 0-5yrs K750
3. DEPENDANT’S COVER
Dependants/Additional children
Sum Assured Monthly Individual Premium
Adult 76-85yrs K3,000 K12
Adult 26-75yrs K3,000 K7
Child 18-25yrs K3,000 K7
Child 12-17 yrs K1,500 K3
Child 6-11 yrs K1,000 K2
Child 0-5yrs K750 K1
PLAN TYPES
8 L S A | N E W S
9. P R O D U C T I N N O V AT I O N S W H I C H W O N M L I F E T H E P R E S T I G I O U S A W A R D :
The Diaspora Family Cash Plan
of the Madison Life Insurance
Company Zambia Ltd (MLife) is a
first in the world - a need driven
family cash plan targeted at the
Diaspora communities. With its
worldwide cover, it's a protection
without borders and takes care of
such eventualities as funeral and/
or repatriation bills.
L S A | N E W S 9
10. C U R R E N T A F FA I R S
“T
hat is what each
one of us is
supposed to be
doing at this time
of the year. If you have been good you
need to sustain it and if you have been
bad you need to change. What is it that
I have achieved, failed to achieve or
would like to achieve?”
He said that this was critical.
He spoke during the Madison Financial
Services Group end of year party in
Kitwe.
“As a Group and as an organization
we also need to take time to share our
achievements or failures and use this
time to bond.”
REFLECT AND STAY LOYAL LUMBWE
COUNSELS
“What is sad – and all of us
are aware – we have had
a few casualties along the
way and that is not a good
development…The issue of
fraud has hit us and hit us very
badly.
The M-Gen Managing Director Chabala Lumbwe has said Christmas should be a
time for reflection- a time for sitting down to reflect on the year: “What is it that I
have done correctly or not correctly in my life, career, job or family life?”
MGen staffer Ruth Goma poses with MGen MD Mr. Lumbwe after receiving the MGen Employee of the Year Award
1 0 L S A | N E W S
11. He emphasized that the LSA Group
which started off as one company-
Madison Insurance Company- grew
because of the original staff’s
dedication and ability to perform.
“The people that were selected
were selected deliberately because
they had the ability to perform, to
demonstrate loyalty and also integrity
and ethics. It was very important.
We did not join the organization for
personal aggrandizement. We joined
the organization because we thought
we would add value and …grow the
organization,” he said.
“What motivated us were the results
of the organization, the success, the
sustainability and also our personal
career development.”
He said that it was sad that there was
a shift in this culture across all the
organizations and the initial values
based on ethics, innovation, integrity,
team-work, continuous learning and
the customer first were eroding.
“But unfortunately we are all shifting
away from those core values and it is
sad because for us at the top we want
to see you grow in your career. We want
to see you succeed. We want to see
your organization succeed and remain
relevant for years to come,” he said.
“When we joined Madison in 1992 our
colleagues in Zambia State Insurance
Corporation told us that: “We only
give you two years and this company
will not be there.” But we are still here
today. That says a lot. We had to make
sure we remained in business.”
“What is sad – and all of us are aware
– we have had a few casualties
along the way and that is not a good
development…The issue of fraud has
hit us and hit us very badly. In 2014 we
had to dismiss people, 2015 we have
had to dismiss people.
I hope that this will not be the trend.
For us in the executive management it
is a source of concern and we believe it
should be a source of concern for all of
us who are working for the group.”
He said what should motivate staff
is hard work with integrity and an
understanding that if the right results
are accomplished, the employer will
remunerate appropriately.
“So issues of governance are very
important and I want us to reflect
about our own desires… You do not
start climbing a tree from the top, you
start from the bottom.
Rememberthatifyouwanttosucceed–
if you want to be rewarded handsomely
make sure you perform and you
maintain it that way. Don’t rush to be
or live beyond your means or do what
is not expected,” he counseled.
He called for loyalty from employees
as it was critical for the sustainability
of the organizations and expressed
gratitude to all who had remained
loyal.
“I believe you will all remain loyal…
Whilst you are here loyalty is very
critical because it will certainly reward
you. Loyalty rewards you at the end of
the day,” he said.
C U R R E N T A F FA I R S
“I believe you will all remain
loyal… Whilst you are here
loyalty is very critical because
it will certainly reward you.
Loyalty rewards you at the end
of the day.”
Kitwe MGen Branch Manager Jayjay Nyirenda (right) receives "Best Dressed" prize from Mr. Lumbwe
during the Copperbelt LSA End of Year Party
L S A | N E W S 1 1
12. T
he LSA Group is founded on
a set of core values that are
known to all in the Group.
Strict adherence to those
values is what has driven growth in the
group. It is what has laid the golden
egg on which all in the Group have
“feasted.”
Any diversion from them threatens the
Group’s growth and continuity and
that isn’t just a management concern.
It should concern staff even more be-
cause the LSA is the goose that lays
the golden egg and if it is “fleeced” to
the extent where its ability to continue
doing so is threatened, sooner or later
that egg has to disappear with dire con-
sequences for all!
But that isn’t inevitable though it is the
more likely outcome if staff conduct
accelerates along the 2015 trajectory.
There is need to break it and return to
the values that have made the Group.
There can be more growth and expan-
sion if the values of integrity, honesty,
hard-work and ethical conduct are ob-
served by staff at all times. The goal
should be as it has always been to offer
innovative and attractive products to
satisfy the customer’s needs and give
him value for money.
Staff focus should be on efficiency and
ethical conduct towards both the cus-
tomer and the employer. It shouldn’t
shift and the sad story in 2015 was that
it seemed to shift towards self-aggran-
dizement and get rich quick schemes
that have driven fraud in the Group.
This road leads nowhere and those in-
volved have been promptly shown the
door as they will continue to be as this
sort of conduct can only destroy and
not build the group.
2015 had some disappointments espe-
cially on that score yet it is gone and as
the MGen MD Chabala Lumbwe pointed
out in Kitwe, there was a period of re-
flection at the end of it and everyone
should have reflected on their conduct
as employees and members of the LSA
Group.
Now therefore is time to re-commit to
the Group’s core values, going forward.
The Madison Brand remains strong and
is in fact the leading Zambian one in
the financial services sector. It should
be made stronger this year on the basis
of integrity, ethical business conduct,
honesty and competitiveness.
Management will remain steadfast.
It will offer real jobs, real wages and
will recognize and reward those who
respond to the challenge. It will not
tolerate dishonesty. There will be no
room for those intent on acquiring as-
sets by cooking up the books or some
such fraudulent schemes. In fact, they
should leave and early. For, there will
be as always zero tolerance for fraud
but there will be recognition and re-
wards for those who shine in the line of
duty on the basis of the Group’s core-
values.
It is time to give the Madison brand
one more concerted push. If it mate-
rializes the entire Group will be pro-
pelled to a new threshold and those
who will have generated momentum
will as always have something to look
forward to.
SPARE THE GOOSE, THERE MAY BE
NO GOLDEN EGG!
The English saying about not killing the goose that lays the golden
egg should be the watchword for all in the LSA family in 2016. It
was a recurrent theme in all the LSA Group End of Year / Christmas
party speeches in 2015. On the whole, the out- turn for the past year
suggested a growing loss of integrity and honesty among staff and that
is a source of grave concern.
SPARE THE GOOSE, THERE MAY BE
NO GOLDEN EGG!
F O O D F O R T H O U G H T
1 2 L S A | N E W S
13. French Ambassador to Zambia Mr Emmanuel Cohet on March 17, 2016 paid a
courtesy call on LSA Executive Chairman Dr Lawrence Sikutwa. The meeting took
place in the Boardroom of LSA House. Dr Sikutwa briefed the French envoy on the
set-up of the Group, its operations, activities and future plans of the conglomerate.
On his part, Mr Cohet briefed Dr Sikutwa on French/Zambia relations, especially in the
wake of the recent visit to France by Republican President Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu
– which was expected to boost French operations in Zambia. A number of French
multinational companies such as Lafarge the cement manufacturing firm and oil
marketing Total have a stronghold in Zambia. Later the two men exchanged views on
a number of local, regional and international issues in spheres such as economic and
political.
C U R R E N T A F FA I R S
LSA Executive Chairman Dr Lawrence Sikutwa and French Ambassador to Zambia Mr Emmanuel Cohet
FRENCH ENVOY PAYS COURTESY
CALL ON GC
L S A | N E W S 1 3
14. C U R R E N T A F FA I R S
A
mong those who attended
Mathew’s funeral were
MGen Managing Director
Mr Chibala Lumbwe, Group
Human Resource Manager Mr Derrick
Ngubai and some LSA staff from
Lusaka and others based on the
Copperbelt.
Speaking during burial, Mr Lumbwe
said: “It is with a deep sense of sor-
row and grief that I stand before you
to render a brief work background
about the late Mathew Kasakwa.
“May I tender our profound condo-
lences and sympathies to the be-
reaved family on behalf of the Group
Chairman, Board, Management, en-
tire staff of MGen and indeed on my
own behalf.”
Mr Lumbwe said he received the news
about the accident on Sunday 10 Jan-
uary 2016 around 13.00hrs with utter
shock! “We are still devastated with
the demise of Mathew,” he added.
