MALI : “WE HAVE RUN AWAY ENOUGH AND WE WILL NEVER RUN AGAIN. THAT’S IT, WE HAVE STOPPED & WILL HAVE TO CONFRONT THEM FOREVER.” ~ PRESIDENT. ASSIMI GOÏTA.
“We don’t want it to happen, but people need to know that Mali is ready for war. The MALIAN ARMED FORCES are doing the work first, but if necessary, we will recruit those under 18 to bring them to the front to defend the Nation, as the Constitution states.
And even if you are 60 years old, abroad, or outside the country, and you want to come and defend your country, we will enlist you and send you to the front. Otherwise, all 22 million MALIANS are potential combatants. We don’t want that to come to this, but if things get heated…” ~ GEN. ASSIMI GOÏTA, President of MALI.
May MALI & AES succeed in their fight against the western-sponsored tẹ̄rror!sts & agents of destabilisation imposed on them.
Shocking Housing Conditions For Zimbabwe Police Revealed A severe accommodation crisis within the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has forced many officers to divide single rooms with curtains to accommodate different families. Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe made the shocking revelation during a pre-budget seminar in Bulawayo on November 7, 2025. The minister described the living conditions as deplorable for the nation’s protectors.
Minister Kazembe painted a stark picture of the housing situation, urging immediate budgetary intervention to address the welfare of the police force. He argued that the current state of affairs is unacceptable for those tasked with upholding law and order.
A Deplorable Situation For The Police Force During his address, Minister Kazembe did not hold back in his assessment of the police living quarters. He expressed deep concern over the measures officers are forced to take to have a roof over their heads.
The Minister stated:
“The welfare of police officers must be prioritized. It is deplorable that our officers, who serve and protect the nation, are living in conditions where they are sharing accommodation and dividing rooms with curtains. This is not befitting of their status.”
The use of curtains as room dividers for multiple families points to an extreme lack of privacy and basic living standards.
A Passionate Plea For Budgetary Support The core of Minister Kazembe’s presentation was a call for a transformative budget. He directly linked the poor living conditions to broader issues within the police force, suggesting that better housing is fundamental to professional conduct.
He made a passionate appeal to the parliament, stating:
“Decent living conditions are key to enhancing morale, discipline, and professionalism within the force. We must change the narrative and restore the dignity of our officers through increased budgetary support for the construction of adequate and modern housing units.”
This plea underscores the minister’s conviction that the accommodation crisis extends beyond mere comfort concerns; it is a vital component of national security and effective policing. The call for “modern housing units” signals a need for a substantial and lasting solution beyond temporary fixes.
The Parliament of Zimbabwe reported on the minister’s address on its official X account, confirming his statements and the context of the pre-budget seminar. The minister’s comments have sparked a public conversation about the resources allocated to the nation’s security services.
A voter who chose Donald Trump in the 2024 election says he feels “completely swindled” by the president.
Morgen Mogus, chair of the Libertarian Party of Butler County in Pennsylvania, wrote a piece in USA Today published on Saturday called, “I voted for Trump. I feel completely swindled,” in which he says, “If the 2024 presidential election were held today, I would sit it out. I am, however, extremely likely to vote in the upcoming 2026 midterm and the 2028 general elections.”
In the new piece, Mogus states, “A year after the president election, I feel completely swindled.”
“I am a Libertarian who voted for Donald Trump in 2024, the first time I ever voted for a Republican for president, because he made efforts to listen and address our concerns. He came to our national convention, promised to stay out of wars and slash government spending and useless programs with Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency. But none of it happened,” according to Mogus.
The previous Trump voter added, “The only thing Trump did do was pardon Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht, which I am very grateful for, but he has fallen completely flat on his face on all of his other promises.”
“Now he is going after libertarians like Rep. Thomas Massie and Sen. Rand Paul, both representing Kentucky. A complete betrayal,” he added.
He said he liked some of the early priorities in the administration, but that things took a turn.
“What DOGE found in terms of cuts was great, but right after that came the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and continuing resolutions that undid all of their progress by leaps and bounds,” he wrote.
He added, “OBBB is one of the largest spending packages in recent U.S. history, from the candidate who ran on cutting wasteful spending and is going after Massie and Paul because they recognized it for what it was. What DOGE tried to do was great and am supportive of the spending cuts that did come of it, but the fallout of the OBBB put a damper on all the progress made. Musk rightfully called it an abomination.”
A new bombshell report revealing new details about Jeffrey Epstein and his international influence has led one MAGA lawmaker to suggest the House may remain in recess through 2026 to avoid drawing more attention to the revelations.
According to a report Friday from Drop Site News, Epstein had helped broker a defense agreement between the West African nation Côte d’Ivoire and Israel, a revelation uncovered from recently leaked emails of former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak.
“This might keep the House out of session throughout next year,” wrote Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) in a social media post on X Saturday, referencing Drop Site News’ reporting.
The House has been in recess since September 19 after members passed a funding bill that the Senate has failed to pass, largely due to disagreements on health care policy.
While House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has the ability to reconvene the House at any moment – even amid the ongoing government shutdown – he has refused to, with some critics arguing his hesitancy stems from wanting to avoid a vote on an Epstein-related piece of legislation.
That legislation is a discharge petition filed by Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), which, if approved, would compel the Justice Department to release all of its files on Epstein. The petition requires 218 signatures to force a vote in the House, and thus far has received 217. An Arizona Democrat that was elected to Congress last September has pledged to sign the petition, but has not been sworn in by Johnson, who now faces a lawsuit over the delay.
Drop Site News has also previously reported that Epstein helped broker a security cooperation agreement between Mongolia and Israel, as well as helped establish a backchannel for Israel to communicate with Russia amid the Syrian Civil War.
Epstein died in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges, and was well-known for his close ties with powerful figures, including President Donald Trump, former President Bill Clinton, and a slew of entrepreneurs and celebrities, including Woody Allen and Bill Gates.
Trump has faced increased scrutiny in recent months over his past ties with Epstein, who once said he was “Donald’s closest friend for 10 years .” Johnson has also faced increased scrutiny for what critics describe as efforts to protect the president in connection with Epstein, even going as far as to claim that Trump was once an “FBI informant” tasked with gathering incriminating evidence on Epstein, a claim he later walked back.
A significant number of President Donald Trump’s supporters may have reached their “breaking point” as costs continue to climb, according to a new poll from Politico published Saturday.
The poll found that the “typical” Trump supporter would be willing to pay $65 more per month in taxes if it meant supporting the president’s agenda. After the Democratic sweep in this week’s elections, however, Politico’s Jessica Piper argued that Trump’s policies – which some critics have blamed for the rising costs of goods and energy – had officially gone too far for Trump voters.
“The POLITICO Poll results are a reminder that — while many of Trump’s supporters have a reputation for intense loyalty — they also have a breaking point,” Piper wrote. “And Tuesday’s election results suggest that despite Republican voters’ willingness to pay a literal price for Trump’s policies, the Trump agenda to date may have pushed voters too far.”
Trump’s tariff policy in particular has seen the cost of goods soar, with Americans bearing the cost of the tariffs by as much as 55%, NBC News reported. Energy prices have also soared, increasing twice as fast as inflation since the COVID-19 pandemic, largely due to the Trump administration’s war on clean energy, and in spite of Trump’s pledge to slash energy prices “by half within 12 months.”
The Democratic candidates that clenched victory this week all ran on the issue of affordability, signaling an appetite among voters for politicians pledging to lower cost-of-living expenses. The messaging proved so successful that Trump himself has launched a new push to target affordability, while decrying Democrats’ attempts to advocate for affordability a “con job.”
An Arizona Democrat who was elected to Congress in September but still hasn’t been sworn into office is gaining new support from Republican lawmakers as House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) faces growing scrutiny over an alleged attempt to block the release of files related to Jeffrey Epstein.
“We’re all hoping that Speaker Johnson is going to read the tea leaves and get to work, swear me in so we don’t have to go seek judicial support in him doing his job, but that’s where we are,” Adelita Grijalva, who won her election on Sept. 23 and has since launched a lawsuit to force her swearing in, told MSNBC Saturday.
Grijalva and others have accused Johnson of delaying her swearing in to avoid the passage of a discharge petition that would compel the Justice Department to release all of its files on Epstein, who died in 2019 awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges. The petition, which currently has 217 signatures, needs 218 signatures to force the House to vote on the matter — and Grijalva has pledged to sign it.
Grijalva told MSNBC’s “The Weekend” that a growing number of Republican lawmakers have joined her cause, however, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), who told CNN recently that Grijalva “should be sworn in.”
“If I were Republican, I would have been sworn in already – I think everybody knows that,” Grijalva said. “And we’ve had several Republicans come out and say, ‘it’s crazy, she should have been sworn in a long time ago.’”
Johnson has said that he would swear Grijalva into office once the government re-opens. However, the House has held several meetings amid the ongoing shutdown – known as “pro forma sessions” – in which Grijalva could have been sworn in, she argued.
“There have been over 10 [House] pro forma sessions that I could have easily been sworn in,” she said. “Speaker Johnson painted himself into a corner with saying [he] won’t swear [me] in until [the government] re-opens, [and now] I’m stuck in this box that he created.”
On her legal case against Johnson, Grijalva said that a judge was recently assigned to the case, and that the lawsuit may be expedited as early as next week. Asked whether she had any confidence that Johnson would even adhere to a court order should a judge rule in her favor, Grijalva said that she didn’t.
