ZAF RECORDS ZERO AUDIT QUERIES AS GOVERNMENT COMMENDS FINANCIAL DISCIPLINE
Lusaka-27th December, 2025
By Valentina Daka
Government has commended the Zambia Air Force (ZAF) for demonstrating high levels of accountability and financial prudence after the institution recorded zero audit queries in the 2024 Auditor General’s Report.
The commendation was made by Minister of Defence, Ambrose Lufuma, who was Guest of Honour at the Zambia Air Force Annual Ball held in Lusaka last evening.
“Government takes pride in the Zambia Air Force’s exemplary record in financial management, particularly the achievement of recording zero audit queries in the 2024 Auditor General’s Report,” Mr Lufuma said.
He praised the ZAF command for upholding strict financial discipline and prudent use of public resources, urging the institution to remain vigilant and consistent in managing public funds.
The Defence Minister further reaffirmed Government’s commitment to improving the welfare of defence force personnel and their families, noting that the wellbeing of service members remains a key priority for the administration.
Meanwhile, Zambia Air Force Commander Lieutenant General Oscar Nyoni thanked Government for creating an enabling environment that allows the Air Force to effectively execute its mandate and reaffirmed ZAF’s commitment to serving the nation.
Lt. Gen. Nyoni said the Zambia Air Force remains dedicated to carrying out duties assigned by the Republican President, safeguarding the country’s airspace and developing effective leadership within the service.
The Air Force Commander also disclosed that ZAF will continue to participate in economic activities that contribute to national development, while maintaining high levels of professionalism and discipline.
Lt. Gen. Nyoni emphasised that the Zambia Air Force will not engage in partisan politics, reaffirming the institution’s loyalty to the Constitution and the Government of the day.
He further acknowledged Government’s continued support towards strengthening operational structures within the service.
GUEST ARTICLE: POOR LEADERSHIP: Moses Sichone, As The Chipolopolo General, Should Not Sacrifice His Troops At The Battle Front
By Augustine Mukoka
… Both Fashion Sakala & Lameck Banda Showed Signs Of Disappointment After Being Substituted
That Chipolopolo settled for a virgin tie against Comoros was disappointing enough.
Adding to our disappointment is the needless drama by a coach throwing any of his players under the bus after such a result. It is unnecessary.
I find Chipolopolo coach Moses Sichone’s comments about Fashion Sakala’s reaction to his substitution misplaced.
Granted, indiscipline in the team must NEVER be condoned, not even from skipper Fashion Sakala.
However, there’s a better way a coach must handle player reaction to disappointment. If anyone saw both Fashion and Lameck after being substituted, they didn’t seem happy.
It was visible. And it should have ended at that especially that the tournament is still at its peak.
And as Fashion says after the match, it’s normal for a player to react that way. The two players may have been frustrated with themselves especially that their performance was not to their best of their abilities..
Many of our players have been unconvincing thus far. Take Klings Kangwa for instance. Both against Mali and Comoros, Klings has played way below his game. Why is he not being substituted?
For some reason, I am questioning Klings’ commitment to the team. I could be wrong – but that’s not the Klings we know. I hope it’s not what I am thinking. But if it is, let the lad pave way for other players who will deliver 100% for the country.
Back to the Fashion’s issue. Sichone should have found a better way of responding to the question on Fashion. If he wanted to discuss the specifics, he should have mentioned both players and acknowledged he wasn’t happy with their reaction.
Otherwise, his focus on Fashion alone appears to be targeted and has the potential to elicit feelings of unfair treatment. I even wondered why he appointed Fashion a team leader if he is going to embarrass him in that fashion.
Here are Sichone’s comments:
“Fashion was not happy with my decision to substitute him, but this is the national team, not an individual team. If a player is not performing, we must give others a chance. So yes, he was upset.”
“This is something I need to address, especially because he is the team captain. When you are chosen to lead, you must lead by example. I cannot accept such behaviour.”
In his post match comment, Fashion said, “I think it’s normal as a player to be unhappy if you know you can do more, and if you know you can do well.”
Fashion also admits that the Chipolopolo have not brought their best in the last two matches that has ended in draws.
Evidently, Fashion did not focus on why the coach substituted him. Instead, he admitted he was frustrated with himself because he, and his colleagues, have not delivered their best.
Moses can do better in his approach by applying a little maturity to the manner he is handling man management in the team.
If he is trying to show that he is a disciplinarian, he should have first shown the lad who broke camp rules the door. The fact that it has not been made public doesn’t mean we don’t know.
In the interest of the team’s progress, we have looked away to ensure Zambia makes progress. And Moses can do the same by ensuring that he is that good General who doesn’t throw his troops away at the battlefield. Instead, he has a duty to protect them but remind them of their responsibility privately.
It’s important that the coach shows he respects the team captain so that even the young players on the team will respect their leader on the pitch.
Otherwise, there would have been no point to elevate Fashion if this is what he would be subjected to.
Even in the corporate world, it’s not advisable to scold a manager in front of their juniors because it breeds contempt from thei subordinates.
Moses can do better. More so that this is a rebuilding process.
Let’s see more options beyond Lubambo Musonda, Patson Daka and Klings.
“He Want Me to Lie Against Other Pastors” – Doris Ogala Displays $10,000 Allegedly Sent by Pastor Chris Okafor
The saga between Nollywood actress Doris Ogala and Pastor Chris Okafor has taken a dramatic twist, with the actress taking to social media to flaunt a bundle of $10,000 cash she claims was sent to her by the cleric.
The Alleged Bribe
In a video shared on her Instagram page, Ogala displayed the foreign currency, alleging that the pastor sent the money as a plea bargain. According to her, the funds came with a condition: Pastor Okafor allegedly wants her to make a public video claiming that she was hired by rival pastors to tarnish his image
To substantiate her story, she posted screenshots of a chat allegedly between her and the clergyman, explaining that she accepted the money deliberately to gather evidence and validate her claims against him.
The N1 Billion Lawsuit
This incident is the latest chapter in their ongoing legal battle. Ogala is currently suing the pastor for ₦1 billion, citing breach of promise to marry. She claims she dissolved her previous marriage at his insistence, only to suffer emotional distress, reputational damage, and the unauthorized release of private photos.
Family Secrets Leaking
The controversy is compounded by recent revelations from social media activist VeryDarkMan, who released audio of a lady named Precious claiming to be the pastor’s daughter. In the recording, Precious detailed unfair treatment and revealed she is the only child from her mother, distinct from the pastor’s other children.
“I Took Him to His First BET Awards” – Wale Reveals Role in Wizkid’s Global Success
Nigerian-American rapper Wale has opened up about his long-standing friendship with Afrobeats superstar Wizkid, claiming he played a pivotal role in introducing the singer to the international market.
Hosting Wizkid in the US
During a recent livestream with Carter Efe, Wale disclosed that he once housed Wizkid in Beverly Hills, California, for an entire summer. He described the singer as his “boy,” noting that they spent that period creating music together.
The Early Days
Wale highlighted that their relationship spans nearly a decade, recalling that he was the one who accompanied Wizkid to his very first BET Awards show, marking a significant moment in the singer’s crossover journey.
He stated:
“I have been following Nigerian music, there are so many Nigerian artists that I like listening to. I don’t know some of them but I like listening to their music.
There are some I know personally like Wizkid. Me and Wizkid have been cool for almost 10 years now. I remember taking him to his first BET Awards show.
