MWEETWA CONDEMNS ATTACK ON PF SECRETARIAT, CALLS FOR CALM AND POLICE ACTION
LUSAKA, November 16, 2025 — Chief Government Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa has strongly condemned the recent attack on the Patriotic Front (PF) Secretariat in Lusaka by suspected unruly youths, calling on the police to thoroughly investigate the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Addressing the media, Mr. Mweetwa distanced the United Party for National Development (UPND) and its youth members from the violent acts, emphasizing that the ruling party remains committed to peace and lawfulness.
“Under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema, there shall be no return to the era of caderism. Any statement from any party structure suggesting otherwise is null and void. The UPND detests political violence, and President Hichilema, as Commander-in-Chief, is determined to ensure Zambia remains a peaceful nation,” Mr. Mweetwa said.
He reaffirmed government’s stance that the law will be applied equally to all, stating that “there shall be no sacred cows for anyone found breaking the law.”
Commenting on recent disturbances in Chingola, Mr. Mweetwa condemned the violence and expressed confidence in President Hichilema’s continued support among Zambians.
“Despite such unfortunate incidents, the people of Zambia remain aware of the many achievements recorded under President Hichilema’s administration in the past four years,” he said.
Mr. Mweetwa further called on the police to be proactive in preventing unlawful gatherings or processions, regardless of political affiliation. He stressed that the restoration of the rule of law remains one of the hallmarks of President Hichilema’s leadership.
“The President has continued to champion peace and has called on all political players to promote unity and tolerance as we approach the 2026 elections,” Mr. Mweetwa said.
He also clarified that the UPND has no interest in the internal wrangles within the former ruling party.
“The disputes within the PF are their internal matter, and it is up to them to resolve their differences,” he added.
Mr. Mweetwa reiterated government’s commitment to maintaining peace, law, and order as part of its broader vision for national stability and democratic governance.
The Chief government spokesperson also urged citizens to take advantage of the ongoing voter registration exercise and register in large numbers ahead of the 2026 general elections.
STAKEHOLDERS OPPOSE PROPOSAL TO EXTEND PRESIDENTIAL TERM TO SEVEN YEARS.
GOVERNANCE expert Brebner Changala has strongly opposed a proposal by former Vice President Enock Kavindele to introduce a one-off, seven-year, non renewable presidential term, arguing that the idea does not serve the national interest.
Mr. Kavindele, speaking yesterday, said a single seven-year term would help accelerate development and compel sitting presidents to act with greater urgency and decisiveness.
But speaking to RCV News in Lusaka today, Mr. Changala claimed the proposal was a political manoeuvre designed to benefit the current Head of State, rather than the country.
Mr. Changala further alleged that Mr. Kavindele’s stance reflects private discussions between him and the President.
“Mr. Kavindele, being a good friend to the President, was simply speaking on his behalf to bring out something he has wanted to do all along,” said Mr. Changala.
He questioned the timing of the proposal, insisting that Zambians have not complained about the existing two-term limit and that the constitutional framework should remain unchanged. He further called for the “liberation” of the country from what he described as calculated political schemes.
Meanwhile, Zambia Wake Up Party President Howard Kunda has also rejected the proposal, describing it as fraudulent and outside the scope of what is supposed to be reviewed in the constitution.
Mr. Kunda argued that Mr. Kavindele’s statement was merely his personal opinion and did not reflect the wishes of the Zambian people.
He insisted it was unacceptable for the government to entertain constitutional amendments barely eight months before the 2026 general elections, particularly after earlier reforms were declared null and void.
“This is why most people were against amending the constitution before the 2026 general elections,” Mr. Kunda said.
GOVERNMENT JOINS NATION IN CELEBRATING ARCHBISHOP ALICK BANDA’S BIRTHDAY
The Government has joined Catholics in the Archdiocese of Lusaka and Zambians across the country in celebrating the birthday of Archbishop Alick Banda.
In a statement issued last night, Chief Government Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa conveyed the Government’s warm wishes to the Archbishop, praying for his continued good health, long life and divine wisdom as he continues to lead both the Church and the nation in various capacities.
“We extend our heartfelt birthday wishes to His Grace and pray that he may be blessed with continued good health, long life and divine wisdom as he carries out his pastoral mission and service to the nation,” Mr. Mweetwa stated.
He further highlighted Government’s appreciation for Archbishop Banda’s steadfast commitment to the spiritual and social well-being of the Zambian people.
Mr. Mweetwa added that the Government prays for God’s guidance and strength upon the Archbishop as he continues his service to the Archdiocese and the broader community.
President Hichilema’s Greatest Achievement has been the Economy.
This is an indisputable fact – President Hichilema’s greatest achievement has been on the economy.
Stopping the free fall it was in, and somehow managing to keep Zambia running, is something no one who stood in 2021, or is currently putting their hand up for 2026, would have achieved.
There is a paradox, though.
It is probably harder for a good part of everyday Zambians to get their daily plate of nsima under this government, than it was under President Lungu’s PF.
That is especially true, if one operates in the informal and semi formal economies in the urban areas.
This is the reason.
Under President Lungu, the government was borrowing like lenders were Santa. Most of that borrowed money was stolen, in the millions of dollars, by leaders and their connections.
The stolen money was then being thrown around, like happens to most money not worked for .
So, if you had a carwash, there were loads of cars for you to wash. If you had a bar, big buyers emptied your fridge, allowing whoever wanted to, to drink themselves motherless.
Builders were rolling in money from people who did not care if cement was stolen.
Houses in Salama area of Lusaka were in high demand, rented at thrice the market rate for connected men’s multiple girlfriends.
Yes, money felt easier to have.
But it was that money that sunk our economy. Had the PF stayed in power, and continued treating public money as though it came from a bottomless pit, we would have crossed over into a combination of Zimbabwe and Somalia
A collapsed economy in which a few people are super wealthy and violently silence everyone else. Rough would not have begun to describe what life for ordinary citizens would have been.
With all that in mind, observing the absolute delight with which opposition leaders have responded to the riot by illegal miners in Chingola, yesterday, both amuses and disgusts me.
You see, most people in opposition, now, either created the mess we are in, or have absolutely no idea how to sort it out.
Back to this government.
That we have a country that has no idea the smokey engine it complains about could have been knocked, with vehicles on stones, is crazy.
That’s mostly the fault of the incompetent communication function President Hichilema holds on to, but hey. That has been said.
I will end by saying – there is a lot about HH’s presidency to criticise, and most of it is his politics.
Maybe, the people scrambling for State House can suggest they would do better on that count.
The economy though – banama. Put together – they are not half HH, and his Team, on the economy
UPND CONFIDENT AS SUPPORT GROWS IN NORTHERN PROVINCE
KASAMA, November 15, 2025 — The United Party for National Development (UPND) has expressed satisfaction with its growing support base in Northern Province, describing the shift as a reflection of public confidence in the party’s development agenda.
Speaking during a visit to Kasama District, UPND National Chairperson Collins Maoma said the positive response from residents across the province underscores increasing appreciation for the government’s ongoing initiatives.
“Our engagement with the people in Mpulungu, Mbala, Senga Hill, and Kasama shows that citizens are recognizing and embracing the development efforts being implemented under the UPND administration. The party’s performance has been impressive, and we are encouraged by the growing enthusiasm,” Mr. Maoma said.
Mr. Maoma urged eligible citizens to obtain National Registration Cards (NRCs) and make use of the extended voter registration period to participate fully in the 2026 general elections.
Meanwhile, UPND Media Director Mark Simuwe said the party’s recent by-election victories demonstrate its rising popularity in the region.
