South Africa Backs Vietnam’s Bid to Join the G20
As Johannesburg hosts the first-ever G20 Summit on African soil this weekend, South Africa has thrown its weight behind Vietnam’s push to join the group.
Pretoria says Vietnam’s entry would broaden representation for developing economies and strengthen ties between Africa and Southeast Asia.
South Africa also sees Vietnam as a strategic gateway to the ASEAN region, while offering Hanoi expanded access to African markets.
Vietnam has welcomed the support, saying it’s ready to play a bigger role in solving global challenges.
ZAMBIA NEEDS A PEOPLE – FIRST ENERGY PLAN – KALABA
… built on realistic forecasting and long-term investment so its citizens are never left in the dark again.
LUSAKA, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER, 21, 2025 [SMART EAGLES]
CITIZENS First party President Harry Kalaba says Zambia needs a people-first energy plan built on realistic forecasting and long-term investment so its citizens are never left in the dark again.
Mr. Kalaba has told Smart Eagles this morning that currently the county is facing one of the most severe energy disruptions in its history adding that in many areas, power is off for up to 21 hours a day, affecting families, clinics, schools, and businesses nationwide.
He said this crisis did not appear out of nowhere, saying for years, experts and many of stakeholders who follow the energy sector warned that domestic supply must be secured before exporting power.
“That guidance was available and it was not prioritised.Now the impact is clear. Small businesses are struggling, students cannot study at night, food is spoiling, and essential services are under pressure. Ordinary Zambians are carrying the cost of decisions they did not make,” he said.
“This is not about blame. It is about truth and responsibility. Zambia needs a people-first energy plan built on realistic forecasting and long-term investment so its citizens are never left in the dark again. As usual, mine is to provide the checks and balances. Whether that guidance is followed is their choice,” the CF leader said.
Zimbabwe’s ZanuPF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa has cautioned fellow party leaders from fueling xenophobic attacks on fellow African people.
His statement is believed to be directed at what business man – political figure Kudakwashe Tagwireyi who on record said small businesses such as tuckshops belongs to locals only, no foreigner is welcome
In his) Mutsvangwa) statement, he said, Zimbabwe got military help from almost every country in Africa during the liberation struggle and saying an African is a foreigner in Zimbabwe is wrong.
Mutsvangwa urged fellow Party members to go back to the Herbert Chitepo school of Ideology to get an understanding of these issues.
The country’s political arena has seen many twist and turns in the recent past few years with some alliances taking shape and going out of shape before bearing any fruit, while some unstable politicians keep running from faction to faction and party to party like a Gen-Z at Royal Park in Matero, misnformation in this sphere has taken toll with AI-generated photos to stage managed abductions of Presidential aspirants of criminal organizations.
In the last week or two, Zambia has seen what one can term as shocking revelations with the United States of America injecting $1.5Bn in the health sector, while India’s wealthiest person took interest in the country’s power deficit and pledged to set up a 500MW thermal plant.
With the ‘rebirth’ of Tazara, many critics who have failed to appreciate initiatives such as the enhancement of the Constituency Development Fund-CDF, the positive impact of the social cash transfer and the reintroduction of the free education policy to mention but a few, misinformation is the remedy left to sway the minds of the people of Zambia from the positive impact the rebirth of the Tazara will have in the long term.
With the swelling number of ‘Nashala neka’ political movements, the Ichabaiche spokesperson, who is also a Kabwata Constituency hopeful for 2026, Chabota C. Mweetwa chose not to appreciate the positive outcome of the Tazara deal but chose to digress the minds to comparing and contrasting the Chinese airbus used by the delegations,-a Boeing 747 to what he claims Zambia had, but sold during privatization.
“After seeing the Chinese “Queen of the sky” Boeing 747, I felt this deep sadness in my heart because Zambia had a 747 once before abene ba privatization did what they did. Ba privatizer lesa amipale” he wrote.
Barely a minute went on as Zambians who know their history flocked to the comment section to dismiss the publication, citing flaws in the details.
One Facebook user, Raphael Waane Nkhata commented “How did the DC 10 turn into a Boeing 747? My Uncle was a crew member of the then defunct Zambia Airways, the biggest bird they flew was the DC 10.”
Lulu Mimbulu commented “Gather your facts right Zambia never owned boeing 747 but DC 10” while Eugine Kassalwe commented “This is a sign that someone some where doesn’t know the difference between liquidation and privatization and is not well vested in the history of Zambia Airways. “CIC PRESS TEAM
PRESIDENT HICHILEMA HAILS PREMIER LI QIANG’S VISIT, REAFFIRMS ZAMBIA–CHINA STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP
Lusaka, Zambia – 20th November 2025
By Wagon Media
President Hakainde Hichilema has described the visit of Chinese Premier Li Qiang as a significant milestone in the longstanding relationship between Zambia and the People’s Republic of China.
Speaking after holding productive bilateral talks with the visiting Premier, President Hichilema said the engagement reaffirmed the deep and enduring friendship that dates back to the era of President Kenneth Kaunda and Chairman Mao Zedong, a relationship that has since evolved into a Comprehensive Strategic and Cooperative Partnership. He reiterated Zambia’s firm commitment to this partnership and to the One China Policy.
The President also highlighted the historic groundbreaking ceremony for the revitalisation of the Tanzania–Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA), a project jointly undertaken with Tanzania and China. He noted that the revitalisation of the iconic railway—long regarded as a symbol of solidarity—will enhance regional connectivity, stimulate trade, support industrialisation, and create job opportunities for Zambians.
Looking to the future, President Hichilema encouraged increased Chinese investment in key sectors such as energy, mining, tourism, agriculture, technology, logistics, and other priority areas. He emphasized that such partnerships will build local skills, create decent jobs, and accelerate economic growth across the country.
“Together, we are shaping a future of shared prosperity. Together, we move forward,” President Hichilema stated.
South Africa has the highest paid Doctors, Teachers and Lecturers in Africa.
South African teachers have been reported to have the highest salaries in Africa, with earnings ranging from $2,500 to $4,500 per month, depending on the source.
South African lecturers’ salaries are also reportedly the highest on the continent, with an average salary for professors around $4,779 per month, according to some reports.
Doctors in South Africa are among the highest earners in the nation. SalaryExpert reported that the average faculty physician salary in 2025 is approximately R1,714,226 ($4,800) annually. Medical Aid.com estimates that entry-level doctors can earn over R1.9 million ($164,545) annually and senior-level doctors can earn over R4.4 million ($367,870) annually.
HH, Trump Jr meeting shrouded in secrecy like some secret society – Saki
ULP leader Sakwiba Sikota says the meeting between President Hakainde Hichilema and Donald Trump Jr was shrouded in secrecy like in some secret society.
And Sikota said Zambians were not sure whether Trump Jr came into the country for hunting concessions or other activities.
In an interview, Sikota said a day after President Hakainde Hichilema announced that he had met Donald Trump Jr, the first born son to United States of America (USA) President Donald Trump, the next day he posted on his social media pages that he had spoken to that country’s Secretary of State Marko Rubio via telephone.
But Sikota said there was nothing concrete the President said from the conversations he had with the two gentlemen.
He said yet there were things all the Zambians were interested in, including this country being among the two were citizens were required to deposit hefty amounts when acquiring visas, yet
POLICE REFUSE SOCIALIST PARTY TO HOLD POLITICAL RALLY IN MUFULIRA
..there is national security concerns following the stoning and chasing of President Hakainde Hichilema from Chiwempala, Chingola…
THE Zambia Police in Chingola has denied the Socialist Party to hold a public rally in Mufulira.
The Socialist Party district leadership notified the Police of their intention to hold a public rally at Red Star Grounds on Saturday 22nd November 2025.
“ There is national security concerns in the country resulting from what happened in Chingola when the Republican President His Excellency Hakainde Hichilema visited the area”
However the Police, in the last two weeks have allowed the UPND to stage marches and rallies addressed by Chipoka Mulenga, Elisha Matambo and Paul Kabuswe in Chingola and Chililabombwe.
Makebi Zulu’s appearance on Showster’s House Podcast yesterday was not an ordinary media outing. It was a calculated political pitch at a moment when the Patriotic Front is fractured, anxious, and desperate for a clear contender ahead of its still-contested convention.
His interview has electrified parts of the PF base, irritated UPND supporters, and unsettled rival aspirants within his own party. It also brought back unresolved questions about governance, the rule of law, and the fate of Edgar Lungu’s unburied body. Facts 1ST breaks down what he said, what is factual, what is debatable, and what it all means as Zambia moves toward 2026.
Zulu anchored his argument in the Kabwe assault of Given Lubinda, calling it proof that “cadre violence never left.” He argued that UPND promised to end political thuggery but instead “turned state power into a weapon,” pointing at the PF Secretariat attack, the Kabwe-Lubinda ambush, and repeated incidents where alleged ruling party supporters appeared in videos beating opponents.
