Zuma slams Ramaphosa’s U.S. Visit, urges South African self-reliance
Former President Jacob Zuma has sharply criticized President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent U.S. visit, accusing the administration of outsourcing South Africa’s challenges to foreign powers.
Speaking at an MK Party rally in KwaMaphumulo, Zuma declared that the nation should solve its own problems without relying on “Americans we don’t even know.”
Ramaphosa’s May 2025 trip to the U.S. was aimed to reset strained bilateral relations and attract investment from the Trump administration, focusing on trade and economic cooperation.
However, Zuma argued that Pretoria possesses the expertise to address domestic issues independently, echoing his long-standing skepticism of foreign influence, as expressed during his 2019 corruption inquiry testimony.
The rebuke comes amid ongoing tensions over South Africa’s land reform policies and its genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, which have complicated U.S. relations.
Zuma’s comments have sparked debate about the balance between global partnerships and national sovereignty as South Africa navigates its economic and political future.
eTV’s gripping telenovela Smoke & Mirrors will end its run after three seasons, with its final episodes slated for April 2026.
The weeknight drama, airing at 9PM, has been a staple for South African viewers, boasting a peak viewership of 3 million in October 2023, making it eTV’s third most-watched series at the time.
However, the announcement of its cancellation, has sparked polarized reactions. Fans have expressed mixed sentiments. Some lauded the show’s quality and engaging plot, while others argued it lost its spark after Zolisa Xaluva’s departure in 2023, with a few even calling for other eTV shows like House of Zwide to face the axe.
Despite the cancellation label, sources suggest Smoke & Mirrors wasn’t abruptly terminated but reached a planned conclusion, with its storyline fully resolved over three seasons.
As the final season approaches, fans are left reflecting on the show’s legacy and what eTV might offer next in its coveted 9PM slot.
Elon Musk launches XChat to challenge WhatsApp, Telegram globally
Elon Musk has unveiled XChat, a new encrypted messaging feature designed to rival global communication platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal, as part of his broader ambition to transform X (formerly Twitter) into an all-in-one digital ecosystem.
The new feature, announced over the weekend, includes end-to-end encryption, vanishing messages, file sharing, and audio/video calling, marking a major upgrade to the platform’s existing direct messaging tool.
“All new XChat is rolling out with encryption, vanishing messages, and the ability to send any kind of file,” Musk said in a post on Sunday.
“This is built on Rust with Bitcoin-style encryption and a whole new architecture. You can do audio/video calls without a phone number across all platforms.”
“I’M STILL REAPING THE BENEFITS, FINANCIALLY” – CHEF 187 SPEAKS ON WORKING ON SAMPA THE GREAT’S NEVER FORGET
Speaking to Kenny Tonga on Kenny T 1 0N 1 podcast episode 20 – rapper Chef 187 responding to Kenny T’s question narated how he found himself on Sampa The Great’s NEVER FORGET and the benefits that came with it.
The Numeral Uno told Kenny T that he had met Sampa The Great earlier when he went to support and perform her show in Zambia.
But his feature on NEVER FORGET which also featured Tio Nason and Mwanjé in 2022 would come later after producer Mag 44 suggested his name to Sampa The Great as a good fit on the song when she was recording her SO ABOVE, SO BELOW album at Radio Café.
“So when we eventually did Never Forget, again, I never thought much of the song. I just thought it was a dope song, but what eventually became of that song is what I wasn’t ready for,” said the rapper.
The song would become such a success featuring in the Marvel movie Black Panther 2. It has also gone ahead to accumulate 3,044,751 spotify streams and 2.7 million YouTube views
The rapper said he’s still seeing the benefits of collaborating with Sampa The Great up to date as the collaboration not only did it expose the artists to each other’s audience but is beneficial financially.
“I am still reaping the benefits even up to now. Sampa’s team really has their paperwork done nicely, in such a way that whoever collaborates on a song with her gets to benefit financially,” said Chef 187.
Sampa The Great’s NEVER FORGET remains a true masterpiece, artistically engineered with its African touch, highly appealing and breaking boundaries, signifying its highly infectious nature.
For Chef 187’s verse, many regard it as truly the icing on the cake. Beyond that, a broader lesson for artists from this collaboration is proper royalties management, something they should embrace.
For Chef 187, truly a record he will never forget as benefits both financially and exposure to new audiences will keep coming in as long the song keeps generating income and growing.
We hear the U.S president Trump plans to ditch the red Tesla he bought for himself from Elon Musk.
The red Tesla is reportedly parked at the White House, but Trump is not permitted to drive it due to his security precautions by the Secret Service. Only White House staff members can drive it, but Trump doesn’t want the car as we speak.
The car was bought in March this year by Trump using his personal money and that was seen as a big endorsement for the Tesla cars.
What is happening between these two is something that Trump never expected from a guy he once called a good friend.
At the moment Elon Musk is proposing to start a new political party. America Party is the name that will be used according to Elon, and the party will ‘ represent those in the middle ‘, Elon said.
In a rare interview released on Friday, Elon Musk’s dad says Donald Trump will “prevail” in the public spat against his son.
Trump and Musk had it out in public, with Musk going as far as to suggest Trump should be impeached. Trump in turn suggested the federal government could “terminate” all Musk’s lucrative contracts.
Now, Musk’s dad, Errol Musk, did an interview in which he takes an unexpected side.
“I did send him a message…telling him, make sure this fizzles out,” Elon Musk’s father stated to Al Arabiya English.
Errol went on to say that “Trump will prevail,” and called the fight “silly” and “nonsense.”
President Donald Trump and his administration will finally return Kilmar Ábrego García to the United States after the U.S. Supreme Court ordered the president to “facilitate and effectuate” his return from a brutal El Salvador prison, ABC News reported Friday.
Ábrego García, a Maryland father, is married to an American, but remains an undocumented immigrant in the U.S. He was captured by the Department of Homeland Security and accused of being an MS-13 gang member based on his tattoos.
Trump even went so far as to show a photo of Ábrego García’s tattoos on his hand where MS-13 had been photoshopped.
ABC cited “sources familiar with the matter” who said that Ábrego García would be brought back to the U.S. and would face criminal charges.
A federal grand jury was impaneled last month in Tennessee, where Ábrego García does not live. According to the grand jury, he has been “indicted for allegedly transporting undocumented migrants within the United States.”
According to the indictment, for “nearly a decade,” Ábrego García was “involved the domestic transport of thousands of non-citizens, including some children, from Mexico and Central America.” The claim from the investigation is that he was allegedly transporting members of MS-13. His wife and attorney deny he had any involvement with the gang.
More than two months ago, the government confessed that it deported Ábrego García in error. His wife has fought in court to have him returned.
A 2019 court order barred deporting Ábrego García to El Salvador due to fears that he would be persecuted.
In April, Attorney General Pam Bondi vowed, “He is not coming back to our country. [El Salvador’s] President Bukele said he was not sending him back. That’s the end of the story.”