“The momentum we are witnessing in Northern Province is encouraging. We are confident that come 2026, UPND will secure more councillors and parliamentary seats as people continue to place their trust in our leadership and vision,” Mr. Simuwe said.
My statement on NGOCC’s boycot on the Constitution- Making Process
I may not be privy to the detailed position of NGOCC initially when they supported the process and now that they are against it.
My take though, having just had a deep reflection at the Pan African Parliament ( PAP) on the progress on the Status of Women since Beijing, and also taking into account our current country situation, I strongly believe that NGOCC has done an injustice to this rare opportunity that once again has presented itself to improve the representation of women in our country.
The PAP platform, of course in addition to my membership in the Gender Committee at our national parliament , has enabled me to fully appreciate how as a country, we are lagging behind in terms of representation of special interest groups in governance, particularly women in this case.
My wish would have been that the NGOCC, should have remained focussed on its mandate and identified its niche in this whole ” constitution circus” and not be swayed in the male dominated politics ( or is it politricks) around the constitution-making process.
I have in mind the submissions of our learned counsel, for instance, Mr Sangwa , who is now also contemplating on going for the Presidency, on the issue of gender and youth quotas. His position / statement on the matter does not give me any assurance that this is an ally , through LAZ , who would support this quest for women representation even if the amendment process was “perfect” as people would want it to be. I wish we all looked at the bigger picture, unlike the ‘ flaws’ with the process that people people would want to focus on.
Having been part of the advocacy around the constitution making process, and indeed having participated in the process itself, am aware of the adage about ” process protecting content”. In our current situation, however, government had laid out its intended ” content” , selecting what it considered non- contentious ( in its view) but to which an opportunity to dialogue ( agree or disagree) was also provided.
Looking back at my years in civil society and my experience im government, I now fully appreciate why time passes and we’re still in the same place!. For NGOCC, who has just commemorated its 40 years of existence championing the cause of women, we would like to hold you accountable ( and maybe even responsible) for the poor representation of women in governance.
Madam Nsama Kearnes, I appreciate your submissions on this subject, and agree that indeed we should not shy away from touching our constitution, even if it means going for a single or two amendments! There is high opportunity cost in not doing so.
Think, for instance, about the “damage” being done in our councils in the absence of the MPs as the people’s representative; the inequity in the sharing of the national cake in the wake of enhanced CDF and vast constituencies like Kafue etc..and indeed in the under representation of interest groups!
In health, there is nurse/ doctor to patient ratio, in education we talk of teacher- pupil ratios and indeed in governance, the proposed PR systems or quotas are meant to improve the governance of our people, failure to which this has, in some jurisdictions been considered as a contributing factor to political instability. We need to read the barometer correctly and prevent rather than wait to cure some of these challenges that our African neighbouring countries are experiencing.
In conclusion, and speaking as a woman, we urge NGOCC to truly stand up and represent our interests as women.
Hon Mirriam Chonya MP for Kafue and Women’s Political Ambassador for Zambia. 16.11.2025
AFRICA SHOULD HAVE FEWER PLACES AT THE WORLD CUP – GATUSSO
Italy’s coach: “In 1994, there were two African teams at the World Cup; now there are nine (actually, there were three in 1994 and nine in 2026).
In my day, the best European runners-up qualified directly for the World Cup,” he added, while also calling on FIFA to change the qualification processes.
For the third time, Italy will have to go through the playoffs to keep their hopes alive of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, unless they manage a 9-0 win or more on Sunday against Norway.
Just days after securing a historic multimillion-rand settlement with Vodacom, Nkosana Makate, the inventor of the famed “Please Call Me” service, faces a new legal challenge from a former litigation funder claiming a 40% share of the payout, according to Sunday Times.
Private company Black Rock Mining (BRM) has filed an urgent application at the Johannesburg High Court, arguing that it is entitled to a portion of the settlement under an alleged 15-year-old agreement with Makate.
BRM claims it covered Makate’s legal fees through a now-defunct company, Raining Men Trade (RMT), in exchange for a cut of any eventual settlement, which analysts estimate at around R700 million.
Makate has strongly rejected the claim, calling it a “disgrace” and an “extortion attempt,” and demanding proof that BRM ever contributed to his litigation costs. “They are just chancers,” he told the Sunday Times.
The dispute is not new. A previous arbitration dismissed BRM’s claims, but the company now seeks an interdict to prevent Vodacom from paying Makate directly, insisting that 40% be held in its lawyers’ trust account.
The development comes just as Makate’s 17-year legal battle with Vodacom appeared to conclude with an undisclosed out-of-court settlement. For Makate, the fight now turns from a corporate giant to former allies, with the inventor hoping the court can finally resolve the matter “once and for all.”
THEY might share a cry, a cradle and a birthday but sometimes, twins don’t share a dad, says Dr Aaron Mujajati.
According to Dr Mujajati, biology has a mischievous streak and loves to keep everyone guessing.
“It’s not fiction, it happens though very rarely,” he said.
He described it as one of biology’s rare curveballs, where timing and nature align in an extraordinary way, referring to a phenomenon known as heteropaternal superfecundation.
He said this happens when a woman releases two eggs during the same cycle and has intimate encounters with different partners within a few days.
Dr Mujajati reported that each egg can then be fertilised by sperm from a different man, creating fraternal twins who share everything except a dad.
He stated that while such cases are exceptionally rare, modern DNA testing has made it easier to uncover them.
“These situations often come to light in paternity tests, not because someone planned for it but because science exposes what assumptions can’t,” he explained.
He added that identical twins are never part of this equation since they result from one egg that splits after fertilisation.
Beyond the science, Dr Mujajati believes the lesson is human and no one must rush to conclusions.
“The truth isn’t in rumours; it’s in results. Biology doesn’t judge, it just reveals,” he said.
And so, in the unpredictable theatre of life, nature sometimes proves it still has a few surprises tucked up its sleeve, even in the delivery room.
Slapdee dismisses Y Celeb beef as a “waste of time”
Zambian hip-hop heavyweight Slapdee has brushed off any ongoing tension with fellow artist Y Celeb, describing him as an “unworthy opponent” and stating that engaging in the feud would be a misuse of his energy.
LUSAKA, 15 November – Speaking during an appearance on Len’s Bar Podcast, the XYZ founder addressed the topic with apparent irritation, opting not to delve deep into the matter.
“I’ll keep it very short and simple unworthy opponent. You know what I mean?” Slapdee said. “I’m not supposed to be discussing that right now. So it’s like… not worth my time.”
The rapper, who has previously remained tight-lipped on the issue, made it clear that while he is capable of responding, he chooses not to waste his effort on something he deems beneath him.
“Don’t get it twisted. I’m still the same old me. I will get at you if I want to. But unworthy… it’s a waste of my time and energy,” he added.
The comments come amid speculation of a simmering rivalry between the two Zambian artists, with fans fueling the narrative across social media platforms. However, Slapdee’s latest remarks signal a desire to steer clear of unnecessary drama and focus on more significant endeavors.
Y Celeb has yet to publicly respond to the statement.
Radio host David Mashabela welcomes first child at 50
Veteran broadcaster and Radio 2000 host David “King David” Mashabela has opened up about becoming a first-time father at 50, describing the milestone as the result of deliberate, long-term planning rather than circumstance.
Mashabela revealed the news during an interview with Mbuyiseni Ndlozi on Power FM’s PowerTalk, confirming he welcomed his baby two months ago. He reflected on years of questions and assumptions from those around him, including concerns from his mother, who once suspected “something was wrong with him” because he had no children.
