CHISEBE WARNS OF LOW VOTER TURNOUT AMID POOR ECZ SENSITISATION
GOVERNANCE and Human Rights advocate Dr. Noel Chisebe has warned that the ongoing voter registration exercise may record a low turnout if the Electoral Commission of Zambia does not intensify its sensitisation efforts.
Dr. Chisebe expressed concern over the limited public awareness of the exercise, noting that many citizens are still unaware that registration is currently underway.
He further observed that it has become common for ECZ equipment to experience breakdowns within the first few days of the exercise an issue he says undermines public confidence in the process.
Dr. Chisebe said he wished officers could spend more days at each registration centre before moving to another, to allow more people to register without being left out.
He added that voter registration should have been conducted alongside the national registration card issuance to ensure more citizens are empowered to participate in the electoral process.
Working closely with Munir prior to 2021 general elections taught me that stories told about him in the media were untrue.
This is a buildup to what I wrote earlier on.
However, one significant trait you can’t take away from Munir is genuine generosity. He will do something for you for the sake of doing it, without expecting anything in return from you. That is why today Munir is both popular and famous. Anyone who encounters him can testify.
His political journey started when he was at NIPA studying law, and participated in Union Elections where he was elected President of the union. It was during the Rupiah Banda administration. He was among a group of students who had been putting pressure on the MMD administration of Rupiah on governance . State House then, engaged all student union leaders and Rupiah was surprised that a small chap in stature was the one ‘troubling’ him and his administration.
After leaving NIPA, Munir joined politics, at a very young age. He made his impact and money. When PF won elections, Munir was already in politics, specifically , he participated in Lusaka Central Constituency. This is where his intentions to contest Lusaka Central came from.
The PF, Michael Sata particularly had a good relationship with student union leaders and it was easy to work with Munir after he left NIPA, in whatever small ways they could. The plan for Munir was to start as a ward councilor, then contest as Lusaka Central Constituency MP. Something I will share later changed, and he went for Lumezi in 2016.
Anyways, between 2011 and 2016, Munir became broke and lost friends. He was no longer the young rich kid. Then he lost friends. The people he ate with ran away from him. They abandoned him. Spoke bad of him behind his back. In fact, many glass stories about Munir in those days when social media was a monopoly of a few, we’re generated and spread by the very people who ate, associated with Munir when he was very rich.But since a man never falls down forever, he somehow picked it up.
This is someone whom, before getting into financial trouble, could travel to China for business and sponsor or carry along others to expose them to the world and help them get established.
But around 2017, Munir came along again. His businesses started booming again. He ran a fleet of vehicles for hire. He invested in printing and advertising. He was in real estate. He invested in Auto and hardware and started putting money in exports and imports of agricultural commodities. He started building his fortune and became a household name again. Unlike, false stories that he is Kaiser Zulu’s young brother and therefore , became rich because of this relationship, Munir and the former State House political advisor are not related in any way. They only share surnames, and at one point, they were not in good books. By the time Munir was associating himself with PF, he was already affluent. He already had money. Actually, Munir never did any business with the PF government. He never did any business with the MMD government. He has always been in the private sector.
However, Munir’s downfall between 2011 to 2016 taught him lessons until today. He learnt to endure all sorts of hardships, so much that his incarceration now, is nothing that can break him. What I know as a matter of truth is that when Munir falls, he comes back. He is coming back not long from now. This time around full force. What I am not sure of is whether or not he will go to Lumezi again or rekindle his Lusaka Central Constituency interest. Or perhaps, he has something different up his sleeves.
According to senior family members and State House officials directly involved in Raila Amolo Odinga’s funeral arrangements, he left a clear directive: that he wished to be interred within seventy-two hours of his death.
This was confirmed Wednesday evening by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who revealed that he will be buried at his Bondo ancestral home on Sunday.
Odinga’s Will was revealed by his lawyer on Wednesday morning at a State House meeting attended by, among others, his brother Senator Oburu Oginga.
The logistics of transporting the body from Mumbai, India, have triggered a debate as to when the 72-hour countdown should begin.
Some in the funeral committee have interpreted that it should start the moment the body lands, but others on the planning team are convinced that this reading would violate his wishes.
Officials at the Presidency and at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs intimated that Odinga’s remains would land in the country by Thursday evening at the latest. The flight from Mumbai to Nairobi takes slightly more than six hours.
Winnie Odinga informed Ruto It was Senator Oginga who first called the president shortly after 7am with news that his younger brother was in critical condition in India.
“He said Raila had been rushed back to the hospital,” a source told us.
Moments later, there was another call. This time Odinga’s youngest daughter, Winnie, calling President William Ruto.
“She was succinct, and, with a trembling voice, said the worst had happened,” another source added.
He was eighty. Hospital officials said the cause of death was a heart attack.
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Logistical nightmare “It is a hell of a logistical nightmare considering that he died in India. But as the ODM family, we are working together with our fallen party leader’s family and the committee formed by the President to oversee his burial arrangements, to ensure that we align with his wish to be buried within 72 hours,” Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi and ODM Deputy Party Leader told Nation.
On a humid morning in Kerala, Mumbai, where the roads curl between coconut groves and the scented hush of medicinal gardens, Odinga, an engineer by training, dissident by temperament, politician by vocation, rose for a walk but did not return.
It is hard to overstate the audacity of that instruction. Kenya’s great political departures are typically measured in days that lengthen into fortnights—processions, parliamentary homilies, choirs rehearsed into consensus, bodies lying in state as a people practice the choreography of loss.
Men of Odinga’s stature; Jomo Kenyatta, Daniel arap Moi, Mwai Kibaki, even his own father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, were farewelled with an amplitude that became part of their legend. Odinga has posthumously edited the script. To go quickly is to reject the theatre.
The government is writing its movements to his metronome.
President William Ruto’s decree of seven days of national mourning was, insiders say, timed to harmonise with the three-day wish rather than breach it.
President Ruto charged Deputy President Kithure Kindiki to co-chair the funeral committee with Senator Oginga. Simultaneously, a delegation headed by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi left for India on Wednesday evening to supervise repatriation.
Military takes over processes “The military takes over,” one State House aide said, not in the ominous register the phrase sometimes summons, but as a promise of choreography: a country that will honour a political enigma by moving faster while doing less.
The swiftness bears an uncanny fidelity to the way Odinga practiced politics; as a series of disciplined pivots rather than a single, unbroken march.
Born in 1945, he came of age under the one-party State and spent long stretches of the 1980s detained without trial.
The prisons did not dissolve him; they tempered him. He emerged with a manner that disarmed and provoked in equal measure: the riddler who could make a dusty field sound like a civics class; the coalition engineer who treated alliances like machines, temperamental but fixable.
In 2001 he startled allies by entering Daniel arap Moi’s Cabinet, in 2002 he stood on a Nairobi stage and pronounced Kibaki tosha (Kibaki is enough), midwifing the coalition that ended KANU’s thirty-nine-year rule.
He never won the presidency he sought in 1997, 2007, 2013, 2017, and 2022, but in losing he repeatedly forced the republic to tighten its jurisprudence.
In 2017, his challenge produced a first for the continent: A Supreme Court annulment of a presidential election. Rage moved from the streets to the bench.
If the rallies supplied voltage, the quieter rooms did the building. As Prime Minister in the uneasy power-sharing government after the 2007–08 crisis, he helped midwife the 2010 Constitution; a document with the scent of the street still on it: a muscular bill of rights, funds and authority devolved to forty-seven counties, architecture sturdy enough to host future without the roof caving in.
He made a public truce with Uhuru Kenyatta in 2018, and, in 2025, entered a policy pact with President Ruto, invoking stability over spectacle. Admirers called it statesmanship; purists muttered apostasy. Odinga, who delighted in turning paradox into leverage, tended to prefer outcomes over applause.
SA GROUP ALLEGED ZAMBIA’S EX-PRESIDENT LUNGU WAS MURDERED
By Darius Choonya
The family of former President Edgar Lungu has disclosed that a South African group calling itself the Progressive Forces of South Africa claims to have formally filed a report with the South African Police Service, alleging that Mr. Lungu was murdered and that investigations should be conducted.
In a statement updating the public on the status of burial negotiations with the Zambian government, the Lungu family also accused the government of engaging in clandestine activities seemingly intended to frustrate the process and make futile attempts to access the former president’s body for unknown reasons.
Among the incidents cited in the statement is the alleged hiring of a private investigator by the Zambian government without the family’s knowledge or consent.
Family spokesperson Makebi Zulu has also revealed that on September 23, 2025, the government allegedly engaged a private investigator who approached the morgue holding the remains of the late former president.
The investigator reportedly claimed that a case docket had been opened following a report from a supposed family member alleging that Mr. Lungu had been poisoned.
Mr. Zulu explained that the investigator’s visit was aimed at inquiring about the whereabouts of the body in connection with the alleged poisoning case. However, when asked about the issue, Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa denied that the government was involved in such activities.
He has added that while the Lungu family awaits formal communication from Mr. Kangwa, on September 29, 2025, the group known as the Progressive Forces of South Africa claimed to have lodged a formal report with the South African Police Service, alleging that Mr. Lungu was murdered.
The family says these and other unresolved matters have caused a continued impasse between them and the government.
In this post, we publish in full the verbatim response by Cde Ziyambi Ziyambi, Secretary for Legal Affairs, on behalf of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, to an untitled document authored by Vice President Constantino Chiwenga and presented at a charged Politburo meeting on 17 September 2025.
Please note that the article is quite lengthy, as the response has been published word-for-word.
