NEW HERITAGE PARTY’S RESPONSE TO MS. DOLIKA BANDA ‘S ANNOUNCEMENT AS A PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE FOR THE 2026 ELECTIONS.
18/08/25
On behalf of the New Heritage Party and on my own behalf, I wish to welcome my sister DOLIKA BANDA to the political arena.
I take note that DOLIKA is bringing impacable credentials from the private, the corporate and international financial sector. She has already demonstrated her principled stand on national matters. These are the kind of leadership qualities Zambians must be looking for in those of us that are presenting themselves for leadership not only at Presidential level but all levels of public service.
I look forward to collaborating with her, not only as a political colleague in the opposition but also as a fellow woman working hard to break the invisible but hard to crack glass ceiling that continues to keep women, not withstanding our qualifications, out of the top political positions in the nation, and unfortunately on a worldwide basis.
My word of encouragement to her is that, she must not be intimidated, distracted and be ready to weather the headwinds of naysayers of every description.
In this political moment,in our country every voice raised on behalf of our suffering masses is critical and in unity of purpose the future of this country is guaranteed.
GOVERNMENT SHOULD STOP PLAYING GAMES WITH THE MINING SECTOR – KALABA
… we need to start looking at what the mining sector can do to improve our country’s GDP.
LUSAKA, TUESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2025 [SMART EAGLES]
CITIZENS First President Harry Kalaba says the mining sector if handled well can help improve the country’s Gross Domestic Product GDP and also contribute to clearing off Zambia’s debt.
Speaking when featured on HOT FM’S radio programme this morning, Mr. Kalaba said the UPND Government should stop playing games with the one’s running the mining sector and look at what gains the country can accrue from its minerals.
Mr. Kalaba said it is the Citizens First party’s policy that the mining sector can play a critical role in developing the country.
“We need to end games in the mining sector. UNIP showed us for the first time how to end those games. As CF we are very clear about the mining sector because it can help revamp our GDP and this can only happen if we begin taking the mining industry seriously,” Mr. Kalaba said.
“Why are we failing to end financial slippages in the mining industry, it’s because there are people talking in background with players in the mining industry and want to benefit at the expense of Zambians. It’s high time we put a strong foothold on the mining sector and stop playing games with the ones running the mining industry and start looking at what the mines can do for our country, ” The CF leader said.
And Mr. Kalaba said there is need to diversify the mining industry and stop looking at copper as the sole mineral resource that the country is endowed with.
“Zambia should take advantage of its cobalt and begin talking to countries like South Korea that are running Samsung, so that it begins making batteries for them and as CF this is what we shall explore aggressively because Cobalt is much more expensive than copper but we dont talk about it,” Mr. Kalaba said.
Governance expert Bwalya Matafwali has cast doubt on the 2026 presidential aspirations of Ms. Dolika Banda, niece to former Republican President Rupiah Banda, saying her late entry into the race is unlikely to yield significant impact.
Speaking in an interview with Mafken News, Mr. Matafwali said while it is within her democratic right to run, Zambia’s history shows that female presidential candidates have faced challenges in gaining popularity, despite having long standing involvement in politics.
He added that the country is still not ready for a female president and advised Ms. Banda to first build her presence in the political space, so that by 2031 she is better positioned to contest the presidency.
Meanwhile, Former Movement for Multi Party Democracy spokesperson Cephas Mukuka said Zambians should not judge Ms. Banda’s decision but instead rally behind her.
And the Non-governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council Executive director Anne Anamela says her candidature has the potential to inspire more women to take up leadership roles which has been the call for the longest time.
UPND DEPUTY SPOKESPERSON ELVIS NKANDU IS LIVING IN A CLOUD CUCKOO LAND =========================
We wish to caution upnd deputy spokesperson to refrain from issuing statements out of ignorance but wait for a *PASTORAL LETTER* from the church which is well researched.
Last week friday, Hon. Elvis Nkandu issued a statement to say it will be difficult to remove upnd from government in 2026.
We know that Hon. Elvis Nkandu is a minister of youth and sport who has nothing to point at in terms of deliverables under his ministry for the past four (4) years.
We also know that Hon. Elvis Nkandu has spend more time dancing in by-elections than giving policy direction in his ministry.
What we didn’t know is that he has suddenly become a fortune teller to know what will happen in 2026 general elections.
We wish to put it on record that Elvis Nkandu is living in a ” *bubble* ” certainly away from reality in terms of what’s obtaining on the ground politically.
Winning questionable By-elections should not be misconstrued to think 2026 general elections will be a walk over for upnd.
As CF we believe, trust and have faith in the *CHURCH, TRADITIONAL LEADERSHIP, NGO’s* to mention but a few that deal with ordinary citizens on a daily basis and understand challenges that our citizens have been subjected to in the last four years of upnd being in power.
We pray and hope that the church can start issuing *PATORAL LETTERS* for Hon. Elvis Nkandu to have a depth understanding of what’s really obtaining on the ground.
We wish to bring it to the attention of Elvis Nkandu that the biggest opposition political party in Zambia today is actually the people of Zambia themselves and not a single political party.
Elvis Nkandu should search his conscious by answering the following questions which he can use as parameters to see if indeed he was on Terra firma with his statement.
1.. Is a bag of mealie meal at K50
2.. Is fuel at K12
3.. Is a bag of fertilizer at K250
4.. Is load shedding a thing of the past ?
5.. Do small scale farmers get 8 bags of fertilizer each ?
6.. Is the cost of living better than it was four (4) years ago ?
7.. Are basic commodity prices better now than it was four (4) years ago ?
8.. Is the cost of doing business better now than it was four (4) years ago ?
9.. Are civil servants working conditions and salaries better now than it was four (4) years ago
10.. What happened to Youth Employment and Empowerment ?
The list of questions can go on and on but for now we want hon. Elvis Nkandu to use the aforementioned questions as a measuring tape to see if truly his statement is as simple as it looks.
UPND Has Nothing to Celebrate After Four Years of Failure – DU’s Njobvu
Democratic Union (DU) president Ackim Antony Njobvu has dismissed the ruling United Party for National Development’s (UPND) four years in government as a complete failure, charging that there is “absolutely nothing worth celebrating.”
In a hard-hitting statement, Njobvu accused President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration of presiding over the worst period in Zambia’s history, marked by record-breaking load shedding, skyrocketing commodity prices, and broken promises.
“There is nothing to celebrate because the country is still in a mess despite them being in charge for four years,” Njobvu said. “Instead of giving people hope, the UPND has only made life unbearable. They should use the one year remaining to prepare their exit, because Zambians will kick them out in 2026.”
He argued that the UPND had campaigned on promises of ending load shedding, only to plunge the country into even deeper darkness. Some communities, he noted, have endured up to 18 hours without electricity daily a crisis he said has destroyed countless small businesses.
“Our people running salons, barbershops, butcheries, welding shops and other businesses are being strangled to death by these blackouts. UPND mocked the PF over load shedding, but they have proven to be even worse,” Njobvu charged.
The opposition leader further lambasted government claims of reduced living costs, saying Zambians were still suffocating under unaffordable mealie-meal, fuel, and basic commodities.
“It is like the UPND leaders live in a different country. They are celebrating while citizens are starving. Their only achievement is multiplying the suffering of ordinary Zambians nothing more,” he said.
Njobvu declared that the clock was ticking for President Hichilema and his team, insisting that the Democratic Union was ready to offer Zambians an alternative once the ruling party is swept out of office next year.
“UPND should stop pretending and start packing. The people have already made up their minds. 2026 is their judgment day,” Njobvu warned.
Zambia is expected to hold its next general elections in August 2026.
The Forum for Democracy and Development is the best alternative government for the Zambian people, come 2026.
With the on going UPND mingalato, aimed at distabilising the opposition in the country, such as the continued arrests of PF leaders, the FDD, remains the best alternative party, to challenge the UPND.
The PF has been targeted from all angles, with all their leaders likely to face criminal charges, allegedly committed either whilst in government or as victims of the newly introduced cyber laws.
With a derailed, politically targeted and arrested opposition, the FDD hereby, offers itself to the Zambian people, as an alternative government, whose vision is to create a poverty free Zambia, where people are in charge of their own development and destiny.
The FDD, under President Chifumu Banda Sc, the Zambian people shall be in charge of all national programmes compared to the UPND that has put everything in the hands of the foreigners.
The elimination of poverty through the creation of wealth at the house hold level, is core to the FDD’s policy of Socio – economic development.
This demands that the government puts the people back on the development agenda by adopting a people centred approach to all it’s economic and social development programmes.
Under the FDD, the people of Zambia are the greatest asset in the nation’s development process.
People must be freed, to determine their own developmental priorities through organs of governance that are closest to them, while the Central Government’s role should be to provide leadership.
Our mission is to be Zambia’s party of choice by remaining faithful to the needs of our people through uncompromised adherence to democratic decentralisation,locally driven economy, family retention, human rights and rule of law, transparency and accountability and freeing Zambia from poverty.
THE POSH streets of Lusaka’s Woodlands and Kabulonga were yesterday transformed into high-speed race tracks as Inspector General of Police Graphel Musamba and his team raced after a vehicle that had snatched a female officer.
The drama of the high-speed chase started when Getrude Nkonde, a traffic officer who operates from Woodlands Police station, responded to what she thought was a minor damage-only accident at Latitude 15 Degrees, an exquisite restaurant nestled in the heart of Woodlands.
The accident happened around 16:45 hours involving a white Toyota Land Cruiser, which had rammed into a Mitsubishi Pajero belonging to Paul Chisunka, a 44-year-old resident of Kabulonga.