“I think that he’ll dig his heels in,” she said. “But let’s be real, this administration, it doesn’t really matter what court decisions come down, what the rule of law is, they get to make their own decisions, that’s sort of what their [modus operandi] has been, and so it is very frustrating.”
The Washington National Opera is contemplating leaving the Kennedy Center — a major casualty of President Donald Trump’s takeover of the cultural institution, according to Artistic Director Francesca Zambello.
Zambello painted a stark picture of the center’s transformation, noting to The Guardian, “It is our desire to perform in our home at the Kennedy Center. But if we cannot raise enough money, or sell enough tickets in there, we have to consider other options.”
She emphasized that “the two things that support a company financially, because of the takeover, have been severely compromised.”
The audience response has been particularly bad, she said, while sharing passionate messages the opera has received.
“They say things like: ‘I’m never setting foot in there until the “orange menace” is gone.’ Or: ‘Don’t you know history? Don’t you know what Hitler did? I refuse to give you a penny.'”
In February 2025, Trump declared himself chair of the Kennedy Center, firing its bipartisan board and replacing leadership with his own appointees. The move sparked widespread criticism, leading to a 40% drop in ticket sales and donor confidence.
Ticket sales for the opera have plummeted dramatically, the artistic director said. Before Trump’s takeover, performances ran at 80%-90% capacity. Now, they’re down to 60%, with the appearance of fuller houses maintained by distributing complimentary tickets, The Guardian reported.
Zambello described the center as “tainted” and “politicized by the current management.” She contrasted this with the previous board, which “was always a mix of Republicans and Democrats. It did not matter that someone was a Republican or a Democrat. What mattered was that they were leading a big, important institution.”
The new management has raised additional concerns. “They have suggested that we produce more popular operas,” Zambello noted. “This season, we are producing The Marriage of Figaro, Aida and West Side Story … I don’t see how we can get more popular than that.”
She also highlighted ongoing challenges with the new leadership, including questions about the company’s commitment to diversity. “The management has questioned some aspects of it, and we have explained these are the best people for the roles,” she said. “America is an incredibly diverse country, and so we want to represent every part of this country on our stage.”
The financial pressure is intense, she said. Richard Grenell, the Trump-appointed president of the center, issued an edict requiring all shows to be “net neutral,” but Zambello admitted to The Guardian, “We’re at the point where now we can’t present a net-neutral budget without an epic amount of outside funding, or knowing that our patrons would come back.”
Despite the challenges, Zambello remains hopeful about finding a way forward, stating, “We can’t turn our backs on half this country. We have to find a way to all communicate and function together. I don’t believe in ‘us’ and ‘them’.”
President Donald Trump made a stunning announcement Saturday in recommending that Congress sign off on a multibillion dollar payout directly to Americans as an alternative to funding government health care subsidies that have divided lawmakers amid the ongoing government shutdown.
“I am recommending to Senate Republicans that the Hundreds of Billions of Dollars currently being sent to money sucking Insurance Companies in order to save the bad Healthcare provided by ObamaCare, BE SENT DIRECTLY TO THE PEOPLE SO THAT THEY CAN PURCHASE THEIR OWN, MUCH BETTER, HEALTHCARE, and have money left over,” Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social.
Now on its 39th day, the government shutdown was sparked over disagreements over whether or not to fund an extension for Obamacare subsidies, which are set to expire on Jan. 1, 2026, resulting in an estimated 4 million people losing health insurance and premiums increasing by 114% for Obamacare enrollees.
The shutdown has resulted in a lapse in food assistance payments for 42 million Americans, including 16 million children, and significant disruptions to air travel as air traffic controllers continue to work without pay, among other things.
And, while some experts have anticipated Trump caving to Democrats’ demands out of fear of political backlash, Trump’s new proposal would see Obamacare gutted entirely, and instead, send the hundreds of billions of dollars directly to Americans.
“In other words, take from the BIG, BAD Insurance Companies, give it to the people, and terminate, per Dollar spent, the worst Healthcare anywhere in the World, ObamaCare,” Trump wrote. “Unrelated, we must still terminate the Filibuster!”
There are around 260 million adults in the United States as of 2024 according to the U.S. Census Bureau, and, with spending for Obamacare subsidies alone topping out at around $125 billion that same year, Trump’s proposal could see Americans each receive a check for at least $481. If Trump’s proposal included all of the government’s spending on health care, which in 2023 was about $1.6 trillion , Americans could each receive a check for about $6,150.
Political strategist and policy advisor Basil Smikle made a bold prediction Saturday that President Donald Trump will end up caving to Democrats in the ongoing government shutdown fight as it stretched into its 39th day.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) and House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) have reportedly been opposed to Trump meeting with Democratic leaders Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) to discuss a pathway to re-opening the government, with the shutdown having been sparked over disagreements on health care policy.
“One of the reasons why Thune and Johnson didn’t want the president – still doesn’t want the president to meet with Jeffries and Schumer is because they’re afraid that Trump will make a deal with Schumer and Jeffries on the Obamacare subsidies,” said MSNBC’s Jonathan Capehart Saturday.
“Do you think that next week, we’re going to see the president get involved and make a deal with those two?”
Smikle said that he believed it was “more likely than not” that Trump would end up caving to Democrats’ demands, and largely due to the political blowback he and his party may receive from millions of Americans losing health care coverage and having premiums more than double.
“I think it’s more likely than not at this point because [Trump] can sense the tide turning,” Smikle said. “Everything that Republicans have tried to do, they didn’t think Democrats would last this long, and they have.”
The dispute centers around funding for Obamacare subsidies, which are set to expire at the end of this year. Democrats have refused to back any funding measure that doesn’t include an extension of the subsidies, which, if allowed to expire, would see nearly 4 million Americans lose health insurance and premiums for Obamacare enrollees increase by 114%.
Smikle also predicted that Democrats would hold strong in refusing to re-open the government without securing funding for the subsidies to be extended, arguing that if Democrats voted to re-open the government without getting the subsidies extended, they could face their own political backlash.
“If the Democrats make any deal, if they can’t go back to the voter and say ‘we brought your prices down,’ that’s a problem,” he said.
A CHAOTIC SCENE IN CHINGOLA – A WAKE-UP CALL FOR THE STATE AND THE PARTY
EDITORIAL COMMENT:
Mafken FM Radio and Television Date:08-11-2025
The unsettling images from Chingola, where a public rally of His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema was violently disrupted by a group of unruly youths, demand more than just condemnation. They demand deep introspection from the very institutions tasked with ensuring stability and political order.
While political opposition is a cornerstone of our democracy, violence and chaos are its antithesis. This incident, however, reveals a series of alarming failures that originate not from the political fringes, but from within the state and the ruling party itself.
Firstly, the intelligence lapse is profound and unacceptable. The primary function of any national intelligence apparatus is to foresee and forestall threats to public order and the safety of key figures. The fact that this disruption was not identified and neutralized before it unfolded in front of the President points to a critical failure. It begs the question: where were our intelligence services?
The natality of their performance in Chingola suggests either a dangerous disconnect from the grassroots realities or a complacency that has set in, believing the political environment to be universally friendly. A nation’s security is only as strong as its intelligence, and today, that foundation appears to have been worryingly porous.
Secondly, the UPND structures on the Copperbelt led by Mr Matambo must do serious soul searching. A successful political machine is built not just on rallies, but on its ability to read the political temperature on the ground. The failure of the local party machinery to sense the brewing discontent, or the presence of organized elements intent on causing mayhem, is a significant political miscalculation.
The party must ask itself tough questions about its engagement at the grassroots level. Has it become deaf to the murmurs of dissent within its own stronghold? Effective politics requires listening as much as it requires speaking; the Copperbelt structures appear to have failed in this basic tenet, leaving their own President exposed to a volatile situation they should have anticipated.
Finally, the poor performance and lack of preparedness of the presidential security detail were startling to witness. The sight of a security officer resorting to using a chair as a shield against a hail of stones is an indelible image of a unit caught completely off-guard. This was not a highly sophisticated attack; it was a basic breach of public order.
The security detail’s response appeared reactive, disorganized, and tragically ill-equipped for a scenario that should be at the core of their training. The President’s safety is non-negotiable, and the evident lack of contingency plans and appropriate crowd control measures represents a dereliction of duty that must be addressed with immediate and decisive action.
In conclusion, the Chingola incident is a stark wake up call. It is a tripartite failure: of state intelligence to foresee, of party structures to sense, and of personal security to protect.
For the sake of our nation’s stability and the safety of its leaders, especially a beloved president like Hakainde Hichilema a comprehensive investigation must be launched. Heads must roll, strategies must be overhauled, and a new standard of vigilance and preparedness must be established. The people of Zambia deserve better and so does the Office of the President.
Chingola, a town already reeling from its notorious reputation, has once again made headlines for all the wrong reasons. The violent protest by Jerabos, small-scale miners, has left many in shock and concern.
The image of President Hakainde Hichilema being forced to abandon his address at Chiwempala market due to stone-throwing protesters is a stark reminder of the deep-seated issues plaguing the town.
The root cause of the protest, the Senseli mine dispute, highlights the struggles faced by small-scale miners in Zambia. The government’s clarification that the mine remains under private ownership has fallen on deaf ears, with the Jerabos feeling marginalized and ignored. The situation is a perfect example of how unresolved issues can escalate into violence, affecting innocent civilians and local businesses.
The sobbing woman’s words, “We are not involved in the conflict over the Sensele pit, but look—they have taken our chickens that we were selling,” echo the sentiments of many residents who are caught in the crossfire.
