EU Shows Middle Finger to Trump Admin – Pumps Billions Into South Africa’s Future
The European Union has just delivered a massive blow to Donald Trump’s administration, announcing billions of Euros in new investments for South Africa’s energy and transport infrastructure — right in the middle of rising tension between Pretoria and Washington.
Speaking in Sandton, the EU delegation didn’t mince words: climate change is hitting developing nations hardest, and South Africa deserves real partners who show up with money, not threats.
What the EU Is Bringing to SA
Nearly €12 billion set aside for South Africa’s green energy, transport, digital systems, and infrastructure development.
Rail and port upgrades, cleaner public transport, and major support for the Just Energy Transition.
Investments focused on creating jobs, building renewable energy capacity, and reducing SA’s reliance on coal.
欄 Why SA & the EU Are Getting Closer
South Africa and the EU have strengthened ties for years — trade, investment, climate cooperation, and technology partnerships. Europe is one of SA’s biggest investors, and now they’re doubling down while others pull back.
Why This Is Giving the U.S. Chest Pains
Let’s be honest — Washington won’t like this. The Trump administration has been dragging its feet on climate finance, cutting global commitments, and clashing with South Africa on diplomacy. Now the EU swoops in with billions and steals the spotlight — a direct message that SA has global options.
This move basically tells the U.S.: “If you won’t support Africa’s future, step aside — others will.”
The Bigger Picture
South Africa gets real investment, not political bullying.
The EU boosts its influence while the U.S. isolates itself.
SA strengthens its role as a leader in the global green transition.
Bottom line: The EU just backed South Africa in a way the Trump administration never would — with money on the table and respect in the room. And America? They can go cry about it.
LUBINDA DROPS PF CHAIRPERSON MPANKANTA AND ACTING SG, BRENDA NYIRENDA
..as he appoints Miles Sampa and Celestine Mukandila as Deputy Secretary Generals Pllitics and Administration…
Lusaka-Friday, 21st November 2025
In a dramatic turn of events, Patriotic Front Acting President Given Lubinda has with immediate removed Chairperson of the Party and Lupososhi MP, Hon. Emmanuel Mpankanta Musonda and Acting Secretary General, and Lundazi MP, Hon. Brenda Nyirenda from the Central Committee.
He has also dropped from the Central Committee Milanzi MP, Hon.Melessiana Phiri, former Secretary General Hon. Davies Mwila, and provincial Chairpersons, Chomba Chipili (Northern Province), Christopher Shakafuswa (Lusaka), Abyud Kawangu (North-Western), Tombi Tombi(Western Province).Further, Lubinda has appointed former Minister, Jean Kapata as Acting National Chairperson, Jean Kapata.
He has also appointed Matero MP, Miles Sampa and lawyer, Celestine Mukandila as Deputy Secretary General (Politics and Administration)
Earlier Lubinda cancelled the Central Committee Meeting scheduled for Saturday, 22nd November 2025.
The Meeting was planned to resolve outstanding issues such as the venue,mode of transport, approve the register of delegates, and the appointments of electoral commission for the General Conference.
He said he made the decision reluing on the provisions of Article 61(J) of the Patriotic Front.
BREAKING NEWS: Plot to Illegally Remove PF Acting President Given Lubinda Underway!
We are receiving confirmed reports of a highly controversial and potentially ILLEGAL meeting happening RIGHT NOW at the PF Secretariat in Lusaka.
Reliable sources indicate that PF National Chairman, Mr. Mpankata, is personally calling specific Members of the Central Committee (MCC) from various provinces.
Mpankata’s mission is to rally MCC’s known for their consistent absence from meetings to convene for one purpose: a vote to remove Hon. Given Lubinda as MCC and Acting President.
This is a desperate and unconstitutional power grab.
This is not a legitimate democratic process. It is a deliberate attempt to subvert the PF constitution and create chaos.- BWT
SUBJECT: SEVEN SUSPECTS APPREHENDED IN KABWE INCIDENT
November 21, 2025 — Following the incident that occurred on November 19, 2025, around 12:00 hours at 3 Seasons Lodge in Kabwe, during which Honourable Given Lubinda was allegedly harassed by a mob, Police in Kabwe conducted an intelligence-led operation today, November 21, 2025, and have so far apprehended seven male suspects, all residents of Kabwe, in connection with the matter.
The suspects have been identified as:
1. Mbesuma Bernard, aged 35, of Kamuchanga Compound 2. Edwin Mukwaila, aged 40, of Kamuchanga Compound 3. Mainza Moonga, aged 35, of Kamuchanga Compound 4. Wesley Sichangala, aged 32, of Makululu Compound
5. Shenny Mwanza, aged 20, of Katondo Compound 6. Pascal Puta, aged 20, of Katondo Compound 7. Choax Banda, aged 26, of High Ridge Investigations are ongoing, and the public will be informed of further developments.
The suspects are currently in custody awaiting formal charges.
Meanwhile, Police in Kabwe have invited Honourable Given Lubinda, the complainant, to submit a formal statement and complete the required case-complaint formalities to support the ongoing investigation.
The Zambia Police Service reiterates its zero-tolerance stance on political violence. Such conduct is criminal, and we caution would-be offenders that the Police will ensure perpetrators face the full force of the law.
UPND’s ONLY OPPOSITION IS LOAD SHEDDING, PF IS DEAD – LISWANISO
UPND National Chairman Gilbert Liswaniso dismissed the opposition Patriotic Front (PF) as a “dead party” with no political relevance, saying that the party’s only chance of revival depends on the acts of violence carried out by UPND supporters.
Speaking in Luanshya and Mufulira on the Copperbelt, Liswaniso condemned the violence and urged Zambians to reject such actions, which he said were responsible for the PF’s electoral defeat. Liswaniso emphasized that the UPND’s main challenge is load shedding, which he described as the party’s “only opposition”.
He called on party officials to focus on mobilizing members to acquire voter cards for President Hichilema’s re-election and to educate the public about the government’s efforts to end power outages.
“The only opposition we have is load shedding, PF is dead,” Liswaniso declared, urging party leaders to prioritize addressing this issue to secure the party’s re-election bid.
Njobvu has emphasized that they’ll be gnashing of teeth in the UPND camp if another person aside from him is elected president next year
By Francis Chipalo
Ackim Antony Njobvu, President for the Democratic Union has assured Zambians that they will be gnashing of teeth in the UPND camp if another person aside from him gets elected as president in 2026.
Njobvu states that the anger and bitterness between UPND and the Patriotic Front (PF) needs a neutral person as president in order for the country to move forward.
“If another person aside from me is elected as president, they will make sure they come and deal with the UPND. Bazakalila (they’ll cry). They’ll be weeping and gnashing of teeth in the UPND camp,” Njobvu said.
Njobvu said the country cannot continue on this trajectory where two political parties are always fighting at the expense of national development.
The outspoken opposition leader has assured HH and the UPND of total protection once they hand over power to him, adding that President Hakainde Hichilema would enjoy his status as a former head of state with the Democratic Union in government.
“For us to see development, we need a neutral person like me because I have no issues with either PF or UPND members. My only focus is national development and uniting this country,” he said.
Njobvu warned that for as long as Zambians continue with UPND and PF or its aligned persons, the nation will remain stuck.
He was speaking during an interview on Power FM earlier in the week.
WE’LL CLOSE NOMINATIONS 48 HRS BEFORE CONVENTION – PF
PF faction Deputy Secretary General Brenda Nyirenda says the party will close presidential nominations 48 hours before the party’s general conference.
Meanwhile, former defence minister Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba says politics is the last thing on his mind, stating that he is focusing on his health.
In an interview, Wednesday, Nyirenda said eight people had filed in their party presidential nominations.
“They can still file in their nominations up to 48 hours before the convention, that is according to our constitution. Eight people have filed in their nominations, and no one has withdrawn. All of them have gone out and they are campaigning,” said Nyirenda.
