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ZAMBEZI EAST UPND MP CONDEMNED…for raising a motion to declare Chawama seat vacant – this kind of hatred is very dangerous, says SP in Eastern Province

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ZAMBEZI EAST UPND MP CONDEMNED…for raising a motion to declare Chawama seat vacant – this kind of hatred is very dangerous, says SP in Eastern Province

ZAMBEZI EAST UPND MP CONDEMNED

…for raising a motion to declare Chawama seat vacant – this kind of hatred is very dangerous, says SP in Eastern Province



PETAUKE… Thursday July 17, 2025 – The Socialist Party (SP) in Eastern Province has condemned Zambezi East UPND Member of Parliament Brian Kambita for raising a motion in Parliament calling for the declaration of the Chawama seat vacant following the absence of the area MP Tasila Lungu.



SP Chairperson for Eastern Province Mabvuto Banda says this kind of hatred is very dangerous for a country like Zambia.

He wondered how the Speaker of National Assembly, Nelly Mutti, would even tolerate such a motion in the House when she has been seen in the past making decisive actions.



Mr Banda said such kind of issues will not take the country anywhere as they are divisive.

He further wondered why an elected Member of Parliament would go to Parliament and raise such an insensitive motion knowing too well that Hon Tasila Lungu is yet to bury her father.



Mr Banda stated that it is such statements that have caused the continued impasse between the Lungu family and the government.

“Colleagues and comrades, I am speaking to you with a deepest sorrow in my heart. Colleagues today was quiet shocking and disappointing for me I could not even take my meal. It’s quite shocking to hear that news that came from Parliament. Ladies and gentlemen, I am deeply disappointed and shocked to see what is happening in this country. I couldn’t understand and I was wondering whether I was awake or dreaming when I was watching that news from Parliament. It was shocking in the sense that surely a person with five senses, never tested with mental problem can go to Parliament and raise a motion before the Speaker of National Assembly to make determination over Chawama seat to declare it vacant over the absence of the area Member of Parliament who is Tasila Lungu,” he said.



“It was shocking and quite disappointing. As a Zambian, what I know whether we have gone to school or not, I know that all of us are attached to our customs and morals towards any death. This kind of hate is very dangerous. This is not taking this country anywhere.”



He said the country has culture and morals and wondered how Tasila Lungu would leave her dead father before burial to attend to Parliamentary proceedings.



“This country cannot live like we don’t understand our moral behavior. Honestly how can an MP from the ruling party of the UPND raise that kind of a motion? How can a Speaker also tolerate such kind of a motion? She brings down motions that don’t mean well for the country,” he added.


“Tasila Lungu has lost her father and not yet buried. How do we expect an MP to leave her father who is not yet buried and come to Parliament? How did the speaker fail to dismiss that motion? We need love in our midst.”



Mr Banda indicated that a lot of stakeholders have been calling for reconcilation between the Lungu family and the government saying such reckless remarks are working against that reconcilation.



“People have been calling for reconcilation between government and the Lungu family. You want to declare her seat vacant when she is mourning her father? It is not making sense, where is the human face,” he questioned.

HH PAYS TRIBUTE TO BUHARI, CALLS FOR AFRICAN DIGNITY IN HONOURING THE DEAD

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HH PAYS TRIBUTE TO BUHARI, CALLS FOR AFRICAN DIGNITY IN HONOURING THE DEAD

HH PAYS TRIBUTE TO BUHARI, CALLS FOR AFRICAN DIGNITY IN HONOURING THE DEAD

PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has signed the book of condolences at the Nigerian High Commission in Lusaka, paying his respects following the passing of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari.

Describing the late Buhari as a principled and anti-corruption leader, President Hichilema emphasized the importance of honouring the departed with dignity, saying Nigerians have demonstrated how funerals should be handled the African way.

He has urged Zambians to draw lessons from Nigeria’s respectful conduct, adding that while difficult issues may arise, they should come after the deceased is laid to rest.

The President also thanked citizens for their patience as government continues to engage the Lungu family quietly.

Meanwhile, Nigerian Acting High Commissioner to Zambia, Chinyere Epelle, expressed appreciation for Zambia’s solidarity during this time of mourning.

Diamond TV

PRESIDENT HICHILEMA: ZAMBIA’S ECONOMIC REVIVAL IS NO ACCIDENT — IT’S STRATEGIC, PLANNED, AND DELIVERING RESULTS

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PRESIDENT HICHILEMA: ZAMBIA’S ECONOMIC REVIVAL IS NO ACCIDENT — IT’S STRATEGIC, PLANNED, AND DELIVERING RESULTS

PRESIDENT HICHILEMA: ZAMBIA’S ECONOMIC REVIVAL IS NO ACCIDENT — IT’S STRATEGIC, PLANNED, AND DELIVERING RESULTS



LUSAKA, July 17, 2025 — President Hakainde Hichilema says Zambia’s economic recovery is not happening by chance, but is the result of deliberate planning, focused leadership, and international collaboration, much of it envisioned while his party was still in opposition.



Speaking during a side chat at the Invest in Zambia International Conference, the President disclosed key developments shaping Zambia’s transformation, including a historic move by Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who tabled the rehabilitation of the TAZARA Railway before her Cabinet. This, President Hichilema said, revives the original 1970s dream of integrated development between Zambia, Tanzania, and China.



“I’ve directed our Transport Minister Frank Tayali to accelerate the rehabilitation works. TAZARA is a lifeline for regional trade, and we’re glad to see the shared commitment from our Tanzanian counterparts,” he stated.



President Hichilema emphasized that Zambia’s current economic turnaround stems from intentional decisions made early on. “What is happening now is not an accident,” he said. “It is what we intended to do, even while in opposition. No tangible progress ever takes place by chance.”



He noted that 90 per cent of Zambia’s debt restructuring has been completed, a significant milestone in dismantling what he described as “the python of debt.” He thanked cooperating partners for supporting Zambia through the complex process, which has laid a foundation for long-term growth.



The President also celebrated the launch of the US$2 billion Mingomba Mining Project, secured through engagements with American investors. “This is one of the largest mining projects and a turning point for our sector,” he said.

He further said his trip to China also yielded vital projects including Shaft 28 and the Chisamba Solar Power Plant, contributing to Zambia’s push for energy diversification and clean energy adoption.



On agriculture, President Hichilema reaffirmed the ambitious goal of producing 10 million metric tonnes of maize by 2031, stating that this too was a planned target and not a fluke.

“We are investing in agriculture not just for food security but for exports, regional trade, and agro-industrialization,” he said.



The President also announced the imminent launch of Mulungushi Textiles in Kabwe, calling it a symbol of Zambia’s reindustrialization.

Similarly, he cited the rehabilitation of Livingstone Airport as a key tourism and trade project, designed to boost arrivals and unlock the southern corridor.



“We have revived Nakambala Sugar, turned it into a major regional exporter, and moved its headquarters to Mazabuka, putting power back in the hands of local communities through grower schemes,” he said.

President Hichilema expressed pride in empowering Zambians through initiatives such as the formation of the Copperbelt Power Company (CPC), a spinoff from ZCCM’s power division, achieved through a management buyout that gave Zambians ownership stakes.



He also highlighted renewed investment in skills training for youth in trades such as carpentry, tailoring, and bricklaying, ensuring opportunities beyond traditional academic paths.

The President’s economic team, including advisor Jito Kaumba, shared that Zambia’s progress is being noticed globally. Leading institutions such as the World Bank, Moody’s, and Bloomberg have reported, a doubling of GDP, falling inflation, a stabilized exchange rate, highest maize harvest recorded even after a drought, rebounding copper production and record tourism arrivals.



“We are not just growing; we are outpacing projections. The global markets are watching Zambia with renewed interest,” President Hichilema said.

Despite climate shocks, Zambia has demonstrated economic resilience. The President shared that the country has begun manufacturing vaccines for cholera, highlighting innovation and self-sufficiency in public health.



He also emphasized the government’s positive discrimination policy to favor local production and investment. “We want investors who believe in Zambia, who create joint ventures, and who see our success as shared success.”

President Hichilema closed his remarks by reflecting on his humble beginnings. “As a boy herding cattle, I learnt the value of hard work. That’s what I’ve brought to this presidency, work and more work.”



He gave special thanks to First Lady Mutinta Hichilema for her enduring support. “I’m fortunate to be married to her. Her strength has helped me reach where I am today,” he said.



With strategic plans, restored investor confidence, and tangible outcomes in mining, agriculture, infrastructure, and skills development, President Hichilema affirmed that Zambia is poised to become a model of sustainable economic transformation in Africa.



“Our work is far from done. But we are on the right path, because we planned, and we are executing it,” President Hichilema said.

© UPND Media Team

KEY TAKEAWAYS: ZAMBIA – A RISING STAR IN INVESTMENT UNDER PRESIDENT HICHILEMA AS HIGHLITED AT THE INVEST IN ZAMBIA CONFERENCE IN LUSAKA

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KEY TAKEAWAYS: ZAMBIA – A RISING STAR IN INVESTMENT UNDER PRESIDENT HICHILEMA AS HIGHLITED AT THE INVEST IN ZAMBIA CONFERENCE IN LUSAKA

KEY TAKEAWAYS: ZAMBIA – A RISING STAR IN INVESTMENT UNDER PRESIDENT HICHILEMA AS HIGHLITED AT THE INVEST IN ZAMBIA CONFERENCE IN LUSAKA


1. Zambia is Open for Investment

• President Hakainde Hichilema has declared Zambia “a place to be” for investors, citing a dramatically improved investment climate.
• The government’s strategic focus is on attracting investment across mining, agriculture, energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure.



2. Economic Recovery is Intentional and Strategic

• The President emphasized that Zambia’s economic revival is not accidental but a result of deliberate planning and leadership from his time in opposition.
• The “python of debt” has been largely dismantled, with 90% of debt restructuring completed, giving the country fiscal breathing space.
3. Major Mining Sector Gains
• Barrick Lumwana reversed its exit decision and reinvested over $2 billion.
• Kansanshi Mine secured a $1.5 billion expansion, extending its life by 20 years.
• The $2 billion Mingomba Mining Project with American investors marks a major boost to the sector.
• Copper output is on track to hit 1 million tons this year, with a goal of 3 million tons by 2031.
• Zambia has overtaken Colombia as the largest producer of emeralds globally.



4. Energy Diversification in Motion

• Sector liberalization and net metering are enabling independent power producers to invest.
• The Chisamba Solar Power Plant and others will enhance renewable energy access.
• A new fertilizer plant is generating 80MW of power, exporting to 8 countries.



5. Boost to Agriculture and Industrialization

• The administration has set a 10 million-ton maize production goal by 2031.
• Nakambala Sugar has become a major exporter, with its HQ moved to Mazabuka to empower locals.
• Mulungushi Textiles in Kabwe is set for relaunch as part of Zambia’s reindustrialization strategy.