His core claim was simple: the state is tolerating cadre violence. Here, the context is clear. In the Lubinda case, the Minister of Home Affairs Jack Mwiimbu confirmed Lubinda was “rescued by police,” while UPND’s Kabwe youth figure Kelvin Mwangala admitted in a viral video that cadres confronted Lubinda because he had “no permit.”
These facts show why the claims gained traction, but they also reveal a fragmented ruling party communication system that cannot speak with one voice.
Makebi’s most pointed line was aimed at policing standards. “If the abductors were PF, we would have seen people bundled into police cars already,” he said. The comparison taps into a real grievance: police moved quickly after the Chingola stoning of the President, but slow-walked arrests at the PF Secretariat and Kabwe lodge.
Selective policing has a long Zambian history, going back to the MMD and PF eras, but the pattern remains politically damaging whichever party is in power.
On governance, Makebi repeated a long-standing PF argument that Zambia’s democratic space is shrinking. He pointed at sedition charges and cyber security laws, saying they are being used almost exclusively against government critics. This is partly accurate: sedition charges under both PF and UPND have been controversial because of their vague thresholds. But his promise to repeal the Cybersecurity and Cybercrimes Act needs scrutiny. The PF passed its own version of the Act in 2021; the UPND strengthened it.
His claim that the law allows government to penetrate private phones “without cause” requires nuance. The Act allows surveillance with a warrant, but critics argue warrants are too easily granted and oversight too weak. His broader point stands: Zambia has not yet found a balanced digital security framework.
The most emotionally charged part of his appeal came through the economy. “People expected the cost of living to go down. Instead, they have one meal a day and 21 hours of load shedding.” Load shedding peaked at 20 hours in some districts in early 2025, and food inflation has been steep. His reference to Aliko Dangote hit a nerve because the industrialist’s recent remark that “no country develops without power” embarrassed the government.
This line helped him frame himself as a voice of economic realism. But PF also left unresolved power issues, including stalled thermal projects and ZESCO debt. There is political convenience in blaming the current crisis on UPND alone, but the roots run deeper than one administration.
Makebi also pressed the burial issue with deliberate finesse. He avoided discussing the Lungu standoff in detail, saying “a spokesperson does not decide,” and insisting burial decisions belong to the family and the courts. But he built political capital by promising that if elected, he would “give President Lungu the dignified burial he deserves.”
Critics immediately revived the nickname “Malukula,” tying him to the prolonged custody of Lungu’s body and implying that he benefitted politically from the delay. His supporters countered by calling him “David,” positioning him as a brave outsider ready to face the Goliath of incumbency. The symbolism is interesting, but it risks framing PF politics around the corpse of a former president instead of the future of the country.
Inside PF, his confidence that the convention will proceed despite the Chabinga injunction rests on shaky ground. A new application by Brenda Nyirenda was filed in Kabwe on Monday asking the court to discharge the order on grounds of “multiplicity of actions.” This legal maze reflects PF’s internal illness: parallel structures, contested signatures, factional loyalties, and a base confused about who is in charge.
Makebi’s assertion that “PF is bigger than papers held by any individual” is a clever political line, but the courts have repeatedly ruled that political parties must follow their own constitutions. The Sampa, Chabinga, and Lubinda disputes have made PF more dependent on the same courts it condemns.
The final question in the interview summed up the entire moment: “What makes you think you can defeat Hichilema in 2026?”
Makebi responded that UPND has created a “large pool of angry and disappointed voters,” and all that remains is organisation and vote protection. His answer captured the mood in PF circles: confidence in public discontent, but uncertainty about internal cohesion. This is not a small tension. You cannot defeat the ruling party with a divided party, scattered messaging, and competing presidential camps.
For a party heading into a high-stakes convention with injunctions, faction fights, cadre clashes, and a still-unburied former head of state, Makebi Zulu’s interview was not just rhetoric. It was a signal of what PF wants to become, and what it still fears. Whether he can convert sharp language into delegate votes is another matter.
For now, Makebi Zulu has seized the narrative, and in politics, that is half the war.
This is Facts 1ST, for comments, insider information, or corrections, write to editor.peoplesbrief@gmail.com.
Hon. Mr. Justice Kelvin Hancubwili Limbani the Judge-in-Charge of the Kabwe High Court and one presiding over the matter says he has travelled outside the country
PF fights injunction freezing General Conference
By EMV Reporter
The Patriotic Front (PF) has filed an urgent application in the Kabwe High Court seeking to set aside the ex-parte Order of Injunction granted to Morgan Ng’ona, the Secretary General of the Robert Chabinga-led faction, which stopped the former ruling party from proceeding with its General Conference.
In an affidavit supporting the application, PF acting Secretary General Brenda Nyirenda argued that Mr Ng’ona obtained the injunction without making a full and frank disclosure of key facts, particularly those relating to pending matters already before the High Court.
Ms Nyirenda said the issues raised by Mr Ng’ona were the same ones the court previously heard and ruled on in a matter decided on March 25, 2025, before Justice C. Chinyanwa.
She emphasised that questions surrounding the party’s leadership remained under judicial consideration in cases 2024/HP/0938 and 2025/HP/01337.
“It is worth noting, that by its Ruling, the Honourable Court on 25th of March, 2025 under cause 2024/HP/0938, that in order to avoid coming up with contradicting decisions due to numerous application relating to the parties, owing to the fact that the issue of who is the President of the Patriotic Front is still a contentious issue which is still a subject of consideration under cause No. 2025/HP/01337,” Ms Nyirenda said.
She said considering that another High Court was still determining issues that Mr Ng’ona had brought before the court without disclosing the matters before another court amounted to forum shopping.
Ms Nyirenda said as such, the court should discharge the injunction granted on November 12, 2025 forthwith due to multiplicity of actions.
She said if the Court did not discharge the injunction, it may lead to contradictory decision arising from the same facts by different Courts. Ms Nyirenda urged the court to discharge the Order of Injunction.
She submitted that it was in the interest of justice that the Ex-parte Order of injunction dated November 12, 2025 be discharged forthwith
“The injunction in itself seeks to close all operations and the functionalities of the office of the party which in itself is unfair and unjust and does not seek to achieve the functions of an injunction. I depose to the foregoing verily believing the same to be true from facts within my personal knowledge and belief,” Ms Nyirenda said.
KABESHA WANTS HH REMOVED FROM CONSTITUTION BREACH CASE
Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha has asked the Constitutional Court to remove President Hakainde Hichilema from a case in which he is accused of breaching the Constitution by initiating a constitutional amendment process without broad public consultation, despite an earlier court ruling against such actions.
The case was filed by Patriotic Front (PF) Mporokoso MP Brian Mundubile and Tonse Alliance Youth Chairperson Celestine Mukandila.
The petitioners want the court to declare President Hichilema ineligible to be nominated as a presidential candidate in future elections and have cited him as First Respondent, while Mr. Kabesha appears as Second Respondent.
However, Mr. Kabesha has argued that the allegations relate to actions President Hichilema took while performing his official duties, not in a personal capacity.
He says this makes him as an Attorney General the correct party to be sued, and therefore the President has been wrongly joined to the case.
He has cited Article 98(1) of the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Act No. 2 of 2016, which prohibits civil proceedings against a sitting President or persons performing executive functions for actions or omissions in their private capacity during their tenure.
Mr. Kabesha says the petitioners’ request to bar Mr. Hichilema from future presidential nominations is a private relief and goes against Article 98.
He has also referenced Article 98(2), which prevents a President from pursuing civil proceedings in a private capacity while in office.
He has further cited the 2021 case involving former President Edgar Lungu and Chapter One Foundation, where the Supreme Court reaffirmed presidential immunity as necessary to allow public officers to perform their functions without fear of personal liability.
Mr. Kabesha has argued that the Constitutional Court has the authority to order the removal of President Hichilema from the matter and that all such proceedings must instead be directed at him, as Attorney General and Chief Legal Advisor to the Government under Article 177.
He insists that President Hichilema cannot be sued for acts alleged to have been done in a personal capacity, as protected by Article 98 of the Constitution.
I CONSIDER HH AS MY GOD – MOONGA … and PF cannot claim to sontapo when it’s HH clearing off their debts
I consider HH as my God, says former PF Lusaka provincial chairperson during late Edgar Lungu’s reign in office, Paul Moonga.
And Moonga said PF cannot claim the projects they carried out through borrowing, saying the rightful owner of all the PF projects was President Hakainde Hichilema who was clearing off the PF debts.
In an interview with Daily Revelation yesterday, Moonga said the Holy scripture in Romans 13, taught him
MUMBI PHIRI- GIVEN LUBINDA DOES NOT QUALIFY AS PF PRESIDENT ONLY BEMBA AND EASTERNER.
