State prosecutors have filed espionage charges against an Israeli citizen accused of passing sensitive information about Israeli war plans to an Iranian intelligence agent.
The suspect’s identity remains under a court-imposed gag order. According to prosecutors, he immigrated from Iran to Israel in 1999 and later reestablished contact with Iranian authorities during a trip to Turkey more than a decade later, when he visited the Iranian embassy.
Shortly after that visit, the defendant began a relationship with an Iranian woman living in Iran. Through her, he was introduced to Iranian operatives. Prosecutors allege that an Iranian agent contacted the woman and asked her to arrange a meeting between the defendant and himself.
The defendant allegedly met with two Iranian operatives in Turkey in September 2024 while visiting his partner. Upon returning to Israel, he remained in touch with one of the agents via the Telegram messaging app.
Authorities claim the defendant took advantage of an existing friendship with another Israeli citizen who had connections to government figures. That associate was reportedly in communication with an Iranian chemist who provided intelligence that could support Israel’s strategic interests against Iran.
The associate asked the defendant to help translate correspondence with the chemist from Farsi to Hebrew. According to the indictment, the defendant then betrayed the chemist by informing the Iranian agent of the contact, sharing the translated materials and advising the agent to “keep an eye on him.”
In May 2025, one month before Israel launched an air offensive against Iran, the defendant allegedly told his Iranian contact that Israel planned to attack the country. He later reported that Israel was preparing a commando operation targeting nuclear facilities in the Islamic Republic.
The suspect was arrested by Israeli police on July 1. He is now standing trial at the Lod District Court, charged with maintaining contact with a foreign agent and passing intelligence to the enemy with the intent to harm state security.
President Donald Trump is not being honest with Americans about his trade policies, according to one economist.
Trump has sought to reshape global trade by imposing significant tariffs on America’s trading partners, such as South Korea and Japan. Some experts have argued that Trump’s tariffs are being used as a way to achieve negotiating leverage.
Justin Wolfers, professor of public policy and economics at the University of Michigan, told Sam Seder on his show “Majority Report” on Sunday that Trump’s approach to tariffs is built on a “pattern of dishonesty.”
Wolfers explained that Trump’s tariff policy appears to have confused trade barriers with trade deficits. Trade barriers can occur for reasons other than tariffs, such as a product not meeting the needs of another country’s consumers, or it doesn’t pass regulatory inspections. Trade deficits, on the other hand, measure the relative value of a country’s imports and exports.
America’s almost nonexistent car sales to Japan are an example of a trade barrier, Wolfers argued, because American cars don’t meet the country’s emissions levels or the safety standards.
Wolfers added that all countries place tariffs on “politically important” items, and many had lowered their tariffs to between 1% and 3% by the end of 2024.
“Trump hasn’t yet gotten anyone to give up on the politically important stuff,” Wolfers said.
Wolfers also argued that Trump’s “shifting rationale” on tariffs is “more incoherent” than some think. He listed reasons Trump has given for the tariffs, such as ending illegal immigration from Canada, addressing the fentanyl crisis, and growing America’s manufacturing industry.
While some of these ideas could work in theory, Wolfers added that the tariffs have little practical value for the president to achieve these ends.
For instance, Trump threatened to impose an additional tariff on Spain after it refused to increase its NATO defense spending. However, Spain is part of the European Union, which makes it impossible to impose such tariffs. That prevents Trump from meeting his goal of getting all NATO countries to spend at least 5% of their GDP on defense.
Trump’s budget bill provides an example of how counterintuitive the administration’s tariff policies appear to be for the American consumer, Wolfers argued.
“What they’ve done is give tax breaks to the rich, while the tariffs are going to be paid for by middle-class consumers,” Wolfers said.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth received a sharp phone call from the White House over his wide use of polygraphs at the Pentagon which infuriated one official with close ties to Donald Trump advisor Stephen Miller.
After six months, Hegseth has continued being a problem for the Trump administration from his “Signalgate” scandal to canceling a shipment or arms to Ukraine without notifying the president or the State Depatment and now infuriating Pentagon denizens with his obsessive search for leakers.
On Saturday, the New York Times reported that Hegseth was on the receiving end of a “rare intervention” from Gen. Dan Caine, the current chairman of the Joint Chiefs, over fury at the refusal to promote Army officer Lt. Gen. Douglas A. Sims II, because Hegseth believed he was a leaker.
Now, on Sunday, the Washington Post is reporting Hegseth’s fear of leaks reached the point where the White House felt compelled to intervene.
According to the report, “Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s use of polygraph tests to search for people leaking information to the news media was stopped at the direction of the White House after a senior adviser to Hegseth raised alarm to senior officials there about being targeted.”
At the center of the pushback is Hegseth advisor Patrick Weaver, who is close to Miller, who grew angry upon hearing he himself might be put on the spot.
That led to a previously unreported call from the White House for the defense secretary to stand down.
The report adds, “The polygraphs came during a period of tremendous upheaval in Hegseth’s inner circle that included the defense secretary’s firing of three senior Pentagon appointees in April and accusing them of leaking to the media. The aides — Dan Caldwell, Colin Carroll and Darin Selnick — disputed that and accused the Pentagon of slandering them. Hegseth’s team has presented no evidence to back its claims.”
According to a former Donald Trump communications official, there is no way that the president and his White House should be at the center of the Jeffrey Epstein files scandal which should be handled instead by the Department of Justice.
During an appearance on CNN’s State of the Union” panel segment, Alyssa Farah Griffin, who served in the first Trump administration as the director of strategic communications, stated she was shocked at Trump’s advisers letting the Epstein firestorm get out of hand.
Speaking with host Jake Tapper, she pointed out, “Sometimes when you’ve got a bad news story, the best thing you can do is just move away and focus on something else.”
“This did not need to be a weekls-long story that’s now permeated pop culture and beyond,” she elaborated. “Donald Trump, many people around him ran on getting to the bottom of what happened with Epstein, bringing people to justice. He needs to somehow get this back to the Department of Justice, say he’s not talking about it.”
“Don’t be talking about pardons for Ghislaine Maxwell and others and be able to focus on his agenda,” she explained before adding, “The fact that this has dragged out for so long is just pure malpractice by those advising him and the president’s inability to stay on message.”
“He’s got to get back to a proactive message, because this is something that –– we’re a year and a half out from the midterms, there’s going to be 20 other news cycles that happen before then. But people actually care a lot about this, and it will matter to House members who are up [for re-election].”
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) said that Republicans were feeling “so much disappointment” in President Donald Trump after he did “a 180” and declined to release files on convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
“I don’t think it’s a hoax at all,” Massie told ABC News on Sunday in response to Trump’s claim that the Epstein files were a Democratic “hoax.”
“It’s emblematic of the promise that President Trump brought with him to the White House, how he energized so many people who had checked out of the political system,” he continued. “He was going to be the guy who holds all the rich and powerful and politically connected people accountable.”
“And that’s why there’s so much disappointment right now.”
Massie suspected that Trump had “friends who may be embarrassed by the release of these files.”
“But for some reason, he’s decided to do a 180 on this,” the lawmaker complained.
The cost to rehab the controversial luxury jet generously gifted to Donald Trump by the government of Qatar remains a mystery with the figures not being made available at the same time that there are questions about a “mysterious” Pentagon fund transfer.
According to a report from the New York Times’ David E. Sanger and Eric Schmitt, the Pentagon has gone to great pains to hide the expense to make changes to the “free” jet that is supposed to replace the aging Air Force One.
