Viktor Gyokeres has broken Arsenal’s shirt sales record just days after completing his high-profile move from Sporting Lisbon.
The Swedish striker was officially unveiled as a Gunners player on Sunday in Singapore, following a £64 million deal that could rise to £70 million with add-ons. Arsenal fans erupted with excitement, especially after it was revealed that Gyokeres would wear the legendary No. 14 shirt—famously worn by club icon Thierry Henry.
Although it was initially believed Gyokeres preferred the No. 9 shirt—currently held by Gabriel Jesus—he ultimately embraced the opportunity to follow in Henry’s footsteps.
Viktor Gyokeres breaks Arsenal shirt sales record days after ?
To celebrate his arrival, Arsenal offered fans free name and number printing of Gyokeres’ jersey, a service that usually costs £16. The limited-time offer, valid until Thursday, sparked a surge in demand as fans rushed to stores and the club’s website.
Early figures suggest that sales of the “No. 14 Gyokeres” shirt have already eclipsed those of any previous Arsenal signing, setting a new benchmark in the club’s retail history—with numbers expected to climb even higher before the promotional window closes.
Hulk Hogan’s estranged daughter, Brooke Hogan, is not in her late father’s will.
The daughter of the wrestling legend removed herself from Hogan’s will in 2023 to avoid a financial battle when he dies because she didn’t trust the people around Hogan, TMZ reported.
Brooke’s biggest concern at the time was trying to protect her dad from those she felt were attempting to take advantage of him; however, the two disagreed over the subject, and she eventually reached out to Hogan’s financial manager to have herself taken out of the will, according to the report.
Brooke, 37, will still receive some money from a life insurance policy that she was a beneficiary on and that she will put toward her kids’ college funds.
Hogan, whose real name is Terry Bollea, died at the age of 71 last week after a cardiac arrest in Clearwater, Florida.
The eldest of Hogan’s two children opened up for the first time about her father’s passing and her estrangement from him in an Instagram post on Tuesday.
“My dad’s blood runs through my veins. His eyes shine through my children. And our blood has never broken, not even in his final moments,” Brooke wrote.
“We never had a ‘big fight.’ My father and I never ‘fought.’ It was a series of private phone calls no one will ever hear, know, or understand. My father was confiding in me about issues weighing on his heart, both personal and business. I offered to be a life raft in whatever capacity he needed. I told him he had my support.”
Brooke later detailed how she and her husband, Steven Olesky, moved to Florida in order to be closer to her father as he got older, and she had been there with him for nearly 25 surgeries before he “all of a sudden he didn’t want me at surgeries.”
Brooke was not in attendance for Hogan’s September 2023 wedding to his third wife, Sky Daily, and the two had their last conversation two weeks before the wedding, TMZ reported.
In a separate post, Brooke posted a video of a montage of photos of Hogan and herself set to Steve Nicks’ song “Crystal.”
“You were my everything, and I will always be your girl. I am PROUD to be your daughter—for all the love, light, and goodness you brought into this world. Thank you for choosing me in this lifetime and for loving me so deeply,” she captioned the post in part.
“Our bond is eternal. That truth brings me comfort and hope, even in your absence.
Surgeons at the Kamchatka Oncology Clinic continued to operate on a patient while an earthquake shook the hospital, and CCTV footage of the moment has gone viral.
A powerful undersea earthquake measuring 8.8 on the Richter scale struck Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula earlier today, Wednesday, July 30.
As the earthquake shook buildings, a team of surgeons who were operating on a patient continued with their life-saving efforts, despite the operating room shaking uncontrollably.
CCTV footage showed the team standing firmly as the room shook and securing the patient from moving too much as they continued the operation.
The video went viral and earned them praise from viewers.
The head of the region’s Ministry of Health, Oleg Melnikov, updated that the patient is fine.
Russian scientists said it was the most powerful quake to hit the region since 1952, yet the medics working at the Oncology Centre in Kamchatka, Russia, bravely carried on as though it was a minor inconvenience.
A 45-year-old South African man, Khayelihle Khehla Dhlomo, has been arrested for the m8rder of his wife, Khanyisile Dhlomo, whose death was ruled a suicide in 2022.
Dhlomo, the principal of Sithembile Primary School in Lindelani, appeared in a Durban court on Monday, July 28, 2025 following his arrest.
He was formally charged with m8rder and remanded in custody. His next court appearance is scheduled for 5 August 2025 where he is expected to apply for bail.
Khanyisile Dhlomo’s body was found in September 2022 on the lawn of her home in Malvern, south of Durban.
She had st@b wounds to her neck and chest, including a deep cut beneath her left breast.
Despite the severity of her injuries, her husband reported the d3ath as a suicide.
At the time, investigators took his word at face value. No arrests were made, and the case was closed with minimal investigation. Khanyisile lived in the home with the principal and their teenage son.
“It never made sense,” a family spokesperson said. “The wounds were not self-inflicted. We knew from day one this was m8rder.”
For nearly two years, the principal continued working at the Lindelani-based primary school. But behind the scenes, Khanyisile’s family was pressing authorities to take another look at the case.
They raised complaints with police management and community safety structures, challenging the original conclusion.
In mid-2024, the provincial SAPS Task Team took over the file. Their investigation contradicted earlier findings. Forensic reports, witness interviews, and inconsistencies in the principal’s account pointed to deliberate foul play.
The suspect disappeared shortly before his arrest warrant was finalized. He was eventually tracked down and arrested while hiding in Illovo in late July.
During Monday’s brief court appearance, the principal appeared calm but offered no public statement. The prosecution confirmed they are opposing bail, citing the seriousness of the charge and the suspect’s attempt to evade capture.
“The law is finally catching up,” said a women’s rights advocate outside court. “We’ve seen too many cases of women’s d3aths being misclassified. This principal must answer in full.
Sources confirm that the Khayelihle Dhlomo, is the younger brother of a prominent political figure. While this has not been officially linked to the handling of the case, the connection has sparked widespread speculation and anger.
Community members in Lindelani, where the principal worked, have expressed shock. Parents of learners at Sithembile Primary said they were “horrified” to learn that the man charged with such a violent crime had continued serving in a leadership role.
This case has become a symbol of systemic failures in handling suspected domestic violence murders. Activists are urging SAPS and the Justice Department to review other cases that were closed too quickly.
For now, the suspect remains behind bars. Khanyisile’s family says they are finally beginning to feel that justice is within reach.
“She didn’t just d!e — she was silenced. And the principal tried to bury that truth. Now it’s coming out.”
Deadbeat Dads Face Blacklist In South Africa Child Maintenance Crackdown Deadbeat fathers who refuse to pay child maintenance will soon find their names blacklisted, thanks to a bold new pilot project launched in Gauteng.
Ten courts across the province are now part of a scheme that will forward the names of defaulting parents to credit bureaus, potentially wrecking their chances of securing loans or making purchases on credit.
“The intention is to promote accountability, not punishment, and to ensure maintenance obligations are met in the best interest of the child,” said Terrence Manase, spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Development.
Rollout begins in 10 Gauteng courts The initiative is the result of a memorandum of understanding signed in November 2023 between the Department of Justice and the Social Justice Foundation. It officially kicks off in August 2024.
The pilot will run in courts in:
Thembisa
Pretoria
Johannesburg
Soweto
Palm Ridge
Tsakani
Daveyton
Atteridgeville
Ga-Rankuwa
Temba
Names to appear on credit reports
Under Section 26 of the Maintenance Act, complainants can take action when a parent fails to pay maintenance. The updated system will now allow officials to forward defaulter details to the Credit Profile Bureau once all legal steps are satisfied.
“Parents do not disclose that they have a maintenance obligation, but now it is going to reflect on your credit profile,” said Anneke Greyvenstein, Executive Director of the Social Justice Foundation.
“The credit provider must take this into consideration when they do the affordability assessment and see if you qualify to buy.”
Greyvenstein previously revealed that 70% of people ordered to pay maintenance end up defaulting within the first two years.
The Department of Justice said the system will also improve how courts enforce orders through emolument attachment orders, attachment of debt, and warrants of execution.
Legal safeguards in place The department stressed that the new enforcement mechanism will be applied with care.
Marry Mubaiwa Loses Pretoria Mansion And Cars In SA Court Ruling
Marry Mubaiwa, the former wife of Zimbabwe’s Vice President General Constantino Chiwenga, has suffered another major setback. The High Court of South Africa has ruled that her luxury property in Pretoria and two Range Rovers were proceeds of crime and must be forfeited.
The ruling was made on 5 December 2022 by Honourable Justice JJ Strijdom under Case No. 6435/22.
Gauteng High Court Orders Forfeiture
The court declared that the following assets were to be forfeited to the South African State under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA):
Erf 191 Sterrewag, Extension 3 – a luxurious property located in Pretoria.
Two Range Rovers with registration plates HJ40JNGP and HX615GGP.
The vehicles and property were previously frozen by a preservation order on 9 February 2022.
“These assets… were linked to the alleged proceeds of unlawful activities, including money laundering and illicit financial flows.”
The court ordered that the seized property be handed to an auctioneer. The funds raised from public sale are to go towards compensating victims of the related offences.
Regional Collaboration Commended The NPAZ praised the ruling, highlighting the importance of regional cooperation in combating organised crime.
“The outcome reflects the enduring partnership between the NPA of South Africa and its Zimbabwean counterpart in addressing transnational financial crimes and the recovery of proceeds of crime,” the NPAZ said.
“This forfeiture action aligns with our shared obligations under international and regional instruments, including the United Nations Convention against Corruption and the SADC Protocol Against Corruption.”
One of the vehicles has already been sold, and the proceeds are reportedly set to be transferred to the victim, although no specific individual was named.
