Job Sikhala Out on Bail After Explosives Found in His Car
Zimbabwean opposition politician Job Sikhala has been granted bail following his dramatic arrest in Pretoria, where police allegedly found explosives inside his vehicle.
Sikhala, 53, and his uncle Alexander Ferrowst Thema, 78, were arrested on 6 November 2025 when police stopped their vehicle on Kgosi Mampuru Street and discovered:
26 blasting cartridges
15 connector cap fuses
According to Gauteng regional NPA spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana, police charged both men with possession of explosives.
The State did not oppose bail, confirming that both accused are in South Africa legally, Sikhala on a valid visa, and Thema with a South African ID.
The case has been postponed to 3 February 2026 for further investigation.
President Hichilema’s Strategic Diplomacy with Zimbabwe: A Setback for the Opposition
By Innocent Kaluba
To the uninformed, President Hakainde Hichilema’s recent visits to Tanzania and Zimbabwe may seem insignificant. However, to seasoned diplomats, these trips are pivotal—serving as cornerstones for Zambia’s and the region’s economic growth.
In recent years, the opposition—particularly the former ruling Patriotic Front (PF)—has tried to portray President Hichilema and President Emmerson Mnangagwa as staunch rivals. Without hesitation, they attempted to stoke discord between the two nations, hoping Zimbabwe would become a “safe haven” for their political activities and perhaps even a source of financial support.
Following Zimbabwe’s 2023 elections, the opposition leveraged a report by Dr. Nevers Mumba, President Hichilema’s appointed envoy, as SADC Chair for the observer mission, to suggest that the Zambian president was advocating for regime change in Zimbabwe. They further claimed that individuals fleeing prosecution, like Why Me and former Petauke lawmaker JJ Banda, were receiving refuge and backing from Zimbabwe. Baseless allegations also surfaced that President Mnangagwa was supporting the family of late President Edgar Lungu, all with the intent of straining bilateral relations.
https://youtu.be/1WPfVC0CPb4?si=LM_QS-2gj0gD565O
President Hichilema’s attendance at the inaugural Bi-National Commission is therefore profoundly significant. By reaffirming the friendly ties between Zambia and Zimbabwe and referring to President Mnangagwa as his “elder brother,” President Hichilema has clearly reinforced the strong bond between the two countries.
“President Mnangagwa is not only my senior at university, but also an elder brother and a senior president,” remarked President Hichilema. He emphasized the deep connection between the two nations by describing them as “Siamese twins joined at the umbilical cord,” underlining that “we can achieve even more if we work together.”
During the Bi-National Commission, President Hichilema was resolute in calling for the removal of Western sanctions on Zimbabwe.
“We remain steadfast in our support for lifting sanctions on Zimbabwe. Zambia will continue to advocate for the removal of illegal and unilateral sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe, as they impede developmental progress,” he said.
“These sanctions also affect us. Zimbabwe should be given the freedom to drive its own economic development for the benefit of its people,” President Hichilema added.
In a show of goodwill, President Mnangagwa also announced the removal of tariffs on petroleum products transiting through Zambia.
“To that end, Zimbabwe notified the meeting that its Cabinet has approved a decision to eliminate transit duties on petroleum products. Additional measures addressing other barriers have been included in the country’s 2026 National Budget, effective from 27 November 2025,” stated President Mnangagwa. The Zimbabwean leader further reaffirmed the renewed partnership between the two nations.
At the Bi-National Commission, five Memoranda of Understanding were signed across various sectors. These include: 1. MoU on Diplomatic Training 2. MoU on Immigration and Technical Cooperation 3. MoU on Cooperation in Labour and Employment 4. MoU on Agricultural Cooperation 5. MoU on Youth Development
President Mnangagwa commended Mr. Hakainde Hichilema for his capable leadership and extended best wishes to Zambia ahead of its general elections. In turn, President Hichilema expressed his gratitude to President Mnangagwa for the warm hospitality.
For those well-versed in international relations, President Hichilema’s recent visits to Tanzania and Zimbabwe are unmistakably strategic moves, bolstering the New Dawn government’s commitment to economic advancement.
…..A Call for Renewal, Unity, and Transformational Leadership! I believe in a future where every voice counts, every dream can flourish, and every citizen has the opportunity to thrive.
Lusaka, Zambia -I stand before you today not as someone who claims to possess all the answers, but as a citizen who refuses to watch our nation’s immense potential lie dormant. I am running for President of the Patriotic Front (PF), and – God willing, with your support – for President of the Republic of Zambia. My conviction is anchored in a simple but powerful belief: every voice matters, every aspiration is valid, and every Zambian deserves a fair chance to live a dignified, prosperous life.
Zambia is yearning for renewal – economic renewal, social renewal, and, above all, democratic renewal. Our beloved PF, too, stands at the crossroads of challenge and possibility. The moment demands a collective rekindling of unity and purpose: unity for the rebirth of a party that has served as a pillar of hope, and unity for a new national awakening rooted in consensus, justice, and equal opportunity for all.
To lead Zambia through a broad-based and inclusive approach, one must be prepared to lead the PF – a party that once bequeathed a united nation anchored on fairness and social justice. At the heart of this aspiration lies an urgent need for a collective democratic dividend, one that only a revitalised PF can credibly deliver.
With this conviction, I reaffirm my longstanding commitment, first expressed when I filed to run in 2022 following the retirement of His Excellency Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu (ECL). On the occasion of what would have been his 68th birthday on 11th November 2025, I wish him a happy heavenly birthday. We owe him not only a dignified burial but a steadfast defence of his legacy. He served this country with honour. Zambia must honour him in return. Those resisting his dignified send-off are attempting – vainly – to rewrite history.
It is, therefore, an honour and solemn duty for all of us seeking to carry the PF torch to unite and restore this party to its rightful place. I stand before you as a servant of this great movement, fully aware of the challenges we face: the worst cost of living in our lifetime; crippling blackouts; widespread youth unemployment; a deteriorating education system; and a healthcare system in distress and a historical debt crisis. Equally troubling is the erosion of our democratic credentials – a shrinking civic space that demands urgent correction.
Yet, despite these trials, the resilience of the PF remains unbroken. The spirit of the party’s founding father, H.E. Mr. Michael Chilufya Sata, continues to guide us. This is a party forged in struggle, strengthened through adversity, and destined for resurgence. We have risen before. We can rise again.
What our party needs now is credible, tested leadership anchored on delivery—and my record bears testimony to what disciplined, visionary stewardship can achieve. Amid the loss of our founding leaders and deliberate political assaults from the ruling party, our resolve must not waver. My commitment is to reform the PF, reform our political culture, and reform our governance systems for the good of all Zambians.
I believe in a Zambia where every citizen has a place at the rendezvous of opportunity. I stand ready not merely to seek office, but to articulate and deliver the future our children deserve. My experience – as a civil servant, minister, parliamentarian, and lifelong public health practitioner – has taught me that leadership is not rhetoric; it is delivery.
We must confront the great national challenges of our time: tackle the energy crisis, rebuilding healthcare, enhancing education, tackling climate change, and re-investing in public infrastructure. We have a proud track record – one that even our critics cannot erase.
We must also confront the inequalities that have persisted for too long. Prosperity must never be the privilege of a few. It must be the rightful inheritance of all.
I am running because Zambia deserves better. Mediocrity has no place in public service. Low standards cannot be tolerated in high office. My transformative work in the health sector established compulsory health insurance,through the National Health Insurance Management Authority, NHIMA, constructed the first ever medical university with over 10,000 students now, built six specialist hospitals, including the National Heart hospital and the Women and New born Hospital, expanded zonal clinics in lusaka into first/secondary level hospitals, strengthened heath security, through the establishment of the Zambia National Public Institute, and through it, led the country in the fight against the pandemic and Cholera, prioritized primary health care, among many other achievements. This demonstrates what disciplined leadership can achieve.
▪️Icikwanka bacimwena kumampalanya!
A leader must have a demonstrable track record. They must show stamina, courage, and competence. Leadership is not theory; it is practical delivery when systems are collapsing, pressure is mounting, and the country calls for transformation.
From Levy Mwanawasa Medical University to the Michael Chilufya Sata Medical School, from saving lives through NHIMA to strengthening clinical systems in rural Zambia, my footprints of service stretch across this nation—from Mansa to Namwala, from Monze to Mafinga, from Chipata to Mongu. These lived experiences propel me to offer myself once again to serve – this time at the national helm.
That is why I am running. For renewal. For unity. For transformation. For Zambia.
I thank you.
Issued By:
Hon. Dr. Chitalu Chilufya* Member of Parliament Patriotic Front.
Zambia’s Hichilema becomes latest African leader to open door for Chivayo
LUSAKA – Controversial Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo on Thursday met Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema at State House in Lusaka, where he said they discussed renewable energy and infrastructure development.
Chivayo, who has built a reputation as a politically connected “tenderpreneur” and extravagant car-giver, is a polarising figure at home, but African leaders continue to roll out the red carpet for him.
Posting on X after the meeting, Chivayo said Hichilema spoke passionately about Zambia and Zimbabwe’s shared history and the need to deepen economic cooperation between the two neighbours.
We discussed the challenges being experienced in Zambia’s energy sector, especially the suppressed power generation at Kariba North due to adverse hydrological conditions. I was thoroughly impressed by President Hichilema’s appreciation of renewable energy project funding models and his commitment to partner with the private sector,” Chivayo said.
Hichilema is due in Harare on Friday for the Zimbabwe–Zambia Trade and Investment Conference, where the two governments are expected to promote cross-border investment and infrastructure projects.
Chivayo has leveraged his close ties to President Emmerson Mnangagwa to secure access to several African leaders, among them Kenya’s William Ruto, Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu, Malawi’s Arthur Peter Mutharika, Nigeria’s Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Mozambique’s Daniel Chapo and Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni.
His growing international profile contrasts sharply with controversy at home, where he is viewed as a key beneficiary of opaque state contracts. His company, Intratrek Zimbabwe, was awarded a US$172 million tender to build a 100MW solar power plant in Gwanda, but the project collapsed despite the state power utility ZESA advancing him over US$5 million.
The fallout led to fraud charges being filed against Chivayo but he was acquitted, and the High Court recently ruled in his favour in the dispute, compelling ZESA to go through with the contract, or pay Chivayo damages to the tune of $25 million.
Chivayo is believed to be working with Chinese investors pursuing opportunities in renewable energy and road construction across Africa. – thezimbabwean
High Court order challenged after PF lawyer cites procedural errors
The Patriotic Front has questioned the validity of an injunction granted in the matter involving party member Morgan Ngona and acting party official Brenda Nyirenda, with PF legal representative Celestine Mukandila describing the order as defective. The challenge is based on the wording of the court document, which identifies Nyirenda as a male person, a detail that Mukandila argues makes the order inaccurate and misleading. According to him, the misidentification affects the interpretation of the ruling and raises concerns about whether the order was issued with correct reference to the individual it intends to restrain.
The injunction, granted in favour of Ngona, restricts Nyirenda from performing functions associated with the office she has been occupying within the PF. In responding to the development, Mukandila stated that the document refers to the defendant as “himself,” a term he says does not apply to Nyirenda, who is a woman and uses female pronouns. He said the document therefore fails to properly identify the person subject to the restrictions. He added that the misidentification has prompted concerns that the order may have been issued under assumptions that do not reflect the factual identity of the individual associated with the party.
Mukandila explained that the inaccurate description could create the impression that the order is directed at a different individual. He said an injunction must clearly reflect the person it seeks to bind, and inaccuracies of this nature can compromise both the fairness and legal effect of the ruling. He said such an error raises questions about whether the document was properly reviewed before issuance and whether the process leading to the order met the required procedural standard.
In addition to raising concerns about the wording of the injunction, Mukandila pointed to an earlier High Court ruling that recognised Ngona as an expelled member of the PF. He said that ruling remains active and forms part of the background to the present dispute. By referencing this earlier decision, he questioned whether obtaining new relief in the present matter is consistent with the procedural position already established in court. According to him, counsel involved in pursuing the injunction and the applicant himself may be at risk of engaging in actions that conflict with the standing ruling. He said these actions could expose the parties to allegations of contempt of court if they are seen to contradict decisions that have not been set aside.