Mathew joined MGen on November
1, 2008 as an Underwriting Clerk in
the Casualty department. He was
promoted to the position of Under-
writing Assistant in June 2010 whilst
operating at our Service Centre based
in COMESA. He was subsequently
transferred to the Claims department
as Senior Claims Handler in February
2012. Due to his hard work and dili-
gence he was promoted to the posi-
tion of Branch Manager at the Kabwe
Office in August 2013, the post that he
held until his untimely death.
KABWE MGEN BRANCH MANAGER
MATHEW KASAKWA DIES IN ROAD
ACCIDENT
Tragedy hit the LSA Group
on January 10 this year
following the death of
Madison General Insurance
Kabwe Branch Manager
Mathew Kasakwa in road
accident along Kapiri
Mposhi – Kabwe stretch
of the Great North Road.
Mathew was put to rest in
Kabwe on January 16.
nn Focused on producing good
results
nn Devoted to his work
nn Team player and supportive to
others
nn Always eager and keen to
delight his customers
nn Ambitious and worked
hard on his career personal
development. Just completed
his Business Administration
degree via distance learning
from RSA
nn Charming and friendly to all.
MR LUMBWE SAID MATHEW
WOULD BE REMEMBERED FOR
BEING:
Late Mathew Kasakwa with some MGen Sales Representatives during a company-sponsored golf
tournament in Mkushi last October
1 4 L S A | N E W S
15. F O C U S O N M G E N
FOCUS ON MGEN
MADISON HOUSE RECEPTION
MGen Receptionists Ms Beria Banda and Mrs. Mwanida Sheyo – Pleasant and Welcoming!
L S A | N E W S 1 5
16. F O C U S O N M G E N
T
he company maintains
adequate liquidity within
its investment programme
to meet day-to-day claim
settlements and the claims service is
constantly being reviewed to achieve
policyholder satisfaction. Claims
will be paid in the shortest possible
time after receipt of all the required
documentation.
OUR PEOPLE
The company has an excellent
management and underwriting team
that is well respected in the local
insurancemarket.Theircombinedskills
in insurance company management
and insurance underwriting, coupled
with the high standard of service and
excellent reputation have given MGen a
leading place in the Zambian insurance
market.
The company has a complement of 106
permanent staff that operates in its
nine branches situated across major
towns in Zambia. Plans are afoot to
open one more branch in 2016.
We are building a high performance
and enlightened lean culture across the
organization through training and re-
training. This is demonstrating tangible
progress in making MGen a great place
to work at and advance.
LOOKING AHEAD WITH
DIGITALIZATION
For the future, MGen has drawn up an
ambitious three-year strategic plan
against a background of a competitive
market. One of the cornerstones of the
plan is to adapt technology aimed at
fully automating its operations.
As an initial step towards embracing
technology, MGen in 2015 successfully
implemented the Broker-Link. This
platform allows intermediaries to
issue customers with automated
insurance certificates and policies
right at the intermediary’s office –
thereby improving customer services,
business efficiencies and the control
environment.
The company will continue to focus
on technology to support business
operations and quality of customer
services whilst creating additional
capacity for efficient growth.
We are set to become a more customer
driven organization in 2016 and
beyond, focusing on market segments,
creating tailor made competitive
propositions and providing a superior
experience to our customers.
Like all other insurance companies,
some of the major challenges MGen is
facing, include softening of the market,
risk of fraud and poor credit culture and
the limited insurance awareness by the
majority of the people. We believe the
strategies put in place this year will go a
longwayincounteringthesechallenges
to enable the company remain afloat.
It is Madison General Insurance Company Zambia
LImited (MGen)’s policy to be prudent and conservative in
underwriting all risks presented bearing in mind the need
to observe professional standards, good insurance practice
and clients’ needs.
As an initial step towards
embracing technology,
MGen in 2015 successfully
implemented the Broker-
Link.
MGen senior managers brainstorm
during their weekly meeting
MGEN'S UNDERWRITING
AND CLAIMS PHILOSOPHY
1 6 L S A | N E W S
17. F O C U S O N M G E N
SUCCESS OF BROKER LINK
CONNECTION TO OUR PREFERRED
PROVIDERS
Today, computers are used in every field and have made our day to day tasks very easy for
quick, efficient, cost effective service in real time.
B
roker Link is an interactive insurance solution
tailored to meet the Insurance industry’s unique
requirements by enabling Companies to leverage
the power of the web for enhancing service levels,
reducing cost and increasing sales capabilities.
It enables customers to access services in real time, through
online entry of quotes and policies, online viewing and
tracking of quotes and policies, placing endorsement
requests, claim intimation requests, email and SMS
notifications, renewal notifications, payment gateway and
tracking statement of accounts from any location online.
In addition, it offers an end to end solution intended at
bridging the gap between the Insurance Companies and
their partners by employing a computerized online system.
The Broker Link being is a platform for interaction with the
outside world such as Brokers, Agents and esteem clients.
It is user friendly, intuitive and available 24 hours provided
there is an internet connection.
MGEN implemented this initiative in May last year and
sensitised all its preferred providers who have embraced
the system. By the end of last year, MGen phased out motor
insurance manual cover notes and was the first company in
the industry to move in that direction.
With the introduction of Statutory Instrument 33 of 2015
– The Road Traffic (Certificates of Security and Insurance
Display) Regulations, 2015 (SI 33) that require motorists
to display the insurance discs, there was an overwhelming
response from clients and who are extremely happy that the
company is able to produce computer generated documents
even from mobile offices.
The link has made possible instant delivery of policy
documents, schedules, and tax invoices which has given
MGEN a competitive advantage over competitors. It has also
improved correctness of income and accuracy of data that is
readily available for quick quality decisions making.
MGEN’s ability now to process large motor fleets within an
hour when it used to take a couple of weeks before, enables
the company save time. Quick delivery of documents has
proved to be a selling point for our products and has reduced
workload for our preferred providers.
All the teething problems have been addressed and MGEN
hopes to excel this year embracing technology as a way of
giving quality service to all valued customers and partners.
The link has made possible instant
delivery of policy documents, schedules,
and tax invoices which has given MGEN a
competitive advantage over competitors.
Madison House
L S A | N E W S 1 7
18. T
oday’s market
is primarily
dependent on push
and mandatory
requirements rather than
customer pull which comes
from increased financial
awareness, savings and
disposable income,” he
observed.
He said the solution would
be to strive for product
simplification, transparency
in cost and pricing, effective
distribution channels and
improved customer service to
boost sales.
In his paper presented
to a seminar in Geneva,
Switzerland recently, Mr
Lumbwe said : “Key insurance
tradeandinvestmentissues–a
Zambian perspective, “he said
thattheInsurersAssociationof
Zambia(IAZ)wastryingtodeal
with issue by engaging the
public through a structured
consumer awareness program to try and
improve the uptake of insurance.
He identified taxation on insurance
premiums as another drawback. He
said that since insurance premiums
are a form of savings, the current VAT
of 16% was not only a heavy burden to
the insured but made insurance less
attractive as well and revealed that the
IAZ was lobbying government to make
insurance premiums exempt from VAT.
Insurers were limited to asset classes
available in the market-the traditional
asset classes being fixed income,
government securities and equities.
“The limitations on off-shore
investments and available hard
currency investment instruments
poses a challenge in the management
of foreign denominated liabilities.
There is need for diversification to
alternative asset classes and guidelines
to open up options of offshore
investments,” he said.
There were low trade volumes
on the equity markets and an
inactive secondary market on
bonds, which made the stock
market investments highly
illiquid and not attractive to
short term insurers. Corporate
debt limited investment
decisions which ultimately
comprised returns.
“A consideration would be
to improve regulations to
support increased equity
market activity such as
supporting co-management
of institutional funds and
opening up public pension
funds to private management
in order to stimulate trading
activity,” he said.
In conclusion, Mr. Lumbwe
observed that insurance by
its nature was international
and involved a lot of cross-border
transactions by way of reinsurance and
other professional services all of which
had to conform to domestic regulation.
“I am of the opinion that insurance
regulations must be able to
promote trade in order to increase
penetration levels, contribution
to gross domestic product (GDP)
and build technical capacity in the
market,” he concluded.
LUMBWE IDENTIFIES SOME
BOTTLENECKS IN INSURANCE
The MGEN Managing Director Chabala Lumbwe has identified low insurance penetration as
one of the key issues affecting the insurance market in Zambia.
F O C U S O N M G E N
1 8 L S A | N E W S
19. F O C U S O N M G E N
“This gesture says something about the
sense of social responsibility among
tourism operators in this city. As far
as possible, we will try and answer
to the needs of the society around
which we operate. Our hope is that the
insecticides will be properly utilized and
we will all see the difference,” he said.
He spoke October 28 in Livingstone
during presentation of insecticides to
treat sewer ponds, a breeding ground
for mosquitoes to the Livingstone
Council.
Mr. Banda said it was with a sense of
accomplishment that the donation was
being made.
He said not only would the donation
ease the operating environment for
tourismestablishmentsinthecitywhich
had suffered health challenges because
of the perennial presence of mosquitoes
breeding in the sewer ponds but in the
final analysis the larger community
would benefit as well.
“The uncontrolled proliferation of
mosquitoes in Livingstone has been a
major setback to not only our efforts
to promote tourism but also to the
national economy since mosquitoes do
not distinguish between tourists and
Livingstone residents,” he said.
“Mosquitoes are dangerous vectors that
transmit not only the dreaded malaria
which still counts as one of the deadliest
killers on our continent but other
infections as well particularly to people
from cooler climates where mosquitoes
are absent or are under control.”
