MUNIR PETITIONS COURT TO HALT LUMEZI BY-ELECTION
3rd April 2025
FORMER Lumezi Independent MP Munir Zulu has dragged Speaker of the National Assembly Nelly Mutti and ECZ to the Constitutional Court, seeking an order to rescind their decision to declare his parliamentary seat vacant. Zulu also seeks a court order restraining the ECZ from holding a by-election for the Lumezi constituency parliamentary seat.
He further wants a declaration that the decision to declare his seat vacant upon his conviction by the Subordinate Court is unconstitutional, null and void, as it violates Article 120 of the Constitution, which provides for a hierarchy of courts in Zambia.
Zulu is also seeking a declaration that the judgement in the People V Attorney General (Ex Parte – Nickson Chilangwa) 2024/CCZ/R001 was decided per incuriam…
Newsdiggers
MUNIR PETITIONS COURT TO HALT LUMEZI BY-ELECTION
THE UNCEREMONIOUS EXIT OF MILES SCAPE FROM THE PF: A CALCULATED MOVE TO OBLIVION?
THE UNCEREMONIOUS EXIT OF MILES SCAPE FROM THE PF: A CALCULATED MOVE TO OBLIVION?
By Timmy
In a shocking turn of events, Miles Sampa, the embattled leader of the opposition Patriotic Front (PF), has handed over the party presidency to Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu (ECL), a move that can only be described as a strategic/ self sabotage exit from the party he once claimed to lead. This development, announced on May 1, 2025, at the PF Secretariat in Lusaka, raises more questions than answers about Sampa’s political future.
The statement released by Sampa himself indicates a sudden change of heart, where he not only reconciled with ECL but also endorsed him as the PF’s sole presidential candidate for the 2026 elections. While this might seem like a gesture of unity, it starkly reveals Sampa’s diminishing influence within the party he once led.
The Writing on the Wall
With this move, Sampa has essentially bought himself an express ticket out of the PF, morphing into a political vagabond without a party to call home. Given his track record and the internal conflicts he stirred within the PF, it’s highly predictable that his former party colleagues will give him a cold shoulder. The very individuals he considered friends will likely distance themselves, recognizing the divisive role he played.
Where Next for Sampa?
The burning question on everyone’s lips is: What’s next for Miles Sampa? Given his political opportunism, it’s not far-fetched to speculate that he might find solace in either the Socialist Party (SP) led by Fred M’membe or the citizen first (CF) led by Harry Kalaba. However, the likelihood of him becoming a running mate in any of these parties remains to be seen.
Self-Inflicted Wounds
Sampa should not feign surprise when his colleagues from the pf shun him. His ascension to the PF presidency without the mandate of the majority of party members created significant friction. His actions, particularly appointing Nakachinda as party Secretary General before handing over power to ECL, signaled the beginning of the end for his tenure in the PF.
A Future in the Balance
As Sampa navigates this political crossroads, one thing is clear: his future in Zambian politics hangs in the balance. With the 2026 elections looming, Sampa faces the very real possibility of losing not only his parliamentary seat in Matero but also any influence he might have had within the PF, already we no that he has started noticing the cold shoulder from his friends in the pf.
The Way Forward
In light of these developments, our advice to Miles Sampa is straightforward: the best course of action would be to willingly resign from the PF and join the winning team—the United Party for National Development (UPND). This move would not only secure his political future but also offer him a chance to be part of a party with a clear vision for Zambia’s development.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, one thing is certain: Sampa’s decision will have far-reaching implications for his political career. The question remains: will he heed the call of pragmatism and join the UPND, or will he continue down a path that seems increasingly uncertain?
Time will tell.
WAGON MEDIA
MINISTER SIALUBALO, URGES STRONGER MEDIA GOVERNMENT COLLABORATION AT WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY IN KASAMA
MINISTER SIALUBALO, URGES STRONGER MEDIA GOVERNMENT COLLABORATION AT WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY IN KASAMA
Kasama — Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Hon. Gift S. Sialubalo, has emphasized the need for closer collaboration between the media and government institutions to enhance transparency, accountability, and national development.
Hon. Sialubalo made the remarks during the World Press Freedom Day commemoration held in Kasama District, where he was accompanied by Northern Province Minister, Hon. Leonard Mbao. The event brought together media practitioners, and government officials to celebrate the vital role of the press in a democratic society.
In his keynote address, Hon. Sialubalo highlighted the importance of a free, professional, and responsible media in shaping public discourse, holding authorities accountable, and informing citizens. He acknowledged the challenges journalists often face in the line of duty and commended their resilience and commitment to informing the nation.
“The media is a key development partner. We must work together to build a transparent, informed, and engaged society. Journalists are not adversaries but allies in our shared goal of national progress,” he said.
He called on local authorities to proactively share information with the media, particularly on development programs such as those implemented through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), to keep citizens informed and engaged.
Northern Province Minister Hon. Leonard Mbao echoed similar sentiments, assuring the media practitioners in the province of continued support.
This year’s commemoration was held under the global theme “Reporting in the Brave New World: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media”.
ARROGANCE AND INSENSITIVITY OF THE UPND ADMINISTRATION- Abraham Simpamba
ARROGANCE AND INSENSITIVITY OF THE UPND ADMINISTRATION..
Fellow Citizens,
It is with deep concern and disappointment that I address the alarming trend of arrogance, insensitivity, and blatant disrespect consistently exhibited by the UPND administration toward the very people who entrusted them with power.
Senior government officials, including Charles Milupi, have shamelessly mocked unemployed Zambians for raising genuine concerns about the escalating cost of mealie meal.
Such remarks are not only demeaning they serve as a stark reminder of just how disconnected this leadership has become from the realities faced by ordinary citizens. These are the same citizens who were promised a better life after 12 August 2021.
Sadly, this is not an isolated incident. From telling struggling families to stop having children if they cannot afford to raise them, to ridiculing those who demand better services, this administration has demonstrated a dangerous level of contempt for the people’s suffering.
The promises of cheaper mealie meal at K50, fertilizer at K250, reduced fuel prices, and an end to load shedding have all proven to be empty. Three years later, the cost of living has skyrocketed while hope has steadily declined.
Instead of enacting sound, transparent policies to safeguard our national resources, this administration has auctioned off our mineral wealth to foreign interests leaving Zambians with nothing but environmental damage and broken promises.
They have even handed over toll gates to a contractor who has yet to complete road works, prioritizing private profit over public service and accountability.
Even worse, they are now enacting retrogressive laws such as the Cybersecurity and Cybercrimes Bill designed to silence dissent and shield themselves from public scrutiny. Is this the kind of leadership we can trust with another five years?
Fellow Zambians, the time has come to rise above political affiliations and reject the mediocrity, hypocrisy, and elitism that have become the hallmarks of this administration. Zambia does not lack resources, what we lack is leadership rooted in integrity, humility, and a genuine commitment to the people’s well-being.
We must stop tolerating leaders who spend more time ranting on media platforms than addressing the real challenges facing our people leaders who waste taxpayers’ money defending the indefensible. Zambia is not a poor country it is simply poorly managed by a clique of political elites who use investor rhetoric to mask self enrichment at the expense of the majority poor.
Abraham Simpamba
Together We Can
Ichalo Bantu
Africa’s Post-Harvest Crisis: Billions Lost Due to Lack of Value Addition
Africa’s Post-Harvest Crisis: Billions Lost Due to Lack of Value Addition
Despite strong harvests and fertile soil across Africa, millions of tonnes of agricultural produce are going to waste each year due to limited processing, storage, and market access infrastructure—a situation that experts say is costing the continent billions of dollars annually.
In rural communities from Zambia to Nigeria, piles of tomatoes, mangoes, and oranges lie rotting under the sun soon after harvest season. Not due to poor yields or lack of effort, but because the next step in the value chain “value addition” remains underdeveloped.
“Africa doesn’t have a food production problem,” says agricultural economist Dr. Naomi Chanda. “It has a value creation problem. Farmers are doing their part, but the ecosystem needed to convert crops into marketable goods is largely missing.”
According to the African Union, the continent loses over 30–40% of its agricultural output annually post-harvest, with perishable produce being the hardest hit. These losses translate into missed income for farmers, reduced food security, and stalled rural industrialization.
Yet the solution may lie in a shift in strategy from merely growing food to processing it at source. Agribusiness stakeholders are now calling for investments in agro-processing plants, cold storage infrastructure, and SME-led food packaging enterprises.
Ironically, even as some regions suffer food gluts, others face shortages. Poor logistics, inadequate road networks, and fragmented supply chains have made it difficult to match produce with demand. The result is a paradox of abundance in waste and scarcity in markets.
“This mismatch is an opportunity,” notes Priscilla Njobvu, Director of AgroValue Solutions, a Zambian agri-logistics firm. “If we can create small rural processing hubs and train youth in agribusiness, we can solve two problems at once: food waste and unemployment.”
Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are expected to play a crucial role in closing this gap. However, challenges such as access to finance, lack of technical training, and limited market information continue to hold them back.
Organizations like the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) are already piloting rural agro-processing projects, while governments are being urged to create enabling policies, tax incentives, and public-private partnerships to boost the sector.
Analysts argue that moving up the agricultural value chain could transform Africa’s economic trajectory.
“Imagine small factories turning tomatoes into paste, mangoes into juice, and oranges into dried snacks right in the villages,” says Dr. Chanda. “That’s not just agribusiness; it’s rural industrialization.”
With Africa’s population projected to double by 2050, the need to reduce post-harvest losses and build resilient food systems has never been more urgent.
Transforming African agriculture from subsistence to enterprise will require more than good rains and hard work. It demands infrastructure, innovation, and intentional investment in value addition.