Cross-Border Crime Crackdown The NPAZ hailed the Gauteng High Court’s actions as a clear warning to criminals operating across borders.
“The decisive action by the Gauteng High Court sends a clear message that crime, particularly of a transnational nature, will not be tolerated and that illicit assets have no sanctuary within the region.”
The South African National Prosecuting Authority’s Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) was singled out for special commendation:
“We wish to express our appreciation to the South African National Prosecuting Authority, in particular the Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU), for their professional and principled handling of this matter.”
The NPAZ concluded by reiterating its commitment to justice:
“We continue to work closely with our domestic and international partners to ensure that no one is above the law and that criminal gains are pursued wherever they may be hidden.”
As of now, Marry Mubaiwa has not publicly commented on the forfeiture.
Walter Masocha, a self-proclaimed prophet from Zimbabwe who once claimed to speak directly to God, has been sentenced to 14 years for sexually abusing vulnerable women in his church in Scotland. The High Court in Livingston found him guilty of rape, attempted rape, and sexual assault.
The sentence includes 10 years behind bars and four years under strict supervision after his release.
Masocha, who founded the Stirling-based Agape for All Nations Church and crowned himself “Archbishop,” used his religious power to target and exploit female followers. The court heard he preyed on women who trusted him as a spiritual leader, abusing their faith to justify his actions.
A jury convicted him of four charges, three involving a woman who saw him as a father figure, and one involving another church member who had sought spiritual guidance. The verdict came after just 30 minutes of deliberation.
Judge Susan Craig didn’t hold back. She described Masocha as an “opportunistic sexual predator” who twisted his victims’ deep spiritual beliefs for his own gratification. She called his actions “the grossest breach of trust” and said he claimed to be entitled to abuse women because he was “given them by God.” He even told them his “hands and lips were holy,” using this as a sick excuse to touch them inappropriately.
One of the most serious charges was attempted rape. Judge Craig said the only reason the act wasn’t completed was because Masocha physically couldn’t do it—not because he held back. She also pointed out the disturbing fact that the victim in that case was a child.
Two other women, one of them a teenager, testified in court to similar patterns of abuse. Although earlier convictions involving them were overturned on legal technicalities, their evidence helped paint a clear picture of how Masocha operated.
Throughout the trial, Masocha denied everything. He tried to shift the blame onto his victims and claimed there was a conspiracy against him. But the judge dismissed those claims outright, saying there was zero evidence to support them.
A pre-sentencing report revealed Masocha still refused to accept responsibility and showed no empathy for his victims. He even kept preaching while on remand—something the court found particularly disturbing given how he had used religion as a tool to abuse.
Judge Craig said that despite Masocha having no previous convictions and presenting himself as a respectable leader, it was all part of an elaborate deception. She ruled that his crimes were so serious, and the risk he still posed so high, that a long prison sentence followed by close supervision was the only option.
His sentence is backdated to July 2, 2025, when he was first remanded. After his release, he’ll be under tight restrictions, including offence-focused rehabilitation. Any involvement in church or religious activities will be closely monitored.
Masocha is now permanently banned from contacting his victims and will be on the sex offenders register for life. He has also been banned indefinitely from working with vulnerable people.
The case has rocked the faith community and highlighted how religious authority can be dangerously misused. Prosecutors said Masocha’s status as a spiritual leader allowed him to get away with abuse for years.
Masocha started his church in 2007 after moving from Zimbabwe to Scotland. It grew to over 2,000 members internationally, with many followers calling him “Dad” or “Daddy.” But behind the church robes and religious titles, prosecutors said, was a predator who believed he was untouchable.
“I Reported Her”: Chiwenga Speaks Out After SA Court Seizes Ex-Wife Marry Mubaiwa’s Assets
Vice President Constantino Chiwenga says he wasted no time in alerting authorities about his ex-wife Marry Mubaiwa’s alleged criminal dealings—and that he fully cooperated with prosecutors in both Zimbabwe and South Africa. His comments come after a South African court ordered the seizure of Mubaiwa’s luxury home and two high-end vehicles.
Mubaiwa, once a prominent figure in Zimbabwe’s elite circles, is now facing the consequences of a series of serious allegations. She was arrested in 2019 after Chiwenga claimed she tried to kill him while he was in intensive care at a hospital in South Africa. He accused her of attempting to pull out his life-support drips, among other disturbing details.
That accusation triggered multiple charges against her, including attempted murder, money laundering, fraud, and illegal movement of funds across borders.
In a statement issued on Tuesday through his lawyers, Chiwenga said he acted purely in the public interest. According to him, reporting Mubaiwa was about “justice and accountability” and not revenge.
The statement followed a key ruling from the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria, which granted a forfeiture order against a luxury property in Sterrewag and two Range Rovers linked to Mubaiwa. One of the vehicles has already been sold off.
South African investigators claim the assets were bought using dirty money and were tied to illicit financial activities. The property and vehicles had been frozen since early 2022 under a preservation order.
Zimbabwe’s National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) praised the court decision, calling it a major win for cross-border collaboration in fighting organised crime. They specifically credited South Africa’s Asset Forfeiture Unit for helping recover the stolen assets.
Chiwenga’s legal team welcomed the decision, saying it reinforces the message that criminals cannot hide stolen wealth in neighbouring countries. They also revealed that the money raised from the seized assets will be sent back to Zimbabwe.
Meanwhile, Mubaiwa continues to face multiple court cases. Once known for her beauty and high social status, her life has taken a dramatic turn. She now battles serious health issues, including lymphoedema and gangrene, which have led to several amputations. She is often seen attending court in a wheelchair.
Connie and Shona Ferguson built a love story that inspired South Africa. Fans called them a true power couple. They built businesses, raised a family, and produced award-winning shows together. Their love felt real, unwavering, and deeply rooted. On and off the screen, they radiated partnership and respect.
Sadly, Shona’s passing in 2021 broke countless hearts. Yet, Connie’s strength kept their shared legacy alive. Even in grief, she remained open about love, loss, and healing. Fans still admire the bond they had. Their story stands as proof that love can shine brightly, even when life turns painfully dark.
Connie Ferguson shares Shona’s other side four years after his death Connie Ferguson melted hearts by posting a touching video of her late husband. She captioned it, “The way he used to harass me!😂 I miss you annoying me Dawg!🥹 Thinking about you and missing you is just part of me now, and I’m okay with it. You are UNFORGETTABLE! You are in me, and I LOVE YOU FOREVER.❤️ Long live my KING!👑 IV 🙏🏾🕯️🕊️🤍” Her words revealed Shona’s playful, teasing side fans rarely saw.
Connie’s smile shone through her sadness, celebrating moments that once annoyed her. The video showed their real laughter and genuine connection behind closed doors. Four years later, her love remains strong, wrapped in bittersweet
Fans flooded her comments with love and support, sharing in her grief. Connie’s tribute proves true love endures beyond death. Even now, Shona lives on through her heart, memories, and every joyful video she bravely shares.
Mzansi remembers After Connie Ferguson shared Shona’s video showing his funny side, fans remembered him and consoled her.
@Nthabs “❤️ to lose a love that’s so fulfilling 😢, Mr Sho is unforgettable even when you post him nkare wa phela❤️🩹 May God bless you again 🙏🏾”
@Ms KGOPOTSO MAPONYA “I can’t believe we’re making all these memories with our soul mates only to lose them one day, without warning 🥲🥹❤️”
@Dr Mmereka Patience Ntshani “Aaaaaaa Bathong 🫂🫂🫂🫂 I miss this office. You guys represented what it means to love and be loved. Sending you my love❤️❤️”
@Fezi Mphephethwa “🫂🫂🫂we love you Mrs Ferguson🥹❤️can’t believe it’s been 4 years already since you lost your other half 😢May he rest in eternal heaven 🕊️💜”
Some Americans are looking to South Africa as a new home, driven by dissatisfaction with the Trump administration and rising living costs in the US. Since Donald Trump returned to the White House in January 2025, inquiries from Americans seeking to relocate to South Africa have doubled compared to the previous six months, according to Steve Corbin, an attorney at Harvey Law Group.
Trump’s claims about South Africa, including an assertion during a May 2025 meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa that over 1,000 white farmers have been targeted in a supposed “white genocide”, have been widely debunked by South African officials, fact-checkers, and white South Africans. Despite these claims, the Trump administration has offered refugee status to white Afrikaners while restricting it for others, a move critics call selective.
Carole Feeny, from Cincinnati, Ohio, dismisses the administration’s narrative. “I don’t believe a lot of what comes out of this administration’s mouth,” she says. “I know there’s no genocide happening on white farmers in South Africa.” Feeny, who has long planned to retire in Africa, feels pushed to accelerate her plans due to US policies, including perceived threats to free speech and aggressive Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. “There’s no longer much freedom of speech [in the US]. They’re snatching people off the streets,” she adds.
Others share her sentiments. An academic from a top US university, who requested anonymity, cites a “culture of fear” in the US as a motivator to relocate. Having spent time in South Africa, she feels happier in Johannesburg. “This has given me the impetus to leave and move to South Africa,” she says.
South Africa’s appeal lies in its lower cost of living, accessible visas for those with sufficient wealth, and straightforward permanent residency processes. “There’s not really anywhere affordable to live in the US anymore,” Feeny notes, highlighting why retirement in the US feels out of reach.
Tourism data reflects growing American interest. In the first five months of 2025, 149,277 US citizens visited the Southern African country, a 1.5% increase from 2024, with May seeing a 3.1% rise despite Trump’s claims.
However, the decision to leave is complex. Marina Mecham, a recent transplant to the University of Johannesburg from Indiana University, feels torn. “I’m happy to be here, but it feels like I’m running away from a fight I should be part of,” she says, noting a trend of academics leaving amid rising authoritarianism.