By ECL TV
STAKEHOLDERS CONDEMN MUMBI PHIRI’S TRIBAL REMARKS, CALL FOR UNITY AHEAD OF 2026 POLLS
Various stakeholders have condemned former Patriotic Front (PF) Deputy Secretary-General Mumbi Phiri for her alleged tribal remarks, describing them as divisive and a threat to national unity ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Ms. Phiri is alleged to have stated in a publication and accompanying audio that the PF could only win the 2026 elections if the party’s top two positions were occupied by individuals from either the Bemba or Eastern regions.
Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ) Executive Director, Bishop Andrew Mwenda, labelled the remarks as regressive and dangerous, stressing that tribalism should never be used as a political tool. He warned that such sentiments risk deepening divisions and eroding the values of peace and inclusivity.
Former Vice President Nevers Mumba echoed similar sentiments, saying the remarks undermine the “One Zambia, One Nation” principle that has long held the country together. He urged political leaders to foster unity and respect diversity.
Centre for Protection of Human Rights and Advancement of Democracy (CePHRAD) Executive Director, Christopher Manyepa, also weighed in, emphasizing that leadership must be based on merit rather than tribal or regional affiliations. He cautioned against political domination that marginalizes other groups or limits citizens’ opportunities to lead.
Meanwhile, United Party for National Development (UPND) Media Director, Mark Simuuwe, called on Zambians to reject divisive rhetoric and stand firm in defending democracy and national harmony. He expressed disappointment that some political figures continue to advance tribal agendas despite Zambia’s long-standing commitment to unity and coexistence.
UPND deputy secretary general Gertrude lmenda says President Hakainde Hichilema has been sent by God to come and turn around the country’s economy.
And Imenda told Daily Revelation that despite the unfortunate situation where the President was stoned, forcing him to abondon his address to the people of Chiwempala, the UPND was still very popular.
ZAMBIA’S NEW ERA OF ECONOMIC DIPLOMACY IS DELIVERING — AND THE WORLD IS TAKING NOTICE Br Dr Lubinda Haabazoka
Over the past month, Zambia has been at the centre of an extraordinary wave of global engagement. From the State Visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog, to the signing of major cooperation agreements with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, and even a warm courtesy meeting with Donald Trump Jr. during his private holiday. Zambia has unmistakably stepped onto the global stage with confidence and purpose.
I don’t think this is accidental. It is the result of President Hakainde Hichilema’s deliberate, balanced, and opportunity-driven diplomacy, a foreign policy anchored on economic growth rather than ideology, and on development partnerships rather than political alignment. In a world of shifting geopolitical currents, Zambia is choosing a path that serves its national interest first and the results are increasingly visible.
China: A USD 1.4 Billion Leap Forward for Zambia’s Infrastructure The visit by Chinese Premier Li Qiang saw the signing of nine major agreements, ranging from trade facilitation and media cooperation to green minerals and industrial supply chains. Most significantly, Zambia, Tanzania and China officially launched the USD 1.4 billion revitalisation of TAZARA, one of the most ambitious regional infrastructure projects in decades.
This project will deliver:
● 813 new locomotives ● 393 km of upgraded rail ● Rehabilitated tunnels ● A train capacity jump to 2.4 million tonnes ● Over 20,000 new jobs across both countries
For Zambia, TAZARA is not just a railway, it is a lifeline for trade, agriculture, mining and value addition. It reconnects local producers to regional and international markets. It will lower transport costs and open up new economic towns along the corridor.
China also pledged investment in agriculture, health facilities, and industrial hubs, showing that its partnership with Zambia remains deep, long-term, and transformational
Israel: A New Chapter in Innovation and Technology President Herzog’s State Visit to Lusaka marked a significant strengthening of ties between the two nations. Israel, a global leader in irrigation, climate-smart agriculture, water management and technology, is stepping forward as a key partner in Zambia’s development ambitions.
Dialogue between the two Heads of State focused on:
● Water and irrigation technologies ● Agriculture and climate resilience ● Digital innovation ● Energy solutions ● Youth and academic cooperation President Herzog praised Zambia’s economic direction, describing the country as welcoming, stable and “in the right direction under President Hichilema.” He emphasised that Israeli investors and innovators are ready to deepen their presence in Zambia.
For a nation battling drought and power shortages, this partnership is both timely and vital.
United States: Growing Interest Signalled Through Soft-Power Diplomacy While Donald Trump Jr.’s visit to Zambia was private, his meeting with President Hichilema sent an unmistakable message: Zambia is increasingly seen as a destination of choice for American investors and travellers.
Trump Jr. spoke highly of Zambia’s potential, the beauty of its natural environment, and the warmth of its people. These soft-power endorsements matter, they influence investor sentiment, tourism decisions and international perceptions.
President Hichilema reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to strengthening U.S.–Zambia relations, signaling readiness for deeper economic cooperation.
Zimbabwe: Strengthening Regional Ties and Shared Development President Hichilema’s recent visit to Zimbabwe added a regional dimension to Zambia’s diplomatic momentum. Zambia and Zimbabwe agreed to strengthen collaboration in:
● Trade ● Agriculture ● Immigration ● Shared infrastructure projects With both countries relying on key regional corridors, hydropower infrastructure and tourism circuits, improved cooperation promises real economic gains for citizens on both sides of the border.
Zambia’s diplomacy is proving that cooperation, not competition, is the path to shared prosperity in Southern Africa.
The Economic Benefits Are Clear Across all these engagements, Zambia is securing:
New Export Markets China’s approval for Zambian cocoons and other products opens new income channels for farmers and producers.
Infrastructure Modernisation The TAZARA upgrade will cut costs, enhance trade and stimulate local economies.
Technology Transfer Israeli expertise in water and agriculture will help Zambia adapt to climate shocks.
Investment Confidence Engagements with America, both formal and informal, boost Zambia’s international credibility.
Tourism Promotion High-profile foreign visits elevate Zambia’s global tourism brand.
Job Creation From railways to industrial hubs, thousands of jobs will be created for young Zambians.
A Balanced Foreign Policy — Zambia’s New Strength Perhaps the most impressive feature of Zambia’s emerging diplomacy is its balance.
● China for infrastructure and industrialisation ● Israel for innovation and agriculture ● The United States for investment and global visibility ● Regional neighbours for trade and energy cooperation President Hichilema has positioned Zambia as a friend to all, and an enemy to none, a strategy that opens multiple doors while protecting the national interest.
This is not diplomacy of survival. It is diplomacy of ambition.
THE ZAMBIA POLICE COMMAND IS COMPLETELY PARALYSED WHEN IT COMES TO CRIMES COMMITTED BY UPND AND ITS AFFILIATES
Golden Party President Jackson Silavwe writes….
THE Zambia police command is completely paralysed when it comes to crimes committed by UPND affiliates and supporters.
Honourable Jack Mwiimbu and the police command must know that the “we are still investigating” statement is deeply offensive to right thinking citizens when it comes to alleged crimes by UPND affiliates.
What happened to Hon. Lubinda was uncultural, unzambian, unchristian, unconstitutional and unpatriotic even if one does not support the PF.
Both political and apolitical Zambians know the dangers and evils of cadreism. It remains one of the biggest contributing factors of the PF’s exit from power in 2021.
To Zambians, cadreism denotes disorder, indiscipline, pride, illegalities, disrespect of the rule of law and a departure from our cultural norms.
As Zambians, we must must be united in confronting crime meting out swift consequences on the perpetrators without favour.
Hon. mwiimbu and the police command can do better in uniting our Nation in fighting crime across political parties lines. JACKSON SILAVWE PRESIDENT GPZ
EVENING WIRE | Li Qiang’s Zambia Visit Closes With Rail, Refinery And Reform Signals
Chinese Premier Li Qiang has wrapped up a two day official visit to Zambia, departing Kenneth Kaunda International Airport around 17:37 hours after a day that combined symbolism at State House with hard economic signals on rail, energy and investment.
He was seen off by Vice President Mutale Nalumango, senior ministers and diplomats, in what both capitals are casting as a reset of a six decade relationship for a more competitive era.
At State House, Premier Li praised President Hakainde Hichilema’s reform agenda, telling him that “under your leadership, Zambia has pursued reforms and achieved significant outcomes in economic growth” and that China sees Zambia as “a steadfast partner and a good brother, friend, and ally.”
He said Beijing is ready to “cement political mutual trust, firmly support each other’s core interests, and continue enriching our Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership.”
The Chinese leader’s language tracked with Beijing’s official line. Xinhua quoted him as saying China stands ready to “carry forward the traditional friendship, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, promote mutual understanding and affinity between the two peoples, and advance together on the path of modernization.”
The Global Times later reported that Li signalled interest in expanding trade and “tapping cooperation potential” in mining, new energy vehicles and artificial intelligence.
For Hichilema, the visit capped a year in which Zambia completed a 13.4 billion dollar external debt restructuring in which China was the largest official creditor. He used the TAZARA revitalisation launch at Mulungushi International Conference Centre to frame the project as both historic and forward looking, saying the upgrade “carries immense significance for Zambia, just as it did in the 1970s” when the line opened a strategic outlet to Dar es Salaam for a then landlocked and sanctioned economy.
