I write to you not as a political opponent, but as a citizen troubled by a matter of conscience, dignity, and humanity.
Former Sixth Republican President Edgar Chagwa Lungu remains unburied, a reality that has caused deep pain to his family and growing concern among citizens at home and abroad. According to his family, this delay is not due to hesitation or indecision, but because they are seeking to honour his final wishes regarding the conduct of his funeral—wishes that your office appears to have chosen not to respect.
The family has made it clear, publicly and repeatedly, that the late President did not want you to preside over his funeral or be anywhere near his remains. This position has been stated without ambiguity. It is not an act of defiance, but a deeply personal request, grounded in cultural, familial, and personal dignity.
Mr. President, why is this not enough?
Why must the State appear to be in conflict with a grieving family over a body they lawfully and morally own? Why has this matter dragged on for months, prolonging grief, deepening national pain, and attracting uncomfortable international attention to Zambia at a time when compassion and unity are most needed?
What public good is achieved by insisting on presiding over a funeral where your presence is explicitly rejected? What moral authority is strengthened by compelling compliance in a moment that should be governed by empathy and restraint? Leadership is not demonstrated through compulsion. It is demonstrated through humility, restraint, and respect for human dignity, especially in death.
International human rights principles recognize the right of families to bury their dead in accordance with their wishes, beliefs, and cultural practices. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Article 16) emphasizes the importance of family, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (Articles 18 and 27) protects freedom of thought, conscience, religion, and cultural expression. Prolonged interference with these rights undermines not only the dignity of the deceased and his family but also Zambia’s commitment to human rights.
Mr. President, this moment transcends politics, protocol, and office. It speaks to the values we claim as a nation and the example we set for future generations. True power is shown not in insistence, but in knowing when to step back.
I therefore urge you, respectfully and earnestly, to respect the family’s wishes, to withdraw the legal action that continues to delay burial, and to allow the late President Edgar Chagwa Lungu to be laid to rest with dignity and peace, in line with international human rights standards and Zambia’s own cultural and legal traditions.
IT’LL BE A BETRAYAL TO TASILA IF OPPOSITION ALLOW UPND TO WIN CHAWAMA – MWAMBA
PF faction Information and Publicity Chairperson Emmanuel Mwamba says it will be a betrayal to Tasila Lungu if the opposition let a UPND candidate win the Chawama parliamentary seat.
And Mwamba says until the opposition come together and craft a vote protection strategy, the 2026 general election is as ‘good as stolen by the UPND’.
In an interview, Monday, Mwamba said the opposition should not act selfish and assume that their candidates would win the Chawama seat.
“If we let Brian Mundubile stand alone, we let Fred M’membe stand alone, we let KBF stand alone; these are strong forces, they will divide the vote and Hakainde Hichilema will walk through the way Mike Mposha did in Munali and he will take the presidency. It’s not rocket science, it’s just common sense. When you split the vote, you pay very heavily. What is happening in Chawama is totally uncalled for, between honourable Given Lubinda, between honourable Harry Kalaba and between Peter Chanda, this matter must be resolved.
If it is not resolved, what will happen in Chawama is what will happen in the country. You have an opportunity to test your patience, your negotiating skills, your attempt to reach to the other. Can you reach out to Peter Chanda? Can you reach out to Harry Kalaba? Can honourable Given Lubinda and his team from Tonse Alliance put this family together and see what can come out of this or are we going to act selfishly and pretend that our candidates will win when we know that they will produce three separate voting blocks and the UPND candidate, Morgan Muunda who may not even have a grade 12 certificate will become the MP,” he said.
“Don’t say you were not warned, I’ve just given you this information. Opposition has featured three very strong candidates; Mohammed Mutete from New Congress Party (NCP), Bright Nundwe from Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) and Tonse Alliance and Davison Mulenga from Citizens First. Unless honourable Given Lubinda, honourable Harry Kalaba and Peter Chanda meet and discuss and feature one candidate, Chawama seat is going to Morgan Muunda of the UPND. This will be a betrayal [to] honourable Tasila Lungu, whose seat was unfairly and unjustly taken away from. Until the opposition come together and craft a counter vote protection strategy, the 2026 general elections is as good as stolen”.
Meanwhile, Mwamba said ECZ Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis was a danger to the electoral system.
“The appointment of officials at the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), Mwangala Zaloumis as Chairperson was the first opportunity to compromise ECZ. Remember ECZ has always been led by either a sitting High Court Judge and Supreme Court Judge from the period when it was created, when there was Judge Bwalya who has come from Botswana to the last Supreme Court Judge Esau Chulu. The President got a UPND cadre from the street to head the ECZ, that was the beginning of the trouble,” said Mwamba.
“Honourable Mwangala Zaloumis make no mistake, she knows the electoral process of our country. She was a lawyer for UNIP, she participated in election petition for UNIP that is why president (Levy) Mwanawasa appointed her to head the electoral reform technical committee to attempt to reform the electoral system after the 2001 elections.
So, she’s very well versed with the electoral process, don’t take it away from her that is why she’s a danger to the system. The President appointed Mcdonald Chipenzi, he headed FODEP, which is an election observer organisation, one of the well-financed, long-term NGO that has just whittled out in the last five or seven years. But it was a major force from 1991”.
🇿🇲 VIEWPOINT | M’membe Speaks Clearly, But Fails to Connect Where Elections Are Won
Fred M’membe appeared on Prime TV’s Oxygen of Democracy last night, and as expected, his critique of the UPND government was sharp, coherent, and ideologically consistent. His arguments were clearly structured, his convictions unmistakable, and his language confident. He framed four years of UPND rule as hollow rhetoric, worsening living conditions, and deepening inequality. On diagnosis, M’membe remains one of the most articulate opposition voices in the country.
But clarity of argument is not the same as electoral traction. That gap continues to define Fred M’membe’s politics.
On the programme, M’membe argued that Zambians cannot celebrate political slogans while poverty deepens. “Political praise cannot put food on the table,” he said, dismissing what he described as UPND self-congratulation. He called for a complete overhaul of the governance system, not just a change of leaders, stating, “Tekuchinjafye kateka nechipani, kuchinja imitekele.”
It was a familiar position, consistent with his long-held view that Zambia’s problems are structural rather than personal.
He went further, calling for an inclusive government that brings together politicians, clergy, business leaders, professionals, and civil society, arguing that politicians alone cannot solve Zambia’s problems. He closed with a hopeful message that difficult times are temporary and that 2026 presents an opportunity for change.
The problem is not what M’membe says. It is where his message lands.
Fred M’membe has no representation in Parliament. His party, the Socialist Party, has failed to convert repeated media visibility into measurable electoral influence. Despite contesting national elections, investing heavily in campaigns, and maintaining a constant presence in public debate, his support remains concentrated among urban elites, academics, and politically conscious professionals.
This audience listens. It does not decide elections.
Zambian elections are not won on television panels or ideological coherence alone. They are won in compounds, markets, churches, rural wards, and polling stations. M’membe’s communication excels at critique but struggles with mass mobilisation. He identifies failure but does not translate that failure into a simple, emotionally compelling alternative that resonates with the majority voter.
His ideological anchor is another constraint. M’membe openly aligns himself with socialist thought and often references Latin American experiences, including Venezuela, as ideological inspiration. Whatever the theoretical merits of socialism, Zambia’s political history has made voters deeply cautious of systems associated with economic control, scarcity, and centralised power. For many voters, socialism reads as abstract, foreign, and risky, not as a practical solution to daily survival.
There is also a contradiction in his positioning. M’membe speaks powerfully against elite capture and inequality, yet his political persona remains elite. His academic authority, corporate exposure, and intellectual framing create distance rather than intimacy with the very masses he claims to represent. He speaks about the poor fluently, but he does not speak like them, nor does he organise among them with sustained presence.
This is not a question of intelligence or sincerity. It is a question of political fit. Zambia’s current political moment rewards organisation, ground presence, coalition-building, and simple messaging.
M’membe’s strength is analysis, not machinery. He commands respect, not crowds. He influences conversation, not outcomes.
That is why his repeated calls for opposition unity ring hollow in practice. Unity requires leverage. Without parliamentary numbers, strong local structures, or a demonstrated voter base, his appeals rely more on moral authority than political weight.
Fred M’membe remains a valuable critic of government, and his voice adds depth to national debate. But until his politics moves beyond elite critique and into mass connection, he will remain what he has been for years: a consistent commentator on power, not a contender for it.
Within Zambian politics, elections are not won by being right. They are won by being felt.
I welcome debate. I have lived in it for more than four decades. What I do not welcome is the deliberate twisting of words in order to create outrage where none exists.
My original statement on Bill 7 had a clear and narrow intention. It was to explain that the failure to reach agreement is rooted mainly in deep and long-standing mistrust between political players, not simply in the content of the bill or the procedures around it. That mistrust has grown over time and now shapes how every national issue is received. Even reasonable proposals are rejected, not because they are wrong, but because of who presents them.
That was the argument. Nothing more.
Madam Chishala Kateka chose not to engage it. Instead, she rewrote it. In her version, my analysis suddenly became “arrogance”, my caution to the nation became “contempt”, and my call for realism became an attack on the people, and conveniently, an attack on women. This shift was not innocent. It was strategic.
FRIENDSHIP IS NOT DISQUALIFICATION
Much of her response rests on the claim that my voice is compromised because I am an ally or friend of the President. This is a weak and dangerous idea. My public life did not begin with this administration and it will not end with it. I have spoken freely under different governments, often at personal and political cost.
Friendship with a President does not cancel independent thought. If it did, then only the permanently angry would be allowed to speak. That is not democracy. That is exclusion by suspicion.
TURNING DISAGREEMENT INTO A GENDER BATTLE
Madam Kateka attempts to frame this disagreement as women being silenced or looked down upon. That framing avoids the real issue. Disagreeing with a woman is not attacking women. Questioning an argument is not silencing a voice.
Zambian women do not need to be shielded from debate. They need space, opportunity, and fair engagement. Turning every disagreement into a gender struggle may sound powerful, but it weakens serious discussion and cheapens real battles for equality.