While Canada remains a more popular destination, South Africa’s growing appeal suggests Americans are undeterred by Trump’s portrayal, seeking both refuge and opportunity abroad.
A coalition of Ugandan lawyers has risen to defend the constitutional right to bail and the independence of the judiciary, following scathing remarks by President Yoweri Museveni.
The President recently criticized judicial officers who grant bail, particularly in cases involving serious crimes, stating, “I will no longer tolerate judicial officers releasing criminals” at Makerere University Business School.
This statement has sparked outrage among lawyers, who argue that such remarks amount to intimidation of judges and magistrates, undermining their independence.
The lawyers emphasized that threatening judges who grant bail erodes the presumption of innocence, weakens public trust in the courts, and threatens the freedom of every Ugandan.
In a statement, they condemned Museveni’s comments, highlighting the importance of upholding the constitutional right to bail.
This isn’t the first time Museveni has expressed his opposition to bail; he has previously argued against it, citing the “old law of Moses and Abraham; an eye for an eye”.
The signatories also criticized judicial officers who unnecessarily delay bail rulings or impose harsh conditions, citing the case of lawyer Eron Kiiza, where excessive cash deposits and passport seizures were ordered.
This, they argue, is a misuse of power and undermines the principles of justice. Daniel Ruhweza, a constitutional law lecturer at Makerere University, supports the lawyers’ stance, stating that every politician is a potential accused person in a court of law and that bail is fundamental to ensuring natural justice.
Ruhweza added that scrapping bail would encourage mobs to kill suspects and take away one of the maxims of natural justice. He cited Article 23 of Uganda’s constitution, which protects personal liberty.
This debate comes amid concerns over Uganda’s political landscape, with opposition leader Bobi Wine having asked the International Criminal Court to investigate Museveni and his government over human rights abuses.
In a show of support for the judiciary, retired Supreme Court Justice George Kanyeihamba and five human rights activists sued President Museveni over his proposal to alter the law regarding bail applications and release of suspects on police bond.
They argue that Museveni’s remarks are unconstitutional and contravene several articles of the Constitution and International treaties to which Uganda is a signatory.
As this controversy unfolds, the Uganda Law Society and other stakeholders are urging the government to respect the independence of the judiciary and uphold the constitutional right to bail.
The outcome of this debate will have far-reaching implications for the country’s justice system and the rule of law.
For now, the coalition of Ugandan lawyers remains steadfast in their defense of the constitutional right to bail and the independence of the judiciary.
Nigeria’s forward, Asisat Oshoala, has shut down growing speculation about her imminent retirement from international football, reaffirming her dedication to the national team after their thrilling 3-2 win over Morocco in the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final.
In a post on her page shortly after the historic victory, Oshoala quickly dismissed the rumors, stating, “I don’t know where that came from, but agenda must agenda. I get it, but I’m not bothered. I’m still here. I’m still playing. I’m still doing my job. That’s what I’m focused on.”
Her remarks came amidst a social media frenzy that suggested the Barcelona Femeni star was planning to step away from national duty.
Some speculation stemmed from her limited role in the tournament, where she featured mostly as a substitute despite being included in the 23-player squad.
The 30-year-old, a six-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year, acknowledged that playing fewer minutes during the competition sparked debate among fans and pundits.
However, she emphasized that her commitment to the Super Falcons remains strong, saying the team’s collective success is her priority.
Oshoala, who made her debut for Nigeria in 2014, has been instrumental in the team’s rise on the continent and beyond.
Despite her reduced playing time, she maintained a supportive presence in the squad, offering leadership and experience to a younger generation of players.
With over a decade in international football and appearances at multiple FIFA Women’s World Cups and Olympic qualifiers, Oshoala hinted that she still has unfinished business with the national team.
Her statement brings relief to fans who feared Nigeria might lose one of its most decorated and influential footballers, especially after the Falcons claimed their 12th WAFCON title in dramatic fashion.
As the team shifts focus to the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and other global competitions, Oshoala’s continued presence could prove vital both on and off the pitch.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has showered generous rewards on Nigeria’s Super Falcons following their remarkable performance at the just concluded 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
Each player who represented the country at the tournament will receive a cash reward of $100,000, while every member of the technical crew is set to get $50,000.
In addition to the monetary appreciation, President Tinubu has also allocated a three-bedroom apartment at the prestigious Renewed Hope Estate to each player, further cementing his administration’s support for women’s football and sports development in general.
The gesture is in recognition of the team’s resilience, patriotism, and excellence on the continental stage, where they reached the final of the competition, displaying outstanding teamwork and sportsmanship.
Addressing the team through his Special Adviser on Sports and Youth Development, Tinubu commended the Falcons for being “true ambassadors of Nigeria” and for their unwavering spirit in flying the country’s flag high.
The Super Falcons’ performance at the 2025 WAFCON reignited national pride and sparked widespread celebrations across the country.
The Renewed Hope Estate, part of the Tinubu administration’s affordable housing initiative, is designed to provide quality homes to deserving Nigerians, especially those who have brought honor to the nation.
ActionSA has tabled the Constitution Twenty-Second Amendment Bill, a proposal to eliminate all 43 deputy minister positions in South Africa’s Cabinet, which the party claims would save taxpayers over R1 billion annually. The bill, introduced by ActionSA’s parliamentary leader Athol Trollip, seeks to streamline the executive, which the party describes as one of the largest in the world, comprising 32 ministers and 43 deputy ministers.
The move comes in response to recent governance issues, including President Cyril Ramaphosa’s appointment of Professor Firoz Cachalia as acting police minister, bypassing the two existing deputy ministers in the portfolio. Trollip criticized the role of deputy ministers, stating, “They are, for all intents and purposes, glorified doormen and doorwomen for the ministers. They are not deemed capable of stepping into ministerial roles during crises.”
The proposed bill includes several reforms beyond abolishing deputy minister posts. It mandates parliamentary vetting of all Cabinet appointments through a dedicated committee and a National Assembly vote to ensure ministers are fit for purpose. It also empowers the National Assembly to pass motions of no confidence against individual ministers, enhancing parliamentary oversight. Additionally, it proposes increasing the number of non-MP ministers from two to four to bring in external expertise.
ActionSA argues that these changes address a “bloated” executive and could redirect savings to critical areas such as job creation, infrastructure, and public services. The party has also introduced the Enhanced Cut Cabinet Perks Bill, to limit ministerial privileges and curb excessive spending, which it claims has reached R143.5 million on travel alone since July 2024.
The bill’s introduction follows public discontent over recent executive decisions, including the suspension of Police Minister Senzo Mchunu amid allegations of interference in police operations. ActionSA has invited public submissions on the draft bill for the next 30 days, urging South Africans to support the reforms.
Trollip emphasized the need for greater accountability, referencing concerns raised by Justice Raymond Zondo about swearing in ministers implicated in his state capture inquiry. “The president has the right to select his Cabinet, but there must be screening to prevent unfit appointments,” he said.
The bill requires a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly and approval from the National Council of Provinces to pass, a high bar for constitutional amendments. Public hearings may be held if the bill garners significant interest.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has rejected comparisons between his decision to place Mchunu on special leave and the dismissal of former Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Andrew Whitfield. In court documents, the president outlined that Whitfield was fired in June after breaching executive ethics by travelling to the United States in March for party business without his approval. Whitfield admitted to the violation, which Ramaphosa said justified his immediate dismissal.
In contrast, Ramaphosa emphasized that the allegations against Mchunu, which involve serious claims of interference in police operations, remain untested. “The allegations against Mchunu are of the most serious type and therefore, warrant a proper process of investigation,” he stated in his submission to the court. By placing Mchunu on special leave, Ramaphosa said he ensured the minister would not exercise any powers while the investigation proceeds, a move he described as standard and not indicative of favoritism.
The president is set to appear before the Constitutional Court on Wednesday to defend his executive decisions regarding Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and the establishment of a commission of inquiry into alleged corruption within the South African Police Service (SAPS). The decisions have drawn scrutiny following serious allegations of collusion and interference involving Mchunu, raised by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has filed an urgent application with the Constitutional Court, seeking to overturn three of Ramaphosa’s decisions related to Mchunu’s status and the SAPS inquiry. However, Ramaphosa has dismissed the application as premature, arguing that the MK Party should have approached lower courts before escalating the matter.
Ramaphosa further challenged the MK Party’s approach, questioning the appropriateness of their urgent application to the Constitutional Court. He argued that the matter should have been addressed in lower courts first, as is customary in legal proceedings, to allow for a thorough review before reaching the apex court. The president’s legal team contends that the MK Party’s attempt to draw parallels between Whitfield’s dismissal and Mchunu’s special leave is flawed, given the differing circumstances and procedural requirements.
The establishment of the SAPS commission of inquiry, another point of contention in the MK Party’s application, aims to investigate systemic corruption within the police service. Ramaphosa defended this decision as a necessary step to address longstanding issues undermining public trust in law enforcement.
The case has sparked significant political debate, with the MK Party accusing Ramaphosa of inconsistent handling of executive accountability. Critics argue that placing Mchunu on special leave, rather than suspending or dismissing him outright, could be perceived as leniency, especially given the gravity of the allegations. However, Ramaphosa’s legal team has stressed that special leave is a procedural measure designed to balance fairness to the accused with the need to protect public interest during investigations.
The Constitutional Court hearing is expected to scrutinize the legal basis of Ramaphosa’s decisions, including whether they align with constitutional principles governing executive authority. The outcome could set a precedent for how similar allegations against senior officials are handled in the future.
Emma Powell has resigned as the Democratic Alliance (DA)’s international relations spokesperson, citing harassment, threats, and intimidation as key factors in a statement posted on her X account on Monday.