As Nkonde arrived on the scene, her trained eyes scanned the wreckage, and utilising her many years of experience as a seasoned traffic officer, she concluded Jackson Chilemena aged 45, driver of the Land Cruiser, was squarely at fault.
The 38-year-old officer then requested Chilemena, who was accompanied by his wife and a colleague, to take a short drive to Woodlands Police Station to record statements, with her riding along.
As narrated by witnesses, instead of heading for Woodlands, the driver veered off course, speeding away with the lone officer on board.
Noticing danger, the law enforcer quickly realised she was being abducted and began frantically waving and shouting for help from the vehicle’s window.
As fate would have it, the convoy of the Inspector General of Police, Graphel Musamba, happened to be passing by and noticed the commotion.
Upon noticing that one of his own officers was in danger, Musamba and his convoy immediately abandoned their trip, u-turned and pursued the speeding Land Cruiser and in the process recreated the high-octane drama of the Dakar Rally on Lusaka’s streets.
As the pursuit reached its climax, Musamba’s team executed a flawless tactical maneuver, swooping ahead of the Land Cruiser to block its escape and forced it to a jarring stop around Fairview area in Kabulonga.
The officers then summersaulted out of their vehicles, secured their abducted comrade who appeared shaken and traumatised before arresting Chilemena, his wife Nancy Milambwe aged 35 and his friend Patrick Kalenga also aged 35.
The three were then taken to Woodlands Police Station, where they spent a night facing possible charges of abduction.
Impressed by the bravery and daring expertise that they just witnessed, onlookers were buzz with praise, speculating that if a rank above Inspector General existed, Musamba and his team would be prime candidates.
The Zambia Police Service is yet to issue a statement on the matter.
🚨What will Keith Mweemba do to solve Zambian football challenges⁉️
👉From national teams and local clubs underperforming to debts and pending sanction from FIFA, Keith Mweemba will need to summon all possible energy to get Zambian football on track.
👉Since funding from FIFA has been withheld because of pending legal issues with former Zambia coach Croat Asanovic after Zambia failed to pay Asanovic USD 41000 in salaries.
👉 Consequently, FAZ can’t fire Avram Grant for fear of facing further sanctions.
👉As it stands, FAZ has not received it cut of FIFA development fund of USD 1,000,000 payable in two installments. At the start of the year and middle of the year. In the mix of things, we also have historical bonuses to both women’s and men’s National pending.
👉As of March 2024 FAZ was warned of further sanction if they failed to pay Asanovic.
👉With revelation that Football house is in talks with former coach Asanovic on a more flexible payment plan, Zambia’s funding will continue to be withheld until Football house can produce proof of settlement with former Coach Asanovic.
👉 All in all as Zambian fans we hope to see Zambia flourish on the field. Unlike the heartache we have been experiencing of late.
MTN faces US grand jury probe over Iran and Afghanistan operations
MTN Group, South Africa’s largest telecom operator, is under investigation by the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) for its past operations in Iran and Afghanistan.
The company confirmed it was contacted through its US legal counsel regarding a grand jury probe into its former Afghan subsidiary and its 49% stake in Iran’s Irancell, which is partially government-owned.
MTN said it is cooperating fully and maintains it has complied with all laws.
The investigation follows civil lawsuits filed in US courts by American veterans and families of soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Plaintiffs allege MTN’s involvement in Irancell indirectly supported militias hostile to US forces. MTN has denied the claims.
MTN entered Iran in 2006 and operated in Afghanistan until 2021. Analysts say the probe could examine potential violations of US sanctions or anti-terrorism laws.
Despite the legal uncertainty, MTN reported strong interim results, with service revenue up 17.5% to R101.3 billion ($5.6 billion) and adjusted earnings per share rising 76.1%. Shares dipped slightly on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange after the disclosure.
MTN has not provided details on the investigation’s timeline but continues to cooperate with authorities.
On this week’s edition of EMV Tonight, Ambassador Emmanuel Mwamba convened a charged conversation with diaspora voices Queen Pumi and Lillian Mutambo, two outspoken women who have emerged as rallying points in the unfolding battle over the legacy of former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu.
The discussion traversed two major flashpoints: the continuing legal dispute in the Gauteng High Court over the government’s attempt to repatriate Lungu’s remains to Zambia, and President Hakainde Hichilema’s controversial appearance at a memorial service for late President Levy Mwanawasa and his widow, Maureen.
What emerged was not only a searing indictment of the government’s handling of Lungu’s death, but also a reminder of the growing political weight of women influencers in Zambia’s fractured democracy.
THE COURT BATTLE OVER ECL’S REMAINS Mwamba opened with a sober recap of events in South Africa’s High Court, where judges initially sided with Zambia’s Attorney General to repatriate the late president’s body. But the Lungu family swiftly appealed, filing at the Constitutional Court on grounds that Zambian law cited in the ruling was misapplied in South Africa.
“It distressed so many people when UPND supporters celebrated that ruling,” Mwamba observed. “How do you bury a body without the family? How do you even dress it? But thanks to quick legal work, the case is now in abeyance.”
For Mutambo, a qualified social worker and human rights advocate, the matter was deeply personal. “I was shocked when I learned that President Lungu had been denied medical access and even pulled off a plane. As a woman, I cannot stand to see another woman like Esther Lungu denied dignity as she buries her husband. This is not politics, it is about humanity.”
Queen Pumi, founder of the New Era Democratic Party and a human rights campaigner, was equally unsparing. “The Bible in Exodus warns against oppressing widows. Yet here we are with an entire government abusing a grieving widow with state machinery. This has become an international embarrassment and a violation of our traditions.”
Callers echoed the outrage. A woman from what she called “the AI Kingdom” warned: “You cannot bury a president without his family. Even unclaimed bodies are treated with more respect.” Another caller from Canada said bluntly: “This family has the grace to bring the entire government of UPND down without fighting. They should be left alone.”
THE MEMORIAL CONTROVERSY The second segment examined Hichilema’s decision to attend the 17th memorial of President Mwanawasa, an irregular move given government protocol restricts sponsorship to the first, fifth, tenth, and subsequent five-year anniversaries.
At the event, the President revisited last year’s salacious rumors about Chipo Mwanawasa, Levy’s daughter and now a senior government advisor. In front of his wife, the First Lady, he recalled making Chipo stand up to prove she was not pregnant with his child.
For Mutambo, the President’s words were reckless. “Instead of honoring Mwanawasa’s legacy, the headline became Chipo. This was embarrassing. Why elevate rumors at a memorial?”
Queen Pumi was sharper still: “That was humiliation. Chipo is educated, accomplished, and could work anywhere, but she is being demeaned at State House. This government thrives on propaganda and distractions while poverty worsens.”
Callers reinforced the critique. “Mr. President, you are killing this girl with mental health pressure,” said one listener. “We wanted you to speak about Mwanawasa’s fight against corruption, not Chipo’s alleged pregnancy.”
A GENDERED OPPOSITION Both guests framed their intervention not as partisan politicking but as women defending another woman. “We the women are the opposition,” said Mutambo. “Once women stand united, governments fall.”
Pumi added: “When you do not listen to women’s voices, you are doomed for failure. We supported UPND into power in 2021, but today we see betrayal.”
Even Socialist Party leader Fred M’membe, texted in, praised the pair. “Comrades Lillian and Pumi, your courage and clarity inspire us. When women fight and men join, that people is invincible.”
A PRESIDENT UNDER FIRE Hichilema’s absence from the SADC summit in Madagascar, his minimal foreign travel since Lungu’s passing, and his reliance on younger advisors drew harsh reviews.
“President Hichilema has failed to show humility, failed to unify us, failed to comfort the grieving family,” Mutambo concluded. “Instead of statesmanship, we see obsession with control.”
Ambassador Mwamba, noted that while many speeches at the Mwanawasa memorial were moving, the President “waffled, then embarrassed his own administration by resurrecting a rumor better left buried.”
WHAT IT MEANS The episode underscored how the Lungu dispute is no longer confined to the courts. It has become a stage where questions of tradition, human rights, women’s voices, and political leadership collide.
If this week’s broadcast was any measure, women like Mutambo and Pumi are no longer on the sidelines. They are emerging as central actors in Zambia’s bruising debate over dignity, power, and mem
The Democratic Union (DU) has officially confirmed its participation in the 2026 general elections, with party president Ackim Antony Njobvu positioning himself as a champion of youth leadership and girl child empowerment.
Speaking in Lusaka over the weekend, Mr. Njobvu served as guest of honor at a girls’ boot camp organized by Rev. Maria Sadoki at the Sanctuary of Mercy. He used the platform to encourage young people to recognize their potential and prepare to take up leadership roles.
“We encouraged the girl child to find her worth and pursue good things in life. We believe it is time for the youth, including the girl child, to begin running the affairs of our beautiful country if desired change is to take place,” he said.
Mr. Njobvu, who will represent the Democratic Union in the 2026 presidential race, said the party is building a broad-based movement that reflects the aspirations of Zambia’s young population. He called on all young people to rise and unite behind a vision of change.
“It is our time to govern now, and together we can,” he declared.
The boot camp brought together girls from diverse backgrounds to receive mentorship in life skills, intellectual development, and spiritual growth. Rev. Sadoki praised the involvement of leaders like Mr. Njobvu, noting that it demonstrated commitment to building a stronger future for the youth.
Political analysts say the Democratic Union’s growing presence in grassroots initiatives such as youth empowerment is signaling its intent to position itself as a serious contender in 2026.
