⬆️ COMMENTARY | Presidency Not for Experimentation
The pictures of President Hakainde Hichilema and the First Lady stepping into a burgundy car in London have set off a storm at home. Social media is ablaze, and for once, the anger is not about politics but about protocol.
Diplomacy runs on symbols. The colour of a car, the lining of officials, the order of introductions; these details are not decoration. They are the silent grammar of statecraft. Black is the colour of authority, neutrality, and continuity. Burgundy is not. To put a sitting President into a burgundy vehicle after an eight-hour flight was not just poor taste, it was a diplomatic failure.
The excuse cannot be convenience. In a state visit, the host government assumes responsibility for protocol. The British, who practically wrote the book on etiquette, would never depart from tradition to hand a visiting Head of State a coloured vehicle. Which leaves the uncomfortable conclusion: this was a Zambian decision, and it was a bad one.
The role of a mission abroad is to protect the dignity of the Republic. That includes ensuring that the President’s arrival matches the stature of his office. If the host’s vehicle was unavailable, the Ambassador’s car should have been placed at the President’s disposal. At the very least, any hired car should have been black, discreet, and state-appropriate.
This was not a mistake in logistics. It was a lapse in seriousness. When the Presidency is reduced to improvisation, the country looks smaller than it is. Protocol is not ceremony, it is protection. Break it, and you chip away at the dignity of the state.
Zambia cannot afford to look careless on the international stage. At home, we can do politics. Abroad, we expect our President to embody stability and command respect. The burgundy car was not just a bad look, it was an unforced embarrassment.
The Presidency is not for experimentation. It is the highest symbol of the Republic. Those charged with its care must do better.
Recently the only thing I keep hearing from people is “Kalani you are not heard these days, where are you? Today, my brother and friend Godfrey Chikumbi was like comrade you are too quite for my liking, that’s not how I know you.
Well there come a time in life when a man says enough is enough and decide to take some time off.
You can’t be busy talking when your friends are busy making money. The people you speak and fight for are busy filling up their pockets while your own family is suffering.
Here were I am, am busy sweating looking for a 30 pin and visiting one lending institution to the other but when opportunities come to raise that 30 pin, it’s given to people who don’t even open their mouths or they have never even been close to fighting for those they want you to continue speaking for.
THERE ARE ALOT OF THINGS THAT INJURE MY SPIRIT BUT I JUST CHOOSE TO WATCH WITH GRIEF.
THE BIGGEST PAIN IS SEEING PEOPLE WHO WERE NO WHERE NEAR TEAR GAS BUT ARE THE ONES REAPING THE MOST BENEFITS.
12 Golden Truths About the “Expanded Tonse Alliance List” Unveiled Yesterday: God is not my only Witness, but all these people here
1st October, 2025
1. Yes, Ephraim Shakafuswa is accepting the facts about this expanded list and confirming the truth that he knows it and was part of it. This was my proposal to our late father chairman by end of December, 2024. Our beloved ECL approved my proposal and asked me as secretariate and lead consultant to present the idea of expanding the Council of leaders to the house.
2. Why did I present this idea of expanding the Tonse Council of Leaders within two of launching the alliance? The background was that the Council of Leaders by Constitution is supposed to have only 30 members. But by the end of December, 2024, it had grown faster and bigger than expected. Secondly, l observed that PF SG and Vice President Lubinda were ordinary members of the Council without any position. To me, this was awkward and imbalanced power politics for PF in Tonse.
3. So, I presented the proposal to boss first and he agreed with me. His advice was “in trying to create room for my SG and Vice President, let us not undermine key alliance partners like Prof. Pule”. He then asked me to present the proposal to the house. This was the time l proposed to the house that PF SG be appointed also as Tonse Alliance SG in order to help us migrate and integrate PF members countrywide into Tonse using other SGs from other Tonse members.
4. So, Hon. Nakachinda was approved by the house to become SG of the alliance with a clear mandate of coordinating SGs of other Tonse political parties and create Tonse Alliance structures at provincial, district, constituency and ward level countrywide. If my brother is honest and thankful, Hon. Raphael Nakachinda will confirm that it’s me who initiated, lobbied & defended to be appointed in Tonse in good spirit and test. His position as SG does not exist in the Tonse Alliance constitution anywhere.
5. Mr. Nakachinda even called the first if not the only meeting of all SGs of Tonse political parties at PF secretariat and l attended to support him. But in that meeting, shockingly, he categorically refused to start integrating PF structures with other Tonse political parties countrywide. FDD SG was not happy with this development and he wondered if the PF SG understood his role in Tonse. I was equally shocked and disappointed too. And I told him as a brother after the meeting!
6. Back to the list: Hon. Luck Mulusa and Ephraim Shakafuswa were appointed by boss ECL in the same December, 2024 council meeting to join my task force or adhoc committee of reviewing and designing a broader expanded council of leaders. I created a WhatsApp group and we even added Mr. Sean Tembo as a fourth member. By early January, 2025, we finalized our task and presented it to boss the three of us (myself, Hon. Luck Mulusa and Ephraim Shakafuswa) at Crest lodge in the presence of Hon. Lubinda himself. Boss insisted that Hon. Lubinda and SG attend and participate during our presentation. I was the one who called the two but PF SG didn’t come.
7. In our January, 2025 list, I remember that we had proposed to create three or four Vice Chairpersons. Hon. Lubinda made his proposal and submitted his views in the presence of Ephraim SHAKAFUSWA and Hon. Mulusa with boss chairing. I was the one who was presenting the proposed expanded list to boss and explaining. After that meeting in January, 2025, Ephraim Shakafuswa and Hon. Luck Mulusa finished their role and input to this project.
8. Thereafter, boss tasked me to critically review it and also get feedback from Prof. Danny Pule and Mr. Sean Tembo. Both Prof. Pule and Tembo objected the idea of having many Vice Chairpersons. They even recommended that we merge some sector portfolios. The boss and l reviewed it again on the day Hon. Mumbi Phiri was arrested in KAWAMBWA at his house. On that list, Hon. Mumbi Phiri was listed as National Chairpersons for Chiefs and Traditional Affairs while NED president was list as National Women’s Chairperson. He even complained about Hon. Mumbi’s arrest because he said he needed her in the council of leaders to help him and work. It was a big list.
9. Then, boss left for SA on 20th January, 2025 and told me that we continue finalizing the expanded list divided it two-politburo cabinet and main body. In February, 2025, he called me and asked me to consult PS Daniel Bukali and PS Bernard Chomba for more names of PF members and leaders at different levels in North Western, Central, Western, Southern, Copperbelt, Muchinga, Luapula and Northern so that we have more options for consideration. I did just that and both PS Bukali and PS Chomba sent me their recommended names and l submitted to boss via WhatsApp. He then guided me who to pick and where to add them. So, the list kept on growing.
10. The last people ECL sent me to physically meet and allow them to input again to the list were Hon. Lubinda and PF SG. But the PF SG refused to meet me because he openly didn’t agree with boss’s approach of adding many people and expanding the Tonse Council of Leaders. But Hon. Lubinda agreed and l met him on 3rd May, 2025 at his residence. I was with him in the morning for an hour and went back in the afternoon for two hours or so. We went through the list over and over and he made his input.
11. From January to March, boss and I reviewed this list many times with different inputs from different key stakeholders. So, the list kept on changing but growing bigger. When the boss okayed the final draft, he told me that he shall unveil it to the house through me once he comes. ECL really wanted an expanded council of leaders that had many stakeholders especially from PF, all Tonse members and representing “One Zambia, One Nation” and Hon. Lubinda and Nakachinda know this very well. Look, President Lungu even appointed 8 interim chairpersons in March, 2025 via his Facebook page from this same list-Hon. Chifumu Banda, Hon. Mundubile, Mr. Mukandila, Mr. Mumba, Mr. Ibrahim, Jason Mwanza, Ms. Charity Kapoma and madam Mwenya. And l was the one who was contacting all these people to confirm if they would accept his appointments and managing all his announcements.
12. Therefore, that list unveiled yesterday is part of ECL’s legacy and signature of how he wanted Tonse Alliance to look like with minor changes due to circumstances and time at less than 5%. I was the person responsible for ECL’s political affairs since December 2019 to June 2025 as His Personal Political Advisor and cannot betray him or sell him. ECL remains my beloved father, hero and mentor. My job is share his vision for Tonse Alliance and defend it in case some people desire to destroy and bury it with him. If l am the one who created Tonse Alliance with my hands for ECL and suffering Zambians,how can l destroy it or betray him?
RPP fears PF is returning to violence following yesterday’s Tonse Alliance saga
THE Republican Progressive Party (RPP) has warned that the Patriotic Front (PF) is sliding back into its violent past after police stepped in to stop what many fear could have been a vicious altercation at the home of Tonse Alliance spokesperson Sean Tembo.
RPP president and UPND alliance spokesperson Leslie Chikuse praised the Zambia Police Service for their swift and professional action, saying their intervention protected lives and proved that the men and women in uniform stand for all Zambians regardless of political affiliation.
Chikuse also commended Tembo for making the quick decision to involve the police, describing it as a responsible act that helped avert tragedy.
The RPP leader said it was clear that the PF was regrouping with old habits of violence, intimidation and mobilising violent youths who once controlled markets and bus stations.
He warned that this culture of political thuggery posed a national security risk and could easily spill into communities and disturb innocent citizens.
“PF violence has the potential to spill over into communities… disturbing ordinary citizens who have no role in partisan politics,” Chikuse said.
Chikuse further accused the PF of desperation, pointing to their internal wrangles and failed convention as evidence they were now seeking to hijack other political parties to remain relevant ahead of 2026.
He urged other opposition alliances to learn from the UPND Alliance model, which he said was built on dialogue, trust and respect rather than manipulation and deceit.
In Zambia’s political space, where parties are defined not just by their manifestos but by their ability to mobilize citizens, one party has emerged with a strategy that is rewriting the rules of engagement Citizens First (CF).
