Pray for Zambia, Pray for Unity, Pray Against Ethnic Divisions and Pray for Spirit of Engagement -Archbishop Dr. Alick Banda
●the current drive to politicize our ethnic identities constituting our nation and Republic aimed at establishing a hegemony inimical to our unity of purpose will be resisted by every citizen of good conscious and will.” ● We call to an end the current divisive politics that have beleaguered our nation.
“On this score, I therefore, in good conscious, wish to urge you all and ask that you find time in your communities and parishes to pray for our country Zambia, through the intercession of the Archangels, Michael, Gabriel and Raphael the messengers and defenders of the nation of Zambia.”
“That we will live true to the ideals and spirit of unity of purpose on which our founding Fathers and Mothers, had built his republic on “One Zambia, One Nation” of which we were renowned for.”
“Let us also pray for a spirit of dialogue and constructive engagement in national issues affecting our country. That the current drive to politicize our ethnic identities constituting our nation and Republic aimed at establishing a hegemony inimical to our unity of purpose will be resisted by every citizen of good conscious and will.”
We call to an end the current divisive politics that have beleaguered our nation.
Accordingly, on this Feast Day of the Holy Archangels, may God give us, collectively and severally, as a nation, the wisdon and grace of unity of purpose to listen to the cry of the poor and marginalized in our country.
CHIEF Government Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa has wondered why the PF are priding themselves on the money they borrowed when they failed to repay it.
Mweetwa adds that the UPND has not borrowed more than what the PF borrowed in 10 years.
On Friday, PF faction Acting President Given Lubinda said, as opposed to the UPND government, his party could point to where the money they borrowed went.
In an interview on Sunday, Mweetwa said the PF had leaders who did not understand how the economy worked, thereby leaving the country in an economic doldrum.
“First of all, you have to understand that PF as a party, many of its leaders, failed to understand how the economy works, and that’s how they left the country in economic doldrums. When you look at the budget for this year, it tells you what the government intends to do with their borrowing. Out of the K253.1 billion, K20 billion is meant for repayment of external credit. The money that these people who now have energy to talk [about what they] borrowed that amount of money could have been way above if President HH and his team had not managed to attain debt restructuring. This shows that the debt was insurmountable, which is why government in 2020, the PF government defaulted,” he said.
“So, if today they want to pride themselves on borrowing and that they have something to show for it, how can you pride yourself on borrowing chickens from your neighbour, eating chicken, and yet failing to pay that neighbour? To an extent that the neighbour says, ‘I am not going to lend you kapenta because you have defaulted on your chicken and are not paying anything. So, it is better for your children to starve.’ That is the situation of where they left the economy. So, if I were him, I would have shut up.”
Mweetwa said the UPND had not borrowed more than what the PF borrowed in 10 years, adding that the money the previous regime got ended up in the hands of a few individuals.
“It’s not true that we have borrowed more than them in 10 years. They should give statistics; they should not just talk. Let them give statistics of borrowing. Because with borrowing, there are two levels: one, you borrow because you are meeting the obligation that the country has a growing concern you are obliged to meet. Seventy billion of this budget is going towards debt repayment. And out of that debt repayment, it is repayment of debt that was incurred by themselves. Do they expect us not to cushion by way of borrowing in order to meet our obligation now as a government, of which the debt was left by themselves? When you are going to borrow in order to meet budgetary estimations, what is prudent is to show where that money has gone,” he said.
“And when you look at borrowing and what has been out, I think 2.3% of the GDP is within the right levels because we are running an economy of integrity. We are going to take them on when they talk about borrowing because they are the ones who are talking about electricity, forgetting [that] Zesco lost credibility to borrow from certain suppliers of electricity because of the huge debt they left. Do they expect this government to fold hands and say, ‘This huge debt Zesco owes, because if we borrow to pay, we are expanding the debt portfolio’? You will recall that we are coming from a bad situation of drought, and we needed to feed our people. Wherever money has been borrowed under this administration, it ended up with the beneficiaries; it did not end up in the hands of few [people] building flats, lodges, and mansions, and selling second-[hand] motor vehicles as a way of money laundering.”
Meanwhile, Mweetwa said the 2026 National Budget, which was aimed at maintaining the UPND’s socio-economic gains, had been well received across the country.
“This budget [2026] across the country has not received any criticism except from those with certain areas of interest. Otherwise, this budget has been well received, and it has exceeded the anticipation of some people who were looking at this budget in terms of the elections. This will be a budget that will provide political sweeteners in order to win elections in 2026. Nothing like that has happened. The focus has been maintained to ensure that the socio-economic gains that have been attained thus far are consolidated as we move towards 2026. So, people like those will always talk, but it is important sometimes to just say, ‘Look at our colleagues doing fine.’ And even now, the debt they are talking about has been included in the budget, and we are paying what they failed to pay themselves. They should have been saying thank you,” said Mweetwa.
THOMAS SIPALO EXPLAINS ALLEGED ABDUCTION ATTEMPT, CLAIMS HE IS FACING LIFE-THREATENING DANGER
He shared…..
POLITICAL VIOLENCE MUST NEVER BE ENTERTAINED…( My silence on the matter was to give room to the police to freely investigate it fully…)
I’m facing life-threatening danger while trying to serve the people of Munali.Propaganda against me is now something Iam even getting used to some hired mouth from abroad and local are trying at all cost to scandalize my name… anyways that the story for another day.
So,Recently, I’ve been receiving threats and noticing suspicious unregistered vehicles trailing me daily, forcing me to seek safer transportation options like Yango. Last month, masked armed thugs in an unregistered Toyota Hilux broke into my house around 7 PM, harassing my children and maid. Thankfully, neighbors intervened, and I reported the incident to the police…
However, the situation escalated last Thursday at Leopard Hill. A group of suspected UPND thugs in a Toyota Hiace Quantum ambushed me and my friend Joel Nyondo aka Black Apple (he is not my body guard), armed with pistols, electric tasers, and pangas. They dragged us toward their vehicle (Bus), overpowering and electrocuting Joel. I was rescued by bystanders who overpowered the thugs, causing them to flee. Despite attempts to chase them, they escaped then I went to report the matter to woodlands police. After an hour with the help of the anti-robbery we managed to apprehended the driver of the bus which the abductors were using near heroes stadium,the bus was impounded and the suspect was detained and he remains in custody since then.
Joel was later found dumped unconscious in Mandevu compound, having been tortured, burned, and assaulted. Good Samaritans took him to Chipata Level One Hospital. The thugs stole his phone, clothes, money, and other valuables. Although one person was apprehended, the others are still at large.
Iam happy that the police have issued a statement iam now compelled to issue a comprehensive statement as I wait for the UPND to issue a statement condemning the abduction as well as Government’s stance.The President of Zambia on many foras has categorically stated that caderism of violence or any nature will never.
Political violence do not have a room in todays politics. Should political service come at the cost of life?
Thanks God that Joel is alive and receiving treatment and he will soon issue his version of the story not the lies coming from UK…I kept quiet because I wanted the police to finish with their investigations on the matter looking at its sensitivity.
If I joined UPND as alledged by the gossip queen from UK , why would UPND cadres want to abduct me their own member?
Screen shot these facts and send to Baja amai not the assumptions she has been posting.
Ladies and gentlemen, countrymen and women, on behalf of our clients Celestine Mambula Mukandila and Munir Zulu who successfully stopped Bill 7 in the Constitutional Court I state as follows:
The dead Bill 7 has been resuscitated by a cadre of politicians bent on vandalism to the Constitution to sneak their wishes into the document. They are doing it not for the good of the country but for temporary enjoyment: to cling on to power.
The shocks in Malawi have scared them so bad that they want a document that will help them get their way: cling on to power.
Countrymen and women, Zambia does not need a new Constitution. Zambia needs a revived economy. Zambia needs jobs. Zambia needs to end poverty. Those are solutions that these cadres should be selling to Zambians. Bill 7 is not bad for what it says, Bill 7 is bad for what it doesn’t say.
The UPND Government does not need Bill 7 to give youths, women or the disabled to run for the National Assembly. The UPND can simply adopt youths, women and the disabled as a party policy and not to lie to us that Bill 7 is the answer.