That is my boy. I once accommodated him at Beverly Hills for a whole summer. We were just writing music. We made a lot of songs together like ‘Drop for me’,”
Patriotic Alliance salutes Trump over US air strikes in Nigeria
The Patriotic Alliance (PA), has praised United States President Donald Trump following US air strikes targeting suspected Islamic State-linked militants in northwest Nigeria.
The PA has described the strikes as decisive action against extremist violence, particularly attacks on religious communities.
The party said the operation demonstrated strong leadership and a commitment to protecting innocent lives, arguing that terrorism must be confronted firmly wherever it occurs.
The US strikes, carried out on Christmas Day, reportedly targeted militant bases believed to be linked to ISIS affiliates operating in Nigeria’s Sokoto State.
The operation was conducted with the cooperation of Nigerian authorities as part of broader counter-terrorism efforts in the region.
While the Patriotic Alliance welcomed the intervention, the strikes have sparked debate internationally, with critics warning against increased foreign military involvement in Africa and calling for long-term political and security solutions.
The PA said its stance was rooted in its opposition to terrorism and its support for the protection of fundamental human rights, including freedom of religion.
RED FLAGS AT SEA: SOUTH AFRICA TO STAGE NAVAL WAR GAMES WITH CHINA AND RUSSIA
South Africa is preparing to host major naval military exercises with China and Russia in January 2026, a move already stirring geopolitical waves far beyond its shores.
The drills will bring warships and military personnel from the three nations together in South African waters, showcasing joint maritime tactics, combat readiness and strategic cooperation.
While officials describe the exercises as routine defence collaboration, critics warn they could heighten global tensions, given ongoing rivalries between Western powers and the two global heavyweights, Beijing and Moscow.
The planned war games echo previous joint drills that drew international scrutiny, raising fresh questions about South Africa’s foreign policy posture and claims of neutrality.
As global fault lines harden, the sight of Chinese and Russian naval forces manoeuvring alongside South Africa’s fleet is likely to attract intense diplomatic and media attention.
Come 2026, all eyes will be on the high seas off South Africa’s coast.
FROM EUROPE’S RICHEST TO A STATE LOSING CONTROL – HOW BELGIUM BLEW IT: DEBT, CRIME, AND A GOVERNMENT IN PARALYSIS
Belgium was once one of Europe’s most prosperous and stable countries, standing alongside the Netherlands as a model of wealth and governance.
Thirty years later, it is drowning in debt, paralysed politically, and openly warned by its own judges that it is sliding toward a narco-state.
Public debt is heading beyond 120% of GDP, deficits are entrenched, and governments collapse before any serious reform can be enforced.
This is not a sudden crisis, but the result of decades of institutional decay, endless bureaucracy, and a political system incapable of decisive action.
As the state weakens, organised crime has moved in, exploiting fractured policing, porous ports, and a justice system under strain.
Antwerp, one of Europe’s most important ports, has become a key entry point for cocaine and large-scale money laundering networks.
Judges now warn that criminal structures are no longer marginal, but embedded within public institutions themselves.
Corruption, intimidation, and violence are no longer anomalies, but recurring features in parts of the country.
Meanwhile, Belgium’s complex and bloated governance model drains public finances while delivering less security, less order, and less accountability.
A rich country surrounded by stable neighbours is failing not because it lacks resources, but because it lacks authority and cohesion.
Belgium’s trajectory is a warning to Europe of what happens when debt piles up, governance fragments, and the state retreats.
This is not just economic decline, it is the slow erosion of sovereignty from within.
My “angry” reaction to being substituted was normal – Fashion
CHIPOLOPOLO captain Fashion Sakala has defended his reaction after being substituted during Zambia’s goalless draw against Comoros, insisting that his frustration was a normal response from a player who wanted to do more for the team.
Sakala was taken off in the 70th minute at the King Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca, making way for Joseph Sabobo Banda as Zambia pushed for a breakthrough in a tightly contested match that ended 0–0
However, Sakala’s visible displeasure after being taken off did not sit well with the Chipolopolo gaffer Moses Sichone, who later warned him against indiscipline.
“This is a national team and not an individual team, and as captain you must always lead by example because such behaviour cannot be accepted,” Sichone said.
The Saudi-based forward has since played down the incident, saying his reaction was as a result of his desire to help the national team get a positive result.
“It’s normal [to get angry when substituted] I wanted to obviously offer more to the team but I think it’s normal [to get angry] as a player,” Sakala said in a post match interview.
Even photographer Chellah Tukuta weighed in the discussion saying; “As long as he continues to be part of this squad they won’t win any trophy. This guy is too selfish. Patson Daka is far far better”
Comoros thought they had taken the lead midway through the first half, but celebrations were cut short after VAR ruled out the goal, keeping the scoreline at 0–0.
The draw keeps Zambia’s qualification hopes alive.
With Mali having drawn against Morocco in their previous match, Chipolopolo now faces a clear but challenging route to the knockout stage.
Zambia must beat Morocco in their final group game and hope Mali suffers a defeat to Comoros.
Should those results go their way, Zambia will book a place in the round of 16.
Tragedy has struck the reality TV community as former Big Brother contestant Mickey Lee passed away on Christmas evening, sparking a wave of tributes from fans and colleagues.
Family Announcement
Her family confirmed the heartbreaking news via a statement on her Instagram page. While the initial announcement did not specify the exact cause of death, reports indicate she had been battling complications from the flu, which tragically triggered a series of cardiac arrests.
Remembering a Star
The statement celebrated her life and the impact she made during her time on Big Brother Season 27, noting the genuine bonds she formed with people.
The family wrote:
“She will be remembered for the joy she brought into the lives of so many and for the genuine connections she formed both on and off screen”
Request for Privacy
Expressing appreciation for the outpouring of support, the family asked for space to grieve privately during this difficult period.
They stated:
“The family extends their deepest gratitude to those who have offered prayers, love an support during this incredibly difficult time. As the family mourns this tremendous loss, they respectfully request privacy during this critical time of bereavement”
Born on May 7, 1991, Mickey Lee rose to fame through her appearance on the popular reality show.
SHADOW SIDE OF MAKEBI ZULU NOW LOOMING OVER HIS POLITICAL AMBITIONS
By Thomas Chewe
Politics is, at its core, a contestation of ideas and a platform for governance and service delivery to the sovereign people. In a democracy, citizens are afforded the opportunity to choose their leaders, making it imperative that those aspiring to public office are well known, not only for their credentials, but also for the values they stand for.
Makebi Zulu is widely regarded as an accomplished legal practitioner who has built a formidable reputation at the Bar. However, as his political ambitions shift from the courtroom to the national stage, aspects of his professional past are beginning to attract renewed scrutiny, raising questions that may haunt his bid for public office.
Critics argue that Mr. Zulu’s consistent affinity for defending individuals accused of serious crimes, while professionally legitimate within the legal fraternity, has become politically contentious now that he is seeking not merely parliamentary office, but the presidency of the Republic. They contend that the court of public opinion is far less forgiving than a court of law, and that voters are increasingly interrogating the moral and ethical implications of a leader’s past associations.
Among those who have come out strongly in public to condemn Mr. Zulu is Professor Jones Kasonso. Professor Kasonso has accused Zulu of being the reason why former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu has not yet been buried, arguing that this alone demonstrates poor judgment and character. He has further stated that, on this basis, Makebi Zulu cannot be entrusted with the leadership of the country as President of Zambia and should therefore not be supported.