The government’s response, urging calm and promoting legal and safe mining practices, is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to address the underlying issues.
Chingola’s reputation as a hotbed of violence and unrest is not undeserved, but it’s time for change. The people of Chiwempala and Chingola deserve better.
It’s time for dialogue, understanding, and peaceful resolution to these conflicts. The Jerabos, the government, and all stakeholders must come together to find a solution that benefits all parties involved.
The road to recovery will be long and arduous, but with collective effort and a willingness to listen, Chingola can shed its notorious reputation and become a beacon of hope and prosperity for all Zambians.
A SECURITY FAILURE THAT COULD HAVE COST THE NATION
In politics, comfort is dangerous it breeds carelessness and opens doors to betrayal. What happened today in Chingola should serve as a serious wake-up call to everyone responsible for the President’s safety.
During the Head of State’s address, a disturbing incident occurred that appeared to compromise his security.
Let us assume for a moment that what seemed like a harmless situation was actually a gun aimed at the President. The nation would be in mourning today.
That thought alone should shake every security official to the core and some of you in these offices we have told you several times. It is unacceptable that, in a country with established security systems, such a breach could happen right in front of the people.
Those entrusted with the President’s protection must take full responsibility. The safety of the Head of State is not just about one individual it represents the stability, unity, and future of the nation. When the President’s safety is compromised, the entire country is put at risk.
It is clear that some groups are actively undermining the President and the government. This explains how certain individuals have managed to escape lawful custody, as even some of those entrusted with protecting the President appear to be aligned with opposing political agendas. I have personally raised these concerns with the relevant authorities, and while some initially dismissed or altered the narrative, today’s events serve as a vindication of those warnings. In politics you must have five eyes to survive.
Some of us have been raising these concerns for the past five years, repeatedly pointing out the same security loopholes that continue to be ignored. The safety of the President should be the country’s number one priority it is the foundation of national stability and order. Unfortunately, some individuals within the system have been too stubborn or complacent to listen when we offer technical advice. This culture of disregard and overconfidence must end before it leads to irreversible consequences.
It’s time for accountability, introspection, and reform. The security of the President should never depend on luck it must depend on competence, vigilance, and professionalism.
It is my sincere hope that this incident serves as a wake-up call to President Hakainde Hichilema. Mr. President, we only live once; exercise utmost caution in dealing with those around you.
Sikaile C Sikaile Katombola Constituency Independent Aspiring MP for 2026
Police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga said for security reasons, the President was safely whisked away and escorted to the landing pad at Chikola Secondary School grounds.
“However, the violent mob followed the Presidential motorcade, throwing stones at vehicles. In the process, the police Toyota Land Cruiser was attacked, its windscreen completely shattered before being overturned and set ablaze,” said Hamoonga.
RIOT AND ARSON – CHINGOLA DISTRICT POLICE
The Zambia Police Service wishes to inform the general public that a serious incident of riot and arson occurred in Chingola District today, November 08, 2025, at around 1450 hours at Chiwempala Market and Chikola Secondary School grounds.
Chingola Central Police Station received a report of arson from Superintendent Lloyd Kanondo, aged 48, a police officer based at Copperbelt Division Headquarters, who reported that a police motor vehicle, a white Toyota Land Cruiser registration number ZP 2537 B, was burnt by an irate mob that turned riotous during the Presidential visit.
Brief Facts are that the district earlier in the day received the Republican President, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, who was addressing residents at Chiwempala Market. At around 1400 hours, as the President was still addressing the public, some unruly individuals began breaking into and looting shops.
When police officers moved in to contain the situation, the crowd became violent and started charging towards the venue where the President was speaking.For security reasons, the President was safely whisked away and escorted to the landing pad at Chikola Secondary School grounds. However, the violent mob followed the Presidential motorcade, throwing stones at vehicles. In the process, the police Toyota Land Cruiser was attacked, its windscreen completely shattered before being overturned and set ablaze.
Superintendent Kanondo, who was driving the vehicle, discharged ten rounds of pistol ammunition into the air in an effort to disperse the mob, but to no avail. The estimated value of the destroyed government property is yet to be determined.
Additionally, the mob burnt the Presidential Holding Tent belonging to Events Matters Company of Lusaka, including one floor carpet, two carpet runners, one Presidential portrait, and one coffee table for Lusaka Provincial Maintenance.
They also burnt a portable toilet belonging to Chrisai Company of Lusaka and shattered window screens of motor vehicle Isuzu registration number CAE 5930 belonging to Mr. Chisha Musonda, who had transported the portable toilet. The total value of the damaged property has not yet been established.
Police have since apprehended two suspects identified as:
1.Abraham Chilumbu, aged 24, unemployed, of House No. 24 Isunge Road, Chiwempala Township. 2.Abraham Sichone, aged 21, a bar attendant of Mjomba Compound, Chingola South. Both suspects are in police custody and will appear in court soon.
Calm has since been restored in Chingola, and police have intensified patrols to ensure the situation remains under control.
The Zambia Police Service sternly warns members of the public against engaging in acts of violence, vandalism, or destruction of property, particularly during high-profile national events. Such behavior is criminal and will be met with the full force of the law. Citizens are further reminded that maintaining peace and order is a collective responsibility, and violence only undermines development efforts and endangers lives.
The public is therefore urged to always exercise restraint, respect the law, and cooperate with law enforcement officers at all times.
Issued by: Rae Hamoonga POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
⬆️ EDITORIAL | Nothing to Celebrate About Chingola’s Chaos
By: The Editor-in-Chief
The disruption of President Hakainde Hichilema’s address in Chingola has been greeted with jubilation across segments of the opposition base, but there is nothing patriotic about celebrating disorder. Zambia has survived decades of political competition because we have kept certain civic lines intact. Violence at a presidential function, regardless of who occupies State House, crosses one of those lines. Today it is Hichilema. Tomorrow it could be another leader. Once citizens normalise violence as political expression, the entire nation pays the price.
Chingola’s political culture is complicated. The Copperbelt has long been shaped by small-scale mining networks, Jerabo influence, and informal power structures that treat state authority as negotiable. Every President from Mwanawasa to Lungu battled this chemistry. Illegal mining, territorial control, extortion rings and street-level intimidation have produced a shadow culture where some groups feel more Zambian than the institutions that govern the state. That inheritance did not appear under the current administration. It has roots that predate multiparty politics.
The behaviour seen in Chingola reflects this deep structural problem. The chants were coordinated. The stone-throwing was deliberate. The disruption was not simply frustration. It was a performance of territorial confidence by actors who know the state has historically tolerated their disorder because of political expedience. That culture corrodes public life and undermines the safety of ordinary citizens who just want stability, trade and predictable governance.
This is why opposition celebration of the incident is shortsighted. The same forces that were unleashed at Chiwempala do not belong to any political party. They shift allegiance based on opportunity and reward. Today they target a sitting President. Tomorrow they will target an opposition convoy, a trader at the market, or a mining investor. These are not democratic actors. They are power brokers who thrive in environments where institutions retreat. Zambia has seen this pattern before and knows its cost.
The incident also raises serious questions for authorities. A presidential event should never be breached by a coordinated disruptive cell carrying stones. Crowd profiling, perimeter control and intelligence pre-screening must all be reviewed. The country cannot afford complacency. Security lapses, if ignored, invite escalation. Investigations must track every participant, every organiser and every financier involved in the Chingola incident. The state has a duty to respond with firmness anchored in law, not emotion.
This is not a defence of any political leader. It is a defence of national order. Zambia’s stability has been built on a simple norm: leaders can be opposed, criticised and rejected at the ballot box, but physical disruption of presidential movements is a red line. The moment that line becomes negotiable, the entire architecture of our civil peace weakens. Young traders lose their livelihoods. Children lose safe spaces. Investors lose confidence. Citizens lose trust in institutions.
We urge every political actor to resist the temptation of short-term celebration. Hooliganism is not victory. Violence is not strategy. Zambia is bigger than all political parties and must remain that way.
The Chingola incident demands sober reflection, not partisan applause. The country must reaffirm a culture where disagreement remains peaceful, where security is respected, and where no group is allowed to impose disorder on the nation’s public life.
I have just come across reports that President Hakainde Hichilema was forced to abandon his address at Chiwempala Market after angry Sensele Mine small-scale miners began throwing stones at the stage.
This incident, while unfortunate, should serve as a wake-up call for both the leadership and the citizens. It’s not just about the act of violence it’s about what it represents. A nation under pressure, a people growing impatient, and a disconnect between those who govern and those who feel forgotten.
Throwing stones at the Head of State is not protest; it’s lawlessness.
But dismissing the frustrations of ordinary citizens as mere lawlessness is also a mistake. When people reach a point of desperation, it signals that communication, trust, and hope have broken down.
We must condemn the violence but we must also confront the truth it reveals. Zambia is hurting. People are struggling. They want to be heard.
True leadership requires listening, not just talking. And true citizenship requires restraint, not rage.
Let us choose the harder path, the path of dialogue, justice, and peace.
May wisdom prevail over anger, and unity triumph over division. 🇿🇲 🙏
🚨JUST IN: BWALYA DISMISSES MISREPORTING ON CHIWEMPALA SAYS PRESIDENT HICHILEMA’S CHINGOLA ENGAGEMENT WAS ORDERLY AND PRODUCTIVE
Details in the statement👇 The United Party for National Development (UPND) wishes to clarify reports circulating regarding the incident that occurred during President Hakainde Hichilema’s community engagement at Chiwempala Market in Chingola, Copperbelt Province, on Saturday, November 8, 2025.
