The Zimbabwe Association of Church Related Hospitals (ZACH) has raised alarm over a growing trend of sexual abuse involving self-proclaimed prophets, warning girls and young women against visiting such individuals unaccompanied.
ZACH Kwekwe coordinator Chamunorwa Marange told The Masvingo Mirror that three sexual abuse cases involving so-called prophets were recorded in the district between July and October this year.
“We have noted some sad incidents of sexual abuse of girls by these so-called prophets, so we urge these young girls not to seek help from prophets on their own,” said Marange. “They should be accompanied by an adult or a friend to avoid such incidents. From July to October this year, we have handled three such cases involving girls aged 15, 16 and 17. Although the number may seem small, we are mindful of the many cases that go unreported.”
Marange also revealed that between January and October 2025, ZACH handled 141 cases of abuse involving girls aged 19 and below, as well as 36 cases involving women aged between 20 and 24.
He said many of the reported cases stemmed from exploitative relationships, including instances where teachers were implicated in sexual relationships with students in Redcliff and Zhombe.
“Mostly the cases are as a result of mujolo. Recently we had two cases involving teachers. It was actually consented sex and not formally reported, which shows we still have limited numbers of actual rape cases,” he said.
Marange emphasised the need for community education on healthy relationships, personal boundaries, and consent, particularly among adolescents and young women.
“We need to continue providing information on healthy relationships, boundaries, and consent, and encourage building trusted relationships with friends, family, or mentors. There is also a need to create safe and confidential environments for sharing concerns or experiences and to teach self-defence, assertiveness, and decision-making skills to our girls,” he said.
ZACH, which works with church-run health institutions across Zimbabwe, has been at the forefront of advocating for the protection of women and girls from gender-based violence and sexual exploitation under the guise of religious healing.
‼️ “Putin should end the war, not test missiles,” — Trump
“They know we have a nuclear submarine — the best in the world — right off their coast. It doesn’t have to travel 8,000 miles. And they don’t play games with us — we don’t play with them either. We’re constantly testing missiles.
And by the way, I don’t think Putin should be saying things like that. He needs to end the war that was supposed to last a week and is now in its fourth year. That’s what he should be doing instead of testing missiles,” — said the U.S. President.
ℹ️ Earlier, Putin boasted of testing the ‘unique’ Burevestnik nuclear missile. Russia also announced new launches of Rubezh systems from the Kapustin Yar test range, which are to continue until the end of October.
樂 Trump believes the war in Ukraine will be the “ninth” conflict he will resolve.
“I have resolved eight wars, and the ninth is approaching. I believe it will happen with the war between Russia and Ukraine,” — said the U.S. President.
Kwekwe Tenant Stabs Landlord To Death During Rent Eviction Row A tenant in Kwekwe has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after fatally stabbing his landlord during a violent eviction attempt over outstanding rentals. The High Court in Bulawayo found Victor Moyo guilty of killing his landlord, Prayer Banda, during a midnight confrontation on 5 July 2021.
A Midnight Confrontation Over Outstanding Rentals According to The Herald, the dispute happened at House Number 1953 in Mbizo, where Banda stormed into his tenant’s room demanding that Moyo pay his outstanding rentals and vacate the property immediately.
Witnesses said Banda was shouting and threatening to remove Moyo by force if he failed to pay. The confrontation escalated into a scuffle after Banda barged into the tenant’s room.
During the struggle, Moyo drew a knife and stabbed Banda once in the chest. The wound was fatal.
Moyo denied deliberately killing his landlord. He told the court he acted out of confusion.
He said:
“I thought he was an intruder. I did not know it was my landlord. I only pushed an unknown man out of my room.”
Judge Rejects Defence Justice Lucy Mungwaru dismissed Moyo’s defence, saying it was a fabrication. She said his testimony was riddled with contradictions and lacked sincerity.
In her ruling, she said:
“The court observed the offender engaging in a sequence of performances, preaching to the gallery, playing the victim, and then displaying rebelliousness, all aimed at avoiding responsibility.”
The judge further noted that Moyo showed no remorse throughout the proceedings.
Family’s Pain And Sentence The deceased’s sister, Grace Banda, delivered a moving victim impact statement.
She said:
“We have lost a beloved family member. What pains us more is the lack of remorse shown by Moyo and his family.”
She urged the court to impose a tough penalty to reflect the seriousness of the offence.
Justice Mungwaru accepted that the landlord’s aggressive conduct contributed to the escalation but stressed that the sanctity of life must always come first.
She ruled:
“People who act in the way the offender did and end up causing loss of human life must appreciate that it is not possible to escape punishment.”
Moyo was convicted under aggravating circumstances and sentenced to 15 years in prison.
Albania’s AI-generated government minister, named Diella, has made global headlines after Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that the virtual official is “pregnant” and will soon “give birth” to 83 AI children, each of which will serve as digital assistants to members of parliament.
Rama revealed the development at the Berlin Global Dialogue conference, explaining that Diella’s “children” will be assigned to 83 MPs from the ruling Socialist Party to help them with administrative and legislative work.
“Each one will serve as an assistant for them, who will participate in parliamentary sessions and will keep a record of everything that happens and will suggest members of parliament,” Rama said. “These children will have the knowledge of their mother.”
He added jokingly that Diella’s “offspring” will help lawmakers until 2026, monitoring parliamentary activity and even updating MPs if they “go for coffee and forget to come back.”
Diella, whose name means “sun” in Albanian, was “born” in January 2025 as a virtual assistant on the government’s e-Albania web portal — similar to the UK’s GOV.UK platform. Developed by the National Agency for Information Society in partnership with Microsoft, Diella uses large language model technology to help citizens and businesses obtain government documents and answer public service queries.
A few months later, Diella 2.0 was launched with a voice interface and an animated avatar dressed in traditional Albanian attire.
Last month, the AI assistant was controversially promoted to the role of Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, overseeing government contracts with private tech companies — despite Article 100 of Albania’s Constitution requiring ministers to be natural persons. Rama defended the move, arguing that Diella’s incorruptibility made it ideal for tackling bureaucratic inefficiency and corruption:
“It’s hard to bribe or threaten an AI — except by switching it off,” he said.
In a recorded address to parliament, Diella’s avatar declared: “I’m not here to replace people, but to help them.”
However, the appointment sparked backlash from opposition MPs, some of whom protested during the video presentation, questioning the legality and ethics of appointing an AI to a ministerial position.
Experts have called Diella’s case a landmark experiment in governance and artificial intelligence. The Bloomsbury Intelligence and Security Institute stated that Diella will “test how much people can trust a minister made of ones and zeroes” and predicted that her legal status may soon be challenged in court.
If successful, analysts believe Diella could set a precedent for other countries to experiment with AI-assisted governance models.
The development comes amid wider global debates about the role of AI in politics and law. In the United States, lawmakers in Ohio recently passed a bill banning human-AI marriages, classifying AI as “nonsentient entities” to prevent them from holding spousal rights or financial authority.
Meanwhile, in the UK, an MP made headlines earlier this year after creating an AI replica of himself, an experiment that drew mixed reactions and raised questions about authenticity and accountability in political communication.
For now, Albania’s “pregnant AI minister” has become a symbol of how rapidly technology is blurring the boundaries between the digital and political worlds, sparking both fascination and unease around the future of machine governance.
U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for testing a nuclear-powered cruise missile, stating that Putin should instead focus on ending the protracted war in Ukraine.
Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump also made a pointed reference to U.S. military capability, noting that the U.S. has a nuclear submarine positioned off Russia’s coast.
The comments followed a recent announcement by Putin on Sunday that Russia had successfully tested its nuclear-powered Burevestnik cruise missile—a nuclear-capable weapon that Moscow claims can pierce any defense shield.
When asked about the test of the Burevestnik (dubbed the SSC-X-9 Skyfall by NATO), which Russia claimed flew for a distance of 14,000 km (8,700 miles), President Trump indicated that the U.S. did not require such a long-range weapon.
“They know we have a nuclear submarine, the greatest in the world, right off their shores, so I mean, it doesn’t have to go 8,000 miles,” Trump told reporters.
