Pitso Mosimane distances himself from upcoming book on his life
Renowned football coach Pitso Mosimane has distanced himself from an upcoming book reportedly about his life, set to be released tomorrow.
Mosimane says he has no involvement in the project and that the authors never reached out to him for input or comment.
He added that he was not given the opportunity to review the book prior to its release.
ENERGY DRINKS TO BE BANNED FOR UNDER-16S IN ENGLAND
THE government is planning a new law in England to stop anyone under the age of 16 buying energy drinks such as Red Bull, Monster and Prime from shops, restaurants, cafes, vending machines and online.
Up to a third of UK children are thought to consume these types of drinks every week, despite most supermarkets having already introduced a voluntary ban.
Some popular drinks contain more caffeine than two cups of coffee. Excessive consumption is linked to headaches and sleep problems.
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting told the BBC Radio 4’s Today programme the government had “been called upon” to act by parents, teachers and children.
“You can see the impact on the health, concentration and the learning, and that is why we are acting,” he told BBC Breakfast.
Too much caffeine can cause a rapid heart rate, abnormal heart rhythms and seizures.
Although rare, there have been some deaths linked to excess caffeine.
The sugary versions of the drinks can also cause damage to teeth and contribute to obesity, according to The Association of UK Dieticians.
A consultation will now run for 12 weeks to gather evidence from health and education experts as well as the public and retailers and manufacturers who already ban the drinks.
While no official date has been set for the ban, Streeting said it will come in “a lot sooner” than the end of this parliament – the deadline Labour had previously promised.
Carrera, 18, is part of a youth activist group called Bite Back. She told Today that manufacturers are “clever” by working with influencers, using fun packaging and creating enticing flavours aimed at young people.
“It’s no wonder energy drinks have become the social currency of the playground,” she added.
Responding on the programme, Streeting said the government needs to “change with the times” and tackle social media advertising.
TV chef Jamie Oliver has repeatedly warned of the dangers and disruption energy drinks can cause, with kids coming into school “bouncing off the walls” having had energy drinks for breakfast.
“We are talking about three, four shots of espresso in one of these things. Loads of sugar. So an absolute nightmare,” he said in a video posted on X last year.
Under current labelling rules, any drink, other than tea or coffee, with over 150mg of caffeine per litre requires a warning label saying: “High caffeine content. Not recommended for children or pregnant or breast-feeding women.”
Young people have smaller bodies and their brains are still developing, which can make them more sensitive to caffeine, say experts.
For most adults, up to 400mg of caffeine a day, or about four cups of instant coffee or five cups of tea, is safe.
BBC
DPP DROPS APPEAL AGAINST KAMPYONGO’S ACQUITTAL
DIRECTOR of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Gilbert Phiri has abandoned the State’s appeal against the acquittal of Shiwang’andu Member of Parliament,
Stephen Kampyongo.
A notice signed by State Advocate V. Choongo on behalf of the DPP confirmed that the matter, which had been set for hearing on August 6, 2025, before the Economic and Financial Crimes Court in Lusaka, would not proceed.
“Take notice that the appellant herein has wholly abandoned the appeal,” read the document.
Mr Kampyongo, who served as Home Affairs Minister in the Patriotic Front government, had been jointly charged with his wife, Wanziya Chirwa, for possession of illicit properties.
While Chirwa was convicted and handed a three-year prison sentence for corruption-related offences, Mr Kampyongo was acquitted by the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court.
Magistrate Sylvia Munyinya, in her ruling, found Chirwa guilty on five counts of corruption but cleared Mr Kampyongo of five charges relating to properties and undeveloped plots in Lusaka, which the State alleged were proceeds of crime.
The court held that the prosecution failed to establish a factual basis for the suspicion, noting that some of the properties were not owned by Kampyongo, while others had been legally acquired.
Dissatisfied with the ruling, the Anti-Corruption Commission appealed, arguing that the trial court erred both in law and fact when it acquitted him.
However, the DPP has now formally withdrawn the appeal.
Daily Nation Zambia
IMMIGRATION SECURES CONVICTION IN IDENTITY FRAUD CASE, INTENSIFIES CRACKDOWN ON ILLEGAL MIGRATION
3rd September, 2025
The Lusaka Magistrate Court on 1st September 2025 convicted Jean-Claude Sibomana (40), a Burundian refugee, for his role in a sophisticated identity fraud syndicate. Sibomana was sentenced to two (2) years imprisonment with hard labour for forgery, contrary to Sections 344(a) and 347 of the Penal Code, Cap 87 of the Laws of Zambia. He was further ordered to pay a fine of K30,000, or in default, serve nine (9) months simple imprisonment for engaging in business without a Permit, contrary to Sections 54 and 56(1) of the Immigration and Deportation Act No. 18 of 2010. Both sentences are to run concurrently.
On the third charge of Concealing True National Identity, contrary to Sections 52(2) and 56(1) of the Immigration and Deportation Act, Sibomana denied the charge and the matter has been set for trial.
He was jointly charged with six other suspects following his apprehension on 1st August, 2025, at a foreign embassy in Lusaka where he presented fraudulent documents. His apprehension triggered a major operation that resulted in the seizure of 372 passports, an assortment of forged documents, and the apprehension of additional suspects linked to human trafficking, forgery, and identity fraud. The remaining six suspects, including Mubanga Chipasha (35), an Assistant Registration Officer at the Ndola Passport Office, will appear in court soon.
This conviction brought the number of immigration-related convictions secured between 29th August and 2nd September, 2025 to sixty-nine (69).
Meanwhile, the Serenje Immigration Office on 29th August, 2025 detained nine (9) Ethiopian nationals (three females and six males) aged between 18 and 27 for illegal entry, along with two Tanzanian nationals, Mrisho Shaban (26) and Willson Thomas (20), for aiding and abetting their unlawful entry into Zambia. The apprehensions followed a handover by Police who, on 28th August, 2025, intercepted the group at Pensulo Checkpoint in Serenje District. The suspects were discovered concealed between carefully packed window-pane glass sheets aboard a Lusaka-bound Scania truck laden with window panes, bearing registration number T613 EJR (horse) and T390 (trailer). The truck was being driven by Shaban, assisted by Thomas. All suspects are currently detained at Serenje Correctional Facility pending prosecution.
Similarly, on 2nd September, 2025, officers in Nyimba apprehended fourteen (14) male suspected illegal immigrants (eleven Pakistanis and three Bangladeshis) and a 25-year-old Zambian, Charles Nyangu, for aiding and abetting. The suspects, aged between 25 and 40, were intercepted at Unyanya Checkpoint near the Luangwa Bridge in a Toyota Sienta (Registration ARC 427). Although they had passports, none had entry endorsements, confirming their illegal entry. All are detained at Nyimba Correctional Facility awaiting court appearance.
The Serenje and Nyimba operations brought the total number of apprehensions across the country between 29th August and 2nd September, 2025 to 190.
Further, during the same period, the Department of Immigration effected the removal of 91 illegal immigrants from the country. These included 26 Ethiopians, who were removed on Friday, 29th August, 2025, aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight via Kenneth Kaunda International Airport after paying court fines for illegal entry and unlawful stay.
The Department of Immigration remains steadfast in its mandate to facilitate and regulate migration in order to contribute to internal security and sustainable socio-economic development.
Namati H. Nshinka (Mr)
CHIEF PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
255282/0977718155/pro@zambiaimmigration.gov.zm
ZAF DEPLOYS AIR ASSET AND CREW IN SUPPORT OF UN PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS
Zambia Air Force (ZAF) has deployed its first ever air asset and crew to support United Nations Peacekeeping Operations.
The C-27J Spartan aircraft will provide strategic airlift for the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA).
It will be operating between the cities of Kaduguli, Sudan and Wau, in South Sudan.
The C-27J Spartan aircraft and crew landed back safely on home soil from Mission area on 02 September 2025 for a local operation before its return to UNISFA.