The UPND would like to confirm that the event was officially sanctioned and part of the President’s continued community outreach programme aimed at interacting with citizens and supporting those affected by the recent Chiwempala Market fire.
During the engagement, a small group of boys climbed onto the roofs of nearby shops in an attempt to have a clearer view of the President as he addressed the large gathering. However, some of the roofs began to give way under their weight, prompting the police to intervene and instruct the youths to come down for their safety.
Unfortunately, the youths resisted and began throwing stones at the police, leading to a brief fracas. The situation caused momentary panic among sections of the crowd, but it was quickly contained by security personnel.
It is important to emphasize that no one was injured, and no property damage of significance occurred. The situation was handled with professionalism and restraint by the police.
President Hichilema had by then concluded his remarks and subsequently proceeded to Ndola’s Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, where he attended the Nkana vs. Power Dynamos derby match as earlier scheduled.
The UPND wishes to assure the nation that the Chiwempala engagement was peaceful, productive, and successfully concluded. The President interacted with the local community, donated K10 million to assist traders affected by the market fire, and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to rebuilding livelihoods on the Copperbelt.
The Party further commends the police for their professionalism and thanks the people of Chiwempala for their overwhelming support and hospitality during the President’s visit.
The UPND reiterates that what transpired was a minor and isolated incident, not politically motivated, and should not be misrepresented to undermine the success of the President’s engagement in Chingola.
Issued by: Frank Bwalya Director General for Media UPND Presidential Support Program
SOME unidentified people this afternoon threw stones at the dais where President Hakainde Hichilema was addressing residents in Chingola.
The President was speaking to the crowd when some people started shouting and later threw stones.
Quick action by security personnel prevented the projectiles from hitting the President, who was promptly whisked away and shielded by his security personnel.
Before the address was disrupted, President Hichilema called for calm among residents, assuring them that his government would address their concerns.
And in a statement posted on his Facebook page, President Hichilema said he was more determined than ever to improve people’s lives despite the challenges.
“This afternoon, we took time to address our people in Chingola’s Chiwempala area following the unfortunate event that saw the biggest market here on the Copperbelt burn to ashes. Our people also raised important issues concerning the mine and their desire to continue mining at Senseli. The message is loud and clear, and we will work round the clock to ensure that this is done,” he said.
“We are determined more than ever to turn around our people’s lives even amidst these challenges. We shall do so lawfully,” the President added.
THE CANDIDATES | KAMBWILI: The Loud Mobiliser With Ghosts
Chishimba Kambwili enters the PF leadership race as one of the most recognisable voices in Zambian politics. His profile carries volume, presence and a brand of mobilisation that has defined parts of the Copperbelt for nearly two decades. He built his influence through visibility, relentless public commentary and raw political energy that connects with audiences who favour confrontational language. This has always been his asset. It has also been his burden.
His record inside government gives him weight in the party contest. He held senior positions, including Information Minister, and served as Roan MP for good years. These roles gave him institutional experience and a level of confidence that few aspirants can match. He understands the PF’s internal machinery, its culture, and the rhythms of its base. He comes into the race as a familiar figure to delegates who respect continuity and political aggression.
His mobilisation strength on the Copperbelt remains significant. Kambwili commands a loyal bloc shaped by his labour-grounded politics and historic links with mining communities. These constituencies respond to his direct language and his framing of politics as a fight for ordinary people. He knows how to generate crowds. He knows how to dominate a rally. He knows how to create noise that can drown out quieter aspirants. This is the core of his political appeal.
His liabilities, however, are severe. They are not cosmetic. They are strategic and structural. His conviction for hate speech, rooted in tribal remarks against people of Southern Province, has placed him on the wrong side of national sentiment. This is not an issue that fades with time, because it sits inside a political map where four actively consistent voting blocs Southern, Western, North Western and parts of Central reject leaders who carry ethnic hostility. Any presidential campaign under his name would face hostility in regions that hold decisive numbers and patterns in the national register.
This challenge worsens when matched with recent voting trends. UPND has gained ground in Northern, Muchinga, Eastern and Luapula. The PF no longer holds those regions without uncertainty. A candidate who enters the race with limited reach in four active voting blocs, and faces fragmentation in the northern circuit, would struggle to assemble a national coalition. The electoral structure has shifted. Kambwili enters that structure with a message that does not travel well beyond his strongholds.
His emotional temperament is another limiting factor. His confrontational posture, which energises supporters, often crosses into undisciplined language. This restricts his ability to project statesmanship and makes it difficult to reassure undecided voters. It also raises concerns among PF delegates who want a candidate able to stabilise a fractured party and appeal to a broader electorate during a period of existential uncertainty.
His record of factional movement also complicates his bid. His expulsion from PF, formation of the NDC, and later return to PF create a perception of inconsistent loyalty. Delegates who value predictability may view this as a gap. In a party already fighting internal fragmentation, stability is a prized commodity. Kambwili’s history raises questions that his mobilisation skills alone cannot resolve.
https://youtu.be/0nYCzK-wJ4Q?si=Wvl7KFM8JLtHFbGx
The PF convention will test two truths of his political identity. The first is whether his Copperbelt-centred visibility can overcome a national image dented by tribal controversies. The second is whether delegates see him as a fighter who can revive a wounded party, or as a figure whose style limits its path to power. These questions go to the heart of his candidacy. They will determine whether his loud influence translates into a leadership mandate, or stays as regional firepower with limited national reach.
Kambwili enters the race as a force, but not a favourite. His strengths are visible. His weaknesses are structural. His ambition is clear. His path is narrow. His impact on the PF convention, however, is guaranteed. In every leadership battle, there is a candidate who shapes the conversation even if they do not shape the outcome. In this race, that candidate is Chishimba Kambwili.
⬆️ Next in The Candidates: Populists, pragmatists, and the dark horses redefining Zambia’s 2026 battle. For inquiries or contributions, our editorial email: editor.peoplesbrief@gmail.com is active. Write to us!
SASYDA CALLS FOR UNITY AND NEUTRALITY AHEAD OF PF CONVENTION
…. expresses concern over “choreographed endorsements” of certain presidential aspirants
Lusaka…. Saturday November 8, 2025 (SMART EAGLES)
The South African Students and Youth Development Association (SASYDA) has urged members of the Patriotic Front (PF) to uphold unity, neutrality, and democratic principles as the party heads towards its much-anticipated General Convention to elect a new president.
SASYDA President General and member of the Tonse Alliance Council of Leaders, Ibrahim Kabwe Mwamba, expressed concern over what he described as “choreographed endorsements” of certain presidential aspirants.
He warned that such actions could sow division within the former ruling party.
“As a loyal sympathizer of the PF and partner within the Tonse Alliance, we are concerned about the disunity and potential fragmentation these early endorsements may cause,” Mr. Mwamba told Smart Eagles.
“With several candidates in the race, party structures must demonstrate leadership, maturity, and neutrality. The delegates must speak through the ballot at the General Conference.”
Mr. Mwamba emphasized that the PF General Convention remains the only legitimate platform, as stipulated in the party’s constitution, to select the next presidential candidate who may go on to contest in the 2026 general elections.
“The convention is the only forum where the presidential candidate will be democratically elected. All members must respect this process, which will help rebuild unity and strengthen the party after the passing of our Sixth Republican President, may his soul rest in peace,” he said.
He further clarified that neither SASYDA nor himself, in his capacity as a member of the Tonse Alliance Council of Leaders, will endorse any candidate before the convention.
“We will continue to work with the current PF leadership, which was entrusted by former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, until a new leader is chosen by the people,” Mr. Mwamba stated.
The SASYDA President General appealed to all PF members, Tonse Alliance partners, and the Zambian public to respect the democratic process and allow delegates to freely elect the party’s next leader.
“SASYDA stands for unity, inclusivity, and collective responsibility. We are open to collaborating with any aspiring presidential candidate within the PF who prioritizes the party’s best interests and Zambia’s development,” he said.
“Let love, trust, and unity guide us through this important process.”
PF MOCKS CHABINGA’S FOUNDING MEMBER CLAIM – “HE WAS IN POLITICAL DIAPERS”
The Patriotic Front (PF) has poured cold water on claims by Mafinga Member of Parliament Robert Chabinga that he was among the party’s founding members, describing his statement as false, laughable, and desperate.
In a statement issued by PF Media Director and First Secretary General Edwin Lifwekelo, the former ruling party said Chabinga was nowhere near the PF when it was formed in 2001 under the leadership of the late President Michael Chilufya Sata.
“Chabinga was in political diapers when the Patriotic Front was being registered in 2001,” Lifwekelo said. “He only joined PF in 2014, long after its formation. It is gullible and ridiculous for him to claim otherwise.”
Lifwekelo further revealed that before joining PF, Chabinga’s political activity was limited to managing affairs for Lewis Mosho, the liquidator of the defunct Post Newspaper, and that he was “barely known” in political circles at the time.
“He was relatively unknown and had no political standing when he joined PF,” the statement reads. “He later became a parliamentary candidate in 2021 and won because of PF’s popularity and the influence of President Edgar Lungu, not because of his own political strength.”
The PF accused Chabinga of allowing himself to be used by what it called “the ruling regime” to destabilize the party from within, warning that such efforts would not succeed.
“Chabinga is a political lightweight being used to advance the agenda of those who want to kill the PF. But he will soon be discarded by his sponsors, and it will end in tears,” Lifwekelo said.