If done right, every saved tomato, every processed mango, and every exported orange could become a symbol of Africa’s shift from vulnerability to value creation and from wasted harvests to economic prosperity.
May 3, 2025
©️ KUMWESU
ALIGN ACTIONS TO SUPPORT PRESS FREEDOM – GOVERNMENT TOLD
ALIGN ACTIONS TO SUPPORT PRESS FREEDOM – GOVERNMENT TOLD
THE Consortium of Civil Society Organisations joins the global community in commemorating World Press Freedom Day 2025, under the theme, “the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on journalism, media, and human rights.” In doing so, we reflect not only on the importance of press freedom globally, but also on the urgent realities threatening it here at home.
Press freedom is not a privilege for journalists. It is a fundamental right of society, a safeguard that enables citizens to know the truth, to hold power accountable, and to participate meaningfully in democracy. A press that is free to investigate and expose corruption, misgovernance, and authoritarianism is not a threat – it is a national asset.
Under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema and the New Dawn administration, Zambia made a bold and promising step in the right direction with the long-awaited enactment of the Access to Information (ATI) Law. The President’s strong public pronouncements in support of press freedom gave hope to many – journalists, civil society, and ordinary citizens alike – who believed that a new chapter had begun for freedom of expression in Zambia.
However, it is with deep concern that we note how this progress is being steadily undermined by a parallel trend: the continued enactment and retention of repressive legislation, most notably the colonial-era Penal Code Act of 1931, the newly enacted Cyber Crimes Act and Cyber Security Act of 2025, and official secrecy laws which remains unrepealed.
The new cyber laws, drafted and once implemented under the guise of public order and digital security, have the potential to be routinely used to intimidate, surveil, and silence journalists, whistleblowers, and ordinary citizens exercising their constitutional rights to freedom of expression and association.
While government leaders will be giving glowing speeches about media freedom on a single day, their actions in Parliament, Government and courts often portray a deep reluctance to uphold the very freedoms they claim to protect. It is not enough to speak about freedom – we must legislate and govern in ways that protect and promote it.
It is hypocritical and counterproductive to commemorate World Press Freedom Day with beautiful speeches while at the same time passing laws that undermine the spirit and letter of press freedom. True commitment is shown in law and policy, not just in rhetoric. Zambia can and must do better.
Press freedom is not a favour from government – it is a right enshrined in our Constitution and international instruments, and is essential to our democratic future.
Regrettably, the environment for media practitioners in Zambia today is increasingly becoming hostile. The gains we had begun to make by passing the ATI law are being eroded, and we are witnessing a worrying exodus of journalists, especially young aspirants, who are abandoning their callings out of fear for their personal safety and liberty. This chilling effect is a silent but powerful form of repression – one that endangers the very fabric of our democracy.
As we mark World Press Freedom Day, the Consortium calls on President Hichilema to guide his administration in aligning its actions with his words. We encourage the President and his government to champion reforms that foster a safe and enabling environment for journalists and civil society actors – one that is free from fear, intimidation, and legal persecution.
Additionally, we call on the government to halt the enactment of new restrictive legislation, such as the NGO Bill, which poses a serious threat to freedom of association and expression.
Signed
Isaac Mwanza
CONSORTIUM CHAIRPERSON
Phone: Email: isaac@zclu.org
STONE DEALER KILLED OVER WOMAN
STONE DEALER KILLED OVER WOMAN
A 21-YEAR-OLD stone dealer of Chingola District has been stabbed to death by a man of the same area after the duo fought when they discovered they were dating the same woman.
Copperbelt police commanding officer Pethias Siandenge and Maiteneke Ward councillor Walter Chizuma confirmed the incident.
Mr Siandenge said George Silwamba was murdered on Wednesday around 18:30 hours on Kanongesha Road by an unidentified man, who fled before the victim’s mother reported the case.
ZDM
ZAMBIA TO HOST INAUGURAL AfCFTA DIGITAL TRADE AND SERVICES FORUM
ZAMBIA TO HOST INAUGURAL AfCFTA DIGITAL TRADE AND SERVICES FORUM
Lusaka 3rd May, 2025 – The Ministry of Commerce, Trade, and Industry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Technology and Science today announced that Zambia will host the inaugural African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Digital Trade and Services Forum from May 6th to 10th, 2025, at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre.
The prestigious event, which will be officiated by President Hakainde Hichilema, has attracted over 1,000 delegates, including Heads of State, Ministers, industry leaders, academic institutions, and innovators from across Africa and beyond. Countries such as Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe have confirmed their participation.
The AfCFTA, a flagship initiative of the African Union, aims to create a single liberalized market for goods and services across the continent. With a market of 1.4 billion people and a combined GDP of over $3.4 trillion, it is poised to be the largest Free Trade Area in the world.
The forum, themed “Boosting Digital Trade to Accelerate AfCFTA Implementation,” will provide a platform for knowledge sharing, experience exchange, and best practices to boost digital trade, inspiring a new era of economic growth and prosperity. It will also showcase Zambia’s potential as a hub for digital trade, foster innovation, and unlock new opportunities for investment, entrepreneurship, and job creation.
The forum’s theme, further aligns with Zambia’s National E-commerce Strategy, aimed at creating a framework for e-commerce growth. We expect this event to augment Zambia’s potential as a hub for digital trade, foster innovation, and unlock new opportunities for investment, entrepreneurship, and job creation.
The benefits of the forum will extend beyond the digital economy, impacting the daily lives of ordinary Zambians and generating a strong economic stimulus for Lusaka. A structured post-forum implementation mechanism will ensure lasting impact from the event.
Zambia is honored to host this landmark continental engagement, driving digital trade for Africa’s transformation. We are ready, we are open, and we are committed to building Africa’s digital future. We look forward to a successful forum that will drive digital trade and economic growth in Zambia and across the African continent.
Issued by:
Everness Nankala (Ms.)
Principal Public Relations Officer
Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry
Email: everness.nankala@mcti.gov.zm
Ilitongo Maboshe (Mrs.)
Principal Public Relations Officer
Ministry of Technology and Science
Email: ilitongo.maboshe@mots.gov
MY REFLECTIONS ON THE LACK OF UNITY IN THE ZAMBIAN MEDIA TODAY
GUEST ARTICLE: MY REFLECTIONS ON THE LACK OF UNITY IN THE ZAMBIAN MEDIA TODAY
By Sipo Kapumba, Journalist
I have just learnt that today, 3rd May 2025, there are two World Press Freedom Day marches, the one by Media Liaison Committee (MLC) and the other by media owners, heading in different directions.
In my time as an active journalist and media freedom advocate at MISA Zambia, we managed to unite the entire media fraternity. PAZA, MISA Zambia, ZAMWA, ZUJ and ZUBID, retained their uniqueness, but we were united in the fight for an amended ZNBC Act, lobbying for an IBA Act and lobbying for the Freedom of Information Act, which was later called an Access to Information Act.
We marched together, journalists’ associations and media owners. Media owners like Fred M’membe and Erol Hickey, would join the marches and be with us.
Bosses, even from the public media, would be present, or would send their representatives. It was beautiful.
May 3, usually a lovely, bright, but not hot day, was ideal for marches. I always looked forward to that day.
Today, I am saddened that that unity has been lost. The media owners have gone it alone with MISA Zambia. The workers have taken a different direction under MLC.
MLC was never meant to be a registered entity. It was a coalition. A gathering of like-minded individuals and institutions, meant to fight for specific causes. It was never meant to be a registered association. Its strength came from the unity of its registered, individual, coalition members.
I could be wrong, but it seems to me as though MLC is now a registered entity. That is a departure from the original spirit and intention of the coalition.
MLC was born out of a protest, maybe in 1997, against the statutory Media Council of Zambia Bill, which was published by the Chiluba, MMD government. They wanted it to be law.
The media were opposed to it, and we united under a coalition called Media Liaison Committee (MLC), led by veteran journalist Robinson Makayi, who ran an entity called Media Resource Centre. We united to protest against the bill. The protest worked. Government withdrew it.
Intensified, self-regulation efforts ensued after that. MISA Zambia and PAZA brought their separate, self-regulatory mechanisms under one umbrella. The effort failed, but an attempt was made.
The script has changed now. MLC, which was against statutory regulation, wants it. I also want it. I don’t think non-statutory, self-regulation can work. We tried it and failed. It has failed in the UK, the spiritual home of non-statutory, self-regulation.
The media owners are now big and powerful. Their interests and those of the majority of their workers, are at variance.
MISA Zambia is the only, remaining, serious media NGO. The others have died, or they are comatose.
MISA Zambia has lost it somewhere. It was a movement of activists. Now, it is siding with media owners, neglecting the individuals who gave it vibrancy in the past.
MISA Zambia is not a militant organisation anymore. It has become fat and lazy.
MISA Zambia’s spirit came from its activist members, including media owners like Fred M’membe and Erol Hickey.
Perhaps the split in the media started when The Post left MISA Zambia in the later parts of the 1990s, maybe early 2000s, to formalise The Press Freedom Committee (PFC) of The Post newspaper. It was a breakaway group.
The Post left MISA Zambia when journalists, who were freelance, or working for smaller members of MISA Zambia, seized power in MISA Zambia. The balance of power had shifted from the “mighty” Post, to smaller and individual members of MISA Zambia.
This was at a MISA Zambia AGM at the Oasis Restaurant, where Arcades Shopping Mall sits today. Maybe that was 1998?
Whatever the case, political interests began to permiate into media activism with the establishment of the PFC of The Post. The Post sought to influence media advocacy with the PFC as an independent member of MLC.
With the demise of The Post and further changes in the governance arena, media interests have changed.