THE IRONY OF BILL 7
There is also a striking contradiction that Madam Kateka avoids. Bill 7 seeks to expand representation, including creating more opportunities for women to enter Parliament and leadership positions. Opposing such reforms while claiming to champion women requires explanation, not slogans.
If we want more women in leadership, including women like Madam Kateka, then we must be willing to discuss practical reforms, even when they come from political rivals.
SOCIAL MEDIA, TARGETING, AND CALCULATED OUTRAGE
We must also speak honestly about the environment in which this response was written. Madam Kateka knows that my name attracts organised hostility online. There exists a loud and ready crowd that will insult, troll, and vilify anything associated with Nevers Mumba without reading or reflection.
By twisting my statement, she presented me as an easy target. She knew the reaction it would trigger. She knew the noise it would generate. That is why I say this was not misunderstanding. It was positioning.
This is how political debate is poisoned. Analysis is replaced by attack. Argument is replaced by profiling. Reason is drowned out by online mobs.
CONCLUSION
My intention was simple and honest. To warn that when mistrust becomes absolute, no explanation is ever believed and no reform, however sensible, can succeed. Madam Kateka has tried to portray that intention as something darker because doing so serves a political moment.
I reject that portrayal.
I remain committed to open debate, to wider representation, and to seeing more women and younger leaders enter public life. I welcome their voices. I challenge their arguments. I expect the same in return.
Zambia will not be built by distortion, prejudice, or social media bullying. It will be built when we argue honestly, read fairly, and refuse to turn every disagreement into an enemy.
That is the standard I stand by, and it is the standard our Republic deserves.
For those who wish to read her original statement, Please Check the comments here:👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽
THE changes to proportional representation in the illegal Bill 7 came from the government’s back pocket, Human Rights Activist Laura Miti has said. Miti in a statement seen by the Mast said the changes should have been brought to the public for further interrogation. She wondered why the changes to proportional representation were done in secret.
“The changes were done without giving citizens a chance to interrogate the issue. Changes after the Christopher Mushabati led Technical Committee and Parliamentary Committee were kept secret. This is one change that came out of the government’s back pocket. It was not proposed by either the Technical or Parliamentary Committees,” Miti said. She said what is most concerning is that this amendment will be in the hands of all Presidents both good and monstrous.
“President Hichilema has probably done what President Mwanawasa did. By approaching constitution making lightly, Levy laid the ground for, first RB, and then the anarchy that Patriotic Front (PF) ended up being,” she said.
Miti reminded the government that achieving the two third majority in Parliament should never be made easier by inbuilt seats for the ruling party. She said the two third majority should be granted entirely by the citizen vote, because it comes with unfettered powers to the Executive and President.
“If citizens trust a government enough to allow it the power to change the constitution without talking to anyone, they must explicitly say so by voting in enough Members of Parliament for that party,” Miti said.
Miti said what the recent constitutional amendment has done is give ruling parties a huge headstart towards two third majority by building in 31 seats before any vote is cast.
“By linking proportional representation seats to the presidential results, which the presidency has to be won by over half the vote, what the recent constitutional amendment has done is give ruling parties a huge headstart towards two third majority. It has built 31 seats before any vote is cast,” Miti said.
She expressed sadness that this was done while vocally pretending that proportional representation was about inclusion for women, youth and people with disabilities.
Miti said constitutions should be written to protect nations, citizens and democracy.
Zimbabwe Is Now Africa’s Largest Steel Producer, Overtaking South Africa
Zimbabwe has become Africa’s largest steel producer, overtaking South Africa for the first time, according to government figures.
This is largely due to a rapid expansion of Zimbabwe’s private sector investments in the iron and steel industry.
The Manhize steel complex in Zimbabwe’s Midlands Province is one of the largest integrated steel plants in the Africa.
The facility has a current production output of about 1.3 million tonnes of steel products produced annually, including pig iron, billets and reinforcing bars used in construction and infrastructure.
Pearl Thusi apologizes for controversial DJ Warras tribute
Media personality Pearl Thusi has publicly apologized after facing backlash for sharing a personal story about the late DJ Warras during his memorial service last week.
In her tribute, Pearl recounted a work trip to Cape Town where she and Warras shared a room. She described a platonic moment in which Warras, worried about missing an early flight, asked for a cuddle with pillows between them, framing it as a “brother and sister” gesture.
The apology, acknowledged that her “vulnerability” had offended some attendees. Pearl urged the public to focus on more meaningful actions, calling for “Justice for Warras.” Reactions online were mixed.
Some defended Thusi’s sincerity, while others questioned the appropriateness of sharing intimate details in front of Warras’s family. Thusi has since emphasized that her relationship with Warras was purely platonic, describing him as family and discouraging romantic speculation.
The memorial service honored Warrick “DJ Warras” Stock, who was tragically murdered in Johannesburg last Tuesday. Family and friends remembered him as a devoted family man and a fearless voice against corruption.
DJ Black Coffee’s foundation feeds families in need
International award-winning DJ Black Coffee has been a busy man lately.
Real name Nkosinathi Maphumulo, Dj Black Coffee through his foundation has been on a mission to feed the less privileged this December.
It was the way of gifting those who are needy and may have black Christmas.
Through the Feed A Family and Share The Joy theme, Black Foundation began their charity work in KwaZulu-Natal, then they travelled to Eastern Cape two days before they did the same in Gauteng today.
The donations were made to the following places, Eastern Cape, Ngangelizwe, Waterfall,Qweqwe, Thipini Zimbane Valley, Silverton Bizana and Ngcobo..
In KZN they donated in uMlazi and Kwamashu and in Gauteng they donated in Soweto.
The Foundation will wrap their charity work in Limpopo.
ANC calls for investigation into alleged firearm discharge by Bitou deputy mayor
The African National Congress (ANC) in the Victor Molosi Region has expressed serious concern over a video circulating on social media allegedly showing Bitou Municipality Deputy Mayor Nokuzola “Noksi” Kolwapi discharging a firearm during a Mgidi held for her sons
In a statement, the ANC said it views any alleged use of a firearm in public or private settings with “the utmost seriousness,” especially when involving public representatives who are expected to uphold the law and act responsibly.
The party has called on law enforcement agencies to conduct a “thorough and independent investigation” into the authenticity of the video and the circumstances surrounding the incident, emphasizing that “the law must take its course without fear or favour.”
The ANC also reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law, public safety, and responsible leadership, stressing that if the allegations are confirmed, appropriate action will be taken in line with both legal and internal disciplinary procedures.
The public has been urged to remain calm while authorities complete their investigations.
🇿🇲 BRIEFING | KBF Draws Online Ridicule Over Alleged Use of AI-Generated Images
Opposition figure Kelvin Bwalya Fube, popularly known as KBF, has come under sustained social media scrutiny after images shared on his official Facebook page were accused of being generated using artificial intelligence.
The images, posted alongside a politically charged message positioning the 2026 general election as a “referendum on fear, mismanagement and broken promises,” depict large crowds dressed in yellow, running or marching in apparent support of the “Zambia Must Prosper” slogan.
Almost immediately, users in the comments section questioned the authenticity of the visuals.
Several commenters mocked the imagery, suggesting it was computer-generated. “Abana AI,” one user wrote, while another quipped, “Just continue with AI, you’ll soon be an AI Zambian president.”
Others took a more sarcastic tone, asking whether “AI has voter cards too” and joking that the crowds represented “25.8 million yellow voters.”
The ridicule escalated as users linked the alleged AI imagery to broader political jabs. One commenter suggested the opposition had “turned to AI,” while another mockingly described KBF as a “chief strategist using AI.”
Some comments and shares attracted dozens of reactions, indicating wide engagement and amplification of the mockery.
KBF has not publicly clarified whether the images were digitally generated, enhanced, or sourced from real events. However, the episode has reignited debate about the use of artificial intelligence in political communication, particularly as Zambia edges closer to the 2026 polls.
Digital campaigning has increasingly relied on visuals to project momentum and popular support. Analysts note that while AI tools can enhance messaging, their use without transparency risks undermining credibility, especially in politically charged environments where misinformation is a growing concern.
The incident also highlights the heightened scrutiny facing opposition figures online, where social media users are quick to interrogate narratives and challenge perceived exaggeration.
As one political observer noted privately, optics matter as much as policy, and digital missteps can quickly overshadow substantive messaging.
With election season approaching, the KBF episode serves as an early signal of how technology, perception, and political trust are likely to collide in Zambia’s increasingly digital public square.
I am the only candidate offering a clear roadmap to make Zambia thrive – Mudolo
PRESIDENTIAL aspirant Willah Mudolo says Zambia’s long struggle with poverty and poor service delivery can only end if the country adopts a clear and practical economic plan that speaks directly to the lives of ordinary citizens.
Mudolo has unveiled what he calls a National Economic Transformation Blueprint, which he revealed is a detailed roadmap to lift Zambia from merely surviving to genuinely thriving.
The South Africa based business man argues that for decades, Zambians have been encouraged to accept hardship as normal, yet the country is rich in land, minerals and human talent.
Central to Mudolo’s blueprint is agriculture, which he believes holds the quickest path to jobs and income for millions of households.
He wants Zambia to stop exporting raw farm produce and instead invest in processing, packaging and value addition so that farmers earn more and the country benefits from finished products.
According to Mudolo, strengthening agriculture will not only boost the economy but also reduce hunger and rural poverty.
Youth empowerment is another major pillar of his plan.
The presidential hopeful said young people across the country have ideas and energy but lack financial support and guidance.
His blueprint proposes the creation of a state-backed Youth Venture Capital Fund that would provide start-up money and mentorship, allowing young innovators to turn ideas into businesses that create jobs.
On labour matters, Mudolo said workers must be protected if the economy is to grow fairly.
His plan includes reforms to employment laws to ensure regular reviews of the minimum wage and strong protection against unfair dismissal.
He argues that workers should not live in fear of losing jobs without reason.
Mudolo also places strong emphasis on ending Zambia’s energy problems, which he are hurting households and businesses alike.
His blueprint proposes cutting bureaucracy for independent power producers and investing heavily in renewable energy such as solar and biomass to ensure reliable electricity for homes, schools and factories.
Corruption, which Mudolo describes as a cancer eating away national resources, also features prominently in his plan.
He stated that public procurement must be fully transparent and that both those who offer bribes and those who receive them must face the law equally.
