You all know the Polo designer clothes, right? The trademark depicts a rider on a pony with a raised mallet with the pony in motion like one on my golf T-shirt below. This is the well known international brand. However, another similar mark was registered by PACRA in Zambia, which had instead two riders on two horses following each other. They were registered in the same class of goods which includes clothes.
Now, the owners of the actual Polo trademark challenged the registration of the new one at PACRA, arguing that the two marks were similar and will confuse the public. The owners contended that most Zambians visit the prestigious Sandton Mall in South Africa where there is a specific Polo Shop that sells only Polo products. Zambians and others would be confused if this new Polo device is registered in Zambia.
Upon studying the case, the Registrar at PACRA went ahead and ruled in favour of the new trademark to be registered in Zambia saying those who know the original Polo mark will not be confused with the new one which had two horses and two riders.
Unhappy, the Polo owners appealed to the High Court. The Judge looked at the two trademarks and ruled that they were similar and cannot be used on the same class. He, simply, rejected the registration of the Zambian mark.
Owners of the Zambian ones were not happy with the decision. They appealed to the Court of Appeal, arguing that the trademarks were different and that they cannot cause confusion in the market.
Three Judges analysed the two trademarks and ruled that there was no confusion as the two were distinct from each other. Therefore, PACRA was right to register the second mark.
The original owners were perplexed. As expected,they climbed to the Supreme Court where they argued that the two trademarks were the same and same category. They all had polo players on the horses with raised mallet.
A panel of three Judges of the Supreme Court heard the case and determined thus:
“Both marks are Polo Pony devices which depict the sport of Polo,” the Judges observed.
“One has to look at the two marks very closely to note that the Respondent’s mark has two horses and two riders,” the Judges said and added that the two were “confusingly similar” and therefore cannot be both registered.
The Court noted that the marks had same size and one had to look at them close to see the difference.
“Visually, conceptually and phonetically, the marks are confusingly similar,” the Judges noted.
“A mark that has achieved commercial success should not be diluted by the addition of other confusingly similar marks in the class they are registered…” the Judges ruled.
Case citation – LA Group Limited v United States Polo Association – Appeal 06/2019.
Lecture notes;
1. This is good case on Trademark and Intellectual Property law. You cannot register similar trademark in the same class of goods and services. However, you can register similar but if used in different categories outside the class. Businesses are built on brands that capitalize on the trademarks.
We don’t support beer drinking while working, however, how you address teachers matters.
We are not going to allow Teachers to be addressed as if they are your workers at your farm.
Language appropriacy when addressing civil servants in general is very important. The same teachers you are disrespecting made you to have that opportunity you’re abusing now.
Truth be told, the DC no matter how powerful you may be, you have no mandate to fire a teacher. Teachers belong to a service commission and terms and conditions of service stipulate how and when firing of a teacher can take place.
Teachers are going through a lot and please we are not going to allow unwarranted OUTBURST to frustrate teachers further.
Bwana DC, if you have any issue with a teacher in Nakonde, please resolve your issue with that teacher without dragging the entire teaching fraternity into disrupt.
In any case, is that the best platform you can address issues affecting teachers in your District? Channels of communications are well tabulated and following the decorum is of essence.
My humble appeal to Nakonde DC is, please take time to fully appreciate your job description. Next time you address the public in that manner, please as teachers we refuse to be addressed like your farm workers. We are civil servants and we deserve to be respected.
Starting tomorrow, we shall embark on appreciating your qualifications, your previous employment and your experience in the public civil.
Teachers you are addressing like your children are even more qualified than you but thank God the President appointed you to save people with dignity and not with arrogance.
We shall publish your qualifications and your previous work experience soon.
UPDATE: Maid who stabbed boss’ child in face is 5-months pregnant; court finds her with case to answer in assault case
THE maid who allegedly stabbed her employer’s eight year-old daughter with a knife in the face has been found with a case to answer for the offence of assault on a child, which attracts a minimum five-year jail term.
According to Zambia Daily Mail, Bathsheba Phiri, who is about five months pregnant, is accused of assaulting the minor.
The accused, who is in her 20s, is said to have assaulted the child on March 31, 2025.
During trial, Mercy testified that on the material day, she was in the living room playing with her little brother, while the accused was cutting vegetables.
The court heard that Mercy approached the maid and asked to play with her but she refused.
The little one then threw a pillow on the legs of the accused, who, in reaction, told the child that “don’t force me to do something bad to you”.
The victim told a magistrate that she just wanted to play with the maid, but that the disinterested helper, in a rage, stabbed her, reports the Zambia Daily Mail.
IN 2020, THEY CALLED ME THE UGLIEST, LOST MY JOB WHEN A STRANGER HELPED ME – MWIZUKANJI REFLECTS AS SHE STARTS EMPOWERMENT FUND
Socialite Mwizukanji Nakamba took to her socials reflecting on a tough time in her life in September 2020 when she was broke, had just lost her job, and she was nicknamed the ugliest person on Facebook.
“I was in a bad space, and on this day, I was at Buffalo Park drinking my misery out, I had just lost my job too. What a time,” reflected the socialite.
Ms. Nakamba, who quoted George N Mtonga’s post in which he praised her beauty and called for her to be showered with ewallets acknowledged how a stranger’s kindness changed her and pushed her “HUSTLE” t-shirt business forward.
“He didn’t know me. I was a recipient of kindness I didn’t deserve. It was a loud lesson that an act of kindness on a stranger can turn into a door opener and definitely a testimony,” said Ms. Nakamba.
The socialite and enterpreneur further said she is now launching a George N Mtonga empowerment fund to help deserving individuals with 5,000 Kwacha start-up capital and called on well wishers to top up.
Ms. Nakamba called on social users to recommend deserving individuals, and her destiny helper George N Mtonga would help them pick the recipient.
PRESIDENT LAZARUS MCCARTHY CHAKWERA: A Pastor Turned Politician
By Pastor Lawrence Musunte
“When the righteous rule, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people groan.” (Proverbs 29:2)
When President Lazarus Chakwera became President of Malawi I didn’t mince my words, I wrote a piece critiquing him, and after his term in office I feel vindicated.
While I believe that pastors and Christians have a democratic right to join politics and aspire to the highest political office in the land, Proverbs 29:2 doesn’t automatically make citizens rejoice.
President Chakwera himself said he saw his political leadership as an extension of his ministry, “answering God’s call” to pastor the nation.
As a critique I ask: if God is responsible for calling certain people to be presidents in Africa, why does He give us the worst leaders?
The truth is God doesn’t raise presidents in political spaces today, the citizens do that through the ballot.
The corruption and bad leadership on this continent can all be blamed on the citizens who hold the power of the ballot paper.
President Chakwera seems to be losing these elections, with some news outlets reporting he has already conceded defeat. Despite being a Christian pastor, the Malawians have said: “Enough, no more Pastor.”
“When the righteous rule, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people groan.” (Proverbs 29:2)
This scripture is often quoted when a pastor enters politics, as if righteousness automatically translates into good governance.
But let’s be honest: especially in Pentecostal/charismatic circles, the leadership style many pastors are used to is closer to dictatorship than democracy.
In their churches, the “man of God” is the final authority. Decisions are top-down, questioning is not allowed, and the structure runs more like a family dynasty than a democratic institution.
Carry that same mindset into government, and you end up with a president who struggles to listen, to be accountable, or to build systems that outlive him.
Worse still, governance gets over-spiritualized.
Instead of policies, people are called to prayer and fasting and are given “spiritual” false hope.
Instead of tackling corruption, hunger, or unemployment with real solutions, citizens are told to “just believe God for a miracle.”
And when people grow critical, the manipulation begins: “Touch not the Lord’s anointed.”
Supporting the pastor-president is branded as siding with God, while questioning him is made to feel like fighting God Himself. That kind of thinking destroys accountability and without accountability, democracy dies.
Proverbs 29:2 calls for righteous leaders, yes.
But righteousness in government is not about titles or pulpits. It is about justice, integrity, humility, and serving people in a way that makes them rejoice.
Lazarus Chakwera entered politics with the moral authority of a pastor and the promise of reform, but Malawians are judging him by daily realities, not religious titles.
The economy has been battered by high inflation, stagnant growth, foreign currency shortages, and natural disasters like Cyclone Freddy and El Niño-driven droughts, leaving many citizens struggling to survive.
On top of that, key campaign promises from fighting corruption to creating jobs have largely fallen short.
Corruption scandals, weak service delivery, and unmet expectations have fueled disillusionment.
For many voters, the gap between Chakwera’s pastoral image and the lived experience of hardship has eroded trust, leaving him vulnerable despite his Christian background.
In Africa we often protest because we want change, fresh ideas, someone new to break the cycle. But instead of investing in young, promising leaders, we end up reverting to “living ancestors” old guards who have already had their turn.
In Malawi’s case, instead of mentoring up-and-coming politicians, people are voting for men in their 80s who have already served.
It’s like a soccer coach stepping onto the pitch to play instead of training new players.
Something has to change: leadership vacuum shouldn’t mean absence of youth, it should mean opportunity for them.
