“God’s Advocate”: John Sangwa Now Offers Free Legal Help to Catholics, One Soul at a Time

In a move that has surprised the legal community and inspired the faithful, State Counsel John Sangwaa man better known for slaying constitutional dragons in courtrooms has now added a new title to his résumé: “Legal Missionary.”

Yes, you read that right. Zambia’s celebrated constitutional lawyer is now offering free legal services to all Catholic Church members, every weekday from 08:00 to 12:00 hours at the Cathedral of the Child Jesus, right in the heart of Lusaka.

“We can’t all be full-time preachers of the Gospel,” Sangwa quipped, “but whatever skill the Lord has given us, we can still use it for the benefit of His people.”

While many flock to early-morning Mass, others now have a reason to flock to “Sangwa’s Legal Confessional” minus the incense, but full of truth, justice, and occasional constitutional enlightenment.

Sangwa whose courtroom cross-examinations have humbled ministers, shaken governments, and kept the Constitution safe from “legal heresy” says this latest move is about fulfilling a spiritual obligation more than a legal one.

“I just realized there are needs even in the body of Christ,” he said. “And sometimes people don’t need a lawyer, just someone to explain that the problem isn’t a demon it’s just a bad tenancy agreement.”

According to him, many legal issues stem not from malice but from “a lack of knowledge and understanding.”

“Sometimes, people do wrong things because they don’t know better. I’m there to provide advice, guidance and occasionally remind them that the Bible also says, ‘Render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s… and check your land title twice.’”

But this isn’t about building a new legal empire or launching “Sangwa & Saints Attorneys at Law.” Far from it. It’s about hope, healing, and helping people find their footing in a system that often feels built only for the powerful.

“At the end of the day, when I talk to someone who walks in with no hope and I see that light return to their face, you can’t put a monetary value on that,” he said. “Sometimes I leave with no kwacha but a full heart and occasionally a rosary.”

Sangwa’s initiative is already being praised as a form of modern-day Christian service. “This is Matthew 25 in action,” said one parishioner. “I was legally confused, and you advised me. I was contractually blind, and you showed me the way.”

He even offered a parting spiritual nugget for fellow lawyers:

“Christianity is not just about quoting scripture in court for dramatic effect. It’s about how you live. You can chase after money like Pharaoh chased Moses, but in the end, fulfillment comes when you help someone cross their own Red Sea.”

So, whether you’re seeking a constitutional miracle, confused by a contract, or just need a little counsel on life and law John Sangwa’s “Legal Tabernacle” is open for service.

No tithe required. Just bring your paperwork and maybe say a prayer for our courts while you’re at it.

May 30, 2025
©️ KUMWESU

UPND’S SUSAN TEMBO BACKS CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT ON KBN TV, CALLS IT A WIN FOR WOMEN, YOUTHS, AND MARGINALIZED GROUPS

Lusaka, Zambia – May 29, 2025

United Party for National Development (UPND) Media Team member Susan Tembo has thrown her support behind the recently gazetted Constitutional Amendment Bill of 2025, calling it a bold and progressive step toward inclusive governance during a panel discussion aired on KBN TV.

Appearing alongside Mercy Namakau Silumesi from the Tonse Alliance, Nancy Busiku Mpongwe of the Socialist Party National Youth League, and Pan-African activist Dorcas Nachibona, Ms. Tembo praised the bill’s proposed Mixed Member Proportional Representation system, which reserves 20 parliamentary seats for women, 12 for youths, and 3 for marginalized groups.

“This amendment is a game-changer,” Ms. Tembo declared during the debate. “It ensures that young people, women, and marginalized populations are no longer on the sidelines of our democracy.”

She noted that the current constitutional reform process draws key lessons from the failed Bill 10, which the UPND opposed for containing controversial provisions.

“This version keeps the progressive elements and discards what was problematic. It’s a refined approach to inclusive reform,” she said.

Ms. Tembo emphasized that the bill is not being rushed, asserting that Parliament has both the right and responsibility to amend laws in line with the evolving needs of the nation.

She also weighed in on the newly enacted cybersecurity laws, defending them as vital tools for protecting digital users from online scams and abuse. She dismissed fears that the laws would restrict freedom of expression.