Response To An Untitled Document Presented To His Excellency The President On 17 September 2025 From: The Secretary For Legal Affairs, Cde Ziyambi Ziyambi
Introduction The document under discussion was presented to His Excellency, the President, by Vice President Comrade Dr C.D.G.N Chiwenga who personally took authorship of the same.
Consequently, I was mandated to look into the document and come up with a summarised response, as I hereby do. In preparing my response, the following legal instruments were examined:
Constitution of Zimbabwe
Constitution of the Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (ZANU PF)
Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 9:23]
Interpretation Act [Chapter 1:01]
Public Entities Corporate Governance Act [Chapter 22:23]
Any other texts deemed necessary
Your Excellency, members of the Presidium and the Politburo, allow me now, therefore, to present my response in the chronological order in which the allegations were presented in the document. In my presentation, I will first go through the issue highlighted and then respond accordingly.
Paragraph 1 Issue: Comrade President, we undertook Operation Restore Legacy with a sacred mandate: to reclaim our nation from the jaws of corruption and to restore the dignity, prosperity, and sovereignty of Zimbabwe for its people.
Response: This paragraph seems to be the Preamble to the document presented to His Excellency, the President. It summarises the events of November 2017 in a manner that however evokes emotions. In the absence of any contextual background, this is therefore mere political rhetoric and of no consequence.
Paragraph 2
Issue: Comrade President, in November 2017, we took a bold and necessary step to remove former President Robert Mugabe from power because:
he sought to manipulate our Constitution for personal gain.
he allowed certain individuals and family to seize his executive authority and abuse it.
he ignored the suffering of the people while a corrupt elite looted with impunity.
he turned ZANU-PF into a personal fiefdom, disregarding its founding values.
Response: There is no evidence to substantiate the claim of constitutional manipulation by the former President. In fact, there is nothing to indicate that Operation Restore Legacy was done because the former President was manipulating the Constitution for personal gain.
Constitutional manipulation entails amending, altering, or repealing the Constitution in a way that benefits the individual or his or her allies.
The only amendment effected to the current Constitution during the tenure of the former President was the amendment of section 180, a provision which deals with the appointment of judges.
This whole paragraph regrettably portrays the late former President (May His soul continue to rest in Peace) as the manipulator and chief perpetrator, yet he was a victim of manipulation by certain named individuals who, following due process, were later charged for their alleged criminal activities.
To sum up this paragraph, I submit that Operation Restore Legacy was about removing alleged criminals around the former President. The latter consequently resigned, having taken into consideration the circumstances of the moment and the will of the people. Denigration of our founding fathers or those who came before us is not only disrespectful but also reprehensible.
Paragraph 3
Issue: During November 2017, we risked everything – our lives, our freedom, our futures – to restore and defend our legacy, the Party and the Constitution.
Response: It is denied that only a few individuals, particularly the writers of this document, sacrificed their lives for the attainment of Operation Restore Legacy. Zimbabweans from all walks of life rose and participated in and supported Operation Restore Legacy. Let us acknowledge the collective effort that made Operation Restore Legacy possible and desist from claiming heroism for work done by many.
There is no denying that Operation Restore Legacy had significant backing. A considerable amount of resources was invested to guarantee its success. It is unlikely that an operation of this scale could have achieved its goals without substantial financial support.
For the record, Mr Kudakwashe Tagwirei put in a total of 5 million litres of fuel, food and other provisions for soldiers as requested by the then CDF, General Chiwenga. Furthermore, he put in one million litres of fuel and 1.6 million USD to the Party.
Therefore, the success of Operation Restore Legacy cannot be attributed to a few individuals. Any such assertions are aimed at distorting the historical narrative for personal and political gain.
Paragraph 4
Issue: Today, history is repeating itself in the most shameful way Comrade President. Why we find ourselves in this situation is both shocking and shameful.
Response: In order to arrive at an appropriate comparison of the two scenarios of 2017 and today, it is important to profile the state of the economy as of November 2017 and to date.
In 2017, our economy was characterised by:
Political instability
98% of government revenues being used on salaries
Salary and bonus delays
Embassies owed in excess of USD 27 million
GDP at USD 17 billion and per capita income at USD 1,000
Public debt to GDP at 70%
Fuel shortages and forex crises
Severe droughts of 2015 and 2016
80% of goods in shops were imported
To compare the Zimbabwean economy in 2017 and now is disingenuous, absurd and preposterous, as Zimbabwe under the leadership of President ED Mnangagwa has been the fastest growing economy in the SADC region.
No leadership in the whole world has grown an economy over a 5–6-year period at a comparable rate to this President.
Annexe 1 details a few of his achievements over the past 6 years.
Paragraph 5 Issue: Comrade President, on several occasions and even abroad, you have informed the nation that you are a Constitutionalist and yet it is now clear for anyone to see that the so-called 2030 Agenda to extend your term of office is real and alive, and this has now taken us back to the ills that led us to November 2017.
Response: Indeed, the President is a constitutionalist who has not deviated from the Constitution at any time. However, if the people have spoken, should the President disregard the will of the people? The author is patently disregarding the resolutions, and seems unaware of the provisions of Article 6, Section 34, subsections (2) to (5) of the Party Constitution, which outline the powers and functions of the National People’s Conference.
The Conference is mandated to: (2) review, evaluate and supervise the implementation of resolutions and programmes of the Central Committee, National People’s Conference and Congress; (3) to make resolutions for implementation by the Central Committee; (4) to declare the President of the Party elected at Congress as the State Presidential Candidate of the Party; and (5) to exercise any such powers and authority as may be incidental thereto.
It is therefore clear that resolutions made at the Conference must be implemented as per the provisions quoted above. There were thirty-one (31) resolutions emanating from the last Conference, and Agenda 2030 was resolution number one (1). The people through the Conference came up with these resolutions as per their mandate in terms of the Constitution. There is, therefore, nothing unconstitutional about it.
Furthermore, section 328 of the national Constitution allows for the amendment of the Constitution, and there is nothing illegal about amending or seeking to amend the Constitution.
The above assertion could be a result of the author’s ignorance of the quoted legal provisions. However, such ignorance may be excusable for non-legal persons. What is being referred to as the 2030 Agenda derives from the 2024 resolutions of the Conference. Given the underlying circumstances, any attempt to destabilise the Government on the basis of such falsehoods is tantamount to treason.
Paragraph 11 Issue: The actions of these criminals, which also include turning your Private office, Comrade President, into a place where key Government decisions are made, demand that strong action be taken immediately to preserve our Party and stability in our Country.
Response: Regrettably, this is a direct and personal attack on the person of the President. The Office of the President is protected in terms of our Constitution. There are provisions to protect the President whilst in Office. This is done to ensure the maintenance of peace and stability in the country.
Section 10 of our Constitution mandates every person or Government entity to promote peace, stability and national unity. Undermining the Office and authority of the President is a criminal offence in terms of our law and has the effect of eroding the credibility of the President, thereby destabilising our peace, unity and even national security.
The President’s personal residence and private matters are off limits and should not be subject to speculation.
The author has clearly demonstrated his bitterness. To question what happens to the President in his private space is not only immature but also meddling and intrusive. This is a clear demonstration of serious disrespect for the President. A good leader is a good follower. The author has shown that he is not a good follower and therefore cannot be a leader.
Information has been brought from reliable sources that members of the Presidium equally host multitudes at their private places in and around Harare. (I shall not bother to comment whether that is competition with the Principal, as this is not part of my mandate today.)
No one has ever questioned these gatherings nor eavesdropped on what takes place at these private places. By the same token, can we therefore draw an adverse inference that this document was authored at someone’s private farm?
Paragraph 12 Issue: Comrade President, we discussed issues around the Land Tenure Implementation Committee and we as a Presidium and Cabinet appointed the Party Chairman, Comrade Muchinguri to lead this process and report back on how best we can approach this but to our shock and disbelief, Kudakwashe Tagwirei is now running with this and reversing the Land Reform Program, completely going against the resolutions we made at the 2022 Congress.
Response: This is not a reversal of the Land Reform programme. This is actually provided for in the country’s Constitution. Previous Party Conference resolutions actually spoke about security of tenure but perhaps because the author was not a member, he is not aware.
Cabinet decisions, including the Land Tenure Programme, are collective decisions. The Executive authority vests in the President and Vice Presidents assist the President.
It is interesting to note how these issues are being raised a year later and well after the members of the Presidium have commenced the personal title deed registration process in compliance with the policy. The fact that this programme has reached the implementation stage demonstrates that the programme was accepted and adopted. The author seems to lack clarity on the implementation Committees and leadership thereof.
The implementation process of the Land Tenure System should not be construed as a reversal of the land reform programme on the basis of the author’s intolerance of an individual who is chairing one of the implementation Committees. For the record, may I state that a previous request to have the Committee present to the Politburo was not heeded.
Paragraph 13 Issue: Furthermore, Comrade President, these criminals have polluted the concept of Affiliates that we set up to support the Party. The clear intentions that we had of how these Affiliates should complement the Party have now been completely hijacked by these criminals, and we are now seeing Affiliates being more resourced and becoming more powerful and influential than our Organs of the Party.
Response: This is further evidence of the denial syndrome I have been referring to throughout the document. The issue of affiliates is under the purview of the Commissariat. The matter was comprehensively presented by the National Commissar, and no one challenged it, resulting in it being adopted by the Politburo. So how can the so-called criminals hijack a process that has been endorsed by the Politburo and is reported in the reports of the National Commissar?
The issue of affiliates is not a new invention of the Second Republic. I have it on record that, as far back as 2008, the army created Party affiliates. The author of the document should desist from discouraging the programme on the basis that it perpetuates a process which he does not subscribe to. The truth of the matter is that there is disdain and anger toward resolution number one (1) by the author, which is apparent throughout the document.