The announcement follows reports last week that she was allegedly under surveillance by the State Security Agency (SSA). Powell, a DA Member of Parliament since 2019, has frequently clashed with the African National Congress (ANC) over South Africa’s foreign policy. Her recent claim that President’s special envoy Mcebisi Jonas was denied a US visa sparked further tensions.
Powell’s international engagements, including a March trip to the US and a sponsored visit to Israel in April, have drawn criticism from the ANC, which viewed them as contrary to national foreign policy. The US trip also led to the dismissal of her colleague, Andrew Whitfield, as a deputy minister.
The statement noted the complexities of the Government of National Unity (GNU) and said she had achieved what she could in her role. “Driven by my commitment to the DA’s foundational principles, I accepted these risks as the unavoidable cost of exposing the ANC’s relationships with authoritarian regimes,” she said.
Powell expressed gratitude to the DA for the opportunity to represent the party globally over the past two and a half years. She will retain her parliamentary seat, focusing on empowering others, particularly women, to lead.
The DA has appointed Ryan Smith, Powell’s former deputy, as the new international relations spokesperson. DA chief whip George Michalakis thanked Powell for her service and said a new portfolio for her would be announced soon.
TSUNAMIS STRIKE PARTS OF RUSSIA, JAPAN, HAWAII AFTER MASSIVE 8.8 QUAKE OFF RUSSIA’S EAST COAST PROMPTS WARNINGS AND EVACUATIONS IN DOZENS OF COUNTRIES.
TSUNAMI waves have hit parts of Russia, Japan and Hawaii in the United States after a massive earthquake off the Russian coast, with alerts issued for dozens of other countries, including the Philippines and Ecuador.
Potentially hazardous waves were expected in parts of the US, much of coastal Latin America and numerous Asian and Pacific island states later on Wednesday.
Waves up to 4 metres (13 feet) high have already struck Russia’s Far Eastern Kamchatka region, said Sergei Lebedev, the regional minister for emergency situations, following the 8.8-magnitude quake, one of the largest on record.
The height of tsunami waves in the Russian Pacific town of Severo-Kurilsk exceeded three metres (9.8ft), and the most powerful was as big as five metres (16.4ft), Russia’s RIA Novosti news agency reported on Wednesday, citing emergency services. Severo-Kurilsk, a seaport town in the Sakhalin region in the northern Kuril Islands, was flooded, forcing the evacuation of its 2,000 residents, Russia’s Ministry of Emergencies and Disaster Relief said.
Videos posted on Russian social media showed buildings in the town submerged in water, as authorities declared a state of emergency throughout the North Kuril District. District Mayor Alexander Ovsyannikov said there had been enough time to evacuate everyone on the affected islands. “All the people are in the tsunami safety zone,” he said at a crisis meeting.
The US Tsunami Warning Centre said waves as high as 3 metres (9.8ft) could hit Ecuador and Russia, while waves of 1 to 3 metres (3.3-9.8ft) were possible in Hawaii, Chile, Peru, Costa Rica, Japan and some Pacific islands.
“This is a subduction zone setting that has the potential to generate large tsunamis,” Nathan Bangs, a research professor at the University of Texas Institute for Geophysics, told Al Jazeera.
“It is similar to other settings that have generated large tsunamis in recent years that followed earthquakes, such as Sumatra in 2004 and Tohoku in 2011.”
The US National Weather Service issued tsunami “warnings” for the state of Hawaii, Alaska’s Aleutian Islands and parts of California, as well as lower-level tsunami advisories for parts of Washington and Oregon, with waves expected to arrive from the late afternoon on Wednesday.
A less serious tsunami watch was in place for the entire US West Coast.
The Honolulu Department of Emergency Management in Hawaii urged the evacuation of residents from some coastal areas.
“Take Action! Destructive tsunami waves expected,” the agency said on X, hours before the The US National Weather Service reported the first tsunami waves were impacting the state.
Hawaii’s Department of Transportation said that commercial flights had been suspended at Hilo International Airport to facilitate evacuations.
STRANGE THINGS ARE HAPPENING IN PRESIDENT HICHILEMA’S GOVERNMENT
A KBN TV EDITORIAL
In four years, so much has changed and many strange things are happening with President Hakainde Hichilema and his administration. Lately, citizens have been whispering and questioning certain decisions made, very clearly suggesting that the government could be panicking about something, possibly a realisation that time is fast ticking to the next elections and the UPND’s popularity may not be as it was as at August 12, 2021.
Some say, the President has moved from an admirablable opposition leader who promised that he together with his cabinet would be declaring assets annually, to one who frowns at entertaining the thought of declaring his assets.
From an opposition leader who castigated the then ruling Patriotic Front for its attempt to push Bill 10, saying “the constitution does not belong to the PF” to a President who signals a desire to ignore the Constitutional Court ruling to try and bulldoze his way with the widely rejected Bill 7, still calling it deferred when infact it’s a nulity.
And just when Zambians thought they had seen it all, the administration came back with the most obnoxious and laughable Land Deeds and Registry Ammendment Bill No.13 that has shocked everyone to think that the UPND administration could propose stripping constitutional authority from the lands tribunal and give the powers to cancel title deeds to a junior civil servant at the Ministry of lands.
It’s actually not surprising that a Parliamentary Committee (mostly composing MPs from the ruling party) tasked with gathering stakeholder views, was yesterday left with no choice but to recommend that the Bill be sent back for further consultation.
Twelve months to the general elections, someone should tell Mr. Hichilema that these desperate decisions, whatever the motive, are making him unpopular even among his ardent supporters. Let’s face it, as if suing the Lungu family was not enough, his government has sent an urgent request to inspect the body of the late sixth Republican President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, just few days before the Pretoria High Court is due to make a ruling on whether Lungu should be buried in South Africa or in Zambia.
Many people have now started asking tough questions about what’s really motivating this unusual appetite of wanting to see and inspect the body of someone who is not your relative. A death certificate was issued and it was presented as part of the evidence in the ongoing court hearing in the Pretoria High Court.
Is President Hichilema’s government suggesting that South African authorities conived with the Lungu family to fake his death and issue a fake death certificate? Declaring a period of national mourning was in itself an acknowledgement that ECL was dead.
By insisting on inspecting the dead body, is President Hichilema’s government rubbishing South Africa’s foreign minister’s visit to State House to inform him about the Lungu’s family request to bury their beloved in that country? Does that diplomatic effort look unreal, fake and staged?
We find these decisions to be very difficult to understand and we question whether indeed President Hichilema has Advisors or not. We think that the President is misdirecting himself by applying his time, energy and national resources on wrong priorities.
While ZAMMSA is stinking with corruption, no senior government official implicated has been arrested. While the FIC report says USD 3.5 million left the country last year alone, we are clapping for USD 184million IMF loan.
These should have been his priorities. Not Bill 7, not Bill 13, not even inspecting a dead body! Clearly something has gone wrong. It’s either Mr. Hichilema doesn’t care or he won’t just be bothered about these scandals or what Zambians think about him, his leadership and actions.
It’s not surprising that our recent poll indicates that the President’s public rating has plummeted to 48.8 percent while 76.3 percent of respondents say they want change of leadership next year.
MORNING WIRE | LUNGU BODY CASE ERUPTS INTO A NATIONAL FIRESTORM
The battle over the remains of former President Edgar Lungu has reached a fever pitch. The Zambian government, through its South African legal team, has now formally requested the Lungu family to allow the identification and authentication of Mr. Lungu’s body, which remains at a Pretoria funeral parlour.
In a strongly worded letter dated July 29, 2025, VFV Attorneys proposed that the process be conducted on any day between now and Friday, August 1, at a time agreeable to all parties. They called the step “necessary, dignified and crucial” to restoring clarity to a matter now engulfed in conspiracy and mistrust.
The government lawyers warned that if consent is denied, they will be left with “no alternative but to return to court for appropriate relief.”
Let us go back to the memory lane to understand the context:
✅ Mr. Lungu’s family announced his death on June 5, 2025, days before the government broke its silence.
✅ A memorial service was held in South Africa on June 10, but no coffin was displayed and no images of the body have been released.
✅ The family planned a tightly controlled burial in South Africa on June 25, with invitation-only attendance and severe restrictions on cameras and body viewing.
✅ That burial was abruptly halted when the Zambian government filed an urgent case in the Pretoria High Court the night before.
✅ The family has since barred open access to viewing the body, citing Mr. Lungu’s explicit wish that even President Hakainde Hichilema must not attend his funeral or come near his remains.
The Lungu family is also seeking a punitive cost order, saying the government’s eleventh-hour intervention caused immense emotional trauma and forced them to abandon burial arrangements already paid for.
The government’s demand to authenticate the body has ignited fury among Patriotic Front loyalists and online influencers. Former diplomat Emmanuel Mwamba and political analyst Dr. Sishuwa Sishuwa have openly accused the government of seeking to perform “rituals” on the remains. The accusations, though unsubstantiated, have added a dangerous layer of paranoia to an already toxic debate.
Netizens are deeply divided. Some argue that public certainty demands the body be identified, ending weeks of swirling conspiracy theories. Others warn the state is violating the family’s dignity and turning a solemn matter into political theatre.
As the burial dispute deepens, the Tonse Alliance is cracking. Last night on Diamond TV, spokesperson Sean Tembo dismissed claims by Raphael Nakacinda and Miles Sampa that the PF will decide who chairs the Alliance post-Lungu. Tembo, still remembered for his emotional collapse on a Facebook live when announcing Lungu’s death, accused PF of “misleading their rank and file” as 2026 edges closer.
The Tonse Alliance has no agreed successor, no clear roadmap, and, for now, no coherent message. The vacuum only amplifies the chaos.
Meanwhile, Chipata City Airport’s newly completed rehabilitation continues to draw attention as a rare unifying development story. Yet PF campaigns in the Mfuwe by-election remain sluggish, with images online showing low citizen engagement.