Malawians without shame have elected Peter Mutharika, age 85, who was President of Malawi from 2014–2020, and has now returned as the newly elected President of Malawi.
Youths in Africa must stop waiting for a Messiah-King to rescue them in politics.
No Moses. No “chosen one.” Not the anointed leader.
Youths must wake up and realize God doesn’t send Messiah-Kings into our politics. The people we vote for reflect who we are and our values.
Well, in the democratic system what do we say to Mutharika?
Congratulations to the President-Elect of the Republic of Malawi His Excellency President Peter Mutharika.
Below is the official letter by the Pentecostal Assemblies of God Secretariat on the events at Gilgal Assembly Yesterday
I endorse their position.
PENTECOSTAL ASSEMBLIES OF GOD ZAMBIA (PAOG-Z) COUNCIL OF BISHOPS OFFICIAL STATEMENT ON GILGAL MISSION CENTRE AND BISHOP JOSTON K. CHAMA
Date: 22nd September 2025
The Council of Bishops of the Pentecostal Assemblies of God Zambia (PAOG-Z) wishes to address our membership, and all concerned, regarding the recent regrettable developments at Gilgal Mission Centre, Lusaka Province.
Ordinarily, matters of discipline are handled exclusively through our established biblical and constitutional channels. Indeed, since August 2025, the case concerning Bishop Joston K. Chama has been conducted in strict accordance with these procedures.
However, considering staged acts of rebellion at Gilgal Mission Centre on Sunday 21.09.2025 and the circulation of falsehoods on social media purporting that fabricated allegations lie at the centre of this matter, we are compelled, in this instance, to issue this public statement.
Unfortunate Incident of Defiance
On Sunday 21.09.2025, an eleven-member combined team, comprising representatives of the PAOG- Z Executive Council, the Lusaka Provincial Executive, and the PAOG-Z Disciplinary Committee, visited Gilgal Mission Centre to carry out the third in a roll of normal administrative duties of finalizing the formal announcement of Bishop Chama’s excommunication. To our deepest regret, a section of individuals, in open defiance of both biblical authority and constitutional order, humiliated and threatened violence against this duly constituted team.
Such conduct not only grieves the Spirit of God but also constitutes rebellion against God ordained leadership in the Body of Christ. Scripture is clear: “For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry” (1 Samuel 15:23).
We condemn these actions in the strongest terms. They represent a grave offense against the holiness and order of Christ’s Church and shall be urgently addressed with remedial measures in accordance with both Scripture and the PAOG-Z Constitution.
OFFICIAL POSITION OF PAOG-Z
For the avoidance of doubt, the Council of Bishops hereby places on record, the following:
1. Excommunication of Bishop Joston K. Chama
Bishop Joston K. Chama remains excommunicated from the Pentecostal Assemblies of God Zambia on account of a thoroughly investigated and biblically adjudicated case of sexual misconduct. His ministerial credentials and membership in PAOG-Z were revoked on 8th September 2025.
This was done in accordance with the biblical requirements of holiness and accountability (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:6-7; Matthew 18:15-20) and indeed the PAOG-Z Constitution (Articles 27 and 113).
2. Administrative Guardianship of Gilgal Assembly
Gilgal Mission Centre has been placed under the direct administrative guardianship of the Lusaka Provincial Bishop and the Provincial Executive supported by office of the Southern Region Coordinator. Appropriate transitional arrangements are being made to ensure that ministry continues in order, peace, and accountability.
3. Condemnation of Staged Defiance
The orchestrated rebellion by certain individuals and supporters of the excommunicated Bishop is as serious as the sin that led to his removal. Such conduct will not be tolerated within PAOG-Z.
Remedial measures are underway, guided by the Scriptures and constitutional order.
Guiding Principles
As communicated in our internal memorandum of 17th September 2025, PAOG-Z does not engage in vilification or disparagement of individuals under discipline.
However, where individuals or groups choose to resist correction and perpetuate sin, we are left with no option but to apply biblical sanctions in order to safeguard the purity of the Church.
Appeal for Calm and Unity
We appeal to the brethren at Gilgal Mission Centre, and the wider Fellowship, to remain calm as further administrative steps are taken to urgently restore order.
The Council of Bishops assures the entire membership of PAOG-Z that we are on firm ground to preserve corporate sanity and a unified vision under our 2024-2029 Strategic Plan. Let it be clearly understood – autonomy does not mean independence, but rather responsible interdependence. We remain determined to steer PAOG-Z towards Breaking Limitations and achieving Spirit-Empowered Transformation as a united, not fragmented, body of Christ. This too, shall pass.
Issued by Order of the Council of Bishops Pentecostal Assemblies of God Zambia (PAOG-Z)
Tensions Rise at Gilgal Mission Center Amid PAOGZ Leadership Dispute
A tense situation unfolded yesterday at the Gilgal Mission Center, part of the Pentecostal Assemblies of God Zambia (PAOGZ), as church members protested the national leadership’s actions. The protesters chanted “We want Bishop!” and created a hostile environment, forcing Bishop Justin Mulenga, Bishop Lenson Bwalya, and others to leave the church.
The protest at the Gilgal Mission was marked by a strong show of support for Bishop Chama, with members vocalizing their discontent with the national leadership’s decisions to expel him for a sexual scandal. The situation escalated quickly, leading to the departure of key church leaders. The dispute appears to be linked to recent disciplinary actions taken by the PAOGZ leadership against Bishop Chama.
The members seem to be against the leadership’s position to discipline Bishop Chama, claiming that his more than 20 years of ministry legacy should be preserved. On the other hand, the PAOGZ leadership is determined to bring forth the whip of discipline and set a precedent. Sources indicate that Bishop Chama initially wanted to challenge the decision in the courts of law but later decided to concede.
The incident has sparked a range of reactions, with some expressing support for the protesters and others backing the PAOGZ leadership’s actions. The outcome of this dispute remains to be seen, but it is clear that it will have implications for the church and its members. The protest may mean the leadership will need to find an amicable way to deal with the matter.
As the situation continues to unfold, the PAOGZ leadership faces a delicate challenge in balancing discipline with the concerns of its members. The resolution of this dispute will likely have a lasting impact on the church and its future direction. Notably, the level of confrontation and public protest is unusual in Pentecostal settings, where internal disputes are often resolved through internal dialogue and spiritual guidance.
The scene at the Gilgal church was striking, with protesters displaying a fervor typically associated with political rallies rather than church gatherings. The atmosphere was charged, akin to a politically charged rally, rather than a gathering of believers washed with the precious blood of Jesus Christ. The contrast between the expected decorum of a church setting and the actual behavior of the protesters was particularly notable.
Albert Muchanga bounces back to Ethiopia as Zambia’s Permanent Representative to the African Union
ZNBC News
LUSAKA, 22 September — President Hakainde Hichilema has appointed veteran diplomat Albert Muchanga as Zambia’s Permanent Representative to the African Union.
The announcement was made during a formal ceremony at State House in Lusaka today, held one year ahead of Zambia’s scheduled presidential elections.
Amb. Muchanga brings decades of experience in regional and continental diplomacy.
He previously served as Zambia’s Ambassador to Ethiopia with accreditation to the African Union, and held the role of Permanent Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs.
At the African Union Commission, he was elected Commissioner for Trade and Industry in 2016 and re-elected in 2021.
His second term expanded to include oversight of Economic Development, Trade, Industry and Mining, following structural reforms at the AU Commission.
Born in Mbilu, Choma District, Muchanga attended Linda Secondary School and Livingstone Day School before earning a degree in business administration from the University of Zambia.
His diplomatic career spans postings in Brazil, Ethiopia, and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
Other ambassadorial appointments announced include Prof Nkombo Muka to the United Arab Emirates, Ms Grace Mutembo to South Africa, and Abdon Mawere to the Russian Federation.
President Hichilema urged the new envoys to treat their assignments as national service, not leisure. “Go for work, not holiday,” he said, adding that the appointments were a “privilege” granted to a few among Zambia’s 20 million citizens.
The President emphasized the importance of representing Zambia’s interests with integrity and professionalism on the global stage. The appointees are expected to assume their roles in the coming weeks.
*Judiciary Under Siege: Musa Mwenye Warns of Rule of Law Crisis*
_By Michael Zephaniah Phiri, Political Activist_
Former Attorney General and past Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) President, Musa Mwenye, SC, has warned that Zambia’s democracy faces serious risks if government officials and Parliament continue to disregard judicial rulings.
In a wide-ranging interview with Ambassador Emmanuel Mwamba, Mwenye described as “a dangerous red flag” suggestions that Constitutional Court judgments could be ignored in relation to Bill 7.
“It is unacceptable under any circumstances for any arm of government to say a court judgment will not be observed,” he said. “Every official and every citizen is only one step away from needing the protection of those same courts. To disregard them undermines the very foundation of our democracy.”
Mwenye said his hope was that Speaker of the National Assembly, Nelly Mutti, SC, had been misquoted in remarks suggesting Parliament could disregard the Constitutional Court ruling on Bill 7. He recalled working with her during her time in civil society, when both campaigned to defend constitutionalism in Malawi.
