CITIZENS FIRST SADDENED BY THE LOSS OF USD 50mln SUPPORT TO THE HEALTH SECTOR

Lusaka, May 8 – We have received the news about the US Government’s decision to cut USD 50 million in medical aid to Zambia with a great sense of shock and sadness as this will lead to needless deaths of many poor Zambians who have depended on this form of support for many years.

Although we are sad, we are aware that what the American Government has done confirms what we have always known and warned Zambians about, that you voted into power,  people who lack the capacity to appreciate the magnitute of providing national leadership. Their main interest is not to serve, but stealing public resources and lining their pockets.

The fact that the US embassy officials painstakingly held a total of 33 meetings with senior Government officials complaining about the same things yet without any signs of action, shows that corruption is very endemic and highly entrenched in the UPND Administration.

They have also demonstrated this callous and reckless behaviour towards looting public resources with the NAPSA money which is now being syphoned through bogus public private partnership projects such as the Ndola/Lusaka duo carriageway.

We have seen a similar pattern with the manner in which our mine wealth has been auctioned to foreign entities without any sign of care or concern for the Zambian people.

The action by the Americans therefore, is a wake up call to all Zambians that never again should you entrust national affairs to a group of people with narrow partisan interests devoid of a national character.

Losing USD 50million in annual support towards the health sector is very saddening because critical areas such as HIV, Malaria and tuberculosis will be gravely impacted by this painful and regrettable decision by the US Government.

The UPND Administration should quickly tell the nation where they are going to get resources desperately needed to plug the hole left by the US Government move to cut aid to the health sector before we lose many lives because of the UPND’s selfishness and criminality.

The USA has been a long term bilateral partner to Zambia that has been providing financial grants and various forms of support to many needy sectors of our country.

It’s shameful and regrettable that the goodwill of such a dependable partner could be frustrated by the thieving, uncaring and indifferent attitude of the UPND Administration.

Issued By:
Harry Kalaba
President
Citizens First

IS HICHILEMA OCCUPYNG A PARALLEL UNIVERSE?

Mr Hakainde Hichilema, through the State House Chief Communications Specialist, Mr Clayson Hamasaka, recently stated that he was open to constructive debate with opposition leaders but stressed the need for substantive, solution- oriented proposals, whatever that means because we have been offering alternative solutions, which he has been ignoring, right from the start of his presidency.

Mr Hamasaka, who itemized what they view to be this administration’s anchor policies and achievements, stated that Mr Hichilema was challenging the opposition leaders to propose specific strategies to sustain or enhance progress, adding that critics must clarify whether they would undo this progress and outline their alternative fiscal strategies. He further said Mr Hichilema was calling on Zambians to critically evaluate opposition proposals, focusing on their feasibility and benefits.

The sustained wild claims emanating from State House regarding the performance of Mr Hichilema and the UPND are both an extreme exaggeration and a total disregard of the elementary realities currently obtaining on the ground. It’s shocking how Mr Hichilema and his league find it sensible and decent to spend their time day-dreaming or get into theoretical sessions about their so-called progress or achievements when the ground is screaming the opposite.

They have lamentably failed to accept the realities on the ground and instead, resorted to speaking like they live in a parallel country. Not so long ago, two State House aides, Mr Jito Kayumba (Special Assistant for Finance and Investment) and Mr Joseph Lungu (Special Assistant for Policy Compliance) entertained the public to some choreographed conversation on how this administration has delivered 90 per cent of their campaign promises. 

Surely, can this administration claim to have fulfilled 90 per cent of their promises and that the opposition leaders were unreasonably criticizing them, when their failures, lies, deceit and manipulation are written all over?

In all fairness, what moral right does Mr Hichilema possess to urge Zambians to critically evaluate opposition proposals and focus on their feasibility and benefits, when he is the principal culprit on broken campaign promises, and impractical and unbeneficial proposals? Anyway, since they have listed their gains, we shall similarly challenge them to provide answers to this list of failures below:
– Loadshedding
– Electricity tariffs hike
– Mealie meal price hike
– Bread price hike
– Fertilizer price hike
– Food prices hike
– Motor vehicle road tax hike
– Transportation hike
– Debt hike
– Cost of living hike
– Depreciation of the kwacha (what happened to the 14p.m promise after inauguration)
– Unstable fuel prices
– Unemployment
– Cyber laws
– Businesses shutting down
– Shrinking democratic space
– Selective justice and double standards etc

The list above only forms part of the basic reality on the ground today. So, it’s not rhetorical or unjustifiable to remind Mr Hichilema and his league to do more in addressing these issues.

