DEC ‘gifts’ Archbishop Alick Banda surprise invite
In the spirit of festive season giving, the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has given anti-government Lusaka Diocese Archbishop Alick Banda an unexpected surprise “gift” – a summon for the clergyman man to appear at its headquarters.
As the opposition clergyman appears at DEC on Monday morning, officers will be expecting him to deliver a homily on money laundering and perhaps answer a few of their questions over the same subject.
According to a summon published on a various social media platforms, Bishop Banda is wanted by the Anti Money Laundering Unit.
“NOTICE TO APPEAR BEFORE A D.E.C/ANTI MONEY LAUNDERING OFFICER (Section 26 (C) of Act No. 14 of 2001)
To: ARCH BISHOP ALICK BANDA.
TAKE NOTE that you are required to report to the Anti- Money Laundering Investigations Unit (AMLIL) of Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) offices situated at former Ministry of Justice Building…on Monday 5th January, 2026 at 10:00. hours without fail,” read the summons.
The summons occupied space for Christmas cards in the mail box serving as a stark reminder that the law does not sing carols in December but instead it knocks.
Down memory lane five years ago, a set of tyres had once rolled into the Archbishop’s compound, a white Hilux fondly known as Icipaso on the streets of the Copperbelt.
During a court case involving former ZRA director general Kingsley Chanda and Calitus Kaoma for abuse of authority of office in the manner they disposed of 22 vehicles belonging to ZRA without following guidelines and ended prejudicing government; evidence before the Economic and Financial Crimes Court was that Bishop Banda was a recipient of a free vehicle, from the Zambia Revenue Authority.
The vehicle is said to be among the 22 cars that were illegally disposed of by two senior-most officials, at the Revenue Authority.
The gift had arrived at the Bishop’s residence years ago, not with sirens, like the DEC had delivered its summons, but with smiles that signaled appreciation, like a bag of mealie-meal dropped by politicians at door steps in compounds during elections without a receipt.
The DEC letter did not accuse nor explain as the reasons for behind the summons has been preserved for a sermon with the cleric on Monday.https://kalemba.news/politics/dec-gifts-archbishop-alick-banda-surprise-invite/
STATEMENT | RULE OF LAW, FAITH, AND THE DANGERS OF GOVERNING THROUGH SUSPICION
By Kelvin Fube Bwalya
Zambia is a constitutional democracy, not a state governed by fear or suspicion. Law-enforcement institutions must act professionally, impartially, and without intimidation — especially when dealing with citizens who hold divergent views.
The reported summons of Alick Banda, Archbishop of Lusaka, by the Drug Enforcement Commission has understandably raised serious public concern.
Let us be clear and balanced: No citizen is above the law. But no government is above the Constitution.
It is deeply unfortunate that the United Party for National Development (UPND) government has increasingly governed the State through suspicion, using investigative processes in ways that disgrace, intimidate, or publicly embarrass citizens simply because they hold views that differ from those in power.
When law enforcement is perceived to be triggered by criticism or moral dissent, justice begins to look like punishment, and the State risks weaponising its institutions against its own people.
Zambia’s faith leaders have historically played a protected and respected role in national conscience, peace-building, and speaking truth to power. A democracy that places prophetic voices under suspicion while tolerating political excess erodes trust and unity.
Scripture reminds us:
“Justice, and only justice, you shall pursue.” (Deuteronomy 16:20) Justice must not only be done — it must be seen to be done, free from politics, fear, or retaliation.
We therefore call for:
an end to governing through suspicion, professionalism and restraint by State institutions, respect for freedom of conscience, religion, and expression, and equal application of the law to all citizens.
Zambia does not need intimidation to govern. Zambia needs confidence in its democracy, moral leadership, and institutions that unite rather than divide. Zambia Must Prosper.
Dear Vicar Foranes, All Priests and All the Faithful in the Archdiocese of Lusaka,
I ask that we all stay calm and await further ecclesiastical directives on how to respond to the wild bear that has strayed into the Vineyard of the Lord.
LAW, TRUTH, AND POLITICAL HONESTY IN A CHRISTIAN NATION
Tobbius Chilembo Hamunkoyo-LLB
Political Commentator, UPND media team member and Concerned Citizen.
As Zambians, we must reject political narratives that deliberately blur the line between faith and the rule of law. Mr. Kelvin Bwalya Fube (KBF), as President of Zambia Must Prosper, speaks eloquently about Christian values, but his recent commentary reflects a troubling pattern of political dishonesty, by presenting law enforcement and accountability as moral failure rather than constitutional duty.
The Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Act No. 2 of 2016 is unambiguous. Article 1(1) establishes Zambia as a sovereign Republic governed by the Constitution which is the supreme Law of the Land, not by religious rhetoric or political opinion. One must understand that declaring Zambia a Christian Nation does not suspend the Constitution, nor does it weaken state institutions. Any suggestion otherwise is not only misleading but constitutionally reckless.
Further, you may wish to be reminded that Article 8 of the Constitution sets out national values and principles, including morality, ethics, democracy, constitutionalism, good governance, integrity, transparency, and accountability. These values bind government and opposition leaders alike. Mr. Fube cannot selectively invoke morality while undermining accountability in our great nation. That is not principled politics, it is opportunism.
Justice in Zambia is not administered by political parties or pressure groups. Article 118(2) demands justice without discrimination, while Article 119 vests judicial authority exclusively in the courts. When KBF frames lawful investigations or prosecutions as persecution, he is not defending justice, he is politicising institutions for sympathy and relevance.
The Penal Code (Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia) defines criminal conduct, and the Criminal Procedure Code (Chapter 88 of the Laws of Zambia) provides lawful processes for investigation, arrest, prosecution, and trial. These laws exist to protect citizens and preserve order. To imply that enforcing them is unchristian is intellectually dishonest and historically false ba KBF, even biblical leaders, kings, and prophets faced punishment for wrongdoing.
Mr. Fube enjoys freedom of expression under Article 20, but that freedom does not grant immunity from truth or responsibility. Article 20 does not license distortion of facts, nor does it permit the public to be misled into believing that accountability equals oppression. A leader who knows the law but chooses to misrepresent it is not being courageous but being politically deceptive.
Zambia deserves honest politics. A Christian Nation is not defined by speeches, declarations, or selective outrage, but by respect for the Constitution, institutions, and the rule of law. KBF must decide whether he wants to be a statesman or a populist. As citizens, we must reject pretence and demand truth. No one is above the law, not government, not opposition, not activists. That truth is constitutional, biblical, and non-negotiable.
Disclaimer; The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely my personal views as a political commentator and concerned citizen of Zambia. They do not represent the position of any organisation, political party, institution, or entity.
The President Who Has Never Taken a Working Holiday in Mfuwe Touches Down in Choma Today
By Tobbius Chilembo Hamunkoyo-LLB
President Hakainde Hichilema today arrived in Choma District to begin his 10 days working holiday in Southern Province, once again highlighting a leadership style that places work and development above luxury.
Unlike previous presidents who often used Mfuwe or Chichele lodges for working holidays, President Hichilema consistently chooses Choma, where his time is spent inspecting and developing his farming business.
While, it is also true that President Hichilema has visited the The President Who Has Never Taken a Working Holiday in Mfuwe Touches Down in Choma Today and Luangwa Valley areas in the past, these visits have mainly been for official duties only. He has attended traditional and cultural events, such as the N’cwala Ceremony, and undertaken other government-related assignments. There is no record of him taking a working holiday in Mfuwe, reinforcing the view that his visits there are strictly official and not for leisure.
In Choma, the President’s working holiday centres on practical activity. He uses this period to monitor physical progress at his farms, assess development plans, and ensure that productivity remains a priority. This approach reflects his broader belief that agriculture and hard work are key drivers of national development and economic stability.
Upon his arrival, President Hichilema took time to interact with residents and supporters who gathered to welcome him. He encouraged Zambians to remain hopeful and patient, assuring them that the country is on the right path and that ongoing reforms will continue to produce positive results for the nation.
The President also expressed appreciation to Members of Parliament for passing the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill No. 7 of 2025, which has since become law. He noted that the constitutional changes are meant to expand representation and strengthen inclusive democracy, ensuring that more voices are heard in national decision-making.
It is also believed that during the 10 days visit, President Hichilema is expected to meet traditional leaders, community members, and other stakeholders to discuss local priorities and government programmes. For many Zambians, this working holiday sends a clear message, leadership is about example, discipline, and service, and national progress is built through consistent work rather than comfort.
Mali, Burkina Faso slap ‘tit-for-tat’ travel ban on US citizens
MALI and Burkina Faso have hit back at Donald Trump with a tit-for-tat travel ban on American citizens by shutting their borders to US travellers after Trump placed the two West African states on a full entry ban.
The retaliatory move comes days after the Trump administration barred citizens from Mali and Burkina Faso from entering the US.
Announcing the decision in a statement, Burkina Faso’s Foreign Affairs minister Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré said the measure was anchored on the ‘principle of reciprocity.’
He said his country would not accept being singled out.