PAZA is dead. ZUJ is mute. ZUBID is moribund. ZAMWA exists only in the memories of people like me.
MISA Zambia is the only remaining entity from the golden era, from 1996 to 2011, when a lot was achieved in media law reforms, through a unity of purpose.
I was there. I was instrumental in building that unity. That is how I came to know Amos Chanda, who was with ZUJ as General Secretary, then with PAZA, rising to the position of President.
It saddens me that the media is deeply divided. Differences over salaries, between the media owners and the workers, are largely responsible for the split.
Times have changed. Interests have changed, but we should not lose focus on common interests. The Zambian media is in a mess. There is need to address issues of professionalism and ethics. Who is a journalist. How do we balance freedom of expression with the need to report truthfully in an era of social media and now, Artificial Intelligence?
I believe that journalism is a manifestation of the constitutional right to freedom of expression, within agreed and time-honoured traditions, or practices. That is what distinguishes the journalism profession from citizen journalism, like the one practiced by Simon Mwelwa Lane (Chitambala Mwelwa), which is technology driven.
We need to advance the journaliam profession. We need to have minimum professional standards which can be enforced. The media fraternity needs to agree on the why and how of effective self-regulation.
Non-statutory, self-regulation is a joke. A bad one for that matter. It is dishonest. It is a bunch of lies promoted by media owners to escape responsibility in reporting.
I have spoken from my heart.
Happy World Press Freedom Day.
Sipo Kapumba
Journalist
UPND CHALLENGES JOURNALISTS TO UPHOLD PROFESSIONALISM
UPND CHALLENGES JOURNALISTS TO UPHOLD PROFESSIONALISM
The UPND has called on journalists to uphold high standards of ethics and professionalism, especially in an era where misinformation and sensationalism threaten the credibility of the profession.
UPND Media Director MARK SIMUUWE says the media should continue to engage Government in constructive dialogue to ensure solution-oriented conversations aimed at strengthening media operations in Zambia.
Mr SIMUUWE expressed pride in the Government’s track record, noting that no media house has been shut down under President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA’s administration.
He has praised Government’s stance on media self-regulation, which he described as a major step toward building a professional and independent press.
In a statement today, Mr SIMUUWE said the UPND is committed to protecting press freedom and have delivered in line with their campaign promise.
He said as the country celebrates world press freedom day, the UPND has reaffirmed its commitment to upholding media freedoms, celebrating several landmark achievements since taking office in 2021.
ZNBC
World Press Freedom Day 2025: Celebrating the Sentinel of Democracy!
World Press Freedom Day 2025: Celebrating the Sentinel of Democracy!
By Dr. Chitalu Chilufya, MP – Mansa Central.
Mansa, April 3 – Today, on World Press Freedom Day, we celebrate not merely an institution, but a fundamental pillar of democracy – the media. Its role in holding power to account, informing citizens, and amplifying diverse voices is not just vital – it is indispensable.
Media freedom is the oxygen of democracy. It nurtures human rights, protects journalists, and sustains a society where all voices, including the most marginalized, can be heard and respected. In any thriving democracy, the press is not a convenience – it is a necessity.
To attempt to muzzle or manipulate the media is to erode the very foundation of freedom. Any such temptation, no matter how veiled or justified, must be fiercely resisted by all patriots who cherish liberty.
As Mansa Central’s representative and a firm believer in democratic ideals, I reaffirm my unwavering support for the inalienable rights of media practitioners to operate free from interference. On this significant occasion, I stand for unrestrained media self-regulation and the autonomy that allows journalists to fulfill their noble mission.
We live in an age where disinformation and misinformation run rampant, often weaponized against an unsuspecting public. Now more than ever, we must recognize the irreplaceable role of a free and independent press in discerning truth from falsehood.
The press is our societal watchdog. It shines a light into the shadows of power, demanding accountability and transparency. It equips citizens with the knowledge they need to participate meaningfully in the political, social, and economic spheres of life.
Moreover, an open and independent media landscape allows for the exchange of diverse perspectives, strengthening public discourse and fostering a spirit of inclusion. It provides a platform for communities often left behind, giving voice to their struggles and spotlighting social injustices that demand redress.
In a fractured world, the media is a bridge – facilitating dialogue, fostering mutual understanding, and promoting cooperation. This, truly, is its liberating power.
In the fight against manipulation and propaganda, no entity is better placed than the media. It must continue to expose falsehoods, defend the truth, and empower the public through facts, context, and analysis. By offering multiple viewpoints and credible sources, the press helps society sift through noise to find clarity.
Today, we salute journalists, editors, producers, and all media professionals. Your work is not just commendable – it is essential. You are the custodians of democracy, the storytellers of truth, and the sentinels of accountability.
Media freedom is not merely a journalist’s right – it is a society’s lifeline. It empowers, enlightens, and elevates. Without it, democracy withers.
Let us remember the enduring words of Thomas Jefferson: “Our liberty depends on the freedom of the press, and that cannot be limited without being lost.”
And the wisdom of Benjamin Franklin: “Without freedom of thought, there can be no such thing as wisdom, and no such thing as public liberty without freedom of speech.”
On this day, and every day, let us defend media freedom as a shared civic duty – for in protecting the press, we protect ourselves.
F!RE INCIDENT CLAIMS L!VES OF THREE JUVENILES IN KABANANA COMPOUND
F!RE INCIDENT CLAIMS L!VES OF THREE JUVENILES IN KABANANA COMPOUND
Lusaka, Saturday,May 03, 2025
Emmasdale Police Station, through Chipwalu Police Post, received a report of a tragic fïre incident yesterday , May 02,2025, at approximately 2130 hours. The report was made by Mr. Emmanuel Phiri, aged 34, of Kabanana Compound, Two Ngwee area, whose house was gutt£d by firë resulting in the d£ath of his three children.
According to Mr. Phiri, he left his home around 1800 hours to pick up his wife from Chazanga Compound, leaving behind his three childr£n in the house. While at Chalo Banthu in Chazanga, he received a distr£ss call from a neighbour alerting him that his house was on fir£.
He rushed back and confirmed the unfortunate news upon arrival.
Members of the public were found attempting to extinguish the fire and rescue the childr£n. Despite their efforts, the fire was only quenched after it had completely consumed the house and its contents.
Tragically, the b0dies of three juvenile vïctims were later recovered from the debris.
The deceased have been identified as:
M’J Nathan Phiri, aged 7
M’J Emmanuel Phiri Jr., aged 4
M’J Subilo Phiri, aged 2
All three sustained fatal burñs. The cause of the fire is yet to be established, and investigations have since been instituted.
Police visited the scene and confirmed the report. The value of the property destroyed has not yet been determined.
The bødies of the dec£ased have been deposited at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) M0rtuary awaiting post-mortem examination.
The Zambia Police Service expresses its deepest condolences to the bereaved family during this tragic time. We urge members of the public to continue exercising caution and ensure fire safety in their homes.
Rae Hamoonga
POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
DONALD TRUMP SIGNS ORDER TO BLOCK FUNDING TO PUBLIC RADIO
DONALD TRUMP SIGNS ORDER TO BLOCK FUNDING TO PUBLIC RADIO
US President Donald Trump has issued an executive order calling for all federal funding to the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) and National Public Radio (NPR) to be blocked.
On Thursday evening, Trump alleged that both organisations have engaged with “biased and partisan news coverage”.
The order instructs the board of the Corporation of Public Broadcasting, who distributes funding to PBS and NPR stations, to “cease direct funding” to the “maximum extent allowed by law”.
It adds that the board should “decline to provide future funding” to the news organisations.
-BBC-
Opposition Leaders Must Choose Between Zambia’s Future and Edgar Lungu’s Past
*Opposition Leaders Must Choose Between Zambia’s Future and Edgar Lungu’s Past*
*By Magret Mwanza | Governance Activist*
As the opposition parties in Zambia continue to shuffle around like headless chickens—forming, breaking, and regrouping alliances with no ideological anchor—it must be repeated loud and clear that the final decision lies with the people.
Not with Edgar Lungu. Not with discredited political opportunists. And certainly not with the architects of Zambia’s economic collapse.
It is both shocking and shameful that in 2025, with all that has transpired, the opposition still clings to Edgar Chagwa Lungu—a man constitutionally ineligible to contest, a man physically unfit to endure the rigors of office, and morally unworthy of leadership.
What message does this send to the Zambian people? That among them, there is no leader fit to carry the opposition banner? *That the only way forward is backward?*
What we are witnessing is not politics; it’s desperation wrapped in delusion.
Lungu’s return is not about serving the people—it’s about saving himself and his corrupt network from the jaws of justice. Those pushing for his candidacy aren’t inspired by love for Zambia. They are driven by fear—fear that the courts will catch up with their unexplained wealth, their illicit deals, their accumulated loot.
Under Lungu, we all know that Zambia was sold off piece by piece to the highest bidder. Our sovereignty became a trading card for private jets, luxury villas, and offshore accounts.
*_Do we forget so quickly?_*
The very same people now positioning themselves as opposition messiahs are the ones who looted the Treasury, drove up public debt to unsustainable levels, silenced dissent, and unleashed cadres on the streets like rabid dogs.These were not leaders—they were auctioneers of our future.
Today, they parade themselves in new alliances and coalitions, calling themselves *“United”* this and *“Together”* that, hoping that with fresh logos and names, the people will forget. But the stench of their past misrule cannot be masked by a press conference or an alliance handshake. Zambia remembers.
And while Lungu plays the puppet master, pretending to be indifferent to the presidency, yet subtly positioning himself for *an impossible* comeback, the rest of the opposition kneels before him like *spineless cowards, begging for endorsement,* hoping for his political crumbs.