He said the money for the insecticides
had been put together by the joint
efforts of a number of concerned
tourism operators in the city and the
effort had been coordinated by the
Madison General Insurance Company
Zambia Limited (MGen), a subsidiary of
Lawrence Sikutwa & Associates Limited
(LSA) Group of Companies.
Mr. Banda said that LSA Group was
a key player in the tourist capital.
Apart from being a shareholder in
the David Livingstone Safari Lodge &
Spar through its tourism subsidiary –
the Amalgamated Tourism Industries
(ATI), the Group owned the Bushfront
Lodge which was currently undergoing
a US$250,000 refurbishment and had
changed its name to the Royal Sichango
Village.
The improvements to the Royal
Sichango Village included modern
comforts, furniture and sanitary ware in
all the rooms as well as air-conditioning.
The resort had also purchased a bus
which would provide services including
tours into the Mosi-oa-Tunya National
Park for game viewing.
The management had also applied for
a game licence to stock it with some
animalsincludingZebraandImpala.
MGEN HANDS OVER INSECTICIDES
TO LIVINGSTONE COUNCIL
MGen Livingstone Branch Manager Blackson Banda has
said that the LSA Group of companies was proud to donate
insecticides to Livingstone City Council because they would
not only serve the interests of tourism operators but those
of the larger Livingstone community as well.
L S A | N E W S 1 9
20. I WANT TO SHARE WITH YOU, THE
THREE THINGS THAT HAVE SHAPED
MY CAREER.
I am 41, born in a family of five. Being
the first born I had to work extra hard to
help my parents provide for my young-
er siblings. My dad left employment
when I was still in primary school. We
totally depended on mum for our edu-
cation. She was only a nurse and had to
work extra shifts and do cross border
trade to support us all.
This experience forced me to pursue
my education and take life very serious.
I set my goals at a tender age. I remem-
ber an opportunity came for me to go
aboard l turned it down because one
of my goals was to work for a corpo-
rate organisation like a bank probably
because my father was a banker. I was
not sure if l would have that privilege
aboard so l refused to go.
Mum would always advise that the key
to everything was education, living on
her word, l pressed ahead till l com-
pleted my grade twelve and enrolled at
HOW I GOT HERE!
I am Pamela Sinyinza Head of Claims at Madison General Insurance. I am generally a quiet
person. I enjoy networking and am a risk taker.
F O C U S O N M G E N : P R O F I L E
2 0 L S A | N E W S
21. ZIBCT in Insurance studies.
Today my siblings are all independent;
we owe it all to our parents who never
gave up on us, above all to God for his
grace. Eleven years ago my parents re-
located to the UK to pursue another
life. My Mother has great determination
to conquer life. Not only do l look like
her but l have her genes too.
How did l get here? I believe that there
is nothing impossible if one remains
focused, determined and hardworking.
Above all with God on your side you can
achieve anything.
I have been in the Insurance industry
for over 20 years now, 15 years with
Madison General Insurance. It has been
a long journey littered with challenges,
opportunities and great achievements.
I started off the journey at Madison In-
surance then, as a Personal Lines Clerk
in March 2001 and rose to the position
of Head Claims in 2012, a position l still
hold.
During my Insurance studies at ZIBIC in
1997, l was chosen to attended inter-
views with a colleague of mine who is
now Ndola Branch Manager for Madi-
son General in the show ground prem-
ises. We were not told the name of the
company at the time and only learnt
after the interviews that the company
was Madison Insurance .Mr Bill Fyfe was
the only representative from Madison
Insurance among ten other panellists
from different organisations. I started
to research on Madison Insurance and
my desire to work for this organisation
began that day.
Two weeks later the College informed
me that l was successful and was
scheduled to attend an induction
course; however l advised the college
that l had not received my offer letter.
I made a follow up with Madison Insur-
ance and was advised that they had
opted to recruit a male employee. Ob-
viously that was very disappointing but
I never gave up.
I then started working for Anchor In-
surance Brokers on January 5, 1998
as a Broker in charge of Barclays Bank
Account for the entire country. It was
during my term at Anchor in November
2000, that l missed my second chance
of working for Madison Insurance.
A fax was sent for my attention and my
workmate called Madison pretending
to be me, she was told about the in-
terviews and decided to shred the fax
and l missed the interview. I was later
called by the late Mary Matiya to find
out why l did not attend the interviews,
I informed her that l did not receive the
invitation and she narrated how some-
one called in response to the fax.
In February 2001, I had another oppor-
tunity to attend interviews with Madi-
son Insurance which l did successfully
and started work on March 1, 2001. I
worked at the Comesa offices under
Mr Charles Sumbwe, Mr Prince Nkhata
and later Mrs Pauline Simwaba. These
were my first mentors as l began this
journey.
In 2006 I was promoted to the Claims
Department as a Claims Negotiator
under Mrs Edna Kalenga -a great men-
tor who taught me how to promote
yourself at work in order to get that
promotion. She did not only teach me
work but also taught me personal de-
velopment in order to succeed at work
by setting goals and working towards
achieving them.
I remember I set my goals before l
turned 40, one of them being, I would
be a Senior Manager before l turn 40.
This did not just happen. l remember
l had no weekend to myself, worked
so hard to learn and perfect my skills.
I had to restrict and plan my budget ef-
fectively; l had to forgo some things in
order to achieve my goals.
Two years before my 40th birthday was
promoted to Head of Claims. It was all
through hard work, determination and
being focused- with these you can be
what you desire.
From left to right: Sandra, Pamela, Salifyanji, Ivwananji and Jessie -Mr Bright and Mrs. Jennipher
Sinyinza
F O C U S O N M G E N : P R O F I L E
L S A | N E W S 2 1
22. O
n the promotions
list were: Kwezikani
Zulu who was
elevated to the
position of Regional Accountant
(Copperbelt). Chimuka
Milambo rose to Underwriter
(agriculture). Tamala Malunga
is the new Treasury and Branch
Accountant and Isabel Mulenga
isnowanUnderwritingAssistant.
Chinyanta Kaoma is the new
Accountant (Reinsurance and
Recoveries).
Kabungo Chifwafwa is now an
Underwriting Assistant. To cap
to her promotion, Kabungo
has just graduated with a BA in
Balis and Development Studies
from UNZA last August. She also
holds a Professional Diploma
in marketing obtained from the
Chartered Institute of Marketing
(UK). Kabungo is currently
pursuing a Diploma in Insurance
(CII)whichshehopestocomplete
this year (2016).
Others promoted are: Chipo
Mwanza the new Accountant
(Payables) and Christopher
Katilungu is now the Senior
Customer Relationship Manager.
Frederick S. Munkombwe was
named Acting Head of Financial
Accounting while Chinyimba
BwalerosefromBusinessAnalyst
to acting Head Management
Accounting.
There was more changes under
re-designation: Ndhlavane
Nyirenda moved from Regional
Accountant(Copperbelt) to
be the General Ledger and
Reporting Accountant at Head
office; Fred Ngo’ma who was a
Claims Negotiator was named
Manager Subrogation and
Salvage Recoveries while Kelly
Chanda who was an Audit
Associate was named to Taxes,
Fixed Assets and Payable as
Accountant. Martin Mwila was
named Assistant Treasury and
Branch Accountant and Mary S.
Shonga to Assistant Accountant
Payroll and payables.
EIGHT RISE IN MGEN STAFF
“SHAKE-UP”
There have been extensive staff changes at the Madison General Insurance Company
(MGen) with eight promotions, two acting appointments, five re-designations and more.
Chimuka Milambo
Chinyanta Kaoma
Kwezikani Zulu
Isabel Mulenga
Tamara Malunga Chipo Mwanza
Kabungo Chifwfwa Chinyimba Bwale
2 2 L S A | N E W S
23. Chafwa Mbewe and Mwangala
Nalishuwa were transferred to
Head Office from COMESA and
Kitwe respectively.
There were three new additions
to the MGen family: Mapande
Mapande joined as Systems
Administrator, Rudo Muzondiwa
as Cashier at head Office.
Rudo holds a Diploma in
ManagementyAccounting(CIMA)
and aims to complete the course
at professional level. Rudo’s
hobbies include reading and
listening to music. Frank Lwando
has joined MGen as Credit
Controller at Head Office.
Idreen Malambo until MGen
Accountant has moved to
MFinanceasChiefFinanceOfficer
and Carol Simulyampondo,
formerly Treasury and Tax
Accountant with MGen has also
been transferred to MFInance
as Head – General Ledger and
Projects.
Meanwhile Shila Nakawala
has joined MGen as Assistant
Compliance Officer. She holds
a BSc degree in Banking and
Finance from the Copperbelt
University. She enjoys reading
and listening to music.
Announcing the wide ranging
staff “shake-up” August 21,
2015, the Managing Director
Chabala Lumbwe called on
staff to cooperate with the new
appointees.
Kelly Chanda
Mwangala Nalishuwa
Mapande Mapande
Christopher Katilungu
Ndlavane Nyirenda
Martin Mwila
Frederick Munkombwe
Rudo Muzondiwa
Fred Ng'oma
Frank Lwando
Carol Simulyampondo
Mary Shonga
Idreen Malambo
Shila Nakawala
L S A | N E W S 2 3
24. NO AFTER HOURS IN
CHIPATA!
My name is Lydia Limpo
Mutakela and I joined Madison
general Insurance Company
(MGen) in 2013 and worked
from head office as an
Underwriting Clerk.