The new TAZARA package, valued at about 1.4 billion dollars and led by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, aims to modernise track, rolling stock and operations on the corridor that links the Copperbelt to the Tanzanian coast.
For Beijing, it secures smoother access to copper and cobalt that feed Chinese electronics and energy supply chains. For Zambia and Tanzania, it is meant to cut logistics costs, ease pressure on roads and anchor new industrial zones along the route.
Away from the cameras, a parallel signal landed in Ndola. The Zambia Development Agency handed an investment licence to China Zambia Petrochemical Corporation, a special purpose vehicle jointly owned by the Industrial Development Corporation and Fujian Xiang Xin Corporation, for a 1.1 billion dollar crude oil refinery and integrated energy complex.
The plant will process about three million tonnes of crude per year, roughly sixty thousand barrels a day, which is enough to cover current national fuel demand and create export headroom into the region.
IDC chief executive Cornwell Muleya called the project a “transformative venture” that should “create jobs, enhance national self sufficiency and support long term economic growth,” while Chinese partner Huang Tieming said FJXX is committed to deploying “world class engineering solutions” in partnership with the Zambian state.
For markets, the refinery signals a medium term shift in Zambia’s fuel balance, with potential savings on import bills and new foreign exchange from regional sales if timelines hold.
Zambia’s finance ministry framed the Li visit as a vote of confidence in that broader economic pivot. In a briefing note, the ministry said talks with the Premier would focus on “practical areas that directly impact citizens” including trade, investment, transport, logistics, mining, agriculture, energy and technology.
That list reflects where Chinese capital is already embedded and where Lusaka wants more joint ventures rather than pure lending.
The politics of the visit are rooted in history. Last year marked sixty years of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
Hichilema reminded guests that he and President Xi Jinping had already “reached important consensus” in Beijing on using the Forum on China Africa Cooperation to scale up cooperation, particularly around infrastructure and industrialisation.
Premier Li called Zambia an “important partner on the African continent” whose “natural beauty, friendly people and favourable climate” had left him with a “wonderful impression” on his first trip to sub Saharan Africa since taking office.
But the context is sharper than the ceremony. China has invested an estimated six billion dollars in Zambia over the past two decades, heavily concentrated in mining and construction. Western partners are now countering that presence with their own corridors and climate packages.
The Lobito Corridor, backed by the United States and European Union, aims to move copper and cobalt from the region to Atlantic ports. TAZARA’s revitalisation and the Ndola refinery are Beijing’s answer that it intends to remain central to Zambia’s hard infrastructure story.
For Lusaka, the week closes with both opportunity and pressure. The TAZARA upgrade promises cheaper freight and new industrial nodes if execution is disciplined. The refinery promises energy security if financing and governance remain credible.
The visit also intensifies scrutiny of how Zambia balances its China portfolio with fresh Western finance and its own debt sustainability commitments. Any slippage will be watched by ratings agencies and bond markets still gauging the durability of Zambia’s restructuring.
Premier Li’s motorcade has now left, the flags at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport are being folded away, and attention will shift to implementation. But the images from State House, the TAZARA groundbreaking and the refinery licence handover, many captured by local outlet The Falcon, will circulate as visual proof that China is not retreating from Zambia’s story.
The question for investors and citizens alike is how much of this week’s promise will translate into jobs, lower costs and durable growth over the next decade.
…for failing to fully implement the TAZAMA open access policy, demands that all qualifying distributors and players in the petroleum sector should be able to participate in the use of the pipeline on an even footing, with clear deadlines and objective criteria
By NATION REPORTER
THE International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said it is disappointed that the Zambian government has failed to fully implement the Open Access Policy in the use of the Tanzania Zambia Mafuta (TAZAMA) Pipeline, which would have resulted into the facility being used by all players in the petroleum sector fairly and equitably, the Africa Intelligence has disclosed.
According to the Africa Intelligence, the continent’s daily publication dated November 18, 2025, the IMF is now becoming impatient with the Zambian government and is complaining that TAZAMA had abrogated the policy by awarding a fuel contract to Indeni Energy Company from July, August up to December when they expected a rotational monthly award to different capable companies, according to the Open Access Guidelines.
The abrogation of the guidelines has inevitably resulted into the critical shortage of diesel in the country. According to the Africa Intelligence, the IMF has now stepped up its demand that Zambia should fully open TAZAMA pipeline to a broad, transparent pool of distributors through the Open Access policy.
It said the principle of the TAZAMA Open Access Policy was to have lower fuel prices, improve price predictability, and strengthen competition in a sector that has long been shielded by a handful of players. Officials say the IMF’s push for the open access policy was tied to the conclusion of the country’s sixth review under its Extended Credit Facility (ECF).
“When functioning with broad access, the pipeline (TAZAMA) is expected to bring down pump prices and reduce volatility at times of global oil swings yet the process to open the pipeline had been marked by controversy and unfair participation,” the African Intelligence stated.
The Africa Intelligence further reports that since government introduced a semi-annual bidding system earlier this year to shortlist distributors, players had been complaining that the framework had fallen short of its stated transparency.
It stated that in August, state-owned Indeni Energy Company Limited was allowed to run the pipeline for a four-month period – longer than the standard 30-day interval – raising concern about whether fair competition was truly being maintained. The Africa Intelligence report states that a recent shortlist of distributors for the first half of 2026 was muddled by lack of transparency, further making the implimentation of the Open Access Policy unachievable.
The document included Oasis Oil Co. and Ayoun Energy – new entrants with ties to well-known traders – while others with substantial operating presence, such as Titanium Oil Corp, were sidelined despite successful deliveries through the pipeline. The Africa Intelligence reveals that other familiar names on the list included Trafigura-linked Puma Energy and Geneva-based Augusta Energy affiliates, while several European and Swiss traders appeared to be missing.
“The list’s composition matters beyond optics. If the shortlist is perceived as favouring established players with deep pockets, the market risks repeating the entrenched pricing patterns that the reforms seek to dismantle,” the Africa Intelligence explains in its report.
It said the IMF’s concern was not just about access but about governance: a transparent, competitive, and predictable process that all eligible distributors could trust.
“The political tempo in Zambia adds another layer. With elections approaching in August 2026, the government is manoeuvring to show tangible gains from the subsidy reforms introduced after it took office,” the report reads.
“In April, prices at the pump fell sharply after the reforms, but they have since stabilised in the mid-20s per litre, reflecting a balance between subsidy withdrawal and global price moves. The IMF believes: “Open access to critical infrastructure like TAZAMA is essential for healthy competition. We expect all qualifying distributors to be able to participate on an even footing, with clear deadlines and objective criteria.” Ends.
CATHOLIC PRIEST CRITICISED FOR REMARKS ON CHINGOLA ATTACK ON PRESIDENT
Former Special Assistant to late President Levy Mwanawasa, Policy, Project Implementation and Monitoring, Jack Kalala, has condemned a Catholic priest who appeared to make light of the recent stoning of the President during a visit to Chingola.
In a video circulating on social media, the priest is heard telling congregants that “when you are stoned, just know things are not okay,” a comment that has sparked public outrage Mr. Kalala argued that the remarks contradicted the core Christian principles of love, peace and compassion.
“The assertions by the priest are extremely regrettable, repulsive and shameful to say the list,” said Mr. Kalala in a statement issued to RCV News in Lusaka today.
He expressed disbelief that such comments were made from the altar, noting that while several non-Catholic church leaders condemned the violent incident, the priest appeared to treat it as a matter of amusement.
Mr. Kalala said the priest should have used the moment to denounce the criminal behaviour of the youths who threw stones at the President, rather than appearing to justify or trivialise the attack.
He added that the Bible emphasises love of God and neighbour, teachings he believes the priest failed to uphold.
Mr. Kalala also criticised the priest for showing what he described as a lack of empathy for Chiwempala residents who recently lost property in a devastating fire.
He urged church leaders to be mindful of the diverse political and social backgrounds of their congregants and to avoid statements that risk dividing members.
The Priest’s mockery of the President was not baseless but mindless, misleading and unwise. It was irresponsible and uncalled,” said Mr. Kalala.
As expected, President Hakainde Hichilema’s methodical diplomacy, that has inspired the historical visit of China’s second most powerful man, Premier Li Qiang, who is still in the country, is already making the United States a little jealous.
Hahaha …HH’s diplomatic mingalato are truly making Zambia the continent’s hottest destination for global power courtship.
Just a day after we shared an article explaining how HH’s steady diplomatic hand has restored global confidence in Zambia as a stable and strategic partner, the U.S. Embassy has suddenly pulled out a #ThrowbackThursday. In a rather telling display of diplomatic envy, the U.S is reminding Zambians why the TAZARA locomotives carry the American partnership logo.