At the center of this transformation is President Harry Kalaba, a leader who has refused to treat mobilization as a seasonal activity, and his National Mobilization Committee Chairman, Henry Chilombo, who commands a team of six Deputy National Mobilization Committee leaders at MCC level.
While CF’s mobilization is driven by many dedicated members, it is impossible to ignore the tireless energy of Kalaba and Chilombo. Many Zambians now ask with a mix of admiration and curiosity: “Do these two leaders even sleep at their respective homes?” Their commitment has become the heartbeat of CF, setting a new standard of leadership.
Unlike the ruling UPND and other political parties that often rely on the privileges of incumbency or boardroom strategies, CF has chosen to lead from the front. Kalaba and Chilombo are not commanders who give instructions from afar; they are generals in the field, side by side with the people, listening, engaging, and inspiring. Their mobilization is not from behind, but at the very frontlines of Zambia’s political battlefield.
This strategy has already yielded results. CF’s victory in Lupososhi’s Mufili Ward local government by-election proved that genuine grassroots engagement is more powerful than state machinery.
Against all odds, CF emerged victorious, demonstrating that when the people trust you, no ruling advantage can overshadow their will. That win was not a coincidence but the result of a deliberate approach anchored on visibility, consistency, and presence. It sent a powerful message: CF is not just preparing for 2026 it is already winning today.
Citizens First is no longer a small or regional party; it is now a national party with established grassroots structures in all ten provinces of Zambia. This broad presence gives CF an unmatched advantage because it is not building from the top down, but from the ground up. Every ward, constituency, and district is becoming a living testimony of a party that belongs to the people and stands with them daily.
With the current pace of mobilization led by President Kalaba and Chairman Chilombo, Zambia is staring at what could become the biggest political upset in 2026. The ruling party may hold the levers of power, but power ultimately rests with the people and the people are responding to a party that does not just speak of change but demonstrates it through action.
Zambians are tired of leaders who mobilize only during campaigns or from the comfort of offices. They want leaders who walk with them, who share in their struggles, and who stand with them in pursuit of a better tomorrow. President Harry Kalaba and National Mobilization Chairman Henry Chilombo have embodied this truth through sacrifice and relentless work. Their leadership has positioned Citizens First as a genuine alternative, a party of discipline, action, and hope.
The writing is on the wall; with this mobilization strategy, Citizens First is not just competing; it is preparing to shock the political establishment in 2026.
ADOPTION UNCERTAINTIES ARE REAL – PF MP … given the uncertainty we are also sitting and having our own discussions
Adoption uncertainties given the challenges PF is going through are real, says Chilubi member of parliament (PF) Mulenga Fube.
And Fube said the meeting which had been called for members of parliament on October 02, 2025 was to consider reports on the selection of the Human Rights Board.
Speaking in an interview with Daily Revelation yesterday, Fube was asked about the uncertainties relating to the PF and impact on the re-adoption of members of parliament to run on the former ruling party ticket given the circumstances confronting them right now. In response, Fube said there was fear from
MUTTI, KASUNE FACE CONTEMPT BID OVER CONSTITUTION AMENDMENT BILL 7
…petitioners accuse Speaker, Justice Minister of Defying Court orders
Lusaka… Wednesday October 1, 2025 – Petitioners Hon Munir Zulu and Lusaka based Lawyer Celestine Mambula Mukandila have asked the Constitutional Court to cite Speaker of the National Assembly Nelly Mutti and Minister of Justice Princess Kasune for contempt of court, accusing them of defying a ruling on Constitution Amendment Bill No. 7 of 2025.
In an affidavit filed before the Constitutional Court, Mr. Mukandila alleged that the Speaker and the Minister had “deliberately disrespected” a June 27, 2025 judgment which ordered that the controversial Bill No. 7 should not proceed in its current form, but instead be subjected to a people-driven process spearheaded by an independent committee of experts.
“The Court directed that Bill No. 7 should not proceed and that consultations be conducted through an independent body. However, instead of withdrawing the Bill, the Speaker merely postponed its consideration while the Minister of Justice has failed to initiate a fresh process as ordered,” Mr. Mukandila stated.
The affidavit further claimed that the alleged contemnors have acknowledged the judgment but remain determined to push ahead with the constitutional amendment process in disregard of the Court’s decision.
“The actions of the alleged contemnors are contemptuous at best and a clear show of unjustifiable disregard for the authority of this Honourable Court,” Mr. Mukandila said.
The petitioners contend that such actions undermine public confidence in the Judiciary, particularly given the high offices occupied by the Speaker and the Minister of Justice.
They have since applied for leave to commence contempt and committal proceedings against the senior government officials.
“All thing considered! After all is said and Done! If there’s a person I would confidently say is capable to carry on ECL’s legacy and enure that Zambia is Liberated is this Man. Counsel Makebi Zulu.”
“Why is Zambia not talking about this Man? Why are we not seeing things before our eyes.”
“For Me MZ is the Joshua of our Time! “
“There you have it, you can come along or you can continue getting confused. You want a Joshua here is your Joshua!”
KAMUGODI MASTER MIND DESERVES FORGIVENESS AND NOT REVENGE OF EYE FOR AN EYE-LET US LEARN TO FORGIVE
My fellow citizens,
When we mention the name Kamugodi, hearts grow heavy. Many among us still carry the scars of that dark time — some on their bodies, others deep in their hearts. Under Black Apple’s hand, innocent people were punished, brutalized, and left to suffer. Lives were lost. Families were broken.
And today, as we look at leaders like Ba President Lubinda — his face carrying sadness — we are reminded that nature has its own way of catching up with those who do wrong. Justice never forgets.
But listen, my brothers and sisters: ours is not a mission of revenge. We will not answer hatred with hatred. We will not repay pain with pain. Instead, we choose forgiveness — because forgiveness is not weakness, it is strength. Forgiveness is what lifts us above the very darkness that sought to destroy us.
Let me be clear: forgiving does not mean excusing. Those who committed crimes must answer before the law. But for us as a people, we must chart a different course. We must play healthy politics. We must choose peace over violence, love over hate, unity over division.
To the families who lost loved ones, to the victims who still carry scars — we stand with you. Your suffering is not forgotten. It reminds us every day to fight for a better Zambia.
And so, I say this: Kamugodi must never happen again. Not in Lusaka. Not in Mumbwa. Not anywhere in Zambia.
We forgive to free our future. We forgive because we are stronger. We forgive because Zambia belongs to all of US.
⬆️ South African NGO Demands Probe into Edgar Lungu’s Death
Pressure is mounting in South Africa over the mysterious death of former Zambian President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, with a local civic group now demanding a formal investigation.
The Progressive Forces of South Africa (PFSA) delivered a memorandum on Monday to the Gauteng Provincial Police headquarters, urging authorities to open a criminal inquiry. The lobby group’s intervention adds another layer to the regional storm surrounding Lungu’s death on June 5 at Medforum Hospital in Pretoria.
At the time, reports suggested the 68-year-old former Zambian leader had died of cancer. Yet his family, senior Patriotic Front (PF) officials, and now civic groups in South Africa insist the circumstances remain suspicious. They allege poisoning, possibly with the knowledge or involvement of government agencies.
“There are allegations that former President Lungu didn’t die of cancer, that he was actually poisoned and that the South African government had a hand in his death together with agents of the Zambian government,” PFSA spokesperson Bonang Seboloane told journalists after submitting the petition.
Seboloane argued that the credibility of South Africa’s justice system was at stake. “We are asking the SAPS to investigate this matter so that we can clear our name as South Africans,” she said.
The civic demand comes against the backdrop of a bitter court fight in Lusaka. The Zambian government insists Lungu’s body must be repatriated for a state funeral, in line with protocol for former heads of state. But the Lungu family, led by his daughter Tasila Lungu Mwansa, is pushing to bury him in Johannesburg. Tasila herself told The Saturday Star newspaper on June 8 that she believed her father was poisoned.
Zambia’s PF secretary general Raphael Nakacinda has also publicly echoed the allegation, accusing South African authorities of complicity. “If government was innocent, it would have cleared its name by now,” he charged earlier this month.
The PFSA memorandum cites South Africa’s Inquests Act of 1959, which obligates authorities to investigate any death under suspicious or unnatural circumstances. It also points to Section 205(3) of the South African Constitution, which mandates the police to prevent, combat, and investigate crime.
Lungu’s death has become one of the most politically charged stories in the region this year. Once a central figure in Zambia’s opposition Tonse Alliance and the PF’s chosen candidate for 2026 before being barred by the courts, his passing has deepened political infighting at home. The family’s resistance to a state burial, coupled with conflicting reports about the cause of death, has fueled public mistrust.
For now, South Africa’s police have not confirmed whether a full inquiry will be launched. But with civic groups, opposition leaders, and Lungu’s own family demanding answers, the cloud over his final days is unlikely to lift anytime soon.
WE BOOK ZAMBIAN ARTISTS FOR SHOWS BUT THEY DON’T BOOK US – MALAWIAN SINGER TAY GRIN CALLS FOR RECIPROCITY
TOP Malawian singer Tay Grin took to his socials to voice out an injustice he has observed.
The singer said that despite Malawians giving Zambian artists “access” and booking them for shows, Zambians have not returned the gesture.
“Time has come for our Zambian brothers and sisters to give Malawian artists the same access we’ve always given theirs. True growth only happens when the doors swing both ways,” said Tay Grin.
The singer argued that Zambian artists collaborate with them because they need them just like they do.
He further wondered why people from his country booked them, but Zambians do not reciprocate. “Don’t be arrogant. Think about it,” added Tay Grin.
Zambians have responded with mixed feelings. One social user stated that they just need to make hit songs just like Driemo has done with MAGINI, which led to him being booked to perform at the 2025 Zambia Agriculture and Commercial Show and the Kulamba Music festival.
Media personality Edna, who reaffirmed the earlier sentiment, questioned Tay Grin if he had missed Namadingo holding a one man show in Zambia from which he bought Range Rover.