I was transferred to Solwezi in 2015
in the same capacity.
The transfer especially to Solwezi
was something of a shock as I did
not foresee it. I remember travel-
ling on a bus from Lusaka to Solwezi
sobbing. A passenger who sat next
to me started comforting me and
telling me that she understood how
painful it was to lose a loved one!
SheactuallythoughtIhadlostsome-
one until I told her that I was shading
tears because I was on transfer to
Solwezi. She was surprised and told
other passengers why I was sobbing.
They laughed.
I now enjoy working from Solwezi
the branch I love. I have gained more
experience dealing directly with cli-
ents for both Motor and non - motor
departments. I also work as a ca-
shier and I am able to work on some
claims.
I joined Madison General (MGen) in August 2013 and was
transferred to Chipata in July 2014. I have found the branch
interesting and a good place to gain experience. This is
because I tend to operate in all departments. I am involved
in underwriting, claims, finance and banking.
THE BRANCH ALLOWS ONE TO BECOME INVOLVED IN ALL OPERATIONS AND
GAIN ALL ROUND EXPERIENCE.
The insurance market in Chipata is small and is still developing. It comprises
mainly businessmen of Indian origin who are friendly people. To be in a branch
like Chipata means you have to be available to these clients at all times even after
working hours. People ask for quotations, COMESA or other insurance cover wher-
ever you meet as long as they need it.
For this reason, Chipata staff have to ensure that their mobile phones are on even
at weekends as clients do call to ask for COMESA cover.
NO MORE
SOBBING IN
SOLWEZI
BY LYDIA MUTAKELA
BY HARRISON MTONGA
F O C U S O N M G E N
2 4 L S A | N E W S
25. T
he company has employed
15 temporal staff at its
Head Office who comprise
computer savvy college
graduates and students with good
phone etiquette. Under the KYC
project, MGen is collecting customer
identification details countrywide
to verify and update their existing
accounts. This is in compliance with
the Pension and Insurance Authority
(PIA) Anti-Money Laundering Directive
of 2010 and is contained in subsection
(4) section of twelve of the Prohibition
and Prevention of Money Laundering
Act Number 14 of 2001.
MGEN WANTS TO KNOW ITS
CUSTOMERS
Madison General Insurance has undertaken a programme to update the database for its
customers in order to enhance efficiency. This is being done under a special project: Know
Your Customer (KYC).
In the photo are the temporal staff.
F O C U S O N M G E N
L S A | N E W S 2 5
26. I
t is often not an easy task to speak
and lead unless you have acquired
the necessary skills to confidently
express yourself to others and
as the saying goes – Practice makes
perfect! Toastmasters is the perfect
forum where these skills are learnt and
practiced.
We have had a lot of encouragement
from Lusaka Pros and Zambezi Clubs
whohaveprovidedtremendoussupport
and mentorship to us.
MGEN TOASTMASTERS CLUB
Madison General Insurance Company
Zambia Limited (MGEN) Toastmasters
club is now a Chartered Toastmasters
Club.
ClubPresidentMundiaMundiareceiving
the banner from Area District Governor
Keole Mwamba during the officiating
ceremony at Madison House on 28 July
2015.
Toastmasters is an international
organization whose mission is to
empower individuals to become more
effective communicators and leaders.
This is achieved by providing a
supportive and positive learning
experience in which members are
empowered to develop communication
andleadershipskills,resultingingreater
self-confidence and personal growth.
Members learn by speaking to groups
and working with others in a supportive
learning environment. At every meeting
each member has the opportunity to
speak which includes learning how
Toplanandconductmeetings.Members
present one to two minutes impromptu
speeches on assigned topics.
They also present prepared speeches
based on the projects provided in the
manuals and cover topics such as
speech organization, vocal variety,
language gestures and persuasion.
Every speaker is assigned an evaluator
who points out speech strengths and
offers suggestions for improvement
When you join the Toastmasters
club, you will receive two manuals
on Competent Communication and
MGEN BECOMES
A CHARTERED
TOASTMASTERS CLUB
When our Managing Director Chabala Lumbwe introduced
Toastmasters to us, it was like he was speaking CHINESE!
Believe me, only a few had an idea of what it was and I was
one of those who were absolutely blank. We kept probing
our colleagues Mundia Mundia to give us an insight as he
had attended a Toastmasters meeting as well as Christopher
Katilungu who had started but dropped off.
President
Mundia Mundia
Vice President
Education
Pamela Sinyinza
Vice President
Membership
Malama Bwalya
Simukonda
Vice President Public
Relations
Pauline Simwaba
Secretary
Kelvin Mwale
Treasurer
Brenda Nkole
Sergeant-At-Arms
Christopher Katilungu
THECHARTERINGSAWTHEELECTIONOFTHECLUBEXECUTIVEFORTHEYEAR
2015-2016 AS FOLLOWS:-
Malama Bwalya Simukonda
VICE PRESIDENT – MEMBERSHIP
F O C U S O N M G E N
2 6 L S A | N E W S
27. Competent Leadership and other
resources on how to become a better
speaker and a more confident leader.
In addition, you will have access to the
international website and a monthly
magazine that offers valuable insights
on speaking and leadership techniques.
TOASTMASTERS AND LEADERSHIP
Leadership is all about practice. In
Toastmasters,memberslearnleadership
skills by organizing and conducting
meeting as well as completing projects
in the manuals. Projects address skills
such as listening, planning, motivating
and team building. Just as Toastmasters
members improve communication by
speaking, they learn Leadership skills by
leading.
WHAT ARE THE COMPANY BENEFITS
A Company’s success depends
on Communication. How well its
employees communicate amongst
themselves and to its customers will
determine whether it will grow into an
industry leader or stall in mediocrity.
Toastmasters will teach employees to
become better presenters and leaders
through:-
nn Giving better Sales presentation
nn Hone their management skills
nn Work better with fellow employees
nn Develop and present ideas more
effectively
nn Offer constructive criticism
nn Accept feedback more objectively
WHAT ARE THE COMMUNITY BENEFITS
Toastmasters will help you to become
more involved in community activities
such as the church or any charitable
activities. You will be able to confidently
organize activities, conduct meetings
and even speak in public as a
representative.
WHEN ARE THE MEETINGS
Meeting are held every second and
fourth Tuesday of the month in the
Training Room at Madison General
Insurance.
There you go! Now you know about
Toastmasters - you are invited to attend
any of our meetings -See you there!
This is achieved by providing a supportive and
positive learning experience in which members
are empowered to develop communication
and leadership skills, resulting in greater self-
confidence and personal growth.
F O C U S O N M G E N
L S A | N E W S 2 7
28. HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHABS
MGen staff at head office led by Executive Assistant to the MD Priscilla
Shakulipa organized a surprise birthday office “bash” for their boss Mr
Chabala Lumbwe, fondly referred to as “Chabs.” Although there were
no alcoholic beverages, this did not dampen the spirits of the staff who
wished Chabs may more happy returns.
F O C U S O N M G E N
2 8 L S A | N E W S
29. 1. AMBITIOUS
A great employee should always
be ambitious and want to not only
improve the company, but themselves
as individuals as well.
Having ambition means that you have
drive to succeed and are willing to do
whatever it takes to accomplish your
goals. In this regard, it’s important
to embrace a culture of continuous
learning. Knowledge is power and
don’t rely on knowledge that you
acquired more than five years ago for
today’s challenges.
One solid observation that I have
made is that ambitious people often
tend to be leaders in their workplace.
Please take note that I am referring to
leadership in the real sense and not
just management. You may want to
know that there is a difference between
leadership and management. I will
share the differences in my next article.
2. HUMBLE
We’ve all heard the famous quote,
“humility is the key to success.”
That quote is even more real within
the workplace. There is no room for
arrogance within a great workplace. A
greatemployeewillembracehumilityas
opposed to being arrogant. Arrogance
has no place in the LSA Group!
3. PASSIONATE
What’s more amazing than having an
employee that is passionate about
their work?
Without passion there’s no real reason
to go to work.
A great employee is passionate about
going to work and loves being around
their colleagues and making them
better.
4. CONFIDENT
A great employee needs to be confident
in their work.
5. HONEST
An honest employee allows the work
environment to be loose and doesn’t
leave any room for drama.
Honesty goes hand in hand with
transparency!
An honest employee is going to be
transparentandletpeopleknowwhat’s
going on at all times. And remember,
being transparent in the workplace will
only make better the office’s culture
and allow people to feel good within
the office walls. Hey please don’t talk ill
of your colleagues in the office, if there
are any issues, transparency dictates
that you will approach your colleague
and talk things over..
6. CREATIVE
Creativity is what sets apart Ronado
and Mecci from the rest of footballers…
Creative employees are now being
sought after, more than ever!
Today’s workforce need people
whose great ideas thrive and grow
the business. If we are not creative,
it’s just a matter of time before we are
swallowed by competition.
Get your creative juices flowing
by trying new things and breaking
routine. Change it up and continually
try new things to make your days more
productive.
7. RELIABLE
This one is pretty easy to guess, but
reliable people usually make great
employees.
Reliable are accountable and can be
entrusted with tasks. They’ll also help
with the synergy in the office.
8. POSITIVE
This one might be the most important
trait of them all!
It’s important to be surrounded by
positivity. Great employees have the
ability to positively influence all those
around them and make sure that they
can perform great as well.