“Invoking the principle of reciprocity, Burkina Faso will immediately apply to US citizens the same entry conditions imposed on its citizens,” said the minister.
Mali, in its own statement, said the ban was guided by ‘mutual respect and sovereign equality,’ while expressing regret that the Trump administration made an impulsive decision without prior consultation.
Last month, Trump imposed full entry restrictions on citizens from Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, alongside South Sudan, Syria, Palestine, Sierra Leone and Laos, effective today, January 1, 2026.
Zambia, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Nigeria and 15 other countries were placed under a partial travel ban.
ZMP STATEMENT | FOUR YEARS OF INJUSTICE: A NATION MUST SPEAK
Fellow Zambians,
Democracy is not measured by elections alone — it is measured by how power is exercised between elections. Over the last four years, Zambia has witnessed a disturbing pattern of injustice, selective application of the law, and shrinking democratic space under the United Party for National Development (UPND) government led by Hakainde Hichilema.
Zambia Must Prosper speaks not from anger, but from facts, principle, and concern for the Republic.
1. Targeting of the Lungu Family The sustained public harassment, investigations, and restrictions surrounding the family of former President Edgar Lungu have raised serious concerns about political vendetta rather than impartial justice.
In a constitutional democracy, family members are not political combatants, and justice must never resemble punishment by association.
2. Arrests and Prosecution of Political Leaders Across the country, opposition leaders and political figures have faced frequent arrests, prolonged detention, and selective prosecution. When the law appears to pursue political identity more aggressively than criminal conduct, public confidence in justice collapses.
3. Cyber Laws Used to Silence Dissent Cyber and communication laws have increasingly been used to arrest, intimidate, and imprison citizens — bloggers, activists, journalists, and ordinary Zambians — for expressing opinions critical of those in power.
A democracy that fears criticism has already begun to fail.
Scripture warns:
“Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees.” (Isaiah 10:1)
4. Detention Under Abolished or Questionable Laws The continued detention and prosecution of political actors under laws that were repealed, declared obsolete, or widely criticised is a grave violation of legal certainty — a core principle of the rule of law.
No citizen should be imprisoned under a law that no longer exists. 5. Institutions Under Pressure When police, prosecutors, and regulatory bodies are perceived as extensions of political power, democracy suffers.
Institutions must serve the Constitution, not the ruling party.
ZMP POSITION
Zambia Must Prosper believes: justice must be blind and impartial, the law must protect all citizens equally, political power must never be used to settle scores, freedom of expression is not a privilege, but a right, and leadership must be guided by ethical restraint and fear of God.
Scripture reminds leaders:
“For the Lord loves justice, and does not forsake His saints.” (Psalm 37:28) Zambia deserves better than fear-based governance.
Zambia deserves healing, accountability, and restoration of democratic norms. As we approach 2026, ZMP calls for a return to justice, a renewal of national values, and a government that serves — not persecutes — its people.
GOVERNMENT COMMENDS ZAMBEEF FOR REDUCING PRICES ON SELECT PRODUCTS
Lusaka, Zambia — December 31, 2025
By Wagon Media
The Government has commended ZAMBEEF Products PLC for reducing prices on selected products, describing the move as a positive step towards easing the cost of living and demonstrating the benefits of improved macroeconomic stability.
Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Hon. Chipoka Mulenga, acknowledged the company’s decision, noting that stable exchange rates, reduced inflation, and favourable commodity prices have created room for businesses to pass on economic gains to consumers. He said the development reflects the positive impact of collaboration between government and the private sector.
The announced price reductions, some of which take effect immediately while others begin on January 1, 2026, include a 10 percent reduction on Zamshu leather shoes, a 3 to 5 percent reduction on poultry and chicken feed effective January 1, 2026, and a 5 percent reduction on day-old chicks, also effective from January 1, 2026.
Hon. Mulenga urged other companies to emulate ZAMBEEF’s example by reviewing their pricing structures and passing on economic benefits to consumers. He reaffirmed Government’s commitment to supporting private sector growth, value addition initiatives, and the creation of a conducive business environment through investor incentives and Statutory Instrument No. 45 of 2025, which prioritises local procurement.
He added that the price reductions are a clear testament to Zambia’s improving macroeconomic fundamentals and renewed confidence in the country’s economic prospects.
ZAMBEEF Products PLC Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Faith Mukutu, said the company’s decision is aimed at sharing economic benefits with consumers while supporting market growth and cost optimisation. She highlighted ZAMBEEF’s continued engagement with Government and trade associations to drive sustainable socio-economic growth.
Ms. Mukutu further stated that the company is awaiting further policy clarity on Statutory Instrument No. 110 before reviewing prices of synthetic shoes. Meanwhile, Zambia Association of Manufacturers President, Mr. Muhammed Umar, welcomed ZAMBEEF’s move, describing it as evidence of progress within the manufacturing sector, supported by improved macroeconomic conditions such as stable fuel prices and a reliable power supply. He encouraged other manufacturers to reassess their cost structures and consider price adjustments that support consumer welfare while maintaining business sustainability.
In a similar vein, Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Emmanuel Mumba, noted that 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for Zambia’s economy, marked by exchange rate stability, reduced inflation, and increased private sector investment, particularly in the energy sector.
Ministry of Information and Media – Zambia Hon. Chipoka Mulenga MP Ministry of Commerce,Trade and Industry Zambeef Products Plc
SAKALA SLAMS MULENGA AS ‘BITTER’ AFTER BIZARRE CATERPILLAR PRE-MATCH ALLEGATIONS.
[ By Henry Mumba | 31st December, 2025.]
Zambian international striker Fashion Sakala has launched a blistering counter attack against former Chipolopolo winger Clifford Mulenga, following claims that a plate of caterpillars ruled him out of the final group game for Zambia at the Ongoing 2025 AFCON in Morocco.
The war of words erupted after Mulenga took to social media to mock Sakala, who was reported sick by the FAZ Medical Team and deemed unfit to play the final group game against Morocco. Mulenga claimed the striker suffered a huge reaction after consuming “Finkubala” caterpillars for the first time, labelling his decision to eat the delicacy as a clownish move before the biggest game of the tournament.
Sakala dismissed the allegations as a fabrication rooted in personal malice, responding to Mulenga’s post in the comment section. The Al-Fayha forward suggested that Mulenga’s criticism was not based on footballing concerns, but was a direct result of being denied financial support.
“I am not surprised by the allegations you continue to make against me. You came to me several times asking for financial help, and I assisted you to the best of my ability. When I later explained that I could no longer help financially, you became my worst enemy, angry, and from that moment you chose to portray me as a bad person and a bad player.”
Sakala, who grew up in rural Zambia, laughed off the idea that he was a stranger to local food, stating it was imaginary for people to believe. He further took aim at Mulenga’s own storied history of disciplinary issues, which famously included being sent home from the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.
“I will not accept disrespect, especially from a former football player known for disciplinary issues and commitment to tearing people down.”
Sakala concluded his statement by urging the 2007 CAF Young Player of the Year to stay in his lane and stop misleading the public. He emphasized that, unlike his critic, he intends to support the next generation of Zambian players when his own time on the pitch ends.
ISRAEL BEGS AMERICA TO PUNISH SOUTH AFRICA WITH SANCTIONS IF PRETORIA DOESN’T WITHDRAW GENOCIDE CASE AT ICJ WHICH IS DOING MORE HARM TO TEL AVIV AS HEARINGS SET TO BEGIN THIS 2026.
Israel-In a move that has ignited global outrage and diplomatic tensions, Israel is reportedly pushing the United States to impose sanctions on South Africa unless the African nation withdraws its landmark genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice. This pressure comes amid escalating scrutiny over Israel’s actions in Gaza, where South Africa’s legal challenge has accused the country of violating the Genocide Convention.
For ordinary South Africans who take pride in their nation’s stand for justice on the world stage, this threat feels like a direct attack on sovereignty and moral principles. As the case heads toward key hearings in 2026, the possibility of US sanctions looms large, potentially hitting South Africa’s economy hard at a time when recovery is crucial. This development not only tests alliances but also highlights the high stakes of holding powerful nations accountable. Drawing from the lobbying efforts, US legislative moves, South Africa’s defiant stance, the case’s background, and the broader implications for international law and diplomacy, we explore this unfolding drama, the human cost in Gaza, and what it means for global justice in a world where politics often trumps principles.
Israeli officials have been actively lobbying US lawmakers to pressure South Africa into dropping its genocide case at the ICJ, viewing the legal action as a direct threat to their interests. This behind-the-scenes effort aims to leverage America’s influence, with calls for sanctions or aid cuts if Pretoria does not back down. The lobbying intensified after South Africa’s case gained traction, with Israel describing it as a “profound distortion” of facts during early hearings.
This strategy ties into Israel’s broader response to the case, where they have argued that South Africa is distorting the truth and that any genocidal acts, if they occurred, were against Israel itself. By enlisting US support, Israel seeks to isolate South Africa diplomatically, using economic leverage to force a withdrawal. For Israel, the case represents not just a legal battle but a challenge to their narrative on the Gaza conflict, making high-level lobbying a key tool in their defence.