“In response to Zambia and Tanzania’s request to accountable international partners to rehabilitate the prematurely decrepit railway in the mid-1980s, the United States of America provided over $45 million (about $130 million today) in grant assistance to purchase locomotives and wagons actually capable of traversing the line,”…Wrote the U.S Embassy.
Like a jealous husband trying to remind his wife of the good old days, the U.S. goes on emphasizing how their grant empowered Zambians to resurrect and maintain the railway enabling it to remain operational for the past four decades, calling it a real partnership. We have shared a screenshot of their full post for your reading pleasure.
Just to bring you to speed, China’s Premier is in Zambia and is expected to officiate at a groundbreaking ceremony for the same TAZARA revitalization partnership project between the two African countries and China.
For anyone who understands geopolitical economics, this kind of jealousy is exactly what we should be celebrating. Zambia must remain open to all suitors. When giants compete for your attention, you negotiate from a position of strength.
So far, we are already seeing the results. Just a few days ago after it was announced that the Premier of China would be visiting Zambia, the U.S. announced their decision to reinstate the previously cut healthcare grant to Zambia.
The point is , a healthy competition, inspired by diplomatic jealous between global superpowers, if well-managed, could unlock massive benefits for Zambia
VISITING CHINESE PREMIER PRAISES ZAMBIA’S ECONOMIC PROGRESS
By Patricia Mbewe
Visiting Chinese Premier Li Qiang has praised Zambia’s economic progress under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema.
Speaking at state house this morning when he held a bilateral meeting with President Hichilema, Mr. Li said that China is happy to see Zambia’s significant achievements in economic growth and development and committed his country’s commitment to strengthening its comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership with Zambia.
He stated that China wants to further cement political mutual trust, support each other’s core interests and major concerns, and advance the cause of modernization.
Mr. Li who spoke through an interpreter highlighted the importance of building an even stronger China-Zambia community with a shared future and expressed his desire to work with Zambia to deliver greater benefits to the people of both countries.
During the meeting, President Hichilema said the relationship between Zambia and China is built on shared values of mutual respect, trust, and cooperation and is confident that the partnership will continue to yield benefits for both countries and their people.
President Hichilema has expressed gratitude for China’s support in rehabilitating the TAZARA railway line, a crucial transportation artery that connects Zambia to the Indian ocean.
He has noted that China is a key partner in Zambia’s economic development, with significant investments in sectors such as mining and energy and has further thanked that country for its support in Zambia’s debt restructuring project and for opening its markets to Zambian goods. PHOENIX NEWS
ECZ RULES OUT FURTHER EXTENSION TO VOTER REGISTRATION
The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has indicated that no additional extension will be granted to the ongoing mass voter registration exercise beyond the set deadline of 26th November, 2025.
Speaking during a media briefing in Lusaka, ECZ Chief Electoral Officer Brown Kasaro provided an update on the nationwide exercise, noting that the Commission has expanded access by partnering with Shoprite, which is hosting 36 registration points in selected stores across the country. In areas without Shoprite outlets, community trading centres with high public traffic are being used to ensure citizens can register with ease.
Mr. Kasaro disclosed that as of 18th November, 2025, the Commission has recorded 2,210,056 registrations and updates across phases one to six. This figure includes 1,028,503 new registrations—comprising 478,295 males and 550,208 females—and 1,181,553 updates.
He further noted that voter registration in correctional facilities is still in progress, with consolidated inmate statistics to be announced once the process concludes.
NIGERIAN SEPARATIST LEADER SENTENCED TO LIFE FOR TERRORISM
A COURT in Nigeria has found separatist leader Nnamdi Kanu guilty of terrorism and other charges following a decade-long legal case full of drama.
He has been given four life sentences, along with other terms, to be served concurrently. The prosecution had called for the death penalty but Judge James Omotosho said that executions were now “frowned upon”.
In his ruling he said he was satisfied that Kanu had made a series of broadcasts to incite violence and killings, as part of his campaign for a separate state in south-east Nigeria, known as Biafra.
Kanu was convicted on all seven charges he faced. As well as terrorism, they included treason and involvement with an outlawed movement.
Kanu always denied the charges and challenged the court’s jurisdiction. At the start of the trial he sacked his lawyers but refused to defend himself.
He was not in court when the verdict was delivered, after being removed for unruly behaviour.
Security around the courthouse in the capital, Abuja, was tightened ahead of the verdict in case of protests by Kanu’s supporters.
Once a relatively obscure figure, he came to national prominence in 2009 when he started Radio Biafra, a station that called for an independent state for the Igbo people, broadcast to Nigeria from London.
Though he grew up in south-eastern Nigeria, where he attended the University of Nsukka, Kanu moved to the UK before graduating, and acquired British nationality.
In 2014, he set up the Indigenous People Of Biafra (Ipob), a movement demanding independence.
Ipob was banned as a terrorist organisation in 2017. Its armed wing – the Eastern Security Network – has been accused of killings and other acts of violence in recent years.
Delivering his judgement, Justice Omotosho said: “Mr Kanu knew what he was doing, he was bent on carrying out these threats without consideration to his own people.
“From the incontroverted evidence, it is clear that the defendant carried out preparatory act of terrorism.
“He had the duty to explain himself but failed to do so.”
Kanu is a popular figure in his movement’s heartland in south-eastern Nigeria, but reaction to the verdict there has so far been muted.
In court ahead of the ruling, Kanu insisted that proceedings could not continue because he had not yet filed his final written address, accusing the judge of bias and not understanding the law.
The judgement was delivered after Kanu had been forcibly removed from the courtroom for unruly behaviour.
He was first arrested in October 2015 but he jumped bail in 2017 and left the country after a military raid on his home. The court later revoked his bail in March 2019.
Two years later, the government announced that he had been re-arrested. His lawyers say he was detained in Kenya and forcibly returned to Nigeria. Kenya has not commented.
In 2022, an appeal court ordered that the charges against him be dropped, saying he had been illegally arrested abroad, but this ruling was overturned by the Supreme Court the following year.
The calls for Biafran independence date back many years.
In 1967 Igbo leaders declared a Biafran state, but after a brutal civil war, which led to the deaths of up to a million people, the secessionist rebellion was defeated.
Many Igbo people continue to feel that they are marginalised by the Nigerian state however, it is not clear how many are in favour of independence.
Church Leaders Condemn Harassment of PF Faction Leader Given Lubinda
Bishop Joseph Kazhila, General Overseer of Life Gospel Ministries International, has condemned the harassment and attack on PF faction Acting President Given Lubinda, describing the acts as unZambian and contrary to President Hakainde Hichilema’s strong stance against cadreism.
In a statement to ZNBC News, Bishop Kazhila said it is unacceptable for cadres to take the law into their own hands and urged the police to apprehend the culprits to set an example for would-be offenders.
Meanwhile, Senior Pastor Jimmy Ng’ambi of the Beacon of Truth Church stressed that regardless of political affiliation, criminal conduct, violence, intimidation, and mob harassment must never be tolerated in a democratic nation
Reverend Ng’ambi further advised political leaders to take responsibility and discourage their followers from engaging in hostile acts that undermine national unity.
Solicitor General Seeks Removal of President Hichilema from Election Petition
By Hannock Kasama
Solicitor General Marshal Muchende has asked the Constitutional Court to remove President Hakainde Hichilema from a petition challenging his nomination for future elections.
Mr. Muchende has filed an affidavit in support of misjoinder, arguing that only the Attorney General can be sued in matters relating to the executive functions of the Republican President.
He further contended that the Constitution prohibits civil proceedings against the President in matters executed in his private capacity.
This follows a petition filed by Patriotic Front (PF) Presidential Candidate Brian Mundubile and Tonse Alliance Youth Chairperson Celestine Mukandila.
The United States has revoked the visa of former South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor without providing an explanation, Pandor confirmed on Wednesday, in a move that follows her prominent role in South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.
Pandor said she was informed of the decision in an email from the United States Consulate this week, shortly after returning from her most recent visit to the United States.
“I’ve no understanding of why my visa has been revoked. There’s no explanation offered. According to the section mentioned in the email, no reasons need to be provided by the United States,” Pandor said in a statement to the broadcaster.
Pandor, 71, who retired from active politics in 2024 after three decades in South Africa’s parliament, had been granted a multiple-entry visitor’s visa for short-term stays following her departure from government. In July, she delivered a keynote address at the United Nations in New York to commemorate Nelson Mandela International Day.
As South Africa’s top diplomat from 2019 to 2024, Pandor was instrumental in launching South Africa’s case at The Hague-based International Court of Justice in December 2023, accusing Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. The Trump administration has rejected South Africa’s case.
The ICJ in January 2024 ordered provisional measures requiring Israel to prevent genocidal acts and ensure humanitarian assistance reaches Gaza, though it stopped short of ordering a ceasefire. Israel has denied the allegations and characterized South Africa as functioning as “the legal arm” of Hamas.
Pandor currently serves as chairperson of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, a position she assumed in October 2024.
The United States State Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Report Focus News could not independently verify the visa revocation.