6. Regional and International Cooperation

• TAZARA rehabilitation has gained traction with support from Tanzania and China, reviving the 1970s tri-nation dream.
• The Lobito Corridor, in collaboration with the US and EU, will further enhance regional trade.
• Diplomatic engagements with the EU, USA, GCC, and China have brought in tangible investments and partnerships.



7. Policy and Institutional Reforms

• The Presidential Delivery Unit was created to reduce bureaucracy and fast-track development.
• Disputes are now resolved outside courts, as seen with KCM, fostering investor confidence.
• Platforms like the Private Sector Dialogue Forum are shaping the national budget with business input.



8. Skills Development and Local Empowerment

• Vocational training in carpentry, tailoring, bricklaying, and other trades is being revitalized.
• Formation of Copperbelt Power Company (CPC) through a management buyout empowers Zambians with ownership.
• Government favors local investment and production through policies of positive discrimination.



9. Global Recognition

Institutions like World Bank, Moody’s, and Bloomberg report:

• GDP doubling
• Falling inflation
• Stabilized exchange rate
• Record maize harvest
• Rebounding copper output
• Increased tourism arrivals



10. Vision Rooted in Hard Work and Humility

• President Hichilema reflects on his rise from a cattle-herding boy to Head of State, crediting hard work and the unwavering support of First Lady Mutinta Hichilema.
• He reaffirmed that growing the economy is a means to deliver dignity, opportunity, and hope to the Zambian people.



Conclusion:

Zambia, under President Hichilema’s leadership, is emerging as a leading investment destination in Africa, backed by structural reforms, global partnerships, and a clear economic vision. The momentum is real, and the government is committed to sustaining and accelerating progress.

© UPND Media Team

32 CDF LOAN BENEFICIARIES DRAGGED TO COURT

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32 CDF LOAN BENEFICIARIES DRAGGED TO COURT

32 CDF LOAN BENEFICIARIES DRAGGED TO COURT

The Mpika Town Council has taken 32 various groups to court for failing to pay back the Constituency Development Funds (CDF) loans they obtained in 2022.



The development was disclosed to ZANIS in Mpika by Council Public Relations Officer Mushota Mpundu.



Mr Mpundu said the 32 groups obtained Constituency Development Funds (CDF) loans worth over K2 million in 2022.



He pointed out that so far 22 groups from the 32 loan defaulters have since appeared before the Mpika Magistrate Court for mention and the remaining 10 groups will appear in court next week.



He said the loans are a revolving fund; hence, the need for all those who obtained CDF loans to pay back on time in order to enable others to benefit from the funds.



Meanwhile, Mpika District Commissioner David Siame said that the community must also understand that CDF loans are not free money, the money must be paid back with interest of 5 percent.

CREDIT – ZANIS

CRAZ AND ZACA DISMAYED BY TRANSPORTERS AND BUS DRIVERS ASSOCIATIONS’ FAILURE TO EFFECT BUS FARE REDUCTIONS

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CRAZ AND ZACA DISMAYED BY TRANSPORTERS AND BUS DRIVERS ASSOCIATIONS’ FAILURE TO EFFECT BUS FARE REDUCTIONS

CRAZ AND ZACA DISMAYED BY TRANSPORTERS AND BUS DRIVERS ASSOCIATIONS’ FAILURE TO EFFECT BUS FARE REDUCTIONS



Thursday July 17, 2025

The Commuter Rights Association of Zambia (CRAZ) and the Zambia Consumer Association (ZACA) are deeply dismayed and disappointed by the conduct of transporters and bus drivers associations, who have failed to implement the reduced bus fares as approved by the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) over the past three months — from April to June.



It has come to our attention that RTSA, through the established fare adjustment mechanism, approved reductions in bus fares for local routes, inter-mine town routes, and long-distance routes in line with the consistent downward adjustments in fuel prices.


These reductions were made in good faith, with the expectation that the benefits would be passed on to commuters.

Regrettably, the transporters and bus drivers associations have deliberately withheld the implementation of these reductions, thereby depriving commuters of their rightful benefit.



This behavior is not only selfish but also borders on economic sabotage, as it undermines government efforts to cushion the cost of living for ordinary Zambians.



CRAZ and ZACA strongly condemn this betrayal of public trust and demand that RTSA and the Ministry of Transport and Logistics urgently investigate the reasons behind the non-implementation of the fare reductions.



The government must hold these associations accountable and ensure that all future adjustments are transparently and promptly effected.



Consumers and commuters must not continue to suffer due to the negligence or defiance of a few who prioritize profit over public welfare. CRAZ and ZACA remain committed to protecting the rights and interests of the commuting public and will not relent until justice and fairness prevail in the public transport sector.

Issued by:
Commuter Rights Association of Zambia (CRAZ)
Zambia Consumer Association (ZACA)

50 DAYS ULTIMATUM TO RUSSIA A WASTE OF TIME ZELENSKY ASKS TRUMP TO ACT NOW BECAUSE PUTIN WILL NEVER AGREE TO COMPROMISE

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50 DAYS ULTIMATUM TO RUSSIA A WASTE OF TIME ZELENSKY ASKS TRUMP TO ACT NOW BECAUSE PUTIN WILL NEVER AGREE TO COMPROMISE

By CIC International Affairs.

50 DAYS ULTIMATUM TO RUSSIA A WASTE OF TIME ZELENSKY ASKS TRUMP TO ACT NOW BECAUSE PUTIN WILL NEVER AGREE TO COMPROMISE.


Russian President, Vladimir Putin is “not ready for compromises” to end the war in Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an exclusive interview with The Post.


However, he believes President Trump could force Putin’s hand if sanctions are imposed more quickly.

Zelensky stressed that the proposed 50-day window for new U.S. sanctions is too long, saying it only gives Russia more time to kill civilians and destroy cities. “Fifty days, for us, is terrifying every single day counts,” he said. “That’s more time for deaths, destruction, and deliberate attacks on civilians.”



He welcomed Trump’s recent pledge to impose 100% tariffs on countries buying Russian oil if Moscow refuses a peace deal, but added that delay only benefits Putin. “I’m very grateful that President Trump supports sanctions,” he said. “But we can’t afford to wait 50 days.”



According to Zelensky, Putin misled Trump in their recent talks, pretending to want peace while continuing the war. “Frankly, Putin lied he pretended to want peace and claimed I wasn’t ready. But Trump saw the truth: it was the opposite.”



He also accused Putin of wasting Trump’s time. “I hope the U.S. the president and Congress put pressure on him. The sooner the sanctions, the better.”

Trump recently voiced his own frustrations, saying on July 8, “We get a lot of bullshit thrown at us by Putin, if you want to know the truth. A lot of people are dying and it should end.” On Tuesday, Trump hinted that the 50-day window might be reduced, saying, “A lot of opinions change very rapidly might not be 50 days, might be much sooner.”



Zelensky detailed Russia’s brutal use of “double strikes,” where drones are used to hit a civilian building, then strike again once rescue workers arrive.

“They know when help will arrive they’re hunting firefighters.”

He called for tougher sanctions, not just as punishment but as a strategic tool to break Putin’s support base.



“Sanctions won’t kill anyone they’ll just hit Russia where it hurts: the economy. When people lose jobs and businesses shut down, that’s when unrest begins.”

Zelensky emphasized that while many Russians oppose the war, fear keeps them silent. But as economic pressure builds, he believes that fear may turn into anger.
He praised Trump’s boldness and compassion, adding, “Trump takes the deaths of people more seriously than Putin. It hurts him more he talks about it.”



“We would certainly like to speed up this process,” Zelensky concluded. “We’ll do our part providing more facts, more evidence to convince the U.S. that strong sanctions work.”

CIC PRESS TEAM

IRAN’S AYATOLLAH KHAMENEI ISSUES NEW THREATS TO AMERICA AND ISRAEL

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IRAN’S AYATOLLAH KHAMENEI ISSUES NEW THREATS TO AMERICA AND ISRAEL

By CIC International Affairs.

IRAN’S AYATOLLAH KHAMENEI ISSUES NEW THREATS TO AMERICA AND ISRAEL.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Wednesday issued his latest threat against the U.S. and “its dog on a leash, the Zionist regime Israel” as nations urge nuclear negotiations but eye sanctions options.



“The fact that our nation is ready to face the power of the United States and its dog on a leash, the Zionist regime, is very praiseworthy,” Khamenei said in comments translated by reporters to state TV.



Khamenei went on to claim that last month’s attack on the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar was just the beginning of what Tehran could throw at Washington and warned that “an even bigger blow could be inflicted on the U.S. and others.”


While the U.S. has assessed that Iran’s nuclear program has been set back by up to two years following its strikes on the Fordow atomic site in June which followed a series of strikes issued by Israel on Tehran’s nuclear and military sectors much of Iran’s missile capabilities remain intact.



It is unclear the exact extent that Iran’s missile and drone program was degraded after the Israeli strikes targeted its stockpiles and launching capabilities, but security experts have warned Tehran’s missile and drone programs remain a “significant” threat.


Israel has estimated that even after its strikes, Iran likely still possesses some 1,500 medium-range ballistic missiles and 50% of its launching capabilities , reported Bill Roggio, senior fellow and editor of Foundation for Defense of Democracies’ (FDD) “Long War Journal.”

Similarly, Iranian expert Behnam Ben Taleblu told Fox News Digital that “Post strikes, the program still exists and, despite being handicapped, poses a significant regional threat.”



“This is especially true at shorter distances since Iran’s single-stage solid fuel short-range ballistic are much more precise,” Ben Taleblu, senior director of the FDD’s Iran program, said. “This means that in another iteration of an Israel-Iran-America conflict, the chances of retaliatory strike on U.S. regional bases remains high.”



Khamenei’s threats followed similar warnings by other top Iranian officials as western nations mull reinforcing snapback sanctions if Washington is unable to make headway on nuclear negotiations “by the end of the summer.”

President Donald Trump has said he is committed to continuing talks with Iran to avoid further military action, but on Tuesday evening, he told reporters he’s “in no rush to talk” despite the ever-looming deadline for when a deal needs to be reached.



Security experts have told Fox News Digital that snapback sanctions pose their own risk as the measure could prompt Iran to withdraw from the world’s largest nuclear agreement – the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, which some 190 nations have signed on to.


“A sustainable and verifiable diplomatic solution that addresses the security interests of the international community is essential,” the German Foreign Ministry confirmed for Fox News Digital this week. “If such a solution is not achieved by the end of the summer, the snapback mechanism will remain an option for the E3.



“We continue to coordinate closely with our E3 partners on this issue,” the ministry added in reference to the European nations that signed the 2015 nuclear agreement known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which are France, Germany and the U.K.