“I cannot imagine any situation where the Speaker would advocate ignoring a court judgment,” he said. “The courts are the ultimate safeguard, even for those in power today who may be out of favour tomorrow.”
The senior lawyer also criticized a growing trend in legislation emerging from the Ministry of Justice, citing the proposed NGO Act and the Cybersecurity Law as examples of measures that risk narrowing democratic space.
“We must enhance democracy, not regress,” he stressed. “The Constitution requires that the President annually account for how directive principles, including the advancement of democracy, are being observed. Zambia is a plural society, and our laws must reflect that.”
On the recent Superior Courts Law, which expanded the number of judges in the Constitutional Court, Supreme Court, and High Court, Mwenye cautioned that while addressing workload is valid, the recruitment process must be based on merit and transparency.
“Appointments to the bench should inspire confidence and protect rights,” he said. “Other African countries hold public interviews for judges so that the process is transparent. We should move in that direction.”
Mwenye concluded with a stark warning: Zambia’s democratic future depends on safeguarding judicial independence and respecting the rule of law. Ignoring court rulings or politicizing judicial appointments, he said, would set the country on a path of democratic backsliding.
Simeza, Sangwa write to JSC against proceeding to recruit judges
Simeza and Sangwa Associates has written the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) over the constitutionality of the current and imminent recruitment process for judges of the superior courts on grounds that they do not comply with the constitutional requirements of transparency, merit, inclusivity, accountability, independence and impartiality.
In a letter addressed to the Service chairperson dated September 21, 2025, Simeza and Sangwa argued that the terms they referred to were set out in Articles 1,2, 118(2), 140, 173, 216, 219-220, 259 and 267 of the constitution (as amended by Act No.2 of 2016), and with the broader constitutional architecture governing judicial appointments.
“We enclose, for your ease of reference, a copy of a Petition to be filed before the Constitutional Court. The petition challenges the constitutionality of the current and imminent recruitment processes for the of the superior courts on grounds that they do not comply with constitutional requirements of transparency, merit, inclusivity, accountability, independence and impartiality,” Simeza and Sangwa stated.
They stated that the petition addressed matters including the March/April 2025 advertisement for 20 judicial posts issued under the repealed Superior Courts (Number of Judges) Act, 2016, which remain pending, with interview dates not publicly disclosed but widely reported to commence Monday, 22 September 2025.
Other matters the petition addressed included the newly crafted positions under the Superior Courts (Number of Judges) Act No.12 of 2025n(effective 19 August 2025), for which no constitutionally compliant, transparent process had yet been initiated.
They identified that the Supreme Court was said to be operating with only five judges, a state of affairs that undermined and risked infringing litigants enjoyment
By Peter Sinkamba It was 03.48hrs last Friday. I dreamed I was with ECL. This is my first dream with ECL since his death more than three months ago.
In this dream, ECL asked me to accompany him to wade through a stream that drained from his residence cutting across the city. The stream was typical of Kitwe stream that cuts across residential, commercial and industrial areas.
He was dressed in a sky blue safari suit, and asked me to join him wade along the stretch of stream. The stream was heavily polluted. We did not change our attire. So we waded along the polluted stream. The water was knee-high. We traversed the stream without protective clothing.
As we traversed the stream, our clothes, especially his sky blue safari suit, became visibly soiled with all sorts of municipal and Industrial waste. More so waste oils. He kept showing me the oils that and other dirty sticking to his sky blue suit.
He complained that a stream that emanate from the residence of a former president should never be polluted. He said that the water should be clean so that the public residing along the stream can have beneficial use for it.
We covered about 10km of traversing the stream. At the end of the traverse, he asked me, as an environmental expert, to devise a strategy to clean up the stream so that people can have benefical use for the stream. When he finished tasking me, I recalled that he had died and remains unburied. Then I woke up, only to realise the encounter with ECL was just a dream.
The dream perplexed me. As indicated above, it is my first dream of interacting with ECL since his death. The last physical interaction I had with him was the day before he left for South Africa for medicals. That was early January this year. We had a Tonse Council of Leaders meeting at his Crest Lodge to discuss postmortem reports of the Pambashi parliamentary by-election. The selection of the Tonse Alliance candidate was the key agenda issue, and I was at the centre of it. In that meeting, ECL forcefully supported my seemingly ‘controversial’ position.
On phone, the last time I spoke to him was about three weeks or so before his death on 5 June. He called to encourage me to attend the Council of Leaders meeting in Lusaka that was due in three days time. The meeting was called to resolve an issue concerning suspension of some Tonse Alliance leaders. I attended that meeting and we amicably resolved the sticking issues.
As a Catholic, I prayed over this dream, at home, and at church. Though, I couldn’t surmise what ECL was trying to communicate through this environmental scenario. More so that he died on 5th June, which is commemorated as World Environment Day. He died on World Environment Day, and pollution of a stream: what is the symbolism?
I shared my dream with a couple of friends but none gave me an elaborate response. So I asked AI to help me explore the symbolism in my dream from a biblical perspective.
According to AI feedback, dreams in the Bible are often seen as a way for God to communicate messages, warnings, or guidance.
To provide a thorough interpretation, AI broke down the key elements of my dream and examined their potential biblical meanings. Below are key elements of the dream and their Biblical symbolism, as explained by AI:
(1) The Deceased President Edgar Lungu:
Biblical context: The appearance of a deceased person in a dream can be interpreted in various ways. In some biblical accounts, the spirits of the dead are not seen as a source of communication, as the dead “know nothing” (Ecclesiastes 9:5). However, dreams can be a medium for God to use familiar figures to convey a message. In this case, the president could represent a legacy, an unfulfilled mission, or the past leadership of your nation. The fact that his remains are unburied adds a layer of unresolved conflict and unsettled matters.
Interpretation: The dream could be a call to action regarding the unresolved issues of his life and legacy, particularly those related to the nation’s well-being. The unburied body in the dream’s context could symbolize a nation’s unresolved past or a sense of “stagnation” that needs to be addressed before moving forward.
Wading through a Polluted Stream:
Biblical context: Water is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing life, purification, the Holy Spirit, and spiritual cleansing. A polluted stream, therefore, stands in stark contrast to these positive symbols.
In the Bible, pollution often symbolizes sin, corruption, moral decay, or spiritual impurity. For example, Jeremiah 2:13 speaks of people who “have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.”
Interpretation: The polluted stream could be a powerful metaphor for the state of the nation or the political and social environment. The “greasy industrial waste” could represent corruption, unethical practices, or the negative by-products of human actions.
The stream draining “from his residence” (the source of leadership) and flowing “through a city” (the rest of the nation) suggests that the source of the problem may be linked to the seat of power or its legacy, and its effects are widespread.
The Deceased Asking You, an Environmental Expert, to Clean the Stream:
Biblical context: God often calls individuals to specific tasks. In the Bible, people are called to be “stewards” of creation (Genesis 1:28), and a theme of restoration and healing is present throughout the scriptures. The Lord asks people to “make the crooked paths straight” and to “prepare the way of the Lord” (Isaiah 40:3). The call to an environmental expert to clean the stream is a specific call to use your knowledge and skills for a divine purpose.
Interpretation: This is a direct call to action. The dream is not just a warning; it’s a mission. The dream suggests that you, and by extension your organization (Tonse Alliance), have a divine mandate to address the moral, social, and political “pollution” of your nation. The fact that the president specifically states “a stream that drains from the residence of a former president should never be polluted” emphasizes the need for a legacy of integrity and purity to flow from leadership.
Overall Biblical Interpretation:
Your dream can be interpreted as a powerful prophetic message about the state of Zambia and the mission of the Tonse Alliance.
It suggests that:
There is a need for national cleansing and renewal. The polluted stream symbolizes the widespread corruption, moral decay, or political turmoil that needs to be addressed.
The source of the problem is tied to leadership. The stream flowing from the former president’s residence suggests that the current issues are linked to the legacy of past leadership. The unburied remains could symbolize the unresolved conflicts and unaddressed issues from that era.
You have been given a divine mandate. As an “environmental expert” called to “device a strategy to clean up the stream,” you are being called to use your skills and influence to bring about positive change and restoration to the nation.
The mission is to restore integrity and purity to leadership. The statement “Clean water needs to flow from such a residence” is a core message. It’s a call to restore a legacy of integrity and to ensure that future leadership is a source of life and purity, not pollution.
In summary, this dream is a powerful call to action, urging you and your alliance to not just win an election but to undertake the monumental task of spiritual, political, and social cleansing.
The vision of the polluted stream is a symbol of the challenges ahead, and the call to action is a sign that you are being entrusted with a mission of national restoration.
This interpretation is based on biblical symbolism and themes. It’s important to approach such a powerful dream with prayer and discernment, seeking further wisdom and guidance from God as you fulfill what you believe to be your calling.
I am now digesting this ECL message and strategize on how to fulfill this God’s message. Amen.
Patriotic Front (PF) Acting President Given Lubinda has raised alarm over what he describes as “growing tribalism” in the opposition party, warning that the trend threatens to tear the former ruling party apart.