Meanwhile, Mwamba, who had previously paid to contest the PF Presidency, said he was focusing on his health.
“I am still not too well to even focus on politics. Now I am concentrating on my health, it comes first. As I talk to you now, I am preparing again to go back to the hospital in South Africa. So, politics for now, I think, should be my last thought,” said Mwamba.
MY SUBMISSION TO THE TECHNICAL COMMITTEE ON CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS =========== PREABLE Firstly, I wish to differ with those protesting against the Technical Committee on Constitutional Amendments (TCCA), alleging that it is unconstitutional. In my view, the Technical Committee is properly established under our Constitution.
Those opposing the Committee appear to be doing so frivolously. Initially, they objected when the constitutional amendment process was initiated through Parliament. The President then responded to their concerns by appointing the Technical Committee, yet the same individuals continue to oppose the process. I find this retrogressive, and I believe it should not be entertained by well-meaning Zambians
We urgently need constitutional amendments, especially considering how long this process has been ongoing, even dating back to the failure of Bill 10 during the Patriotic Front administration.
As a citizen and as President of the Economic and Equity Party, I fully support the appointment of the Technical Committee and the work they are doing. I am therefore pleased to make the following submissions:
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1. PRESIDENTIAL TERM LIMIT The current Constitution provides that a President may serve two consecutive terms of five years each. I propose that this clause be removed, allowing an individual to contest for President without a term limit, but still subject to elections every five years.
My reasoning is as follows:
• If a President is not performing, the people will naturally vote him or her out.
• If the President is performing well, he or she should be allowed to continue serving, rather than being restricted by an artificial two-term limit.
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2. RUNNING MATE CLAUSE
I propose that the running mate clause be removed. From experience, the running mate is not directly elected by the people, yet may assume the presidency if the elected President is unable to serve. The running mate’s position is dependent on the popularity of the presidential candidate, not their own mandate. Instead, I propose that:
• The Vice President should be appointed by the President.
• Should the President be unable to complete the term, the appointed Vice President should assume office, since even the running mate is effectively chosen by the President.
• Alternatively, the country may return to elections. While costly, this option is preferable to having a President who was not directly elected by the people.
We have seen in other countries how difficult it becomes when the Vice President differs with the President. Because both enjoy constitutionally protected tenure, it creates administrative paralysis. Removing the running mate clause would help prevent such situations.
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3. VOTE OF NO CONFIDENCE IN THE PRESIDENT
I propose the introduction of a mechanism allowing Parliament to pass a vote of no confidence in the President by a two-thirds majority
This would ensure that:
• A President remains accountable for the promises made to the electorate;
• If a President fails to deliver, Parliament may trigger a national election;
• If a President performs well, he or she may continue serving without the limitations of a term cap.
In the event that the President is removed through such a vote, I propose that the Chief Justice assume office on an interim basis before the next elected President takes over.
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4. PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION FOR MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT
While maintaining the requirement that the President be elected by a 50% + 1 majority, I propose that Members of Parliament be elected through a system of proportional representation based on the total votes each political party receives.
I further propose that political parties be required to consider:
• Gender balance, and
• Representation of persons with disabilities, according to prescribed percentages, when nominating candidates to Parliament.
________________________________________ 5. INCREASING PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATIONS TO PARLIAMENT TO 20
To enhance inclusivity in Parliament, particularly regarding regional balance, youth representation, persons with disabilities, and women, I propose increasing the number of presidential nominations from 8 to 20.
This would give the President more latitude to ensure national diversity and representation, especially in regions where the ruling party may not have performed well electorally
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6. PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS ON NATIONAL VALUES AND PRINCIPLES
I propose that the annual Presidential Address to Parliament on National Values and Principles be scrapped.
Instead, the President should have a designated day each year, preferably towards the end of the parliamentary calendar, to appear before Parliament and respond to questions directly related to the deliverables outlined during the official opening of Parliament.
This approach will promote transparency, accountability, and direct engagement with elected representatives.
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7. INDEPENDENT MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT
Article 51(a) currently requires that independent candidates must not have been members of a political party for at least two months before the general elections.
I propose that this period be extended to six months. This requirement should also apply to civil servants wishing to run for office. They should be required to resign at least six months before the election date. This ensures fairness, transparency, and adequate preparation for all candidates.
https://youtu.be/yiecXDxJ2Yo?si=mpemCDLMQ9Dgvoer
________________________________________
8. CONSTITUTIONAL COURT STRUCTURE
The Constitution currently establishes the Constitutional Court as the final court for constitutional matters.
I propose the creation of a subordinate constitutional court to hear constitutional cases at first instance before they proceed to the Constitutional Court.
This would: • Improve judicial efficiency,
• Reduce the burden on the Constitutional Court, and
• Ensure that constitutional questions receive thorough and structured preliminary consideration.
THE POLITICS AT THE MINISTRY OF ENERGY ARE FAILING YOU, MR. PRESIDENT
The energy sector is one of the most critical pillars of a thriving economy. It requires careful oversight from higher offices, especially the Presidency, to ensure stability and growth.
Mr. President, given the importance of this issue and after making several attempts to engage the Ministry of Energy, I have decided to bring to your attention that the internal politics within the ministry do not reflect your public commitments to cost-reflective pricing and efficiency.
From an international public policy perspective, the situation in our energy sector is deeply concerning. Across the world from the United States to the European Union, and even within regional blocs like SADC energy governance is anchored on transparency, competitive markets, and diversification of suppliers to protect citizens from artificial shortages and price manipulation.
Modern energy policy discourages monopolies and promotes open procurement systems to ensure affordability, supply security, and resilience. When government institutions block competitive local suppliers and allow a few actors to dominate the market, it undermines these globally accepted principles and exposes the country to economic vulnerability. Zambia cannot compete in a globalized economy if our energy sector is captured by narrow interests instead of being guided by international best practices in efficiency, fairness, and accountability.I am surprised that some locally owned companies who have gone the extra mile and even offered the government lower prices for essential commodities continue to be blocked. I have been approached by these companies multiple times, and I fail to understand how suppliers who offer higher prices and contribute to shortages are the ones being favored. What have they done to hold the country, and your government, to ransom?
I am surprised that some locally owned companies who have gone the extra mile and even offered the government lower prices for essential commodities continue to be blocked. I have been approached by these companies multiple times, and I fail to understand how suppliers who offer higher prices and contribute to shortages are the ones being favored. What have they done to hold the country, and your government, to ransom?
You need to intervene in the politics currently at play within the Ministry of Energy. Many businesses have suffered significant losses due to the challenges in our energy sector.
Why should a few individuals monopolize and control access to supply pipelines, especially when they are failing to meet the country’s demand?
This is a crucial moment, and such matters should neither be tolerated nor overlooked, Mr. President. I urge you to pay close attention and intervene in what is happening within the Ministry of Energy.
As I speak, the local company I referred to is fully ready to supply the commodity at a more reasonable price. So I ask: What is the true interest of those who continue to purchase the commodity at a higher cost? Do they care about the struggles of ordinary citizens whom you vowed to defend and for whom you promised to create a conducive business environment?
I submit respectfully, Sikaile C. Sikaile Independent Aspiring MP, Katombola Constituency 2026
GOVERNMENT REDUCES FERTILISER PRICE TO BOOST FARMER SUPPORT
Government has announced a reduction in the price of fertiliser, with a 50-kilogramme bag now costing about 750 Kwacha, down from approximately 1,050 Kwacha.
Vice President Mutale Nalumango said the reduction is a result of positive and targeted policies that Government has implemented.
Speaking in the National Assembly during the Vice President’s Question Time, Mrs. Nalumango was responding to Lubansenshi Member of Parliament, Kabwe Chewe, who sought clarification on measures being taken to lower fertiliser prices.