CIC PRESS TEAM

Donald Trump slams his past supporters and “stupid” Republicans as Epstein row grows

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Donald Trump slams his past supporters and “stupid” Republicans as Epstein row grows

US President Donald Trump sharply criticized his past supporters and “stupid” Republicans on Wednesday, July 16, as he aggressively defended his administration’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case.

Speaking amid growing controversy, Trump sought to dismiss conspiracy theories embraced by some in his base as a Democratic hoax.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said, “my PAST supporters have bought into this ‘bullshit’, hook, line and sinker,” calling them “weaklings.”

He later targeted members of his party, stating, “It’s all been a big hoax, it’s perpetrated by the Democrats. And some stupid Republicans and foolish Republicans fall into the net and so they try and do the Democrats’ work,” during remarks in the Oval Office.

The president faces a serious rift within his right-wing base over allegations that his administration is covering up lurid details related to the disgraced financier Epstein, who died by suicide in a New York prison in 2019 during Trump’s first term. Epstein was charged with sex trafficking and accused of grooming underage women for abuse by wealthy and powerful individuals.

Trump’s far-right supporters have long claimed the existence of a secret “client list” and allege Epstein was murdered in jail as part of a cover-up. However, the Justice Department and FBI recently dismissed these claims, confirming Epstein’s death by suicide and stating no evidence exists of such a list or blackmail.

During a visit with Bahrain’s crown prince, Trump reiterated his position, blaming Democrats and “stupid people” for promoting conspiracy theories. He deflected attention by highlighting his administration’s economic and foreign policy achievements, adding, “And the sad part, it is people that are really doing the Democrats work. They’re stupid people.”

When asked if his remark about “past supporters” amounted to disowning them, Trump replied, “I lost a lot of faith in certain people, yes.”

Trump has denied visiting Epstein’s notorious US Virgin Islands residence, despite being among several public figures previously linked to Epstein. Before his election, he pledged to release files on the case but his administration’s reluctance to do so has fueled anger among supporters.

The controversy has also caused tensions within Trump’s administration, sparking a public dispute between Attorney General Pam Bondi and Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino, who is reportedly considering resignation. Trump said Bondi could release “whatever’s credible” in the files.

Criticism of Trump’s handling of the Epstein issue has come even from allies. Republican Senator Ted Cruz said, “I have long said we should release everything.” Retired General Michael Flynn, Trump’s former national security advisor, called the “roll out of this… terrible, no way around that,” and stressed, “It is NOT about Epstein or the left. It is about committing crimes against CHILDREN.”

Flynn, known for promoting conspiracy theories, was appointed by Trump in March to a board overseeing US military service academies.

The Epstein scandal continues to pose a significant challenge for Trump, deepening divisions within his base and administration as he tries to manage fallout from the sensitive case.

Nick Cannon shares how he welcomed five children in a year

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Nick Cannon, the multi-talented entertainer and entrepreneur, has long made a name for himself in the entertainment industry, from his teenage years as a stand-up comic to his success with Wild ’N Out, Drumline, and high-profile hosting gigs like The Masked Singer and America’s Got Talent, among others. But in recent years, one identity has come to dominate the public narrative about him—that of a father to 12 children with six different women.

In a recent interview with Vulture, the 44-year-old said that he wasn’t trying to become like X owner Elon Musk, who has 14 children.

However, Cannon said his large brood was a “by-product of his eagerness to appease the women he was dating or his single friends who wanted kids.” Still, he admits that it wasn’t always that simple. “It was also a little bit of, like, ‘Okay, God, how did I have five kids in one year?’ Probably careless activity,” he confessed.

According to People, Cannon welcomed five of his 12 children in 2022 alone. His son, Legendary Love, was born in July 2022 to Selling Sunset star Bre Tiesi. In September 2022, he welcomed daughter Onyx Ice Cole with model LaNisha Cole and son Rise Messiah with Brittany Bell.

Cannon and Bell already shared two children: son Golden Sagon, born in 2017, and daughter Powerful Queen, born in 2020. In November 2022, Cannon and Abby De La Rosa welcomed daughter Beautiful Zeppelin, joining their twins Zion Mixolydian and Zillion Heir, born in 2021. In December 2022, Cannon welcomed daughter Halo Marie with Alyssa Scott, the mother of his late son Zen, who passed away in 2021 at just five months old due to brain cancer. Cannon also shares 14-year-old twins Moroccan and Monroe with his ex-wife Mariah Carey.

Despite the many headlines, Cannon said he’s not planning any more children at the moment. “The world is a crazy place. I never say ‘never’,” he said.

He previously told People that while he wasn’t expecting to welcome more little ones anytime soon, he might consider expanding his family three or five years in the future.

At the time, Cannon said, “There was a point in time where I was just like, ‘Nah, I’m done,’… And, then I was like, ‘Who am I to say that?’ It seemed like it was such an emphatic thing. I never imagined that I would have 12 kids. So, it’s one of those things where I love children. I love my life, and if it could keep going in the direction that it’s going, why not?”

His large family has sometimes made him the butt of many jokes but though Cannon is able to laugh at himself, he’s also taken steps to process and understand his unique path. After his divorce from Mariah Carey in 2016, Cannon entered what he jokingly calls his post-divorce “rumspringa,” involving a series of high-profile relationships and resulting in his blended family.

In response to this spotlight, Cannon has begun integrating his personal experiences into his creative work. He launched the mental health podcast Counsel Culture, where therapists and psychologists explore his personal and family dynamics, which stemmed from Cannon’s own therapy sessions, which now include his eldest children.

Despite the jokes, Cannon’s actions show he takes his role as a father seriously. He continues to work nonstop across multiple jobs to support his children and maintain what he refers to as “love” in all forms—for his kids, their mothers, and the life he’s built.

French police ‘launch probe into over £156,000 payments made by Kylian Mbappe

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French police have reportedly launched a probe into payments made by Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe to officers, amid questions over if the money were for World Cup duties or personal protection.

According to Le Canard Enchaine via Sport, a total of £156,330 (€180,300) was paid in June 2023 to five officers assigned to protect the French national team during that period. Four of them received £26,011 (€30,000) each, while a fifth was paid £52,278 (€60,300).

The payments are believed to be linked to Mbappe’s promise to donate his 2022 World Cup prize money to the security personnel who guarded the team throughout the tournament.

The forward signed a document confirming this commitment and consulted his lawyer to ensure the donations would not be taxable for the recipients.

However, authorities are investigating whether the payments were genuinely related to World Cup duties or were intended as personal protection for Mbappe.

Attention is focused on one officer who accompanied the player on trips to Cameroon and Vaucluse in southern France in June 2023.

Notably, while Mbappe was in Paris for a European qualifier against Greece, this officer was in Vaucluse, raising questions about the nature of his assignment.

It is said that Police believe the officer ‘breached his duty of integrity’ by taking part in the two trips.

Meanwhile, Mbappe has said he is ‘ready to answer any questions’ regarding the situation.

Thai Woman arrested for filming herself having s333x with Buddhist monks before blackmailing them

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Thai Woman arrested for filming herself having s333x with Buddhist monks before blackmailing them

A Thai woman has been arrested after allegedly filming herself having s£x with Buddhist monks before blackmailing them for millions of pounds.

Wilawan Emsawat, 35, known by the nickname Sika Golf, is accused of being involved in secret relationships with 13 monks, as well as money laundering and receiving stolen goods.

Woman arrested for filming herself having s�x with Buddhist monks before blackmailing them for millions of pounds

According to Bankokbiznews, Emsawat reportedly raked in almost a staggering £9million after using video footage and images of her encounters with senior religious figures to extort money.

Five mobile devices owned by the woman contained clips and stills of her engaged in s£xual acts with several monks, some of whom were still wearing their traditional orange robes, according to the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), which was quoted in local Thai media.

Currently, nine-out-of-13 monks involved have been disrobed, and the number of individuals involved is expected to increase.

A committee in the Senate has now called for s£x with monks to be made a crime, but the proposal has angered those who say that men should be held responsible for their own actions.

‘The scandal exposes a system of lies and hypocrisy among top monks,’ Sanitsuda Ekachai, a columnist for the Bangkok Post, wrote.

‘Women have long been depicted in mainstream teachings as “enemies” of monks’ spiritual purity… and now, when the clergy’s moral decay is in full view, it’s the woman who takes the fall while the monks are cast as victims.’

Suspicion stared when Phra Thep Wachirapamok, widely known as Arch, the highly respected abbot of Bangkok’s Wat Tri Thotsathep Worawihan temple, suddenly renounced his monkhood and vanished across the border into Laos in June.

Shortly after, the real reason for his mysterious emerged. The 53-year-old monk had allegedly been in a secret relationship with Wilawan, who claimed to be pregnant and demanded a huge £179,000 from him.

When he refused to pay, she exposed their affair to fellow monks and he fled the country in disgrace.

Since police seized Wilawan’s phones, some monks have already confessed to being involved in long-standing affairs with her, a blatant violation of their sacred vow of celibacy.

All are now expected to be derobed in accordance with Buddhist laws.

Millionaire farmer d!es a day after marrying carer who inherited his fortune

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Millionaire farmer d!es a day after marrying carer who inherited his fortune

A millionaire farmer who died just a day after marrying his girlfriend was embalmed with “undue haste,” a coroner’s inquest in Tullamore, County Offaly, has heard.

Joseph Grogan, 75, passed away at his home around 3 p.m. on April 15, 2023, a day after marrying Lisa Flaherty, 50, at a registry office. Mr Grogan had been diagnosed with stage four, high-grade non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma earlier that year and had undergone chemotherapy. While he developed infections after two of the four treatment rounds, he was said to be responding well.

Mr Grogan’s remains were embalmed within hours of his death, a move Coroner Raymond Mahon said complicated efforts to determine a definitive cause of death. The embalming occurred before a post-mortem could be properly conducted, preventing toxicology tests from being performed.

The inquest heard from Peter Jones, solicitor for Mr Grogan’s 90-year-old aunt, who said there remained “an awful lot of unanswered questions.” He criticised the speed at which the body was removed and embalmed. Barrister Damien Tansey, representing Mr Grogan’s cousins, also pushed for a forensic investigation, calling the death “sudden and unexpected.” He noted local concern and medical community unease had not been addressed.

Pathologist Dr Charles d’Adhemar concluded cancer and organ failure were not the direct cause of death. He cautioned that the three medications prescribed to Mr Grogan could depress the respiratory and nervous systems if not administered correctly. However, due to the embalming, drug levels in the body could not be tested.

Mr Tansey challenged claims made by Ms Flaherty about the extent and duration of her relationship with Mr Grogan. She said they had been together since she was 16, a claim the Grogan family found distressing. The family also raised concerns about secrecy surrounding the marriage, which even Ms Flaherty’s sister reportedly did not know about until the day after it occurred.