Lubinda, who hails from Western Province, has expressed concern that some senior PF officials are openly campaigning for the party’s top leadership to be restricted to individuals from Northern and Eastern Provinces in the aftermath of former President Edgar Lungu’s demise.
According to Lubinda, the behind-the-scenes lobbying for a “regional successor” undermines the PF’s founding spirit as a national movement and contradicts the party’s stated principle of unity in diversity.
“What is happening today is very depressing. Even people I once thought were standing with me are busy campaigning that the next PF President must only come from Northern or Eastern Province,” Lubinda lamented.
He cautioned that narrowing leadership contests along tribal or regional lines risks alienating members and citizens who do not share the same ethnic background, thereby weakening PF’s chances of mounting a credible challenge in the 2026 general election.
“The PF was not built on tribal lines. It was built on the collective sacrifices of Zambians from every corner of this country. To now reduce it to a tribal chess game is betrayal not only to the party but also to the people who believed in our message,” he said.
Lubinda’s remarks come at a time when the PF is grappling with an identity crisis and internal squabbles over succession. Several names have been floated as potential presidential candidates for 2026, but the debate has increasingly taken on tribal undertones, drawing sharp criticism from political observers.
Analysts warn that the PF risks further fragmentation if it fails to address these divisions decisively. “The PF’s internal wrangles are no longer just about strategy or ideology, but about who comes from where. That’s dangerous for a party that once prided itself on national character,” said one political commentator.
Lubinda has vowed to continue advocating for inclusivity, stressing that leadership should be based on merit, loyalty, and vision—not on ethnic roots.
“As a nation, we cannot afford to take tribal politics into 2026. We must rise above these divisions if we are to rebuild the PF as a party of choice for all Zambians,” he said.
For now, however, the PF remains on edge as tribal loyalties collide with political ambitions, leaving its leader increasingly isolated and disheartened
Bill 7: The Shortcut That Threatens Zambia’s Democracy – Musa Mwenya SC
By Michael Zephaniah Phiri, Political Activist
Former Attorney General and past President of the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ), Musa Mwenye, SC, has cautioned against attempts to reintroduce constitutional amendments through Bill 7 without proper consultation.
Speaking during a programme hosted by Ambassador Emmanuel Mwamba, Mwenye explained that the Constitutional Court had already ruled that a previous attempt at amending the Constitution was unconstitutional due to lack of broad-based consultation. He warned that ignoring this ruling risks undermining democracy and eroding public trust.
“The Constitution is the cement of society. It cannot be lightly changed,” Mwenye said. “The court made it clear that any constitutional review must involve a broad-based process, not a shortcut through Parliament.”
He expressed concern that the government appears determined to proceed with Bill 7 regardless of the judgment, describing such a move as “dangerous” because it would set a precedent of the state itself disobeying court orders.
When the government disobeys court judgments, it breeds impunity and self-help,” he said. “This sends the wrong signal not just to citizens, but also to investors who rely on the rule of law to protect their interests.”
Mwenye also raised questions over the contents of Bill 7 itself, noting problematic provisions such as extending the life of Parliament, increasing the number of nominated Members of Parliament, and leaving unclear mechanisms for proportional representation. He stressed that these issues require open debate and transparency.
“The process protects the content,” he argued. “If we get the process wrong, even well-intentioned content loses legitimacy.”
He concluded by urging government, civil society, political parties, and the Church to promote consultation and uphold democratic values, reminding Zambians that democracy was hard-won and must be safeguarded.
The Shocking Rise of Illegal Gold Mining Under the UPND Government: Who is Behind It?
By Extractive Industry Watchdog
Illegal gold mining is spiraling out of control under the current UPND administration, with senior cadres and government officials implicated in this illegal activity. This crisis is stripping Zambia of its precious resources and leaving local communities in disarray, while those responsible operate with impunity.
Key individuals such as Bright Katoka and his associate Kolala are at the center of these illegal mining operations. Shockingly, they claim to have been sent by President Hakainde Hichilema himself to mine gold illegally and fund the 2026 election campaigns. If true, this is a direct affront to the principles of good governance, accountability, and transparency.
Katoka and Kolala, backed by officials like Kabuswe, run their illegal operations in Rufunsa, Mumbwa, Lundazi, Lumezi, Kasempa, Mpika, and now Chitambo. In Mpika’s Kanyelele area, they are extracting over 4kg of gold daily with the full protection of state police officers—individuals meant to uphold the law, not aid its violation. Reports indicate that law enforcement officers are being paid off to turn a blind eye, effectively sanctioning these illegal activities.
This situation raises troubling questions about governance and accountability. How can the same officers entrusted with safeguarding our nation’s laws be complicit in guarding illegal mining activities? Why are individuals like Katoka and Kolala operating freely across the country without any consequences? If these allegations about the President’s involvement are false, why has the government remained silent and failed to act decisively?
The consequences of this rot are devastating. Local communities are being robbed of the economic benefits they should derive from these natural resources, and the environment is being destroyed without any accountability. Public trust in institutions is being eroded by the blatant abuse of power.
We cannot stand by while our nation’s wealth is plundered for personal and political gain. The people of Zambia demand answers and action. An independent investigation must uncover the truth behind these claims. All culprits, from senior government officials to complicit police officers, must be held accountable. Our natural wealth belongs to all Zambians, not a few corrupt individuals.
Zambia’s future depends on our ability to expose this rot and demand accountability from those in power. We must not allow illegal gold mining to become a tool for political campaigns at the expense of our country’s prosperity and the rule of law.
UPND SAYS ONE GOOD RAINY SEASON WILL NOT END POWER SHORTAGES DESPITE BUMPER HARVEST
By Chamuka Shalubala
United Party for National Development-UPND Deputy Secretary General, Getrude Imenda, says the 2024/25 rainy season benefited the agriculture sector but failed to ease the country’s energy crisis.
In an interview with Phoenix News, Ms. Imenda claims that the drought Zambia experienced was so severe that even one good rainfall season is not enough to restore energy security.
She has noted that while the agriculture sector recorded a bumper harvest due to improved rainfall patterns, the energy sector continues to struggle, with hydroelectric power generation still reeling from the devastating impact of the drought.
Ms. Imenda emphasized that it will take more than a single good rainy season for the energy sector to recover and for power supply to stabilize.
She has, however, reaffirmed the UPND government’s commitment to diversifying Zambia’s energy mix and reducing over-reliance on hydropower.
UN SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR DEMANDS ZAMBIAN GOVT RESPONSE ON PERSECUTION OF JOURNALIST THOMAS ALLAN ZGAMBO
United Nations Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression and opinion, Irene Khan, has asked the Zambian government to submit a report of the repeated detention and prosecution of Thomas Allan Zgambo for issues that are a direct result of his work as an investigative journalist.
In a letter to the Zambian government, Ms Khan expressed concern regarding the arrest, detentions and proceedings initiated against Zgambo, which appears directly linked to his journalistic work and exercise of his right to freedom.if expression and opinion.
The Special Rapporteur also expressed deep concerns about the weaponisation of criminal law, including the use of vague or overly broad provisions such as those related to sedition, to suppress dissent and silence critical voices, stating that the use of such legal instruments against journalists undermines press freedom and democratic and civic space. This is incompatible with Zambia’s obligations under international human rights law.
The Special Rapporteur is particularly concerned about the broader implications of this case for media freedom and freedom of expression in Zambia.
Tonight we publish the full text of the communication of the Special Rapporteur to the government of President Hakainde Hichilema.
PF PRESIDENT CHABINGA HONOURED WITH BRIDGEBUILDER LEADERSHIP AWARD IN NEW YORK
Leader of the Opposition and Acting President of the Patriotic Front (PF), Hon. Roberts M. Chabinga has been honoured with the prestigious Bridgebuilder Leadership Award from the Heroes of Tomorrow’s Africa Foundation in New York, United States of America.
The award was conferred during a ceremony held, recognizing leaders who have transcended political boundaries to foster unity and progress.
The Heroes of Tomorrow’s Africa Foundation stated that the award was a tribute to Mr. Chabinga’s “bold and patriotic act of statesmanship,” specifically citing his recent endorsement of President Hakainde Hichilema as an example of prioritizing nation over party.
In his acceptance remarks, Mr. Chabinga expressed profound gratitude and dedicated the award to the people of Zambia.
“I am deeply humbled to receive this award, which I accept on behalf of every Zambian who believes in the power of reconciliation and the promise of a united future. This honour reaffirms my commitment, in my capacity as Leader of the Opposition and Acting President of the Patriotic Front, to work tirelessly with all stakeholders to build a stronger and more prosperous Zambia, transcending political and tribal divides,” Mr. Chabinga said.
The Bridgebuilder Leadership Award is one of the highest honours conferred by the Heroes of Tomorrow’s Africa Foundation, celebrating African leaders whose courage and vision have inspired collaboration and national unity.
The Heroes of Tomorrow’s Africa Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to celebrating and empowering African leaders, innovators, and change-makers who are buildig a better future for the continent.
This is according to a statement issued by the PF Media Team in USA.