Mr. Chewe also asked what Government is doing to ensure that farmers outside the Farmers Input Support Programme (FISP) have access to farming inputs.
Mrs. Nalumango explained that some vulnerable but viable farmers not under FISP are receiving inputs through the Ministry of Community Development.
She added that Government has also introduced support mechanisms such as the Sustainable Agriculture Financing Facility (SAFF).
The Vice President noted that the facility, administered through commercial banks, provides loans to farmers wishing to expand or strengthen their agricultural activities. She said the initiative has performed well, with most beneficiaries taking ownership of the programme and recording growth in their farming operations.
WHAT PF DID TO ZAMBIA IS LIKE SOMEONE WHO GOES TO POO, AND THEN SAY: THE NEXT PERSON WILL COME AND FLUSH-Now, the one who comes to clean the mess never forgets, that’s why HH and the UPND finds it difficult to stop talking about PF because they know how paying back someone’s debt stinks.
Yes, just like in the case of a toilet; when it’s left dirty-finger pointing starts. The one cleaning the mess will always reprimand the one who went there first.
I can never tell anyone what to do with their voters card, but only someone suffering from a disease called, ‘severe ignorance’ would wish PF back into power. Actually, we are clapping for ECL for the infrastructure development, yet it’s HH doing the actual paying/negotiations of payments today.
Most of the projects we saw during PF if not all, were done for the future to come and pay. They used borrowed money and they borrowed carelessly.
One would even wonder, just how we found ourselves in so much debt when we had debt cancellation in 2005.
It is even on record, that after benefitting from Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) debt cancellation in 2005, the Zambian government went on a borrowing spree in the years between 2010 and 2020, borrowing heavily from international financial markets and from non-traditional lenders, including China. Funds were used to finance several infrastructure projects with unclear returns, or with returns that would only materialise long after the debt matured; but also general government consumption.
For example, over 40% of the USD 750 million 2012 Eurobond was disbursed to ZESCO to finance the Kafue Gorge Lower Power Station project, and to Zambia Railways to support track rehabilitation and the purchase of new rail track materials respectively. The Kafue Gorge project was only commissioned in 2023, a year after the Eurobond matured. And the poor commercial viability of Zambia Railways was already a clear sign that the investment into the company was never going to realise significant returns, let alone pay back the initial financing. As conditions worsened, by November 2020, Zambia became the first African country to default on its debt. For argument sake, this information is available and further explained on the World Bank website.
The above information speaks more about Mwanawasa’s leadership, at the same time questioning the leadership of RB, Sata and ECL. It also speaks volumes why ECL’s practicing license was suspended by LAZ in 2010.
As debt levels soared in 2015, the government’s response was to stop publishing debt reports or mentioning the overall debt levels in their speeches and official documents. Some numbers were provided, but they were never aggregated. It was left to the reader to solve the puzzle. Annual debt reports were last made public on the Ministry of Finance website in 2012, and since then, no quarterly debt reports have been published. Since 2012, the only published debt numbers have been found in government speeches and other economic reports. That’s according to the World Bank’s report of, 2017. The PF Government, was in fact actively limiting public disclosures on public debt.
Otherwise, until 2023, Zambia did not have a law that provided for citizens’ rights to access public information, making it very difficult to request data from government when this was not proactively made available. This made PF government borrow money secretly, as the law even further permitted the Minister of finance to borrow without parliament’s approval.
Today there’s is transparency, all financial reports you can find them on the Ministry of Finance page or website.
Otherwise, I doubt if PF even knew how much they had borrowed when they were leaving power. Nonetheless, I also sense misappropriation of funds as a result of a number of elections in between 2010 and 2020-the period measured by World Bank. Loans were carelessly contracted.
Anyway, I guess you now know where the high cost of living is is coming from? Most of our money in the budget, goes towards paying debt (debt servicing).
To date, Zambia’s debt to China alone is estimated to be $2.6 billion. Making China, Zambia’s biggest creditor, accounting for 14% of the country’s total external debt.
Let me briefly, show you some of the projects during PF and their funding;
1. The $360million loan from the Exim Bank of China for the Construction (modernization) of Kenneth Kaunda International Airport. This project, the Zambian government only contributed about $25 million and it was constructed by China Jiangxi International. This loan was signed in September 2014, it had a grace period of 7 years. The principal payments worth $110 million were due in 2020 but we defaulted.
2. In 2016, the Ministry of Home Affairs entered into a contract with Mikalile for the supply and delivery of police uniforms and equipment at a contract sum of $59.9million. Following the non-availability of funds, the Ministry of Finance further signed a Supplier Credit Agreement with Mikalile Trading Company Limited of Hong Kong. That’s on record, in the Auditor General’s report.
3. The Auditor General’s report on Zambia’s external debt stock for the financial years ended December 31, 2006 to 2022 revealed that in October 27, 2017, the Ministry of Education signed a contract of worth US$401.8million with Mikalile Trading Company for the supply and installation of school materials and equipment. Another source is Bloomberg, identifying Mikalile’s company as Mikalile Trading Company LTD of Hong Kong. This loan was due in December 2021, but the government defaulted as Mikalile had pending issues with ACC; citing that the contract was overpriced by US$59.8million.
4. In 2021, PF Government had gone back to Stephen Mulenga Mikalile; through his company, Mikalile Trading and borrowed $300million. This loan was confirmed by the 2021 Ministry of Finance report, as part of the country’s foreign debt: meant to finance projects.
These are just 2 examples of the many foreign lending institutions Zambia borrowed from. The payment of this debt is underway as on the other hand-debt restructuring deal is at 94% and almost concluding. This, if concluded; would make Zambia an attractive investment destination. And as it stands, the way the current government is treating debt, we might end up having our debt cancelled.
This is my prayer for Zambia. May God see us through as a nation, as we go towards elections, may he open our eyes to see; to help us, make an informed decision even before August 2026. May we not allow to be taken for granted again. We know that others are gifted in talking despite leaving us in so much debt; father we know that they’re good actors, I pray that may we not fall for their lies
PRESIDENT HICHILEMA DEDICATES HONORARY DOCTORATE TO ZAMBIA’S HARD-WORKING FARMERS
Lusaka, November 21, 2025
PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has dedicated his Honorary Doctorate in Agribusiness to Zambia’s hardworking farmers, saying their efforts have helped transform the country into a regional agricultural powerhouse.
Speaking during a special convocation ceremony held at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka, where he was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate for Transformative Leadership in Agribusiness, President Hichilema said he was humbled by the recognition and attributed Zambia’s progress in agriculture to the resilience and commitment of its people.
“I dedicate this Honorary Doctorate to all our hardworking farmers across the country. It is through their efforts that Zambia has recorded a bumper harvest and become a net exporter of fertilizer to nine countries,” President Hichilema said.
The President revealed that Zambia produced 4 million metric tonnes of maize this year, a remarkable achievement despite experiencing one of the worst droughts in living memory.
He said the success demonstrates the strength of the government’s agricultural reforms and the dedication of small-scale and commercial farmers alike.
“Agriculture is a business, and it must advance education, innovation, and transformation in our economy. With the bumper harvest, we must value export markets in neighbouring countries as Zambia positions itself as the food basket for the region,” he said.
President Hichilema noted that the government is formalising cross-border trade to boost regional exports and ensure farmers benefit from their produce.
“While in opposition, we pledged to end the practice of calling informal trade ‘smuggling.’ Today, that commitment is a reality, we have signed an export deal to supply 200,000 metric tonnes of maize to Malawi,” he said.
The President further urged Zambians to embrace agriculture as a business to drive sustainable national development and improve livelihoods.
“If we take agriculture seriously, we will generate the resources to fund free education, student meal allowances, exam fees, classroom blocks, maternity wings, and other social services for our citizens,” he said.
President Hichilema reiterated his government’s resolve to make agriculture the cornerstone of Zambia’s economic transformation agenda, ensuring that the country’s food security and export capacity continue to grow.