The coroner, however, declined to rule on the validity of the marriage, focusing solely on the circumstances surrounding the death.

Representing Ms Flaherty, Stephen Byrne rejected the suggestion that she had any role in Mr Grogan’s death, arguing the threshold for a criminal investigation had not been met. He said Ms Flaherty had stepped up to care for her husband when others had not, and criticised the inquest for subjecting her to harsh scrutiny.

On the day of Mr Grogan’s death, a neighbour and psychiatric nurse with palliative care training, who is also Ms Flaherty’s sister, was called to the house. She was told that an ambulance had been summoned and that paramedics advised palliative services would not be available until Monday. Mr Grogan had allegedly said he preferred to remain at home.

Further questions arose over how the body was released. Mr Martin Keyes, a lorry driver and part-time undertaker, said he transported Mr Grogan’s body to Longford around 7:30 p.m. after being told by Ms Flaherty that a doctor had given permission. Mr Keyes later admitted he had not seen a death certificate and acknowledged that the doctor on call, not being Mr Grogan’s GP, could not have given such consent.

The coroner ultimately ruled that Mr Grogan died of natural causes linked to a probable infection, compounded by a compromised immune system due to cancer and its treatment. While recognising “valid concerns” over the care Mr Grogan received, the coroner noted that the deceased had been reluctant to seek medical attention.

The three-day inquest concluded on July 16, with Ms Flaherty leaving the court in tears. She stands to inherit Mr Grogan’s 220-acre farm in Screggan, Tullamore, valued at €5.5 million.

Air India pilot suspected of intentionally crashing plane- aviation expert

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Australian aviation expert Captain Byron Bailey has given his analysis on the Air India plane crash, claiming the latest findings indicate the captain must have intentionally turned off the fuel control switches.

On June 12, 2015, Air India Flight 171, carrying 242 passengers and crew members, crashed into a building in the city of Ahmedabad just moments after take-off on June 12. Only one person on the plane survived.

An additinal 19 people on the ground were killed when the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, bound for London’s Gatwick Airport, crashed in a densely populated neighbourhood.

British-Indian national Vishwash Kumar Ramesh was the sole survivor, miraculously only suffering minor injuries after he managed to flee the fiery wreck.

A preliminary report into the crash conducted by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau found the plane’s fuel control switches were switched off three seconds after take-off.

The plane then began to lose thrust as fuel was not reaching the engines.

While the switches were turned back on, and power was restored to one engine the plane crashed not long afterwards, according to the findings.

An analysis of black box data suggests pilot-in-command Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, 56, placed the switches into the “cut-off” position, The Wall Street Journal has reported, citing US pilot sources familiar with the report.

The black box voice recording also indicated a back-and-forth unfolded between the two pilots, with first officer Clive Kunder – who was flying the aircraft – questioning the senior pilot’s move.

The revelations have cast a spotlight on the actions of the captain, as aviation experts claim cutting off the fuel supply could not have been done by accident.

Speaking to Sky News Australia on Thursday, July 17, about the developments, Captain Bailey was of the view the pilot-in-command made a conscious move to flick off the fuel switches.

“To us aviation people … we believe straight away that the only way this could have happened is if the captain turned off the fuel control switches,” he told Sky News Chief Anchor Kieran Gilbert.

“The first one, which is right by his right hand, three seconds up and lift off – and the second one, one second later.”

Captain Bailey claimed the co-pilot, also known as a first officer, would have had his “hands full” flying the aircraft.

“Both hands would have been on the yoke (control wheel) during this period, so he could not have reached down and turned the fuel cut off switches,” Captain Bailey said.

“They’re mechanical, they’re not worked by electricity, and they require absolute physical effort to lift the switch up, raise it over the gate and back down.

“So it had to be done by one of the pilots. But since the co-pilot was the one flying, then of course, the captain was one under suspicion.”

In his view, Captain Bailey claimed the crash was “suicide by the captain”.

The official report did not outline how the fuel switches could have transitioned to the cut-off position.

Asked if airline companies should implement a “fail-safe” measure to prevent similar incidents occurring, Captain Bailey said a video-recording mechanism is needed in the cockpit.

“There should be a camera, a closed-loop thing that only lasts for 30 minutes, but of course, the final 30 minutes of any flight,” the pilot with more than 25,000 flying hours said.

In a statement after the initial report was released, Air India said it continues to “mourn the loss” of all lives lost in the crash and is “committed to providing support during this difficult time”.

The company said it also acknowledges “receipt” of the preliminary report released by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau.

“Air India is working closely with stakeholders, including regulators. We continue to fully cooperate with the AAIB and other authorities as their investigation progresses,” it said.

Meanwhile, the meedical records for the Air India pilot k!lled in last month’s crash were reportedly turned over to investigators amid reports he’d been suffering from depression and other mental health issues.

Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, 56, was the lead pilot when the London-bound Boeing 787 Dreamliner went down in Ahmedabad on June 12, killing 241 people on board and leaving just one survivor.

Sabharwal, who had more than 15,000 flying hours under his belt at the time of the tragedy, had taken medical leave in recent years due to apparent mental health woes, the Telegraph reported.

Julius Malema distances himself from controversial businessman Vusimuzi Matlala amid social media speculation

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Julius Malema distances himself from controversial businessman Vusimuzi Matlala amid social media speculation

Malema distances himself from controversial businessman Vusimuzi Matlala amid social media speculation



Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has vehemently denied any ties to embattled businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, who faces charges of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and money laundering.


Speaking to the press in Polokwane on July 16, Malema dismissed social media rumors linking him and his wife, Mantoa Matlala, to the controversial tycoon as “petty gossip,” stating, “He must go rot in jail, I don’t know him.”



Matlala is accused of orchestrating a criminal network, including an alleged assassination attempt on his ex-girlfriend, Tebogo Thobejane, and securing a questionable R360 million South African Police Service tender.



The businessman’s legal troubles have drawn significant attention, with KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi alleging Matlala’s interference in police operations.



Malema used the opportunity to call for the removal of Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, citing concerns over the handling of Matlala’s case and broader police inefficiencies.



The EFF leader’s remarks come amid heightened scrutiny of Matlala’s activities, which have sparked public debate about corruption and influence in South Africa’s political and business spheres.

US SENATORS EXEMPT HIV/AIDS FUNDING FROM PLANNED SPENDING CUTS

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US SENATORS EXEMPT HIV/AIDS FUNDING FROM PLANNED SPENDING CUTS



REPUBLICANS in the US Senate have said they will spare the US-backed HIV/Aids programme Pepfar from cuts, amid a larger effort to reduce government spending.



Senators said they would end a plan to cut $400m (£300m) from the President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief programme, leaving total proposed cuts at $9bn.



The proposition was made in a Senate amendment to a rescissions package – meaning a bill that allows lawmakers to cancel previous funding approved by Congress. The planned cancellations also include funds for international aid and public broadcasting.


If the Pepfar amendment is approved, the bill will go back to the House of Representatives for another vote ahead of a Friday deadline.



Multiple senators from both parties had expressed concern with cuts to Pepfar, which was launched under President George W Bush and has been credited with saving tens of millions of lives around the world, especially in Africa.



The Republican-controlled Senate can only afford a few defectors, assuming all Democrats vote in opposition. John Thune, the Republican Senate majority leader, said there had been a “lot of interest” in keeping the Pepfar funding intact.



Senator Susan Collins, a Republican from Maine, told reporters after a White House lunch on Tuesday that she was “very pleased” that the cuts would be removed.

Prior to the amendment, Collins had been vocal against the bill. She has not said whether the changes are enough to secure her support.



Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought told reporters that the White House was on board with the Senate amendment, meaning that in its current form President Donald Trump would be willing to sign it.



In his second presidency, Trump has turbo-charged an effort to reduce government spending. Most of the cuts in the rescission bill are aimed at clawing back money that was previously earmarked for the American government’s main humanitarian assistance body, USAID, which recently announced its formal closure under Trump.



Trump’s moves have led to drastic reductions in HIV/Aids clinics in South Africa and other countries, precipitating a shortage of life-saving medicine and care.


The about-turn was welcomed by Prof Helen Rees who specialises in HIV, vaccine-preventable diseases and sexual health at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg.



“This is very good news,” she told the BBC.

“It’s obviously not replacing the totality of what Pepfar was providing but nonetheless it indicates a softening of the views in the US and the importance to the members of the Senate of the Pepfar programme in terms of lives saved.”



She added that the sudden withdrawal of the funding was “a huge threat to the lives of many people, particularly in lower-income countries and particularly in Africa”.

Other cuts in the rescission bill are aimed at the funding for public broadcasters NPR and PBS.

BBC

Tonse Alliance Disowns Sean Tembo

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Tonse Alliance Disowns Sean Tembo

UNITED FOR BETTER ZAMBIA (UBZ) PARTY
Office of the President

PRESS STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 14th July 2025



UBZ DISOWNS SEAN TEMBO’S CLAIM ON TONSE ALLIANCE

The United for Better Zambia (UBZ) Party wishes to categorically distance itself from the statement by Patriots for Economic Progress (PeP) President Sean Tembo, in which he claims he will address the nation as spokesperson for the Tonse Alliance.



UBZ was not consulted and does not endorse or recognize any such action. We disassociate ourselves from any statements or activities undertaken by Mr. Tembo or others claiming to speak on behalf of the Alliance without consensus.



UBZ will only participate in engagements convened by Hon. Raphael Nakachinda, Secretary General of the PF/Tonse Alliance, or Hon. Given Lubinda, Acting Chairperson of the PF/Tonse Alliance.



We urge all Alliance partners to uphold unity and consultative leadership.


Issued by:
Apostle Hector Soondo
President – United for Better Zambia (UBZ) Party

Stardy Mwale and five others rearrested in a Gulfstream case after a Noelle

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Stardy Mwale and five others rearrested in a Gulfstream case after a Noelle

PRIME TV NEWS
17-07-25
STARDY NOLLE

The state has entered a nolle prosequi in a matter of failure to follow law and procedure involving former Defense permanent secretary Stardy Mwale.



The state told the court that they want to discontinue the matter by entering into a nolle prosequi based on instructions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.



And magistrate Davis Chibwili therefore allowed the application and released Mwale on nolle prosequi.


Mwale has however been re-arrested by police at the court premises as he stepped out of the court room.

I WAS UNDER PRESSURE TO FIND LAND FOR PF SECRETARIAT – Judge Wilfred Muma

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I WAS UNDER PRESSURE TO FIND LAND FOR PF SECRETARIAT – Judge Wilfred Muma

I WAS UNDER PRESSURE TO FIND LAND FOR PF SECRETARIAT – JUDGE



DISMISSED High Court Judge Wilfred Muma testified that while working at the Ministry of Lands, he received several “knocks” from Patriotic Front (PF) members who wanted land for construction of their secretariat.