Being positive is a mindset that
will not only improve interpersonal
relationships at the office, but also
allow you to work optimally.
ADMIRABLE ATTRIBUTES OF A
GREAT EMPLOYEE
BY DERRICK NGUBAI Group Human Resource Manager
Since we are all employees serving at various levels in our organizations, I
thought of sharing with you an article on attributes that make a great employee.
We should all strive to have the attributes listed below. Enjoy the reading.
Source: http://www.officevibe.com/blog/
infographic-great-employee
F E AT U R E S
L S A | N E W S 2 9
30. F E AT U R E S
D
espite the fact that fashion
trends are changing every
day, most organizations still
expect their employees to
dress appropriately as per the work
culture for a pleasing personality.
Whether you like it or not, the way you
look plays a role in your success in the
modern workplace. Always remember
that your appearance translates to per-
formance and if your appearance is not
pleasing enough, this could limit your
chances to progress.
Below are some tips that could help
make an improvement in this area.
CORPORATE FASHION TIPS FOR
WOMEN
It is often observed that female pro-
fessionals do not bother much about
the clothes they wear to work. Never
overlook your professional attire. Re-
member clothes help you create the
desired “first impression”.
Be careful about the fit of your dress.
It is not necessary that a dress which
looks good on your colleague will also
look good on you. Dress according to
your physique, body size, body type,
weight, complexion and so on. A dress
needs to fit you well. Avoid wearing
something which is too tight or too
loose. Wearing clothes that fit you
well makes you feel confident at the
workplace. Do not wear body hugging
clothes to work.
It is always wise to dress according
to your office culture. Business suits
look best in colours like Blue, Black or
Charcoal grey. Business suits consti-
tute a crisp shirt teamed with a match-
ing trouser or skirt. Shirts should be
preferably in light shade and properly
tucked into the trouser. Skirts should
touch the knee or below. Be very care-
ful about the overall fit of the trouser.
Baggy trousers will make you look lazy
and sloppy.
Avoid wearing loud colours to work.
Colours such as hot pinks, reds, deep
purples look odd at the workplace.
They are meant to be worn at social
functions. Animal prints and jazzy de-
signs are not meant for offices.
See through dresses, spaghetti tops,
mini skirts and dresses, blouses with
a deep neckline are a strict no at the
workplace. Such dresses will attract
people for all the wrong reasons. Fe-
CORPORATE FASHION TIPS
WITH KAREN NKHOMA
The editorial team has introduced a new column which is aimed at advising and
encouraging staff to share ideas on corporate dressing in order for us to maintain a good
image for our Group. Your contributions and comments are most welcome.
3 0 L S A | N E W S
31. F E AT U R E S
male executives should avoid wearing
heavy jewellery to work. Do not wear
chunky necklaces, large earrings and
stacks of bangles at workplace. Flaunt-
ing your gold jewellery at office is fool-
ish. Do not wear rings on every finger.
Avoid wearing multiple bracelets. An
elegant and simple watch looks best
on professionals.
Do not wear loud make up to work. Mild
make-up works best in offices. Don’t
overdo your make-up. Minimal make
up can not only make you look good
but also extremely professional. Never
apply layers of foundation on your face.
Avoid cakey make up at workplace.
It is important to smell good at the
workplace. Keep a mild perfume handy.
Your handbag must go with your outfit
and complement your overall look.
Make sure your hands are clean and
nails properly trimmed and manicured.
Avoid applying bright and gaudy nail
polish.
Body piercings (eyebrow piercings or
lip piercings) and tattoos of any kind
should be strictly avoided in organiza-
tions. Do not wear more than one ear-
ring at the workplace.
Hair should be neatly combed and
properly tied. Messy hair is not at all ac-
ceptable at workplaces. Do not adopt
weird hairstyles at work.
CORPORATE FASHION TIPS FOR MEN
It is not necessary that you have to
wear your business suits daily to work.
A crisp white shirt teamed with a black
wellfittrousercangiveyouthatdesired
professional look. Corporate dressing
does not mean flaunting designer busi-
ness suits but to dress appropriately
in line with your organization culture.
Dressing formally helps to create the
right professional image.
Neutral colours such as blue, grey,
white, khaki, black are guaranteed hits
in a corporate setting. Avoid wearing
party shirts to work. Do not wear loud
colours or patterns that are too bold.
Subtle colours look good in offices.
Plain shirts are always in style but you
can also go for shirts in stripes, checks
or micro-checks. Colours such as red,
yellow, orange usually are not pre-
ferred to be worn at the workplace.
Polka dots shirts or shirts with sequins
are a strict no-no in organizations.
Avoid wearing short sleeves to work.
Full sleeves shirts look professional.
Make sure your sleeves touch the base
of your hand. Do not roll up sleeves at
work. Take care of the fit of the trouser.
Slim fit or flat front trousers in solid
colours such as grey, black, blue look
best at workplaces. Avoid baggy trou-
sers as one looks lazy and sloppy in
the same. Your shirt should not be too
tight. You should be able to button your
shirt properly without any gaps. Cloth-
ing should be clean, wrinkle free and
ironed.
Shoes should be polished. Keep a shoe
shiner handy. Prefer dark leather shoes
(Black or Brown) with black laces. Wear
dark coloured socks to work. Do not
wear sports shoes or sneakers to work.
Avoid wearing chunky necklaces or too
many bracelets to work. Remove all
other rings except your wedding ring if
you are married. Remember, there is a
huge difference between your college
and professional life. College were the
days when nobody told you anything
when you wore ripped jeans, T shirts,
sneakers, hats and proudly flaunted
your tattoos and body piercings. If you
wear an earring, remove it immediate-
ly. Tattoos and body piercings are not
at all acceptable in a professional envi-
ronment.
If you have a moustache, make sure it
is neatly trimmed. Do not attend office
with beard unless there is an emergen-
cy.
Remember, your tie should comple-
ment your overall look. Silk ties are al-
ways a safe bet. Do not wear ties in loud
colours or jazzy patterns. The tip of
your tie should touch your belt buckles.
Hair should be neatly combed for a pro-
fessional look. Short hair looks best in
offices.
Avoid wearing strong cologne or per-
fume. You don’t need to tell others that
you have arrived at work.
Avoid chewing gums at work. It looks
completely unprofessional.
REMEMBER THAT YOUR IMAGE ALONE
SPEAKS VOLUMES.
Source: http://www.managementguide.
com
L S A | N E W S 3 1
32. U
nfortunately, the
commitment from him has
not been as I anticipated. He
is such an amazing person
and I know he can do better.
Right now my focus is on taking care
of Sally in the best way possible ensur-
ing that she has the best of everything.
I am Sally’s biggest advocate and I will
do whatever it takes to ensure that she
has the opportunity to reach her full
potential in life, that is why I have tak-
en out a life insurance policy with MLfe
so that she’ll always have the financial
resources she needs until she is able to
support herself.
Up until March 2014, my focus was on
my career. Even after encountering
numerous financial road blocks I man-
aged to complete my CAT and am now
a part time ACCA student.
News that I was expecting changed my
entire world. I remember thinking to
myself that it was time to slow down
and go back to the drawing board, set
new priorities, get refocused and cen-
tre my life on this beautiful gift I was
carrying. It was time to prepare to be
the best mom ever.
Society’s perception of single mothers
is very discouraging. I faced a range of
uncomfortable situations- of being the
subject of gossip by my co-workers to
falling out of favor with people close
to me. I heard things like, ‘she’s easy
to get,’ ‘so slutty,’’ it’s all her fault’ and
she is a bad influence on younger girls
in society.
This was the toughest time of my life
but I made a decision not to worry
about things I couldn’t change; besides
I was not sorry I was having the child.
On December 13, 2014, on my 25th
birthday, after spending 53 weeks in
“mommy’s hotel” my very adorable
little angel was born at 21:20 hours
weighing a massive 3.5Kg. I looked at
F E AT U R E S
SALLY’S MOM
I met Sally’s father in 2013 and our friendship quickly turned into a full blown relationship. We fell
out of love as fast as we fell in before I knew it we were no longer together and I was pregnant. As
expected, he accepted responsibility and promised to be there for our daughter in every way. Safe
to say we agreed to co-parent for the sake of our adorable little angel.
By Rita Chifyanka
3 2 L S A | N E W S
33. her and all my troubles disappeared.
We named her Sally Jessica Kalima
Chisanga.
Sally has brought me hope, she has giv-
en my life a new meaning and I know
my Father in heaven saved me through
this child. Sally has the smile of an an-
gel. It shines brighter every day.
Whether it is by choice or as a result
of an unfortunate circumstance, sin-
gle motherhood brings about its own
unique sets of joys and challenges-
managing work and home and the
many financial commitments. It seems
my work is never done- finding the best
person to take care of my daughter
when I am at work but if the truth be
told, you can never find a person good
enough. As a mother, I worry about my
child’s wellbeing. It is inevitable but
that does not mean my work has to suf-
fer. I have to be on top of my work at
all times.
There are seemingly lonely nights when
Sally’s temperature is high because she
is teething and purging and when I run
out of diapers or porridge before the
23rd but know that I need to get these
supplies somehow and living in high
cost Solwezi doesn’t make it any easier.