While the legal profession demands that every accused person be afforded representation, some observers maintain that politics operates under a different moral lens. They argue that leadership at the highest level requires not only legal brilliance, but also a public record that inspires confidence, trust, and moral clarity among citizens.
Supporters of Mr. Zulu counter that his work as a lawyer should not be weaponised against him, noting that the rule of law depends on advocates who are willing to defend even the most unpopular clients. They argue that conflating professional duty with personal belief undermines the very foundations of justice and democracy.
Nevertheless, as the political temperature rises, it is evident that Mr. Zulu’s legal past will remain a focal point of debate. Whether the electorate views his record as a testament to his commitment to the rule of law, or as a liability unsuited for the highest office, is a question that will ultimately be answered at the ballot box.
In politics, perception often rivals reality. For Makebi Zulu, navigating this delicate balance may prove to be one of the most defining challenges of his political career.
Be Brutally Honest, Who Actually Has the Capacity to Replace HH?
Tobbius Chilembo Hamunkoyo- LLB
Let us be brutally honest with ourselves, who else, among the current crop of opposition presidential politicians, has the capacity to deliver what President Hakainde Hichilema is delivering today?
Leadership is not about shouting the loudest or issuing dramatic statements on social media. It is not about endless press briefings or emotional rhetoric on social media.
Leadership is about discipline, intelligence, integrity, negotiation skills, and measurable results. When leadership is judged by these standards, the majority will agree with me that President Hichilema stands in a league of his own.
Debt restructuring alone required an exceptional leader. This process demanded global credibility, calmness under pressure, and deep technical understanding of international finance. It required someone capable of assembling a competent economic team, including Hon. Situmbeko Musokotwane and other professionals, and convincing creditors, the IMF, World Bank, and private investors that Zambia was serious about reform.
This was not political theatre, it was serious, high-level statecraft. Today, Zambia is no longer isolated. Investor confidence has returned, and the country’s credibility has been restored on the global stage.
Let us be honest, who else among the opposition can negotiate at that level? Can Brian Mundubile manage complex sovereign debt talks? Can Makebi Zulu handle international financial restructuring? Can Kelvin Bwalya Fube, Given Lubinda, Fred M’membe, Harry Kalaba, Sean Tembo, Saboi Imboela, Kasonde Mwenda, Binwell Mpundu, or Miles Sampa command that level of global respect and technical confidence? These are not talk-show debates or social media arguments; these are complex global negotiations that demand proven capacity.
Under President Hichilema’s leadership, Zambia has reached a historic milestone, foreign exchange reserves have risen to over US$5.2 billion, the highest in the country’s history. This achievement did not happen by accident. It is the result of fiscal discipline, sound economic management, restored credibility, and investor confidence.
The same Hakainde Hichilema who built successful private businesses now applies that understanding of money, investment, and sustainability to strengthening the national economy.
Beyond macroeconomic indicators, the impact is being felt in people’s lives. Massive recruitment of teachers, health workers, and other public servants has eased pressure on families and improved service delivery. Free education is now a reality for millions of Zambian children, fulfilling a promise made long before he became President. Student meal allowances and bursaries are being paid consistently and extended to more universities, restoring dignity and stability to higher education. Constituency Development Fund (CDF) has been increased and decentralized, empowering communities to decide their own development priorities.
In the mining sector, stability has returned. Old and neglected mines are reopening, new investors are coming in, and global business leaders are visiting Zambia, not because of propaganda, but because they trust the leadership at the top. Energy and agriculture have not been left behind. Solar power projects are expanding the energy mix, FISP inputs are being delivered more efficiently, and sustainable floor prices are strengthening food security.
Sensitive reforms such as the NAPSA partial withdrawal were handled carefully, balancing immediate citizen needs with long-term economic stability.
Equally important, Zambia has moved away from deadly cadreism, political violence, and lawlessness. Institutions are functioning again, the rule of law is being respected, and even by-elections are largely peaceful.
President Hichilema leads with discipline, restraint, and focus. This is why he is often referred to as “chimimya” in Tonga, calm, strategic, and always ahead in capacity. Firm, resilient, and unshaken by pressure, HH is built for leadership at this level.
So let us ask again, honestly and without emotion, who else can pilot this country better at this moment? Leadership is about timing and capacity. Right now, President Hakainde Hichilema is the best pilot Zambia has. We are not going back to confusion, thuggery, and empty noise. We are moving forward—with discipline, development, and competent leadership under HH
MULILO KABESHA: THE MOST EVIL, PARTISAN AND UNPROFESSIONAL ATTORNEY GENERAL IN ZAMBIAN HISTORY
By Thandiwe Ketiš Ngoma
Zambia has had some partisan, terribly evil and unprofessional Attorney Generals in the past but none compares to the current Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha. The one time UPND Kabwe Central constituency losing parliamentary candidate is so partisan and unprofessional in his conduct that one would be mistaken for thinking that it is the UPND who pays his salary. Most disturbing has been his failure to rein in on President Hichilema’s obsession to punish former president Edgar Lungu in death as he did in life. More evil however has been his own callous and insensitive comments that he has made about the late President’s funeral including the abominable statement that the government is prepared to bury the deceased without the participation of his family.
Moreover, perhaps because he is a politician in a public office that requires professionals, Kabesha has a dubious distinction of making unsound legal arguments on the matter. His recent claim that the Government of Zambia “reinstated” presidential benefits to former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu after his death is not merely a weak legal argument. It is constitutionally reckless, ethically disturbing, and profoundly insulting to both the intelligence of the Zambian people and the dignity of a grieving family
This assertion has been advanced as though it carries legal force, as though it somehow sanitises or justifies the State’s continued interference in the burial of a man who, at the time of his death, was a private citizen. It does neither. It cannot. And it never will.
When examined through the lens of constitutional law, this argument collapses entirely.
No Constitutional or Statutory Authority Whatsoever
There is absolutely no provision in the Constitution of Zambia, and no statute anywhere in the country’s laws, that allows presidential benefits lawfully withdrawn during a former President’s lifetime to be “reinstated” after death.
None.
Presidential benefits are not symbolic gestures or political favours to be extended at convenience. They are personal legal entitlements, tied directly to conduct and status during life. When former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu returned to active politics, those benefits were withdrawn in accordance with the law. That decision was lawful, deliberate, and final.
Death does not resurrect withdrawn rights. The Constitution does not permit executive sentimentality, public pressure, or political expediency to manufacture rights where none exist. To claim otherwise is to invent law where the Constitution is silent, and that is the very definition of executive overreach.
No Retroactive Resurrection of Legal Status
Even if one were to suspend disbelief and assume, purely for argument’s sake, that posthumous reinstatement were possible, it could not operate retroactively.
At the moment of his death, Edgar Chagwa Lungu was not a beneficiary of presidential privileges. He was a private citizen. That fact is legally fixed and immutable. Legal status is assessed at the point of death, not reconstructed afterward to suit administrative or political objectives.
No press statement, affidavit, court filing, or ministerial explanation can alter that reality.
At the moment of death, custody of Mr. Lungu’s remains vested immediately and lawfully in his next of kin, in accordance with long-established common law and customary principles governing burial rights. That vesting is automatic. It is not negotiable. And it is certainly not subject to posthumous executive imagination.
Benefits Do Not Confer Ownership or Custody of a Human Body
The Attorney General’s claim dangerously blurs a line that should never be blurred.