Mukandila said the dispute highlights a broader issue regarding the use of the courts in internal party disagreements. He warned that conflicting applications and repeated attempts to obtain rulings from different avenues may amount to what is commonly described as forum shopping. He said that such an approach can lead to inconsistent outcomes and undermine established procedures that parties are expected to follow. He added that legal practitioners should maintain professional judgment in situations where political influence or financial inducements may be used to shape legal strategy.
The comments from Mukandila are taking place in a context where the PF is preparing for its leadership processes. The PF constitution establishes that the party president is elected by delegates at the General Conference. The constitution also states that all organs of the party are elective, meaning that leadership positions are attained through voting, not by appointment or confirmation through administrative decisions. Mukandila referred to these provisions to argue that the leadership of the party must emerge from its internal democratic structures rather than through disputes driven by separate factions.
According to the PF constitution, candidates for the presidency must meet requirements set by the National Council and the Central Committee. These bodies determine eligibility, call for the General Conference and set the conditions under which the election is held. Mukandila said these structures provide a framework that ensures order during transitions. He added that the PF’s intention to proceed with a convention is consistent with the party’s constitutional requirement for elective leadership. He said the PF’s internal procedures are designed to maintain a level playing field for all aspirants and should not be displaced by contested legal maneuvers
Mukandila also referred to the role of the Registrar of Societies, noting that the Registrar’s responsibility is limited to maintaining records of office bearers based on documentation submitted by organisations. He said the Registrar does not determine who leads a political party and cannot resolve internal disputes or appoint individuals to specific roles. He said that misunderstandings about the scope of the Registrar’s authority may result in misplaced expectations about what administrative records can influence. He added that disputes over leadership must be settled through party constitutions and decisions of competent courts.
As discussion around the injunction continues, the matter illustrates the interaction between internal party governance and judicial oversight. The misidentification in the court order and the reference to earlier rulings are central to concerns raised by PF officials. The party’s legal team has stated that correcting procedural inaccuracies and following established constitutional rules remain critical to ensuring stability within the organisation. The party maintains that its leadership processes will proceed in accordance with its constitution, including the requirement to hold a General Conference to elect the president and other office bearers.
The injunction remains a subject of legal and procedural debate, with Mukandila asserting that the errors identified in the order are significant enough to call its validity into question. The ongoing discussions reflect the broader environment in which the PF is managing competing claims to authority and preparing for a leadership transition. The matter is expected to continue attracting attention as the party moves toward its internal election processes. – Zambia Reports
The Lungu Burial Deadlock: Quiet Diplomacy Continues to Hold the Centre
By Staff Reporter | Lusaka
Five months have passed since the death of His Excellency Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, Zambia’s Sixth Republican President — yet his final burial remains unresolved.
The delay has stirred anxiety across the country, raising fears of a deeper division if the matter is not handled with care.
In the midst of this delicate impasse, one figure has remained steady: His Imperial Highness Prince Estifanos Matewos- The President of the African Royal Assembly and Special Ambassador to the African Union.
Widely respected across the continent for his calm wisdom and deep commitment to Pan-African values, the Prince was invited by former Malawian President Dr. Bakili Muluzi to assist in mediating between the Lungu family and the Zambian Government.
In his statement issued on 11th November 2025, President Muluzi gracefully withdrew his involvement and role in the impasse mediation.
He expressed gratitude to all those who contributed to the process-among them, Prince Matewos, whose steady diplomacy and continued presence have helped maintain dialogue and calm during a delicate period.
While the formal mediation role of President Muluzi has now come to a close, the Prince’s contribution continues. His role goes well beyond lending moral support.
He has actively facilitated the involvement of the South African Government, working with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) to bring in formal mediation support.
He also invited the esteemed Mama Graça Machel to join the mediation team, ensuring that the welfare of the former First Lady, Mrs. Esther Lungu, was safeguarded through solidarity and pastoral care.
Additionally, Prince Matewos helped coordinate with the South African Government and DIRCO to engage Minister Thandi Modise, a veteran stateswoman whose depth of experience and moral authority have been crucial in anchoring the process. Minister Modise, known for her long record of public service in South Africa, brings leadership and gravitas to the mediation effort
Throughout, those close to the process describe Prince Matewos as benevolent and humble.
He offered not only his counsel but also tangible logistical support — even making his personal aircraft available to help coordinate operations in Johannesburg.
His diplomacy has been marked by compassion, respect for Zambia’s culture, and a sincere desire for reconciliation.
In an era when leadership is often defined by visibility, Prince Matewos reminds us that the most profound contributions are often made quietly, with compassion and conviction.
His continued counsel reflects not only his unwavering support for the Lungu family and the Zambian people, but also his broader vision for African solidarity rooted in mutual dignity.
As the mediation transitions toward its next phase, and as Zambia seeks closure in honoring one of its fallen leaders, observers affirm that His Imperial Highness continues to symbolize the calm strength and cultural wisdom that Africa needs in its most delicate moments.
PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema and his Zimbabwean counterpart, Emmerson Mnangagwa, have welcomed an arrangement that will enable Zambia to import electricity from the region through Zimbabwe.
Under the agreement, Zimbabwe will progressively increase the limit on power transfer capacity.
In a related development, the Cabinet of Zimbabwe has approved the removal of transit duties on petroleum products, effective 27th November 2025.
The decision is part of broader measures aimed at eliminating barriers that hinder trade between the two countries.
This is according to a joint communiqué issued at the conclusion of President Hichilema’s working visit to Zimbabwe and the Inaugural Bi-National Commission between the two countries made available to ZANIS in Lusaka today.
The communiqué states that Zambia and Zimbabwe will continue holding technical high-level discussions on the matter on a quarterly basis, with finalisation expected by 31st March 2026.
The two nations have also agreed to implement 24-hour operations at the Chirundu and Victoria Falls One-Stop Border Posts by 31st December 2025.
Zambia further reaffirmed its commitment to advocate for the removal of illegal and unilateral sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe, stating that the sanctions continue to hamper development efforts.
Both parties reiterated their dedication to promoting and maintaining peace and security between the two countries, as well as within the region and the continent.
Meanwhile, the two nations signed a series of Memoranda of Understanding covering Diplomatic Training, Immigration and Technical Cooperation, Labour and Employment, Agriculture, and Youth Development.
The Zambian delegation was led by President Hakainde Hichilema, accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Mulambo Haimbe, alongside other Ministers and senior government officials.
The Zimbabwean delegation was led by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Amon Murwira, as well as other Ministers and senior officials.
MILES SAMPA LOOKED BACK AND TURNED INTO SALT Miles Sampa started all the nonsense happening in PF!
It is on record, Miles Sampa is one of the eight Patriotic Front members who paid the K200, 000 nomination fees in 2022, to stand as party president; following Edgar Chagwa Lungu’s retirement from active politics, post the 2021 general elections.
When exiting, ECL had left Given Lubinda as PF acting president. But, Lubinda had no vision for the party, just like his boss had no vision for the country.
In the last quarter of the year 2023, Miles Sampa felt like the interim Patriotic Front leadership were intentionally delaying to hold their convention-to elect it’s party president. So, in October 2023, Sampa organized an Extraordinary General Conference at Mulungushi International Conference Centre-which saw him, electing himself as PF president, beating the other 7 aspirants in absentia
Sampa then appointed Morgan Ng’ona as PF Secretary General (SG) and Mafinga MP, Robert Chabinga as leader of the opposition (in Parliament).
You now know who started this drama. Actually, this wasn’t the first time the PF were failing to hold an elective convention. It happened in 2021, before the 2021 general elections. They were in fact, given 48hrs to reconvene a convention or blocked from filing in the 2021 general elections.
Fast-forward, the other PF presidential candidates who had equally paid those K200, 000’s, took Miles Sampa to court. On the other hand, Given Lubinda (PF’s acting president), suspended Sampa as PF president. The same month, ECL announced his coming back to active politics, reclaiming his position as PF party president. You can see how disorganized this party has been.
Anyway, this is how PF arrived at having two factions: one led by ECL and the other by Sampa. The delayed convention had divided the party, yes. But, ECL coming back to active politics, divided the party even further.
The High Court, on 5th May, 2025 dismissed the case were the PF presidential candidates challenged the election of Sampa as the PF president; thereby, declaring him as the party’s president until further notice. 30th June 2024, Sampa dismissed his SG, Morgan Ng’ona. That very week, the court issued an ex-parte stay order blocking Sampa’s decision to dismiss Ng’ona. Interestingly, on July 2024, Ng’ona dismissed Sampa as PF president, appointing Mafinga MP, Robert Chabinga as the acting party president; who later, on 10th November 2024, expelled Sampa from PF
To cut the story short, Chabinga’s courage has ended Sampa’s political career, putting him in his rightful place. Today, Miles Sampa has become so irrelevant that he can’t even win a simple Matero constituency.
Lesson: in life, don’t start what you can’t finish. Otherwise, don’t complain if others finish it for you.Today, even if Miles Sampa has a point, no one is willing to listen to him. No one takes him seriously. He has become that dry joke. In politics, he is the father of inconsistency: for he looked back. Men don’t look back, at least choose to be Lot, not his wife! Chabinga is a man
LET US FIRST BURY FORMER PRESIDENT EDGAR LUNGU BEFORE TALKING SUCCESSION- CHABINGA
By: Thomas Afroman Mwale
Patriotic Front (Pf) Faction President Robert Chabinga Has Advised The Given Lubinda-Led Faction To Prioritize The Burial Of The Late Former President Edgar Lungu Before Making Any Plans To Hold An Elective Convention.
He Stated That Mr. Lungu’s Soul “Cannot Be Free Under The Current Circumstances” If Succession Matters Are Pursued Prematurely.
Mr. Chabinga Explained That Zambian Customs, Traditions, And Culture Advocate For The Burial Of A Deceased Leader Before The Selection Of A Successor, Citing The Bemba Practice Known As Isambo Lyamfwa.
Speaking During A Media Briefing, The Mafinga Member Of Parliament Urged Individuals Who Paid The K200, 000 Nomination Fee To Contest At The Proposed Elective Convention To Demand Refunds, Insisting That The Convention Will Not Take Place Without His Approval.
He Went Further To Discredit Pf Presidential Aspirants, Accusing Mr. Given Lubinda Of Being Among Those Responsible For The Party’s Loss Of Power In 2021.
Mr. Chabinga Has Since Directed The Immediate Closure Of The Pf Secretariat And All-Party Offices Nationwide, Warning That Any Individuals Who Continue To Operate Under The Party’s Name Or Assign Titles Within The Faction Will Be Cited For Contempt Of Court. #SunFmTvNews
KALABA URGES PRESIDENT HICHILEMA TO SEEK MNANGAGWA’S INTERVENTION IN EDGAR LUNGU’S BURIAL STANDOFF
By: Thomas Afroman Mwale
Citizens First Leader Harry Kalaba, Has Called on President Hakainde Hichilema To Seek The Intervention Of Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa In Resolving What He Described As A Painful And Unnecessary Impasse Over The Burial Of Late Former President Edgar Lungu.
In A Statement Posted On His Facebook Page, Mr. Kalaba Said The Treatment And Dignity Of A Former Head Of State Should Not Be Reduced To A Partisan Issue, But Should Instead Serve As A National Test Of Political Maturity.
His Remarks Follow The Withdrawal Of Former Malawian President Bakili Muluzi From Mediating The Dispute, After Failing To Secure A Clear And Acceptable Way Forward For Both Parties.
Former President Lungu, Who Died On 5 June 2025, Has Not Yet Been Buried Due To An Ongoing Disagreement Between His Family And The Government Over His Final Resting Place.
Family Spokesperson Makebi Zulu Recently Stated That The Family Is Ready To Repatriate The Late President’s Remains To Zambia, On Condition That President Hichilema Publicly Commits To Staying Away From The Funeral.