Five leaders of the far-right paramilitary group the Proud Boys filed a $100 million lawsuit against the federal government on Friday, claiming violations of their civil rights.
Four of those leaders, Enrique Tarrio, Zachary Rehl, Ethan Nordean, and Joe Biggs were convicted of seditious conspiracy for their involvement in the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol to try to block certification of President Donald Trump’s 2020 election loss. The fifth, Dominic Pezzola, was acquitted of seditious conspiracy but convicted on other serious felonies.
Trump commuted their sentences the same day he was sworn into the White House, as part of his clemency for almost 1,600 January 6 rioters.
But that clemency isn’t enough for the Proud Boys officials, whose so-called “Western Chauvinist” group is infamous for their political street brawls. They want compensation for what they claim to be illegal mistreatment.
“What follows is a parade of horribles: egregious and systemic abuse of the legal system and the United States Constitution to punish and oppress political allies of President Trump, by any and all means necessary, legal, or illegal,” stated the lawsuit. “Through the use of evidence tampering, witness intimidation, violations of attorney-client privilege, and placing spies to report on trial strategy, the government got its fondest wish of imprisoning the J6 Defendants, the modern equivalent of placing one’s enemies’ heads on a spike outside the town wall as a warning to any who would think to challenge the status quo.”
“Now that the Plaintiffs are vindicated, free, and able to once again exercise their rights as American citizens, they bring this action against their tormentors for violations of their Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Amendment Rights,” the suit continued.
It remains unclear what, if any, evidence the Proud Boys could bring in support of these claims. However, it is also possible that Trump or Attorney General Pam Bondi could simply order the Justice Department to reach a settlement and pay out some fraction of that $100 million at taxpayer expense without a judgment being rendered at trial; this same approach was taken with the lawsuit brought by the family of Ashli Babbitt, the January 6 rioter who was fatally shot by Capitol Police while trying to force her way into an area where members of Congress were evacuating.
“BETRAYED BY FAZ: NATIONAL TEAM DUMPED LAST MINUTE — NO TRIP, NO PAY, NO RESPECT!”
In a stunning and embarrassing turn of events, the Senior Men’s National Football Team has publicly condemned the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) for what they describe as a lack of respect, poor communication, and total disregard for their commitment to national duty.
In a strongly worded official statement released today, the national team players exposed shocking details of how they were left stranded after responding to a national call-up only to be informed at the last minute that the international trip had been unceremoniously cancelled.
“On Monday, we were informed through the Team Manager that the trip had been cancelled by the FAZ Executive,” the players revealed.
This cancellation came after both locally based and foreign-based players had made travel arrangements and assembled in Lusaka, ready to represent the country with pride and honor. The players emphasized that despite enduring a grueling football season and dealing with unpaid dues, they still answered the call to serve a testament to their patriotism and discipline
“Despite being owed substantial unpaid dues, we have never allowed financial issues to affect our willingness to represent Zambia.”
The players’ statement makes it clear: their loyalty to the badge and the people of Zambia is unwavering, but that loyalty is being stretched thin by repeated administrative failures and blatant disrespect from the very institution tasked with managing the beautiful game in Zambia.
Timbaland has announced that he is now working with AI artists that aren’t actually real.
The iconic producer has launched Stage Zero, an AI focused entertainment company and comes as a result of him experimenting with the AI program Sono.
Timbo has revealed that the company has signed the first ever AI artist, who is being called TaTa.
Speaking to Billboard, he claimed that this will lead to a new genre of music called “A-pop” and detailed how the songs for the AI artist are made by putting demos into Suno which then turns them into voices and melodies without using actual singers of musicians.
He said: “I’m not just producing tracks anymore. I’m producing systems, stories, and stars from scratch. [TaTa] is not an avatar. She is not a character. TaTa is a living, learning, autonomous music artist built with AI. TaTa is the start of something bigger. She’s the first artist of a new generation. A-Pop is the next cultural evolution, and TaTa is its first icon.”
Timbo added: “The technology of today is perfect for what this is. What used to take me three months only takes me two days. In the beginning, it was like a toy. It was like going to a toy store. You gotta go through gluttony, because you can’t believe that it’s here.”
Timbaland did not reveal when TaTa’s first single will be released but he and Stage Zero have released an image of a young, pink-haired woman they claim is the singer.
Timbaland has previously spoken out in support of AI which has largely been criticized across the music industry and has also led to Suno being sued.
He said on The Inner Court: “This election just divided us. What I mean by that – it divided the music. It sound bland, it sound boring. We talk about AI, but shit, that’s the only thing that has a pure soul right now that you could create something and express your true feelings and it comes out beautiful.”
He continued: “But I just feel like right now everything is just discombobulated. Which aligns with everything in the world.”
The African president’s daughter raised in North Korea by Kim Il Sung
By Sheriff Bojang Jnr
Macias was left behind when her father was executed and her mother disappeared.
But decades later, she’s reclaiming her story. And his.
After months of scheduling misfires and clashing calendars, I finally manage to sit down with Monica Macias at a casual sandwich chain along Victoria Street in Westminster, London. She greets me with a quiet ease, carrying the kind of composure that comes from having lived several lives in one.
We settle by the window, drinking coffee (me) and coke (her), watching the cranes swing and commuters blur past, a fitting backdrop for a conversation shaped by exile, reinvention, and uneasy belonging.
Kim Il Sung kept his promise to take care of them, in a society that the rest of the world sees as secretive, authoritarian and isolated.
Macias’s formative years unfolded at the Mangyongdae Revolutionary School, an elite institution where she mingled with older children, learned Korean fluently, and took part in weapons training drills.
Absence of a mother But that upbringing came at a cost.
Macias’s mother, who had also been in Pyongyang for gallstone surgery, left North Korea shortly after her father’s execution and never returned.
The abandonment left a deep scar. “My schoolmates would get visits from their mothers,” she says. “I didn’t have mine aroundShe remained in Pyongyang until 1994 – the year Kim Il Sung died – before setting off for Spain, the birthplace of her maternal grandfather.
There, she began an agonising process of self-discovery, tracing her father’s history, trying to piece together the fractured puzzle of her past and confronting the narratives that had long painted him as a tyrant.-The Africa Report
Drake has had his Instagram comments limited for a while, but now, it looks like the Canadian rapper has had a change of heart.
It’s no secret that social media users love to troll Drake. Whether it’s done purely for laughs or out of actual disdain, his every move is heavily scrutinized, particularly online. This is likely a large part of the reason the general public hasn’t been able to comment on his Instagram posts for years.
It’s unclear exactly when he limited comments, but it’s been reported that it was way back in 2018 amid his feud with Pusha T. Now, however, it looks like the Canadian hitmaker has had a change of heart.
According to Akademiks TV, his comments are now open to the public, and fans are having a field day. “Commenting on a drake post feels luxury,” one Instagram user claims. “Wow comments back on for all us normal folks the world is healing 🙏🏾,” another writes.