The UPND wants to create a one party state through increased nominations by the President of unelected MPs. The UPND wants to obliterate the opposition by making it easy for rebel MPs to cross the flow. By allowing a party to easily fire and replace MPs, the UPND wants to capture the opposition and bring Rwanda into Zambia.
https://youtu.be/yTsENbDdRgw?si=SLTq4TgeD6Tgy7F0
We are commencing contempt proceedings against the Speaker of the National Assembly TODAY. She will be the first Speaker to be sent to prison. We are also commencing contempt proceedings against the Minister of Justice.
On top of the contempt proceedings against the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Minister of Justice, we are filing the MOTHER OF ALL PETITIONS by Wednesday 1st October 2025. This petition will be an INDEPENDENCE DAY gift for all Zambians who have suffered so much for so long.
Joseph Chirwa, Esq. Lawyer for Munir Zulu and Celestine Mukandila Kasenengwa District 30/09/2025
Parliament Must Choose: Taxing Poverty or Reclaiming Zambia’s Weath
By Dr Mwelwa
Dr. Mbita Chitala’s warning is a thunderclap for a nation that has grown numb to economic pain. His article is not just an opinion piece — it is an indictment of the current economic order and a call to arms for legislators.
He lays bare the truth that Zambia is bleeding its citizens dry through relentless taxation while allowing its mineral wealth to escape unguarded into foreign hands. This is the kind of thinking Parliament urgently needs if it is to become Zambia’s cockpit.
When a man of Dr. Chitala’s calibre speaks, MPs must sit up and listen. He reminds us that no nation in history has developed by taxing its poor into deeper misery. The endless levies, fees, tolls, and duties amount to suffocation.
An objective Parliament would summon the Minister of Finance and demand that these nuisance taxes be reviewed. It would interrogate why copper continues to enrich foreign shareholders while Zambians remain spectators in their own country. It would legislate for state participation and strategic control.
Parliament must not meekly approve tax concessions that strip us of sovereignty. Chitala is right to call for the restoration of majority Zambian ownership of mines and banks. Parliament holds the constitutional power to do exactly that and can amend laws and revoke concessions.
Through Article 62, it can pass legislation that ensures copper revenues are retained in Zambia. That is what a Parliament that loves its people would do. This is why Operations 101 is so urgent — we need patriots inside the House.
We need thinkers, economists, patriots — men like Dr. Chitala — to enter Parliament, not just as commentators but as lawmakers. We need MPs who can dismantle neo-liberal policies that reduced Zambia to a debtor nation and replace them with a sovereign agenda.
The 2026 Parliament must be a Parliament of revolutionaries, not passengers. It must roar like the one that passed Mulungushi reforms in 1968, reclaiming control of mines and financial institutions. That single act gave Zambia decades of state-led development and progress.
We can do it again if we are bold enough to fill Parliament with courageous legislators who will resist IMF prescriptions and chart a Zambian path to prosperity. Today’s MPs should ask themselves if they will be remembered as nation builders.
Will they be remembered as the ones who taxed their people into hunger, or as the ones who reclaimed the wealth of the nation? Will they be footnotes in history, or the generation that broke Zambia free from economic captivity?
Dr. Chitala has lit the match. Parliament must become the fire that purifies this nation’s economic policy. We need a new class of MPs who will no longer be cheerleaders for austerity, but architects of sovereignty and a renewed Zambia.
Let this article be placed in the hands of every MP today — and let them know that if they do not act, the people will act in 2026. History will judge this Parliament by whether it chose courage or complicity.
The Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) has distanced itself from the ongoing internal wrangles within the Patriotic Front (PF), urging the former ruling party to resolve its disputes without involving other political parties.
MMD National Spokesperson Brendel Phillip stated in a press release that the PF’s current challenges stem from its own past political maneuvers.
He said this includes the alleged efforts to sponsor divisions within the MMD, create parallel party structures, organize a separate convention, and pressure state institutions to recognize a faction.
Mr. Phillip emphasized that political parties must demonstrate a genuine commitment to national unity, adding that Zambians expect leaders to prioritize the greater good over personal or partisan interests.
CHISEBE CALLS FOR 10-YEAR TERM LIMITS FOR MPS TO PROMOTE ACCOUNTABILITY AND FRESH LEADERSHIP
By: Thomas Afroman Mwale
Governance activist Noel Chisebe has called for the introduction of term limits for Members of Parliament (MPs), proposing a maximum tenure of 10 years to align with the presidential term limit.
In an interview with Sun Fm Tv News, Mr Chisebe emphasized that while the positions of President and Mayor are already subject to term limits, MPs can currently serve indefinitely, with some remaining in office for over 20 years.
He stressed the need for legislation to prevent such extended tenures in the National Assembly arguing that this would promote accountability and ensure MPs serve their constituencies with passion knowing their time in office is limited.
Mr. Chisebe added that introducing term limits would bring fresh ideas into Parliament and strengthen democratic governance across the country.
He has therefore appealed to long serving MPs to consider voluntarily steping aside in 2026 general elections, suggesting that leadership is not meant for one individual alone encouraging them to groom capable successors who can continue their work. #SunFmTvNews
⬆️ CONTEXT | Archbishop Banda’s Prayer Call and the Politics Behind It
Archbishop Dr. Alick Banda, head of the Catholic Church in Lusaka, has called on Zambians to pray for unity, peace, and an end to what he described as the politicisation of ethnic identities. In his homily marking the Feast of the Holy Archangels, he urged citizens to resist divisive politics and recommit to the founding principle of “One Zambia, One Nation.”
“That we will live true to the ideals and spirit of unity of purpose on which our founding Fathers and Mothers had built this republic,” he said, appealing for collective prayers through Archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael.
His appeal comes at a volatile moment. Ethnic rhetoric has grown sharper in recent months, amplified by opposition figures accusing government of tribal bias and ruling party leaders dismissing critics as agents of division. Banda’s warning against hegemony built on ethnicity is in tune with public anxiety, but his track record complicates the reception.
The Archbishop has long been seen as politically aligned with the Patriotic Front (PF). He conducted the religious rites at Edgar Lungu’s funeral in South Africa even as the Zambian government worked to repatriate the body. His critics accuse him of turning legitimate calls for accountability into claims of tribal persecution, especially when political figures from the north and east face scrutiny.
That perception explains the mixed reactions to his statement. Some citizens welcomed the message as a timely reminder of Zambia’s unity. Others dismissed it as selective outrage, arguing that Banda has been silent on other forms of injustice, only raising his voice when PF interests are at stake.
What cannot be ignored is the weight of the pulpit in Zambia’s political space. Faith leaders have historically shaped national debates, from the fight for multiparty democracy in the 1990s to mediation during election crises. Banda’s words, therefore, are never just prayerful, they are political signals.
The Archbishop’s call for dialogue also reveals an unspoken divide: who gets to define unity. For government supporters, unity means rallying behind the current leadership. For PF-aligned voices, it means ending what they see as selective targeting of their regions. The result is a tug-of-war where even the national creed of “One Zambia, One Nation” risks being weaponised.
The broader question is whether Zambians can distinguish between genuine calls for national cohesion and partisan manoeuvres wrapped in religious language. History shows that unity has often been invoked by those under pressure, as both shield and sword.
For now, Banda’s prayer stands as both a plea and a provocation. It exposes the fragility of Zambia’s civic fabric at a time when politics is testing old bonds of nationhood. Whether his message heals or hardens divisions will depend on how both leaders and citizens interpret the Archbishop’s intent.
Madagascar’s president sacks government following protests against Electricity and Water Outages
By: TRT Africa
Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina said on Monday he had sacked his government following deadly protests against water and electricity outages across the Indian Ocean nation.
The days protest, led by mostly young demonstrators, has claimed at least 22 lives and left more than a hundred people injured, according to a United Nations tally.
“I have decided to terminate the functions of the Prime Minister and the government. Pending the formation of the new government, those in office will act as interim ministers,” Rajoelina said in a televised national address.
Applications for a new premier will be received over the next three days before a new government is formed, he said. #SunFmTvNews
Zambia is being praised worldwide because of UPND’s energy reforms – Musokotwane
FINANCE and National Planning minister Situmbeko Musokotwane says despite experiencing load shedding, Zambia is being recognised across the world as one of the leading reformers in the energy sector.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19gf5dSBrS/
Presenting the 2026 National Budget in Parliament on Friday, Dr Musokotwane said despite the serious power shortages caused by the 2024 drought, the country’s reforms have attracted regional and international recognition.