The report notes, “Officially, and conveniently, the price tag has been classified. But even by Washington standards, where “black budgets” are often used as an excuse to avoid revealing the cost of outdated spy satellites and lavish end-of-year parties,” adding that the reasoning behind hiding the cost is “inventive.”
That led to speculation about a recent unexplained transfer of almost a billion dollars within the Pentagon.
Writing, “no one wants to discuss a mysterious, $934 million transfer of funds from one of the Pentagon’s most over-budget, out-of-control projects — the modernization of America’s aging, ground-based nuclear missiles,” Sanger and Schmitt added, “congressional budget sleuths have come to think that amount, slipped into an obscure Pentagon document sent to Capitol Hill as a ‘transfer’ to an unnamed classified project, almost certainly includes the renovation” of the jet that has been descibed as a “palace in the sky.”
The report adds that the plane will not be ready soon, if at all while the president is in office, and “will be transferred to the yet-to-be-created Trump presidential library after he leaves office in 2029, the president has said.”
Super Falcons striker Asisat Oshoala has debunked widespread rumours suggesting she has retired from international football.
Speaking to reporters in Morocco following Nigeria’s dramatic 3-2 victory over the host nation in the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final, the six-time African Player of the Year described the speculation as entirely baseless.
“I don’t know where that came from but agenda must agend. 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,” Oshoala said.
The 30-year-old, who was named in Nigeria’s final 23-player squad for the tournament, played a supporting role throughout the competition, providing leadership and experience from the bench as the Super Falcons clinched their 12th WAFCON title.
Oshoala’s international career began in 2013 and gained global attention in 2014 when she starred at the U-20 Women’s World Cup and helped Nigeria win the African Women’s Championship that same year.
She made history by becoming the first African player to score in three consecutive FIFA Women’s World Cups and has now won four WAFCON titles — 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2024.
With a legacy that continues to grow, Oshoala remains a defining figure in Nigerian football and a symbol of excellence on the continent.
A 22-year-old South African woman, Nompumelelo Gumede, is fighting for her life in ICU after she was set ablaze by her boyfriend and father of her two-year-old child.
The horrific domestic violence incident occurred in eMalahleni, Witbank, Mpumalanga province.
According to preliminary reports, the suspect, in a fit of jealousy, allegedly doused Nompumelelo and his own sister with petrol before locking them inside a room and setting it on fire.
The sister had reportedly tried to protect Nompumelelo from the assault.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, as details of the gruesome attack continue to emerge. Both victims suffered extensive burn injuries and remain in critical condition.
The suspect was arrested shortly after the incident and is expected to appear in court on Monday, July 28, facing charges of attempted murder and arson.
Gender-based violence activists are calling for swift justice and stronger protection measures for women.
“This is yet another example of how unsafe women are, even in their own homes,” one local activist said.
As Nompumelelo lies in hospital, her future uncertain, her family and supporters hope for her recovery and for justice to be served swiftly.
South Africans Breathe Fire as Zimbabwe Refuses to Pay Medical Bills for Citizens in SA
The Zimbabwean government has made it clear that it will not take responsibility for the medical bills of its citizens living in the diaspora, including those based in South Africa.
Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi told Parliament that the government’s strained national budget cannot stretch to cover the healthcare needs of Zimbabweans abroad when it is already battling to meet demands at home.
This announcement has triggered a storm of backlash among South Africans, particularly amid ongoing tensions around the use of public health services by foreign nationals.
“Charity Begins at Home,” Says Minister Ziyambi Speaking in response to a question from opposition legislator Corban Madzivanyika (CCC), Ziyambi stated that the government is currently prioritizing the rollout of a National Health Insurance scheme for Zimbabweans residing in the country.
He emphasized that extending medical coverage to those who “left voluntarily” would only be considered if sufficient resources remained after local needs were met.
South Africans Outraged Amid Growing Anti-Foreigner Sentiment Ziyambi’s remarks come as tensions continue to rise in South Africa, where groups like Operation Dudula have intensified efforts to bar undocumented foreign nationals — particularly Zimbabweans — from accessing public healthcare services.
Protesters argue that the public system is already overburdened and that foreign nationals are placing undue pressure on the country’s limited health infrastructure.
The statement by the Zimbabwean minister has further inflamed the debate, with many South Africans questioning why their own government is expected to provide services to foreign nationals when their home country has explicitly refused to do so.
Check out some of the reactions:
@YKnip1;
If the Zim government refuses to pay for its citizens medical bills in SA, why should SAn taxpayers carry that burden?
It’s outrageous that some Zimbos insult us in our own country while demanding free services they didn’t contribute to, services their own government won’t provide them back home.
You must be the most selfish people in the world to expect another country to care for you more than your own does.
@majoyana31;
MABAHAMBE ‼️Almal moet huis toe gaan ‼️
@RNaidoo;
The fact is @GovernmentZA is a joke. They only worry about eating taxpayers money and give a damn about what’s happening in the country.
@julia
Neither are we going to pay for illegal immigrants from Zimbabwe. Those are the legal need to cover their own way…send them back
COMMANDER-IN-EXILE: BROADCASTING BRAVERY FROM ABROAD
This is not resistance. It’s a retired civil servant with too much free time, several unanswered charges, and a dangerously emotional relationship with his keyboard.
From the comfort of his undisclosed location in the U.S., he’s decided to liberate Zambia using Wi-Fi and Microsoft Word.
Every morning, he logs on like a man on a mission, fists clenched, ready to post the same tired sentence: “The government has failed.” Sir, the only thing that has failed is your travel plans back home without handcuffs.
In his head, he’s a political exile. In reality, he’s just a Facebook uncle with pending court dates and an unlimited data bundle.
This isn’t courage. It’s remote whining.
While people on the ground are fixing roads, expanding CDF projects, and building schools, he’s out there fixing sentence structure in his next “Breaking” post, thinking it will collapse the government…
Someone tell him: Zambia has 20 million people. None of them are waiting for Mwamba in America to free them.
He calls it patriotism. We call it long-distance noise. ________ Zambian Angle
Citizens First party President Harry Kalaba has urged residents of Shabo ward in Nchelenge district, Luapula province to make a wise decision in 2026 by voting out the UPND and President Hakainde Hichilema.
Speaking when he drummed support for the Citizens First candidate Sylvia Kabwe ahead of the August 07, 2025 Shabo ward by election today, Mr. Kalaba said the UPND is a failed project that has failed to fulfill it’s campaign promises.
He said President Hichilema Promised cheap fuel, mealie meal and medicines in hospitals but has failed.
” You voted for UPND in 2021so that you have good roads and employment opportunities but that has not happened because they have no regard for you. You are only remembered during elections. They promised you cheap fuel, mealie meal and medicines in hospitals but they have failed,” Mr. Kalaba
And Mr. Kalaba said voting for Sylvia Kabwe, the Shabo ward CF candidate will ensure that the needs of the people in the area are met because she understands their problems.
“Women are always an important aspect in leadership and you are very lucky that you have a woman as a candidate under CF and voting for her will easy your problems because she lives among you and understands your problems,” Mr. Kalaba said.
“Don’t vote for outsiders because development will be delayed here. Outsiders come and go,but this one lives amongst you. This ward by election will open doors for Harry Kalaba and Citizens First as a party ahead of the 2026 General elections, ” He said.
MWAISA BANGA? NAISA NEKA: EXPLAINING THE IMF EXTENDED CREDIT FACILITY TO AMBASSADOR EMMANUEL MWAMBA
By Alexander Nkosi (Naisa Neka)
Good afternoon Ambassador Emmanuel Mwamba. You asked the Minister of Finance to explain how Zambia used funds accessed under the IMF Extended Credit Facility (ECF). This article addresses your question in detail.