Let them accept and face the reality that things are very bad on the ground. Lies, deceit, manipulation, and exaggerated claims of accomplishment, can only excite the media for purposes of good headlines as the common man sinks deeper in poverty and squalor. These claims from State House are actually an insult to the suffering majority of this country.

We urge State House to invest in sober, resourceful and sincere engagements with the general citizenry and not artificial claims of achievement because true success is easy to see and feel on the ground.

Fred M’membe
President of the Socialist Party

TONSE AT IT AGAIN AS YOUTH CHAIRPERSON SUES CHITALU CHILUFYA OVER K275,000 DEBT

TONSE Alliance youth chairperson Celestine Mukandila has asked the Lusaka High Court to give him permission to advertise a demand letter claiming a total of K275,000 from former Health Minister, Chitalu Chilufya whom he claims has disappeared with his money.

Mukandila said sometime in 2024, Dr Chilufya borrowed the sum of US$20,000 for which he deposited his title deeds in relation to the advanced sum.

He narrated that has been looking for Dr Chilufya so that he can serve him a demand letter but all has proved futile.

Mukandila said he wants to sue him for the debt but the law demands that he first serves him the demand letter, and when he fails to respond thats when he can proceed.

In an Affidavit in support of ex- parte summons for leave to serve demand letter, Mukandila said he has tried to locate Chilufya at his last known address and was unable to locate him making the mission to be practically impossible.

“I have tried to locate the defendant in all ways known to me but he has been very elusive and evading service.”

“I tried to serve the letter of demand on WhatsApp but the defendant has not responded to the said message, I have submitted screen shot as evidence of the claim,” he said.

Mukandila submitted that all efforts to trace the defendant has failed and proved futile.

He said unless the leave sought was granted there can be no proper service.

“It would be in interest of justice to have court process served by substituted service. I crave for this court to grant this application in order that service may be affected through advertisement by advertising twice in print media of nation circulation.”

“I intend to serve the defendant in atleast two of the print media newspapers with a national circulation,” he said.

Mukandila said Dr Chilufya paid part of the money but he is still owing him K250,000, and despite several reminders he has refused or neglected to pay the said sum

“To this regard we demand payment of the total sum of K250, 000  plus sum of K25, 000 being the collection fee. Therefore bringing the total sum to k275, 000.”

“In the same vain we remind you that since you did cause to deposit your title deeds as security for the same sum, our client will proceed with foreclosure in the said property should the outstanding sum stated above not be paid within the agreed time,” read the document.

Kalemba

Artificial Exchange Rate Flactuations;  Volatile Exchange Rate throws Away Business Planning and breeds, Speculations, Chaos and losses

..here is how we will stabilise the foreign exchange market and shore up reserves…

Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba Wrote;

On Project 2026 and Beyond-  Managing the Exchange Rate Market

Here is the plan to shore up foreign reserves;

● lift restrictive foreign exchange regulations and archaic monetary policies imposed by this Government. This prevents the emergence of a black market or parallel and ifficial rates or alternative underground market.

● Rely, not on foreign loans, but domestic monilisation of revenue.

● 51% shareholding in all large-scale mines in Zambia.

● Abolish tax and other incentives granted unfairly to the mining sector. Peace, security, legal including negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and litigation, good governance are dividends that will guarantee a friendly and secure business environment and not cash or tax incentives. Fair and just taxes will be promoted and paid.

●Ban on export of raw materials, copper ore or logs ilof timber. Value-addition and Secondary products will be established and promoted as export goods.

●An export proceeds tracking mechanism, a system to establish, monitor and verify the movement of funds generated from exports, ensuring that these proceeds are properly repatriated to home bank account, recorded and accounted for.

● An aggressive domestic revenue program that involves widening tax base, fair, equity, and just taxes ( an aversge of 15% and below).

● Turn the economy into an export oriented and focused economy, enhancing productivity and innovation,diversify markets and producem. Remember we have planned to grow food and fish, not for 20million people but 400million people in the SADC region and later the 1.3billion in Africa.

● Establish the Zambia Sovereign Wealth Fund (ZSWF) to build national savings, and build national wealth.

Project 2026 and Beyond, a plan not for elections but for Generations.