“Today, Zambia is considered by our neighbours as one of the leading performers in the energy sector. The coming onboard of the private sector is positive to our local market because it completes the efforts of existing players like Zesco,” he explained.
“The importance of the private sector is that those with cash, they buy that electricity and sell it to the mines, sometimes there’s electricity in the region, but we are not able to acquire it. Because Zesco must put money upfront and it does not have that money, what happens, those with cash, private companies buy and sell it to Zesco. The reforms in the energy sector are very important.”
The minister explained that the country’s current electricity deficit was a result of underinvestment in the sector dating back to independence, compounded by reduced water levels in hydro dams.
He noted that even if water availability had remained steady, the installed generation capacity would still not be enough to meet the growing demand from households and the mining industry.
Dr Musokotwane said the UPND administration had in the past four years implemented key reforms to address the challenges.
These included diversifying the energy mix, improving the regulatory framework, adjusting tariff structures and opening the market to private sector participation.
He stated that the entry of private players was critical as it complemented State utility, Zesco, and provided alternatives when the company faced constraints.
“Government has created an environment that enables the private sector to be private players in the enegy sector, from generation including exporting and importing,” stated Dr Musokotwane.
“In the past, Zesco imported electricity from Mozambique but failed to pay, which damaged its credibility. Today, private companies with cash can import electricity and supply it to mines or even Zesco itself.”
Copperbelt minister gives cop earful for early roadblocks
A TRAFFIC police officer on the Copperbelt was reduced to a ‘seconds’ hand on an analogue clock, saluting every second the provincial minister Elisha Matambo reprimanded him for mounting up a roadblock early in the morning, causing unnecessary congestion.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AYczmLbX5/
Matambo, who was visibly furious, questioned why the officer was stopping motorists during peak commuting hours in the morning saying the timing was causing unnecessary delays for workers heading into town.
“Stop stopping people going to work! These people are going for work at seven hours, and you are putting a roadblock on the road. What are you trying to do? You want to make this government unpopular?” he yelled at the officer in a video he posted on his Facebook page.
The minister instructed that roadblocks and vehicle inspections should be conducted after 10:00 hours, allowing citizens to commute freely between 6:00 and 10:00, the hours when most people travel to work
The officer, clearly caught off guard, was just shouting yes sir and saluting in appology, but the minister was having none of it.
He looked like a man caught in the wrong act at the wrong time, unable to muster an explanation that could save him in that moment…https://kalemba.news/local/copperbelt-minister-gives-cop-earful-for-early-roadblocks/
WHERE IS GARY NKOMBO? THE CHAIRMAN OF ELECTIONS COMMITTEE IS SILENT AMID UPND’S CANDIDATE ADOPTION TURMOIL
As they say, there is nothing new under the sun. The ruling United Party for National Development (UPND)is trying very hard to out a lid on the dogfights brewing as many of its members jostle to be among those to be adopted to stand for parliamentary seats in 2026.
The UPND finds itself grappling with a familiar spectre that has afflicted parties in government before it: confusion and infighting over candidate adoptions. From district-level skirmishes to high-stakes parliamentary by-elections, the party’s selection processes will once again devolve into accusations of favouritism, corruption, and procedural lapses.
Yet, in the midst of this brewing storm, one key figure remains conspicuously absent from the fray—the party’s National Chairman for Elections, Gary Nkombo. Where is he? Why isn’t the man who was at the centre of the adoption process in 2021 saying nothing about what could test the party’s unity at a crucial time?
The UPND’s candidate adoption woes are nothing new. Flash back to 2021, when the party was in the opposition trenches, preparing for what would become a seismic victory against the Patriotic Front (PF), Districts like Ndola on the Copperbelt erupted in protests as supporters shut down secretariat offices, decrying manipulated selections and corruption among officials. Eight councilors in Ndola threatened to bolt if their preferred candidates were not endorsed, pinning the blame on senior party leaders.
In Kalulushi, the absurdity peaked when two aspirants, Chikabala Kaleta and Ngosa Daka showed up to file nominations, each clutching an “official” adoption certificate. One certificate was even torn up by police in the ensuing melee, forcing a frantic memo from Lusaka to clarify Kaleta’s status.
Monze told a similar tale of rebellion, with residents protesting the potential re-adoption of long-serving MP Jack Mwiimbu, whom they viewed as an unpopular holdover propped up by party president Hakainde Hichilema’s inner circle—including Nkombo.
Aspirants alleged the adoption process was a sham, marred by backroom deals. “The primaries are just an academic exercise,” one aggrieved candidate lamented at the time, pointing fingers at Hichilema’s confidants like Nkombo and Silvia Masebo.
What saved the UPND then was the unity of purpose and the zeal to remove the Patriotic Front (PF) and people were asked to let go of their ambition so that they can focus on the bigger picture of wining the general elections.
UPND is now in power everyone wants a piece of the cake for the “sacrifices they have made to put the party into government. And now, with 2026 looming, UPND can not repeat the 2021 playbook of using unity of purpose as an excuse for not adopting some candidates. Many members have seen how those who came in with nothing are now driving luxurious motorbikes and living lavish lifestyles.
The young guns have smelt blood and many are already campaigning through community engagements of various kinds.
In Muchinga, latest news is that the UPND has adopted independent MP Emmanuel Banda for 2026 polls. This adoption seems to have proceeded at break-neck speed, and it not clear why the announcement has come so early. Why have other UPND members not been allowed to throw their hats in the ring for consideration? Without any known process, convention or electoral procedure, Emmanuel Banda’s blessed selection to be the UPND parliamentary candidate seems strange.
Nkombo, the executor of the 2021 candidates’ list is still in his portfolio until the party holds its elective convention. Therefore, he can still belo guide. Or is his rustication from the centre of UPND power already sealed?
Chairman of Elections, speak up. Clarify matters.
There is already conflicting positions within the UPND. President Hakainde Hichikema publicly signaled that MPs who have served multiple terms in their search should consider voluntarily giving way, as Ackson Sejani had once done in Mapatizya constituency. It is not surprising therefore that the list of new aspiring candidates for seats already held by UPND members, is growing. Some of those in the group of “Old Guard” have been named. Nkombo himself, Jack Mwiimbu, Elijah Muchima, etc.
Deputy Secretary General Getrude Imenda picked up the President’s refrain, but her statement was quickly repudiated by Secretary General Batuke Imenda. Even at the secretariat, it seems, there is disagreement on the issue.
But no matter how hard the UPND leadership tries to pretend, adoption of candidates will test its structures. They might find that, having been in government, and now now with its grip on power looking increasingly tenuous, many of its members will not be ready to subordinate their personal political ambitions to party loyalty and unity.
Now they also want to get in and eat, before it is too late.
HOW I WAS ATTACKED ON AN ACCIDENT SCENE BY IDENTIFIED MEN IN UNIFORM.
On my way to an early assignment, I stumbled upon a fatal accident pa ring road joining Lilayi road. Since I had started off early, I thought, “Let me cover this story — I still have time.”
I jumped out of my vehicle, press card in hand, and began taking pictures. Suddenly, an officer — a commando — pushed me and barked: “Iwe, chik**la choka! You think this is ZNBC?”
I tried to explain politely: “Sorry sir, I’m just doing my job.” But before I could say more, my phone was grabbed, and I was roughed up.
I overheard one officer telling the other “Bazungu ni Mark Ziligone from ZNBC , and He was like I know this Nkongolo chap.”
Despite that, I was slapped, dragged, and my phone confiscated — only to be returned later.
Now, with bruises and more questions than answers, I can’t help but wonder, i guess not all Men in Uniform would treat journalists this way?
I have identified the Officer First, let me get to the clinic.
INONGE’S CALL FOR YOUTHS TO FIGHT HARD TO HAVE A FEMALE PRESIDENT TIMELY – KATEKA
NEW Heritage Party president Chishala Kateka says former vice-president Inonge Wina’s call to the youth to fight hard for a female president is very timely.
On Friday, Wina said the commercialisation of politics, candidate adoption methods within political parties, and the continued patriarchal system in Zambian society could eventually marginalize women from political participation.