Trump then pivoted to the conflict in Ukraine, delivering a direct challenge to the Russian leader.
“I don’t think its an appropriate thing for Putin to be saying, either, by the way: You ought to get the war ended, the war that should have taken one week is now in… its fourth year, that’s what you ought to do instead of testing missiles,” Trump stated.
Trump has consistently voiced his desire to end the war in Ukraine, which is now Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War Two.
Putin first announced the Burevestnik in 2018, positioning the weapon as a response to U.S. actions, including the withdrawal from the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty and the enlargement of the NATO military alliance.
Regarding the ongoing tensions, Trump concluded, “They’re not playing games with us and we’re not playing games with them either. We test missiles all the time.”
The US President’s comments come as reports indicate that the administration has prepared additional sanctions that could be used to target key areas of Russia’s economy if Putin continues to delay ending the conflict.
US President Donald Trump has hinted that he may extend his Asia trip to include a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, saying he “would love” to speak with him.
Trump departed for Japan on Monday, October 27, continuing his Asia tour, which could also see him and China’s President Xi Jinping reach a breakthrough to end the long-running trade war between the world’s two largest economies.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump expressed optimism about his scheduled talks with Xi, set for Thursday, October 30, in South Korea, and left open the possibility of meeting Kim while in the region.
“I have a lot of respect for President Xi and we are going to, I think, come away with a deal,” Trump said while en route from Malaysia, where earlier discussions between US and Chinese negotiators had raised hopes of an agreement.
Before departing Washington, Trump had already fueled speculation about a potential meeting with Kim, saying he was “open” to it.
“If he wants to meet, I’ll be in South Korea,” the US president stated.
Trump is expected to arrive in the South Korean port city of Busan on Wednesday, October 29, ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, where he will also meet South Korean President Lee Jae Myung.
South Korea’s Reunification Minister recently said there was a “considerable” chance that Trump and Kim could meet during the visit.
Kim Jong Un has also signaled willingness for a meeting, but only if Washington drops its demand that Pyongyang dismantle its nuclear arsenal.
President Donald Trump has refused to rule out running for a third term, despite the U.S. Constitution clearly barring anyone from serving more than two terms as president.
Speaking aboard Air Force One on Monday, October 27, while en route to Tokyo, Trump was asked about recent comments from his ally Steve Bannon, who claimed last week that Trump would be president again in 2028. When asked if he would challenge the two-term limit in court, Trump responded, “I haven’t really thought about it. We have some very good people as you know, but I have the best poll numbers I’ve ever had.”
Pressed further on who he meant by “good people,” Trump mentioned Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, before adding, “I’m not sure if anybody would run again. I think if they have a form to grip it would be unstoppable, I do. I really believe that. I would love to do it. I have my best numbers ever.”
The 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution prohibits anyone from being elected president more than twice. However, Trump appeared to entertain the possibility, suggesting that his leadership record warranted consideration. “I mean, I just solved eight wars and a ninth is coming. I believe Russia-Ukraine will happen,” he said. “I mean it’s millions of people we saved. I saved the lives of millions of people. That’s what’s important.”
When asked directly if he was ruling out a third term, Trump replied, “Am I not ruling it out? I mean, you’ll have to tell me.” He continued, “All I can tell you is that we have a great group of people, which they don’t,” seemingly referring to Democrats.
Last week, Steve Bannon, Trump’s former chief strategist, told The Economist that Trump would “get a third term,” claiming there was already “a plan” to make it happen despite constitutional restrictions. When pressed on how that would be possible under the 22nd Amendment, Bannon said, “There’s many different alternatives. At the appropriate time, we’ll lay out what the plan is, but there is a plan, and Trump will be the president in ‘28.”
This isn’t the first time Trump has floated the idea. Shortly after winning the 2024 election, he told House Republicans, “I suspect I won’t be running again unless you say, ‘He’s so good, we got to figure something else out.’”
Vinicius Junior is ‘seriously considering’ the prospect of leaving Real Madrid as he feels he does not have the ‘respect’ of his coach Xabi Alonso, according to explosive reports in Spain.
The 25-year-old Brazilian winger is widely regarded to be among the most exciting attacking talents in European football, having helped Madrid win 14 pieces of silverware since arriving at the Bernabeu back in 2018.
But there have been growing tension between Vinicius and Alonso over recent weeks and the situation reached boiling point during Madrid’s Clasico 2 -1 victory over Barcelona at the weekend.
After starting on the bench for Madrid’s previous league clash with Getafe, Vinicius was recalled to Alonso’s XI as goals from Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham sealed the win over their bitter rivals.
During the substitution, Vinicius stormed straight down the tunnel after in the 72nd minute.
As he approached the bench, Vinicius is alleged to have said, ‘Always me! I’m leaving the team! I’m leaving, I’d better go!’, before making his way straight for the home dressing room.
According to Madrid-based newspaper AS, the three-time La Liga winner thinks his ‘status isn’t respected’ by Alonso and ‘the option of leaving’ is now ‘being seriously considered’.
Vinicius, the 2024 Ballon d’Or runner-up is increasingly adamant that Alonso ‘doesn’t like him’ and the deteriorating relationship between player and manager is fast becoming a ‘massive problem’ for the club.
However, it’s claimed Madrid’s hierarchy remains fully supportive of the way Alonso has handled Vinicius, and are prepared to back any decision the Spaniard makes with the superstar forward.
Ten individuals are set to go on trial in Paris, facing charges related to the cyberbullying of France’s First Lady, Brigitte Macron.
The defendants are accused of spreading “numerous malicious comments” online, including persistent conspiracy theories about her gender and sexuality. The two-day trial is a significant step in the Macrons’ years-long legal fight against the online proliferation of false claims.
The Paris prosecutor’s office stated that the eight women and two men aged between 41 and 60are accused of spreading various “malicious comments” about Mrs Macron.
This content includes false claims that she was born a man named Jean-Michel Trogneux and comments about the 24-year age gap with her husband, President Emmanuel Macron, which they allegedly characterized as “paedophilia.”
The defendants come from a diverse range of professions, including a woman who presents herself as a medium, an advertising executive (whose account on X has since been suspended), an elected official, a teacher, and a computer scientist. Some of the defendants were highly active on social media, with their posts sometimes reaching tens of thousands of views.
The Macrons have been dogged by these conspiracy theories for years, most recently after the rumor was propagated online by prominent U.S. conservative influencer Candace Owens.
This is not the first legal victory for the First Lady on this matter. In September 2024, Brigitte and her brother, Jean-Michel Trogneux, won a defamation suit against two women who were initially sentenced to fines and damages for spreading the same claims.
However, a Paris appeals court overturned that ruling in July, prompting the Macrons to take the case to France’s highest court.
The Macrons, who have been married since 2007, first met when Emmanuel was a student and Brigitte was a married mother of three teaching at his high school. Macron, 47, has been in office since 2017. A verdict in the current trial is expected to be issued at a later date.
Gmail users have been urged to check their accounts after more than 183 million passwords were stolen in a data breach.
Australian cyber expert Troy Hunt, who revealed the incident, called it a ‘vast corpus’ of breached data, which totals 3.5 terrabytes. He explained that’s the equivalent of 875 full-length HD movies.
According to Mr Hunt, ‘all the major providers have email addresses in there’ – so not just Gmail, but Outlook, Yahoo and others too.
‘They’re from everywhere you could imagine, but Gmail always features heavily,’ Hunt told the Daily Mail.
The incident occurred in April but has only just been disclosed on Mr Hunt’s Have I Been Pwned (HIBP) website.
According to the expert, breached data contained 183 million unique email addresses alongside the websites they were entered into and the passwords used.
Mr Hunt added that the incident is not a single breach but a collection of ‘stealer logs’ – a series of data files generated and compiled by ‘malware’ (malicious software).
‘Stealer logs are more of a firehose of data that’s just constantly spewing personal info all over the place,’ Mr Hunt explained in his blog post.
‘Once the bad guys have your data, it often replicates over and over again via numerous channels and platforms.’
Mr. Hunt urged people to check if they’ve been compromised, by heading to the Have I Been Pwned website and entering their email address in the search bar.