The debate is raging online, Tay Grin, along with fellow artist Gwamba, feel like there is no sufficient reciprocity. On the other hand, Zambians feel they just need to work harder, and they are appreciated sufficiently.
Tay Grin featured on Yo Maps’ SOMONE, a song that has become the most streamed song by a Zambian artists amassing over 21 million YouTube views and 3.19 million spotify streams.
On EMV, hosted by Emmanuel Mwamba, civil society voice Brebner Changala tore into the core problem haunting Zambia’s opposition project. The Patriotic Front is split in practice, the Tonse Alliance is wobbling in structure, and the two crises are feeding each other. Until PF resolves its internal power contest and the Alliance restores basic rules of engagement, unity will remain a slogan rather than a plan.
THE SEAN TEMBO MEETING AND WHAT IT EXPOSED The spark was a meeting convened by Sean Tembo, leader of the Patriots for Economic Progress (PeP) and a Tonse Alliance member. He called the gathering at his private residence, but it was disrupted by youths. PF Members of Parliament later condemned the violence, but Changala insisted the deeper issue was the irregularity of the meeting itself.
According to him, no Tonse business should be conducted outside the Alliance’s agreed structures, yet Tembo proceeded without clearance from the recognized leadership. The result was predictable: suspicion, division, and violence. As Changala put it, opposition politics cannot be run from private living rooms.
PF’S TWIN CENTERS OF POWER Changala’s blunt diagnosis was that PF itself is fractured. One faction rallies behind Acting President Given Lubinda and Secretary General Raphael Nakachinda. Another is aligned with Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Brian Mundubile. This, he said, is untenable.
“You cannot run an organization while pulling in opposite directions,” he warned. His prescription was pointed. Mundubile should submit to Lubinda’s authority until the party’s elective convention. Not as humiliation, but as leadership.
The arithmetic is simple. If Tonse requires coherent blocs, PF must first be one bloc. If PF remains divided, Tonse becomes a megaphone for quarrels rather than a platform for strategy.
THE ZUMANI LIST AND THE POLITICS OF LEGITIMACY Underlying the mistrust is the “expanded Council of Leaders” list promoted by Chris Zumani Zimba. Changala disclosed that Edgar Chagwa Lungu himself never approved it. In fact, he had instructed that any such framework be submitted to Acting President Lubinda for Central Committee approval. That process never happened.
For it to reappear now, Changala argued, and for Lungu’s name to be invoked to justify it, is nothing but political fraud. “It is immoral,” he said, “to use a dead man’s legacy to advance an agenda he never sanctioned.”
WHY TONSE IS STRUGGLING Tonse was marketed to Zambians as an orderly discipline of cooperation. In practice, it has become a circus of sudden suspensions, social media pronouncements, and selective attendance at meetings. Changala argued that respect for hierarchy is non-negotiable. There may be eleven parties in the Alliance, but there must be one clear pyramid, with PF as its anchor.
Without that discipline, every meeting becomes a factional maneuver and every statement a potential trigger for collapse.
WHAT UNITY WOULD LOOK LIKE Changala outlined a simple sequence:
PF must unify behind Lubinda until convention.
Tonse must enforce a meeting protocol: who calls, who clears, who chairs, and where. Private homes are out.
Discipline must address both violence and irregular convening.
Legacy issues like the Zumani list must go through PF’s Central Committee before being tabled in Tonse.
Public communication must align. MPs, the PF Secretariat, and Tonse spokespeople should issue one consistent line.
THE COST OF DRIFT Every week of factionalism erodes opposition credibility. Citizens see an Alliance that condemns violence yet organizes meetings designed to provoke it. They see a PF that promises renewal while airing its dirty laundry on camera. With a national budget under debate and constitutional reforms looming, the opposition risks being locked in internal squabbles while the ruling party drives the agenda.
CHANGALA’S HARD ASK His most personal appeal was to Brian Mundubile. He urged him to go to the PF Secretariat, sit with Given Lubinda, and work under the current leadership until the elective convention. That act, Changala said, would end the narrative of two PFs and allow Tonse to speak with one voice.
WHERE THIS LEAVES THE ALLIANCE The next Tonse meeting will be a litmus test. If it is properly convened, chaired by Lubinda, and attended by all stakeholders, the Alliance can begin to reset. If another residence meeting surfaces, or if PF leaders hold competing press briefings, the spiral deepens.
As Changala concluded, the public is not demanding miracles. They are demanding proof that the opposition can follow its own rules. If PF cannot unite its house, and Tonse cannot enforce discipline, then the promise of an alternative government will collapse before it reaches the ballot.
Catholic Bishops Reject Bill 7 and State Manouvres to Retable it Before Parliament
…reject secret interviews and appointments of judges and call for a transparent process…
11. We, the Catholic Bishops of Zambia reaffirm our principled disapproval of the revised Constitution Amendment Bill No. 7 of 2025. The said Bill, in its current form, does not uphold the foundational values of participatory democracy, transparency, and constitutional integrity. There is need to initiate a genuinely inclusive, consultative process citizens, civil society, faith-based that respects the voices of all stakeholders institutions, traditional authorities, and legal experts.
12. Further, in the spirit of constitutional fidelity and national unity, we strongly urge that the ongoing judicial appointments process be reconsidered. The process must at all times and stages meet the standards of transparency, merit, and public accountability that our democracy demands.
13. We exhort all Zambians to remain united as One Zambia One Nation in ensuring the steady growth of our young democracy for a better Zambia that will be a pride of future generations.
LUBINDA SLAMS LIST OF ALLIANCE LEADERS RELEASED BY ZUMANI AND TEMBO
TONSE Alliance Acting Chairperson Given Lubinda has poured cold water on the list of purported Tonse Alliance leaders released by Chris Zumani Zimba and Sean Tembo, saying the names carry no authority.
Appearing on Diamond TV’s Breakfast Show, Mr Lubinda says that only the Secretary General of the Tonse Council of Leaders, Raphael Nakacinda, has the mandate to call meetings or issue official statements on behalf of the Alliance.
He explained that the Tonse Alliance had not found it necessary to convene a meeting this time around because the internal issues affecting the Patriotic Front were purely administrative.
He further dismissed the justification that the late Chairperson, Edgar Lungu, had sanctioned the list, stressing that any information outside the Secretary General’s office cannot be attached to the Council of Leaders.
This come barely days after confusion erupted at the residence of Sean Tembo, where a scheduled press briefing by a section of Alliance leaders was disrupted by cadres believed to be linked to the Patriotic Front.
The chaos is growing within the Alliance, with competing camps vying to assert control over leadership structures.
FORMER Minister of National Planning and Development Lucky Mulusa says if the Electoral Commission of Zambia conducts free and fair elections next year, the UPND will be voted out of power.
And Mulusa says most Zambians fail to identify their Cabinet ministers because they do not interact with people.
Meanwhile, Mulusa says Zambians are crying because President Hakainde Hichilema has not lived up to their expectations.
Speaking when he featured on Hot FM, Monday, Mulusa said there was more aggressiveness in defending government policy under Levy Mwanawasa’s administration compared to the UPND government.
“I want to believe if the election is going to be carried out fairly, no violence, a fair Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), a conducive environment for everybody to wake up and vote, votes being observed without observers being chased from their polling stations, I want to believe that this government is gone”.
“This government is gone. When you look at the entire [team], it’s been whipped into submissive silence. Ministers hardly defend government policies. Only the President [does so] from time to time. You don’t see the level of activism from the Cabinet as we used to see under Levy Patrick Mwanawasa. I can assure you it’s the correct picture. I am yet to start seeing ministers defending this budget. Maybe they’re going to undertake road shows and one or two ministers might be on the trail. But it’s quite a low-level defence of the government policies in this Cabinet. There’s a lot of silence,” he said.
“There was more militancy in the Mwanawasa administration. The militancy was quite high compared to this one. The current Cabinet is quieter than previous Cabinets. Even Minister Musokotwane himself is quiet. He’s never come out to defend the tax policy on mines which was pronounced by the President and not himself. Cabinet is like a milling plant. There are processes for you to come up with a particular decision”.
“If you were to ask even somebody who doesn’t read newspapers or listen to radio that much and ask them who was in the RB administration, they’ll tell you there was Tetamashimba, Mike Mulongoti, Dora Siliya, Felix Mutati, and these people were very militant. During your show, the StanChart Quiz, from time to time you ask who the minister of a particular ministry is; people always fail to identify their ministers because they aren’t visible”.
Mulusa said people don’t even bother to listen to Presidential addresses because there had been reduced interaction with the grassroots.
“The President is working alone like one entity. So, Ministers need to interact with people and explain these things. Both the President’s opening of Parliament and the budget presentation, most people I share ideas with were never bothered. They never even listened to it or read it. They simply don’t care because there’s reduced interaction with the people and reduced activities for people to buy into what government is doing. He’s actually misplaced achievement against pronouncements,” he said.
“He usually evaluates his performance on his own, so I don’t need to do that. He’s very methodical; he uses graphs. So all we need to do is plot those graphs against the promises that he made when he was campaigning to become President. He said the Kwacha would perform in this manner, let’s plot the graphs and see if the Kwacha has performed as expected”.
“He spoke about the exchange rate, the fight against corruption, and governance, starting from the President up to the last person who is expected to declare their assets. We [need to] see if he is ever to declare his assets. The manner in which he believes himself and what he is doing, I don’t wish to create a shock for him if I were to give him a grade. Zambians are out there complaining, crying, so that shows he has not lived up to their expectations”.
Mulusa added that there was a need to see the economic benefits trickle down to citizens.
“We need to make sure that there’s a trickle-down effect to the people. Dr Musokotwane was talking about economic development; are we achieving economic development? People must participate in the enjoyment and benefits that come with economic growth. That’s not being achieved. Three or four percent economic growth, what is it translating into on the trickle-down effects on people? We were promised jobs, now the jobs we see are actually very embarrassing”.