In response to Israel’s lobbying, US lawmakers have advanced bills that threaten sanctions on South Africa over its ICJ stance. One such measure, dubbed a “disgrace” by critics like Rep. Rashida Tlaib, calls for reviewing US-SA relations, potentially leading to aid cuts or trade restrictions if South Africa does not change course. This bill, advancing through the House, reflects growing pressure from pro-Israel groups in Congress to punish nations seen as opposing Israel’s actions.
The US has already taken steps, like revoking visas for South African officials linked to the case, showing a willingness to use diplomatic tools for leverage. These moves stem from concerns that South Africa’s case could set precedents for other nations, complicating US support for Israel. For South Africa, this threat could impact exports like wine or minerals to the US, hitting jobs and the economy hard.
Critics argue this interferes with international law, calling it a “disgrace” that undermines the ICJ’s role in addressing genocide claims. The bills highlight how powerful alliances can sway global justice, putting pressure on smaller nations like South Africa to back down.
South Africa’s Defiant Stance: ‘We Won’t Bow to Threats’ South Africa has stood firm against US pressure, vowing not to withdraw its ICJ case despite threats of sanctions. Officials have called the US moves a “disgrace,” arguing they undermine global justice and South Africa’s right to seek accountability for alleged genocide in Gaza. Pretoria has already faced repercussions, like visa revocations for former diplomats over the case, but remains committed, seeing it as a moral duty rooted in their anti-apartheid history.
The government insists the case is about upholding the Genocide Convention, not politics, and has received support from allies who view US threats as bullying. For South Africans, this defiance boosts national pride, showing the country’s willingness to stand for principles on the world stage. However, it risks economic fallout, with potential sanctions hitting trade and aid, affecting jobs in sectors like agriculture and mining.
This stance echoes South Africa’s foreign policy of supporting oppressed peoples, as seen in their calls for peace in other conflicts. By refusing to back down, they set an example for other nations, but at a cost that could test their resilience.
South Africa filed the case against Israel at the ICJ in December 2023, accusing them of genocide in Gaza under the 1948 Genocide Convention. The application sought emergency measures to halt Israel’s military actions, arguing they violated the convention by killing Palestinians, causing serious harm, and creating conditions that could destroy the group.
The ICJ issued provisional orders in January 2024, calling on Israel to prevent genocidal acts and ensure aid reaches Gaza, but stopped short of a full ceasefire. Further orders in March and May 2024 expanded this, urging Israel to halt operations in Rafah and allow investigations. In July 2024, the court ruled Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories unlawful, calling for an end to settlements.
Israel has denied the claims, calling South Africa’s case a “disgrace” and arguing it distorts facts. They say their actions target Hamas, not Palestinians, and have accused SA of siding with terrorists. The case has divided opinions, with some seeing it as a brave stand for justice, while others view it as politicized.
For South Africa, it ties to their history of fighting apartheid, seeing parallels in Gaza’s struggles. The ongoing case has drawn global attention, with countries like the US supporting Israel and others backing SA’s call for accountability.
For South Africa, it ties to their history of fighting apartheid, seeing parallels in Gaza’s struggles. The ongoing case has drawn global attention, with countries like the US supporting Israel and others backing SA’s call for accountability.
Human Cost in Gaza: The Stories Behind the Case South Africa’s case stems from the devastating impact of Israel’s operations in Gaza, where over 45,000 Palestinians have died since October 2023, with many more injured or displaced. The conflict has destroyed homes, schools, and hospitals, creating a humanitarian crisis with shortages of food, water, and medicine.
Stories from Gaza tell of unimaginable suffering children orphaned, families separated, and communities reduced to rubble. One account describes a mother losing her child in a bombing, her grief echoing the pain felt by thousands. These human tales fuel SA’s push for justice, arguing the scale of destruction meets the genocide definition.
Israel counters that their actions are self-defence against Hamas, but reports of civilian deaths and blocked aid have drawn international condemnation. The case seeks not just to label but to stop the harm, calling for ceasefires and accountability.
Implications for Global Diplomacy and Justice This pressure on South Africa highlights how powerful nations use economic tools to influence international law, raising questions about justice’s independence. If sanctions hit, SA’s economy could suffer, with losses in trade and aid affecting jobs and growth. But standing firm could boost SA’s global standing as a defender of human rights, inspiring other nations to speak up.
For the ICJ, the case tests its role in holding states accountable, with outcomes that could set precedents for future conflicts. In a divided world, it shows how alliances shape justice, with the US’s pro-Israel stance clashing with SA’s push for fairness.
For South Africans, this tests national resolve will we bow to threats or stand for principles? The answer could define our place in the world. In the end, this breaking development calls us to support justice, no matter the cost. Let SA’s courage inspire a world where truth prevails over power.
Claude Le Roy basically said leaving André Onana out is a good thing.
In short, he thinks Onana is just an average goalkeeper, not great, not special, and not close to legends like Bell or Thomas N’Kono. He also claims Onana causes problems and could affect the team negatively, especially if he’s not a starter.
Honestly, that talk is rubbish!!!
Onana played at the highest level in Europe, won big trophies, and reached a Champions League final. That doesn’t happen by luck. Calling him “not exceptional” is unfair and sounds like bitterness, not facts.
Yes, you can talk about form. That’s normal in football. But turning it into a character attack and pretending he’s ordinary is just wrong.
Moral of the story: football has changed, and judging modern players with old thinking will always lead to bad conclusions.
ZAMBIA ACCEPTS CHINESE CURRENCY FOR MINING TAXES – AN ECONOMIC STRATEGY
With China’s seeming insatiable appetite for foreign investment and trade running into billions, it’s unsurprising that its national currency must be adopted to settle transactions.
It ll certainly reduce transaction costs that normally come with converting the US dollar into yuan when Zambia is trading with China or settling foreign debt between the two countries.
Perhaps it might incentivise more Chinese investors who might see the cost of doing business going down because they don’t need to convert the yuan into the US dollar in order to invest in Zambia.
It’s not guaranteed but certainly a possibility. I mean, you need more than just accepting Chinese yuan in tax payments to attract Chinese investment.
But other than the potential economic benefits for Zambia, this decision unintentionally serves as a diplomatic response to the Trump Administration’s recent moves against Zambia such as the suspension of visas to Zambian travelers in what the country is calling a partial travel ban.
The decision to accept payment in yuan lessens dependence on the US dollar.
There’s a very good chance that several other countries may follow Zambia’s example thus further threatening to upset the US dominance in the global financial sector.
The US dominance in this space has helped prop up its global economic hegemony, a status it guards so jealously, it could go to war or threaten war to protect it.
Already, many other nations are slowly adopting the Chinese rival to SWIFT – CIPS.
This is the Cross-border Payment System which settles international payments in yuan.
The advantage is that transactions are settled in real-time – within seconds as opposed to the SWIFT system that takes days.
Transactions in the SWIFT system are largely dominated by the US dollar due to the US dominance in global trade.
But while all these moves are happening, the US dollar is not about to lose its dominance.
This is because the US buys a lot of stuff from a lot of countries. For most countries, the US remains their major trading partner.
This is why the imposition of tariffs by the Trump Administration has been such a huge thing for everyone.
So, strategic though the Zambian move might be, the US couldn’t care less but certainly would pay attention.
Hichilema promises to deliver more development in 2026 – Hichilema
PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema says in 2026, government will push harder to build an economy that works for everyone and not just a few people.
In his new year address to the nation, President Hichilema acknowledged that there was still more that could be done to stabilise the economy.
He said the fact that things were not as bad as they were in 2021 when the UPND just took office, shows how the country is headed for greatness.
“But hear me clearly, we are not where we were in 2021, certainly not. We are no longer retracting our steps; we are moving ahead with purpose. We are rising and we are rebuilding,” he said.
“We will protect the peace that holds us together as One Zambia, One Nation and One People. We will not stop until every Zambian benefits from that which we are fighting for.”
The Head of State also highlighted some of the major achievements of the UPND administration.
“We strengthened our currency, stabilised our economy, restored the mining sector with thousands of jobs and business opportunities. We are now knocking on the doors of one million metric tonnes of copper production this year,” he explained.
“We restored free education and opened the door of opportunity for every child of Zambia. We brought back law and order, dignity and indeed fairness.”
He said government had created thousands of jobs in the public sector, unlocked empowerment programmes and expanded the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) for communities.
“These are not promises but victories for every Zambian. The journey may be tough. But the destination is worth it. We must trust the process. The path may be long but God is with us,” said the President.
CHARLES CHANDA CALLS FOR CITIZEN RESILIENCE AND UNITY IN 2026 The leader of the United Prosperous and Peaceful Zambia (UPPZ), Charles Chanda, has urged Zambians to remain resilient as they prepare for the 2026 general elections.
In his New Year message, Chanda reflected on the many challenges faced by the nation in 2025 and emphasized the importance of unity and peace.