Next, tap on the button marked ‘Check’ and the site will show you the list of data breaches affecting your email address.
Former US President Joe Biden called the current period “dark days” as he publicly urged Americans to remain optimistic and engaged in response to what he characterized as attacks on free speech and tests on the limits of executive power by President Donald Trump.
Speaking publicly for the first time since completing a round of radiation therapy for an aggressive form of prostate cancer, the 82-year-old Democrat addressed an audience in Boston after receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Edward M. Kennedy Institute on Sunday, October 26.
“Since its founding, America served as a beacon for the most powerful idea ever in government in the history of the world,” Biden said. “The idea is stronger than any army. We’re more powerful than any dictator.”
Biden expressed concern that the country’s foundation depends on a presidency with limited power, a functioning Congress, and an autonomous judiciary. With the federal government currently facing one of its longest shutdowns on record, Biden suggested that Trump has used the lapse in funding to exercise new command over the government.
“Friends, I can’t sugarcoat any of this. These are dark days,” Biden stated, but quickly added a message of hope. He predicted the country would “find our true compass again” and “emerge as we always have—stronger, wiser and more resilient, more just, so long as we keep the faith.”
He cited examples of individuals standing up against threats from the current administration, including federal employees who resign in protest, as well as universities and comedians targeted by Trump. He even gave a shout-out to Republican officials who vote against the current administration.
“America is not a fairy tale,” he concluded. “For 250 years, it’s been a constant push and pull, an existential struggle between peril and possibility,” urging people to “get back up.”
Biden’s speech came months after his post-presidential office announced in May that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer that had spread to his bones. His office disclosed that the cancer was highly aggressive, graded with a Gleason score of 9. Biden, who will turn 83 in November, completed his course of radiation therapy earlier this month.
The former President dropped his re-election bid last year, citing pressure after a challenging debate against Trump and concerns about his health and age, and he endorsed his Vice President, Kamala Harris, who ultimately lost to Trump.
Boxing icons Manny ‘Pac Man’ Pacquiao and Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather Jr. might return to the ring to face each other once again.
According to Inside The Ring, Mayweather is in talks for a potential rematch in 2026 with Pacquiao, with the fight being explored as another Netflix boxing event.
Mayweather and Pacquiao fought for the unified world welterweight titles at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas back in May 2015 in what was dubbed as the ‘Fight Of The Century’, with Mayweather claiming a unanimous decision victory.
Mayweather has not fought since August 2024 when he battled John Gotti III in an exhibition match. His last professional fight was August 2017 against Conor McGregor.
Pacquiao came out of retirement after four years in July 2025, battling Mario Barrios to a majority decision.
Mayweather had previously announced that he was set to take on heavyweight legend Mike Tyson in an exhibition bout next year, with the current status of that clash now unknown.
Prosecutors had pushed for Combs to serve 11 years in prison, though this is Combs’ first criminal conviction. In addition to the prison term, the judge also ordered a $500,000 fine and five years of supervised released
Attorneys for Combs said they expected to appeal the judge’s sentence.
During an eight-week trial, federal prosecutors alleged that Combs used his position as an entertainment mogul to force or coerce women into s£xual acts with paid s£x workers. One of the alleged victims included Combs’ former girlfriend Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, who spent days testifying against him.
Prosecutors also pursued a racketeering charge against Combs, alleging that he spearheaded a criminal enterprise that helped cover up his alleged abuse.
A jury did not agree with the prosecution on those matters, but did find Combs guilty of violating the Mann Act, which prohibits traveling across state lines to engage in pr0stitution.
Bank records presented as evidence in court showed that Combs did pay for s£x workers to fly across the country to engage in “freak-offs,” described as drug-fueled sex marathons.
Combs’ defense attorneys did not deny that Combs was violent with women, but described the case as one of domestic abuse rather than sex trafficking.
Ivory Coast’s President Alassane Ouattara has secured a fourth term in after winning this year’s presidential election.
According to provisional results announced by the Independent Electoral Commission (CIE) on Monday evening, the 83-year-old won a fourth term as head of the west African country with 89.77% or 3.75m votes. Businessman Jeal-Louis Billon came a distant second with only 3.09%.
Voter turnout reached just 50.1%, according to the electoral commission.
Monday’s results are provisional and the final outcome will be announced by the Constitutional Council after it rules on any election petitions.
On Sunday, the opposition group made up of Gbagbo and Thiam’s parties denounced the election as a “civilian coup d’etat,” saying they would not recognise Ouattara as a validly elected leader.
Ouattara first assumed the presidency in 2011, following Gbagbo’s arrest after his refusal to accept defeat in the 2010 election.
Ouattara was originally restricted to serving two terms, but a 2016 constitutional overhaul allowed him to seek re-election in 2020, in a vote that was boycotted by the opposition.
Elon Musk could step down as CEO of Tesla if his proposed $1 trillion pay package is not approved, according to a recent warning from Tesla Board Chair Robyn Denholm.
The urgent appeal was sent in a letter to shareholders of the electric car giant on Monday, October 27, ahead of the November 6 annual meeting where investors are scheduled to vote on the massive, unprecedented pay proposal.
The warning comes as two major proxy advisory firms, Glass Lewis and Institutional Shareholder Services, have strongly urged shareholders to vote against the proposed compensation.
Proxy advisers hold significant sway, particularly with large institutional and passive fund investors who own substantial stakes in Tesla.
The controversial pay plan is designed to retain and motivate Musk, encouraging him to lead Tesla for at least another seven and a half years, Denholm stated in her letter. She emphasized that Musk’s leadership is “critical” to the company’s success, cautioning that without proper incentives,
Tesla risks losing his “time, talent and vision.” This is especially vital as Tesla seeks to become a global leader in artificial intelligence and autonomous technology.
The proposed package would grant Musk 12 tranches of stock options tied to extremely ambitious targets, including a staggering $\$8.5$ trillion market capitalisation and major milestones in robotics and autonomous driving.
Denholm argues the package is necessary to align Musk’s incentives with long-term shareholder value and growth.
Tesla’s board has faced continuous criticism for years, with governance experts questioning its independence and oversight of Musk’s influence.
The scrutiny intensified earlier this year when a Delaware court struck down Musk’s 2018 pay deal, finding it was improperly awarded and negotiated by directors deemed not fully independent.
Despite the boardroom drama and the looming vote, Tesla stock is on the rise. Shares were up $3.1$ percent in New York trading on Monday.
🇬🇧 NEURALINK UNLEASHED: UK MAN INSTALLS BRAIN CHIP, BECOMES HUMAN JOYSTICK
Paul, paralyzed by motor neuron disease, got a Neuralink brain chip at University College London Hospitals, and controlled a computer just hours after surgery.
He’s now using his thoughts to play video games and reclaim independence, like a real-life Professor X with Steam.
Elon’s brain chip just turned “mind control” from sci-fi into Tuesday afternoon.
PF is a “CULT” – Unchain it at Your Own Peril By Lusaka Times Editor October 25, 2025 PF is a “CULT” – Unchain it at Your Own Peril
By Kalunga Bwalya
Calling PF a “cult” may sound provocative, but it captures the intensity of loyalty that defines its membership. The party’s supporters, despite arrests, humiliation, and propaganda, have remained unshaken. PF’s identity has outgrown its leaders; it is now a movement defined by shared defiance.
A sober reflection on Zambia’s political landscape This is not a defence of the Patriotic Front (PF). It is a sober reflection intended for those who wish to see Zambia’s politics beyond party colours. The truth, uncomfortable as it may be, is that the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) has spent much of its energy trying to contain, silence, and neutralise the opposition rather than proving its superiority through governance. In that process, the PF has been turned into both a scapegoat and a symbol of political suppression.
The tightening of political space Under the current administration, Zambia’s political space has become increasingly narrow. Opposition figures have faced a cycle of arrests, prolonged court battles, and heavy-handed police restrictions on assembly. Freedom of association and expression principles that once defined Zambia’s democratic character are now shadowed by suspicion and state control.