“Our youths and women are being whipped into streets to clean streets in order to eat and being called Cash for Work. That’s embarrassing because you’re actually growing a cadre of poor citizens. They don’t pay NAPSA, they don’t contribute to their future savings through whatever they earn. Whatever money they earn, more often than not, is delayed,” said Mulusa.
“With CDF, it’s grown to K40 million per constituency, but I am yet to hear of any constituency that has actually received anything above K20 million. Most of them you’ll find that four years down the line, this is when they’re receiving up to K2 million.
It makes our budget an exercise in compliance, but we don’t mean it. Most of the things contained in there are basically meaningless. CDF is a game changer in terms of just making those political pronouncements. It’s not there on the ground. It’s still a campaign tool, and a lot needs to be done.
We need to create capacity at the constituency level for locals to deliver on those CDF funds and make sure wastage is eliminated and discrimination in the participation of undertaking CDF projects is also eliminated. We’re One Zambia, One Nation, and we shouldn’t be defined by political affiliation”.
FDD CALLS ON OPPOSITION TO FIELD ONE CANDIDATE AGAINST THE UPND IN 2027
Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) leader Chifuma Banda has called on fellow opposition to field one candidate to stand against the UPND in the 2026 elections.
Speaking at a press briefing, Wednesday, Banda said if the oppostion is to offer effective checks and balances to government, they need to unite.
“The call I am making is that we settle for one candidate as our flag bearer as doing so would be serving the interest of Zambians,” Banda said. “Whether a youth or not as long as they have what it takes, let us support that person as our candidate,” he added.
Banda said one can not only serve Zambians by being President alone, adding that there are many ways politicians can render a service to citizens.
“If we unite as opposition, people will regard us relevant as we will be responding to their needs, but in the absence of that, the opposite is true,” he said.
Meanwhile, Banda alleged that the disunity in some opposition political parties is sponsored by outsiders, but was however unable to substantiate his claims.
The opposition leader has since called on the Zambia Centre for Inter – party Dialogue (ZCID) convene meeting for all political parties in view of next year’s elections to discuss issues affecting them, among them, the composition of the Electoral Commison of Zambia (ECZ) which he said was not balanced, and as a result, a source of concern to political players.
Meanwhile, Banda dismissed assertions that FDD had been sold, stating that the opposition party had never been sold to anyone.
Yesterday I made my political choice and opinion known to that fact that the PF should consider backing President Harry Kalaba for the 2026 elections. I meant just that!
My inbox became rather too active with messages of those supporting my thought and others asking me to back or justify my thinking.
THEREFORE ALLOW ME TO OPENLY BACK MY THOUGHT!
1. It is a well known and undeniable fact that the Patriotic Front is dead. What the party and its leaders have been doing in the last few months is to try and awaken a patient on the dying bed. Dead to the point that the PF won’t even see it’s name on the ballot paper next year. Like a patient, the dying state of the PF requires blood transfusion as the last resort.
2. In life when faced with a problem the first place you look for solutions is the nearest places such as family, friebds, church and maybe workmates. You talk to those close to you when finding a solution before you go further. President Kalaba is the closest to the PF members by every standard. He was one of them, he knows them well and they know him well. Supporting him would be a sweeter devil than supporting someone else they will have to start learning to know and understand.
3. President Kalaba is unarguably one of the cleanest politicians we have left. Clean in the sense that despite being cabinet minister he was never involved in dirty deals. At least I can conclude he is clean looking at how the HH administration has huge appetite in dealing with anyone with a single dent. The fact that they have not touched him is testament that he is clean and therefore I can bet my money on him believing he would deligently run the affairs of our country.
4. President Harry Kalaba is easy to sale to the general populace. He speaks with passion and leads with humility and respect for others. He has been consistency with his national tours and campaigns. This is the reason why CF is the only political party to have won a by election as a single participant. The only PARTY! And that is no joke looking at how the UPND has been vigorous with their campaigns in by elections since 2021.
5. President Kalaba has the ability to unity Zambia beyond what we even imagine. He is not vindictivein nature neither does he believe in vengence. Look for example how he handled those that booted him out of the Democratic Party. Had that situation fallen on some other leaders those wrangles would still be before the courts of law fighting tooth and nail and calling each other names even in public. But President Kalaba chose to leave and formed a new party. That is leadership! Leaders know when to fight and when to move on.
6. President Kalaba bring to the next elections a wealth of experience having saved as member of parliament and also cabinet minister. If you have to compare with others you will realise ige is actually even more exeperienced than President HH. He is simply tried abd tested in leadership.
I will conclude here because I don’t want to write too much as I am slowly growing old. But as I end I want to further state that with only 10 months left before the next general elections, the opposition really does not have too much time to waste. It is high time that every well meaning political party makes their decision.
The country is in desparate need for a leader we therefore can’t be doubting Thomases.
And also before I forget this one藍藍. President Kalaba always picks calls. So apa if I call him kwalaba “ba Kapoma mwabombeni, muleisa tumona lisa. Imagine inewine ati ‘ba Kapoma’. Ukumfwa bwino ati shani mumutima nomba.
Anyways without fimanga or anything to destruct us I think we should all rally behind the Presidency of #HK2026.
MWAMBA CALLS FOR LEGAL ACTION AGAINST TONSE ALLIANCE LEADERS OVER SECRET POLITICAL GATHERING
By: Justin Banda
Patriotic Front (Pf) Member Ibrahim Mwamba Has Called On The Police Service, To Take Legal Action Against Members Of The Tonse Alliance Faction Who Convened A Private Meeting At The Residence Of Patriots For Economic Progress (Pep) Leader Sean Tembo, Citing It As An Unlawful Assembly.
The Tonse Alliance Has Recently Been Plagued By Internal Divisions, With Tensions Escalating During A Press Briefing Held At Mr. Tembo’s Residence. The Event Was Reportedly Disrupted By Cadres Believed To Be Affiliated With The Pf.
New Congress Party Leader Peter Chanda, Accused Sean Tembo And Chris Zumani Of Advancing A Political Agenda That He Claims Undermines The Interests Of The Alliance.
Reacting To The Incident, Mr. Mwamba Expressed Disappointment Over The Decision By The Tonse Alliance Council Of Leaders, To Hold A Political Gathering At A Private Residence, Arguing That Such Meetings Contravene The Law.
He Urged Law Enforcement Authorities To Cite Mr. Tembo And Other Participants For Unlawful Assembly, Emphasizing The Need For Political Actors To Operate Within Legal Boundaries.
Mr. Mwamba Further Lamented The Lack Of Reconciliation Efforts Within The Alliance, Stating That Private Meetings Only Deepen Divisions. #SunFmTvNews
History has a way of repeating itself when leaders refuse to learn its lessons. Under Kenneth Kaunda, those who dared to challenge the political establishment were humiliated, silenced, or eliminated from the political space. Today, many Zambians are asking whether President Hakainde Hichilema is walking the same path.
We all recall the shocking incident of sixth Republican President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, who was pulled off a plane under mysterious circumstances. When the opportunity came, he escaped into exile in South Africa—only to die there. For three months and 18 days now, his body remains unburied, a painful national wound. Every citizen knows this story, even if those in power want to bury the truth alongside him.
Just as Kaunda once pretended to “welcome challengers” while barring them, the UPND today pretends there is democracy while crushing dissent and daring citizens with the reckless claim that “there is no opposition in Zambia.” But history is clear: political repression never ends well for the oppressor.
The story of Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe remains etched in Zambia’s conscience. Once Kaunda’s childhood friend and a former Vice President, he was savagely beaten by UNIP cadres at Kamwala Market in January 1972 for daring to part ways with the establishment.
This humiliation came shortly after he had won the Mufulira parliamentary seat under the United Progressive Party, while still in prison and without campaigning.
When Kapwepwe later announced his intention to challenge Kaunda at the 1978 UNIP Congress, Kaunda quickly abandoned his promise to “welcome challengers” and engineered constitutional amendments to bar him, Harry Nkumbula, and Reuben Chiluwe.
Kapwepwe’s last years were filled with suffering. Once the country’s second most powerful man, he was reduced to traveling by UBZ bus from Chinsali to Lusaka for High Court cases and onward to Kalulushi by public transport.
On one such journey, he collapsed at his daughter Dr. Sampa Kapwepwe’s home after suffering a stroke, and later died. Chiluwe, once a successful businessman and Managing Director of INDECO, was reduced to walking Lusaka’s streets in poverty before his death.
Nkumbula, gravely ill, was denied permission to travel abroad for specialist treatment and died under state neglect. Others such as Chama Chakomboka, Puta, and Elias Mwamba Kaenga were similarly broken by Kaunda’s repressive tactics.
This is the pattern of repression: leaders who rise as liberators only to end as oppressors. And yet, no matter how invincible they seem, history humbles them.
In 1991, Kenneth Kaunda, who once declared that UNIP would rule “forever and ever,” was voted out of power in a landslide, as Zambians chose multiparty democracy over one-party dictatorship. His fall should be a warning to every leader who clings to power through repression: the people always have the final word.
Sadly, the same signs of repression are now visible under President Hichilema. UPND cadres have continued to attack Patriotic Front members just as UNIP cadres once brutalized their opponents.
After UPND’s victory in 2021, PF members were hounded, assaulted, and intimidated across the country. Only yesterday, a youth popularly known as Black Apple, a PF supporter, was abducted by UPND cadres and forced to declare allegiance to the ruling party.
This act is a gross violation of his democratic right to belong to a party of his choice. The use of violence, fear, and coercion to silence the opposition is not democracy—it is tyranny in disguise.
Those who close democratic space and weaponize state institutions against opponents may appear powerful for a season, but history is merciless. Every leader who governed through repression—whether Kenneth Kaunda in Zambia or other autocrats in Africa—left behind not a legacy of respect, but one of betrayal.
The Bible itself warns leaders who abandon justice and humility. Like King Saul, who disobeyed God’s command and clung to power until he lost his kingdom, leaders who reject democratic principles eventually lose legitimacy.
Like Pharaoh, who hardened his heart against the cries of the people, rulers who ignore the suffering of their citizens only invite their own downfall. And like Nebuchadnezzar, who exalted himself above all until God humbled him, leaders who govern with arrogance instead of service will one day be cut down to size.