“Last year was tough for many of us,” Chanda stated. “People faced hardships, including rising prices and unemployment. But we must not lose hope. Together, we can overcome these obstacles.”
Chanda called on Zambians to promote peaceful discussions and cooperation as the country heads toward the elections in August. “As we enter this election period, it is crucial that we preach peace,” he said. “We must work together, regardless of our differences. A united Zambia is a strong Zambia.”
He also highlighted the need for active participation in the upcoming elections. “Each vote matters,” Chanda reminded citizens. “I encourage everyone to make their voices heard. This is our chance to shape the future of our country.”
Chanda’s message aimed to inspire hope and resilience among Zambians facing ongoing challenges. “Let us support one another and build a better Zambia for all,” he concluded.
As the nation looks forward to 2026, Chanda’s call for unity and strength serves as a reminder of the power of collective action in building a brighter future for Zambia.
UPND Alliance Declares 2025 a Year of National Recovery
The UPND Alliance has proclaimed 2025 a pivotal year for national recovery, emphasizing the restoration of the rule of law and economic stabilization as key achievements of the administration.
In a recent media engagement in Lusaka, spokesperson Leslie Chikuse noted that Zambia has shifted from a period of fear to one of productivity and peace, with markets and bus stations now free from intimidation and illegal fees.
He highlighted the successful management of agriculture, resulting in a bumper harvest of 3.7 million metric tonnes of maize, despite earlier drought challenges, attributing this success to timely support for farmers and climate-smart policies.
Additionally, Chikuse pointed to a decrease in inflation to 10.9% and recent credit rating upgrades from Fitch and S&P as signs of improved economic health. He also welcomed President Hakainde Hichilema’s declaration of December 29 as an annual public holiday.
COURT SEALS CCC TAKEOVER AS TSHABANGU EMERGES UNSTOPPABLE
Zimbabwe’s main opposition slid deeper into turmoil yesterday after the High Court threw out a last-ditch bid by senior Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) figures aligned to Welshman Ncube to overturn Sengezo Tshabangu’s reinstatement, leaving the controversial politician firmly in control of the battered party.
The ruling cements Tshabangu’s grip after months of chaos that followed the 2023 elections, when he seized the CCC amid claims of a Zanu PF-backed plot aided by powerful state actors.
Former leader Nelson Chamisa dramatically quit in January 2024, alleging infiltration and capture, a move that split supporters between praise for walking away and anger over perceived betrayal.
Tshabangu then weaponised Parliament and the courts to recall elected MPs, senators and councillors, replacing them with loyalists.
Although a CCC disciplinary committee expelled him in February for misconduct, the High Court reversed that decision in April, citing expired mandates. Yesterday’s judgment shut the door on any comeback attempt, confirming Tshabangu as the undisputed boss of a once-formidable opposition now in ruins.
“Damage Control That Backfired: How Pastor Chris Okafor’s ‘Apology’ Opened a Floodgate of Secrets”
My people, this matter is no longer ordinary. What we are witnessing now is not an apology — it is a collapse.
What Pastor Chris Okafor called an “apology” was nothing but damage control. And in trying to save himself, he exposed more than he ever imagined. Instead of calming the storm, he poured petrol on the fire — and now, the fire is raging.
As he stood before his congregation, seeking sympathy, he dragged his own children into the spotlight. He spoke about his daughter, Amarachi — the same daughter who earlier spoke to Very Dark Man in a private interview. An interview so heavy that only a snippet was released. Just one line shook the internet: “I couldn’t believe this was my father.”
Another daughter, Precious, had earlier accused him of sexual harassment — allegations that never truly died down. Then came the turning point.
Pastor Chris read selected portions of a private message sent by his daughter from Canada — a message about unpaid school fees. But he didn’t read everything. He skipped parts. He read only what favored him. He painted a picture of a “blackmailing child,” conveniently leaving out the full context. That single act changed everything. Because Very Dark Man had the full evidence.
Screenshots. Voice notes. Complete messages. Messages where a daughter begged her father to pay her school fees. Messages where the father told her to stop disturbing him. Messages where he told her mother to “go and find the real father.” Messages that pushed a desperate child to say, “If you don’t pay, I will expose you.”
That wasn’t blackmail. That was desperation. And when a father abandons his responsibility, truth eventually grows teeth. The daughter didn’t speak because she wanted fame. She spoke because silence was no longer an option
Even more shocking — this wasn’t about just one child. Allegations now point to a pattern: children abandoned, women left to raise them alone, a mother in America carrying the burden of school fees, survival, and protection.
Yet, this same man allegedly told his congregation that these children were not his. Ironically, Amarachi is said to be his carbon copy. Then he asked, “Why didn’t she show her face?” But when her face was blurred and her name shortened, he himself completed it — calling her Amarachi publicly. In that moment, he confirmed what he was trying to deny.
Now, Very Dark Man is no longer holding back. What was meant to stay private has become public — not by his choice, but by the lies told to cover the truth. Doris Ogala has also stepped in, alleging that Pastor Chris attempted to reach Very Dark Man through intermediaries. Calls were ignored. When contact finally happened, Very Dark Man made his stance clear: he cannot be bribed.
More allegations followed — claims of ₦6 million allegedly paid to counter upcoming evidence and silence narratives online. But evidence doesn’t disappear because money changes hands. This is no longer gossip. This is no longer noise. This is accountability knocking loudly.
If the truth was a seed, it has now broken the ground. And this… This is only Part One.
“HE MUST GO!” – MPofu Unloads on Mnangagwa and ZANU-PF in End-of-Year Blast
As the curtain falls on the year, Zimbabwe’s outspoken legal heavyweight Thabani Mpofu has delivered a blistering verdict on President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the ruling ZANU-PF party, describing them as leaders imposed on citizens rather than chosen by them.
In a sharply worded reflection, Mpofu argues that Mnangagwa has failed to earn any moral authority to govern, accusing him of dragging the nation backwards while presiding over decay, division and dysfunction.
According to Mpofu, 2025 has been a year in which ZANU-PF exposed its emptiness, more interested in internal squabbles, self-enrichment and “twerking for coin” than in serving a suffering nation. He says the party has betrayed the values of the liberation struggle, insisting this is no longer the movement of icons like Herbert Chitepo, despite trading on their names.
Looking ahead, Mpofu calls 2026 a decisive year for unity, organisation and collective rejection of failed leadership. He urges Zimbabweans to demand ethical, competent leaders in politics, the church and public life, warning that choices made next year will define the nation’s future.
ELON’S $800 BILLION SPACE SHOCKER: ONE TEXAS COMPANY OUTGUNS AMERICA’S WAR GIANTS
In a jaw-dropping power shift, SpaceX has blasted past the old military elite to become an $800 billion colossus — worth more than the top six U.S. defence contractors combined. Lockheed Martin, Boeing, General Dynamics and the rest? Together they total about $709 billion. SpaceX alone leaves them in the dust.
Built by Elon Musk, the rocket firm has quietly become the most valuable space and defence-linked company in human history — without even being a traditional defence contractor. And that’s the twist.
Today, the Pentagon relies on SpaceX more than SpaceX relies on the Pentagon. From launching military satellites and delivering sensitive cargo to building Starshield defence systems, SpaceX operates the only rocket fleet trusted to put critical assets into orbit at speed.
This isn’t the suit-and-tie military-industrial complex of old. The future of war, space and global power is being engineered in Texas by a company moving faster than governments can keep up.
Michael Jordan made about $94 million in total salary during his famous 15-year NBA career.
Today, that amount looks small compared to the money he earns without playing.
He now gets around $300 million every year just from his deal with Nike—more than three times what he earned in his whole career.
The main source is the Jordan Brand, a part of Nike that brings in roughly $7 billion in sales annually.
Jordan receives about 5% of every sale as royalties, linking his earnings directly to the brand’s huge worldwide popularity.
Along with the smart sale of his majority ownership in the Charlotte Hornets in 2023, this steady income has raised his total wealth to an estimated $3.5 billion, placing him among the richest athletes ever.
AFRICA REMEMBERS : PATRICE LUMUMBA LEGACY DISPLAYED IN MOROCCO NOT AS A FAN BUT A MESSAGE BEING SENT TO BELGIUM AND USA WITH WORDS CODED IN 90 MINUTE SILENCE YET LOUDER THAT CONGO DRC REMEMBERS.
What was supposed to be a triumph of soccer celebration between Congo DRC and Uganda turned satirical due to a man who stood for the entire 90 minutes in the stadium without moving or shaking mimicking the famous and iconic stance displayed by slain first former Congolese Prime Minister assassinated in 1961 on 17th January in Katanga province by Belgium and USA troops in a firing squad.
The man at the AFCON did not set himself nump as a stone or statue so successful the entire 90 minutes period of the game for nothing but he did so because while the rest of the stadium cheered for the goals, the noise, the excitement, the tension it’s exactly how Congo DRC has remained behind.
Despite supplying the world with raw materials powering the Western world to thrive in technology and science with high economic power and prosperity it’s doing so at the pain and cost of endless suffering of the Congolese people.