This is a moment of significant political volatility. The government’s next move could either calm or further inflame a nation already split down the middle.
Filed by Ollus R. Ndomu for The People’s Brief. Gathering by Mwape Nthegwa.
“Demanding the Truth: The Need for Transparency in Edgar Lungu’s Death”
By Timmy
“When Edgar Lungu died, Zambians were just told and informed that he had passed away not by government but by pf top officials. Without anyone seeing the body of Edgar Lungu or government confirming that yes it’s true he his dead, not even top PF officials can confirm that he is dead. Starting from the PF party’s Secretary General, Nakachide, Given Lubinda, or Emmanuel Mwanba, none of them can stand up and confirm that Edgar Lungu is dead.
We as Zambians only believed that Edgar Lungu is dead because we were told by people who were around him and associated with him, but we still wornded why they didn’t give government the chance to announce his death.
Edgar lungu was not an ordinary citizens. And it was easy for us to believe that he had passed away indeed. As we stand with what has happened over the death of Edgar Lungu, the government has a right to request to see the body of Edgar Lungu. Because there is too much mystery around Edgar Lungu’s death.
Look at this, Zambians: the family says and informs the nation that Edgar Lungu has died through their lawyer. But no one has seen the body of Edgar Lungu to confirm that he is really dead. How are Zambians going to confirm that Edgar Lungu is really dead? This question is from a public point of view. Zambians want to know and see the body of Edgar Lungu.
Okay, Zambians, for real, how are we going to know that Edgar Lungu is dead when we Zambians have not seen the body? In this case, we cannot continue to say Edgar Lungu is dead when there is no body to prove that he has died indeed. The Zambian government is right to want to confirm and see the body of Edgar Lungu in order to truly confirm that he is dead.
Because if we check back according to hospital records in South Africa, when Edgar Lungu was being admitted in that hospital, he didn’t use his original names. Another question comes up: who died, was it Edgar Lungu or the person who was admitted in the hospital record?
Another issue comes up: there were two church services held in South Africa. To our surprise as Zambians, the body of Edgar Lungu was not in the church service in South Africa. It looked like they were in a hurry to bury Edgar Lungu in order to hide the truth from Zambians.
The question that Zambians are asking is why there were two church services in South Africa held in honor of Edgar Lungu, but his body was not in any of the church services.
The first church service was held for Zambians living in South Africa. Why wasn’t the body available? Secondly, on the day that Edgar Lungu was proposed to be buried in South Africa, another church service was conducted in his honor, but still, the body was not made available. Was that normal?
Zambians expected that since the body of Edgar Lungu was not yet buried, at least in one of these church services, the body would have been present. And later on, the family through their lawyer produced a church burial program to be held in Zambia, where they strictly said that there will be no body viewing for the late Edgar Lungu.
The question is, who really saw the body to confirm that Edgar Lungu is really dead? In this world of cameras, don’t you think that among the people who have seen the dead body of Edgar Lungu, someone would have made a mistake and posted a picture of him looking dead?
The reason why the government is now interested in seeing the body of Edgar Lungu is because of how the family, through their lawyer, has been very careful with the body, not wanting a body viewing to be done, not wanting the body to be buried in Zambia, and not wanting the president to be present during the burial or near the body.
According to the government, it was right for them to conduct a body viewing for a number of days since Edgar Lungu was a former head of state, but the family refused and changed this matter.
The Zambian government really wanted its citizens to pay their last respect to the former head of state, but the family refused and said no body viewing. The truth is that they were afraid that people would notice that the body is not Edgar Lungu’s.
The other question Zambians are asking is, who among the family members of Edgar Lungu flew to South Africa, apart from his fellow politicians? With all that is happening, we cannot blame the government for asking the court to see the body of Edgar Lungu.
To be honest in this matter, those holding the body of Edgar Lungu should not hold it against President Hakainde Hichilema that he wants to see the lungu body of Edgar lungu.
All that the government has done is give the Lungu family respect. The step that the government has taken was supposed to be taken a very long time ago. The government is doing the right thing, and they are not wrong in any way.”
We Had Hope in You, Mr. President — But This Is Not the Zambia You Promised”
_By Michael Zephaniah Phiri Political Activists_
It’s truly disheartening—almost surreal—how far we’ve strayed from the values once preached by President Hakainde Hichilema when he was in the opposition. Back then, you boldly proclaimed that no citizen, not even a political opponent, would be persecuted or disrespected under your leadership. You spoke of unity, justice, and dignity. But today, *under your watch, your cadres mock the death of our Sixth Republican President, Edgar Chagwa Lungu,* with coordinated propaganda and character assassination—locally and now, even internationally.
*How did we get here, Mr. President?*
Just recently, I was shocked to hear Frank Zimba, also known as Fimba Upoke, spin a baseless and tasteless narrative about the late President Lungu—insinuating drug trafficking and criminal behavior—all to earn favor with you. And your silence on this matter, Mr. President, speaks volumes. Is this the legacy you wish to be remembered by? One that tramples on the dignity of those who came before you?
Where is the unity you once promised? How can you claim to build a better Zambia while allowing such deep disrespect for the office you now hold—an office your predecessor once held with dignity and restraint? Former President Lungu served this country not just as Head of State, but before that, as a lawyer and Cabinet Minister. Whatever political differences may exist, he deserves more than this vilification, especially in death.
You had an opportunity to unite the country through a moment of mourning. You could have embraced the PF leadership, *acknowledged our cultural values that say “funerals unite us,”* and shown statesmanship. But instead, your silence has emboldened your followers to sow division and dishonor the memory of a man who once led this nation.
And now, there’s even a new trend—AI-generated smears like Komboni Zungu—designed to fabricate corruption that even your legal system has failed to prove. Instead of presenting concrete evidence, your government has targeted the late President’s family in court, hoping to bury his legacy. Yet even there, the truth stood firm—they never denied receiving anything from their father, a man who legally earned his place through years *of service.
Let’s be clear: *you cannot erase President Lungu’s legacy.* You cannot legislate it away, prosecute it into silence, or bury it beneath fake media. The people remember. And come 2026, the Patriotic Front and other opposition parties will remind the nation how you failed a basic *Zambian principle—respect in death, unity in mourning.*
Furthermore, I *strongly encourage the Lungu family, through their legal representatives Counsel Makebi Zulu and Jonas Zimba, to pursue legal action against individuals like Frank Zimba,* who have made grave and defamatory allegations. It is vital that the truth be placed before the courts. If indeed Edgar Lungu was “expecting huge amounts of dollars to destabilize the country” as alleged, then let the evidence be presented, or let justice be served for the character assassination. These are not mere political jabs—they are serious accusations made against a man who can no longer speak for himself. The family has suffered enough humiliation, and we now ask our Lord Jesus Christ to comfort them, strengthen them, and fight this heavy battle on their behalf.
Mr. President, I ask you directly: Is this how you want your own family to be treated when your time comes? *What do our National Values and Principles say about dignity, unity, and reconciliation?* What happened to One Zambia, One Nation?
You had the chance to rise above politics. Instead, you’ve chosen silence—and that silence is now the loudest indictment of your leadership.
*We had hope in you, Mr. President. Now, we are left with questions—and a country more divided than ever.*
Zambia Sixth Poorest Country, One of the Most Unequal in the World-World Bank
Minister of Finance, Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane has had serious trouble to run the economy.
He has relied on heavy borrowings, grants and loans, and supplementary budgets to sustain snd meet national budget commitments.
Musokotwane has accumulated both local and foreign loans.
The Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants (ZICA) has called his fiscal indiscipline and raised concerns over the significant increase in Net Domestic Financing (NDF) that has risen from K15.4 billion to K30.2 billion, describing it as a substantial deviation from sound and fiscal discipline.
Zambia has faced the worst cost-of-living crisis, and is experiencing extended power cuts which have affected micro, small and medium enterprises adversely.
The World Bank local and home websites give Zambia a worrying country profile.
Zambia faces high income inequality and its poverty status ranking is recorded as the sixth poorest country and is also ranked as one of the most unequal in the world.
“In 2022, 64.3 percent of the population – about 12.6 million individuals – was living on less than US$2.15 a day.”
“This level is not only the 6th highest in the world but it is also misaligned with the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita level.”
Then Minister of Finance appointed the new board at the Zambia Statistics Agency.
Musokotwane appointed; 1) Mr. OLIVER CHINGANYA – Board Chairman ZAMSTATS; 2) Prof. EUSTARKIO KAZONGA, University of Lusaka; 3) Dr VESPER CHISUMPA, Head of Department (Population and Statistics) UNZA; 4) Mrs. ELIZABETH MUSUKWA, Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants (ZICA); 5) Mr PETER ZGAMBO, Bank of Zambia; 6) Ms. BWALYA SALAMU, Ministry of Justice; 7) Dr JEREMIAH BANDA, Senior Lecturer, UNZA; Dr CHITALU CHILIBA, Institute of Economic and Social Research, UNZA; and, 9) Mr SHILAMBWE MWAANGA.
Oliver Chinganya as new Board Chairperson was touted as one who would bring a wealth of experience, proven leadership, and a distinguished track record in advancing statistical development and data-driven policy-making across the African continent from his recent role at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa(ECA).
But we saw strange revised statistics especially those concerning key indicators, but clearly targeted to immediately improve Zambia’s standing against the poverty rankings!
And the new statistics were pushed hard and reported on Bloomberg and Reuters, news outlets relied upon by the Bretton Woods institutions.
For example Zambia’s life expectancy was revised to 67 years old.
According to Zambia Statistics Agency, Zambia also saw some key economic and social developments recently despite the hard facts such as the country experiencing the worst load-shedding, the worst drought in 100 years, the worst cost-of-living crisis in the last 60 years.