ECZ Records Over 1 Million New Voter Registrations Nationwide
The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has registered 1,028,503 new voters across the country during the ongoing Mass Voter Registration Exercise.
Copperbelt Province has recorded the highest number of new registrations at 165,848, followed by Southern Province with 143,397 and Lusaka Province with 120,026.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lusaka yesterday, ECZ Chief Electoral Officer Brown Kasaro revealed that Muchinga Province recorded the lowest number of new registrations at 46,209.
Mr. Kasaro further stated that the total number of both new registrations and updates recorded from phases one to six now stands at 2,210,056. [ ZNBC ]
IT WILL BE THE END OF PF IF WE LOSE NEXT YEAR – LUBINDA
PF acting President Given Lubinda has warned that it will be the end of the Zambia’s main opposition political party should UPND win in 2026.
Speaking in Lusaka today at the PF secretariat, Mr Lubinda called on all PF members to campaign without getting tired warning that if UPND retains power next year, then PF will completely die as UPND is determined to exterminate it.
I WILL QUIT POLITICS IF HH WINS AGAIN NEXT YEAR – KALABA.
“No seating President can win in this harsh economy”.
Citizens First Party President Harry Kalaba has declared President Hakainde Hichilema a one term president.
Speaking in an interview this morning, Mr Kalaba said whether President HH uses magic or not, he will still lose the elections in 2026 as he has failed to run the country.
Meanwhile, the Citizens First Party President has vowed that in unexpected event that President HH is voted back to power next year, he will completely quit politics and moved out of the country.
“Hear it from me, HH can’t win any elections. That man is a sadist, a failure and a none performer therefore, no normal Zambian can vote for him”.-ZAI
GENUINE PF MEMBERS WILL VOTE FOR ME BECAUSE I CARRY THE TRUE VISION OF LATE PRESIDENT EDGAR LUNGU – MAKEBI ZULU
One of the PF leading Presidential Aspirint has predicted victory at the forthcoming Opposition Political Party Convection as he carries the true vision of Late Former President Edgar Lungu.
Speaking in Lusaka this morning, Makebi Zulu who is a renowned Lusaka Lawyer said he is confident of emerging victorious at the convention as he knows and understand the vision of the late Former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu than anyone else in the PF top job race.
“With maximum respect to other presidential contenders in our political party, I believe I am the only one who has what it takes to win the party presidential seat as well as the national one because of the vision of President Lungu that I carry with me. I am therefore, banking on genuine PF members to vote for me at the convention in Kabwe “.-ZAI
PLEASE STOP ENDORSING MY CANDIDATURE; YOU ARE DESTROYING MY REPUTATION IN THE COUNTRY – MUNDUBILE TELLS UPND
PF Presidential Aspiring Candidate Brian Mundubile has asked UPND to stop endorsing his candidature as PF President because that is denting his image within the Opposition Patriotic Front.
Speaking this morning in Lusaka when he met some of the PF MPs that have promised to support him at the forthcoming convention , Mr Mundubile said the image of Ruling UPND is dented across the country adding that it’s a great risk for any well meaning Opposition Presidential Candidate to be endorsed by such a despised ruling party.
“My message to the UPND is that please, stop endorsing me. Your political image is dented in this country because of mismanaging the economy; so I don’t want you to dent mine too”.-ZAI
Mosho’s tireless contributions to financial, regulatory systems earns him award
ZAMBIAN legal fraternity giant Lewis Mosho has been honoured with a prestigious award in recognition of contributions to the World Bank project that created the regulatory framework for the Lusaka Securities Exchange (LuSE).
Mosho’s recognition is for his far reaching impact on the country’s legal, financial and regulatory systems.
Mosho, one of the country’s most seasoned commercial lawyers with 30 years’ experience before the High, Supreme and Constitutional Courts, received the Zambia Is Possible Euzam Role Model Award for Excellence in Legal Practice during the launch of the Zambia Is Possible entrepreneurship movement in Lusaka today.
The event was organised by Euzam and Sustec in partnership with the Zambia Association of Musicians (ZAM) and was officiated by Commerce, Trade and Industry minister Chipoka Mulenga.
Mosho is best known for his pioneering role in designing the legal and regulatory architecture of Zambia’s capital markets.
As part of the World Bank project that established LuSE, he helped build the systems that govern securities trading, market supervision and investor protection.
His work crafted the interface between the securities market and the money markets, setting up the mechanisms that allow capital to flow from surplus units to businesses in need of financing.
He also played a key role in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) regional harmonisation programme, which sought to align security regulations across Southern Africa and ensured that Zambia’s market operated within internationally recognised standards.
The veteran lawyer also developed and implemented the regulatory environment for the country’s clearing and settlement system, which built links with global financial markets, making the country more accessible to foreign investors.
Before joining Lewis Nathan Advocates as Managing Partner in 2002, Mosho worked closely with major international financial institutions and conducted attachment visits to some of the world’s most sophisticated financial centres, including the New York Stock Exchange, the Philadelphia Depository Company, the American Depository Company, the US Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as exchanges in Nairobi and Johannesburg.
At Lewis Nathan Advocates, Mosho has led legal teams that have facilitated over K1.3 trillion in capital movement from investors into Zambian industry since 2003 by financing business expansion, supporting job creation and contributing significantly to government revenue through taxation.
On the global stage, Mosho has delivered papers on financial markets regulation, structural reforms and specialised legal practice.
In insolvency, he has helped shape Zambia’s modern approach to corporate rescue and dispute resolution.
The learned counsel’s award was received on his behalf by the head of Business and Alliances at Lewis Nathan Advocates Fredrick Wamulume.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has rejected Washington’s plan to send a low-ranking diplomat to receive the G20 presidency at this weekend’s summit, escalating tensions between the two countries over the United States boycott of the gathering.
Ramaphosa will not hand over the G20 presidency to a chargé d’affaires, the president’s spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said in a post on X late on Thursday.
A chargé d’affaires is the lowest-ranking head of mission in diplomatic practice and is typically appointed only when a country does not have an ambassador in place.
The pushback came after the United States informed South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation it would send an eight-member delegation led by Marc D. Dillard, the US chargé d’affaires in Pretoria, to attend only the presidency handover ceremony on Sunday.
A diplomatic note from the US Embassy, seen by Reuters, states that “Chargé Dillard will participate in the G20 Presidency handover ceremony as part of the closing session on November 23.”
The United States does not currently have an ambassador in South Africa. Brent Bozell III, nominated by President Donald Trump to the post, awaits Senate confirmation to replace Reuben E. Brigety II, who resigned in January.
South Africa considers the G20 presidency handover a high-level ceremonial event between heads of state, making the assignment of a chargé d’affaires to lead the US delegation a diplomatic slight, according to government sources.
“The President will not hand over to a chargé d’affaires. It’s a breach of protocol. No head of state and government anywhere in the world will do it and it won’t start here in South Africa,” Magwenya told local media.
The dispute deepened after White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt accused Ramaphosa of “running his mouth” during a Thursday briefing, saying the South African president’s characterization of US participation was not appreciated by Trump’s administration.
“I saw the South African president running his mouth a little bit against the United States and the president of the United States earlier today, and that language is not appreciated by the president or his team,” Leavitt said.
Trump announced a boycott of the G20 summit citing claims that South Africa’s government is persecuting white Afrikaner farmers, allegations that have been widely disputed.
Earlier Thursday, Ramaphosa had confirmed receiving notice from Washington about a “change of mind” regarding participation in the summit, calling it a positive sign because “boycott politics never work.”
Leavitt clarified that the US delegation would attend only the handover ceremony “as a formality” and would not participate in summit discussions.
Other major leaders including Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Argentine President Javier Milei are also not attending, though China and Russia are sending high-level delegations to participate in talks.