The nation is stuck in endless wars, poverty, hunger, diseases, unemployment, gangs all over and instability that shapes what should have been the richest country in the world to be so nump like a statue. This was not natural.
In 1958 the National Movement party became so big such that in 1960 Elections Lumumba became the Prime Minister following year he was killed in January by Belgium and USA mercenaries through Congolese authorities.
In his famous quotes
“Neither cruelty, nor violence, nor torture will make me beg for mercy, because I prefer to die with my head raised high, with unshakeable faith… In my country’s predestination rather than live in submission forsaking my sacred principles.” Lumumba wanted a prosperous Congo DRC, he wanted a nation developed by its resources and respected as equal on the world table but that was too much for a black man.
Whites needed Congo DRC in a state it is right now in order to manage the exploitation of it’s minerals. The man at AFCON becomes a figure who has now sent the message to the West especially to Belgium and USA that CONGO DRC remembers Patrice Lumumba and the world has heard questions are now being asked what happened but the truth is far from over until justice in Congo DRC comes until then the message will continue being sent. CIC PRESS TEAM
16 Kopala women finally become ‘Mrs’ as single life collapses at the 11th hour
THE prayers and fasting of 16 Kopala women who probably went to mountains, skipped meals and whispered desperate end-of-year requests to heaven just to add the sweet prefix “Mrs” before the curtain fell on 2025 were finally answered at the 11th hour.
Single life was mercilessly kicked out at the Marriage Grounds where Kitwe City Council officiated 16 marriages, officially retiring both bachelorhood and spinsterhood from active duty.
One by one, the couples stepped forward, signed permanent contracts and walked out as legally recognised husbands and wives.
Ululations, nervous laughter and wiping of tears filled the venue as relatives and friends watched their loved ones officially cross over from the dangerous zone of “still searching” to the safety of legal marriage.
The local authority congratulated the newlyweds and urged them to defend each other fiercely during hard times.
For the 16 couples, the transfer window back to single life has officially closed, sealed and stamped by the law.
🇿🇲 VIEWPOINT | Archbishop Banda, the State, & the PF Money Trail
The Drug Enforcement Commission’s decision to summon Archbishop Alick Banda to appear before its Anti-Money Laundering Investigations Unit has landed like a thunderclap at the start of 2026. The notice, dated 31 December 2025 and issued under Section 26(c) of the Anti-Money Laundering Act No. 14 of 2001, requires the Archbishop of Lusaka to report to DEC offices on 5 January. It is not a charge. It is not a conviction. It is a summons to explain.
This distinction matters. But so does the context.
First, the facts. DEC has confirmed that the summons is part of ongoing anti-money laundering inquiries. Archbishop Banda has previously been linked, in open court and official records, to vehicles that investigators say were irregularly acquired. In December 2023, DEC seized a Toyota Hilux (registration ALF 7734) that had been gifted to him. In September 2024, he was named in the Economic and Financial Crimes Court as one of the beneficiaries of vehicles irregularly disposed of by senior Zambia Revenue Authority officials.
Evidence before court showed that the beneficiaries did not pay for those vehicles. The Archbishop later forfeited the Hilux to the State. These are not rumours. They are matters of public record.
Against this background, a summons under the Anti-Money Laundering Act is procedurally unsurprising. When investigators believe there are issues requiring clarification, they call people in. Clergy are not exempt from the law. Nor should they be.
Second, the sensitivity. The Catholic Church in Zambia is not an ordinary institution. It has perceived powerful moral voice, historically vocal on governance, corruption, and social justice. Archbishop Banda himself has been among the most outspoken clerics in recent years, sharply critical of the UPND regime and strongly opposed to constitutional reforms such as Bill 7. He also played a visible role in the Edgar Lungu burial saga in South Africa, aligning closely with the Lungu family and PF figures at a time of intense political tension.
This history explains why this summons is being read politically, whether DEC likes it or not.
Within PF circles, the narrative is already forming. Party supporters argue that the State is “targeting the Church” to weaken a perceived ally of the opposition. Some PF figures privately describe the summons as part of a broader strategy to “dry up opposition money” ahead of the 2026 elections, which will be fought across an expanded parliamentary map. Others claim the Catholic Church is being intimidated because it is seen as a platform capable of mobilising public sentiment against government.
These claims, however, remain claims. No evidence has been presented that the summons itself is politically directed. What exists, instead, is a documented trail of questions around assets and benefits that investigators are duty-bound to examine. Third, the wider political moment. Zambia is entering an election year.
Historically, election cycles attract intensified scrutiny of money flows. Campaigns cost money. By-elections have already exposed how cash-strapped opposition parties are. PF figures themselves have publicly admitted that party finances are strained and that individuals are self-funding operations. At the same time, there is growing public awareness of how political actors in the past used shell accounts, proxies, and gifts to move or conceal resources.
Against this backdrop, a more aggressive enforcement posture by DEC is not unexpected. Our sources within enforcement agencies say investigators are “leaving no blind spots” as 2026 approaches. This includes politicians, business figures, NGOs, and religious institutions where financial flows intersect with politics. These sources insist the objective is prevention, not persecution.
Fourth, the uncomfortable question. If there is nothing improper, transparency should resolve the matter. A summons is an opportunity to explain, not a verdict. Yet the intensity of the reaction from PF-aligned voices raises its own questions. Why frame a routine AML process as an existential attack? Why mobilise outrage before facts are tested? Equally, the State must tread carefully.
Zambia’s history offers painful lessons about how heavy-handed action against the Church can backfire, eroding trust and feeding narratives of repression. If this process is to command legitimacy, it must be strictly lawful, professional, and insulated from political theatrics. Any hint of selective enforcement would damage not only DEC but the broader anti-corruption agenda.
Finally, the principle. This moment is bigger than Archbishop Banda. It is about whether Zambia can hold two ideas at once: that the Church has a vital moral role in national life, and that no individual or institution is above financial scrutiny. Accountability does not negate faith. Faith does not confer immunity.
At The People’s Brief, our position is simple and consistent. Facts matter. Process matters. History matters. The Archbishop is entitled to dignity, due process, and the presumption of innocence. The State is entitled to ask hard questions where public records and evidence justify them.
The coming days will test all sides. How DEC conducts itself. How the Church responds. How politicians exploit or restrain themselves.
CATHOLIC ARCHBISHOP ALICK BANDA SUMMONED BY DEC FOR QUESTIONING
ARCHBISHOP DR ALICK BANDA SUMMONED
The Drug Enforcement Commission of Zambia has summoned Archbishop Alick Banda of the Archdiocese of Lusaka to appear before its Anti-Money Laundering Investigations Unit.
The letter, dated 31 December 2025 and issued by the Republic of Zambia’s Drug Enforcement Commission, instructs Alick Banda to report to DEC offices in Lusaka on 5 January 2026 at 10:00 hours.
The summons is issued under Section 26(c) of the Anti-Money Laundering Act No. 14 of 2001 and is signed by the Head of the AMLIU on behalf of the Director General.
Historically, the Catholic church held quasi-sovereign status in some regions making it difficult to prosecute a clergyman.
However, contemporary Zambian jurisprudence operates under a system where the state maintains supremacy in matters of criminal law enforcement.
If investigations reveal sufficient evidence of wrongdoing that meets the threshold for criminal charges under Zambian law, and subsequently, a conviction is secured in a competent court, then imprisonment is a viable punitive measure against Archbishop Dr Banda.
In 2024, the commission seized a motor vehicle belonging to the Archbishop, which was allegedly a gift from the late Sixth Republican President, His Excellency Edgar Chagwa Lungu.
CONFUSED PF LEADERSHIP: ONE OF THE GOOD REASONS TO RETAIN PRESIDENT HICHILEMA IN 2026
In an audio recording that has gone viral, Kambwili is heard accusing Mundubile, a member of parliament from Mporokoso and a candidate for president of the Patriotic Front (PF), of being a thief who ought to be put behind bars for taking funds meant for road constructions that he never delivered, while Kashishi is accusing Kambwili of stealing rail lines.
This is a tale we have been hearing for the past four years: the fractured PF leadership accusing and hiring and firing each other, heavily focused on individual presidential ambitions rather than cohesive policy platforms.
If the PF leaders have been unable to address their internal disputes in the last four years, they will certainly remain unresolved come the 2026 elections, giving the indication of an alternative not ready to govern.
At this point, we must be realistic, as governing a country is a serious issue. If the PF was an effective opposition, it should have already presented a comprehensive manifesto outlining how it would handle the country’s debt, attract foreign direct investment, and diversify the economy better than the United Party for National Development (UPND).
Seven months before the elections, no opposition leader has consolidated a unified message or presented a policy blueprint that demonstrably surpasses the framework currently being implemented by the UPND government – a serious cause for concern in the paradigm of good governance.
Therefore, prematurely introducing the PF and disrupting this emerging economic recovery—without clarity on its direction, lacking leadership, and devoid of a clearly superior policy framework—can undermine the UPND’s hard-earned economic gains and hinder the progress of ongoing structural reforms.