*_It is political cowardice at its worst._*
Even more disheartening are the civic voices that have joined this bandwagon, believing they are entering a new political season, when in reality they are being used to sanitize a tainted regime.
What future can you build on the rotting foundation of kleptocracy? What reform can you spearhead while tethered to the apron strings of a discredited autocrat?
Zambia deserves better. The youth of this country—jobless, landless, but not hopeless—deserve better. We cannot mortgage our future to satisfy the egos of a few corrupt has-beens.
It is time for the opposition to choose. *You are either for Zambia’s future or Edgar Lungu’s past.* You cannot be both.
*And to those hiding behind technicalities, hoping the Constitutional Court will perform legal gymnastics to allow Lungu back on the ballot—know this, Zambians are not fools. You may try and manipulate the systems but you will never manipulate the collective memory of a people who lived through the brutality, corruption, and arrogance of the PF regime.*
Let this be a warning to all opposition parties: aligning yourselves with Edgar Lungu is not just political suicide—it is a betrayal of the people’s trust.
You will go down in history not as liberators, but as traitors who facilitated the return of national plunderers.
Zambia is at a crossroads. And the people are watching.
Choose wisely.
DEMOCRACY CANNOT FUNCTION WITHOUT A FREE MEDIA – M’MEMBE
DEMOCRACY CANNOT FUNCTION WITHOUT A FREE MEDIA – M’MEMBE
Lusaka… Saturday May 3, 2025 – As the world marked World Press Freedom Day, Socialist Party (SP) President Dr. Fred M’membe reaffirmed his party’s unwavering commitment to media freedom, calling it a fundamental pillar of democracy.
In a statement issued to commemorate the day, Dr. M’membe said democracy cannot function without a free media and emphasized the vital role journalism plays in society.
He stated that the Socialist Party would continue to defend press freedom not only on World Press Freedom Day but every day, adding that journalists must be able to operate without fear of censorship, intimidation, or retaliation.
Dr. M’membe described free, independent, and diverse journalism as essential to democratic societies, while warning that it remains under threat.
He stressed that the media is not merely an industry but a critical force that shapes political discourse, drives cultural development, promotes social inclusion, and protects fundamental rights.
He urged the public and stakeholders to remain vigilant, stating that “indifference is not an option” when it comes to safeguarding press freedom.
According to him, defending the media means defending democracy and the freedoms people hold dear.
The Socialist Party leader also voiced concern over the rise in unverified news content consumed by young people on social media.
He noted that quality journalism now faces stiff competition from algorithms that prioritize engagement over accuracy.
To combat this, he called for improved media literacy, better access to verified information, and enhanced education around responsible media consumption.
Dr. M’membe concluded by urging policymakers to make civic education a high priority, setting clear goals aimed at strengthening democratic resilience through informed citizenry.
I CAN SINGLE HANDEDLY BRING THE UPND GOVERNMENT DOWN THROUGH LIVE EXPOSURES ON FB- JJ BANDA
TIMMY’S REBUTTAL
“I CAN SINGLE HANDEDLY BRING THE UPND GOVERNMENT DOWN THROUGH LIVE EXPOSURES ON FB, JJ BANDA”
Chilufya Tayali, Emmanuel Mwamba, Sishuwa Sishuwa, and Amos Chanda – all have tried to take down the UPND government, but they’ve failed. Now, it’s JJ Banda’s turn to try. Who is JJ Banda, really? When his masters had all the state machinery at their disposal, they couldn’t bring HH down. JJ Banda’s threats are nothing but daydreaming.
Let him continue dreaming if he thinks he can take down this government. The best thing for JJ Banda to do is to come back to Zambia and see the progress we’re making. Amos Chanda tried to bring the UPND down but ended up joining the party because he realized the government actually means well.
So, JJ Banda, go ahead and try to bring the UPND government down through live exposures on Facebook. We’ll be waiting.
WAGON MEDIA
Yo Maps of Zambia ‘Rags to riches’ tale of success
…lessons for resilience
Yo Maps of Zambia ‘Rags to riches’ tale of success
…lessons for resilience
Amb. Anthony Mukwita
3rd May 25
The weekend has been long the parties have been many and so have the stories been.
However, one story really came to me as a ‘light bulb’, the story of Elton Mulenga aka Yo Maps who has taken the Zambian music industry by storm like the best thing that ever happened since Christmas.
I often pen International Relations and socio-economic politic stories but the Yo maps story as presented by one Kenny Tonga on Kenny T 1 on 1 was something that hit the g spot, fantastic!
A stiff diplomat and author like moi, a bonafide published author couldn’t ignore the Yo Maps chat with KT, even on the aftermath of the d£ath of ma’am Edith Nawakwi, Pope Francis and Cyber law stories in Zambia and beyond.
I watched the entire one hour 20 minutes over a glass of fermented grape, time evaporated like ether but it left an indelible mark on me as a story-teller because this is an inspirational human interest story of ‘rags to riches’.
An infant Bemba fella was raised by Lozi parents that did not have enough money to raise their own children after his biological parents unfortunately di£d while he was just a kid, he never knew his parents. One Zambia one nation.
Yo Maps marries one of the hottest chicks in town and sells laods of records in Zambia and beyond that defy his poverty stricken upbringing, he doesn’t deny but uses as fuel to become a better man. Choosing wealth over poverty!
Yo Maps rewards everyone around his space that believed in him and shows what many Zambians do not have ‘gratitude’ as his star continues to rise—inspirational in my view.
Kenny T, I have known for over two decades also casts aside conventional decorum of interviewing in Zambia and talks to Yo Maps in his own language Bemba therefore making the man come out in full comfortably.
We should stop the absurd thing of interviewing people in a third language when they can speak better and portray better in their mother tongue, we are all not English or French.
I have autographed a living President like Edgar Lungu, not been able to docu the current H.E HH yet but as a historian, Yo Maps would be a guy I would love to pen because he has inspirational DNA. He gives HOPE.
Dead parents, little or no opportunities, poverty etc. but rising above all the challenges and saying as long as I have my God and my ambition, ‘I can rise above all adversity and become the best among the rest.’ Great tale well done KT and Yo Maps for bringing as inspiration.
This is a best seller brewing in an African Pot of Yo Boy aged a spry 30.
…
Amb Anthony Mukwita is a published author and international relations analyst whose books are available in Bookworld, Grey Matter, Takealot and many other online bookstores.
THERE IS NO SUCH A THING AS THE FREEDOM TO ABUSE OTHERS: LET US ALL FIGHT FOR A RESPONSIBLE CYBER SPACE FREE FROM ABUSE AND HATE SPEECH- Dr Nevers Mumba
Dr Nevers Sekwila Mumba writes….
THERE IS NO SUCH A THING AS THE FREEDOM TO ABUSE OTHERS: LET US ALL FIGHT FOR A RESPONSIBLE CYBER SPACE FREE FROM ABUSE AND HATE SPEECH.
Today, opposition leaders staged a silent protest by covering their mouths with black seal tape at the courts where Lumezi Lawmaker Munire Zulu was appearing for sentencing. Honorable Zulu’s conviction stems from seditious statements he made, claiming to have evidence that the President of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema, planned to dissolve parliament and call for early elections. Notably, Zulu has a history of controversy, already facing arrest for falsely accusing two Ministers of receiving cash of $250,000 each in bribes and claiming to have evidence of the same and also, he was arrested for inciting tribal hatred and issuing tribal and divisive statements earlier. Are the opposition leaders being honest, or are they being careless and, as a result, knowingly facilitating abuse of our citizens online?
This incident brings to the fore the ongoing battle in our nation between Freedom and Responsibility, and the importance of balancing freedom of expression with the need to protect citizens from lies, and cyber abuse and harm. As we consider the narrative being advanced by our colleagues in the opposition who claim that their lips have been sealed through the proposed cyber laws, it’s essential to balance this claim and recognize the role of such laws in promoting decency, respect, and truthfulness in our public discourse especially in an atmosphere of rising abuse, insults and blatant lies being peddled with impunity on the other hand.
As a nation, we are clearly at crossroads. The debate around cyber laws must not be hijacked by those who are seemingly in support of the very individuals who seek to undermine Zambias peace and unity by being in the forefront of peddling lies, insults and the blatant abuse of other citizens, just to later turn around and claim that these laws are in fact designed to gag dissenting voices and stifle freedom of expression. This is not right.
As a leader who has served in various capacities both in the church and in politics, I have a unique perspective on this issue. I understand the importance of balancing freedom of expression with the need to protect citizens from harm. I have experienced firsthand what it means to feel stiffled and gagged by the systems of government and also ,firsthand what it means to be a target of cyber attacks, cyber hacking, and online abuse, I have been there.Sad as Munires situation today might be, I think we must not lose sight of certain facts and we must not shy away from having an honest conversation around this issue because of emotions surrounding his arrest.
Are the cyber laws being proposed just designed to suppress dissent and criticism, or are they here to promote decency, respect, and truthfulness in our public discourse.?
Firstly, the development of laws is often a response to emerging threats. When armed robbers increase, laws are strengthened to deter would-be offenders through harsher punishments. When rape and other violent crimes surge, laws are enacted to protect victims and punish perpetrators. Similarly, as cyber crimes and cyber abuse escalate, it is only logical that laws are developed to address these threats to national peace and security. The proposed cyber laws are a necessary measure to safeguard our citizens and promote a safe online environment.
Facebook, for example, is fast becoming a toxic space for Zambians, filled with hurtful abuse and insults. We’ve adopted harmful habits like body shaming, which causes deep emotional pain among many defenseless online victims. This online cruelty is tearing apart our nation’s peace and harmony, pushing many to the brink of despair. No one is spared – women, youths, celebrities, footballers, church leaders, the young and even the elderly are all targeted, their dignity mercilessly attacked. Many suffer in silence, battling depression and suicidal thoughts. Without protection, our most vulnerable citizens will be left to face this abuse alone. Is this what we want?