Paragraph 14 Issue: Comrade President, you recall I brought to your attention the treasonous project which has been penned by Jonathan Moyo for our Parliament to implement, the so-called Breaking Barriers Initiative, which is seeking to change our political system and suspend elections to 2035. Not only is this Project treasonous and a huge scandal, and its being done and championed by people like Jonathan Moyo, who we fired from the Party. This Breaking Barriers Initiative has also never been discussed and approved at the Party’s last Congress, nor has it ever been discussed and approved by the Central Committee. We are now watching in shock and disbelief as this project is now being covertly implemented and being funded by these criminals, Kudakwashe Tagwirei, Wicknell Chivhayo, Scott Sakupwanya, and Delish Nguwaya, and their associates.
Response: This is very strange and exposes a lot of covert shenanigans. It is surprising how the writer got hold of the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) document if it was meant for Parliament. This tendency of stalking officials who are carrying out their duties is regrettable.
There is nothing treasonous about improving a political system. This BBI, which is being referred to, is not strange to us, and it’s actually promoting nation building and cohesion as compared to the author’s divisive and inciteful document.
The BBI is an opposition document which was initially brought to my attention by the leader of the opposition in Parliament, Sengezo Tshabangu, in the company of a General Khumalo from the Vice President’s Office. As a Party, we should appreciate the relationship with the opposition, which has been beneficial to us. There is no proof whatsoever that the BBI Project is being funded by the named individuals. It appears the author is more seized with it and would have assisted us by unpacking it further.
Paragraph 15 Issue: Comrade President, tirikuti vanhu ava, Kudakwashe Tagwirei, Wicknell Chivhayo, Scott Sakupwanya, and Delish Nguwaya, and their associates, ngavasungwe, immediately for these unprecedented crimes they have committed.
Response: Again, this is another emotional outburst from someone who is in denial of the 2030 resolution. As I alluded to earlier, there are constitutionally established institutions in terms of our Constitution that are mandated to deal with such issues.
The doctrine of separation of powers, the principle of segregation of duties, and the imperative to prevent abuse of power and authority are fundamental safeguards designed to protect citizens from the overreach of those in positions of leadership.
Paragraph 16 Issue: Tingarambe takatarisa vanhu vachiba more than US$3.2 billion in cash from our state coffers while our people are suffering out there? Even mealie meal is now running out because of maize shortages while we are prioritising paying these criminals, ma hospitals are running out of critical medicines and now the same people who are stealing our assets and resources are now using these resources to hijack power, corrupt our structures and destroy our Party?
Response: I have already stated that one would assume that due process is a given for the author’s level. On what basis would the President order the arrest of citizens without following due process? This is a manifestation of the denial I have already alluded to.
It is not denied that the individuals now referred to as criminals have been funding the Party for the past 20 years. Surprisingly, they have become criminals all of a sudden.
It should be noted that whenever the Party receives funding from donors, the donors do not dictate how the funds are to be utilised. The allocation of these resources remains the sole prerogative of the Party, guided by its priorities and areas of need.
Contrary to this assertion, currently, there are no mealie meal shortages, and the Government is addressing the hospital issue. However, the former Minister of Health and Child Care must clarify the deterioration in the health sector rather than deflecting blame.
The assertion that these resources are being used to hijack power, corrupt our structures, and destroy our Party is unfounded and must be rejected with the contempt it deserves.
Paragraph 17 Issue: Comrade President, the time for silence and inaction is over, and we cannot allow these criminals who have stolen from our Government coffers and our Party to start using the same resources to bribe fellow comrades and our structures to get their support, defend and protect them.
Response: The contents of this paragraph merely recycle what has been stated in earlier parts of the document. The claims are inciteful and part of a trend aimed at destabilisation.
Paragraph 18 Issue: These criminals are not just enriching themselves; they are using their stolen wealth to capture our Party, manipulate state institutions, and compromise key officials. They are creating a parallel power structure funded by the very state they are destroying. This cannot be tolerated for a single day longer.
Response: Again, this is a repetition of earlier allegations without any new evidence. The claims are inciteful and must be dismissed as such.
Paragraph 19 Issue: The time for silence and inaction is over, Comrade President. We, as the Party’s Presidium, have serious issues to immediately deal with that will define our future, and we must immediately prioritise cleaning our house, reclaim our State and our Party from the capture by Kudakwashe Tagwirei, Wicknell Chivhayo, Scott Sakupwanya, and Delish Nguwaya and their associates. We need to reaffirm the sacred principles of the revolution and our legacy, the future of our nation, and the faith of our people depend on the decisive actions we take now.
Response: The contents of paragraphs 17, 18, and 19 are a regurgitation of the information consistently presented throughout the document. These utterances are inciteful and this strong appetite to bring us back to November 2017 should be nipped in the bud, and any such ambitions should be crushed. Any attempt to destabilise or subvert a constitutionally elected Government is treasonous.
Conclusion In light of the foregoing, the document is fundamentally flawed, and its averments lack merit. It should be disregarded for failing to appreciate Party procedures and the Constitution.
At its core, it advocates the unlawful removal of a constitutionally elected President — treasonous by nature.
It undermines the President, the Party and the economy. Reckless utterances have contributed to sanctions and investor flight.
The leaking of this document to hostile media suggests violation of the Official Secrets Act. Its narratives resemble those of detractors bent on undermining sovereignty.
Constructive criticism is welcome, but this document is divisive and inciteful. Its author demonstrates ignorance of democracy and Party supremacy. A reorientation course at the Chitepo School of Ideology may be necessary.
Any attempt to stage a coup — through misrepresentation, incitement or treacherous acts — undermines national stability and unity and must be met with immediate censure.
RAMAPHOSA FUMES: “I’M APPALLED!” PRESIDENT BLASTS DIRTY MONEY MANSION
By BoldTruth Staff
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has unleashed a furious tirade over corruption allegations surrounding Judge Hangwani Maumela, declaring he wants nothing to do with the scandal-hit jurist.
“Do I deal with him? NO. Do I meet him? NO. Do I visit him? NO,” Ramaphosa thundered making it clear he’s washing his hands of Maumela amid a corruption storm shaking South Africa’s judiciary
The President said he’s “appalled” by claims that Maumela’s lavish home was built with money meant for the health sector. “As I walk past that house, I know it was built with funds that should’ve helped our people,” he said, visibly angry.
Ramaphosa praised the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) for taking swift action, vowing that no one not even a judge is above the law in the fight against graft.
ZIMBABWE IN TURMOIL: OPPOSITION LEADER DEMANDS ‘TRUTH FIRST’ AS ZANU PF WAR ERUPTS
Zimbabwe’s main opposition leader has called for “a lasting solution built on truth”, warning that the country’s crisis cannot be fixed without confronting the “stolen 2023 election.”
In a fiery statement, the opposition chief said, “Anything that does not address the 2023 stolen election is a fraud and a waste of time. Corruption, capture, and suffering, they’re symptoms of a disputed mandate. Let’s treat the cause, not the symptoms. We are the solution.”
His comments come amid mounting chaos within the ruling ZANU PF, where reports suggest Vice President Constantino Chiwenga is positioning himself to succeed President Emmerson Mnangagwa, but faces fierce resistance from billionaire ally Kudakwashe Tagwirei.
With tensions rising both inside and outside government, Zimbabwe teeters on the edge , trapped between a deepening power struggle and a growing call for democratic renewal.
Zimbabwe Demands Healthcare For Its Citizens Abroad A senior Zimbabwean official has branded the denial of healthcare to Zimbabwean nationals in South Africa as “inhumane.” The comments were made in Parliament, highlighting a growing crisis for migrants. The Deputy Minister of Health stated that Zimbabweans are significant contributors to the South African economy and deserve access to medical treatment.
This situation is unfolding against a backdrop of heightened anti-immigrant sentiment, with groups like Operation Dudula actively blocking foreign nationals from entering clinics. Medical humanitarian organisations have confirmed the alarming trend, revealing that vulnerable patients are being turned away, leaving them in a state of fear and without critical medication.
“Health Is Key To Everyone”: Deputy Minister’s Plea The issue was thrust into the spotlight during a parliamentary session in Harare on Wednesday, 8 October 2025. Responding to a question from Hon. L. Ncube, the Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care, Hon. Sleiman Kwidini, expressed his profound concern. He addressed the reports of Zimbabweans being denied access to hospitals and clinics in South Africa.
“In humanity cases, if someone is sick in any way, there is no way one can be denied access to health because health is key to everyone,” Hon. Kwidini told the National Assembly.
He directly linked the problem to the actions of groups like Operation Dudula, describing their behaviour as a form of xenophobic attack. The Deputy Minister firmly rejected the notion that migrants are a drain on South Africa, instead pointing to their positive economic role.
“Most of these foreign nationals, especially ours, are growing the South African economy by providing services. It is an issue that needs to be looked into in a holistic approach between the governments so that no one is denied access to healthcare services,” he said.
When questioned about existing bilateral agreements, Hon. Kwidini noted that some Zimbabwean medical aid schemes do permit treatment in South Africa. However, he acknowledged the immense challenges faced by unregistered migrants, stating:
“Patients who are facing challenges abroad, they are not registered in that country and they are not welcome in those countries with proper paperwork and documentation.”
“They Should Pay”: Operation Dudula Fires Back Kwidini’s comments in Parliament came almost a month after Operation Dudula leader Zandile Dabula spoke to IOL. On 8 September 2025, Dabula dismissed criticism from Zimbabwe’s ruling party, Zanu-PF, and placed the blame for migration on Zimbabwe’s leadership.