Presidential benefits, whether active, withdrawn, or allegedly “reinstated,” do not and have never conferred ownership, custody, or decision-making authority over a human body. There is no constitutional doctrine, no statute, and no judicial precedent under Zambian law that allows the State to say, “Because we paid benefits, we now control the corpse.”
That logic is grotesque.
Burial rights are governed by common law and customary law. They belong to families. They are grounded in dignity, tradition, and humanity, not in payrolls, ceremonial titles, or executive announcements.
A State Funeral Is Not a Weapon of Control
The Attorney General’s position also reveals either a profound misunderstanding, or a deliberate distortion, of what a state funeral actually is.
A state funeral is a ceremonial honour extended by the State. It is not a legal instrument that transfers ownership or control of a deceased person’s body to the government. It is offered, not imposed. It requires consent. It does not extinguish family authority or override the clearly expressed wishes of the deceased.
The State may assist. It may facilitate. But it may not command.
To treat a state funeral as a legal crowbar to pry open family rights is to weaponise ceremony against grief and to convert honour into coercion.
A Dangerous Assault on Constitutional Values
Persisting with this argument places the State on a direct collision course with the Constitution itself. It threatens the right to human dignity.
It violates the right to privacy as it extends to family life and death. It offends the principle of proportionality and restraint in the exercise of executive power.
The Constitution exists precisely to prevent this kind of overreach, particularly in matters as sacred, irreversible, and sensitive as death and burial.
Conclusion: This Argument Must Be Rejected
The Attorney General’s claim that presidential benefits were reinstated after the death of former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu is constitutionally hollow. It has no legal foundation. It carries no retroactive force. And it confers absolutely no authority over the remains of the deceased.
What it does reveal is desperation, a troubling willingness to mislead the public, and an alarming readiness to stretch constitutional interpretation beyond recognition in order to justify continued State interference.
The State may offer support to a grieving family. It may not manufacture consent. It may not litigate grief into submission. And it may not claim ownership over a body that does not belong to it.
The only constitutionally defensible path forward is restraint. Withdrawal from this argument. Withdrawal from unnecessary litigation. And full deference to the lawful authority of the Lungu family.
CABINET APPROVES BULK PETROL IMPORT PILOT TO EASE FUEL PRICES
By Nelson Zulu
Cabinet has approved the piloting of bulk importation of petrol as part of measures intended to lower fuel pump prices and strengthen security of supply.
Chief Government Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa says the decision was made at the final cabinet meeting of the year held on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at state house.
Mr. Mweetwa disclosed that the pilot will be implemented through a limited bidding process and run for a period of four months, allowing demand to be aggregated across multiple oil marketing companies to secure better international purchase terms.
He states that the bulk importation pilot is intended to unlock economies of scale, enhance access to more favorable financial terms and strengthen risk management across the fuel supply chain, with the ultimate aim of reducing retail prices for motorists.
Mr. Mweetwa says cabinet also approved the creation of a constituency energy benefit trust to provide a legal framework for the ownership, governance and management of equity held by the Minister of Finance in the Zambia National Energy Corporation Limited on behalf of constituencies in readiness to formalize and implement the presidential constituency energy initiative. PHOENIX NEWS
TAZAMA INCURS K4 MILLION IN WASTEFUL EXPENDITURE ON DRONE PROCUREMENT – AUDITOR GENERAL
By Best Jere
The Auditor General has flagged wasteful expenditure of nearly K4 million by TAZAMA Pipelines Limited following the procurement of a non-functional agricultural drone.
According to the latest Auditor General’s Report on Selected Parastatal Bodies and other institutions for the Financial year ended December 31st,2024, TAZAMA paid US$103,600, equivalent to K1,785,138.53, as a 100 percent advance payment for shipping the drone.
An additional K439,188 was paid as customs clearing charges, bringing the total cost of the drone to K2,224,327.
A review of the Bill of Lading shows that the drone was shipped from Hong Kong on 31 July 2022 and arrived in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, in December 2022.
However, the drone was later found to be non-functional.
In response, a combined team of selected Board members and staff travelled to China from 17 to 23 November 2024 to engage the manufacturer, incurring K1,770,297 in allowances and related costs.
The Auditor General established that the sales company which supplied the drone was liquidated in 2022, with its owner having relocated to the United States of America.
The report further notes that the drone was of a military-grade nature, making it difficult to access the manufacturer, which produces military equipment for China and export markets.
A physical verification conducted in September 2025 revealed that the drone and its camera were still kept in storage at TAZAMA’s Kigamboni Tank Farm and had never been utilised.
In total, the Auditor General concluded that K3,994,624 covering the cost of the drone and allowances paid to Board members and staff constituted wasteful expenditure, and recommended that the asset be impaired in the company’s financial records.- Diamond TV
Zambia rushes life-saving drugs to stranded Botswana
ZAMBIA has come to the rescue of neighbouring Botswana by dispatching a massive consignment of essential medicines to help ease a crippling medical supply crisis that has pushed the country into a public health emergency.
A 20-tonne load of life-saving drugs was airlifted from Zambia aboard a Botswana Defence Force (BDF) C130 aircraft and successfully received at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport before being handed over to Botswana’s Central Medical Stores for immediate distribution.
The emergency medical support comes against the backdrop of severe shortages of medicines and medical equipment in Botswana, which have adversely affected treatment programmes for HIV, cancer, tuberculosis and other critical illnesses.
In August 2025, Botswana officially declared a public health emergency after hospitals and clinics across the country ran dangerously low on essential drugs, raising fears of treatment disruptions and loss of lives.
Botswana President Duma Boko has since attributed the crisis to depleted government coffers, sharp reductions in United States aid and soaring prices of medicines on the international market.
The Botswana Defence Force confirmed the development through a statement shared on its official social media platforms, describing Zambia’s intervention as timely and critical in safeguarding the health of thousands of patients.
“As part of national efforts to source essential medicines for the health sector, the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) received a shipment of critical medicines at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (SSKIA) yesterday,” BDF stated.
“The 20-tonne consignment was airlifted from Zambia on the BDF’s C130 aircraft. The BDF mobilised a team to Zambia at the shortest possible time and received the consignment alongside the Ministry of Health officials.”
GHANAIAN MAN WHO PREDICTED END OF THE WORLD NOW SAYS IT’S CANCELLED
Ghanaian man Ebo Noah, who previously claimed the world was going to end, has now announced that it will no longer happen after he said he pleaded with God for mercy.
The announcement reportedly came shortly after he purchased a $100,000 Mercedes-Benz, sparking widespread reactions online.
In a dramatic twist, Ebo Noah allegedly pulled up at Sarkodie’s Rapperholic concert just to tell fans to relax, party on, and enjoy life, assuring them that the apocalypse was no longer on the agenda.
Social media users have since been divided between laughter, disbelief, and memes, with many joking that the world was “saved by prayer and a Benz.”
Christmas is unbiblical – Pastor William Folorunsho Kumuyi
Pastor William Folorunsho Kumuyi, General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, has once again clarified the church’s stance on Christmas.
He emphasized that since the ministry’s inception, they have never organized a Christmas retreat, instead holding what they call a “December retreat.”
According to Pastor Kumuyi, the church does not celebrate Christmas because it originates from what he describes as an idolatrous background.
He asserted that any attempt to introduce elements associated with the so-called “mystery Babylon” into the church, including Christmas, is strictly rejected, reaffirming that the practice is unbiblical.