We all know that freedom of expression without guardrails is like a runaway horse. It can trample everything in its path, causing harm and destruction. We have seen this happen in other countries, where unchecked social media abuse has led to violence, division, destruction, and even war.
As a Christian nation, we are supposed to be founded on the principles of love, kindness, and compassion. We must not allow those who seek to create political mileage through this war on cyber laws to undermine these values and hijack the narrative and dictate the terms of this debate. Instead, we must stand up for what is right, defend our values, and promote a culture of respect and dignity for all.
Let us not be fooled by the opposition’s narrative. Let us stand together to defend our values, our children, and our nation. Let us debate this issue of cyber laws in a way that will help us build a safer, more respectful, and more compassionate society for all Zambians. If these proposed cyber laws really have elements that are wrong, let us lobby to have them refined and improved. However, to totally paint a black narrative just to simply be seen to be aligned against the government as opposition only amounts to irresponsible facilitating of abuse of our citizens.
Black Tape’s Grumpy Grannies’ Court Protests Against Due Process, Shameful
Black Tape’s Grumpy Grannies’ Court Protests Against Due Process, Shameful
By Farai Ruvanyathi
The black tape demonstration staged yesterday by some opposition members at the courts of law, protesting the sentencing of former Lumezi MP Munir Zulu, was nothing short of a moral and political paradox.
To any observer aware of Zulu’s reckless and unrestrained tongue, but unaware that he was being sentenced, the demonstration could easily have been mistaken for a symbolic plea urging him to tame his speech. It resembled the old parental gesture of placing a finger over the mouth to caution children against mischief and noise.
Let us be clear: Munir Zulu’s loose and inflammatory language had the potential to incite tribal conflict in Zambia, conflict that could have led to irreparable damage and, God forbid, even genocide. He crossed the legal and moral line, and the only appropriate recourse was for the law to take its course through due process.
The law, everywhere in the world, is like a shifting spanner, or more aptly, like a python. It constricts slowly but surely, and the more one resists, the tighter the grip. The online slander perpetuated by Zulu and other irresponsible actors like the notorious ‘Why Me’ were not harmless jokes; they had devastating real-world consequences. Innocent people were defamed, families torn apart, marriages ruined, reputations that took years to build, destroyed in seconds, some victims even contemplating suicide under the heavy weight of falsehood and shame. Unacceptable!
It is, therefore, profoundly shameful and morally disturbing to witness a group of elderly men and women, many of them grey-haired, people who ought to be custodians of wisdom and family values, reducing themselves to a laughable public display in defence of such behavior. Their conduct was not only embarrassing; it was a betrayal of the very values they should be protecting.
The strategy of these opposition figures has become increasingly clear: if they cannot have power, they are willing to set the country on fire. This scorched-earth mentality, where nothing is sacred, not even truth, peace, or the dignity of public institutions, is dangerous and must be condemned in the strongest terms.
Zambia is not a playground for political arsonists. We are a nation of laws, values, and responsibilities. The law, like the python, will continue to deal with such deliberate mischief with firm precision, tightening its grip on chaos, deceit, and impunity. And rightly so.
Let these opposition leaders, act their age, uphold national values, and recognize that freedom without responsibility is the gateway to anarchy. Let us stand for truth, peace, and justice, not for toxic populism disguised as protest. Shame!
PF FACTION LEADER ROBERT CHABINGA FEARS FOR HIS LIFE, ACCUSES RIVAL FACTION OF PLOTTING ASSASSINATION
PF FACTION LEADER ROBERT CHABINGA FEARS FOR HIS LIFE, ACCUSES RIVAL FACTION OF PLOTTING ASSASSINATION
Following the reconciliation between the Miles Sampa-led faction of the Patriotic Front (PF) and the Edgar Lungu faction, Robert Chabinga, leader of a rival faction, has expressed deep concerns for his safety, accusing the opposing group of planning to assassinate him.
Mr Chabinga also claims that they intend to abduct his Secretary-General, Morgan Ng’ona, as part of a contingency plan B.
He has vowed to report these alleged threats to the police, warning that his faction is set to make a shocking revelation.
He insists that he remains in control of the PF and refutes any claims of reconciliation, stressing that the individuals who reconciled are not listed in the official documents at the Registrar’s office and were expelled from the party.
He has raised questions about the legitimacy of handing the party over to a president who is ineligible to contest elections in Zambia.
He has however, advised former President Edgar Lungu to focus on supporting his family members, who are facing legal challenges in court, rather than engaging in party politics.
The Mafinga Member of Parliament has reiterated his endorsement of President Hakainde Hichilema, commending the current leadership for rescuing the country from the consequences of the previous PF administration.
Diamond TV
A TALE OF TWO PARTIES: FROM PF’s CHAOS TO UPND’s PEACEFUL PROSPERITY”
TIMMY’S INSIGHTFUL ANALYSIS
“A TALE OF TWO PARTIES: FROM PF’s CHAOS TO UPND’s PEACEFUL PROSPERITY”
As Zambia continues to march towards progress and development, it’s essential to reflect on the stark differences between the previous Patriotic Front (PF) administration and the current United Party for National Development (UPND) government. The contrast between the two parties’ leadership styles and governance approaches couldn’t be more striking.
Under the PF’s rule, Zambia witnessed heightened political tensions, violence, and intimidation. Cadres from the ruling party would often harass and assault members of opposition parties, creating a culture of fear and repression. The lack of tolerance and respect for dissenting voices stifled public discourse and hindered national progress.
Fast-forward to the UPND’s era, and the narrative couldn’t be more different. President Hakainde Hichilema’s leadership has ushered in an era of peace, stability, and inclusivity. The UPND cadres have demonstrated remarkable restraint and respect for members of other political parties, allowing for free and open interaction.
The difference is palpable. Four years ago, it was unthinkable to see UPND members freely assembling or expressing their views without fear of reprisal from PF cadres. Today, members of various political parties can interact with ease, even in the presence of the President. This newfound freedom is an example of President Hichilema’s commitment to creating an enabling environment that fosters dialogue, tolerance, and cooperation.
As we celebrate the progress made under President Hichilema’s leadership, we can’t help but market him to the people of Zambia as the ideal leader to continue guiding our nation towards prosperity. His ability to promote peace, stability, and inclusivity has earned him a reputation as a statesman who puts the interests of the people above partisan politics.
To the people of Zambia, we say: let’s continue to support President Hichilema’s vision for a united, peaceful, and prosperous Zambia. Only under his able leadership can we ensure that our country remains a beacon of hope and stability in the region.
Thank you, President Hakainde Hichilema, for creating an enabling environment that allows us to thrive!
Let’s continue to support his leadership and work towards a brighter future for all Zambians!
WAGON MEDIA
The Court show by the PF/Tonse was unnecessary and could have provoked the Judge – Munir Family Member
Chanoda Ngwira writes:
The whole show at court premises today was very unnecessary, who knows, the Magistrate could have acted out of emotions to prove a point..
As a family to Hon Zulu, I feel that good solidarity could have been shown way before today…
Now the youngman has been given 18 months on a conviction that the defense lawyers did a good mitigation where we hoped for a fine.
Worse still, now we can hardly have access to Munir, this is as a result of that show and stunt.. I am very pissed personally.
At times we have to look at a bigger picture before making certain moves.. We are not happy as a family, this should be put on record…
“Chilebanyonga!” – Kawambwa Village Headman Teases PF, Promises ‘Talasalapuka’ on Lungu in 2026
“Chilebanyonga!” – Kawambwa Village Headman Teases PF, Promises ‘Talasalapuka’ on Lungu in 2026
In a fiery and theatrically charged moment that sent laughter rippling through the crowd, a senior village headman in Kawambwa dropped the political mic declaring that “it is paining PF deep-deep” to watch Hakainde Hichilema lead the country with a calmness they can’t match.
Speaking during a UPND mobilization meeting following high-profile defections, the traditional leader didn’t hold back. With a mischievous smile, he looked straight into the cameras and said, “Chilebanyonga bane… HH kuteka, napapata. Bakali mu shock!” (It’s hurting them, my friends… HH is ruling, please. They’re still in shock!)
But the punchline came when he boldly declared that in 2026, Kawambwa and the entire Luapula would perform a “Talasalapuka pwaku aitika” on former President Edgar Lungu a dramatic reference to political rejection delivered Zambian-style: with noise, energy, and no turning back.
“You’ll just hear Pwakaaa! on the ballot. We’re not joking. Let him come,” the headman said, triggering cheers from the crowd.-KUMWESU
Hearts Stolen by HH! Samfya Politicians Take Political Love Letter to Kawambwa
Hearts Stolen by HH! Samfya Politicians Take Political Love Letter to Kawambwa
In a spectacle that could rival any love story, a group of Socialist Party officials from Samfya packed their bags and their loyalty and traveled to Kawambwa to officially declare their political romance with the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND).
A group of Socialist Party officials from Samfya District left locals scratching their heads after choosing to defect not at home, but in neighboring Kawambwa only to return waving the red and yellow of the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND).
Eyewitnesses report that the group, looking unusually serious for a Friday morning, boarded a minibus and declared, “Tuleya ku Kawambwa twalafumine apo!” (We’re heading to Kawambwa we’ll defect from there!) Confused bystanders could only laugh, with one elderly man reportedly saying, “Kanshi politics yaliba drama nowadays, uleya ku neighbour ukapoke impiya yakusamuka?” (So politics is now drama you go to your neighbor to collect your defection allowance?)