US GOVERNMENT MUST RECONSIDER IT’S DECISION

Lusaka- May 08, 2025

The U.S. Embassy Zambia, United States Government should reconsider it’s decision to cut $50 million dollars in aid to the ministry of health.

As much as we agree that widespread theft of life saving medicines must be stopped immediately by the Government.

The implications of this decision in the short and medium term is actually more loss of lives adding to those already being lost during the thefts.

The Government of Zambia, GRZ currently has no resource envelope to robustly cover up this funding gap in both the short and medium term.

Yes as a Country, we are rich in mineral resources and can easily fund our health sector if our resources are properly managed.

Nonetheless, this is not the case at present, many lives will be affected directly and indirectly and this cannot wait until the next government in 2026.

I urge President Hakainde Hichilema  to urgently constitute a high level health technical team to swiftly clean up the rot at ministry of health.

The technical team must also swiftly engage the United States Government to reconsider this deathly decision to help save Zambian lives.

Silavwe Jackson
President
GPZ.

I PAID LUSAMBO K350,000 TO INSTALL ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM AT NEWS CAFE, BUSINESSMAN TELLS COURT

A WITNESS has told the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court that he paid Bowman Lusambo K350,000 for the supply, installation and commissioning of sound and visual systems in his bar-restaurant.

Joseph Chilinda, 48, a businessman of Chongwe also told the court that he paid Lusambo K50,000 for maintenance of the entertainment systems he had installed.

This is in the matter where Lusambo is facing two counts of possessing property suspected of being proceeds of crime.

When the matter came up for continuation of defence before Chief Resident Magistrate Davies Chibwili, Chilinda told the court that around 2011 and 2012, he engaged Lusambo to supply, install and commission entertainment systems at his exclusive high-end franchise restaurant ‘News Cafe’ in Ndola.

News Diggers

ONE of former Petauke Central member of Parliament Emmanuel Banda’s wives has been found with case to answer by the Chipata magistrates Court for aiding his dramatic escape from lawful custody.

Chali Lombe was on Thursday placed on defence alongside three officers from Zambia Correctional Service and two police officers for aiding Mr Banda to escape from lawful custody while at Chipata Central Hospital last year.

The six are scheduled to make their defence in June.

CREDIT: MAYENGO NYIRENDA/DAILY MAIL

United States to Cut $50 million in Medications & Medical Supplies Support
Following Inadequate Response to Systematic Theft

Good morning everyone and thank you for joining me here today.

It is with a heavy heart that I must announce that the United States is cutting $50 million – that’s 1.4 billion kwacha – in annual aid provided to Zambia for medications and medical supplies.  For more than a year the United States has requested tangible action by the Government of Zambia to respond to the country-wide, systematic theft of these products.  In the face of minimal responsive action by the government, the United States is taking necessary steps to safeguard, and ensure the accountability of, American taxpayer funds.

For more than 60 years, the United States and Zambia have shared a strong friendship.  Because of our commitment to Zambia and the Zambian people, in recent years the United States has invested roughly $600 million a year – that’s nearly 17 billion Zambian kwacha annually – toward our shared goals of economic development and improved health and wellbeing.  Roughly one in every three kwacha spent on public health in Zambia comes as assistance from the American people.  As part of this, in recent years the United States has provided approximately $128 million annually – nearly 3.5 billion kwacha – to buy medications to treat HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis, as well as to provide technical and operational support for Zambia’s national health supply chain.  These medications and supplies are intended to be provided for free to Zambian patients in need. 

Today, millions of Zambians are living longer, healthier lives because of this assistance – which comes in the form of grants, not loans – provided by American taxpayers.  We are incredibly proud to have partnered with Zambia to reverse the AIDS epidemic and reach epidemic control.  Due to joint efforts by the United States and Zambia, 98 percent of Zambians living with HIV now know their status, 99 percent of Zambians who know they are HIV positive are now on treatment, and 98 percent of HIV positive Zambians on treatment are now virally suppressed – meaning they cannot transmit the virus.  Beyond our support related to HIV, over the past ten years our joint efforts have helped reduce deaths from malaria and tuberculosis by more than 75 percent.

Our investments in Zambia are intended to benefit the Zambian people.  U.S.-donated medical supplies and medicines – which include antiretrovirals, also known as ARVs; TB and anti-malarial drugs; and others – are made available to Zambians for free.  Today, one in every nine Zambians is living with HIV.  The majority of those 1.3 million Zambians is virally suppressed because of ARVs provided by the United States and intended for free distribution.  However, I am disappointed to share publicly today that since 2021, we have uncovered systemic theft of life-saving medicines and other products that were intended for free for the Zambian public, including ARVs.