Mudolo proposes a universal social pension for citizens aged 65 and above, as well as truly free primary and secondary education by removing all hidden school fees that burden parents.
“Our Blueprint for Economic Transformation is my concrete contract with you to restore our economy,” Mudolo said.
He has since urged Zambians to organise themselves, understand the plan and prepare to take part in shaping the country’s future as the 2026 general elections draw closer.
10 HOURS OF POWER IS HERE TO STAY, WE’RE IMPORTING FROM MOZAMBIQUE – GOVT
CHIEF Government Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa says citizens will continue to receive 10 hours of power supply, stating that government has continued to put in measures to mitigate the energy deficit.
And Mweetwa says President Hakainde Hichilema would win the elections by a landslide bigger than the one he achieved in 2021 if the elections were to be held today.
Speaking when he featured on Sunday interview, Mweetwa said ZESCO was able to provide 10 hours of power supply because the country is importing more power
“This power is being imported from across into Mozambique, by and large. You’ll recall that the last time I appeared on this programme, I had said that there are certain issues that we may not be able to talk about that are inhibiting us to bring in more power into this country because some people were thinking that it was deliberate. The President put it plain when he was addressing the nation last week to say, he had to perform a trip to go and meet his brother in Zimbabwe so that they, as a sovereign country, allow us to use their infrastructure to evacuate more power which we are importing into this country and that is what is happening today in this country. So that 10-hour power [supply] is here to stay and we can only look for more,” Mweetwa explained.
“The number one question that has plagued our people, that has given untold suffering to our people in 2025 has been the question of loadshedding. I’m glad now, it’s no longer a secret that the President, in addressing the nation, on the day he was assenting to Bill No.7 into law last week, reminded the nation of these challenges. And that he and his administration do empathise with our people but that he’s not just sitting by, he’s taking every action necessary under this administration to mitigate this situation, including now, what people have seen, 10 hours of power and I think that better things are yet to come”.
Mweetwa noted that despite the opposition being in ‘disarray’, he was confident that citizens would be able to offer credible checks and balances to government.
“I can tell you that if elections were called tomorrow, President HH is going to win, I think with a landslide bigger than the first one. Not just because the opposition are in disarray, no, we need a strong opposition to continue to offer credible checks and balances. But we have consolation in the knowledge that the biggest opposition that offers credible checks and balances to a government is the ordinary citizens. So President HH will have huge campaign machinery out there from the women,” Mweetwa highlighted.
“He’s the first President to respond to their call, that NGOCC, they should leave what they are doing [and] join the campaign, join the commander kwishiba, join the students in campaigning for HH because this is a man who has not come for politics. This is a missionary who has come to change a country, particularly the way we think and our attitude towards decent hard work and honest in public life that when you are entrusted [with] resources, they are not yours, they are for the people, they are for the vulnerable”.
He further said PF acting president Given Lubinda has no right to expel PF MPs who voted in favour of Bill 7.
“We are not going to [have] any by-election because we are a government of laws, not a government of men and women. So those emotional utterances that were given by Given Lubinda, honourable, my elder brother, he was blowing political hot air to the nation. My colleagues, the members of parliament, those who are now purportedly to have been expelled cannot be expelled because the constitution of PF, just like the constitution of UPND, is subservient to the Constitution of Zambia that. I think it is Article 3, which provides that this Constitution is [the] supreme law of the land and any written law, whether an Act of Parliament or in this case, a constitution of a club, because at law, a political party, we call it a club, is inconsistent with any provisions of this Constitution, that other law, to the extent of the inconsistency, is null and void. That is why I said those are null and void,” Mweetwa said.
“In fact, void Ab initio, meaning that even at the time of contemplating them, it was a sheer waste of time, it was just simple politicking. You’ll recall that we had honourable Siamunene, honourable Njeulu and honourable Monde, when they defied party position and became ministers, did you hear that we had convened a national management meeting and purportedly expelled them, because we knew the law and we let them be. We said the people will deal with them”.
When asked whether government was speaking on behalf of the PF members, Mweetwa justified that it was his responsibility to defend the three arms of government, which includes the legislature.
“I want the public to know that me, I’m Chief Government Spokesperson for the Republic of Zambia, I am a minister of information, that is one position. I have another position, Chief Government Spokesperson for the Republic of Zambia, Chief Government Spokesperson of Government, what is government? Government is Parliament, the National Assembly, the Executive [and] the Judiciary. So, when Parliament is being interfered with by aliens, that is what we call someone who is not a member of parliament at law, when aliens want to interfere with the operations of parliament, it is my duty, not as a minister of information, not as a party spokesperson of UPND but as Chief Government Spokesperson to come to the defence of one of the arms of government, which is under siege unnecessarily,” said Mweetwa.
“In the like manner that if someone is going to attack the Judiciary, you may not hear anyone from the Judiciary respond, I will respond as Chief Government Spokesperson. So, there is nothing like interfering with the internal operations of the party and secondly, the only reason I commented is that that expulsion is rooted into the operations of parliament and members of parliament, it stems from the work of parliamentarians”.
Njobvu Calls US Ambassador’s Remarks on Aid and Chinese Mining “Misplaced”
Democratic Union president Ackim Antony Njobvu has described as “misplaced” remarks by United States Ambassador to Zambia, Michael Gonzales, who recently suggested that continued American aid to Zambia is difficult to justify while citizens are “being poisoned by pollution from Chinese mines.”
Ambassador Gonzales further indicated that American companies have struggled to conduct business in Zambia for over two decades due to bureaucratic corruption, despite sustained US support. He emphasized, however, that the relationship between Zambia and the United States remains strong, adding that Washington is waiting to see Zambia’s economy “take off.”
The envoy’s statement has triggered debate locally and internationally, with some critics viewing it as a form of coercion aimed at steering Zambia toward American mining interests. Others, however, argue that the position reflects the need for accountability, environmental protection, and improved governance in the mining sector.
Reacting to the remarks, Njobvu said the United States appears eager to counter China’s growing influence in Africa and warned against attempts to discredit long-standing partnerships.
“They can even go a step further to demonise or destroy China’s reputation in Africa, with China being their competitor. So I find that statement by the ambassador to be misplaced,” Njobvu said during an interview on KBN TV.
He highlighted Zambia’s deep historical ties with China, noting that the two countries established diplomatic relations shortly after independence in 1964.
“China and Zambia have had a relationship spanning over 60 years. China played a significant role in Zambia’s struggle for independence, providing financial and material support. The iconic TAZARA railway project symbolizes the strong bond between the two nations,” he said.
Njobvu acknowledged that both China and the United States have assisted Zambia in various ways in recent years, but cautioned against aid that comes with “hidden conditions.”
He stressed that Zambia must move away from aid dependency and instead harness its own natural and economic potential.
Going forward, Zambia needs to stop depending on aid from the outside world. This country has enough resources to be self-reliant with the right leadership in charge,” he stated.
The remarks come amid intensified global competition between major powers for strategic influence in Africa, particularly in key economic sectors such as mining.
MINERS, EX-MINERS RALLY BEHIND PRESIDENT HICHILEMA AHEAD OF 2026 ELECTIONS
By Constance Shilengwe
MINERS and Ex‐ miners have called on Zambians to rally behind President Hakainde Hichilema ahead of the 2026 general elections, urging citizens to deliver a decisive victory to consolidate recent constitutional and legal reforms.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Miners and Ex-Miners for HH 2026 Executive Director Thomas Mpashi said strong electoral support is necessary to ensure the full implementation of reforms introduced under Bill 7 of 2025.
Mr. Mpashi said the reforms place strong emphasis on increased representation for women, youths, and persons with disabilities, noting that the new legal framework will allow these groups to have stronger and more direct voices in Parliament, thereby promoting inclusive governance.
He further said Zambians stand to benefit from the planned constituency delimitation, which is expected to improve development and service delivery across the country.
Mr. Mpashi has since called on citizens to support the new laws, saying they are designed to safeguard national progress and improve the welfare of future generations.
WOULD YOU SUPPORT THE NATIONALIZATION OF OUR MINES TO MAXIMIZE BENEFITS FOR THE COUNTRY?
This is the call being made by Dr. Mbita Chitala according to the Daily Nation today.
This way, Dr. Chitala argues, Zambia gets to keep all the copper receipts thus increasing funds that could be applied to national development.
A second benefit, he further argues, is that illicit outflows of profits are prevented.
First, there are countries around the world with various degrees of state ownership of enterprises engaged in their respective natural resources.
Saudi Arabia and Venezuela own between 60% to 100%, respectively, of their oil companies.
Brazil owns Petrobras. Mexico owns 100% of its oil company while Finland owns between 20% to 56% of the oil and gas sectors.
Some estimates suggest Angola has a 20% stake in the oil sector while Chile owns 100% of the copper mines.
Through ZCCM-IH, the Zambian Government owns shares in the various mines in the country to varying degrees.
The reason Dr. Chitala’s proposal is worth discussing is because (1) the mines constitute the bedrock of our economy earning the country most of the forex, and (2), there are reports suggesting very strongly that the current majority shareholders are not paying fair taxes due to various sophisticated schemes that the Zambian government has no capacity to uncover.
One example is where one figure is declared to the authorities here as the revenue while the country to which the minerals were exported are reporting a much higher figure!
These irregularities have been reported too many times by other African countries as well, we can’t keep on ignoring them.
Credible institutions continue to report the loss of billions and billions of dollars stolen out of Africa by investors.
These are billions that have the potential to lift the continent out of the current trap of poverty.
But the west wants us to think we can’t run the mines and we can’t raise capital.
But the manpower investors use is local and the money they use is borrowed against our assets on the capital markets available to every one.
If the west can pump billions in our economies as development assistance, why won’t they partner with us as equals in business ventures related to our mineral resources?
As we debate this question, let’s take into account one suggestion the President made at one time which to me sounded like a viable proposition – to have a stake at every stage of the value chain from production to the sale of our minerals.
This should be able to significantly increase our share of the profits even at the current level of shareholding that we have in various mine ventures.