Drizzy’s supporters may be reveling in his Instagram comments, but unfortunately, they were also recently met with some serious disappointment. At midnight, Lil Wayne finally unleashed his eagerly anticipated new album, Tha Carter VI.
Prior to the big release, Sports Illustrated reported that the album would feature both Drake and Nicki Minaj. The project does boast some exciting features from the likes of Bono, MGK, 2 Chainz, Kodak Black, and more. Sadly, however, Drake and Nicki do not make appearances. The disappointment hit after DJ Akademiks teased the project on stream shortly before it was released.
“Carter 6 dropping tonight,” he said at the time. “I’m hearing there’s Nicki, I’m hearing there’s Baby, I’m hearing there’s, of course, the goat, Drake. I’m hearing so many people is involved. Chat, we got a lot of major sh*t going on. Gotta do a few things. Thanks to everybody who helps me out. Hi Kendrick –just say that … Ya’ll gonna see me, tomorrow morning or… We’ll just say this, Hi, Kendrick.”
An unnamed gold miner faces severe legal consequences after being arrested while illegally digging beneath active railway tracks in Mvuma.
The National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) security team intercepted the suspect during their Sunday patrol, uncovering a hazardous excavation site directly under the rail line.
Critical Infrastructure Compromised Photographic evidence released by NRZ reveals the alarming extent of damage caused by the illegal mining operation. The substantial cavity created beneath the tracks posed an immediate threat to rail safety, with potential to cause catastrophic derailments.
Railway officials expressed grave concern about the increasing frequency of such irresponsible activities near vital transport corridors.
“Our security personnel detained an individual conducting unauthorized gold mining operations directly beneath our railway infrastructure,” confirmed NRZ representatives. “The photographic evidence clearly demonstrates the severe structural damage inflicted on the rail foundation.”
Illegal Gold Miner Digging Under Railway Could Face 10 Years In Jail
The brazen operation occurred within the protected railway reserve area, which extends 45 meters on either side of the tracks. Zimbabwe’s Railways Act explicitly prohibits any mineral extraction within this zone, with violations carrying potential decade-long prison terms.
“We must emphasize that mineral prospecting within railway reserves constitutes a serious criminal offense,” NRZ stated. “These irresponsible actions not only break the law but create unacceptable hazards for both rail operations and passenger safety.”
Engineering Dangers of Underground Mining Transportation specialists warn that subsurface excavations beneath rail lines weaken the critical support structure of the track bed. This destabilisation dramatically increases the likelihood of sudden collapses or train derailments, particularly when heavy freight trains pass overhead.
In response to the growing number of illegal mining incidents, NRZ has intensified surveillance along vulnerable sections of the national rail network. Officials encourage local residents to report any suspicious earth-moving activities near railway lines through official channels.
Sir Wicknell Reveals His Strict Criteria for Gifting Cars – Who Makes the Cut?
Flamboyant businessman and ZANU PF activist Sir Wicknell Chivayo has revealed his exact selection process for gifting cars, clarifying that not just anyone can receive his lavish generosity. In a fiery Facebook post on Thursday, 5 June 2025, he explained his strict criteria while also warning the public about fraudsters exploiting his name.
“Patriotism First – No Free Handouts!” Sir Wicknell made it clear that his car gifts are not random acts of charity but carefully considered rewards for those who have shown “exceptional contributions” to Zimbabwe.
“I only give cars to people I PERSONALLY feel are PATRIOTIC and have, against all odds, demonstrated EXCEPTIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS to our nation, particularly through supporting the RULING PARTY, ZANU PF, and national events.”
He emphasised that loyalty to Zimbabwe’s political and social structures plays a major role in his decisions. However, he also makes exceptions for outstanding individuals in other fields.
“Sports, Arts, and Business – The Rare Exceptions” While political allegiance is a key factor, Sir Wicknell revealed that he occasionally rewards those who have brought pride to Zimbabwe in other ways.
“I also randomly consider people with DISTINGUISHED achievements in sports, arts, or other sectors that uplift Zimbabwe’s economy and society. But my choice is ULTIMATELY my own DISCRETION!”
This means athletes, artists, and entrepreneurs who have significantly impacted the country’s reputation or economy could be considered—though it remains a rare privilege.
“Transparency Is Key – No Secret Deals!” Sir Wicknell stressed that he never operates in secrecy when gifting cars.
“I always PUBLICLY ANNOUNCE, whether on social media or at church, who I intend to give a car. I will NEVER ask for money for the vehicle’s registration or any other payment. Whoever I choose will get their car FULLY paid for, with a full tank of fuel and fully registered IN THEIR NAME!”
He warned that any messages requesting payments in exchange for cars are scams, and his official announcements are always made openly.
Chaos breaks out after councillors clash over refusal to wear traditional attire Chaos erupted at a Bulawayo council meeting this week as councillors clashed over three colleagues’ refusal to wear traditional attire. The heated debate led to a walkout, a cut live feed, and accusations of “tomfoolery.”
“This is tomfoolery” – Councillor storms out in protest Ward 26 councillor Mpumelelo Moyo walked out in anger after the council refused to eject three councillors who ignored a 2024 resolution requiring traditional dress.
“We have a standing resolution on what we should wear, but because you lost after voting in support of ignoring the resolution, now you are changing the game rules. This is tomfoolery — we can’t have this,” Moyo fumed.
The Chronicle reports that the dispute began when Tinevimbo Maphosa (Ward 21), Nkosilathi Hove (Ward 6), and Donaldson Mabuto (Ward 9) arrived in regular clothing. A vote was held—12 councillors supported letting them stay, while 18 opposed. Despite the majority vote, Mayor David Coltart allowed them to remain, sparking further uproar.
Council reminded of dress code ahead of meeting Before the meeting, Chamber Secretary Sikhangele Zhou issued a memo reminding councillors of the June 2024 resolution.
“It shall be recalled that Council resolved that councillors and staff dress in traditional and African attire for every Bulawayo Day and Bulawayo Arts Festival commemorations,” Zhou stated.
The memo emphasised that the dress code was symbolic, showcasing Bulawayo’s cultural pride. Yet, the three councillors defied the rule, leading to an hour-long debate.
Not the first dress code drama This isn’t the first time clothing has caused controversy. Last month, councillors debated Mayor Coltart’s decision to wear a coat instead of a full suit.
With tensions still high, the council cut the live feed to avoid further public spectacle.
Sweet Like a Cupcake: President Ramaphosa Melts Hearts After He Ties Young Girl’s Shoelaces at Mall (Watch)
President Cyril Ramaphosa has warmed hearts after a video of him tying a young girl’s shoelaces at a local mall went viral on social media.
Ramaphosa Captured on Camera Tying Down Little Girl’s Shoe The touching sweet moment, which was captured on camera, occurred during a visit to a busy mall, where the President was seen engaging with members of the public.
As crowds gathered around him, many asked for pictures. President Ramaphosa told the crowd he would only be taking pictures with elderly people and children.