“Cyber laws are not meant to stifle free speech, they are there to safeguard individuals’ privacy and ensure a safer digital environment for all citizens necessary safeguards against digital fraud and abuse,” she stated.

© UPND Media Team

SIMUUWE DISMISSES ALLEGATIONS OF SELFISHNESS IN THE PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

By: Sun FM TV Reporter

The United Party for National Development (UPND) has dismissed allegations of selfishness in the proposed constitutional amendments.

Speaking at a press briefing in Lusaka, UPND Media Director Mark Simuwe stated that the party will not engage in constitutional debates based on falsehoods.

Mr. Simuwe emphasized that the proposed amendments are intended to refine the country’s laws.

He reaffirmed that the proposed mixed-member proportional representation system is a progressive step and added that the ongoing delimitation process is designed to improve the lives of many citizens.

Addressing concerns about the adoption process for the Lumezi parliamentary seat, Mr. Simuwe asserted that the UPND has not broken any laws.

He dismissed claims that the party violated legal procedures by adopting a sitting district commissioner.

Meanwhile, Mr. Simuwe highlighted that the UPND government has improved the mining sector through the implementation of new policies and the revival of key operations.

**OFFICE OF THE CHAIRPERSON**

The NHP President
Ms. Chishala Kateka
Lusaka

29th May, 2025

Dear Ms. Kateka,

**Re: EXPULSION FROM UKA- YOURSELF**

Reference is made to the above subject matter.

You have been expelled from UKA for failure to help the Alliance have proper documents, governance, leadership and direction. We have also discovered a lot of lies that you have gone around peddling, when you know for a fact that you worked hard to undermine UKA and ultimately destroy the constituency that we all enjoyed due to your insatiable appetite for the Presidency.

At the time when UKA was supposed to have elections, you insisted that the UKA elections would only be credible if we had a Bishop present. Reluctantly, we tasked you with the responsibility to find a Bishop, as you seemed to be obsessed with this idea. You reported to the Council of Presidents that you found a Bishop, but a few days before elections you informed the COP that the Bishop had decided to come out and would come back after the 31st of March, which was the deadline UKA had set and announced to the public to have a flag bearer. You insisted that only that particular Bishop was suited to oversee the UKA elections. When the other leaders challenged you that Zambia has many Bishops and therefore you should find another Bishop, you agreed and purported to have found another Bishop, but a day before the elections were supposed to be held you again came back and said that the child to your bodyguard’s sister had died and the funeral would be on the same day as the elections.

Alternative dates for elections were requested but you failed to indicate when next you would be available and that is how the elections were cancelled indefinitely.

Your lack of seriousness, machinations and sabotaging elections made UKA lose one of its key members in Citizen Kambwili to PF party and President Kaaaba. But even when he and the CF left, President Sakeni implored, challenged you and the former Chairman to still organize elections but instead you resorted to scheming against her.

Unfortunately, instead of showing remorse, you have now started attacking some members of the Alliance and spread lies about us. You and the former Chairman always worked hand in hand to ensure that you control the organization all because you do not have elections when it was clear that the only votes you had were 3 your own and Siulapwa’s.

Furthermore, in as much as UKA is not a registered organization and regardless under your leadership as acting President and Chairperson, you failed to actualize our common goals and aspirations. You further failed to show commitment, party loyalty, sharing your agreements and other policy documents you should have still followed the code of natural justice to all, as you should have still followed the code of natural justice.

So that, other leaders of the party when you opted to work with the former Chairperson to destabilize UKA and make it appear other leaders for your own taking over the organization.

Your ambition to be President and the flag bearer of UKA by fire by force really brought a lot of problems to the organization which could have been easily avoided. No one is stopping you from having ambitions, but you should have allowed elections to take place so that the best man or woman wins, and not what you and the former Chairperson did.

Due to the aforementioned reasons, you have been, therefore, expelled from UKA as you have become a danger to yourself and the entire organization. However, a new structure called the Committee of Elders has since been established and you and the former Chairman are welcome to be part of it as TRUSTEES as UKA currently has no faith in the two of you to lead any organ under it.