The Air Force participation is not just a symbol of national strength, it is a powerful contribution to global peace and stability.
Zambia Air Force – Defend and
Support
CREDIT: The Zambia Airforce
MANCHESTER CITY DEFENDER JADEL KATONGO READY FOR A COPPER BULLET SWITCH FROM ENGLAND.
Different scenario from the likes of Ademola Lookman who rejected Nigeria and then came back after chances of playing for England seemed lost.
In JADEL KATONGO’S case! He is still a hot young prospect who has decided to represent his father’s Land.
#UNCLELUCKY
EDITOR’S CHOICE – EFFECTS OF MASSIVE LOADSHEDDING IN ZAMBIA
The massive load shedding in Zambia has far-reaching effects on various aspects of the country, including the economy, industries, citizens, and individual businesses. Here is a breakdown of the effects:
1. The Economy
– Load shedding has a long-term negative impact on the economy, with losses in revenue worth millions of dollars monthly due to reduced economic activities.
– The power crisis affects businesses, hindering productivity and growth, and ultimately impacting the country’s development.
2. The Industries
– Industries face significant disruptions, affecting their operations and productivity.
– Manufacturers and energy experts urge the government to expedite the implementation of cost-reflective tariffs to ensure a stable energy supply
3. The Citizens
– Electrical Appliances: Frequent power outages can damage electrical appliances, reducing their lifespan.
– Security Situation: Load shedding can compromise security, especially at night, due to lack of lighting.
– Cost of Alternative Energy: Citizens are forced to rely on expensive alternative energy sources, such as generators and solar systems, which can be costly.
– Water and Sanitation: Power outages affect water treatment facilities, leading to water shortages and sanitation issues. For example, Lusaka Water has stopped supplying water during power outages.
– Students’ Study Time: Load shedding disrupts students’ study routines, potentially impacting their academic performance.
– Workers’ Preparations for Work: Power outages hinder workers’ preparations, affecting their productivity
4. Individual Businesses
– Barber Shops: Load shedding disrupts operations, affecting services and revenue.
– Saloons: Similar to barber shops, saloons face disruptions, impacting their business.
– Welding Shops: Welding shops struggle to operate efficiently due to frequent power outages.
– Chicken Growers :
Load shedding affects chicken growers’ ability to maintain optimal conditions for their poultry, potentially leading to losses.
– Irrigation Plantations: Power outages disrupt irrigation systems, impacting crop growth and yields.
5. Communication
– Load shedding affects communication towers, leading to erratic communication services.
– The telecom industry faces significant disruptions, with prolonged power outages straining resources and increasing costs.
6. Projects Depending on Electricity and Water
– Projects that rely on electricity and water, such as construction and manufacturing, face significant disruptions.
– Load shedding affects the execution of these projects, leading to delays and potential losses.
Overall, the massive load shedding in Zambia has far-reaching consequences for the economy, industries, citizens, and individual businesses, highlighting the need for sustainable energy solutions in the long term and invoking a force majeure immediately to halt the electricity exports.
SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT ON FAZ TRIBALISM CLAIMS: HISTORY, FACTS & FAIRNESS
Bwezani With Zambian Football
In the last few hours, accusations have surfaced alleging a “tribal purge” at Football House under newly elected FAZ President Keith Mweemba, with claims that staff from Northern and Eastern provinces are being systematically removed, while others are being protected based on regional affiliation.
This is a serious accusation, and it deserves a serious, factual, and historically accurate response. And for that, we begin with this picture attached to this post.
This image was taken during the Kalusha Bwalya administration, long before Andrew Kamanga or Keith Mweemba took over. Many of the faces in the current secretariat (accused of being tribally favoured) have in fact served across three different regimes, beginning as far back as Anchor House, the old FAZ headquarters.
LONG-SERVING STAFF – BEYOND POLITICS OR TRIBE
Some of the staff now being labelled as “retained due to tribal bias” have a track record that spans nearly two decades of service at Football House.
Here’s what we know:
Moreen Mweene – Present since Anchor House days, long before Kamanga, and certainly not a recent appointee.
Cuthbert Tuwa – Has been in FAZ since the Kalusha era.
Chizyuka Hamangaba, Nelson Mukuyu, Loreen, and Sydney Mungala – These are not new names, and their retention has more to do with institutional memory and performance than tribe.
Others like the late Mrs Namusa, Mainga, Martha, and Nkweto Tembwe exited during the Kamanga regime or earlier and without social media frenzy.
“Dzina silibe ntchito, ntchito ndi imene ilibe dzina.”
A name does not define work; it is the work that speaks for itself.
UNDERSTANDING THE CURRENT TRANSITIONS
Some of the current staff exits include:
Reuben Kamanga – General Secretary
Mathews Ngoma – Finance Manager
John Msimuko – Deputy GS
Nathan Phiri – Liaison Officer
Mike Mubanga – Media
Clifford Mulenga – Youth development
Henry Kawimbe – Stores
Philip Zyambo – League Manager
It’s worth clarifying that:
Some contracts ended due to performance clauses.
Others expired naturally or due to internal restructuring.
A few resigned voluntarily or moved on to other opportunities.
These changes are not unprecedented , they mirror the exact transitions that happened when Andrew Kamanga took over from Kalusha Bwalya. The difference? No one cried tribalism then.
WHAT THEY’RE NOT TELLING YOU: SELECTIVE LISTING TO PUSH A NARRATIVE
In the ongoing tribalism debate, it’s not just what’s being said that matters , it’s also what’s being left out.
Those alleging a “tribal purge” at Football House have gone to great lengths to list a certain set of people who have left , while conveniently ignoring others from similar backgrounds who are still firmly in place or have even been promoted or appointed under the current administration.
Let’s set the record straight.
Here are some names they’ve deliberately omitted:
Joseph Chimpampwe
Brian Mulenga
Frisco Mulosa
Iva Lengwe
Gregory Sinyangwe
Col. Siame
Nyambe
Bernadette Chola
Masisi Banda
Simata Simata
Mrs Banda
Lyson Zulu
Aziph Banda
Annie Namukanga
Matsauso the driver.
These individuals represent a wide array of provinces and ethnic backgrounds and many continue to serve, advise, or represent FAZ in different capacities, including on committees, in executive roles, or as consultants.
Their exclusion from the tribalism narrative is not accidental, it is a deliberate attempt to push division and discredit the current leadership using ethnic sentiment.
“Nkhalango simangoyang’anidwa ndi mitengo iwiri yokha.”
A forest cannot be judged by just two trees.
IF IT WASN’T TRIBAL UNDER KAMANGA, WHY NOW?
Under President Kamanga, many Bemba and Eastern staff were retained or promoted , yet tribalism was never raised.
So why is it suddenly an issue under Keith Mweemba?
Let’s be fair: not every decision will be popular, and not every departure will be pleasant , but to accuse President Mweemba of tribal cleansing is not only irresponsible, it is dangerous.
“Mwini ntchito amaoneka ndi zotsatira.”
The true owner of the work is seen in the results.
MY FINAL THOUGHTS
We are a nation of diverse tribes, but we are one people. In football and especially at FAZ , what should matter most is competence, contribution, and capacity, not clan or dialect.
Let’s allow the current FAZ executive to work, be judged by results, and avoid dragging our beautiful game into the mud of tribal politics.
So yes , I hate this thought of tribalism.
MAKEBI ZULU’S CLIENT, JOE MALANJI HAS BEEN CONVICTED ON 7 OUT OF 8 COUNTS
======================
BREAKING: Joseph Malanji who was represented by Makebi Zulu, the lawyer of the Edgar Lungu family and family spokesman, has been convicted on Counts 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10.
Acquitted on Count 5 in Helicopter Corruption Case
Former Foreign Affairs Minister Joseph Malanji has been convicted on Counts 3, 4, 6, 8, 9 and 10 in the high-profile corruption trial relating to the illegal acquisition of luxury properties and aircraft using suspected proceeds of crime.