Let me begin by providing an economic situation analysis for 2021 when the New Dawn Government came into power. At the end of 2021 Zambia’s total debt and interest arrears stood at K634 billion (USD31.74 billion) against domestic revenue of K66 billion. Hence, total debt was almost ten times bigger than domestic revenue. Total debt was higher than GDP which was USD22.1 billion in 2021.
In 2022 out of domestic revenue of K98.9 billion, about K120 billion was allocated to debt service and civil service wage bill. Simply put, domestic revenue was not enough to meet just two items on the budget. Zambia remained heavily dependent on copper for both domestic revenue and foreign currency earnings. In 2020, due to collapse in copper proces and drop in foreign currency earnings Zambia ended up defaulting on debt service.
Zambia clearly needed debt restructuring and deep economic reforms. During this period of debt restructuring and deep economic reforms it was imperative to esnure that Zambia:
1. Found a cheaper source of foreign currency (dollars) to supplement foreign exchange earnings to meet imports and foreign currency denominated obligations such as debt service;
2. Maintained health foreign exchange reserves to cushion the country in an event it faced a crisis which affected foreign exchange earnings;
3. Cushioned the poor through increased funding to social security programs;
4. Ensured that social services like education, health and water and sanitation were not adversely affected.
When Zambia started implemented the IMF program, it was granted an opportunity to access concessional loans under the extended credit facility to address the four issues listed above. This facility was not meant for procuring fire tenders and building airports.
Now that I have explained how funds accessed under the IMF extended credit facility were used, my next article will address program and project loans: why has Government continued contracting program and project loans? Are these new loans? What exactly is happening and where is this money going?
Thank you,
Naisa Neka
CC: Sean E. Tembo Hon Binwell Chansa Mpundu Dr Fred M’membe
Chituwa Simuziya Mwamba lost her husband. Kasonde Joe Mwamba died at their home.
Mwamba is a prominent person and his father was Francis Mwamba, Member of the Central Committee during the UNIP days.
Strange things happened at the funeral and burial.
The most shocking however is her choice of the colour of the Casket and her refusal to surrender the body to the Church for a Requirm Mass.
Kasonde was Catholic.
Secretary to Cabinet, Patrick Kangwa, as an uncle, led hundreds of mourners at St. Ignatius who waited in vain without the body.
The Church Service went on without the body.
People joked about Kangwa attending another Requiem Mass without a body, subtly comparing it to the current ECL Saga where Kangwa attended a Chirch Service in South Africa.
Except in this case it’s strangers demanding for the body.
The widow, Chituwa took the body to the cemetery.
“Please, when we leave this place, it’s my prayer that you don’t judge, because you have been waiting for the body and it didn’t come,” said St. Ignatius Parish Priest, Fr John Mwelwa as he stood before a packed congregation at St Ignatius Catholic Parish, acknowledging the tension that had rippled through the church that morning.
Mourners had gathered to celebrate the life of Mwamba Josephat Kasonde, who died suddenly after collapsing, but the body was not brought to the church as expected. Instead, it was taken directly to Memorial Park for burial.
The unexpected change sparked confusion among some family members, though no official explanation was given.
Despite the absence, Kasonde’s side of the family proceeded with a full service without the widow.
Kasonde was later buried at Leopards Memorial Cemetery
I’ve just taken a 1,000km journey by road. I was quickly shocked but impressed by the excellent quality of roads, bridges and support infrastructure to road users such as; truck stops, runaway truck ramps, wide road shoulders for emergency parking, fueling stations with fully stocked fresh foods, drinks, rest and shower facilities.
Safety is never compromised, it drives the state of infrastructure.
I saw no roadblock, or security check point the entire way. I never saw or hit into a pot-hole!
But this is not to say security is missing or compromised. Its invisible, its not in your face soliciting bribes or corrupt favours.
I met an accident scene,where within minutes, road-side assistance, ambulances with paramedics, and emegency vehicles had all arrived. Further the roads were quickly closed with bright stop signs, with all relevant units reporting to the accident scene.
Later there was a forest fire. We found it had just been put out. But the number of fire trucks and emergency vehicles that responded to the emergency was admirable.
Further, I saw how every opportunity of a rare natural occurrence is turned into a commercial or tourism site attracting hundreds of holiday makers, tourists, adventurers and campers.
My thoughts were thrown back to Zambia.
With far amazing wildlife hosting the big five and rare species and birds, spectacular waterfalls, rich forests, we can turn our country into a clearly top tourism destination in the world!
But it requires similar but immense investments in infrastructure such as airports, good roads, bridges and support facilities such as hotels.
Under President Donald Trump, America is changing rapidly. It’s like the country is undergoing a rebirth, greeted by both painful birth-pangs and joyful noise of what it can be.
The United Kingdom has surpassed China as the second largest global holder of US public debt.
Their English ally now holds $779 billion, partly taking the place of the BRICS which are offloading their holdings. China falls back to third place, with $765 billion.
Japan remains the top holder, with $1.113 trillion.
Sino-U.S. relations are currently experiencing a period of intense strategic competition and rivalry with areas of tension and cooperation.
While high-level meetings and some agreements on specific issues like fentanyl precursor exports have occurred, deeply rooted differences and mistrust persist.
The US maintains tariffs on Chinese goods and has imposed restrictions on China’s access to advanced technology, raising concerns about decoupling.
Sometimes I wonder if our leaders back home think about repositioning the direction of our country in light of these dramatic global shifts and changes.
Or they are too busy seeking loans, grants and aid, giving away our family silver, enacting draconian and repressive laws, entrenching a dictatorship and tyranny while looting the Treasury, and are obsessed with a body, to notice the cataclysmic changes shaking and shaping the globe and our country.
Until we plan, not for elections, but for generations, we will continue to be stuck in a rut with our people wallowing and accepting poverty as a divine destiny and singing; “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
I really can’t understand our economic management.
Nobert Mumba Wrote;
1. We close indeni and convert it to receiving refined stock. 2. We also convert the pipeline to stop transporting crude oil to processed diesel and later processed petrol.
3. We announce 20-25 ownership in a refinery in Angola to process crude into finished products for us to benefit from cheaper oil and export of the surplus from the refinery.
4. Then we announce that we will be constructing a big refinery with capacity to process 60,000 litres of crude per day or 9.5m litres which we have no capacity to consume.
The Questions 1. Why did we close Indeni a Zambian asset only to bring in a foreign asset. Why didnt we just call for equity partnership. 2. What will happen to the converted pipeline and the fuel being transported on it as the intended refinery will have capacity to supply Zambias daily needs? 3. What will happen to the benefit we are supposed to derive from the Angola refinery given we will have enough, most likely more expensive, fuel from the new refinery.
4. How do we invest heavily in crude oil refining when we are urged to go electric vehicles?
5. Are we again signing fuel purchase agreements like so-called power purchase agreements that are disadvantaging Zesco
I am baffled and please don’t tell me we will be able to deal with the four without again having to waste money by closing the pipeline or leasing out cheaply the pipeline line. We are obviously cannibalising our own investments to our detriment. What do we really want?
MATERO Local Court has heard how a woman from Chisamba s£xually starved her husband for four years after he failed to pay her K3,000 she charged him for having a ch!ld out of wedlock.
Sophia Kwale, 32, a teacher by profession, said according to her tradition, as admission of guilt for having a child, her husband, Samuel Chongo, 38, was supposed to pay her the money commonly known as ‘ndapusa’ (admission of guilty).