Despite having a national budget run on debts and deficits, ZAMSTATS gave alternative information.
It stated that depsite the challenges, the economy allegedly grew by 8.6% in the fourth quarter of 2024.
It has stated that inflation slowed down to 14.1% in June 2025.
It also stated that Zambia recorded a trade surplus in May 2025. The country also has a sufficient maize supply for the 2025/2026 season and was recording billions of dollars in foreign investment, statistics sometimes that sharply conflict with other reputable agencies such as the United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
These clearly questionable statistics are now bearing fruit with Zambia jumping beyond the poorest ranking to an alleged low-middle-income country by June 2025.
But a check on all other rankings are holding fast to Zambia’s true standing as a poor, low income country stating that:
“Zambia attained lower middle-income country status in 2011”.
“However, in 2022 the World bank re-classified the country to low-income status. The country faces several challenges, among them high levels of poverty and inequality; food insecurity; high unemployment rates, particularly among the youth; a heavy debt burden; natural disasters; disease outbreaks; and the impacts of climate change.”
So you can believe the genuine and credible statistics or you can download a one sheet isolated document and claim that Zambia has left the clutches of a low, highly indebted poor country.
Our hands and feet are tied till Lungu is buried – Sean Tembo
TONSE Alliance spokesperson Sean Tembo says they remain deliberately inactive on the political front, as a mark of deep respect for their fallen chairman, late former President Lungu, whose body remains unburied for close to two months since his passing.
Speaking during an interview on Diamond TV last night, Tem
bo said there was a strategic paralysis that has gripped the Alliance since Lungu’s planned burial in South Africa was halted by a court injunction.
Tembo revealed that the Alliance, has intentionally scaled down on its political activities out of consideration for the Lungu family and the Alliance’s own internal mourning process.
He further added that it is for this reason that the Tonse Alliance is unable to move forward, despite growing public pressure for them to re-enter the political ring.
“It would be disrespectful to the family of President Lungu, who was our chairman, for us to begin to embark on most of the public political activities before we bury the chairman. So it is tying our hands and our feet a little bit,” Tembo explained.
The former president died on June 5 while receiving treatment in South Africa.
However, efforts to lay him to rest in Zambia were met with back and forth disagreements between the Lungu family and Government.
The former first family later settled to bury Lungu in South Africa but at the eleventh hour, Government sued the family in the Pretoria High Court, halting the funeral procession.
Submissions have been met and rulling is expected next month on August 4.
Tonse mouthpiece expressed hope that the court would issue a judgment soon after, allowing the family to proceed with Lungu’s burial and the Alliance to resume its political programmes with renewed energy.
“Response to Fred M’membe’s Article: Transparency and National Interest Demand Body Viewing
By Timmy
As Zambians, we are surprised and disappointed by Fred M’membe’s stance on the issue of Edgar Lungu’s body viewing. While we understand that politics can be divisive, this issue transcends party lines and is a matter of national interest.
The people of Zambia, not just President Hakainde Hichilema, want to see the body of the former president to confirm that he is indeed dead. It’s not about HH’s curiosity, but about the citizens’ right to know the truth.
We are puzzled by the opposition’s stance on this issue, with leaders like Sean tembo , kBF, Given Lubinda, Hurry Kalaba, and Kasonde opposing the body viewing. It’s intriguing that they seem to be more interested in protecting the interests of the Lungu family than in serving the people of Zambia.
As Zambians, we demand transparency and accountability from our leaders. The government, through the support of citizens, is pushing for the body viewing to bring closure and clarity to this matter. Fred M’membe and friends should tell Zambians why they are opposed to the body viewing and what they have to hide.
The people of Zambia are watching, and we have seen enough. We will not entrust the affairs of this nation to those who seem more interested in hiding the truth than in serving the people.
“Response to Emmanuel Mwanba: Government’s Decision to Dig Grave for Edgar Lungu is a Matter of National Protocol
By Timmy
The government’s decision to dig a grave for the late Edgar Lungu is a standard procedure, given the announcement of his passing and the plan to bring his body back to Zambia. It’s not about the government’s curiosity, but about following state protocols for burying a former head of state. As a nation, we have a responsibility to honor our leaders with dignity and respect, and this decision is in line with that duty.
The real question is, why are people like Emmanuel Mwanba opposing this decision? Is it because they’re trying to hide something or gain political mileage through the body of Edgar Lungu? The manner in which Emmanuel Mwanba and others are responding to this issue raises more questions than answers. Are they trying to protect the interests of the Lungu family or their own political agendas? It’s intriguing that they seem to be more interested in creating drama and confusion than in serving the interests of the Zambian people.
As Zambians, we deserve the truth, and the government’s decision to dig a grave for Edgar Lungu is a step towards transparency and accountability. The fact that the government is following standard protocols for burying a former head of state should be reassuring to all citizens. Let’s not be fooled by the drama and propaganda. The government’s actions are guided by a sense of duty and responsibility to the nation, not by political expediency.
The truth is, the government’s decision to dig a grave for Edgar Lungu is not just about the former president; it’s about the dignity and respect due to all Zambians. We, as a nation, must demand transparency and accountability from our leaders, and the government’s decision in this matter is a step in the right direction.
SP CONDEMNS GOVERNMENT’s CONTINUED INTERFERENCE IN ECL’s FUNERAL
Lusaka… Wednesday July 30, 2025 – The Socialist Party has expressed deep concern over the UPND government’s continued interference in the funeral proceedings of former President Edgar Lungu.
In a statement, the party’s Legal Chairperson, Mr. Simon Mulenga Mwila, said the desire by the government to access the late president’s body was troubling.
He stated that such actions, particularly at a time when the family was grieving, were not only unnecessary but also inhumane.
Mr. Mwila stated that former President Lungu deserved to be mourned and buried with dignity.
He emphasized that the Lungu family had every right to lay their loved one to rest in peace, free from pressure, suspicion, or intimidation by the state.
According to the party official, the nation had already moved on, and there was no existing national crisis that warranted an unhealthy obsession with a man who was no longer alive.
Mr. Mwila urged the government to allow the Lungu family to mourn in peace.
He appealed to authorities not to turn the funeral into a political standoff, and instead let the family bury their father, husband, brother, and leader with the respect and privacy they deserved.
Honestly, I’m now failing to understand some of these opposition leaders, the likes of Fred M’membe and the others. That the state is requesting authorisation from the family of the late President to ascertain whether or not it’s the body of the former President, ECL, which is in the morgue in a foreign country, to me, merits appreciation.
Let’s cut to the chase – since the announcement was made that ECL is dead, nobody, from the state, or from his political Party, down to the lowest cadre has had access to the former President’s mortal remains, save for Tasila, the window and obviously the family mouthpiece, Councel Makebi Zulu.
Given himself, who shed the most tears, is unable to ascertain whether or not the late President is really dead because he’s never had access to the mortal remains of the former president.
A funeral service was organised in South Africa which was presided over by Archbishop Dr. Alick Banda, to the astonishment of many there was no paying respects, or body viewing – this, and many more, has stirred up debate about the state that the former president is really in – has ECL really descended into eternal slumber, or this is political posturing? Plan B?
To see opposition leaders criticising the attempt by the state to confirm whether or not ECL is dead, has really made me upset. Bena fyonse ni ma politics.
Here’s my conclusion, if the family is not going to authorize access for state representatives to inspect the mortal remains of the former president, and confirm that it’s really his body in the morgue, I’ll equally conclude that ECL isn’t dead – I’ll give credence to the hearsay that ECL is in Asia chilling, and executing his strategy.
“This is not just about politics—it’s about patriotism,” says Central Province UPND youth leader Don Mwenda, rallying Zambians to unite behind President Hakainde Hichilema ahead of the 2026 general elections.
“We owe it to ourselves and our future to ensure a landslide victory for a leader who has transformed hope into action.”
Speaking in an interview, Mwenda emphasized that supporting President Hichilema’s re-election is not merely a political choice but it is a patriotic duty born out of the remarkable progress the country has witnessed during his first term in office.
“It is our responsibility as citizens,especially we the youth,to ensure that President Hakainde Hichilema wins the 2026 elections with a landslide victory,” he said. “This is not just about preference; it’s about recognizing the undeniable transformation under his leadership.”
Mwenda pointed to key achievements already delivered, particularly in employment creation. For over a decade, thousands of trained teachers, nurses, and graduates remained jobless. But under President Hichilema’s administration, massive recruitment in education, healthcare, and even the defence forces has breathed new life into countless Zambian households.
“He has brought dignity and hope back to homes that had been forgotten,” Mwenda said.
He also praised Hichilema for restoring public confidence in national institutions and laying a solid foundation for long-term growth.
“This is a president who listens, plans, and delivers. We’re seeing economic stability, responsible debt restructuring, stronger international partnerships, and serious efforts to tackle corruption,” Mwenda noted. “These efforts may not provide overnight results, but they are planting the seeds for a prosperous Zambia.”
Mwenda passionately called on his fellow youth—those who understand the weight of struggle and the power of hope—to stand behind Hichilema’s vision for the nation.
“Let us protect our future by supporting a leader who is building it with sincerity and vision.”
He added that the full impact of Hichilema’s reforms and investments will become clearer in a second term, with progress in infrastructure, agriculture, education, healthcare, and industrial job creation.
In closing, Mwenda urged all citizens to view 2026 not just as an election, but as a critical turning point for Zambia’s future.
“President Hakainde Hichilema has shown discipline, humility, and a tireless commitment to serve. He is a servant-leader in the truest sense,always walking the talk. Let’s give him the mandate to finish the journey he has started.”
“2026 is not just another election,it is a choice between progress and regression. Let’s choose progress. Let’s choose President Hakainde Hichilema.”