FOUR YEARS OF TURNING CHALLENGES INTO OPPORTUNITIES PRESIDENT HAKAINDE HICHILEMA’S TRANSFORMATIVE LEADERSHIP
By James Sakala
Zambia has marked four years of President Hakainde Hichilema’s leadership under the United Party for National Development (UPND), a period that has been defined by turning long-standing challenges into opportunities for growth, equity, and prosperity.
Education: Restoring Equality and Hope
For over three decades, education in Zambia was a privilege reserved for those who could afford it. Many children dropped out of school due to lack of fees, with countless young people forced into early marriages and pregnancies. The previous regime went as far as scrapping meal allowances, a lifeline for poor students.
President Hichilema, recognizing education as the greatest weapon to transform lives, reversed this trend. His government introduced free education from primary to secondary level, reinstated meal allowances, abolished exploitative registration fees, expanded student loan allocations to more universities, and invested in school infrastructure. Through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), young people who had dropped out of school are now accessing skills training, ensuring that no child sits on the floor of a classroom again.
Health: Restoring Dignity to Communities
Zambia’s healthcare system was once plagued by long distances to facilities, high maternal mortality, and massive drug pilferage. President Hichilema pronounced that every health facility must have a maternity annex, giving expectant mothers dignity and reducing mortality rates.
His government commissioned an independent audit by PriceWaterhouseCoopers, which exposed widespread theft in the Ministry of Health. This bold step led to arrests and the closure of unscrupulous pharmacies. Today, medicine availability in hospitals has risen from 24% under the previous regime to over 85%, a milestone in service delivery.
Economic Growth: From Contraction to Expansion
For nearly three decades, Zambia’s economy was stifled by weak industrial growth, massive debt, and mine closures. Economic growth collapsed to -2.5%, while investor confidence evaporated.
Under President Hichilema, growth has rebounded, with the economy projected to expand by 6.5% in 2025. Mining, once on the verge of collapse, has been revitalized. In 2021, only two mines were operational; by 2024, eight mines were running, with seven more in advanced stages of reopening. Notably, Shaft 28 abandoned for 38 years is set to restart, promising thousands of jobs.
Within just four years, Zambia has begun producing transformers, fertilizer (for both local use and export), lithium batteries, seeds, and oxygen plants turning the country into a hub of industrial activity.
hi
Agriculture: Breaking Records Despite Drought
Despite the severe droughts of 2023 and 2024, Zambia recorded a historic bumper harvest of 3.6 million metric tonnes of maize. President Hichilema’s interventions have restored agriculture’s value, making it once again a driver of economic resilience and rural livelihoods.
Tourism: From 200,000 to 2.3 Million Visitors
Peace, stability, and good governance have placed Zambia among Africa’s top tourist destinations. Tourist arrivals have soared from 200,000 in 2021 to over 2.3 million in 2024, creating jobs for youths and boosting the hospitality industry.
Debt Restructuring: Breathing Space for Growth
In November 2020, Zambia under the Patriotic Front (PF) became the first African country to default on its debt, with then Finance Minister Dr. Bwalya Ng’andu admitting that restructuring was “too difficult.” The debt crisis choked investment and economic growth.
President Hichilema’s administration, however, succeeded where others failed. In 2023, Zambia reached a landmark debt restructuring agreement with official creditors, including China and the Paris Club. This breakthrough restored investor confidence, created fiscal space, and put Zambia back on the path to growth.
Energy: From Load-Shedding to Energy Mix
With rising demand and drought-induced reductions in hydro power, load-shedding became unbearable. But the Hichilema government has launched a robust energy diversification program.
The country commissioned its first-ever 100MW photovoltaic solar plant, revived Maamba coal power (300MW), and is expanding generation capacity to ensure energy security. These measures are laying the foundation for a resilient energy mix to support industrial growth.
In just four years, President Hakainde Hichilema has shown that what once seemed like insurmountable challenges can be turned into opportunities. From free education to debt restructuring, from restoring healthcare dignity to reviving mining and agriculture, his leadership continues to reshape Zambia’s future.
Indeed, better days are not just coming—they are here.
BECAUSE OF CDF, I AM NOW GOING TO COLLEGE AFTER 5 YEARS AT HOME – NAMUYEMBA
September 22, 2025
LUSAKA – A 24-year-old youth from Chisamba, Kutemwa Namuyemba, has finally gone to college after spending five years at home, thanks to the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
Namuyemba, who completed Grade 12 in 2020, said the CDF Skills Development Bursary has secured her a place at Lusaka Technical Business College.
“Having challenges with finances, it was hard for me to go to school. I wanted the same chance as my friends but we didn’t have the money,” she recalls. Her first attempt at higher education in 2023 lasted only one semester before her savings ran out.
Born and raised in a remote village in Chisamba District, Namuyemba says she had always wanted to solve problems in her community, especially clean water shortages.
Today, she is proudly studying Water Supply and Sanitation Operations, a programme that could one day see her lead a water utility company. “Without CDF, I would still be home,” she said.
Namuyemba urged other young people not to give up on their dreams, saying: “Just because you don’t have money doesn’t mean your dreams are invalid. The New Dawn Government has given us CDF, and it is changing lives.”
Chisamba Council public relations officer, Clara Mulenga, confirmed that many youths in the district have benefited from the bursary and said more success stories are yet to be told.
PRESIDENT HAKAINDE HICHILEMA: FOUR YEARS OF HARD WORK, RESULTS, AND UNMATCHED LEADERSHIP
By Timmy
Leadership is about results, not noise. In the last four years, President Hakainde Hichilema has proven that progress is achieved through consistency, vision, and sacrifice. While the opposition continues to criticize without providing credible solutions, the New Dawn government has rolled up its sleeves and delivered results that ordinary Zambians can see, feel, and touch.
From stabilizing the economy to investing in education, health, agriculture, infrastructure, and democratic freedoms, President Hichilema is leaving no stone unturned in transforming Zambia into a modern, resilient, and prosperous nation.
Peace and Regional Stability
The first and most important achievement has been peace and stability. Zambia remains one of Africa’s most peaceful nations. Investors have returned, and international confidence in Zambia’s governance has grown. Our neighbors look to us as a model of stability in a world shaken by political unrest.
By contrast, the opposition has nothing to offer but division and reckless statements that risk undermining national unity.
Economic Growth and Jobs
Under President Hichilema’s leadership, Zambia’s economy has moved from contraction (-2.7% GDP) to growth of nearly 6%. This turnaround was not accidental but came through bold reforms, debt restructuring, and sound fiscal management.
Mining has seen a revival: Konkola Copper Mines (KCM), Mopani Copper Mines, and Luanshya Shaft 28 have been restored, while Mimbula Mine now employs over 3,000 workers. Across the country, tens of thousands of jobs have been brought back to life.
Meanwhile, the opposition that presided over economic collapse has no credible plan. They criticize reforms yet cannot point to how they would fix the very problems they created.
Education and Empowerment
The New Dawn government has prioritized education as the gateway to equality and opportunity. The implementation of free education has returned more than 2.5 million children to classrooms.
Furthermore, the recruitment of 42,000 teachers has ensured that learning is not just free but also of higher quality. The Constituency Development Fund (CDF) has been expanded from K1.6 million to K36.1 million, empowering local communities to build schools, maternity wings, bridges, and roads.
While the opposition questions these investments, they forget that under their rule, many children dropped out of school due to unaffordable fees. Today, every child has hope.
Healthcare and Human Security
Over 18,000 health workers have been recruited, while new hospitals, clinics, and maternity wings have been built across provinces. Through Exercise Blue Lugwasho, President Hichilema has deployed the Zambia Defence Force and Flying Doctor Service to take healthcare directly to remote communities.
Where the opposition failed to invest in health, President Hichilema has shown that protecting life is a national duty.
Agriculture and Food Security
The New Dawn government has revived the Nitrogen Chemicals of Zambia (NCZ) and facilitated private investment through United Capital Fertilizer, ensuring that Zambia now produces over 300,000 metric tonnes of fertilizer annually.
This not only secures food for citizens but positions Zambia to feed the region. Unlike the opposition who allowed agriculture to collapse, President Hichilema has transformed it into a driver of national development.
Infrastructure Development
From the Chipata-Lundazi road to the surfacing of Monze-Niko Road and major projects in rural constituencies funded by CDF, infrastructure is being modernized at a scale not seen in years.
Where previous governments delayed or abandoned projects, President Hichilema has insisted that every province, town, and rural community benefits from development.
Democratic Freedoms and Media
Unlike the dark days of media suppression, Zambia under the New Dawn administration enjoys freedom of expression and press. No media house has been closed; instead, journalists have been empowered and recruited into government service.
The opposition, who once thrived on silencing critics, now cannot stand the reality of true democracy and resort to spreading propaganda.
Energy and Innovation
Zambia is moving towards energy security with new solar projects such as the commissioned Chisamba Solar Plant. Net metering has been introduced, opening space for independent power producers and reducing dependency on imports.
The opposition spreads lies, suggesting the government benefits from power exports. The truth is that President Hichilema has been clear: he will never punish Zambians. Energy exports are managed responsibly, while citizens’ needs remain a priority.