Magistrate Irene Wishimanga, delivering judgment at the Lusaka Magistrate Court, found Malanji guilty of multiple offences including:
Possession of property reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime;
Money laundering involving high-value real estate and aircraft;
Use of third-party companies to conceal ownership of assets;
Convicted on Helicopter, Property and Money Laundering Counts.
Counts 3, 4, 6, 7 and 8 specifically relate to:
The purchase of two helicopters, a Bell 430 and Bell 206 Jet Ranger, which were registered under Gibson Air Charters, a company linked to Malanji.
Acquisition of multiple houses in Lusaka’s upmarket Silverest Gardens and other locations, financed through cash transactions and dollar payments inconsistent with Malanji’s known income as a public officer..
Use of misleading documents to justify the sources of funds, including fictitious mining and construction deals in the DRC and China.
The court ruled that Malanji failed to provide a lawful explanation for the source of the funds used in the acquisitions and found that the transactions were structured to disguise the origin and ownership of illicit funds.
His conduct, the court said, demonstrated a deliberate and calculated effort to siphon public resources under the guise of diplomatic duty and personal enterprise.
Proceedings are ongoing as mitigation is underway and sentencing will follow soon.
Sentencing will be done tomorrow.
TAYALI THE PUBLIC LAWYER OF THE PUBLIC COURT OF OPINIONS!!!
PRESIDENT HICHILEMA HAS NO CONTENDER AHEAD OF 2026-SIMUUWE
Lusaka – United Party for National Development (UPND) Media Director Mark Simuuwe says President Hakainde Hichilema has no serious challenger ahead of the 2026 general elections, citing the poor performance of opposition parties in recent by-elections.
Mr. Simuuwe said the ruling party is concerned that the opposition is “dying” because it has failed to provide alternative policy directions to what the UPND administration is implementing.
“The current crop of opposition does not have a manifesto to convince Zambians of what they will do for them,” he said.
Speaking on Power FM Political Podcast, Mr Simuuwe explained that since assuming office in 2021, the UPND has expanded into areas that were traditionally opposition strongholds, including Luapula, Northern, Muchinga, and Eastern provinces, as reflected in parliamentary and ward victories.
Mr. Simuuwe outlined several campaign promises which he said the UPND has fulfilled. These include; free education and reinstatement of student meal allowances, now extended from two universities to seven public universities.
He said Government has maintained the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) while introducing the Sustainable Agriculture Finance (SAF) program for seed management and irrigation.
Mr. Simuuwe further said Government has increased the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to over $1 million per constituency, resulting in the construction of over 1,500 classroom blocks, procurement of police vehicles, and ambulances.
He also highlighted progress in energy and mining, citing solar power investments from MoUs signed in China, the revival of KCM, Mopani, and Shaft 28 in Luanshya, which he said have created jobs.
On governance, Mr. Simuuwe said the UPND has restored the rule of law by ending caderism in bus stations and markets, allowing councils to collect revenue.
He added that emergency social cash transfers are being rolled out in response to the worst drought, while medical supplies have improved, surpassing World Health Organization (WHO) thresholds.
Mr. Simuuwe also defended government actions on transparency, noting that President Hichilema ordered a forensic audit investigation to safeguard public funds.
On foreign relations, he stressed Zambia’s sovereignty, warning against turning the country into a “battle ground of geopolitics” between the USA and China. He described recent remarks by the US Ambassador as “undiplomatic” and accused some envoys of funding private media houses with up to $1 million to discredit government and harm Zambia’s investment profile.
“We will use politics to sort out some envoys because we have information about this funding scheme,” Mr. Simuuwe said.
He said Zambia today “boasts as one of the best investment destinations,” pointing to economic reforms and revived industries under the UPND government.
© UPND Media Team
By KBN TV
FOOTBALL HOUSE TENSE UP IN TRIBAL PURGE
The football fraternity in Zambia has raised concerns about what they describe as the tribal purging taking place at Football House under the new Keith Mweemba leadership.
Those affected allege that when the former FA boss, Andrew Kamanga took office, he retained the same secretariat staff he found from the Kalusha Bwalya administration.
While Kamanga worked with a combination of people from a diverse background, the Keith Mweemba administration is being accused of purging Bembas and Easterners from their jobs, while retaining those perceived to be regionally inclined.
To make a case, affected individuals have provided a comprehensive list of those purged and retained at Football House.
Purged:
1. Clifford Mulenga
2. Mike Mubanga – Media
3. Mathews Ngoma- Finance Manager
4. Henry Kawimbe – Stores Officer
5. Philip Zyambo – League Manager
6. Beauty Katebe – Marketing manager
7. Joe Chama – Assistant Stores Officer
8. Reuben Kamanga General Secretary
9. John Msimuko – Deputy GS
10. Nathan Phiri .- Liason
Those retained from the same employment pool include:
1. Owen Buntele – Head of Finance
2. Chizyuka Hamangaba – Assistant Procurement Officer
3. Loreen Mweene – Competition Manager
4. Sydney Mungala – Communications Manager
5. Adess Nkanza – Administrative Assistant
6. Cuthbert Tuwa – Administrative Secretary
7. Choolwe Moonga – Registry Clerk
8. Nelson Mukuyu – Driver
FAZ Communication Manager, could not be reached for a comment by press time.
YAMBA, MALANJI FOUND GUILTY OF PROCEDURAL BREACHES AND POSSESSING SUSPECTED PROCEEDS OF CRIME
The Lusaka Magistrate Court has found former Secretary to the Treasury Fredson Yamba and and his co-accused former Foreign Affairs Minister Joe Malanji guilty on two counts of willful failure to comply with laid-down procedures and on 2 out of 8 counts of possessing property deemed to be proceeds of crime including helicopters linked to Mr Malanji.
The court has however acquitted the former Foreign Affairs Minister in count 5 for possession of Gibson Royal Hotel.
The duo was facing ten counts of wilful failure to follow procedure and possession of suspected proceeds of crime.
Sentencing has been adjourned to tomorrow.
HICHILEMA’S CONNECTION TO UNZA IS NOT ONLY ACADEMIC, IT’S UMBILICAL
By Michael Lombe
Thousands of University of Zambia students yesterday, led by their representatives, marched to State House in a rare display of solidarity for a sitting Head of State. They called him, affectionately, “Bally our friend.”
In Zambia’s 60 years of independence, no President has commanded such genuine student support as Hakainde Hichilema. During Kaunda’s era, students and the ZCTU were the lone voices of opposition. In the PF years, student meal allowances were abolished by then-Minister Nkandu Luo. Hichilema not only restored them, but swiftly revived abandoned hostel projects, easing decades-old student accommodation struggles.
To understand this enduring bond, one must return to the formative days of the young Hichilema. He often recalls that his very first trip to Lusaka was when he was admitted to the University of Zambia on a government bursary under Dr. Kenneth Kaunda. A rural boy, raw and determined, he embraced academic life with almost monastic discipline.
While some of his peers spent allowances at Lusaka’s legendary night spots, Valentino, Studio 22, Moon City, Hichilema chose the library, the lecture hall, and during holidays back to his rural home. With characteristic wit, he would tease his friends:
“You’re spending your precious allowances on beer, which your bodies will eventually pass into the toilet.”
It was more than a joke; it was a philosophy. Where others saw instant gratification, he saw wasted opportunity. Where others saw allowances, he saw capital. Friends narrate how he used part of his student allowance to buy a plot in Kalingalinga, hired locals to mould bricks, and joined them on weekends to build his first house.
This training, born of a humble rural upbringing and sharpened at the University of Zambia and Zambia National Service military training, formed the discipline, resilience, and kindness that define his leadership today. It explains why students feel an instinctive connection with him. They see in him not just a President, but one of their own, a man who walked their path, faced their temptations, and chose diligence over indulgence. “Bally wapa UNZA”.