Americ@n cit-izens don’t want pe@ce with Nicki Minaj… they want her de-p0rted.
They claim she’s an !lle-gal !mm!grant with a cr!m!-nal record and therefore want her sent ba-ck to Trinidad, where she and her father allegedly sne@ked in.
This isn’t the first time people have written pe-titions to have her de-p0rted back to her c0untry.
But since her support and ad-miration for D0nald Trümp, the backl@sh has intensified. Some say they’ve c@nceled her, while others, like Joe Budden, say they can no longer defend her.
Is it really necessary to de-p0rt her? Isn’t she a blessing to the USA?
“Critics are Demons on Assignment” – Pastor Chris Okafor Addresses Attacks Amidst Scandal
Senior Pastor Chris Okafor has characterized the recent wave of backlash against him and other religious leaders as spiritual warfare, stating that those responsible are not acting on their own accord but are “demons on assignment.”
Context of the Sermon
This spiritual defense comes in the wake of explosive audio recordings released by social media activist VeryDarkMan, in which a woman claiming to be the pastor’s daughter leveled severe accusations against him.
Targeting the Flock
Speaking from the pulpit, Okafor argued that these attacks are not merely personal criticisms but calculated assaults on the church itself. He referenced the biblical principle that if you “strike the shepherd, the sheep will scatter,” warning his congregation that the ultimate goal of these scandals is to destabilize them.
Collateral Damage
The cleric insisted that when a “genuinely innocent” pastor is persecuted, the members suffer collateral damage. He explained that by attacking the prophet sent to guide them, the critics are effectively attacking the members’ source of blessings and help.
He stated:
“When you see a person att@cking a man of God, that person is not just a human being, that person is a dem0n on assignment. When you strike the shepherd, the sheep will scatter. It is not just about the shepherd. It is also about the people that the shepherd carries.
Every time you see a man of God who is genuinely innocent and they’re persecuting, it’s not just an attack on him, it’s an attack on you [church members].
Number one, it is your blessing that is being attacked. Number two it says the prophet is in their midst to help them. It is your help they are attacking….”
“The US is Another Terrorist” – Sheikh Gumi Demands Immediate Halt to Nigerian Govt Military Deal with America
Renowned Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has called on the Federal Government to immediately sever all military cooperation with the United States, following President Donald Trump’s confirmation of deadly airstrikes against terrorists in Northwest Nigeria.
“Dirty Hands”
In a statement released on Facebook, Gumi argued that while fighting terrorism is an Islamic obligation, it must be done by those with “clean hands.” He contended that the United States lacks the moral standing to lead such campaigns, accusing the superpower of having “blood on its hands” from conflicts elsewhere.
Sovereignty and Polarization
The cleric warned that allowing the US to intervene in Nigeria’s internal security matters undermines national sovereignty. He specifically criticized the US narrative of coming to “protect Christians,” warning that this framing creates a dangerous religious divide in the country.
Attracting Global Enemies
Gumi expressed fear that US presence would turn Nigeria into a theater of war by attracting global anti-American forces to the region. He suggested that if Nigeria needs external help, it should look to “neutral” nations like China, Turkey, or Pakistan, rather than the West.
“Neo-Crusade”
He further described the airstrikes in Sokoto a predominantly Muslim state on Christmas Eve as symbolic of a “neo-Crusade war against Islam,” alleging that the terror threat is being “manufactured” by the same people claiming to fight it.
He wrote:
“The Symbolism of the US strike!
Annihilating terrorists is an Islamic obligation. The Prophet – peace be upon him- wished he annihilated them. He said: “Should I live till they appear, I would kill them as the Killing of the nation of ‘Ad.” Al-Bukhari and Muslim.
This said, it should only be carried out by clean, holy hands, not by another terrorist whose hands are stained with the blood of hundreds of thousands of innocent children, women, and men just recently.
This is the mistake Nigeria has made. Terrorists don’t fight terrorists in truth; they may only kill innocent people and have ulterior motives behind the drama of fighting ‘terror’.
As a principle, no nation should allow its land to be a theater of war. And no nation should allow its neighbors to be their enemies.
If Nigeria wants military assistance, China, Turkey, and Pakistan can do the job effectively.
The US involvement in Nigeria will attract the real anti-US forces, making our land the theater of war. The USA’s involvement in Nigeria, citing coming to ‘protect Christians’, will ultimately polarize our nation and infringe on our sovereignty.
Nigeria should halt all military cooperation with the USA immediately because of its imperial tendencies worldwide and seek the help of those neutral countries mentioned. Nigerians are too educated to be played with. This is going to be a 2027 campaign discourse.
Meanwhile, dropping a few bombs here and there cannot tackle the menace of terror; they need serious military on the ground, which, if we are serious, we have enough men to do that. We call on all villages affected to upload videos and pictures of any casualties involved.
The attacks are symbolic of a harbinger neo-Crusade war against Islam. Attack on Sokoto, where 90% are Muslim with no imminent danger of terror, while the real threat is in Maiduguri and on a Christmas Eve, with the claim of protecting against Christian genocide, says a lot. We believe the terror is manufactured and sustained by the same people claiming to fight it.
“I Give You 24 Hours” – Doris Ogala Threatens to Expose Pastor Chris Okafor if He Doesn’t Apologize to VeryDarkMan
Nollywood actress Doris Ogala has inserted herself into the escalating legal battle between Pastor Chris Okafor and social media activist VeryDarkMan (VDM), issuing a stern ultimatum to the cleric.
The Ultimatum
In a bold video posted on her Instagram page, the actress demanded that Pastor Okafor immediately withdraw his lawsuit against the activist and tender a public apology. She warned that failure to do so would result in further “exposure” of his secrets.
Addressing the pastor directly, she said:
“Is it true that Pastor Chris Okafor’s lawyer has filed a lawsuit against VeryDarkMan? If it is, I’m giving Pastor Chris Okafor not more than 24 hours to apologise.”
Context of the Conflict
The pastor’s legal team recently initiated defamation proceedings against VDM following viral interviews featuring a woman named Miss Chi, who alleges she is the cleric’s biological daughter—a claim the pastor denies, citing DNA evidence.
“A Misstep”
Ogala characterized the lawsuit as a tactical error, warning the clergyman that the legal action would backfire. She hinted that she possesses a trove of damaging information that could complicate his situation significantly if he refuses to back down.
Old Flames
The actress also used the opportunity to revisit her previous allegations, reminding the public of her claims that she and the pastor shared a years-long romantic relationship during which he allegedly made unfulfilled marriage promises.
The Pastor’s Stance
Despite the threats, Pastor Okafor’s lawyers maintain that their client is the victim of a coordinated campaign of cyberbullying and falsehoods. They insist the lawsuit is necessary to protect his reputation and ministry from damaging narratives.
Long before arenas echoed his name, Koffi Olomide distinguished himself in the classroom. He earned a scientific baccalaureate in secondary school, a path reserved for students with strong analytical ability and mental rigour.
This alone places him in a select academic bracket, especially within the context of his generation, when access to advanced education in the Congo was competitive . Science demands logic, structure, patience, traits that would later define his songwriting and musical architecture.
His academic journey did not stop there. Like many of Africa’s brightest minds of his era, Koffi crossed continents in pursuit of higher knowledge. In France, he enrolled at the University of Bordeaux, where he studied Business Economics.