As soon as we discovered this country-wide theft in late-2021, we immediately informed the Zambian government of our findings and initiated an on-the-ground assessment of private pharmacies across Zambia to understand the extent of the issue.  From 2021 to 2023, our buyers visited more than 2,000 pharmacies throughout Zambia that sell the same types of products that the United States provides for free to Zambia’s healthcare system.  Shockingly, across these visits, 95 percent of the pharmacies that were selling the kinds of products that the United States provides were also selling stolen goods.  Of those pharmacies selling stolen goods, 45 percent were selling stolen products that the United States had provided to Zambia for free to Zambians in need.  Let me repeat that: in all ten provinces, nearly half of the pharmacies that were selling the kinds of products the United States provides for free for the Zambian people were selling stolen medications and medical supplies donated by the U.S. government.  The rest of the pharmacies selling stolen products were selling stolen medications and supplies from stocks purchased by the Zambian government, the Global Fund, and Zambia’s other donor partners.

On April 3 of last year, 2024, I brought this alarming information to the attention of senior Zambian government leaders.  In attendance at the meeting were high level officials from multiple ministries, law enforcement agencies, and the executive.  I asked them to take meaningful action on two fronts: first, mitigate further theft and, second, enforce high-level accountability for those involved in stealing life-saving medicines from the Zambian people.  Over the next 12 months through more than 33 meetings with Permanent Secretary-level officials or higher across the Zambian government, U.S. Embassy staff, senior U.S. officials from Washington, and I reiterated our request for action to stop further theft and to bring the culprits to justice.  We even offered U.S. government experts in supply chain management and law enforcement to partner with Zambian counterparts to support the requested efforts.

I regret that to date, the government’s actions have fallen drastically short of demonstrating a commitment to safeguarding U.S. assistance and the lives we aim to save.  Instead of investigating supply sources and pursuing the masterminds behind the theft of medicines, law enforcement operations have focused on low-level actors and have led to the arrest of only a few mid-level officials.  And more than six months into a forensic audit of the Zambian Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency’s (ZAMMSA) mismanagement, there is still no public report, nor has a report been shared with the United States.  Since October, I have alerted senior government officials of my obligation to safeguard American taxpayers’ resources in the face of gross theft and mismanagement.  I have stressed repeatedly that the accountable safeguarding of American taxpayer funds will require the United States to significantly reduce our contribution of medicines and medical supplies if meaningful action was not taken to hold high-level culprits responsible and stop the theft.

After more than a year of little tangible action by Zambian authorities to address this systematic theft of U.S.-provided health support, the United States can no longer justify to the American taxpayer continuing to provide such massive levels of assistance when the Zambian government will not take the necessary measures to protect this American investment.

As a result, and with a very heavy heart, the U.S. government has made the difficult decision to cut $50 million of our annual support for critically needed medications and medical supplies in Zambia.  Again, that is 1.4 billion kwacha of assistance being reduced.  The exact parameters of the reduction are not yet finalized, and my Embassy team and I remain available to the government to discuss the matter.  This is not a decision we have taken lightly.  I have recommended to Washington that we continue to procure and deliver these lifesaving medicines and medical supplies to Zambia until January 2026 to provide time for the government to develop a transition plan, budget, and initiate procurements to avoid stock-outs of these medications.  After that point, we will offer technical and logistics assistance to support humanitarian activities and prevent drug resistance and disease transmission, but we will cut $50 million of our annual contribution to providing malaria, HIV, and TB medicines. 

As you may know, the Trump Administration is in the process of finalizing a broader review of our foreign assistance funding around the world, including here in Zambia.  That review is still underway.  But I want to stress that this $50 million cut in our medicines and medical supplies budget is wholly separate from that process.  This reduction is exclusively because of the lack of action by the Zambian government to respond to the country-wide, systematic theft of American-donated medications and medical supplies. 

Moving forward, we remain committed to supporting Zambia and the Zambian people to realize the massive potential that this great country possesses.  Zambia’s prosperous economic future – and a healthy population that can drive that future – is in the shared interest of both Americans and Zambians.  The United States remains interested in contributing to that future.  But, we are no longer willing to underwrite the personal enrichment of fraudsters or the corrupt when patients go without or have to buy life-saving medications that we have provided for free, and the Zambian government does not take action to enforce meaningful accountability or introduce systemic reforms to ensure the resources that belong to the people actually reach them. 