Students, by nature, are not easily deceived. Their support is not manufactured; it is genuine. And so, when they march for Hichilema, they are not merely chanting slogans. They are affirming solidarity with a leader whose story mirrors their own aspirations: that through discipline, hard work, and kindness, greatness is possible.
By CIC Africa.
ANGOLA 🇦🇴 IS MAKING HISTORY TODAY!
The Cabinda Refinery of Angola is a brand-new powerhouse, that begins today, THIS MONTH, September 2025, pumping out 30,000 barrels per day (bpd) of diesel, jet fuel, naphtha, and heavy fuel oil!
Backed by a $473M investment, this beast would slash Angola’s costly fuel imports and set the stage for energy independence!
Employing 2,800 workers (85% Angolans) with a minimum salary of $1,000, it’s creating jobs and transforming lives!
God Bless Africa!✊🏿
#fblifestyle #Afrocania
Fraudulent Eswatini ID tied to murder-accused tycoon Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala
Controversial businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s legal troubles deepened today, Tuesday after prosecutors revealed he was linked to a fraudulent Eswatini identity card.
The revelation came during his bail hearing at the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court, where state prosecutor Elize le Roux argued Matlala poses a significant flight risk.
Investigators allege Matlala used the fake ID, registered under the name Vusimuzi Dlamini, to potentially cross borders undetected.
Eswatini authorities have confirmed an investigation into how the document was issued, with Home Affairs records listing Matlala as the son of a Motshane resident who denies knowing him.
Matlala, a wealthy businessman with a history of government tenders, is facing charges of conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder, and money laundering. He is accused of orchestrating a 2023 assassination attempt on his ex-partner, actress Tebogo Thobejane, in Sandton, a shooting that left Thobejane injured and a companion paralyzed.
The controversial businessman, who has pleaded not guilty, remains in custody at Kgosi Mampuru’s C-Max prison after authorities recently found a mobile phone in his cell.
His bail hearing has been postponed to September 8, while investigations into his alleged criminal network continue in both South Africa and Eswatini.
Jacob Boy Mamabolo launches “Born To Win” party after IEC rejects “Mandela for President”
Former ANC MP Jacob Boy Mamabolo has announced the launch of a new political party, Born To Win, after the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) rejected his initial attempt to register a party called “Mandela for President.”
The IEC had flagged compliance issues with the first application, including insufficient valid signatures, voter confusion concerns over the use of “Mandela,” and discrepancies in Mamabolo’s identification documents.
Mamabolo said Born To Win has already collected over 10,000 signatures, far exceeding the IEC’s 1,000-signature requirement.
He described the party as a movement for ordinary South Africans, aiming to draw support from both ANC and EFF backers in Limpopo. “The party is called Born To Win because every South African was born to win,” he said.
The former MP resigned from the ANC after nearly 30 years, citing internal sabotage, political marginalization, and disputes over his removal from Parliament.
Born To Win marks his effort to offer an alternative political voice in the province.
Breaking news
Cachalia, Masemola hand over 121 KZN political killings dockets to Madlanga Commission
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia and National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola have agreed to submit 121 dockets related to the KwaZulu-Natal Political Killings Task Team to the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry for investigation.
This decision follows a meeting on Monday, September 1, 2025, prompted by tensions over Masemola’s initial announcement to return the dockets to the task team in KwaZulu-Natal, which had drawn criticism from Cachalia and President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The dockets, central to allegations of political interference raised by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, will be provided to the commission in the required format to ensure a thorough probe into claims of corruption and interference within the South African Police Service (SAPS).
SAHRC to take Minister Gayton McKenzie to Equality Court over racist tweets
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has confirmed its intention to urgently approach the Equality Court to initiate legal proceedings against Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, following the resurfacing of historic social media posts containing racial slurs, including the highly offensive “k-word.”
The decision comes after an investigation into tweets posted by McKenzie between 2011 and 2017, which were deemed to violate the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act (PEPUDA) due to their discriminatory and dehumanizing nature toward Black South Africans.
The controversy erupted when McKenzie, leader of the Patriotic Alliance (PA), condemned racist remarks made by the hosts of the Open Chats Podcast about the Coloured community, only for social media users to unearth his own past posts.
These included repeated use of the “k-word” and derogatory references, such as a 2012 tweet stating, “Not all white guys that make black guys sit at the back of a bakkie are racist, some of these guys stink as hell an I would do the same.”
Another post mocked the term “Black Diamond,” using racially charged language.
The SAHRC, after receiving complaints from political parties like ActionSA and the African Transformation Movement (ATM), issued McKenzie a deadline to delete the posts, issue a public apology, undergo sensitivity training, and donate to a charity. McKenzie, while admitting the posts were “insensitive, stupid, and hurtful,” denied racist intent, claiming the backlash was a politically motivated campaign by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and others.
He argued his advocacy for equality between Black and Coloured South Africans negates accusations of racism.
The SAHRC emphasized that hate speech, particularly the use of the “k-word,” is unlawful and carries severe legal consequences, as seen in prior cases like that of Vicki Momberg, who was sentenced to prison for racial slurs.
The commission stressed that McKenzie’s role as a minister demands exemplary conduct in upholding constitutional values of dignity and equality.
HH NEEDED ME BY HIS SIDE – CANISIUS
PATRIOTIC Front Central Committee Member Dr Canisius Banda says President Hakainde Hichilema needed him by his side to properly serve the people in accordance with their expectations.
In an interview, Dr Banda, who is also former UPND vice-president, said the President’s ministers were not telling him anything and that they applaud him even when he says something “silly”.
“You know, the yardstick, he laid the standard. So, the citizens of Zambia, their task is simple. Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND, have they delivered in accordance with the expectations of the people? Now, you see, when you look at the scorecard in the table, there are so many zeros, you know, there are so many zeros there. Which translates into suffering”.
News Diggers
GOVT, ACC DIFFER ON CABINET MINISTERS’ CORRUPTION PROBE
Chief Government Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa says no cabinet minister is under investigation for corruption in the New Dawn Administration.
This contradicts statements by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) that some current cabinet ministers and government officials are being probed.
Speaking on Diamond TV’s Diamond Live program, Mr. Mweetwa said the ACC cannot play a “scarecrow” type of game when people’s integrity is at stake. He has since challenged the commission to publicly name the ministers under investigation.
In 2024, President Hakainde Hichilema dissolved the ACC board, then led by Chairperson Musa Mwenye. After the dissolution, Mr. Mwenye disclosed that failure to arrest alleged corrupt officials had caused friction within the commission between the board and those mandated to carry out arrests.
By Darius Choonya
Diamond TV
The Ghost of Edgar Lungu: A Nation in Waiting
By Amb. Anthony Mukwita
02 Sept 25.
It has been 89 days since Zambia’s sixth President, Edgar Chagwa Lungu, died in South Africa on June 5, 2025.
And yet, his body remains frozen in legal limbo, locked in a South African court dispute. No burial. No closure. Just silence and sorrow.
I am happy the government and the family have agreed to negotiate.
For Esther Lungu, the widow, and her children, the pain is unspeakable. “We mourn in fragments,” a family friend whispered.
“Because how do you grieve someone who hasn’t been laid to rest?”
The anguish is not just personal—it’s national. Zambia weeps not only for a man, but for the dignity denied him in death.
Lungu was no ordinary citizen. He was the builder of roads, bridges, and hospitals. The man who once stood tall as Commander-in-Chief now lies cold, waiting for justice, waiting for peace. “Even in death, he is denied dignity,” said one clergy.
Legal experts like State Counsel John Sangwa have called out the vacuum: “There is no law in Zambia for state funerals. What we are seeing is not law—it is courtesy. And a courtesy can be rejected”.
Sangwa urges Zambia to emulate Tanzania, where presidential burials are governed by clear legal frameworks—designated cemeteries, defined roles, and respect for family wishes.