Once in Kawambwa, with cameras rolling and ululations in the background, the defectors praised President Hakainde Hichilema’s leadership, stating it had become “too sweet to resist.” One of them dramatically held up a red UPND beret and declared, “Leadership yaba HH eyo yasenda imitima yesu!” (HH’s leadership has stolen our hearts!).
The UPND officials present welcomed the new members with open arms and wide smiles no doubt appreciating both the numbers and the theatrical delivery.
Political commentators have jokingly dubbed the event the “Great Kawambwa Exodus,” questioning why the defections couldn’t just happen in Samfya. “Maybe Samfya doesn’t have enough cameras,” quipped one journalist. “Or maybe they just needed transport refund with a bit of spice!”
Meanwhile, the Socialist Party has maintained radio silence as no official communication has been made.
As 2026 edges closer, defections are expected, but few anticipated this blend of comedy, choreography, and campaigning. Zambian politics, as ever, remains part drama, part reality show, and fully unpredictable.
May 2, 2025
©️ KUMWESU
ZAMBIA’S SOUL AT STAKE, OPPOSITION MUST UNITE NOW
ZAMBIA’S SOUL AT STAKE, OPPOSITION MUST UNITE NOW
Fellow opposition leaders, the evidence is overwhelming, the current administration has betrayed the trust of the Zambian people. Their blatant disregard for the well-being of our citizens, coupled with rampant corruption and gross incompetence, has plunged our nation into a crisis. We’ve witnessed the erosion of democratic institutions, the suppression of dissent, and a catastrophic mismanagement of our economy, leading to widespread suffering and hardship. The recent tragic deaths at a UPND rally, a direct consequence of this government’s negligence and inflammatory rhetoric, serve as a stark reminder of the stakes.
This is not merely a political disagreement; it’s a fight for the very soul of Zambia. We must transcend petty differences and forge a united front against this corrupt and failing regime. President Lungu’s commitment to the Zambian people offers a clear alternative. His initiatives to unite the opposition represent a path towards a brighter future. Let us stand shoulder to shoulder, supporting his efforts and actively working to expose the injustices and corruption of the current government.
The time for partisan squabbling is over. The time for political maneuvering that benefits only a select few is finished. We must put aside personal ambitions and unite behind a common goal: to liberate Zambia from this destructive grip and build a nation where justice, equality, and prosperity prevail for all. Let this tragedy at the UPND rally be a turning point, a call to arms for a united opposition. We are TONSE together; we will prevail! Let us show the Zambian people that we are worthy of their trust and that together, we can build a better Zambia for generations to come.
David Kakoma
PF/TONSE Aspiring Candidate
Matero Constitutincy
OPPOSITION LEADER CHABINGA THROWS WEIGHT BEHIND CONSTITUTION AMENDMENT
OPPOSITION LEADER CHABINGA THROWS WEIGHT BEHIND CONSTITUTION AMENDMENT….
Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Robert Chabinga says the amendment of the Constitution is not meant to benefit the ruling party but the Zambian people.
Mr Chabinga says the proposed amendment to article 58, on delimitation of Constituencies is vital as it will ease equitable distribution of resources, thereby promoting universal development.
The Leader of the Opposition in Parliament was speaking when he addressed the press in Lusaka, today.
TODAY I HAVE OFFICIALLY APPLIED FOR ADOPTION AS UPND CANDIDATE FOR THE LUMEZI PARLIAMENTARY BY-ELECTION- Anderson Banda
UPND Lusaka Province Youth Chairman Anderson Banda writes ……
TODAY I HAVE OFFICIALLY APPLIED FOR ADOPTION AS UPND CANDIDATE FOR THE LUMEZI PARLIAMENTARY BY-ELECTION
Today, I am proud to announce that I have officially submitted my application for adoption as the United Party for National Development (UPND) candidate for the upcoming Lumezi Parliamentary By-Election.
Let me put it clearly and on record: my decision to enter this race is driven purely by my deep passion and commitment to the people of Lumezi. I was born and raised in Mbeluka Village, Chief Chitungulu, and I have firsthand experience of the daily challenges our people face.
For decades, Lumezi has remained underdeveloped while other districts across the nation progress. Now that I am no longer a boy but a grown man, it is time for me to rise and take decisive action. I am stepping forward to serve not for personal gain, but to be a voice for the voiceless, and to be the change Lumezi desperately needs.
I am a proud supporter of the UPND and President Hakainde Hichilema a relationship and belief I have held for over 20 years. I carry the vision of our President, and I believe in his agenda for national development, unity, and progress. I cannot stand by while a few self-serving individuals try to derail that vision and leave Lumezi behind.
My mission is clear: to work for the people of Lumezi with no fear and no favor. I am here to ensure our district is properly represented in Parliament, where our challenges, our suffering, and our aspirations can be heard and addressed.
Thank you for your continued support and prayers as we move forward in unity, determined to serve the interests of the many, and not the few.
May God bless you all.
Anderson Banda
Mwana wa Pakomo
Wiza! Wiza!
PRESIDENT HICHILEMA WARNS COUNCILS OVER MISUSE OF CDF
PRESIDENT HICHILEMA WARNS COUNCILS OVER MISUSE OF CDF
President Hakainde Hichilema has issued a stern warning to local authorities over the misuse and mismanagement of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), particularly in relation to the delayed construction of Chief’s palaces.
Speaking during a meeting with traditional leaders from Luapula Province on the sidelines of the 2025 Labour Day Celebrations in Mansa District, President Hichilema expressed concern that some councils were failing to allocate the CDF appropriately. He said the inaction was hindering government efforts to improve the welfare of traditional leaders and fulfill infrastructure commitments.
“The construction of Chief’s palaces is a priority, and delays caused by mismanagement of the CDF are unacceptable,” the President said. “We urge all local authorities to act responsibly and use these funds for their intended purpose.”
He also used the platform to emphasize the need for unity across the nation, reiterating his administration’s commitment to inclusive development. “Our commitment to advancing development across all ten provinces remains unwavering,” he said. “We call upon our traditional leaders to join forces with the government in driving progress, highlighting the critical role of responsible resource management.”
Meanwhile, the Luapula Province Chiefs Council commended government for its commitment to building Chief’s palaces in the region. However, the council, through its Chairperson Chief Chisunka, echoed the President’s concerns, citing a slow pace in the execution of the projects.
“We appreciate the government’s initiative, but the progress on the ground remains slow,” said Chief Chisunka. “We urge local authorities to expedite the process for the benefit of our communities.”
Chief Chisunka also praised the government for procuring contractors to work on major infrastructure projects, including the Nchelenge–Lunchinda road, which is seen as a vital link for the region’s economic development.
President Hichilema concluded the engagement by calling on Members of Parliament and traditional leaders alike to promote unity and national development. He reaffirmed the administration’s dedication to strengthening partnerships with traditional authorities under the vision of “One Zambia, One Nation.”
KAWAMBWA IS DEAR TO US – PRESIDENT HICHILEMA
KAWAMBWA IS DEAR TO US – PRESIDENT HICHILEMA
May 2,2025
President Hakainde Hichilema has reaffirmed the United Party for National Development (UPND)’s unwavering commitment to the people of Kawambwa and Luapula Province, recognizing their overwhelming support during recent by-elections.
Speaking at a packed Public Square in Kawambwa Constituency, President Hichilema thanked the residents of Kawambwa and Pambashe for entrusting the UPND with their vote.
“The people of Luapula have demonstrated true patriotism, and we owe them development, unity, and prosperity,” he said.
He assured the public that the government will intensify its development agenda, creating more jobs, businesses, and opportunities in Kawambwa and beyond.
President Hichilema stressed that his administration remains focused on national unity and improving the quality of life for every Zambian.
In a bold show of confidence, all Independent Council Chairpersons from Milenge, Mwansabombwe, and Chembe districts officially endorsed President Hichilema’s candidature for the 2026 General Election.
The chairpersons praised the UPND government for its effective use of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to uplift communities.
“We have seen the impact of President Hichilema’s leadership through CDF projects that are transforming our areas,” one Chairperson said.
UPND Luapula Province Chairperson Alfred Mwape echoed the endorsement, urging aspiring candidates to hold their ambitions until after 2026.
The event also witnessed mass defections from opposition parties, including the Socialist Party and the Patriotic Front (PF), to the ruling UPND.
Led by Bangweulu Constituency Chairperson George Chin’gandu, several Socialist Party members from Samfya joined the UPND, signaling growing national confidence in the ruling party.
PF members from Kawambwa and Pambashe, led by Constituency Chairlady Priscilla Mwaba, also defected to UPND, citing inclusive policies like free education and CDF-driven development.
“The free education policy has lifted many families, and CDF has given communities power to develop locally,” she said.
Mrs. Mwaba emphasized that the UPND has not only promised but delivered progress across sectors.
“We are witnessing a government that listens, acts, and delivers for all Zambians,” she said.
©️ UPND MEDIA TEAM
Chabinga’s Attacks on Diplomats Expose UPND’s Alarming Political Desperation
Chabinga’s Attacks on Diplomats Expose UPND’s Alarming Political Desperation
By Thandiwe Ketis Ngoma
Mafinga Member of Parliament Robert Chabinga’s recent allegations that foreign diplomats in Zambia are backing former President Edgar Lungu’s so-called “Plan B” to destabilize the government are not just baseless; they are dangerously irresponsible. These remarks reflect a calculated provocation aimed at discrediting Zambia’s international partners and diverting attention from the United Party for National Development (UPND)’s growing failures in governance.
This is not an isolated incident. Chabinga is clearly not acting independently. He appears to be a surrogate for UPND leadership, voicing controversial messages that the ruling party prefers not to state openly. This tactic allows them to test public reaction while avoiding direct accountability, a classic political maneuver when a government senses its legitimacy waning.