Therefore, maintaining the UPND-led government until 2031 is the most prudent course to safeguard ongoing economic stabilisation and avoid plunging the nation back into uncertainty due to fragmented and undefined alternative PF leadership.
The initial mandate of the UPND government centred on immediate fiscal discipline and debt restructuring. Since 2021, substantial progress has been made in navigating the complexities of the G20 Common Framework, a process that, while protracted, signals a commitment to sustainable fiscal health, as about 52% of the debt has been restructured.
This improved trajectory is evident in key indicators. Inflation, which had soared to multi-year highs, has shown sustained deceleration, providing essential relief to the average consumers.
Furthermore, efforts to curb non-essential public expenditure and bolster domestic revenue mobilisation have begun to yield fruit, creating a more predictable operating environment for foreign investors. This relative stability, manifesting as predictable foreign exchange movements and gradual improvements in key economic indices, represents a significant achievement that must be protected.
In addition, the effectiveness of a government is often measured against the viable alternatives presented to the electorate. Currently, no major PF figure or grouping has successfully presented a policy blueprint that demonstrably surpasses the UPND’s current approach to debt management, energy security, or investment attraction. The existing government, despite facing implementation hurdles, operates on a defined economic roadmap supported by international partners.
Replacing this established framework with one based on nascent ideas driven by leaders currently preoccupied with internal succession battles can introduce an unnecessary layer of systemic risk into the national economy.
Furthermore, political certainty inherently links with economic confidence. It is inherently risky to introduce a transition that aims to replace the current leadership before achieving its stated economic goals. Major infrastructure projects, investment pledges secured through recent diplomatic efforts, and the ongoing negotiations with multilateral lenders all depend on the continuity of policy implementation and predictable political outcomes.
Thus, a premature political shakeup in 2026, motivated by dissatisfaction with the pace of change rather than outright failure, could easily result in capital flight, currency depreciation – which is performing well against major currencies – and the stalling of critical macroeconomic stabilisation efforts.
Such instability would effectively undo the relative gains achieved since 2021, returning the country to a precarious position akin to the pre-2021 era.
Looking at the immediate chaotic political reality of the PF, which lacks the cohesive structure and superior policy vision required to warrant a change in leadership, and the country’s current benefits from economic stability and structured policy engagement that were lacking in previous years, retaining the UPND government would be the most prudent course for ensuring sustained national economic recovery.
THE PF presidential race has taken a nasty personal turn with acid-mouthed candidate Chishimba Kambwili vowing to “finish” fellow aspirant Brian Mundubile.
In a heated phone conversation between the political leopard and PF Northern Province information publicity secretary Charles Kashishi, Kambwili swore that he would get Mundubile arrested soon.
Kambwili accused the afro-raring Mporokoso Member of Parliament of being a thief who allegedly issued invoices for work that was never done.
The former cabinet minister further alleged that Mundubile was sending surrogates, including Kashishi, to fight his battles.
He boasted that unlike Mundubile, he had never stolen from the people of Zambia.
“If you are supporting a person who lives in glass houses, don’t throw stones. I have all the evidence against Mundubile and his theft. If I say it now, you won’t like it. You should go and tell Mundubile that if he’s fighting me through you, tell him that I will finish him,” he told Kashishi.
“Let’s face it, you will see, Mundubile will be arrested.”
Kambwili said he possessed a thick load of explosive evidence showing Mundubile stealing from his people.
However, when contacted for a comment, Kambwili fled from Kalemba’s call and handed his phone to his grandchildren, who said he was not around.
The grandchildren further told Kalemba that the phone number now belonged to them and was only being used for playing.
“Grandpa is not around, he has given us this one. This is now our phone,” they said.
When Kalemba asked for Kambwili’s purported active number, a gentleman who introduced himself as the son-inlaw got the phone from the kids and assured Kalemba that Kambwili would call back once he was home.
Mundubile also ignored Kalemba’s three calls.
Meanwhile, PF acting president Given Lubinda has also been trading blows with party leaders, having removed Mandevu MP Christopher Shakafuswa and others from their positions.
Lubinda recently lamented on live television that he was the only one funding the PF faction.
In response, Shakafuswa demanded that Lubinda names the projects he has personally funded so far.
On the other hand, Davies Mwila has thrown his weight behind Mundubile’s candidature, while senior party members Jean Kapata, Godfridah Sumaili and others have endorsed Makebi Zulu.
Lubinda has also expelled fellow presidential aspirant Dr Chitalu Chilufya from the party for voting in favour of Bill 7.
But Dr Chilufya dismissed the expulsion, stating that no one had expelled him and declaring that he would soon become PF president.
Award-winning musician Makhadzi (born Ndivhudzannyi Ralivhona) was hospitalised on Wednesday morning, 31 December, after being involved in a car accident while travelling from Limpopo to Johannesburg, her management confirmed.
According to a statement from Makhadzi Entertainment, the celebrated singer known for hits such as Kokota and Matorokisi was in transit when the collision occurred. Emergency services responded quickly, and she was rushed to a nearby hospital for medical care.
The management team said Makhadzi’s condition is currently stable, and she remains under close observation by medical professionals. Her recovery and well-being are being prioritised, and the family has requested privacy during this time.
Makhadzi has solidified her place as one of South Africa’s most vibrant contemporary artists, with multiple awards and a strong national following.
Further updates on her condition are expected to be released through her official channels when appropriate.
DR. FRED M’MEMBE DECLARED PEOPLE’S PACT FLAG BEARER AS NATIONAL UNITY FRONT TAKES SHAPE FOR 2026
Lusaka, Zambia — The People’s Pact today formally announced Dr. Fred M’membe, President of the Socialist Party, as its Presidential Flag Bearer for the August 2026 General Elections, marking a decisive step toward building a Government of National Unity grounded in a clearly defined five-year transitional agenda for Zambia.
The announcement follows sustained initiatives and consultations led by civil society organisations, faith-based institutions, progressive political forces, and concerned citizens across the country who have consistently called for political unity, principled leadership, and a credible people-centred alternative capable of rescuing Zambia from deepening economic hardship and democratic decline.
The People’s Pact is a registered entity under the Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA) established for mass mobilisation. Its mandate has been realigned to mobilise Zambian voters ahead of the 2026 General Elections. Within this framework, the Socialist Party shall serve as the electoral vehicle of the People’s Pact.
The People’s Pact is not a conventional political alliance. It is a national citizens’ movement that brings together diverse political formations, civil society actors, and ordinary Zambians united by a common commitment to restore democratic governance, economic dignity, social justice, and national sovereignty.
MPs WHO VOTED FOR BILL 7 REMAIN EXPELLED FROM PF – LUBINDA
Patriotic Front (PF) faction Acting President Given Lubinda has maintained that Members of Parliament who voted in support of Act No. 13 of 2025, formerly Bill 7, remain expelled from the party, describing their actions as gross indiscipline.
Mr. Lubinda said the affected MPs dug their own political graves by supporting the bill, stating that the party had already shown them the way out for betraying its principles.
He explained that by voting for the bill, the MPs betrayed the trust of Zambians, their electorates, and the party that adopted them into public office.
Speaking at a media briefing, the former Justice Minister noted that history has consistently shown that leaders who betray the people’s trust ultimately destroy both their political careers and the parties they support.
Mr. Lubinda further charged that the Zambian people would be the final judges of the MPs’ actions, insisting that their support for Bill 7 amounted to serious indiscipline within the party.
IF elections were held today, President Hakainde Hichilema would win with 60 percent of the vote, compared to 35 percent for opposition candidates.
This is according to a new national poll conducted by independent consultants under the supervision of leading demographer Dr Namuunda Mutombo of the University of Zambia.
The poll indicates that in a hypothetical presidential election held today, President Hichilema would enjoy a substantial advantage in a direct matchup, securing between 58 and 63 percent of the vote in all head-to-head scenarios against potential unified opposition candidates.
The survey also points to rising optimism about Zambia’s direction and growing support for President Hichilema ahead of the 2026 elections.
“The poll was conducted between 2nd and 15th October 2025, interviewing 1,009 adults aged 18 and above across all 10 provinces and 49 districts. Face-to-face household interviews were carried out with a margin of error of ±3.1 percent. The sample was weighted to reflect national demographics by age, gender, and rural/urban residence. Interviews were conducted in Bemba, Nyanja, Lozi, Tonga, Kaonde, Luvale, and Lunda. Previous waves were conducted in April 2024 and May 2025, allowing trend analysis over time,” the poll report states.
Nearly two-thirds of respondents now agree that “Zambia is slowly turning a corner and there is light at the end of the tunnel,” reflecting a significant improvement in public mood compared with previous surveys.
The opinion poll also shows that 58 percent of Zambians believe President Hichilema has largely kept the promises he made to voters, countering opposition narratives and reinforcing perceptions of credibility and delivery.
I WONDERS WHERE SOME PF PRESIDENTIAL ASPIRANTS GET FUNDS FROM – CK … When everybody is complaining about lack of money
PF presidential aspirant Chishimba Kambwili says some PF presidential aspirants have too much money they are spending in the part presidential campaigns when everybody in the country is complaining about lack of money.