President Hichilema must therefore decide whether he wants to be remembered as a democrat who strengthened institutions, or as yet another “once-viewed President” who squandered his mandate by repeating the mistakes of Zambia’s past.
Zambians deserve better. We deserve a unifier, not a divider. We deserve a leader for the Republic, not a mere party caretaker. And in 2026, the people will speak with one voice.
The defense of democracy cannot be left to chance. Civil society, the Church, the opposition, and ordinary citizens must remain vigilant and speak out boldly against repression. Silence only emboldens tyranny, but collective courage preserves freedom.
Zambia’s destiny has always rested in the hands of her people. From the struggle for independence to the fall of one-party rule in 1991, it was ordinary Zambians who rose to demand justice.
Today is no different. If democracy is to survive, Zambians must unite once more—not for tribe, not for party, but for the Republic itself. For indeed, the cry remains: One Zambia, One Nation.
*Epilogue: 1991 and 2026*
In 1991, Kenneth Kaunda discovered that the arrogance of power could not stop the will of the people. After decades of repression, Zambians swept him out of office and embraced multiparty democracy. Today, President Hichilema faces a similar moment. If he continues down the path of repression, history may once again repeat itself.
2026 will not be about who speaks the loudest or who controls the streets with cadres. It will be about who respects democracy, who upholds justice, and who unites all 73 tribes under the vision of One Zambia, One Nation. And as history has shown, when Zambians rise to choose freedom over fear, no government can stand in their way.
Presidential Aspirant Willah Joseph Mudolo Calls for Unity.
Unity and Peace in Politics: A Vision for Our Great Nation Zambia.
My fellow Zambians, As a fellow member of our beloved nation—one bound together by shared dreams, values, and the enduring hope for a better tomorrow. In these challenging times, when political differences often seem to overshadow the common good, it is imperative that we reaffirm our commitment to unity and peace within our political sphere.
Our great nation of Zambia is home to a vibrant diversity of cultures, languages, and beliefs. This diversity is a source of strength, not weakness. The democratic process thrives when all voices are heard, when dissent leads to dialogue, and when differences spur us towards creative solutions. Let us remember that unity does not mean uniformity; rather, it means coming together, respecting our differences, and building consensus for the greater good.
Peace in politics is not merely the absence of conflict, but the active pursuit of understanding and reconciliation. We must reject the politics of division, anger, and exclusion. Instead, let us choose the path of empathy, tolerance, and constructive debate. When we engage each other with respect—regardless of party or ideology—we cultivate the soil in which trust and progress can flourish.
As leaders and citizens, we have a responsibility to set an example of civility in our discourse and actions. Words matter. Let us use them wisely—to inspire, to heal, and to unite. Let us show our children that even in disagreement, we can be respectful and dignified; that our political differences need not divide our hearts.
The challenges Zambia faces—be they economic, social, or environmental—require collective effort and enduring cooperation across all sectors of society. No single individual or party holds all the answers. By working together, we can harness the best ideas, overcome adversity, and build a nation that is prosperous, just, and peaceful.
Let us renew our pledge to place unity and peace at the centre of our politics. Let us stand together, hand in hand, to build bridges where there are gaps, to find common ground where there are differences, and to always put our nation above personal or partisan interests. Together, we can create a legacy of harmony and progress for generations to come.
May peace guide our politics, and may unity strengthen our national spirit.
One Zambia One Nation Thank you. God bless you, and God bless our nation.
LAWYERS PETITION CHIEF JUSTICE TO PROBE MINISTER KASUNE
Lusaka… Wednesday October 1, 2025 – Lusaka-based law firm Messrs Joseph Chirwa and Company has petitioned Chief Justice Dr. Mumba Malila, SC, to constitute a tribunal to investigate alleged misconduct by Justice Minister Princess Kasune.
The petition, filed on behalf of former Constitutional Court petitioners Hon Munir Zulu and Celestine Mambula Mukandila, accuses the Minister of defying a Constitutional Court ruling which nullified the reintroduction of Constitution Amendment Bill No. 7
According to the petition, the Constitutional Court in cause number 2025/CCZ/009 directed that any constitutional reform process should be people-driven and spearheaded by an independent body of experts following wide consultations.
However, the lawyers allege that instead of complying with the ruling, Ms. Kasune has systematically undermined the judgement by reintroducing the same Bill that was found illegal and unconstitutional.
Mr. Joseph Chirwa, the lead counsel in the matter, said the Minister’s actions were contemptuous and violated her oath of office.
“The Honourable Minister has acted in a manner that is disrespectful to the Constitutional Court and in breach of the Parliamentary and Ministerial Code of Conduct. This undermines the authority of the courts and the sanctity of the Constitution,” Mr. Chirwa stated.
He explained that under Sections 13 and 14 of the Parliamentary and Ministerial Code of Conduct Act, the Chief Justice is empowered to establish a tribunal to investigate alleged breaches of conduct by Cabinet Ministers.
“Our clients are seeking nothing more than to preserve the integrity of the courts and uphold the rule of law,” Mr. Chirwa added.
The matter now awaits the decision of the Chief Justice on whether to appoint a tribunal.
As Deputy National Chairlady of the Patriotic Front, I categorically condemn Sean Tembo and Chris Zumani Zimba’s attempt to create confusion within our alliance.
Their actions are devoid of authority and legitimacy, and are a clear attempt to cause division. I therefore urge all genuine PF members to stand behind our party’s established structures and leadership, and reject these unauthorized appointments.
As PF women, we will not tolerate behavior that undermines trust and confidence in our party. Our party remains strong, united, and committed to our principles, and I am calling on all PF women to remain steadfast and vigilant, rejecting any attempts to undermine our progress and unity.
The Patriotic Front is not for sale, and we will not be swayed by selfish interests.
Kavumbu Hakachima Hachilonde PF Deputy National Chair for Women
CELEBRATING REVEREND PAUL BWEMBYA MUSHINDO: A BEACON OF FAITH, CULTURE AND INDEPENDENCE IN ZAMBIA
…conducted the first bible translation from English to Bemba…
Written by Hon Francis Robert Kapyanga MP, Mpika Constituency Member of Parliament
Reverend Paul Bwembya Mushindo (1896–1974) remains one of Zambia’s most remarkable figures, a man whose life harmoniously blended deep spiritual devotion, intellectual brilliance, and steadfast commitment to his people.
Born into a distinguished Bemba royal lineage in Chinsali District, he grew up with a profound appreciation for his people’s traditions, a foundation that shaped his lifelong dedication to faith, culture, and public service.
Beginning his career as a teacher, he soon pursued theological studies at Livingstonia in Malawi. In 1947, he was ordained as a Minister of the Church of Scotland, committing himself to a life of Christian service and evangelism that would leave an indelible mark on generations.
Among his many achievements, Reverend Mushindo’s translation of the Holy Bible from English into Ichibemba stands out as a monumental legacy. This 53-year endeavor was more than translation, it was a cultural milestone that brought the Word of God closer to millions of Bemba speakers, rooting Christianity deeply within local culture. His efforts not only strengthened spiritual life but also celebrated and preserved the richness of Zambian heritage.
He played a pivotal role in the ecumenical movement following Zambia’s independence, helping to establish the United Church of Zambia (UCZ). Even after his retirement in 1965, his commitment to evangelism and community service never wavered. His unique ability to honor African tradition while embracing Christian faith was publicly recognized when he became the first Christian minister invited to speak at the traditional accession ceremony of Chitimukulu Bwembya in 1971, a true symbol of unity between faith and culture.
As an author and intellectual, Reverend Mushindo devoted himself to safeguarding Bemba history and culture. His works, including Imilumbe Nenshimi (Riddles and Folktales) and Amapinda Mulyashi (Proverbs in Conversations), preserved the wisdom and oral traditions of his people. His historical account, A Short History of the Bemba, and his autobiography, The Life of a Zambian Evangelist: The Reminiscences of Reverend Paul Bwembya Mushindo, ensured that the story of the Bemba people was told from an authentic, indigenous perspective.
Reverend Mushindo was also a visionary leader in the political arena. As a member of the Northern Rhodesia African Representative Council, he championed African rights and opposed the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, advocating for equality, education, fair agricultural practices, and land reform. His tireless activism in the 1950s laid a foundation for Zambia’s independence, marking him as a true architect of nationhood.
In his later years, Reverend Mushindo made Malashi, Mpika Constituency, his home, continuing to serve the community with humility, wisdom, and compassion. It was there that he tragically passed away in a hit-and-run road accident in 1974 while returning from an evangelisation trip. Though his life was cut short, the impact of his work resonates across Zambia to this day.
Reverend Paul Bwembya Mushindo’s life was one of extraordinary dedication, to faith, culture, education, and nation-building. Today, we celebrate his achievements, honor his memory, and recognize the enduring inspiration he continues to provide for generations of Zambians.
ZESCO DEFENDS ITS DECISION TO INCREASE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY TO 21 VULNERABLE COMMUNITIES NATIONWIDE, PROVIDING BETWEEN 10 AND 15 HOURS OF POWER DAILY.
By: Thomas Afroman Mwale
Zesco Limited Has Defended Its Decision To Increase Electricity Supply To 21 Vulnerable Communities Nationwide, Providing Between 10 To 15 Hours Of Power Daily.
The Utility Described The Move As A Demonstration Of Equity And Compassion For Underserved Areas.
The Initiative, Part Of Zesco’s Malaiti Program, Is Set To Expand Further, With The Company Framing It As Affirmative Action And Positive Discrimination Aimed At Correcting Long-Standing Disparities In Energy Access.
Speaking On The Program, Director Of Corporate Support Services Chama Nsabika Clarified That Recent Reports Of Intensified Load-Shedding In Some Regions Are Primarily Linked To Vandalism.
She Urged Affected Communities To Report Such Incidents Promptly To Enable Swift Remedial Action.