Thank you.  I welcome your questions.

GOVERNMENT MUST TAKE PRAGMATIC STEPS AS A MATTER OF URGENCY

I have just concluded watching the press briefing by United States Ambassador to Zambia, His Excellency Michael C. Gonzales, in which he announced a significant cut in aid directed toward medications and medical supplies in Zambia. This decision follows the Government’s perceived failure to adequately address the systematic theft of medical commodities across the country.

As Member of Parliament for Kanchibiya, I wish to offer my counsel to the Government of the Republic of Zambia on how best to respond decisively, transparently, and constructively. This is not the time for defensiveness or delay. It is time to act in the best interest of our people and our development partners.

The following are pragmatic and urgent steps Government must take:

1. Public Acknowledgment and High-Level Commitment

Government must publicly acknowledge the concerns raised and reaffirm Zambia’s unwavering commitment to fighting corruption and ensuring transparency in the management of donor support. A clear outline of immediate actions being undertaken should be communicated to both citizens and cooperating partners.

2. Launch an Independent Forensic Audit

An independent, credible forensic audit must be commissioned focusing on procurement, storage, and distribution systems within the Ministry of Health, particularly on U.S.-funded medical supplies. Civil society and international observers must be involved, and the findings should be made public with swift corrective actions taken.

3. Establish a Joint Anti-Theft Task Force

A task force comprising the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Zambia Police, Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), and U.S. Embassy liaisons should be established to investigate and prosecute those behind the thefts. Real-time updates must be shared to demonstrate transparency and seriousness.

4. Suspend and Prosecute Offenders

Officials under investigation must be immediately suspended. Those found culpable must face the full force of the law. Whistleblowers must be protected and incentivized. Convictions must be publicized to send a strong message.

5. Engage the U.S. Diplomatically

High-level engagement must take place to reaffirm the long-standing partnership between Zambia and the United States. Government should request the deployment of a technical team to support integrity systems and propose a phased restoration of aid tied to measurable milestones.

6. Reform the Ministry of Health

Systemic reforms are long overdue. The Ministry must undergo a restructuring exercise to root out entrenched corruption. Long-serving officers in sensitive departments should be reassigned or retired, and internal controls should be strengthened to restore trust and professionalism.

In conclusion, the Government must treat this development not as a diplomatic embarrassment but as an urgent opportunity to confront corruption head-on in the health sector. This moment calls for fast, firm, and transparent action. Only then can we rebuild trust, both with our people and with those who continue to believe in Zambia’s potential.

Signed,

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

Botswana’s President Boko Commends Hichilema’s Vision, Urges Action to Deliver AfCFTA’s Digital Promise

Lusaka, Zambia — President of the Republic of Botswana, Duma Boko, has commended President Hakainde Hichilema’s visionary leadership, describing him as a symbol of African resilience and progress, while calling on fellow African leaders to match his resolve with urgent, tangible action to realize the continent’s digital trade ambitions.

Speaking at the inaugural African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Digital Trade Forum in Lusaka, President Boko began his address by paying heartfelt tribute to President Hichilema, calling him “a brother and friend” whose rise to leadership is marked by “struggle, resilience, and courage.”

“His story is an inspiration to all of us,” President Boko said, emphasizing that President Hichilema’s example should serve as a benchmark for transformative leadership across Africa.

Against the backdrop of a forum focused on digital trade, President Boko said the moment was not just timely, but revolutionary — demanding that Africa move quickly from declarations to implementation.

“This is not the time for complacency,” he declared. “We must tear down the barriers that prevent Africans from trading with one another. We must build the digital infrastructure that brings opportunity directly to the people.”

He hailed the AfCFTA as a cornerstone of Africa’s economic transformation and a necessary evolution from earlier regional integration frameworks like the Tripartite Free Trade Area. But more importantly, he noted, it is President Hichilema’s commitment to these goals that deserves recognition and emulation.

“I commend my brother, President Hichilema, as a committed foot soldier in this movement,” he said. “I join him, and I call on leaders across Africa to go beyond declarations. Let us act. Let us turn the promise of the AfCFTA into real empowerment for our people.”

President Boko also reflected on the enduring relationship between Botswana and Zambia, highlighting the shared values, languages, and cultures that bind the two nations. His presence in Lusaka, he said, was not just diplomatic, but personal — a reaffirmation of the historic and future ties between the two countries.