She also argued that President Hakainde Hichilema appointing Mutale Nalumango as Vice-President was not enough, stressing that one woman at the helm could not change all decision-making structures. She urged youths to fight hard for a female president.
Commenting on this in an interview on Sunday, Kateka said now was the time to take decisive action to put a woman in the presidency.
“Former vice president Mama Inonge Wina’s call to the youth to fight hard to have a woman president is very timely. As she experienced while in office, her contribution to the governance system was limited. As vice-president, she was not able to do as much as she would have liked. Her role was more advisory, and her advice could be taken on board or not”.
“Zambia is currently in a very serious state, and now is not the time to continue doing what we have always done, as that will only produce the same results. Now is the time to act and put a woman as president, not just for gender balance, but because women tend to be less egotistical, more relational, and therefore possess the qualities needed at this time, the need to unite this nation,” said Kateka.
“In addition, some serious governance reforms need to be undertaken, particularly reducing the powers of the president, as these concentrated powers have been a major source of problems due to abuse. A woman in office is more likely to assent to what is required to be done”.
“Moreover, women tend to be more empathetic and are more likely to prioritize solutions that focus on the welfare of citizens, rather than other considerations made at the expense of Zambians. The former vice president is speaking from a position of experience, wisdom, and as someone who closely observes the political and social wellbeing of the country.”
VINGSTONE MAYOR DENIES CORRUPTION ALLEGATIONS AS CASE OVER K180,000 PROPERTY RATES PAYMENT CONTINUES
By: Augustine Kapambwe
Livingstone Mayor Constance Muleabai Has Denied Any Involvement in Soliciting or Receiving Funds in a Corruption Case Concerning the Alleged Cancellation of Property Rates for Zamnuka Farming Limited.
The case, which has drawn public attention, centers around a disputed payment of K180,000.
Testifying in her defense, Ms. Muleabai told the Livingstone Magistrate Court that she neither requested nor accepted the money from Zamnuka directors Mark Gabite and Perry.
She stated that a state witness had informed her that the payment would be directed to the Livingstone City Council for the cancellation of the property rates.
Ms. Muleabai further claimed that the same witness later received the funds and that she had no role in soliciting or handling the transaction. She also alleged that Mr. Gabite had secretly recorded their conversation regarding the payment.
Earlier, Lusaka Magistrate Trevor Kasanda, presiding over the case in Livingstone, ruled that Ms. Muleabai had a case to answer on both counts.
Despite the ruling, she has consistently maintained her plea of not guilty.
Judgment in the matter has been scheduled for November 28, 2025. #SunFmTvNews
COPPERBELT YOUTH CHAIR WELCOMES K40 MILLION CDF INCREASE
September 29,2025
United Party for National Development (UPND) Copperbelt Province Youth Chairperson Wallen Hinyama has commended President Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND government for the unprecedented increase of Constituency Development Fund (CDF) in the 2026 National Budget.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with the UPND Media Team this morning, Mr. Hinyama described the K40 million allocation as a landmark achievement in Zambia’s development journey.
He noted that the increase in CDF from K1.6 million to K40 million is a clear testament to quality leadership that the nation has never experienced before.
“I would want to appreciate President Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND government for this massive allocation of resources to local authorities across the country.It takes visionary leadership to embrace good policies like this, and imagine with the continued allocation of these funds, our communities will no longer be the same.” said Mr. Hinyama.
Mr. Hinyama highlighted that the Decentralization Policy, implemented through CDF, has already transformed lives by enabling many underprivileged children to access education and acquire skills through bursaries.
He further commended the equal allocation of CDF to all constituencies, emphasizing that unlike in the past, the funds are now disbursed fairly and simultaneously across the country.
The Youth Chairperson has called on all well-meaning Zambians to rally behind the UPND government for sustained development and national progress.
BINWELL COMMENDS GOVT FOR THE 340KV TRANSMISSION LINE
NKANA Independent Member of Parliament Binwell Mpundu has commended the intention by the UPND government in the 2026 national budget to complete the 340 kilovolts transmission which the PF left in Kasama.
He said, in an interview with Daily Revelation over the weekend, that the move was welcome as it was going to enable the country to connect itself with the region.
“As an example, for the last three, four years. I have been asking the government to complete the 340 KV transmission line which the PF left in Kasama, to connect ourselves to the east.
Mbeki applauds Mkhwanazi’s courage in exposing police and political interferences
Former President Thabo Mbeki has publicly endorsed KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s outspoken criticism of the criminal justice system, commending his courage in raising deeply troubling allegations of corruption, political interference and criminal syndicate infiltration.
Speaking at an ANC political school in Durban during a two-day session convened by the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Task Team (PTT), Mbeki praised Mkhwanazi’s July revelations delivered with dramatic effect which prompted the establishment of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
“I’m very very glad that Mkhwanazi had the courage to speak out … because at last now we have the Madlanga Commission which will then hear evidence from everybody.”
Mkhwanazi’s claims include allegations that senior police and political figures, notably Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, have interfered in policing operations and allowed corruption to flourish. He warned that unless addressed, these problems could lead to a catastrophic collapse of the criminal justice system.
The Commissioner’s testimony before the Madlanga Commission chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga detailes suspicions of political sabotage through interference with operations, disbanding of units meant to investigate political killings, stalling case dockets, and collusion with business interests.
Mbeki used his address to link Mkhwanazi’s revelations to broader challenges within the ANC and the country. He called for honest internal reflection over self-enrichment, for leaders to work to restore public trust, and for dialogue that places the concerns of ordinary people at the centre.
Reactions to Mkhwanazi’s allegations have been mixed. Many, including civil society organisations, opposition parties, and community policing forums, have rallied around the Commissioner, praising his willingness to speak out. Others have cautioned that the allegations must be proven and handled via proper legal and institutional channels.
The Madlanga Commission’s proceedings, which began with Mkhwanazi’s testimony, are gathering evidence from various sources documentary, testimonial, audio communications to probe whether the system has been compromised by internal corruption, political interference and criminal syndicate influence.
North Korea vows at UN never to surrender its nuclear weapons
By: TRT World
A North Korean minister said on Monday in a rare address to the UN that Pyongyang would never surrender its nuclear weapons but left open the door to diplomacy.
Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Kim Son Gyong made the trip to New York to attend the United Nation’s annual high-level week – a role previously performed at a lower level by the country’s ambassador.
“(The) imposition of ‘Denuclearisation’ on the DPRK is tantamount to demanding it to surrender sovereignty and right to existence and violate the constitution,” said Gyong.
“We will never give up nuclear which is our state law, national policy and sovereign power as well as the right to existence. Under any circumstances, we will never walk away from this position.” #SunFmTvNews
If anything happens to Ruth Ronnie I will blame myself because when she confided in me about what transpired and I saw her, I am the one who insisted that she reports to the police, she didn’t want to. But broken bones aren’t a way to correct a woman in whatever wrong you believe she’s committed. AND SUCH A WOMAN NEEDS TO BE DEFENDED AND NOT LAUGHED AT FOR REPORTING.
Look at the way society has ganged up against her. Please stop dragging her, drag me for telling her to report.
I had no idea that she would be abused by the public for being human and expressing anger when provoked. I had no idea that that video was enough to convince people that the abuse she suffered was deserved. I had no idea that the public would weaponize the age difference to shame her.
I thought those bruises and broken bone were unacceptable regardless of the age of the person who inflicted them on her. I had no idea that her believing in love regardless of age difference would be used to shame her! I had no idea that my dear friend would be a laughing stock after allegedly suffering abuse at the hands of a person she once held dear to her heart.
If I knew, I was not going to encourage her to report the case. Maybe she shouldn’t have reported. None of this shame would have been made public.
This is all my fault. The victims seem safer not reporting and hiding their pain because Zambians mock them, use their age, gender and past as weapons to drag them and laugh at them.
“Across the globe, where democratic systems function, presidential nomination fees vary widely.
In France, candidates pay nothing but must secure 500 endorsements from elected officials. In the United States, state ballot access fees for presidential primaries can total up to $100,000, though federal registration is free. In China, the process is cost-free but tightly controlled by the Communist Party, with no public candidacy.