“They should focus on fixing their country, Zimbabwe,” Dabula said. “That is why the very same Zimbabweans are fleeing to South Africa, to take up our spaces.”
She clarified that her movement is not advocating for a complete denial of medical care. Instead, she insisted that foreign nationals must pay for the services they use.
“We are not saying they shouldn’t get medical treatment, we are saying they should go to public facilities and pay for it, or rather go to private facilities because these people are working – that is what they always claim,” she said.
Dabula also accused Zanu-PF of having a “problematic” relationship with South Africa’s ruling ANC, warning that it could lead South Africa down a similar path of decline.
“Highly Distressing And Unacceptable”: MSF Reports Widespread Blockages In a press release dated 7 August 2025, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) reported “persistent and systematic physical blocking of non-South Africans from accessing healthcare” in parts of Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. MSF teams said patients were being turned away from more than half of the facilities they visited, sometimes with security staff working in collusion with anti-migrant groups.
One patient, Thando, a high-risk pregnant woman, told MSF she was forced out of a hospital queue in Gauteng:
“He waved it, walking around and showing us. He said that if any of us didn’t have something like what he was holding, or if a passport didn’t have a permit, we should start getting out. The nurses were there, and they started laughing, supporting him.”
HARARE – The General Chiwenga Voluntary Supporters Association (GCVSA) has issued a dramatic public alert alleging a plot to assassinate Vice President Constantino Chiwenga and his wife, Colonel Miniyothabo Baloyi, calling on war veterans, youth brigades, and patriotic citizens to mobilise in defence of the Vice President.
In a statement released ahead of planned demonstrations on 17 and 18 October, the association claimed that “treasonous forces” linked to a corrupt cartel are orchestrating a midnight strike dubbed Operation Venom Strike, aimed at silencing Chiwenga’s anti-corruption crusade.
“The fight is no longer abstract – it is a matter of life and death for the only man who dared stand between the thieves and your future,” the statement reads.
The group alleges that Chiwenga recently presented evidence to the High Command exposing a US$3.2 billion corruption scandal, involving funds allegedly diverted from schools, hospitals, and national development programs.
“This money, meant for national restoration, was diverted to buy loyalty and prop up a failing regime built on patronage and corruption,” the association claimed.
Mobilisation Plans and Ultimatum
The GCVSA has called for mass action beginning 17 October, with a full-scale occupation of State House planned for 18 October, demanding the resignation of what it describes as a “disgraced, corrupt, and illegitimate administration.”
“Every loyal patriot will converge on the State House and occupy that ground until the administration resigns. This is the people’s final ultimatum,” the group declared.
The statement also referenced Comrade Blessed Geza’s tactical call, framing the mobilisation as a “People’s Protective Advance” and warning that any attempt to harm Chiwenga would provoke nationwide resistance.
Anti-Corruption Mandate and Political Tensions
The association described Chiwenga as the “Architect of the Second Republic’s Birth,” and accused unnamed political actors of attempting to erase his contributions to Operation Restore Legacy in 2017.
“Without the General, the anti-corruption mandate collapses. We will defend it with every fibre of our being,” the statement concluded.
The allegations and mobilisation call come amid heightened political tensions within ZANU PF and growing public scrutiny over corruption and factionalism.
HARARE – President Emmerson Mnangagwa has been warned against violating the Constitution by seeking to extend his term of office to 2030, a move critics say would undermine Zimbabwe’s democratic foundations.
The warning came from a popular opinion writer known as Patriotic Papa JC, who likened the Constitution to a binding “cult agreement” that cannot be altered at will.
“Mnangagwa must know that by taking oath, he was joining a Zimbabwean constitutional cult. You don’t walk out of a cult so simply. You don’t change the cult’s rules and oath at will,” he posted.
He argued that the Constitution clearly limits the presidency to two five-year terms, and any attempt to amend it for personal gain would set a dangerous precedent.
“2028 – Mnangagwa screaming, wailing, laughing or jumping – he must relinquish power and elections must be held,” he added.
The remarks come amid growing speculation about internal ZANU PF dynamics and possible constitutional amendments ahead of the 2028 election cycle.
Zimbabweans have been urged to take to the streets on Friday in protest against President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his allies by war veteran Blessed Geza, who is reportedly aligned with Vice President General Constantino Chiwenga.
My view is that unless the army and its soldiers themselves take to the streets, there will be no protest at all.
Zimbabweans still carry the dark memories of what happened on the 1st of August 2018, when unarmed citizens were gunned down by the military using live ammunition.
I remember saying at the time that this brutal act would have long-term repercussions until someone had the courage to break that cycle.
Since that tragic day in August 2018, nothing has changed. In fact, in January 2019, more Zimbabweans were killed during protests against a fuel price hike after the government shut down the internet.
So I view Friday’s call for protests as more of an intention or a wish to be in the streets, rather than a realistic expectation. My analytical lens tells me that there will be no significant turnout unless the soldiers themselves provide a guarantee of safety by joining or protecting the demonstrators.
There is also the issue of police clearance, which ZANU-PF has always used as a tool to suppress dissent. Protests in Zimbabwe are rarely allowed to happen unless the police give the green light, which is unconstitutional.
Ironically, some of the very people who once supported such repression are now victims of the same system, caught in the middle of ZANU-PF’s internal factional battles.
So, we wait to see what happens on Friday. But based on history and the political climate, my view remains that nothing significant will occur unless the military is involved. Friday will likely pass as just another ordinary day in Zimbabwe.
Unless the soldiers themselves take to the streets, Friday’s protest will remain a wish, not a revolution.
As I have said over the past six months, Vice President Chiwenga’s path to the presidency has been politically sealed.
The only remaining avenue for him to revive even the faintest hope of succeeding Mnangagwa lies within the military. If the army does not intervene, his presidential ambitions are effectively over.
Time and time again, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared that he is a constitutionalist, a man who upholds the rule of law and respects the will of the people as enshrined in the Constitution of Zimbabwe. He has constantly emphasised that his leadership is guided by constitutional principles and democratic values.
However, the current attempts by Daniel Gware and his crew to push for constitutional manipulation, aimed at extending the presidential term beyond what the law allows are in direct contradiction to everything the President has stood for. It is concerning that individuals within the ruling party appear determined to pressure the Head of State into breaking the very law he helped craft and swore to defend.
Zimbabwe’s Constitution is not just a document of convenience, it is the supreme law of the land, a product of the people’s will and a symbol of their hope for accountable governance. Any effort to tamper with its provisions for political gain undermines the integrity of our democracy and betrays the trust of the citizens who voted for it.
Now, as the ZANU PF 22nd Annual National People’s Conference is just hours away, the moment of truth has arrived. This conference presents President Mnangagwa with the perfect opportunity to reaffirm his commitment to the Constitution and silence those who are advocating for unconstitutional amendments.
True leadership is measured not by how much power one can accumulate, but by how faithfully one can protect the institutions that safeguard the people’s rights and freedoms. The President must use this platform to decisively put this matter to rest and demonstrate to Zimbabwe and to the world that he remains a leader of principle, integrity and constitutional fidelity.
“This Is the Right Moment”: Bafana Bafana Coach Hugo Broos Speaks on His Retirement
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has revealed that he will retire from football after leading South Africa to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 73-year-old Belgian tactician said the tournament — to be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada — will mark the end of his illustrious coaching career.
A Sentimental Farewell for Broos Speaking to media after Bafana Bafana’s emphatic 3–0 win over Rwanda, which sealed their place at the World Cup, Broos said the decision was deeply personal and symbolic.
“This is really a fantastic evening for everyone.I hoped, maybe even more than every player, that we would go to America. For me, it’s sentimental. I was already at a World Cup as a player at the end of my career, and now I do it again as a coach,” he said.
‘The Right Moment to Stop My Career’ Broos added that after more than four decades in football, he feels it is time to spend more time with his loved ones.
“I think this is the right moment – after the World Cup next year – to stop my career, go to my family, and enjoy the next 20 years with my grandchildren and my children. But first of all, there is still some work to do, and we will try to do it well. Thank you.”
Transforming Bafana Bafana into Contenders Since taking charge of South Africa in 2021 following the dismissal of Molefi Ntseki, Broos has overseen one of the most remarkable turnarounds in recent national team history.
Under his guidance, Bafana Bafana secured a bronze medal at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast — their best finish in over two decades.
He has since qualified the team for the upcoming AFCON in Morocco and, most recently, for the 2026 World Cup — their first appearance on football’s biggest stage in 16 years.
Revealed: 30 Zimbabweans and Six Malawians Among 43 Killed in Limpopo Bus Crash
The identification of victims from the deadly bus accident in Limpopo has confirmed that 30 Zimbabweans and six Malawians were among the 43 people who lost their lives.
Officials from Zimbabwe and Malawi are working closely with South African authorities and families to complete the painstaking process, which involves fingerprint verification, photographs, and on-site family participation.
Families Travel to South Africa for Identification According to B-Metro, the ongoing identification process is being jointly overseen by officials from Zimbabwe and Malawi, working closely with South African authorities and families of the victims.
Civil Protection Unit (CPU) Deputy Director for Response and Coordination, Veronica Bare, confirmed that a delegation is en route to South Africa with relatives of the deceased to assist in the identification process.
“We are on our way to South Africa with relatives of the deceased who will help us in the identification process. We will also pick up more family members in Masvingo and Beitbridge,” said Bare.
Bodies to Be Repatriated After Post-Mortems Bare explained that Doves Funeral Services has been contracted to repatriate the remains of the victims once the post-mortem examinations and all necessary paperwork have been finalised.