“To the people of Zambia, thank you for your warm welcome and generous spirit — even yielding your busy roads to make room for our passage. I am grateful,” he said warmly, drawing applause from the audience.

Held under the theme “Boosting Digital Trade to Accelerate AfCFTA Implementation,” the forum aims to accelerate the continent’s journey toward digital integration and inclusive growth.

President Boko’s praise of President Hichilema’s leadership added a powerful layer of affirmation to Zambia’s role as a trailblazer in this continental mission.

© UPND Media Team

SAKWIBA HATES HH WITH PASSION- Saboi

NDC President who is also United Kwacha Alliance (UKWA) Acting President Saboi Imboela reveals that in meetings which they had with Harry Kalaba,  Chishala Kateka , Jackson Silavwe and other little known one man party presidents, Sakwiba Sikota was exhibiting raw hate for President Hakainde Hichilema.

Imboela says whenever the name of HH came up, Sikota would speak angrily denouncing the President and even suggesting that once UPND leaves power the President needs to be arrested and detained immediately.  Sikota hasn’t healed for losing party leadership to HH in UPND following the death of Anderson Mazoka.

Meanwhile,  Jackson Silavwe says old man Sikota  has been a problem in UKWA and has frustrated everyone.  Silavwe indicates that he will support the leadership of Saboi Imboela.

Silavwe,  Imboela and Kateka are set to expel Sakwiba Sikota from UKWA.  The trio will then deliver UKWA to Tonse Alliance.

-Zambian Truth

AIPAC Slams Govt Inaction as U.S. Cuts K1.4 Billion Health Aid, “Clean Up the Ministry of Health!” — Ngoma

The Acton Institute for Policy Analysis Centre (AIPAC) has launched a scathing attack on the Zambian government following the U.S. government’s decision to withdraw K1.4 billion in health aid, citing rampant corruption and drug theft within the Ministry of Health.

In a strongly worded statement released today, AIPAC Executive Director Solomon Ngoma did not mince words, directly accusing oversight institutions such as the Auditor General and the Zambia Police of turning a blind eye to the looting of essential medical supplies meant to save lives.

“The failure of the Zambian government to act on reports of individuals involved in the systematic stealing of drugs meant for patients is deeply disappointing,” Ngoma charged.

The USA recently announced the drastic aid cut after revelations of widespread theft and mismanagement in Zambia’s public health system. Despite multiple whistleblower reports and public outcries, no meaningful action has been taken against the culprits, many of whom are allegedly protected by their political connections.

Ngoma called on President Hakainde Hichilema to immediately engage the American Embassy in closed-door talks and respond decisively to the corruption crisis. He emphasized that those within the Ministry of Health who are implicated must be suspended and investigated “without fear or favor.”

“Civil servants at the Ministry of Health must remember that their actions have real-life consequences, affecting their own people, including their relatives,” Ngoma added. “It’s time for accountability and transparency. We can’t afford to play politics with people’s lives.”

The loss of the K1.4 billion support is expected to severely impact healthcare delivery across the country, especially in rural areas where donor-funded programs cover a significant portion of basic services, including ARVs, maternal care, and malaria treatment.

Public reaction has been swift, with citizens demanding immediate action and transparency. Health advocacy groups warn that failure to address the scandal will erode remaining international confidence in Zambia’s public sector governance.

As the scandal unfolds, pressure is mounting on President Hichilema’s administration to show political will in rooting out corruption starting with one of the most crucial ministries in the nation.

“The clock is ticking,” Ngoma warned. “Zambia cannot afford to be the graveyard of donor confidence.”

May 8, 2025
©️ KUMWESU

Pay Back My money demands Celestine Mukandila

K275,000 debt owed by Chitalu Chilufya

TONSE Alliance youth chairperson Celestine Mukandila has asked the Lusaka High Court to give him permission to advertise a demand letter claiming a total of K275,000 from former Health Minister, Chitalu Chilufya whom he claims has disappeared with his money.

Mukandila said sometime in 2024, Dr Chilufya borrowed the sum of US$20,000 for which he deposited his title deeds in relation to the advanced sum.

He narrated that has been looking for Dr Chilufya so that he can serve him a demand letter but all has proved futile.

Mukandila said he wants to sue him for the debt but the law demands that he first serves him the demand letter, and when he fails to respond thats when he can proceed.