“In my tradition, when a man has a child outside wedlock, he is supposed to apologise by paying ndapusa. This can be in money or material form. I asked him to pay me a K3,000 only or he wasn’t going to have s£x with me,” she said.
Kwale said her husband later refused to pay ndapusa but wanted to have s£x with her, so she charged him K500 which he paid instantly before she allowed him to engage in the act.
“I charged him K500 to make love with me and he paid it instantly; this was only last month. Before that, we last had s£x in 2021. I didn’t even enjoy the s£x because it was forced,” she said.
CHIEF KATYETYE VOWS SUPPORT FOR PRESIDENT HICHILEMA’S DEVELOPMENT AGENDA
July 26, 2025
Chief Katyetye of the Tambo people in Isoka District has pledged his unwavering support for President Hakainde Hichilema to ensure he continues delivering on his developmental promises.
Speaking when Minister of Small and Medium Enterprises Development Elias Mubanga, who represented President Hichilema, graced the Chizumba Nsonje Traditional Ceremony of the Tambo people in Isoka District today, the traditional leader expressed gratitude to the Head of State for prioritizing rural development through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), which he said has transformed many communities.
“I will support President Hichilema so that he continues with what he has started,” said Chief Katyetye.
He also extended appreciation to the President, through his Special Assistant for Political Affairs Levy Ngoma, for the generous donation of five cows, 100 bags of mealie meal, and K100,000 towards the traditional ceremony.
The Chief described the gesture as a true reflection of the President’s goodwill and his willingness to work with traditional leaders across the country.
Meanwhile, Minister Elias Mubanga reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working closely with traditional leadership in advancing national development.
He delivered a message of goodwill from the President and assured Chief Katyetye of the government’s continued support.
Minister Mubanga also commended the peaceful conduct of traditional ceremonies, which he said reflect the unity and cultural pride of the Zambian people.
He praised the people of Isoka for their hard work during the last farming season despite the drought challenges faced during the 2022–2023 agricultural year.
The Minister stated that government has increased the maize floor price from K330 to K340 as part of efforts to safeguard the welfare of farmers and ensure national food security.
And Special Assistant to the President for Political Affairs Mr. Levy Ngoma said the UPND government holds traditional leaders in high esteem as vital partners in driving national development.
He added that President Hichilema believes in inclusive governance and will continue working hand in hand with chiefs to foster unity and prosperity in all regions.
Mr. Ngoma also emphasized that government is focused on strengthening ties with traditional authorities as a way to promote lasting peace and development at the grassroots level.
He encouraged traditional leaders to continue sensitizing their subjects on key national issues such as education, health, and economic empowerment.
Meanwhile, Muchinga Province Minister Njavwa Simutowe thanked President Hichilema for gracing the event through his representatives and reaffirmed the province’s readiness to support government’s development programs.
IMMIGRATION REFUTES MISLEADING CLAIMS BY MR. ISAAC MWANZA
The Department of Immigration wishes to categorically refute a press statement issued by Mr. Isaac Mwanza, alleging that the Department has detained Zambian-born children as illegal immigrants.
Contrary to these claims, the two individuals in question are not Zambian citizens but Rwandan refugees holding valid refugee identity cards. They were among nine other persons apprehended on Friday, 25th July 2025, in Chongwe District by the Chongwe Immigration Office during a routine compliance operation.
The duo was found working in a grocery shop without the requisite immigration permit, an act that is contrary to Zambia’s immigration laws.Mr. Mwanza had every opportunity to verify these facts with the Department of Immigration but deliberately chose not to do so. This is not the first time he has issued inaccurate and misleading statements against the Department.
The Department of Immigration wishes to clarify that the Constitution of Zambia provides pathways for eligible individuals to apply for citizenship and does not exempt non-citizens, including refugees, from complying with immigration regulations. On the contrary, refugees and other foreign nationals are required to obtain the necessary permits before engaging in employment or business activities in Zambia.
We encourage civil society actors, the media, and members of the public to verify information with the Department before issuing statements that could mislead the public.
Namati H. Nshinka (Mr)CHIEF PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
DJ Sumbody murder tied to deadly underworld drug dispute
The 2022 assassination of popular music producer and Ayepyep Lifestyle co-founder DJ Sumbody has been linked to a violent underworld feud involving a missing multimillion-rand drug consignment, according to a Sunday World investigation.
DJ Sumbody, along with his bodyguards Sibusiso Mokoena and Sandile Myeza, was gunned down in a hail of AK-47 fire in Woodmead, Johannesburg, shortly after a performance at News Cafe. Until now, the motive behind the brutal killing remained unclear.
Emerging reports suggest the hit was triggered by the disappearance of a major drug consignment that allegedly went missing from police custody in KwaZulu-Natal. The drugs later resurfaced in Johannesburg’s club scene, sold at cut-rate prices, a move that infuriated its original owners, an alleged criminal syndicate known as “The Big Five.”
Four suspects, including businessman Katiso “KT” Molefe, aged between 45 and 60, were arrested this week in connection with the murder.
Though DJ Sumbody had a clean public image, sources say he was unknowingly drawn into the dispute. Industry insiders claim he was approached by individuals linked to the consignment to arrange a meeting with a Cape Town businessman, while opening a new branch of his Ayepyep nightclub in the city.
“It’s not clear if he knew the meeting was drug-related, but his involvement, even if indirect, made him a target,” one associate told Sunday World.
The Cape Town businessman, reportedly known to law enforcement, is believed to have tipped off “The Big Five” in an attempt to clear his name resulting in DJ Sumbody being placed on a hit list for “knowing too much.”
Investigators say the case remains open, with fears that more arrests could follow. The killing has exposed a murky overlap between South Africa’s entertainment industry, organised crime, and allegations of police corruption.
CYCLIST REJECTS 2-PLATE COOKER PRIZE IN CHIPATA RACE: “I LIVE IN NYIMBA, NOT PARIS!”
……..As Choova 2025 just got spicy… and not because of the cooking appliance.
Martha Daka, a fierce cyclist and second-place winner in the women’s category at the Choova Competition, has stirred up quite the pot and not on a cooker. The Nyimba-based athlete flatly rejected her prize: a 2-plate electric cooker.
According to reports, Daka was left scratching her helmet when she realized that her fellow second-place winners in other categories were rolling away with bicycles or even motorbikes. But for the women? Apparently, just a stationary cooking gadget which is as useful to her as a snow blower in the Sahara.
“Look, I live in Nyimba, not Paris. There’s no ZESCO on tap where I come from,” Daka quipped, visibly unimpressed. “What am I supposed to do with this thing? Decorate my hut?”
Through spokesperson Osward Mphande, Daka demanded answers from the organizing committee, pointing out the glaring inconsistency. “Unless the plan is to fry injustice on both plates, I need a proper explanation,” she reportedly said.
After what sources described as “heated discussions” ironically hotter than the cooker itself the organizers finally agreed to toss in a bicycle along with the now not-so-lonely kitchen appliance.
One insider whispered, “We didn’t expect her to question it. We thought she’d be thrilled to get something shiny and domestic. Big mistake.”
In the end, Daka got her bicycle, the cooker, and a whole lot of public support proving once again that if you want something done, get a woman with a bicycle and a backbone.
Meanwhile, the cooker remains unplugged… still waiting for ZESCO.
South Africans promised medical roles now detained after being drawn into Ukraine conflict
Two South African nationals, Jhovan Mynhardt and Tyrone Slabbert, have been detained in Ukraine after reportedly being misled into joining military training under the guise of working as paramedics.
The pair arrived in the war-torn country on the understanding that they would be providing medical support to the Ukrainian armed forces, but were instead coerced into combat-related training.