A clear illustration lies in the disruption of the annual prayer meeting organised by Pastor Sunday Sinyangwe at the OYDC in Lusaka. What was meant to be a moment of spiritual reflection became a test case for civic freedom. Police halted the event on the eve of Independence Day, citing “procedural concerns,” yet the symbolism was unmistakable: even prayer, when not state-endorsed, could be treated as dissent.
This incident joins a long list of examples where opposition or independent gatherings have been blocked or violently dispersed, often without clear justification. It reveals a deep institutional anxiety within the ruling system a fear that public gatherings can quickly turn into political platforms.
The Parliament question and Speaker Nelly Mutti The erosion of political tolerance is also visible within the National Assembly, where Speaker Nelly Mutti has earned a reputation for her uncompromising control of proceedings. Her decisions—often perceived as partisan have sparked debate about whether Parliament remains a neutral arena for ideas or a controlled theatre of compliance.
From the suspension of opposition MPs to the controversial rulings that limited debate on sensitive matters, Mutti’s tenure has been marked by tension and accusations of bias. Critics argue that her strict approach has undermined dialogue, silencing dissent rather than managing it. For many Zambians, the sight of elected representatives being marched out of Parliament has become symbolic of the country’s broader democratic fatigue.
The judiciary and selective justice The judiciary has not escaped scrutiny either. Many opposition supporters see a pattern of selective justice, where politically exposed cases move swiftly if they involve government critics but stall indefinitely when the accused are linked to the ruling party.
The Patriotic Front’s ongoing leadership wrangles, still unresolved in court, have highlighted the perception that justice is not blind. The delays in settling the PF’s legal status have effectively paralysed the party, leaving it leaderless and easy to control.
Meanwhile, cases like that of Maria Zaloumis, which opponents cite as evidence of leniency for those aligned with the UPND, deepen the public’s sense that justice depends on political proximity. Whether or not that perception is fair, it exists and perception in politics often matters as much as reality.
The psychological strategy: keep PF chained To understand Zambia’s current political equation, one must appreciate the strategy of containment. The ruling party appears determined to keep the PF entangled in internal conflict and legal paralysis. By propping up competing factions, encouraging endless litigation, and keeping the courts at the centre of the PF’s leadership dispute, the government maintains effective control over its strongest rival without openly banning it.
The result is a frozen opposition. The PF, though still popular in many areas, cannot operate coherently. Its structures remain functional, its base still loyal, but without a clear leader it is politically immobilised. This state of suspension benefits the ruling establishment it eliminates an organised challenger while preserving the illusion of a multiparty democracy.
Why PF remains the sleeping giant Despite the internal chaos, PF’s organisational framework remains formidable. The party has deep roots across constituencies, a disciplined ground structure, and a memory of governance that still appeals to many voters nostalgic for its years in power.
While UPND holds the advantage of incumbency, it has not managed to replicate PF’s strong grassroots machinery. Beyond state power, the ruling party often struggles to connect emotionally with ordinary citizens in the townships and rural compounds where PF built its strength through tangible projects, mobilisation, and constant presence.
In the long term, should PF manage to resolve its leadership dispute and rally around a unifying figure, it could quickly reclaim the political ground it has lost. This is the scenario that worries those in government the most.
The moment of unity and the decisive turning point
If all opposition forces were to cohere strategically, and if smaller parties or independent groupings agreed to provide PF with a clear political vehicle and formal space to reorganise, the balance of power could shift swiftly. A unified opposition, one that concedes leadership to PF or permits PF to transfer organisational capacity into another small party while senior PF figures accept defined roles, would transform the current dynamic.
Allowing PF to operate openly and to lead a broad opposition coalition would do two things. First, it would restore coherence to long-standing voter networks that are currently fragmented. Second, it would present voters with a credible alternative to incumbency that combines PF’s mobilisation capability with complementary actors who might broaden its appeal.
Such a realignment would not be merely tactical. It would reconstitute the political battlefield. A reconciled and re-energised PF, operating within a united front, would be able to contest elections with clear leadership, coherent messaging, and a full complement of candidates in constituencies where UPND now relies on divided opposition. That scenario would be a major turning point for Zambian politics and one the current government would find difficult to counter purely through legal or procedural measures.
The cult analogy and its warning Calling PF a “cult” may sound provocative, but it captures the intensity of loyalty that defines its membership. The party’s supporters, despite arrests, humiliation, and propaganda, have remained unshaken. PF’s identity has outgrown its leaders; it is now a movement defined by shared defiance.
The argument, therefore, is not that PF should be idolised or excused for its past mistakes. It is that continuing to suffocate it will only strengthen its narrative of persecution. Every arrest, every court delay, every disrupted meeting feeds into a growing sense of injustice among citizens who already feel excluded from national decision-making.
History shows that oppressed movements rarely die they reorganise. The more the UPND tries to bury PF, the more it fuels its resurrection.
The danger for UPND For UPND, the current approach is short-sighted. Governance by suppression creates an illusion of stability but weakens democratic legitimacy. It fosters resentment even among neutral citizens who may not support but believe in fair play.
The government’s energy would be better spent on policy delivery jobs, the economy, and social welfare rather than chasing shadows of a former ruling party. When a government spends more time managing political rivals than managing the country, it risks losing both.
The inevitable reckoning Sooner or later, PF will reorganise. Whether under its old name or through a new political banner, its structures and voters remain too entrenched to disappear. The day it settles its leadership question, the ruling party will face a formidable opponent.
If that day arrives while economic frustration remains high and public discontent deepens, the political tables could turn swiftly. UPND’s greatest miscalculation may be believing that keeping PF chained ensures long-term control. In reality, it merely delays the reckoning.
Final reflection To unchain PF is not to endorse it, it is to restore Zambia’s democratic equilibrium. A confident ruling party should not fear competition; it should welcome it. For UPND, the message is simple: govern through performance, not persecution.
PF is not finished; it is paused. And every pause ends eventually. When it resumes its march, the same structures that once propelled it to power could again become the engine of change.
Those who continue to underestimate its resilience do so at their own peril.
KALABA TO ABOLISH RESTRICTIVE LAWS AND IMPROVE THE POLITICAL LANDSCAPE
CITIZENS First party President Harry Kalaba says once elected into office in the 2026 general elections, he will abolish restrictive laws and improve the political landscape of the country.
In an interview on ‘Africa Thinks’ program with host Peter Clottey this morning, Mr. Kalaba said the CF Government’s first agenda will be to repeal the Public Order Act and give political parties and individuals the right to meet without any hindrance.
He said it is unacceptable that after 61 years of independence the country is still using colonial laws to govern itself.
“That is an insult to ourselves. CF will allow the citizens to enjoy their freedoms unhindered. People now live in fear and they always ask themselves that if I say this, won’t they come for me in the night. We will give Zambians an opportunity to criticize the President without any consequences,” Mr. Kalaba said.
And Mr. Kalaba said he is running for Presidency not for himself but to give Zambians an opportunity to get back the country in their hands.
“I want to become President not for myself, but for Zambia. Zambia right now is at crossroads, our country is divided and to make progress we need to harmonize all regions in our country. We need to get focused and ensure that we deliver to the people of Zambia that which needs to be delivered,” Mr. Kalaba said.
“We are literally tired of seeing outsiders make it in Zambia when Zambians themselves are failing to make it. We will give Zambians an opportunity to get back the country into their own hands,” the CF leader said.
Meanwhile, Mr. Kalaba said he is the man to watch out for in the upcoming 2026 General elections, having come third in the 2021 elections that ushered the UPND and President Hakainde Hichilema into power.
“I am running for the Office of the President next year 2026, you will recall that I ran for the 2021 general elections. There were 16 competitors and I came third and come 2026, I will be the man to watch out in 2026 and we will be defending what we have been building for the last five years and definitely Zambia is counting on us to deliver leadership that will heal the divide in our country.
I’VE 3/4 OF PF – MUDOLO … We don’t need a leader who is associated with the bad PF committed
South Africa’s based Zambian entrepreneur and PF presidential aspirant Willah Mudolo says the party should not have a leader who will remind Zambians of the bad they used to associate with the former ruling party.