In an Affidavit in support of ex- parte summons for leave to serve demand letter, Mukandila said he has tried to locate Chilufya at his last known address and was unable to locate him making the mission to be practically impossible.

“I have tried to locate the defendant in all ways known to me but he has been very elusive and evading service.”

“I tried to serve the letter of demand on WhatsApp but the defendant has not responded to the said message, I have submitted screen shot as evidence of the claim,” he said.

Mukandila submitted that all efforts to trace the defendant has failed and proved futile.

He said unless the leave sought was granted there can be no proper service.

“It would be in interest of justice to have court process served by substituted service. I crave for this court to grant this application in order that service may be affected through advertisement by advertising twice in print media of nation circulation.”

“I intend to serve the defendant in atleast two of the print media newspapers with a national circulation,” he said.

Mukandila said Dr Chilufya paid part of the money but he is still owing him K250,000, and despite several reminders he has refused or neglected to pay the said sum

“To this regard we demand payment of the total sum of K250, 000  plus sum of K25, 000 being the collection fee. Therefore bringing the total sum to k275, 000.”

“In the same vain we remind you that since you did cause to deposit your title deeds as security for the same sum, our client will proceed with foreclosure in the said property should the outstanding sum stated above not be paid within the agreed time,” read the document.

ANYONE FOUND HINDERING PROGRESS OF CDF PROJECTS WILL BE ASKED TO STEP ASIDE – LUSAKA PROVINCE MINISTER

Lusaka Province Minister Sheal Mulyata has warned that anyone who will be found wanting in blocking progress of Constituency Development Fund (CDF) project in the Province will asked to step aside.

The Minister says this will ensure speedy implementation of CDF projects as desired by President Hakainde Hichilema who has placed huge importance and commitment by continuously expanding the fund for the benefit of all parts of the country.

Mrs Mulyata said this in Luangwa district today where she is to check on the progress of CDF.

The Provincial Minister also said Luangwa has to start grading of roads immediately as directed by President Hichilema for the whole country to start road works under CDF.

She said this will ease the cost of doing business as goods and services will move faster.

“We just have to start grading roads. If we find anyone blocking CDF projects we will ask them to step aside. Everyone should be on their toes especially as we go towards 2026 so that we give a good report to the people,” she said.

Mrs Mulyata demanded high productivity, accountability and transparency in CDF projects implementation.

“We want the people of Luangwa to appreciate CDF and feel the impact of what the government is doing for them,” she said.

The Minister toured Kavuula modern market which slated for completion and commissioning in few weeks, the Luangwa-Zambezi river confluence harbor ablution block, police cells at Luangwa police station and selected roads within the district.

She said local authorities are key to implementing government and Presidential directives and that all councils need to work at the same pace to achieve uniform development.

The minister was accompanied on the tour by Luangwa District Commissioner Luke Chikani, Council chairperson Lawrence Shaba, Council Secretary Grayson Sakala, Director of Works Mainda Mudenda as well as Feira Constituency Development Fund Committee (CDFC) Chairperson Kephus Tembo.

And Mr Tembo thanked President Hakainde Hichilema for increasing CDF allocation from K1.6 million to the current K36.1 million as this has helped to carry out developmental projects in the district.

SE

ActionSA accuses DA of political opportunism over bid to remove Joburg Mayor and Speaker

ActionSA has condemned the Democratic Alliance’s attempt to remove Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero and Council Speaker Nobuhle Mthembu, labeling the move as political posturing aimed at gaining leverage ahead of the 2026 elections.

The DA submitted a motion of no confidence on May 7, accusing Morero’s ANC-led administration of mismanaging the city and presiding over deteriorating infrastructure, frequent power outages, and water shortages. Mthembu, who also leads ActionSA’s caucus, was targeted for what the DA called weak leadership within council chambers.

ActionSA responded with strong criticism, with Mthembu defending her performance and accusing the DA of undermining coalition governance. “The DA is more interested in scoring political points than solving the city’s real problems,” she said.

The motion arrives at a time when Johannesburg is struggling under the weight of service delivery failures and public dissatisfaction. Mayor Morero, in his State of the City Address delivered just hours after the motion was filed, announced a recovery plan including infrastructure upgrades and a focus on improving revenue collection. But the DA dismissed the proposals, saying they lack urgency and credibility.

As council prepares to debate the motion in two weeks, residents are demanding less political theatre and more tangible solutions.