Ms. Nsabika Assured The Public That Zesco Is Working Tirelessly To Stabilize The National Power Supply.
She Noted That Ongoing Solar Power Projects And Other Interventions Will Soon Improve Electricity Availability Across More Areas. #SunFmTvNews
Ignore the List, If it were Genuine, I would have been Aware of It
Public Announcement!!!
Having seen the “List” circulating on social media where I appear as Zambians in Diaspora Vice Chairperson, I would like to make it clear that I am not aware of such an appointment nor was I approached or consulted.
Thus said that list is just a distraction and we shouldn’t pay much attention to it.
My being here was not to seek for a position but to stand and sing for Zambia, be patriotic to my country and a voice of those that are not able to speak about the sufferings they are enduring.
The injustices, the looting of our country’s resources.
HEALTH Minister Elijah Muchima hss announced that Zambia will continue receiving help from the United States government to fight HIV, tuberculosis (TB) and other health problems.
Muchima revealed this during a meeting with leaders from the U.S. Bureau for Global Health Security and Diplomacy on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
He disclosed that the US has also committed to supply all HIV medicines promised for 2026.
From October 2025 to March 2026, the US government will provide funding through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).
During this period, Zambia, the US and other partners will work on a long-term plan for HIV and health response.
Muchima explained that Zambia will receive Lenacapavir, a six-month injectable HIV prevention drug, directly from the US, on top of doses for over 22,000 people being provided by the Global Fund.
“We are glad that the US government has committed to making available all the HIV-related commodities they pledged for 2026,” said Muchima.
The US will also continue supporting Zambia’s health workers, disease monitoring systems, and technical training to strengthen the country’s health sector.
The minister noted that Zambia had made progress in the fight against HIV but warned that the country still recorded about 30,000 new infections every year, especially among young women and girls.
He said this remained a big challenge despite government increasing its own health funding, adding that outside support is still needed until Zambia becomes fully self-reliant.
And US senior advisor Brad Smith said Zambia remained an important partner under America’s new Global Health Strategy.
He explained that the US wants to help Zambia create solutions that will eventually reduce the country’s dependence on donor funding.
SCARANTINO – GEHART DEFAMATION TRIAL FAILS TO TAKE OFF
Lusaka… Wednesday October 1, 2025
The defamation case involving former Zambia Institute of Architects (ZIA) Vice President Michel Scarantino and Susan Zuze-Gehart could not take off today for continued cross examination.
This was after lawyers representing both parties met in Chambers with the Judge handling the matter.
The matter is before Lusaka High Court Judge Vincent Siloka.
The dispute is over prime lakeside property in Siavonga.
In this matter, Dr. Scarantino 48, a registered architect of Lusaka’s Woodlands residential area is demanding damages from Susan Zuze-Gehart, a qualified architect for allegedly defaming him.
Facts before the court are that the Plaintiff is alleging that Ms. Gehart defamed his character when she sent a complaint email against him to ZIA which he said disadvantaged his candidacy when he stood for the association’s Presidency in November 2020.
When she opened her defense on Thursday 14th August 2025 before Lusaka High Court Judge Vincent Siloka, Ms Gehart submitted that she purchased Stand No. 1149/H in Siavonga in March 2011 from former owner Mark Collin Townsend for US$32,500 and was issued a Certificate of Title No. 117706.
She told the Court that in February 2019 she discovered construction taking place on the property.
She added that a search at the Ministry of Lands allegedly revealed that the Commissioner of Lands had “re-entered” her property SIA/1140/H on 17 September 2018, within five days of the issuance of the Notice of intention to re-enter which she maintains was never served upon her.
The Commissioner of Lands reallocated the land for the consideration price of K12,000 to another individual on 31 December 2018 – now the plaintiff in a pending court case – under Certificate of Title No. 53160.
Ms. Gehart said she took the matter to the Lands Tribunal in May 2019 and obtained an interim injunction restraining the plaintiff from interfering with the property.
However, she claimed that the plaintiff continued building in defiance of the court order.
The case also drew the attention of ZIA, where Ms. Gehart, herself a qualified architect, reported the matter when she learned that the plaintiff was contesting the presidency of the institute.
She maintained that her email to ZIA council members was “truthful and sent in good faith” and that the institute eventually decided it was a private dispute.
She further alleged that the Siavonga Council Chairman inspected the site, photographed ongoing construction, and later came under pressure from the plaintiff — allegedly through the area Member of Parliament — to alter his account and sign a letter in support of the plaintiff’s ownership claim.
In her submission, she claimed the Chairman declined as the matter was still in court.
Mrs. Gehart insisted that her actions have been lawful and motivated solely by a desire to protect her property rights.
The matter has since been pushed to 18th and 20th October, 2025 for continuation of cross examination.
EAZ WARNS 2026 NATIONAL BUDGET RISKS DERAILMENT WITHOUT ENERGY INCLUSION AND OVERSIGHT REFORMS
The Economics Association of Zambia (EAZ) has warned that the 2026 national budget, though commendable, risks falling short if urgent reforms are not made to address energy shortages, financial inclusion, and weak oversight of public funds.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lusaka today, EAZ President Dr. Oswald Mungule said the budget, in its current form, is well-intentioned but lacks the critical tools needed to guide economic transformation.
He noted that Zambia’s economy continues to suffer from inadequate public financial management instruments, leaving economists with little capacity to assess the net impact of the budget on the country’s wealth. .
Dr. Mungule identified the energy crisis as one of the most pressing threats to budget implementation, warning that Zambia’s heavy dependence on hydropower leaves the country vulnerable to climate shocks.
He stated that the ongoing load shedding of up to 12 hours daily is disrupting mining, agriculture, small businesses, and household welfare.
Dr. Mungule further warned of governance risks in the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), citing weak legislation, poor financial literacy, and unclear guidelines for access and oversight.
He called for reforms to ensure CDF allocations support green projects, education, and inclusive growth while safeguarding macroeconomic stability ahead of the 2026 elections.
A two-year-old girl named Aryatara Shakya was carried by her family from their modest home in a Kathmandu alley to the ornate Kumari Ghar, a temple palace where she will live as the city’s new “living goddess.”
At just 2 years and 8 months, Aryatara has been chosen as the new Kumari, a sacred figure revered by both Hindus and Buddhists in this predominantly Hindu nation.
Aryatara was selected after a meticulous process involving priests and astrologers, who scrutinized her for 32 physical perfections.
She was also tested her courage in rituals like the “Trial of Bravery,” where she faced the sacrificed head of a buffalo without flinching.
She steps into a role that blends divine reverence with human fragility, replacing 11-year-old Trishna Shakya,
Per tradition, Trishna has to step down as she nears puberty which means she is returning to life as an ordinary girl (mortal).
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Nepal’s president will seek her blessing, joining devotees who line up to touch her feet, offering flowers and coins in awe.
During the weeklong Indra Jatra festival, Trishna, the outgoing Kumari, was wheeled through the streets on a chariot pulled by devotees.
China has officially opened the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge in Guizhou province.
The bridge is now the world’s highest bridge standing at 625 meters (2,050 feet) above the Beipan River gorge.
Built in Guizhou, Southwest China, it spans the Huajiang Grand Canyon – known as the “Earth’s Crack.”
The massive suspension bridge stretches 2,890 metres in total length, with a 1,420-metre main span.
The structure is to cut travel time across the canyon from two hours to just two minutes.
The record-breaking structure adds to China’s growing portfolio of mega-bridges, many of which are located in the mountainous southwest.
Construction on the 2,890-meter (approx.) long suspension-steel truss bridge began on January 18, 2022.
After about three years and eight months of work, it was completed and opened to traffic on September 28, 2025.
The total cost is estimated to be roughly 2.1 billion RMB (≈ USD $280 million).
According to a load test, the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge can handle 3,360 tonnes of static load in testing (using 96 heavy trucks) without exceeding safety/deflection limits.
The gavel came down in the East London Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday as EFF leader Julius Malema was found guilty of unlawfully discharging a firearm.
Malema was convicted on all five charges including unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, discharging a firearm in a public area, reckless endangerment of persons or property, and failing to take reasonable precautions to avoid danger.
He and his former bodyguard, Adriaan Snyman, faced trial after video footage showed a rifle being handed to Malema.
Malema then fired shots into the air at the packed Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane in 2018.
It was the party’s fifth birthday rally.
Snyman was found not guilty of charges four and six. He was subsequently discharged.
The courtroom was full of EFF supporters as Malema and Snyman sat quietly in the dock, waiting for the verdict.
A flu-stricken magistrate Twanet Olivier convicted Malema on charges of illegal possession of firearms, contravening the Firearms Control Act, illegal possession of ammunition, and reckless endangerment.
“Accused one [Malema], in respect of counts one, two, three, four, and five you are found guilty as charged.
“Accused two [Snyman], in respect of counts four and six you are found not guilty and discharged.”
Snyman is the owner of a private security company providing services to the EFF at the time.
The charges were laid by lobby group AfriForum after the incident.
The state argued the actions endangered thousands of supporters, while the defence insisted the “toy gun” fired blanks and no witnesses could confirm live rounds were discharged.
From the outset, Malema and Snyman have pleaded not guilty to all charges.
They tried to have the charges dropped, saying there was not enough evidence.
But the application was dismissed.
Olivier said the viral video was not used to reach her decision.
“The only aspect to be determined is whether the rifle fired by Malema was a real firearm or not and the court is of the view that the viral footage is not needed to enable the court to arrive at a finding in this regard,” she said.
“As a side remark, it should be noted that the very same viral video footage was used by the defence to indicate certain factors that they wanted to place on record and in the same breath the court was asked to rule that the viral video footage is inadmissible on the basis that the originator of the said footage was not traced and called as a witness.
“Therefore, though the court ruled the said footage as real evidence, as it is relevant, it should be excluded as it was not authenticated.”
She said it begged the question as to why the defence relied on the footage during their cross-examination of the state witnesses to emphasise certain factors or facts.
She, however, said the footage taken by Gearhouse was admissible.