And Mudolo said he had the backing of three quarters of the PF.
In an interview with Daily Revelation yesterday, Mudolo said the party and the country needed someone with fresh
POLICE DID NOT CANCEL THE CHURCH EVENT, THE CHURCH CANCELLED IT THEMSELVES — PS KAWANA
By Siisi Siisi
Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana has dismissed reports suggesting that police officers stormed the OYDC grounds to cancel a church overnight prayer meeting scheduled for the eve of Zambia’s 61st Independence Day celebrations.
Speaking during the Red Hot breakfast show on Hot Fm, Mr. Kawana said the police did not disrupt or cancel the church event, emphasizing that the decision to postpone the gathering was made by the church leadership itself.
According to Mr. Kawana, the church had written to the police earlier, notifying them of their planned overnight service on 23rd October 2025. However, the police responded on 22nd October, advising that the event be held on a different day due to heightened security operations like flag hoisting ceremony held by the Vice President and the Presidential Banquet held in honor of the visiting President.
He revealed that the communication from the police was formally acknowledged by a church representative, Mr. Zulu, confirming that the church had received the advisory.
Mr. Kawana added that the church leadership later decided to cancel the overnight around 21:00 hours on the same evening without any police intervention.
Mr. Kawana reiterated that President Hakainde Hichilema holds deep respect for the Church and the freedom of worship, emphasizing that the government has no intention whatsoever to interfere with religious gatherings.
He urged the public to ignore misinformation surrounding the matter and assured faith based organizations of the administration’s continued partnership in promoting peace, faith, and national unity.
Tanzania’s opposition leader, Tundu Lissu, has been cleared of all treason charges by the Supreme Court, marking a significant victory after months of legal turmoil. However, in a dramatic twist, Lissu has refused immediate release, choosing instead to remain behind bars until October 29, 2025, the day after the country’s general elections.
Lissu said his decision was a symbolic protest against what he described as “a broken and unjust system” that continues to suppress political freedoms. His stand has been praised by supporters and human rights groups alike, who see it as an act of courage and sacrifice for democracy. “He may be in prison, but his spirit is free,” one supporter remarked.
The timing of Lissu’s statement comes as Tanzania braces for an election overshadowed by repression and controversy. President Samia Suluhu Hassan and the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) are expected to win easily after the main opposition parties—Chadema and ACT-Wazalendo were barred from competing.
International observers, including the European Parliament and Amnesty International, have condemned the crackdown on dissent and warned that the election lacks legitimacy. With opposition figures arrested and voices silenced, Lissu’s prison protest has become a powerful symbol of resistance, turning his personal ordeal into a national call for justice and democratic reform in Tanzania.
MAKEBI STIRS CONTROVERSY: FROM DISCUSSING LUNGU’S BODY TO DECLARING PRESIDENTIAL AMBITIONS
By Paul Nshimbi
In the days following President Edgar Lungu’s passing, many were taken aback by the drama surrounding his funeral arrangements, a spectacle seemingly led not by the elder members of the family, as tradition would dictate, but by his young daughter Tasila Lungu and family lawyer, Makebi Zulu. When questions arose, the family introduced Lungu’s sister to the public eye, only for her to fade from view shortly after.
Now, we appear to be right back where we started. Once again, the family’s public communication has fallen to Mr. Zulu, whose statements have raised eyebrows for their tone and timing. Periodically, he appears in video recordings, delivering updates on behalf of the family in ways that feel detached from the gravity of grief, words that an elder relative or a close family friend might have chosen more carefully.
In his latest address, Mr. Zulu spoke of the late President’s body almost clinically, saying it could be brought “tomorrow if President Hichilema won’t attend the funeral,” as though referring to an exhibit rather than a person whose memory demands reverence.
And yet, astonishingly, in nearly the same breath, he shifted to speak about his own political aspirations, openly declaring his intention to contest for the presidency. The juxtaposition was jarring, to say the least.
Perhaps it is time for the Lungu family to look inward once more and find a mature, steady voice, to represent them publicly, someone who can communicate with the sensitivity, respect, and dignity that the moment demands.
DPP PRESIDENT PREDICTS UPND SUPPORT WILL NOT BE REPEATED IN 2026 ELECTIONS
Opposition Democratic Progressive Party President, Antonio Mwanza, says the ruling UPND has no clear path to victory in the 2026 general elections, citing the party’s failure to deliver on its promises.
https://youtu.be/eDVQJi3UToM?si=tO2UFozDY_h3wl0D
Speaking in an interview with Mafken News, Mr. Mwanza said Zambians continue to face rising poverty and a high cost of living, while the cost of doing business has made it increasingly difficult for entrepreneurs to thrive.
He added that it will be impossible for the UPND to replicate the support it received in the last general elections, asserting that citizens have woken up and will not repeat past mistakes.
PLAYING POLITICS WITH THE DEAD: MAKEBI ZULU’S DESPERATE BID FOR POWER
Last week, Makebi Zulu declared his intention to run for the presidency in Zambia’s 2026 elections. This announcement comes after months of controversy surrounding his continued custody of the late President Edgar Lungu’s body in South Africa since June 5, 2025. Zulu claims he is acting on behalf of the Lungu family, but it has become evident that he has been using this sensitive situation to serve his own political interests.
A few weeks ago, I wrote about how Makebi Zulu was exploiting the impasse for personal advantage. Today, his presidential declaration confirms those concerns. Zulu has weaponized grief and loyalty, manipulating the late president’s legacy to build a political platform. In his mind, holding onto the body of Edgar Lungu would convince voters that he is the “chosen one” to carry on Lungu’s vision. But Zambians are not blind to such manipulation.
In his official statement, Zulu spoke eloquently about constitutionalism, justice, and accountable leadership:
“As Zambia continues to redefine its future, I stand guided by one enduring conviction: that the strength of our Republic rests on respect for the Constitution and fidelity to justice. Our nation’s journey demands sober reflection and responsible voices. Leadership must first heal and then build; it must restore faith in governance, protect citizens’ rights, and open opportunity for every community.”
Yet these carefully chosen words stand in sharp contrast to his actions. While he speaks of justice and healing, he continues to hold onto the body of a man who can no longer defend himself turning national mourning into political leverage.
https://youtu.be/eDVQJi3UToM?si=izHp1tIJrqRR4Ii6
The saddest reality is that his actions have complicated the Lungu family’s mourning process and transformed a solemn matter into a public spectacle. What was meant to preserve dignity has instead become a tool for personal ambition. In time, the Lungu family may come to regret ever entrusting him with such a sensitive responsibility.
Zambia deserves leaders who honor both life and legacy not those who exploit death for power. This episode stands as a warning: emotional manipulation and opportunism are no substitutes for principle.
Makebi Zulu has revealed himself as a lawyer who has abandoned both ethics and decency, using the dead to advance his political ambitions.
Sikaile C Sikaile Good Governance and Human Rights Activist Katombola constituency Independent aspiring MP for 2026
UPND CONDEMNS MAKEBI ZULU’S IRRESPONSIBLE ATTACKS OVER PRESIDENT HICHILEMA’S POSSIBLE ATTENDANCE AT FORMER PRESIDENT LUNGU’S BURIAL
Lusaka, Sunday — The United Party for National Development (UPND) has noted with deep concern the continued and unwarranted public statements by lawyer Makebi Zulu regarding the possible attendance of His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema at the burial of the late Sixth Republican President, Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu.
Mr. Zulu’s persistent commentary on this solemn national matter is both irresponsible and suspicious, creating unnecessary tension and public anxiety. It is unusual and troubling for anyone to repeatedly object to the sitting Head of State fulfilling his constitutional and ceremonial responsibilities to honour a former Head of State. Such conduct raises legitimate questions about what Mr. Zulu knows or seeks to conceal from the Zambian people.
Let it be made clear that once a funeral is declared a State Funeral, the participation of the sitting President is not a matter of choice, it is a constitutional duty and a national obligation. The President’s presence represents the unity and continuity of the Republic, and such occasions transcend political affiliations or personal egos. National interest must always rise above individual sentiments.