In an interview with Daily Revelation yesterday, Kambwili said he was still trying to find answers over the source of the money some PF presidential aspirants were expanding in the campaigns.
He said he still had not gotten answers in that regard from the time he made revelations that some candidates were leaving K25,000s https://dailyrevelationzambia.com/i-wonder-where-some-pf-presidential-aspirants-get-funds-from-ck-when-everybody-is-complaining-about-lack-of-money/
POLITICS THAT LEAD TO NOWHERE – KAMBWILI’S ATTACKS AGAINST MUNDUBILE
I listened to a phone conversation of an audio that has gone viral.
One caller is identified as Kambwili and another as Kashishi.
I have no way of independently verifying the authenticity of these voices.
However, the principle I wish to speak to is that opposition attacking opposition is a road that leads to nowhere.
This is because opposition politics must lead to one particular direction – the formation of the next government.
And you move in this direction by offering alternative policies to those of the incumbent.
Personal attacks are the excuses used to cover up deficiencies in policy dialogue.
It’s the kind of tactics employed in densely populated areas among quarreling neighbors marked by the exchange of unprintables shouted loud enough for all to hear.
The Zambian voter has seen this too many times to be swayed.
Voters stand to benefit absolutely nothing from personal attacks.
Voters are intelligent enough to know that Mundubile has been attacking the UPND policy stunts since they came into office.
If they have known of any wrongdoing about him, why haven’t they arrested him all along?
He recently categorically accused them of bribing parliamentarians so that they could vote in favor of Bill 7, wouldn’t they have hit back at him?
Who would be in possession of the record of unfulfilled invoices between government and Kambwili?
These attacks can only be interpreted one way – Mundubile must be looking politically too good for some people.
The opposition must condemn in no uncertain terms attacks against anyone within their ranks.
The effort now must be to close ranks and present a united front against a very formidable candidate.
Make no mistake: taking on Hichilema is not going to be an easy undertaking however you choose to discredit his record in office.
It’s therefore naive, utter carelessness and politically suicidal to turn the salvos against Hichilema unto a fellow opposition leader.
ZAMBIA’S ECONOMIC OUTLOOK BRIGHTENS AHEAD OF 2026 SAYS ECONOMIC EXPERT YUSUF DODIA
ECONOMIC expert Yusuf Dodia says Zambia’s economic outlook remains promising, anchored on ongoing reforms in the energy sector.
Mr. Dodia notes that the country’s transition into solar energy and the implementation of the Electricity Open Access Framework are key measures helping to reduce the power deficit.
He explains that the reforms are opening space for increased private sector participation, easing pressure on the national grid and supporting growth in productive sectors such as mining, agriculture and manufacturing.
Looking ahead to 2026, Mr.Dodia says the success of these policies will depend on consistent and disciplined implementation across sectors. He believes sustained reforms could boost investment inflows, create jobs and strengthen overall economic performance.
He has, however, cautioned that strong political will, effective regulation and timely execution of projects will be critical to ensure that the benefits of these policies are felt by ordinary Zambians.
Mr. Dodia was speaking this morning on Roanfm’s weekly economic review radio programme.
EVEN IF YOU HAVE NO VISION LIKE ECL, KEEP TRYING LIKE “THE CATTLE BOY”-HH was not destined to be president, HH was not even better than ECL: HH lost five times, but he kept on trying, till GOD saw his fight valid.
From losing 5 times, from being called a tribalist, from being called a freemason, from being arrested -15 times, from being a prisoner; to becoming the republican president.
“Destinations are not accidental, they must be chosen and walked”- Shipungu
Allow me to share with you a short story of a young man who became a CEO of the Zambian branch of a large international accountancy firm at the age of 26. I mean, a story of the Seventh Day Adventist church elder, who made six bids to become the 7th president of Zambia.
Firstly, before we dive deeper; is HH truly, a freemason? Let’s put this to a close today as we go down.
HH, an ordinary poor “cattle boy” as he calls himself, was born on June 4, 1962, in the southern province of Zambia-Monze District.
Interestingly, little is known about HH’s childhood. Otherwise, due to his grit and determination at school; he won a scholarship to the University of Zambia (UNZA).
In 1986, he graduated from (UNZA) with a bachelor’s degree in economics and business administration. He then earned a Master’s of Business Administration in Finance and Business Strategy at the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom (Black Past-David Zuber, April 28, 2022/ BBC-Kennedy Gondwe, 16 August, 2021/AFP-2021).
Between 1994 and 1998, HH served as the Chief Operating Officer of Coopers and Lybrand in Zambia. From 1998 to 2006, he served as the CEO of Grant Thornton, Zambia (Black Past-David Zuber, April 28, 2022).
From there, HH worked his way up to becoming one of the country’s wealthiest men, with business interests spanning finance, ranching, property, healthcare and tourism.
Critics had viewed him as a political outsider, an economic jargon-spouting corporate leader who was catapulted into politics following the 2006 death of Anderson Mazoka, former leader of the United Party for National Development, which Hichilema bankrolled at the time.
Regardless, according to Zambian analyst O’Brien Kaaba, the man affectionately referred to as “Bally”, slang for “Dad,” tried to blend with the ordinary (people) much more, swapping tailored business suits with casual fatigues or jeans.
HH is not only referred to as “Bally” of the nation, he is equally, a loving husband and present parent. He and his wife, Mutinta, have three children: Chikonka, Miyanda, and Habwela ( AFP, 2021).
Aside from that, like I earlier captured; after the death of Anderson Mazoka, then president of the UPND; in 2006, HH was elected as the new party president. He was the party candidate for presidency in the elections of 2006, 2008, 2011, 2015, and 2016. Though, he lost every election. In the 2015 election, he lost by only 27,757 votes: 1%.
It’s always darkest before the dawn, in the 2016 general elections, Lungu once again; scraped a victory, beating HH by at least 100,000 votes.
In early 2017, Hichilema was arrested when his convoy of vehicles failed to make way for President Edgar Lungu’s motorcade. He was charged with treason and spent four months in jail before the charges were dismissed.
On 12 August, 2021 the veteran opposition leader garnered almost one million more votes than his predecessor and long-time rival, Edgar Chagwa Lungu (ECL), to whom he had narrowly lost twice (AFP, 2021/Black Past-David Zuber, April 28, 2022).
Fast-forward, HH was inaugurated as the seventh president of Zambia on August 24, 2021.
In his inaugural address, he said that no Zambian must go to bed hungry. He promised to revive the country’s stagnant economy, provide jobs for unemployed youths, and pledged that his administration would have zero tolerance for corruption. He also promised an inclusive government, recognizing diversity as strength.
Most importantly, he assured the people of Zambia in advance, that when his time to leave comes; he would graciously leave.
As we say bye to 2025 and entering an election year, how do you rate the leadership of president HH out of 10; based on his inaugural speech?
Farmers are asking money from me to cultivate owing to Govt’s poor planning – Fr Mukosa By Mubanga Mubanga Catholic priest Fr. Andrew Chewe Mukosa says farmers have have not been paid because of poor planning by the UPND government.
And Fr Mukosa said farmers were asking him for money to cultivate their fields as they had not been paid by the government owing to poor planning.
In an interview with Daily Revelation on Sunday, Fr Mukosa who is also Dignitatis Humanea Social teacher said there was no other reason to give by the government on the failure to pay the farmers on time, rather than poor planning. https://dailyrevelationzambia.com/farmers-are-asking-money-from-me-to-cultivate-owing-to-govts-poor-planning-fr-mukosa/
PAOGZ WELCOMES PRESIDENTIAL PRONOUNCEMENT ON CHRISTIAN NATION DELCLARATION
PAOG-Z warmly welcomes the call by the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, to ring-fence the declaration of Zambia as a Christian nation.
This is a timely and commendable step toward the consolidation and institutionalization of a spiritual heritage that has shaped our national identity and moral compass.
This move rightly builds on the historic foundations laid by the late Frederick Chiluba, who courageously declared Zambia a Christian nation, and is further strengthened by the legacy of the late Edgar Lungu, who designated 18 October as the National Day of Prayer and Fasting. and Reconciliation. Together, these milestones reflect a consistent national journey of acknowledging God in our public life.
Ring-fencing this declaration affirms continuity across administrations, safeguards its intent for future generations, and provides a clear framework for faith-inspired values, such as integrity, justice, compassion, unity, and servant leadership, to inform governance and national development. It also reassures the faith community that Zambia’s spiritual foundations are not merely symbolic, but responsibly anchored within our constitutional and institutional life.
We therefore commend President Hicilema for this pronouncement and encourage broad, inclusive engagement across the Body of Christ to ensure that the Christian nation declaration continues to foster peace, mutual respect, national cohesion, and the common good for all Zambians.
Bishop Prof. Joshua HK Banda, PhD Presiding Bishop
FDD HITS BACK AT PRESIDENT HICHILEMA OVER CALL FOR UNITY
THE Forum for Democracy and Development – FDD has described President Hakainde Hichilema’s appeal to the church to promote unity and love as hypocritical.