Mr. Kalaba Issued His Appeal As President Hichilema Is Currently In Zimbabwe For The Zimbabwe–Zambia Bi-National Commission On Defence And Security, Marking His First State Visit To That Country Since Assuming Office. #SunFmTvNews
REGIONAL | Zambia–Zimbabwe Sign Five Strategic MoUs Amid Bilateral State Visit
Hakainde Hichilema, President of Zambia, and Emmerson Mnangagwa, President of Zimbabwe, today formalised five Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) as they seek to deepen cooperation across diplomacy, labour, agriculture, youth development and immigration.
The agreements, signed during the inaugural session of the Zambia–Zimbabwe Bi-National Commission (BNC), mark a deliberate upgrade of bilateral relations between the two neighbouring states.
The MoUs cover: diplomatic training; technical co-operation in immigration; employment and labour collaboration; agricultural cooperation; and youth development initiatives.
These are part of a broader agenda to unlock shared opportunities and respond to regional development challenges.
Shared resources and economic infrastructure feature prominently in the new framework. The two nations reaffirmed commitments to joint management of assets such as the Kariba Hydroelectric Project and the Zambezi river system, recognising that sustainable utilisation of those assets underpins regional growth.
Of particular note is the energy dimension. The agreements include provisions for Zambia’s electricity imports through Zimbabwe and for Zimbabwe to gradually raise its power transfer capacity.
This reflects Zambia’s strategy to diversify energy imports and strengthen grid reliability at a time when regional energy security is top of the agenda.
From a political and business perspective the visit signals that President Hichilema is actively pursuing new partnerships and opening diplomatic channels that align with his economic diplomacy agenda.
Rather than framing relations solely in terms of friendship or neighbourliness, the BNC process emphasises transactional cooperation and implementation.
Foreign affairs officials from both countries said they will convene the second session of the BNC in Lusaka by November 2027, reaffirming the commitment to continuity and accountability.
For investors and regional markets this is a positive signal. The formalisation of institutional ties and focus on trade, infrastructure and energy should reduce barriers and enhance certainty. However, the challenge will lie in transitioning MoUs into timely action; drafting implementation plans, allocating budgets, and synchronising policy across two bureaucracies.
The exposure of Zambia’s leadership to Zimbabwe’s infrastructure and economic context may also help position Zambia as a hub for regional investment flows.
With Zambia preparing for the 2026 general election, this diplomatic push may serve to bolster credibility, attract foreign direct investment, and support President Hichilema’s narrative of growth and regional integration.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has reacted boldly to news that former US President Donald Trump is refusing to attend the G20 summit. Ramaphosa didn’t mince his words, saying Trump’s decision is “their loss, not ours.”
And here’s why:
❌ Why It’s a Loss for the United States
The G20 is where global decisions on trade, investment, climate, and security are shaped.
When the US steps away, it loses direct influence over agreements that affect the global economy.
Leaders who show up get to set the agenda. Those who stay away simply watch from the sidelines.
America’s absence opens doors for other major economies — like China, the EU, India, and Africa — to strengthen ties without US pressure.
✅ Why It’s a Win for South Africa
With the US seat empty, South Africa gains more space at the table to push African interests forward.
Ramaphosa can influence discussions around development funding, fair trade, and global inequality — issues normally overshadowed by the US agenda.
SA positions itself as a credible voice for the Global South, showing leadership on world issues.
More attention goes to African priorities, partnerships, and investment opportunities.
The Bigger Picture
Trump’s boycott may be a political move, but on the global stage it hands South Africa and other emerging economies a chance to shine. While some nations pull back from global cooperation, South Africa steps forward.
NIGERIA CANCELS MOTHER-TONGUE TEACHING IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS AND REVERTS TO ENGLISH
THE Nigerian government has announced it is cancelling a controversial policy that mandated the use of indigenous languages for teaching in the earliest years of schooling instead of English.
Education Minister Tunji Alausa said the programme, introduced just three years ago, had failed to deliver and was being scrapped with immediate effect.
Instead, English will be reinstated as the medium of instruction from pre-primary levels through to university.
The now-defunct programme was launched by former Education Minister Adamu Adamu, who had argued that children learnt more effectively in their mother tongue.
At the time, Adamu argued that pupils grasped concepts more readily when taught in “their own mother tongue” a view supported by numerous UN studies on early childhood education.
Nigeria’s education system is facing serious problems, such as poor-quality teaching, inadequate materials, low pay for teachers and numerous strikes.
Although 85% of children go to primary school, less than half complete their secondary education.
Some 10 million children are out of school in Nigeria, more than in any other country, according to the UN.
Announcing the reversal of the language policy in the capital, Abuja, Dr Alausa pointed to poor academic results from those areas which had adopted mother-tongue teaching.
He cited data from the West African Examinations Council, the National Examinations Council, and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board.
“We have seen a mass failure rate in WAEC, Neco, and Jamb in certain geo-political zones of the country, and those are the ones that adopted this mother tongue in an over-subscribed manner,” the minister stated.
The abrupt cancellation of the policy has drawn a mixed response from education specialists, analysts and parents.
Some have hailed the government’s decision, agreeing that the implementation was problematic and contributed to falling standards.
Others, however, believe the policy was abandoned prematurely. They argue that such a significant shift requires substantial investment in teacher training, the development of textbooks and learning materials, and a longer timeframe before it can be fairly judged and begin to bear fruit.
Education expert Dr Aliyu Tilde praised the reversal, saying Nigeria isn’t ready for such a move.
“Does Nigeria have trained teachers to teach in the dozens of indigenous languages in the country? The answer is no. Also the major exams like WAEC, Jamb are all in English and not in those mother tongue languages.
“I think what’s needed to improve the quality of our schools is bringing in qualified teachers,” he told the BBC.
A mother who has two children in early education schools, Hajara Musa, said she supported the reversal as it would help young children to learn English at an early age.
“English is a global language that is used everywhere and I feel it’s better these kids start using it from the start of their schooling instead of waiting for when they are older,” she told the BBC.
However, social affairs analyst Habu Dauda disagreed.
“I think it was scrapped prematurely instead of giving it more time. Three years is too little to judge a big shift such as this the government ought to have added more investment,” he said.
The debate highlights the ongoing challenge in Nigeria of balancing the promotion of its rich linguistic heritage with the practical demands of a national curriculum and a globalised economy where English proficiency is dominant.
Samia Suluhu Calls for One Minute of Silence in Parliament
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has directed Members of Parliament to stand in one minute of silence in honor of all citizens who lost their lives during the post-election violence of previous years.
The gesture marks a significant moment of reflection, acknowledging the pain many families endured and emphasizing the government’s commitment to peace, unity, and political reconciliation.
President Samia’s move has been widely viewed as a step toward healing and fostering a more inclusive democratic space in Tanzania.
Kenyan Activist Alleges Foreign Troops Secretly Deployed in Kenya During Last Year’s Protests
By: Capital Fm Uganda
Kenyan Human rights activist Bob Njagi has sparked public debate after alleging that Ugandan soldiers were covertly deployed in Kenya to help quell last year’s anti-government protests.
Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV, Njagi claimed that the troops were disguised in Kenya Police uniforms and took part in operations against demonstrators in several parts of the country.
The activist called for an independent investigation into the alleged cross-border involvement, warning that such actions, if confirmed, would represent a serious violation of national sovereignty and human rights.
Ugandan Government officials are yet to issue an official response to the claims, which have since ignited a storm of reactions on social media.
Regina Daniels’ family has fired back hard amid the ongoing crisis between the actress and her billionaire husband, Ned Nwoko — and this time, her brother Sweezy is calling out what he describes as a series of “fake” documents being circulated online.
In a lengthy post, Sweezy dismissed several documents allegedly linked to Regina — including a medical report, marriage certificate and voters card — claiming all three were fabricated.
According to him, the supposed voters card being used in the online back-and-forth wasn’t even produced legitimately.
He alleged it was printed inside Ned Nwoko’s sitting room in Idumuje-Ugboko, insisting that Regina’s real identification documents bear their father’s surname, Ojeogwu, not “Daniels”.
He added that in any court matter, the oldest legal document is what stands — and Regina, he says, never followed Ned to any registry for marriage registration.
Sweezy also restated his sister’s real age, saying:
“Regina was born on October 10, 2001.”
But he didn’t stop there.
Regina’s brother went on to accuse Ned Nwoko of repeatedly using his health condition as emotional blackmail in the marriage, claiming Regina confided that kidney-related issues were often used as a tool after domestic disagreements.
He stressed that he never supported the marriage from the start but couldn’t dictate Regina’s choices — only advise her as a brother.
Sweezy further denied the drug allegations circulating online, describing them as “ridiculously outrageous”, insisting neither he nor any of his siblings have ever been involved in cocaine or any related substance.
https://youtu.be/JPshblcjGFc?si=Kftrtebmbd-ampHb
He then threw a direct question at Ned:
“What samples were given to the hospital and how were they collected? Or is this your own result?”
Ending his statement, Sweezy wrote that he had said his piece, urging:
“Let old behave like old… and let young behave like old if possible.”
The hospital at the centre of the alleged medical report has also issued a disclaimer, saying the document did not come from them and was fabricated.
Newly released documents from Jeffrey Epstein’s estate have once again raised questions over Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s account of his friendship with the late sex offender and his denials of the allegations of his accuser Virginia Giuffre.
The former UK prince told Epstein and convicted child sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell “I can’t take any more of this” when informed 14 years ago that a British newspaper was going to publish a story about the trio.
A fresh tranche of documents provided by Epstein’s estate, some of which also mentioned US President Donald Trump, was released by the US House Oversight Committee on Wednesday.
Among the thousands of documents was the email conversation from March 2011 in which Andrew repeatedly pleaded with the couple to make it clear that he had no involvement in the alleged activities.
“Please make sure that every statement or legal letter states clearly that I am NOT involved and that I knew and know NOTHING about any of these allegations,” Andrew wrote to Epstein. “I can’t take any more of this my end.”
The messages were sent months after Andrew claimed to have severed all ties with the convicted pedophile in December 2010.
In what appears to be a separate email chain between the former Duke of York and Maxwell on the same day, discussing a response to the press enquiry from the Mail on Sunday newspaper, he wrote: “Hey there! What’s all this? I don’t know anything about this! You must SAY so please. This has NOTHING to do with me. I can’t take any more of this.”
Andrew sent his messages after he was forwarded a right-to-reply email by Epstein from the newspaper, in which, he featured in several claims.
The email alleged that a woman, whose name has been redacted in the released documents, worked as a masseuse for Epstein and met and had sex with Andrew at Maxwell’s London home in 2001.
It alleged that the masseuse met Andrew again at Epstein’s New York residence where she and another girl were directed by Maxwell to sit on his knee, and he groped them before Maxwell directed the girls to have sex with him.
It also alleged that the woman was later directed to stage an orgy for Andrew and Epstein on the financier’s private Caribbean island, Little St. James.
The emails appear to be referring to the claims of Virginia Giuffre, who has spoken extensively about her years of being sexually trafficked, allegedly at the hands of Epstein and Maxwell. Maxwell was convicted of sex trafficking in 2022 and is serving a 20-year sentence.
Giuffre, a prominent accuser of Epstein who died by suicide in April, repeatedly claimed that she was forced to have sex with Andrew while underage on three occasions – in London, New York and on Little St. James.
She alleged that the third encounter was “an orgy” on Epstein’s island with the financier and “approximately eight other girls” who “appeared to be under the age of 18 and didn’t really speak English,” as detailed in her posthumous memoir.
She claimed that the-then prince was aware she was underage in the US when they were introduced. Andrew has always denied all allegations against him.
“I have no recollection of ever meeting this lady, none whatsoever,” Andrew told the BBC in a television interview in 2019. He said in the same sit-down that visiting Epstein in 2010 was the “wrong decision” and that he regretted acting in a manner that was “unbecoming.”