Mr Muma narrated that among the people who queried him over the land in 2018 included then Vice-President Inonge Wina and ex- Minister of Lands and Natural Resources Jean Kapata.



“Madam Inonge Wina… also expressed concerns over the delay in allocating land
to build the PF secretariat, among other things I discussed with her.



“There were numerous knocks from officers sent from PF secretariat and mostly from the minister [of Lands], then Honourable Jean Kapata, on my door to find this piece of land.



“Honourable Jean Kapata would call me [saying] ‘you haven’t found land. We are under pressure’,” the former Commissioner of Lands narrated.



He earlier told a panel of three judges that sometime in late 2017 or early 2018, he received a letter from the then governing PF, which applied for a piece of land.

ZDM

MILUPI CONFIDENT PRESIDENT HICHILEMA’S GROWING POPULARITY WILL HELP UPND MPS RETAIN SEATS

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MILUPI CONFIDENT PRESIDENT HICHILEMA’S GROWING POPULARITY WILL HELP UPND MPS RETAIN SEATS

MILUPI CONFIDENT PRESIDENT HICHILEMA’S GROWING POPULARITY WILL HELP UPND MPS RETAIN SEATS



By Chamuka Shalubala

UPND Alliance Chairperson Charles Milupi is confident that President Hakainde Hichilema’s popularity will help UPND Members of Parliament retain their seats in the 2026 general elections.



In an interview with Phoenix News, Mr. Milupi attributes the President’s increased popularity to his governance style, despite facing numerous challenges since taking office.



He believes that President Hichilema’s leadership has earned him more popularity than in 2021, creating a “pull factor” that will likely lead to UPND MPs retaining their seats.



Mr. Milupi has however acknowledged that some MPs might not be able to retain their seats due to various reasons, but that the party will accept the outcome.



He indicates that the party will consider various factors during the adoption process for the UPND ticket in next year’s elections.

PHOENIX NEWS

LAWYER CRITICIZES SPEAKER FOR RESERVING RULING ON TASILA LUNGU’S PARLIAMENTARY SEAT

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LAWYER CRITICIZES SPEAKER FOR RESERVING RULING ON TASILA LUNGU’S PARLIAMENTARY SEAT

LAWYER CRITICIZES SPEAKER FOR RESERVING RULING ON TASILA LUNGU’S PARLIAMENTARY SEAT



By Nelson Zulu

Lawyer Jonas Zimba has criticized speaker of the National Assembly, Nelly Mutti, for reserving her ruling on a point of order raised in the national assembly, seeking to have the Chawama Parliamentary seat declared vacant due to the absence of area Member of Parliament Tasila Lungu.



Mr. Zimba argues that before reserving the ruling, Ms. Mutti should have realized that the national assembly operates by rules, committees, and privileges, which should have guided her analysis of the motives behind such calls.


In an interview with Phoenix News, Mr. Zimba has described the point of order by UPND Zambezi East MP Brian Kambita, as sinister and that the speaker must have evaluated the motive behind it before reserving the ruling.


Meanwhile, Political Analyst Dr. Alex Ng’oma has advised the Zambezi East lawmaker to demonstrate leadership with a human face rather than seeking punitive measures regarding Ms. Lungu.


On Tuesday, Mr. Kambita, rose on a point of order, questioning whether the house was in order to consider Ms. Lungu as its member when she has no intention of coming back to Zambia as submitted by her mother, Esther Lungu, in the south African high court, prompting Speaker of the National Assembly, Nelly Mutti to reserve a ruling on the matter.

PHOENIX NEWS

I ATTENDED NEGOTIATIONS, THERE WAS NO DEMAND TO DROP LUNGU FAMILY CASES – JONAS ZIMBA

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I ATTENDED NEGOTIATIONS, THERE WAS NO DEMAND TO DROP LUNGU FAMILY CASES – JONAS ZIMBA

I ATTENDED NEGOTIATIONS, THERE WAS NO DEMAND TO DROP LUNGU FAMILY CASES – ZIMBA


17th July 2025

LAWYER Jonas Zimba is challenging Enock Kavindele to name the regional presidents who were demanding that legal cases against late former president Edgar Lungu’s family be dropped in exchange for the repatriation of his remains.



Recently, Kavindele, who is former vice president, alleged that while having negotiations for the repatriation of the late former president’s remains, some regional leaders wanted government to drop cases against Lungu’s family in exchange for his remains.



However, in an interview, Wednesday, Zimba, who was present during the negotiations, argued that no such issue was mentioned. “I was in that meeting and all the meetings I attended.



In this country today the elders are not helping us too much. The elders have a duty, one…

Newsdiggers

ZAMMSA report is a diversion…The real story is about the 61 containers that sat idle in a warehouse for months – Brian Mundubile

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ZAMMSA report is a diversion…The real story is about the 61 containers that sat idle in a warehouse for months – Brian Mundubile

ZAMMSA: IT IS A COVER-UP!- Brian Mundubile

…Brian Mundubile wonders why Government has not explained the mystery of the marooned 61 containers of drugs worth US $ 25 million which remained stranded at a warehouse while patients were dying due to lack of drugs and why those responsible have not been prosecuted.



By Nation Reporter

The forensic audit report into the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) is nothing but a strategic smokescreen, designed to deflect public scrutiny from much larger scandals including the unexplained marooning of 61 containers of medical supplies for over six months at a private warehouse, says Mporokoso Member of Parliament Brian Mundubile.



Meanwhile it has also been disclosed that ZAMSA has been running without a Board for almostt one year and that the Ministry has advertised for a Director General, with fears that the candidate would be handpicked to be holden to the Ministry, instead of a properly constituted Board.



Mundubile has accused the government of orchestrating a cover-up to shield those responsible for what he described as “systemic rot” within the Ministry of Health, and questioned why no one has been held accountable despite the containers being traced but never distributed.



“This ZAMMSA report is a diversion,” he said. “The real story is about the 61 containers that sat idle in a warehouse for months while patients went without medicine. No one has explained how that happened, and no one has been arrested. Instead, the nation is being distracted with vague talk of further investigations.”



Mundubile, a former Minister and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, said the pattern of secrecy and delay was indicative of a high-level cover-up.

“This was not an administrative error. It was a calculated operation. The fact that containers filled with essential medical supplies were left marooned for half a year, while officials blamed systems and silence, is not just negligence—it borders on criminality,” he said.



The issue, he insisted, is no longer about ZAMMSA alone. “It has exposed the rot in the entire Ministry of Health. The government’s failure to act, investigate meaningfully, or even communicate clearly speaks volumes.”



He further pointed to revelations from former ZAMMSA Director General Victor Nyasulu, who alleged that some procurement contracts required clearance from officials at State House raising serious questions about political interference in procurement processes.



“This is how institutions collapse. When political power overrides procurement law, it becomes about patronage, not public health,” Mundubile warned.

He also expressed concern that ZAMMSA has operated without a board for almost a year, and noted that the Ministry is now advertising for a Director General a move some fear will result in a handpicked loyalist rather than a professionally selected candidate through an independent board.



Meanwhile, Victor Nyasulu, who broke his silence on July 15, 2025, revealed that he was dismissed in 2023 over the 61 containers but was never given a chance to defend himself. Months later, he was arrested on unrelated charges of failing to follow procurement guidelines but has never been brought to court.


“I was fired over the containers,” Nyasulu said. “Yet I’ve never been charged for that. Instead, I’m on bond for something completely different, and I’ve never had my day in court. If the issue was truly the containers, where is the report? Why is it hidden from the public?”



Nyasulu also criticized the handling of the audit process, noting that the so-called “interim” report used against him has never been presented to Parliament or made public.



“There’s too much confusion. I was dismissed, arrested, and bonded yet I remain uncharged. The President talks about action, but on what evidence? This is clearly a cover-up,” he said.



He went further, alleging that officials within the Ministry of Health are scheming to regain control of the procurement process for personal gain, and that the prolonged absence of a ZAMMSA board is part of that agenda.



President Hakainde Hichilema, in a recent address, reiterated his administration’s commitment to fighting corruption and promised that “no sacred cows” would be spared. He said findings of the forensic audit had been shared with donors and investigative agencies.



But Mundubile was dismissive of the assurances. “The President’s words ring hollow. The key figure in the containers scandal is on bond and has never been charged for the very issue that cost him his job. How is that justice?”



As pressure mounts and suspicions deepen, the marooned containers remain a symbol of unanswered questions and unacknowledged wrongdoing. To critics like Mundubile, the forensic audit is not a step toward justice but a calculated attempt to shift the spotlight away from a scandal that still festers at the heart of the health system.

(Credit: Daily Nation Zambia)

Hon. Binwell Mpundu is expected in  court
charged with seditious practices offence

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Hon. Binwell Mpundu is expected in  court <br> charged with seditious practices offence

OUTSPOKEN Nkana Member of Parliament Binwell Mpundu is expected in court charged with the infamous seditious practices offence, which recently landed two lawmakers in jail.





A cause list at the Lusaka Magistrate’s Court yesterday showed that Mr Mpundu, an accountant, has been indictment for seditious practices.



In Zambia, seditious practices are acts, words, or publications that aim to bring hatred, contempt, or disaffection against the government, or incite violence or disorder.

These practices are defined in the Penal Code Act, and are punishable by law to a fine, imprisonment or both.



Having being placed on the cause list, it implies that Mr Mpundu, 42, was recently arrested and charged and will soon appear in court over the allegations.

The leader of a social and political youth movement called Ica Baiche, who was recently placed on seven-day suspension from the National Assembly for alleged misconduct, will not be the first MP to be in court over seditious practices.



His friend, Munir Zulu, a former Lumezi lawmaker, is currently serving 18 months imprisonment with hard labour and K800 fine for seditious practices.

Zulu was jailed two months ago for seditious practices after he alleged that the President would dissolve Parliament and call for early elections.



Former Mfuwe Member of Parliament Maureen Mabonga was also recently jailed eight months imprisonment for the same offence.



This is in connection with utterances she made following the purported abduction of ex-Petauke lawmaker Emmanuel Jay Banda.



The utterances, in which she stated that Bembas and Easterners are many in number and have potential to defend themselves, were deemed to be seditious by the prosecution.

(Mwebantu, Thursday, 17th July, 2025)

Stop Promoting Lawlessness, Harry Kalaba’s Mining Statement Is Reckless

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Stop Promoting Lawlessness, Harry Kalaba’s Mining Statement Is Reckless

Stop Promoting Lawlessness, Harry Kalaba’s Mining Statement Is Reckless

Tobbius Chilembo Hamunkoyo -LLB

When Harry Kalaba, a presidential aspirant, claimed that “you can’t be an illegal miner in your own country,” he made a deeply misleading and dangerous statement.