Explaining his decision to delay fatherhood, Mashabela said he focused intensely on career growth and financial stability, often at the expense of social life and relationships. “It wasn’t complicated,” he said. “I had to sacrifice certain things, and one of those was having a child too early. It would have slowed me down.”
His journey echoes a growing trend of later-life parenthood, which experts say is often accompanied by emotional maturity, financial readiness, and more intentional family planning.
Mashabela, who has built a respected career from Durban Youth Radio to his current Radio 2000 show The Royal Playground, said he enters fatherhood fulfilled and grounded. Supporters have praised his approach, with many calling his story an example of purposeful living.
Zuma tightens grip on MK Party as Hlophe falls and Van Rooyen steps in
Former president Jacob Zuma has reasserted his authority over the MK Party, appointing Des van Rooyen as acting parliamentary leader just days after suspending the party’s deputy president, Dr John Hlophe, in a dramatic internal showdown.
The turmoil began while Zuma was abroad in Burkina Faso. During his absence, Hlophe removed Colleen Makhubele as chief whip and replaced her with Van Rooyen, an action the party says was taken without consulting the MK National High Command.
Zuma moved swiftly upon his return, suspending Hlophe from his leadership roles and reinstating Makhubele. This effectively ended Van Rooyen’s brief stint as chief whip, which lasted barely a day, evoking memories of his notorious four-day “Weekend Special” tenure as finance minister in 2015.
The MK Party has launched a legal inquiry into Hlophe’s conduct, though he remains an MP and party member. Spokesperson Sipho Tyira said Van Rooyen’s new appointment as acting parliamentary leader was aimed at ensuring stability amid the chaos.
The episode has renewed scrutiny of the party’s chronic leadership instability. In less than a year, MK has cycled through seven secretary-generals and multiple chief whips. Political analysts argue the turmoil is a product of Zuma’s centralised leadership style and the party’s lack of internal democracy. Some warn that without an elective conference, MK risks long-term damage.
As MK positions itself as South Africa’s official opposition, its internal battles continue to overshadow its parliamentary presence, raising questions about the party’s cohesion and direction.
RIFT EMERGES BETWEEN MAKEBI ZULU AND WILLAH MUDOLO AMID PF LEADERSHIP AMBITIONS
A once-cordial relationship between aspiring Patriotic Front (PF) presidential candidate Makebi Zulu and South Africa-based businessman Willah Joseph Mudolo has collapsed, following Zulu’s decision to publicly declare his intention to contest the PF presidency.
Sources familiar with the development reveal that Mudolo felt blindsided and angered by Zulu’s announcement, which he interpreted as a betrayal, especially given the financial support he had extended to Zulu and his associates. The fallout has escalated quickly, culminating in Mudolo ordering Zulu and Daniel Siwo—former Senior Private Secretary to the late President Edgar Lungu—to vacate their accommodation at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Johannesburg. The rooms had been paid for by Mudolo.
Following the incident, both Zulu and Siwo returned to Zambia and have since intensified campaign activities in support of Zulu’s PF presidential bid.
Mudolo, meanwhile, has expressed deep frustration over what he describes as exploitation by several PF officials. He argues that figures such as Zulu, Mumbi Phiri, and former PF Secretary General Davies Mwila used his resources during their engagements in South Africa but are now avoiding communication with him.
According to sources, Mudolo has accused the trio of deceitful conduct, claiming they were only drawn to him because of his financial capacity rather than genuine political partnership.
In a turn of events, Mudolo has shifted his political focus and is now seeking to launch his own bid for the PF presidency—and ultimately, the Republican presidency. To bolster his prospects, he has approached former Presidential Political Advisor Dr. Chris Zumani Zimba to serve as his political consultant.
Mudolo is also exploring alliances with individuals he perceives as principled and independent-minded citizens. Among those he is targeting for political counsel are governance activist Brebner Changala and political commentator Zyambo, as he positions himself ahead of the 2026 General Election.
The internal dynamics within the PF continue to shift as aspiring candidates and power brokers manoeuvre for influence, signalling what may become an intense and unpredictable race for the party’s top position.
ZAMBIA WILL SAY BYE TO LOADSHEDDING THE MOMENT WE TAKE OFFICER – KALABA
CITIZENS First president Harry Kalaba has declared that Zambia’s prolonged hours of power cuts will end immediately if his party forms government next year, insisting that the current crisis is a result of policy choices rather than lack of capacity.
Kalaba said it makes no sense for the country to continue exporting electricity to neighboring states while citizens endure up to 21 hours of load-shedding daily. He argued that Zambia should prioritise its own energy needs before honouring regional power sharing commitments.
Speaking when he appeared on Emmanuel Mwamba Podcast, he stated that his administration would suspend power exports to Namibia and South Africa under the SADC power pool arrangement until domestic supply is stabilised.
“We will make sure that when we come into government, we begin to industrialise this country. There is no way we can be exporting power to outsiders and we ourselves remain without power,” he said.
“Government cannot expect economic progress when citizens and industries only have a few hours of productivity each day.”
Kalaba also pledged to fast track the completion of the Chinukula power plant, saying the facility has the potential to significantly boost national generation capacity. With increased output, he said, the country would not only meet its own demand but eventually have surplus power to export on its own terms.
According to Citizens First leader, Zambia will only resume electricity exports once the local market is fully supplied
“When we finish that chinukula power plant facility, we will have enough energy in this country, enough to export to DRC and they can come and thank us all they want. We will only start exporting power when the market is saturated with enough energy.”
CONTEXT | Why M’membe’s Socialist Message Doesn’t Land With Voters
Fred M’membe is right about one thing. People are “resigning” from the Socialist Party positions they never held, and many are doing it for pure survival. But the real story is bigger than opportunism. It goes to the heart of why the Socialist Party -SP- has failed to gain political traction in a country where ideology has never been the fuel that drives voter behaviour.
Yesterday, M’membe wrote:
“Some people are dramatically resigning from SP positions they were never appointed to… desperation is driving many to jump on any carrot dangled before them.”
He framed it as treachery. The truth is simpler and more brutal: Zambia’s political marketplace is not built for ideological parties. It is built for identity, tribe, region, patronage and familiarity. And on all five fronts, the Socialist Party has no political muscle.
In the 2021 election, M’membe received 16,644 votes. That is 0.34 percent of the presidential tally. In the National Assembly race, the party collected 61,325 votes, just 1.27 percent, and won zero seats. These numbers are not the result of poor messaging alone. They are the product of a political culture where voters reward those who can solve immediate problems, not those who quote Marxism or promise cooperative farming ten years down the line.
SP is a party with ideas, but it is competing in a system built on survival. The voter in Mandevu, Kanyama, Mpulungu or Chawama is not choosing between capitalism and socialism. They are choosing between a party that may give them land, a job, a licence, a contract, a bursary, or at least a political godfather who can speak their language, literally and figuratively. That is why PF and UPND remain the gravitational centres of Zambian politics. They are not ideological platforms; they are broad coalitions of identity, mobilisation, and reward.
M’membe’s frustration with “engineered resignations” exposes the gap his movement has struggled to cross. SP has a manifesto. It has vocabulary. It has moral arguments. But Zambian politics does not reward ideological purity. It rewards proximity to resources, ethnic belonging, local networks, and a sense of political certainty. A party with no MPs, no councils, no regional stronghold, and no patronage machinery cannot anchor loyalty. Members drift because they see no path to power, no path to visibility, and no path to protection.
This is not a judgment on the Socialist Party’s ideas. It is a judgment on political reality. In Zambia, ideology is a luxury. Voters gravitate toward the familiar, the tribal, the regional, and the materially beneficial. SP offers none of that. It offers a vision, but visions do not feed households or secure jobs.