Yours faithfully,

**Robert Chansa**
Chairperson- United Kwacha Alliance- UKA

KASUNE GETS FIRST HAND FEEDBACK AS STAKEHOLDERS OBJECT CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS IN KASAMA

Some stakeholders in Kasama district have objected to the proposed constitution amendment by the UPND government.

Speaking during the stakeholder engagement on proposed constitutional amendment meeting with Justice Minister, princess Kasune, Pastor Chati Kasengele of Victory Bible Church said there is need to get consensus from all stakeholders, maintaining that, the constitutional amendment process should wait.

Pastor Kasengele said Zambians should be given chance for them to make their own proposals on the matter.

In his opinion, Pastor Kasengele said someone came up with proposal of the amendment and try to force it on Zambians throats.

And a senior citizen Yonah Chishimba says the timing for the constitution amendment is wrong, emphasizing the need for government to deal with challenges that Zambians are currently facing.

Mr Chishimba said government must put in place mechanisms that will help address the priorities of the majority Zambians.

And, another resident demanded for a report from the Electoral Commission of Zambia as it is not necessary to be talking about the amendment and delimitation of the constitutions without the report.

He wondered why the Minister of Justice has failed to produce the report on the delimitation of constituencies.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Justice, Princess Kasune said it is unfortunate that some people started criticizing the drafted constitution before understanding it.

However, the minister said that in as much as the report is important, there is a need to appreciate the delimitation constituencies and assure that the said report will soon be availed.

Source: KasamaRadio

ECZ MEETS POLITICAL PARTIES AHEAD OF THE LUMEZI CONSTITUENCY BY-ELECTION

THE Electoral Commission of Zambia met with various political party and candidate representatives at the Political Party Liaison Committee meeting held in Lumezi District ahead of the Lumezi Constituency by-election slated for Thursday, 26th June, 2025.

The meeting aimed to foster peaceful, violent-free campaigns, as well as tolerance among candidates and political parties during the campaign period.

During the meeting, ECZ Commissioner Major General Vincent Mukanda (Rtd) stated that the platform is designed to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and viewpoints on the electoral process. The Commission expects to engage in open dialogue with political parties and candidates participating in the Lumezi Constituency by-election.

The polls will take place from 06:00 hours to 18:00 hours on Thursday, 26th June, 2025.

NAKACHINDA SAYS TONSE ALLIANCE  COMMUNICATION SHIFT FROM SPOKESPERSON SEAN TEMBO AIMED AT  REDUCING SOCIAL MEDIA DEBATES

By: Sun FM TV Reporter

Tonse Alliance Secretary General Raphel Nakachinda has justified the alliance’s decision to shift communication authority from spokesperson Sean Tembo to his office, citing the need to reduce excessive participation in social media debates.

Addressing the Patriotic Front (PF) Central Province leadership, Mr. Nakachinda stated that the resolution is in the best interest of the alliance, as it aims to strengthen its institutional framework while acknowledging the dual impact of social media in shaping and disrupting political discourse.

He further emphasized the importance of avoiding the personalization of issues, hinting that PF played a foundational role in the establishment of the Tonse Alliance.

Meanwhile, Mr. Nakachinda expressed his views on former President Edgar Lungu’s leadership, describing it as highly commendable and advocating for his return to the presidency.

Airtel Zambia Unveils AI-Powered Spam Alert Service to Combat Mobile Fraud

Airtel Networks Zambia Plc, the country’s largest telecommunications services provider, has taken a major step in consumer protection by launching an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered Spam Alert Service aimed at combating the growing threat of mobile fraud.

The revolutionary service, which is being offered free of charge to all Airtel customers, uses advanced AI technology to detect and alert users of suspicious SMS messages in real time. Notably, the service is automatically enabled, requiring no downloads or manual activation, making it accessible to both smartphone and feature phone users.

The launch event, held in Lusaka, was officiated by the Honourable Minister of Technology and Science, Mr. Felix Mutati, who lauded the initiative as a strategic tool in enhancing cybersecurity across the country.