“For now, the process of identification is ongoing. Doves Funeral Services is on standby to collect the bodies once post-mortems are completed. The bodies will be transported to their final destinations,” she said.
She further noted that several relatives had already travelled to Makhado, where fingerprint verification systems and photographs are being used by South African officials to identify the victims.
Government Assisting Bereaved Families The Ministry of Local Government spokesperson, Gabriel Masvora, stated that the Zimbabwean Government will continue providing State assistance to affected families until all victims have been laid to rest.
“So far, about 15 people have come through our Disaster Management Centre and left for South Africa. We mobilised a bus to ferry them, while some relatives already in South Africa are assisting in the identification process,” said Masvora.
He also said efforts were underway to help those without travel documents.
“For those without travel documents, we are liaising with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and South African authorities to ensure they can cross the border and identify their loved ones.”
Dr Kudakwashe Regimond Tagwirei, one of Zimbabwe’s most influential businessmen, has officially entered the political arena. Known for his leadership of Sakunda Holdings, Tagwirei has long played a major role in shaping Zimbabwe’s business landscape.
His ventures have supported key national sectors, from energy to agriculture. Over the years, his name has been synonymous with power, success, and influence. Recently, Tagwirei has shown growing interest in politics, supporting ZANU-PF’s economic vision.
His appointment to the party’s Central Committee marks a bold new chapter. With his business acumen and national experience, Tagwirei’s move could reshape both political and economic strategies.
Dr Kudakwashe Regimond Tagwirei is now an official member of the Zanu-PF central committee.
The CC is the Zanu-PF 's highest decision-making body. Yet the Politburo is just a committee that is selected by the First sec from the CC to help in the running of various portfolios pic.twitter.com/NhwFS5KgKQ
Kuda Tagwirei Secures a Powerful Seat in ZANU-PF’s Central Committee At the ongoing ZANU-PF Conference in Mutare, Dr Kuda Tagwirei was officially confirmed as a member of the Central Committee.
@cozwva shared the news on X “Dr Kudakwashe Regimond Tagwirei is now an official member of the Zanu-PF central committee. The CC is the Zanu-PF ‘s highest decision-making body. Yet the Politburo is just a committee that is selected by the First sec from the CC to help in the running of various portfolios”.
The Central Committee is the party’s highest decision-making body, responsible for shaping key policies and guiding national direction. It oversees the party’s long-term strategies and provides leadership on major national issues. From this influential position, Tagwirei joins the ranks of Zimbabwe’s most powerful policymakers. His business success story could bring new energy and innovative thinking to the committee.
His expertise in finance and infrastructure may strengthen ZANU-PF’s economic agenda. Moreover, his deep connections within the private sector could enhance collaboration between government and industry. As a Central Committee member, Tagwirei is expected to promote practical solutions for national development. His transition from business mogul to political powerhouse signals a dynamic fusion of entrepreneurship and governance in Zimbabwe.
No woman truly loves her husband; not even my own wife’ – Counsellor Lutterodt claims
By: Pulse Ghana
Controversial Ghanaian marriage counsellor, George Lutterodt, has sparked fresh debate with his latest remarks claiming that “no woman truly loves her husband, not even my own wife.”
During a discussion on marital dynamics, Lutterodt argued that many women mistakenly believe that being protective of their husbands equates to love.
According to him, such behaviour undermines masculinity rather than expressing genuine affection.
Lutterodt went on to explain that the only woman with authority over a man should be his mother, not his wife. “One of the people who can order you around as a man is your mother. Any man who gets married never wants to live with his mother again,” he said.
The outspoken counsellor further claimed that women who constantly follow their husbands everywhere, under the guise of love, take on the role of a “mother figure”, something he believes damages a man’s sense of independence.
BREAKING: Fuel Tycoon Tagwirei Muscles His Way Into Zanu PF Power Circle!
By BoldTruth Staff
Controversial businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei, the powerful boss of Sakunda Holdings, has finally clinched a coveted seat in the Zanu PF Central Committee ending weeks of behind-the-scenes political wrangling. Party insiders say his nomination was pushed through today, despite fierce resistance from Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, who had reportedly tried to block the move.
Tagwirei, long seen as one of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s closest allies, has been dogged by allegations of using his business empire to bankroll ruling party activities and wield influence in government circles.
His entry into the Central Committee Zanu PF’s key decision-making body is being interpreted by analysts as a major power play, fuelling speculation that the fuel mogul may be eyeing the presidency in the future.
As one senior party insider put it, “Tagwirei’s rise isn’t just about business it’s about power.”
Sinawo Thambo apologizes to Kenny Kunene following legal threat
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) spokesperson Sinawo Thambo has issued a public apology to Patriotic Alliance (PA) deputy president Kenny Kunene and retracted a series of social media posts that had sparked controversy.
The dispute began when Thambo, between October 8 and 10, 2025, shared posts on X (formerly Twitter) alleging that Kunene had paid R400,000 bail for Katiso “KT” Molefe, a suspect linked to the 2022 murder of DJ Sumbody. Thambo further claimed that Kunene was involved in irregular Rea Vaya bus tender dealings.
Kunene’s legal team swiftly responded with a five-page letter dated October 11, demanding that Thambo retract the posts and issue a public apology within 48 hours. The letter described Thambo’s statements as “defamatory, malicious, and unsubstantiated,” asserting that they were intended to damage Kunene’s reputation and public standing.
On October 14, Thambo complied by deleting the posts and posting a brief apology on X, “I withdraw posts made on 8 and 10 October 2025 about Mr Kenny Kunene and apologise for any harm caused. Ends.”
The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between the EFF and the PA, with both parties engaged in a broader political rivalry.
As of now, Kunene has not publicly commented on the apology, but sources close to him indicate satisfaction with the retraction.
Document with three different Ramaphosa IDs sent to KZN Hawks head by Matlala
Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, an attempted murder accused and businessman, allegedly sent a document containing three different identity numbers linked to President Cyril Ramaphosa to KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head Major-General Lesetja Senona. The document, titled “Memo Biz Traces to April 2020,” was reportedly shared via WhatsApp on April 13, 2025.
The revelation emerged during testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, where Witness X detailed the close relationship between Matlala and Senona.
Evidence before the commission shows that Matlala’s company, Medicare24, had financial dealings involving senior police officials, while Senona allegedly assisted Matlala in disputes over cancelled state contracts.
The Madlanga Commission continues to probe the depth of these links and their impact on institutional integrity within the South African Police Service.
BREAKING: ZIM COUP STORM! 🔥 MNANGAGWA ACCUSES CHIWENGA OF TREASON IN EXPLOSIVE ZANU PF SHOWDOWN
By BoldTruth Staff
Zimbabwe’s ruling party was rocked by a political earthquake in Harare yesterday as President Emmerson Mnangagwa launched a ferocious attack on his deputy, Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga, accusing him of treason and warning against a coup plot.
In a tense ZANU PF politburo meeting, Mnangagwa, through Legal Affairs Secretary Ziyambi Ziyambi, unleashed a scathing tirade on Chiwenga, branding his recent internal memo “treasonous” and “a threat to national stability.” The blistering confrontation comes amid a deepening succession war tearing the ruling party apart ahead of its annual conference in Mutare, where Mnangagwa’s allies are pushing to extend his rule beyond 2028, possibly to 2030 or beyond.
Chiwenga, who helped Mnangagwa seize power in the 2017 military coup that toppled Robert Mugabe, now finds himself accused of plotting the same. Party insiders say the Mutare conference could decide Zimbabwe’s political future, as the fight for power reaches a dangerous boiling point.
Survivors Describe Terrifying Moments Leading up to Deadly Limpopo Bus Accident
The driver of a bus that plunged off a mountainous stretch of the N1 near Louis Trichardt, Limpopo, had been speeding and narrowly escaped a head-on collision moments before the tragic accident that claimed 43 lives.
Survivors described a terrifying journey filled with panic, overcrowding, and mechanical concerns that culminated in the deadly crash.
Passengers Recall Driver’s Reckless Speed Survivors described terrifying moments leading up to the crash. Speaking to The Sowetan, Chaoma Mukondiona, 25, from Mashonaland in Zimbabwe, said the bus was speeding dangerously and narrowly avoided a head-on collision shortly before the accident.
“I saw it with my own eyes. The bus was travelling at high speed, and he was getting into a head-on collision but managed to control the bus,” Mukondiona said.
Passengers reportedly scolded the driver after the near-collision.
“You must drive carefully, we don’t want trouble,” they shouted.
Mukondiona, who boarded the bus in East London, said he had no choice but to sleep on the aisle floor due to overcrowding.
“The last thing I remember before falling asleep was that the bus was travelling at high speed. Then I woke up in hospital. I was terrified.”
Overcrowding and Mechanical Concerns The bus was reportedly overloaded with passengers and a trailer, raising safety concerns before the journey even began.
Willard Suweni, a passenger from Machinga, Malawi, said the two drivers had complained about faulty brakes earlier in the trip and discussed removing the trailer, but it remained on board.
“After a smoother ride earlier in the journey, everything changed in Bloemfontein as the driver started ‘overspeeding’,” Suweni said.
He recalled a particularly dangerous bend in Limpopo that left passengers in stunned silence.
“No one could talk at that point.”
Chaos Inside the Bus Suweni described how the overloaded bus and trailer made steering difficult, ultimately leading to the loss of control and the fatal overturning.
“Before the bus overturned, a lot of screaming and children crying filled the bus.”
Mukondiona expressed gratitude for surviving while many others perished.
“It is a miracle to be found alive while others died. My God is with me,” he said.