THE DEATH SENTENCE GIVEN TO KKs SON, KAMBARANGE MPUNDU KAUNDA THREE WEEKS BEFORE THE ELECTIONS CONTRIBUTED TO HIS LOSING IN 1991-‘I order that you be hanged by the neck until you are pronounced dead,’ Lusaka high court Judge, Claver Musumali told Kambarange Kaunda, stunning the court.
Kambarange was arrested for the murder of the 19 year old girl on 9th August, 1990 following an inquest into the 1989 shooting. He was later convicted and sentenced to death by hanging.
After the judgement Kambarange’s defense lawyer, Richard Ngenda, immediately told reporters outside the court that he would appeal against the sentence.
‘We will fight on,’ Ngenda said (UPI archives, 1991)..
Kambarange was KK’s last and fourth born son, born in 1964, as a twin with his sister Cheswa. He was a charter pilot and 28 years old when he was facing this murder case.
The story was that while driving in a suburb of Lusaka, a group of people threatened him and blocked the road he was driving on; prompting him to fire at them, resulting in the death of Tabeth Mwanza.
Initially, Kambarange was charged with manslaughter but Judge Musumali changed the charge to murder. Musumali found that Kambarange had fired seven shots at a group of people, killing 19-year-old Tabeth Mwanza.
Regardless, Kambarange pleaded not guilty. He insisted that he had fired in self-defense when a group of people threatened him and blocked the road. Though Judge Musumali rejected Kambarange’s defense in his judgment, saying that Kambarange acted with malice aforethought and unlawfully.
This sentence came barely three weeks before the 1991 general elections. Otherwise, Tabeth’s father was pleased with the sentence.
At the time of Kambarange’s conviction, his father president Kenneth Kaunda said he would not intervene in the process of justice. ‘It is a matter for the courts. It is not for me to say,’ Kaunda senior said ( The New York Times Archives- 15 October, 1991).
Justice delayed is justice denied.
After KK had left office, on 19th March, 1992 Kambarange, who had been sentenced to death by Lusaka’s High Court a year earlier in 1991 for murder: was acquitted in the Supreme Court. The acquittal followed an appeal against the sentence by Kambarange’s defense lawyer, Richard Ngenda. Justice Annel Silungwe told the court that Kambarange Kaunda, acted in self-defense when he shot and killed Tabeth Mwanza in 1989.
‘The appellant acted in self defense, the conviction is quashed, sentence is set aside and the accused is acquitted,’ Silungwe told a packed courtroom ( UPI Archives, 1992).
KK might have had his own leadership weaknesses, but somehow; this case shows that courts operated independently.
Today, we have a number of high profile murder cases and judgement is not passed. It’s adjournment after another. Regardless, the biggest lesson in this article is a question to us all: if Kambarange was found not guilty by Supreme Court, then how many ordinary Zambians have faced injustice because they never took their cases further?
I AM THE ENGINEER WHO WILL GET ZAMBIA’S DEVELOPMENTAL ENGINE RUNNING – MUDOLO
PRESIDENTIAL hopeful Willah Mudolo has declared himself the man to rewire Zambia’s struggling economy, saying the country does not need another politician to polish a broken system but an engineer bold enough to redesign it from the ground up.
Mudolo, a Global Finance Engineer by profession, says Zambia has spent more than 60 years celebrating small economic gains while the majority of citizens remain trapped in poverty, poor housing and limited opportunities.
Like a mechanic staring at a dead engine, Mudolo argues that Zambia’s problems cannot be solved through cosmetic fixes and slogans, but through radical economic re-engineering that confronts long-standing structural failures.
He points to load-shedding, factory closures and struggling industries as clear signs of an economy running on outdated systems, warning that Zambia cannot compete in a modern world using unreliable energy and old economic thinking.
According to Mudolo, incremental growth has failed to transform lives, insisting that the country needs a bold leap rather than baby steps if it is to secure a prosperous future for its children.
“We cannot build a 21st-century economy on 19th-century energy reliability,” Mudolo said.
He believes Zambia should have grown its economy many times over since independence but has instead remained largely stagnant, leaving young people unemployed and frustrated.
Mudolo’s vision centres on what he calls “economic re-engineering”, a complete redesign of how Zambia grows, produces and competes globally.
At the heart of his plan is a push for massive investment, with ambitions to grow the economy five to ten times its current size by attracting tens of billions of dollars into key sectors such as mining, agriculture, energy and technology.
He said young people must be placed at the centre of this transformation, not as job seekers but as skilled drivers of a modern, high-value economy.
He insists the country has wasted decades trying to repair a system that was never designed to serve the majority, adding that Zambia now needs leadership that thinks beyond elections and focuses on long-term national performance.
As the 2026 elections draw closer, Mudolo is positioning himself not as a career politician, but as a problem-solver with a blueprint to build a new economic future.
PURE SELF BELIEF DROVE MY PENALTY SAVE, MWANZA REVEALS
CHIPOLOPOLO goalkeeper Willard Mwanza has credited sheer self-belief and confidence for his heroic penalty save that kept Zambia in the game during their tense AfCON Group clash last night against Mali.
The 28-year-old Power Dynamos shot-stopper emerged as one of the standout performers on the night after denying Mali from the penalty spot creating a chance for Chipolopolo to later fight back with a Patson Daka comeback goal to earn Zambia a hard-fought point.
Mwanza said he never doubted himself when the referee pointed to the spot as he trusted his instincts despite the pressure of the moment.
“It was pure self belief that helped me stop that penalty,” Mwanza said.
The Power Dynamos goalkeeper explained that saving penalties is something he has always been confident about, adding that belief in his own ability gives him an edge even in high-pressure situations.
https://youtu.be/6AShAUoi8OU?si=eNuLcQt854w5Nvqj
His save not only lifted the team’s spirits but also swung momentum in Zambia’s favour, giving the Copper Bullets the confidence to stay in the contest against a determined Malian side.
Mwanza’s performance earned praise from fans and teammates alike who saved football fans back home from headaches and high blood pressure
Zambia now moves forward to their second clash on Thursday, at 19:30 at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca against Comoros, a team who is looking to scrape off the Zero point in group A.
CHINA LOADS 100+ NUCLEAR MISSILES THEN TELLS AMERICA TO DISARM FIRST
A draft Pentagon report reveals China has loaded over 100 intercontinental ballistic missiles (the kind that can reach across oceans) in silo fields near its border with Mongolia.
Beijing is expanding its nuclear arsenal faster than any other nuclear power and is on track to have over 1,000 warheads by 2030, up from around 600 today.
The report also notes China has zero interest in arms control talks. None.
When Trump mentioned potentially working on denuclearization with China and Russia, Beijing apparently didn’t get the memo.
China’s response to being called out? Classic deflection.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said the U.S. should fulfill its own nuclear disarmament responsibilities and create conditions for other countries to disarm.
China doesn’t engage in nuclear arms races with anyone, he insisted, despite literally being in the middle of the fastest nuclear buildup on the planet.
The timing is awkward considering the U.S.-Russia New START treaty, the last major nuclear arms control agreement, expires in less than 2 months.
Experts warn this could trigger a 3-way nuclear arms race between the U.S., Russia, and China.
So China is rapidly expanding its nuclear capabilities while simultaneously lecturing America about disarmament. That takes serious diplomatic confidence.
Iran Sends Warships to South Africa for BRICS Naval Drills With Russia and China — A Sign of Shifting Global Alliances
Iran has deployed naval vessels to South Africa to take part in joint BRICS naval exercises alongside Russia and China, marking another significant moment in the changing balance of global power and military cooperation.
The drills, hosted in South African waters, are presented by participating countries as routine naval cooperation focused on maritime security, search-and-rescue operations, and coordination at sea. However, the presence of Iran — a country long at odds with Western powers — has drawn attention and raised questions about what these exercises really signal to the world.
Why this is happening
The joint drills come at a time when many countries are actively re-shaping global alliances. BRICS, originally formed as an economic grouping, has steadily expanded its influence beyond trade and development into political and strategic cooperation.
Several factors are driving this shift:
A move away from Western dominance: Countries like Iran, Russia and China are seeking alternative partnerships as they face sanctions, political pressure, or strained relations with the United States and Europe.
A push for a multipolar world: BRICS nations often speak about creating a world where power is not concentrated in a few Western capitals but shared among emerging economies.
Strategic maritime interests: Control and security of sea routes remain critical for global trade, energy transport, and military positioning.
For Iran, participating in drills far from its home waters signals growing confidence, expanded naval reach, and stronger ties with non-Western partners. For South Africa, it reflects its foreign policy position of engaging multiple global powers rather than aligning strictly with one bloc.
Why people should pay attention
While military exercises are not unusual, their political meaning matters. Joint drills involving countries that are in open disagreement with Western alliances can increase global tension, even if no immediate conflict is planned.
Experts warn that:
Such exercises can be seen as power signalling, not just training
They may deepen divisions between global blocs
South Africa risks being drawn into geopolitical rivalries that could affect trade, diplomacy, and international perception
South Africa has previously faced criticism and diplomatic pressure for hosting similar exercises, especially during periods of global conflict. Supporters argue the country is exercising its sovereignty. Critics worry about economic consequences and strained relations with key trading partners.
Looking back: similar patterns
This is not the first time such alliances have formed:
Russia and China have conducted multiple joint military drills over the past decade
Iran has increasingly partnered with both countries amid sanctions
Western alliances like NATO have also expanded military cooperation in response
What is different now is the scale and openness of cooperation among non-Western powers and the role of countries in the Global South as hosts and partners.
The bigger picture
The arrival of Iranian warships in South Africa is less about one exercise and more about a world in transition. Global power is becoming more fragmented, alliances are shifting, and military cooperation is increasingly used as a diplomatic message.
For ordinary citizens, the key issue is not choosing sides, but understanding how these moves could affect:
National security
Foreign relations
Economic stability
South Africa’s position on the world stage
As global tensions rise, transparency, balance, and careful diplomacy will be crucial to ensure that cooperation does not turn into confrontation.
DEFIANCE IRAN TESTS AGGRESSIVE MISSILE SYSTEMS NEVER SEEN BEFORE SENDING FEARS OF POSSIBLE ESCALATIONS AGAIN WITH ISREAL.