Opposition Failures vs. Presidential Standards
The opposition has become an echo chamber of negativity. They attack but never offer solutions. They criticize reforms but present no alternatives. They speak of problems but never acknowledge progress.
President Hichilema, on the other hand, works tirelessly day and night to rebuild the nation brick by brick. His leadership has restored hope to families, dignity to workers, and pride to Zambia on the international stage.
A Citizen’s Confidence
As a citizen, I am proud of the hard work and sacrifice President Hichilema has shown over the past four years. His standards are too high for the opposition to match because they are built on results, not noise.
Zambia is on a path of transformation, and the evidence is all around us peace, jobs, free education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, and restored investor confidence. The New Dawn government has raised the bar, and history will remember this presidency as one that put Zambia first.
Lusaka… Sunday September 21, 2025 – The United Party for National Development (UPND) has issued a warning to its members and aspiring candidates against engaging in unauthorized campaigns in constituencies and wards currently represented by the party’s elected officials.
In a statement, UPND Secretary General Batuke Imenda reminded members of the party’s standing resolution, adopted by the National Management Committee (NMC) in 2020, which prohibits internal campaigns in areas where the party has sitting Members of Parliament, Mayors, Council Chairpersons, or Councillors.
He explained that the directive also extended to constituencies held by Independent MPs who were working with the UPND, as well as certain opposition MPs who were cooperating with the administration.
Mr. Imenda said the measure was intended to safeguard party unity, strengthen cohesion, and allow elected officials to focus on delivering development without unnecessary disruption.
He further warned that any aspiring candidate found violating the directive would face disciplinary action in line with the party’s regulations.
Media houses were also cautioned against quoting party members or aspiring candidates on campaign-related matters, as the UPND had not issued any official position regarding individual ambitions.
Mr. Imenda stressed that the UPND remained a disciplined and democratic organization and urged all members to respect the NMC resolution while working together to advance the party’s development agenda for the people of Zambia.
ZAMBIA GEARS UP FOR 2025 WORLD TOURISM DAY CELEBRATIONS IN LIVINGSTONE
…..As the Minister highlights robust measures aimed at boosting tourism for economic growth
September 21, 2024
The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting tourism as a key driver of economic diversification and sustainable development.
Speaking ahead of the 2025 World Tourism Day commemorations at the Victoria Falls this morning, Minister of Tourism Rodney Sikumba highlighted the impressive performance of the sector, which has continued to surpass national targets.
The Minister said Zambia recorded 2.2 million international visitors in 2024, representing a 58 percent increase from the previous year and the highest number of arrivals ever registered in the country.
He further revealed that by June 2025, the nation had already welcomed 1.2 million tourists, placing it firmly on track to achieve the national goal of 3 million arrivals by the end of the year.
Tourism has also increased its contribution to the economy, accounting for 2.9 percent of GDP in 2023 compared to 1.9 percent in 2022.
The Minister added that the sector is providing direct employment to more than 300,000 Zambians in hospitality, aviation, guiding, and events, while indirectly supporting thousands more through agriculture, transport, and handicrafts.
Mr. Sikumba, who is also Livingstone Central Constituency Member of Parliament, said President Hakainde Hichilema has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to boosting the economy and creating more jobs for Zambians through expanded investment in the hospitality and tourism industry.
“This is why President Hichilema is focusing on tourism as a vital pillar for job creation, youth empowerment, and national prosperity,” said the Minister.
This year’s celebrations will run under the global theme “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation” with Livingstone chosen as the host city for the national event.
The Minister assured that all stakeholders, including provincial leadership, the private sector, and cooperating partners, are working together to ensure the event is a success.
He also raised concerns over the rising cases of human-wildlife conflict in Livingstone and surrounding areas, which have tragically claimed lives among residents and visitors.
“Government is strengthening rapid response units and working with local communities and traditional leaders to promote safe coexistence with wildlife,” said the Minister.
Despite the challenges, he reassured the public of the Government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that tourism continues to bring tangible benefits.
“I wish to assure the people of Livingstone that we shall overcome these challenges through unity, resilience, and collaboration with partners,” he said.
Livingstone has been described as a beacon of tourism excellence, a source of national pride, and a gateway to sustainable transformation.
PRESIDENT HICHILEMA’S VISION IN ACTION: SADC AIR FORCES DELIVER LIFELINE TO SOUTHERN PROVINCE
By Timmy
Southern Province has become the stage for a remarkable demonstration of regional unity, humanitarian commitment, and visionary leadership under President Hakainde Hichilema and the New Dawn Government.
Against the growing challenges of climate change, drought, and floods, President Hichilema has made it clear: no Zambian should be left behind. Guided by this principle, Zambia has mobilized its resources and worked closely with its SADC partners to ensure help is brought closer to the people right where it is needed most.
This is not just another exercise. Exercise Blue Lugwasho 2025 has gone beyond simulations, transforming into a life-saving mission for communities in Namwala and Maamba. What began as a regional disaster preparedness program has delivered food, clean water, and medical relief directly into the hands of vulnerable households—evidence of President Hichilema’s commitment to translate policy into tangible action.
Delivering Help Where It Matters
So far, over 1,000 bags of maize have been distributed in Namwala, with 200 more on the way before the end of the week. Boreholes have been drilled to ensure clean water access, while neglected infrastructure such as the Namwala runway has been rehabilitated and secured to remain functional during emergencies.
These efforts are a direct reflection of the President’s clear instruction that no stone must be left unturned when it comes to saving lives and supporting communities. By directing the Zambia Air Force, Zambia Army, and other security wings to integrate seamlessly with SADC forces, President Hichilema has demonstrated that leadership is not about rhetoric but about results.
Regional Unity, Local Impact
As Zambia Air Force Commander, Lt Gen Oscar Nyoni, explained during his inspection of operations: the mission is not about military drills but about relevance to the community. Under President Hichilema’s watch, Zambia is now leading the way in showing how security forces can remain people-centered, responding to real challenges faced by citizens.
The President has further emphasized the importance of regional solidarity. Through his leadership, Zambia has strengthened ties with SADC neighbors, ensuring that joint training and collaboration produce not only stronger armies but also safer, more resilient communities.
A President Who Delivers
What we are seeing in Namwala and Maamba is part of a broader pattern of delivery under the New Dawn Government. From unprecedented recruitment in the health and education sectors, to debt restructuring that has unlocked resources for development, to record-breaking infrastructure works across provinces President Hichilema has shown that Zambia is on a new path of progress, transparency, and accountability.
While the opposition continues to trade in negativity and division, the President remains focused on the people, driving solutions and ensuring Zambia’s development is inclusive and forward-looking.
Call to Action
As Zambians, we must rally behind this vision of unity, progress, and care for the most vulnerable. President Hakainde Hichilema has once again shown that he is a leader who acts, not one who complains.
Let us share this story widely, so that the world sees the Zambia we are building a Zambia where government is for the people, with the people, and always by the people’s side.
Share, comment, and like this page to spread the message of hope, delivery, and leadership under President Hakainde Hichilema and the New Dawn Government.
Biya’s Departure for Europe Weeks to Elections is an Insult to Cameroonians
President Paul Biya’s decision to leave Cameroon for a private stay in Europe just three weeks before a decisive election is deeply troubling and reveals a dangerous contempt for the Cameroonian people.
At 92 years old, Biya has ruled for more than four decades, and his repeated absences from the country suggest that he sees the presidency not as a duty but as a privilege or a birthright he can exercise at his convenience. This is not the first time Biya is out of the country during a decisive national moment.
In October 2016, he was in Europe when a train derailed in Eseka, leading to scores of deaths and injury. He only flew in afterwards and never set foot at the scene of the tragedy.
Later that same year, when the Anglophone Crisis escalated into spiraling protests, Mr. Biya never set foot in any of the Anglophone regions and has still not done so more than 8 years later. In 2017 during a United Nations General Assembly speech, he never bothered to even mention the issue.
In a democracy, election season should be a time when the head of state is present, accountable, and actively engaging citizens to discuss policies and reassure them about the future of the nation. Instead, Biya is absent, signaling a disregard for transparency and democratic accountability.
Such actions undermine confidence in Cameroon’s electoral process. His absence creates the impression that elections are a mere formality whose outcome is already predetermined. This weakens public trust in state institutions, discourages voter participation, and further entrenches apathy in a population that already feels disconnected from political power.
Moreover, leaving the country at such a crucial moment is an insult to citizens grappling with insecurity, poverty, and corruption — issues that demand the president’s leadership.
Cameroonians should not normalize this behavior. A president who treats the country like it’s his personal property or his backyard, sets a dangerous precedent.
Civic groups, opposition parties, and ordinary citizens must demand accountability from the Biya regime, insist on reforms that limit presidential overreach, and push for leaders who prioritize national interest over personal leisure.
Only by rejecting such disrespect can Cameroon reclaim its democracy and ensure that leadership is about service, not self-indulgence. Cameroon cannot be at breaking point under mounting debts from Biya’s reckless borrowing while he flies himself to Europe for personal visits at the expense of the Cameroonian taxpayer, just weeks to a high-stakes election.