Gearhouse is the company that provided staging and audio-visual services for the rally.
It had its own cameras recording the event.
Because its footage could be traced back to the service provider and was properly authenticated, the court admitted it.
“I will admit and mention that the Gearhouse footage is not as visible as the viral footage.
“But in this regard, the Gearhouse footage is ruled as real evidence: it is relevant, it was authenticated and therefore it is ruled admissible.”
The matter was postponed to January 23 for pre-sentencing proceedings. Malema’s bail was extended until then.
Zimbabwe’s Life Expectancy Jumps to 65 as Health Sector Records Progress
Zimbabwe has recorded a significant rise in life expectancy, with the average lifespan now standing at 65 years — an increase of four years since 2021.
The development was revealed during the Public Service Commission Retirement Conference held in Bulawayo, which brought together nearly 2,500 delegates.
“A Healthier Nation” According to The Chronicle, Acting Director of Policy Planning and Health Economics in the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Tinotenda Kadzere, described the improvement as a major milestone while presenting on health and wellness.
“Despite the challenges we face, our life expectancy in 2021 was around 61 at the onset of NDS1. A recent study shows that it has now improved to an average of 65.
“A four-year increase over such a short period is no small feat. It shows we are becoming healthier as a nation,” Kadzere said.
Women Outliving Men The statistics show that women continue to outlive men. Women’s life expectancy is now 67, edging closer to the Vision 2030 target of 70 years for upper-middle-income countries.
“This shows that Zimbabwe is on track to achieve Vision 2030. Women are just three years away from the target life expectancy of 70 years for an upper-middle-income country, while men still have some ground to cover,” Kadzere added.
He noted that Zimbabwe’s performance compares favourably with Africa’s continental average of 63 years, though countries like Algeria and Cape Verde have already reached 75.
Health Challenges and Funding Gaps Despite the progress, Kadzere outlined pressing health challenges that continue to weigh on life expectancy.
The top 10 causes of death in Zimbabwe include HIV and AIDS, influenza and pneumonia, road accidents, coronary heart disease, diarrhoeal diseases in children, stroke, diabetes, and complications linked to childbirth and low birth weight.
“To further increase life expectancy, we must invest more in the health sector to prevent and treat disease effectively,” he said, stressing that health funding remains below the 15% Abuja Declaration target and short of the Ministry’s 2025 budget request.
Intersex Persons Take Zimbabwe Govt To Court Over Third Gender Zimbabwe’s government is facing a historic court battle as intersex persons demand the introduction of a third gender on birth certificates, identity cards, and passports. The case, filed at the High Court on 30 September 2025, marks the first attempt to compel legal recognition of intersex rights in the country.
Who are intersex persons? Intersex people are individuals born with a combination of male and female biological traits. This can include differences in chromosomes, hormones, or reproductive anatomy that do not fit typical definitions of male or female.
Because of these traits, many intersex persons struggle with identity documents that do not reflect their reality, leaving them vulnerable to discrimination.
ICoZ director Kudakwashe Murisa explained their challenges:
“Being intersex, I have to explain myself each time I want to use my identity documents. This is because they don’t match with the sex I was assigned at birth,” as per Zimlive.
Court challenge lodged Seven applicants – both adults and children – are part of the case. Some have been denied access to education and social services because their papers did not match their biological reality. Others faced discrimination in healthcare and employment.
Two organisations, the Health Law and Policy Consortium (HLPC) and the Intersex Community of Zimbabwe (ICoZ), are also backing the case.
Respondents include the Registrar General, the ministers of Home Affairs, Health, and Justice, as well as the Attorney General.
HLPC board member Tinashe Mundawarara, in his affidavit, pointed to constitutional violations:
“Section 81 (1)(c) specifically guarantees every child the right to a birth certificate. By failing to ensure that intersex children are issued birth certificates that reflect their unique biological reality, the respondents deny them a fundamental right and create barriers to accessing essential services such as healthcare and education.”
Global precedents Zimbabwe is not alone in facing questions over gender recognition. Other countries have already made legal changes to include intersex and non-binary persons.
In 2013, Germany became the first European country to allow parents to leave the gender field blank on birth certificates for intersex children. By 2018, it went further, officially recognising “diverse” as a third option on legal documents.
Nepal introduced a third gender category as far back as 2007, while Pakistan recognised “X” as a third gender on national identity cards in 2009. Australia and New Zealand also allow intersex and non-binary individuals to choose a third gender marker on passports.
Murisa said Zimbabwe must now follow the same path:
“This case is not just about one individual. It is about an entire community that has been made invisible for too long.”
Call for ban on surgeries The applicants are also asking the court to ban non-consensual surgeries on intersex minors. Some were subjected to irreversible procedures in childhood, leading to lasting health complications.
One applicant said the surgery left them with lifelong medical challenges and exclusion from society.
Murisa stressed the wider significance of the case:
“This case is historic. For the first time, the Zimbabwean legal system is being challenged to recognise the rights of intersex individuals as equal human beings under the constitution.”
The High Court is yet to set a hearing date. If successful, the case could create a precedent for intersex rights in Zimbabwe and shape regional debates on gender recognition.
Prophet Magaya’s Prime Waterfalls Properties Up For Auction Prophet Walter Magaya’s multi-million dollar hotel and stadium complex in Waterfalls is set for auction after two separate creditors secured writs of execution from the High Court. The prime developments, located on adjoining stands at Smuts Road in Prospect, appear to overlap — with both creditors listing the same hotel and stadium facilities — raising the likelihood that the complex spans both properties.
Chinese National Targets Stand 168 According to court papers under Sale Number SH3294/25 dated 24 September 2025, Chinese national Li Xiu Yun successfully obtained a writ against Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries. The order targets Stand 168 of Prospect, a 3.8428-hectare property at 168 Smuts Road, Waterfalls.
A report on the property noted that access was denied, but visible improvements included “a hotel that appeared to be a four-star with ancillary facilities, several cluster houses/lodges and a stadium.”
The court papers reported that the development has long been a neighbourhood milestone, with enhanced security and extensive facilities, making it one of the most prominent projects associated with Magaya’s ministry.
GetBucks Pursues US$420,000 On Stand 166 The second case, under Sale Number SH3298/25, involves GetBucks Microfinance Bank Limited. The microfinance institution is seeking to recover a debt of US$420,140 (about R7.7 million) from Planet Africa (Private) Limited, Walter Magaya, Tendai Magaya and Deliverance Ministries.
The property attached in this case is the Remainder of Stand 166 Prospect, measuring 3.2323 hectares at 166 Smuts Road, Waterfalls. Court documents describe it as containing “a hotel and a 40-seater stadium with FIFA ranking, very good security and several clusters/lodges” — almost identical to the description of Stand 168.
This similarity strongly suggests that Magaya’s complex, including the hotel and FIFA-ranked stadium, may straddle both properties now being pursued by different creditors.
It was reported in June 2025 that GetBucks had already obtained a High Court order for repayment, but accused Magaya and his entities of frustrating recovery efforts.
In its court filing, the bank said:
“A couple of days before the sale in execution, the respondent voluntarily resolved to place the principal debtor under Corporate Rescue which position frustrated the sale in execution of the immovable property.”
GetBucks also alleged deliberate obstruction, telling the court:
“There being no further assets of the 1st and 2nd Respondent and after frustration of all execution avenues to frustrate the judgment of this court and to render it a brutum fulmen, it follows that the two are insolvent and their estates should be liquidated. Procedures have been abused to frustrate execution. Entities linked to the applicant have been used to frustrate genuine execution of court orders.”
Auction Ahead, But Confusion Remains With two writs now covering overlapping properties, the Sheriff of the High Court faces the complex task of auctioning the Waterfalls developments. Creditors may end up pursuing claims on the same hotel and stadium, complicating the sale process and potentially triggering further legal battles.
For Prophet Magaya and PHD Ministries, the developments — once celebrated as a milestone in the church’s expansion — have become the centre of a financial storm. Both stands are now firmly under the hammer, with the creditors determined to enforce repayment.
Case Summary Box
Case Number
Parties Involved
Property
Improvements Listed
SH3294/25
Li Xiu Yun vs PHD Ministries
Stand 168 Prospect, 3.8428 ha, 168 Smuts Road
Hotel (4-star), cluster houses/lodges, stadium
SH3298/25
GetBucks vs Planet Africa (Pvt) Ltd, Walter & Tendai Magaya, PHD Ministries
Former Minister Nathi Mthethwa’s Sudden Death in Paris Sparks Suspicion Amid Madlanga Commission Probe
The sudden and untimely death of South Africa’s ambassador to France, Emmanuel Nkosinathi “Nathi” Mthethwa, has raised eyebrows and fuelled suspicion.
His death comes just months after he was implicated in allegations of political interference at the Madlanga Commission.
The 58-year-old former cabinet minister was found dead in Paris on Tuesday after falling from the 22nd floor of the Hyatt Hotel in Porte Maillot.
French authorities revealed that Mthethwa’s wife reported him missing on Monday evening after receiving what was described as a “worrying message.”
His body was later discovered outside the hotel, with investigators noting that the secure window of his room had been forced open.
Implication in Police Interference Allegations Mthethwa’s death comes against the backdrop of the Madlanga Commission hearings, where his name surfaced in connection with alleged attempts to shield former crime intelligence boss Richard Mdluli from prosecution.
According to The Citizen, KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, testified that Mthethwa had tried to influence Inspector General of Intelligence Faith Radebe to drop charges against Mdluli.
He was also reportedly among those scheduled to be questioned by Parliament’s ad hoc committee investigating corruption, collusion, and misconduct in the police service.
Mzansi Reacts to Nathi Mthethwa’s Sudden Death The sudden passing of Nathi Mthethwa has sparked widespread speculation and concern among South Africans, with many questioning the timing of his death during the ongoing Madlanga Commission. Social media users have expressed disbelief and suspicion, highlighting the unusual circumstances of his fall from the 22nd floor of a Paris hotel.