In another email exchange with a journalist in July 2011, Epstein also appeared to discuss Giuffre and the now infamous photograph of Andrew with his arm around the then-17-year-old. The now former royal has repeatedly said that he has no recollection of the photograph being taken and has suggested the image could be fake.
“Yes she was on my plane, and yes she had her picture taken with Andrew, as many of my employees have,” Epstein wrote.
The disgraced financier also appeared to ask the journalist to investigate Giuffre.
“I never misled you, this girl is a total liar,” Epstein wrote in the email.
“Maybe your paper should jump on and show that (redacted)’s allegations re andrew (sic) are the same, she also accused numnerous (sic) people of having sex with her,” he added.
Andrew reached an out-of-court settlement with Giuffre in 2022 after she filed a civil suit against him in New York. While he didn’t admit wrongdoing, Andrew did acknowledge Giuffre’s suffering as a victim of sex trafficking.
Earlier this month, after Giuffre’s memoir reignited public attention on Andrew’s links to Epstein, he was officially stripped of his titles in an extraordinary move by his brother, King Charles III.
Meanwhile last week, Democrats on the House Oversight Committee requested Andrew answer questions as part of the panel’s investigation into Epstein and his accomplices. Congressman Suhas Subramanyam said he has not responded yet to the committee’s invitation to testify.
The new cache of documents from the House committee also seem to shed further light on the extent of the contact between Epstein and Peter Mandelson, who was recently fired as British ambassador to the United States over his ties to Epstein.
Emails show that the pair were in contact as late as 2016 when Mandelson appeared to reference Epstein’s birthday two weeks earlier. “63 years old. You made it,” he wrote.
Their exchange also appears to suggest that Mandelson had cautioned Epstein to avoid Mountbatten-Windsor, with the disgraced financier writing that “you were right about staying away from Andrew.”
Mandelson responds, “Yes, without Andrew it would not have gone nuclear.”
It’s unclear exactly what the two men are referring to.
Mandelson was fired as Britain’s ambassador to the US in September after Bloomberg published a trove of emails between him and Epstein which revealed the depth of their friendship.
Those emails had shown that Mandelson had sent Epstein messages of support until 2010 – even after the sex offender was convicted of soliciting prostitution with a minor in Florida two years prior.
Mandelson’s ties to Epstein were known prior to his appointment to the post in Washington in 2024. But the September emails sparked a crisis for Britain’s Labour government and Prime Minister Keir Starmer, with many questioning why he appointed Mandelson despite concerns about his past.
Britain’s Foreign Office said at the time that the emails showed that “the depth and extent” of the now-ex-ambassador’s relationship with Epstein is “materially different from that known at the time of his appointment.”
Following his dismissal two months ago, Mandelson said in a letter to embassy staff reported by the BBC that he continued “to feel utterly awful about my association with Epstein 20 years ago and the plight of his victims.”
North Korea to air Premier League matches for first time, under extremely strict conditions
North Korea has agreed to broadcast English Premier League (EPL) matches for the first time, but the coverage will be significantly altered to meet the country’s rigid ideological controls.
The development, reported by outlets including The Guardian and the specialist site 38 North, marks a rare opening in the isolated nation’s media landscape, though one tightly curated by state censors.
Under the guidelines reportedly issued to Korean Central Television (KCTV), the matches aired in North Korea will bear little resemblance to international broadcasts. No games will be shown live, with one match from the current season reportedly screened 150 days after it was played. Each 90-minute fixture will be cut down to a 60-minute highlights package, removing extended sequences of play.
All English-language stadium signage and advertising will be blurred or replaced with state-approved graphics.
Matches involving South Korean players, including stars such as Hwang Hee-chan and Kim Ji-soo will be excluded entirely, in line with Pyongyang’s escalating hostility toward Seoul. Any LGBTQ+ symbols, such as rainbow badges or corner flags, will also be removed from the footage.
How North Korea is obtaining Premier League material remains unclear. The country has no broadcasting rights agreement with the league, making the airing of matches a likely violation of copyright rules and possibly international sanctions. As The Guardian notes, “how KCTV gets the footage is a mystery.”
The state broadcaster handled the 2022 World Cup in a similar way delaying matches, altering graphics, and declining to show South Korea’s group-stage games.
For North Korean football fans, the broadcasts offer a rare glimpse of the world’s most popular league but only after it has been reframed to fit the state’s political worldview.
South Africa granted entry to 130 Palestinians on Thursday after they spent nearly 12 hours on a plane at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport when border officials initially denied them entry due to missing departure stamps in their passports.
The Border Management Authority (BMA) said the 153 Palestinians who arrived on a chartered Global Airways flight from Kenya lacked customary departure stamps and could not provide accommodation details or intended duration of stay.
“Following their failure to pass the immigration test and given that none of the travellers expressed an intention to apply for asylum, they were initially denied entry,” BMA Commissioner Michael Masiapato said in a statement.
The passengers were allowed to disembark after Home Affairs received assurances from humanitarian organization Gift of the Givers that it would provide accommodation.
Twenty-three passengers had already transferred to other destinations, leaving 130 to enter South Africa under the standard 90-day visa exemption for Palestinian passport holders.
Gift of the Givers founder Imtiaz Sooliman accused Israel of orchestrating what he called “ethnic cleansing” by deliberately not stamping passports.
“People pay a high price to front organisations of Israel and are then taken out of Gaza, moved to Shalom and to the Ramon military base and flown from there to different countries,” Sooliman told SABC.
Israel’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) said in a statement that close to 250 Gazans had exited Gaza through coordinated crossings at Kerem Shalom, the Allenby Bridge and Ramon Airport as part of internationally supported pathways.
This was the second such flight to South Africa. A previous charter carrying 176 Palestinians arrived on October 28.
Global Airways said it had shared passenger information with South African authorities 24 hours before departure and was not informed of potential entry issues.
“At no point prior to landing at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport at 07:50 today was Global Airways informed that the passengers would be deemed inadmissible,” the airline said.
Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola intervened with Home Affairs to facilitate entry, according to Gift of the Givers.
South African social worker Nigel Branken, who assisted passengers on the plane, said they reported being ordered by Israeli authorities to leave belongings behind before boarding at an Israeli air force base.
Sooliman said most passengers did not know their destination when they boarded.
Palestinian passport holders are eligible for 90-day visa-free travel to South Africa.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa dismissed boycott politics as ineffective after several world leaders confirmed they would skip next week’s G20 summit, saying absent nations would miss crucial decisions affecting the global economy.
Speaking at a city cleanup event in Soweto on Thursday, Ramaphosa said the summit would proceed despite the withdrawals of leaders from the United States, China, Russia, Argentina and Mexico.
“We have said that boycott politics never work because the show will go on,” Ramaphosa said at Walter Sisulu Square in Kliptown. “We will continue and take fundamental decisions on matters that affect people of the world.”
U.S. President Donald Trump announced last week that no American officials would attend the Nov. 22-23 summit, citing disputed claims about treatment of white South Africans. Chinese President Xi Jinping will send Premier Li Qiang in his place, while Russia and Argentina will also send representatives instead of their leaders.
The Johannesburg summit marks the first G20 leaders’ meeting on African soil. The group represents 80 percent of the global economy and includes the world’s major developed and developing nations.
Ramaphosa expressed satisfaction with Johannesburg’s preparations for the summit, praising infrastructure improvements during his inspection of the city’s revitalization efforts.
The South African president maintained that those choosing not to attend would be most affected by their absence. “It is those who choose not to attend who will be most affected,” he said.
Trump’s boycott follows tensions over South Africa’s foreign policy positions, including its pursuit of Israeli accountability at the International Court of Justice over Gaza. The U.S. is scheduled to assume the G20 presidency from South Africa at year’s end.
Russian President Vladimir Putin faces travel restrictions due to an International Criminal Court arrest warrant. Argentine President Javier Milei aligned with Trump’s boycott, while Mexican officials have not confirmed their leader’s attendance.
Despite the high-profile absences, core emerging market leaders from India and Brazil are expected to attend, along with representatives from Japan, the European Union and other G20 members.
The summit agenda includes discussions on climate change financing, global inequality and economic development priorities for developing nations.
Cameroon will not take part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after failing to secure qualification, following a dramatic 1-0 loss to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Chancel Mbemba broke the hearts of Cameroonian fans with a stoppage-time goal in the 90+1 minute, sealing their elimination from the qualifying race
This means top stars such as André Onana and Bryan Mbeumo of Manchester United will not feature at the 2026 World Cup.
With the result, DR Congo, who last appeared at a World Cup in 1974, now advance to the final playoff round where they will face Nigeria, who defeated Gabon 4-1 yesterday.
The winners of the playoff will then compete against teams from other confederations including Asia, South America, Oceania, the Caribbean, and North & Central America for the final two available spots at the World Cup.
President Trump and the White House appeared to mock Rep. Ilhan Omar, a U.S. representative for Minnesota’s 5th congressional district, after a photo was posted of Trump waving goodbye while posing as a McDonald’s worker. This was in response to a resurfaced video where Omar said she wasn’t worried about being deported or losing her citizenship.
The White House shared the image on X showing Trump smiling and waving from a McDonald’s drive-thru window, a photo originally taken during a 2024 campaign stop in Pennsylvania. According to Fox News, the post followed an October interview clip where Omar said deportation didn’t scare her.
“I have no worry, I don’t know how they’d take away my citizenship and like deport me,” Omar said on The Dean Obeidallah Show. “I’m not the 8-year-old who escaped war anymore. I’m grown, my kids are grown. Like I could go live wherever I want.”
Trump has repeatedly targeted Omar, suggesting she should return to Somalia. Earlier this month, he shared a video of her speaking Somali on Truth Social, writing, “She should go back!” In September, he also claimed that Somalia’s president told him he didn’t want Omar to return, a story she called false.
“From denying Somalia had a president to making up a story, President Trump is a lying buffoon,” Omar said. “No one should take this embarrassing fool seriously.”
Omar was born in Somalia and fled the country with her family during the civil war in 1991. They stayed in a Kenyan refugee camp before resettling in the U.S. in 1995. She became a U.S. citizen in 2000 and, in 2018, was elected to Congress as one of the first Muslim women to serve in the House.
Their feud dates back to Trump’s first term, when he told Omar and other members of “The Squad” to “go back” to their countries. Omar responded that he was “stoking white nationalism” because lawmakers like her challenged his “hate-filled agenda.”
A former policewoman has been sentenced to eight years in direct imprisonment for the horrific sexual abuse of her own son, acts she claimed were carried out on the direct orders of a traditional healer. The Middelburg High Court delivered the judgement, bringing a close to a disturbing chapter that exposes a profound betrayal of maternal trust.
The woman, who cannot be named to protect the identity of her now-teenage son, was formerly stationed at the Groblersdal police station. Her descent into criminality began when she sought spiritual solutions for personal troubles, consulting a sangoma for guidance. The help she received, however, was nothing short of monstrous.
Former Policewoman Jailed For Abusing Son On Sangoma’s Orders According to the details presented in court, the sangoma provided the 42-year-old mother with a series of appalling commands under the guise of a cleansing ritual. Monica Nyuswa, spokesperson for the Mpumalanga National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), outlined the grim details.
“The traditional healer instructed the accused to bathe her twelve-year-old son with traditional medicine and to simulate sexual intercourse with him,” Nyuswa stated.
The court further heard that the healer’s instructions did not end there, demanding visual proof of the vile act.
“She was further directed to record the act on her cellphone and send him the video,” Nyuswa confirmed. This was allegedly presented as a necessary step to purge evil spirits from the woman’s life. The video, however, quickly became an instrument of blackmail. After the incident, the traditional healer extorted money from the accused, threatening to release the video.
A Crime Uncovered and a Plea for Mercy The carefully concealed crime came to light in 2023 when the illicit video surfaced on social media, leading to a swift criminal case. During the proceedings, the woman admitted to the court that she had carried out the sangoma’s orders, though she maintained that full intercourse did not take place. She pleaded guilty and entered into a plea and sentence agreement, leading to her conviction on three serious counts: sexual assault, production of child pornography, and possession of child pornography.