The incident, first reported by News24, has sent shockwaves through the families of the two, who say they were promised non-combatant roles focused on saving lives.
“They were told they’d be saving lives, not training for combat,” a relative said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Mynhardt and Slabbert, both trained medical orderlies, believed they were answering a humanitarian call. Instead, the situation took a drastic turn upon arrival.
Details surrounding their recruitment remain murky, raising serious concerns about the transparency and ethics of international volunteer enlistments in Ukraine.
The South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has not yet issued an official statement, but diplomatic sources indicate efforts are underway to establish the facts and ensure the men’s safety.
This case throws a spotlight on the growing risks faced by foreign volunteers in Ukraine, where roles meant to be humanitarian in nature can quickly be blurred by the realities of war. Paramedics, in particular, have faced growing dangers as Russian forces continue to target medical personnel in violation of international law.
For the families of Mynhardt and Slabbert, the unfolding ordeal is a harrowing reminder of how easily good intentions can become entangled in the complexities of global conflict.
Kanchibiya Commences Legal Action Against ZEMA and WARMA Over Contamination of Kanchibiya and Lwitikila Rivers
Kanchibiya, Zambia: – On behalf of the people of Kanchibiya, we have today commenced legal proceedings for judicial review against the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) and the Water Resources Management Authority (WARMA) over their failure to safeguard the Kanchibiya and Lwitikila Rivers from environmental degradation caused by gold mining activities in Mpika District.
This legal action is necessitated by the persistent contamination of these vital water sources, which serve as lifelines for thousands of residents and the gross failure by ZEMA and WARMA to take timely, decisive, and lawful steps to prevent environmental harm and protect public health. Despite repeated community concerns and environmental red flags, the two institutions have not exercised their statutory responsibilities adequately to prevent the ongoing pollution nor to ensure the people of Kanchibiya have access to safe and clean water.
We are therefore seeking judicial intervention to:
• Compel ZEMA and WARMA to fulfill their legal obligations under the Environmental Management Act and the Water Resources Management Act;
• Hold accountable all parties whose mining activities have led to the contamination;
• Ensure the immediate restoration and protection of the affected rivers;
• Secure a sustainable and long-term provision of clean and safe water for the people of Kanchibiya.
As elected representatives, we cannot stand by while the health, livelihoods, and dignity of our people are compromised. The right to clean water is a constitutional right and a matter of justice. This action is not politically motivated, but morally and legally necessary.
We call upon all stakeholders, including traditional leaders, civil society, and the broader public, to support this cause, as environmental protection and the right to safe water transcend partisan interests.
In all things, Country and Community First.
Issued by:
Hon. Sunday Chilufya Chanda, MP Member of Parliament – Kanchibiya Constituency
We turned down $5 million for Simoson Building, Simon Mwewa reveals
VLOGGER and businessman Simon Chitambala, famously known as Simon Mwewa, recently dropped some jaw-dropping details about how his family ‘rejected’ a $5 million offer from a German guy for their cherished Simoson Building.
Unlike most people who would jump at such an offer, the children of the late Lusaka Mayor Dr Simon Mwewa made a pact that Simoson Building was not for sale.
Mwewa reveals that this decision was actually something their father “drilled into their heads”. Mwewa also shares his future plans.
He says he is planning to step back from making street vlogs and will instead start a podcast, He explains that he’s now getting tired of dodging stónes and being bombarded with insúlts.
The PF Opposition’s Return to Power: A Recipe for Disaster
As Zambia continues to navigate the complexities of nation-building, it’s crucial to reflect on the country’s recent past and the impact of the Patriotic Front (PF) administration on the nation’s economy and development. The PF’s track record is marred by allegations of corruption, mismanagement of public resources, and a general lack of accountability.
Given this history, it’s highly unlikely that the former PF opposition members can regain the trust of the Zambian people. Their previous tenure in office was characterized by a litany of economic woes, including soaring debt, depreciating currency, and rampant corruption. The PF’s leadership style was marked by authoritarian tendencies, disregard for the rule of law, and a penchant for suppressing dissent.
Zambia needs a strong opposition that can hold the government accountable and provide a credible alternative. However, the PF opposition leaders, with their questionable track record, are not the answer. Instead of rehashing old tactics and policies that failed the nation, Zambia requires fresh perspectives and new leadership that can drive the country forward.
The PF’s return to power would likely be motivated by personal interests rather than a genuine desire to serve the people. Having tasted the sweetness of power, these individuals would stop at nothing to regain it, even if it means looting the country’s resources and undermining its institutions.
It’s time for the Zambian people to recognize that some individuals are better left out of politics for life. The same elements that destroyed the country’s economy and institutions cannot be trusted with power again. Zambia’s progress depends on new leadership, untainted by the corruption and mismanagement of the past.
“I am 94 years old. I will not be intimidated,” said media mogul Rupert Murdoch in response to the $10 billion lawsuit filed by Trump’s legal team against his prized publication, The Wall Street Journal.
The suit centers on a 2003 birthday card allegedly sent by Trump to Jeffrey Epstein, which reportedly included a risqué drawing and message. Trump has denied any involvement, calling it “fake” and defamatory.
Trump faces a steep legal burden to win defamation claims as a public figure in the U.S., where he must prove the Journal published false information with actual malice.
Rupert Murdoch owns a global media empire that includes The Wall Street Journal, The Times and The Sunday Times (UK), The Sun, The Australian, HarperCollins, Herald Sun, Sky News Australia and the Fox Corporation, which includes Fox News and Fox Sports.
Critics label Eswatini a dumping ground as US ships more very dangerous criminals
Eswatini is preparing to receive over 150 terrorism suspects from the United States under a recently finalized agreement, in addition to the five notorious US criminals already set for transfer, report News24.
The deal, rumored to be worth millions of dollars, aims to ease the severe overcrowding and staffing shortages plaguing US prisons. In exchange, Eswatini will receive substantial financial support to improve its own correctional facilities, including building new infrastructure and training personnel.
The detainees, linked to extremist groups responsible for attacks on US soil, represent some of the highest-risk inmates in American custody. Their arrival has sparked concern from human rights advocates and security experts who warn that Eswatini’s prison system, already stretched thin, may struggle to safely manage such a significant influx.
While critics highlight potential security risks and ethical questions, officials from both nations insist the agreement offers a pragmatic solution to pressing challenges faced by their justice systems.
As Eswatini prepares to house these high-profile inmates, the international community watches closely to see how this controversial partnership unfolds.
As one of the early pioneer officers of the Anti Corruption Commission, I am very disappointed by the statement made by the Vice President on the matter of public importance on the leaked audio involving Mr Chabinga. It’s not only baffling but incomprehensible for the VP to state a self confession to an intention to bribe a judge is a mere suggestion.
The intentions in that audio are criminal and were actually followed on by overt acts of travel to SA by named persons in the audio. So why would the VP as the real custodian of government think otherwise? Here is why she should have made a more serious statement.
1. The audio casts the government as a sponsor of corruption 2. The audio places the President and other key government departments as the key actors that requested Mr Chabinga to proceed to SA.
3. The audio suggests there was infact contact with some South African police personnel to rescue a sponsored person in case there was trouble.
4. The audio clearly states that a judge also has to eat, a term synonymous with corruption in Zambian context. 5. The audio suggests sponsored public disorder of demonstrations to influence court outcome in another country to an action the government is a party.
So if the VP sees nothing wrong in these, then the fight against corruption is one-sided and cannot be won in present conditions.
For emphasis, the audio, endangers the President, the Head of Intelligence etc in international circles. It casts the government as a sponsor of corruption. It has caused public alarm and it is corrupt. These are all actions and intentions that violate various Laws of Zambia.