The Trump administration has previously revoked visas of officials connected to the ICJ case. In August, Secretary of State Marco Rubio revoked visas of Palestinian Authority officials ahead of the UN General Assembly.
South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Pandor’s visa revocation.
CHINESE PREMIER COMMENDS ZAMBIA’S REFORMS, PLEDGES STRONGER COOPERATION
Lusaka, November 20, 2025
Premier of the State Council of China, Li Qiang, has praised Zambia for implementing key economic and governance reforms under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema, saying the efforts have delivered tangible results and stimulated national growth.
Speaking during a bilateral meeting at State House this morning, Premier Li said China is impressed with Zambia’s progress and remains committed to deepening cooperation between the two countries.
“Under your leadership, Zambia has pursued reforms and achieved significant outcomes in economic growth. Congratulations on the remarkable progress,” Premier Li said.
He noted that China views Zambia as an important partner on the African continent and intends to further strengthen bilateral relations through mutual respect and shared development goals.
“China remains a steadfast partner and a good brother, friend, and ally of Zambia. We want to cement political mutual trust, firmly support each other’s core interests, and continue enriching our Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership,” he said.
The Chinese Premier also expressed admiration for Zambia’s natural beauty, friendly people, and favourable climate, saying his visit had left him with a “wonderful impression” of the country.
Premier Li recalled that last year marked 60 years of diplomatic relations between China and Zambia, during which President Hichilema paid a state visit to China and held productive discussions with President Xi Jinping on expanding cooperation under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) framework.
“You and President Xi reached important consensus and provided clear guidance for the growth of our bilateral relations,” he said.
Mr. Li emphasized that China wishes to work closely with Zambia to advance modernisation efforts, strengthen economic ties, and build an even stronger China–Zambia community with a shared future.
“We want to work hand in hand with Zambia to deliver greater benefits for our two nations and our peoples,” he said.
Premier Li’s visit marks the first official visit to Zambia by a Chinese head of government in 28 years, and his first visit to sub-Saharan Africa since assuming office. The visit underscores the deep and historic ties between the two nations, which have spanned more than six decades and produced major development partnerships across infrastructure, mining, energy, and agriculture.
A vulnerable British woman was found buried in a shallow grave after reportedly asking for “a violent de@th”
Sonia Exelby, 32, who had a history of mental health problems, flew to Florida after arranging to meet “online individuals who would be willing to k!ll her violently,” according to a police affidavit.
Dwain Hall, 53, was arrested on charges of first-degree murd£r and kidnapping after the victim’s remains were found in a shallow grave in Marion County, Florida.
Fears for the well-being of Ms Exelby were heightened after she missed her flight home.
Her body was discovered on Friday, October 17 by officers.
Despite declaring her wish to be k!lled, police fear she was being threatened and “controlled” before being stabbed to de@th.
According to police, she sent a message to a friend about Hall, seemingly having second thoughts.
She wrote: “He made it clear there was no way out unless I shoot him. I was questioning it last night. I can’t k!ll anyone.”
The police affidavit said this message showed “Hall was controlling her, that she was afraid, and had made a mistake”. “The remains were determined to be those of the missing woman from England and further examination revealed that her de@th was ruled a homicide,” the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) said.
The affidavit said Exelby made contact with Americans in the hope of travelling to the US and being k!lled last year. However, she was prevented.
Evidence allegedly left on her laptop showed she became su!cidal again and wanted to travel “to be possibly s£xually abused, tortured, and murd£red by unknown individuals living in the United States.”
Police said Hall and Exelby met at an Airbnb property on October 10 and had s£x.
Missing woman found buried in shallow grave after asking for a
Hall then allegedly made a video of Ms Exelby in which she was covered in bruises and made to answer disclaimer questions about her wish to be k!lled. It was deleted but police managed to retrieve it.
“Throughout the conversation Exelby is subdued, rarely looks up towards the camera where Hall would be positioned, becomes visibly upset with tears in her eyes, exhales deeply, swallows hard, and very hesitant to answer Hall’s questions,” the affidavit says.
The police affidavit said this message showed :Hall was controlling her, that she was afraid, and had made a mistake.”
Her boyfriend, Stevie Hunt, had shared a desperate plea for information last month, saying Sonia was “vulnerable” and struggling with mental health.
He believed she flew to Florida to meet someone, putting herself in an “extremely vulnerable situation.”
Hall was identified as a suspect after police traced him to a bank account that allegedly attempted to transfer money from Ms Exelby’s bank several times since her death.
In a voluntary interview, Hall claimed that an unknown woman was begging for help by the roadside when her cards were declined.
He insisted he didn’t know Ms Exelby before admitting that he had s£x with her several times and debated her desire to have someone k!ll her, according to the document.
“Hall knew Exelby suffered from severe mental illness and was su!cidal. He claimed that he wanted to help Exelby and did not want her to di£ but his actions show differently,” the police affidavit said.
“This type of violent crime and disregard for human life will not be tolerated in our state — those who commit such heinous crimes will be held fully accountable,” FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass said in a statement.
The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said: “Our officers are liaising with U.S. authorities to assist their ongoing investigation, including the Florida Department of Law Enforcement where she is believed to have travelled to, and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCDO) to provide support for Sonia’s family in the U.K.”
Superstar singer Usher Raymond IV is now locked in a multimillion-dollar legal battle with former business partners after a failed restaurant venture in Atlanta’s upscale Buckhead neighborhood. According to a lawsuit filed Nov. 14 in Fulton County, the Grammy-winning artist is demanding at least $4.9 million in damages tied to a real estate deal he says went wrong. The case centers on a planned restaurant and lounge called Homage ATL, which was supposed to be developed on a Piedmont Road property priced at $6.3 million.
Court filings claim that in 2024, Usher was approached by three associates seeking investment in the restaurant project. The suit says Usher declined to become an equity partner but agreed to loan them $1.7 million so they could purchase the property. Records show the trio later returned $1 million after the deal fell apart, but the remaining funds were never paid back. Usher alleges the borrowers were obligated to repay the full amount once the purchase collapsed and are now in breach of their agreement.
According to Hot 97, the lawsuit gained traction online, and longtime Usher collaborator and Grammy-winning producer Bryan-Michael Cox publicly addressed speculation that he was deeply involved. Cox released a statement on Instagram, sharing old photos of himself with Usher and explaining that he was pulled into a business situation he did not manage. He wrote that he has “learned a lot recently” about choosing partners wisely and noted that he is “in the middle of a failed deal that I didn’t orchestrate,” distancing himself from the core allegations.
Cox further clarified that he is only a passive minority shareholder in the company mentioned in the filing, stressing that he played no role in structuring the disputed transaction. His attorneys, he said, informed him of the lawsuit only recently, and he emphasized that he is not involved in the ongoing legal process. According to Cox, early reporting made it appear as though he was a central figure, but he expects “both sides” to confirm publicly that his role was minimal.
Wanting to quiet rumors of tension between the two longtime collaborators, Cox assured fans that his “27-year friendship with Usher remains fully intact.” His message, accompanied by nostalgic images of the pair, was aimed at reinforcing that the lawsuit has not damaged their personal or professional bond. He reiterated that the situation is “unfortunate,” but that misinterpretations should not be taken as evidence of a rift.
Cox ended his statement by thanking supporters for their patience and understanding as the legal matter continues in Fulton County. He noted that he cannot share additional details at this time but expressed confidence that his reputation will remain intact once all facts are reviewed. Meanwhile, Usher’s lawsuit proceeds as he seeks to recover the remaining loan balance and additional damages tied to the abandoned Buckhead restaurant project.
Kevin Spacey revealed he’s homeless seven years after a s£xual assault scandal rocked his career,
“I’m living in hotels, I’m living in Airbnbs, I’m going where the work is,” the Oscar winner told the Telegraph in an interview published Wednesday, Nov. 19.
“I literally have no home, that’s what I’m attempting to explain.”
The actor told the outlet that his financial situation is “not great” following the scandal, which eventually saw him acquitted of s£xual assault allegations leveled by four men in the UK, but said it “never got to” the point of bankruptcy
Spacey, who has denied any wrongdoing, said the “costs over these last seven years have been astronomical.”
He added, “I’ve had very little coming in and everything going out.” Of his “cancellation” in Hollywood, Spacey said, “You get through it.”
“In weird ways, I feel I’m back to where I first started, which is I just went where the work was,” Spacey said.
“Everything is in storage, and I hope at some point, if things continue to improve, that I’ll be able to decide where I want to settle down again.”
The “American Beauty” actor, 66, was accused by over 30 men — including “Star Trek: Discovery” actor Anthony Rapp — of inappropriate behavior or s£xual assault, with the claims beginning to emerge in 2017.
Netflix ultimately eliminated Spacey’s iconic role on the popular “House of Cards,” which ended in 2018 with his co-star Robin Wright replacing him.