Chabinga’s statements have injected unnecessary tension into Zambia’s diplomatic space at a time when the country urgently needs unity, cooperation, and decisive leadership. If he were not aligned with the ruling party, such reckless accusations would likely have triggered an immediate diplomatic backlash. Instead, he enjoys impunity under the protective cover of President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration, signaling a disturbing willingness by the state to use misinformation as a tool of distraction and division.
The Dangers of Undermining Diplomacy
Foreign diplomats are not political actors in Zambia’s domestic affairs. They represent countries that have supported Zambia’s development for decades, particularly in sectors such as health, education, infrastructure, and democratic governance. Many of these countries have provided billions in aid and investment, often during times when Zambia faced immense economic and humanitarian challenges.
To portray these trusted partners as conspirators without a shred of credible evidence is not only reckless but also an affront to Zambia’s long-standing tradition of diplomacy, mutual respect, and international cooperation. It undermines decades of goodwill and damages the perception of Zambia as a reliable and stable partner on the global stage.
The broader implications are deeply troubling. Attacks on diplomats risk eroding Zambia’s international credibility and straining vital bilateral and multilateral relationships. They jeopardize trade agreements, hinder access to development aid, and cast a shadow over Zambia’s efforts to attract foreign direct investment. In an already fragile economic climate, the country simply cannot afford the reputational damage such reckless rhetoric brings.
Worse still, this conduct violates the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which obligates host nations to protect the dignity, safety, and proper functioning of foreign envoys. Violations of these standards can lead to diplomatic protests, the withdrawal of embassies, a reduction in aid or trade, and long-term reputational damage that takes years to repair.
A Broader Pattern of Intimidation and Deflection
Chabinga’s comments are not occurring in a vacuum. They come at a time when the UPND government faces growing criticism for its handling of the economy, rising living costs, and perceived backsliding on civil liberties. Rather than respond to this criticism with transparency and reform, the government appears increasingly reliant on nationalist deflection, framing dissent as sabotage, questioning patriotism, and now accusing foreign allies of conspiracy.
This approach is not only cynical but also dangerous. It polarizes the nation, alienates allies, and lays the groundwork for isolationism. It signals to both Zambians and the international community that this administration values loyalty above truth and propaganda above diplomacy.
Zambia at a Crossroads
Zambia now stands at a critical juncture. The decisions made today, especially regarding how the country treats its international partners, will shape its economic and diplomatic trajectory for years to come. Do we want to be a nation guided by paranoia, scapegoating, and misinformation, or one defined by openness, respect, and principled leadership?
The international community is watching. Investors are watching. Zambians are watching. And history will judge whether this administration chose statesmanship or political expediency.
Call to Action
If President Hakainde Hichilema does not support Robert Chabinga’s false and inflammatory claims, then he must put a stop to this diplomatic blunder before it spirals into a national crisis by publicly denouncing Chabinga’s remarks. Failure to act will not only cost Zambia its reputation; it will cost the country its future.
EDGAR LUNGU, MILES SAMPA PLAYING WITH FIRE
EDGAR LUNGU, MILES SAMPA PLAYING WITH FIRE
Patriotic Front -PF- President ROBERT CHABINGA says he remains in charge of the party until a ruling is made by the courts of law.
Mr. CHABINGA, who is also Leader of the opposition says there has been no change of names at the office of the Registrar of Societies, adding that any fabrication on transfer of power is baseless. He warned that what Miles Sampa and Edgar Lungu were doing was tantamount to playing with fire .
Mr. CHABINGA was speaking in Lusaka today during a press briefing to respond to the PF faction of MILES SAMPA on handing over the party presidency to former President EDGAR LUNGU.
SEASONED BROADCASTER AMB. FRANK MUTUBILA SPEAKS OUT: “FREEDOM WITHOUT MORALS IS MADNESS”
SEASONED BROADCASTER AMB. FRANK MUTUBILA SPEAKS OUT: “FREEDOM WITHOUT MORALS IS MADNESS”
The FOX Newspaper
Veteran broadcaster Frank Mutubila has broken his silence—and it’s not politics on his mind, it’s principles.
In a powerful and deeply personal statement, Mutubila says Zambia is standing at a moral crossroads. And at the centre of his concern? A young man whose rise to notoriety is being fueled not by ideas—but by insults.
“Freedom of speech is not a license to insult,” Mutubila warns, calling out the toxic culture of vulgarity, online mockery, and character assassination that has crept into public discourse.
“This is not boldness,” he writes. “It’s a breakdown of basic respect.”
He’s not pointing fingers at party colors. Instead, he draws a sharp line between freedom and recklessness, warning that if moral leaders—from politics to the pulpit—don’t stand up now, Zambia risks raising a generation that confuses noise with leadership.
Mutubila also has a message for those taking cheap shots from overseas: “Nothing lasts forever. If you truly believe in your cause, speak your truth here at home.”
No names mentioned. No theatrics. Just a sober warning from a man who’s seen enough to know when a society is slipping.
And to anyone sponsoring that slip? You’re complicit.
Amb. Frank Mutubila Wrote….
I want to speak from the heart today, as a concerned citizen. What I’m about to say is not driven by politics, it’s about something far more fundamental… Morals. We must learn to separate morality from politics. When we start judging right and wrong based on who says it or which side of the aisle they’re on, we risk losing our sense of what is truly decent and acceptable.
Lately, I’ve been deeply disturbed by the conduct of a young man who has made it his mission to publicly insult and demean others, including national leaders. His language is crude, his tone is hostile, and his behavior is, frankly, alarming. This is not the boldness of youth, it is the breakdown of basic respect. And no, it should not be normalized.
Let’s be clear, rights, especially those under the banner of freedom of expression are not limitless. They come with responsibilities. Freedom of speech does not entitle anyone to insult, defame, or destroy the dignity of others. In a democracy, we must disagree with civility, debate with respect, and hold each other accountable with integrity, not with venom.
This is not a debate about freedom. It is a plea for decency. If people of moral standing, from politics to the Church, civil society to the family do not speak out and draw a line, we will find ourselves nurturing a culture of disrespect and division. And if, by any chance, this young man is being supported, financially or otherwise by anyone in power or opposition, they must know they are complicit in lowering the moral tone of our society.
To those who criticize and provoke from abroad, let me say this “nothing lasts forever.” Time has a way of levelling all things. If you truly believe in your cause, speak your truth here at home. Real courage is not found in the distance, but in the presence. Real patriotism means being willing to face the very people you wish to change.
Morality is not a partisan issue, it is a national responsibility. If we fail to teach the next generation the difference between freedom and recklessness, we will have failed not only as leaders, but as a society.
SCM
ZCTU SUPPORT’S GOVERNMENT’S PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
ZCTU SUPPORT’S GOVERNMENT’S PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
Mongu, 2nd May 2025 — The Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has expressed support for the government’s proposed constitutional amendments, describing them as a reflection of the aspirations of the Zambian workforce and a step toward strengthening democratic governance.
Speaking during Labour Day celebrations held yesterday in Mongu, ZCTU National Representative Makai Makai commended the government’s inclusive approach and its commitment to reinforcing institutional frameworks.
Mr. Makai further urged the government to intensify public sensitisation efforts to ensure that citizens are well-informed and understand the roadmap of the proposed amendments.
Officiating as Guest of Honour at the event, Western Province Minister Hon. Kapelwa Mbangweta praised the ZCTU for endorsing the constitutional reform process.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting constructive engagements from civil society that foster social and economic development.
The ZCTU now joins a growing number of civic organizations that have welcomed the constitutional reforms, which are currently undergoing public review.
Issued by:
Mwakoi Njekwa (Mr)
Principal Public Relations Officer, Western Province.
WAGON MEDIA
UN judge who kept woman as a slǎvê while studying law at Oxford is jailed
UN judge who kept woman as a slǎvê while studying law at Oxford is jailed
A United Nations judge who forced a young woman to work as a slävê while she studied for a PhD in law at the University of Oxford has been jailed for more than six years.
Lydia Mugambe, 50, was found to have taken ‘advantage of her status’ over the Ugandan woman in the ‘most egregious way’.
Mugambe, who is also a High Court judge in Uganda, stopped the woman holding down steady employment and forced her to work as her maid and provide childcare.
Following her convictions, bodycam footage released by the police showed Mugambe appearing shocked when she was arrested under the Modern Slavery Act
A United Nations judge who forced a young woman to work as her slävě has been sentenced to six years and four months having been convicted for a host of modern slavery offences at Oxford Crown Court.
Lydia Mugambe, 50, brought a Ugandan woman with her when she moved to Oxford to study for her PHD – forcing her to be an unpaid maid and childminder.
Judge Mr Justice Foxton told Mugambe she will serve half of her sentence in prison and the rest on licence.
The victim, who has been granted anonymity for life, said: “My existence to Lydia was not important. It made me feel unhappy.
“Because first of all, I couldn’t speak to her because I feared her.
“The first job which she had promised me when I came, it wasn’t there.
“She never paid me. She stopped me from working – because she said it wasn’t balanced with the times for the children.”In February 2023, after receiving a report that the victim was being held as a slǎvě, Mugambe was arrested at her address in Kidlington, Oxfordshire.
Following a trial in March 2025, Mugambe was found guilty of conspiring to do an act to facilitate the commission of a breach of UK immigration law, one count of requiring a person to perform forced or compulsory labour, one count of conspiracy to intimidate a witness and one count of arranging or facilitating travel of another person with a view to exploitation.
During her time with Mugambe in the UK, the victim’s passport was taken off her and she felt trapped.
Rona, not her real name, said: “She took advantage of me, because from when I arrived the promise was not there.