History offers grim parallels. In Greece, the Parthenon Marbles remain contested, torn between Athens and London—a cultural corpse never buried.
In Britain, the Elgin Marbles dispute has raged for centuries, unresolved, symbolic of colonial arrogance. Zambia must learn: without law, we improvise. And improvisation breeds injustice.
How long must Zambia wait to move on? “You cannot force your way into someone’s funeral,” Sangwa warns. “That’s not law. That’s intrusion”. The family’s grief must come first. The nation’s healing depends on it.
Ordinary Zambians, who once cheered Lungu’s motorcades, now whisper: Why? Why? Why? Why must a man who gave so much be treated so little?
They say, “Let us not bury Edgar Lungu in controversy. Let us bury him in honour. Let this be the moment Zambia grows up—legally, morally, spiritually.”
As one mourner put it: “He built roads. Now build the road to his peace.”
And may the ghost of Edgar Lungu finally rest—not in a courtroom, but in the soil of the country he loved, if his family agrees, if the government consents to family demands. It aint no crossword puzzle.
Someone must blink, it’s called diplomacy. Give and take.
Let love conquer all.
Amb AM 02.09.25.
GOVT FACTS ABOUT ECONOMIC GROWTH DO NOT RESOUND WITH THE PEOPLE
By Brian Matambo
Lusaka, Zambia
On the Tuesday edition of Emmanuel Mwamba Verified (EMV), Dr. Sebastian Kopulande, former MP for Chembe Constituency, former Special Assistant to President Levy Mwanawasa, and former Permanent Secretary, warned that Zambia’s growth projections bear little resemblance to the economic reality facing most households.
“The economy does not grow from what I say or wish,” Dr. Kopulande told host Emmanuel Mwamba. “It grows from what people produce. How do you talk about six percent growth when the population only has access to power for five hours a day?”
Dr. Kopulande’s comments cut against the government’s narrative of steady recovery. Ministers point to debt restructuring, copper output, and community development funds as proof that Zambia is on the right track. Yet, as he stressed, optimism means little in a country where blackouts stall productivity and wages lag far behind rising prices.
Independent data confirms the strain. An Afrobarometer survey published in March 2025 reported that most Zambians view the economy as “fairly bad” or “very bad,” with over half citing the soaring cost of living as their primary concern.
The Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection’s Basic Needs and Nutrition Basket showed the monthly cost for a Lusaka family of five at K11,272.97 in May 2025, rising to over K11,600 by July. Average household incomes, often below K5,000, fall well short of that threshold.
Pressed by Mwamba on how to bridge this gap, Dr. Kopulande argued that Zambia’s financial system is structurally incapable of supporting long-term growth. Commercial banks, he noted, focus on short-term lending that cannot finance mining ventures, industrialisation, or housing. He called for the creation of new institutions, a development bank, an SME bank, and an export-import bank, alongside sector-specific lenders for agriculture and mining.
Live callers from Zambia and abroad echoed the frustrations. Patricia from Germany complained of government neglect of agriculture, while others pointed to the high cost of fuel, poor irrigation systems, and lack of jobs. Some asked directly whether Dr. Kopulande was prepared to take on an opposition leadership role.
While government officials continue to highlight debt deals, free education, and decentralisation as milestones, EMV’s debate highlighted the disconnect between official optimism and the lived reality of Zambian citizens. “The danger of self-deception,” Dr. Kopulande cautioned, “is that you fail to fix what is broken because you believe it is not.”
Until wages catch up with the cost of food, electricity supplies stabilize, and capital flows into productive sectors, the government’s six percent growth story will remain, in the eyes of many Zambians, a distant promise.
EVEN IF JUDGE CONCEPTOR ZULU SIGNS A CONSENT ORDER, THE PF MALADIES WILL NOT BE CURED
==================
The recent vilifications of Judge Conceptor Chinyama Zulu is deeply troubling, and the PF’s propaganda team’s reaction to it is misguided. Resorting to personal attacks and insults against the judge is unlikely to yield the desired results. In fact, such tactics can be counterproductive.
It’s essential to recognize that the judiciary is a unified institution, and insulting one judge is tantamount to insulting the entire judiciary. This approach not only undermines the credibility of the PF but also jeopardizes their chances of success in the upcoming elections.
As PF members prepare to contest various positions, I urge them to think strategically about their prospects. With adoption certificates hanging in the balance, it’s crucial to approach the electoral process with a clear head and a well-thought-out plan.
To the PF propaganda team, I say: it’s time to sober up and reassess your approach. Otherwise, your efforts may ultimately harm the party you’re trying to support. I’ll be discussing this matter further tomorrow at 20:00hrs.
TAYALI THE PUBLIC LAWYER OF THE PUBLIC COURT OF OPINIONS!!!
Zambia steadily becoming paradise on earth, students praise Bally, ‘he means well’
SONGS and chants of gratitude drowned out the usual cries of ‘meal allowances’ yesterday as thousands of UNZA students turned the Great East Road into a parade ground, marching all the way to State House to shower President Hakainde Hichilema with praise.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AvF9beW2i/
The jubilant crowd, led by newly elected University of Zambia Students Union (UNZASU) president Kabaso Mwanto, was there not only to celebrate their recent elections but also to thank President Hakainde Hichilema for what they described as the historic support to young people and students.
Addressing the students after receiving them at State house grounds, President Hakainde Hichilema assured them that their long-standing accommodation challenges were being taken seriously.
The Head of State told students that his government is working tirelessly to address the country’s student accommodation challenges and committed to completing university hostels as a matter of priority.
“We know that students need accommodation. We are working very hard to complete hostels quickly. We found an empty treasury, but because education is a priority, we are pushing hard to finish the hostels,” President Hichilema said.
The Head of State told the students to stay away from negative activities but be focused on their education because they are intellectuals.
Meanwhile, the newly elected UNZASU Great East Campus president Kabaso Mwanto told students to rally behind the President, saying the march to State House was a call for unity.
“Zambia is steadily becoming a paradise on earth,” Mwanto said while expressing gratitude to the President for what he observed as the Government’s hard work to bring dignity among young people and transform the education sector.
He called on students to rally behind President Hichilema and support him in next year’s elections so to allow for greater things to come for the country and young people, noting all the great things his administration has done.
UNZASU vice president Jemima Mwaba and UNZASU ridgeway president Ephraim Chifunda added their alto and tenor voice in a melody of praise serenading President Hichilema.
“Everything you have promised doesn’t go to waste,” Mwaba said she kwenyud Bally’s administration.
For many onlookers, it was a rare sight of students marching not in protest, but in celebration and gratitude appreciating the Government…https://kalemba.news/local/zambia-steadily-becoming-paradise-on-earth-students-praise-bally-he-means-well/
By George Musonda
Kalemba September 3, 2025
IT’S TOO LATE – Dr Zimba
Enticing chiefs now won’t save UPND – stakeholders
By Thandizo Banda
PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema’s intention to increase allowances for chiefs and their retainers in next year’s national budget are a good political statement but it has come too late, say some stakeholders.
“Most stakeholders, including chiefs, have already formed an opinion about>>read more>>
Response to the Zambia Police Service Press Statement on the Apprehension of Mr. Francis Kapwepwe (“Why Me”)
By Thandiwe Ketiš Ngoma
The press statement issued by the Zambia Police Service on 2nd September 2025 is most concerning, both in substance and in tone. The suggestion that “how” Mr. Kapwepwe was brought from Zimbabwe into Zambia is not an issue is, with respect, untenable and contrary to fundamental principles of law.
The manner in which a suspect is apprehended is not a peripheral matter. It goes to the very legality and validity of the process. If, as alleged, Zambian law enforcement officers operated outside their territorial jurisdiction to abduct Mr. Kapwepwe from the Republic of Zimbabwe without due recourse to lawful extradition procedures, this would constitute:
1. A violation of Zambian law, which does not permit extra-territorial abductions.
2. A breach of Zimbabwe’s sovereignty, in contravention of international law and the principles of comity between states.