Now, let’s look at Africa: • Botswana: $0 – No fee; candidates need party or parliamentary backing. • Namibia: $0 – Free, but party nominations and signatures are required. • Zambia: ~$4,100 USD – Based on 2021 election fees
• South Africa: ~$11,000 USD – ANC nomination fees for 2024 • Zimbabwe: ~$20,000 USD – ZANU-PF and opposition fees for 2023,
• Nigeria: ~$239,234 USD – The APC charged ₦100 million (~$239,234 in April 2022) for its 2023 presidential nomination forms.
If you’re wondering why things aren’t working in your African state, look at what it costs to become president. If you think a president who pays thousands of dollars for a form won’t “work hard” to profit from power, think again!”
-Africas most vocal Professor Lumumba spills hard facts
Osama Bin Laden’s son has grown into a goth/metal hybrid. He loves western movies and loves painting Americana.
Omar bin Laden, one of Osama bin Laden’s many children, has lived a very different life than his infamous father.
Born in 1981, Omar was raised partly in Sudan and Afghanistan before breaking away from the al-Qaeda leader’s inner circle as a young man.
Choosing exile and distance from extremism, he settled for periods in Saudi Arabia, Iran, and later Europe. In adulthood, Omar cultivated a very different persona, embracing heavy metal culture, wearing leather jackets, and sporting long hair.
More importantly, he discovered a passion for painting, particularly Western landscapes and Americana scenes inspired by films and pop culture. His artwork, often depicting horses, deserts, and nostalgic frontier imagery, reflects both a fascination with freedom and an attempt to claim an identity apart from his family’s legacy.
Fun Fact: Omar once applied for asylum in the UK, hoping to start a new life there, but was denied. Today, he continues to paint and occasionally gives interviews about his life, emphasizing his desire to be known for art rather than his father’s name.
IT WILL BE DIFFICULT TO REMOVE THE GOVERNMENT IN 2026, SAYS CHABINGA
Leader of Opposition in Parliament Robert Chabinga says it will be difficult to remove the United Party for National Development UPND government from office because it has prioritised the well-being of ordinary citizens.
The lawmaker has cited the increase of constituency development fund as one of the reasons.
Mr Chabinga said President Hakainde Hichilema is not going to have competition from the opposition next year.
“When your friends are doing fine, why should we be doing guess work? Five years is too little to change the Government. We need consistency of 10 years for the head of State,” he said.
Mr Chabinga said the decision by the New Dawn administration to continue supporting development at grassroots level through CDF should be supported by citizens.
“Change! Change! Which change? K40 million going to the constituency…believe me, this is a serious game-changer.”
Mr Chabinga, who is Mafinga Member of Parliament, said PF members are geared to go flat-out and ensure the UPND administration wins next year’s general elections to attain continuity in the developmental agenda.
He also said with the continued leadership crisis in Tonse Alliance, it will be difficult for Zambians to trust them with governance of the country.
BREAKING NEWS: “Sahel Intelligence Drop Bombshell: Ready to Name Top Nigerian Politicians Allegedly Sponsoring Band!ts in the country!”
Intelligence agencies from Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso have revealed that they are preparing to release the names of senior Nigerian politicians allegedly supporting terriorist groups operating in Nigeria’s North-West and causing unrest in the country.
This revelation was made by security analyst Zagazola Makama, who has consistently reported on terror!sm, insurgency, and banditry across the Sahel region.
If these names are made public, it could cause a political earthquake in Nigeria and possibly reshape the fight against insecurity in the North.
What do you think — will these revelations finally expose the truth behind Boko haram in Nigeria, or will it be swept under the carpet as ususal?
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Zambians don’t want to choose between “red” and “green.” …..They want a leadership that transcends toxic partisan politics – SABOI
LUSAKA, September 29, 2025 – It has now become increasingly clear that our country has reached a critical juncture in its democratic journey. It is evident that the two dominant political players of our time — the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) and the opposition Patriotic Front (PF) — have failed to provide the leadership that Zambians so desperately need. Instead, both parties have cultivated a toxic political environment that has left our people divided, disillusioned, and impoverished.
The politics of UPND and PF have been marked by tribal and regional divisions, corruption, vulgarity, and violence. These vices have become entrenched in our political system to the extent that ordinary Zambians have lost confidence in politicians altogether. Rather than focusing on policies that uplift the majority, our political space has been reduced to a theatre of self-preservation and enrichment for a few individuals at the expense of millions who continue to wallow in extreme poverty.
As NDC under the umbrella of the United Kwacha Alliance (UKA), we believe Zambians deserve better. We believe Zambians need a fresh start.
It is important to recall our shared experiences in the UKA. When we worked with the late former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu (May His Soul Rest in Eternal Peace), he was categorical in his acknowledgment that Zambians wanted something new — something beyond the tainted legacy of PF leadership. He knew, as many Zambians do, that corruption, caderism, and political violence under the PF had eroded public trust. That is why he was clear that the PF, with its soiled past, could not provide the kind of renewal the country yearned for.
It is therefore strange, and indeed unfortunate, that now that President Lungu is no more, the same PF leaders with questionable records are once again positioning themselves at the forefront of the opposition movement. They want Zambians to forget the trauma they endured — the violence in the streets, the harassment of dissenting voices, and the rampant looting of public resources. But the memories of the majority of Zambians are still fresh. They know what the PF leadership brought to this country, and that is why they firmly rejected it.
On the other hand, the UPND, which came into office on a wave of popular hope, is treading down the same destructive path. Instead of providing a clean break, they are repeating the very mistakes that PF made — practicing politics of exclusion, corruption, greed, and political violence. The UPND promised Zambians a new dawn, yet they are delivering prolonged hours of load-shedding, an unprecedented high cost of living, joblessness, and lost opportunities for our young people.
The truth is that Zambians do not want to be forced to choose between “red” and “green.” They want a leadership that transcends toxic partisan politics. They want a leadership that unites them under our proud national motto: One Zambia, One Nation. They want servant leaders who listen, who care, and who act in the interests of the people, not themselves.
The NDC/UKA is offering that fresh start. We are offering leadership that is free from the baggage of the past, leadership that will inspire confidence, foster unity, and give hope to our people. We are committed to building a Zambia where politics is not a pathway to wealth but a service to the nation.
Fellow Zambians, you have experienced the failures of both UPND and PF. It is time to move forward. It is time to reject the politics of violence, corruption, and division. It is time for a new chapter in our history — a chapter of renewal, accountability, and unity.
The NDC stands ready to walk with you on this journey to a better Zambia. Together, we can deliver the fresh start that our beloved nation so desperately needs.
Issued by: Saboi Imboela- President National Democratic Congress (NDC)
Sean Tembo, a confused comedian – Tonse member, Musoma
TONSE Alliance Council of Leaders member Wright Musoma says opposition leader Sean Tembo is nothing more than a confused comedian who continues to embarrass himself by falsely claiming leadership within the alliance.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17Kg47cc9D/
Musoma stated that Tembo is neither a spokesperson nor a member of the decision making structure of the alliance, describing his actions as laughable and out of touch with reality.
“Tembo is a confused comedian, he once acted as a spokesperson for the alliance, but due to his persistent confusion and indiscipline, we as the Council of Leaders removed him,” Musoma told #Kalemba in an interview.
Musoma went further to mock Tembo’s recent attempt to call for a meeting under the banner of Tonse, which he claimed was not sanctioned by the alliance’s recognised leadership.
“That meeting he called to be held at his house is nothing but a comedy sketch. We have a formal secretariat which is PF and all official Tonse business must go through the secretary general, Raphael Nakacinda or the chairman Given Lubinda. Any other meeting is illegitimate and should be dismissed as political drama,” he said.
He also questioned the political role of Zumani Zimba, stating that the former presidential advisor is ‘posturing’ and has no official role in the alliance.
“Zumani Zimba is not a member of Tonse. He keeps calling himself a legal and political advisor, but to who? The former president is no more. Who is he advising now?”
Meanwhile, Musoma clarified that at no point has the Tonse Alliance discussed changing its chairperson or its special purpose vehicle, which remains the National Congress Party.
He warned that unless the NCP misbehaves or PF reclaims its certificate, no such changes are even on the table.