His words reflect a serious misunderstanding of the law and reveal poor leadership judgment.

Zambia is governed by the rule of law, not by emotion or personal entitlement. Under the Mines and Minerals Development Act of 2015, anyone who engages in mining, whether a citizen or a foreigner, must obtain a valid mining license. Mining without such a license is illegal. Citizenship does not exempt anyone from this legal requirement.



Kalaba’s remarks are not only factually wrong but also irresponsible and reckless. As someone aspiring for the presidency, he should be the first to promote respect for the law.

Instead, he is encouraging Zambians to engage in unlawful mining activities, a stance that could promote disorder and undermine national development.



Illegal mining is not a victimless act, it destroys the environment, endangers lives, and deprives the country of much-needed revenue. Promoting such behavior is not leadership, it is populism that can lead Zambia down a path of chaos and lawlessness.



Kalaba’s position ignores the need for sustainable and equitable management of Zambia’s mineral wealth. Minerals are a national resource meant to benefit all citizens through lawful, regulated processes.

Government systems are in place to ensure that mining is done in a manner that supports community development, protects the environment, and contributes to the national treasury.


Encouraging people to mine without licenses disregards these systems and opens the door to corruption, exploitation, and misuse of our resources.

Harry Kalaba’s statement must be condemned in the strongest terms.



Zambia needs leaders who uphold the law, not those who bend it for political gain. Encouraging illegal mining on the basis of citizenship sets a terrible example and promotes lawlessness.

In a constitutional democracy, no one,not even the most patriotic citizen, is above the law.

Critique of Harry Kalaba’s Leadership Aspirations

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Critique of Harry Kalaba’s Leadership Aspirations

Critique of Harry Kalaba’s Leadership Aspirations

Harry Kalaba’s recent statements have raised concerns about his suitability for leadership positions. His comments on President Hakainde Hichilema’s potential impeachment following the Constitutional Court ruling on Bill 7 were particularly troubling.

Kalaba claimed that the President would be impeached if he didn’t resign, despite lacking representation in key government positions such as councilors, mayors, or members of parliament. This demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding of the impeachment process.



Furthermore, Kalaba’s assertion that citizens cannot be illegal miners reveals a lack of comprehension regarding mining laws and regulations. This incident, combined with his previous gaffe about being scammed for an iPhone that wasn’t yet available on the market, suggests a pattern of impulsive and uninformed decision-making.



Given these incidents, it’s reasonable to question whether Kalaba is adequately prepared to run for the presidency. His lack of research and tendency to make unconsidered statements raise concerns about his intellectual capacity for governance.


Perhaps it would be wise for Kalaba to take a step back and allow more qualified individuals to pursue leadership positions. Effective governance requires a deep understanding of the law, policy, and the needs of the people.

Uyu bazaka mu scama Chalo 😂

-Delife Zambia

CIVIL SOCIETY REQUESTED CONSTITUTION AMENDMENT DEFERMENT, NOT WITHDRAWAL – SIMUUWE

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CIVIL SOCIETY REQUESTED CONSTITUTION AMENDMENT DEFERMENT, NOT WITHDRAWAL – SIMUUWE

CIVIL SOCIETY REQUESTED CONSTITUTION AMENDMENT DEFERMENT, NOT WITHDRAWAL – SIMUUWE

Lusaka – July 17, 2025 —

UPND Media Director Mark Simuuwe has clarified that the deferment of Constitution Amendment Bill No. 7 was a direct response to calls from civil society organizations, not a result of legal violations.



He said President Hakainde Hichilema acted on these requests, which were communicated through Justice Minister Princess Kasune.

Speaking during a special appearance on Power FM Zambia’s Breakfast Show, Mr. Simuuwe emphasized that the Constitution Court ruling did not find any breach of the law.



He explained that the requirement for a referendum no longer applies broadly, as the referendum clause was removed from the Constitution in 1969, except where amendments pertain to the Bill of Rights.



“There was no violation of the law. The court did not state that there was any illegality. Parliament retains the power to amend the Constitution on behalf of the people, as democracy can be both direct and representative,” Mr. Simuuwe said.



He further stressed that under the principle of separation of powers, the courts have no authority to withdraw a bill before Parliament, reiterating that the Constitution Amendment Bill has not been withdrawn but merely deferred.



“This is not a withdrawal. It is a deferment to allow for broader consultation, as demanded by civil society organizations. The bill will be reintroduced after thorough stakeholder engagement,” he added.



Mr. Simuuwe’s remarks come amid public debate over the status of Bill No. 7, with some quarters suggesting its withdrawal was prompted by constitutional challenges.


The UPND has maintained that the legislative process remains intact and that stakeholder input is key to shaping any future constitutional changes.

© UPND Media Team

CABINET APPROVES MORE JOBS IN DIFFERENT FIELDS

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CABINET APPROVES MORE JOBS IN DIFFERENT FIELDS

CABINET APPROVES MORE JOBS IN DIFFERENT FIELDS

Government will recruit more government workers in different fields starting this year.



According to the Green paper released by Chief Government Spokesperson Mweetwa, government will also continue with programmes such as social Cash transfer, cash for work among others aimed at alleviating challenges. This is in addition to the jobs that will be created.



Some taxes will be reduced in order to encourage participation stating that higher taxes lead to non compliance in terms of payments.



The more people pay taxes, the better compared to having a few paying huge taxes.



President Hakainde Hichilema called for a special cabinet meeting on the 11th of July, 2025 at which these policy decisions were made.

LAW ASSOCIATION TAKES GOVERNMENT TO COURT OVER NEW CYBER LAWS

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LAW ASSOCIATION TAKES GOVERNMENT TO COURT OVER NEW CYBER LAWS

LAW ASSOCIATION TAKES GOVERNMENT TO COURT OVER NEW CYBER LAWS

In a bold legal move, the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) has petitioned the High Court of Zambia (Constitutional Jurisdiction), seeking the nullification of several provisions in the newly enacted Cyber Security Act No. 3 of 2025 and the Cyber Crimes Act No. 4 of 2025, which they argue violate constitutional rights and freedoms.

Filed on 11th July 2025, the petition, registered under 2025/HP/ at the Principal Registry in Lusaka, challenges the legality of multiple sections of the Cyber Laws, alleging they infringe on fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution of Zambia, including:

The right to privacy (Article 17),

Freedom of conscience (Article 19),

Freedom of expression and the press (Article 20),

and Freedom of assembly and association (Article 21).

According to the petition, signed by LAZ’s legal team from Messrs. Mwenye & Mwitwa Advocates, the enactment of the laws by President Hakainde Hichilema on 8th April 2025 has introduced sweeping powers that “risk undermining constitutional liberties.” LAZ contends that provisions within the laws grant “excessive surveillance and enforcement powers on State agencies,” allow for warrantless searches, and criminalise expression without adequate legal safeguards.

“The Cyber Laws are couched in vague, broad, and discretionary terms and are not reasonably justifiable in a democratic society,” reads part of the petition.

Specifically, LAZ is challenging Sections 5, 6, 10, 21, 22(2), 24(1)(b), 24(2), 27, 30, 31, and 32 of the Cyber Crimes Act, and Sections 2, 18, 23(3), 23(4), 29, 30, and 32 of the Cyber Security Act, describing them as unconstitutional and inconsistent with Zambia’s Bill of Rights.

The association further argues that the cumulative effect of the impugned provisions is to “chill legitimate expression, intrude upon private communications, and stifle freedom of conscience and association.”

In their prayer to the court, LAZ seeks:

1. A declaration that the specified provisions of the Cyber Laws are unconstitutional; and

2. An order for the said provisions to be struck off the statute book.

The Attorney General, who is the respondent in the matter, is being sued in his official capacity as the government’s chief legal advisor. The petition is anchored on the Protection of Fundamental Rights Rules (S.I. No. 156 of 1969).

LAZ has historically taken a strong stance on constitutional governance and civil liberties, and this petition marks a significant test of the balance between national security and civil rights in the digital age.

Critics of the Cyber Laws have warned that such legislation, if unchecked, could be weaponised to suppress dissent, monitor citizens without cause, and muzzle media and civil society.

The matter is now before the High Court, and legal analysts expect it to set a precedent on how far the state can go in regulating cyberspace without breaching the supreme law of the land.

©️ KUMWESU | July 16, 2025

KBN TV Boss  elected as the Assembly president of the Network of Independent Media Councils in Africa (NIMCA)

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KBN TV Boss  elected as the Assembly president of the Network of Independent Media Councils in Africa (NIMCA)

We wish to congratulate KBN TV Chief Executive Officer and Chairperson of the Media Self-Regulation Council of Zambia (MSCZ), Pastor Kennedy Mambwe on his election as the Assembly president of the Network of Independent Media Councils in Africa (NIMCA) during the AGM held yesterday, Wednesday, 16th July 2025, in Arusha, Tanzania.



NIMCA is Africa’s unified response to the demand for credible, independent and ethical journalism designed to safeguard media and journalists freedoms, enforce ethical standards and reinforce democratic values across the African continent.



Pastor Mambwe’s vision and leadership qualities are exactly what NIMCA needs at this time.

His experience and passion will be invaluable as he guides the organization.



Thabo Kawana
Permanent Secretary
Ministry of Information and Media

VEDANTA-KCM’S $400 MILLION “INVESTMENT” CLAIM IS A CRUEL MOCKERY OF THE ZAMBIAN PEOPLE.

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VEDANTA-KCM’S $400 MILLION “INVESTMENT” CLAIM IS A CRUEL MOCKERY OF THE ZAMBIAN PEOPLE.

VEDANTA MOCKING ZAMBIANS

VEDANTA-KCM’S $400 MILLION “INVESTMENT” CLAIM IS A CRUEL MOCKERY OF THE ZAMBIAN PEOPLE.

By the Vedanta Must Return Community Campaign Movement.
[Chingola and Chililabombwe]

17.07.2025

Yesterday 16th June 2025, Vedanta-KCM released a statement with a bold claim that it has already invested over $400 million into operations of Konkola Copper Mines.



As members of the community, we feel this is nothing short of a cruel mockery of the Zambian people. In August 2024, Vedanta returned to KCM with bold promises, pledging a $1 billion investment that was meant to breathe life into the asset. We were told to expect a total overhaul. The Konkola Deep Mine Project would be developed, exploration expanded, jobs created, and value returned to the people. Less than a year later, and before any real transformation can be seen, they are telling us that $400 million has already been invested.



What investment? What has changed? On the ground, what we are seeing is the total opposite. KCM has continued to deteriorate. Information reaching us is very worrying. This is an investor who apparently is even failing to buy tonor for printing papers in Nampundwe, as well as failing to replace damaged pumps among other things. Our people, especially the youths, are not being hired. Nor are they getting business opportunities.