Breaking: Another Day, Another Suspension! Spy Watchdog Gets Watched Right Back
President Ramaphosa has pulled the trigger and suspended the Inspector-General of Intelligence, a Mr. Imtiaz Fazel. Yes, the person whose entire job is to keep an eye on the spies just got officially benched. You literally cannot make this stuff up.
Apparently, Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence (JSCI)—which sounds exactly like the kind of committee that meets in a dimly lit, windowless room—received a “complaint” about Fazel’s “conduct.” And because our country’s internal affairs run on procedural quicksand, they’re launching an investigation. The President is just following the rules, you see. Section 7(5) of the Spy Act says if the watchdog is being investigated, the President can hit the pause button. So, click. He’s suspended, effective immediately.
Honestly, the only takeaway for a regular person is this: the guy who was supposed to be the ultimate clean-up crew in the murky world of intelligence is now under the microscope himself. It’s the most perfectly South African plot twist possible.
The people checking the spooks need to be checked themselves. It’s like a spy-ception of disappointment. Who is left to watch the watchers when the watcher is busy being watched? It’s all just another perfectly timed distraction from, well, everything else. Sleep well knowing our intelligence oversight is currently in a state of indefinite ‘maybe’!
BREAKING NEWS: LUNGU FAMILY GIVES AN UPDATE ON STALLED NEGOTIATIONS WITH GOVERNMENT
By Brian Matambo, Sandton, South Africa
15 October 2025
In a strongly worded statement delivered by Hon. Makebi Zulu, spokesperson for the Lungu family, startling revelations have surfaced accusing the Zambian government of interference and deceit in the ongoing burial dispute of the late former president Edgar Chagwa Lungu.
The family says that despite an agreement for mediation announced on 5 September 2025, the government secretly engaged in clandestine operations while pretending to act in good faith. Among the most alarming incidents was the hiring of a private investigator and plain-clothed police officers who allegedly tried to access the South African morgue where the late president’s body is kept.
According to internal morgue records, the investigator claimed to have been appointed by the Zambian government and sought to perform a post-mortem based on unverified social media rumours suggesting poisoning. The morgue refused the request, citing a court order preventing the release of the body.
When questioned by the family, Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa reportedly denied knowledge of the incident and refused to issue a written statement clearing the government of involvement, a move the family says deepened their mistrust.
In another twist, a group calling itself the Progressive Forces of South Africa filed a police report alleging President Lungu was murdered. The family has described the group as a front used to smear and vilify the late president, pointing to its past actions supporting the Zambian government in court proceedings.
The statement also condemned online attacks against Archbishop Alick Banda, the family’s chosen mediator, accusing government-linked individuals of spreading falsehoods that have delayed mediation talks.
Despite the provocations, Hon. Makebi Zulu affirmed that the Lungu family remains steadfast in ensuring that the late president is laid to rest with dignity, in accordance with his wishes.
“This darkest hour will pass,” the statement concluded. “We will not allow dignity to be buried alongside President Lungu.”
FORMER PF secretary general Davis Mwila is blaming his party for the chaos and wrangles that have erupted in the Tonse Alliance.
Mwila insists that the confusion in the alliance are a result of failure by the PF top rank leadership to coordinate and speak one voice.
According to a Daily Revelation, Mwila explained that once the PF elects a leader the confusions will be no more, as it provided in the tonse rules of engagement that the anchor party shall provide a presidential candidate that will be chairman of tonse.
“So it is the PF that is holding on to this, once PF selects a leader there will be no confusion in Tonse,” Mwila was quoted.
He stated that the party needs a strong person and good leader, and they are on course to choose a leader for themselves.
Mwila added that the party needed a good candidate who will manage to face President Hakainde Hichilema in the coming elections.
“2026 elections will be interesting as PF is facing people that have failed to work and fulfil their promises.”
“So that will be the basis of our campaign, and telling the Zambian people what we intend to do,” stated the former PF SG.
Lubinda-Mundubile relationship far from confrontational “We even have coffee at 23 hrs”
PF presidential aspiring candidate Brian Mundubile has dismissed ongoing speculation of a power struggle between himself and acting party president Given Lubinda, describing their relationship as warm, respectful and far from confrontational.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1D8Gzsyk1Y/
Contrary to public perception, Mundubile said the two share a brotherly bond and regularly meet informally, sometimes as late as 23:00 hours to discuss party matters over coffee.
Mundubile was speaking when he addressed the media in Lusaka this morning.
“Given Lubinda is my big brother, I enjoy a very good relationship with him. If he calls me at 23 hours to his house for a meeting, I immediately drive there, and we sit down, have coffee and chat,” Mundubile said.
Mundubile stressed that competition of who will be the party president should not be mistaken for division.
“There is no squabble or fight whatsover between me and honourable Lubinda. He remains my big brother and the acting president of the PF. For those hoping to see a spark or conflict in our relationship, it simply doesn’t exist,” he said.
He added that the race of PF presidency has not created hostility among candidates.
Behind the scenes, he said, aspirants continue to engage and maintain cordial relations.
“Those of us competing for the presidential postion in the party are not enemies. We even have lunch or drinks together almost everyday. What you see behind closed doors is unity and mutual respect,” stated Mundubile.
Mundubile also emphasised that while intra-party disagreements may arise in both the PF and Tonse Alliance, they should not distract leaders from addressing the pressing needs of ordinary citizens.
If rebranded with mature leadership, PF can still win 2026 general elections – Zumani
FORMER presidential adviser Zumani Zimba says main controversy in the Tonse Alliance revolves around what some have called the ‘expanded council of leaders’ list.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1HftyTP9Xj/
The list has faced criticism and is being labeled as fake by some PF members.
However, Zimba assured that the authentic list of PF delegates for the alliance general congress was officially approved and signed by former president Edgar Lungu, encompassing 108 delegates made up of party officials, members of parliament and other members.
Appearing on Prime TV’s Oxygen programme two days ago, Zimba revealed that the list is currently with PF secretary general Raphael Nakacinda, and wondered why it has not yet been shared with PF members despite being signed in January this year.
He warned that if Nakacinda does not release the list, confusion will continue.
“The Tonse Alliance general congress, set for November 29, was planned by President Lungu before he left for South Africa, with 108 delegates officially appointed to represent PF,” he said.
“The disputed expanded council list includes mostly the same people on the official list, making the claims of it being fake unfounded.”
Zumani also clarified that the alliance constitution does not have a Secretary General position, as president Lungu opposed its creation.
Instead, he stated, the alliance is led by a national coordinator who heads the secretariat.
“Nakacinda was appointed alliance secretary general by resolution, not under the constitution,” added Zimba.
Zimba further described the disagreements as temporary and expressed hope that they will be resolved soon.
He also expressed confidence that PF, if rebranded with mature leadership can still clinch victory in the upcoming general elections.
“STOP CELEBRATING FAILURE WHILE ZAMBIANS SUFFER!” – NJOBVU URGES UPND
Democratic Union (DU) President Ackim Antony Njobvu has launched a strong attack on the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND), accusing the government of arrogance and insensitivity to the economic struggles facing ordinary Zambians.
Reacting to recent remarks by a Cabinet Minister urging citizens to “learn to appreciate” the government’s performance, Njobvu said it was “painful and insulting” for leaders to expect gratitude while the majority of Zambians are enduring rising costs of living and worsening poverty.
“It is very unfortunate that this outgoing government wants the Zambian people to celebrate suffering,” Njobvu said in a statement. “What is there to appreciate when the cost of living is still unbearable for most of our people?”
He criticized the government for what he described as misplaced priorities and self-congratulation, arguing that while “their pockets are full,” ordinary citizens continue to struggle to afford basic necessities.
“All they have done is mess up the country, taking us two steps backwards,” Njobvu charged. “People are tired of the UPND and have given up on it. It’s like the country is under a spell of poverty.”
The opposition leader accused UPND officials of being out of touch with the realities facing citizens, saying their rhetoric reflects a leadership that “lives in a different country than the rest of us.”
In a rallying call ahead of the 2026 general elections, Njobvu urged Zambians to register as voters in large numbers and “retire the current administration via the ballot box.”
“Friends, 2026 is just around the corner,” he said. “Go and register as voters in masses and ensure that we retire these failures via the ballot box next year – kwamana.”
While the government has maintained that it inherited a fragile economy and is making progress through fiscal reforms and debt restructuring, critics argue that the impact on the ground remains negligible.
As the nation approaches the celebrations of our 59th Independence Anniversary on October 24, 2024, I wish to bring to your attention a pressing matter that requires urgent resolution. The protracted negotiations between the government and the family of the late former President Edgar Lungu over his burial arrangements have lingered for far too long.
With the former President’s body still in the mortuary, it is imperative that we find a lasting solution to this impasse. As you are aware, celebrating our independence while a former head of state lies in the mortuary would be a somber reminder of our unfinished business.
In light of this, I humbly request that your administration expedites the negotiations with the Lungu family to ensure a dignified burial for the former President. The government has already demonstrated its willingness to engage with the family, and it is essential that we build on this momentum.
By resolving this matter amicably, we can pave the way for the family to lay their loved one to rest, allowing the nation to heal and move forward. Moreover, a swift resolution would enable us to commemorate our independence with the dignity and joy that it deserves.
I urge you, Mr. President, to consider the humanitarian aspect of this matter and the impact it has on the nation. Your leadership and statesmanship in resolving this impasse would be a testament to your commitment to the welfare of all Zambians.
Thank you for your attention to this pressing matter.
⬆️ Economist Praises Zambia’s Fiscal Stabilization Under Hichilema but Warns of Growth Challenges Ahead
Zambian economist Dr. Lubinda Haabazoka has offered a measured assessment of President Hakainde Hichilema’s four-year economic record, noting significant progress in restoring fiscal stability and international credibility but warning that the challenge ahead lies in ensuring broad-based and inclusive growth.