The G20 comprises 19 countries plus the European Union and African Union, accounting for 85% of global GDP and two-thirds of the world’s population. South Africa is the first African nation to hold the rotating presidency.
The United States will assume the presidency for 2026, with Trump planning to host the next summit at his golf club in Doral, Florida.
It remains unclear whether South Africa will proceed with the handover ceremony if the United States maintains its plan to send only Dillard, or whether Washington will reconsider its delegation level.
IRAN BEGS SAUDI FOR A LIFELINE – AND A WAY BACK TO WASHINGTON
Tehran just made a move it once swore it would never make:
asking Saudi Arabia – its longtime nemesis – to help reopen nuclear talks with the U.S.
That’s not diplomacy anymore. That’s pure desperation.
A letter from President Masoud Pezeshkian landed on Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s desk right before MbS visited the White House.
The message was stripped of its usual revolutionary thunder: No confrontation. We’re still open to a deal. Please help.
When Iran starts whispering to Riyadh, it means the walls are closing in.
Why Iran is suddenly humble?
2 reasons:
Fear. Israeli strikes in June didn’t just hit Iran’s nuclear sites – they hit Iran’s sense of invulnerability. Tehran now believes another round is on the table if diplomacy collapses.
Survival. The economy is imploding. The rial is disintegrating. Energy shortages are turning daily life into a slow-motion blackout. Public anger is rising like steam under a locked lid.
And Iran’s regional muscle? Hezbollah weakened. Hamas shattered. Assad toppled.
Tehran’s influence map is shrinking – fast.
Riyadh has what Tehran doesn’t:
Direct pull in Washington A personal line to Trump Regional clout grounded in oil, money, and stability
Oman and Qatar can pass messages. Saudi Arabia can move the needle.
MbS signaled he’s open to brokering peace – not out of charity, but because a U.S.–Iran war would bounce shrapnel across the Gulf.
Both sides say “diplomacy.” Neither side accepts the other’s terms.
The clerical establishment says it won’t negotiate “under threat.”
But the threat is the only reason they’re negotiating at all.
US and Nigeria to Form Task Force on Christian P+rsecution Allegations — State Department Official
The United States says it will partner with the Nigerian government to develop a joint task force aimed at addressing allegations of Christian p+rsecution in the country.
Jonathan Pratt, a senior official at the US State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs, disclosed this on Thursday while testifying at a congressional hearing held in Washington, DC. Pratt said the move follows a directive from Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Earlier this week, Nigeria sent a high-level delegation to the US to discuss the allegations after President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” (CPC). The delegation is led by National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu and includes Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi.
Pratt told lawmakers that the Nigerian team is scheduled to meet with State Department officials as well as officials from the Department of War, following Trump’s instruction to prepare for possible military action in Nigeria.
“The secretary of state has directed us at the State Department to work with the Nigerian government on an action plan and to set up a task force to address this issue and use all of the tools that are at our disposal to focus minds and focus attention on this issue,” Pratt said.
He explained that the strategy would be largely diplomatic but would also involve security cooperation, policing, economic assistance, and other support programmes.
“This would span from security to policing to economic. We want to look at all of these tools and have a comprehensive strategy to get the best result possible,” he added.
Jacob McGee, deputy assistant secretary in the State Department’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labour, described the CPC designation as a “conversation starter” that is expected to increase engagement with Nigeria, noting that “ultimately, this is their responsibility.”
JUSTIN BIEBER officially gives his life to GOD and urges all his fans to do same. He preached the word of God at his concert before over 50k fans telling them to turn a new leaf and give their lives to God the creator
According to Justin Bieber, he was already living in guîlt and regret from the things he did in his prime until he he gave his life to God and God gave him a second chance. He added that he is tired of Religion cuz it only brings division, and he just wants to follow God cuz he accepts everyone irrespective of who they are.
Justin Bieber now preaches the word of God to his fans at his concerts and is planning on releasing a Gospel Album and all earnings from the album will be given to charity.
Nestle accused of risking babies’ health in Africa.
New report claims Swiss food giant is ‘putting the health of babies at risk for profit’ by adding sugar to babyfood.
Nestle is adding sugar to baby food tailored to the African market, according to a new investigation by a nongovernment organisation (NGO), which has accused the company of “double standards” by not adhering to health standards applied to richer nations.
According to the report, released on Tuesday by Public Eye, a Swiss group monitoring human rights violations by Swiss companies overseas, most of the samples it tested of Nestle’s Cerelac infant cereals on sale in African countries contained added sugar, while equivalent products sold in Europe do not.
This runs counter to 2022 guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO), which warns that early exposure to sugar can create a lasting preference for sugary products and contribute to obesity in children.
In Switzerland, where the food-and-drink multinational company is headquartered, Nestle’s main baby cereal brand is sold with zero added sugar. In other European markets, including Germany and the United Kingdom, where Cerelac baby cereals are also sold, all products for babies from six months onwards have no added sugar
In an open letter (PDF) sent to Nestle CEO Philipp Navratil on November 17, 19 Africa-based civil society organisations said this demonstrated “double standards” and demanded that the company halt the distribution of baby products with added sugar in Africa. “If added sugar is not suitable for Swiss and European children, it is not suitable for children in Africa and beyond,” the letter reads.
“All babies have an equal right to healthy nutrition – regardless of their nationality or skin color.”
Nestle has denied any wrongdoing and said Public Eye’s report “contains misleading and unfounded allegations”.
“We do not have double standards, our approach to nutrition is consistent across all countries,” a spokesperson told Al Jazeera. “Nestle is committed to the wellbeing of children everywhere in the world, and we treat all children equally, irrespective of where they are.”
The company said it offers versions of its cereals both with and without added sugar within the same price range in both Africa and Europe. It added that it is “accelerating the rollout of no added sugars variants globally” and that these are already available in 97 percent of Nestle’s markets, including across Africa. “We aim to reach 100 percent by the end of 2025,” the group said. ~Al Jazeera
PEACE WITHOUT KYIV? TRUMP’S UKRAINE PLAN CRAFTED WITH PUTIN ALLY, NOT ZELENSKY
The Trump administration’s newly approved 28-point “peace plan” for Ukraine was developed with direct input from the Kremlin, but almost none from Kyiv.
The proposal was crafted by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, in close consultation with Kirill Dmitriev, a sanctioned Russian sovereign wealth fund chief and longtime confidant of Putin.
Notably excluded from the talks: Zelensky, his government, and nearly all European partners.
The deal is being sold as a pathway to end the war, but it could also cement Russian territorial gains and potentially undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty, dividing the West.
One European diplomat reportedly called it “a backchannel surrender note.”
The plan’s exact terms haven’t been made public, but early leaks suggest it may involve freezing current battle lines, lifting select sanctions, and pressuring Ukraine into concessions.
Trump promised to end the war in 24 hours by apparently letting Putin help write the terms.
BEIJING & MOSCOW TALK DEFENSE AS TRUMP WANTS TO MAKE NUKE TESTING GREAT AGAIN
Moscow says it held “in-depth” talks with China on missile defense and nukes, mostly because Trump wants to build a giant missile shield and maybe restart nuclear testing like it’s 1982.
The 2 sides say they’re happy with their “strategic stability” chat, which definitely won’t make Washington feel more stable.
Beijing still isn’t interested in joining any arms talks, but it’s stockpiling warheads anyway, because nothing says peace like a bigger arsenal.
Iran says UN nuclear inspectors aren’t allowed near the sites hit by U.S. and Israeli strikes, not until there’s a new deal on the table.
The 12-day war ended cooperation with the UN’s nuclear watchdog, and Tehran is still furious the agency didn’t condemn the attacks.
Talks with the U.S. are frozen. Europe reactivated sanctions. And Iran’s foreign minister just ruled out any negotiations on missiles, calling it a red line.
He even said inspectors showing up now would be like “helping the enemy write their damage report.”
