FIVE REASONS WHY GOVERNMENT SHOULD WITHDRAW AND NOT AMEND BILL 7 OF 2025

By Linda Kasonde

The process is just as important as the content. Amending Bill 7 now will produce an equally flawed outcome for the following reasons:

1. There’s still not enough time before the election to have broad based national consultations

2. It’s too close to the election which risks the process and content being politicised.

3. History has shown us the successive Governments have tried to put in clauses that will favour the incumbent maintaining power.

4. The best time to restart this process is soon after a general election to give Zambians more time to engage with the content.

5. The process should be people-driven not government driven

CHIFUNABULI’S LUBWE MISSION 120TH ANNIVERSARY PREPARATIONS RECEIVE K800,000 PRESIDENTIAL PLEDGE.

1 June 2025

CHIFUNABULI – President Hakainde Hichilema has reaffirmed his support for the Catholic Church by pledging K800,000 towards the upcoming 120th anniversary celebrations of Lubwe Mission in Chifunabuli District slated for 28 June 2025.

St Joseph’s Parish Priest Father Mukobekwa read the President’s pledge during a fundraising dinner dance yesterday which attracted both government officials and members of the Catholic clergy, united in their commitment to honour one of Zambia’s oldest mission centres.

The President was at the event represented by Fisheries and Livestock Minister Peter Kapala who was a guest of honour and was accompanied by Luapula Province Minister Nason Musonda, Provincial UPND Chairman Alfred Mwape, Chifunabuli District Commissioner Stanley Mukosa, Catholic priests and nuns, and other local leaders.

In his remarks, Hon. Kapala paid tribute to the early Catholic missionaries, noting: “What began as a single seed of faith in 1905 at Chankasupa Village has grown into a vibrant diocese with 12 parishes serving the entire Luapula Province.”

He also emphasized the long-standing collaboration between the Church and the government in advancing social development.

“The Church provides the moral compass, while the government offers policy and resources. Together, we can deliver sustainable development,” he said as he pledged to personally contribute 200 bags of mealie meal and two cows towards the event.

“As a nation, we are called to protect this legacy, support the vulnerable, and carry the mission forward,” Hon. Kapala added, reaffirming the government’s continued partnership with the Church.

With less than a month to go before the anniversary, both Church and government stakeholders have pledged to work together to make the celebration a meaningful and memorable occasion for the people of Luapula Province and beyond.

(c) The Falcon

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 31st May 2025

STATEMENT ON THE NEED FOR PUBLIC ACCESS TO THE DELIMITATION REPORT

As a Member of Parliament elected to serve the people of Kanchibiya and as a citizen deeply committed to the principles of transparency, equity, and democratic accountability, I wish to make a simple but important call to the Government on this Sabbath day.

It is in the spirit of national interest, beyond partisan lines, that I urge the Government to immediately make public the Delimitation Report prepared by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ). The recent gazetting of the figure ‘55’ as the proposed number of new constituencies makes the need for openness even more pressing.

Delimitation is not merely a technical or administrative exercise. It carries far-reaching implications for representation, political participation, resource allocation, and equitable development across our Republic. Citizens have a fundamental right to know how boundaries are being redrawn and how such decisions will affect their voice in Parliament and access to national resources.

The integrity of our democracy depends not just on the outcomes of elections, but on the processes that shape electoral frameworks. Transparency in delimitation will:

• Build public trust;
• Ensure stakeholder and citizen buy-in;
• Reduce suspicions of gerrymandering; and
• Affirm that we are all equal partners in Zambia’s democratic project.

This call is not about political advantage. It is about safeguarding democratic integrity and strengthening the institutions we all rely upon, regardless of political affiliation. The Constitution must not be treated as a tool of convenience, but a covenant that binds us all to fairness, equity, and the rule of law.

I reiterate: The people of Zambia deserve access to the full Delimitation Report. We cannot claim to deepen our democracy while withholding the very information that shapes its foundation.

Country first. Always.