“Tembo is moving with a few disgruntled PF MPs whose mandates are expiring soon. They are playing with fire. Zambia does not lack educated and competent leaders. These MPs are on borrowed time,” added Musoma.
In a direct shot to Tembo’s public image, Musoma further said Tembo’s online popularity means little in the real world of politics.
“Tembo thinks he’s popular because of likes on Facebook, but Zambians enjoy comedy. Look at WhyMe and Tayali, these are entertainers with questionable characters. Let him try standing as a councillor anywhere, he won’t even win a polling station,” Musoma stated.
“Anyone can call themselves Tonse, but if it’s not from the chairman or secretary general , it’s noise. Don’t be misled by political actors looking for relevance. Zambia’s democracy deserves better than reruns of bad comedy.”
Musoma advised the public to ignore unofficial statements and meetings claiming to speak on behalf of Tonse, stating that only messages from the chairman or secretary general should be treated as authentic.
Ambassador Munshya must resign on moral grounds if our country is to preserve dignity and integrity in public service.
President Hakainde Hichilema boasted about the caliber of individuals he would appoint to represent Zambia on the global stage.
Yet, what we now witness is an able diplomat entangled in moral misconduct, dragging not only himself but also the high office of the Presidency into disrepute.
Public office is not merely about competence; it is equally about character. No amount of brilliance can compensate for conduct that soils the image of the nation.
To restore trust and preserve the honor of Zambia, Ambassador Munshya must do the honorable thing and step down.
Zambia deserves representatives who uphold the highest standards both professionally and morally.
Maiko Zulu bows out of Kwacha Awards to avoid ‘competing’ with wife
ZAMBIAN reggae icon and activist Maiko Zulu has withdrawn from this year’s Kwacha Music Awards, choosing love over accolades as he declined to face off against his wife, fellow musician and humanitarian champion Sista D.
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The outspoken performer was nominated in the Humanitarian Award category but he announced on Facebook that his name would not remain on the ballot, saying competing with his spouse went against their shared values.
“I regard this nomination in the highest esteem and recognise my fellow nominees and their works as musicians in the humanitarian space. This category also includes Sista D who is my wife and a great humanitarian champion in her own right,” Zulu wrote.
He added that the nomination was in conflict with their personal principles, which prioritise “cooperation over competition.”
“As we await official confirmation from the organisers, I wish to state that we will be humbly requesting the withdrawal of the Maiko Zulu nomination from this year’s list,” he said, joking that as a couple, the only contests they entertain are over a game of Scrabble.
Zulu went on to thank the award adjudicators for their professionalism and wished the 2025 Kwacha Music Awards a successful ceremony.
His withdrawal comes amid a string of dramatic pull-outs that have stirred chatter ahead of this year’s awards night, though unlike some artistes, Zulu clarified he had no intention of boycotting or sponsoring the event.
The Kwacha Music Awards are expected to take place on November 29 this year.
TAXES, BROKEN PROMISES, AND THE SQUEEZE ON ZAMBIANS: UPND’S FISCAL BURDEN REVEALED EVIDENCE-BASED ASSESSMENT OF ZAMBIA’S TAXATION TRAJECTORY (2011-2026)
By The Magnet Policy Analysis Desk Four years into the UPND’s mandate, the promise of tax relief has been shattered by the harsh reality of relentless fiscal expansion. Far from easing the burden on struggling families and businesses, the government has tightened its grip, extracting more from Zambians through sweeping new levies and soaring service fees. The gulf between electoral rhetoric and lived experience is now unmistakable: instead of economic breathing room, citizens find themselves squeezed harder than ever by a tax regime that prioritizes revenue over real reform.
ELECTORAL PROMISES VS. POLICY REALITY The UPND pledged in 2021 to cut taxes and support growth, positioning itself as more business-friendly than PF. Yet the first five UPND budgets introduced or raised 11 major taxes—mirroring the PF’s 10-year record.
MOBILE MONEY TAXATION A striking feature of UPND fiscal policy is the mobile money transaction levy, introduced in 2024 and doubled by 2026. Fees now range from K0.32 to K8.00 per transaction, burdening millions who rely on mobile platforms for daily transactions—despite over half the population’s financial inclusion depending on such services.
PROPERTY TRANSFER TAX INCREASES Property transfer taxes rose from 5% to 8% under UPND, with mining right transfers taxed at 10% and exploration rights at 8%. These are among southern Africa’s highest transaction costs, driving up barriers for individuals and businesses alike.
GOVERNMENT FEES AND DIASPORA IMPACT Massive increases in government service fees were announced, with citizenship certificate fees for the diaspora now at USD 10,000 and applications at USD 1,000—a leap well over 2,000% from previous rates. Such costs effectively exclude ordinary Zambians from essential government services and citizenship retention.
MINING SECTOR TAX DISPARITIES Of the nearly 1,500 mining licenses issued since 2023, small-scale Zambian operators received the majority. However, only large mining corporations benefit from full capital allowances, VAT claims, and loss offsets. Small-scale miners face much higher average and marginal effective tax rates, complex compliance, and little access to incentives enjoyed by multinational firms.
PF VS. UPND TAXATION COMPARED PF (2011–2021) raised mineral royalties by over 1,500%, introduced and escalated property transfer taxes, and increased duties on various goods—enacting 11 major tax hikes.
UPND (2021–2026) introduced mobile money levies, raised property transfer taxes, and escalated service fees, while offering modest mining sector relief—matching the PF on number of major tax changes.
THE SHIFT TOWARD TRANSACTION TAXES Unlike the PF, which targeted mostly the mining sector and traditional goods, UPND now taxes digital financial services and day-to-day transactions. This new emphasis on everyday transactions impacts ordinary citizens more than previous schemes targeting industry or luxury goods.
POLICY COHERENCE CHALLENGED Despite rhetoric supporting small businesses and economic empowerment, frequent tax and fee hikes contradict government objectives of inclusion. High transaction and property costs create structural obstacles for Zambian enterprises and diminish the intended benefits of selective tax relief for small miners.
BUDGET REVENUE STRATEGY The UPND’s focus on immediate revenue from transaction taxes and fees brings in funds quickly, but risks further discouraging formal commerce and economic growth. Development economic insights suggest that lower transaction taxes foster growth and formalization—a principle not reflected in current Zambian fiscal practice.
CONSISTENCY AND ELECTORAL ACCOUNTABILITY Fiscal contradictions are clear: mining sector relief exists, but simultaneous tax expansions erode any net gain for small-scale players. With 2026 elections nearing, voters have a concrete record to assess the alignment between government promises and delivery.
CONCLUSION The UPND’s tax legacy is not merely one of inherited policies—it is one of deepened burdens and missed promises. Rather than charting a new path, the administration has entrenched and expanded a system that extracts more from ordinary citizens, entrepreneurs, and small-scale miners while favoring established corporate interests. The introduction of new transaction taxes and staggering increases in service fees amount to a direct assault on the wallets of every Zambian family and business, undermining any credible claim to economic empowerment or reform.
Despite campaign pledges to lighten the tax load and spur local enterprise, the reality is an even harsher landscape for those least able to pay. Small Zambian businesses and miners—supposedly at the heart of the nation’s development vision—continue to face crippling tax rates, while multinationals enjoy generous loopholes and incentives. This not only betrays the “New Dawn” promise but threatens to suffocate the very grassroots prosperity the government claims to champion.
As the nation approaches the 2026 elections, the UPND must answer for a record that, despite stabilization headlines, has failed thousands of Zambians at the microeconomic level. Unless there is a radical shift in both priorities and implementation, the hope of broad-based, citizen-driven growth will remain empty rhetoric—and the cost will be borne by those who can least afford it.
LIVINGSTONE MAYOR MULEABAI FOUND WITH CASE TO ANSWER
By Josias Muuba
Livingstone Mayor, Constance Muleabai, has been found with a case to answer in a matter where she is accused of corruption involving the cancellation of property rates for Zamnuka Farming Limited.
She is alleged to have corruptly solicited K120,000 from Mark Gabites between August 1 and September 30, 2023, in Livingstone.
The money was allegedly intended as an inducement to facilitate a 100 percent remission of property rates bills at the Livingstone City Council.
When the matter came up for ruling on case to answer, Magistrate Trevor Kasanda ruled that the State had presented evidence that was credible, reliable, and sufficient.