According to a report by Iranian News Agency IRNA on Monday, Iran has reportedly conducted a series of missile tests never seen before with new technologies experts are trying to understand as tensions continue to rise between Tehran and Israel, according to reports from Iranian media organisations. The developments come amid growing speculation about the possibility of renewed military confrontation in the region following weeks of heightened rhetoric and recent clashes.
The reports, published on Monday, Dec. 22, indicated that the missile tests were carried out in several locations across the country, including the capital city, Tehran, as well as the major urban centres of Isfahan and Mashhad. Iranian outlets described the exercises as part of routine defence activities, though their timing has drawn significant attention given the current security climate.
While videos circulating online have been attributed to the tests, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the regular army have yet to officially confirm or deny the reports. One Iranian news platform, Nournews, released footage it claimed showed missiles being launched during the exercises. The authenticity of the video has not been independently verified, but it has further fuelled speculation about Iran’s military readiness and strong capacity to recover the 12 day way it has with Israel.
The reported missile activity follows a period of intense hostilities in June, when Israel carried out a large-scale military campaign against Iran that lasted nearly two weeks. During that period, Israeli forces, in coordination with the United States, launched airstrikes on multiple targets across Iran. The attacks reportedly hit nuclear-related facilities, military installations, and other strategic sites, as well as civilian infrastructure in several parts of the country.
Iran responded to the strikes with missile and drone attacks, escalating fears of a wider regional conflict. The fighting lasted for 12 days before a ceasefire was brokered, reportedly with US involvement, bringing the confrontation to a temporary halt. Despite the ceasefire, relations between the two countries have remained extremely tense, with both sides issuing warnings and reinforcing their military postures.
Iranian authorities have stated that more than 1,000 people were killed during the conflict, including civilians and military personnel. Tehran has acknowledged that the Israeli and US airstrikes caused significant damage to infrastructure and facilities, but officials insist that repairs have since been completed and that the country’s defensive and strategic capabilities remain intact and ready for war whenever Israel chooses and that this time Tel Aviv will burn to ashes.
Blame, Power and Accountability: Examining Ramaphosa’s “White Supremacy” Claim in South Africa’s Crisis
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent remarks describing “white supremacy” as a major threat to South Africa have sparked intense public debate and sharply divided opinion across the country.
Supporters of the president argue that his comments reflect South Africa’s historical reality, where apartheid entrenched racial inequality whose economic and social effects are still visible today. They point to persistent disparities in wealth, land ownership, and access to opportunities as evidence that racial power imbalances did not disappear in 1994.
Critics, however, see the statement as misplaced and ironic in the current context. They note that South Africa is governed by a black-majority political leadership: the president and deputy president are black, the majority of cabinet ministers are black, most provincial premiers and mayors are black, and the judiciary is largely representative of the country’s demographics. From this perspective, they argue that blaming “white supremacy” risks deflecting attention from governance failures.
It is also a fact that South Africa has race-based legislation aimed at redressing past injustices, including employment equity, affirmative action and black economic empowerment policies. Supporters say these laws are constitutional and designed to promote equality. Critics counter that the growing number of race-classification policies has fuelled resentment, uncertainty, and claims of reverse discrimination.
What is not disputed is the scale of the crises facing the country: • High unemployment, especially among the youth • Energy insecurity and ongoing load shedding • Crime and violent attacks • Collapsing infrastructure and failing municipalities • Weak economic growth and declining investor confidence
Many analysts argue that regardless of ideology, blame-shifting—whether towards race, history, or external forces—does little to resolve these challenges. Others maintain that ignoring historical injustice also undermines long-term stability.
The real question facing South Africa may not be who is to blame, but whether political leaders are willing to confront policy failures, improve accountability, and rebuild public trust while balancing redress with economic growth.
As the debate continues, South Africans across the political spectrum agree on one thing: the country’s future depends less on rhetoric and more on results.
🇺🇸🔥 TRUMP SHAKES UP U.S. DIPLOMACY IN AFRICA: AMERICA FIRST ERA DEEPENS
Former US President Donald Trump has begun a major overhaul of America’s diplomatic footprint, recalling nearly 30 career diplomats from ambassadorial and senior embassy positions across Africa and beyond.
Countries affected include Nigeria, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Senegal, Somalia, Algeria, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Gabon, Niger, Mauritius and Madagascar, among others. Chiefs of mission in at least 29 countries were informed that their assignments would end in January, with formal notices issued from Washington this week.
❓ Why is this happening?
This move is part of Trump’s long-standing “America First” agenda. His approach prioritises:
Loyalty to the White House over career bureaucracy
Cutting what he views as an expensive, slow, and politically biased diplomatic corps
Replacing long-serving diplomats with appointees aligned to his policies
Reducing U.S. involvement in regions seen as offering limited direct benefit to American interests
Trump and his allies have often accused career diplomats of resisting his policies, undermining elected leadership, and pushing globalist or liberal agendas at odds with his vision.
⚠️ Possible NEGATIVES for the United States
Loss of experienced diplomats with deep regional knowledge
Weaker relationships with African governments and institutions.
Reduced U.S. influence in Africa, creating space for China, Russia, and others
Disruption of security cooperation, trade talks, and humanitarian coordination
Perception that the U.S. is retreating from global leadership
✅ Potential POSITIVES for the U.S.
Greater control of foreign policy by elected leadership
Faster decision-making without internal resistance
Reduced diplomatic costs and bureaucracy
Clearer alignment between embassies and White House priorities
Stronger focus on deals that directly benefit American taxpayers
🤔 Why some supporters say it’s GOOD
Trump supporters argue that diplomacy should serve national interests first, not international expectations. They believe Africa policy should be transactional—focused on trade, security cooperation, and migration control—rather than aid-heavy or values-driven.
To them, this reset sends a message: U.S. diplomacy will no longer run on autopilot.
🌍 Bigger picture
This development signals a possible shift in U.S.–Africa relations, moving away from long-term partnership-building toward short-term strategic gains. Whether this strengthens America or weakens its global standing remains hotly debated.
📌 One thing is clear: Trump’s America First doctrine is reshaping how the U.S. engages with the world—Africa included.
PENTAGON: CHINA PLANS TO FIGHT & WIN A TAIWAN WAR BY 2027, AND U.S. FORCES MAY BE TOO FAR TO STOP IT
A newly leaked Pentagon draft report just confirmed what many feared: China is preparing to take Taiwan by brute force, and expects to be ready to win that war by 2027.
Beijing isn’t just rehearsing invasion drills anymore, they’re refining options that include massive long-range ballistic missile strikes aimed 1,500–2,000 nautical miles out, directly threatening U.S. bases, ships, and response forces before they can even reach Taiwan.
It’s a playbook being sharpened in real time, with Xi reportedly betting the U.S. will hesitate, be too slow, or too far away to intervene effectively.
2027 isn’t a prediction, it’s the deadline.
And the window to deter it? Closing fast.
If the U.S. still thinks it can “respond if needed,” China’s betting they’ll already be too late.
Diamond Platnumz is the most successful musician in East Africa and one of the most successful in Africa
Diamond Platnumz is the most successful musician in East Africa and one of the most successful in Africa
He charges about $100k per single show
Diamond Platnumz earns over $48,000 per month from YouTube.
He has over 10 million YouTube subscribers and is among the Top 5 Most Followed African Artists on YouTube. He has surpassed 10 million subscribers, earning his Diamond Play Button.
Diamond Platnumz is the CEO and founder of Wasafi Bet, Wasafi Media, and WCB Wasafi Record Label
He also has over 2.8 billion total YouTube views.
He became the first sub-Saharan African artist to reach 1 billion YouTube views.
‘GRADE 7, 9 RESULTS SHOW IMPROVED PERFORMANCE, ZERO LEAKAGES RECORDED’
By Prisca Bwalya The Ministry of Education has released the 2025 Grade Seven and Grade Nine examination results, recording pass rates of 71.36 percent and 72.25 percent respectively.
Minister of Education Douglas Syakalima said the timely release of results will enable parents and guardians to adequately prepare learners for the 2026 academic year. At Grade Seven level, 587,471 candidates registered for the 2025 Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) and Junior Secondary School Leaving Examination (JSSLE) representing an 8.17 percent increase from 2024.
Of these, 538,824 candidates representing 91.72 percent sat for the examination, while 48,647 candidates representing 8.26 percent were absent, showing an improvement from 9.44 percent absenteeism recorded the previous year.
At Junior Secondary level, 303,674 candidates entered the 2025 JSSLE, reflecting a 6.59 percent decrease from 2024. Of these, 285,634 candidates, representing 94.06 percent sat for the examinations, while 18,011 candidates representing 5.94 percent were absent. He said performance at Grade Nine showed marked improvement, with 206,357 candidates representing 72.25 percent obtaining certificates, up from 55.89 percent in 2024, an increase of 16.36 percentage points. A further 72,321 candidates representing 25.32 percent obtained statements, while 6,956 candidates representing 2.44 percent failed.
” Certificate attainment was almost equal by gender, with 72.30 percent of boys and 72.20 percent of girls qualifying. The grade ten progression rate for 2025 stands at 72.25 percent, compared to 55.89 percent in 2024, ” he said. The Minister attributed this improvement to the Government’s decision to abolish automatic progression and strengthen learner competencies.
Mr. Syakalima also confirmed that no examination paper leakages were recorded during the 2025 examination cycle. However, during the JSSLE, he said, 92 individual candidates and one examination centre were flagged for suspected malpractice, and their results have been withheld pending investigations by the Examinations Council of Zambia.
He further announced that Form one and Grade ten classes will open on Monday, 12 January 2026, with a two-week grace period ending on 23 January 2026.
To access grade 7 and 9 exam results , simply text Exam Number SPACE year SPACE grade e.g (1234567890 2025 G9) to 8383 at a cost of only K4.18.
On ZAMTEL
Note : Results Are Not Available On Airtel But Can Be Accessed On MTN.
The Government has officially released the 2025 Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) and Junior Secondary School Leaving Examination (JSSLE) results, with 71.36 percent of Grade Seven candidates passing and 72.25 percent of Grade Nine candidates obtaining certificates, reflecting improved performance and reduced absenteeism nationwide.
Minister of Education Douglas Syakalima said the timely release of results would allow parents and guardians to adequately prepare learners for the 2026 academic year.