Finally if I were VP, below would have been my response to the important question raised by the Mpika MP.
” I thank the Hon Member on this important question. Government is deeply concerned by the audio which purports that it was involved in sponsoring a named Parliamentarian to undertake unlawful activity in South Africa and in Zambia. Government has therefore requested the relevant agencies to investigate the matter and take appropriate action.
Government wishes to emphasise that it does not condone corruption and any person found wanting will not be shielded.”
Leaders of former liberation movements from Southern Africa, including Zimbabwe’s ruling Zanu PF, have convened in Johannesburg for a crucial three-day summit aimed at addressing the existential crisis confronting their political parties.
The summit, held under the theme “Defending the Liberation Gains, Advancing Integrated Socio-Economic Development, Strengthening Solidarity for a Better Africa,” brings together six historic ruling movements that played leading roles in the region’s liberation struggles.
This meeting comes at a critical time as many of these parties face mounting challenges. Some struggle to maintain political relevance amid growing pressure to reform or risk losing power, others are shaken internally, while a few have already been unseated and consigned to political obscurity.
Recent electoral upsets have sent shockwaves across Southern Africa. The Botswana Democratic Party, which ruled for 58 years, was defeated in November 2024. Significant opposition victories in Zambia, Seychelles, Lesotho, and Mauritius, coupled with strong opposition performances in Zimbabwe’s 2023 elections, have heightened concerns among former liberation parties about their future viability.
Zimbabwe’s Zanu PF, which narrowly escaped losing power after the 2008 parliamentary elections, now faces renewed scrutiny. Meanwhile, South Africa’s African National Congress (ANC), chaired by summit host President Cyril Ramaphosa, saw its vote share plunge from 57% to 40% in last year’s elections, intensifying calls for reform within the party.
President Ramaphosa welcomed leaders and delegations from across the region, urging them to deeply reflect on the major political developments and seismic shifts they face. The goal is to find collective solutions that can halt the decline and potential demise of these once-dominant liberation-era parties.
Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa is attending as the leader of Zanu PF, with a focus on promoting economic development and strengthening regional cooperation. Namibia’s Swapo, led by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, aims to bolster regional ties and tackle shared socio-economic challenges. Angola’s MPLA, represented by President Joao Lourenço, seeks to advance economic integration and Pan-African solidarity. Mozambique’s Frelimo, under the younger leadership of President Daniel Chapo, who was not part of the original liberation struggle, plans to explore ways to enhance regional cooperation and development. Tanzania’s Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), represented in the possible absence of President Samia Suluhu, emphasizes the preservation of liberation values and greater youth engagement.
Throughout the summit, delegates are expected to deliberate on how to defend the hard-won liberation gains and promote governance that is centered on the people’s needs. They will also focus on advancing socio-economic development by fostering deeper economic integration and cooperation within Southern Africa. Furthermore, the leaders aim to strengthen solidarity across the region, working together to confront common challenges and build a more united and prosperous Africa.
This summit marks a significant moment for these former liberation movements to take stock of their legacies, confront present-day political and economic challenges, and chart a strategic path forward for the future of the region.
UPND HAS SCORED ON CADERISM, BUT IT’S GOVERNANCE HAS BEEN DISAPPOINTING – SABOI
CADERISM and violence have significantly reduced under the UPND government, says NDC leader Saboi Imboela.
Speaking in an interview, Thursday, Imboela said the UPND government should ensure that it builds on this strength to run the country.
“I think in terms of caderism and violence, that’s one sector which I can say the UPND have scored. In as much as they have not completely eliminated them, these things are significantly reduced”.
“For that one, I give them a pat on the back because caderism and violence have certainly reduced. Even when it comes to by-elections, at least the violence that we could see before, where people could lose their lives, we don’t see that anymore. They should ensure that they” she said.
Let’s Be Real Is Binwell Mpundu Truly Presidential Material?
Binwell Mpundu’s rise in Zambian politics was not through a tested national track record or overwhelming public support, but rather through political opportunity.
He was appointed District Commissioner (DC) for Kitwe,a position he used to strategically align himself with the people of Nkana. He branded himself as “Umwina Nkana,” creating a personal connection with the constituency, but it is important to remember that this image was largely built from a government-appointed position, not elected merit.
When the time came for the Patriotic Front (PF) to adopt candidates under Edgar Lungu’s leadership, Mpundu was not adopted. Undeterred, he stood as an independent candidate and won the Nkana parliamentary seat. But let us not be mistaken, this was not a landslide built on visionary leadership. It was a sympathy vote, driven by the localised popularity he had created while serving as DC. That victory should not be confused with national appeal or the kind of influence required to lead a country.
Since becoming MP, Mpundu’s performance in Nkana has been underwhelming. A recent informal survey I conducted, particularly in Mindolo etc revealed deep disappointment among residents.
Many people openly expressed their frustration, saying they no longer even want to see him in their communities. This is a strong sign of a lost connection between an elected representative and the people he was elected to serve. If someone struggles to unite and deliver in one constituency, how can they seriously expect to command national leadership?
We must be honest with ourselves. Leadership at national level requires more than ambition and visibility on social media.
It requires tested wisdom, delivery, discipline, and a vision that speaks to all Zambians, not just Nkana. Binwell Mpundu may believe he can be President, but self-belief alone is not qualification. Zambia deserves better.
PSDA CRITICIZES IMF’S $184 MILLION APPROVAL FOR ZAMBIA
By Nelson Zulu
Private Sector Development Association Chairperson Yusuf Dodia has criticized the International Monetary Fund’s -IMF $184 million approval for Zambia, calling it an “exercise in optics” aimed at confusing economic development stakeholders.
Mr. Dodia has questioned the logic behind borrowing from the IMF when Zambia’s daily export earnings range from $30 million to $50 million, rendering the IMF funding equivalent to just three days of export income.
He argues that IMF conditions, such as increased taxation on small and medium-sized enterprises -SMEs, mobile money transfers, electricity, and fuel, undermine economic growth by placing additional burdens on households and businesses.
Mr. Dodia notes that the Kwacha has appreciated by 20-23% between late June and July, suggesting that the focus should be on sustaining this trend by increasing exports rather than relying on IMF funding.
In an interview with Phoenix News, Mr. Dodia says Zambia should focus on harnessing its export earnings to achieve self-reliance rather than depending on IMF loans.
The IMF has agreed to disburse $184 million to Zambia, bringing the total to $1.55 billion that Zambia has received under a 38-month IMF program due to end in October, after agreeing to expedite reforms to boost economic growth and collect more taxes..
UPND BALLOONS ZAMBIA’S DEBT as it again BORROWS another US $184millon from IMF WHILE ZAMBIA’S US$ 3.5 BILLION SLIP AWAY IN CORRUPTION-Kasonde Mwenda C, EFF President
26 July 2025
On June 21, 2024, the UPND government proudly trumpeted a $184 million debt from the International Monetary Fund—heralding it not just as vital relief, but as a showpiece of reform and international confidence. In truth, this announcement should provoke national shame, not celebration, for what it signals about Zambia’s sovereignty, resource stewardship, and sense of proportion in economic governance.
At its core, the government’s glorification of this IMF borrowing is an insult to Zambia’s intelligence and dignity. It carries the perverse implication that without foreign “advice” and cash flow, Zambians are fundamentally incapable of enacting homegrown policies that strengthen their economy, protect the vulnerable, and manage mineral wealth for the people—despite decades of mining expertise, civil service, and civil society advocacy. Is it really reform if it is prescribed from Washington, rather than forged in Lusaka?