Ms. Muleabai has since been placed on her defence.
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) president Antonio Mourinho Mwanza has called for urgent reforms in the administration of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), warning that the current system is marred by mismanagement, inflated costs, and lack of accountability.
Speaking when he featured on Capital FM Radio in Lusaka today, Mwanza said local authorities have been crippled by government interference, making it difficult for councils to deliver development that directly responds to community needs.
“Most of the projects being implemented under CDF are overpriced, and in many cases they are not done according to specifications,” Mwanza told News Diggers!. “This is because planners, accountants and engineers are not being allowed to operate independently. Instead, political interference has compromised accountability and professionalism.”
The DPP leader proposed a set of reforms that he believes would restore confidence in the fund and ensure communities benefit fully.
“We propose that government must allow councils to appoint the staff they need from planners to accountants and engineers and these professionals must be given the mandate to monitor projects. This will ensure projects are delivered to proper standard and at fair cost,” he said.
Mwanza further emphasised that communities must be placed at the centre of project selection, rather than being sidelined by decisions made at ministerial level.
“What should happen is that communities themselves identify their priorities, and councils implement them transparently. Unfortunately, under the current system, it is the minister who decides what should be done. This is wrong and it must change,” he stressed.
He also called for Parliament and the Ministry of Finance to tighten oversight on CDF expenditure, warning that without stronger accountability, the fund would remain vulnerable to abuse.
“The CDF is a people’s project, not a political project. It was designed to uplift grassroots communities, but as things stand, it has become a source of corruption and inefficiency. Unless reforms are made, the fund will not achieve its intended purpose,” said Mwanza.
liswa Claims Chiwenga Demanded 6 Rolls-Royces From Chivayo Vice President Constantino Chiwenga is at the centre of explosive new claims after Norton politician Temba Mliswa alleged that the country’s second-in-command demanded six Rolls-Royces from businessman Wicknell Chivayo.
The allegations, made by Mliswa on his X account on 29 September 2025, have added fuel to an already tense political storm that began earlier this month.
Wedding Demands And Cash Gifts According to Mliswa, the controversy began with financial promises made around the Vice President’s wedding.
He wrote:
“First of all the VP allegedly asked for 6 Rolls Royces for his wedding plus US$250,000 (about R4.6 million) for his wedding preparations. During the wedding itself he received US$250,000 (about R4.6 million) as a wedding gift. Of that amount only US$50,000 (about R930,000) was announced publicly at the wedding per his request.”
Mliswa further claimed the new couple received another US$250,000 (R4.6 million) for a honeymoon at the Four Seasons in Seychelles.
He continued:
“On their return, through South Africa the newly wedded VP’s partner allegedly got 1 million Rands for shopping. The VP himself reportedly asked and got another 1 million Rands to get a gift for his wife.”
Tensions Over More Money The alleged requests reportedly did not end there. Mliswa said Chiwenga later sought US$450,000 (R8.4 million) to buy three apartments for his children.
He alleged:
“The couple received US$300,000 (R5.6 million), leaving a balance of US$150,000 (R2.8 million). However, the balance did not come as early as they expected while on his part Chivayo felt that the financial appetite and requests were too much.”
Within two months, Mliswa claimed, over US$1 million (R18.6 million) had exchanged hands, setting the stage for a bitter fallout.
“Anti-Corruption” Or Political Weapon? Mliswa alleged that the breakdown in this relationship was later disguised as an anti-corruption fight.
He wrote:
“Over 2 months they had received over a US$1 million and this created the tension which ultimately led to what has been sold as an anti-corruption campaign to arrest Zvigananda.”
He added:
“A failure to promptly fulfil a financial promise is what irretrievably broke the relationship and has resulted in the sly move coined as an anti-corruption effort, to arrest the former ally.”
These remarks follow earlier interventions by Mliswa in September 2025. On 21 September, he declared that “everyone knows ZANU PF is bankrolled by Kuda Tagwirei,” accusing senior party figures, including Chiwenga, of hypocrisy over corruption claims. On 24 September, he warned that “power from the Army does not seamlessly translate to the political sphere where mass appeal is fundamental,” cautioning the Vice President against relying on military clout in politics.
In his latest posts, Mliswa insisted that the new claims were backed by facts.
“All this is information that can be proven and stands up to the rigorous test of truth in a Court. I have always stated that I don’t fight people but argue from a point of facts and principles for the greater national good.”
He concluded that the Vice President must respond:
“The onus is on the VP to comment on these allegations. Some of us have been fighting corruption for long and have suffered for it. I have nothing personal against the VP but only seek for sincerity when one alleges they are weeding out corruption.”
At the time of publishing, the Vice President had not yet issued a response.
PRESIDENT HICHILEMA TO UNDERTAKE WORKING VISIT TO THE UNITED KINGDOM
President Hakainde Hichilema will travel to the United Kingdom (UK) this week for a three-day working visit, during which he will have an audience with His Majesty King Charles Ill in Scotland, at the King’s invitation.
Zambia and the United Kingdom enjoy a long-standing relationship that dates back to the pre-independence era and has since grown into wide-ranging cooperation across multiple sectors.
This visit will provide an opportunity to reaffirm and strengthen those ties, with a clear focus on delivering tangible benefits for the Zambian people.
In London, President Hichilema will attend an investment-focused forum, bringing together business leaders and policy stakeholders to explore opportunities for deeper economic collaboration.
These engagements are aimed at unlocking investment flows, creating quality jobs, and supporting sustainable growth in Zambia.
The President will also hold a series of meetings with UK Government officials in London to advance discussions on trade, development, and partnership initiatives.
Each of these dialogues will feed into the Government’s broader mission of transforming Zambia into a competitive economy and delivering sustained growth.
Promoting economic diplomacy remains a central pillar of President Hichilema’s administration. This visit underscores the Government’s determination to attract investment, stimulate innovation, and drive economic growth to build a nation where all Zambians can fulfill their potential.
The Head of State will return home immediately after his engagements.
Allies of former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa have given the clearest indication yet of plans to launch a new political movement, as Zanu-PF intensifies efforts to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term of office beyond 2028.
Mnangagwa’s allies are pushing for a two-year extension of his rule, despite resistance from a faction loyal to Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga. Against this backdrop, Chamisa’s supporters are positioning themselves to reclaim political space they argue has been hijacked by Zanu-PF proxy parties.
The CCC has been in limbo since self-styled secretary-general Sengezo Tshabangu wrested control of the party, recalling several MPs and councillors in the process. Tshabangu, now a senator, has since gained wealth and status, including access to state perks such as a car and a house.
Speaking at a Southern African Political Economy Series (Sapes) Trust dialogue in Harare last week, former CCC deputy spokesperson Gift Ostallos Siziba said the opposition was “recalibrating and consolidating” its base in preparation for launching a new political vehicle.
“It is no brainer, it is without a doubt, that for us to contest political power we need a political vehicle,” Siziba said. He emphasised that the process involves building a foundation among young people and women while reuniting progressive forces across the country.
Although he avoided giving timelines, Siziba admitted there was growing pressure from grassroots supporters for urgency. “Every conversation we have had across the country is the question of the time factor. We have to make sure that our vehicle is ready to participate in whatever political process will emerge, as our country is in a very serious break at the present moment,” he said.
Zanu-PF currently holds a two-thirds parliamentary majority, bolstered by by-elections triggered by Tshabangu’s recalls. This dominance has heightened concerns among opposition figures that the political landscape is being skewed in favour of the ruling party.
Siziba also argued for the establishment of a transitional authority involving civic society, the church, academia, students, and the working class to address Zimbabwe’s deepening socio-political and economic crisis. “What is needed is a clear sign of restoring a social contract. And you cannot restore it when the other side is not included,” he said.
Zimbabwe last experienced relative stability under a unity government between 2008 and 2013, a period some observers now cite as a possible template for future reforms.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s clash with his deputy Constantino Chiwenga over allegations of looting state resources has deepened divisions within Zanu-PF, setting the stage for a bruising battle ahead of the ruling party’s annual conference.