Long story short: uranium talks are dead, and Iran’s done playing nice.
TRUMP WARMS TO PAKISTAN AS U.S.-INDIA TIES TAKE A TARIFF HIT
U.S.-Pakistan relations are suddenly heating up as Trump slaps steep tariffs on Indian imports, upending over two decades of bipartisan U.S. efforts to strengthen ties with the world’s largest democracy.
While India reels from the trade blow, Islamabad is being quietly welcomed back onto the world stage with increased diplomatic engagement and signals of renewed strategic interest from Washington.
The pivot marks a dramatic reversal of post-9/11 U.S. foreign policy, which had shifted away from Pakistan and toward India as a key Indo-Pacific partner.
Now, Trump appears to be playing hardball with New Delhi, using trade pressure while signaling to Pakistan that it could once again become a favored U.S. ally, especially as tensions with China and regional instability rise.
A geopolitical reshuffle is underway and Trump’s reshaping the chessboard.
EX-PRINCE ANDREW GHOSTS CONGRESS ON EPSTEIN TESTIMONY
Two weeks – that’s how long the U.S Congress gave Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to respond to a request to spill what he knows about Jeffrey Epstein.
Today was the deadline – and surprise, he’s said nothing.
The House Oversight Committee wants answers about Andrew’s ties to Epstein, the allegations he denies, and what he might’ve seen inside that circle of elite predators.
He’s under no legal obligation to talk, and after his royal trainwreck of a Newsnight interview, who would advise him to open his mouth again?
But silence won’t save him.
The Met Police are still sniffing around claims he tried to dig up dirt on Virginia Giuffre. UK politicians are eyeing his finances and housing. And the U.S is closing in on those sealed Epstein files.
Andrew may not want to talk, but this story is far from over.
BOMBER ARMADA HEADS TOWARD GULF OF MEXICO NEAR VENEZUELA
4 U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress bombers are roaring south over America toward the Gulf of Mexico, with flight trackers showing 2 “Bomber Barons” from Minot AFB (North Dakota) leading the pack.
They’re possibly escorted by a mystery third bird, and a fourth just lifting off from Barksdale AFB (Louisiana).
This screams another Bomber Task Force show-of-force
Likely practicing simulated strikes off Venezuela’s coast, flexing long-range muscle amid Maduro’s regime wobbles, drug ties, election theft echoes, and regional instability.
These beasts can carry nukes or conventional hell (cruise missiles, JDAMs) and have shadowed Caracas before, reminding the socialist strongman Uncle Sam’s got eyes on the Caribbean.
With Trump back and vowing no more “weakness,” is this the opener for tougher Venezuela plays?
Maduro’s defenses are on alert, and his “Imagine” cover wasn’t effective.
COMMANDER WHO ORDERED BUCHA CIVILIAN KILLINGS IDENTIFIED BY UKRAINE
Ukraine has named Yurii Kim, a Russian officer, as responsible for ordering the torture, execution, and burning of civilians during Russia’s brutal occupation of Bucha in 2022.
The town became a symbol of war crimes after hundreds of bodies, including children and the elderly, were found in mass graves and basements.
This is the first time a Russian commander has been formally targeted with a war crimes notice over the massacre.
South African authorities have initiated a comprehensive investigation into explosive allegations that the daughter of former President Jacob Zuma, Duduzile Zuma, was involved in the recruitment of young South African and Batswana men who are now reportedly fighting on the frontline for Russian forces in Ukraine.
The investigation comes after relatives of the recruits presented evidence, including WhatsApp messages, reviewed by Bloomberg, suggesting the men were misled into signing military contracts under the pretense of a security training programme linked to the former President’s newly formed uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP).
This potential breach of South Africa’s laws against foreign mercenary activities has escalated into a diplomatic crisis, prompting President Cyril Ramaphosa to order an urgent official inquiry and diplomatic efforts to secure the safe return of the affected citizens.
According to reports, the programme was allegedly presented as a security training opportunity with political ties, rather than any form of military involvement abroad.
The recruits reportedly travelled to Russia in July, believing they were participating in a legitimate non-combat course.
However, once in Russia, the situation changed dramatically. According to relatives, the men were handed documents written in Russian, documents they could not read and instructed to sign them as part of the supposed training programme.
It later emerged that the papers were military contracts, after which the young men were deployed to frontline areas in the Ukraine conflict.
Bloomberg reported having seen photographs of the recruits together in Russia, as well as later images showing them dressed in camouflage alongside military instructors.
WhatsApp conversations also reviewed by the publication show exchanges between Duduzile Zuma and some of the parents of the recruits. In these messages, Zuma is seen assuring families that the young men would not be placed in combat.
“The recruits thought they were signing documents for the bodyguard course,” several relatives reiterated.
In one alarming WhatsApp exchange, a recruit informed her: “As we speak now, we are packing and preparing to move to the war zone.”
To this, Duduzile Zuma allegedly replied:
“It’s not the frontline. They are just scaring you… you may just patrol or be put on cooking duties or gun cleaning.”
She further claimed that she would personally travel to Russia to bring them home if necessary. Families say that communication with the recruits ceased completely in August, heightening their fears.
South Africa has criminalised mercenary activities and foreign military participation since 1998, but reports of citizens being recruited to fight for Russia have been steadily increasing in the past year.
Similar recruitment patterns have been observed in Kenya, Nigeria, Botswana, Burkina Faso and several other African nations.
Ramaphosa responded by ordering a comprehensive investigation.
“President Cyril Ramaphosa has ordered an investigation into the circumstances that led to the recruitment of these young men into these seemingly mercenary activities,” the Presidency stated.
Diplomatic efforts are reportedly underway to secure the safe return of all affected individuals.
Duduzile Zuma is also currently standing trial on charges of inciting violence on social media during South Africa’s deadly 2021 unrest.
Local media reports further indicate that Jacob Zuma wrote directly to Russia’s defence minister, appealing for the removal of 18 South Africans from active combat after they were allegedly misled into signing contracts as infantry soldiers in Pskov, near the Estonian border.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha recently revealed that at least 1,436 individuals from 36 African countries are currently fighting alongside Russian forces, a number that excludes Africans who were already living in Russia before enlisting.
EDITORIAL | PF Needs Less Litigation & More Dialogue
The Patriotic Front walked back into court on Monday when Acting Secretary General Brenda Nyirenda filed an urgent application in the Kabwe High Court. The affidavit claims that the injunction stopping the PF convention was never served on any official in the Lubinda bloc. She insists the party only saw copies circulating on social media. That line alone raises a fundamental legal question that PF must confront honestly.
If the injunction was never served and if PF leadership only saw “incorrect copies” online, the obvious question is this. Which injunction did Brenda Nyirenda challenge? Which document did she attach in her affidavit as evidence of urgency? And how did she know that the Kabwe High Court was the issuing court when she says they have never been served?
This inconsistency may look minor in political speeches, but it is fatal in a court of law. Courts work on evidence, not suspicion. They recognise service, not screenshots. For PF officials to claim they have never been served, but at the same time file a challenge against the same order, exposes confusion that undermines the seriousness of their own case.
There is a deeper problem beneath this legal misstep. PF is approaching a structural political crisis with fragmented strategy. The Lubinda bloc insists the convention will go ahead. The Chabinga bloc insists the court has closed the process. Both sides are operating in parallel universes, each convinced it is the legitimate guardian of the party’s future. Instead of dialogue, they are trading affidavits. Instead of mediation, they are running to courts that will not rescue them before 2026.
Anyone who knows Zambian political litigation understands the truth. This matter will not be resolved quickly. It will bounce from chamber to chamber. It may be adjourned to January. It may be delayed to March. It can easily run into July. Courts do not rush when internal party constitutions are in dispute. They ask for proof. They insist on procedure. They demand consolidation of parallel suits. This alone should warn PF to stop placing its political survival in the hands of a judge’s diary.
