*MWATA KAZEMBE PUSHES FOR PF UNITY, MEDIATES MUNDUBILE-MAKEBI DEAL*
By Micheal Lombe
Pastor Emmanuel Mwewa, the immediate past Executive Secretary of the North Zambia Union Conference (SDA), held a meeting on 28 November 2025 with Mporokoso Member of Parliament and PF presidential aspirant Brian Mundubile at his office in Lusaka. The meeting, which was also attended by former PF Secretary General Davies Mwila, centred on Pastor Mwewa’s efforts to promote unity within the Patriotic Front in the run-up to the 2026 general elections.
Pastor Mwewa told the two PF leaders that his mission to reconcile factions within the party was being undertaken with the blessing of Senior Chief Mwata Kazembe, who he said was opposed to the continued rule of the UPND and President Hakainde Hichilema beyond 2026. According to Pastor Mwewa, the Mwata believes that a united PF stands a better chance of returning to power and has therefore encouraged dialogue among the party’s competing camps.
He revealed that he had already held talks with Makebi Zulu, accompanied by Richard Musukwa and Chanda Kabwe, during which he conveyed the Mwata’s proposal that Makebi should not contest the PF presidency in 2026 but instead serve as Brian Mundubile’s running mate, arguing that Makebi is still young and can seek the presidency in future. However, Pastor Mwewa explained that Makebi expressed reservations, questioning why Mundubile should not be his running mate instead.
Makebi reportedly told Pastor Mwewa that while he had no personal issues with Mundubile and was open to negotiations, he was concerned about some of the individuals surrounding him, particularly PF National Chairman Hon. Musonda Mpankata and Mwansabombwe MP Hon. Kampampi.
Pastor Mwewa said he persuaded Mundubile to agree to direct talks with Makebi, to be facilitated through the Mwata, with the hope of eventually securing an agreement for Makebi to take the running-mate position. Their first meeting is scheduled for this weekend.
If successful, this deal would reinforce the long-standing political makeup of the Northern–Eastern alliance, a pattern that has dominated Zambian politics for over six decades. This regional power bloc continues to view itself as a counterweight to emerging political centres.
A recently leaked audio featuring former PF Deputy Secretary General Mumbi Phiri, an unwavering loyalist of the late President Edgar Lungu, reveals the depth of this sentiment.
In the recording, Phiri stresses the need to “restore Northern and Eastern hegemonic power” to reclaim authority from what she describes as the “Zambezi region,” a reference to President Hichilema’s base in the south-western parts of the country.
Senior Chief Mwata Kazembe has also been openly critical of the current political configuration, which he believes does not reflect the historical balance of power. His involvement in mediating PF unity efforts is therefore not merely political, it underscores a broader regional strategy aimed at reasserting influence and reshaping the 2026 electoral landscape.
Whether this renewed push for unity will hold, and whether it resonates with the broader electorate, remains to be seen. But the dynamics unfolding inside the PF reveal a party grappling with both internal rivalry and the weight of regional expectations that have long defined Zambia’s political foundations.-ZWD
His always been a politician even when he was in kabwata. And lazy that why he accepted the chieftainship
Tribalism, the Root cause, yet we daily play Ostrich!
Agree on any thing, but PF in power again never!
It is contradictory for individuals to believe that the PF could regain power, and that authority should not be based on tribal dominance and bias. Why do the Northern and Eastern regions feel uneasy with the UPND government’s leadership? Is it because the president hails from the Tonga – Ila tribal lineage?
In Zambia, particularly the Northern – Eastern regions, their mindset is harmful to the nation’s progress as they perceive themselves as superior. When the PF was in power, during the esteemed tenure of President Michael Chilufya Sata, most Cabinet Ministers and Provincial Ministers, along with other significant government roles, were predominantly filled by individuals from the Northern and Eastern regions. This faction did not denounce the alleged power disparity, and the same pattern persisted under the fromer President Edgar Chagwa Lungu of blessed memories. Our colleagues found it acceptable to remain silent even when the PF endorsed hooliganism, corruption, and economic mismanagement. Now, with the UPND government, which is an inclusive administration that has enhanced Zambia’s economy and governance, the Northern – Eastern regions continue to harbor resentment. Why is it that?
They have united not because conditions are not favorable, but solely due to the fact that a Tonga individual occupies the presidency. This is also why President Hakainde Hichilema frequently voices his concerns, questioning whether it is a crime to be born Tonga, as the tribal animosity is overwhelming. In truth, the PF, with its tribal agenda and profound disdain for other tribes, believes they are superior, but they will never regain power again.
Out of all the aspirants the chief has chosen two for the sake of unity in PF.I feel the chief has not done his homework well.And how about several court cases? Probably it is the first step, he intends to go further.This work is big ba Chief.It is not easy.Some aspirants could be sponsored by some unknown people or organizations for them to agree with your thoughts it is extremely hard.In any case chiefs must be avoiding political issues, especially joining in strategies or political schemes. They put their subjects in awquard situations.The chiefs are highly respected both in their dwelling chiefdoms and away as such it is important for them to avoid siding with political players, those that are neglected may take a different stance and cause to dislike the chiefdom.
The biggest problem l see in PF is the tribal sentiments being championed, as long as this continues, it paints a divisive outcome which will devide the nation bases on tribe . I urge all well meaning Zambians to have nothing to do with any candidate championing tribe and that includes UPND, let us all look at a party devoid of championing tribe for the betweemwnt of Zambia’s future
Whatever deal is there between these two guys is already a failed project. The Mwata can try to mediate but it won’t solve anything. PF misled itself because it believed too much in Lungu. They couldn’t put Lungu behind and move on, they had fish him out of retirement. So they make any deal now if they had failed to make it in the past four years, it’s not possible. Let them not waste the Mwata’s time. Or is he the one not to waste his time.