“This service not only enhances consumer protection but also supports Government’s broader agenda of digital transformation, innovation, and inclusive access to secure ICT services,” said Minister Mutati. “It is a timely and strategic response to cyber threats and aligns well with our 8th National Development Plan and the Cyber Security Act.”

The AI Spam Alert Service will automatically filter and flag suspicious text messages, enabling users to avoid scam attempts and phishing schemes which have become increasingly prevalent with the rise of digital communication.

Speaking at the event, Airtel Zambia Managing Director Mr. Hussam Baday emphasized the company’s commitment to innovation and customer safety.

“The AI spam alert service is the first of its kind in the Zambian market,” Mr. Baday said. “We want our customers not only to stay connected but also to be protected. This innovation reflects our commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions that make the digital experience safer and more enjoyable.”

Mr. Baday noted that with increasing digital adoption across the globe and in Zambia, cyber threats such as scam messages are becoming more sophisticated and frequent. The Spam Alert Service is therefore a necessary response to this evolving threat landscape.

Regulatory support also came from the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA), with Director General Eng. Collins Mbulo commending Airtel’s proactive approach.

“As the regulator, we are pleased to see private sector players like Airtel taking decisive steps to safeguard consumers. This is an excellent example of how technology and innovation can strengthen public trust and national cybersecurity,” Eng. Mbulo stated.

May 28, 2025
©️ KUMWESU

UPND reaffirms the beauty of making Constitutional Amendments.

Wednesday 28 May, 2025.

Lusaka—The issue around constitutional amendments has been a hotbed of talk since the Justice Minister made available the proposed constitutional amendments to the public. While the proposed amendments seek to ameliorate anomalies in wastage of resources through by-elections, some stakeholders are opposed to the cause of this progressive idea to amend certain constitutional clauses, the United Party for National Development (UPND) says those opposed to the constitutional amendments should provide a better way to the cause than advancing unsubstantial arguments on this process.

Speaking on ZNBC’s ‘The Plug’ flagship program, UPND Media Director, Mark Simuuwe says this issue should be discussed based on understanding. He says, the Patriotic Front administration sought to remove the multi-religion to replace it with Christian Nation.

He said UPND, then in opposition were opposed to the document on account of Zambia having a multiplicity of religion, noting that it would be discriminatory and an assault to the fundamental rights and freedoms of citizens, particularly the ”freedom of worship”. He pointed out that the Patriotic Front sought to repeal the  provision for the establishment of commissions such as the Teaching Service Commission, and the  Public Service Commission—as these Commissions provide an oversight role through delegated legislation.

Mr. Simuuwe said that the assertions made by various stakeholders that the UPND promised to make constitutional amendments earlier than now is making the conversation around constitutional amendments even more political than legal, noting that the constitutional mandate of parliamentarians on legislative matters spans from the first day they are sworn in to dissolution of Parliament—hence, there is no abrogation of the Law in making changes to the constitution within this period, and the government is on firm ground and within the confines of the Law in this discourse.

He said  that government is not making a new constitution, but simply amending it, stating that the argument that government should dwell within the principles of constitutional making process thrives on the jurisprudence of constitutional making process, and there is no Law that gives timing when amending the constitution provided it is within the constitutional mandate of the legislature, adding that legislative powers under article 62 of the Constitution of the Republic of Zambia are vested on the National Assembly while the Executive generates Bills.

Mr. Simuuwe argued that bringing limiting clauses to the constitution is against fundamental principles of democracy, stating that some elected members may be deemed to perform very well, and it would be illogical to remove them due to time limit of their term office. He also stated that it is imprudent to be having midday elections as previously was the case to go for elections on Mayors and Council workers. He has emphasized that this is a drain on the national coffers to have unjustifiable elections in the mid-term as it takes away continuity.

He has since reaffirmed the support for the constitutional amendments because in the draft, it seeks to define who a child is, and also who an adult is. The draft constitution also seeks to have a compelling inclusion of women and the youth, and persons who are differently abled in the national assembly, as the current clause on the inclusion of women, youth and the differently abled persons is not compelling political parties to include them in the adoption processes.

(C) UPND MEDIA TEAM