M’membe says:
“They left the SP but the SP hasn’t left them.”
He is correct in one sense: many who exit still use his talking points because the ideas are compelling. But compelling ideas are not political currency in Zambia. Electoral power flows through networks, tribe, patronage and grassroots machinery.
Until SP learns that lesson, the resignations will continue, and the party will remain what it currently is, that is, an ideological movement in a country that votes for identity and survival.
We invite readers to share their thoughts with us at editor.peoplesbrief@gmail.com
CITIZENS ARE BEING OFFERED K100 TO ENDORSE CONSTITUTION SUBMISSIONS, CLAIMS COF
CHAPTER One Foundation has clarified that despite making an oral submission to the Technical Committee on Bill 7, it does not support the Constitution amendment process because it lacks legitimacy.
The Foundation also says the ongoing consultation process is not transparent, alleging that people in some provinces are being offered K100 notes to endorse submissions.
Meanwhile, UPND Director General for Media under the Presidential Support Programme (PSP), Frank Bwalya, says it is wrong to conclude that the process lacks consensus when citizens are actively making submissions.
On Wednesday, CoF Executive Director Josiah Kalala submitted to the Technical Committee that the country should not do away with by-elections to ensure that citizens are free to exercise their political will.
He also proposed that the nomination of MPs should be abolished as it undermines the country’s constitutional democracy by strengthening the Executive’s influence in the National Assembly.
In a statement, Friday, Kalala said the organisation remained opposed to the current constitution amendment process.
“Chapter One Foundation wishes to clarify a recent media report regarding our engagement with the Technical Committee on Constitutional Reforms. While we made an oral submission, our position remains unchanged: we do not support the current process, as it lacks the legitimacy, structure, and safeguards required for meaningful and credible constitutional reform.
We wish to state that our submission does not and should not amount to endorsement. We appeared before the Committee to place on the record our concerns about the adequacy of the process and the substance of the proposed areas of reform.
Throughout our comments on the various Terms of Reference, we underscored one central point: that constitutional reform must be holistic and comprehensive, and that the current approach cannot facilitate such an outcome. Given the interconnected nature of constitutional provisions and governance, piecemeal amendments risk deepening inconsistencies and failing to resolve long-standing structural issues,” he stated.
“In processes of this kind, silence is often mischaracterised as agreement. Our appearance ensured that our position on both the process and the content of the ToRs was registered for posterity, preventing any suggestion that civil society did not raise technical and procedural concerns at the material time.
We also participated to mitigate the risk that submissions potentially harmful to democratic governance or the integrity of the Constitution might go untested, and to ensure that the Committee considered the broader constitutional implications through a perspective grounded in democratic and constitutional principles, legal coherence, and the need to safeguard democratic norms.
Our engagement was a continuation of our advocacy for a legitimate, participatory, and comprehensive reform pathway. We remain opposed to the current process and continue to advocate for reforms that genuinely reflect the will and aspirations of all the Zambian people”.
And speaking during a Public Discussion Forum on Diamond TV, Thursday, Kalala said telling people what to submit undermined the legitimacy of the process.
“Another thing absent is transparency. The committee has been carrying out hearings, again, in public, in the appearance of public submission but also this online tool where people are making submissions.
Chapter One and other organisations have been monitoring the committee in different provinces and in some provinces we’ve found that not far from where the committee is sitting, people are being offered a K100 to go and endorse submissions. People [are] being told what to go and submit. This already undermines the legitimacy of the final outcome. In a process like this, there should have been adequate civic awareness so that the citizens know what the Constitution is, know what is at stake and are able to contribute meaningfully,” he said.
Kalala said the process lacked inclusivity as citizens were not given an opportunity to validate their submissions.
“The process isn’t inclusive or participatory enough. There are various factors that have not been considered in this process. I can give an example of accountability. In Constitution making, the process has to be accountable to the citizens who should own the process. In this process, once the committee gets feedback, there’s no room for the Zambian citizens to validate their submissions. Once the committee gets feedback, they make their submissions to the President. That is not what accountability should be like, and just for contrast, I brought with me the guidelines of the 2012 review technical committee,” said Kalala.
“They had a more than 50-page document that guided how the consultation process should look like. One of the things we overlook is that Constitution making should be reiterated. So, once you get feedback from citizens, you get back to the citizens and say, ‘X number have said this, this number said this, and we have arrived at this, do you accept?’ That process of making sure the citizens are aware of the content and also are able to justify where the content is coming from is absent in this process”.
On the other hand, NGOCC Executive Director Anne Mbewe Anamela said the process lacked inclusion, resulting in the withdrawal of her organisation from the submission process.
Meanwhile, Bwalya said it was wrong to conclude that the process had no consensus when citizens were making submissions.
“Where we stand today, we cannot say there’s no consensus which is on the table for instance, as captured by Bill 7, because the country is discussing. Citizens are submitting. After the report, then we would be able to decide to what extent we’ve agreed as Zambians. One thing that should be made very clear is that the process has been characterised by mistrust, and that mistrust is not caused by any action or lack of action on the part of the current government, the UPND and President Hakainde Hichilema as Republican President,” said Bwalya.
“It’s because of what has happened in the past. Whenever a government embarked on amending the Constitution, which is within the law, there are these suspicions, sometimes unfounded, that the government intends to amend the Constitution to advantage itself. And Zambians know that there were many falsehoods that were spread ahead of where we are today. The mistrust cannot be said to be unfounded in the sense that it is historical. There were things that happened before the UPND formed the government that in some cases justify the mistrust. So, the UPND ends up being a victim of what happened in the past”.
🇿🇲 EDITORIAL | Kalaba Walking Hichilema’s Old Road on Power; Echoes Are Loud
Citizens First leader Harry Kalaba has found the oldest shortcut in Zambian opposition politics. Promise the end of load shedding the moment you take power and you will sound heroic. It is the same path President Hakainde Hichilema walked when he dismissed the PF blackout crisis as incompetence and refused to accept the drought argument.
President Hichilema spoke about the Dubai formula and asked how a desert city had reliable power when Zambia had waterfalls. Those lines went viral because they fed public frustration. Now the red base cannot defend him because his own posts and videos have become evidence against him. Time has given him post nut clarity. He knows today what he denied yesterday.
Kalaba is now lifting that script with the same confidence Hichilema once had. He says Zambia will say goodbye to load shedding the moment Citizens First enters State House. He says the crisis is not drought driven but a result of poor leadership. He says the country must suspend exports to Namibia and South Africa until domestic supply is stable. He says the Chinukula power plant is the turning point and that once completed, Zambia will have enough power to saturate the market before a single watt leaves the country.
His tone is brave because he knows the public is tired. His rhetoric is sharp because he knows the incumbency has no easy defence.
The facts remain stubborn. Zambia is exporting under the SADC power pool through binding agreements. Past administrations, PF included, relied on the same exports to earn forex. The falling water levels that PF faced are the same cycles UPND is struggling with. The current shortage is a structural crisis built over years of weak investment, growing demand and climate shocks.
Chitalu Chilufya, a PF presidential aspirant, admitted that PF shares the blame because their infrastructure growth never matched population and industrial expansion. That confession removes the oxygen from Kalaba’s claim that this crisis is created by the current government alone.
Hichilema’s own words haunt him because they were crafted for the anger of the moment, not the truth of the problem. The opposition version of him spoke as if leadership alone could switch on Kariba, refill the Zambezi and supply Lusaka’s manufacturing belt. The presidency has shown him that energy cannot be bullied by slogans.