Explosive WhatsApp messages rock Madlanga Commission
Explosive WhatsApp messages tabled before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry have thrown South Africa’s policing and political leadership into turmoil.
KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lt-Gen. Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, unveiled screenshots linking controversial businessman Brown Mogotsi to tender mogul Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala in what he described as a web of corruption and high-level interference in the South African Police Service (SAPS).
The revelations came on day two of the inquiry into systemic failures in police investigations, particularly those involving political killings.
According to Mkhwanazi, Matlala already facing charges in the attempted murder of socialite Tebogo Thobejane allegedly leveraged a R360 million SAPS health services contract to bankroll political activities tied to Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.
One leaked message showed Mogotsi, described as a close associate of Mchunu, reassuring Matlala on the same day the minister disbanded the National Task Team on Political Killings (NTTPK): “Today is the day, just stand back.” Forensic analysis of Matlala’s seized cellphone further suggested he financed ANC events and a gala dinner linked to both Mchunu and Mogotsi.
Mkhwanazi warned the commission of what he called a “chilling effect” on policing morale, alleging that the corruption extended to plots to oust National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola and replace him with a Matlala ally. He further implicated Deputy National Commissioner Lt-Gen. Shadrack Sibiya, claiming that key dockets were redirected to Sibiya’s office after a raid on Matlala’s property in December 2024, effectively stalling murder investigations in Gauteng.
“Why was my name being mentioned in a private discussion between a businessman and a tender-linked figure?” Mkhwanazi asked, stressing that the interference threatened both SAPS credibility and public trust.
The testimony has sparked fierce public reaction. Social media has rallied behind Mkhwanazi, with one widely shared post declaring: *“History will remember The General… who exposed the likes of Brown Mogotsi, Sibiya… and Cat Matlala.” Others, however,
Brenda Biya, daughter of President Paul Biya, recently broke silence, publicly declaring she won’t vote for her father in the 2025 elections. Despite personal controversies, she showed courage and independence, standing against 43 years of rule with little progress for the nation. While she has been apparently forced to retract, her words are a reflection of the reality of Cameroon. She spoke her truth, and the world heard it loud and clear.
Meanwhile, Samuel Eto’o, Cameroon’s football legend, continues to support Paul Biya. In 2018 he openly declared he would vote for him, and in 2025 he’s on the list of campaigners for the president.
Achievements in sport are inspiring, but does endorsing a 93-year-old leader with decades in power without change make Eto’o a role model for civic courage? Brenda’s voice, controversial but fearless, raises a question every young Cameroonian should ask: Would you rather follow Eto’o, who never for a moment feels your pain, or Brenda, who, from time to time, shows that she gets the pain her father is putting Cameroon through?
Malawi is one of the countries that I love dearly because of our shared history which spans more than a century. One can safely hazard a guess and say that a quarter of Zimbabweans living in Harare are of Malawian origin. We are the same people, we are brothers and sisters. That is why what happens in Malawi also matters to us in Zimbabwe and across the region.
I hope the participants in the presidential election that has just ended in Malawi will take counsel from history. There are many bad things that former Malawian president Kamuzu Banda did in Malawi, but there are also good things he left behind. As my father used to say, learn to eat the meat and throw away the bones — take the good things and discard the bad.
One of the good things that Kamuzu Banda did was when he lost the election to President Bakili Muluzi. He did not wait for all the ceremonial processes. He simply congratulated his successor and did the right thing. That is a lesson that should never be forgotten.
I hope that President Lazarus Chakwera will do the same and not plunge Malawi into crisis. It is clear that he has lost, and it is equally clear that President Peter Mutharika has won. Whatever personal views people may have about Chakwera or about Mutharika, the people of Malawi have placed their trust in Mutharika. Even though he is old, he is the one they have chosen. For the sake of Malawi, those who participated in the election must show humility, accept the will of the people, and congratulate the winner.
In other democracies, this is the norm. In America, candidates do not even wait for the full announcement of results when it is already obvious who has won. President Bush and John McCain both picked up the phone to congratulate President Obama even before the official declaration. That is maturity. That is statesmanship. Malawi needs the same spirit.
I also hope that President Mutharika, for his part, will rise to the occasion. He should be magnanimous enough in victory to reach out to his rivals. Those among them who have the competence should be invited to government, including in cabinet, in order to unite the nation. Elections are a contest, but after the contest the people must come together as one, to build their country.
For the sake of Malawi’s stability, there should be no unnecessary drama. Leaders must do the right thing. The right thing is to follow the example of the Ngwazi, Kamuzu Banda. When you lose an election, accept it, congratulate the winner, and work for the unity of your people.
True leadership is not about clinging to power, but about knowing when to let go with dignity so that your nation can move forward in unity. It is also about winners being magnanimous and reaching out to the losers for the purposes of unity and national interest.
Is Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi the next President of South Africa?
With President Cyril Ramaphosa serving his final term and the ANC yet to settle a clear successor, a lot of folks are asking who could lead the country next. One name popping up in public discussion because of the headlines is Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi — but stop: Mkhwanazi is currently a senior police official, not a declared ANC candidate.
He’s been in the spotlight recently after publicly alleging that criminal syndicates have infiltrated parts of the state and naming senior officials at a commission of inquiry. That made him a household name — but there’s no credible reporting that he’s running for the ANC leadership or the presidency.
So — could he “take over”? In practice, becoming president requires party nomination, a national political campaign and (in South Africa’s system) control of party lists and votes. For now, Mkhwanazi’s profile is tied to law enforcement and whistleblowing, not a political campaign.
What do you think — would you trust a police boss to make the jump into national politics, or do you expect a more conventional ANC successor to emerge?
“I Can’t Speak Shona Anymore – Zimbabwean Deportee Returns After 21 Years in the US”
Seven Zimbabwean nationals deported from the United States arrived at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport on Friday morning aboard a chartered flight after serving prison sentences abroad.
Among them is Mr. Mabugu, who left Zimbabwe at just 9 years old and spent more than two decades in the US. Having lived most of his life overseas, he now faces the daunting task of adjusting to life back home — a country he barely remembers.
For Mr. Mabugu, the challenge goes beyond finding work or rebuilding his life. He struggles to speak Shona, reconnect with family, and navigate everyday life in Zimbabwe. While he brings skills and experiences gained abroad, reintegration is proving emotionally and socially difficult.
His story is a powerful reminder of the struggles deportees face — returning to a homeland that feels both familiar and foreign, and trying to start over after years away.
A borderless Africa is a powerful idea, but at this stage it remains fanciful because African countries have not yet reached an equilibrium in their economies. If Zimbabwe were to embrace it today, neighbouring countries would need to have comparable economic indicators. Without that balance, you would not have a dual flow of people between Zimbabwe and South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, or Mozambique. Instead, you would only have one-way traffic of desperate citizens flooding into the country that appears more functional.
This is the problem South Africa faces. Africans from across the continent move there in huge numbers, while there is no corresponding flow of South Africans moving elsewhere. Pan-Africanism cannot exist in one country alone; it must be spread across the continent, built on shared stability and economic prosperity. What Traoré and Julius Malema are advocating sounds noble, but at present it is utopian. Without improvements in governance, corruption, and economic growth, it cannot work.
When I holiday in France, I often fly to Geneva because the town where I stay in France is only 30 minutes away. I drive from Switzerland to France without realising I have crossed a border, because there is no imbalance. There are no desperate French citizens fleeing into Switzerland for jobs, and no Swiss escaping into France for survival. The flow is balanced. That is what makes the European Union possible.
Even then, many countries that aspire to join remain outside because they have not yet aligned their economies with those of existing members.
Contrast that with Africa. If borders were removed while one country cannot provide its people with basic medicine, while its neighbour has working industries, the stronger country would be overwhelmed with economic refugees. This is already the reality between Zimbabwe and South Africa, and between South Africa and several other African nations.
A borderless Africa must be more than a slogan. It must be grounded in fixing economies, tackling corruption, and building industries. Only then can we dream of an Africa where one can drive from Harare to Kinshasa without a passport, just as one drives from France to Germany today.
Until then, to call for open borders in a broken continent is not liberation, it is a recipe for collapse. Pan-Africanism will only be meaningful when underpinned by justice, prosperity, and equality across the continent and not just in one country.
Several countries are waiting to join the European Union but their membership has been delayed because of corruption, weak institutions, or economic imbalances. Bosnia and Herzegovina, though granted candidate status, still struggles with judicial reform, tackling organised crime, preventing conflicts of interest, and protecting media freedom.
Serbia has been pressed to address corruption, strengthen its judiciary, and reform election and media laws. Other Western Balkan states such as Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Albania also face challenges with corruption, state capture, and rule of law, which continue to slow their progress to join the EU. Beyond the Balkans, Georgia’s EU membership process has been frozen due to laws seen as suppressing civil society and independent media.
These examples highlight the EU’s insistence on strong governance, rule of law, and economic stability before expanding further, since admitting countries that fall short risks creating instability within the union.