3. An infringement of Mr. Kapwepwe’s fundamental rights, protected under both domestic and international human rights instruments.
The Zambia Police Service cannot shield itself behind the assertion that matters of evidence are to be ventilated only in a court of law. While that principle applies to trial proceedings, it does not absolve the Police Service of the obligation to account for the lawfulness of its actions, particularly where those actions potentially amount to an unlawful cross-border abduction.
It must be emphasized that extradition procedures exist precisely to ensure that suspects are transferred between jurisdictions lawfully, transparently, and with due process safeguards. To disregard such procedures is to erode the rule of law and to undermine regional cooperation in the administration of justice.
Accordingly, the Zambia Police Service must provide a clear, lawful, and verifiable explanation of how Mr. Kapwepwe was transferred from Zimbabwe to Zambia. Absent such an explanation, the apprehension risks being seen not as a legitimate law enforcement act but as an unlawful and extrajudicial abduction, raising serious questions of both domestic and international accountability.
Dr. Chris Zumani Zimba- The Doctor of PF’s Defeat
By Tobbius C Hamunkoyo-LLB
Fellow citizens, allow me first to recognize Dr. Chris Zumani Zimba. He is a learned man, a political scientist of high repute, and one who has contributed to Zambia’s democratic space through his writings and commentary. His academic achievements deserve respect, and i salute the discipline it took for him to attain that level of scholarship, very important.
But beyond the classroom and books, we must also face the truth, Dr. Zimba is the man who misled the late former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu and helped bury the Patriotic Front (PF) in 2021 with a crushing defeat of over one million votes by UPND and Hakainde Hichilema .
The Political Advisor Who Failed PF
As political advisor to ECL, Dr. Zimba’s responsibility was to guide PF with accurate analysis and foresight. Instead, under his watch, truth be told, PF ignored the cries of the people, silenced traditional leaders, allowed cadres to terrorize citizens, and presided over corruption that crippled the nation.
Dr. Zimba had the ear of the president, yet he could not tell him the truth. He failed to sense the hunger, the frustration, and the anger across Zambia. He assured ECL that all was well while the people were planning the biggest rejection in our democratic history.
That is why PF was not just defeated, but wiped out with a margin never seen before.
Chiefs Under PF vs. Chiefs Under UPND
Dr. Zimba now claims it is too late for UPND to motivate chiefs. But let us remind him, under PF, chiefs were ignored, sidelined, and often humiliated. They were seen as irrelevant to governance.
Under UPND and President Hakainde Hichilema, it is true that chiefs have regained their dignity. Their subsidies have been increased from K1 million to K30 million annually, Beautiful palaces are being constructed starting with Chief Chimese in Luapula, and their voices are included in national development. Chiefs today are treated as partners in governance, not as bystanders very important.
This is not desperation. This is not bribery. This is justice delayed finally being justice delivered.
Intellectual Dishonesty from Dr. Zimba
It is therefore intellectually dishonest for Dr. Zimba to suggest that it is too late for UPND to act. Development has no expiry date. Respect has no deadline. Chiefs deserve better today, tomorrow, and always.
If Dr. Zimba had used this same analytical sharpness when advising ECL, PF would not have been buried by over one million votes. He now tries to sound prophetic about 2026 Elections,, but where was this wisdom in 2021 when his own party was collapsing under his nose?
The Verdict of History
History has already written the verdict, Dr. Zimba was part of the reason PF fell. His miscalculations, his arrogance, and his blind loyalty cost PF dearly. Today, he has no moral ground to call UPND “late” when in fact it is UPND that has restored dignity to chiefs and freedoms to citizens.
Zambians are not “fed up” with UPND. They are relieved that PF is gone. And no amount of rewriting by Dr. Zimba will erase the truth, PF’s defeat came under his watch, and Hakainde Hichilema’s victory was built on the failures of the very people now pretending to advise the nation,who can trust them?
So yes, we respect Dr. Chris Zimani Zimba the scholar, but we must expose Dr. Zimba the failed political advisor. His academic titles cannot erase the fact that he was part of PF’s downfall. And his latest statements are nothing more than attempts to mislead Zambians once again.
But the people of Zambia are wiser. They know who respects them. They know who listens to chiefs. And in 2026, they will not be fooled by those who already failed once.
WHO TAKES INTEREST IN SONDASHI FORMULA
WORLD Health Organisation in Zambia has taken interest in the HIV/AIDS local treatment drug called ‘Sondashi Formula’.
Sondashi Formula is a local drug developed by Ludwig Sondashi, and is believed to have the potential to cure HIV/AIDS.
Recently, Vice-President Mutale Nalumango said Sondashi Formula has progressed to advanced trial stages and emphasised Zambia’s passion for developing its own solutions.
WHO country representative Clement Lasuba said he will follow up on the drug to get more information.
He said when there is discovery of a new drug, a process of certification has to be undertaken.
“You know, I’m six months here in Zambia and I haven’t heard of that drug. But normally, there is a process. If there is a new drug, it goes through a process of certification, which is not a short one. But I could follow it up to get more information on it,” he said.
Zambia Daily Mail
FINANCE MINISTER EXPLAINS DELAY IN PAYMENT OF CIVIL SERVANTS’ SALARIES LAST MONTH
By Chamuka Shalubala
Finance and National Planning Minister, Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane, says last month’s delay in the payment of civil servants’ salaries was caused by a technical glitch.
Speaking in an interview with Phoenix News, Dr. Musokotwane assured civil servants that the issue has since been resolved and will not recur.
He emphasized that under the UPND administration, salaries have been paid consistently and on time since they took over office, except for last month’s one-off anomaly.
Dr. Musokotwane further criticized the Patriotic Front-PF- for mocking the delay, stating that under their leadership, salary backlogs were a regular occurrence.
He said the PF has no moral ground to taunt civil servants when it failed to guarantee timely payments during its time in office.
PHOENIX NEWS
Economic Growth Figures Fail to Match Household Realities, Experts Warn
By Brian Matambo
Government assurances of economic recovery and strong growth projections are struggling to gain credibility among ordinary Zambians who continue to grapple with rising costs, erratic power supply, and stagnant wages.
Appearing on the Tuesday edition of Emmanuel Mwamba Verified (EMV), Dr. Sebastian Kopulande, former Chembe MP and ex-Special Assistant to the President, cautioned that Zambia’s projected six percent growth bears little resemblance to the realities households face.
“The economy does not grow from what I say or wish,” Dr. Kopulande told host Emmanuel Mwamba. “It grows from what people produce. How do you talk about six percent growth when the population only has access to power for five hours a day?”
While government ministers highlight debt restructuring, copper production, and community development funds as markers of progress, analysts argue that optimism is undermined by persistent blackouts, inflationary pressures, and limited job creation.
Independent surveys reinforce this disconnect. An Afrobarometer study published in March 2025 found that most Zambians described the economy as “fairly bad” or “very bad,” with more than half citing the soaring cost of living as their greatest concern.
The Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) has also tracked rising household expenses. Its Basic Needs and Nutrition Basket showed the monthly cost for a Lusaka family of five at K11,272.97 in May 2025, rising above K11,600 by July. By contrast, average incomes often below K5,000 remain far short of the required threshold.
Dr. Kopulande stressed that Zambia’s financial system is not designed to support transformative growth. He argued that commercial banks, which prioritize short-term lending, cannot provide the scale of financing needed for mining ventures, industrialisation, agriculture, or housing.
To address this gap, he called for the creation of dedicated financial institutions, including a development bank, an SME bank, and an export-import bank, alongside sector-specific lenders tailored to agriculture and mining. Such institutions, he argued, would channel long-term capital into areas critical for sustainable development.
Live callers during the EMV program echoed public frustration. Patricia from Germany criticized government neglect of agriculture, while local contributors pointed to fuel prices, poor irrigation systems, and a lack of meaningful employment opportunities. Some even asked Dr. Kopulande if he was prepared to assume a leadership role in the opposition.