But Koffi went even further into territory that few artists dare to tread. He pursued and obtained a Master’s degree in Mathematics at the University of Paris. Mathematics is not forgiving, it does not reward charisma or improvisation.
It rewards precision, abstract reasoning and intellectual stamina. To succeed in mathematics at postgraduate level is to prove one’s capacity for deep concentration and complex thought. This achievement alone dismantles the lazy stereotype of musicians as merely instinctive or untrained.
High-stakes legal battle looms over state regulation of churches in South Africa
In a legal confrontation poised to define the limits of religious freedom in South Africa, the South African Church Defenders (SACD) is preparing for a high-stakes court battle against the state’s CRL Rights Commission.
Scheduled for the Gauteng High Court in early 2026, the case centers on the Commission’s proposed Draft Christian Sector Self-Regulatory Framework, which the SACD condemns as an unconstitutional overreach that threatens to impose state control over churches.
The CRL Commission, established to protect cultural, religious, and linguistic rights, argues the framework is a necessary response to publicized incidents of abuse and exploitation within some churches, aimed at ensuring accountability and protecting vulnerable congregants.
However, the church coalition contends that the initiative which includes mandatory registration, a state-facilitated “Seal of Good Standing,” and a planned Independent Christian Practice Council violates core constitutional freedoms and represents a bureaucratic intrusion into spiritual governance.
The SACD’s legal challenge asserts that the Commission has acted beyond its authority, improperly targeted Christian denominations, and disregarded existing criminal laws that already address fraudulent or harmful conduct.
As the nation watches, the impending ruling will not only settle this fierce dispute but will also critically shape the future boundary between state regulation and religious autonomy in South Africa’s democracy.
Fela Anikulapo Kuti: The Afrobeat Legend Set to Make Grammy History in 2026
In a moment that is bound to resonate across the globe, the legendary Fela Anikulapo “Kuti” is set to be posthumously honoured with the 2026 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. This announcement by the Recording Academy marks a historic first, never before has an African artist received this prestigious recognition, a testament to Fela’s towering influence not only on music but on culture itself.
Sharing this honour with music giants like Whitney Houston, Chaka Khan, Cher, Paul Simon, and Carlos Santana, Fela’s induction cements his place among the pantheon of global icons. As Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. remarked, this group represents “an extraordinary assembly whose influence spans generations and genres,” acknowledging their indelible mark on the world of music.
While African artists have previously been recognised at the Grammys, Fela is the first to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, an honour celebrating an entire body of work and its lasting impact on global music. This recognition not only honours Fela himself but underscores the global significance of Afrobeat, a genre that has influenced contemporary African pop Afrobeats,and resonated with artists worldwide.
Today, Burna Boy, Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, and Davido owe a debt to the trail Fela blazed. International stars from Beyoncé to Paul McCartney have cited his artistry as inspirational.
Talulah Riley left Elon Musk when he was br0ke but now wants him back because he’s a billionaire.
She left Elon when he had no money and was under a lot of stress. His businesses were fa!ling, and life was very h-ard.
One Christmas, Elon couldn’t even buy her a gift because he was br0ke. When she asked him about it, he said he loved her but was going through a lot.
Later that night, he went outside into the freezing snow wearing just a T-shirt and shorts, picked flowers, and gave them to her to show his love. But she said she didn’t like the flowers because she’s not some c0w, and she eventually left him.
Now that Elon has stepped up his game and become the richest man on earth, with an estimated net worth of $700 billion and heading toward a trillion, she claims she still loves him and wants to be back in his life.
Davido’s wife, Chioma shares video of the delicious meal she made for Christmas; singer, others react
Chioma Adeleke, the wife of music star Davido, has left many mouths drooling as she shows off the meal she made for Christmas.
The Chef, in a video posted on her Instagram page, shared a clip of the pot roast she made. According to her, this is the most delicious pot roast she has ever had.
Merry Christmas This is the most delicious pot roast I’ve ever had”.
Taking to her comment section, Davido wrote, “Greatness begins!
Tyrese Gibson’s daughter chose him over her mother after realizing that her mom never truly loved her dad and was only there for the money.
As soon as she turned 18, she decided to live with her father, which immediately ended the $10,000-per-month child support payments her mother had been receiving.
After the divorce, Tyrese’s ex-wife took almost everything he worked for and even made the c-ourt to issue an a-rrest 0rder when he strvggled to keep up with the child support payments.
Ironically, she did all of this without realizing that their daughter would soon turn 18—and that she had far more love and loyalty for her father than her mother.
Somalia on Friday strongly rejected what it described as an unlawful step by Israel to recognize its breakaway region, Somaliland, as an independent state, calling the move a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In a press release, the Office of the Prime Minister reaffirmed the government’s “absolute and non-negotiable commitment to its sovereignty, national unity, and territorial integrity,” citing Somalia’s Provisional Constitution, the UN Charter, and the African Union’s Constitutive Act as its legal foundation.
“The Federal Government of Somalia categorically and unequivocally rejects the deliberate attack to its sovereignty and the unlawful step by Israel purporting to recognize the northern region of Somalia,” the statement said.
It emphasized that the “Somaliland Region is an integral, inseparable, and inalienable part of the sovereign territory” of Somalia.
“No external actor has the authority or standing to alter its unity or territorial configuration,” it added, warning that “any declaration, recognition, or arrangement” challenging this status is “null, void, and without any legal or political effect under international law.”
The government also reiterated its support for Palestinian rights, saying Somalia “firmly rejects occupation, forced displacement, demographic engineering, and settlement expansion.”
“Somalia will never accept making the Palestinian people stateless,” the statement said.
“We Worked Together” –Nigerian Govt Confirms US Airstrikes Were Part of Security Deal
The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially clarified that the recent United States airstrikes on terrorist targets in a Sokoto village were executed under an existing security and intelligence collaboration framework between the two nations.
Structured Partnership
In a statement from Abuja, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, explained that Nigeria maintains a structured security partnership with international allies, including the US, to combat violent extremism. He noted that this specific operation was a result of coordinated actions against groups in the North-West.
He stated:
“In line with established international practice and bilateral understandings, this cooperation includes the exchange of intelligence, strategic coordination, and other forms of support consistent with international law, mutual respect for sovereignty, and shared commitments to regional and global security,”
Protecting All Citizens
Addressing concerns about the focus of the strikes, the government emphasized that its counter-terrorism strategy prioritizes the safety of all Nigerians, regardless of their religion or tribe.
Ebienfa remarked:
“Nigeria reiterates that all counter-terrorism efforts are guided by the primacy of protecting civilian lives, safeguarding national unity, and upholding the rights and dignity of all citizens, irrespective of faith or ethnicity.
Terrorist violence in any form, whether directed at Christians, Muslims, or other communities, remains an affront to Nigeria’s values and to international peace and security,”
US Confirmation
The clarification follows President Donald Trump’s announcement of the “powerful and deadly” strike, which he framed as a defense of persecuted Christians.
Trump wrote:
“Tonight, at my direction as Commander in Chief, the United States launched a powerful and deadly strike against ISIS Terrorist Scum in Northwest Nigeria, who have been targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians, at levels not seen for many years, and even Centuries!
I have previously warned these Terrorists that if they did not stop the slaughtering of Christians, there would be hell to pay, and tonight, there was. The Department of War executed numerous perfect strikes, as only the United States is capable of doing.”