PRESS STATEMENT DATED: 18 AUGUST 2025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ISSUED BY THE OFFICE OF MS. DOLIKA BANDA
Zambia stands at a defining moment in our time and history. For too long, leadership in our nation has been reduced to political gamesmanship, personal ambition, and the endless recycling of empty promises. What our people deserve is not more rhetoric but serious, selfless leadership.
I have spent over three decades working in development finance, governance, and investment across the world. From my years at the International Finance Corporation, the African Development Bank, and CDC Group, to serving on the boards of institutions committed to Africa’s transformation, my mission has always been the same: to bring real, sustainable impact to communities. Leadership, to me, is not about occupying office, it is about delivering change that is felt in the lives of ordinary citizens.
It is with this conviction that, after much reflection and prayer, I have decided to offer myself to serve as President of the Republic of Zambia in 2026. I believe leadership is service, not an opportunity for wealth or self-promotion.
It requires rolling up our sleeves and addressing the urgent challenges that face our nation: jobs for our youth, affordable healthcare, access to quality education, food security, and dignity for every citizen. For me, integrity is non-negotiable. When I resigned from my position as Chairperson of ZCCM-IH, I did so because I refused to be a pawn of political interference. I chose principle over position then, and I will continue to choose principle over politics now. Zambia deserves institutions that work for the people, not for the few
My journey has taught me that true leadership is measured by impact. I have witnessed small businesses in Zambia grow into thriving enterprises when given fair opportunities and proper support, proving that real empowerment is possible when leaders open doors instead of closing them.
Inclusive leadership is also central to my vision. Women are not an “asset class” to be managed. We are builders, innovators, and partners in national development. My commitment is to build a Zambia that values the contribution of every citizen, regardless of gender, background, or status, while pursuing development that is both equitable and sustainable for future generations.
Zambia is a land of promise, blessed with resources, talent, and a youthful population eager to rise. But potential alone is not enough, it takes honest, disciplined, and selfless leadership to transform promise into prosperity. I am ready to lead, not for myself, but for the generations that will come after us. The time for serious, selfless leadership is now.
TONSE ALLIANCE STATEMENT ON POSSIBLE THEFT AND MISAPPROPRIATION OF PROPERTY AND FUNDS FORFEITED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES
Lusaka, 19th August 2025
1. As TONSE ALLIANCE, we have noted with concern that over the past four years, various law enforcement agencies including the Zambia Police Service, Anti Corruption Commission and Drug Enforcement Commission, have forfeited, from members of the public, property and funds estimated at over K3 billion, with no accountability of how this property and funds have been utilized, if at all.
2. This lack of accountability of property and funds forfeited to the State, raises the possibility that there might be abuse, misappropriation and possible outright theft of such property and funds, by these law enforcement agencies and senior Government officials.
3. In the premises above, we demand, as we hereby do, that Government should immediately account for all the property and funds that have been forfeited to the State in the past four years, by making an immediate publication of a list of all property and funds forfeited to the State, clearly showing the date of forfeiture, the person(s) the forfeiture was made from, the law enforcement agency that made the forfeiture, the value of the forfeited assets at the time of forfeiture as well as the current value.
4. Other reforms related to forfeited assets should include ensuring that such assets are only disposed of through a public auction that is widely publicized and also introducing a clear revenue line in the national budget showing the portion of the national budget that is funded by revenue from the disposal of forfeited assets.
5. As TONSE ALLIANCE, we believe that it is contradictory for Government to claim to be fighting corruption, through forfeiture of assets suspected to be proceeds of crime, when Government itself is failing to properly account for such forfeited assets. Should Government continue to refuse, ignore or neglect to properly account for forfeited assets within a period of 30 days, we reserve the right to drag Government to court, to force them to account.
//END
Issued by:
Sean E. Tembo (SET) PeP President & TONSE ALLIANCE Spokesperson Lusaka, Zambia
UPND DEPUTY SPOKESPERSON SAYS RETENTION OF CURRENT MPS KEY TO PARTY’S VICTORY.
UPND Deputy Spokesperson Elvis Nkandu says it will be more strategic for the ruling party to retain most of its current Members of Parliament because they have already aligned themselves with President Hakainde Hichilema’s development vision, unlike new entrants who would need time to adjust.
And Mr. Nkandu says the fate of many MPs in the 2026 general elections will largely depend on the strength of their relationship with constituents, rather than just their performance in office.
While acknowledging that the majority of MPs, both from the ruling and opposition, have performed impressively, Mr. Nkandu emphasized that political survival will be determined by how well they have stayed connected with the people they represent.
He tells Phoenix News that the annual increase in the Constituency Development Fund -CDF has enabled MPs to deliver more development projects in their areas, making their work easier and more impactful.
Mr. Nkandu however notes that with a growing number of aspiring candidates eyeing adoption ahead of next year’s polls, even high-performing MPs may struggle to retain their seats if they have neglected the electorate.
THE Zambia We Want Party says the Judiciary is biased in favour of the ruling United Party for National Development.
Spokesperson Muhabi Lungu said the current justice system was not neutral but giving political advantage to the UPND while disadvantaging the opposition.
“It doesn’t take rocket science for us as a people to agree that certain things are not going well in the country. Justice under President Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND is highly selective,” Lungu said.
He said the judicial system looked like it was interested in finishing cases quickly yet those which seemed not to give political advantage to the UPND were being delayed.
Lungu cited the case involving the Patriotic Front (PF) leadership as one the most destructive where the judicial system wanted to give political mileage to the ruling party.
“In this particular case, the Patriotic Front case is one of the most destructive in my view because what it does is that it, in fact, interferes in the free interplay of a pluralist political system,” he said.
Lungu expressed worry that the judicial system wanted to make Zambia a one-party state.
“So it hamstrung the system to the extent that it makes the system a one-party state. And it’s not an exaggeration,” Lungu said.
He said the judicial system could not hamstring the main opposition political party and create division yet refuse to adjudicate on it.
“So, clearly in that regard the judicial system appears to be favouring the government in power, the party and its government to the detriment of everybody else. And at that point, the whole system of a multi-party system breaks down,” Lungu said.
He said the UPND had seriously violated human rights since taking over power in 2021.
“People may think that we are only worried about this political matter when it comes to the political system. There are also human rights issues that are involved,” he said.
Lungu said the Judiciary seemed to be so relaxed when dealing with matters concerning the UPND but was ready to fast-track those of the opposition for political advantage.
“There are so many cases in the courts which do not deal with the government or deal with grievances against the government, which the judicial system seems to be relaxed in resolving. That is not how the judicial system should work,” Lungu said
He said once the United Opposition Front formed government in 2026, it would ensure governance lapses were resolved within three years.
Lungu accused Hichilema of enforcing a one-party state and urged all Zambians and political parties to rise and speak out against the assault on democracy.
“One-party state Constitution is still very much in force. We have to change it. And one of the issues that we are pushing for all of the opposition is to agree on a social contract where the Constitution is going to be redone properly within the first three years of a new administration coming into power,” he assured.
The PF has been embroiled in leadership wrangles with cases in courts of law dragging on and on making the situation even worse.
Beyond Name-Calling, Why Thandiwe Ketis Ngoma Must Debate Ideas, Not Faces
Tobbius Chilembo Hamunkoyo- LLB
It is unfortunate that in 2025, when Zambia is focusing to rebuild its economy, strengthen democracy, and regain international respect, some political commentators such as Thandiwe Ketis Ngoma still choose the shallow path of insults and name-calling instead of engaging in meaningful debate.
To reduce President Hakainde Hichilema’s leadership to “facial expressions” and unscientific assumptions about the heart is not only petty but also an insult to the intelligence of Zambians who demand facts, not feelings.
The Politics of Substance vs. Empty Insults
President Hichilema’s record is there for all to see. He has delivered debt restructuring, provided free education, employed thousands of teachers and health workers, restored the rule of law, and given power back to the people through the expanded Constituency Development Fund.
These are tangible achievements that touch the lives of ordinary Zambians daily. Thandiwe, instead of fixating on imaginary “toxicity of the heart,” should be debating how we can expand agriculture productivity, create more jobs, and tackle climate change together as a nation.
A Call for Intellectual Honesty
Politics of name-calling ended with the previous regimes that thrived on propaganda and intimidation. Today, under HH, Zambians are freer than ever to speak, criticize, and organize. But that freedom must come with responsibility: the responsibility to raise the quality of our national conversation.
Thandiwe Ketis Ngoma must be reminded that this is not the era of gossip politics. Zambia needs intellectual debate grounded in facts, ideas, and solutions — not cheap shots about someone’s facial appearance.
President Hakainde Hichilema stands tall because his leadership is measured by reforms, delivery, and restored international respect, not by the biased descriptions of his face from frustrated critics. If Thandiwe truly loves Zambia, she should debate HH on policies and governance, not on name-calling. The nation is watching, and Zambians deserve better than toxic commentary dressed up as analysis.
The truth is clear, Hakainde Hichilema ’s heart beats for Zambia’s progress, and his legacy will be built on results , while critics like Thandiwe will be remembered only for their noise.
FACE TO FACE WITH THE DEMONS OF POLITICS – A FIRST HAND ACCOUNT OF SILENT POLITICAL BATTLES IN ZAMBIAN BUSINESSES
Warning ⚠️ Long Article
By Kennedy K. Mambwe
– HOW POLITICAL TOXICITY IS KILLING OUR DEVELOPMENT
For the past six years, I have been an active private sector participant employing 19 young and talented Zambians in the media industry.Together, we have built a brand that is fairly recognisable across the nation and beyond.