But no matter how hard it may be I al-
ways put on a brave face because I can
never let my daughter be affected by
these challenges. Knowing that there
are many women who have overcome
these and many other struggles to raise
beautiful kids is reassuring. It’s also
about having a great support system,
my amazing family, true friends and
staying positive that keep me afloat. It
indeed takes a village to raise a child.
Nothing makes me prouder than being
called Sally’s mom. It makes me feel
like I have accomplished my greatest
deed by having such a precious gift and
I still want to achieve more for her, that
is why I have not neglected my studies.
I have always wanted to be a chartered
accountant and I am working my way
there. I am also working on expanding
my current expertise to boost my ca-
reer. I believe anything and everything
is possible when you have the courage
and strength of character to guide you.
With regards to staying a single mother
forever, that is definitely not happen-
ing .I haven’t given up on love and I
am positive things will work out for
the better in this area of my life. I am
wiser now, emotionally and mentally
mature and when the time is right I will
be walking down the aisle with much
grace and poise.
As I strive to be a great mother I ensure
that I spend some quality time with
my daughter. After work, I switch off
all work related activities and wear my
super mom costume. Sally and I love to
watch cartoons, dance to feel good mu-
sic, go out for a walk when the weather
is favorable and I savor every moment
of this.
Now my prayer is that God should blot
out my sins- that my child should not
be cursed for the mistakes she was
not aware of and so that she can have
a wonderful future ahead of her. We
thank God for what he has done and
what he has in store for us from the
boundless mercy to unceasing love.
F E AT U R E S
This was the toughest
time of my life but I made
a decision not to worry
about things I couldn’t
change; besides I was
not sorry I was having the
child.
L S A | N E W S 3 3
34. RECIPIENTS OF LONG SERVICE
AWARDS FOR 2015
Davis Mwanamoya (MGen) - 20 years
Cindy Chiputa (LSA) - 10 years Kaoma Chinyanta (MGen) - 10 years
Ndhlavane Nyirenda (MGen) - 10 years
Kelvin Mwale (MGen) - 20 years
R E C I P I E N TS O F LO N G S E R V I C E A W A R D S F O R 2 0 1 5
3 4 L S A | N E W S
35. The long serving staff got K15,000 each – K1,500 for each served.
Those who have served 20 years were given a similar amount when
they clocked 10 years.
Kangwa Kabungo (MGen) - 10 years (Kabungo was not present
to receive her cheque in person)
Jairson Musumali (MGen) - 10 years Carolyn Maimbolwa Mubiana (MLife) - 10 years
Stenah Shampile (MLife) - 10 years
R E C I P I E N TS O F LO N G S E R V I C E A W A R D S F O R 2 0 1 5
L S A | N E W S 3 5
36. LSA END-OF-YEAR PARTIES PHOTO
FOCUS IN LUSAKA AND COPPERBELT
LSA END OF YEAR PARTIES FOR 2015
– ALL WHITE AND BLACK AND WHITE AFFAIRS
LUSAKA
LSA members of staff across the country every December await the End of Year
parties with keen interest. The parties take place in Lusaka and in either Ndola
or Kitwe. Staff in Eastern, Central and Southern provinces join their Lusaka
counterparts in the capital city while those from North-Western, Luapula
and Northern provinces travel to the Copperbelt for the bashes. Apart from
enjoyment the parties provide, staff in the Group use the events to mingle
and network with others from other subsidiaries and to renew acquaintances,
exchange notes and getting to know new employees.
LS A E N D - O F -Y E A R PA R T I E S P H O TO F O C U S
3 6 L S A | N E W S
37. LS A E N D - O F -Y E A R PA R T I E S P H O TO F O C U S
L S A | N E W S 3 7
38. LUSAKA
LS A E N D - O F -Y E A R PA R T I E S P H O TO F O C U S
3 8 L S A | N E W S
39. LS A E N D - O F -Y E A R PA R T I E S P H O TO F O C U S
L S A | N E W S 3 9
40. LUSAKA
LS A E N D - O F -Y E A R PA R T I E S P H O TO F O C U S
4 0 L S A | N E W S
41. LS A E N D - O F -Y E A R PA R T I E S P H O TO F O C U S
L S A | N E W S 4 1
42. COPPERBELT
LS A E N D - O F -Y E A R PA R T I E S P H O TO F O C U S
4 2 L S A | N E W S
43. LS A E N D - O F -Y E A R PA R T I E S P H O TO F O C U S
L S A | N E W S 4 3
44. THE ZIKA VIRUS: WHAT IS IT?
Zika virus is a Flavivirus that is related
to dengue, West Nile, yellow fever, and
Japanese encephalitis viruses (Flavi-
viridae); the viruses are transmitted to
humans by mosquito bites and pro-
duce a disease that lasts a few days to a
week. The most common symptoms of
Zika virus disease are fever, rash, joint
pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). The
illness is usually mild with symptoms
lasting from several days to a week. Se-
vere disease requiring hospitalisation
is uncommon.
WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF ZIKA VIRUS
OUTBREAKS?
Zika virus (ZIKV) was first isolated and
identified in the Zika Forest of Uganda
in 1947. Studies suggest that humans
in that area of Africa could also have
been infected with the virus. From
1951-1981, blood tests showed evi-
dence of Zika virus infections in many
other African countries and Indonesia
(Tanzania, Egypt, Sierra Leone, Malay-
sia, Thailand, and the Philippines, for
example), and researchers found that
transmission of the virus to humans
was done by mosquitoes (Aedes aegyp-
ti). In 2007, the virus was detected in
Yap Island, the first report that the virus
spread outside of Africa and Indonesia
to Pacific Islands. The virus has con-
tinued to spread to North and South
America (Mexico, Columbia, Brazil, and
into the Caribbean islands). The most
recent outbreaks have been noted in
Puerto Rico, Cape Verde Islands, and a
large ongoing outbreak is occurring in
Brazil that started in May 2015 and is
ongoing. The first isolation of Zika virus
in the U.S. occurred in January 2016 in
Harris County (Houston), Texas, from
an individual who became infected in
El Salvador in November and returned
to Texas. Although there have not been
documented mosquito transmissions
in the U.S., Texas and other states have
two mosquito strains that could be ca-
pable of transmitting the viruses.
IS THERE A ZIKA VIRUS VACCINE?
No vaccine exists to prevent Zika virus
disease (Zika).Prevent Zika by avoid-
ing mosquito bites. Mosquitoes that
spread Zika Virus bite mostly during
the daytime. Mosquitoes that spread
Zika virus also spread Dengue and Chi-
kungunya viruses
ZIKA VIRUS DISEASE
H E A LT H CO R N E R
4 4 L S A | N E W S
45. HOW IS ZIKA VIRUS TRANSMITTED?
Zika virus is transmitted to people pri-
marily through the bite of an infected
Aedes species mosquito. These are the
same mosquitoes that spread Dengue
and Chikungunya viruses.
These mosquitoes typically lay eggs in
and near standing water in things like
buckets, bowls, animal dishes, flower
pots and vases. They are aggressive
daytime biters, prefer to bite people,
and live indoors and outdoors near
people.
Mosquitoes become infected when
they feed on a person already infected
with the virus. Infected mosquitoes can
then spread the virus to other people
through subsequent bites.
PREVENTING DANGEROUS MOSQUI-
TO BITES: ADULTS
When travelling to countries where
Zika virus or other viruses spread by
mosquitoes are found, take the follow-
ing steps:
• Wear long sleeved shirts and long
pants.
• Stay in places with air condition-
ing or that use window and door
screens to keep mosquitoes out-
side
• Sleep under a mosquito bed net to
keep mosquitoes away from you
Use Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) - registered insect repellents. All
EPA- registered insect repellents are
evaluated for effectiveness.
• Always follow the product label in-
structions.
• Reapply insect repellent as direct-
ed
• Do not spray repellent on the skin
after clothing
• If you are also using sunscreen, ap-
ply sunscreen before applying in-
sect repellent.
Treat clothing and gear with perme-
thrin or purchase permethrin-treated
items.
• Treated clothing remains protec-
tive after multiple washings. See
product information to learn how
long the protection will last
• If treating items yourself, follow
the product instructions carefully
• Do NOT use permethrin products
directly on skin. They are intended
to treat clothing.
PREVENTING DANGEROUS MOSQUI-
TO BITES: BABIES AND CHILDREN
• Do not use insect repellent on ba-
bies younger than 2 months of age
• Dress your child in clothing that
covers arms and legs, or
• Cover crib, stroller, and baby car-
rier with mosquito netting.
• Do not apply insect repellent onto
a child’s hands, eyes, mouth, and
cut or irritated skin.
• Adults: spray insect repellent onto
your hands and then apply to a
child’s face.
CAN ZIKA VIRUS BE TRANSMITTED
FROM PERSON TO PERSON?
A mother already infected with Zika vi-
rus near the time of delivery can pass
on the virus to her newborn around the
time of birth, but it is rare.
It is possible that Zika virus could be
passed from mother to foetus during
pregnancy. This mode of transmission
is being investigated.
To date, there are no reports of infants
getting Zika virus through breastfeed-
ing. Because of the benefits of breast-
feeding, mothers are encouraged to
breastfeed even in areas where Zika
virus is found.
Spread of the virus through blood
transfusion and sexual intercourse has
been reported.
H E A LT H CO R N E R
L S A | N E W S 4 5
46. IF YOU HAVE THE ZIKA VIRUS
Protect others from getting sick:
• During the first week of infection,
Zikaviruscanbefoundintheblood
and passed from an infected per-
son to another mosquito through
mosquito bites. An infected mos-
quito can then spread the virus to
other people.