While chatting with one young girl, he noticed that her shoelaces were undone. Without hesitation, the President gently placed his bag and phone on the ground, went down and tied her shoelaces.
Charmed by the heartwarming moment, the surrounding crowd reacted with delight, letting out a loud “Awww” as they captured the sweet moment on their phones.
After completing the heartwarming gesture, President Ramaphosa smiled, waved to the crowd, and continued walking casually.
The video of the President’s kind gesture quickly gained traction online. Many netizens expressed how touched they were by the President’s humility and fatherly nature.
Some users affectionately referred to him by his popular nickname, “Cupcake”, expressing that the gesture was consistent with the soft-spoken, fatherly persona he is often associated with.
Check out some of the reactions:
@zamadlamini_mzizi:
Yena u sweet u cupcake shem!
@khomotjom;
sweet like a cupcake.
@bhellzmlamla:
Nchoo cupcake…He is definitely a father b4 anything else
@mamutsusimabaso:
That is so humbling, a very good father indeed
@wavinya
Awww He is a kind loving soul.
And here in Kenya the presidents security would have shoved that kid away like a criminal .
Elon Musk is not ending his critism and opposition to Donald Trump’s new Beautiful Bill anytime soon.
The Tesla CEO has called on the president to speak to his senators and congressmen to terminate the bill.
Elon Musk has been critical about a Donald Trump backed tax and spending bill, which he earlier labeled as disgusting abomination.
Elon Musk’s concern about the bill is due to its projected $2.4 trillion increase in the federal deficit and the elimination of a $7,500 electric tax credit.
The critism has since turned personal between the two, who were once closed friends.
The feud escalated imto insults, including Musk’s claims about Trump’s involvement in the Jeffrey Epstein files and threats to decommission SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft, vital for NASA’s International Space Station missions.
In one of his X post, Elon Musk Stated emphatically that Donald Trump’s actions could lead America to bankruptcy.
“Call your senator, call your congressmam, Bankrupting America is not Ok. Kill the bill” Elon Musk wrote in an X post.
Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla rejects claims of party instability
Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, a Member of Parliament for the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), has firmly denied allegations of instability within the party, asserting that it remains united and focused.
Her remarks address recent speculation about internal conflicts, particularly following reports of leadership disputes within the MKP.
This comes after the recent dismissal of Floyd Shivambu as secretary-general, which some have cited as evidence of factionalism.
Zuma-Sambudla, however, dismissed these claims, stating, “The MKP is deliberate in its actions and committed to its goals.” She emphasized that the party’s leadership is aligned and working cohesively to advance its agenda.
As a rising political entity, the MKP continues to face scrutiny over its internal dynamics and rapid growth.
Zuma-Sambudla’s statements aim to quell doubts and reaffirm the party’s stability in South Africa’s evolving political landscape.
Chad suspended visa issuance to U.S. citizens in a retaliatory response to the U.S. including Chadian nationals in a travel ban targeting 12 countries.
As we reported earlier, United States president Donald Trump announced a travel ban on 12 countries.
The travel ban includes nationals of Chad who wouldn’t be given Visas anymore to travel into the United States.
The U.S. travel ban, effective June 9, 2025, restricts entry from countries, citing deficient screening, vetting, and high visa overstay rates.
This is something Chad president isn’t happy about and have already taken steps to hit back at the United States.
President Mahamat Idriss Deby announced the decision to cut visa issuance to all US nationals as well.
In a post, the Chadian president said his country has nothing to offer the US but it wouldn’t trade it’s pride and dignity for anything.
“Chad has no planes to offer, no billions of dollars to give, but Chad has its dignity and pride.”
Chad’s move is a direct diplomatic retaliation, potentially straining U.S.-Chad relations, particularly in counterterrorism cooperation.
Chad 🇹🇩 has suspended visa issuance to U.S. 🇺🇸 citizens after its nationals were included in a U.S. travel ban, President Idriss Deby said in a Facebook post. Chad is among seven African countries on the list of 12 included in the U.S. administration's travel ban pic.twitter.com/M75JV8loLZ
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has presented President Donald Trump with his grandfather Friedrich Trump’s birth certificate.
The birth certificate was handed to Donald Trump during an Oval Office meeting on Thursday June 5, 2025.
According to the German Councilor, Trump’s German ties proves Germany and the US share the same DNA.
The gesture according to reports is likely aimed to highlight Trump’s German heritage and strengthen the U.S.-German ties.
During the meeting they discussed details of bilateral trades existing between the two countries and issues surrounding Ukraine.
Donald Trump’s grandfather, Friedrich Trump was born in 1869 in Kallstadt, Germany but emigrated to the U.S. in 1885.
However, his past, including avoiding German military service and running controversial businesses, adds complexity.
Some view the gift as a diplomatic move, while others see it as a subtle jab or political strategy, given past tensions and Trump’s misstatements about his family’s origins.
The US and Germany share the same DNA. We are partners. We are friends. We are literally family.
Many citizens here in the US have ancestors hailing from Germany.
I just gave @POTUS a copy of his grandfather’s birth certificate. He was born in Kallstadt, Germany, in 1869. pic.twitter.com/Rsv7oyDS3j
— Bundeskanzler Friedrich Merz (@bundeskanzler) June 5, 2025
Mali is currently facing serious security treats as militant groups continues to attack their military.
The West African country has been struck with two separate military attacks within the past one week.
The first attack on Mali took place on June 1, 2025, and it was reported that the al-Qaeda-linked group Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM) is responsible for the attack.
Fast forward this week, there was another attack targeting army posts, including one in Mahou near the Burkina Faso border.
The attack affected their military base withanu casualties recorded and the Malian army made a Swift response by deploying ground and air reinforcements.
This attack as has led to the de@th of at least 30 soldiers, while some sources reportes that the death has increased up to 60 deaths.
I’m addition to the soldiers k!lled, anorther casualty faced by Malli in the attack is missing soldiers as many have been held hostages.
Mali 🇲🇱 was struck by two militant attacks this week, with insurgents claiming hundreds of soldiers killed. On June 5, 2025, the army said it deployed ground and air reinforcements to respond to an assault on a security post in Mahou, near the Burkina Faso border, amid a surge in… pic.twitter.com/CiTsU7NTr7
Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates has alleged that Lagos, Nigeria’s capital, is poised to become the world’s largest city in the coming decades.
Gates made this statement during his recent visit to Nigeria. Speaking at an event attended by Nigerian dignitaries, Gate talked about the citys future potential.
“The city we’re in today will, by far, be the largest in the world,” Gates stated, pointing to Lagos as a case study for Africa’s demographic and economic potential.
He emphasized the continent’s youthful population—60% of Africans are under 25—and its capacity for transformative growth, provided investments in human capital, infrastructure, and policy are prioritized.
The billionaire also reaffirmed his commitment to donate 99% of his $200 billion fortune to African development over the next 20 years, focusing on health, education, and digital innovation
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu honored Bill with the prestigious title of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) during his visit.