During the 6 years of running a media business, I have come across situations that have forced many people in our country to fold their arms or completely shut themselves out and pretend they are not seeing anything. It’s either you conform, play along and thrive or stand by the truth and face invisible shadows of various shades of political demons.
I have decided to pen down these intimate thoughts not to seek attention or cause embarrassment to anyone, but out of duty to the nation. I have come to realise that there are many ugly political demons outthere that we must confront frankly and aggressively if we must correct mistakes that are becoming monstrous in our nation.
I have come to realise that speaking one’s own mind is a very costly undertaking today and the best way to avoid paying the price is to keep quiet. As a result, so many well meaning, educated and intelligent citizens have opted to remain quiet and watch the nation wasting away.
Some of you may identify yourselves with circumstances I’m sharing in this article based on similar situations you might have experienced either during the MMD, PF or indeed now during the reign of UPND. Personally, I have had the privilege of running business between two governments and I have realised, we are building a monster in the name of politics.
I must admit that I’m only sharing my perspective from the media industry. I don’t know what’s happening in other sectors such as construction, contractors, mining, supply, civil service, parastatals or indeed foreign service.
From a personal conviction, Christ paid the price hence I’m at liberty to speak. I get amazed when I meet people or when I get calls from numerous people saying please continue speaking for us. I get shocked as to how we arrived in this place where someone should be thanked for merely speaking out. It’s very evident that unless we correct the current practice of politics, our nation is heading in a very dangerous direction.
BACKGROUND I stepped out of formal employment 6 years ago to build my childhood passion as a career journalist. I started the KBN project while working as Senior Manager in Zamtel. By 2019, I resigned and devoted my time and energy to building and running a media brand that has fairly become recognisable.
The 6 years I have spent doing this media calling have changed the way I perceive things. I’m convinced beyond a shadow of doubt that we need to change the approach to politics and national building. This article will explain why.
IT’S OUR TIME TO EAT In a normal and functional society, building businesses and brands should not be associated with political patronage. Citizens must be exposed to equal opportunities where creative ideas are allowed to grow and thrive. It’s the only way we can build a solid private sector that can generate sufficient taxes to fund public service.
Yet in Zambia, it seems you have to toe a certain political line for you to thrive, sometimes while breaking the law. Politics has become a huge insurance cover and an enduring assurance for sweatless success. Across different regimes, we have seen cadres who have never paid the full price of education, but are running multimillion businesses supported by government contracts linked to political patronage.
It’s no wonder we are witnessing forfeiture of assets. People can’t justify how they amassed wealth, thanks to political blind loyalty. To get rich quickly, one must just become a blind loyalist who should never say anything or point out any wrong doing about their leader.
Their main assignment is to insult, harrass and attack anyone who tries to hold their leaders accountable. This is a sad society we have built that even some opposition political leaders who have no business being in politics, have sold their integrity and reduced themselves to surrogates of whichever party is in power. It’s a nation of “sebana wikute.” We have continued to crown politics while leaving integrity, morality and patriotism bankrupt. It’s shameful that citizens can confidently say it’s now our time to eat. Because eating is more important than holding leaders accountable, corruption, nepotism, and abuse of office have become acceptable as a norm.
It doesn’t matter what these wrongs are doing to our nation, as long as you have access to cash, you play blind loyalty because it’s your time to eat. It’s these demons of politics that make our leaders embrace populist support, yet cover up on criminality that they should frown upon. As long an act of criminality is committed by someone they can draw political capital from, nothing will happen until another regime comes into power. Then they cry that it’s witch hunt.
BEING POLITICALLY CORRECT Conform or be left out. The moment a nation accepts conforming as a norm, then trouble starts. A close friend of mine whom I respect very highly within the ranks of the ruling party, now serving in foreign service said to me, my friend, your intentions for this nation are very noble. However, you have a business to run and bills to pay. Now that there is a change of government, it’s an opportunity for you to make money cleverly. Basically, I needed to instruct the editorial team to report news and host shows that are perceived to be Government friendly as the only qualification to access advertising support. However, I struggled with that proposition. What I know about journalism was in direct conflict with this generous offer. A number of opportunities have thus passed by.
That incident reminded me about the trouble we had to go through to get started as a business during the PF regime. Firstly, it was difficult to access capital. Banks were not helpful. It took a foreign national from Kenya, who was employed by Madison Finance, to accept titles to my property and 3 months pay slips from my employer then Zamtel. That’s how we accessed the first K300,000 capital that started KBN TV.
To think that it took a foreign national to see value in our business proposition was eye opening in itself. When we needed to refinance, it was easy for FNB to buy the MFinance loan, paid them off and took possession of the property title deeds. FNB then paid me the balance after clearing the MFinance which we later used to reinvest into KBN TV.
Fearing FNB might grab the house and the channel if we didn’t pay the loan, I made a strategic exit from Zamtel and used my gratuity to clear the FNB loan and ensured that KBN TV remained debt free.
You can call it a smart move, but it was a gamble. I left a paying job to become an employer. This is where real lessons started from.
Two years into our operations, we were faced with the 2021 general elections. The then party in power PF, had the luxury of several media houses at its disposal and wouldn’t want anything to do with a new media outfit.
I recall securing the first high-level interview on my programme State of the Nation with a PF Cabinet Minister. I was hopeful with an election coming, we would get support from the ruling party and ECZ through adverts.
To my shock, the Minister sent a proxy to give me an offer to buy off KBN TV. At the very least, I expected some form of encouragement and government support, not an offer to be bought off. I politely declined the offer.
And so the 2021 elections came and went, there was no advertising support from the PF Government. Interestingly, as if to draw lessons, Prime TV had been closed at the time and so we found ourselves with new friends in the name of UPND as a party in opposition.
Because we hosted several UPND officials during the entire 2021 campaign period, we were labelled a UPND television. Ironically, even though we hosted countless UPND officials, the party never supported our young TV station not even with a single campaign advert. We picked up more lessons.
The moment UPND assumed power and had unfettered access to public media, we were no longer their priority and from nowhere, their supporters started peddling a narrative that we were a PF outfit. The reason being we chose to remain professional and continued as we do today, to hold them accountable, the same way we held the PF accountable.
BOARDROOM POLITICS OF STARVING MEDIA – A DEATH SENTENCE ON DEMOCRACY The world over, democracy only thrives when the media is allowed to operate independently. But for a media house to operate optimally, it requires business support from industry.
However, where businesses themselves heavily depend on government favours for tax incentives, and other lucrative government deals, demons of politics have invaded the boardrooms too.
Any media house that is perceived anti government is instantly blacklisted from accessing any form of business support through advertising. Again, the idea is to whip you into submission using business as carrot.
The consequence is that media houses will only report what is deemed to be politically correct. I hear many people lament about the quality of Journalism, partly the answer lies in this unspoken reality.
We have some of the best journalists in Zambia but media owners are subjected to very unfavourable circumstances that force some of them to choose the easy route. Politics is so toxic that even boardroom decisions hinge on pleasing the political elite some times even when politicians haven’t said a word about a given media house. It’s fear of the unknown based on perception fuelled by invisible shadows of political demons.
Sadly, good citizens in the corporate world with good intentions and the purity of heart, dedicated to serving the nation have been caught up in the web of ugly political machinations. Even if they wanted to act otherwise, a toxic political system can’t allow them. They are always scared for their job.
During the just ended Agriculture and Commercial Show, I contacted an old colleague of mine, a top executive in one of the commercial banks. I said to him, can I send my team to come and cover your stand, without much thought, he agreed.
Later, he sent me a message that summed up the political capture of the private sector. “You can’t come, it’s very sensitive to my bosses,” he said.
A few days ago, I met an old colleague of mine, a very genuine and sincere guy. But I approached him aggressively because for the past 6 years, I couldn’t understand why a Company I worked for at a very senior level, could not support me with advertising. He just said “my brother, it’s politics.” I totally understood.
ACCESS TO CITIZEN’S EMPOWERMENT FUNDS I had heard alot about some isolated reports that you have to be politically correct or aligned to access funding under the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC). This was the case during the PF and now much more during the UPND. About two years ago, I wanted to test these reports further to ensure I’m not believing hearsay and coming up with conclusions. I hired a consultant to put a business case together and submitted to CEEC. It never received any attention.
Either I didn’t have the right name, or not politically connected. Later, after hosting the Cabinet Minister close to CEEC supervision, I raised the matter with him and he asked me to share a copy of the proposal submitted to CEEC. To this day, nothing has come out that effort.
On the other hand, other citizens continue to access these public resources. Because of political patronage, cadres are failing to pay back their loans and this is at the expense of national development. Whether MMD, PF or UPND, you can’t use political power to stiffle economic growth.
We must introspect and come back to our senses and build a nation based on the viability of ideas not based on political patronage.
POLITICALLY MOTIVATED INTIMIDATION Lastly, if the demons of politics fail to possess you through the above stages, they will come in the form of politically motivated intimidation. After the the 2021 elections, one of the most unusual things I encountered was to receive a letter from the Drug Enforcement Commission, demanding full disclosure of what each political party spent in advertising with us. I didn’t see the logic, so I resisted the request even though they never stopped knocking.
On 11th May, 2022, what I consider to be a cowardly act of politically engineered intimation happened to us when purported “thieves” broke into our studios for what l believe was a futile attempt to try and force KBN to close. From 2022, this is 2025, the Police are still investigating and no arrests have been made. Check news report of the incident on this link:
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/18DpDypVhk/
On a daily basis, we receive incessant intimidation from cadres on our page and most recently on my own personal page threatening to incite the professional and autonomous IBA to find a cause to close KBN TV.