Now let me ask you a rhetorical question, my brother Brendon. How can a country like Uganda or Zimbabwe be in the same union with countries like Egypt and South Africa that have functional economies?
What it means is that Ugandans will run to Egypt and Zimbabweans will run to South Africa without a two way flow where Egyptians can also go to Uganda and South Africans can go to Zimbabwe. That is not pan-Africanism, that is the result of dysfunctional economies that create poverty and force people to flee. You cannot lift restrictions on borders and passports until that reality is resolved. The rest of what you hear is just fashion. I call it fashion Pan-Africanism; rhetoric without substance, not rooted in real substantive debates or meaningful and practical realities.
Latest official results for the presidential polls from four councils of Chitipa, Rumphi, Mulanje and Mzuzu city, puts former president Peter Mutharika ahead of his successor Lazarus Chakwera.
On Sunday night Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) released results from the four councils, bringing to 13 the total number of councils determined so far.
From the fresh results Mutharika leads with 298,457 votes while incumbent Chakwera is behind with 56,630 votes. From all the 13 councils, now Mutharika’s score is at 501,837 votes while Chakwera is at 210,137 votes.
Meanwhile, 229 constituencies have managed to capture and transmit results in the Results Management System. Also a total of 35 out of 36 councils have managed to bring their results to the National Tally Centre with Mangochi District being the only remaining district to present physical results at the national tally centre.
MEC has also expressed concern with the recent trend where some political leaders and stakeholders are making premature declarations of victory and issuing public statements that directly contradict results officially released by the Commission. MEC has since asked political parties and candidates to refrain from declaring themselves winner as this may incite anarchy.
‘’While we recognise and respect the freedom of expression and the right of political players to communicate with their supporters, we must emphasise the need for accuracy, responsibility, and respect for due process in all public statements related to the electoral process’’ cautioned MEC chairperson Justice Annabel Mtalimanja
Steenhuisen warns voters against ‘wasting votes’ on smaller parties
Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen has cautioned Johannesburg residents not to “waste” their votes on smaller or new political parties in the upcoming 2026 local government elections.
Speaking in Soweto during the DA’s announcement of Helen Zille as its mayoral candidate for Johannesburg, Steenhuisen emphasized that fragmented voting could perpetuate the city’s current instability.
Steenhuisen argued that smaller parties often become entangled in unstable coalitions, enabling the African National Congress (ANC) to maintain power through fragmented opposition.
He criticized parties like ActionSA for entering coalitions that ultimately support the ANC, likening such decisions to “turning your vote around and giving it to the very same people that you voted against.”
He warned that such dynamics have resulted in a “revolving door at the mayor’s office,” with Johannesburg experiencing frequent changes in leadership due to coalition instability.
The DA’s nomination of Helen Zille, aims to project stability and competence, with Zille pledging to address essential service issues in Johannesburg, such as water, electricity, road repairs, and waste removal. Steenhuisen framed the election as a choice between “decay and renewal,” emphasizing the DA’s track record of effective governance where it holds power.
Polokwane mayor runs to Court seeking to block Hawks investigation
Polokwane Executive Mayor John Mpe has filed an urgent court application to stop the Hawks from accessing sensitive municipal documents, escalating Limpopo’s latest high-profile corruption saga, according to News24.
The move comes days after Hawks investigators raided municipal offices on September 17, seizing records under a Polokwane High Court order linked to allegations of fraud, money laundering, and tender irregularities worth over R724 million.
Whistleblower documents circulating since July reportedly claim that 28 contracts awarded between 2022 and 2023 were funneled to companies connected to Mpe, Municipal Manager Thuso Nemugumoni, and their associates, with some contracts allegedly involving kickbacks through Mpe’s non-profit, the Makoro Foundation.
Mpe’s lawyer, Kgabo Maponya, told reporters the court application challenges procedural flaws in the Hawks’ probe. “My clients believe the lead investigators were flouting processes in accessing information,” he said, describing the raid as an overreach rather than a targeted “invasion” of the mayor’s office.
Mayor Mpe himself has dismissed the scrutiny as a “political smear campaign” orchestrated by rivals within the ANC and opposition parties, insisting his “hands are clean.”
As the legal challenge unfolds, Polokwane’s municipal governance faces growing public and political scrutiny, highlighting ongoing concerns over tender processes and accountability in the province.
USA Sprinter, also the World 200m Champion, Noah Lyles is expected to visit Botswana.
Lyles will take part in World Athletics Relays slated for 2-3 May 2026 in the capital city, Gaborone.
He is to participate in the 4×100m relay of which his country remains the title holder.
Besides being Letsile Tebogo’s opponent in individual races, Lyles has displayed a brotherly spirit towards Tebogo, recently urging him to regain his confidence and self-esteem.
Following his advice, Tebogo was seemingly buoyed up for the 4×400m relay, reinstating his confidence as witnessed in his Cole Palmer iconic pre-race celebration.
Several other household names in athletics are anticipated to participate in the competition.
Among them are Sha’ Carri Richardson, Rai Benjamin, Kenny Bednarek, among others.
World Athletics Relays will be instrumental in determining spots for the next World Athletics Championships and Olympics.
MAN SHOT DEAD IN KAZUNGULA WHILE SLEEPING IN CHICKEN HOUSE
A 56-year-old man was shot dead in his chicken house in Libonda Village, Katapazi area, Chief Mukuni, Kazungula District, early this morning.
The deceased, Mr. Oscar Musena, was reportedly sleeping in the chicken house with his wife to monitor their one-week-old broiler chickens when the incident occurred. Around 03:00 hours, Mrs. Musena was awakened by the sound of a gunshot and found her husband unconscious, with blood coming from his mouth, nose, and neck.
Relatives were immediately notified, and Mr. Kingley Simutwe, 41, of Kabila Maloni Compound, Livingstone District, reported the matter to Livingstone Central Police Station at 07:10 hours.
Police visited the scene in Libonda Village and found Mr. Musena lying on his left side. Multiple gunshot wounds were observed on his right shoulder and the right side of his neck. An empty cartridge recovered near the body suggests he was shot at close range while asleep.
Mr. Auxensio Daka, Commanding Officer for Southern Province, confirmed the incident and stated that a murder docket has been opened, with investigations ongoing.
The body has been deposited at Batoka Hospital mortuary for a postmortem examination. No arrests have been made.
Is General Mkhwanazi Eyeing Political Power or Planning to Join a Political Party? 🤔
There has been growing debate around KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Recently, he has been making bold moves and statements — including exposing alleged corruption, political interference, and collusion between politicians, prosecutors, police and even some in the judiciary.
His claims that the Political Killings Task Team was disbanded unlawfully, and that more than 100 dockets were removed from investigations, have already led to the Madlanga Commission being established to probe the matter.
Now the big question: 👉 Is Mkhwanazi simply doing his duty as a top cop, or is he positioning himself for a much bigger role — maybe political power, or even joining a political party?
🔥 Speculation is already growing:
Could the ANC look at him as a strong anti-corruption voice?
Could the IFP in KwaZulu-Natal view him as a powerful figure to strengthen their base?
Could the DA approach him as a symbol of accountability and law enforcement?
Or could he even launch or join a new political movement to fight corruption head-on?
Some believe he could be using this spotlight to build a platform for political influence. Others argue he’s just fulfilling his mandate to protect South Africans and expose corruption.
💬 Debate time: Do you think General Mkhwanazi has political ambitions — and if so, which party would be his natural home? Or is he just being an honest cop doing his job? #fblifestyle
VENDA WISDOM IN ACTION: Cyril Ramaphosa, the Silent Strategist of South African Politics
The Venda people are known for their quiet strength, patience, and wisdom — and President Cyril Ramaphosa embodies that to the fullest. Unlike other leaders who shout and fight in public, Ramaphosa’s greatest weapon has always been silence, intelligence, and timing.
From his Venda roots to the corridors of power, Ramaphosa has mastered the art of waiting, calculating, and striking at the right moment. He is calm on the surface, but behind the scenes he outsmarts rivals with precision.
His story of silent power:
In the 1980s and 1990s, he was already shaping history as a union leader and later as the ANC’s chief negotiator at CODESA — calmly dismantling apartheid at the negotiation table.
When Jacob Zuma dominated politics, Ramaphosa stepped back, building business empires, global networks, and ANC alliances. He never fought Zuma head-on — he outlasted him.
At the 2017 Nasrec Conference, he pulled off one of the narrowest yet most decisive victories in ANC history, defeating Zuma’s candidate and claiming the presidency.
When scandals like Phala Phala threatened him, he leaned on silence, legal institutions, and party support — surviving storms that would have sunk other leaders.
How he silenced rivals:
Zuma attacks him at rallies, but Ramaphosa lets the courts speak for him.
The opposition insults him in Parliament, yet his calm, lawyer-like answers drain their energy.
The media tried to bury him, but he starved the headlines of drama until the noise faded.
易 Just like the Venda elders who guide with wisdom and patience, Ramaphosa rules not with noise, but with strategy. Whether loved or hated, history may remember him as South Africa’s most secretive, intelligent, and quietly powerful