He added that as the PF prepares for leadership elections following the passing of former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, the party would not entertain opportunists seeking to buy their way into power.
“PF is not for sale,” Lifwekelo warned. “Hijackers with selfish motives will not be allowed to destroy what Michael Sata built with the people. We will defend the party with everything we have.”
https://youtu.be/0nYCzK-wJ4Q?si=Wvl7KFM8JLtHFbGx
Reaffirming the PF’s pro-poor stance, Lifwekelo said the party remains committed to uplifting the lives of ordinary Zambians including drivers, conductors, marketeers, maids, barbers, and salon workers in line with the legacy of its founding leaders.
“Despite attempts by individuals like Chabinga to undermine us, the PF remains strong, united, and focused on rebuilding Zambia into a just and prosperous nation,” he added.
The party has since called on all well-meaning citizens to rally behind the PF in the 2026 elections and “vote out the failed UPND administration.”
ZED FARMER SUES NEW ZNFU PRESIDENT, DEMANDS ELECTION RESULTS BE NULLIFIED
EMBATTLED farmer Maria Zaloumis, widely known as Zed Farmer, has taken newly elected Zambia National Farmers Union (ZNFU) president Zvikomborero Mahombe to court, seeking to have the election results for the presidency nullified.
In a report by NewsDiggers, Zaloumis is asking the Lusaka High Court to declare that the ZNFU presidential elections held on November 6, 2025, were null and void, and that Mahombe is unlawfully occupying the office of president.
She has named Mahombe as the first respondent, while ZNFU trustees Graham Mulders and Wilson Phiri have been cited as the second and third respondents, respectively.
In a statement of claim filed in the Lusaka High Court Principal Registry through Kayula & Associates on Friday, Zaloumis argued that the election results were tainted by serious irregularities.
This morning, my Mkushi South counterpart and I submitted to the Office of the Speaker the evidence in the suitcase she requested, confirming that Independent Power Producers (IPPs) have been importing electricity using ZESCO infrastructure and selling it back to ZESCO at higher rates.
The evidence demonstrates that ZESCO had the option to import the same electricity directly from the producers at lower rates, thereby avoiding unnecessary costs.
We also presented information showing that, despite experiencing the worst load-shedding in our nation’s history with some citizens going for an entire week without power and others receiving electricity for only about three hours a day, Zambia continues to export power.
VEEP DESCRIBES HH AS A VISIONARY LEADER WHOSE ECONOMIC AGENDA SHOULD BE GIVEN TIME
By: Thomas Afroman Mwale
Vice President Mutale Nalumango Has Described President Hakainde Hichilema As A Visionary Leader Whose Economic Agenda Should Be Given Time To Yield Results.
She Stated That The President’s Leadership On Economic Matters Is Beyond Reproach And Rooted In A Clear Strategy For National Development.
Speaking During The Vice President’s Question Time In Parliament, Mrs. Nalumango Responded To A Query From Shiwang’andu Member Of Parliament Stephen Kampyongo. By Highlighting Recent Economic Indicators.
She Noted The Appreciation Of The Kwacha To 22 Against The Us Dollar, A Development She Said Had Surprised Some Opposition Figures.
The Veep, Added That The Performance Of The Kwacha Is Not Artificial, As It Supported By Strong Economic Fundamentals.
She Further Pointed To Reductions In Mealie Meal And Fuel Prices As Tangible Signs Of Government Efforts To Stabilize The Economy.
Additionally, She Reported A Decline In The Inflation Rate From 12.3 Percent In September To 11.9 Percent, Suggesting That Zambia Is On Course To Achieving Single-Digit Inflation. #SunFmTvNews
So ba Vice-President says two to three hours of power is enough well, maybe in fairy tales, not in a modern economy! How do you expect anyone to run a business, study for exams, or even charge a phone in 2025 with this kind of kindergarten mathematics on energy policy?
Ba Vice-President, Zambia is not a candle-making factory! Our people deserve more than a few flickers of light before being plunged back into darkness both literally and politically.
And this idea that low-density residents should support themselves with solar while others are pitied with a few extra hours of power? That’s not leadership that’s load-shedding of responsibility! In fact, it seems there’s a national blackout in your thinking, because such reasoning shows not just a shortage of power, but a load-shedding of brains.
Your attitude reflects exactly what’s wrong leadership driven not by service to the people, but by personal ambition wrapped in careless words.
Zambians are tired of mediocrity being sold as compassion. If two hours of power is enough, Madam, kindly switch off Community House for 22 hours a day and experience the enough you preach. Let the candles guide your Cabinet meetings too maybe then, reality will shine a little brighter.
We are done laughing at national problems. Zambia needs competence, not comedy. Power to the people should not mean two hours of ZESCO and twenty-two hours of excuses.
A Betrayal of Motherhood and Mandate: The Tragedy in Tanzania
The recent political events in Tanzania represent a profound and heartbreaking betrayal, not merely of democratic principles, but of the very essence of human dignity and leadership. The systematic jailing of opposition figures and the arbitrary exclusion of candidates from the electoral process created a pre-ordained outcome, a hollow victory where 97% of votes serve not as a mandate, but as a monument to political repression.
When a people’s voice is systematically silenced, their frustration inevitably finds another outlet. The peaceful protests that emerged from this orchestrated injustice were a cry for help, a plea for fairness from citizens who believed in their nation’s potential. The state’s response was not one of dialogue or conciliation, but of brutal force. The subsequent riots and the loss of numerous innocent lives mark a dark stain on the nation’s history. Each life lost was a universe of potential extinguished—a future president, a visionary minister, a dedicated banker, or an inspiring teacher. The nation’s future was, quite literally, bleeding in the streets.
In the face of this national trauma, the decision to proceed with a presidential inauguration was an act of profound moral bankruptcy. It was a ceremony that celebrated power over people, and victory over virtue. This act is rendered even more condemnable by the fact that the President is a woman. Society holds women to a sacred standard of nurture and protection, a standard forged in the furnace of motherhood. When a woman in the highest office presides over the bloodshed of her own citizens, she does not merely fail as a leader; she betrays a fundamental trust. She shatters the archetype of the protective mother and places all women in leadership at risk of being unfairly deemed untrustworthy with the lives of those they are sworn to serve.
This is a slap in the face of human rights and a chilling contradiction to the selfless love we associate with motherhood. The biblical parable of King Solomon and the two women provides a timeless lesson. The true mother, faced with the threat of her child being cleaved in two, immediately relinquished her claim, preferring the child to live without her than to die. Her cry was, “No!” Her instinct was protection at all costs.
Where was this “no” in Tanzania? Where was the maternal instinct to say, “Stop! These are my children. Their lives are more important than my power.” This was the moment for a leader, a woman, a symbolic mother of the nation, to stand between her citizens and the sword. That failure to protect is an abdication of a deeper, universal responsibility.
To the international community, we must speak with unwavering clarity: any nation, entity, or individual that supports or justifies these events in Tanzania is complicit in the erosion of democracy and the devaluation of human life. To stand with this regime is to declare that you do not mean well for the people of Tanzania, for the future of Africa, or for the fundamental principles of justice and human rights that underpin a civilized world.
We condemn these acts in the strongest possible terms. We mourn the lost, we stand with the oppressed, and we demand accountability. The world is watching, and history will judge not only those who committed these acts, but also those who stood by in silence.
Faith Munthali Member of Africa Unite. Women in Politics.
MEET BRIGADIER GENERAL IDILI HACHANGA, WINNER OF THE 2025 CHIJIKA NGONGA LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Here is his story…
” I am Brigadier General Idili Hachanga. I am 50 years old and working in the Zambia Army. I joined the Army in 1994 at the Zambia Military Academy (ZMA) in the Military Training Establishment of Zambia (MILTEZ) which is based in Kohima Barracks in Kabwe. I have worked in various Units of the Zambia Army in the Copperbelt, Central Province, Western Province and Lusaka Province at Army Headquarters were I am currently stationed and working as the Directed General Policy, Doctrine and Strategy Development Branch.
I am a bilateral below knee amputee. In 2018 I was assigned for a task to Moscow in Russia. When I got to Moscow I found that it was winter and the weather was very cold. Part of the activities we went to do there included spending long hours outside in the cold. On the Fifth day when I returned to the hotel room, I discovered that I had developed a blister on the right foot. When I enquired I was told that I had suffered a frost bite. Upon returning to Zambia, my foot was swollen and ended up being admitted in Maina Soko Medical Centre Hospital. The wound did not heal in time and that is when I discovered that I had diabetes. In 2019 to 2020, the wound had slightly healed and I started working normally. However in 2021 whilst I was working in Ndola, the wound started again which lead to an operation at Northern Command Military Hospital. The wound never healed, therefore the Doctors advised that I should undergo an amputation because the infection was rapidly spreading to the other parts of the leg. I did not hesitate because I had suffered a lot. Therefore, On 24 September 2022 I underwent surgery to amputate the right leg.During the recovery and rehabilitation period, I was advised by Lt Col Chembe the Commanding Officer for MSMC Rehabilitation Centre then to go to Aspire Clinic for assessment to have a Prosthetic leg. When my stamp fully recovered, I went to Aspire Clinic in Roadspark, Lusaka and met a very professional team that welcomed me and gave me an in depth lecture on prosthetic limbs. The experience was to ecstatic to have that hope to walk again. I must mention here that the days after surgery were the most awful ones because as a person who used to be very active and energetic in sports and Military activities, was reduced to a wheelchair. The experience was so agonizing. I wish to thank my Wife Twaambo, my Kids and all Family members especially my cousin Gloria Habanyama a Nurse at UTH who encouraged me all the way. In September 2022 I was fitted with Prosthetic leg and it only took one week for me to throw away clutches and started walking unsupported.