Even more egregiously, the entire IMF “reform” framework ignores—the government seems determined to ignore—the central reality of daily life: Zambia bleeds billions each year through unchecked corruption and egregious mining sector irregularities. The 2024 Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) report indicates illicit financial flows topping $3 billion, with mining sector abuse conservatively worth $1.25 billion annually. These outflows and losses are not abstract numbers; they dwarf the highly publicized IMF lifeline: $184 million is just 6.13% of the illicit flows alone, and merely 14.72% of the mining sector’s annual missing billions.
COMPARISON OF ZAMBIA’S $184 MILLION IMF DISBURSEMENT AGAINST BILLIONS LOST TO CORRUPTION AND MINING SECTOR IRREGULARITIES IN 2024
The stark visual representation above exposes the mathematical absurdity of the government’s celebratory rhetoric. While UPND leaders pose for photographs announcing their $184 million achievement, the chart reveals a nation hemorrhaging wealth at an incomprehensible scale. For every dollar received from the IMF,icit financial channels, while nearly $7 vanishes through mining sector irregularities alone. This is not reform—this is national economic suicide disguised as progress.
Why is the government congratulating itself for fetching scraps from the global lender’s table while simultaneously allowing far greater sums to be stolen in plain sight? What sort of “reform” is this, that oversees the most rampant era of corruption and under-declaration yet recorded—even as it pleads for outside validation and financial “rescue”? The numbers don’t lie: under UPND’s watch, the scale of financial hemorrhage has reached unprecedented levels, making mockery of any claim to effective governance.
In this context, the UPND celebration is not just disconnect; it is an act of national self-abasement, a ritualized display of economic defeatism. The paltry IMF tranche—won with fresh vows to modernize taxes and tighten spending—merely props up a status quo of elite enrichment and international dependency, while ignoring the real work of plugging leakages and truly harnessing Zambia’s mineral birthright.
The graph attached crystallizes the government’s warped priorities: celebrating international handouts that amount to statistical noise against the backdrop of systematic looting. While officials trumpet their success in securing foreign aid equivalent to less than two months of illicit outflows, the nation’s mineral wealth continues its exodus through transfer pricing schemes, misinvoicing, and regulatory capture that would make colonial administrators blush.
Until homegrown action defeats corruption and recoups what truly belongs to the nation, no amount of IMF handouts or photo-op announcements can mask the reality: Zambian policy is being written in someone else’s office, while Zambia’s wealth siphons out—year after year, regime after regime. The visual evidence is undeniable, the arithmetic is damning, and the government’s misplaced pride is nothing short of a national embarrassment. That is the grim arithmetic behind the headline—and the real reason why the latest IMF “success” is no cause for celebration at all.
The Economic Freedom Fighters-EFF will depart from the vicious cycle of depending on the IMF. We will develop Zambia based on home grown solutions. We will develop Zambia through maximization and ownership of our mineral and natural resources.
Zambia is highly endowed with natural resources which are unfortunately not in the hands of ZAMBIANS hence not benefiting ZAMBIANS, EFF will reverse that and give our people ownership of their mineral and natural resources.
Wherever we want to go our feet will take us there.
Signed: Kasonde Mwenda C, Economic Freedom Fighters-EFF President
IMF dishes out $184 million to Zambia as economy shows signs of recovery
THE International Monetary Fund (IMF) has released US$184 million to Zambia following a successful review of the country’s economic reform programme, bringing the total support under the three-year Extended Credit Facility (ECF) to US$1.55 billion.
The IMF says Zambia has made steady progress in implementing economic reforms, even in the face of challenges such as the last year’s drought that affected agriculture and electricity production.
According to the Ministry of Finance and National Planning, Zambia’s economy is now expected to grow by 4 percent this year, with growth accelerating to 5.8 percent in 2026 as agriculture, mining and service industries bounce back.
Inflation, which has been chewing into household incomes, is projected to ease to 11 percent by the end of next year.
The IMF credited Zambia’s recovery to strong fiscal policies, better control of public spending, and a clear focus on supporting sectors that generate jobs and growth.
Despite these gains, the IMF pointed out that Zambia’s debt levels remain high and some reforms are lagging behind schedule.
However, the government is said to be engaging creditors on payment plans and working to accelerate pending reforms.
“Although Zambia is at a high risk of debt distress because of near-term breaches of the DSA (debt sustainability analysis) thresholds, it is expected to reach a moderate risk of external debt distress over the medium term,” the Ministry said in a statement.
The IMF has advised Zambia to stay on course with its reform agenda by strengthening fiscal management, promoting inclusive growth, improving public sector transparency, and investing in climate resilience and agricultural transformation.
President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA has directed the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development to review property rates nationwide to ensure they are fair and more affordable.
President HICHILEMA has expressed concern over the current pricing structure, noting that property rates are excessively high, often resulting in defaults by property owners.
He says that once the rates are revised and made more reasonable, local councils must enhance their efficiency in revenue collection to strengthen operations and improve service delivery.
The President has also urged local authorities to make land available to investors to facilitate development.
He has described as unfortunate the delays caused by land tenure systems, which are hindering growth in some jurisdictions.
President HICHILEMA was speaking in Lusaka today during the 69th Joint Local Government Association of Zambia –LGAZ- Annual Conference and the 22nd Alliance of Mayors’ Initiative for Community Action on AIDS at the Local Level –AMICAALL- General Assembly.
The Head of State encouraged all 116 local authorities to harness the natural and economic resources within their areas by exploring various investment opportunities to mobilise local resources.
He further urged councils to form joint ventures with private investors across multiple sectors to stimulate local economic growth.
Additionally, the President challenged councils to digitise their payment systems to boost revenue collection, promote transparency, and combat corruption.
Meanwhile, Local Government and Rural Development Minister GIFT SIALUBALO said the Ministry is working with stakeholders to ensure that local authorities become financially viable under the ongoing decentralisation programme.
Mr. SIALUBALO also revealed that the Ministry is reviewing the Rating Act to implement fairer property rates and is considering the introduction of technology to enhance efficiency without overburdening businesses.
Local Government Association of Zambia President, VINCENT LILANDA, commended the Government’s efforts in accelerating the decentralisation agenda.
However, he called for the strengthening of substructures by building their capacity to ensure they play their roles effectively.
Delivering a solidarity message, South African Local Government Association President BHEKI STOFILE said local authorities are at the frontline of governance, ensuring communities and stakeholders are actively involved in development planning and service delivery.
Also speaking at the conference, GIZ Head of the Citizen Plus D programme, AKBAR MOHABAT, revealed that the organisation has invested 108 million Euros through various interventions to support cooperation between Zambia and its partners.
UN Resident Coordinator BEATRICE MUNTALI reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to working with Government and local authorities to establish innovative financing mechanisms to address current development and social challenges.
Canadian High Commission Head of Office, CORRY VAN GAAL, raised concern over the low levels of women’s participation in development at various levels.
And Platinum Sponsor of the conference, Saro Agro Managing Director ASHOK OZA, said the expanded Constituency Development Fund –CDF- has played a vital role in driving development across the country.
The conference is being held under the theme: “Innovative Municipal Financing and Service Delivery: Pathways for Sustainable Growth and Inclusive Development.”
STAKEHOLDERS URGE GOVT TO RECONSIDER CDF LOAN SUSPENSION
By Nelson Zulu
Caritas Zambia Executive Director Dr. Gabriel Mapulanga is urging government to seek a balanced approach rather than suspending the Constituency Development Fund -CDF loan component completely.