Hon. Sunday Chilufya Chanda, MP
Member of Parliament – Kanchibiya Constituency

CIVIL SERVICE MUST BE SAVED FROM THIS REGIME’S POLITICAL CAPTURE

….the current state of our civil service represents a grave betrayal of the democratic principles, observes Mukandila

Lusaka… Saturday May 31, 2025 (SMART EAGLES)

Tonse Alliance National Youth Chairman Celestine Mambula Mukandila has observed the need for the civil service to be saved from the current political rapture.

Mr Mukandila, who is also a Lusaka based Lawyer and PF Matero Constituency strongman, is of the view that the current state of the civil service represents a grave betrayal of the democratic principles upon which the nation was founded.

He notes that what was once a nonpartisan institution, entrusted with the impartial application of the law and the fair administration of government services to all citizens regardless of political affiliation, has been cynically transformed into an active partisan instrument of the ruling UPND.

“This is not merely a matter of inefficiency or mismanagement; it is a deliberate and egregious abuse of power that strikes at the very heart of good governance. This partisan capture manifests itself in numerous ways, the blatant political interference in appointments and promotions, rewarding loyalty above merit; the selective enforcement of laws, favoring those aligned with the ruling party while ignoring or persecuting opponents; and the systematic suppression of dissenting voices within the civil service itself, creating an environment of fear and self-censorship,” he said.

“This undermines the rule of law, creating a climate of uncertainty and injustice where citizens lack confidence in the impartiality of government institutions. Furthermore, it erodes public trust, leading to widespread disillusionment and cynicism.”

Mr Mukandila indicated that the consequences of this systematic dismantling of a crucial pillar of the democracy are dire.

“A fractured society, characterized by deepening divisions along political lines, is the inevitable result. Economic development is hampered by uncertainty and a lack of investor confidence. Our national unity and social cohesion are threatened,” he concluded.

“This is not merely a criticism of a specific administration, it is a warning about the erosion of democratic norms and the potential collapse of our nation if this trajectory continues unchecked. This is a crisis that demands immediate and decisive action to restore the integrity and independence of our civil service and safeguard the future of Zambia.”

SASYDA Rejects Unconstitutional Amendment of the Zambian Constitution

As the Southern Africa Students and Youth Development Association (SASYDA), we strongly object to the current Constitution Amendment Bill No. 7, proposed by the UPND political party. This bill, in its current form, is a threat to the democratic rights of the Zambian people.

Amending the constitution without the direct input and participation of the Zambian people is, in itself, an unconstitutional amendment. The constitution belongs to the people, and any changes to it must be made with their explicit consent and involvement.

We urge the government to reconsider its approach and postpone the constitutional amendment process until after the general elections. This will provide an opportunity for the Zambian people to participate as stakeholders in the amendment process, ensuring that their voices are heard and their interests are represented.

As SASYDA, we maintain our stance that the constitutional amendment process must be inclusive, transparent, and people-driven. We will continue to advocate for the rights of the Zambian people and ensure that their interests are protected.

No to unconstitutional amendment

Yes to people-driven constitutional reform

Ibrahim Kabwe Mwamba
SASYDA PRESIDENT

KAPASA MAKASA PREACHES UNITY AMONG OPPOSITION POLITICAL PARTIES

….as he Interacts with Structures in Serenje

Serenje… Saturday, May 31, 2025 – Kapasa Makasa, a Member of the Central Committee of the Socialist Party (SP), has called for unity among opposition political parties during an interaction with party structures in Serenje District.

Speaking during a meeting held on Friday, Makasa urged the Socialist Party leadership in Serenje to embrace collaboration with all like-minded opposition entities, including parties such as Tonse, UKA, Zambia We Want, as well as with progressive forces like traditional and church leaders.

Makasa emphasized that the current UPND government had failed to fulfill its promises, leaving many Zambians disillusioned and facing hardships.

He called on opposition forces to seize the moment and join efforts in confronting injustices and failures of the administration.

“We must come together, pool our resources, and present a united front,” Makasa told the gathering of district and constituency officials.

He also reminded attendees of the aspirations of Zambia’s founding fathers, who he said had envisioned a nation that is just, equitable, and prosperous for all.