A total of 587,471 candidates registered for the 2025 PSLE, representing an 8.17 percent increase from 2024. Of these, 538,824 candidates (91.72 percent) sat for the examination, while 48,647 candidates (8.26 percent) were absent, a reduction from 9.44 percent the previous year.
Out of those who sat the PSLE, 384,592 candidates (71.36 percent) passed by obtaining Divisions One to Three. Girls accounted for 52.36 percent of those who passed, while 47.64 percent were boys.
However, 154,373 candidates (28.64 percent) failed the examination and will not proceed to Form One. All successful candidates have been selected to Form One in 2026, giving a national progression rate of 71.36 percent.
At Junior Secondary level, 303,674 candidates entered the 2025 examination, a 6.59 percent decrease from 2024. Of these, 285,634 candidates (94.06 percent) sat for the examination, while 18,011 candidates (5.94 percent) were absent.
Performance at Grade Nine level showed a marked improvement, with 206,357 candidates (72.25 percent) obtaining certificates, up from 55.89 percent in 2024, an increase of 16.36 percentage points. A further 72,321 candidates (25.32 percent) obtained statements, while 6,956 candidates (2.44 percent) failed. Slightly more boys (72.30 percent) than girls (72.20 percent) obtained certificates.
The Grade 10 progression rate for 2025 stands at 72.25 percent, compared to 55.89 percent recorded in 2024. The Minister attributed the improvement to the government’s decision to abolish automatic progression and strengthen learner competencies.
Mr. Syakalima also confirmed that no examination paper leakages were recorded in 2025 and that no cases of malpractice were reported during the PSLE. However, during the Junior Secondary examinations, 92 individual candidates and one examination centre were reported for suspected malpractice, and their results have been withheld pending investigations by the Examinations Council of Zambia.
The Minister announced that Form One and Grade 10 classes will open on Monday, 12 January 2026, with a two-week grace period ending on 23 January 2026. Results are available via SMS on MTN and ZAMTEL using shortcode 8383, while e-statements can be accessed free of charge on the ECZ online portal. Parents and guardians have been urged to ensure learners report to school on time, as learning will commence immediately upon reopening.
To access grade 7 and 9 exam results , simply text Exam Number SPACE year SPACE grade e.g (1234567890 2025 G9) to 8383 at a cost of only K4.18.
On ZAMTEL
Note : Results Are Not Available On Airtel But Can Be Accessed On MTN.
🇿🇲 CONTEXT | Brenda Nyirenda Questions PF Expulsions But is She UPND-Sponsored?
Brenda Nyirenda’s, comments come at a moment of acute instability inside the Patriotic Front, barely a week after Parliament passed Constitution Amendment Bill No. 7 and days after a wave of expulsions announced by Given Lubinda deepened internal fault lines.
Nyirenda, who previously served as PF Deputy Secretary General before being removed from that position, spoke out as multiple centres of authority within the party openly collide. Her remarks therefore carry political significance, but also raise questions about institutional standing, given that PF’s leadership structure itself remains contested.
Her comments followed Lubinda’s Thursday announcement expelling PF Members of Parliament who voted in favour of Bill 7, a decision taken without a publicly convened Central Committee meeting. The MPs named include Sunday Chanda, Remember Mutale, Anthony Mumba, Marjorie Nakaponda, Christopher Kang’ombe, Musonda Mpankata and Sibongile Mwamba, among others.
Several of those MPs have since rejected the expulsions, arguing that Lubinda lacks legal authority to remove sitting legislators and insisting that parliamentary conduct is protected by constitutional privilege.
Nyirenda’s criticism focused less on the vote itself and more on process. She argued that the expulsions reflected a failure of leadership and internal procedure, stating that MPs should have been summoned to account for their actions before disciplinary measures were taken.
“As a leader, he is supposed to call those people and listen to them,” Nyirenda said. “This idea of just waking up and expelling people is not healthy. It shows that he has failed to unite the party.”
She further alleged that PF MPs faced intense pressure ahead of the vote, including intimidation and inducements, claims that have circulated widely within PF-aligned platforms but have not been substantiated through official investigations or court findings.
“You can imagine if what we are hearing is true, where MPs were captured, quarantined and enticed,” Nyirenda said. “Do you think people can be able to make the correct decision?”
Nyirenda also rejected the expulsions on procedural grounds, arguing that party rules require a Central Committee process that allows accused members to exculpate themselves.
She dismissed comparisons with past PF disciplinary actions under late President Michael Sata, saying circumstances and authority structures were not comparable. “I’m not for that idea,” she said. “The procedure is not being followed.”
Her remarks add to a growing chorus of internal dissent at a time when PF’s cohesion is visibly eroding. Over the past week, the party has seen competing statements from Given Lubinda, Robert Chabinga, Makebi Zulu, Miles Sampa and now Nyirenda, each articulating different interpretations of authority, legitimacy and direction.
The timing is also critical. Parliament passed Bill 7 on Monday with over 130 votes at both Second and Third Reading. President Hakainde Hichilema assented to the Bill on Thursday, rendering the constitutional amendments law. In response, PF’s internal disputes have shifted from legislative resistance to questions of survival, leadership control and discipline.
Nyirenda’s position is further complicated by her own status. Having been dropped from party leadership previously, she does not currently speak from a clearly defined constitutional office within PF. Her comments therefore reflect factional sentiment rather than an official party resolution, underlining the blurred lines of authority now characterising PF’s public voice.
Taken together, the episode illustrates a party grappling not only with the consequences of a lost parliamentary battle, but with unresolved leadership legitimacy, procedural breakdowns and competing centres of power. As more PF figures continue to speak independently, the core question remains unanswered: who, if anyone, currently holds enforceable authority within the Patriotic Front.
For now, Nyirenda’s remarks do not settle that question. They instead reinforce a broader reality unfolding in real time: PF’s crisis is no longer confined to how it voted on Bill 7, but to whether it can still act, decide and discipline as a single political organisation.
UPND SAYS 2026 POLLS WILL PROVE PARTY’S CONTINUED ASSESSMENT OF ITS PERFORMANCE IS NOT SELF-PRAISE
By Chamuka Shalubala
UPND Deputy Secretary General, Getrude Imenda, says the 2026 general elections will prove that the party’s continued assessment of its performance since forming government in 2021 is not self-praise.
Speaking to Phoenix News, Ms. Imenda says the UPND administration is proud of what it has achieved so far, particularly the developmental and infrastructure projects currently being undertaken across the country.
Ms. Imenda says when President Hakainde Hichilema or any party member outlines achievements made since taking office, it is not self-praise but rather a moment of pride and accountability to citizens.
She adds that it is important for any government to highlight its achievements, stating that there is no harm in doing so.
Meanwhile, Ms. Imenda said she would refrain from commenting on developments within the opposition Patriotic Front, citing potential accusations of sponsorship.
NDC HOLDS LAST NATIONAL GOVERNING COUNCIL MEETING OF 2025, ENDORSES 2026 ELECTION PARTICIPATION AND CHAWAMA BY-ELECTION CAMPAIGN
20th December 2025 (Saturday)
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Party held this year’s last National Governing Council (NGC) meeting in Lusaka, chaired by Party President Ms. Saboi Imboela.
The meeting was attended by the Party Vice President Pastor Boyd Mwape Chibuye, the Secretary General, Deputy Secretary General Madam Hilda Namwila, Chairperson for Finance Mr. Michael Mwape, Chairperson for Elections Mr. James Zulu, Chairperson for Environment Mr. Enock Mbulo Tanganyika, Chairperson for Disability Inclusion, Madam Bertha Kalumba, Research and Development Chairperson Mr. Totoninga John Mutale, Chairperson for Labour Mr. Edmond Bwalya, Lusaka Provincial Chairman Mr. Simon Mulenga, among other NGC members.
Apologies were received from the Chairperson for Arts and Tourism Mr. Freeman Mwewa, the National Administrative Secretary Mr. Kwangu Mukupa, the Lusaka Provincial Chairlady Madam Susan, and the Chairperson for Commerce Mr. George Chingwe, among others.
The NGC deliberated on key party matters, including NDC participation in the 2026 General Elections, preparations for the General Conference, and the Chawama Parliamentary by-elections.
During the meeting, it was unanimously agreed that the NDC should participate in the 2026 General Elections. Potential aspiring candidates should be identified early, in addition to those candidates who have already shown willingness to stand on the NDC ticket, and that party mobilisation is intensified nationwide.
The Council further resolved that Provincial Conferences should commence as part of the party’s preparations for the upcoming General Conference.
Regarding the Chawama Parliamentary by-election, the NGC resolved to fully support the NDC candidate, Mr. James Phiri, and work collectively towards achieving victory. Members are encouraged to contribute towards financial, material, transport, and food support for party members and foot soldiers actively campaigning on the ground. The campaign budget for the Chawama by-election was approved to strengthen support for the candidate.
Party members are further urged to physically participate in the Chawama Constituency campaigns in solidarity with the candidate.
Following the NGC meeting, the party leadership visited the NDC candidate in Chawama Constituency to appreciate the work being carried out by the candidate, party officials and foot soldiers on the ground.
US SHOULD LEARN FROM CHINA, IF THEY WANT TO TRADE WITH US – HAABAZOKA
IF we have to see a lot of the interaction between Zambian and US businesses, the country should copy from China, says economist Dr Lubinda Haabazoka.
On Friday, US Ambassador to Zambia Michael Gonzales said the days of giving aid to Zambia while citizens get poisoned by pollution from Chinese mines and while American companies fail to do business due to bureaucratic corruption are over.
In an interview, Sunday, Dr Haabazoka said Zambians found it easy to deal with China because it was accessible and not restrictive.
“I think that being in defence of my own country, Zambia, does not prioritize a nation in terms of foreign direct investment, it does not prioritize the Chinese, the Indians, the Europeans, the Americans it is neutral.
Our laws are very neutral, and the best way to have a lot of American investment into the country is to allow Zambian citizens on road shows and market that particular country. At the moment, our visas have become very restrictive. So, how do they expect Zambians to partner or to go and look for investors in the USA when we cannot travel there.
They are saying that we are over staying. When you look at China, which is also developed and life is way cheaper and more affordable than in the United States of America, nobody is chasing us from China, and nobody is saying we are over staying,” he said.