Kalaba has not reached that season yet. He is still in the sweet phase where promises cost nothing because he does not carry the burden of delivery. He speaks like Hichilema once spoke. He dismisses drought like Hichilema once dismissed it. He claims immediate solutions like Hichilema once claimed them. Zambians have heard this music before.
The 2026 election will punish whoever underestimates the political weight of energy. Lusaka and the Copperbelt are the most power hungry regions in the country and they decide who enters State House. They have the highest concentration of factories, markets, shops and homes that run on electricity. They suffered blackouts under PF and they are suffering blackouts under UPND. The people in these spaces do not want ideological lectures. They want light. They want refrigeration. They want productivity. They want predictability. They want leaders who speak truth even when the truth is costly.
Kalaba is betting on impatience. He is betting on frustration. He is betting on the silence of the red base that is tired of defending the President’s old posts. He is betting on Hichilema’s past mistakes becoming his present opportunity. But he is also betting on Zambians forgetting that PF sang the same song and failed to build beyond Kariba. He is betting on a public that does not interrogate the complexity of energy infrastructure.
It is a risky bet because voters are wiser than he thinks. They know load shedding is painful. They also know political sugar talk has never produced power.
This moment has clarity. Hichilema is living the consequences of yesterday’s bravado. Kalaba is enjoying the comfort of opposition innocence. The difference is simple. The man who is in State House has already learned that energy does not respond to campaign poetry. The man who is outside is still composing verses that will return to haunt him if he wins.
Zambia has no more room for illusions. Whoever seeks power must tell the truth, even if it costs them the election.
UPND CONDEMNS ATTACKS ON PF SECRETARIAT, URGES PEACEFUL POLITICS
Details in the statement…..
We want to set the record straight regarding statements made by our honourable members.
The statements were watered down immediately by the highest organ of the ruling party through the Secretary General, that caderism, in the form of thuggery, violence, and disorder, has no place in our country.
Our members, Hon. Michelo Kasauta, Hon. Obvious Mwaliteta and Hon. Elisha Matambo were referring to protecting the life of the President, not promoting violence or attacking opposition members. The party has already clarified its position on caderism, and it’s clear that no one has been authorized to engage in violent acts.
Any youths involved in attacks on PF secretariats are acting on their own, and we condemn such actions. Our members have been clear that caderism should not be used to justify hooliganism, thuggery, or disorder.
The UPND is committed to civil politics and rejects violence. We have always advocated for peace, unity, and respect for human rights. Our party’s stance on caderism is clear, and we expect all members to adhere to it.
We urge PF to engage in constructive politics, rather than creating unnecessary commotion.
Let’s focus on presenting our ideas to the people and competing fairly. The politics of violence and intimidation is long gone, and we won’t allow it to resurface.
We are committed to promoting a culture of respect, tolerance, and peace. Our members will continue to advocate for a Zambia where everyone can live without fear of violence or intimidation.
Fellow Zambians, let’s be cautious and vigilant. The PF’s tactics are clear, provoke violence, point fingers, and seek sympathy.
We have seen this playbook before. Don’t fall for it. The UPND is committed to peace, stability, and progress.
Let’s not go back to the days of violence and intimidation.
The PF may think they can win through chaos, but we know that’s a recipe for disaster. Let’s stand united and reject violence. Our country deserves better.
CITIZENS First Leader Harry Kalaba says the two-week voter registration extension announced by the Electoral Commission of Zambia is not enough.
Speaking when he featured on Emmanuel Mwamba’s podcast, Kalaba said the voter registration should have been extended up to January 2026.
“How can Lusaka city have more than five million people? Now if you have 31,000 people who have registered from Lusaka city, you’re already having voter apathy even before you even go and cast your vote. This gimmick of wanting to weaken regions where the UPND think they might not win as much, I’m appealing to them on this programme, the two weeks that you have done as an extension is not even enough, first of all.
I think for me, because of the cumbersome way you are running the exercise, you should have allowed this to go on even up to January because right now this exercise was introduced during the rainy season. It was also a deliberate ploy.
You bring it during the rainy season [when] people have got challenges moving from place to another polling station, and people are being systematically disenfranchised. The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has a duty to make sure that every eligible person goes to register,” he said.
Kalaba urged the ECZ to do the right thing by refraining from trying to please the UPND.
“My only advice to ECZ is do what is right. There’s no need for them to please the sitting gentlemen and women right now in power. If the way Mr Hakainde Hichilema is trying to patronise the Electoral Commission of Zambia was the way the former regime was running affairs of government, Mr Hichilema would not have even come into government, but the process was so evenly distributed.
What is wrong with them doing that which is right? When he swore to defend the Constitution of Zambia, it was for him to defend the rights of every Zambian in every part of this country. How can he hear the complaints that we’re making and nobody from the government has even made a statement concerning this voter suppression exercise which is going on?” he asked.
“I think the Electoral Commission of Zambia has not behaved properly. And this is what we’ve all said about the ECZ. We have said it, and I will say it here on this platform: if madam Mwangala Zaloumis and her team had any credibility to go with, they should not even be at the Electoral Commission of Zambia. Because the ECZ is not an extension of the UPND and we’re not going to allow that. Obviously, I also went to check on the ground.
I was in Mkushi, I was in Luapula, Kabwe, I was in Chingola, I was in Solwezi last time. I saw for myself, [I was] not being told. In the areas where the UPND are not strong or in the areas where the UPND think they might not get as many votes as they think they should get, the ECZ has not taken the requisite materials there”.
Meanwhile, Kalaba charged that the lack of a rebuttal from the Head of State regarding Bweengwa MP Michelo Kasauta’s remarks on cadreism meant the comments had his blessings.
“It’s indeed a very sad time in our country, and what is making it more sad is that I have not heard the President, or the Vice President, or any senior official rebut the statement that Michelo Kasauta, my brother who I was with in Parliament, was making. Meaning the statement that Michelo has said has the blessings of President Hakainde Hichilema. So many statements have been made: fire the police, cadreism is back. We politicians are bad students of history because what Michelo has said we’re going to use widely is that the UPND has introduced cadreism in this country,” said Kalaba.
“They campaigned against it. PF lost power because of cadreism, and Michelo coming from Bweengwa, exactly where he’s coming from, I think he humiliates the President. He takes away everything that the President had promised the country, that there will be no cadreism.
For him to announce from a Constituency where the President comes from clearly, he’s telling us that he has heard from the President, the President has told him cadreism has to come back, and our people have said no to cadreism because they have said so the UPND will also be punished. What is so special about the UPND that they should go ahead with what the people have called an abomination?”
WE HAVE TO LISTEN TO WHAT ZAMBIANS WANT – MUNDUBILE
…says choices made at PF Convention will have a strong impact in 2026 polls.
Kabwe – Sunday, 16 November 2025 (Smart Eagles)
Patriotic Front Presidential Contender Honourable Brian Mundubile says choices made at the PF Convention will have a strong impact on the outcome of the 2026 General Elections.
Hon Mundubile said it is therefore important to listen to the voices of the majority of Zambians.
He said this calls for checking and interrogating the track record of the candidates and what they have done in order to make a decision.
He was speaking when he met senior party officials in Kabwe, Central Province.
Hon Mundubile said the voice of the people is always louder and they are beginning to identify a strong candidate to compete against President Hakainde Hichilema next year.
“Let us pay attention to what people are saying. By now they are beginning to speak about who is a better leader and stands a chance to stand against President Hichilema in 2026. Within ourselves, we are competing to choose one leader. There is a huge responsibility placed upon each and every one of you.
If you take all political parties altogether, the population may not even go beyond 2.5 million, but the country has over 20 million people. Sometimes, us politicians are selfish in believing that everything is about us, yet we are few. The voice of the people is always louder, no wonder you see even independent candidates winning,” he said.