What is happening at KCM is a slow and painful decay to our God given asset, and yet, Vedanta expects applause for simply announcing figures that do not match the reality on the ground.



Like we promised Vedanta last year August during their return that should they not deliver on their promises, the same way we rose as youths to demand for their return will be how we shall rise to demand for their exit. Now that time has come, we shall not sit idle and watch KCM die.



Therefore, as youths of the Copperbelt, we have decided to reorganise. What was once known as the “Vedanta Must Return Community Campaign Movement” will henceforth, be officially known as “Copperbelt Youths for Inclusive Development”, a consortium of young people from Chingola and Chililabombwe. The movement includes organisations such as the Chililabombwe Youth Graduates Club, Konkola Youths for Positive Change, Young People for Sustainable Governance, the clergy, and others.



Our goal is clear: to ensure that the mining sector, especially operations like KCM, delivers tangible economic and social benefits to the people of Zambia. As stakeholders in the minerals of our country, we shall not just be spectators but take an active approach to ensure that owners of the land see real benefits.



Our first mission as a united front will be the launch of a provincial wide Youth Campaign Against Vedanta Resources. Investors must not just promise, they must deliver real and measurable development that is felt by the communities and the country at large. Development should not live in press statements alone.

Chishala Mwamba
Movement Coordinator

Oppenheimers pull the plug on Brenthurst Foundation.

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Oppenheimers pull the plug on Brenthurst Foundation.

Oppenheimers pull the plug on Brenthurst Foundation

…Foundation was at the forefront of liberal economic thought leadership and policies in Africa, closes…

The Brenthurst Foundation has closed its doors, with the Oppenheimers telling stating that they are shifting their focus to new ways of supporting Africa’s development.

Established in 2004 by the Oppenheimer family as an extension of the Brenthurst Initiative of 2003, the Johannesburg-based think-tank set out with a bold ambition: to help accelerate Africa’s economic expansion by sparking rigorous debate, generating new ideas and providing practical policy advice.

The Foundation was accused of being a neo-liberal entity supporting Opposition political parties in Sub-sahara and pushing for liberal policies and trade and mining interests.

According to reports, the closure is linked to the retirement of its director, Dr. Greg Mills.

Oppenheimer Generations, the group behind the foundation, dtated that it had other plans to pursue “alternative strategies” to reinforce its commitment to sustainable economic growth and opportunity across Africa, building on its existing networks and partnerships.

HOW BUHARI FAMILY OF NIGERIA HAVE VINDICATED ZAMBIAN GOVERNMENT’S STANCE AS LUNGU FAMILY LOSES CREDIBILITY AND RESPECT FROM ZAMBIANS.

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HOW BUHARI FAMILY OF NIGERIA HAVE VINDICATED ZAMBIAN GOVERNMENT’S STANCE AS LUNGU FAMILY LOSES CREDIBILITY AND RESPECT FROM ZAMBIANS.

By CIC Editors.

CIC EDITORIAL ANALYSIS.

HOW BUHARI FAMILY OF NIGERIA HAVE VINDICATED ZAMBIAN GOVERNMENT’S STANCE AS LUNGU FAMILY LOSES CREDIBILITY AND RESPECT FROM ZAMBIANS.



For a moment Africa was brought to a brink of uncertainty when the diplomatic row between Zambia and South Africa. For the neutrals this was a huge escalation that neither side intended to back down. The death of 6th Republican President His Excellence Dr Edgar Chagwa Lungu unleashed what has never been seen before in Zambia.



Being the 6th Republican President or former president the last surviving Former head of state in Zambia means all his predecessors are late and how are they buried? He himself (late ECL) presided the burial of two late Presidents namely First Republican President Dr Kenneth David Kaunda and 2nd Republican President Dr Frederick Chiluba . How did the families of both late Presidents behave? What were the last wishes of their loved ones and the wills? And how did Edgar Chagwa Lungu as the incumbent president react?



As you all know both both first and second republican president actually all the 5 former Zambian Presidents are buried at Embassy Park the official designated place for the fallen head of heads of state regardless of what their wills and wishes of the families where.


However the tussle between the Lungu family and government is one of the shocking moments the Republic has ever endured and the more it prolongs the more the Lungu family loses credibility in the eyes of the citizens.



When the death of former Nigerian President His Excellence Muhammad BUHARI was announced the Zambian social media bursted into memes how the Buhari Family will behave if at all they will insist in staying in London or block the current president TINUBU from receiving the body or even attending the funeral or the wishes etc. The social media memes are not just a comic social moment but an embarrassment reflection of the Lungu family and how childish they have betrayed the nation at the global stage.



The wife to the late Nigerian President even read the wishes his husband said before dying that the Nigerian people must first forgive him before burying him if at all he never delivered any promise or offended anyone the nation in unity must find space in their hearts to accept his apologies only then will he rest in peace.



This is a biggest slap to Zambia which calls itself a Christian Nation compared to Nigeria that has neither of that. The wife read the wishes reflecting the heart and soul of his husband that he was a leader both in life and in death.



However in our ZAMBIAN context the Lungu family have grown a cold heart maintaining a hardline to the point of denouncing their citizenship saying the wishes of their loved one was that the incumbent president HH must never be near his body or attend the funeral. What a stupid wish from someone who called himself a leader and someone who even declared 18th October as a day of national prayers, fasting and reconciliation.



They say don’t insult the dead let them bury themselves and so on but what do we make of of someone who was so brutal to the people, who was so corrupt and hateful, jailed his opponents and so on presided a violent regime at his watch media where being closed and so on. Can his lifeless body still control or have courage to complain of maltreatment to him or his family facing numerous corruption cases with unquestionable wealth?. The Lungu family have been embarrassed by the Buhari Family on how civilized people behave when the national custom is at stake.



President TINUBU was at the airport receiving the body of his predecessor Buhari military honours to the late president the body was seen that’s how you bring national unity. Lungu family stuck in a foreign land with the rotting body of their relative and in court arguing relentlessly shows how immature they are and how their dead relative combined but most importantly embarrassed the nation at the global stage what type of family are they if at all they even deserved to rule Zambia.



The Buhari Family just like the other 5 families of former fallen heads of state in Zambia have shown the distinction of Pan-Africanism and unity as compared to hardline core hearted. This is the same family that thinks they can use the dead body to sway political narrative of Zambia as the nation goes to the polls in 11 months alas the reality is that the Lungu family have been shamed and have lost credibility in the eyes of every citizen especially with good maturity and examples from Nigeria’s State funeral.

CIC PRESS TEAM

BuyZed Congratulates President  Hichilema for the successful hosting of the Invest in Zambia International Conference

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BuyZed Congratulates President  Hichilema for the successful hosting of the Invest in Zambia International Conference

Congratulations to President Hakainde Hichilema

BuyZed extends it’s warmest congratulations to His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema for the successful hosting of the Invest in Zambia International Conference. This landmark event has showcased Zambia’s immense potential and opportunities for investment, innovation, and economic growth.



The conference has brought together global leaders, investors, and stakeholders to explore new avenues for collaboration and development. We commend the President’s vision and leadership in promoting Zambia’s economic agenda and fostering a conducive business environment.



BuyZed is proud to be part of Zambia’s growth story, and we look forward to continuing our contributions to the country’s development. We believe that this conference will yield tangible benefits, including increased investment, job creation, and economic diversification.


Once again, we congratulate President Hichilema and his team on this achievement. We are excited about the future prospects for Zambia and reaffirm our commitment to supporting the country’s development initiatives.

Ambassador Evans Kazonga Ng’oma

Njobvu Calls for Immediate Government Action on ZAMMSA

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Njobvu Calls for Immediate Government Action on ZAMMSA

Njobvu Calls for Immediate Government Action on ZAMMSA

Democratic Union Party  President Ackim Anthony Njobvu has urged the UPND-led government to take swift and transparent action following the revelations in the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) forensic audit. He described the findings as deeply concerning and called for accountability in line with the principles of good governance.


Speaking at a media briefing in Lusaka, Njobvu emphasized the importance of restoring public trust in state institutions, particularly those tasked with protecting the health and welfare of citizens.


“The ZAMMSA audit has exposed weaknesses in our supply chain management systems and calls into question the stewardship of public funds. We call upon the government to act decisively and ensure that those responsible are brought to book,” Njobvu said.



The DU leader also raised concern over reports of 61 containers in Makeni, which were said to contain undistributed medical supplies. He called for an open investigation and urged the authorities to ensure that the contents are accounted for and that the public is informed of the outcomes.



“Transparency is key in this matter. The public deserves to know what was in the containers, who authorized their storage, and why such vital supplies were not delivered to the intended health facilities,” he noted.

Njobvu further highlighted the issue of public funds allegedly used to construct a hospital in the Central African Republic, stating that while regional cooperation is welcome, the government must prioritize the urgent needs within Zambia’s own healthcare system.



“It is essential that public resources are used in ways that directly benefit Zambians. We must first strengthen our own hospitals and clinics before extending such support externally,” he added.

The DU president called for calm and encouraged citizens to continue demanding accountability through peaceful and legal means. He also appealed to civil society organizations and professional bodies to support efforts aimed at promoting transparency and institutional reform.



“This is not about blame but about building systems that work. We must all come together to promote ethical leadership and ensure that our institutions serve the people effectively,” he said.



Njobvu reiterated that his party remains committed to supporting all government efforts that aim to fight corruption and strengthen service delivery, but also reminded leaders that such efforts must be consistent and impartial.



“Fighting corruption is not a campaign slogan; it is a daily commitment to justice and fairness. No one should be above the law,” he concluded.

©️ KUMWESU | July 16, 2025

DELTA MINING DID NOT NEED PARLIAMENT’S APPROVAL TO ACQUIRE 51% STAKE OF MOPANI COPPER MINES AS THE SHARES DID NOT GRZ

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DELTA MINING DID NOT NEED PARLIAMENT’S APPROVAL TO ACQUIRE 51% STAKE OF MOPANI COPPER MINES AS THE SHARES DID NOT GRZ

DELTA MINING DID NOT NEED PARLIAMENT’S APPROVAL TO ACQUIRE 51% STAKE OF MOPANI COPPER MINES AS THE SHARES DID NOT GRZ



By K Chiwoyu Sinyangwe

Mopani Copper Mines (MCM) has submitted to Constitutional Court that Delta Mining Limited’s acquisition of 51 percent did not require approval of Parliament as the shares traded were not an asset of the government but that of an incorporated public limited company.



Former Patriotic Front (PF) president Miles Sampa has petitioned the State to the Constitution Court, demanding the nullification the acquisition of 51% of Mopani Copper Mines by Delta Mining Limited, a subsidiary of International Resources Holding (IRH).



Sampa, a Matero MP alleges that Minister of Mines and Minerals Development breached article 210 of the Constitution of Zambia as amendment in 2016 by not subjecting Delta Mining Limited and Mopani transaction to Parliament for approval.