“Even when I worked, I was not paid. She was also stopping me from going out to work, so I had no hope.
“She was just despising me. She made out that because she had brought me here, it was a great help for me.”
The trial heard that Mugambe had the intention of “obtaining someone to make her life easier and at the least possible cost to herself”.
Caroline Haughey KC, prosecuting, told jurors during the trial: “Lydia Mugambe has exploited and abused [her alleged victim], taking advantage of her lack of understanding of her rights to properly paid employment and deceiving her as to the purpose of her coming to the UK.”Commander for Oxfordshire, Chief Superintendent Ben Clark, said: “Lydia Mugambe is an extremely qualified lawyer, a Ugandan High Court Judge and a UN Criminal Tribunal Judge. As such, there is no doubt that she knew she was committing offences.
“Modern slǎvêry is an under reported crime and I hope that the bravery of the victim in this case encourages other victims of modern slavery to come forward.
“If you are a victim or have information about modern slavery then please contact Thames Valley Police. We will listen and we will help you.
“You can contact us by visiting a police station, leaving details via our website or by calling 101.”
NAQEZ WENT TOO FAR WITH CALLS FOR TEACHER PROTESTS – ZCTU
NAQEZ WENT TOO FAR WITH CALLS FOR TEACHER PROTESTS – ZCTU
ZAMBIA Congress of Trade Unions Chief Executive Officer Joy Beene says National Action for Quality Education in Zambia went beyond its mandate when it called for a nationwide strike of its members.
Two weeks ago, NAQEZ Executive Director Dr Aaron Chansa said for the past three years, the government had made repeated public assurances that over 40,000 teachers would be moved into appropriate salary scales but the promises remained unfulfilled, leaving teachers feeling disrespected and demoralised. Dr Chansa said NAQEZ understood the implications of a nationwide strike, but such action was now inevitable if justice was to be delivered to hardworking teachers.
Daily Revelation
“CYBER LAW IS MEANT TO DEAL WITH CYBER SPACE CRIMINALS”
“CYBER LAW IS MEANT TO DEAL WITH CYBER SPACE CRIMINALS”
Information and Media Permanent Secretary THABO KAWANA has urged Zambians to desist from fearing the cyber security laws but instead abide by them like any other enforced law in Zambia .
Mr. KAWANA says people that use the internet without malicious intentions have nothing to fear because the law is meant to deal with cyber space criminals.
He says government is committed to ensure that every internet user in the country is protected by the law.
Mr KAWANA was speaking when he attended a town hall meeting on access to information and media freedom, organized by the Livingstone Press Club.
And Bloggers of Zambia Chief Executive Officer RICHARD MULONGA has called on media practitioners to exercise their role of informing and educating the public on the Cyber Security Act.
He says this will clear out on-going misconceptions resulting in the fear of free media use
by the public.
Mr. MULONGA says Zambians should be sensitized on the significance of a law that is crafted to combat criminal activities on the internet.
Meanwhile, Livingstone Press Club President, MERCY NGOMA has appealed to the government through the ministry of information and media to financially support the nonprofit club.
She says this will ensure that sensitization on the access to information and cybersecurity laws is efficiently communicated to the public .
ZNBC
PRESIDENT OPTIMIST ABOUT ZAMBIA HITTING 3 MILLION TONNES COPPER PRODUCTION BY 2031
PRESIDENT OPTIMIST ABOUT ZAMBIA HITTING 3 MILLION TONNES COPPER PRODUCTION BY 2031
PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichielma has expressed optimism that Zambia Will Hit 3 Million Ton Copper Target by 2031.
The Head of State acknowledged challenges like the energy crisis but emphasised that the mining sector remains resilient adding KCM & Mopani have recorded a 2,000% production increase, while Mopani has seen a 58% rise since resuming operations.
He has assured the nation that the government’s ambitious target of 3 million tons of copper production by 2031 is achievable.
Mr Hichilema adds that Mining firms are now paying suppliers and contractors within 30 days for services rendered.
He is of the view that the government is implementing measures to stabilise power supply and support the mining sector’s growth.
President Hichilema said this in a speech read on his behalf by mines and minerals development minister paul kabuswe during the extraordinary meeting of the international conference on the great lakes region in Lusaka today.
M&D
INTAKE 10 OF 2024 OF THE SPECIAL FORCES OF THE ZAMBIA ARMY INDUCTED
INTAKE 10 OF 2024 OF THE SPECIAL FORCES OF THE ZAMBIA ARMY INDUCTED
Intake 10 of 2024 of the Special Forces of the Zambia Army have been inducted after completing their nine months Basic Training.
Minister of Defence Mr. Ambrose Lufuma officiated at the Induction Parade held at the Special Forces Training School in Mbala District, Northern Province.
Mr. Lufuma urged the elite troops to defend the territorial integrity of the country.
He said Special Forces are charged with the responsibility of serving national interest at all times.
Mr. Lufuma pledged government support to the Zambia Defence Force so that it can continue to protect the country’s sovereignty.
He said President Hakainde Hichilema wants the men and women in uniform to continue playing a significant role in economic and national development.
Mr. Lufuma said government will continue providing the material and financial support to enable Zambian soldiers serve in United Nations peacekeeping missions abroad.
And Zambia Army Commander Lieutenant General Geoffrey Zyeele said Special Forces are the last guardian of national security in Zambia.
Lt Gen Zyeele urged the newly inducted Special Forces to serve the nation with professionalism and pride.
Lt Gen Zyeele thanked government for supporting the training of the Special Forces.
Meanwhile, Special Forces Group Commander Brigadier General Charles Swana said the inductees have been transformed from regular soldiers to elite troops.
Brig Gen Swana said the new Special Forces are law abiding soldiers who are ready to defend the Constitution of the Republic of Zambia.
And Special Forces Training School Commandant Lieutenant Colonel Bright Tatile said all those who have been inducted exhibited exceptiona courage and dedication during training.
Lt Col Tatile said the inductees were trained through perseverance and straineous activities.
Prominent among those who attended the Induction Parade were Northern Province Minister Mr. Leonard Mbao, Muchinga Province Minister Mr. Njavwa Simutowe, Ministry of Defence Permanent Secretary Mr. Maambo Haamaundu and Zambia Air Force Commader Lieutenant General Oscar Nyoni.
ZAMBIA POLICE ANTI-FRAUD UNIT ARRESTS THREE DIRECTORS FOR FINANCIAL CRIMES
ZAMBIA POLICE ANTI-FRAUD UNIT ARRESTS THREE DIRECTORS FOR FINANCIAL CRIMES
The Zambia Police Anti-Fraud Unit at Service Headquarters in Lusaka, working with officers in Livingstone, has confirmed the arrest and joint charging of three Directors from Batoka Sky for multiple financial offences.
Police Public Relations Officer, Rae Hamoonga, has stated that the suspects, all South African nationals, include 67-year-old Daniel Brink, Managing Director of Kaboka Zambia Limited, as well as 44-year-old Daniel Geldenhuys and 47-year-old Suresh Kumah, who is an accountant at Livingstone Adventures Limited.
The three have been charged under Section 279 of Chapter 87 of the Penal Code of the Laws of Zambia for theft by a director, involving USD 980,000 meant for Kaboka Zambia Limited between January 2018 and April 15, 2025.
Hamoonga has further disclosed that the suspects face an additional charge for the theft of USD 90,000, which was fraudulently obtained under the false pretext of selling 50% shares in Kaboka Zambia Limited between 2017 and 2022, despite no genuine intention to complete such a transaction.
He has also alleged that Kumah, in his role as Finance Manager at Livingstone Adventures Limited, authorised or recorded false financial entries related to funds received into the accounts of Kaboka Zambia Limited.
According to Hamoonga, all three suspects have been released on police bond and are expected to appear in court soon.
PRESIDENT HICHILEMA ORDERS ZESCO TO SWITCH ON THE FUTURE: $43 MILLION AGRO PROJECT STILL WAITING IN THE DARK
PRESIDENT HICHILEMA ORDERS ZESCO TO SWITCH ON THE FUTURE: $43 MILLION AGRO PROJECT STILL WAITING IN THE DARK
The FOX Newspaper
KAWAMBWA – In what can only be described as a presidential “wake-up call,” President Hakainde Hichilema has directed ZESCO to fast-track electrification of the Green 2000 agro project in Luena Farm Block, Kawambwa — a $43 million investment still operating on 27 diesel engines like it’s 1995.
Yes, you heard right — diesel engines in 2025, for a multi-million-dollar Israeli-run agro-industrial venture that’s supposed to feed both stomachs and economies. And while the farm produces crops, ZESCO appears to be growing… delays.
During his tour, President Hichilema emphasized that July 25, 2025, ZESCO’s proposed connection date, is simply too far. And considering the farmers are already sweating bullets refueling diesel tanks, he’s absolutely right.
“This is a great investment,” the President said, clearly baffled at why a futuristic project was being powered by prehistoric energy habits. “Kawambwa has the potential to be an economic powerhouse… but we need power first.”
ZESCO, however, seems to think urgency comes with a calendar invite — setting a tentative date months away for a job that should’ve been prioritized long before fuel receipts started resembling phone books.
Meanwhile, Jordan Agriculture Valley, the company running Green 2000, says it supports 350 small-scale farmers and employs 70 local workers — meaning real livelihoods are stuck in limbo, thanks to Zambia’s version of “load-waiting.”
General Manager Dawid Durandt politely aired his frustration: “We’re running 27 diesel engines,” he said — a sentence that could trigger an environmentalist.
The President’s push is commendable. But until ZESCO learns that “development” doesn’t come with a snooze button, dreams like Green 2000 risk becoming dusty exhibits of what could have been.