The irony is painful. PF knows how these battles play out. In 2011, PF dismantled MMD structures through aggressive factional politics, strategic court manoeuvres and state power. They know how fragile a party becomes when factions grow faster than dialogue. Yet they have allowed themselves to fall into the same trap they once exploited. Loyalty is purchased. Delegates are divided. Aspirants are running parallel mobilisation. The northern circuit which should be PF’s natural stabiliser is watching two rival groups fight openly without elders stepping in.
Dialogue is no longer optional. It is essential. There is no court order that will stabilise PF. A judge can interpret who is legal. A judge cannot manufacture legitimacy. Legitimacy comes from unity, not litigation. PF must sit with Robert Chabinga. They must acknowledge that his signature at the Registrar of Societies gives him leverage. They must accept that a convention held under dispute will poison whichever leader emerges. This is not surrender. It is strategy.
PF should use its northern capital. Chiefs in Luapula, Northern and Muchinga have historically played arbitration roles in political disputes. They carry moral authority that courts cannot give. Senior leaders like Mwila, Katotobwe, Chilufya, Mundubile and Lubinda know this. The party’s deepest roots lie in these regions. Why not use this strength to bring every faction into one room and produce an internal settlement?
If PF believes it can out-litigate Chabinga until August 2026, it is signing its own political obituary. The party risks walking into the election season with court injunctions still active, leadership unresolved and internal legitimacy fractured. The UPND does not even need to destabilise PF. PF is doing the work for them.
The simplest truth is this. A divided PF cannot win 2026. A litigating PF cannot run a coherent convention. A stubborn PF cannot outpace government strategy. Only a coherent PF can survive. That coherence begins with dialogue, not affidavits and denials of service.
If the party wants to save its future, it must choose unity over courtroom drama. The clock is running.
For comments, insider information, or corrections, write to editor.peoplesbrief@gmail.com.
WE DIDN’T ARREST LUBINDA’S ABDUCTORS BECAUSE WE PRIORITISED HIS RESCUE – POLICE
POLICE Spokesperson Godfrey Chilabi says officers did not arrest the mob that abducted acting PF president Given Lubinda because they prioritised his rescue.
And Chilabi has called on leaders to desist from inciting and abusing youths for their own benefits.
On Wednesday, Lubinda was abducted by suspected UPND cadres in Kabwe where he was meeting party officials ahead of the forthcoming PF convention.
Home Affairs and Internal Security Minister Jack Mwiimbu later announced that Lubinda was safe after being rescued by the Police.
And speaking on Phoenix FM, Chilabi said the Police were dealing with a mob, so they chose to first rescue Lubinda before arresting his abductors.
He was responding to a question of whether or not they had made any arrest following the Kabwe incident.
“It’s a matter that we quickly received as Kabwe Central Police, and our officers rushed to the scene. And upon rushing to the scene, our objective was, firstly, to save a life. We saved Honourable Given Lubinda from there. I know people are saying, ‘but why didn’t you arrest those people right there and then?’ That’s the thing that will now follow. Our priority was first to save a life from there. Our officers were dealing with a mob, and there’s what we call mob psychology. Was it an issue that officers would be able to tackle both at once, rescuing a life and apprehending a mob? So it’s a matter of judgement,” Chilabi said.
“In law enforcement, we say it’s a matter that we need to assess. First thing, rescue a life, and then after, these other things would follow. Is it a matter like aggravated robbery where criminals will run away with guns, and then rescue? It’s a matter that we had assessed as Police, and we made the right priority, we saved a life, and then these others will follow. And that’s the next step that we are doing. It’s a matter based on priority, there were a lot of factors at play in that case. Apprehend the suspect and rescue a life, is it a suspect that we know? Is it a suspect that can be traced? So we had to ask ourselves those questions, and what was paramount was to rescue a life, and then these others can come later. We are dealing with a mob. Once we get one, we will get others, just like the Chingola incident”.
He said the Police were now analysing the matter so that culprits could be brought to book.
“It’s a matter that we are closely following as Zambia Police Service. Kabwe Central Police Station received a report around 12 hours that Honourable Given Lubinda was being roughed up and allegedly being abducted. So quickly our officers rushed to the scene and managed to rescue Honourable Given Lubinda from the mob that was roughing him up and whisked him away for safety. He was at Kabwe Central Police Station where we did all the formalities, recorded a report, and everything. We checked him, we asked him whether he had suffered injuries, and he said he was okay. After that, we instituted investigations into this matter. There’s a video, and this is what we are analysing now as Zambia Police Service,” Chilabi said.
And Chilabi urged political figures to notify the Police whenever they were in an area for the sake of safety, after being asked about the measures they were putting in place to protect them.
“This is the word of advice to those in politics, those leaders, those that gather public following: that it’s important at times, not to compel them, but just for the sake of safety and everything, to notify the Police within your area. If you know that you’ve got a following, you go to the market or anywhere and you expect that people will follow you, it’s always important to just let the Police know in advance that you will be in that area. In the event that the Police need to do crowd control, police safety and security, we would provide that safety,” he said.
“It’s not that we are replacing freedom of movement and freedom of association; everyone is enjoying that freedom. But just for the matter of safety and security, you notify the Police that, ‘I will be in your area, I will be passing through the market, I will be greeting people.’ It’s our constitutional mandate as Zambia Police to provide safety and security to all, regardless of where they are coming from”.
Chilabi also called on leaders to desist from inciting and abusing youths for their own benefits.
“Everyone has to play a role, especially those that are in politics, leaders out there. Let’s know what to say, let’s stop inciting and let’s not abuse the youths out there. Let’s also understand that we are in a democratic dispensation where fundamental rights and freedoms are there. Freedom of association, freedom of movement are enshrined in the Constitution. And above all, tolerance is something that is important. And what we say, if I’m a constituency chairman or youth leader, it’s important to take note of what I say, to be accountable, to be responsible with the utterances that one makes. You heard what the Minister said,” said Chilabi.
“And to the youths out there, do not be abused. This person will come to you, mobilise you, find you at this market, load you on this bus saying, ‘let’s go to this place,’ whose objective you don’t even know. You are just told to act unlawfully. We will apprehend you as Police, and you will appear in court. And when you appear in court, you appear alone, and that person who mobilised you won’t even be there to sign a police bond or bail you out from wherever you are. So let’s be careful as youths. Before you go, you need to know what the agenda is”.
RECONNECT WITH THE GRASSROOTS, CHARLES CHANDA URGES PRESIDENT HICHILEMA
United Prosperous and Peaceful Zambia (UPPZ) President Charles Chanda has has called on President Hakainde Hichilema, not hide behind State House walls but physically reconnect with the citizens who put him into power.
Speaking in an interview with kumwesu news, Chanda said it has now been four years since President Hichilema entered office, yet the Head of State has “neglected the most basic duty of leadership meeting the people on the ground.”
Mr. Chanda said the people surrounding the President have become “professional praise-singers” who refuse to tell him the truth: that after winning elections, a leader must return to the communities, thank the voters, and listen to their lived realities not just fly over them.
“Yes, it’s good to fly, but sometimes a President must walk, must see the dust roads, must meet the marketeers, must feel the strain ordinary citizens are carrying,” Chanda charged. “There are places President Hichilema has never touched since 2021. People are waiting for him. They want to see the man they voted for.”
Chanda went further, saying the President’s distance from citizens has created a leadership vacuum where government decisions appear disconnected from daily struggles, especially as Zambians battle soaring prices, high electricity tariffs, and endless load-shedding.
“When a President stops visiting the nation, he stops understanding the nation,” Chanda said. “Mr. Hichilema must leave the comfort of speeches and tour Zambia properly, physically, honestly.”
Furthermore, Chanda said “Leadership is not about foreign trips, microphones, or cameras. Leadership is about presence. And right now, Zambia is led by a President the people rarely see.”