“More to Come”
The United States Africa Command also confirmed the operation was conducted “in coordination with Nigerian authorities.”
Reacting on X, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth appreciated the Nigerian government’s cooperation and issued a brief but ominous warning:
FCC BANS CHINESE DRONES FOR “NATIONAL SECURITY” – EXCEPT 80% OF US LAW ENFORCEMENT ALREADY RUNS ON THEM
FCC just blacklisted Chinese drone maker DJI, blocking all future models from U.S. approval. Official reason: “unacceptable risks to national security” including surveillance, data theft, and potential attacks.
One problem: DJI already won. Completely.
DJI dominates 80%+ of state and local law enforcement drone programs in America. Fire departments, police, emergency response – they’re all flying Chinese drones right now. And the ban doesn’t touch them.
What the ban actually does (and doesn’t do):
Existing DJI drones? Still legal
Current models already approved? Still for sale
Drones already in use by police and fire departments? No change
Future DJI models? Banned
So the “national security threat” is apparently fine as long as it’s already here. Just don’t let them sell newer versions.
That’s not security policy. That’s admitting you lost the market and trying to slow-walk the defeat.
Here’s the real situation:
American drone manufacturing barely exists at commercial scale. DJI spent 15 years building better, cheaper drones while US companies focused on military contracts.
Now law enforcement infrastructure is Chinese, and ripping it out would cost billions nobody has budgeted for.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said the ban will “unleash American drone dominance.”
Dominance in what? The market that’s already 80% Chinese?
The timing’s almost funny. Mysterious drones have been flying over New Jersey and New York for weeks.
Government says they don’t know what they are or who’s flying them. Then bans future Chinese drones while admitting current ones are everywhere.
Trump’s executive order from June called for reducing dependence on Chinese drones.
6 months later:
– Banned future sales – Did nothing about current dependence
China’s response: you’re discriminating against our companies.
They’re not wrong.
This is protectionism dressed as security—except it’s protectionism that comes 10 years too late, after the competitor already captured the entire market.
What happens next:
U.S. companies get a few years to try matching DJI’s price and performance
They won’t.
Law enforcement keeps flying aging Chinese hardware.
In 2028, someone quietly lifts the ban because there’s no alternative.
The horse left the barn in 2015.
This is locking the door in 2025 and calling it security.
KIM JONG UN JUST LAID OUT NORTH KOREA’S NEXT 5 YEARS: MORE MISSILES, A NUCLEAR SUB, AND HIS DAUGHTER BY HIS SIDE
Kim visited major munitions factories and made it clear where his priorities are:
“The country’s missile and shell production sector is of paramount importance in bolstering war deterrent.”
He ratified documents for modernizing North Korea’s weapons industry ahead of a key party congress in early 2026 that will set the country’s development plan for the next five years.
This comes days after Kim was photographed overseeing construction of an 8,700-ton nuclear-powered submarine alongside his daughter, widely believed to be his chosen heir.
They also watched the test-firing of long-range surface-to-air missiles.
The timing is notable.
South Korea and the U.S. just agreed to pursue a “separate agreement” for Seoul to build nuclear submarines.
Both sides said they’re exploring ways to restart talks with Pyongyang in early 2026.
Kim’s response: more weapons, more missiles, and grooming the next generation of leadership.
Ariana Grande l0st big… her husband div0rced her and took her money
After their div0rce, her ex-husband, Dalton Gomez, walked away with over $1.25 million and $25,000 in attorney fees.
The div0rce settlement terms he received: • $1.25 million payment from Ariana as spousal support/settlement • Up to $25,000 toward his attorney fees (covered by Ariana)
• A 50% share of the proceeds from the sale of their Los Angeles home, worth millions
Dalton played his game right—the same way w0men been “r!pp!ng off” where they didn’t sow.
Should the brotherhood be proud or ash@med for marrying for money❓
Men are winning… husband won a divorce case and takes large portion of his wife’s wealth.
After Jurnee Smollett and her husband divorced, her ex-husband, Josiah Bell, walked away with a lot of money.
He received $1 million upfront, plus $7,000 every month in child support.
He also got half of the retirement money Jurnee saved during their marriage, including her acting pension and 401(k).
Now, even after receiving all that, he is still trying to take half of the money Jurnee earned as a child actress—money she has had since she was just 3 years old.
Many people think this is unfair because that money was earned long before they got married.
Why is it considered unfair when the woman is the one l0sing?
SANDF soldier dies, another missing in flooded river incident
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has confirmed a tragic incident during Operation Corona in the Macadamia area, resulting in one death and a second soldier missing.
The incident occurred on Thursday when a SANDF Military Police vehicle attempted to cross a swollen river while on routine patrol. The force of the floodwaters swept two members from the vehicle.
In a media statement, the SANDF confirmed the recovery of one soldier’s body, while an extensive search for the missing member continues. The operation involves the South African Police Service Diving Rescue Team, supported by an SANDF Oryx helicopter.
Top defence officials, including Minister Angie Motshekga and Chief of the SANDF General Rudzani Maphwanya, have extended condolences to the family of the deceased and expressed solidarity with the family of the missing soldier.
The SANDF has requested that the media allow space for the ongoing search and rescue efforts and for the affected families to be informed and supported.
PATRIOTIC Front presidential aspirant Makebi Zulu says he is a threat to President Hakainde Hichilema, hence the intensifying government propaganda to arrest him for no apparent reason.
Speaking when he featured on Prime TV’s ‘The Debate” programme Tuesday, Zulu said Hichilema was insecure, and was trying by all means to push him away into South Africa to mourn and not to remain in the country.
He said the government was using any kind of propaganda to create a narrative befitting their agenda because they knew too well that he (Zulu) posed a difficult challenge to Hichilema.
“Whereas the government is pushing this propaganda to say, Makebi should not participate in this because he is supposed to be mourning in South Africa, and Tasila Lungu is supposed to be in parliament. It is not in any way disputable that I pose a very big challenge to Hichilema,” Zulu said.
Zulu said he would not be arrested for the role he was playing in the former president Edgar Lungu burial impasse, saying he was not afraid of the law as he was a law-abiding citizen.
“And there is no way on earth, in hell, in heaven that I could be arrested for my role in the funeral of Edgar Lungu. Because my role in this has been a dignified role for the purpose of giving a shoulder to a family that is grieving. I have always been on the side of the downtrodden,” he said.
He said the United Party for National Development was heavy-handed and hell-bent on winning the funeral instead of giving Lungu a dignified send-off as the family wished.
“You have a government that is so heavy-handed. A government that is so hell-bent on winning. The same way they have been hell-bent on winning Bill 7. It is the same way they are hell-bent on winning the issue of burying Lungu,” Zulu said.
https://youtu.be/DgnJAuFX_cE?si=TJFmhrUde20x4kL9
Zulu said Hichilema and the UPND were using falsehoods on sponsored media platforms, pushing for an inquest to be carried out in South Africa on the basis that Lungu was poisoned by his family.
He said the government engaged a private investigator based on a fake story, before hiring the Progressive Forces of South Africa to protest, wanting access to the body and carry out a post-mortem.
Zulu wondered why the government subpoenaed Tasila Lungu to testify while demanding that she carry a DNA test.
“And I am thinking, has this misinformation and disinformation gotten to this extent? To begin an inquest? They write summons to persons they think are involved. Because that article says Tasila Lungu, they wrote a subpoena for Tasila to go and testify. These are the things that have been stalling this whole process,” he said.