Most recently, Dr. Lawrence Mwelwa, a respected prolific writer, author, researcher and analyst, joined us as a resident Analyst on our Sunday’s Analysis Program.
Surprisingly, the morning following his debut appearance on the Analysis, he received an anonymous call threatening him to stop appearing on KBN TV’s Analysis Program, failure to which he risked a jail term for his dear wife, the Honourable Given Katuta, Member of Parliament for Chiengi who is facing some frivolous court case. The couple have remained resolute and Dr. Mwelwa continues to provide insights to the nation on the Analysis.
Having witnessed these and many first and accounts of how political toxicity is affecting our development and unity, I have chosen to start speaking out at an individual level as a citizen.
I have been contemplating that if we can’t fight the demons of politics from outside, one day, we will be forced to fight the demons from inside to bring sanity to politics.
UPND SG CALLS FOR MORE GRASSROOT COLLABORATION AHEAD OF 2026 ELECTIONS
August 18,2025
The United Party for National Development (UPND) Secretary General Batuke Imenda has urged party members to intensify grassroots collaboration as the nation heads toward the 2026 elections.
Speaking during an engagement with party structures in Kabwata Constituency, Mr. Imenda emphasized the importance of building a stronger party to guarantee President Hakainde Hichilema’s victory in 2026.
He reminded party members across the country that mobilization efforts must not be reserved for campaign periods but should be continuous, including in areas where the UPND did not perform well in 2021.
The party CEO further encouraged unity and called on members to warmly embrace new entrants from other political formations who may wish to join the UPND.
Mr. Imenda expressed confidence that the party’s resilience and strengthened structures will secure victory in the forthcoming elections.
Mr Imenda’s structural engagement tour continues in all 156 Constituencies across the country.
Government says it will hold a meeting with the Football Association of Zambia -FAZ- to address the continued poor performance of the Men’s Senior National Team.
This follows the Chipolopolo’s early exit from the ongoing African Nations Championship -CHAN-tournament, where the team failed to progress past the group stage after suffering four consecutive defeats.
Sports Minister Elvis Nkandu expressed disappointment, saying it is unacceptable for a national team to perform so poorly on a continental stage.
In an interview with ZNBC Sport News in Lusaka today Nkandu stated that once the FAZ officials and technical bench return from Kenya, the Government will convene a meeting to address the issue.
He said the goal is to find tangible solutions to the team’s declining performance, which he said has made the nation a laughing stock.
He lamented that in the past, Zambia would not lose to the teams that have recently defeated them, an indication that the standard of football has deteriorated. #Chipolopolo ZNBC Today
GOVERNMENT SUSPENDS TWO CHINESE-RUN MINES IN KASEMPA
……over Illegal Mineral Processing.
Kasempa… Tuesday August 19, 2025
The Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development has suspended operations at Sino Octascene Mine and Ken Reliable in Kasempa District, North-Western Province, for conducting illegal mineral processing.
During an inspection led by Mines Permanent Secretary Dr. Hapenga Kabeta, officials from the Mine Safety Department discovered large stockpiles of gold and copper ore at the two sites.
The materials were allegedly being processed without the mandatory Mineral Processing licenses.
Dr. Kabeta said investigations will determine the origin of the seized ore and warned that any illegalities uncovered will face stern action.
The government has since seized the stockpiles and instructed law enforcement agencies to secure the sites until proper documentation is produced.
The government stressed its commitment to curbing illegal mining—particularly in gold—and emphasized that stricter monitoring of mineral processing operations nationwide is underway to ensure compliance and promote transparency in the sector.
ZAMBIAN MEDIA CEO SPEAKS OUT ON POLITICAL INTERFERENCE, THREATS, AND DEMONS OF POLITICS
Kennedy K. Mambwe, CEO of KBN TV, has given a candid account of the challenges faced by private media and businesses in Zambia, alleging pervasive political interference, intimidation, and systemic favoritism that he says stifle innovation, economic growth, and journalistic independence.
In a statement titled “Face to Face With the Demons of Politics, A First-Hand Account of Silent Political Battles in Zambian Businesses”, Mambwe described how media houses and entrepreneurs are often forced to either conform to political expectations or face economic and legal consequences.
“For the past six years, I have run a media business employing 19 young Zambians. During this time, I have witnessed firsthand how political toxicity can suffocate creativity and development. It is either you conform and thrive or speak the truth and face invisible shadows of political demons,” Mambwe said.
He highlighted instances where political actors allegedly attempted to buy off his media company, as well as situations where advertising support critical for media sustainability was linked to perceived political loyalty rather than merit. “The moment a media house is perceived as anti-government, access to business support dries up,” he added.
Mambwe recounted his struggles to access funding from the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC), describing how politically connected individuals were able to access resources while his business proposals were ignored. “This political patronage undermines national development and fairness in business,” he said.
The media CEO also shared experiences of intimidation and harassment, including a 2022 break-in at KBN studios, which he described as a politically motivated attempt to force the station to close. Despite ongoing investigations by police, no arrests have been made.
Mambwe said that even his staff and guest analysts have faced threats. He cited a recent incident where Dr. Lawrence Mwelwa, a resident analyst on KBN TV, received anonymous calls warning him to stop appearing on the station’s analysis program. “These threats are designed to silence truth and manipulate public discourse,” Mambwe said.
He criticized the broader private sector, noting that businesses dependent on government favors for contracts, tax incentives, or other benefits are often forced to align politically to survive. “Boardroom decisions have become politically influenced, limiting independent business growth,” he said.
Mambwe traced the origins of these challenges to successive governments, pointing out that issues of political capture and patronage have persisted across the MMD, PF, and UPND regimes. “No matter the party in power, the rules of political loyalty often override merit and integrity,” he said.
He argued that these practices have created a culture of “eat now, worry later,” where short-term gains are prioritized over accountability, morality, and long-term national development. Citizens and businesses often feel compelled to ignore wrongdoing to secure opportunities or survival.
Mambwe expressed concern about the impact on media independence, saying that journalism cannot thrive under constant political pressure. “Good journalists exist, but they are often constrained by the invisible forces shaping business support and access to resources,” he said.
Reflecting on his personal journey, Mambwe described how he left formal employment at Zamtel to pursue his childhood passion, building KBN TV from scratch while navigating political and financial hurdles. “Every decision, every investment, was a gamble in a system skewed by politics,” he said.
He concluded by urging citizens, media houses, and stakeholders to confront these systemic challenges. “If we cannot fight the demons of politics from outside, one day we will be forced to fight them from within. We must restore integrity, fairness, and accountability in business and governance,” Mambwe warned.
The owner of 5.8 hectares of customary or traditional land passed on leaving five children. As part of the inheritance, the children agreed – with consent of the headman – to divide the land into five pieces and each was given share. One of the children sold his piece to the buyer who proceeded to convert the same from traditional land to statutory leasehold (he put on title).
Somehow, it appears that the ‘converting’ was for the entire 5.8 hectares. So, one of the children approached the buyer and demanded extra money since she was not consulted for the sale of her portion. The buyer did not accept and thereafter a dispute arose.
The other four children then proceeded to the Lands Tribunal where they challenged the sale of the traditional land and also putting it on title without their consent. The Tribunal ruled in favour of the four children.
The buyer appealed to the High Court, which also ruled in favour of the children, stating that he could not be an innocent buyer as customary land always has family interests.
Dissatisfied, the buyer launched another appeal in the Court of Appeal, arguing that he genuinely bought land from one of the children and did not know about the interests of the other children. Simply, he was the bonafide purchaser of value without notice as did not know the interest of other children when he bought the land.
A panel of three judges looked at the evidence and determined thus;
“Indeed, generally customary tenure systems are communal and their management is derived from customary norms and principles,” the Judges noted.
“What that entails is that customary land can only be alienated, but cannot be bought or sold. Only land under leaseholds tenure can be bought or sold,” the Judges ruled.
The Court opined that the buyer should have known that customary land in Zambia always has other interests from family members who should be consulate before converting the same to leasehold tenure.
“From facts of this case, it is evident and we have no doubt that at the time Appellant was dealing with 1st Respondent he was aware that the land was customary land and should have known the implications of transacting in customary land,” the Judges said.
They opined that Court said the converting of customary land and obtaining titles by the buyer was aimed at depriving other children of their rights in the land left by their father.
“That amounts to fraud,” the Judges said, adding that the buyer did not do his due-diligence by checking who else had the interest in the land.
The Court reversed the transaction and gave back the loan to all the five children.
Case citation – Dr Banda v Bestile Phiri and Others – Appeal No 113 of 2018.
Lecture Notes;
1. The sad reality is that many people are now selling and buying customary land when in fact it is against the law. This case underscores the fact that people must be careful when dealing with customary land as it is supposed to be be guarded as communal but with the right of usage by one occupying it under the authority of the chiefs.
2. In short, customary land is held in trust of the people by chiefs or traditional authorities and therefore cannot be sold and has no monetary value. However, when the same in converted to leasehold, it loses its relationship to the chiefs or traditional authorities.
LIEUTENANT HICHILEMA: A SYMBOL OF DISCIPLINE, TEAMWORK, AND PATRIOTISM
By Michael Lombe
As expected, detractors and armchair critics have emerged with loud objections to the commissioning of Lieutenant Habwela Hichilema into the Zambia National Service (ZNS). These are the same individuals who, since President Hakainde Hichilema’s opposition days, have deliberately misrepresented his values, work ethic, and commitment to national service.