In his analysis titled “Zambia’s Economic Performance Under President Hakainde Hichilema: An Economist’s Assessment,” Dr. Haabazoka highlights the government’s success in stabilizing key macroeconomic indicators following a period of debt distress and fiscal imbalance. He observes that the administration inherited “a difficult macroeconomic environment marked by unsustainable debt, high inflation, currency volatility, and declining investor confidence” when it took office in August 2021.
A major milestone, he notes, was the debt restructuring agreement reached with both bilateral and private creditors under the IMF and G20 Common Framework between 2023 and 2024. This process provided fiscal breathing space, reduced interest costs, and allowed greater investment in social and capital projects. Dr. Haabazoka compares this to the HIPC completion point of 2005, when Zambia last saw significant debt relief that spurred growth.
On macroeconomic stabilization, the economist points to encouraging trends, including inflation falling from above 20 percent in 2021 to single digits in 2024 and 2025. Fiscal discipline, improved transparency, and tighter expenditure controls have reinforced macroeconomic confidence, though food inflation and low domestic revenue collection remain structural pressures.
Haabazoka also cites modest but resilient economic growth, driven by renewed investor interest in copper and critical minerals essential for the global energy transition. He commends the government’s focus on long-term investment and value addition in mining, while cautioning that agriculture and energy reforms must accelerate to mitigate climate-related shocks and recurring power shortages.
On the social front, Haabazoka acknowledges improvements in education and health, including free education, mass recruitment of teachers and health workers, and increased budgetary allocations. However, he stresses that maintaining fiscal sustainability will depend on efficient delivery and targeted spending.
The economist further notes that investor confidence has improved, reflected in higher activity on the Lusaka Securities Exchange and renewed foreign interest in sectors such as agriculture, ICT, and renewable energy. Yet, he warns that small and medium enterprises still face limited access to affordable finance, which constrains local business growth.
Dr. Haabazoka concludes that Zambia is in a “transition phase.” The government’s success in restoring credibility and stabilizing the macroeconomy has laid the groundwork for recovery, but lasting prosperity will depend on structural transformation and inclusive growth.
“President Hichilema’s economic management has been marked by the restoration of credibility, stabilization of key indicators, and improved investor confidence,” Haabazoka writes. “The challenge now lies in translating these gains into broad-based, inclusive growth.”
Politician and businessman Mubita Nawa is mourning the death of his son, Pumulo Charles Nawa, who passed away in Florida, United States, after a short illness.
Pumulo, a 25-year-old pilot based in the U.S., died at Memorial Hospital in Florida.
In a statement shared on his official Facebook page, Mr. Nawa described the loss as a devastating blow to his family and appealed for prayers during this difficult time.
“This loss comes as a great blow to the family and we kindly ask that you keep them in your prayers during this deeply painful time. Death is never something one can be fully prepared for and as many of you know, moments like these call for us to hold one another closely in spirit,” the statement read.
He further urged the public to respect the family’s privacy as they grieve and come to terms with the tragic loss.
“Your unwavering love, prayers, and consideration are sincerely appreciated,” he added.
HARARE – President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his lieutenants accused his deputy, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, of attempting to “undermine a constitutionally elected government” and “incite despondency” after Chiwenga tabled a searing 17-page dossier before the Zanu PF politburo on September 17 accusing the president of presiding over “corruption, capture and betrayal” of the ideals of the 2017 coup.
Malawi to buy 200,000 tonnes of maize from Zambia amid looming food shortage
By: Malawi24 Zambia has pledged to supply 200,000 metric tonnes of maize to Malawi following a request from President Arthur Peter Mutharika, in a move aimed at cushioning the country’s looming food crisis.
A recent report by the Malawi Vulnerability Assessment Committee (MVAC) estimates that about four million Malawians will not have enough food to last them through the 2025/26 hunger season.
Speaking at a public event in Lusaka, Hichilema confirmed the bilateral agreement, saying Zambia has enough surplus maize following a strong recovery from last season’s drought and is ready to support Malawi in its time of need.
“After the drought, we have surplus food. I am pleased to say to you that last night my brother, the new president of the Republic of Malawi, called me and said, ‘HH, please keep 200,000 metric tonnes of maize for us.’ And we will do it with pleasure. Thank you to our fathers. For us, it will be money,” said Hichilema.
Recently, the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs for Malawi, Joseph Mwanamveka, told the local media that the 200,000 metric tons of maize expected to be purchased is valued at about K387 billion.
The grain deal is expected to help replenish the National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) stocks and stabilize food prices in local markets as the country prepares for the hunger season. #SunFmTvNews
MALAWI’S PRESIDENT MUTHARIKA DELEGATES FORMER PRESIDENT JOYCE BANDA TO LEAD SADC PEACE MISSION TO MADAGASCAR
By: Malawi24
Malawi’s President Arthur Peter Mutharika, in his capacity as Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, has delegated former President Joyce Banda to lead a panel of elders to Madagascar in a bid to help restore political stability in the island nation.
In a statement released today by the SADC Secretariat, Banda and the panel of elders are expected to engage with officials from the Government of Madagascar and other key national stakeholders this week to de-escalate tensions and foster an environment conducive to dialogue.
President Mutharika expressed grave concern over the recent political and security developments in Madagascar, following reports of a coup d’état, which he said poses a serious threat to peace, stability, and constitutional order in the country.
On her part, Banda has urged all stakeholders in Madagascar to remain hopeful, expressing confidence that the fact-finding mission will pave the way for the restoration of peace and stability through inclusive and lasting solutions that address the root causes of the crisis.
Earlier this week, the BBC reported that President Andry Rajoelina had dissolved Parliament in an attempt to block an impeachment process initiated by the opposition. Speaking from an undisclosed location, Rajoelina confirmed that he had fled the country for his own safety. #SunFmTvNews
Zimbabwe’s deepening power struggle has erupted into open confrontation after Justice Minister and ZANU-PF Secretary for Legal Affairs, Cde Ziyambi Ziyambi, formally accused Vice President Constantino Chiwenga of acts tantamount to treason in a blistering 25-page memorandum delivered to President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the ruling party’s Politburo.
In the explosive response, dated 17 September 2025, Ziyambi directly rebukes a confidential document authored and presented by Chiwenga to the President, describing it as “fundamentally flawed, inciteful, and treasonous.” The minister accuses the Vice President of attempting to “undermine a constitutionally elected President” and of “rekindling the appetite to return Zimbabwe to November 2017.”
The Justice Minister warns that Chiwenga’s memo — which demanded the arrest of businessmen Kudakwashe Tagwirei, Wicknell Chivhayo, Scott Sakupwanya, and Delish Nguwaya over alleged multi-billion-dollar corruption — was part of a “covert agenda to destabilise Government and subvert constitutional order.” He adds that such conduct “should be crushed” and may warrant immediate censure under treason statutes.
Ziyambi further defends Mnangagwa’s controversial “2030 Agenda” — a ZANU-PF resolution viewed by critics as a move to extend the President’s rule — insisting it was “lawful, constitutional, and driven by the people.”
The extraordinary public rift between Mnangagwa’s loyalists and the powerful Vice President signals the gravest internal confrontation within ZANU-PF since the 2017 coup that toppled Robert Mugabe.
Political analysts warn that the accusation — if pursued — could trigger a historic showdown between the country’s two most powerful men, both former generals who once stood side by side in “Operation Restore Legacy.”
Senzo Mchunu to share his side of the story tomorrow before the Ad Hoc Committee
Suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu is expected to testify before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee tommorow, Thursday and Friday, where he will finally present his side of the story following the explosive allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lt Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi in July.
The committee, which is probing Mkhwanazi’s claims of political interference and corruption within the police, took a one-day break today, Wednesday after it concluded testimony from Lt Gen Shadrack Sibiya in the early hours of the morning.
Mchunu was placed on special leave by President Cyril Ramaphosa shortly after Mkhwanazi’s July press briefing, where the commissioner accused him of disbanding the Political Killings Task Team and meddling in key investigations. The minister has denied all wrongdoing, calling the claims “baseless and damaging.”
His upcoming appearance is expected to be one of the most crucial in the inquiry, as he will have the opportunity to respond under oath to allegations that have shaken the leadership of the South African Police Service. The committee is expected to wrap up its hearings by the end of October.
Mozambican woman sentenced to 23 years for stepdaughter’s murder
The High Court of South Africa has sentenced Clara Masinga (37), a Mozambican national, to 23 years’ imprisonment for the premeditated murder of her 11-year-old stepdaughter, Jennifer Gumbi.
Masinga, who lived with the child and her father in KwaMhlushwa, Malelane, Mpumalanga pleaded guilty to the crime.
In March 2015, she lured Jennifer with the promise of buying clothes, then, with an accomplice, poisoned her ice cream with rat poison. Jennifer’s body was later found in a shallow ditch near the Mlumati River.
In court, Masinga admitted her actions were unlawful and motivated by spite toward the child’s mother. The State highlighted the brutality of the act, including the desecration of the child’s body.
Judge Vukeya condemned the rise in domestic violence and killings of women and children, noting that no sentence could restore the child’s life. Masinga was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.
REGIONAL | Madagascar’s Military Coup Leader Declares Himself President After Rajoelina’s Flight
Madagascar has entered a new phase of political upheaval after Colonel Michael Randrianirina, commander of the Army Personnel Administration Center (CAPSAT), declared himself interim president following a military takeover that forced President Andry Rajoelina to flee the capital.