Bill 13 Rejected: MPs Push Back Against ‘Dangerous’ Lands and Deeds Amendment
A heated national debate has erupted over the now-rejected Lands and Deeds Registry (Amendment) Bill No. 13 of 2025, following a unanimous decision by the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture, Lands and Natural Resources to send the proposed legislation back to the Ministry of Justice for further consultation.
The controversial Bill, which sought to amend the Lands and Deeds Registry Act by giving the Chief Registrar unilateral authority to cancel Certificates of Title without judicial oversight, was met with strong opposition from legal, civil, and agricultural stakeholders.
During the committee’s public consultation process, prominent voices including the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ), the Zambia National Farmers Union (ZNFU), the Zambia Land Alliance, and legal experts Dickson Jere and George Chisanga warned that such provisions could severely undermine land tenure security and open the door to political abuse.
“This Bill doesn’t just threaten private property rights; it sets a precedent for unchecked executive power over land ownership,” said one legal expert who made submissions before the committee.
The Committee, chaired by Kasautu Saiti Michelo and comprising MPs Tyson Simuzingili, Ackleo Aaron Banda, Peter M. Phiri, Andrew Tayengwa, Mweemba Malambo, Lusale John Simbao, and Yotam Mtayachalo, emphasized that the proposed changes must be reconsidered through a wider consultative process to avoid unintended legal and socio-economic consequences.
Opposition was especially strong over the clause that gives sweeping powers to a single civil servant the Chief Registrar to nullify land titles, a role previously reserved for the judiciary or the Lands Tribunal. Many MPs warned this could weaken the rule of law and invite selective targeting of individuals in politically motivated land disputes.
“This isn’t administrative reform it ’s executive overreach disguised as efficiency,” said one MP during deliberations. “Land ownership in Zambia must remain protected by due process, not discretionary decisions by appointed officials.”
Despite the backlash, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Patrick Mucheleka, defended the Bill. He argued that the amendment was meant to streamline land administration and curb fraudulent title issuance. “We are not trying to grab land from anyone. This is about strengthening internal processes and accountability,” he said.
But Parliamentarians remained skeptical, citing recent land scandals as evidence of how the proposed law could be abused. References were made to questionable land allocations in State Lodge which is allegedly linked to senior government officials and politically connected beneficiaries.
At this point, let’s just say it: President Hakainde Hichilema should go back to travelling. He’s grounded himself long enough out of respect for the late Edgar Lungu.
For weeks now, Zambia has been holding its breath. But instead of a peaceful state send-off, we’ve got lawsuits, foreign courts, and a widow armed with lawyers and receipts. Meanwhile, the actual Head of State is at home, cancelling international engagements and smiling politely while being accused of spiritual harassment, etc.
QUESTION: how long is the President supposed to pause national and diplomatic duties—until the South African High Court finally says, “Okay, Zambia, you may now collect your ex-leader”?
At this rate, he’ll miss two UN summits, an AU meeting, and possibly Christmas.
The idea that the President should remain immobile while one family throws legal tantrums across borders is not just unreasonable—it’s peak Zambian drama.
Let’s not forget: Zambia is a large country with problems that need attention— trade, regional diplomacy. And some of these things require the President to leave the country once in a while.
Meanwhile, across the border, court sessions drag on as the Lungu family continues to argue that the man who led Zambia should not be laid to rest in it. Most people beg to come home in the end. But here, it’s lawyers and affidavits, as if the casket might testify next.
Enough is enough. Let the President do his job. The court case will take its course, the family will exhaust every delay tactic possible, and in the end, Zambia will still have to provide a proper burial for a former Head of State—even if it takes longer than his entire presidency.
So yes—maybe HH should just dust off his diplomatic passport, book that flight, and go represent the country. __________ Zambian Angle | July 30
Lawyers representing the Zambian government in the ongoing case in South Africa regarding the repatriation of former President Edgar Lungu have formally requested the Lungu family to allow the identification and authentication of Mr. Lungu’s body, currently kept at a funeral parlour.
In a letter dated July 29, 2025, VFV Attorneys proposed that the process be conducted on any day from today until Friday, August 1, 2025, at a time convenient for all parties involved.
They described the request as a necessary and respectful step to bring clarity to a matter of both public and personal importance.
The lawyers warned that any refusal or failure to provide the required consent would compel the government to question the bona fides of the Lungu family’s position, adding that they would have no choice but to approach the court for appropriate relief.
This request follows a court order issued on June 25, 2025, which stated that only the Lungu family and designated individuals would be permitted to view and inspect the body of the late president.
In this matter, Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha is asking the South African High Court to order the repatriation of Mr. Lungu’s body to Zambia despite opposition from the Lungu family.
Mr. Lungu died on June 5, 2025, in South Africa. His body has not yet been buried due to a standoff between his family and the Zambian government.
The news that government wants to have access to ECL’s body is worrying.
At a time when the family is grieving, this continued interference is not only unnecessary but it is inhumane.
Former President Edgar Lungu deserves to be mourned and buried with dignity. His family has every right to lay him to rest in peace, without pressure, suspicion, or intimidation from the state.
Zambia has already moved on. There is no national crisis that justifies this level of obsession with a man who is no longer here.
The government must allow the Lungu family to mourn in peace. Let them bury their father, husband, brother, and leader without turning the funeral into a political standoff.
Lands bill a threat property rights, says Dickson Jere
Daily Nation ……urges members of Parliament not bto support the bill because it has the potential to disrupt the country’s financial market if allowed to be enacted into law
By Grace Chaile
LUSAKA Lawyer Dickson Jere has strongly opposed the rushed amendment of the lands and Deeds Registry (Amendment) Bill No 13 of 2025, warning that its passage could disrupt the country’s entire financial market.
Mr Jere has warned Members of Parliament that Bill 13 while appearing harmless, could be politically and economically dangerous if misused and mismanaged.
Appearing before the parliamentary committee on Agriculture, Lands and Natural Resources, Mr Jere urged lawmakers to withdraw the bill citing serious legal, administrative and economic consequences if enacted.
He questioned the proposal to empower the Chief Registrar of Land, a position he described as largely clerical to determine disputes over land titles within 30 days.
Mr Jere argued that such a move would create chaos , as all disputes over tittle would now be queued before the minister of Lands and Natural Resources under the Chief Registrar’s office.
Mr Jere warned that if the bill passed, it would undermine legal safeguards that allow tittle cancellation on through a court process either in proven cases of fraud or mistaken issuance.
He emphasized that tittle deeds are a cornerstone of the financial sector and used as collateral in borrowing.
“If banks know that a tittle can be cancelled at any time by an administrative officer , they will demand insurance or personal guarantees on top of the tittle, making borrowing more expensive,” Mr Jere stated.
The charging, arrest, and prosecution of Nkana independent member of parliament, Binwell Mpundu, for seditious practices is very annoying. It really makes my blood run cold.
What is seditious about talking about the abduction Emmanuel Jay Banda?
It is a well-known fact that throughout history, those who administer or control the criminal justice system hold the power with the potential for abuse and tyranny. This is exactly what we are today witnessing in Zambia.
The statutory powers to charge, arrest, and prosecute those who commit crimes should be reasonably exercised and in good faith. There’s a need to administer justice with impartiality.
Impartial law enforcement should be guaranteed by institutions charged with that responsibility. We should apply institutions to every aspect of law enforcement as a wall wired with a high-tension electricity line. The only antidote to the culture of venality is the readiness of our criminal justice system to apply the laws fairly and equally. We should at all times uphold the rule of law, integrity of the criminal justice system, and the right to a fair trial.
I can only ask Mr Hakainde Hichilema to remember what he said yesterday and remind himself of the Golden Rule:
“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
It seems Mr Hichilema has not taken notice of the golden rule despite the rule’s prominence in commonsense ethics.
EMMANUEL MWAMBA’S LIES ABOUT ZAMBIA BEING 6TH POOREST NATION IN THE WORLD
By Shalala Oliver Sepiso
Yesterday, Emmanuel Mwamba posted that Zambia was classified as a Low-Income Country and among the six poorest countries in the world.
A simple Google search or a cursory check on the World Bank website shows that this is not true at all.
Kindly find attached hereto a list of Low-Income Countries and Lower Middle-Income countries for 2024-2025 as classified by the World Bank and as displayed in their website.
Zambia is a Lower Middle-Income Country and beats many countries that are Low-Income including: 1.Afghanistan 2.Burkina Faso 3.Burundi 4.Central African Republic 5.Chad
Boy Mamabolo to resubmit application for “Mandela For President” party despite IEC rejection
Defiant former ANC Member of Parliament Jacob Boy Mamabolo has announced plans to resubmit his application to register his new political party, Mandela For President, with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) this Friday.
The IEC rejected Mamabolo’s initial application on Monday, citing several compliance failures. Among the reasons were an insufficient number of valid signatures and failure to meet the required threshold of registered voters for party registration .
Additionally, election officials raised concerns that the party’s name and use of green and black branding could mislead voters into associating it with the legacy of former president Nelson Mandela .
The IEC also flagged inconsistencies in leadership documentation. While the party’s constitution named “Mandela Jacob Boy Mamabolo” as founding convener, IEC records list him only as “Jacob Boy Mamabolo” suggesting possible misrepresentation of material details in the application .
Despite the setback, Mamabolo, aged 42 and hailing from Seshego, asserts he was motivated by supporters and disillusioned ANC members who felt the party had exploited his loyalty without recognising his contributions.
According to Mamabolo, they encouraged him to challenge the status quo by launching his own political movement .
In a statement, he said: “I have been loyal to the ANC for years, but I was used and dumped. This new movement is about reclaiming true leadership and honouring the vision many believe Mandela stood for.”