But the truth tells a different story, one of quiet discipline, hard work, and patriotism rooted in family tradition and national pride.
Lieutenant Habwela Hichilema could have chosen to join elite wings of the military, the Zambia Air Force, where he could have trained to fly state-of-the-art fighter jets, or the Zambia Army, where he could have pursued marine or special forces training. Instead, he chose ZNS, a service known not only for military discipline but also for national development through agriculture and skills training.
This decision was not by accident.
President Hakainde Hichilema himself is a proud graduate of the Kenneth Kaunda-era compulsory military and skills training programme for school leavers in the 1970s and 80s. He completed 20 months of rigorous training at the Mushili ZNS camp in Ndola at just 20 years old, emerging with both military honors and valuable agricultural skills.
This family history of discipline, self-reliance, and nation-building has clearly inspired the young lieutenant’s path.
Lieutenant Hichilema underwent nine months of intensive military training, side by side with his peers, without receiving any special treatment or privileges as the son of the Head of State. He completed the full ZNS programme, participating in all physical, tactical, and technical modules required of every officer.
His conduct throughout the training exemplified humility, discipline, and respect for teamwork, values at the core of both his family and the Zambia National Service.
Lieutenant Hichilema has deliberately turned away from the trappings of privilege often associated with the children of some past heads of state, no gifts of luxury fleets, nor gifts of mansions, no globe-trotting in private jets with rich friends. Instead, he has embraced a path defined by discipline, humility, and service.
This reflects a strong family culture, one that values teamwork, respect for others, and the dignity of hard work.
At the ZNS pass-out parade, there were no special announcements or handshakes to single out Lieutenant Hichilema. He marched and stood in formation like every other officer, one among many young Zambians ready to serve their country.
According to those near the saluting dais, the First Lady turned to the President after he inspected a huge Guard of Honour, and asked with quiet surprise, “Did you see him?” To which President Hichilema, smiling, simply replied, “Yes, I did.”
This moment reflects more than just personal achievement, it sends a message to all Zambians, especially the youth: that service to the nation is honorable, that whatever kind of leadership, begins with discipline, and that true strength lies in humility, hard work and teamwork.
Lieutenant Habwela Hichilema’s journey is a reminder that Zambia’s future depends not on privilege, but on purpose; not on entitlement, but on effort; not on shortcuts, but on service. This reflects how President Hichilema views the nation.
Mark Simuuwe has become a towering figure in the UPND, and this is exactly why the opposition is terrified of him.
You may wonder that every move he makes attracts their panic, while PF and Tonse Alliance officials walk freely into Pretoria courts without anyone raising questions. Simuuwe’s influence is so strong that his mere presence unsettles political rivals, exposing their insecurity and fear of a man who speaks truth to power and defends the UPND with authority.
His stay in South Africa is not a mystery, it must be understood that he is there to keep the UPND administration informed on matters that affect Zambia’s political stability and image.
The opposition knows this, yet they deliberately twist the story to attack him. They cannot point to any law that bars him from attending court, nor can they deny that the Zambian embassy, as an extension of government, is obligated to ensure his security. Instead of admitting this reality, they create false narratives because they cannot match his courage and credibility.
The obsession with Simuuwe is nothing but fear. The opposition knows he is effective at countering lies, exposing propaganda, and keeping UPND ahead in the political game.
That is why they stalk his every move while pretending not to see their own leaders doing the same things. If Zambia is to have a fair political discourse, then truth must take centre stage. The more they attack Simuuwe, the more they prove just how powerful and indispensable he is to the ruling party and the nation.
HH DELIVERS ON UPND PROMISE AS HE COMMISSIONS $1.25 BILLION KANSANSHI MINE EXPANSION
By James Sakala
President Hakainde Hichilema’s commissioning of the $1.25 billion Kansanshi S3 Expansion Project in Solwezi today signals a historic moment for Zambia’s mining industry and a powerful statement of the UPND government’s economic agenda. This investment is not only about expanding Zambia’s largest copper mine it is about expanding opportunities, securing livelihoods, and building a resilient economy for generations to come.
The Kansanshi expansion will extend the mine’s life by 20 years, safeguarding thousands of jobs and unlocking new streams of business for local enterprises in North-Western Province. For Solwezi, it promises to energize infrastructure growth, empower small businesses, and give young people more opportunities to participate in the economy.
Nationally, this project positions Zambia firmly on the right path towards achieving 3 million metric tonnes of copper production annually a strategic goal that underpins the country’s ambition to become Africa’s leading mining hub. By boosting output and productivity, Zambia strengthens its place in global markets while ensuring the benefits of its natural resources are felt by its people.
This milestone also reflects the UPND manifesto in motion. The New Dawn government promised to grow the economy by restoring investor confidence, creating an enabling business environment, and driving inclusive growth. Today, those commitments are taking shape through strategic partnerships like Kansanshi S3, proving that campaign promises have been transformed into tangible progress.
The expansion comes at a time when Zambia is projected to record over 6.5% economic growth this year. This growth is no accident it is the result of deliberate reforms aimed at stabilizing the economy, restructuring debt, and prioritizing investment in key sectors. The Kansanshi project is therefore both a symbol and a driver of this growth trajectory.
For the people of Solwezi, the expansion is more than a mining investment it is hope renewed, livelihoods secured, and a promise of better days ahead. For the nation, it is a resounding confirmation that under President Hichilema’s leadership, Zambia is firmly on the path to prosperity, anchored on mining, agriculture, and inclusive economic policies.
The commissioning of Kansanshi’s $1.25 billion expansion is not just a mining milestone. It is a political and economic landmark that cements Zambia’s journey towards shared prosperity, sustainable development, and the realization of its vision to transform natural wealth into lasting national progress. As the nation looks to 2026, this achievement stands as living proof that the UPND is not only keeping its promises but also laying the foundation for a stronger and more prosperous Zambia.
HAMUKALE CALLS ON GOVERNMENT TO ENFORCE PRICE REDUCTIONS IN AGRICULTURAL SECTOR
By: Sun FM TV Reporter
Former Minister of Agriculture Dr. Edify Hamukale has called on government to enforce price reductions within the agricultural sector, mirroring the approach applied to public transport fares following fuel price adjustments.
In a telephone interview, Dr. Hamukale noted that Zambia’s economic fundamentals have markedly improved, citing the favorable exchange rate between the kwacha and the US dollar.
He explained that this shift has lowered production costs and made imported agricultural inputs, particularly fertilisers, more affordable, positively impacting the country’s balance of payments, trade, and fiscal accounts.
Dr. Hamukale expressed concern that agro-dealers are unlikely to voluntarily reduce prices, instead continuing to reap excessive profits by maintaining inflated pricing structures.
He urged government to intervene decisively, arguing that such measures would help stabilise and reduce the cost of food, livestock feed, related products, and beverages.
FATHER KI>LLS DAUGHTER, CONFESS BURYING IN SHALLOW GRA>VE AT HIS GARDEN
By Samuel Khwawe
A 10-year-old girl in Chieftainess Mwanjabanthu of Petauke District has been brutally beaten to de>ath by her own father, who then buried her in a shallow gra>ve in his garden.
It is alleged that Amon Phiri reportedly be>at his daughter, Norith Phiri, to de>ath on August 13 after she repeatedly left home for sleep overs without any permission.
According to Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer Robertson Mweemba, the girl had been brought back home twice by concerned villagers after wandering off.
Enraged, Phiri brutally ass>aulted her with a stick until she could no longer speak.
After briefly leaving to buy newspapers for smoking cigarettes, he returned to find his daughter struggling to breathe.
She later die>d and Phiri allegedly threatened his wife, Ruth Mumba, not to report the incident.
In an attempt to cover up the crime, Phiri carried his daughter’s body nearly a kilometer away and buried her in his garden.
He then falsely claimed she had gone missing.
The truth came to light when an informant alerted the police, leading to Phiri’s arrest.
During interrogation, he confessed and led officers to the shallow grave where his daughter in a semi-decomposed body was exhumed.
The gra>ve has been mark for further investigations while the suspect has been arrested.
M23 REBELS SUSPEND PEACE TALKS WITH DR CONGO GOVERNMENT
THE main rebel group in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the M23, has walked away from peace talks with the government, saying it will not return unless the authorities adhere to a previous ceasefire deal
Fighting between the two sides escalated in January, when the M23 captured large parts of the mineral-rich east, including the regional capital Goma.
In Qatar last month, the rebels and the government signed a ceasefire agreement, intended as a step towards a permanent peace deal.
But on Monday, as negotiations were set to resume, the M23 said its representatives were not present in Qatar.
M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka told the BBC’s Great Lakes service that the Congolese government “doesn’t want peace”.
He accused the authorities of not respecting the provisions contained in the ceasefire deal, but DR Congo’s military denies this charge.
Kanyuka alleged that government forces had continued to attack rebel positions, despite the agreement stating that both sides must refrain from assaults.
However, the Congolese armed forces accused the M23 of launching attacks almost daily in the North Kivu and South Kivu provinces.
The Qatar peace deal was supposed to be signed by Monday.
On Sunday, an unnamed official from Qatar told the AFP news agency that a draft agreement had been shared with DR Congo and the M23. The agreement runs alongside a peace deal between DR Congo and Rwanda, which was brokered by the US in June.
DR Congo, the UN and numerous Western powers have accused Rwanda of backing the M23. Despite participating in the Washington peace talks, Rwanda has long denied the allegations against it.
The Washington peace deal, hailed by President Donald Trump as a “glorious triumph”, could grant the US access to DR Congo’s vast mineral wealth. However, it is the latest in a long line of failed peace deals in the region.
