Top news items in major Zambian media outlets

The following are news highlights in Zambia's major media outlets on Tuesday.

--The Zambian government intends to employ 7,400 new health workers next year to be deployed to various parts of the country, with the first batch expected to report for work in January.

Minister of Health Chitalu Chilufya said the recruitment process had begun, and 5,400 would report next month while the remaining 2,000 would be considered in February the same year.

In his budget address, Minister of Finance Felix Mutati said the government would not recruit new workers next year but only in essential sectors such as health and education as part of austerity measures. (Times of Zambia)

--Zambia's first President Kenneth Kaunda has expressed fears that the country may be destroyed if politicians continue to perpetrate tribalism.

Kaunda, who ruled Zambia from 1964 when the country attained its independence from Britain until 1991, said politicians should refrain from promoting tribalism, saying Zambia has come a long way as a united country.

The 92-year-old Kaunda, in remarks delivered when he received Christmas presents from some children at his residence, said leaders must unite and come together to maintain peace and avoid tribal campaigns as witnessed in the run to the 2016 general elections. (Zambia Daily Mail)

--An opposition leader has urged the Zambian government to consider accessing the China concession loans which are more flexible and without any strings attached compared to the World Bank.

Maxwell Mwamba, leader of the Democratic Assembly, said the government should consider Chinese loans for its economic reforms program which usually comes without conditions.

The Zambian government is considering a financing program with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) with more talks slated for the first quarter of next year. (Daily Nation)

--Head coach of the Zambia national soccer team Wedson Nyirenda said his captain will scoop the Confederation of African Football (CAF) African-based player of the year award.

Rainford Kalaba, who also plays for Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) side TP Mazembe, has made the cut for the final three in the race to be crowned Africa's finest talent based on the continent in a list released last week. Other contenders are Kharma Billiat and Dennis Onyango from South African side Mamelodi Sundowns.

The trainer said his captain has done everything on the field of play to bag the award. (The Mast) Endit