• To help prevent others from get-
ting sick, avoid mosquito bites dur-
ing the first week of illness.
WHAT ARE ZIKA VIRUS SYMPTOMS?
About 1 in 5 people infected with Zika
virus become ill (i.e. develop Zika).
• Most common symptoms of Zika
are fever, rash, joint pain, or con-
junctivitis (red eyes). Other com-
mon symptoms include muscle
pain and headache. The incuba-
tion period (the time from expo-
sure to symptoms) for Zika virus
disease is not known, but is likely
to be a few days to a week.
• The illness is usually mild with
symptoms lasting for several days
to a week.
• Zika virus usually remains in the
blood of an infected person for a
few days but it can be found longer
in some people
• Sever disease requiring hospitali-
sation is uncommon
• Deaths are rare
ZIKA VIRUS AND PREGNANCY
While anyone can be infected with Zika,
what makes it stand out from other
mosquito- borne illnesses is the effect
it appears to have on pregnancy. We
know that Zika can spread from a preg-
nantmothertoherbaby,andthatinfec-
tion during pregnancy may be linked to
birth defects, such as a condition called
microcephaly (when a baby’s head is
smaller than expected when compared
with babies of the same sex and age).
Our understanding of the link between
Zika and pregnancy is evolving.
SHOULD PREGNANT WOMEN AVOID
TRAVEL?
Because of the possible risk to unborn
babies, CDC recommends that women
who are pregnant or trying to become
pregnant consider postponing travel
areas with local Zika transmission. If
you are pregnant and must travel to
one of these areas, talk to your health-
care provider first and strictly follow
steps to prevent mosquito bites. As
we learn more about this disease, our
guidance may change based on new
information important for the public to
know.
HOW IS ZIKA VIRUS TREATED?
No vaccine or medications are avail-
able to prevent or treat Zika infec-
tions. Treat the symptoms:
Get plenty of rest
• Drink fluids to prevent dehydration
• Take medicine such as Acetamino-
phen to relieve fever and pain
• Do not take aspirin and other
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs (NSAIDs), like Ibuprofen
and naproxen. Aspirin and NSAIDs
should be avoided until dengue
can be ruled out to reduce the risk
of haemorrhage (bleeding). If you
are taking medicine for another
medical condition, talk to your
H E A LT H CO R N E R
4 6 L S A | N E W S
47. medical doctor before taking ad-
ditional medication.
• If you have Zika, avoid mosquito
bites for the first week of your ill-
ness.
• During the first week of infec-
tion, Zika virus can be found in
the blood and passed from an in-
fected person to another mosquito
through mosquito bites.
• An infected mosquito can then
spread the virus to other people.
CDC ADVISORY ON TRAVEL TO AREAS
WITH ZIKA VIRUS
On Jan. 15, 2016, the CDC issued a trav-
el alert concerning Zika virus. The CDC
recommended that pregnant women
avoid traveling to areas with Zika out-
breaks, and women thinking about be-
coming pregnant need to consult with
their doctors before
traveling to areas with Zika virus out-
breaks. Women who must travel to ar-
eas with Zika virus outbreaks should
consult with their doctors about preg-
nancy risks and take precautions to
avoid any mosquito bites. The CDC is
continually updating the world map
of the locations where Zika virus out-
breaks have and are occurring.
WHAT IS THE CDC DOING ABOUT
ZIKA?
CDC has been aware of Zika for some
time and laboratories in many coun-
tries have been trained to test for chi-
kungunya and dengue. These skills
have prepared these laboratories for
Zika testing.
CDC is working with international
public health partners and with State
Health departments to:
• Alert healthcare providers and the
public about Zika.
• Provide State Health Laboratories
with diagnostic tests
• Detect and report cases, which will
help prevent further spread.
The arrival of Zika in the Americas
demonstrates the risks posed by
this and other exotic viruses. CDC’s
health security plans are designed
to effectively monitor for disease,
equip diagnostic laboratories, and
support mosquito control programs
both in the United States and around
the world.
H E A LT H CO R N E R
L S A | N E W S 4 7
48. LS A A C T I V I T I E S
The LSA Group has pledged to continue rendering support to the traditional ceremonies
across the country in an effort to preserve the cultural and heritage of Zambia. LSA
subsidiaries also support various projects and activities in cities and towns where they
conduct business. Below are some of the beneficiaries of the Group’s CSRP.
FROM TUWIMBA CEREMONY, PETAUKE
Among people who attended the 2015 Tuwimba Ceremony were Group Executive Chairman Dr
Lawrence Sikutwa, his wife Ethel; and his elder brother Victor and his wife Matha. The Sikutwas
donning summer hats– left right Mr Victor Sikutwa, Dr Lawrence Sikutwa, Mrs. Matha Sikutwa and
Mrs. Ethel Sikutwa walking towards the arena for the Tuwimba Ceremony celebrations
Mr Jackson Sakala- LSA Office Assistant
dishes out MFS Plc balloons during Tuwimba
Traditional Ceremony
Senior Chief Kalindawalo of the Sengas (in the middle spotting a hat made from a leopard skin) being escorted to the arena for the Tuwimba Ceremony
celebrations
4 8 L S A | N E W S
49. FROM NC'WALA CEREMONY, CHIPATA
LSA Staff Johnston Silungwe (MLife) and Kasamba Kayoya (Mhs) during
the 2016 Nc'wala Ceremony at Mutenguleni Village in Chipata
Rusangu University students on an educational tour of eastern province don Tilitonse T-Shirts after buying the Tilitonse policy during the 2016 Nc’wala
ceremony.
Paramount Chhief Mpezeni of the Ngoni people during the 2016 Nc'wala
Ceremony at Mutenguleni Village in Chipata An Impi: Ngoni Warrior keeps vigil during the Nc'wala Ceremony
LS A A C T I V I T I E S
L S A | N E W S 4 9
50. E
very year, MFS Plc sets aside
a budget for Corporate Social
Responsibility Programme
(CSRP) under which it
extends help to community projects
in such areas as health, education,
environmental management, sports
and culture.
Additionally, the MFS Plc in conjunction
with business partners and associates
are in the forefront of assisting to put
Zambia’s name on the regional and
international map in sponsorship of
events during national agricultural
shows and trade fairs, as well as sports
activities which attract regional and
international players.
Apart from sponsoring the exhibitors’
cocktail party during the Copperbelt
Mining, Agricultural and Commercial
Show in Kitwe, the Group also sponsors
the release of balloons to mark the
official opening of the show. It also
sponsors the same facility during
the official opening of the Zambia
International Trade Fair (ZITF) in
Ndola and the Zambia Agricultural and
Commercial Show in Lusaka.
During the year under review (2015), the
MFS Plc partnered with Mopani Copper
FORGES AHEAD WITH CORPORATE
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
PROGRAMME (CSRP)
MADISON FINANCIAL SERVICES PLC (MFS)
Rendering support to community projects and forging synergies with other corporate
entities to manage national events has become the hallmark of Madison Financial Services
Plc (MFS)’s operational phenomenon.
LS A CO R P O R AT E S O C I A L R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y P R O G R A M M E
MGen Head – Customer Relationship - Mr Kelvin Mwale presents an award to a junior golfer who
won first prize in the 2015 MGen-Rotary Club of Ndola-sponsored golf tournament at Ndola Golf
Club
5 0 L S A | N E W S
51. LS A CO R P O R AT E S O C I A L R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y P R O G R A M M E
Chairman of the Marketing and PR Committees of the Group Denson Lunga (left) shakes hands with Dr. John Musuku Principal Investigator in the
department of Paediatric at UTH after presentation of foodstuffs
LSA STAFF IN LUSAKA AND THE COPPERBELT COMMEMORATED THIS YEAR’S
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY BY DONATING FOODSTUFFS AND OTHER ITEMS SUCH
AS CHARCOAL AND DETERGENTS TO THE CANCER UNIT OF THE UNIVERSITY TEACHING
HOSPITAL (UTH) AND NDOLA’S MASALA ST ANTONIO CHILDREN’S VILLAGE.
Some LSA Copperbelt with children of St. Antonia Children’s Village after the donation of food-
stuffs and other items to the institution
Some of the children at St Antonio Children’s
Village where LSA staff donated foodstuffs
L S A | N E W S 5 1
52. Mines and Zambia Sugar Company to
sponsor golf tournaments which took
place in Kitwe and Lusaka, respectively.
The majority of those who took part in
the tournaments were international
players who go around various golfing
continental circuits for a living. Luckily
the financial support which the MFS
Plc and its partners contribute to the
tournaments has made them attractive
for professional players to exhibit their
talent for the benefit of local players.
OneoftheMFSPlcsubsidiaries,Madison
General Insurance Company Zambia
Limited (MGen) has over the years been
sponsoring golf tournaments in Ndola
and Mkushi. In Ndola, the tournament is
held every year in conjunction with the
Rotary Club of Ndola. Proceeds from
the tournament go towards uplifting
the living standards of people in the
impoverished compounds of the city.
The tournament in Mkushi at the town’s
CountryClubwhichtakesplaceannually
is aimed at providing a platform
for MGen staff to interact with the
commercial farmers in the area whose
farming activities are underwritten by
Madison General Insurance.