According to a statement by a prominent Gambian migration activist based in Germany, Yahya Sonko, the German government has scheduled two charter flights to deport Gambian nationals on June 10 and July 8.
The announcement has sparked renewed concerns over the treatment of deportees and the role of both German and Gambian authorities in the process.
Sonko, a well-known advocate for Gambian migrants in Europe, warned of “ongoing and intensified deportation operations” targeting Gambians, urging those at risk to remain vigilant and seek immediate legal assistance.
He accused German authorities of detaining individuals deemed “eligible” for deportation ahead of the scheduled flights, raising alarms about due process violations.
Sonko also highlighted past deportations, citing “serious allegations of inhuman and degrading treatment,” including cases involving individuals with severe medical conditions.
In his statement, Sonko criticized the Gambian government for its “unacceptable silence” on the issue, calling for accountability and an end to cooperation with deportation programs that “subject citizens to inhuman treatment.”
He warned that “history will judge [the Gambian government’s] silence and complicity,” pointing to broader systemic issues in the repatriation process.
The African Union (AU) has expressed significant concern over U.S. President Donald Trump’s expanded travel ban.
The United States announced a new travel ban on June 4, 2025, which restricts entry from 12 countries.
Out the countries handed the ban, seven of them are African countries including Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Libya, Somalia, and Sudan.
Additionally, three other African nations namely Burundi, Sierra Leone, and Togo were also slapped with partial restrictions.
The AU has criticized the ban as discriminatory, warning that it could undermine decades of diplomatic, economic, and people-to-people ties between Africa and the U.S.
The organization called for a more consultative and evidence-based approach, urging the US to involve them in dialogue with the affected countries to address security concerns
The ban is set to take effect on June 9, 2025 as made known by President Donald Trump in his announcement.
WE WERE LUNGU’S CLOSER FRIENDS THAN SOME IN PF – MWEETWA
INFORMATION and Media Minister Cornelius Mweetwa says late former president Edgar Lungu was more closer to him and others than some people in the Patriotic Front.
But former Home Affairs Minister Stephen Kampyongo said Lungu’s health deteriorated on account of government’s restriction against his planned travels out of the country for medical treatment.
In an interview with the Daily Revelation over Lungu’s death in South Africa yesterday, Mweetwa, who is also chief government and ruling UPND spokesperson, Mweetwa said the nation should come together and honour President Lungu because he served “us as former head of state.”.
He said those who served with Lungu in Parliament knew who his real friends were.
Government Takes Over Funeral Arrangements, Official Program to Be Announced, Says Lubinda
Patriotic Front (PF) Acting President Given Lubinda has confirmed that the government has taken over the funeral arrangements for Zambia’s sixth Republican President, Edgar Chagwa Lungu, who passed away on Thursday, 5th June 2025, in South Africa.
Mr. Lubinda stated that President Lungu rightfully deserves a state funeral, and the Patriotic Front will fully respect the official program once it is announced by the government. He assured the public that the party is in communication with the government and appreciates the coordination during this solemn period.
Meanwhile, Mr. Lubinda noted that the PF has begun its own mourning activities, which he emphasized should be allowed to proceed without interference. He said these activities reflect the party’s deep respect and enduring connection to its late leader.
He described President Lungu as a man who died heartbroken despite his unwavering service to the nation. He called on Zambians to observe the mourning period in a spirit of unity, love, and prayer, and to honour President Lungu’s legacy of tolerance and compassion values he consistently upheld during his tenure.
Mr. Lubinda also advised the public to regard only statements issued by him as official PF communications during this time, urging people to disregard any conflicting narratives.
He made the remarks shortly after an emergency Central Committee meeting held at the PF Secretariat.
Preliminary Meeting Between Government and Family takes Place in South Africa
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Mulambo Haimbe is leading a delegation of government officials to South Africa to secure the remains and eventual repatriation of Zambia’s Sixth President, Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu.
Earlier, Hon. Haimbe accompanied by officials from Cabinet Office and Acting High Commission to South Africa, Mrs. Inonge Mwenya met with the family representatives led by Hon. Makebi Zulu at Radisson Blu Hotel in Sandton at which preliminary issues and proposals were discussed.
A follow-up meeting will be held later and agreed position will be communicated. This is to ensure that a balance of family, Party and State interests are reached and secured to ensure that President Edgar Lungu is mourned and send off with dignity befitting of a former Head of State.
Patriotic Front Secretary General, Hon. Raphael Nakacinda has joined the family in South Africa.
The Zambian community living South Africa have requested that in both government and family plans, they accord and provide a church service in South Africa before the body is repatriated to Zambia.
FAMILY APPEALS FOR ORDER AS ACCESS TO FORMER PRESIDENT’S RESIDENCE IS RESTRICTED
In a heartfelt and solemn announcement, the family of the late former President has outlined guidelines for the ongoing funeral proceedings, requesting that access to the residence be limited to close family members and a few select national figures.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Sean Tembo, President of the Patriots for Economic Progress (PeP) and Spokesperson of the Tonse Alliance, clarified that while the nation is welcome to mourn and honor the late Head of State, logistical and security concerns require that only individuals with prior clearance will be allowed at the funeral house. These include senior members of the clergy, the diplomatic corps, and recognized political leaders.
“This is not to segregate in any way,” said Tembo. “It’s simply to ensure that there is order and dignity as we bid farewell to our dear father and former leader.”
Members of the public, including party supporters and well-wishers, have been encouraged to gather at the party secretariat in town, which will serve as the official public mourning venue. Tembo emphasized that the arrangement was reached in consultation with family members and is designed to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to pay their respects in a structured and respectful manner.
The decision has sparked conversation among the public, particularly regarding the absence of an explicit invitation to senior government officials, including the sitting President. However, family members have reiterated that any adjustments to the program will be communicated transparently and respectfully in the coming days
Across the country, tributes continue to pour in, reflecting the former President’s enduring impact on Zambia’s history and people. His legacy, marked by years of service and a commitment to national unity, is being remembered with deep emotion by citizens from all walks of life.
As the nation mourns, the family has called for peace, respect, and unity.
“Let us remember him not with division, but with the love and purpose he stood for,” Tembo concluded.
Kumwesu Media will continue to follow this story and provide timely updates as the funeral program unfolds.
KBF ACCUSES GOVERNMENT OF PLOTTING TO RIG 2026 ELECTIONS USING CYBER LAWS AND PROPOSED BILL 7
By: Sun FM TV Reporter
Opposition party Zambia Must Prosper has accused the New Dawn government of intending to use the newly enacted Cyber Crimes and Security Law alongside Constitution Amendment Bill No. 7 of 2025 to influence the 2026 general elections.
During a media briefing, ZMP president Kelvin Bwalya Fube alleged that the cyber laws are designed to intimidate voters and suppress dissent, criminalizing opposing views through seditious practices legislation.
Mr. Fube further revealed that ZMP, in collaboration with Tonse Alliance, has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the government through Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha, demanding the withdrawal of Gazette Bill No. 7 of 2025. He warned that failure to comply would lead to nationwide peaceful protests.