Speaking to The Associated Press from his barracks in Antananarivo, Colonel Randrianirina said he would assume the position of head of state after the country’s High Constitutional Court invited him to fill the power vacuum left by Rajoelina’s departure. He indicated that a swearing-in ceremony would take place within days, marking a decisive break in the island nation’s fragile democracy.
“We did not wake up to fight, but to answer the call of the citizens,” Randrianirina told reporters. “This is not politics, but pure patriotism.
The presidency, however, swiftly condemned the military’s action as an “illegal declaration” and a “manifest act of attempted coup d’état.” In a strongly worded statement, the presidential office described CAPSAT as a “faction of military rebels” whose actions constituted “a serious violation of republican legality and the oath sworn by each soldier to protect the nation.”
The standoff erupted after parliament moved to impeach President Rajoelina earlier this week, sparking unrest in the capital. CAPSAT forces stormed the Ambohitsorohitra Presidential Palace, announcing the suspension of the constitution and assuming control of the government. The president reportedly fled Antananarivo amid the uprising, with unconfirmed reports suggesting he has sought refuge abroad.
The coup comes against a backdrop of mounting public anger over worsening power cuts, water shortages, and economic stagnation, which have triggered nationwide protests over the past months. CAPSAT leaders have justified their intervention as a response to “the people’s suffering and government indifference.”
Colonel Randrianirina has pledged to maintain order, prevent reprisals, and open dialogue with civil society. “We are open for discussion. Discipline remains in place, but we stand with the people,” he said.
The United Nations, African Union, and regional governments have expressed deep concern, urging restraint and a swift return to constitutional order. Diplomatic sources say neighboring countries are monitoring troop movements closely amid fears of instability spreading in the region.
Madagascar, which has experienced multiple coups since independence in 1960, now faces one of its most uncertain moments in decades, a test of whether military intervention can once again reshape the nation’s political destiny or plunge it deeper into isolation.
Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan to compete against Herself in 29th October Elections
President Samia Suluhu’s main opponent, Tindu Lissu of CHADEMA, is in jail and was never cleared to run for the Election.
Another candidate, Luhana Mpina of the Alliance for Change and Transparency (ACT), was also barred from contesting by the Tanzanian Electoral Commission, citing failure to comply with election procedures.
As it stands, Samia will essentially be competing against Suluhu..
Forensic analyst Calvin Rafadi has denied allegations of corruption following revelations at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
WhatsApp messages presented as evidence show Rafadi repeatedly requesting financial assistance from businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, including funds for petrol, rent, and tuition fees.
In return, Rafadi allegedly contributed to media narratives favorable to Matlala, particularly regarding the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT).
Rafadi refuted the claims, asserting they are part of a broader effort to discredit him due to his outspoken criticism of Crime Intelligence’s handling of criminal investigations.
TONSE MEMBERS WANT ALLIANCE CHAIRMANSHIP OPENED TO THEM, NOT JUST PF – ZUMANI
FORMER President Edgar Lungu’s political advisor, Chris Zumani Zimba, has refuted claims that he wants to change the anchor party in the Tonse Alliance, saying it is the members themselves who are proposing that the chairmanship and presidential candidacy be opened to a vote.
And Zimba has clarified that the PF, as a party, is not formally part of the Tonse Alliance. Instead, he says what exists is the ECL PF Movement, a grouping of PF members loyal to former president Edgar Lungu.
Recently, PF acting president Given Lubinda said there was talk within the alliance suggesting that the PF should not remain the anchor party, a position he said contradicted previously agreed arrangements.
Speaking on Prime TV’s Oxygen of Democracy, Zimba explained that the Tonse Alliance was initially created as a political vehicle for Lungu, after the UKA concept failed to gain traction.
“In the Tonse Alliance, there is no PF as a political party. What is in the Tonse Alliance is the ECL PF Movement. The reason is very simple, when we were forming the Tonse Alliance, I am the chief drafter of the Tonse Alliance constitution. I am the initiator of the Tonse Alliance as a political organization for President Lungu and his like-minded supporters. Sean Tembo is the person I worked with to draft the Tonse Alliance constitution and the Tonse Alliance concept, the logo, the motto, the objective, name it. When Sean Tembo and I finalized that this is an alternative vehicle for ECL, that’s when we presented it to him in July last year,” he said.
“Because the UKA concept had failed ECL, Sean Tembo and I agreed that we needed to create a different alliance specifically for ECL so as to navigate the Chabinga PF politics. We didn’t put PF in the final constitution. ECL said, ‘no, no, no, let it be a movement of PF members, councillors, MPs, and council chairpersons loyal to me.’ Those should be the members of the alliance in Tonse. That’s where the concept of the ECL PF Movement comes from. It is about the MPs in PF, councillors, chairpersons, and supporters of ECL countrywide, loyal to ECL within PF, those are the members in the Tonse Alliance.”
Zimba added that according to the Tonse constitution, both the chairmanship and presidency belong to Lungu as an individual.
“If you read this constitution, the chairmanship and the presidency belong to an individual, it’s Dr Edgar Chagwa Lungu; you read his name there. The people that were joining the Tonse Alliance, most of them I interviewed. It’s me who was vetting them; they were joining not because of me, I was the secretariat, that’s what people don’t like. I was the lead consultant and the person handling the secretariat of the Tonse Alliance. It never existed; I initiated it. I was in prison, what were they doing, if you ask them? I came out of prison, I initiated this project for ECL and the Zambians. Now today, they want to fight me, saying ‘no, in fact, he is an outsider.’ The truth is, even in the PF Movement where I belong, SG Nakacinda was interviewed by me. Professor Pule was interviewed by me because I was at the centre of the secretariat,” Zimba said.
He noted that many members joined the alliance because Lungu was the chairman and presidential candidate. With his passing, some members now want these positions opened to a vote.
“When these people were joining, FDD, KBF and the team Zambia Must Prosper, PeP, they were joining because, in the constitution, the chairman was Edgar Chagwa Lungu, the presidential candidate was Edgar Chagwa. That has to be scored. Now that the man they came for is no more, many of them are saying, ‘let’s open the chairmanship and presidential candidacy to us members so that we’ll have a say, we vote.’ And PF are saying, ‘no, Zimba wants to change the anchor party.’ It’s about the chairmanship and the presidency. If you read the roadmap which we shared for the general congress, we indicated that if the general congress would amend that, it means other Tonse members like FDD, Zambia Must Prosper, Professor Pule’s party, it means they can also participate in electing the president,” he stated.
“That is not the correct position, that I want to change, it is the stakeholders. The alliance is a membership alliance. PF is just a major stakeholder, and in all the decision-making programs of the alliance, going by this constitution, PF has more than 60 percent representation. So if we have to have elections either in the Council of Leaders or at the general congress, PF, when we are united, we can’t lose, that you have to keep constant. It doesn’t matter whatever candidate others might present; as long as PF says Honourable Lubinda is our candidate, we win. The reason why other stakeholders, not me, have engaged me and said, ‘now that the man we came for, ECL, has gone as chairman and candidate, we want to vote on the next candidate and chairman.’”
He added that while PF, as the majority stakeholder, had the right to reject the proposal, it needed to still consider the views of other members and allow a vote.
“So it is a proposal from other members of the alliance. It’s not me, it’s not Sean Tembo. Ask KBF, that’s the position he holds. There are many. Mumbi Phiri, yes. If you talk about Sean Tembo himself, yes. So, many stakeholders are saying, ‘look, we joined the Tonse Alliance because we had a candidate in mind called ECL for 2026, and we had a chairman we subscribed to called ECL. Now that he has died, let PF open this at the general congress so that we also vote.’ That is the proposal from the other members. The PF has the right to deny because it has the majority stake and numbers even at the general congress. Even in the Council of Leaders, if you go through this list, most of those council leaders are from where? The PF. They have that power to say, ‘oh, this is what you want? But as the ECL PF Movement, let’s vote, we are saying no.’ Then it means it won’t change,” Zimba said.
“It doesn’t matter how anybody would push it, it won’t change. But the fact is that it’s a member alliance, meaning we subscribe members; we should be able to be open to their views and subject them before the table for a vote. And I can assure you that once we are united as PF, we will definitely win, and that clause will not be amended; it will remain the way it is, that the anchor party, the chairman, and the candidate will come from the ECL PF Movement.”
When asked why the alliance could not simply let PF choose a leader to assume Lungu’s role, Zimba said that remained his preferred model.
“That is my preferred model. Do you know the reason why the Tonse Alliance general congress was put on 29 November? We said PF must first go in October–November to the national convention; let them choose a leader, because it is PF that is divided, that has brought divisions also in the Tonse Alliance,” he responded.
He added that he could not destroy PF and Tonse, as they were Lungu’s legacies, and his job was to help Lubinda secure Lungu’s legacy and vision in the alliance.
“I cannot destroy PF, I cannot destroy the Tonse Alliance because these are legacies of ECL. My job is to help Honourable Lubinda. My main homework is to help the acting president to secure the legacy and the vision of ECL in the alliance, because he is inheriting an office which was occupied by Dr Edgar Chagwa Lungu.
So, I went to his house last month to try to help him, to say, ‘look, this is what he left, pick it up from here.’ If he believes that what Edgar Chagwa Lungu left is not part of his legacy and he wants to create his new chapter and his new page, there, maybe that’s where we will be having these tugs of war,” said Zimba.
![Mnangagwa’s Unfiltered Response To Chiwenga Allegations In Charged Politburo Showdown [FULL TEXT]](https://i0.wp.com/zambianobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/c-vce.png?fit=627%2C386&ssl=1 "Mnangagwa’s Unfiltered Response To Chiwenga Allegations In Charged Politburo Showdown [FULL TEXT]")