“We have a lot of men and women who fly into China to go and look for potential investors to go and look at raw materials to buy from that particular country because it is easy for a businessman to go into China. If we have to see a lot of the interaction between Zambian and the US business, the USA should copy from China so that we can have access.
Look at how European investments have reduced in Zambia. It is the same thing. It has become difficult for Zambia to access Europe and, as such, European longer have information of what is happening in Zambia in terms of business. But we have a lot of business from Dubai, China, India, and South Africa because historically it has been very easy to reach each other’s nations and people are able to get information from each other”.
Dr Haabazoka said the USA investment was reducing across the globe because the country was restrictive.
“Look at how the Ethiopians are coming to Zambia to invest because Zambians are able to go to Ethiopia and look for partners and vice versa.
So, a policy of open borders is the one that is lending other countries to having more investments in Zambia than US investors. It is basically now impossible for any Zambian to convince the USA that I am going to look for investors it is difficult.
In fact, the entry has been even restricted, so how do they expect me to go and prioritize the USA to look for money or investment in the mining sector in the energy sector because I cannot access the USA. Even if I got a business partner, what kind of business partners to whose countries I cannot go to. So, this happening across the globe US investment is reducing across the globe,” he said.
Dr Haabazoka urged the US Embassy in Zambia to engage various players to see how they could encourage investors.
“So, I think this is not a Zambian government problem of prioritizing anybody, it is just the US procedures and rhetoric coming from them. We have great respect for the USA, China and India and others but we get what we get. If it is easier for me to go into Namibia, I will go and invest in Namibia.
But if it is difficult for a Zambian to go into Congo, I won’t do business in Congo, but if it is easy, I will do business in Congo. So, it is about our ability to move and the competitiveness of the business. So, we call upon the US embassy in Zambia to engage various players, including the Zambian government, to see how we can encourage investors. Investors coming to Zambia the government does need to be involved,” he said.
“PACCRA registration is online, and once you see business opportunities, you do not need to talk to a councillor or an MP or minister. There are a lot of Chinese that come into Zambia without talking to anybody, and they set up shops and start operating. Some have small shops and others have big businesses. So, Zambia is an open book”..
Dr Haabazoka further said Zambia was open to investors from across the world.
“I have taken note that the US government, [through] the ambassador has announced that there will be no more aid without trade and that we are not punishing others who are polluting Zambia. I think that as citizens, we could actually be very worried when foreign direct investment comes into the country through the government.
First, it is tied to aid, and it is tied to negotiations with the government. Zambia actually has conditions at the moment where a person can just buy a ticket and set up a company at PACCRA and get the necessary licenses, and most of them are paid for online and set up shop just like all other investors do. I think a point of correction would be that Zambia is open to investors from across the world, and we know that American investors are very good investors,” said Dr Haabazoka.
Botswana risks falling into the same economic traps that crippled Zambia and Nigeria if it fails to reduce its dependence on diamonds, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned.
Speaking at the Bank of Botswana’s 50th Anniversary Symposium in Gaborone, Abebe Aemro Selassie, Director of the IMF’s African Department, said history provides “sobering reminders” of how over-reliance on a single commodity can lead to economic collapse.
“The key lesson is simple but critical: commodity dependence without adequate buffers is dangerous,” Selassie told delegates. “When prices fall, the absence of fiscal and external cushions can turn a terms-of-trade shock into a full-blown crisis.”
He cited Zambia’s copper-driven crisis in the 2010s, when a plunge in global prices left the country saddled with unsustainable debt and forced into an IMF adjustment program.
Nigeria, long dependent on oil, has endured repeated fiscal and currency crises when oil prices crashed. Venezuela, Selassie said, offers “the starkest cautionary tale,” where collapsing oil revenues and governance failures unleashed hyperinflation and economic collapse.
For a more detailed read, visit: https://businessweekly.co.bw/news/imf-warns-botswana-against-repeating-zambia-nigerias-economic-mistakes
ECZ URGED TO RELEASE DELIMITATION REPORT BEFORE END OF YEAR
By Cecilia Zyambo
National Democratic Congress -NDC- president Saboi Imboela has appealed to the Electoral Commission of Zambia -ECZ– to release the delimitation report before the end of this year.
Ms. Imboela has emphasized that the release of the report is crucial for aspiring candidates and the electorate to know their areas and voting stations.
She has noted with concern that the report which was undertaken in 2019 has not yet been released and is of the view that the report should have been done before the nationwide voter registration and assenting of Bill 7 into law.
Ms. Imboela spoke to Phoenix News in an interview.
And Green Party leader Peter Sinkamba is of the view that ECZ should have conducted a fresh delimitation report instead of relying on the 2019 report.
A Response to Thandiwe Ketiš Ngoma, Facts Must Guide Constitutional Debate
By Tobbius Chilembo Hamunkoyo-LLB
The article by Thandiwe Ketiš Ngoma, which has been widely shared on a Patriotic Front PF page,in my view it is built on conclusions that are not supported by Zambian constitutional law.
Being shared on a political party page does not make an argument legally correct. Constitutional debate must be guided by facts and law, not political emotion or wishful thinking on social media.
To begin with, the Constitutional Court of Zambia never declared Constitution Amendment Bill No. 7 null and void. The Court did not stop Parliament from amending the Constitution. What the Court stated was that constitutional amendments should be preceded by wide consultation, preferably through a Technical Committee or a similar mechanism, to allow broader citizen input beyond representation through Members of Parliament.
This guidance from the Court was procedural, not prohibitive.To be honest it was not a cancellation of Bill 7, nor was it a legal barrier to Parliament continuing with the amendment process, people should be honest in this country. Describing Bill 7 as “STILLBORN” by Thandiwe Ketis Ngoma is therefore misleading and politically dishonest.Truth be told , in law, a statute only becomes invalid when a court of competent Jurisdiction expressly declares it unconstitutional. To date, no such judgment exists.
For the avoidance of doubt, Constitution Amendment Act No. 7 of 2025 is law. It was debated in Parliament and passed with 135 votes, far above the constitutional threshold of 111 votes required for constitutional amendments imagine. This was not a narrow or accidental outcome; it was an overwhelming parliamentary decision by people that Zambians sent to Parliament. The Bill was later assented to by the President voted by Zambians, as required by the Constitution. Once presidential assent is given, a law enjoys a presumption of constitutionality until a court rules otherwise. Articles, opinions, CSO statements, or Facebook posts cannot suspend the operation of the Constitution.
No individual, political party, or civil society organisation has the power to invalidate a law that was lawfully passed by Parliament. Members of Parliament are constitutionally mandated representatives of the people of Zambia, including civil society interests. When they vote in Parliament, they exercise authority directly derived from the people of Zambia. Disagreeing with how MPs voted does not take away the legality of their mandate, let us be honest mwebantu (people) .
Madam Ngoma’s claim that an “illegal process cannot produce a legal outcome” deliberately ignores how constitutional democracy functions in Zambia and the world at large.
Zambia operates under the separation of powers. Parliament makes laws, the Executive initiates and assents to laws, and the Judiciary interprets the law and determines validity. If there were procedural defects, the correct forum is the courts of competent Jurisdiction, not the media or political commentary.
Her comparison of Bill 7 to apartheid South Africa is not only misplaced but irresponsible. Apartheid was a racially oppressive system that denied fundamental rights and violated international law. Bill 7 does nothing of the sort. It does not abolish elections, it does not disenfranchise citizens, and it does not suspend constitutional governance. Such unfounded and exaggerated comparisons weaken serious constitutional discourse.
There is also persistent confusion about public participation. Zambia is a representative democracy, not a referendum state. Public consultation is important, but it does not replace Parliament. MPs are elected to legislate on behalf of the people, and they exercised that authority as provided for under the Constitution.
Let us be honest, disagreement with a law does not make it unconstitutional. The legal position is therefore clear. There is no court judgment nullifying Bill 7. The Constitutional Court only gave guidance on consultation. Constitution Amendment Act No. 7 of 2025 remains valid law. Anyone who believes otherwise is free to challenge it in the court of competent Jurisdiction. Denying its existence, however, is not a legal argument, it is actually political dreaming.
Finally, it must be said plainly, President Hakainde Hichilema is playing constitutional chess, not checkers. By following parliamentary procedure, securing overwhelming legislative support, and respecting institutional roles, he has effectively checkmated his critics within the confines of the law. Criticism is welcome in a democracy, but it must be grounded in legal reality.
This matter is settled in law. Future amendments may still be debated or challenged through lawful means. But refusing to accept an existing law is not constitutional bravery. If anything, It is political denial disguised as legal reasoning, full stop.
MWEETWA SAYS ZAMBIA’S ECONOMY ON RECOVERY PATH,ASSURES IMPROVED POWER SUPPLY IS HERE TO STAY
Lusaka 22nd December 2025
By Jack Makayi
Minister of Information and Media and Chief Government Spokesperson, Hon. Cornelius Mweetwa, MP, says Zambia’s economy has recorded significant improvements and is firmly on a path to recovery, despite challenges caused by the 2023–2024 drought.
Speaking on ZNBC’s Sunday Interview programme last night, Mr. Mweetwa outlined government’s economic outlook, the current energy situation, and the implications of the newly enacted Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 7.
Economic Outlook
Mr. Mweetwa revealed that Zambia’s macroeconomic indicators have shown marked improvement, with inflation declining from about 17 percent at the beginning of the year to approximately 10.9 percent in November, and projections indicating a move to single-digit inflation by year-end.
He described as “historic” the accumulation of over US$5.2 billion in foreign exchange reserves, giving Zambia more than five months of import cover for the first time in the country’s history.
The Minister said the country is expected to end 2025 on a strong footing despite the effects of the severe drought, adding that Zambia remains committed to economic stability, recovery, and inclusive governance.
He further noted progress in key sectors, particularly agriculture, where the country recorded an unprecedented super bumper harvest in 2025. Mr. Mweetwa added that fuel prices, mealie meal prices, and exchange rates have all shown positive trends.
He attributed the gains to what he termed focused and disciplined leadership under President Hakainde Hichilema, stating that Zambia has repositioned itself globally as a strategic player in copper and critical minerals for the clean energy transition.