During the ongoing conflict, thousands of people have been killed and hundreds of thousands of civilians forced from their homes, the UN says.
Senior Police Officers Injured in Chalala Shooting
Chilenje Police Station has confirmed a shooting incident that left two senior police officers wounded in the early hours of Monday in Chalala’s G-Greens area.
The victims have been identified as Assistant Superintendent James Phiri, 45, of Police Headquarters Operations, and his wife, Chief Inspector Astridah Bwalya, of the Paramilitary Battalion Headquarters Training Wing.
According to police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga, the incident occurred between midnight and 01:00 hours. The couple sustained gunshot wounds and were rushed to the University Teaching Hospital (UTH), where Phiri is reported to be in a stable condition, while Bwalya remains in critical condition.
Investigators have since recovered the firearm believed to have been used in the shooting a Taurus pistol, which is now in police custody.
“The circumstances surrounding the shooting are still under investigation, and members of the public will be updated as more details emerge,” Hamoonga stated.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the police service, as both victims are senior officers with years of service.
HH to Open Fifth Session of Parliament on September 12
By Mary Kachepa
President Hakainde Hichilema will officially open the Fifth Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly on Friday, September 12, 2025.
Acting Clerk of the National Assembly, Loveness Mayaka, made the announcement in a statement to ZNBC News in Lusaka today.
Mrs. Mayaka encouraged stakeholders and the general public to follow the live proceedings of the Ceremonial Opening of Parliament on ZNBC TV1, Parliament Radio, and Parliament TV.
She added that members of the public can also stream the event via the National Assembly of Zambia’s Facebook page, YouTube channel, and official website.
HH CALLS FOR UNITY IN DELIVERING ZAMBIA’ HARVEST AS ECONOMY SHOWS STRONG GROWTH
BY: TIMMY
Lusaka, Zambia – President Hakainde Hichilema has called on Zambians to remain united and focused as the country records some of its strongest economic growth in years, with international forecasts placing Zambia among the fastest-growing economies in 2025.
In an inspiring reflection, President Hichilema highlighted the story of Ms. Dorothy Kamanisha, a 42-year-old pupil from Solwezi who courageously returned to school in Grade Nine. The President described her decision as a symbol of determination and opportunity, underscoring his administration’s mission to create a Zambia where no citizen is left behind.
“Dorothy’s story reminds us that talent knows no age, gender, or circumstance. What matters is that doors of opportunity remain open – and as government, we must ensure they stay open,” President Hichilema said.
According to the latest Bloomberg outlook, Zambia is expected to grow by over 6% in 2025, the highest since 2018, even as many economies worldwide slow down. The President attributed this turnaround to resilience, entrepreneurship, and the government’s deliberate reforms aimed at restoring stability.
From Crisis to Recovery
When the UPND came into office in 2021, Zambia was grappling with a severe debt crisis, with debt levels soaring from 32% of GDP in 2016 to 120% in 2021. President Hichilema reminded the nation that reckless borrowing and corruption had crippled the economy and basic services.
However, following the government’s reforms and fiscal discipline, Zambia secured a landmark debt restructuring in June 2024, covering 90% of liabilities. For the first time in seven years, the debt-to-GDP ratio has dropped below 100%, freeing up more resources for local communities.
Investment and Job Creation
Since 2021, Zambia has attracted $54 billion in investment pledges, with the mining sector stabilizing and expanding. The country is on track to produce more than one million tonnes of copper this year, while reforms in agriculture, SMEs, and tax administration are creating opportunities across industries.
Zambia’s currency is now among the world’s best performers, a sign of renewed investor confidence.
> “Our progress is not about headlines but about building prosperity that future generations will inherit,” the President emphasized.
Challenges and Resilience
Acknowledging the impact of the drought and power shortages, President Hichilema assured the nation that government is acting decisively. Investments are being directed towards solar energy, food security programs, and cash-for-work initiatives to support affected families.
He reiterated that Zambia will not return to past patterns of borrowing and mismanagement, but will instead confront challenges head-on with discipline and innovation.
Shared Progress, Shared Prosperity
The President reaffirmed that the country’s transformation is a collective achievement of the Zambian people, made possible by the courage they showed at the ballot box in August 2021.
“Four years ago, Zambians chose peace, stability, and vision over chaos. Today, we are proving that change is possible. Together, we must finish the work we have started and deliver Zambia’s harvest,” President Hichilema said.
With a credit upgrade on the horizon and expanding opportunities for miners, farmers, and entrepreneurs, President Hichilema expressed confidence that Zambia’s democracy, peace, and stability will remain the foundation for lasting prosperity.
Four years ago, Zambians made a bold choice at the ballot box: to move away from chaos and embrace peace, stability, and a new vision for the future. Today, under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema, that decision is bearing fruit.
In his powerful reflection titled “Together, Let Us Deliver Zambia’s Harvest”, President Hichilema outlined how far the nation has come since the economic crisis of 2020—and why unity, discipline, and determination are key to completing the transformation journey.
Here are the key takeaways from his reflection that every Zambian should celebrate and build upon:
1. Economic Recovery
Zambia has risen from the devastating 2020 debt default. For the first time in seven years, the country’s debt-to-GDP ratio is back below 100 per cent. This means less money going abroad to creditors and more resources channeled into communities, schools, hospitals, and farmers.
2. Debt Restructuring Breakthrough
The June 2024 debt restructuring deal stands out as one of the most favorable in recent global history. Covering 90 per cent of past liabilities, it has eased the burden on ordinary Zambians and opened the way for real development.
3. Strong Growth Outlook
Zambia is no longer just recovering—it is leading. Bloomberg projects our country to be the fastest-growing economy in the world in 2025, with growth above 6 per cent. This is a clear sign that the nation’s hard work and reforms are paying off.
4. Investment Surge
Since 2021, Zambia has attracted over $54 billion in investment pledges, and the kwacha now ranks among the world’s strongest currencies. Investors believe in Zambia again because stability and credibility have been restored.
5. Mining and Agriculture Gains
Copper output is projected to surpass one million tonnes this year, while reforms in agriculture and support for SMEs are empowering farmers, boosting local industries, and creating jobs. Value addition is no longer a dream—it is becoming reality.
6. Energy Diversification
The severe drought and load-shedding crisis tested the country’s resilience. But rather than retreat, government is pushing forward with solar and renewable projects, making Zambia’s energy future cleaner and more secure, while also safeguarding food production.
7. Social Progress
Beyond the economy, government reforms are focused on education, healthcare, youth empowerment, and women’s advancement. The goal is clear: a Zambia where every citizen, regardless of background, can thrive.
8. Resilience and Determination
The story of Dorothy Kamanisha, a 42-year-old who returned to Grade Nine, embodies the spirit of this new Zambia. Her courage proves that determination can rewrite any story—and so can the determination of our nation to rise again.
9. Transformation Ongoing
President Hichilema was clear: the journey is far from over. Transformation takes time, discipline, and unity. What has been achieved so far is proof of possibility—but what lies ahead will require every Zambian to remain focused and determined.
The Road Ahead
President Hichilema’s message is not one of complacency, but of shared progress and shared responsibility. Zambia’s journey is a national effort. It is about leaving behind the pain of the past and building a future where dignity, opportunity, and prosperity are not just for a few, but for all.
As Zambians, we must protect the gains made so far, continue to support reform, and unite behind the vision of delivering Zambia’s harvest.
The choice we made in 2021 has already begun to transform lives. Now, the responsibility is ours—to ensure that this transformation is completed.
✍🏽 The author, Timmy, is a writer documenting Zambia’s transformation under President Hakainde Hichilema.
HH HIGHLIGHTS FOUR YEARS OF REFORM AND GROWTH: “TOGETHER, LET US DELIVER ZAMBIA’S HARVEST”
Lusaka, Zambia — President Hakainde Hichilema has marked his fourth year in office with a call for unity and perseverance, highlighting key achievements that have transformed Zambia’s economic and social landscape since 2021.
In a statement titled “Together, Let Us Deliver Zambia’s Harvest”, President Hichilema has reflected on both the challenges and milestones of his administration, pointing to renewed growth, restored stability, and opportunities expanding across the country.
He drew inspiration from the story of Dorothy Kamanisha, a 42-year-old pupil from Solwezi who returned to Grade Nine, saying her courage reflects the resilience and determination that underpin Zambia’s recovery.
“Dorothy’s story is not just inspiring. It is instructive, because it shows what is possible when opportunity meets determination,” President Hichilema said.
The President has recounted that when the UPND took office in 2021, Zambia faced a debt crisis, with public debt at 120 per cent of GDP and investor confidence severely undermined.
Mr. Hichilema recalled the nation’s 2020 sovereign default, saying his government inherited an economy “on the edge of collapse.”
Four years later, he pointed to major reforms and breakthroughs, including the debt restructuring deal of June 2024 which covered 90 per cent of inherited liabilities and reduced debt-to-GDP to below 100 per cent for the first time in seven years.
He said since 2021, $54 billion has been pledged in investment, spurred by renewed stability and confidence.
According to Bloomberg, Zambia is now projected to become the world’s fastest-growing economy in 2025, with growth forecast to exceed six percent, while the kwacha has emerged as one of the best-performing currencies globally.
“These are not just numbers, growth means more jobs, better pay, improved public services and expanding opportunities for our people,” President Hichilema said.
The President also noted significant reforms in mining and agriculture, with copper production on track to surpass one million tonnes this year, alongside new smelters and refineries aimed at ensuring more value addition within Zambia.