For now, the government continues to emphasize milestones such as free education, decentralisation, and debt restructuring. But with electricity shortages unresolved and wages trailing behind food and energy costs, many Zambians remain unconvinced. As Dr. Kopulande warned, “The danger of self-deception is that you fail to fix what is broken because you believe it is not.”
©️ KUMWESU | September 3, 2025
RESPONSE TO “IS IT TOO LATE FOR UPND TO MAKE AMENDS?”
By Timmy
It is important to respond factually and fairly to claims suggesting that the UPND government has betrayed the trust of Zambians. Nothing could be further from the truth.
President Hakainde Hichilema and the New Dawn Government inherited an economy on its knees: over $30 billion in debt, empty reserves, massive corruption, a collapsing currency, and broken institutions. The people remember this reality. Today, despite the global challenges of climate shocks, energy shortages, and international price hikes, Zambia is on a path of stability, growth, and reform.
Here is what the UPND has achieved in less than four years:
✅ Restored dignity in education: Meal allowances extended from just 2 universities to 7. Recruitment of over 30,000 teachers. Expansion of school infrastructure and learning materials.
✅ Health sector strengthened: Recruitment of over 11,000 health workers and restocking of essential medicines.
✅ Youth empowerment & jobs: Thousands employed in government service, CDF funds directly empowering communities, and skills training opportunities expanded.
✅ Infrastructure & rural development: Record-breaking CDF allocations building clinics, schools, boreholes, feeder roads, and market shelters in every constituency.
✅ Debt restructuring success: Zambia became the first African nation to restructure its debt under the G20 framework, unlocking resources for development.
Yes, challenges remain in areas such as electricity and the cost of living, but government has not buried its head in the sand. The President has been upfront:
load-shedding is being tackled through investment in generation and diversification of energy sources. On cost of living, measures are underway to stabilise the kwacha, support small-scale farmers, and strengthen manufacturing to reduce imports.
It is misleading to suggest that nothing has changed. The truth is that the UPND has delivered reforms never before seen in our country’s history. What we are witnessing is a government fixing a broken system while laying a foundation for long-term prosperity.
Come 2026, Zambians will look back and see that President Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND deserve another mandate not because of excuses, but because of tangible results.
Fellow citizens, let us not be swayed by voices of negativity. Progress takes patience, and transformation is never instant. Share, comment, and like this article to spread the truth about the strides Zambia is making under the New Dawn Government.
WAGON MEDIA
ACC DIRECTOR GENERAL DISMISSES PERCEPTIONS OF SELECTIVE APPLICATION OF LAW
By Michael Kaluba
Anti-Corruption Commission -ACC- Director General Daphne Chabu has dismissed perceptions that the commission selectively applies the law.
Speaking on Tuesday’s edition of Let the People Talk on Phoenix FM, Ms. Chabu has emphasized that the commission acts strictly on complaints rather than public sentiment.
She has also assured the public that her affiliation with the UPND and her past political endeavors, including her 2016 Mayoral bid in Ndola, will not influence her work at the ACC.
Ms. Chabu has pledged commitment to conducting her work professionally and independently, citing her experience as former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands.
She also disclosed that Zambia is performing well in the fight against corruption, supported by strong political will starting from President Hakainde Hichilema, as reflected in the country’s improved performance on the Corruption Perceptions Index.
Meanwhile, Ms. Chabu says the commission will continue analyzing the Powerhousecooper forensic report at the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency -ZAMMSA-,
despite some conflict-of-interest, allegations being deemed erroneous and based on false social media information.
She has further reaffirmed the need for lifestyle audits for public office bearers and utilizing the forfeiture of proceeds of crime law to combat corruption.
PHOENIX NEWS
amb Emmanuel Mwamba writes:
Another Damning Report Against Vedanta Resources and KCM
Vedanta – Konkola Copper Mines: A Hollow Asset
….KCM’s assets are carried on VRL’s balance sheet at an inflated valuation of $2.7b, propped by manufactured and misleading DCF. Our on-the-ground investigations, review of the terms of KCM’s scheme of arrangement, and financial analysis reveal an asset in terminal decline
August 29, 2025 – Konkola Copper Mines (KCM), an 80% subsidiary of Vedanta Resources Limited (VRL), controls copper mining, smelting, and refining assets in Zambia.
It is a distressed asset: seized by the Zambian government in 2019 after Vedanta’s repeated failure to invest and returned only in July 2024 under legal pressure, political lobbying, and a renewed pledge of $1.4b in VRL investment.
Viceroy’s investigation drew on interviews with KCM personnel, site inspections, drone footage, satellite imagery and financial analysis.
We visited the Konkola Mine at Chililabombwe, the Nchanga Refinery and Smelter in Chingola, and the Nkana Refinery in Kitwe.
What we found were facilities operating far below capacity and in disrepair.
Many are kept running only by reprocessing waste dumps rather than producing copper from active mining.
▪ KCM is a distressed asset: once seized by the Zambian government for lack of investment, now returned to Vedanta in July 2024 on the back of legal pressure and a hollow $1.4b investment pledge.
▪ Operations are crippled: site visits and satellite imagery confirm plants are running at a fraction of capacity, with facilities sustained by reprocessing waste dumps rather than mining fresh ore.
▪ Physical decay is evident: the Konkola mine is flooded and power-starved, Nchanga’s smelter and refinery are gutted, and Nkana shows signs of dismantling instead of refurbishment.
▪ Production has collapsed: finished copper output has fallen more than 75% since 2018, with concentrate exports rising because domestic smelting capacity is incapacitated.
▪ Financials confirm the decline: FY25 results show negative EBITDA, operating losses of nearly $200m, and only $12m in sustaining capex, far short of what is needed to restore production.
▪ Valuation is overstated: Vedanta books its KCM PPE at $2.7b. KCM’s Liquidator last year reported PPE at $1.1b.
▪ DCF valuation support isfabricated: Under KCM’s scheme of arrangement any FCF profitability would cause liabilities which were written off as part of the scheme to come back on the balance sheet.
Any DCF valuation of KCM is completely fabricated and assumes that VRL will cheat its Zambian creditors.
▪ Borrower risk is rising: VRL carries over $13b of group debt with an effective cost exceeding 15%, making the $1.2b KCM commitment financially impossible without taking on unsustainable new borrowings.
▪ Liquidator’s notes: KCM’s liquidator explicitly stated that its demise was due to persistent delays in expansion projects and the cut off of maintenance capex by VRL.
▪ Asset stripping: liquidation and caretaker periods saw infrastructure dismantled and sold for scrap, meaning replacement costs are far higher than VRL acknowledges.
▪ Political risk is acute: Zambia has already expropriated KCM once, and with unrest in Chingola and Kitwe, the risk of renewed intervention or forced restructuring remains high.
Our analysis suggests that Vedanta’s $1.2b expansion commitment would not even be sufficient to restore KCM’s facilities to their 2018 production levels, let alone fund meaningful expansion.
For VRL’s bondholders there are only two paths forward for KCM.
Either:
In both scenarios, bondholders lose. Either through further leverage at punitive cost, or through the collapse of asset value on Vedanta’s balance sheet.
The short-seller Viceroy Research released a scathing report on the Vedanta Group, accusing its UK-based parent company, Vedanta Resources (VRL), of operating a “Ponzi-like scheme”.
Viceroy took a short position against VRL’s debt, alleging that the parent company is financially unsustainable and drains cash from its Indian subsidiary, Vedanta Limited (VEDL), to stay afloa
PRESIDENT HAKAINDE HICHILEMA HOST UNZA STUDENTS
He writes…… ✍️
THANK YOU BA MONK NABA MOMA
We were privileged this afternoon at State House to host thousands of University of Zambia (UNZA) students from both the Great East Road and Ridgeway campuses who came to unveil to us their newly elected students’ leadership for the 2025/2026 academic year.