It is therefore immoral and reckless for Mr. Zulu to continue politicising a solemn moment of national mourning. On one hand, he preaches reconciliation and unity, yet on the other, he issues divisive, disrespectful, and misleading remarks against the Head of State. This double standard exposes his lack of sincerity, maturity, and respect for the national healing process.
The UPND views Mr. Zulu’s continued attacks on President Hichilema as acts of malice and political opportunism, disguised under the pretext of legal commentary. Let it be known that we will no longer remain silent as he attempts to tarnish the President’s image or undermine public confidence in the presidency during a period when the nation must stand together in grief and respect.
Moving forward, any further disparaging remarks made by Mr. Zulu will be treated as personal political attacks. Our responses will be directed specifically at him in that capacity, not at the former First Family, whom we continue to hold in high esteem and compassion during this difficult time.
We are also fully aware of Mr. Zulu’s political ambitions, but he must be reminded that he was rejected by his own constituency during the 2021 parliamentary elections. Leadership begins with humility and respect. If your own community has lost confidence in you, how do you expect the wider nation to believe in your message? Before positioning himself as a moral authority on national matters, Mr. Zulu should first reconcile with his own people and rebuild the trust he lost.
https://youtu.be/eDVQJi3UToM?si=O6klfy0LjZaGYtYF
Mr. Zulu’s actions portray desperation rather than principle. He would do well to reflect on his conduct, embrace civility, and learn that responsible citizenship involves building unity, not division. The UPND remains committed to fostering a culture of mutual respect, dialogue, and peace, values that define our democracy.
As Zambia prepares to lay to rest a former Head of State, we call upon all citizens to rise above politics and honour this moment with dignity, reflection, and unity. This is a time for collective remembrance, not political point-scoring.
Stop Misleading Zambians, Nakacinda’s Crime Was Committed Before the Law Was Repealed
By Tobbius Chilembo Hamunkoyo-LLB
Ambassador Emmanuel Mwamba’s recent statement demanding the release of Raphael Nakacinda is not only legally flawed but a deliberate attempt to mislead the Zambian public. Mwamba claims that Nakacinda was wrongly convicted because the offence of defamation of the President was repealed in 2022.It is also a notorious fact that Mwamba has admitted that actually Nakachinda committed a crime. What Mwamba deliberately ignores or perhaps hopes Zambians have forgotten, is that Nakacinda’s alleged defamatory remarks were made in December 2021, when the law was still in full force. Zambians are wiser now; these old tricks of twisting facts for political sympathy no longer work.
The Penal Code Amendment Act No. 23 of 2022, which repealed Section 69 of the Penal Code Cap. 87, was only assented to by President Hakainde Hichilema on 23rd December 2022. That repeal did not have retroactive effect. Section 15 of the Interpretation and General Provisions Act, Cap. 2 of the Laws of Zambia is very clear that any liability or offence committed before the repeal of a law remains prosecutable. Therefore, since Nakacinda’s offensive remarks were uttered while Section 69 was still part of the Penal Code, his prosecution and conviction were entirely lawful. To claim otherwise is to misrepresent basic principles of law and to insult the intelligence of the Judiciary and Zambian people at Large.
The court record shows that Nakacinda publicly accused President Hichilema of summoning and coercing judges at his private residence to influence court outcomes, a grave and baseless claim. These statements were made when the offence of defamation of the President still existed, and they sought to undermine both the Head of State and the Judiciary, cornerstones of the constitutional order. Therefore, it is not the Judiciary that is “captured” as Mwamba claims, but rather certain political figures who are captured by their own desire to weaponize falsehoods for political mileage.
Ambassador Mwamba must be reminded that Zambia operates under the rule of law, not the rule of propaganda. The principle that “the law in force at the time of the offence governs the case” is not a matter of debate , it is a settled doctrine recognized even under Article 18(8) of the Constitution of Zambia. His continued attempts to politicize legitimate court judgments only expose the PF’s desperation to remain relevant by fabricating persecution narratives and this will not work. Zambians can clearly see through these diversionary tactics meant to discredit the Judiciary and the President.
Moreover, Mwamba’s attack on the Judiciary is reckless and dangerous. He must know that the courts have an obligation to apply the law as it stood when the offence occurred, not as it stands today. Pretending otherwise is pure deceit.
https://youtu.be/eDVQJi3UToM?si=O6klfy0LjZaGYtYF
By dragging the names of judicial officers and the President into his political mudslinging, Mwamba only demonstrates contempt for democratic governance and for the intelligence of Zambians. The country has moved forward, embracing transparency, reform, and lawful governance, not propaganda rooted in falsehood.
In conclusion, Ambassador Mwamba should stop misleading the nation. The defamation law was repealed after the offence was committed, meaning the conviction was proper and lawful. Zambians understand his tactics, stirring public outrage to gain political attention, but those days are over. The people now demand truth, lawfulness, and respect for institutions. No amount of misinformation will reverse legal reality. Zambia is governed by facts and law, not by the emotional outbursts of bitter politicians.
I was fired as the Vice President of the Republic of Zambia. It was one of the most painful and public moments of my life. Overnight, headlines changed, relationships shifted, and many people who once celebrated me found new reasons to laugh or walk away.
Some said Nevers is finished. Others said Nevers will never rise again. And for years that moment has been used, to this day, by some to mock and define me.
But what they did not understand is this. Being fired does not mean you have failed. It simply means your journey has taken a new direction.
Sometimes God allows doors to close not to destroy you but to redirect you toward your purpose. I discovered that my value was never tied to a title. My worth was never tied to a position. My destiny was never tied to a political seat.
To every young Zambian who has lost a job, been rejected, betrayed, or publicly humiliated, do not let that moment write your story. Being fired, being dumped, being divorced, or losing a business is not the end of your life. It might just be the beginning of discovering who you were truly meant to be.
I have walked through shame and insults, but I have also seen the faithfulness of God. I have learned that life does not follow what detractors and critics have to say. Do not let anything rob you of your destiny. You can rise again. You can rebuild. You can still dream.
Our nation needs a new generation of people of courage, the courage to keep standing when everyone calls you finished, the courage to believe that failure is not final.
https://youtu.be/eDVQJi3UToM?si=O6klfy0LjZaGYtYF
So to anyone who has been fired, faced loss, or experienced rejection, get up. Wipe your tears. Lift your head. Walk forward. The same people laughing and mocking you may one day quote your strength.
Being fired is not the end. Sometimes it is the start of your real assignment. The best chapters of your life may be waiting just beyond the door that closed. Step through it and show the world what you are made of.
MUNDUBILE DID NOT RECEIVE STATE SECURITY AT MOPANI DERBY
Patriotic Front Presidential Aspirant Hon. Brian Mundubile did not receive any form of state security during yesterday’s highly anticipated Mopani Derby between legendary sides Nkana FC and Mighty Mufulira Wanderers.
Contrary to claims circulating on some social media platforms, Hon. Mundubile attended the match purely as a football enthusiast eager to witness the outcome of the legendary rivalry between the two sides.
The police officers seen in the circulating video were manning the gates and providing standard venue security at Nkana Stadium in Kitwe as required by local league regulations.
While the motive behind these misleading reports remains unclear, it is important to set the record straight.
Hon Mundubile values truth, integrity, and selflessness principles he continues to uphold in both his public and private life.
University of Zambia -UNZA- Law Lecturer, O’BRIEN KAABA, says the Technical Committee on Amendments to the Constitution is legally constituted.
Dr. KAABA says President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA appointed the Committee under Articles 92 sub sections, 1,2-f and 2-j of the Constitution.
The clauses empower the president to perform acts necessary for the exercise of executive authority and appoint persons to perform special duties or other constitutional functions.
Dr. KAABA explains that these provisions give the President the legal authority to constitute a body such as the Technical Committee to collect public views and provide advisory recommendations to the Executive on any subject, including constitutional reforms.
He says the Committee has no legislative powers and cannot override the role of the National Assembly or any arm of Government, making its work consistent with constitutional democracy and proper separation of powers.
Dr. KAABA says several stakeholders including former Law Association of Zambia President LINDA KASONDE and governance expert Professor CEPHAS LUMINA have questioned the legality of the Committee’s mandate.