In pleading for a lenient sentence, her legal team highlighted her cooperation with the police, her guilty plea, and the two years she had already spent in custody awaiting trial. They also pointed to her prospects for rehabilitation. However, the state presented a powerful argument for the severity of her crimes, emphasising the vulnerability of the child and the sacred trust that was shattered.
The prosecution argued strongly for the court to consider the gravity of the offence. They underscored the betrayal of trust between a mother and her child and the urgent need to protect young people from sexual exploitation. In delivering the sentence, the court balanced these factors, acknowledging the mitigation presented by the defence but ultimately agreeing with the state on the seriousness of the crimes.
Monica Nyuswa reiterated the NPA’s stance following the sentencing, stating, “The NPA remains steadfast in its commitment to combating domestic and sexual violence, particularly cases involving vulnerable victims, and will continue to pursue justice with diligence and compassion.” The sangoma allegedly involved in the case remains at large, with investigations ongoing.
Conservative journalist David Drucker conceded on Friday morning that Donald Trump is finding out the hard way that he is unable to clamp down on the resurgent Jeffrey Epstein scandal as Republican lawmakers turn their backs on him.
Appearing on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” Drucker, who writes for conservative outlet The Dispatch, somberly explained that since the emails of the notorious pedophile were made public, the president has tried his best to make it go away but has come up empty-handed after he has pressured MAGA allies in Congress to lend him a helping hand.
With MSNBC host Mika Brzezinki reporting that White House officials are admitting the president is “fighting a losing battle,” and co-host Joe Scarborough pointing out that Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) is, so far, balking as the White House pressures her, Drucker offered, “It’s fascinating, Joe, because on the one hand, it’s so rare that we see House Republicans, and really House Republicans break with the president in such an overt way, especially with primary season right around the corner.”
“But I think there are a couple of things going on here,” he proposed, “One, Donald Trump has lost control of the Epstein conspiracy, right? These are flames that he has fanned. And now this conflagration has gotten out of control. And for the first time in his second presidency, we see him as the victim of events rather than in control of events. You know, you may like nothing that he did during the first six months of his presidency, but he was in control of events day to day, both in the executive branch and on Capitol Hill and that has evaporated.”
“And so I think, one, we have Republicans looking over their shoulder after last week’s election and with voters so unhappy about the economy,” he added. “But I think this is just a case of a particular issue being important in its own right to the president’s base and to grassroots Republicans who came to believe earnestly. It turns out that there is some deep-seated conspiracy behind these Epstein files, and they’re not letting it go.”
A sombre mood filled the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court this Thursday as controversial lekompo artist Lehlogonolo Katlego Chauke, known to his legion of followers as Shebeshxt, found himself on the wrong side of the law. The 30-year-old musician faces a litany of grave charges, including attempted murder, following a harrowing alleged incident last month where two excited fans were reportedly met with gunfire instead of an autograph.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the unsettling event unfolded on Witklip Street in the Ladanna area of Polokwane on October 19. The court heard how two fans were driving when they spotted the renowned artist. Filled with admiration, they attempted to greet and praise him. However, the encounter took a terrifying turn. Mashudu Malabi, the spokesperson for the NPA in Limpopo, relayed the official allegations, stating the artist’s chilling response.
“As fans, they greeted and praised him. It is alleged that the accused responded: ‘Kgane aletlale ka nna? (Can’t you get enough of me?),’ before firing a shot at them,” Malabi revealed.
The bullet reportedly struck one of the men, Petrus Ralefatane, in the jaw, causing serious injury. The shot also damaged the window of the Nissan Sentra they were travelling in, which is owned by a witness, Tebelelo Mafagane. The driver rushed the injured man to the Polokwane Provincial Hospital where he remains receiving medical treatment.
A Deepening Legal Quagmire
The charges read out in court painted a picture of a serious and violent altercation. Shebeshxt, whose real name is Lehlogonolo Katlego Chauke, is formally charged with attempted murder, malicious damage to property, and the possession of an unlicensed firearm. The prosecutor, Kgaogelo Lekoloane, emphasised the severity of the situation, confirming that the offences are classified as Schedule 5 under the Criminal Procedure Act, a designation reserved for serious crimes.
Lekoloane argued for a postponement, stating, “We want to obtain the full criminal records of the accused. There is a pending case of a similar nature at Lebowakgomo.”
This revelation points to a growing list of legal challenges for the artist. The NPA’s Mashudu Malabi elaborated, confirming,
“The accused is also facing other charges, including two counts of attempted murder, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, robbery with aggravating circumstances and malicious damage to property. That trial is set down for February 17-19 in the Lebowakgomo regional court. He is on R5,000 (US$265) bail in that matter.”
A Postponement and a Stern Warning
Chauke’s legal representative, Lot Ramusi, proposed a short postponement until the following day. However, presiding magistrate Godfrey Netshiozwi delivered a stern warning to the defence, indicating that the gravity of the case could intensify. He noted that once the cases are consolidated and Chauke’s full criminal profile is finalised, the matter could be elevated to a Schedule 6 offence, which carries even stricter requirements for bail. The case was subsequently postponed to November 21 for further investigation and a potential bail application. For now, the once-celebrated artist will remain in custody as the serious allegations against him continue to unfold.
President Donald Trump was dragged on his own social media platform Friday after decrying what he called “the Jeffrey Epstein Hoax,” with many apparent followers of his appearing frustrated at his administration’s continued stonewalling over the release of Epstein-related records.
“Release the list,” wrote Truth Social user “Jean Sanchez,” who’s shared dozens and dozens of posts promoting Trump and criticizing Democrats. “Anything to hide?”
Trump has once again faced a wave of scrutiny this week over his past ties to Epstein – who died in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges – after the House Oversight Committee released a trove of documents on Wednesday from Epstein’s estate.
While journalists continue to sift through the around 20,000 pages of documents, one email suggests that Trump had “spent hours” with an alleged victim of Epstein at Epstein’s mansion in New York City, New York.
Trump has repeatedly called theories about his ties with Epstein a “hoax,” and repeated that claim again Friday in the aforementioned post on Truth Social, sharing alongside his remarks a clip of Fox News’ Jesse Watters defending him. In a rare occurrence, however, Trump was dragged over the coals on his own social media platform, with many apparent Trump supporters demanding he stop obstructing efforts to have files on Epstein released.
“MR. PRESIDENT, THE ISSUE OF EPSTEIN FILES IS NOT A SMALL ONE, DON’T SELL YOUR DIGNITY JUST TO PLEASE ISRAEL WHO WAS BEHIND EPSTEIN, STAY STRONG!” wrote Truth Social User “Gio,” who describes themselves as “America FIRST.”
Some apparent Trump supporters were more delicate in their criticisms of the president, such as Truth Social user “Frank Freedom Russo,” who insisted that while Trump was innocent of any wrongdoing, he was wrong to call inquires into Epstein’s connections a “hoax.”
“Say it with me, Mr. Trump Epstein is not a hoax. The thought of you being involved in Epstein is the hoax,” they wrote on Truth Social.
“So that’s what everybody’s getting frustrated with you about. Yes the Democrats are lying. Yes, the Democrat Democrats are creating yet another hoax but Epstein is not a hoax. The fact that you were involved with it is the hoax. That’s what you need to clear up Mr. President.”
Jeffrey Epstein apparently coached right-wing influencer Steve Bannon through a media campaign to defend Donald Trump and his agenda during his first term in office, according to newly revealed communications.
The House Oversight Committee released text messages Wednesday that included a six-day exchange in August 2018 between the late sex offender and Bannon, who had been fired as White House chief strategist a year earlier but remained an outside ally, and show Epstein was closely involved in developing messages on tax cuts, immigration and even security clearance revocations, reported The Guardian.
“One side of the conversation is sent from an iMessage account associated with an Epstein email address, and while the name of Epstein’s correspondent is redacted in the documents as released, contextual clues – including references to Fox News appearances, his August 2017 firing from the White House and his work on the documentary Trump @War – make it clear the other participant is Bannon,” the publication reported.
The two men discussed an Aug. 23, 2018, report that National Enquirer publisher David Pecker had been granted immunity in the Michael Cohen case, which Bannon described as a “Huge event huge,” adding that “More women payoffs coming,” and Epstein offered immediate feedback to Bannon on his media appearances, such as an Aug. 17, 2018, interview with MSNBC’s Ari Melber.
“I took off early so I could land in time to watch. all good?” Epstein wrote.
Bannon responded: “They went for an hour instead of 30 minutes— showing the entire hour over multiple platforms.”
“Atta boy,” Epstein replied.
Epstein teased Bannon about his appearance: “You looked so clean cut next to him i thought i turned on the figure skating channel by accident.”
“My ‘come hither’ look,” Bannon retorted.
Epstein joked: “Better than the usual ‘come hitler’ look.”
“Ouch,” Bannon reacted.
Bannon told Epstein that he had wanted to appear “‘clean’ not sloppy” for his interview on the “‘soy boy’ network,” and the convicted sex offender snapped back: “Closer to toy boy ;)”
Epstein then offered more detailed feedback on his performance in the interview: “Last ten minutes , more the real you,” then adding: “Your eye is the best , so important for you to watch the play reel. Over the shoulder for him , 3/4 for you. ?? lighting. . hot for you . /. chairs . ? too restrictive for you.”
He also helped Bannon develop talking points, especially on economic policies and responses to criticism of Trump’s tax cuts, which had gone into effect at the start of that year.
“We can discuss response to tax cut criticism. The 83 percent to rich is misleading by miles . Cash back. Pension funds up,” Epstein wrote. “Corporations are not people. Giving corp breaks , is perceived as giving it to someone else. wage inflation cant be the first focus, the additional money in the system. First goes to hiring new people, only afterwards can wages rise.”
Epstein, who would be found dead in prison just under a year later while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, complained about his former mentor, Steven Hoffenberg, who had been imprisoned in 1998 for his role in a $500 million Ponzi scheme, in which he claimed in legal filings that Epstein had also been involved.
“Fyi, there is a guy , totally nuts , out of jail after 20 years that has been sending letters re me to all agencies , stalking . etc. wants a billion dollars. No real threat , just one more pain,” Epstein wrote.
The two men also discussed MAGA world figures like tech billionaire Peter Thiel and short-lived Trump communications director Anthony Scaramucci.
“1. Peter Thiel in town… 4. The mooch [Scaramucci] ( still in contact with Ivanka ) has reached out to me , and asked how he can re engage with you. ?? I ve only met him once. odd,” Epstein wrote.
They also set plans to meet in person, but Epstein made clear that he knew his reputation was toxic.
“Btw Im in New York tonite thru sat , if you want to visit under the cover of darkness or breakfast tomorrow if you like,” Epstein wrote Aug. 23.
Bannon replied: “Do u have access that’s not the front door– they have 24/7 surveillance on u.”
After exchanging additional messages, Epstein suggested that Bannon use a rear entrance to an apartment behind his on East 66th Street in Manhattan.
“Super secure,” Epstein wrote. “Someone can meet you and take you in.”
Bannon responded: “Just set a time. Ill be in after 430.”
The Patriotic Front base loves the story that Hakainde Hichilema “captured” their party through Robert Chabinga and the courts. It is a useful story. It explains away defeat. It shifts blame to State House. It turns every internal quarrel into a conspiracy. But the record in court, at the Registrar of Societies, and inside PF itself points to a simpler truth. PF is consuming itself. The party’s biggest threat is not UPND. It is PF’s own culture of power without rules
The current mess did not begin with Chabinga. It is the product of ten years of personalised rule that never built a disciplined opposition structure after 2021. Edgar Lungu lost the presidency but held on to PF leadership, even after his eligibility was rejected and after he publicly “retired” and returned. Instead of allowing a clean transition, he remained the sun around which every faction rotated, including the so-called “Plan B” project that kept PF in permanent succession mode. That is not democratic virtue. That is greed dressed as loyalty.