It remains to be seen whether Mamabolo’s amended submission due Friday will satisfy the IEC’s requirements. For now, the party is still not officially registered and ineligible to participate in any elections.
Deputy speaker brushes off K75m scandal as ‘old news’
A PARLIAMENTARY demand for answers regarding a K75 million payment made by the former Patriotic Front (PF) administration for unfulfilled work has been dismissed as an “old issue” by first deputy speaker of the National Assembly Attractor Chisangano.
The dismissal came yesterday after Mongu Central Member of Parliament Oliver Amutike rose on an urgent matter without notice, challenging Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security Jack Mwiimbu to address the Zambian public on the fate of those implicated in the alleged K75 million “looting” and the whereabouts of the funds.
The Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) report, which sparked Amutike’s concern, revealed a K75 million payment by the government, under the PF administration, to a company, contracted for major infrastructure projects, despite a complete lack of evidence that the work was ever performed.
The report detailed that “Company D” secured a K350 million contract for infrastructure development from a public institution in 2019, with an 18-month execution period and an initial K75 million advance.
However, a subsequent verification process found no evidence of any construction or related work, raising serious questions about the contract’s efficacy and the integrity of the parties involved.
Amutike, determined to hold those responsible accountable, underscored Zambia’s low tolerance for corruption and brutality, pointing to the ousting of the PF as evidence of the electorate’s commitment to justice.
“The people of Mongu and Zambians alike expect that when I return to them on Friday, I will be able to report that Minister Mwiimbu has taken action against those responsible for looting K75 million from the PF government,” Amutike asserted to the house.
“Is Minister Mwiimbu justified in remaining silent about the whereabouts of the K75 million that the PF allegedly misappropriated? I seek your serious ruling Madam Speaker.”
However, the Deputy Speaker quickly interjected, dismissing the matter as a case of “old news.”
“Honorable Member, the matter you are raising is an old issue that has come out. As you may recall, the former Minister of Local Government himself revealed that certain projects were characterised by ‘air supply from contractors.’ This is not a new issue and I suggest that you seek alternative avenues to pursue it,” Chisangano stated before swiftly shifting her focus to the next order of business.
Lungu family wants government to pay for Lungu’s funeral, legal costs
THE family of late former president Edgar Lungu has demanded that the Zambian government should pay for the cancelled funeral and all legal fees incurred in the ongoing court battle over his remains.
In their latest court filing before the South African High
Court, Lungu’s widow, Esther Lungu, children and sibling Bertha have asked the court to issue a punitive costs order against the Zambian government, arguing that its last minute legal actions caused not only emotional distress but also financial losses to the family.
The respondents who happen to be Esther Lungu, her sister in law Bertha, children, Tasila, Dalitso and Chiyeso Lungu, nephew Charles Phiri, lawyer Makebi Zulu and the funeral company Two Mountains submitted that the state deliberately disrupted the funeral scheduled for June 25, 2025, by launching an “eleventh-hour” urgent application two hours before the burial.
“The launching of an eleventh-hour urgent application on the morning of 25 June 2025, the very date and time scheduled for the funeral of the late President Lungu, with only two hours’ notice to the Respondents… alone justifies a punitive costs order,” reads part of the family’s heads of argument.
“The Applicant [government] knew at the very latest that the remains would not be returned to Zambia on the 18th of June 2025. Yet, it waited until the morning of the funeral to launch its application, causing the entire ceremony to be called off.”
They argued that this move led to great emotional and financial cost for the family, who had already paid for the venue, funeral home, transport, security and clergy, in line with President Lungu’s personal burial wishes.
The family accused the government of acting in bad faith, fabricating urgency to interfere with burial decisions that rightfully belong to the widow.
They said the state’s actions were politically motivated, especially given Lungu’s known opposition to being buried under the current administration.
The family also raised serious concerns about the conduct of the lawyer representing the Zambian government in South Africa, Hemisha Gihwala, whom they allege misled the court in a secret application filed on July 2, 2025, by making false claims about the funeral arrangements and misrepresenting the scope of a previous court order.
The Lungu family wants the court to report her to the Legal Practice Council for disciplinary action and consider making her personally liable for some of the legal costs.
According to the family, Gihwala falsely claimed that there had been a “common understanding” that the funeral parlour (Two Mountains) would continue preserving Lungu’s body and that the existing court order was “ambiguous.”
But the family contends this interpretation was “neither contemplated by the order nor agreed upon by the parties.”
“Despite this, she made a number of statements in her affidavit which were demonstrably false or materially misleading, and which border on perjury,” alleges the filing.
“The Respondents regard this conduct as unbecoming of an attorney of the High Court and intend to refer the matter to the Legal Practice Council for investigation and possible disciplinary action.”
They argued that the Zambian government has no legal right to dictate the burial of the late Lungu, particularly under South African law, which gives that authority to the surviving spouse.
“The Applicant has failed to establish any legal or factual basis for the relief it seeks. The Respondents, particularly the First Respondent as the lawful surviving spouse, is entitled under South African law to determine the burial of the late president Lungu,” the court papers read.
They further stressed that the late former president’s wishes were clearly and repeatedly expressed that he is not to be buried under the current Zambian administration and those wishes must be respected.
On the government’s attempt to rely on Zambian legislation and previous local cases, the respondents are firm that the Zambian government’s reliance on foreign law, including the Benefits Act and the Kaunda case, is misplaced, neither has binding effect in South Africa.
They are urging the court to dismiss government’s case entirely, order the state to pay for all legal costs and cover all funeral related expenses that were lost due to the abrupt cancellation of Lungu’s burial.
EAZ CALLS FOR ECONOMIC CONSTITUTION TO PROTECT NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT TRAJECTORY
Economics Association of Zambia Vice President Mbanji Milambo has proposed an economic constitution to safeguard development from political interference.
He stressed the need for long-term policy consistency, citing China’s sustained strategies as a model.
This came to light during a one-day Symposium on Global Geopolitical Shifts themed ‘Zambia in a Shifting World Order: Strategic Responses to Global Geopolitical Reconfiguration’ organised by the Southern African Institute for Policy and Research (SAIPAR) in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MFAIC).
Milambo warned that economic growth must exceed 12% to meaningfully address poverty and population pressures.
He expressed concern over outdated mineral records and welcomed the ongoing national mapping initiative.
Recalling Zambia’s past mining leadership, Milambo urged a renewed push towards strategic planning and production.
Meanwhile, Centre for Policy Dialogue Chairperson Dr Neo Simutanyi has emphasised the need to shield development plans from political interference to ensure consistent progress across administrations.
He highlighted Zambia’s potential in electric vehicle (EV) partnerships with the DRC and underscored the urgency of formalising informal gold mining to boost local resource mobilisation.
Dr Simutanyi lamented the adverse effects of the United States’ aid withdrawal, noting job losses and a breakdown in health services.
He called for stronger accountability in the health sector, citing persistent drug shortages despite government assurances.
Dr Simutanyi is urging realistic and constitutionally protected national plans, he challenged Zambia to emulate China’s model of transformative rural development and measurable poverty reduction.
And African Union Economic, Social and Cultural Council (AU ECOSOCC) CSO Engagement Officer Dr Raj Chintaram stated Zambia has vast natural and geographic resources that remain underutilized.
He noted DRC and Zambia’s strategic role in the electric vehicle (EV) supply chain, highlighting the untapped potential of regional corridors such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) routes.
Dr Chintaram questioned whether Zambia is reaping the real economic benefits from the increasing number of foreign travellers arriving and departing through the country’s airports.
He challenged stakeholders to assess whether the influx reflects genuine economic opportunities or missed chances to offer tangible value to international visitors and opined that Zambia should make tourism as one of its key pillars of its future development.
Dr Chintaram emphasised the need to turn Zambia’s resource strengths into a sustainable development advantage by investing in infrastructure and enhancing trade capacity.
AIZ RAISES CONCERNS OVER LANDS AND DEEDS REGISTRY (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2025
Lusaka, 29th July 2025
The Agricultural Institute of Zambia (AIZ) has acknowledged the proposed Lands and Deeds Registry (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which seeks to empower the Chief Registrar to cancel Certificates of Title under circumstances such as fraud, error, or violations of the law.
In a statement issued by its President, Professor Kavwanga E.S. Yambayamba, AIZ welcomed the Government’s efforts to strengthen land governance and ensure that land titling processes in Zambia are transparent, lawful, and equitable.
The Institute, however, also raised several key concerns and recommendations aimed at safeguarding the interests of the agricultural sector.
AIZ emphasized that secure land tenure is essential for sustainable agricultural investment, particularly for small- and medium-scale farmers. It warned that any legal changes must be carefully crafted to avoid unintended consequences that could disrupt agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods.
While the Institute supported provisions allowing the cancellation of fraudulent or illegally obtained titles, it called for the process to be transparent and subject to independent oversight. AIZ cautioned against the potential for abuse of authority if such powers were exercised without proper checks and balances.
The organization also questioned the impartiality of having appeals handled initially by a Minister, recommending instead that appeals be directed to an independent tribunal or judicial body to ensure neutrality and fairness.
Another key concern raised by AIZ was the need for widespread public education on the implications of the proposed law. The Institute urged the Ministry of Lands to conduct robust sensitization campaigns, especially in rural areas, so that all landowners clearly understand their rights and obligations under the new provisions.
Furthermore, AIZ recommended that the Bill include explicit protections for bona fide purchasers—individuals who may have unknowingly acquired land with existing irregularities—to ensure they are not unfairly penalized.
In conclusion, AIZ reaffirmed its commitment to supporting legal and policy frameworks that promote responsible agricultural development and sound land administration. The Institute expressed its willingness to engage with stakeholders to ensure that the amendment addresses past injustices without creating new vulnerabilities for land users and farmers in Zambia.