MGen also sponsors Polo Tournaments
for farmers and business people in
Lusaka’s Lilayi and Mkushi – for the
samepurposeofinteractingwithclients
LS A CO R P O R AT E S O C I A L R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y P R O G R A M M E
Group Human Resource Manager Mr Derrick Ngubai presents a K10,000
cheque to Mrs. Susan Kandeke of the Nc’wala Ceremony
SomechildrenofcommercialfarmersinMkushihangingaroundanMGen
promotion material during the 2015 MGen-sponsored golf tournament
LSA Copperbelt Staff donate food stuffs to Kanfinsa prison women in-
mates.
Mr Idreen Malambo, Chief Finance Officer
of Madison Finance Company Limited (MFi-
nance) (left) presents a K10,000 cheque to
Chairman of Chisemwa cha Lunda Traditional
Ceremony of North-Western Province, Mr. An-
thony Samuhandu. On the left is Ms Matilda
Msundwe
5 2 L S A | N E W S
53. LS A CO R P O R AT E S O C I A L R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y P R O G R A M M E
who business to the company.
Madison General Insurance has also
continued its support to the community
school in Lusaka’s Ng’ombe High
Density area, mainly with the school’s
programme to reward high performing
pupils to act as an incentive for children
to work harder.
As a way of promoting Zambian culture,
the MFS Plc has pledged to render
support to the traditional ceremonies
in the provincial centres of the country.
The Group’s concept of giving back to
the communities which generate its
business extends to art. All the Group’s
offices are decorated with paintings
bought from various artists as a way
of encouraging them. At the Corporate
Head Office – there is mini art gallery to
showcase some of the masterpieces of
Zambian artists.
Motor sports and rugby are among
sports activities which the MF Plc
also supports by proving Third Party
Liability Insurance cover to local and
international participants.
As long the MFS Plc continues to make
progress and perform better – the
CSRP “Smart Partnership” will also be
stepped up.
Chakaka Construction Company Limited (CCC) has donated a generator to Muchuto Primary School
in Kafue. The school is situated near Kafue River Cliff (KRC) where CCC is the main contractor build-
ing at the four-star hotel under construction at the Kafue River Cliff (KRC) tourist resort. CCC General
Manager Mrs. Muntanga Mutale who made the donation said the gesture was aimed at giving back
to the community. Headmaster of the school Mr Fred Chikuka said the generator would greatly as-
sist pupils at the school to perform better as it would allow them more studying hours during load
shedding. Headmaster of the school Mr Fred Chikuka thanked Mrs. Mutale for the donation.
Empowerment! Ms. Beatrice Odiyo, GM – Business Development (left) and Mr. Bennet Mwale, Head
– MSME (right) hand-over 2 Rosa buses to Felix Banda and Davies Tembo respectively as part of the
MFinance Bus Drivers Ownership Scheme. The company has introduced a taxi and bus ownership
scheme aimed at empowering drivers with their own units.
Madison Asset Management Company Limited (MAMco)
Managing Director Mr. Muchindu Kasongola presents a
K15,000 cheque to officials of the Nsenga Cultural Associ-
ation as MFS Plc’s contribution to the Tuwimba Tradition-
al Ceremony of the Nsenga people of Eastern Province
L S A | N E W S 5 3
54. F E AT U R E S
AN OLD ADAGE STATES THAT:
Behind every successful man
– there is a woman. Nowadays
the famous aphorism is:
Behind every successful
business or an entrepreneur
– there is a genius. The
2015 LSA Strategic Planning
Workshop was typical of the
Sikutwa style of enlightening
top management on modern
day business challenges as he
sketches on the board.
The 2015 LSA Strategi
Some LSA Chief Executives and Executives from other institutions at-
tend a seminar on Corporate Governance organised by MFinance.
5 4 L S A | N E W S
55. A
cursory glance at businesses
such as MicroSoft, Tata,
Facebook, Virgin Atlantic and
Samsung gives an insight of
men behind such enterprises. Each
of the people behind such successful
companies had their unique way to
motivating staff that assisted them.
In the case of the LSA Group – there is
an unassuming man – Dr. Lawrence
Samva Sikutwa. The LSA Boss has suc-
ceeded in building the Madison Brand
because he has his own way of motivat-
ing his managers and staff.
Every year, the LSA holds a Strategic
Planning Workshop which looks back
at the previous year to review success-
es and setbacks in order to plan for the
following year. During the workshops,
one would mistake Dr Sikutwa for a
teacher or lecturer because of the man-
ner in which he leads staff during delib-
erations.
Sometimes, he uses flip boards and
charts more or less like a class teacher
for various illustrations to drive home
his messages. He uses case studies of
other successful conglomerates re-
viewing the ups and downs they faced
in order to put their act together.
ic Planning Workshop
L S A | N E W S 5 5
56. W E D D I N G S
1
FACEBOOK DOES IT!
Fatima Abba, a Unit Trust Ad-
ministrator with Madison Asset
Management Company Lim-
ited (MAMco) and Amos Chalwa, a for-
mer IT specialist with MLife who is now
the IT Manager at Focus Insurance have
tied the knot and are now husband and
wife. They met over four years ago:
“We worked for the same company but
rarely interacted. We chatted more on
Facebook and arranged a date. The rest
is history,” said Mrs. Chalwa.
5 6 L S A | N E W S
57. W E D D I N G S
2
BEST FRIEND INDEED!
Mulenga Mapalo Chilatu, a
Marketing Executive for Cor-
porate Business with MLife
recently married Mirriam Kunda. Mu-
lenga holds a Degree in Business Stud-
ies from the University of Greenwich
and his wife is a lawyer. The Chilatus
met through Mulenga’s best friend in
January 2014. They fell in love and fi-
nally tied the knot on April 4, 2015: “We
strongly believe that ours is a happy
-ever -after story,” said Mulenga.
3
CHILDHOOD “LOCKS THEM
IN.”
Justin Chikonde, a Sales and
MarketingExecutivewithMLife,
has married his childhood sweetheart
Mwiza Namwila. Justin and Mwiza
have known each other since they were
pupils – he at Kamwala High School
and Mwiza at Gospel Christian Acad-
emy. They started dating when Justin
enrolled at the Zambia Insurance Busi-
ness Trust and Mwiza at the Zambia In-
stitute of Management and Marketing
(ZIMM) studying Purchasing and Sup-
ply. She later switched to Banking and
Finance at ZCAS. They were blessed
with a daughter- Moriah Chikonde who
is now three- while still at college. Their
wedding was held at Lusaka’s Musonga
Gardens.
L S A | N E W S 5 7
58. TO U R I S M
Construction of the four-star hotel at Kafue River Cliff is going on steadily. Pic-
ture shows the main lodge and one of the blocks of rooms taking shape.
And the refurbishment at the cost of
K250,000 of the Royal Sichango , formerly
the Bushfront Lodge in Livingstone is al-
most complete. In the picture are Royal Si-
chango Village staff, Mercy Mukena (Manag-
er) and Darius Muunga (receptionist) who
will soon be playing host to tourists at the
refurbished lodge.
5 8 L S A | N E W S
59. LS A G R O U P A C T I V I T I E S
RUNNING A WAY OF LIFE
BY KAFULA MWICHE – Group Legal Counsel
The Start of the Soweto
Marathon
On November 1, 2015 my wife, Veronica
and I joined 21,000 runners from all
over the world in the Soweto Marathon
popularly known as the “Peoples race”.
The marathon is considered as a buck-
et list (something one wishes for before
they die) Run for any avid runner. It is in
essence a historical tour of Soweto. The
route passes through the Walter Sisulu
Square of Dedication in Kliptown, Chris
Hani Baragwanath Hospital, the Hector
Pieterson Memorial, Winnie-Madikizela
Mandela’s house and Jabulani Mall.
A full marathon is 42.1 Km ( 26 miles )
and a half marathon is 21.10 km (13.1
miles) .Our official time in the Soweto
half marathon was 2:15 and 2:18 hours
respectively.
My wife and I started running in 2013 as
a means to keep fit and stay in shape.
A few months into our running we real-
ized that there was more to it and ex-
tended
16 km training session on Great East
Road our boundaries from the usual
5km runs. We discovered that we en-
joyed the challenge of each run and de-
L S A | N E W S 5 9
60. S P O R T
cided to start competing albeit for fun.
Running requires discipline and prepa-
ration for a race. It calls for physical and
mental strength. In training for a race
we run at least 40 km each week over
a minimum period of 10 weeks. The
training runs involve varied distances
and paces as prescribed by a particular
programme that we follow.
A typical training week would be Mon-
day 6.5 Km normal pace; Tuesday 5
km normal pace; Wednesday 11.2 km
half marathon pace (the pace at which
we hope to compete); and Saturday is
for the long run of not less than 12km
at an easy pace.
Our training regime demands waking
up at 4:00 am on training day, going
to the gym for strength training; main-
taining a diet that builds muscle and
sheds weight. Running is a goal set-
ting activity so each race has a specific
goal. Our running goals in 2016 are to
reduce our Half Marathon time to less
than two hours; to participate in four
Half Marathon races and to break into
the Full Marathon.
After the finishing line with our finishers’ Medals (we wear our national colours with pride).
Relaxing, after completing a 15 km Easy Run Training Session.
A typical training week
would be Monday 6.5
Km normal pace; Tuesday
5 km normal pace;
Wednesday 11.2 km half
marathon pace (the pace
at which we hope to
compete).
6 0 L S A | N E W S