Hon Mundubile has also urged the party to focus on what the person can do and their track record as opposed to listening to falsehoods targeting individuals competing.
He said there is need to avoid entertaining hatred but instead focus on unifying the party and the country at large.
Hon Mundubile said unity is key adding that regionalism, tribalism and hate should be out of the way.
“You will have a lot of stories that will come up. They will say this is a thief, this is a tribalist. It doesn’t matter who comes to you. It is expected that on your own you should have some judgement. This assignment we have is a very big assignment. It is a national election. The choices we make every day will impact the lives of the people. If the people of Zambia are saying it is not me, so shall it be. Don’t easily entertain hate. What we stand for is unity for the party and the country at large,” he said.
Hon Mundubile has encouraged the party in Kabwe to play by the ear on what the Zambians are saying and who the Zambians think should represent them.
Meanwhile, PF Central Province Chairperson Josephine Ng’ambi has assured Hon Mundubile of provincial support.
“Our president-elect, you are already there. We are happy. For us, the first cut is the deepest. What is there is that we have to hold the bull by its horns and make a bold decision. We shall not make a mistake. We are comfortable, we have heard you,” she said.
And Kabwe District Chairperson Victor Kolala said Hon Mundubile has shown leadership by being the first PF presidential aspirant to meet them.
He said the people of Kabwe will do the needful in the upcoming assignments.
MINERS AND EX-MINERS FOR HH 2026 DISMISS CLAIMS OF INCOMING GOVERNMENT CHANGE
By Constance Shilengwe
THE Miners and Ex-Miners for HH 2026 have dismissed remarks by Ms. Mulenga Kampwepwe suggesting that Zambians have already decided to change government in 2026, saying the claims are not backed by any credible statistics.
Director Thomas Mpashi says it is disappointing that Ms. Kampwepwe, who previously spoke against political falsehoods, is now issuing statements that do not reflect the situation on the ground. He has urged Zambians not to be misled by politicians who offer no message of hope but instead promote negativity.
Mr. Mpashi says President Hakainde Hichilema continues to enjoy broad support, adding that even if elections were called today, many citizens would still stand with him.
He further highlights that the Hichilema administration has reopened previously closed mines and recruited thousands of teachers, nurses, doctors, and other essential workers achievements he says past governments struggled to deliver.
Mr. Mpashi has also advised upcoming politicians to build their careers on truth and honesty, stressing that lies and propaganda have never helped any leader.
OPPOSITION NARRATIVES ON ZAMBIA-ZIMBABWE RELATIONS ARE HYPOCRITICAL— SAM ZULU
By: Prudence Mutelo
Governance expert Sam Zulu has stressed that security agreements between Zambia and its neighbours are vital for strengthening bilateral relations and should not be politicised.
Speaking in an interview with Sun FM TV, Mr. Zulu said the recent Bi-National Commission between Zambia and Zimbabwe was a routine diplomatic engagement that has attracted undue attention due to political misinterpretation.
He criticised opposition narratives suggesting strained relations between Zambia and Zimbabwe, describing them as hypocritical and inconsistent, and argued that such claims distort public understanding of Zambia’s foreign policy while undermining efforts to foster regional cooperation.
Mr. Zulu also cited backlash over President Hakainde Hichilema’s recent visit to Tanzania, where his attendance at an ordination ceremony was labelled undemocratic by some groups.
He said this reflects a growing trend of strong opinions on matters that many citizens may not fully grasp.
He believes the surprise and criticism surrounding President Hichilema’s visit to Zimbabwe stem from opposition claims that the administration lacks peaceful ties with its neighbour.
Mr. Zulu emphasized that such diplomatic engagements are standard practice aimed at promoting mutual development and regional stability, urging the public to adopt a balanced view and avoid politicising routine foreign relations.
…. following the attack on the PF Secretariat that left two people injur£d
Lusaka… Sunday November 16, 2025 (SMART EAGLES)
The Advocates for National Development and Democracy (ANDD) has strongly condemned the attack on the Patriotic Front (PF) Secretariat yesterday by suspected UPND caders.
Two people were injured after suspected United Party for National Development (UPND) cadres allegedly attacked the PF Secretariat in Lusaka, vandalizing parts of the building in the process.
The injured have been identified as Davies Hakalima, 27, and Gabriel Mulenga, 52, who are both receiving medical attention at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) following the incident.
ANDD Executive Director Samuel Banda has since strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a threat to the country’s democratic values.
“We strongly condemn the violent attack on the PF Secretariat by individuals allegedly aligned to the UPND,” Mr Banda said.
“Political violence should never be allowed in our country. Zambia is a democratic and Christian state, and we must uphold values such as peace, unity and tolerance regardless of political affiliation.”
Mr Banda said the country must not return to a culture of political violence, stressing that politics should be a platform for debate and national development, not confrontation.
“Politics is not a platform for violence but a democratic space where citizens can exchange and promote ideas on how the country should grow and improve the living standards of its people,” he said.
He urged the Zambia Police Service to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that those behind the attack are arrested.
“We call upon the Zambia Police to investigate the attack on the PF Secretariat and bring all those involved to book,” he said.
“Cadres must learn from their colleagues who are currently in prison because of political vi0lence.”
Mr Banda further warned that no country can progress in the absence of peace and unity, calling on political stakeholders to practice restraint and respect.
“No nation can achieve development without peace and unity,” he said.
“We therefore call for unity, peace and tolerance among all political players.”
ECZ PARTNERS WITH SHOPRITE TO BOOST VOTER REGISTRATION ACCESS
THE Electoral Commission of Zambia ECZ has announced a partnership with Shoprite Zambia that will allow selected Shoprite stores countrywide to serve as voter registration centres during the ongoing 15-day extension.
ECZ Chief Electoral Officer Brown Kasaro says the collaboration is aimed at improving convenience and accessibility for eligible citizens who have not yet registered as voters.
Kasaro has thanked Shoprite for what he describes as a commendable show of corporate social responsibility in supporting a key national civic exercise.
The Commission has deployed registration officers to the designated outlets to ensure the process is conducted professionally and in line with electoral procedures.
A full schedule of participating Shoprite stores and operating hours will be published to guide the public.
The ECZ is urging all eligible citizens to take advantage of the extended voter registration period.
CADRERISM SHOULD BE A THING OF THE PAST – SINKAMBA
OPPOSITION Green Party has condemned remarks by some members of the ruling party to bring back cadrerism, warning that such acts will bring division in the country.
Recently a video of UPND Monze Chairperson Michelo Kasauta made rounds, declaring that cadrerism is back and warned that the party will not ignore actions that threaten peace or President Hakainde Hichilema’s safety.
Speaking in an interview with RCV News in Lusaka, Party President, Peter Sinkamba said that if such a statement was uttered by the opposition, the law would have taken its course immediately.
“Since the Chingola incident, where some individuals acted in an unruly way, a lot of negative statements that are not in line with the law were spoken by the ruling party, but nothing was done,” said Mr. Sinkamba.
Mr. Sinkamba however noted that he does not condone the violent attacks that were witnessed in Chingola, stating that no one should ever go through that.
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has assured Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa that aerial activity involving drones and yellow aircraft entering Zimbabwean airspace from Zambia is part of a regional minerals mapping initiative, not espionage.
Speaking during his inaugural visit to Harare for the Zimbabwe-Zambia Bi-National Commission on Defence and Security, Hichilema clarified that the flights are part of a high-resolution geophysical survey aimed at identifying mineral resources across shared geological belts.