Spacey was found not guilty of assaulting four men in July 2023, in a high-profile UK trial and found not liable in a 2022 lawsuit in New York.
According to the Telegraph, the actor performed at a resort in Limassol, Cyprus, this week, as he attempts to move forward.
Amid the release of the 2024 documentary “Spacey Unmasked,” the actor again denied wrongdoing in the multiple claims against him, saying he could no longer “allow [himself] to be baselessly attacked” without defending himself.
“I take full responsibility for my past behavior and my actions, but I cannot and will not take responsibility or apologize to anyone who’s made up stuff about me or exaggerated stories about me,” he told former UK journalist Dan Wootton in May 2024.
“I’ve never told someone that if they give me sexual favors, then I will help them out with their career, never,” he claimed.
In May, Spacey received a lifetime achievement award at an event in Cannes, France, during which he called the past several years “challenging.”
Zelensky to speak with Trump after US proposes Russia-Ukraine peace plan
(BBC) Volodymyr Zelensky will speak to Donald Trump after the US presented Ukraine with a draft peace plan to end the war with Russia.
The plan was reportedly drafted by US special envoy Steve Witkoff and his Russian counterpart Kirill Dmitriev, without Ukraine’s involvement.
In a statement, Zelensky’s office said the US believed the draft plan could “help reinvigorate diplomacy” and added that Ukraine had “agreed to work on the plan’s provisions in a way that would bring about a just end to the war”.
Kyiv supported “all substantive proposals capable of bringing genuine peace closer,” the statement said.
The Ukrainians did not share any details of what the proposal entails, although according to sources quoted by Axios, the Financial Times and Reuters, it includes plans for Kyiv to give up areas of the Donbas in eastern Ukraine that it still controls, to cut significantly the size of its army, and to forego many of its weapons.
If confirmed, these demands would be heavily slanted towards Moscow’s interest – explaining Kyiv’s lukewarm reaction to the draft.
The White House said Trump had grown “frustrated” with both Russia and Ukraine “for their refusal to commit to a peace agreement” and his team had been working on a “detailed and acceptable” peace plan.
Yet Moscow downplayed the significance of the plan, which is rumoured to include 28 points.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that while there had been “contacts” with the US there was “no process that could be called ‘consultations'”.
The statement from Zelensky’s office came after a meeting in Kyiv on Thursday between the Ukrainian president and senior US military figures, including US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, army chief of staff Gen Randy George and top US army commander in Europe Gen Chris Donahue.
Despite Kyiv’s tepid reaction to the draft, Zelensky said he “appreciated the efforts of President Trump and his team to return security to Europe” – perhaps a way to keep the US president onside despite his administration’s apparent soft approach to Russia.
Neither Ukraine nor its European partners were involved in drafting the new plan, and on Thursday European foreign ministers warned against coming up with proposals without consulting Kyiv or Brussels.
“For any plan to work, it needs Ukrainians and Europeans on board,” said EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.
A senior US official told the BBC that special envoy Steve Witkoff had received input from both the Ukrainians and the Russians “on what terms are acceptable to them to end the war”.
“Both sides will have to make concessions, not just Ukraine,” the official said.
Peskov, the Kremlin’s spokesman, warned that any peace deal would have to address the “root causes of the conflict” – a phrase Moscow has used as shorthand for a series of maximalist demands which, to Ukraine, are tantamount to surrender.
Ukrainian MP Lisa Yasko told the BBC that Ukraine had “not been consulted”.
“It looks like someone wants to decide things for us,” she said. “And that’s very painful for most of us Ukrainians.”
Since starting his second term earlier this year, Trump has launched into various initiatives aimed at ending the war in Ukraine, including a bilateral summit with Putin in Alaska, several visits by his envoy Witkoff to Moscow, and rounds of talks with Zelensky and other Western leaders.
But as the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine nears, the two sides remain deeply at odds over how to end the conflict.
While Ukraine has become adept at targeting Russian military infrastructure and energy facilities with long-range drones, Moscow’s attacks on Ukrainian targets continue unabated.
A woman from Kansas City has gone viral for an especially shocking moment caught on video during a funeral, where she was seen twerking in front of a deceased man’s open casket. The woman, dressed in Kansas City Chiefs gear, bent over and danced inches away from the body as stunned mourners looked on. Her behavior immediately ignited widespread outrage online, with many viewers calling the moment disrespectful and disturbing.
In the now-viral clip from Total Pro Sports, someone on a microphone can be heard cheering her on, shouting, “Give it to him, go on girl,” while several attendees laughed. Children sitting in the front row witnessed the entire scene as it unfolded in real time. Although some people speculated she may have been close to the deceased—possibly even a widow—viewers agreed that the connection didn’t make the moment any less unsettling.
The incident drew comparisons to traditions in New Orleans, where second-line funeral parades feature music and dancing in the streets as a celebration of life. However, many were quick to clarify that this situation was not a cultural celebration—it was simply a woman twerking inside a church, something completely unrelated to the joyful traditions of New Orleans.
Once the clip hit social media, reactions were immediate and intense. Many users condemned the act as disrespectful, unnecessary, and inappropriate in a sacred space. Some commenters expressed disbelief, while others were embarrassed that the moment involved someone wearing a Kansas City Chiefs shirt, further fueling the controversy.
One commenter wrote that the situation was “a damn shame,” pointing out the young children present. Another begged for the video to be fake, describing it as humiliating. Others attempted to justify the behavior, claiming it might have been the deceased man’s final request or an unconventional send-off, but those opinions were largely drowned out by criticism.
The conversation soon expanded into broader discussions about decorum and acceptable behavior at public events. While twerking at sports games has become increasingly common—and sometimes even makes headlines—the consensus was clear: doing it inside a church during a funeral crosses a line. As the clip continues making the rounds, many are left wondering how such a moment came to happen in the first place.
Donald Trump’s plan to help the U.S. economy isn’t just failing; it’s incoherent, according to an economics professor.
Noted economist Justin Wolfers appeared on MS NOW on Thursday, where he was asked about recent statements Trump has made about the economy
Beginning with a fact check, Wolfers says, “The overwhelming feeling sense I got from watching the president was just trying to count the number of lies, and I ran out of fingers and toes. He lied and said that prices are coming down. He lied when he said prices were at an all-time high under President Biden. They’re at an all-time high right now. He lied when he said that inflation was low inflation. 2.7%, that’s the number he used, is well above the Fed’s target.”
He went on to call out an “incoherent policy.”
“We were promised that that [tariffs were implemented] so that we could rescue the manufacturing sector. As you and I have discussed many times, when you put tariffs on steel and aluminum, you actually make it harder for American factories to do business. And so you’re seeing an incoherent policy having quite unexpected effects.”
Shocking footage captured the moment Miss Jamaica suffered a dramatic fall from the stage during the Miss Universe preliminary evening gown round in Thailand.
Dr. Gabrielle Henry was strutting down the Bangkok stage in a striking orange gown when she accidentally stepped off the edge of the dark runway and appeared to fall off the stage.
Members of the audience could be seen immediately jumping up in their seats to check on Henry.
Later footage posted to social media showed the Jamaican beauty queen being transported from the venue on a stretcher.
Henry was rushed to Paolo Rangsit Hospital in Thailand and is not suffering from any life-threatening injuries, the Miss Universe Jamaica organization said in a statement on social media.
“Medical professionals are attending to her care and have advised that she is not suffering from any life-threatening injuries; however, they continue to conduct tests to ensure her full recovery,” the organization said.
“We kindly ask everyone to stay upbeat, lift her in prayer, and send positive thoughts as she receives the necessary medical care,” the statement continued.
Raul Rocha, owner of the Miss Universe pageant, also posted an update reassuring fans that Henry is “under good care” and miraculously didn’t break anything in the fall.
“I was there with her family and her, and thankfully, there are no broken bones, and she is under good care. She will remain under observation for the rest of the night, and we will remain in touch with her family and support her,” Rocha wrote.
“Our prayers go out for her prompt recovery.”
On Wednesday, contestants competed in swimsuit rounds, a national costume competition round, and the evening gown round in hopes of advancing to the finals.
Henry is an ophthalmologist and the founder of the See Me Foundation, a charity advocating for the visually impaired across Jamaica.
OK Zimbabwe Limited (OK) has shut down 11 stores in an effort to curb mounting losses and improve liquidity, reducing its national footprint to 62 outlets.
Since 2024, the retailer has struggled with declining revenue, which it attributes to supply chain disruptions, exchange rate volatility, liquidity shortages, weakening consumer spending, and growing competition from informal traders.
To address a debt burden exceeding US$30 million, the company raised US$20 million through a renounceable rights offer and another US$10.5 million from the sale of freehold properties. For the year ended 31 March 2025, OK recorded a loss of US$25.03 million.
“The group has closed 11 stores, which were no longer viable. Included in the 11 stores are three Food Lover’s Market outlets, which were wound down, and the franchise was not renewed.