FDD National Spokesperson Anthony Chibuye says the remarks come against a backdrop of what he calls continued hostility towards the church by the UPND Administration.
Mr. Chibuye alleges that clergymen who have criticised government policies, including Bill Number Seven, were dismissed and subjected to insults from ruling party cadres.
He says President Hichilema’s call to the church to foster unity is contradictory, arguing that the New Dawn Administration has presided over a divisive leadership style.
Mr. Chibuye further criticised what he termed the politicisation of the church, accusing some bishops and pastors of being compromised and issuing statements that favour the ruling party.
He has also questioned government’s intention to gazette 29th December as a public holiday, suggesting the move is politically motivated and meant to rival the 18th of October, previously declared a National Day of Prayer and Fasting.
Today, on the eve of 2026, I clock 55 years in the media. It has been a long and exciting journey, one that has allowed me to serve my country and seven Presidents. It has been an honour to know these Presidents up close and personal and to witness leadership from different perspectives.
I experienced President Kaunda and his wisdom of One Zambia One Nation. I witnessed President Chiluba and his wit and the advent of multiparty democracy. I saw President Levy Mwanawasa and his genuine fight against corruption. I observed President Rupiah Banda and a period of strong economic activity. I covered President Michael Sata and his shrewdness and the push for increased infrastructure development. I saw under President Edgar Lungu the irritating tendencies of carderism and massive infrastructure development. I now witness President Hakainde Hichilema’s efforts to economic growth and the controversy surrounding Bill 7. Through all this, I have seen many facets of leadership.
Yet in all these years, the fortunes of ordinary citizens have not improved significantly. With all its natural resources, Zambia should be heaven on earth, but it often feels like that promise is reserved mainly for foreign investors. Watching the majority of Zambians stand on the sidelines as their wealth is taken away in broad daylight, sometimes aided by our own leaders, it deeply breaks me. There have been moments when I have felt angry and hopeless.
Over the years, I have seen many of my broadcasting colleagues, voices that were louder and braver than mine, pass on, among them Charles Muyamwa, Charles Mando and recently Kenneth Maduma. At times I have felt alone, yet their spirits have urged me to continue. Like Jonnie Walker, I have walked on, and with God on my side I will continue walking, hopeful that one day I will see a better Zambia, a land of milk and honey, a true reflection of Kaunda’s One Zambia One Nation.
I thank you all for being part of my 55 year journey. It has been a stressful and often thankless service, yet a deeply fulfilling one, rooted in lifting the voices of the people. As I celebrate 55 years in the media today, the 31st of December, I would like to sincerely thank all the stations I have been associated with, ZNBC, BBC, Radio Deutsche Welle, Five FM, Radio Phoenix, Diamond TV, Prime TV and Capital FM and Daily Mail. I thank the listeners and viewers, readers, my family, especially my children, and all those who have been my sources of research. I extend special gratitude to my guests, without whom many programmes would not have been as rich. I thank my sister Daisy, who always wipes my tears when the going gets tough, as it has recently.
I thank the PF government for my diplomatic posting to Italy. I thank President Hakainde Hichilema for honouring me with the Zambia Insignia of Meritorious Achievement. I thank MISA for the honour of All Time Broadcaster. I thank Charles Muyamwa who trusted and employed me fifty five years ago. I thank Trinity Church and Miracle Life for their prayers. Above all, I thank God, my everything.
As the year ends and a new one dawns, I come before you, dear Heavenly Father, with a heart full of gratitude and anticipation. I thank you for carrying me through the years, for the lessons learned, the challenges overcome and the blessings received. Every moment of this journey has been a testimony of your faithfulness.
Tomorrow is a new day and a new year, a year of general and presidential elections. It is an opportunity to elect leaders not only to govern us but to legislate laws that ensure our wellbeing. When we look back at the performance of many Members of Parliament, it is clear that the majority have not represented our aspirations but their own pockets. Your word says we shall know them by their fruits, and indeed we know them.
The time has come to identify morally upright men and women who truly represent the people. It is our prayer that we shall emerge with a government that devises and implements policies that deliver development and improve the living conditions of the majority. We pray for a caring government, a united government, a government that truly upholds the principle of One Zambia One Nation. Thank you for being part of my journey and God bless Zambia.
It breaks my heart to see how PF MPs especially from the north and east have betrayed their people that elected them to dine with the ruling party UPND.
After losing power, PF numbers in parliament declined because a number of MPs like Andrew Lubusha, Sunday Chanda, Sibongile Mwamba, Majory Nakaponda etc started siding with the UPND.
Today Sibongile Mwamba calling herself PF Kasama Central MP can go and parade herself before UPND leaders and unveil a UPND mayoral candidate when her party through the Tonse Alliance is also participating in the by election. Bushe kwena tebuloshi ubu?
UPND has maintained loyalty from 3 provinces in the country from their time in opposition. This I can confess helped our democracy to flourish in some way, more especially when UPND was in opposition.
A constitutional democracy like ours needs strong participation of opposition groups to push those in power towards service delivery. Unfortunately, the UPND wants to capture the nation by remaining the only strong political party, indirectly killing multi-partism participatory democracy.
One thing am certain of is majority MPs in Zambia that have betrayed their political parties in opposition to dine with the ruling party, their political careers ended prematurely. Records are there.
UPND performed exceptionally well as main opposition and has tremendously failed as a ruling party in enhancing our democracy, instead they are shrinking it. Zambians need to think twice and put UPND were it fits most; OPPOSITION.
Even our Chiefs don’t have courage to visit their subjects in jails like we saw in the past when UPND leaders were arrested or jailed in opposition, some Chiefs used to camp in Lusaka for their subjects solidarity. Ours instead they would rather stay quiet or condemn their subjects.
WHY ZAMBIA CAN NEVER WIN THE WORLD CUP OR AFCON… unless by a miracle
By Fisho P Mwale
I want to qualify the above headline by saying I fear that, in my lifetime (God willing, the next 30 years), Zambia will not have built the capacity to compete and win a World Cup. I further believe that in the next 3 editions, we might see either Senegal, Morocco, Nigeria, or Egypt win or be runners-up at a World Cup.
Let me share a few controversial facts to buttress my position: most West African and North African countries have exported hundreds of their players into European leagues. Apart from exports, you have thousands of European footballers of AFRICAN ORIGIN. Take the French national team, for example. 90 percent are of African origin.
Nigeria is the top African exporter of professional footballers overall, with about 800 players exported (primarily to Europe but including other continents).
Ghana follows with about 550 exported players, and
Senegal with 450.
Therefore, West African nations, plus Morocco, are among the most represented and are repeatedly highlighted as leading sources of African talent in European football. Why is this important, and why will Zambia not reach the levels required?
Well, nations with many players in Europe—such as Senegal, Nigeria, Morocco, Ghana, Ivory Coast—benefit from footballers who train and compete in high-intensity, highly advanced, and tactically advanced leagues. This regular competition against world-class opposition gives access to elite tactical systems and football philosophy. So when they come to Afcon, they are way ahead of Zambia.
It’s like a musician who learns how to write and read music. A footballer who is familiar with systems and can understand football concepts of formations and tactics through modern training routines and video data analytics is more likely to bring discipline, professionalism, and a winning mentality back to the national team.
The other factors, apart from advanced coaching and tactical development, which most European clubs invest heavily in through qualified coaches and youth development academies, are sports injury management, psychological therapy, fitness, and nutrition. Health therapy!
Players exposed to this environment are far better prepared than ours.
I want to argue here that, though South Africa comparatively provides excellent infrastructure, organization, and a high level of commercialization, it will take them many more years to achieve what West Africans will simply because their football is insular. It is not highly exposed to Europe because not many South African players make the grade or are interested in playing overseas.
Our players from less developed leagues with poor infrastructure and a lack of funding often rely mostly on natural talent and prayers, not structured tactical frameworks or a culture of adequate overall preparation. Our preparation is for the government to give you money 2 months before the competition instead of 12 months.
Nutrition, medical support & sports science are totally lacking and too expensive for us. Africa abounds with raw football talent—on dusty street grounds in Lusaka townships—young boys and girls chasing dreams. Talent isn’t our problem; opportunity, structure, investment, finance, and vision are what are lacking.
Above all, exposure to Europe transforms players and gives them a different hunger to win. Back home, our players play with hunger but without knowledge, tactical sense, and professionalism.
It is this system of exposure that makes nations like Senegal, Morocco, Ghana, and Nigeria formidable—not because of talent alone but because of exposure to advanced football frameworks.
Change is possible. Zambia can rise, dominate, produce champions, but we must invest—build academies, bring in sports science, develop coaches, commercialize the sport, and the government must seriously invest serious money because football is national pride.
This future is within reach—if we stop just dreaming, complaining about failing to qualify, and start building so that in my lifetime I can witness Zambia win the Afcon again, pakuti World Cup nikaya mwe Kapena bene Papas bapephela.