Dr. Mapulanga’s call is in response to Vice President Mutale Nalumango’s recent directive to the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development to consider suspending the loan component under the CDF, due to the high rate of loan defaults by beneficiaries.
While acknowledging the widespread loan non-repayment issue which undermines the effectiveness of empowerment programs, Dr. Mapulanga has emphasized the vital role CDF loans play in enabling small business growth and community development.
In an interview with Phoenix News, Dr. Mapulanga is suggesting a thorough review of the CDF structure and strengthening monitoring mechanisms to enhance accountability.
And Alliance for Community Action Programmes Manager Jimmy Maliseni believes that suspending the loan component alone will not resolve the challenges that CDF has faced.
Mongu MP Hails President Hichilema’s “Steady Hand” in Guiding Zambia
26th July,2025
Oliver Mumbuna Amutike, Member of Parliament for Mongu Central Constituency, has strongly supported President Hakainde Hichilema’s leadership, praising him for guiding Zambia to stability, economic recovery, and inclusive governance.
Hon. Amutike, a prominent figure within the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND), spoke passionately to the media on July 26, 2025, highlighting several key areas where he believes President Hichilema’s administration is making significant strides.
“A much-needed steady hand has been brought to the helm of our nation by President Hichilema,” Amutike said.
Right here in Mongu, his determined, methodical, and caring approach is working to improve the lives of Zambians after a protracted period of severe economic hardship and uncertainty.
“One cannot emphasize how hard the President worked to get the debt restructuring agreement. In order to release funds that were sorely needed for social services and development initiatives, this enormous undertaking was necessary. International trust in Zambia has been restored, and the groundwork for long-term growth has been established.
A return to sound financial management is evident. President Hakainde’s administration is devoted to responsible stewardship of public resources, as evidenced by its focus on clearing arrears, limiting spending, and allocating funds to vital sectors like agriculture, health, and education.
The rule of law, judicial independence, and the battle against corruption have all been steadfastly supported by President Hichilema. Attracting investment and guaranteeing justice for all citizens depend heavily on this dedication to good governance.
The free education policy has a revolutionary effect. Thousands of Zambian children, especially the most vulnerable, are seeing their potential unlocked and receiving the resources they need to create a better future. When combined with initiatives to increase access to healthcare, this demonstrates how an administration is making investments in its most precious resource: its citizens.
According to Hon. Amutike, President Hakainde Hichilema is aware that development needs to be implemented throughout Zambia. He genuinely cares about decentralization. The advantages of more regionalized resource allocation and decision-making are starting to become apparent in Western Province, including Mongu Central.
Amutike, who speaks for an area that has traditionally sought more attention to development, highlighted the real effects he sees. “The difference is evident, ranging from increased transparency in agricultural assistance programs to the prioritization of infrastructure projects essential to the connectivity and trade of our region. Under this leadership, there is a resurgence of optimism and the conviction that progress, albeit occasionally slow, is genuine and long-lasting.
Although he acknowledged some obstacles still present, he expressed faith in the administration’s approach. “Time and strong dedication are necessary for recovery from ingrained issues. Instead of providing short-term solutions, President Hichilema is laying a solid foundation for sustained success. He is exactly what Zambia needed—calm, consultative, and economy-driven mind.
Hon. Amutike urged patience and continued national unity in his closing remarks. “We should encourage this course of investing in our people, maintaining democratic principles, and reviving the economy. I am convinced that Zambia is headed toward a better, more prosperous future for everybody because of President Hichilema’s leadership, which is guiding us in the right direction.”
$140 MILLION IMF BOOST: A STRONG ENDORSEMENT OF ZAMBIA’S ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has released a $140 million tranche to Zambia, signaling renewed confidence in the country’s economic reform agenda.
Finance Minister Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane said the disbursement reflects international trust in Zambia’s macroeconomic path. He noted that the Kwacha is at its strongest since 2021 and that the economy grew by 4% in 2024—outperforming expectations.
Dr. Musokotwane projects even stronger growth in 2025, driven by rising activity in the mining and service sectors, an agricultural rebound, and sound monetary policy from the Bank of Zambia.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to domestic revenue mobilisation, fiscal discipline, and energy reforms aimed at unlocking further growth.
Secretary to the Treasury Felix Nkulukusa added that the IMF’s support follows a May 2025 Staff Level Agreement and will strengthen Zambia’s balance-of-payments position. He said the funding underscores global confidence in Zambia’s efforts to restore stability and promote inclusive development.
ZCLU DEMANDS RELEASE OF ZAMBIAN-BORN YOUTHS ALLEGEDLY DETAINED AS FOREIGNERS
By Patricia Mbewe
The Zambian Civil Liberties Union -ZCLU- has expressed deep concern and outrage over the alleged detention of two Zambian-born youths, Patience Mutima and Ndayasiba Theophille, who are being held at twin palm police station in Lusaka as illegal immigrants.
ZCLU Executive Director Isaac Mwanza has disclosed the development, saying this is despite the duo being born in Zambia to refugee parents.
Mr. Mwanza argues that the detention is unconstitutional and inhumane, as the individuals are entitled to apply for Zambian citizenship under article 37 of the Zambian constitution.
He says this case highlights a larger crisis where children born in Zambia to refugee parents are routinely arrested, detained, and criminalized, with many individuals in similar situations lacking access to legal representation, leading to prolonged detention and conviction.
Mr. Mwanza says the organization is demanding the immediate release of the two and is calling for a review of existing immigration and citizenship laws to align them with the constitution and international human rights instruments.
Phoenix News is yet to get a reaction from Department of Immigration Chief Public Relations Officer Namati Nshinka.
Jay-Z’s Billionaire Silence: No Tweets, No Statements, Just Lawyers and Legendary Quiet
The way Jay-Z moves is honestly wild. He doesn’t clap back, doesn’t post subs, doesn’t even breathe in the same direction as drama. Every time his name gets dragged, he doesn’t say a word—he just activates billionaire mode and lets the legal team handle it.
Diddy gets hit with accusations? Suddenly, people start pointing fingers at Jay too. Still no comment. Tory Lanez’s dad claims Roc Nation is involved? Jay stays silent.
Kanye drags his family name. Lil Wayne disses him on Carter 6. Nicki Minaj says he owes her $200M. Jay responds the same way every time: Absolute silence.
No interviews. No social media. No new music. Just vibes, lawyers, and Beyoncé.
He’s not ducking—it’s a masterclass. Jay-Z’s ability to protect his brand, his bag, and his billionaire legacy by saying nothing? That should be a Harvard case study
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has made a bold move by inviting KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi to join the EFF, following the top cop’s explosive allegations of corruption within the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Speaking this afternoon at the EFF’s 12th anniversary rally in Khayelitsha on July 26, Malema praised Mkhwanazi’s bravery in exposing political interference and criminal syndicates infiltrating the police.
“General Mkhwanazi, if they fire you for standing against corruption, the EFF has a place for you,” Malema told thousands of supporters.
He lauded Mkhwanazi’s leadership in KZN and reiterated calls for his promotion to National Police Commissioner, a stance the EFF has held since 2022.
Mkhwanazi recently accused Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya of undermining investigations into political killings, prompting President Cyril Ramaphosa to suspend both officials and launch a judicial inquiry.
The invitation has sparked mixed reactions. While social media users argue Mkhwanazi, a disciplined career officer, is unlikely to join the EFF’s radical ranks, while others support Malema’s call to protect and elevate him.
Malema’s offer aligns with the EFF’s anti-corruption stance and push for systemic reform, but whether Mkhwanazi will consider it remains unclear as his contract nears its December 2025 end.