May I take this opportunity to thank Team Aspire, Marissa, Mumbi, Rose and Mr Ngoma for transforming my life. I went back for work in January 2023, however, in April 2023 the left leg also started swelling without any wound. The leg became so worse such that on 17 May 2023 the Doctor at MSMC had to do an emergency amputation to save my life. I want to thank my Doctor Lt Col Muke for wise council and successful operation on my legs.Once again I was back to the wheelchair. My hope to walk again was completely dashed, but my cousin Enock Chambwa brought a Video of Mr Oscar Pistorious and with that I had a glimmer of hope. But I was worried that at 50 years of age I might not be able to balance. Through Almighty God’s intervention was lucky my stamp on the left leg also got healed and I started the process of getting the left Prosthetic leg again.
I want to thank the Zambia Army Commander, Lt Gen Sitali Denis Alibuzwi and the Deputy Army Commander Major General Geofrey Chongo Zyeele for their support and encouragement. When I was sick, my Commander used to tell me that, “My Senior Officer take your time, get healed and we will support you all the way. What we need from you now are not your legs but your brain. When you are fit, come back to the office”. These words quickened my recovery and eased my many troubled thoughts.
In November 2023, I was fitted with the Prosthetic leg on the left stump also. I quickly learnt to walk with both prosthetic legs and thank God I was able to throw away the clutches within One Month.On 15 January 2024, I was back in the Office. Now I am fit and working normally. I am able to walk and dive including manual vehicles.
I’d like to encourage everyone in my condition never to give up. If the Doctors advise that you get amputated, please don’t hesitate because once the problem is removed, recovery is quick and you will get back to normal life with the help of prosthetic limbs.
NIGERIA – The family of Nollywood actress Regina Daniels has reportedly given Senator New Nwoko a 48-hour ultimatum to accept a refund on the bride price he paid for the actress as their marriage crumbles.
The implications of not accepting the refund will be that the marriage will be traditionally ended by Regina’s family.
The demand was contained in an open letter signed by Favour Awele Obi on behalf of the community, accusing the senator of “disregarding local customs” and allegedly using his political influence to intimidate members of Regina’s family.
According to the kinsmen, their tradition gives any woman the right to exit a marriage, provided the family returns the bride price.
The couple made headlines in 2019 when Ned then 62, married Regina when she was 18 years old.
This comes after Rita Daniels, the mother of Regina revealed that Ned had ordered a warrant of arrest against her after she ordered Ned to stop terrorizing her family and that she would destroy him if he continues with his reign of terror.
In a message to her mom, Regina wrote, “Ned has issued an arrest warrant against me. I should be arrested on or before Monday.”
Earlier this week, Regina accused her estranged husband of ordering the arrest of her brother and sister after she declined to return to him.
There was a twist on Friday as Regina broke down in tears on video while speaking about her troubled marriage to Senator Nwoko, admitting she is emotionally drained and may return to him.
In a lengthy post on her social media page, the 25-year-old actress revealed that her estranged parents had reunited to support her and work towards her brother (Sammy)’s release.
She wrote, “Two concluded sworn enemies reuniting with no negative ulterior motive other than their daughter’s happiness.”
ZRP Opens Global Reporting Lines In Expanding Walter Magaya Investigation
The Walter Magaya investigation has gone global as the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has released official contact numbers for ‘victims’ across the world to use to report. The development was announced in a detailed press statement issued in Harare, with police urging people in Zimbabwe and abroad to come forward. The ZRP said it has been receiving requests from “people all over the world” seeking guidance on how to report allegations linked to PHD Ministries’ Walter Magaya.
In the press statement, the ZRP declared that it has officially “taken note” of several calls from different countries and is now providing direct channels for reporting. The police emphasised that international complainants should feel free to initiate their cases.
“Please take note that the Zimbabwe Republic Police has availed cellphone number 0776 830 226, National Complaints number (0242) 703631 and WhatsApp number 0712 800 197 for anyone to freely report and allow the Zimbabwe Republic Police to conduct investigations,” the statement read.
ZRP Opens Reporting Channels For Global Complaints
The ZRP said the new reporting avenues are open to people in Zimbabwe, South Africa, the United Kingdom, Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia and “any country” where a potential complainant may be based. Police highlighted that the lines are for use by anyone seeking to lodge allegations of rape, assault or fraud.
The police also stated that victims in South Africa should take additional steps when reporting. According to the statement, individuals can approach “the local Police Station to report and have your statement notarised and formally submitted to the Zimbabwean Embassy.” Authorities stated that this process ensures the complaint becomes part of the official docket handled in Harare.
Honouring procedural guidelines was emphasised throughout. The police emphasised the importance of proper verification and warned that all reports must be submitted through the official contact details they had released.
Warning Issued Against Interference With Investigations The ZRP issued a strong warning to individuals and groups attempting to interfere with the ongoing investigations. According to the statement, anyone who tries to threaten witnesses or obstruct the probe faces arrest for “defeating or obstructing the course of justice.”
Police also cautioned social media groups, including platforms such as COZWA and Crime Watch Zimbabwe, against circulating the private contact numbers of investigators. The ZRP stressed that only the numbers provided in the press release should be used by witnesses or anyone who wishes to make a report.
“Victims or witnesses are urged to utilise the numbers given above and quickly report anyone issuing threats, harassment or intimidation,” the statement continued.
Police Say Reports Are Being Received From Across The World The press statement underscored that calls have been coming from across the world, prompting the police to standardise reporting methods. ZRP national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi signed the document, confirming that the communication was issued officially on behalf of the Commissioner-General of Police.
The statement, dated November 2025, forms part of the widening investigation surrounding the PHD Ministries leader. The police reiterated that they remain open to all reports, whether domestic or international.
Jacob Mudenda Urges Hardline Social Media Controls For Youth Safety Speaker of Parliament Advocate Jacob Mudenda has declared that Zimbabwe must consider adopting strict social media laws similar to those introduced in Australia to protect young people. He said many platforms were now “increasingly pornographic” and urged lawmakers to look closely at Australia’s model. His remarks were shared by the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services.
The Ministry reported that Adv. Mudenda warned Parliament about the dangers facing young Zimbabweans online and said Zimbabwe needed to explore serious safeguards.
He added that the issue was not limited to young people alone.
The Ministry further quoted him saying: “While youth are vulnerable, broader societal factors also contribute to this problem.”
The comments come as Australia prepares to enforce one of the world’s toughest social media age restrictions on 10 December 2025, a move that has attracted global attention.
Australia’s Crackdown On Platforms Under 16 Australia will soon ban children under 16 from using major social media platforms. According to Al Jazeera, sites such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, Reddit and Kick will all be restricted. The measures fall under the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill passed on 28 November 2024.
Communications Minister Anika Wells told reporters in Canberra:
“Online platforms use technology to target children with chilling control. We are asking that they use the same technology to keep children safe online.”
The eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said delaying access to social media could give children “valuable time to learn and grow”.
Penalties for failing to comply may reach US$32.1m (approximately R603.6m).
Concerns Over Enforcement And Global Implications Critics in Australia have questioned how the age checks will be enforced. Some proposals involved ID checks, but officials indicated users cannot be forced to submit documents. Discussions continue with platforms to determine workable age-verification systems. A report by The Guardian published on 20 July 2025 noted that new regulations may extend to app stores, search engines and even AI chatbots.
Other countries are watching closely as concerns about self-harm content, sexual material, cyberbullying and foreign influence continue to rise.
What It Means For Zimbabwe Adv. Mudenda did not announce any policy but urged Zimbabwe to reflect on Australia’s approach. As of now, no draft legislation has been announced.
‘I am losing my mind, I will go back’ – Regina Daniels in tears after brother’s arrest
By: Pulse Ghana
Amid ongoing controversy surrounding Nollywood actress Regina Daniels and her husband, Senator Ned Nwoko, the actress has hinted at a possible return to her marital home after reportedly leaving due to alleged domestic abuse.
In a video shared on social media, Regina appeared visibly emotional as she reflected on the turmoil that has unfolded since her departure. She lamented the endless drama surrounding her family, particularly the recent arrest of her siblings, which she believes is linked to her strained relationship with her husband.
“I tried. I feel like I’m going crazy; I’m losing my mind, and it’s not making any sense. I’m really crying in front of everybody. Every time I wake up, I say one thing, oh, my brother, today I hear good news, he’s about to be free, then tomorrow I hear something else. What’s the problem? But I’ve tried. I have to go. I’ll go back,” she said tearfully.
“Land Seizure Without Skills Could Destroy South Africa — Mbalula’s Warning Echoes Zimbabwe’s Tragedy”
ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has sent a stark warning: “If we take land from white people, this country will turn into rubble like Zimbabwe.”
His words strike at the heart of a debate that has divided South Africa for decades: land redistribution. While many South Africans support returning land to black communities, the reality is that the majority of black South Africans are not yet ready to take over large-scale farming or mining operations. Most prefer to remain workers, and lack the farming, technical, and managerial skills needed to sustain and grow these industries.