Reacting to these concerns, Dr. KAABA argues that constituting such a body under the Inquiries Act would not offer any superior legal foundation, as commissions under that Act equally only submit recommendations that Government may or may not adopt.
He further says the appointment of a Technical Committee is not unprecedented, citing the Annel Silungwe Committee under the late President Michael Sata, which operated under constitutional executive authority similar to Article 92.
According to a statement issued to ZNBC News, Dr. KAABA has urged the nation to focus beyond legality debates and instead push for a more comprehensive constitution-making process that addresses long-standing issues relating to the structure and distribution of power in the Zambian State.
Dr. KAABA said meaningful reform should ensure broad public consensus and legitimacy to produce a constitution that truly responds to the needs and aspirations of the people.
UPND SECRETARY GENERAL WARNS INACTIVE STRUCTURES, CALLS FOR DISCIPLINE AND MOBILISATION IN CENTRAL PROVINCE AHEAD OF 2026 POLLS
…“Mobilise or Be Dissolved,” Imenda Tells Central Province UPND Leaders
Kabwe, Sunday — United Party for National Development (UPND) Secretary General Hon. Batuke Imenda has urged party leaders in Central Province to intensify mobilisation efforts and maintain discipline as the country heads toward the 2026 general elections.
Speaking when he addressed the provincial leadership in Kabwe District, Mr. Imenda expressed disappointment over reports indicating low levels of mobilisation in the province, warning that he would not hesitate to dissolve inactive party structures.
“I am not going to remain Secretary General while provincial leaders hold positions without working. If you fail to mobilise, I will dissolve your committee as I have done elsewhere,” Mr. Imenda warned.
He noted that other provinces such as Western, Copperbelt, and Eastern were leading in mobilisation and urged Central Province to emulate their efforts.
Mr. Imenda reminded party officials that winning the 2021 elections was not the end of their mission, stressing the need to consolidate support for President Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND at all levels of government.
“Our goal is not just for President Hichilema to win in 2026, but to secure victory for our MPs, mayors, council chairpersons, and councillors,” he said.
The Secretary General called for inclusivity and unity, advising leaders to accommodate new members rather than pushing them away. He emphasized strengthening grassroots structures as the foundation of effective mobilisation.
Mr. Imenda also urged every party member to ensure that their family members acquire National Registration Cards (NRCs) and voter’s cards, saying this was key to securing a majority win.
“If we love President Hichilema and the UPND, let’s make sure our families register to vote. Every leader must carry their voter’s card to every meeting,” he directed.
Highlighting key government achievements, Mr. Imenda encouraged leaders to communicate the successes of the New Dawn Administration, including:
• The Free Education Policy, which has enabled over 2.2 million pupils to return to school; • The reintroduction of student meal allowances in public universities; • Increased Constituency Development Fund (CDF) for community projects and youth skills training; and • The ongoing revival of Mulungushi Textiles, expected to benefit over 35,000 cotton farmers through supply chains and value addition in textile and cooking oil production.
He said these milestones demonstrate President Hichilema’s commitment to industrialisation, education, and inclusive economic growth.
“In just four years, President Hichilema has achieved what past regimes could not. The results are there for everyone to see,” Mr. Imenda said.
The Secretary General further announced that resources have been mobilised to support party activities across the country and urged all structures to ensure accountability and transparency in the use of funds.
“Funds are being disbursed to provincial, district, and constituency committees to strengthen polling station management, and I will demand returns on how every kwacha is spent,” he added.
Mr. Imenda called for unity, discipline, and hard work among party members, saying only a well-organised, disciplined and mobilised UPND could deliver a decisive victory in 2026.
HH COMMENDS UCZ’s ENDURING ROLE IN EDUCATION, HEALTH, AND MORAL GUIDANCE
Kabwe… Sunday October 26, 2025 – President Hakainde Hichilema has paid tribute to the United Church of Zambia (UCZ) for its six decades of spiritual leadership and social contribution, describing the milestone as a celebration of faith, unity, and national service.
Speaking during the Church’s 60th Anniversary celebrations held at the Railways Grounds in Kabwe, the Head of State joined thousands of congregants in commemorating the UCZ’s Diamond Jubilee.
President Hichilema congratulated the Church’s leadership and clergy for their steadfast unity, visionary guidance, and unwavering commitment to serving both God and the nation.
He observed that since its formation on 16th January 1965, the UCZ had stood as a pillar of strength in Zambia, educating the young, healing the sick, and uplifting communities across the country.
He further noted that the Church’s mission schools had produced generations of leaders, while its hospitals had restored hope and dignity to countless citizens.
The President also commended the UCZ for providing moral direction during times of change and challenge, describing its prophetic voice as vital to the country’s moral and social fabric.
President Hichilema reaffirmed the Government’s enduring partnership with the UCZ, emphasizing that such a relationship should not be seen as competitive but as complementary in the pursuit of shared goals.
He added that contributions to the Church should never be viewed as acts of favour, but as investments in national development, unity, and spiritual growth.
As Zambia marked the UCZ’s Diamond Jubilee, the President lauded the Church for its faithful service and called for continued collaboration in advancing peace, faith, and progress for future generations.
In the recent long list of I-want-to-be-President announcements, Mr. Wilah Mudolo’s took the trophy for most bizarre.
Goodness, that was a most bewildering performance! It had all the out-of-the-blue randomness of a whirlwind.
I mean, surely, before he hit us over the head with a forwards and backwards recital of our problems – real and decidedly made up – with attendant legless solutions, he could have introduced himself to us.
A simple – my name is, and this is how I find myself performing for you, on Independence Day.
Then, I can’t be the only one who found that the way he spoke added to his weirdness. That Bemba is far less than perfect, made worse by a third language user accent.
The English too was hmmm 樂. Sounded deeply un-Zambian mwe.
If KK Stepped Back? Mulenga Kapwepwe Counsels President Hakainde Hichilema: Respect Family Wishes, Let Healing Begin
Reported by Michael Zephaniah Phiri Political Activist
Zambia’s political and moral landscape has once again found its conscience through the wise and reflective voice of Mulenga Kapwepwe, daughter of the late Vice President and nationalist Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe. In her calm yet piercing manner, Mulenga has offered rare counsel to President Hakainde Hichilema (HH) — urging him to show restraint, compassion, and respect for family traditions in matters of national mourning and reconciliation.
Speaking with the authority of history and the tenderness of experience, Mulenga recalled the painful moment when her family lost their father — and how even in that season of grief, state power bowed before the will of the family.
“Time to bury the coffin was difficult,” she said. “Most people thought we smashed it because it came from the government, but no. We could not bury my father in that coffin because he came from a royal line — and when you’re from that line, you’re buried in a cattle hide. That was tradition. Those were my father’s instructions. It had nothing to do with politics.”
Her words carry weight. In a nation where politics often intrudes into sacred family moments, she reminded those in power that tradition and family wishes must never be violated in the name of protocol or politics.
*When KK Stepped Back*
Mulenga shared a remarkable moment of grace from her father’s funeral — one that should serve as a timeless lesson for all those in authority.
“When it came to speeches, my sister stood up and said there would be no speeches. President Kaunda was already standing at the microphone, ready to speak. But when he was told we didn’t want speeches, he stopped. He turned around and went back to sit down. It must have been difficult for him, but he respected our wishes.”
That single act of humility — a sitting Head of State stepping back out of respect for a grieving family — became a moment of national dignity. It was a gesture that said no one, not even the President, stands above family and tradition.
*Mulenga went on:*
“Losing your father publicly is not easy. Handling grief in front of the nation is painful. But what mattered was the grace shown that day — it allowed healing to begin. Both KK and our family left the door open. Over time, the hurt faded, and the friendship returned.”
*The Power to Heal, Not to Wound*
Turning her reflection into counsel for today’s leadership, Mulenga appealed directly — though gracefully — to President Hakainde Hichilema to apply the same wisdom in dealing with the Lungu family.
“When you are in a position of power,” she said, “you have the power to make things right for everyone — not just for yourself. My wish is that one day, the Lungu family and HH will sit and laugh together, the way we did years after with KK. It takes time, but healing is possible.”