Here are some of the reactions;
@Peaches8Just;
very suspicious, why die during the ongoing Madlanga commission?👀
@AFootyFanSA;
Aaah they killed him… There’s no way 😩😩.
@Djmstar_sa;
I can’t be the only one who finds Nathi Mthethwa’s passing a bit suspicious?
@nkulu660;
Something very fishy here
@kganyabuthelezi;
How exactly did he “fall” from the 22nd floor of the hotel? A lot of things aren’t adding up here
@xokimbrly;
Nah wake that nigga up. You can’t die in the middle of an inquiry where you were heavily implicated
@HelloCalvin8;
Now i understand why Adv Terry Motau decided to relieve himself as evidence leader. This commission is going to expose a lot people
Nvidia CEO Says Skip University And Pick Up A Trade For The AI Boom The CEO of the world’s most valuable company has delivered a stunning piece of career advice for young people. Nvidia’s Jensen Huang says the path to success in the new AI world might not be a university degree, but a trade qualification. He claims electricians and plumbers will be needed by the hundreds of thousands to build the infrastructure of the future.
This surprising guidance comes as the global boom in data centre construction creates a massive demand for skilled manual labour. Huang suggests that for Generation Z, this represents a golden opportunity with high earning potential, all without the burden of student debt.
The Billionaire Behind Nvidia Jensen Huang co-founded Nvidia in 1993 and still leads it today. His personal fortune now sits at around US$150 billion (R2.7 trillion), making him one of the richest men on the planet.
Nvidia itself is valued at about US$4 trillion (R72 trillion). The company employs some 36,000 people worldwide, and its stock market surge has created staggering wealth. Reports suggest that around 80% of Nvidia’s staff are now millionaires, with nearly half said to be worth over US$25 million (R450 million) each.
The Staggering Demand For Data Centre Builders
In a recent interview, the Nvidia chief outlined the immense scale of the upcoming demand for tradespeople. He directly linked this need to the explosive growth of artificial intelligence and the facilities required to power it.
According to the Channel 4 News interview, Huang stated:
“If you’re an electrician, you’re a plumber, a carpenter—we’re going to need hundreds of thousands of them to build all of these factories. The skilled craft segment of every economy is going to see a boom. You’ve going to have to be doubling and doubling and doubling every single year.”
The financial backing for this boom is already happening. Nvidia itself announced a US$100 million (R1.8 billion) investment into OpenAI last week to fund data centres built on its processors. Industry-wide spending is projected to be astronomical, with global capital investment in data centres expected to reach US$7 trillion (R126 trillion) by 2030, according to a McKinsey report cited by Fortune.
CEOs Warn Of Critical Worker Shortage Jensen Huang is not a lone voice in the wilderness. Other major corporate leaders are echoing his concerns about a critical shortage of skilled workers. This consensus suggests a significant shift in the future job market away from traditional white-collar roles.
BlackRock CEO Larry Fink raised this issue earlier in the year. At an energy conference in March, Fink said he had taken his worries directly to the White House. Fortune reports that Fink argued that deportations of immigrant labour and a lack of interest among young Americans are creating a crisis for data centre construction.
“I’ve even told members of the Trump team that we’re going to run out of electricians that we need to build out AI data centers. We just don’t have enough.”
Just this week, Ford CEO Jim Farley reinforced these concerns. In an interview with Axios, Farley pointed to a major gap between the ambition to reshore manufacturing and the reality of the available workforce.
“I think the intent is there, but there’s nothing to backfill the ambition. How can we reshore all this stuff if we don’t have people to work there?”
According to a June LinkedIn post from Farley cited by Fortune, the United States is already short 600,000 factory workers and 500,000 construction workers.
Six-Figure Salaries Without A Degree The appeal of these trade jobs is being supercharged by their high earning potential. The construction of a single large data centre is a massive undertaking that offers significant financial rewards for workers.
Fortune reports that building one 250,000-square-foot data centre can employ up to 1,500 construction workers. Many of these workers can earn more than US$100,000 (R1.8 million), plus overtime, without ever needing a college degree.
While the U.S. Department of Education is prioritising the expansion of trade programs, some young people are already seizing the initiative. The article highlights the story of Jacob Palmer, a 23-year-old from North Carolina. He skipped university, trained as an electrician, and launched his own business by age 21. Last year he grossed nearly US$90,000 (R1.6 million) and has already hit six figures this year. He simply stated:
“I don’t owe anybody anything.”
This is a position many of his degree-holding peers likely envy, highlighting the practical and financial benefits of the path recommended by the world’s leading tech CEO.
South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has been found guilty of contravening South Africa’s Firearms Control Act after firing a gun during a public rally.
The ruling came from the East London Magistrate’s Court, where Magistrate Twanet Olivier delivered the judgment following a lengthy trial. The case stemmed from the EFF’s fifth-anniversary celebration in 2018 at Sisa Dukashe Stadium, Mdantsane, where viral footage showed Malema being handed what appeared to be a rifle by his then-bodyguard, Adriaan Snyman, before discharging it into the air before cheering supporters.
Malema’s defence team argued the firearm was only a toy prop used for dramatic effect. However, the court dismissed this claim, citing visual evidence and multiple witness testimonies as decisive in proving the case beyond reasonable doubt.
Magistrate Olivier emphasized that there was no sign of bias in the state witnesses’ testimonies, reinforcing confidence in the credibility of the prosecution’s case.
Alongside Malema, his former bodyguard Adriaan Snyman was also charged for unlawfully providing the weapon and faced additional counts of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.
The conviction concludes a years-long legal battle triggered by the high-profile incident, which drew widespread attention both nationally and internationally. Sentencing details are expected to follow.
Zimbabwe is set to launch legal proceedings against Lithuania after 17 fire tenders purchased for local authorities were seized and later auctioned while en route from Belarus to Harare.
The multimillion dollar trucks were intercepted at the port of Klaipeda in March 2023 and subsequently forfeited in July 2024 under European Union sanctions against certain Belarusian firms. Lithuanian courts upheld the move despite Harare’s insistence that the procurement was legal and unconnected to blacklisted entities.
Attorney General Virginia Mabiza confirmed that Zimbabwe will now pursue damages, saying pre trial investigations in Lithuania had been concluded. “Unfortunately, the Lithuanian authorities proceeded to dispose of the 17 trucks through public tenders, despite Zimbabwe’s objections. The next legal step is to seek compensation for the loss suffered by the Republic of Zimbabwe,” she said.
Mabiza stressed that Zimbabwe was the lawful owner of the vehicles, describing the seizure as a violation of property rights under both domestic and international law. “Our position has consistently been that Zimbabwe is an innocent third party and lawful owner of the fire tenders, which were procured transparently for public service delivery. While the courts did not halt the disposal of the trucks, the next phase allows Zimbabwe to pursue damages, and Lithuanian law provides for strict state liability in cases of unlawful seizure or disposal of property. We believe this will create a stronger basis for compensation,” she explained.
Officials say Harare is also considering international legal mechanisms should efforts in Lithuania fail. Options on the table include arbitration through the World Trade Organisation, approaching the European Court of Human Rights, or escalating the matter to the United Nations.
At the same time, the government is reviewing procurement systems to guard against future exposure to indirect sanctions, in a bid to protect public contracts and essential service deliveries from similar risks.
Michael Jackson may be remembered worldwide as the “King of Pop,” but according to Lionel Richie, he also carried a far less glamorous nickname among friends “Smelly.”
In his new memoir Truly, released Tuesday, September 30, Richie recalls that the moniker came from Quincy Jones, who teased Jackson for sometimes going days without washing or changing clothes. Jackson, Richie writes, laughed along, seemingly unaware of the issue.
Richie explains that Jackson’s hectic touring schedule made hygiene more complicated. Dry cleaners would often steal his clothing as souvenirs, and his level of fame made ordinary shopping trips impossible. As a result, Richie says, Jackson fell into the habit of wearing the same pants until they were no longer wearable.
The “All Night Long” singer also remembers the pop star’s casual style during visits: jeans and a t-shirt that were either slipping off or too short, and often, he admits, “smelly.” On one occasion, Richie even snuck Jackson into his home so he could shower for the first time in days, providing him with fresh jeans and underwear.
Despite these quirks, Richie emphasizes that Jackson’s less-than-perfect hygiene never dimmed his extraordinary talent or global stardom. As he puts it, everyone has their quirks even music legends.
Tottenham defender Radu Dragusin will not be linking up with the Romania national team during the upcoming international break after Spurs made it clear they do not want him to travel.
The 23-year-old has been sidelined since January after tearing his ACL during a Europa League clash with Elfsborg. He has yet to return to competitive action, though he is edging closer to full fitness. Spurs manager Thomas Frank recently said Dragusin was “progressing well,” explaining: “He’s been on the grass for three weeks now. He is on track. It will be some weeks before he is able to be involved.”
Despite his lengthy absence, Romania boss Mircea Lucescu had included Dragusin on the preliminary list of overseas players for their October fixtures against Moldova and Austria. However, after discussions with both player and club, Lucescu admitted he will not be calling him up. “I spoke with him. He was very happy for the national team comeback but I don’t think I will call him. Tottenham wasn’t so happy to let him come now at the national team. He needs one more month to play again. Radu wants to come, but others warned us it is better to let him train with Tottenham now,” the Romania coach told Fanatik.
Dragusin became the most expensive Romanian footballer ever when he joined Spurs from Genoa in January 2024 in a deal worth £21.5 million, with a further £4.3 million in add-ons. He made nine Premier League appearances that season and featured regularly last term, with 28 appearances in all competitions before his injury.
In his absence, Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven have established themselves as Tottenham’s first-choice centre-back pairing. However, Dragusin is expected to compete for a place once fully fit, with hopes he could return before the end of October.
Meanwhile, Spurs are managing other injury concerns. Frank confirmed Romero will miss the Champions League trip to Bodo/Glimt in Norway as a precaution, while striker Dominic Solanke is set for minor ankle surgery and will be sidelined until after the international break. He added that Randal Kolo Muani is recovering well from a dead leg.