“You should not panic if you see drones or yellow aeroplanes straying into your land. We are doing massive geophysical mapping of our minerals,” Hichilema said, adding that some mineral veins stretch across both countries.
He apologised for any unintended boundary breaches and emphasised the friendly and developmental nature of the operations.
“These planes are not hostile. They are part of a project that will benefit both Zimbabwe and Zambia economically,” he said.
Hichilema also stressed the importance of security cooperation, noting that shared resource management requires transparency and mutual trust.
President Mnangagwa welcomed the clarification, reiterating the need for peace, security, and stability as foundations for development. He urged defence and security services to remain vigilant against emerging threats such as terrorism, drug trafficking, and cybercrime.
“Our defence forces have always worked closely together. For development to happen, security must be assured,” Mnangagwa said.
He also called for deeper cooperation in the mining and tourism sectors, highlighting the potential of joint ventures in green energy and global value chains. Mnangagwa pointed to Victoria Falls and Livingstone as shared assets that could be leveraged for regional tourism growth.
The Bi-National Commission meeting also revisited earlier discussions on:
Tariff removal to ease trade
A uni-visa system to boost tourism
Zambia’s call for the lifting of Western sanctions on Zimbabwe
The summit underscored the evolving partnership between the two nations, blending security, economic, and diplomatic collaboration.
KAMPYONGO CALLS FOR PEACE AMIDST STATEMENTS ABOUT PRESIDENTIAL SECURITY
In a recent interview, Shiwang’andu member of Parliament, Opposition Patriotic Front (PF) member, Stephen Kampyongo, shared his concerns about remarks made by Copperbelt Minister Elisha Matambo.
Matambo suggested that UPND cadres should help protect the president. However, Kampyongo disagrees. He believes this statement encourages lawlessness.
Kampyongo pointed out that the government already has enough personnel to ensure the president’s safety. He stressed that security should remain a responsibility of professional law enforcement, not party supporters.
The MP emphasized the need for unity and peace in Zambia. He warned that promoting political groups for presidential protection can lead to conflict.
Kampyongo urged leaders to focus on national harmony rather than division. He believes all Zambians should work together for a safe and stable country.
The discussion took place during a radio interview on Thursday, where Kampyongo expressed his commitment to protecting the values of democracy and rule of law.
My husband wants me to copy his gírlfriénds in béd
A woman of Ibex Hill has told the Chilenje Local Court that each time she and her husband are making l0ve, he wants her to copy or imitate the acts his gírlfriénds perform for him.
Her husband, who did not deny her claim, said in his defence that she used to perform those moves for him in the early years of their marriage, but has since stopped.
RAMAPHOSA CRITICISES TRUMP’S G20 BOYCOTT OVER LAND AND GENOCIDE CLAIMS
SOUTH African leaders across the political spectrum have condemned the U.S. decision to boycott the upcoming G20 summit, with President Cyril Ramaphosa calling the move a “loss” for Washington and opposition figures decrying the baseless claims about the country that prompted the snub.
President Ramaphosa responded firmly to the U.S. absence, stating, “In my experience in politics, boycotts never really work.
They have a very contradictory effect.” He assured that the summit would proceed without the U.S., emphasising that “all other heads of state will be here… and their absence is their loss.”
The boycott was announced by former President Donald Trump, who cited widely rejected claims of violent persecution and land confiscation targeting South Africa’s white minority.
The U.S. rationale for the boycott was uniformly criticised by South African political leaders.
John Steenhuisen, leader of the opposition Democratic Alliance, expressed concern that Washington was acting on incorrect information, stating it would have been good for U.S. leaders “to see what they’re being fed… is not the reality.”
Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters, noted that Trump “knows there is no genocide in South Africa,” attributing the claims to a “tiny minority” peddling lies.
The boycott marks a new low in U.S.-South Africa relations, which are at their worst since the end of apartheid in 1994.
The dispute is compounded by South Africa’s genocide case against Israel a key U.S. ally at the UN’s top court.
With the U.S. set to assume the G20 presidency from South Africa at year’s end, the diplomatic schism threatens to undermine international cooperation on critical global economic issues, highlighting how misinformation can fuel geopolitical fractures.
FAZ PROVIDES UPDATE ON THE MEDICAL STATUS OF THE TEAM
Press Statement (For Immediate Release) Football Association of Zambia Football House, Lusaka
16th November 2025
FAZ PROVIDES UPDATE ON TEAM MEDICAL STATUS
Following the reported incidences of suspected food poisoning by some members of the Zambia Men’s National Team on Saturday in South Africa, the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) wishes to confirm that coach Moses Sichone, midfielder Miguel Chaiwa and video analyst Elias Chipota have been admitted to St George Private Hospital in Port Elizabeth.
The trio were admitted after having been taken to the hospital following their worsened condition that was aggravated by fever, diarrhea and vomiting.
Team Doctor Wesley Ngongo has been left behind to tend to the ailing trio.
“The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) is working closely with its host Association and the local medical authorities to ensure that the affected receive the best possible medical attention. We are also happy that some of the cases reported in the team earlier have significantly improved with the affected parties being monitored,” says FAZ General Secretary Machacha Shepande.
Meanwhile the rest of the contingent has left Port Elizabeth for Angola via Johannesburg with Zesco United players heading back home to join their Egypt bound teammates for the CAF Confederation match against Zamalek.
The Zesco United players that have left are Kabaso Chongo, Gift Mphande, Pascal Phiri and David Simukonda
Additionally, Leicester City forward Patson Daka will not be part of the second friendly match against Angola on request from the club with Israel based Kennedy Musonda back to his base to tend to his wife who fell ill whilst the player was on national duty.
Zambia plays Angola on Tuesday in Luanda in the second international friendly organised by FAZ for the November FIFA window.
For and on behalf: FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF ZAMBIA Nkweto Tembwe HEAD OF MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS
Businessman Wicknell Chivhayo has stirred fresh debate after claiming that African presidents seek to meet him because he represents influence, wealth, and strategic power. Posting on his X account, Chivhayo described himself as a continental brand whose presence transcends borders and politics.
“Few figures have captured the public imagination quite like Sir Wicknell Chivhayo. To his critics, he’s flamboyant. To his top fans, he’s fearless. But to African presidents? He’s a man worth meeting,” the post read.
Chivhayo said his reputation is built on high-stakes deals, luxury philanthropy, and empowerment initiatives, including gifting luxury cars to artists and supporting community projects.
He attributed presidential interest to his strategic business acumen, citing his involvement in multimillion-dollar energy and infrastructure projects.
“Presidents recognize this. They see in him a conduit for investment, influence, and execution,” the post stated.
Chivhayo claimed his reach spans Zimbabwe, South Africa, Zambia, and the DRC, positioning him as a continental connector capable of navigating political and economic spheres with ease.
He also highlighted his social media influence as a form of soft power, capable of shaping narratives and elevating causes.
“Influence isn’t just about money, it’s about meaning. Leaders take note,” he wrote.
In a continent where access to capital and networks can make or break national projects, Chivhayo positioned himself as a charismatic and consistently relevant figure.
“African presidents don’t meet him because he’s flashy. They meet him because he’s effective. And in today’s Africa, effectiveness is the currency of power,” the post concluded.
Akon is taking a firm stand in his ongoing divorce from his estranged wife, Tomeka, making it clear in newly filed court documents that he does not intend to pay her any spousal support.
According to the filings, the music star checked the option to terminate spousal support for Tomeka, his wife of twenty nine years. This move comes after Tomeka herself had requested support in her initial divorce petition filed in September. In a twist, she also asked the court not to award any support to Akon, suggesting that both parties are trying to protect their own finances.