Energy Sector
Mr. Mweetwa acknowledged that the energy sector remains one of the country’s most pressing challenges, with load shedding being the most painful experience for citizens during the year.
He confirmed that recent improvements in electricity supply — with some areas experiencing up to 10 hours of power — are largely due to power imports from Mozambique and the utilisation of regional transmission infrastructure, following high-level engagements by President Hichilema with regional leaders.
The Minister assured Zambians that the improved power supply is “here to stay”, with additional generation capacity expected to come on stream.
He disclosed that the government is accelerating investments in alternative energy sources, including solar and thermal power, citing progress at Maamba Collieries’ Phase Two thermal power plant, which is approximately 60 per cent complete.
Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 7 On governance reforms, Mr. Mweetwa said the enactment of Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 7 represents a major milestone in Zambia’s democratic development.
He disclosed that President Hichilema has directed all Members of Parliament, regardless of political affiliation, to return to their constituencies and explain the constitutional amendments clause by clause to citizens.
Key provisions of the amendments include constituency delimitation to improve representation and service delivery, as well as measures aimed at enhancing the participation of women, youths, and persons with disabilities in governance.
Mr. Mweetwa welcomed the positive response from women’s organisations, youth groups, labour movements, and disability rights organisations, noting that their long-standing calls for reform had finally been addressed.
He also expressed gratitude to citizens who publicly supported the amendments, saying their solidarity encouraged Members of parliament to rise above partisan interests.
PF MPs and By-elections
Meanwhile, Mr. Mweetwa dismissed reports of the expulsion of Patriotic Front (PF) Members of Parliament who supported Bill No. 7, describing the move as illegal and politically motivated.
He categorically stated that no by-elections would arise from the alleged expulsions, explaining that Article 76 of the Constitution and the Parliamentary Privileges and Immunities Act protect Members of Parliament from external interference in how they debate and vote.
Mr. Mweetwa emphasized that, as Chief Government Spokesperson, it is his constitutional duty to defend Parliament whenever it is subjected to unlawful attack, adding that his remarks should not be misconstrued as interference in party affairs but rather as a defence of constitutional order
Birthdays invite reflection, and on mine, I find joy in celebrating a friend who has walked with me through seasons of growth and grace.
When we first moved from Chilenje South to our new neighbourhood in Kaunda Square Stage 1 in the 1990s, I soon discovered that one of our neighbours was a pastor. He was a quiet, composed man, yet genuinely friendly. Before long, he invited me to attend his church. At the time, the church met in a classroom at Munali Secondary School.
I must admit, I was deeply lost in my own dark world then and church was not a place I imagined myself going. For a long while, I politely, but deliberately evaded his invitations. Yet he remained persistent. Eventually, I agreed to go, not because I was persuaded, but because I wanted to appease him.
That Sunday morning turned out to be far more than a courtesy visit. God had other plans. The message preached that day fell like fruitful seed upon the fertile soil of my heart. I still remember, with striking clarity, the moment I answered the altar call and received Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour. It felt as though a heavy burden had been lifted from my shoulders. From that day forward, my life has never been the same.
But my conversion to Christianity is not the centre of this story.
As I settled into that local church, I came to know several people who would shape my life in meaningful ways. Among them was a young man with whom I would later form a deep and enduring bond—the pastor’s eldest son, Makebi Zulu.
Makebi was young, ruddy and remarkably intelligent, a primary school pupil whose mind already reached far beyond his years. At that tender age, Makebi already had this ability to expertly extrapolate the word of God in a way that left lasting impact on people. I often found myself pausing, almost mesmerised, as he unfolded the Word of God with clarity and depth, or as he expressed himself in prayer. Even at a very young age, he possessed a rare ability to inspire. Indeed, he inspired me in many ways and, in no small measure, contributed to my growth in my Christian walk and my decision later, to pursue law as a career.
Over the years, our bond has only grown stronger. We remain close friends to this day. Our wives have become friends, and so have our children. Life has woven our stories together in a way that goes beyond mere acquaintance. It is a union grounded in shared values, respect and time-tested loyalty.
When Makebi first declared his intention to stand for Republican President, many people who knew of our relationship reached out to me. Some called with excitement, others with curiosity, keen to know more about the man behind the ambition. Yet one question arose repeatedly: Is he truly proficient for the job?
My answer required no deliberation. To me, it was an obvious and unequivocal yes.
I believe Makebi Zulu was born with three exceptional gifts: a powerful mind, a courageous inner attitude and an extraordinary ability to bring out the best in others.
Anyone who comes close to him is immediately struck by the ethereal beauty of his mind. He loves knowledge. He embodies personal growth and is deeply committed to continuous learning. He does not merely accept the status quo; he interrogates it. He stretches settled ideas, searching relentlessly for better ways of doing things. And yet, for all this intellectual depth, he remains soft-spoken and profoundly humble—soft, but courageous.
In all my years, I have rarely encountered someone as courageous and resolute in their inner attitude as Makebi. He is unafraid. He is steadfast. Storms have indeed battered his boat, but not one has broken him. He stands firmly for what he believes in, even when his very life is threatened. He is committed to doing what is right and to walking the right path, even when that path is uncertain, lonely, or costly. And when knocked down, he has an extraordinary ability to bounce back into shape.
At the very heart of my admiration, however, lies his ability to bring out the best in people. Makebi has a rare gift of seeing the good in others. He believes in the rule of law. He stands for justice. He defends the weak, the marginalised and the maligned. He creates space for others to grow, to shine and to contribute meaningfully.
Let me be clear: he is no angel. He is human. Yet I am deeply impressed by the man he has become. What qualifies Makebi Zulu for the office of Republican President is not merely his abilities or natural gifts, but his openness, his willingness to learn, to grow and to allow others to spread their gifts and talents around him. In this way, he rises not alone, but with others, rising like the sun of righteousness, bringing healing in its wings.
So, would I honestly entrust the captainship of Mother Zambia into the hands of this remarkable young man? My answer is an emphatic yes.
Would I encourage others to do the same? My answer remains, without hesitation, an emphatic yes.
Mususu Kalenga Speaker, Writer, Lawyer and Entrepreneur
CHIPOLOPOLO striker Patson Daka says he has learned not to put too much pressure on himself when goals delay, stating that patience and doing the right things on the pitch will always bring results.
Speaking after Zambia’s hard-fought debut match at the ongoing AFCON, Daka, who rescued Zambia with a late header in stoppage time, explained that while scoring goals is his main job as a striker, football is not always predictable and players must remain calm during difficult moments.
The Leicester City forward said he understands the expectations placed on him by fans and the nation, but he no longer allows criticism or dry spells to affect his confidence or focus.
“I know I’m a striker and I need to score goals. If it doesn’t happen, I don’t really stress myself because I know that as long as I’m doing what’s right, then goals will come,” Daka said.
Daka’s late intervention capped off a tense AfCON 2025 Group A encounter in which Zambia were forced to fight to equalise and salvage a point.
Mali had the chance to take early control of the match after being awarded a first-half penalty, but goalkeeper Willard Mwanza kept Chipolopolo alive with a crucial save to deny El Bilal Touré.
The West Africans eventually broke the deadlock in the 61st minute through Lassine Sinayoko, putting Zambia under pressure as time ticked away.
Refusing to surrender, the Copper Bullets increased the tempo and pushed forward in the closing stages, a move that paid off deep into added time when Daka rose highest to head home the equaliser and snatch a point.
The result leaves Group A delicately balanced, with Zambia still firmly in contention as the tournament progresses.
Chipolopolo will now shift focus to their next group fixture slated for Thursday, December 29, 2026, at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca, hoping the fighting spirit shown against Mali will inspire a stronger run in the remaining matches.
At the moment, hosts, Morocco are leading group A with three points after beating Comoros.
K300 POWER CONNECTION DEAL ROLLS OUT NATIONWIDE, TARGETING 100,000 NEW USERS
22 December 2025
Zambia has taken a major step toward universal electricity access with the official rollout of the K300 last-mile power connection subsidy, a bold initiative aimed at slashing the cost of getting connected to the national grid..
Launched by the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) in partnership with ZESCO Limited, the programme is part of the ASCENT Zambia Project, a five-year, US$450 million energy investment combining World Bank and Government support.
Under the scheme, households and small businesses—particularly in rural and peri-urban areas—will now pay just K300 for a standard single-phase electricity connection, down from K4,846. The subsidy is designed to remove cost barriers that have kept thousands of Zambians in the dark.
The initiative targets 100,000 new on-grid connections in 2026, with each province allocated 10,000 connections in the initial phase to ensure fair national coverage.
Priority is given to applicants located within 30 metres of an existing low-voltage pole, with special encouragement extended to women-headed households and female-owned enterprises.
REA and ZESCO will review uptake after the first 30 days and may reallocate provincial quotas to maximise impact and utilisation.
Eligible members of the public are urged to apply early. Full details on eligible areas and application procedures are available through official REA and ZESCO platforms and at local offices.
Affordable power is no longer a promise—it has officially begun.
ZAMBIA NOT READY TO TRANSITION TO ELECTRIC BUSES-MUKANGA
Former Minister of Energy, Yamfwa Mukanga, says Zambia is not ready to transition to electric buses due to the country’s ongoing energy deficit.
His remarks follow government plans to introduce electric buses as part of a shift away from diesel-powered public transport.
But speaking in an interview with RCV News in Lusaka today, Mr. Mukanga said that while the idea is commendable, government must first focus on addressing the energy crisis if the initiative is to be sustainable.
“It’s not possible for the country to transition to electric buses now, unless in future after adequate planning”, said Mr. Mukanga.
Mr. Mukanga stressed that this initiative is only possible if it were to be implemented only for short distances and maintain the diesel-powered public transport for long distances until the country is prepared and ready for full implementation.
He explained that long-distance public transport will require frequent recharging, which could cause delays for passengers, therefore, the need for government to effectively plan before the implementation.
Mr. Mukanga further questioned how the government plans to meet the increased electricity demand when the country is already struggling with power generation.
He further warned that rushing the initiative within a short period could result in financial losses, as inadequate power supply would make it difficult to charge the buses, thereby collapsing the economy.