According to Mr. Fube, the proposed constitutional amendments lack legitimacy and are intended to cement UPND’s political dominance.
Meanwhile, the opposition leader has alerted the international community about alleged human rights violations, corruption, poor governance, and tribalism under the UPND administration.
The Weight of the Crown and the Wisdom of Dust: A Philosophical Reflection on the Lungu Presidency
By Dr. Lawrence Mwelwa
In African thought, we are taught that “umuntu mutwe wa bantu”—a person is the head of the people. Leadership is not an individual’s triumph, but a communal experience. When a man assumes office, he does not carry only the authority of the state; he carries the hopes, fears, and contradictions of the nation itself
Today I write of one such man: President Edgar Chagwa Lungu. And I do so not as a partisan, not as a praise-singer, and certainly not as a bitter critic—but as a witness to his season, a citizen of this republic, and a believer in truth tempered by grace.
President Lungu came into office at a time of political flux, following the death of President Michael Sata. He was not the most charismatic in his party, nor the most feared by his rivals—but he was trusted enough to inherit the reins of power. And from that moment, he governed through some of the most unpredictable chapters of Zambia’s democratic journey.
His presidency was not without blemish, and I have previously spoken on those matters—issues of civic space, press freedom, and governance challenges. But today I want to pause and examine another side, one that history must also record: the remarkable restraint, the rare magnanimity, and the moments of statesmanship that defined his tenure.
Perhaps his most underappreciated decision was one that risked his very hold on power: his assent to the amended Republican Constitution in 2016. He did not hesitate to subject himself to the uncertainty of the 50+1 threshold—a change that no sitting president in Africa would embrace without concern for political survival. But he signed it into law, knowing it could cost him. That singular act elevated the democratic threshold in Zambia. It was not just legality—it was leadership.
We must also speak of his respect for judicial authority. In an era when many African leaders saw the courts as tools to be manipulated, President Lungu often complied with rulings even when politically inconvenient. He had at his disposal the sedition laws, the Public Order Act, and a partisan police service. But rarely did he turn these instruments into tools of vengeance. Critics were watched—but not always caged. For a president under pressure, that level of restraint is not weakness; it is discipline.
Then came the agriculture sector. Amid a region plagued by climate shocks and erratic rainfall, his administration managed to secure timely delivery of farming inputs, expanded the Farmer Input Support Programme, and guided the country to several bumper harvests—even during drought spells. Food security may not stir headlines like roads and airports, but it feeds the dignity of a nation. In this, his legacy is solid.
And above all, there is this: he handed over power in peace.
After losing the 2021 general election, President Lungu bowed out with humility. No barricades. No bitter speeches. No challenge to the will of the people. In a region where peaceful transitions are becoming the exception rather than the norm, this act alone ranks among the highest forms of statesmanship. It was not a retreat; it was a reaffirmation of Zambia’s constitutional soul.
Now, does this absolve him of his missteps? No. There were moments when the voice of civil society was muffled, when cadres ruled the streets more than the law did. There were appointments that raised eyebrows and omissions that wounded trust. But to understand a leader is to judge the full measure of the man—not just his shadows, but also his light.
African wisdom reminds us: “Icikokola n’gombe—what eats the grain can also fertilize the field.” Power can corrupt, but it can also cultivate. President Lungu’s legacy lies not in being flawless, but in being instructive. His governance offers us a mirror—not to admire or scorn, but to study.
To his supporters, your loyalty is not in vain. It was grounded in the vision you believed he carried. To his critics, myself included, our duty remains: to be honest, but also fair. And to his family—I offer the respect due to any household that carried the weight of national scrutiny with grace.
Let this be the lesson: that we can critique without contempt, and remember without rewriting.
Because in the end, Zambia’s story is not written by angels or devils. It is written by men—some cautious, some courageous, many both. President Lungu was one such man. And when the dust of politics settles, may we remember not just who ruled, but how we grew.
A mirror in which Zambia must look and ask: do we want strong men or strong institutions? Do we want praise-singers or patriots? Do we want a nation where power is feared—or where justice is trusted?
Let the answer be found not in insults or blind nostalgia, but in sober reflection.
Because when the wind blows, even the tallest tree must bow. And when history is written, let it be said that we spoke the truth—gently, courageously, and with love for the land that bore us all
UPND, MMD MOURNS FORMER SIXTH REPUBLICAN PRESIDENT EDGAR CHAGWA LUNGU (ECL).
…as UPND Media Director Mark Simuuwe calls for respect and patriotism during funeral
June 6, 2025
LUSAKA – The nation is plunged into mourning following the passing of former sixth (6th) Republican President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, with tributes pouring in from across the country. In response, the government has announced a state funeral to honour the late leader’s contributions to Zambia.
According to UPND Media Director Mark Simuuwe, the funeral arrangements will be handled by the State, with procedural norms strictly adhered to.
The nation has been urged to come together in unity, putting aside political differences, to mourn the former president’s passing.
Mr Simuuwe said in an interview with ZNBC Television this morning that in light of the Cyber Law, citizens must be mindful of their comments on social media, ensuring that they do not cross legal boundaries.
“People must be careful with the way they advance their comments on social media, as this may render them into antagonism with the law,” warns Mr Simuuwe.
Mr Simuuwe said the state funeral will be a fitting tribute to the late president’s service to the nation.
As the country comes together to mourn, Zambians will reflect on President Lungu’s legacy and the impact of his leadership on the nation.
And MMD Deputy National Secretary Joshua Mulenga said media institutions have been tasked with documenting President Lungu’s legacy and contributions to the nation.
Dr Mulenga said media houses should be seen to document President Lungu’s legacy through running documentaries.
He said it is expected that the media will play a crucial role in preserving the former president’s memory and highlighting his achievements.
Dr Mulenga said Dr Kenneth Kaunda is remembered for the liberation struggle, Dr Chiluba for the reintroduction of multiparty democracy, and Dr Levy Mwanawasa for revitalising the economy, which collapsed under President Chiluba’s reign.
He also said that President Rupiah Banda opened up the economy to businesses while President Michael Sata created more districts and that late President Edgar Lungu is on record of declaring the National Day of Prayers, Fasting and Reconciliation, which is a public holiday and observed every year on October 18th.
Dr Mulenga has, meanwhile, said that as a Christian nation, Zambia is expected to uphold Christian values in its response to President Lungu’s passing.
Media houses have been encouraged to exemplify these values in their reporting, ensuring that the nation’s response is guided by principles of compassion, respect, and dignity.
“TRADITIONAL LEADERS SHOW RESPECT AND SOLIDARITY WITH GOVERNMENT IN MOURNING PRESIDENT LUNGU”
By Timmy
The House of Chiefs has expressed its sincere condolences to the government and people of Zambia following the passing of Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, the Sixth Republican President. In a heartfelt message, Chief Choongo, Chairperson of the House of Chiefs, paid tribute to the late President’s noble role in Zambian history.