In his response submitted on Friday at the Los Angeles Superior Court, Akon also asked for joint physical custody of their seventeen year old child. Tomeka, however, is requesting joint legal custody and full physical custody for herself.
The divorce proceedings arrive at a time when the singer has already been dealing with legal issues elsewhere. Just last week, he was arrested in Georgia for failing to appear in court after a charge of driving with a suspended license.
The divorce case continues to unfold as both parties navigate custody, finances, and the next steps in dissolving their long marriage.
The National Assembly of Bénin (National Assembly Benin) has approved a constitutional amendment extending the presidential term of office from five years to seven and creating an upper house of parliament.
In an overwhelming 90-19 vote, the new amendment sets the presidential term at seven years, renewable only once, according to a statement issued on Saturday by the national assembly.
“From now on, and in accordance with amended Article 42, the President of the Republic is elected by direct universal suffrage for a term of 07 years, renewable only once,” the statement reads.
“No one can, in his lifetime, exercise more than two terms as President of the Republic.”
The legislative body added that, in line with Article 154, the proposal first had to secure the required three-quarters majority during a preliminary vote. Deputies met this threshold with 87 votes for and 22 against, before proceeding to the final secret ballot.
According to the Assembly’s breakdown, 15 new articles were created and 18 amended.
One of the most significant changes is contained in the newly modified Article 42, which now states: “The President of the Republic is elected by direct universal suffrage for a term of seven years, renewable only once. No one may, in his or her lifetime, serve more than two terms as President of the Republic.”
The reform also introduces a bicameral legislature, as stipulated in the updated Article 79, giving legislative powers and government oversight to both the National Assembly and a newly established Senate.
“Beyond this major change, Parliament—under the amended Article 79—exercises legislative power and oversees government action. It is now composed of two chambers: the National Assembly and the Senate.”
Under Article 80, deputies’ terms are now set at seven years, renewable, with an additional clause stating that any deputy who resigns from the party that sponsored them during legislative elections will automatically lose their mandate.
“The term of office for deputies is 7 years, renewable. Any deputy who resigns and thereby ceases to be a member of the party that sponsored them for the legislative election loses their mandate.”
The reformed Article 113.1 defines the Senate as an institution responsible for regulating political life and safeguarding “national unity, development, territorial defence, public security, democracy, and peace.”
The law also extends the tenure of mayors and municipal councillors to seven years, renewable.
A guy got the surprise of his life after he received a group video call from his girlfriend’s other boyfriends.
In a video which has since gone viral, six (6) guys had a group call on WhatsApp after they found out they have been dating the same girl.
6 Nigerian guys open whatsapp Group call to console themselves after finding out they shared the same girlfriend.
The guys discussed and revealed to each other how they have each contributed to the life of their shared girlfriend.
One stated that he changed the girls phone from iPhone 13 Pro Max to iPhone 14 Pro which she lied to the rest that her sister got for her. The iPhone 13 Pro Max was bought by another guy on the call.
Another also chipped in that she bought the girl two set of white wigs. One boyfriend added that she told him she was paying in bits so he gave her the money to clear the cost.
Social media have found a way to turn the conversation into a humorous one. People are calling the girl a democratic girlfriend, saying “she is of the people, by the people and for the people.”
Top 10 African countries with the largest external debt 2025:
1 South Africa ~170.5 B 2 Egypt ~165.4 B 3 Morocco ~69.3 B 4 Angola ~56.6 B 5 Nigeria ~46.6 B
6 Tunisia ~42.6 B 7 Côte d’Ivoire ~36.5 B 8 Tanzania ~33–35 B 9 Kenya ~33.1 B 10 Ghana ~30.5 B
The top 10 African countries with the highest total external debt in 2025 are led by South Africa and Egypt, based on recent data from sources like Trading Economics and WeeTracker.
Kenya’s government has confirmed that over 200 Kenyans are currently fighting for Russia in the war in Ukraine.
Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi revealed that many were lured through recruitment networks offering up to $18,000 for visas, travel, and accommodation.
Some of those recruited are former members of Kenya’s disciplined services. In a security raid near Nairobi in September, 21 Kenyans were rescued while awaiting deployment.
The minister warned that recruitment networks remain active in both Kenya and Russia, urging citizens to be cautious.
He also said the Kenyan Embassy in Moscow has reported injuries among some of the recruits.
Uganda is advancing one of East Africa’s biggest energy investments — a $4B refinery in Hoima that will process 60,000 barrels per day. The project, led by UNOC (40%) and UAE-based Alpha MBM Investments (60%), aims to strengthen energy security and reduce Uganda’s heavy reliance on imported fuel.
The development includes a 212 km pipeline to Mpigi, a 320M-liter Kampala Storage Terminal, and new water infrastructure. Operations are expected to begin in 2030.
Beyond fuel supply, the refinery will anchor the Kabaale Industrial Park, attract investors in petrochemicals and fertilizers, create jobs, and position Uganda as a regional supplier to Tanzania and the DRC.
Environmental concerns, high project costs, and past financing delays remain key challenges — but the project signals Uganda’s ambition to build a stronger, more self-reliant energy economy.
During the opening of the 13th Parliament of the United Republic of Tanzania, President Samia Suluhu Hassan directed law enforcement bodies, especially the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to correct and address the mistakes involving youths and children who unknowingly broke the law on October 29.
She emphasized her role as a mother and guardian, urging the nation’s youth to safeguard peace and unity, and to never allow themselves to be influenced into actions that harm or destroy their own country.
In line with other things, in my speech to open the 13th Parliament of the Union Republic of Tanzania, I have directed the law agencies especially the Office of the Directorate of Prosecution (DPP), to eradicate the mistakes of our youth and children who unknowingly committed by following the law on October 29 this year.
As a mother and a guardian, I urge all youths to continue protecting the peace and unity of our country, and never accept to be persuaded to burn your own country.
Senator Ned Nwoko has said that a medical report that went viral some days ago claiming that his wife, Regina, abused a number of drugs is genuine and that the hospital did not leak them.
During the week, a medical report from an Abuja-based hospital made the rounds on social media. Regina had threatened to sue the hospital after the document went viral but the hospital later released a statement saying it never released the document to the public. The medical report had listed a number of drugs she reportedly abused. Her brother, Lawrence, had even come out to say that the medical report was fake.
However, in a statement released today November 15, Nwoko speaking through his media team said the medical report is genuine. He mentioned that the medical report confirmed presence of hard drugs like Marijuana, Cocaine, Morphine, Opiates of extreme ly elevated levels and alcohol at a critically dangerous level, in her system.
He said that the report also mentioned that on October 3, she was brought in unconscious after suffering a drug overdose. He added that the hospital suffered several challenges in rehabilitating her including interference from her siblings who he claimed saw no reason in offering her alcohol and weed even while she is undergoing rehabilitation.
Ned in the statement signed by his Communication team said that he has persistently called for her rehabilitation because he believes that the decisions she has taken in recent times were not from a stable state of mind.
He said he is determined to get Regina the help she needs so she can take care of her two boys.
Italy Coach Calls for FIFA Reforms Amid Qualification Pressure
Italy’s coach has voiced frustration over the current World Cup qualification system, noting how much the landscape has changed.
He pointed out that while Africa had just three teams in the 1994 World Cup, the 2026 edition will feature nine African nations.
He also recalled that in his playing days, Europe’s best runners-up qualified directly, unlike today’s tougher path.
Now, for the third time, Italy faces the playoffs to keep their 2026 World Cup dream alive — unless they pull off an almost impossible 9–0 victory against Norway on Sunday.