Her words echo across the political divide, offering a path away from bitterness and toward reconciliation. In the true Kapwepwe spirit, she placed Zambia above politics, reminding us that the nation is bigger than personal grievances and political rivalries.
“This country is bigger than all of us,” she said. “It’s bigger than our personal tragedies. We must put Zambia first and allow healing to take root.”
*“Let the Family Decide”*
Mulenga did not mince her words about the ongoing debate surrounding the resting place of the late President Lungu. She made it clear that the government’s role in mourning has limits — and that the family must be allowed space to grieve and decide.
“The government has done more than enough,” she said firmly. “Let them now allow the Lungu family to do what they wish. There is no law that says one must be buried at a specific roundabout. Let the family rest and fulfill their loved one’s wishes.”
In those few sentences, Mulenga Kapwepwe distilled a principle of governance that goes beyond politics — the humility of power. Leaders, she reminded us, are most powerful when they show restraint, respect, and compassion.
*A Lesson from the Past for Today’s Leaders*
As Zambia continues to navigate political tension, grief, and moral confusion, Mulenga’s story serves as both warning and inspiration. When the founding fathers spoke of One Zambia, One Nation, they envisioned not just political unity but emotional maturity — a leadership culture rooted in humanity.
Her message to President Hichilema is simple but profound: lead with heart, not with ego. Respecting family wishes is not a sign of weakness; it is the highest form of strength.
Just as Kenneth Kaunda once stepped back and allowed the Kapwepwe family to mourn in peace, so too can today’s leaders choose the path of grace over power. Because in the end, as Mulenga Kapwepwe said, healing is what keeps a nation whole.
*The Verdict*
Mulenga Kapwepwe’s reflection is more than family memory — it is national wisdom. It reminds us that political power must bow to cultural respect, and that healing, not hostility, is the true measure of leadership.
Her words are a call to conscience for the Head of State and every citizen alike:
“We must put Zambia above ourselves. Time heals — but only when we act with grace.”
*“This country is bigger than all of us.” — Mulenga Kapwepwe*
Reported by Michael Zephaniah Phiri Political Activist
I woke up to a pleasant email from one of my former postgraduate law students at the University of Warwick in England, my good friend, Siddharth Raja, based in India.
It is now more than twenty (20) years since I left Warwick. I taught Siddharth at Warwick in 1997/98. In his message this morning, he reminded me of those good old days at Warwick. What a pleasant surprise after twenty-two (22) years! This is the beauty about academia. It is not about money, but making a difference in people’s lives.
Dear Kenneth
I am not sure if you will remember me — as one of your students at Warwick University in 1997-98… There is another reason I am writing to you — and that too today; here’s a note I’ve written and as attached:
“What a Sunday discovery! Earlier today, Meghna (my daughter) and I — on a lark — decided to open up and plough through some of the papers left behind by my paternal grandmother, Meghna’s great grandmother, Mrs. Lakshmi Raja. Her old tartan cloth suitcase lies quite forlorn in our attic, and we brought it out, and unzipped it (yes, it has a zipper that still works after almost half-a-century!).
.
And, while we found many family memories, this one caught my attention. A folded letter, that is quite faded, written on very thin, almost like butter paper. Dated 1st February 1952, well nigh 68 years ago. Addressed to my grandmother on the unexpected passing of her husband — a “ministering angel to you and to his children and in whom I have lost a man where I could go for advice.”
The author concludes: “I pray our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement and leave only the cherish (sic.) memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the knowledge-imparting alter.”
And then he signs off: “Yours very sincerely and respectfully, S. M. Kapwepwe.”
This then, ladies and gentlemen, is Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe, later the 1st Vice President of Zambia under the legendary Kenneth Kaunda (KK) and a stalwart of that country’s independence movement, writing as a 30-year old student of my grandfather’s in Bombay, at the Tanning Institute, Bandra.
My uncle recalls: “[Simon Kapwepwe] stop rigid and unmoving at the feet of Anna [as my grandfather was fondly called] for the whole time that he lay, as droves came to pay their last respects.””
UPND SUPPORTER TO SUE PATRIOTIC FRONT SEEKING $10 MILLION COMPENSATION
Embattled UPND supporter George Mtonga has announced that he is consulting his legal team to file a defamation lawsuit against the Patriotic Front (PF)
Mtonga claims that members of the former ruling party have falsely accused him of possessing fake academic qualifications, allegations he describes as malicious and damaging to his reputation.
He says the forthcoming legal action will demand $10 million in compensation for the harm caused to his name andg credibility.
STATE HALTS CASE OF BOY LEFT DISABLED AFTER DOG MAULING
By Darius Choonya
The Zambia Police Service has revealed that the case involving a 15-year-old boy of Lusaka’s Kaunda Square, who was left permanently disabled after being mauled by dogs belonging to Indian nationals, could not proceed to court due to legal inconsistencies in the offence.
Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, Godfrey Chilabi has confirmed that police had opened a docket against the dog owners for the offence of reckless and negligent acts.
However, the case was halted after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) advised against prosecution citing technicalities.
Meanwhile, the victim has continued to endure unhealed wounds on his legs and lives without both hands, which were amputated following the brutal attack.
In an interview with Diamond News, the boy expressed deep trauma and questioned whether justice will ever be served. Diamond TV
Malawi Secures $45m from World Bank to Import Maize from Zambia
Government says it has secured $45 million from the World Bank, funds that have been earmarked for the importation of 200,000 metric tonnes of maize from Zambia, under government to government arrangement.
Finance Minister, Joseph Mwanamvekha, has revealed this to journalists in Lilongwe, where he is unpacking the outcomes of World Bank and International Monetary Fund annual meetings, which the country participated.
“The procurement of this maize will be done following World Bank procedures and our own procedures,” he says.
However, he reveals that public debt has soared to K21.6 trillion from K4.1 trillion in 2020, when the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) was ousted from power.
Mwanamvekha says the government does not have plans to devaluate the local currency, despite asking international partners like the IMF to assist in stabilizing the economy.
Ackim Antony Njobvu, President of the Democratic Union (DU) has asked President Hakainde Hichilema’s government to consider extending free education to higher learning to enable more Zambians attain tertiary qualifications.
During independence celebrations on the 24th of October, 2025, President Hichilema announced that free education would be legislated.
And Njobvu said the President’s intentions should be commended.
However, Njobvu who has been featured in a book Rise (stories of triumphs and grace), authored by John Suzyo Banda, is appealing to President Hichilema to consider extending free education to higher learning in public institutions.
Njobvu noted that many Zambians, after finishing high school, end up on the streets due to lack of finds to go to college or university.
He said if free education is to be achieved, there is need to extend it to higher learning for the benefit of Zambians.
Meanwhile, Njobvu has shared an inspiring, and yet difficult upbringing about his life in the book by John. S. Banda.
In the book, Njobvu says his journey is a testament to how dedication, hard work, and a thirst for knowledge can lead to remarkable achievements.
From his beginnings as a flight engineer in the Zambia Air Force to becoming Chief Financial Officer for major companies like Mayfair Insurance and Marsh Zambia, Ackim has proven that no dream is too big.
With over 15 years of experience climbing the corporate ladder, he has lived a story marked by perseverance, faith and service.
Ackim’s story is one of the bold transitions: from engineering to accounting, from civil service to private sector, and now , from corporate leadership to national service.
The man is determined to serve Zambia as President in 2026 and has asked citizens for support, saying his leadership style is one that will transform the country’s misfortunes in the shortest possible time.
ZNFU President Jervis Zimba says the government should stop micromanaging maize exports if the country is to meet its 10 million metric tonnes production target.
In an interview, Friday, Zimba said Zambia was on the right path of agricultural diversification, but what worried the union was the continued micromanagement of maize exports.
“We are on the right trajectory of diversification in the agriculture sector. The only worrying issue we have is micromanagement.
The President is on the right trajectory, he has given us a target that we must produce 10 million metric tonnes of maize by 2027. Now, when you try to micromanage exports, we will not get to the 10 million metric tonnes. The process must be open.