On agriculture, his government has expanded extension services and input programmes, while supporting SMEs and reforming tax systems to stimulate local enterprise. Despite a once-in-a-generation drought that triggered load-shedding, President Hichilema has pledged energy diversification, including major investments in solar power to stabilize supply and strengthen food security.
Mr. Hichilema emphasized that reform is not just economic, but social and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to education, healthcare, and empowering young people and women.
“Our agenda is about building a Zambia where every citizen can find their own path to dignity and progress and that Zambia’s democracy and stability remain key foundations for sustainable growth,” he said.
While acknowledging that challenges remain, the President has expressed confidence that Zambia is on the right path.
“We do not mistake progress for completion; transformation is a journey, not a destination,” he said.
Closing his reflections, President returned to the story of Ms. Kamanisha as a metaphor for national resilience.
“Dorothy’s return to the classroom teaches us that determination can rewrite any story. So too can Zambia’s resolve to rewrite our national story,” he said. “Four years ago, we chose change. Today, we are proving that change is possible. And tomorrow, we will show that nothing can stand in the way of a united and determined Zambia.”
DOCUMENTING ZAMBIA’S TRANSFORMATION UNDER PRESIDENT HAKAINDE HICHILEMA
By Timmy
Four years ago, Zambians made a bold choice at the ballot box—to reject chaos, corruption, and economic collapse, and to embrace peace, stability, and a vision for progress.
Today, under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema, that choice is bearing fruit.
✅ Our debt-to-GDP has dropped below 100% for the first time in seven years. ✅ Zambia is projected by Bloomberg to be the fastest-growing economy in the world in 2025, with growth above 6%.
✅ Over $54 billion in investment pledges have been attracted since 2021. ✅ Copper production is on track to exceed one million tonnes this year. ✅ Social progress is visible through reforms in education, healthcare, youth and women empowerment. ✅ Renewable energy investments are helping us tackle drought and load-shedding.
Beyond the statistics lies the human story—the resilience of ordinary Zambians like Dorothy Kamanisha, who returned to school at 42, proving that determination can rewrite any story. Her courage reflects the same spirit that is driving Zambia’s national transformation.
But as President Hichilema reminds us: progress is real, but the journey is not yet finished.
📖 I am currently finilising a book that will document these five historic years of President Hakainde Hichilema’s leadership—highlighting the struggles, the reforms, the victories, and the vision that is reshaping Zambia.
This will not only be a record of economic and social transformation, but also a story of hope, resilience, and the power of unity.
Stay tuned. The book is coming. Together, let us deliver Zambia’s harvest. 🇿🇲
The author, Timmy is a writer documenting zambias transformation under president Hakainde Hichilema
President Hakainde Hichilema has today announced the signing of multi-billion-dollar Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) between Zambia and the State of Qatar, covering key sectors such as mining, energy, agriculture, infrastructure, textiles, transport, logistics, banking, and finance.
Speaking after hosting His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Jabor Bin Jassim Al Thani at State House, President Hichilema said the agreements mark a new chapter in Zambia–Qatar relations, building on the strong ties established during his 2023 State Visit to Doha.
“These partnerships open vast opportunities for economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development for our people. Beyond trade, we are also working with Qatar to promote peace, stability, and security globally,” President Hichilema emphasized.
The agreements signal Zambia’s growing place on the international stage as a trusted destination for investment and cooperation.
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has dismissed the first National Dialogue as a “sham” and a waste of public funds, stating that South Africans are tired of talking. Speaking at a rally in Seshego, Limpopo, where the EFF celebrated a by-election victory in ward 13, Malema reiterated concerns about the event’s high costs and lack of purpose.
The National Convention, aimed at addressing South Africa’s challenges through dialogue, has drawn criticism for its reported R700 million price tag. Malema described the event as disorganised and serving only to boost the egos of government elites. “It was a waste of money,” he said, highlighting the lack of tangible outcomes.
He also noted the withdrawal of legacy foundations and warnings from NGOs about inadequate preparation as signs the event was flawed. “We don’t support this convention. Our people don’t need talks,” Malema stated, arguing that the funds could be better spent addressing citizens’ immediate needs.
The EFF leader’s remarks reflect broader concerns about government spending priorities amid South Africa’s economic challenges.
The Trump administration recently proposed cutting Section 8 housing vouchers and reducing rental assistance by 40%. The plan suggests replacing the current system with block grants for states, giving them more control over rental aid programs. However, experts warn that this could worsen homelessness across the U.S.
Housing advocates are concerned the cuts would significantly impact low-income families, with some predicting a rise in homelessness. Kim Johnson from the National Low Income Housing Coalition expressed fears that homelessness could “escalate in a way that has been really unprecedented, and unheard of.”
According to Housing Wire, the proposal also includes limiting rental aid for able-bodied adults to two years and shifting remaining funds to support elderly and disabled renters. Currently, only one in four eligible households receives rental assistance.
“Cutting that really feels like cutting into bone,” said Ann Oliva, CEO of the National Alliance to End Homelessness.
Although the plan gives states more flexibility, it also gives them less money. Advocates fear states might divert funds from direct housing aid, creating ripple effects in areas like healthcare, food security, and education.
“They’re not sleeping well. They’re not doing well educationally. They don’t have food,” said Jessica Kubicki of The Housing Collective in Connecticut, pointing to the risks for children.
The proposal also targets other housing programs, including those for affordable housing development, fair housing enforcement, and community improvement grants. The administration claims these funds have been misused, but critics argue the cuts will worsen housing instability.
Meanwhile, a bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced a bill in March to expand Section 8 vouchers, reflecting growing concern in Congress over the proposed cuts.
President Lazarus Chakwera has renamed Chileka International Airport to Bakili Muluzi International Airport while the Area 18 Interchange to be named Arthur Peter Mutharika Interchange.
Not only that but also unnamed portion of the Lilongwe Western Bypass Road from the M12 intersection to the M1 Kamuzu Procession Road intersection to be called Joyce Banda Highway.
According to a statement signed by the Secretary to President and Cabinet, Colleen Zamba, the conferment of these honours is with effect from 9 August, 2025 and will be published in the Government Gazette.
This comes barely a month Malawians are going to cast their votes for Tripartite Elections.
“We Are Making Ourselves Easy Targets for Exploiters”: President Mnangagwa Blasts SADC’s Lack of Economic Unity in Fiery Farewell Speech
In a fiery farewell as SADC Chairperson, President Emmerson Mnangagwa tore into the regional bloc, accusing it of dragging its feet on economic integration.
He warned that its disunity is leaving Southern Africa vulnerable to global exploitation.
“We Are Easy Targets for Exploiters” Addressing fellow leaders at the 45th Ordinary Summit in Antananarivo on Sunday, President Mnangagwa lamented SADC’s “very low level of economic cooperation.”
According to ZiFM Stereo News, he argued that this lack of cooperation continues to cripple the region’s potential.
“Our exports continue to be driven by primary products, and intra-regional trade remains far less than our business with other regions. We are doing ourselves a disservice and making ourselves easy targets for exploiters who will seize these loopholes,” he said.
Political Inertia Under Fire President Mnangagwa blasted years of disorganization, poor funding, and delays in ratifying protocols, singling out the dormant SADC Regional Development Fund — meant to finance infrastructure projects — as a wasted opportunity.
“The full potential of our regional bloc has regrettably been largely inhibited by budgetary constraints,” he noted, urging leaders to embrace private sector partnerships, tap into diaspora capital, and fast-track internal processes that have stalled progress.
Warning Against Irrelevance With the global order shifting rapidly, the Zimbabwean leader warned that SADC risks being sidelined if it does not urgently strengthen its economic ties.
“Our bloc is better off as a united force than as an alliance that is disorganized and unstable. Failure to act decisively will continue to weaken us,” he said.
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has initiated a formal investigation into Sports, Arts, and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie’s tweets during his earlier years. The inquiry examines whether the decade-old tweets contravened provisions of South Africa’s Equality Act.
This development comes after renewed public attention on the minister’s digital footprint, particularly following his recent condemnation of derogatory remarks targeting the Coloured community. The historical posts in question originated between 2011 and 2017, with civil society organisations bringing them to the commission’s attention.
Minister Gayton McKenzie Responds to Allegations Minister McKenzie has publicly addressed the controversy, acknowledging the offensive nature of the resurfaced content. In his statement, he characterised the posts as products of immature judgment and online provocation, expressing regret for their insensitive nature.
“These posts reflect a period of personal growth I’ve since undergone,” McKenzie stated. “I fully intend to cooperate with the SAHRC’s inquiry to demonstrate my commitment to the values of equality and human rights.”
SAHRC Launches Formal Investigation Into Minister McKenzie’s Past Tweets According to official correspondence, the human rights body has established a strict deadline for the minister’s response. McKenzie must submit all requested documentation and formal replies by Wednesday as part of the preliminary fact-finding process.
Legal analysts suggest the investigation could have significant implications for public officials’ social media conduct. Should the commission find evidence of Equality Act violations, the matter may progress to the Equality Court, where potential remedies could include mandatory sensitivity training or other corrective measures.
Broader Context of the Controversy The scrutiny of McKenzie’s digital history intensified after his vocal criticism of podcast hosts who made disparaging comments about the Coloured community. This paradoxical situation has sparked national conversations about accountability, personal growth, and the lasting nature of digital content.
Political observers note the investigation represents a test case for how South Africa’s human rights framework addresses the historical social media activity of public figures. The outcome may establish important precedents regarding online expression and political accountability.