Makasa stated that the government’s current policies had deviated from this vision and urged citizens to reclaim the dream of a better Zambia — one where education, healthcare, and economic opportunity are accessible to every citizen.

In the same meeting, Fletcher Kalobwe, another SP Central Committee Member, called on local party leaders to actively engage in national debates — particularly concerning the proposed constitutional amendment, which he suggested was an attempt to extend the UPND’s grip on power.

Kalobwe stated that the amendment should be rejected in the strongest possible terms, warning that it posed a serious threat to democracy.

He urged all stakeholders to rise above their differences and unite in defense of the constitution and the will of the people.

“Our constitution must serve the people, not those in power,” Kalobwe said. “We must stand firm against any attempt to undermine our democracy.”

All is set for  today’s bull auction at President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA’s Choma Farm.

And President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA says the bull auctioning is meant to promote government’s desire to start exporting beef to neighbouring countries.

Meanwhile, Information and Media Minister CORNELIUS MWEETWA, who is also Choma Central Member of Parliament says the President will first attend Church Service at Brethren in Christ Church at Choma Secondary school grounds scheduled to start at 08:30 hours before proceeding to the auction later in the day.

Mr. MWEETWA has invited all those who want such kind of empowerment to improve their cattle breeds to be at President’s Farm in Choma.

CREDIT:ZNBC

Enhle Mbali opens up on divorce from Black Coffee, “I Never Cheated”

Actress and fashion designer Enhle Mbali Mlotshwa has broken her silence on her highly publicized divorce from Grammy-winning DJ Black Coffee, real name Nkosinathi Innocent Maphumulo.

In a candid interview, Mbali firmly denied ever being unfaithful during their eight-year marriage, which ended in 2021.

Mbali revealed that her decision to end the marriage stemmed from Black Coffee fathering two children with two different women, a betrayal she described as crossing her “non-negotiable” boundary. “I never cheated,” she asserted, addressing speculation about her role in the marriage’s breakdown.

The actress emphasized her commitment to fidelity, stating that infidelity was a dealbreaker that led to the collapse of their union.

The comments have ignited a firestorm of reactions on social media, with some fans praising Mbali’s strength and others urging her to move on.

The former couple, who share two children, continue to navigate their post-divorce lives under the scrutiny of the public eye.

Mbali’s focus remains on her career and personal growth, as she continues to build her brand and inspire others with her resilience.

PRESIDENT DUDA HAILS STRONG ZAMBIA-POLAND RELATIONS, CALLS FOR ENHANCED COOPERATION

Warsaw, Poland – President of the Republic of Poland His Excellency Mr. Andrzej Duda, has reaffirmed the longstanding bilateral ties between Zambia and Poland, expressing his government’s strong desire to expand cooperation in key development sectors including Education, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), and Energy.

President Duda made these remarks at the Belvedere Palace in Warsaw, following a formal ceremony in which Her Excellency Mrs. Winnie Chibesakunda presented her Letters of Credence, officially accrediting her as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Zambia to the Republic of Poland on a non-resident basis.

During their private discussion, President Duda underscored Poland’s commitment to fostering deeper partnerships with Zambia, highlighting the potential for collaboration in areas that can significantly contribute to national development and mutual prosperity.

Ambassador Chibesakunda conveyed cordial greetings and best wishes from His Excellency Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia, and the Zambian people. She expressed appreciation for Poland’s support during the evacuation of Zambian students from Ukraine and emphasized Zambia’s readiness to attract investment and forge strategic partnerships.

The Ambassador noted the adverse effects of the recent 2023/2024 drought on Zambia’s agriculture sector and shared government efforts to mitigate the impact through climate-resilient initiatives. She called for Polish investment in mechanized agriculture, irrigation, water harvesting, and alternative energy to help reduce dependence on hydroelectric power.

Additionally, Ambassador Chibesakunda lauded the longstanding humanitarian contributions of Polish missionaries and nuns in Zambia, citing the Kasisi Orphanage as a testament to Poland’s compassion and solidarity with vulnerable communities.