UNITED PARTY FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT (UPND) PRESS STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
GUIDANCE ON ISSUANCE OF STATEMENTS REGARDING PARTY POSITION ON CERTAIN MATTERS
Lusaka, November 21, 2025 – The United Party for National Development (UPND) wishes to remind all its party structures, members, and officials across the country to refrain from issuing individual or unauthorized press statements regarding party position on certain matters such as the recent incidents of violence or any related matter.
As earlier guided, all official statements on such issues must be cleared through the Office of the Secretary General and the Chairperson for Information and Publicity, through the Party’s Media Director. This directive is intended to ensure consistency, accuracy, and alignment with the official position of the Party.
The UPND remains committed to upholding peace, unity, and the rule of law. We urge all members to continue promoting the values of discipline and responsible communication that our Party stands for.
Any member or structure found issuing unauthorized statements will be in breach of party regulations and will face appropriate disciplinary action.
Let us continue to speak with one voice as we advance our shared vision for a peaceful and prosperous Zambia.
Issued by: Batuke Imenda Secretary General United Party for National Development (UPND)
BRIEFING | UPND Orders Silence After Days of Mixed Messaging
The governing United Party for National Development has imposed an immediate communications blackout on its lower structures after days of contradictory statements deepened public scrutiny of the party’s internal discipline.
In a directive issued this morning, Secretary General Batuke Imenda ordered all party organs to halt independent commentary on politically sensitive incidents and warned that any breach would attract disciplinary action.
“It is the guidance of the Party that all official statements must be cleared through the Office of the Secretary General and the Chairperson for Information and Publicity, through the Party’s Media Director,” Imenda said.
“This directive is intended to ensure consistency, accuracy, and alignment with the official position of the Party.”
The decision follows a chaotic stretch in which UPND-linked voices presented conflicting narratives on recent political violence. The most damaging episode came from Kabwe acting Youth Chairman Kelvin Mwangala who, in an early statement, admitted that UPND cadres assaulted Given Lubinda. Hours later he issued a retraction that bore the hallmarks of an AI-generated text.
The confusion escalated when UPND Media Director Mark Simuuwe appeared on television and said the party “does not know” Mwangala, raising more questions than answers.
The communications fallout has amplified opposition attacks and created a perception of disarray inside the ruling party at a time when political temperatures nationwide are rising.
UPND has spent months battling fragmented messaging from ward officials, youth structures and aspiring leaders who issue statements on Facebook before the party can agree on a unified position.
Imenda’s order is a strategic defensive move aimed at restoring a single authoritative voice following a fortnight in which UPND members issued competing accounts of the Kabwe violence, the Chingola stoning of the President, and the assault at the PF Secretariat.
The inconsistencies have fed accusations that the ruling party is losing control over its own structures.
“The UPND remains committed to upholding peace, unity, and the rule of law,” Imenda said. “We urge all members to continue promoting the values of discipline and responsible communication that our Party stands for.”
But the challenge runs deeper than rogue statements. The UPND’s rapid expansion after winning power has created a vast, decentralised ecosystem where local leaders speak before national organs can coordinate. In a digital era where every ward chairperson livestreams commentary, enforcing hierarchy has become far more difficult.
The Secretary General made it clear that the era of spontaneous statements is over.
“Any member or structure found issuing unauthorized statements will be in breach of party regulations and will face appropriate disciplinary action,” he warned.
Whether this directive will reverse the damage remains uncertain. The opposition has already seized on the past weeks’ contradictions.
For news tips and submissions: editor.peoplesbrief@gmail.com
WE DEMAND FOR IMMEDIATE EXTENSION OF VOTER REGISTRATION EXERCISE TO JANUARY 2026
Electoral Commission of Zambia is highly compromised with notable political players *(cadres)* at the helm serving the interest of the ruling party with the aim of disenfranchising Zambians ahead of 2026 general elections.
We have noted with great concern a deliberate cunning plan to induce artificial voter apathy in opposition strongholds.
Our demands are anchored on the following reasons.
1.. Zambia has 12,000 polling stations with a population of 22, 122, 525 people, we find it to be highly suspicious for ECZ to procure only 2000 kits for voter registration exercise.
2.. What is more worrying is that the distribution of Kits per province does not correlate with the population.
Copperbelt – 319
Lusaka – 293
Southern – 288
Eastern – 284
Western – 221
Central – 204
Northwestern – 158
Luapula – 197
Northern – 214
Muchinga – 135
3.. Accreditation process of party officials was only known by ECZ and UPND leaving most opposition political parties in the dark until a day before closure of the process.
4.. No updated information was made public with regards to the number of voters from the last register which had Seven (7) million voters.
5.. Voter registration seem to be more concentrated in specific electoral blocks of interest compared to supposedly opposition strongholds.
6.. Voter registration awareness has been terribly poor despite the government boasting of increasing ECZ budget by 100%
7.. Complications and frustrations caused by difficulties in obtaining police reports by those who lost NRC’s and Voters cards seeking to replace them leading to most people staying away.
8.. This is rain season and most of our people are out farming amidst high cost of living hence the need to extend to give everyone chance to register.
9.. Load shedding and scarcity of fuel is affecting smooth operations of kits hence more time should be given to reach out to more citizens.
10.. Rough terrain due to rains making it extremely difficult for people to access registration centers.
With the above reasons given we are confident that any well meaningful citizen will agree that the extension is inevitable.
AUSTRALIA IS BANNING SOCIAL MEDIA FOR KIDS UNDER 16. HOW WILL IT WORK?
FROM 10 December, social media companies will have to take “reasonable steps” to ensure that under-16s in Australia cannot set up accounts on their platforms and that existing accounts are deactivated or removed.
The government says the ban – a world-first policy popular with many parents – is aimed at reducing the “pressures and risks” children can be exposed to on social media, which come from “design features that encourage them to spend more time on screens, while also serving up content that can harm their health and wellbeing”.
A study commissioned by the government earlier this year said 96% of children aged 10-15 used social media and that seven out of 10 of them had been exposed to harmful content and behaviour. This behaviour ranged from misogynistic material to fight videos and content promoting eating disorders and suicide.
One in seven also reported experiencing grooming-type behaviour from adults or older children, and more than half said they had been the victims of cyberbullying.
What platforms are affected?
The Australian government has so far named ten platforms to be included in the ban: Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, Reddit and streaming platforms Kick and Twitch.
It is also under pressure to expand the ban to online gaming. Fearing they may be targeted, gaming platforms such as Roblox and Discord have recently introduced age checks on some features in an apparent bid to ward off inclusion in the ban. i
The government has said it will continue to review the list of affected platforms, and will consider three main criteria when doing so.
These comprise whether the platform’s sole or “significant purpose” is to enable online social interaction between two or more users; whether it allows users to interact with some or all other users; and whether it allows users to post material.
YouTube Kids, Google Classroom and WhatsApp are not included as they were not deemed to have met those criteria. Children will also still be available to view most content on platforms like YouTube, which do not require an account.
How will the ban be enforced?
Children and parents will not be punished for infringing the ban – it is social media companies who are charged with enforcing it, and they face fines of up to $49.5m (US$32m, £25m) for serious or repeated breaches.
The government says these companies must take “reasonable steps” to keep kids off their platforms, and use age assurance technologies – without specifying which ones.
Several possibilities have been raised, including the use of government IDs, face or voice recognition and age inference. The latter of these uses online information other than a date of birth – such as online behaviour or interactions – to estimate a person’s age.
The government is encouraging platforms to use multiple different methods. It has also said platforms cannot rely on users declaring their own age, or on parents vouching for their children.
Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram and Threads, has announced it will begin closing teen accounts from 4 December. Those mistakenly kicked off could use a government ID or provide a video selfie to verify their age, the company said.
The other affected platforms have not yet said how they will comply with the ban.