The fallout began when Chiwenga presented a dossier at a politburo meeting two weeks ago, demanding the arrest of businessmen accused of flaunting unexplained wealth through generous donations to the party. In response, Mnangagwa moved quickly to consolidate his grip on power, demoting former secretary-general Obert Mpofu to the minor portfolio of information communication technology. Loyalist Jacob Mudenda was elevated to replace Mpofu, while Patrick Chinamasa was appointed treasurer-general and Ziyambi Ziyambi secretary for justice.
Mnangagwa’s allies have since closed ranks around him. Businessman Paul Tungwarara, one of Chiwenga’s reported targets, pledged support for the president at a Manicaland event before donating 10 vehicles and US$500,000 to Teachers4ED in Harare, a move widely seen as a direct rebuke to the vice president. Temba Mliswa, a relative of Mnangagwa, also launched a social media offensive against Chiwenga, arguing that the politburo was the wrong platform for raising corruption allegations.
The dispute is expected to dominate next month’s Zanu-PF conference, where factions will confront each other over proposals to extend Mnangagwa’s term by two years. Party spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa has confirmed that the 2030 agenda is designed to prevent Chiwenga from assuming leadership when Mnangagwa’s current term ends.
Church leaders and analysts have warned that the rift threatens national stability. Kenneth Mtata of the World Council of Churches said the succession battle risked destabilising the armed forces and plunging the country into renewed violence. He blamed the crisis on personality-driven politics that idolise leaders while weakening institutions.
The opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), however, dismissed the feud as an internal Zanu-PF matter. Faction leader Jemson Timba said the party was focused on broader reforms and stood ready to push for political solutions, including the possibility of early elections.
Analysts remain sceptical that Zanu-PF’s turmoil will benefit the opposition. Maxwell Saungweme argued that the ruling party has historically resolved internal disputes through expulsions, reconciliations, or selective forgiveness, while Rejoice Ngwenya insisted the opposition lacks the organisation and strength to turn Zanu-PF’s disunity into political gains.
With Mnangagwa’s allies hardening their defence and Chiwenga pressing ahead with his anti-corruption crusade, the showdown has become the defining feature of Zimbabwe’s political landscape, raising fears of instability as the struggle for succession escalates.
Iran announced Monday, September 29, it had hanged a man accused of spying for Israel, the latest in what human rights groups describe as the largest wave of executions by Tehran in decades.
The execution was reported by the judiciary’s official mouthpiece, the Mizan news agency, which identified the executed man as Bahman Choobiasl. His case had not been widely known in Iranian media reports or to activists monitoring the death penalty in the Islamic Republic.
Iran accused Choobiasl of serving as the Israeli spy agency Mossad’s “most trusted” agent, alleging he met with Mossad officials and worked on “sensitive telecommunications projects,” reporting about the “paths of importing electronic devices.”
The announcement comes as Tehran vowed to confront its enemies following the weekend’s reimposition of United Nations sanctions on its nuclear program. The European Union followed suit on Monday, imposing similar sanctions.
Iran’s use of the death penalty has drawn increasing international condemnation, particularly amidst a severe crackdown on domestic dissent. The recent pace of executions is described by observers as unprecedented since the mass killings at the end of the Iran-Iraq War in 1988.
The execution of alleged spies is also occurring alongside rising tensions with Israel. Iran has not provided an exact number, but it is known to have hanged several individuals for espionage since earlier this year, often alleging ties to Israeli intelligence.
In one highly publicized recent case, Iran executed Babak Shahbazi earlier this month, claiming he spied for Israel. Activists, however, disputed the charge, alleging Shahbazi was tortured into a false confession after writing a letter offering to fight for Ukraine.
Iran routinely conducts closed-door trials for those accused of espionage, with suspects frequently denied access to the evidence used against them.
The increase in capital punishment follows multiple nationwide protests in recent years, fueled by public anger over the economy, demands for women’s rights, and calls for changes to the country’s theocracy.
The Oslo-based group Iran Human Rights and the Washington-based Abdorrahman Boroumand Center for Human Rights in Iran estimate the number of people executed this year has surpassed 1,000, noting the actual figure could be higher as Iran often fails to report on all executions.
Independent human rights experts at the United Nations criticized the scale of the state killings on Monday.
“The sheer scale of executions in Iran is staggering and represents a grave violation of the right to life,” the experts stated. “With an average of more than nine hangings per day in recent weeks, Iran appears to be conducting executions at an industrial scale that defies all accepted standards of human rights protection.”
Scientists in China have unveiled a groundbreaking “bone glue” that can heal fractures within minutes, cutting down recovery times that would normally take months.
The product, called Bone-02, was developed by a research team aiming to reduce the need for invasive orthopedic surgeries that often involve metal plates and screws, according to New York Post.
According to Lin Xianfeng, associate chief orthopedic surgeon at Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital in Hangzhou, the adhesive works in blood-rich environments and can fix shattered bone fragments in just three minutes with a single injection.
In one trial, a patient with a wrist fracture was treated through a small incision and healed in minutes — avoiding the need for plates, screws, and follow-up surgeries. Three months later, doctors confirmed the bone had healed fully without complications.
Researchers drew inspiration from oysters, which naturally produce a glue-like substance strong enough to stick to underwater surfaces. Similarly, Bone-02 forms erosion-resistant bonds and has been shown to withstand forces of over 400 pounds.
The glue is also naturally absorbed by the body during healing, meaning patients won’t need an additional procedure to remove implants. Early results suggest it carries fewer risks of infection compared to traditional metal-based treatments.
Men: 1. Respect 2. Sex 3. Praise 4. Home cooked meals
“Yes, this is not an exclusive list, so let’s not fight on comment section. These are the primary needs amongst each gender. Men are definitely simpler than women. Women are detailed. Nothing wrong with that. ”
A throuple—comprising three men in a polyamorous relationship—has been granted legal adoption of a three-year-old girl from Quebec’s child protection services.
This marks the first instance in Quebec, Canada, where an all-male polyamorous trio has been recognised as legal parents of a child, Visegrad24 reported.
The adoption was finalised following a comprehensive home study and court approval process.
Two of the men have been officially listed as the child’s legal parents, while the third is actively pursuing full legal recognition under Quebec’s updated family laws, which now accommodate multi-parent families.
This legal shift follows a 2025 ruling by the Quebec Superior Court that recognised the right of children to have more than two legal parents, compelling the provincial government to amend the Civil Code accordingly.
This legal development comes against the backdrop of changes to Quebec’s civil code.
In April 2025, Quebec’s Superior Court had ruled that restricting parental status to one or two people was unconstitutional, setting in motion amendments to allow for greater recognition of multi-parent families.
Meanwhile, reports of the asoption has sparked mixed reaction, with many expressing concern for the kind of upbringing the 3-year-old girl would have.
See video below.
For the first time, 3 men in a polyamorous relationship have been allowed to adopt.
The throuple picked a 3-year-old girl from Quebec's child protection services, marking the province's first such case for an all-male throuple.
Miners in Manicaland have been ordered to pay US$3,000 (about R55,000) each towards Zanu PF’s upcoming 22nd National People’s Conference. The directive has been described as “mandatory” in an official letter signed by the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Misheck Mugadza, on 28 September 2025.
Letter Sent To Miners According to the letter, which bore the Office of the President and Cabinet’s letterhead, the payment must be made by October 2, 2025.
The minister wrote:
“As per the resolution, all miners are required to contribute a minimum of US$3,000 towards the fundraising efforts for the conference. This contribution is mandatory and aims to support the success of the conference.”
The communication followed a provincial fundraising meeting held in preparation for the conference, which will take place in Mutare from October 13 to 18, 2025.
Miners React With Anger The directive has sparked outrage among miners in the province. One small-scale miner told ZimLive that the move is placing further strain on an already difficult operating environment.
He said:
“This is extortion. We are already struggling with high operational costs, electricity shortages, and poor prices for our minerals. Now we are being forced to bankroll a political party event.”
Several miners accused the authorities of misusing government offices to advance party business.
Critics Point To Blurred Lines Observers argue the decision reflects the thin line between state institutions and party structures. Critics say the use of official government channels for party fundraising sets a troubling precedent.
The Zanu PF conference is a flagship event on the party’s annual calendar. It typically draws thousands of delegates from across Zimbabwe and is used to consolidate political support and set policy direction.
Mutare, the provincial capital, will host this year’s gathering, bringing the issue directly into the spotlight as the payment deadline approaches.