A Show of Unity and Respect
The House of Chiefs’ message demonstrates the strong relationship between traditional leadership and the current government. By extending condolences to President Hakainde Hichilema and the Lungu family, the Chiefs have shown respect for the office of the President and the democratic process.
A Call for Peace and Stability
The Chiefs’ message also highlights the importance of peace and stability in the country. By praying for the Almighty God to console the bereaved family and give President Hichilema wisdom and strength, the House of Chiefs is promoting national unity and cohesion.
As an example of the Government’s Inclusive Approach
The government’s response to the Chiefs’ message will likely be seen as an example of its commitment to inclusive governance. By working together, the government and traditional leaders can promote development and stability in the country.
The House of Chiefs’ message of condolence is a significant gesture that demonstrates the strong relationship between traditional leadership and the current government. It is a show of respect, unity, and solidarity in a time of national mourning.
A Member of Parliament was jailed for 12 months by the Subordinate Court on libel charges. Subsequently, his parliamentary seat was declared vacant and by-election called to replace him as MP on account of his conviction.
However, he then appealed against the conviction and sentence in the High Court. He further filed another case in the Constitutional Court in which he challenged the proceedings that led to his imprisonment. Both the appeal and the Petition in the ConCourt were yet to be heard and determined.
In the interim, the MP filed an application in the ConCourt asking the Court stop the holding of the by-election in his constituency until these two cases were determined. He argued that if the by election was conducted, it would render his appeals nugatory or academic even if he wins the two cases.
At most, he argued, he is innocent until his appeal is determined. What if he wins the appeal against conviction? Will he get back his parliamentary seat? He asked the pertinent questions.
A single Judge of the ConCourt heard the application and determined thus;
“It would be a usurpation of legislative power for me to suspend or defer the constitutional effect of a vacancy on the basis of a potential outcome of the appeal,” the Judge said.
He said public interest in the matter weighs heavily towards allowing the by election and therefore cannot issue any stay.
“If granted, the people of Lumezi Constituency would be left without representation in the National Assembly for an unknown period, contrary to the democratic principles that underpin representative democracy,” the Judge ruled.
“In a representative democracy, such a vacuum cannot be justified on the speculative possibility that a conviction maybe overturned on appeal,” the Judge said.
The Court also noted that the 1996 Constitution had provided that once a convicted MP appealed against his conviction, the seat could not be declared vacant but that provision was omitted in the 2016 Constitution amendment.
“In my view, this omission is a clear display of the framers’ intention to abolish the remedy of a stay from the Constitution,” the Judge said.
The single Judge heavily relied the recent recent case of Nickson Chilangwa in which the ConCourt full bench ruled that the mere conviction and imprisonment of an MP triggers the bye election automatically regardless of any appeal.
“I do not have the liberty to disregard judgments of the full bench,” he said.
Case citation – Munir Zulu v Attorney General and Others – 2025/CCZ/0011 and Ruling delivered on Wednesday.
Lecture Notes;
1. The 1996 Constitution was clear that once the convicted MP appeals, he keeps his seat in Parliament until the final determination of the appeal. However, in 2016, this provision is missing. Was it removed or it was an omission? In legislative drafting,we say nothing is omitted but done by intention.
2. But then the question still begs. What happened if the convicted MP wins his appeal? The ConCourt here tried to separate the criminal proceedings from the constitutional case. It says the vacancy occurs by mere imprisonment and the counting of 90 days to hold the by election immediately starts.
The government of Jamaica has officially implemented a new national minimum wage of J$16,000 (approximately US$103 or ZMW 2,650) for a 40-hour workweek, following the approval of amended wage orders. The move is intended to help low-income workers cope with the rising cost of living.
The increase also applies to security guards, who will now receive the updated base pay. However, their additional allowances and insurance benefits remain unchanged.
Labour and Social Security Minister Pearnel Charles Jr stated that the adjustment is part of efforts to protect workers’ welfare. He also urged employers to pay above the minimum where feasible, in recognition of the economic pressures many Jamaicans face.
The new wage order is a key step in Jamaica’s efforts to improve labor conditions and ensure fair compensation across sectors.
ZAMBIA’S ELECTORAL SYSTEM COULD SEE A MAJOR OVERHAUL BEFORE 2026
Zambia’s Electoral Reform Technical Committee (ERTC) has submitted a wide set of recommendations that could transform the country’s electoral system, law, and administration ahead of the 2026 general elections.
The report, submitted to the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) on June 3, 2025, is the product of months of nationwide consultations, legal reviews, and comparative studies from other jurisdictions. It covers constitutional reforms, changes to electoral laws and regulations, and administrative adjustments.
At the center of the committee’s proposals is a recommendation to adopt a Mixed Member Proportional Representation system for National Assembly and local government elections, while retaining the existing majoritarian system for presidential elections.
For parliamentary elections, the ERTC proposes that members of parliament be elected through a combination of constituency-based First-Past-The-Post (FPTP, as they call it) voting and proportional representation based on the total number of votes received by each party.
At local government level, mayors and council chairpersons would continue to be elected directly through FPTP, but councillors would be elected through party lists under a proportional system. Political parties would be required to submit gender-balanced lists with equal numbers of male and female candidates, while ensuring youth representation and guaranteeing that every council includes at least one person with a disability.
In addition to the proposed changes to the electoral system, the ERTC recommends amendments to Article 68 of the Constitution to allow for the creation of more constituencies through delimitation. The committee argues that current constituencies are too large, limiting effective representation and service delivery. The report, however, doesn’t indicate which constituencies may need delimitation.
The report also proposes changes for handling the cancellation or continuation of elections in the event of a candidate’s death, resignation or disqualification after nominations. In cases where a candidate resigns or is disqualified after nominations, elections would proceed as scheduled. However, if a candidate dies before the election date, the election would be postponed for fresh nominations within 30 days.
The ERTC further recommends several amendments to the Electoral Process Act. These include introducing a 14-day pre-nomination period to allow for early verification of candidates’ documents, extending the period for challenging nominations, and lowering nomination fees to promote participation by marginalized groups.
On voter registration, the committee calls for full integration of technology in the electoral process. This includes the introduction of biometric voter registration and the possibility of merging voter registration with the National Registration Card (NRC) system to eliminate the need for separate voter cards.
For persons with disabilities, the committee recommends that voter registers should record and disaggregate disability data. Political parties would also be required to ensure that campaign messages are made accessible through braille and sign language interpreters.
Beyond electoral laws, the committee urges the government to operationalize the Gender Equity and Equality Commission as provided for in Article 231 of the Constitution. This would strengthen institutional support for gender equity across the electoral process.
On national registration, the committee supports the digitisation of NRCs to create a self-updating system that can automatically reflect changes in a voter’s status, such as death, without requiring manual updates.
The report acknowledges that these reforms would require amendments to the Constitution, various electoral laws, and administrative procedures. It also notes that some proposals would need careful implementation planning, including collaboration between the ECZ and other government departments.