When Miles Sampa convened his own PF convention in 2023 and installed himself as party president, it was not an accident from nowhere. It was PF logic pushed to the extreme. A party that tolerated informal power and weak internal procedure suddenly discovered that anyone who could gather delegates, a hall, some lawyers and a choir could claim the mantle.
Court documents in Morgan Ng’ona v Miles Bwalya Sampa show how deeply that confusion runs. The case is not about UPND. It is about who has the right to dissolve PF’s Central Committee, appoint a secretary general, and reverse expulsions without following the party’s own constitution.
Justice CC Zulu’s ruling in that matter confirmed what PF supporters now pretend not to see. There is no single uncontested centre of authority in PF. The president, the secretary general, and the “intended defendants” have all used the courts to fight internal battles instead of resolving them through party organs.
The affidavits tell a story of presidents appointing and expelling officials unilaterally, secretaries general refusing instructions, leaders of opposition being removed and reinstated, and rival factions each claiming to be the lawful guardians of the constitution. None of that involves Hichilema. It is PF against PF.
Robert Chabinga’s rise fits this pattern. As leader of the opposition in Parliament, and as one of the names lodged with the Registrar of Societies, he has leveraged legal recognition into political leverage. He has expelled Edgar Lungu on paper, rejected the Lubinda-engineered convention, and now wields “lugwalo” as his weapon of choice. PF youths and rival factions call him a UPND agent who has “sold the party,” but the same accusation was used on Sampa, Ng’ona and others before him. That is how PF treats every internal rival.
Today Chabinga is branded a traitor. Yesterday Sampa was. Tomorrow someone else will be.
If UPND is benefiting, it is because PF created a wide open door. A divided party that drags its own leaders to court, defies its own injunctions, and runs parallel conventions does not need to be “captured.” It is already unstable.
Former Lungu insiders like Amos Chanda and Frank Bwalya did not move because of hypnosis from State House. They crossed because PF had lost power, lost patronage and lost direction. In a party where money once flowed like tap water, very few people are ready to suffer in opposition. Almost everyone has a price. That is not an external plot. It is a structural weakness.
Miles Sampa’s latest statements prove the point. He now celebrates a Lusaka High Court ruling that undercuts Ng’ona’s authority and vows to drag rival lawyers to the Law Association of Zambia for contempt. On the other side, Chabinga is in Kabwe High Court pulling an injunction against the Lubinda convention. Each faction waves one court order and treats every other as illegitimate.
This is not ideological conflict. It is a legalised civil war for access to symbols, property and the PF name. Whoever wins will inherit a party whose main experience since 2021 has been litigation, not organisation.
The claim that “Hichilema seized PF” tries to hide this reality. If Chabinga truly is an ally of UPND, that only proves that PF did not build internal firewalls strong enough to prevent infiltration. A party with coherent structures, audited membership rolls and respected internal discipline is hard to hijack. PF is none of those things. Its own constitution has been used selectively, its presidents have ruled by decree, and every serious disagreement has ended up before a judge. UPND is not the architect of that culture. It is simply operating in a landscape that PF destroyed through its own choices.
What does this mean for Zambians who want a credible alternative in 2026? It means the current PF, in all its factions, has not yet shown the discipline required to govern again. A party that cannot run a clean convention cannot run a complex economy.
A movement whose leaders accuse each other of fraud, contempt and betrayal in open court has little moral ground to stand on when it calls others corrupt. Until PF confronts its own history of internal greed, personalised rule, and hunger for power without responsibility, blaming Hichilema will remain a convenient story. It will not be the truth.
FORMER Vice-President Enoch Kavindele has submitted before the Technical Committee on Constitutional Amendments that all Cabinet ministers should be appointed outside Parliament to ensure inclusivity.
Mr Kavindele has also proposed that the presidential term should be seven years, and should not be subject to re-election.
He said the appointment of minsters outside Parliament has always been the demand from Zambians, even in the previous constitutional reviews.
“The system as it is now, the President has to appoint people from Parliament. The President will do a lot better in terms of development if the 20 million Zambians were available for him to appoint from,” he said.
He said people contest elections to be Members of Parliament (MPs) and not ministers, describing ministership as a bonus.
“This will help avoid a lot of politics based on regionalism and many other things.”
I can bet with a great level of confidence that Hon Brian Muntayalwa Mundubile who incidentally, I served as Principal advisor during my tour of duty as Permanent Secretary in the Northern Province will be elected 3rd PF President come 29th November.
My prediction is backed by empirical evidence and my many years of political experience as Councillor, Mayor, Provincial Secretary, DC, DPS and PS for Copperbelt, Northern and Lusaka Province.
I do not need to be a political scientist to deduce that the tide in the current push to elect a new PF President, is rowing in favour of Mundubile. All one needs is to objectively take a look at the people and Constituencies endorsing him
Analysing the political scenario purning out in the PF so far, Mundubile is undoubtedly the only candidate who seems to have garnered support across almost all the ten provinces including the home of his perceived ‘arch-rival’.
It is no longer a secret, as was seen yesterday by way of endorsement from MPs, Mayor’s, Council Chairpersons and officials from Districts and Constituencies in the Eastern Province that Mundubile can claim to command a considerable support in the ‘political bedroom’ of one of the front runners in this election.
Their voice at today’s scenic Mundubile enforcement rally at the party secretariat was emphatic. They are resolutely behind Mundubile who clearly has his base of Northern Province solidly behind him as was declared at the same rally by its Chairman Chomba Chipili .
The province remains unshaken and has promised a resounding vote for him. The same can be said about Luapula and Muchinga who recently openly endorsed Mundubile’s candidature.
I am also aware that most if not all whispers amongst Copperbelt Province delegates are about a possible Mundubile Presidency after 29th November.
Certainly Mundubile’s charm is working it’s magic amongst most of the PF diehards and the impact is simply magical.
Take for instance, he has already secured the endorsement of 29 of the 39 MPs who will vote at the Conference. ( By the way I know that there are more MPs supporting Mundubile who for a good reason have not yet officially endorsed him)
As for the Members of Central Committee it would not be far-fetched to indicate that he is commanding 50 per cent or more of the MCC support.
Put simply the Mundubile ‘train’ is almost full and ready for take off. This brings to me and other PF stalwarts a sense of nostalgia like the 2014 elections to succeed the late founding PF leader, Michae Chilufya Sata who had just passed on.
The 2014 PF elections clearly favoured Edgar Chagwa Lungu ( ECL) who was drawn against political heavyweights like Hon Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba, Hon Miles Sampa, Hon Bob Sichinga and others including then former first lady Christine Kaseba Sata, the widow of the party’s founder.
For memories sake, the undertones in this year’s PF contest are very much like the pitfalls that befell the PF going into the 2015 Presidential bye – elections that ultimately saw ECL elected Republican President.
You will recall that at that time PF was embroiled in unprecedented political turmoil that had one side of the party with Hon Guy Scott, the Republican and Party Acting President and another with Lungu who was Secretary General then.
The divide was so deep that the party ended up holding two General Conferences, one electing Lungu as President while the other chose Sampa. Thank God the two factions mended fences and were able to approach the 2015 elections as one United party.
This year’s election has pitted Hon Mundubile against notable political heavyweights like the acting PF President Hon Lubinda, Hon Chitalu Chilufya, Hon Kambwili, Hon Sampa, Hon Makebi Zulu, Hon Monde, Hon Kafwaya and little known Willa Mudolo.
However, the writing on the wall, viewed objectively favours Mundubile especially if you have to analyse the composition of the 300 member electoral college at the November 29th conference.
Truth be told of all the candidates vying for the PF Presidency (who by the way, are all equally well qualified to take over leadership) Hon Lubinda, going by his vast experience coupled with his ‘incumbency’ presents an almost obvious choice for successor, however, the political tide is resoundingly favouring Mundubile just as it favoured ECL in 2014.
The question however is, how and why this acceptability of Mundubile across the width and breadth of the party and perhaps even more amongst neutrals.
Perhaps the answer lies in Mundubile’s persevering leadership since the PF lost the 2021 elections and the consequent retirement of late 6th Republican President ECL.
As Leader of the opposition, Mundubile was able to hold the party together through parliament and for a greater part was the face of the PF, defending it’s legacy and holding the UPND to account.
His fierce debates in Parliament reminded people of the longstanding leadership of the then fiery Leader of the opposition and now Minister of Home Affairs Jack Mwimbu who over the years held the PF to account and was the face of the UPND for much of its time in opposition.
Perhaps what has endeared Mundubile even more to many PF grassroot sympathisers especially in the Northern Province, is his simplicity and humble demeanor. Hon Mundubile despite his resonably affluent status as a successful business man of many years comes out as simply a village boy from Mporokoso.
During my time with him in the Northern Province, I couldn’t help but marvel at the ease with which he interacted with villagers in the rural parts of Mporokoso, Mungwi, Kaputa, Mbala and Nsama Districts each time we ventured to the outskirts of our province.
He would easily trade his otherwise comfortable life in the City of Lusaka to enjoy a typical Zambian meal of nshima with caterpillars kwa Mukupa Kaoma or kwa Chanda Mukulu.
Hon Mundubile is simply a man of the people!
I am therefore convinced beyond doubt that Hon Mundubile or BMM8 as he is now affectionately called will emerge victorious at the PF Conference.
By the way, which ever way you look at it, the PF will choose its leader, the legal issues notwithstanding the same way they were able to overcome the turbulence of 2015.
Elias Kamanga – Former Northern Province Permanent Secretary.
BRIAN MUNDUBILE STEALS THE HEARTS OF PF AND ZAMBIANS
By Staff Writer
PF Secretariat, Lusaka | 14th November 2025
“It pains me to see Zambians sleep hungry when we have vast mineral wealth and land, go without electricity for days when we have so much water.” –Brian Mundubile
Thursday morning began like any other in Lusaka, quiet, routine, and unbothered. But by mid-morning, the city’s pulse quickened.
Lumumba Road, usually a corridor of commerce and commuter chaos, was overtaken by a sea of green. Thousands of Patriotic Front (PF) supporters flooded the streets, chanting, dancing, and waving placards that read: “Brian Mundubile for President.”
The occasion? Brian Mundubile, 54, constitutional lawyer, entrepreneur, and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, officially filed his nomination to contest for PF party president, a position that could catapult him into the 2026 presidential race against incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema.
The PF presidency, once held by the late founder President Michael Sata and later President Edgar Lungu, is again up for grabs, attracting ten contenders. But Mundubile’s entry has shifted the political tectonics.
The ground has moved and seems to have Mundubile’s name scrolled onto it like a hot knife through butter looking at yesterday’s open unbridled euphoria.
The crowd’s fervour was not just symbolic it was strategic. Of the 50-plus PF Members of Parliament, 30 have already endorsed Mundubile in writing, a rare show of intra-party consensus. Analysts are calling it a “pre-primary coronation,” a term now echoing across political WhatsApp groups and radio panels.
Hon. Mundubile’s message is clear and populist: “Poverty reduction through job creation in mining, agriculture, and tourism.” He told supporters, “Zambia is too mineral-rich to have people sleep hungry. What we are witnessing under UPND is economic negligence masquerading as reform.”
Married with three children, Mundubile is known for his grassroots charm and legal acumen. His supporters describe him as a “hope technician”, a new political phrase coined to capture his ability to turn despair into strategy. Another term gaining traction is “electoral empathy,” used to describe his emotional connection with ordinary citizens.
“You have to love your people first before you can lead them,” Mundubile declared. “If you don’t love them, you can’t care about them—and you can’t care about their poverty. I deeply love my Zambian people. I mean well for them.”
Despite ongoing legal wrangles over PF’s legitimacy, Mundubile was defiant. “There will be a convention. A leader will emerge. And we will rally behind that leader. The PF is not dead, it’s being reborn.”
He also dismissed rumours that he is a covert UPND project. “I have never met or sat with President HH. I don’t know where he lives, and I don’t want to know. I will meet him only during the change of power at Heroes Stadium next year.”