Zulu said the government was pretending to be concerned about the burial of Lungu when all it did was to persecute, disrespect and embarrass Lungu even in his death.
I NEVER RECEIVED ANY BRIBE TO VOTE FOR BILL 7 – KANG’OMBE
KAMFINSA PF MP Christopher Kang’ombe says he did not solicit or get any money from anyone in order to vote in favour of Bill 7 or speak on the amendments.
Kang’ombe says he voted for Bill 7 because the clauses he felt would have taken away the rights of citizens to participate in the electoral process were removed from the Bill.
In a Facebook post, Thursday, Kang’ombe refuted claims that his decision to vote for Bill 7 was in any way influenced by his family.
“On the allegations of MPs being bribed to vote for the amendments, I will speak for myself, having performed my role of law making in demanding for bad clauses to be removed in Bill 7, that I did not solicit or even get any money from anyone to speak on the amendments. I simply confronted the select committee, made my demands for bad provisions to be removed and spoke on the floor of Parliament to ensure something was salvaged.
In performing my parliamentary duty of law making, I focused my attention on asking government to remove certain clauses. Key to the conversation are clauses 3, 5 and 9 in Bill 7 that would have taken away the rights of citizens to participate in the electoral process,” he stated.
“Clause 3- submitted that it is deleted in Bill 7 to allow independent candidates to continue contesting even if they previously belonged to a party. Clause 5- submitted that it is deleted in Bill 7 to allow citizens to continue picking their own MP and not the party during by elections.
Clause 9- submitted that it is deleted in Bill 7 to allow the constitutional court not to lose its powers to declare seats vacant (meaning the speaker can’t chase an MP unless the Concourt states so). I can confirm that clauses 3, 5 and 9 were removed from Bill 7 and are not appearing in the final Constitution signed”.
He noted that he is aware of citizens’ concerns regarding the Constitution making process and urged government to provide citizens with the necessary information.
“Some unregistered online Facebook pages have published fake news attributing statements to me referring to my family as the reason for the amendments to Bill 7. Let me put it on record that I have not said such words and would never do that because I respect the people that gave me an opportunity to be in leadership.
Online platforms should not be used to spread hatred and fake news. I am aware from the feedback I got that there were other matters that concerned you the citizens in the Constitution making process such as clarity on the mixed member electoral system and the lack of transparency in the delimitation of constituencies. Ruling political parties in the past and even today have all not done well in publishing the delimitation reports for public scrutiny. Zambia must do better in this respect,” said Kang’ombe.
“Divergent views give me the opportunity to see things from a different perspective. I learn more from being criticised because it sharpens my decision making abilities for the future.
I am grateful to everyone who has availed themselves to correct me when I have fallen short of your expectations. Leadership is a learning process and be rest assured that I have drawn lessons from the last few days”.
….Do not adopt the MPs who crossed to enable Bill 7’s passage.
By Kanyanta Chanda Kapwepwe
In the aftermath of the passage of Bill 7, a quiet but dangerous temptation is emerging across Zambia’s political landscape: the temptation to absorb Members of Parliament who crossed to enable Bill 7’s passage.
This advice is directed not only to the ruling party, but to all political parties. Do not adopt the MPs who crossed to enable Bill 7’s passage. Using their votes is one thing. Trusting them is another.
Political posterity is unforgiving on this point. Politicians who betray their own parties at critical moments rarely become loyal allies to those they join.
They do not move because of principle; they move because of power. And once power shifts, they move again. What appears as political support today often reveals itself as strategic convenience tomorrow.
The MPs who abandoned their party principles did not undergo a sudden ideological awakening. They did not discover new convictions overnight. They responded to pressure, proximity, and opportunity. That behaviour is not conversion; it is political elasticity. And elasticity cuts both ways. If they could abandon their party ideology at a critical moment, they can abandon any party when incentives change.
This is not a moral judgment; it is a political reality.
There is also a deeper strategic risk that parties should not underestimate. Defectors import instability. They bring factionalism, internal bargaining, and long-term uncertainty. They arrive without roots, without shared sacrifice, and without accountability to the party base.
Parties may use defectors in moments of parliamentary arithmetic, but they seldom build sustainable political organisations with them.
For UPND in particular, the advice is that consolidating power responsibly does not require importing political nomads whose loyalty is conditional. It requires strengthening internal ranks, delivering governance outcomes, and allowing opposition parties to manage the consequences of their own internal differences.
The same advice applies to every other political party contemplating opportunistic recruitment.
Absorbing MPs who crossed on Bill 7 does not signal strength. It signals tolerance for political opportunism. And once opportunism is rewarded, it becomes the operating logic of Parliament.
Zambia’s democracy is already strained by transactional politics. Normalising defection as a pathway to relevance will only accelerate institutional decay.
Voters are watching closely. They may be silent once. But they do not forget patterns. Those who betray once betray again.
Kanyanta Chanda Kapwepwe is a governance analyst and senior lecturer at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. He writes in his personal capacity.
No more paying US$, All transactions must be settled in Zambian Kwacha-Bank of Zambia
Public Notice: The Bank of Zambia (BoZ) has issued the Currency Directives, 2025, which re-enforce the legal requirement that domestic transactions must be settled in Zambian Kwacha in line with Section 18 of the BoZ Act. The Directives take effect on December 26, 2025.
In February 2024, the Bank announced that it was considering taking measures to operationalise the use of the Kwacha and Ngwee for domestic transactions. This announcement was followed by extensive countrywide consultative meetings with different stakeholder groups from various sectors, including mining, manufacturing, tourism, agriculture, financial, and Government. This consultative process enabled relevant stakeholders to not only be aware of the Directives before they came into effect, but to also deliberate and contribute to shaping the final provisions which have now been issued.
Full Public Notice: https://www.boz.zm/Currency-Directives-Public-Notice.pdf
Decision Tree: https://www.boz.zm/Currency-Directives-Decision-Tree.pdf Any queries may be sent to Assistant Director – Communications on info@boz.zm #BoZ
Israel Recognizes Somaliland as an Independent State
Israel has officially recognized the Republic of Somaliland as a sovereign and independent country, marking a major diplomatic development in the Horn of Africa.
Israeli leaders announced that a joint declaration was signed with Somaliland’s President, Dr. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdallah, formalizing the recognition.
The move was described as being in the spirit of the Abraham Accords, aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and peace.
Israel praised Somaliland’s leadership for its role in promoting stability, peace, and counter-terrorism, and extended an invitation to the Somaliland president for an official visit to Israel.
The declaration was supported by Israel’s foreign ministry and security leadership, with officials highlighting the strategic importance of the partnership.
Israel plans to immediately expand relations with Somaliland, focusing on cooperation in;
-Agriculture -Health -Technology -Economic development
Israel also expressed hopes for prosperity, freedom, and international success for the people of Somaliland.
Burkina Faso Records First Conviction Under New Anti-Same-Sex Law
Burkina Faso has carried out its first conviction under a recently introduced law banning same-sex relations.
A man identified as K.M. was sentenced to two years in prison, fined about $3,580, and ordered to leave the country after serving his sentence.
The law, approved in September by Captain Ibrahim Traoré, allows punishments of up to five years in prison and heavy fines.
Before this, same-sex relationships were not criminalized in Burkina Faso.
Human rights groups, including Human Rights Watch, say the country’s human rights situation has worsened since the military took power following the 2022 coups.
