“OZALIWA”
The Organisation for Zambians
Living in Western Australia
Incorporated 31st August 2005
"Helping Zambians Work Together in Unity"
The launch of the 21st century has witnessed the emergence and rapid expansion of a Zambian community in Western Australia (WA), which is recognised as part of the ‘culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) community'. The Organisation for Zambians Living in Western Australia (OZALIWA) is an initiative that was inspired by, a recognised and significant need to unite, inform, and advocate for, the growing number of Zambians now living in Western Australia (WA).
A team of patriotic, passionate, and dedicated Zambian men and women assembled in Perth, in May 2005, to constitute the initial Steering Committee, which spearheaded the drafting of a constitution, and subsequent registration of OZALIWA Incorporated, on 31st August 2005.
Founding members of the association, who worked tirelessly and voluntarily for months, to realise the OZALIWA dream; and whose ideals resonate in the current constitution, include:
Ms. Akinangisa Noyoo
Ms. Nalishebo N. Meebelo
Mrs. Joyce Chibuta
Mr. Maka Sikazwe
Mr. Steve Sikazwe
Mr. Wilson Chalwe
Miss. Chanda Chibuta
Mr. Sailota Phiri
Mrs. Pauline Phiri
Mr. Billy Katontoka
Mrs. Peggy Katontoka
Following successful achievement of the initial mandate (to officially register an association in WA that would draw Zambians together to engage, under one umbrella), some members of the initial Steering Committee were appointed, on 5th October 2005, to represent the first OZALIWA Interim Executive Committee, as follows:
Chairperson - Ms. Akinangisa Noyoo
Vice - Chairperson - Mr. Steve Sikazwe
Secretary - Ms. Nalishebo N. Meebelo
Treasurer - Mr. Wilson Chalwe
Vice Treasurer - Mr. Sailota Phiri
Committee Members - Mrs. Joyce Chibuta
Mrs. Peggy Katontoka
Other members later appointed to the Interim Committee over the years include:
Mr. Timothy Williey (Treasurer), Mr. Moses Manda (Committee Member), Mr. Joshua Mwambazi (Vice Treasurer), Mr. Michael Mukuka (Vice Chairperson), Mr. Njamba Samungole (Committee Member), Mr. Davies Chibale (Vice Secretary), and Mrs. Chileshe Kanangu (Committee Member)
The success of this team is witnessed in its consistency, and resilience towards achieving the goals set in May 2005. Having laid a strong foundation for the association including, firm organisational structures and operating systems, the Interim Committee hosted the first OZALIWA Annual General Meeting in January 2008, to elect new officials. The 2008 Executive Committee is firmly committed to raising awareness of OZALIWA in WA and beyond; and to enhancing its membership drive. OZALIWA will also continue to unite, and perform an advocacy role for Zambians in WA, at various forums.
The 2008 executive officials comprise:
Chairperson - Mr. Davies Chibale
Vice - Chairperson - Ms. Mwaba Mwaba
Secretary - Ms. Connie Dewan
Vice Secretary - Mrs. Chileshe Kanangu
Treasurer - Mr. Martin Maliti
Vice Treasurer - Mr. Wilson Chalwe
Committee Members - Ms. Nalishebo N. Meebelo
Mrs. Agnes Nsofwa
Mr. Andrew Kasiya
Mr. Joshua Mwambazi
Significantly, OZALIWA is recognised by the Zambia High Commission accredited to Australia, as the point of contact for matters relating to Zambians in WA. The Association has hosted the High Commissioner, His Excellency Mr. Godfrey Simasiku, and his entourage in Perth, over the last few years.
OZALIWA OBJECTIVES
(Source: The Rules & Constitution of Zambians Living in WA, Section 3)
Email: ozaliwa@hotmail.com