“Three more stores are in the process of being closed. The company will continue to operate 62 that are in strategic and good locations. Close monitoring continues, and stores that cease to contribute meaningfully will also be closed.”
Restructuring, Cost Reductions, and Property Redevelopment OK Zimbabwe stated that the Chisipite Shopping Centre is being redeveloped into a larger mall, with the Bon Marche supermarket relocating to a new facility on the site. The group also revealed that OK Makoni is currently a small outlet unable to support a wide product range.
“OK, Makoni is currently a tiny store that cannot carry a meaningful product range.”
The company has built a new, more spacious store for lease at Makoni Shopping Centre, which is expected to strengthen its competitiveness in this high-traffic area.
Following the store closures, the retailer has trimmed head office staff as part of its restructuring exercise.
“Operating costs have been reduced by 35% and will have been reduced by a further 15% by December 2025. The group has also closed the loss-making pharmacy business.”
OK’s audited loss for the year ended 31 March 2025 represents a 15.5% improvement from the unaudited loss of US$29.61 million initially reported. Similarly, final audited figures for 2024 showed a narrowed loss of US$619,367 compared to an earlier unaudited loss of US$11.04 million.
The group acknowledged that the sale of some properties has taken longer than expected, delaying the realisation of the anticipated US$10.5 million. However, sale and purchase agreements for two properties are near completion, while offers for the remaining three are still being evaluated.
Former Harvard President Lawrence (Larry) H. Summers will not continue teaching his ongoing courses at the Ivy League school in an abrupt decision announced on Wednesday. This move comes as Harvard investigates his ties to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Summers is facing renewed scrutiny over his association with Epstein, whose connections have ensnared numerous influential figures and lawmakers. Summers has also stepped down from his directorship at the Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government amid the probe.
These developments coincide with the federal government preparing for a major release of Epstein-related files, raising questions about institutional accountability and transparency within academia and beyond.
On Wednesday night, President Donald Trump announced that he signed the bill to release the Epstein files, after months of pressure to pass the bill.
A spokesperson for Summers confirmed the move, saying, “Mr. Summers has decided it’s in the best interest of the Center for him to go on leave from his role as Director as Harvard undertakes its review. His co-teachers will complete the remaining three class sessions of the courses he has been teaching with them this semester, and he is not scheduled to teach next semester.”
A Harvard spokesperson confirmed that Professor Summers had communicated his decision to the University.
Earlier this week, Summers, who is ex-U.S. Treasury secretary under former President Bill Clinton, announced he would be “stepping back” from his public commitments. Two days later, the move to leave his teaching position was announced.
Summers’ departure follows the publication of email exchanges with Epstein, which were released by the House Oversight Committee. The communications showed Summers confided in Epstein over several months, including personal matters unrelated to academia or university business. The public release of these exchanges intensified calls for accountability against those affiliated with Epstein.
Harvard has committed to a broad review, saying in a statement: “The University is conducting a review of information concerning individuals at Harvard included in the newly released Jeffrey Epstein documents to evaluate what actions may be warranted.”
Meanwhile, Trump, who previously labeled efforts to release the files a “Jeffrey Epstein Hoax,” campaigned months earlier on the promise that he was willing to release the files.
On Truth Social Wednesday night, Trump wrote: “Jeffrey Epstein, who was charged by the Trump Justice Department in 2019 (Not the Democrats!), was a lifelong Democrat, donated Thousands of Dollars to Democrat Politicians, and was deeply associated with many well-known Democrat figures, such as Bill Clinton… Larry Summers (who just resigned from many Boards, including Harvard)… and many more. Perhaps the truth about these Democrats, and their associations with Jeffrey Epstein, will soon be revealed, because I HAVE JUST SIGNED THE BILL TO RELEASE THE EPSTEIN FILES!…”
Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna of California, who co-sponsored the Epstein bill, posted on X Wednesday: “Against all odds, the survivors succeeded. Now that it will be the law of the land, anyone at the DOJ who does not comply is risking future prosecution and contempt of Congress.”
Los Angeles Lakers legend, LeBron James, has offered a candid glimpse into his relationship with his son, Bronny.
NBA veteran LeBron made his long-awaited return to the court on Tuesday night, putting up a double-double in his 2025 season debut against the Utah Jazz.
In a post-game interview following the Lakers’ 140–126 win over the Utah Jazz on November 18, LeBron acknowledged that they “don’t talk as much” now that Bronny, who turned 21 on October 6, has his own place.
LeBron said: ‘He’s not a resident anymore, so we don’t talk as much. He has his own place. But he’s great.’
‘It’s been great to see and to watch [his growth]. And he’s still young. He turned 21 not too long ago. He’s still learning and getting better with each and every rep.’
Bronny, 21, has made 10 appearances for the Lakers during the current season, averaging 11.1 minutes of action per game.
During those games, Bronny is averaging 2.1 points-per-game, 0.9 rebounds-per-game and 1.8 assists-per-game.
LESOTHO IS FEEDING SOUTH AFRICA’S CITIES WITH MOUNTAIN WATER
While the world sleeps on Africa, the Kingdom in the Sky is making power moves! His Majesty King Letsie III’s Lesotho one of Africa’s smallest nations controls the water that keeps Johannesburg and Pretoria alive.
The Katse Dam isn’t just a dam. It’s a 185-meter concrete FORTRESS carved into the Maloti Mountains, holding back 1.9 BILLION cubic meters of water.
This architectural masterpiece generates electricity for Lesotho while exporting precious water to South Africa’s economic heartland through 45km of mountain tunnels.
THE FACTS THAT WILL SHOCK YOU:
– Lesotho earns over $50 MILLION annually just from selling water
– This tiny mountain kingdom sits on one of Southern Africa’s largest water reserves
– The full Lesotho Highlands Water Project will be the largest inter-country water transfer scheme in the world
From the peaks of the Maloti to the streets of Gauteng, His Majesty King Letsie III and the Basotho people are proving that SIZE doesn’t determine POWER.
Small nations, BIG impact. This is African innovation. This is African sovereignty. This is our continent controlling our own resources.
Let them know: Lesotho may be landlocked, but they’re sitting on LIQUID GOLD!
The United States has dismissed as “fake news” South Africa’s suggestion that discussions were underway about possible U.S. participation in this weekend’s G20 summit in Johannesburg.
This firm denial comes just hours after President Cyril Ramaphosa said talks with Washington were ongoing.
Instead, the White House insists its position has not shifted: the U.S. will attend only Sunday’s handover ceremony and will not take part in any G20 deliberations.
“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:14)
20th November 2025
ZCCB condemns political violence in Kabwe and calls for peace in the country ahead of 2026 elections.
The Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) expresses deep concern over the violent incident that occurred in Kabwe yesterday, 19th November 2025, in which the Patriotic Front (PF) Acting President, Hon. Given Lubinda, was brutally attacked and allegedly abducted by individuals believed to be UPND cadres while addressing PF members. This followed the stoning of the Republican President in Chingola hardly a week ago and attacks on the PF Secretariat by suspected UPND cadres on 15th November 2025.
Such acts of violence have no place in a democratic nation like Zambia and must be denounced by all peace-loving citizens.** Every citizen, regardless of their political affiliation, has the right to go anywhere in the country without fear of being attacked.
ZCCB, however, commends the Zambia Police Service for their swift action in rescuing Hon. Lubinda from further harm. Their timely intervention helped prevent what could have been an even more tragic outcome.
As we draw closer to the 2026 general elections, ZCCB calls on the Police Service to intensify efforts to maintain peace, law, and order. The rise in politically motivated confrontations, such as the attack on the president in Chingola, on the PF secretariat, and now on Hon. Given Lubinda, even before the official campaign period, is deeply worrying and threatens the stability of our nation.
We are particularly concerned about the escalation of violent behaviour, some of it invited through social media, as we approach the elections. Let it be clearly stated that retaliation to violence must never be an option, and political violence must not be tolerated under any circumstances. Zambia has built its identity on peace, and this foundation must not be eroded by partisan hostility.
We further urge all citizens, particularly political party cadres, to refrain from violence, provocation, and lawlessness. Every Zambian has a moral and civic duty to safeguard the peace our country is known for.
ZCCB also calls on political party leaders to take decisive steps in restraining and guiding their supporters. His Excellency the Republican President Mr. Hakainde Hichilema has repeatedly emphasized the need for non-violence and peaceful political engagement. **We urge all leaders, across the political spectrum, to echo and enforce this message within their ranks, before it is taken for mere rhetoric.
Finally, we, once again, appeal to the Zambia Police Service to avoid the selective application of the law.** Those individuals visibly seen in video footage attacking Hon. Lubinda must be identified and arrested immediately without fear or favour. Equal enforcement of the law is essential to building public confidence and discouraging future acts of violence.
Zambia can only prosper when peace prevails. We call on all stakeholders to rise above partisan interests and work toward preserving the harmony that has defined our nation for generations.
-END-
*Issued and signed on behalf of the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB).*