Mbalula’s warning is rooted in history. In Zimbabwe, forced land seizures from white farmers in the early 2000s led to the collapse of commercial agriculture, widespread food shortages, and economic ruin. Today, Zimbabweans are scattered across Africa and the world, seeking opportunities and rebuilding their lives, a testament to the lasting consequences of taking land without proper preparation.
The ANC Secretary-General’s message is clear: South Africa must prepare and equip black communities with skills and resources before pursuing aggressive land redistribution. Without this, the country risks repeating Zimbabwe’s mistakes.
“Was Everything About Apartheid Really Bad?” – Helen Zille Sparks Debate
Former Premier and DA leader Helen Zille has stirred discussion by saying that while apartheid was a brutal system of oppression, not every aspect of its legacy was entirely negative. She points to institutions and infrastructure that South Africa inherited—our independent judiciary, roads, rail systems, and water infrastructure—as tools that the country can continue to use for progress today.
Zille’s argument is that acknowledging useful legacies does not justify apartheid, but it allows the nation to learn, grow, and build on what still works. She emphasizes that even in a system marked by oppression, some structures can help South Africa move forward if used responsibly.
This statement has sparked heated debate:
Supporters argue it’s a practical view—we cannot ignore systems that still benefit society.
Critics say it risks minimizing the horrors of apartheid and the pain it caused millions.
What do you think? Can South Africa separate positive legacies from a system built on oppression, or does acknowledging them undermine the suffering endured?
DONALD TRUMP TENSIONS — IF THE WORLD’S MOST POWERFUL LEADER IS AFRAID, WHAT CHANCE DO UNDOCUMENTED FOREIGNERS HAVE IN SOUTH AFRICA?
South Africans demand jobs, order and accountability as tensions rise before the G20 Summit in Johannesburg.
Johannesburg — The tension in South Africa is reaching boiling point. With just weeks before the 2025 G20 Summit, U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that no American delegation will attend, citing “safety concerns and instability.” His statement has sparked fierce debate and placed South Africa under the global spotlight.
For many South Africans, Trump’s decision mirrors the reality they face daily — a country battling high unemployment, crime, and growing frustration over undocumented foreign nationals. Communities across the provinces have called on government to tighten immigration laws and prioritise South Africans for jobs and housing.
“We are not against foreigners who follow the law,” says one activist from Durban. “But undocumented foreigners must not take opportunities meant for struggling South Africans.”
Authorities acknowledge that the influx of undocumented migrants puts pressure on healthcare, education, and public resources. Many citizens say they feel ignored while illegal immigration continues unchecked.
South Africa’s history of xenophobic violence — from the deadly attacks in 2008 to the unrest in 2019 — remains a painful reminder of what happens when frustration turns to fury. Leaders, including those from civil-society groups, are urging peaceful action, lawful enforcement, and stronger border control to prevent history from repeating itself.
For foreign nationals, especially those without valid papers, the message is clear:
“Respect South African laws, regularise your status, or return home through the proper channels.”
Analysts say Trump’s G20 boycott adds diplomatic tension but also reflects a deeper warning — that global confidence in South Africa’s stability is being tested. Locals believe this is a wake-up call for government to act decisively on crime, unemployment, and immigration.
As one Johannesburg resident put it, “If even Donald Trump — protected by the world’s strongest security — thinks South Africa is unsafe, how do you expect ordinary people to feel?”
A massive political storm has erupted in Zimbabwe following revelations that a Constitutional Court application challenging Zanu-PF’s bid to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term to 2030 may, in fact, be part of a covert plan to legitimise the extension through the courts.
The application was filed by Bulawayo-based activist Mbuso Fuzwayo, leader of the pressure group Ibhetshu Likazulu, and seeks to block the ruling party’s proposal to extend Mnangagwa’s tenure beyond the constitutional limit of two terms, which ends in 2028.
Fuzwayo and his organisation, represented by Advocate Method Ndlovu of Sithole Law Chambers, cite several high-ranking officials as respondents, including President Mnangagwa, Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, Speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda, and Attorney General Virginia Mabiza.
At the heart of the case is Zanu-PF’s 2024 national conference resolution, which directed the government to initiate constitutional amendments to extend the presidential term to 2030, citing continuity and stability.
The applicants argue that the resolution violates the Constitution, particularly Sections 56, 67, and 328, which protect political participation, equal protection under the law, and set strict conditions for altering presidential term limits.
They contend that the proposed amendment cannot lawfully proceed without a national referendum, as required by Section 328(7) for any changes that benefit an incumbent president.
The Constitutional Court has since granted the applicants leave for direct access, acknowledging the matter’s national significance.
“It threatens section 67 (political rights) by entrenching power without national referendums, infringing rights to free, fair elections and democratic participation, as the directive implies state-led changes skewing the electoral playing field.
“These infringements are imminent, given the Resolution’s explicit call for government action and supporting pronouncements (eg, the Minister of Justice’s commitments to implement, as reported in ZBC News and parliamentary discussions), necessitating the relief I crave,” the application stated.
Emerging reports have, however, cast a shadow over the application’s intent. Multiple sources allege that the case is not a genuine constitutional challenge, but a strategically engineered legal manoeuvre aimed at producing a dismissal that could later be used to justify the 2030 extension.
According to information obtained by journalists and political analysts, the initiative allegedly involves Zanu-PF insiders and legal actors close to government officials.
The application was reportedly drafted by a young advocate linked to Itayi Ndudzo, the Mashonaland East Minister of State and Zanu-PF legislator, and coordinated through Nqobani Sithole, lawyer to self-proclaimed Citizens Coalition for Change interim secretary-general Sengezo Tshabangu.
Fuzwayo is said to have been approached to front the case, initially believing it to be a legitimate challenge, before discovering broader political motives behind it.
The alleged objective, sources claim, is to secure a court dismissal that could be cited as legal precedent for the term extension, thereby creating a façade of judicial approval.
Legal experts have warned that if true, the scheme represents a serious abuse of judicial process, amounting to collusive or sham litigation, a situation where a court case is deliberately contrived to achieve a political or non-legal objective.
Constitutional and human rights lawyer Tendai Biti vowed to resist the plan which he said is meant to “mutilate the constitution and create a dynasty.”
“Shocked to learn that the regime through its proxies have in fact proceeded with its phantom application to aid and abate the 2030 Agenda. This is proof that 2030 Cabal is unrelenting in its quest to mutilate the Constitution and create a dynasty.
“We guarantee the regime that we will defend the constitution,” the former Finance Minister wrote on his X handle.
Interestingly, in the case’s background is an incident involving the petrol bombing of the Southern Africa Political Economy Series (SAPES) offices ahead of a news conference opposing the resolution two weeks ago.
The applicants argued that this incident highlighted the politically charged environment surrounding the extension debate.
Zanu-PF’s 21st and subsequent 22nd National Peoples Conferences have strongly backed the extension, citing the President’s leadership in achieving developmental milestones and socio-economic progress.
Magaya Bodyguard Arrested In Ti Gonzi Smuggled Car Scandal The bodyguard of prominent preacher Walter Magaya has finally been arrested and taken to court, accused of selling a smuggled car to hip hop star Ti Gonzi. Tapiwa Felix Chikondo, a 35-year-old soldier and car dealer, faces fraud charges linked to a Toyota Mark X that was allegedly brought into the country illegally.
Chikondo appeared before Harare magistrate Francis Mapfumo on Thursday, 6 November 2025. He was granted bail of US$600 (approx. R10,800) and will be back in court at a later date. This court appearance comes just days after he was in the dock for a separate incident involving the alleged assault of police officers who were attempting to arrest Prophet Magaya.
A Complex Web Of Car Fraud The court heard detailed allegations from the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra), which is the complainant in the case. The State, represented by Lancelot Mutsokoti, outlined a complex scheme that took place between July and August 2024.
According to the prosecution, Chikondo secured an ex-Japanese Toyota Mark X sedan at Yadah Hotel in Waterfalls, Harare. The vehicle had not been cleared by customs and no import duty had been paid. It is alleged that Chikondo then identified a legally registered Toyota Mark X, owned by a man named Dumisani Dube with the registration number ABX 7852. Chikondo allegedly used the details of this legitimate vehicle to fraudulently apply for a change of number plates from the CID Vehicle Theft Squad.
He then engaged a clearance agent, Andrew Musoni, who presented the documents to the Central Vehicle Registry. A new set of number plates, AGS 2550, still registered in Dumisani Dube’s name, were issued. Musoni allegedly gave these plates to Chikondo, who then affixed them to the smuggled Toyota Mark X, effectively giving the illegal vehicle a false identity.
Star Musician Loses Thousands The disguised vehicle was then offered for sale. On 29 August 2024, hip hop artist Tinashe Gonzara, popularly known as Ti Gonzi, was at Eastlea Car Sales looking for a vehicle. A car dealer, Jarmine Rubatika, led him to the Yadah Hotel car park where Chikondo was located. Ti Gonzi negotiated to buy the Toyota Mark X.
The musician paid the full asking price of US$5,000 (approx. R90,000) to Chikondo. However, the car’s true status was uncovered months later. On 7 January 2025, detectives from the CID Vehicle Theft Squad impounded the vehicle in Mbare while it was being driven by Ti Gonzi. He was informed that the car was smuggled and had fake number plates.
Investigations confirmed the vehicle had no record of import, clearance, or duty payment with Zimra. The tax authority stated it suffered an actual prejudice of US$3,389.55 (approx. R61,000) in unpaid import duty. For Ti Gonzi, the loss was even greater. He alleges he suffered a prejudice of US$5,000, which has not been recovered. In a separate social media post on 4 November 2025, the musician claimed the amount was US$6,000 (approx. R108,000) and that he had written to the president for help after feeling his case was being ignored.