Article 210 of the Amended Constitution of Zambia Act No.2 of 2016 provides that… “A major State asset shall be sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of, as prescribed, subject to the approval of the National Assembly signified by a vote of at least two-thirds of the Members of Parliament.”



But according to MCM external legal counsel, Joseph Ilunga of Ilunga & Company, Delta Mining only acquired part of the Mopani shares incorporated in 2000 when the mining giant was created as a Public Limited Company following Zambia’s privatization process.


Ilunga submitted that the Delta/MCM transaction satisfied provisions of the Zambian Law according to the Companies Act which governs the process of transferring shares in Public Limited Companies.



MCM has held two Large Scale Mining in Kitwe and Mufulira since 2000, and the two licences that were due to expire on 30 March 2025 have been renewed and remain valid until 2050 all in the name of MCM.



“…the Transaction did not result in sell, transfer or disposal of any shares in MCM owned by the Government of the Republic of Zambia or indeed ZCCM IH. These 6,900,000 shares are still owned by ZCCM IH and have never been sold, nor transferred nor otherwise disposed of, in order to invoke the provisions of Article 210 of the Constitution. In line with section 147 of the Companies Act as read together with the Articles of Association, MCM was within its right to issue new shares to Delta in as deemed appropriate by the Board. The transaction in the case in CASU was purely governed by the principles of company law and those principles/requirements were followed to the letter at every stage. Moreover, Section 147 of the Companies Act has never been held to be inconsistent with the Constitution by this Honourable Court,” Mopani submitted.



At incorporation, the total Authorised Share Capital of MCM was divided into two hundred million and one shares (200,000,001), “which remains the same to date.”

Of the 200,000,001 shares, 6, 210,000 shares were issued to the previous majority-shareholders, Glencore (through its wholly-owned Carlisa Investment) while 690,000 shares to ZCCM-IH.



“As at 25 August 2023 the nominal capital of MCM stood at US $200,000,001 consisting of a total of 200,000,001 shares with a par value of US $1 each – 200,000,000 being ordinary and 1 share classified as special. Further, out of 200,000,000 ordinary shares of the Company, 6,900,000 shares were held by ZCCM IH and the status quo remains the same to date. In March 2024, after obtaining all required Company approvals, MCM 7,181,633 (seven million one hundred one thousand six hundred and thirty-three) new shares to Delta Mining Limited after successful share subscription following negotiations and completion of a commercial agreement among ZCCM IH, MCM and Delta,” MCM submitted.



A total of 185,918,367 shares of the Company remained un-issued.

“THE CORRECT POSITION IS THAT DELTA NOW HOLDS 51% OF THE TOTAL ISSUED SHARE CAPITAL OF MCM WHICH CURRENTLY IS AT 14,081,634 SHARES,” ILUNGA ARGUED.



In 2024, Delta Mining Limited, United Arab Emirates’ IRH was selected as new strategic equity investor in MCM, to take up a 51% stake in return for a US $1.1 billion capital injection as part of the process to restructure (pay-off) a US $1.5 billion debt owed by Mopani Copper Mines to Glencore, the previous majority shareholders which announced it was exiting Mopani in 2020.



“…as a Public Limited Company, it is conventional, lawful and standard business practice to invite any person to subscribe to shares of the company as a way of raising finances once a decision has been made by the Board of Directors,” Mopani submitted.



“It is a notorious fact that inviting members of the public to buy shares is a preserve and characteristic of Public Limited Companies…in the premises it is contended that there was no necessity for Parliamentary oversight nor approval in the issue of new shares to the Delta Mining Company,” Mopani submitted.

COPPER QUEENS RECEIVE WAFCON BONUSES

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COPPER QUEENS RECEIVE WAFCON BONUSES

COPPER QUEENS RECEIVE WAFCON BONUSES

The Keith Mweemba-led Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has fulfilled its promise, facilitating government payment of bonuses to the Zambia Women’s National Team players in a timely manner.



The players have received their bonuses for:

✅ Drawing against Morocco
✅ Defeating Senegal

The dues for a win over DR Congo will also be settled within days.


But that’s not all! The players were also paid part of their camping bonuses prior to the Morocco game, demonstrating FAZ’s commitment to timely allowances and motivating our talented players.



FAZ President Keith Mweemba prioritizes the well-being and motivation of our Copper Queens, and collaborative efforts with the government are underway to settle outstanding debts.



This is a significant morale boost for our team as they continue to make us proud on the continental stage.



FAZ and the government are also actively working around the clock to clear the unpaid allowances for the men.

ZAMBIA TOURISM AGENCY SIGNS TOURISM PROMOTION CAMPAIGN WITH BBC AND EXPEDIA

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ZAMBIA TOURISM AGENCY SIGNS TOURISM PROMOTION CAMPAIGN WITH BBC AND EXPEDIA

ZAMBIA TOURISM AGENCY SIGNS TOURISM PROMOTION CAMPAIGN WITH BBC AND EXPEDIA



LUSAKA – The Zambia Tourism Agency (ZTA) is proud to announce the signing of a six-month global media Tourism Promotion Campaign in partnership with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and Expedia, a leading global online travel agency. The campaign is aimed at positioning Zambia as one of Africa’s top tourist destinations.


Under the agreement, BBC will produce and broadcast multimedia content showcasing Zambia as a premier destination of choice. The campaign will run across BBC’s international TV channels, websites, social media platforms and partner networks reaching a global audience of experience-driven tourists. It is expected to reach 125 million monthly viewers, with content reaching over 200 countries, 295 million website visits, and 11.5 million guaranteed impressions.



The initiative comes at a crucial time, with 34 million people globally planning to visit Africa in 2025 of which 76% are considering a safari holiday. This is a niche where Zambia holds a unique advantage with its authentic, untamed safari experiences.



Simultaneously, ZTA will leverage Expedia’s global booking platform and data analytics to turn interest into confirmed travel. With over 450 million visits monthly and a global reach of 155 million unique users, Expedia is supported by more than 200 travel agents, partnerships with 550 airlines, and 168 million loyal members. It connects travelers to flights, hotels, and holiday packages and is one of the world’s leading online travel agencies (OTA) and travel fare metasearch engines.



Speaking during the signing ceremony, ZTA Chief Executive Officer Mr. Matongo Matamwandi said the campaign represents a major step forward for Zambia’s global tourism footprint.



He noted that ZTA’s aim is to penetrate four key emerging markets and achieve 2.4 million international arrivals over the campaign period and beyond. “This partnership marks a major milestone in Zambia’s strategy to elevate its global tourism image. By leveraging BBC’s global storytelling expertise and Expedia’s data insights, it will help us attract high-value tourists and reach our 2025 target of 2.4 million international arrivals,” Mr. Matamwandi said.



ZTA is mandated to effectively promote and market Zambia as a tourist destination of choice and to regulate the tourism industry. ZTA’s 2025 marketing objectives include inspiring 2.4 million international arrivals, increasing Zambia’s share of global travel-related search queries, and growing its social media following by over 10%.



Issued by:

Hildah Mwape
Manager, Communication and Corporate Affairs
Zambia Tourism Agency

PRESS STATEMENT ON ALLEDGED UNDERWEIGHT BREAD

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PRESS STATEMENT ON ALLEDGED UNDERWEIGHT BREAD

PRESS STATEMENT ON ALLEDGED UNDERWEIGHT BREAD

The Zambia Metrology Agency (ZMA) has taken note of the press statement issued by the Zambia Consumer Association (ZACA) on 14th July 2025, raising concerns over the  alleged sale of underweight bread products by some bakeries.


As the Statutory Authority mandated to ensure fairness in trade measurements, ZMA acknowledges ZACA’s concerns on the weight of bread and wishes to reaffirm its commitment to protecting consumers from unfair and deceptive practices, particularly in the sale of prepackaged goods.



Since January 2025, ZMA has been conducting inspections of bakeries across the country to assess compliance focusing on the weight and labelling requirements. These inspections were carried out in line with Statutory Instrument No. 56 of 2021: The Metrology (Prepackaged Commodities) Regulations, 2021, which sets specific requirements for measurements, packaging and labelling.



Findings from these inspections indicate a compliance rate of 96% to net weight and labelling.

However, the Agency would like to take this opportunity to clarify the legal framework currently in force. Under the Metrology Act and the Statutory Instrument No. 56 of 2021 on Pre-packaged Commodities, bakers are allowed to pre-package bread in various sizes ranging from 100 grams to 1 kilogram and ensure that the actual weight of bread must be equal to the declared net content or displayed weight.



The Agency will continue with its market surveillance activities through targeted and random inspections to ensure that bread products conform to their declared net weight and that weighing equipment used in production is accurate and legally verified.



ZMA remains committed to upholding consumer rights and promoting transparency and fairness in the marketplace. The Agency continues to collaborate with other Statutory Bodies and Consumer Protection Bodies, and other stakeholders in addressing such matters.



We commend ZACA for its vigilance and advocacy and encourage them to feel free to engage ZMA on specific cases of non-compliance for our inspectors to move in to investigate.


Members of the public are also encouraged to freely report any suspected cases of underweight or mislabeled products to their nearest ZMA office, write to the Agency or reach us on our social media platforms. The ZMA Inspection Unit will further embark on a national wide stakeholder’s sensitization on the metrology requirements in this manufacturing sub –sector.



ZMA operates is a statutory body created by the Metrology Act No. 6 of 2017 and operates under the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry (MCTI). The Agency is entrusted with the designation, maintenance, and safeguarding of national measurement standards. It also undertakes the certification and calibration of measuring instruments used in commercial transactions, law enforcement, health, safety, environmental management, and compliance assurance for both locally produced and imported pre-packaged commodities.

Originally Issued by:
Sandra Mwila (Ms)
Senior Public Relations Officer
Zambia Metrology Agency.

ZAMBIA OVERTAKES COLOMBIA TO BECOME WORLD’S TOP EMERALD EXPORTER

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ZAMBIA OVERTAKES COLOMBIA TO BECOME WORLD’S TOP EMERALD EXPORTER

By: Sun FM TV Reporter

President Hakainde Hichilema has announced that Zambia is now the world’s leading exporter of emeralds, overtaking Colombia, which previously dominated global high-quality emerald production with a 70 to 90% share.



The milestone was revealed during the official opening of the Invest Zambia International Conference at Mulungushi International Conference Centre, where the president credited the achievement to the country’s flagship producer, Kagem Mine, located in the Copperbelt Province and jointly owned by Gemfields (75%) and the Zambian government (25%).



President Hichilema emphasized that the government will not tolerate illegal mining activities, and reaffirmed its commitment to safe and regulated operations.



He noted that geological mapping has uncovered extensive mineral wealth, reinforcing Zambia’s potential as a global leader in gemstone and mineral exports.

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