The committee was appointed by the ECZ in July 2024 and began work in August. Its members included legal experts, academics, civil society organisations, faith-based organisations, political party representatives, and government institutions.
The proposals now await consideration by the ECZ, Parliament and other relevant authorities as Zambia prepares for its next general elections.
PF, Former First Family Opt for Private Funeral for Late President Lungu
The former First Family, led by former First Lady Madam Esther Lungu, in consultation with the Patriotic Front (PF) leadership under Acting President Hon. Given Lubinda, has resolved not to allow the State to take over the funeral proceedings of the late Sixth Republican President, His Excellency Edgar Chagwa Lungu.
The decision stems from concerns that the late President was, in their view, no longer accorded the dignity of a former Head of State, following the withdrawal of his presidential benefits and what the family describes as the alleged persecution of close family members.
In light of this, the family has communicated that the funeral will be treated as a private event. The PF Secretariat will serve as the official venue for public mourning, where mourners including PF members and Government officials, may gather to pay their respects.
The former President’s private residence will be reserved strictly for family members and high-level foreign dignitaries, who may wish to visit for the purpose of offering condolences to the former First Lady.
Additionally, the family has stated that President Lungu will not be buried at the Presidential Burial Site. Instead, arrangements are underway for a private burial at a location to be determined and organised by the family.
This development may clash with the law that stipulates that former Heads of State are accorded a State funeral and buried at the Presidential burial grounds. First President Kenneth Kaunda’s family had resolved that his remains be buried at his farm in Lusaka East. However they were sternly guided by the law which they finally succumbed to.
I have been praying that your death turns out to be false, Nakacinda mourns Lungu
PF faction secretary general Raphael Nakacinda has taken to social media, crying that he has been praying and hoping that his boss’s death is a lie.
Nakacinda who happens to be one of former president Edgar Lungu’s loyalists stated that he was broken by the passing of Lungu whom he described as a father figure in his life.
“My heart is broken by the unfortunate passing of President Edgar Chagwa Lungu. I have been sitting and praying, hoping that somehow the situation turns out to be different but seeing all the confirmations and posts has just deepened and made the reality more vivid,” he wrote.
“My boss, my father, the father of the Nation and the hope of the Zambian people in the face of terrible adversity, we all were looking to you to speak over 2026. We have been waiting for you.”
He added that his words were many but the silence of grief kept overpowering them and shutting everything else down.
Nakacinda said Lungu is the one that taught him loyalty and life lessons that he shall forever cherish.
“You taught us to be strong, I remember when you visited me in hospital and encouraged me to be strong. You gave me so much hope You also taught us loyalty and told us to be loyal to our leaders.”
“I will forever be grateful for the life lessons you gave me. In my absence you acted as a father to everyone even to your grandchildren. For this I’m forever grateful. We are broken God only knows,” cried Nakacinda.
In a continent where leaders often rule until they’re wheeled out of office—clutching the Constitution in one hand and the national treasury in the other—Edgar Chagwa Lungu stood out like a sore but elegant thumb.
He may not have been perfect (No leader is), but he pulled off a near-impossible feat in African politics: he peacefully handed over power and didn’t burn down the house on his way out.
Born on 11 November 1956 at Ndola Central Hospital, Edgar Lungu grew up in Chimwemwe, one of those Zambian townships where dreams and poverty compete for space.
His father, Padule Saili Lungu, served as a domestic helper for a Catholic priest—a humbling job. His mother, Tasila, hustled the markets to keep the family afloat.
These humble beginnings would later define his compassion for Zambia’s downtrodden. Poverty, it seems, was not just something he read about in reports—it was the air he once breathed, survived and conquered.
Fast forward to UNZA (University of Zambia), where Lungu studied law and graduated top of his class. Sharp mind, steady nerves, and a quiet resolve made him a man to watch.
His rise in politics wasn’t meteoric—it was hard earned and calculated to a point
President Michael Sata first appointed him, deputy vice president, Deputy Minister, but Lungu’s calm and competence quickly earned him top portfolios: Home Affairs, Justice, Defence, and even CEO of the ruling party.
Then came Sata’s death in 2014—a political thunderstorm. The ruling Patriotic Front (PF) was in turmoil, with ten internal candidates clawing for power.
Lungu, in a dramatic moment of selflessness, stepped back, citing the biblical story of King Solomon and the disputed baby. His gesture touched hearts.
The party, like the real mother in the biblical tale, gave him the “baby.” Lungu became Zambia’s sixth Republican President on 25 January 2015.
He got to work fast. One of his boldest moves was restoring the 50% plus one vote requirement for presidential victories—a democratic principle that some of his predecessors had buried out of fear. He believed in legitimacy through the ballot, not backroom deals.
On the economic front, he tried to return ownership of Zambia’s mines to Zambians, stepping on a few foreign toes in the process.
His administration expanded infrastructure: roads, bridges, airports, and maize production soared thanks to increased agricultural subsidies. Lungu believed food was peace—and he made sure the maize bins were full.
But ECL wasn’t all steel and cement. He was also known for his humility and deep listening, even when what was being said was, frankly, rubbish. “He would sit there, nod gently, and just let you finish,” one aide once said. “Then he’d give you an answer that reminded you who was boss.”
He didn’t like punishing people, preferring diplomacy over drama. He laughed easily, even at jokes that weren’t that funny, and rarely raised his voice unless it really mattered.
The 2021 election was tough, and when the Zambian people decided it was time for change, he conceded peacefully. No army on the streets. No disputed results screamed over megaphones.
Just a statesman walking away. Later, when he tried to make a political comeback, he even gave up his presidential retirement benefits—a move that was as dramatic as it was principled.
That alone put him in rare air on a continent where ex-presidents cling to perks like oxygen masks.
In his personal life, he was a devoted husband to Esther Lungu, a former First Lady with her own social footprint, and a loving father and grandfather.
His family grounded him, and his faith gave him focus—he was a devout Christian who often quoted Scripture in speeches and reflected spiritual calm in times of chaos.
Even tragedy couldn’t break him. The Gabon air disaster, which claimed the entire Zambian national soccer team, cast a long shadow over the nation.
Lungu’s leadership helped win billions of kwacha in compensation for the bereaved families—a rare moment where political action met true compassion, probono.
Looking back, what defines Edgar Lungu isn’t that he built things—though he did. It’s that he listened, he served, and he left. In Africa, that’s revolutionary.
In the age of strongmen, Lungu was a gentleman with backbone. In the era of populists, he was a pragmatist who smiled through storms.
And in a region where leaders die in office, Lungu left with dignity intact and jokes still in his pocket.
He had the last laugh and his last word last week was a love message to his wife Esther, wishing her happy birthday this week, then the sound of silence.
Condolences are pouring in from everywhere including President Hichilema his successor.
As Zambia and the world remember his journey, it’s clear: Edgar Chagwa Lungu didn’t just rule. He led.
### Amb. Anthony Mukwita is a published author and International Relations analyst, official biographer of Edgar Lungu’s book ‘Against all Odds.’