We reiterated our headline message that this Government values education as it is the best investment, equaliser and inheritance.
Aside the imperative of free education, this Government is actively working to improve accommodation issues, sanitation and also increasing the number of recipients for loans for higher education.
We will not relent on our investment drive into the education sector as we believe that having an educated and skilled population is the guaranteed pathway to economic and social development.
Thank you ba Monk naba Moma for the visit.
Hakainde Hichilema
President of the Republic of Zambia
GOVT PROCEEDING WITH CAUTION ON PUBLIC GATHERING BILL
HOME Affairs Permanent Secretary Dickson Matembo has disclosed that the Public Gathering bill has been finalised and presented to the Ministry of Justice.
Mr. Matembo has however indicated that government is proceeding with caution on the matter.
He has explained to Phoenix News that the bill has undergone extensive stakeholder consultations, with some non-governmental organisations raising concerns and seeking additional time.
Mr. Matembo has further explained that government is taking a cautious approach to avoid controversies, drawing lessons from the cyber laws dispute.
He adds that the bill has been discussed at senior level and is moving forward under the guidance of the Ministry of Justice and will be tabled before parliament once review by the Ministry of Justice is concluded.
PN
FOOD STILL OUT OF REACH AS BNNB HITS 11,432
THE cost of living in Lusaka remains high despite a marginal drop in the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection Basic Needs and Nutrition Basket for August 2025. The basket for a family of five stood at K11, 432.17, down by K170. 28 from July.
The decline was mainly due to lower non-food costs, including a reduction in charcoal prices, while food costs saw mixed movements. Vegetables, chicken, and fresh milk recorded price increases, while kapenta, beef, and fruits dropped.
JCTR has noted that the BNNB remains more than double the average household income of K5,342, leaving many families unable to afford basic essentials. Although Zambia produces enough staple foods such as maize and cassava, the Ministry of Agriculture’s recent report shows persistent nutrition gaps, particularly in protein and micronutrients.
Nearly 30% of Zambians remain undernourished, with nutritious foods like animal products still too expensive for most households.
The Centre has called for support to small-scale farmers to diversify production, stronger social protection programmes, and investment in storage and value chains to cut food losses.
Diamond TV
HYENA DEVOURS LUNDAZI CHILD IN HORRIFYING INCIDENT
WHAT began as a day of fun and laughter for four young children playing, quickly turned into a horrific scene after a hyena devoured a 4 year old baby girl in Chimeto village of Lundazi district, Eastern Province.
The hyena preyed on the unsuspecting children and devoured the little girl before anyone could intervene.
This incident is reported to have occurred yesterday between 18:00 to 18:30 hours.
According to Eastern Province police commanding officer Robertson Mweemba, the attack occurred while the victim’s aunty was in the kitchen preparing a meal.
While in the kitchen, she heard the children outside screaming and crying that a hyena had taken away their friend, dragging her into the bush.
The victim’s crying was heard a few metres away, prompting the baby’s aunty to shout for help together with other villagers.
With the young girl’s anguished cries ringing in their ears, a group of men, fueled by courage and determination, set off in pursuit of the elusive hyena that had abducted the child.
Armed with makeshift weapons and logs, the brave villagers raced through the bush, following the sounds of the girl’s desperate screams as they drew closer to the heart of the nightmare.
“They continued to pursue the hyena and at about 700 metres away from home, the screaming of the child could not be heard anymore. They then searched in the bush and found the hyena eating the child and managed to chase it away,” Mweemba disclosed.
Mweemba revealed that when the men got near the scene, the child was already dead with some notable missing body parts.
“The left leg was completely eaten off from the pelvic, living only a small piece of the lower limb, the whole stomach was split open with all internal organs exposed, while the face was badly bruised due to dragging,” said Mweemba.
The remains were picked and later proceeded to Lundazi Police Station to have the matter officially reported.
Police officers inspected the body and confirmed with the above injuries and issued the Brought In dead (BID) forms.
The child’s remains were later taken to Lundazi district hospital for certification.
Due to the state in which the body was in, the relatives were advised to go ahead with burial and to mark the grave.
Kalemba
HONOUR JANZA STILL IN ETHIOPIA — CAF INSTRUCTOR ROLE CONTINUES TO SHINE
While many may have moved on to other football headlines, Honour Janza’s CAF Instructor assignment in Ethiopia is still ongoing and it remains one of Zambia’s proudest contributions to African football right now.
The ZESCO United Technical Director was selected by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to serve as one of the elite instructors for the Federation of Football Instructors (FFFI) seminar taking place in Addis Ababa.
Janza, a former Chipolopolo coach and seasoned tactician, is currently guiding coaches from across the continent through advanced technical frameworks, leadership models, and tactical evolution strategies — all under the CAF banner.
This is not just a job. It’s a recognition of his knowledge, influence, and integrity in football circles.
From Ndola to Addis Ababa , But Do We See It?
While CAF embraces him as a continental asset, we must ask ourselves back home:
Have we fully utilized Janza’s wealth of knowledge?
Could we be using him more in developing local coaches, mentoring clubs, and shaping national football policy?
Shouldn’t Zambia have a Janza-led technical academy producing more coaches with international credentials?
“Chifukwa choti nyimbo yachepa, sikuti sivina bwino.”
Just because a song is short, doesn’t mean the dance isn’t powerful.
Let’s Re-Recognize Him
As Honour Janza continues with his instructional duties in Ethiopia, let this be a moment for us not just to clap from afar, but to rethink how we empower our own leaders in football.
Let’s keep reminding ourselves that true leadership doesn’t need foreign tags , sometimes, it’s born right here at home.
👏🏽 Continue making us proud, Honour Janza!
GOVT SAYS FLOOD MITIGATION EFFORTS BEFORE RAINY SEASON DEPENDS ON RESOURCE AVAILABILITY
By Nelson Zulu
Local Government and Rural Development Minister Gift Sialubalo says flood eradication efforts in Lusaka and other parts of the country before the rainy season will depend on the availability of resources.
Mr. Sialubalo notes that despite ongoing efforts to put up and rehabilitate drainages, funding remains a critical component to complete larger engineering works.
The Minister has told Phoenix News that his Ministry is coordinating a multi-sectoral response that includes the Lusaka City Council, other district councils, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation to fast-track drainage and sanitation interventions.
He has explained that rehabilitation and clearance of key channels such as the Bombay drainage and Lady Diana are ongoing priority sites to reduce flood risk.
Mr. Sialubalo has emphasized that lobbying for more funds from the central government and donors is necessary due to constrained revenue collections by local authorities and has assured that planning and resource mobilization are being intensified ahead of the rainy season, with implementation staged according to available funds and technical priorities.
PHOENIX NEWS
MINISTER NKANDU HANDS OVER CLASSROOM BLOCK, INSPECTS HEALTH PROJECTS IN KAPUTA
Kaputa Member of Parliament and Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts, Elvis Nkandu, today handed over and inspected key development projects in his constituency aimed at improving education and healthcare services.
Mr. Nkandu officially handed over a newly constructed 1×3 classroom block at Kakomo Primary School in Kapulwa Ward, a facility expected to enhance the learning environment and provide better opportunities for pupils in the area.
The Minister also inspected the Kapala Maternity Annex and monitored progress on the ongoing maternity annex project at Muchenje Health Post in Mwawe Ward. Both initiatives are designed to strengthen healthcare delivery, particularly maternal health services for expectant mothers.
Speaking during the visit, Mr. Nkandu said the projects reflect the government’s commitment to uplifting the lives of rural communities through improved social infrastructure. He emphasized that enhancing access to education and healthcare remains a priority for the UPND administration.
Residents of Kaputa have welcomed the developments, describing them as a boost to the constituency’s social services and commending the Minister for his dedication to local development.
The projects are expected to make a lasting impact on the community by improving education standards and access to quality healthcare.
© UPND media Team