Zambia heads to the polls in less than a year, with poverty levels above 64% nationally and electricity blackouts crippling households.
Mundubile promises to reverse this trend, but first, he must win the PF presidency and survive the legal minefield.
As one supporter put it: “Brian is not just running, he’s rising.”
Will he score a political penalty? Zambia watches, waits, and wonders. The field is crowded thus far.
I AM TONGA AND HH IS MY COUSIN. MY WORDS WERE FOR HIM, NOT FOR THE PEOPLE OF BWEENGWA
By Brian Matambo, Lusaka Magistrates Court
Honorable Raphael Nakacinda has denied that his statement “Ubututu” amounted to a tribal remark because, he told the court, he could not possibly be tribal against himself. Appearing in the Lusaka Magistrates Court, Nakacinda delivered a factual, controlled and pointed defence anchored in his own identity and in the historical record of Tonga speaking leadership in Zambia.
Nakacinda began by making the foundation of his argument unmistakable. He is a Tonga speaking citizen of the Republic of Zambia, born of Monze, Bweengwa and Chief Chona. President Hakainde Hichilema comes from the same lineage. “How can I hate who I am,” he asked the court, noting that the State’s attempt to frame his criticism of the President’s governance as an attack on Tonga people collapses under basic logic.
He clarified that his remarks were directed at one individual, the President, and that the Bemba expression “Ubututu” simply means ignorance. He stressed that the term has nothing to do with tribe and is used to describe a lack of knowledge, not stupidity. The interview in question lasted over one hour and thirty minutes, and he told the court that the clipped extract presented as evidence strips away the necessary context.
Nakacinda went further, pointing to a long line of Tonga speaking leaders whose service at the highest levels of government contradicts the ruling party’s narrative that Tongas have been historically sidelined. He cited Mark Chona, one of Zambia’s most important advisors during the Kaunda administration, a respected Tonga speaking statesman who shaped national policy. He referenced Vernon Mwaanga, a towering diplomat and political operator whose influence spanned multiple governments. He also cited Elijah Mudenda, another Tonga speaking national figure who served as Prime Minister and held multiple senior portfolios.
He argued that the presence of these men at the centre of Zambia’s governance for decades demonstrates that the idea of Tonga marginalisation is a political tactic, not a historical fact. He told the court that the ruling party’s tendency to interpret every matter through a tribal lens is what fuels unnecessary division.
Nakacinda said that the interpretation being pushed by UPND cadre Bruce Kanene, who reported the matter to the police, reflects this same political framing. He argued that if Kanene had grasped the full context of the interview, he would have understood that the criticism was limited to the President’s governance decisions and was never directed at the Tonga community or at Bweengwa.
He reminded the court that Bweengwa itself is not a purely Tonga space. Families from Northern and Eastern Provinces live there, work there and are part of the community. He said that turning any mention of Bweengwa into a tribal signal is manufactured and misleading.
The court also heard that Nakacinda was arrested in Lusaka, transported to Solwezi, and then brought back to Lusaka for a matter that he says was politicised from the start. He maintained that he never made any statement in Solwezi and that the case arose from a mischaracterisation driven by partisan interpretation.
Nakacinda reaffirmed that tribalism is wrong no matter where it comes from. He said his obligation as Secretary General of the main opposition party is to provide checks and balances to the government, and that his comment was part of that responsibility. It was political criticism directed at a President, not an ethnic community.
Proceedings in the Lusaka Magistrates Court continue.
EASTERN PROVINCE CHIEFS VOW NOT TO BACK MAKEBI ZULU UNTIL EDGAR LUNGU IS BURIED
Some traditional leaders from Eastern Province have vowed not to support Patriotic Front (PF) presidential aspirant Makebi Zulu, accusing him of neglecting the late former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu’s remains in South Africa in pursuit of his political ambitions.
Sources close to the royal establishments, who preferred anonymity, revealed that several chiefs expressed deep displeasure over Mr. Zulu’s actions, which they described as contrary to Ngoni customs and traditions. According to the chiefs, tradition dictates that the dead must be given a dignified burial before other matters, such as politics, are attended to.
“The chiefs are angered that Makebi Zulu appears more concerned about his presidential bid than ensuring that the late President Lungu is laid to rest with the honour he deserves,” one source said. “In our culture, showing respect to the dead comes before any personal ambitions.”
The traditional leaders are also said to be unhappy that Mr. Zulu did not consult them over burial arrangements, which they interpreted as a sign of disrespect for their authority and for long-held cultural norms.
Although some chiefs have indicated that they would receive Mr. Zulu courteously should he visit their palaces during his campaign tours, they have reportedly resolved to throw their weight behind other candidates within the PF who, in their view, have demonstrated humility and respect for tradition.
“The chiefs feel Makebi must first help ensure that President Lungu is buried before seeking to lead the country,” another source added. “This will serve as a lesson in respecting both the departed and the cultural values of the people.”.
The issue has stirred emotions in Eastern Province, the late President Lungu’s home region, where traditional values hold significant sway in shaping political loyalties.
⚖️ EDITORIAL | The Messiah Complex in Zambian Politics
Brian Mundubile’s one liner that President Hakainde Hichilema has “failed at everything” sounds powerful on a loudspeaker. It collapses once you put numbers on the table.
When PF left power in 2021, Zambia had already defaulted on its Eurobond debt, becoming the first African country to stop paying during the Covid period after missing a 42.5 million dollar coupon in November 2020. Public debt had climbed to about one and a half times the size of the whole economy. Inflation averaged about 22 percent in 2021, while the kwacha had slumped from about K8 per dollar in 2015 to around K20 per dollar by 2021. This was not ordinary turbulence, it was a full macroeconomic breakdown.
That is the toilet analogy. One government spent ten years filling the bowl and walking away without flushing. The smell that citizens complain about today did not begin in August 2021. It began when PF piled on debt, lost control of prices, and drove investors to the exit while the party celebrated “unprecedented infrastructure.”
Three years later, the picture is mixed, not perfect, but very different from “failed at everything.” Zambia has negotiated a restructuring of 6.3 billion dollars with official creditors under the G20 framework and reached an agreement in principle with private bondholders, a key step to clearing the default and reopening normal access to finance. The Bank of Zambia reports that reserves have risen to about 5.2 billion dollars, covering more than five months of imports, helped by IMF disbursements and improved external inflows.
Inflation, while still painful, has fallen from PF’s 22 percent average in 2021 to the low to mid teens and is projected by the central bank to move closer to the 6 to 8 percent target band over the next two years. These are signs of a country slowly climbing out of a hole, not a country where “nothing” has been fixed.
Energy is the easy attack line. Load shedding today hurts households and businesses. But power cuts did not start with Hichilema. Under PF, Zesco was already implementing cuts of up to 15 hours per day in 2019 because of low water levels and years of delayed investment. The drought that has cut current generation is real, even if citizens are tired of hearing about climate. Any serious critic has to show how they would add new generation capacity, over what time frame, with what money, and how they would avoid another debt trap after the last one almost broke the country.
This is where Mundubile’s message becomes thin. His interviews are full of verbs and adjectives, very light on numbers and sequencing. He talks about ending load shedding, rebuilding agriculture, fixing tribalism and restoring growth.
He rarely explains which contracts he would cancel, which subsidies he would restore or remove, how he would pay for new power stations after his own party’s borrowing binge closed many doors, or how he would deal with the same civil service and parastatal culture that PF left behind. He points to his record in Mporokoso and in Northern Province. That may show local competence, but it does not rewrite the national record of a party that presided over default, double–digit inflation and a currency collapse.
The temptation for every opposition figure is to speak like a saviour. Hichilema did it in opposition. He boasted of his Dubai formula to fix energy issues. Hichilema promised to bring the dollar to K14 after being sworn-in. This was Messianic complex at play. Mundubile is doing it now. The risk for voters is that they reward the loudest promise instead of the clearest plan.
The honest starting point is simple. PF broke the economy on its watch. UPND is repairing parts of it and failing in others. Any PF candidate who pretends to arrive with clean hands is editing out a decade of history.
Citizens deserve more than a new Messiah in a different colour chitenge. They deserve to ask Mundubile and every other hopeful: how many megawatts, by when, at what cost, with which lenders, under what debt limits, and what is your plan to keep inflation in single digits without collapsing jobs. Until those answers come, “HH has failed at everything” remains what it is. A campaign line, not an economic truth.
THE RISE AND FALL OF THE PATRIOTIC FRONT: FROM MICHAEL SATA TO EDGAR CHAGWA LUNGU
When the Patriotic Front (PF) was founded in 2001 by the late President Michael Chilufya Sata, it emerged as a populist movement that promised to speak for the poor, the forgotten, and the marginalized. Over the years, the party grew from a one-man political crusade into Zambia’s most formidable political force, culminating in its 2011 electoral victory. But just a decade later, the same party that once united millions under the slogan “Don’t Kubeba” would find itself fractured, discredited, and defeated.
This is the story of the rise and fall of the PF—from the visionary leadership of Michael Sata to the turbulent years of Edgar Chagwa Lungu.
The Rise of a Populist Movement: The Sata Era (2001–2014)
Michael Sata, a charismatic and combative politician, founded the Patriotic Front after breaking away from the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD). Initially dismissed as a regional party with little national appeal, Sata’s PF steadily gained ground through a relentless grassroots campaign that resonated with ordinary Zambians.
His message was simple but powerful: development, jobs, and accountability. His fiery speeches in local languages and his relentless criticism of corruption and foreign exploitation—especially of Zambian resources—won him immense popularity, particularly among urban and working-class voters.
After three failed attempts, Sata’s persistence paid off in 2011 when he defeated incumbent President Rupiah Banda. His victory was hailed as a triumph for the common man—a people’s revolution.
Under Sata’s leadership, the PF embarked on ambitious infrastructure projects: roads, hospitals, schools, and public housing. His “Link Zambia 8000” road project symbolized his commitment to physical development. Yet, Sata’s presidency was also characterized by centralized decision-making and a growing culture of political intolerance.
When Sata’s health began to deteriorate, the once-united PF started showing signs of internal division as factions emerged around potential successors.
The Lungu Era: Consolidation and Decline (2015–2021)
Following Sata’s death in October 2014, the PF plunged into a fierce succession battle. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, then Minister of Defence and Justice, emerged victorious in a tightly contested party election, eventually becoming Zambia’s sixth Republican President in January 2015.
Lungu inherited a party built on populism but divided by internal rivalries. Initially, he was seen as a unifier—a calm and conciliatory leader who could sustain Sata’s legacy. His 2016 victory over Hakainde Hichilema consolidated PF’s hold on power, but beneath the surface, cracks began to widen.
Lungu’s administration was marked by accusations of corruption, authoritarianism, and economic mismanagement. The once-vibrant PF machinery began to rely more on patronage and less on grassroots mobilization. The slogan “Don’t Kubeba” lost its meaning as power became concentrated among a few elites, many of whom were accused of enriching themselves at the expense of the people.
Economic challenges—rising debt, unemployment, and inflation—deepened public frustration. The PF’s development agenda was overshadowed by allegations of state capture, intimidation of opponents, and media censorship.
As Lungu’s inner circle grew more powerful, dissent within the PF was silenced, and the party lost its connection with ordinary citizens.
2021: The Fall from Grace
The 2021 general election was the tipping point. The UPND Alliance, led by Hakainde Hichilema, capitalized on the PF’s weaknesses—particularly the rising cost of living and disillusionment among young voters. Despite the PF’s extensive campaign and state resources, the Zambian people voted for change.
For the first time since 2011, the PF faced the harsh reality of rejection. Its dominance was shattered. Edgar Lungu conceded defeat, but not before making history as one of Zambia’s few leaders to lose power peacefully.
After Power: Internal Chaos and Identity Crisis (2021–Present)
In opposition, the PF has struggled to redefine its purpose. The party has been rocked by leadership wrangles, factionalism, and accusations of betrayal. With no clear ideological direction, the once-mighty movement now battles to remain relevant.