President Duda welcomed the Ambassador’s statements and assured her of Poland’s continued support during her mission. He reiterated his country’s interest in working closely with Zambia to expand areas of cooperation for shared development.

This is according to a statement issued by First Secretary-Press, Lubinda Kashewe at the Embassy of the Republic of Zambia, Germany and obtained by UPND Media Team.

© UPND Media Team

*Inkoko Teti Yende Panshi Nga Takwaba Utwana: Why Chiefs Cannot Speak Alone for Democracy*

By Dr Mwelwa

In every village under the African sun, the elders say, “Inkoko teti yende panshi nga takwaba utwana” — the chicken cannot walk proudly if the chicks are missing. So too it is with a chief: a chief is not one without the people. When the voice of a leader speaks louder than the heartbeat of their subjects, silence is mistaken for consent — and tradition is stretched into submission.

The recent endorsement of the constitutional amendments by the Luapula Council of Chiefs, though ceremonially rich, raises troubling questions in the domain of public interest, legal legitimacy, and constitutional morality. In their declaration, the chiefs praised the proposed reforms as “transformative,” aligning with development and the so-called empowerment of governance structures. But public interest cannot be proclaimed from thrones; it must be heard from the ground — from the schools without roofs, the clinics without medicine, and the youth without jobs. That is where legitimacy is born.

The principle of salus populi suprema lex esto — the welfare of the people shall be the supreme law — reminds us that every amendment, every clause, and every political whisper in the corridors of power must echo the will and welfare of the people. It is not enough that traditional leaders offer approval. The true guardians of the Constitution are the citizens, not the custodians of culture who, however noble in purpose, are often isolated from the daily sufferings of the governed.

Let us not forget that the majority of our traditional leaders operate within structures of poverty, patronage, and political vulnerability. Most do not enjoy economic independence. Many are not versed in constitutional law or modern governance dynamics. Their survival depends on allowances, state recognition, and periodic gestures of political goodwill. To say they have spoken for the people is to say that the roots have spoken for the leaves. And yet it is the leaves that feel the wind.

The Constitution is not a royal decree — it is a living social contract, or as Aristotle might say, nomos empsychos — the law as a living spirit. To amend it requires more than royal praise; it requires popular participation, robust dissent, and wide public education. What we are seeing now is not participation but performance — a symbolic coronation of a bill that has not truly reached the grassroots, and whose contents many citizens have never seen, let alone debated.

In our African wisdom, we say, “Umwana ushenda, atasha nyina ukunaya” — the child who does not travel praises his mother’s cooking as the best. Chiefs, loyal to what they know and what they’ve been told, may genuinely believe these amendments are good. But belief is not knowledge. And endorsement without informed consent is a dangerous illusion, especially when delivered from a platform supported by state actors and flanked by ministers with political stakes.

Moreover, to use chiefs as shields for unpopular reform is to endanger the very institution of traditional authority. When the people begin to see their traditional leaders as extensions of political power — rather than custodians of justice and guardians of community — the sacred trust between subjects and sovereigns fractures. And a chief without trust is like a drum with no skin — beautifully carved, but silent.

Let us remember: Constitutionalism is not a ceremony. It is accountability. It is restraint. It is people power, formalized and protected. A process that lacks open debate, regional balance, and popular mandate may be lawful on paper, but it is void in spirit. For as the elders also say, “Imiti ikula empanga” — the young trees are the future forest. If you plant confusion in the soil of the Constitution today, tomorrow you will harvest distrust.

In conclusion, while the Luapula Chiefs’ statement may sound like unity, it is unity without verification. It is praise without participation. Public interest must not be recited by the powerful on behalf of the silent — it must rise from the people themselves. Let the chiefs advise, let them bless the process, but let the people speak for themselves, for in a democracy, it is the governed who give power its meaning. Not the crown, but the crowd. Not the throne, but the voice in the market.

For in the end, vox populi, vox Dei — the voice of the people is the voice of God. And God, surely, does not whisper only in royal chambers.