In his emotional plea, Ti Gonzi wrote:
“Your Excellency, I write to you as a citizen who has ran out of options to be able to recover my US$6 000 I lost in the hands of that man besides Walter Magaya in handcuffs. He sold me an unregistered car with fake number plates only to start running away from me just a day after I discovered the problem.”
He further claimed that he had tried to seek assistance directly from Prophet Magaya but was ultimately avoided after an initial meeting.
Ongoing Legal Battles Chikondo was represented in court by his lawyer, Malvern Mapako. The accused is a corporal in the Zimbabwe National Army and works as a security aide for Magaya’s PHD Ministries. His recent legal troubles are not limited to this fraud case. His appearance on 6 November was his second in a week, following the earlier charges linked to the arrest of Prophet Magaya.
The court will now have to untangle the web of allegations surrounding the smuggled car as both Zimra and Ti Gonzi seek justice and recovery of their lost funds.
REGIONAL BRIEFING | Uganda Opposition Claims Brutal Arrests After Mbarara Clashes
Uganda’s political temperature rose sharply on Friday after security forces clashed with supporters of opposition figure Bobi Wine in Bwizibwera, Mbarara District. The National Unity Platform (NUP) says its members were ambushed by combined police and military units, leaving several injured and dozens detained.
Party officials who visited Mbarara Central Police Station on Saturday morning reported seeing detainees in handcuffs inside cells, a sign they say reflects unlawful restraint and excessive force.
NUP leaders described the detainees as “visibly in pain” and “in urgent need of medical attention.” They allege that the group endured beatings during and after arrest.
Ugandan security agencies have not yet issued a detailed statement on the arrests. Local media in Mbarara report that security forces were enforcing public-order directives after NUP attempted to hold an unsanctioned mobilisation activity.
Witnesses told independent broadcasters that uniformed personnel sealed off parts of Bwizibwera before making targeted arrests.
Tension has been rising across Uganda in recent weeks as opposition groups intensify outreach ahead of the 2026 election cycle. NUP says the events in Bwizibwera demonstrate a pattern of intimidation.
Its statement read: “The impunity and injustice continues.” The hashtag #FreeUgandaNow has gained traction online as supporters circulated images of the confrontation.
Human rights organisations have expressed concern over the growing number of reports involving forceful dispersal of opposition gatherings. Amnesty International and local monitors have documented earlier incidents in Masaka, Kampala and Lira in which opposition supporters were detained without prompt access to legal representation.
Mbarara is a significant flashpoint because of its strategic location in western Uganda, a region the ruling party views as core territory. The decision to deploy both police and military units reflects the state’s heightened sensitivity to opposition mobilisation in peri-urban centres.
Uganda’s political environment remains tense. The opposition insists it will continue planned activities. The government maintains that all political actors must follow strict public-order guidelines.
The Recording Academy has announced the nominees for the 2026 Grammy Awards, setting the stage for music’s biggest night.
This year’s list, unveiled on Friday, features Nigerian Afrobeats stars Davido, Burna Boy, and Ayra Starr, among those nominated in the Best African Music Performance category.
Other nominees in the category include Eddy Kenzo & Mehran Matin and South African singer Tyla.
Best African Music Performance (2026) list includes Love by Burna Boy, With You by Davido featuring Omah Lay, Hope & Love by Eddy Kenzo & Mehran Matin, Gimme Dat by Ayra Starr featuring Wizkid and PUSH 2 START by South African star, Tyla.
This year’s category does not feature previous contenders such as Asake, Yemi Alade, Lojay, and last year’s winner, Tems. In 2025, the Best African Music Performance nominations included Yemi Alade’s “Tomorrow”, Asake’s “MMS” with Wizkid, Chris Brown’s “Sensational” featuring Davido and Lojay, Burna Boy’s “Higher,” and Tems’ “Love Me Jeje.”
The category, introduced in 2024, saw South African singer Tyla emerge as its first-ever winner.
Prominent Zimbabwean opposition politician Job Sikhala has alleged that his arrest in South Africa for allegedly possessing explosives was a politically motivated setup orchestrated by the ruling Zanu-PF party.
Sikhala was arrested early Friday morning in Pretoria after police reportedly found 26 blasting cartridges and 15 capped fuse connectors in a vehicle he was travelling in. He was taken into custody at Pretoria Central Police Station and is expected to appear in court on Monday.
The arrest sparked an online frenzy, with images of Sikhala in handcuffs widely shared on social media. Zanu-PF supporters celebrated the development, while his allies decried what they described as another attempt to destroy his political career.
Sikhala’s South African lawyer, Eric Mabuza, confirmed that his client denies any knowledge of the explosives, insisting that the opposition leader was being framed.
“It is an allegation he denies,” Mabuza told SABC after meeting Sikhala. “He says this is foul play because when he went out with his uncle for dinner, he was not carrying any explosives. Those were only found as he was driving out. He insists he came to South Africa for medical attention, not anything related to explosives.”
Sikhala’s arrest comes months after his release from a gruelling 595-day pretrial detention in Zimbabwe, where he was held without conviction on multiple charges linked to anti-government protests. His imprisonment, described by human rights groups as politically motivated, left him in deteriorating health and financially ruined after losing his law firm.
Sources close to Sikhala said he travelled to South Africa to receive specialist medical treatment, a routine trip he has made several times since his release.
Fellow opposition leader Jacob Ngarivhume described the latest incident as “a clear setup,” suggesting the explosives were planted. “His family has been informed, and we believe this is another desperate attempt to silence a man who has endured so much persecution,” Ngarivhume said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
The National Democratic Working Group, a civic organisation aligned with Sikhala, also expressed concern over the arrest, saying it suspected foul play.
Sikhala, who has been one of the most outspoken critics of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration, has faced a long history of arrests, court cases, and intimidation. His latest ordeal adds to a growing list of controversies involving Zimbabwean opposition figures facing legal challenges at home and abroad.
South African police have yet to issue an official statement detailing the circumstances of the arrest or the outcome of preliminary investigations.
OK Zimbabwe has reported a devastating loss of US$25 million (approximately R475 million) for the year that ended on March 31, 2025. The massive loss comes as the company saw its revenue plummet by a shocking 52 percent. Chairman Herbert Nkala confirmed the group faces a long road to recovery, stating it will take significant time to return to normal operations.
A Perfect Storm Of Economic Woes According to the company’s financial results, group revenue fell to US$245 million, a dramatic drop against the backdrop of an average inflation rate of 15.21 percent. Herbert Nkala pointed to a combination of severe economic challenges that created a perfect storm for the retailer. He explained the reasons behind the drastic decline in a statement.
“The decline is attributed to supply chain disruption, an unstable exchange rate—especially in the second half of the year—liquidity crunch in the economy, and heightened competition from the informal sector, compounded by exchange rate controls that distorted pricing.”
This detailed account from the chairman highlights the intense pressure faced by formal businesses operating in a challenging economic climate.
Suppliers Halt Deliveries As Cash Flow Dries Up The supply chain issues were not just an external problem. Nkala revealed that the group’s own financial health directly impacted its ability to stock its shelves. He stated that the company’s failure to pay its suppliers on time led to a critical breakdown in deliveries, with some partners losing confidence entirely.
He added that supply chain disruptions were a result of the Group failing to settle suppliers’ accounts on time, leading to some withholding deliveries while others demanded payment upfront.
This admission highlights the liquidity crisis that has gripped the business, forcing it into a precarious position where securing essential goods has become a significant challenge. Nkala confirmed the severe impact of these cumulative problems.
“These challenges resulted in the Group’s operational capacity being impacted negatively,” said Mr Nkala.
A Long Road To Recovery Ahead Despite the bleak figures, there is a glimmer of hope. The group has officially initiated a restructuring process aimed at ensuring its long-term survival and promoting future growth. However, the path forward is expected to be long and arduous. Herbert Nkala tempered any expectations of a quick fix, emphasising the gradual nature of the recovery process. He stated that although recovery has started, the journey back to stability is not a short one.
However, though the recovery of the Group has started, “it will take some time to return to normal operations,” according to Mr Nkala.
⚠️ Tensions Rising in KZN: Are We Heading Toward Another Wave of Anti-Foreigner Violence?
The situation in KwaZulu-Natal is becoming increasingly tense as more community groups, activists, and even parts of government speak out against illegal foreign nationals.
Many people across the province are now united in one voice — demanding that jobs and business opportunities go to South Africans first. The KZN government has warned companies against hiring undocumented foreigners, saying it undermines the law and fuels resentment in communities.
Groups like the March for March Movement, Operation Dudula, and the MK Party Desk have been leading protests and campaigns to stop the hiring of illegal foreigners and to protect local employment opportunities.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has also weighed in on the issue, saying “jobs in South Africa are for South Africans” and warning that undocumented foreigners are putting additional pressure on the country’s healthcare and public service systems. He called for calm and urged citizens to report illegal hiring practices through the proper legal channels — not to take the law into their own hands.
These developments echo past tensions in South Africa, when anger over unemployment and crime sometimes turned into violence against foreign nationals, especially in cities like Durban and Johannesburg.
With emotions running high and more protests being planned, many fear that the country could again face a new wave of attacks on foreign nationals — unless decisive action is taken to address immigration, jobs, and law enforcement fairly and peacefully.
South Africa stands at a crossroads — the choice between peace and anger will shape what happens next.