Several figures—including Given Lubinda, Brian Mundubile, Chishimba Kambwili, and Makebi Zulu—have emerged as potential successors, each claiming to be the rightful torchbearer of Sata’s legacy. Yet, unity remains elusive.
The party’s internal confusion has been compounded by ongoing corruption investigations targeting former ministers and officials. Many within the PF view these as politically motivated, while others see them as a reckoning for past excesses.
The Legacy and the Lessons
The PF’s journey from populist revolution to political decline is a cautionary tale in Zambian politics. It demonstrates how movements rooted in the people’s struggles can lose touch when power becomes an end in itself.
Michael Sata’s PF stood for hope, defiance, and empowerment. Edgar Lungu’s PF, in contrast, came to symbolize control, excess, and fear.
As the party struggles to rebuild, one question lingers: Can the Patriotic Front rise again—or will it remain a relic of Zambia’s political past?
Only time will tell whether the spirit of “Don’t Kubeba” can once again find meaning in a new generation of leaders.
SABOTAGE ON THE COPPERBELT: WHY PRESIDENT HAKAINDE HICHILEMA MUST RETHINK HIS INNER CIRCLE
This article is my continued reflection following the recent incident on the Copperbelt which is under investigation, where unruly individuals obstructed Republican President Hakainde Hichilema in Chiwempala.
That serious security breach speaks volumes about how ruthless politics can become and should serve as a major wake-up call for President Hichilema. I have noted how the majority of opposing views ( opposition )celebrated the unfortunate event.
In politics, Mr. President, there is betrayal; in politics, there is pretense. Not everyone who salutes you genuinely wishes you well. Since assuming office, we have witnessed acts of sabotage committed with impunity. Some individuals have deliberately failed to implement public policies, including CDF projects meant to benefit all Zambians. We have also heard public servants openly claim that “you are doing nothing,” yet these are the very people responsible for driving the government’s development agenda.
Even more concerning is that some uniformed officers have shown open hostility toward you on social media. When those entrusted with the nation’s security behave that way, it raises serious questions about your safety.
To be honest, Mr. President, you survived that incident by the grace of God. Just look at the timeline how long it took before the first suspects were apprehended. In serious nations where presidential security is treated as a top priority, the individual who came that close and threw a stone (blocked only by a chair) would have been neutralized immediately.
You have often said, “they will change.” But Mr. President, you cannot change someone who does not love you. Even Christ, who died for our sins, acknowledged the stubbornness and ungratefulness of some human beings.
The problem on the Copperbelt is not yet resolved. You will need to seriously introspect and speak to your leadership. Governing a country requires intelligence both in the literal security sense and in the sense of being well-informed. Information is your greatest weapon for making sound decisions and safeguarding both yourself and the country as Commander-in-Chief.
As you address this matter, reflect honestly: What if those stones were guns? What if the devil succeeded, and God forbid they killed you? Where would our nation be today?
Mr. President, your response mechanisms must improve. You are not only governing citizens who want Zambia to progress; you also face individuals including criminals who want you to fail and may even seek power through unconventional means. Prior to the Chingola incident, there had already been a coordinated pattern of concerning commentary circulating on social media since January. These warning signs were treated with kid gloves.
As Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, remember: tempering with your life is tempering with the lives of 22 million Zambians.
Another challenge is that many of the people you trust most are not listening to citizens. They are busy chasing quick riches and too distracted to understand what is really happening on the ground. I have said before: examine those around you first. You may discover that the roots of these problems begin with the very people closest to you.
Mr. President, do not get too comfortable. Be extra cautious and take full charge of your country.
Mr. President, you must also recognize that there is a growing flow of dirty money in circulation and history shows that illicit funds are never used for clean purposes. Dirty money always fuels dirty political operations.
This is not a threat you can afford to overlook. Illicit financial networks increasingly influence political activities, sponsor internal sabotage, and manipulate events from behind the scenes. These forces thrive in moments of division, such as what we are seeing in the PF, and they capitalize on confusion to undermine governance and distort democratic processes.
If left unchecked, these hidden financial interests could destabilize national security, compromise state institutions, and harm the very citizens you have sworn to protect. They operate quietly, strategically, and without regard for the long-term stability of Zambia.
Real leadership requires confronting not only the loud political battles but also the silent threats shaping our politics in dangerous ways. Strengthening oversight, empowering investigative institutions, and insulating political processes from criminal interference must be a priority.
I understand that not everyone in your circles may share the same level of sincerity, as interests differ. For some of us, it is about Zambia, and we are speaking from the bottom of our hearts.
MAY END BY REMINDING YOU THAT THE FUTURE OF OUR NATION AND YOUR LEGACY AS HEAD OF STATE DEPENDS ON THE COURAGE TO ADDRESS THESE HIDDEN FORCES WITH HONESTY, FIRMNESS, AND DECISIVE ACTION.
Be safe and stay blessed Mukando.
With respect,
Sikaile C. Sikaile Independent Aspiring MP – 2026 Katombola Constituency
ANALYSIS OF THE EX-PARTE ORDER OF INJUNCTION: MORGAN NG’ONA VS. BRENDA NYIRENDA
By Dr Charles Sinkala
The recent ex-parte order of injunction issued by the High Court of Zambia in the case of Morgan Ng’ona vs. Brenda Nyirenda has significant implications for the Patriotic Front Party. In this article, we will analyze the order and its potential consequences, referencing relevant legal instruments and case law.
The order, dated November 12, 2025, restrains Brenda Nyirenda, the purported Acting Secretary General of the Patriotic Front Party, from occupying the party secretariat, using party materials, and holding herself out as a leader of the party. The order was granted ex-parte, meaning that it was issued without a hearing from the defendant, pursuant to Order 39 Rule 1 and 2 of the Civil Procedure Rules, Cap 27 of the Laws of Zambia.
The order is based on the plaintiff’s affidavit, which alleged that Nyirenda’s actions were causing harm to the party. The court, having heard the plaintiff’s counsel and reviewed the affidavit, found sufficient grounds to grant the injunction, as required by Section 13(1) of the High Court Act, Cap 27 of the Laws of Zambia. The court’s decision is also guided by the principles enunciated in the case of Hubbard v. Vosper [1972] 2 QB 84, where the court held that an ex-parte injunction may be granted where there is a real risk of injustice if the defendant is given notice.
The order effectively bars Nyirenda from performing her duties as Acting Secretary General, potentially creating a leadership vacuum within the party. The order also prohibits her from using party materials, including letterheads and receipts, which could disrupt the party’s operations. This is in line with the principles of American Cyanamid Co. v. Ethicon Ltd. [1975] AC 396, where the court held that the court must consider the balance of convenience when granting an injunction
The next step in this case is the inter-partes hearing, scheduled for 3 December 2025, where both parties will be heard. The court will then determine whether to continue or discharge the injunction, as required by Order 39 Rule 4 of the Civil Procedure Rules.
The ex-parte order of injunction has significant implications for the Patriotic Front Party and its leadership. As the case proceeds, it is essential to ensure that the rights of all parties are protected and that the rule of law is upheld. The outcome of this case will be closely watched, and its impact on the party’s leadership and operations will be significant.
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PUBLIC STATEMENT BY THE MEDIA TEAM OF HON. GIVEN LUBINDA
PUBLIC STATEMENT ON CALLS FOR HON. GIVEN LUBINDA TO LEAVE THE PATRIOTIC FRONT
The Media Team of Hon. Given Lubinda has taken note of public commentary suggesting that he should leave the Patriotic Front (PF) and form a new political party. While we respect the freedom of expression that citizens enjoy, it is important to clarify Hon. Lubinda’s position.
Hon. Lubinda remains committed to upholding the integrity, unity and democratic values of the Patriotic Front, a party built by millions of Zambians over many years. His responsibility, as Acting President, is to ensure that PF remains a credible, stable and nationally organised political institution capable of participating in the 2026 general elections. He has consistently demonstrated mature leadership by engaging structures across the country, promoting internal unity, and safeguarding the party’s legal and organisational continuity.
At the same time, Hon. Lubinda believes in political inclusion, dialogue and strategic preparedness. He remains focused on ensuring that PF members and supporters are not denied their democratic right to participate in the elections due to internal disputes or external pressures. Hon. Lubinda will continue to act in the best interest of PF members and the broader democratic process. He encourages all supporters to remain calm, united and focused as the party navigates this period with wisdom, legality and patience.
Our commitment is simple: No amount of pressure, conflict or speculation will distract us from ensuring that PF members have a political home and a voice on the 2026 ballot.
Media Team – Office of Hon. Given Lubinda Acting President, Patriotic Front
MAKEBI ZULU IS DEPENDING ON THE DEATH OF FORMER PRESIDENT EDGAR LUNGU
When the Lungu family was misled and persuaded by Makebi Zulu to resist the government’s position on how and where former President Edgar Lungu should be buried, some of us openly warned that Makebi had personal interests in the matter. However, the argument at the time was that he was merely representing the family’s wishes.
Today, Makebi Zulu has abandoned the body of Mr. Edgar Lungu in South Africa and returned to Zambia to campaign.
The withdrawal of Malawi’s former president from the mediation process in this impasse reveals a reality that many Zambians were unaware of. It is irresponsible and unethical to use the body of a deceased person to advance political interests. The Lungu family also appears to have tied legal disputes with the state to conditions surrounding the burial, a move that has left them in a difficult position.
They may choose to keep the body for as many years as they wish, but in the end, time will tell and these maneuvers will not work in their favor.
Sikaile C Sikaile Katombola Constituency Independent Aspiring MP for 2026
PRESS STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CCZ CONDEMNS CHINGOLA INCIDENT As it strongly rebukes UPND Monze chairperson’s “declaration of caderism”
The Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ) strongly condemns, in the strongest terms possible, the recent incident that occurred in Chingola at Chiwempela Market during the working visit of His Excellency, President Hakainde Hichilema.
What transpired in Chingola was not only shameful but also a direct assault on the dignity and sanctity of the Office of the Presidency. Such behaviour is unacceptable and unbefitting of a democratic society that values peace, dignity, and mutual respect.
We commend the swift action taken by the Zambia Police Service in apprehending suspects, and we applaud the professionalism and restraint demonstrated by the officers on duty. Had they chosen to retaliate, the situation could have escalated into violence with severe consequences for innocent citizens and national order.
We reiterate that the Office of the President must always be respected, regardless of who occupies it or which political party is in power. An attack on the Presidency is an attack on the nation’s democratic institutions and the collective will of the Zambian people.
Likewise, we strongly rebuke the public statements attributed to United Party for National Development (UPND) Monze District Chairperson, Mr. Michelo Kasuta, who is seen in a circulating video announcing what he calls a “declaration of caderism.” Such reckless and inflammatory pronouncements have no place in a peaceful nation that has worked hard to overcome political violence, intimidation, and lawlessness.
Zambia must not be dragged back into the painful era of caderism. Citizens prayed and struggled to end political thuggery and restore sanity to the public space. We will not allow the country to slide back into disorder, fear, and division. Those who promote, encourage, or attempt to revive caderism regardless of political affiliation must be held accountable.
We therefore call upon law enforcement agencies to act impartially and decisively, bringing to book any individual who issues statements or engages in activities that may incite chaos, threaten peace, or undermine the nation’s democratic fabric.
To all political players, we offer counsel in love: politics does not have to be a “dirty game.” It is possible and necessary to conduct politics with respect, maturity, and a focus on building the nation rather than attacking personalities. Leadership must be rooted in values, responsibility, and service.
Scripture guides us clearly: “Where there is envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from above is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” (James 3:16–17) This is the standard to which we must hold ourselves as a nation committed to peace and justice.
We therefore urge all Zambians to safeguard the peace, dignity, and democracy of our country. Let us reject divisive language and reckless conduct, and instead sow seeds of unity, mutual respect, and national harmony.
May God bless our beloved country and guide us along the path of peace, justice, and unity. (Copy signed) Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Chikoya General Secretary, Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ)
