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50 Cent Celebrates Success Of ’50 Cent Action’ TV Channel: ‘I Got More Coming’

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50 Cent‘s action channel on Roku is a hit, and the entertainment mogul is ready to make things even bigger in the near future.

Taking to Instagram on Wednesday (April 2), Fif revealed the 50 Cent Action Channel – which is one of the first-ever celebrity-branded FAST channels (Free Ad-supported Streaming Television) – has become one of the most popular ones on the platform.

“My @50centaction channel ranked in the top 5% out of more than 500 channels on Roku I got more coming for you today bringing this channel everywhere stay tuned!” he wrote.

The channel launched in December and features a curation of 50’s favorite movies and shows in the Lionsgate library – which includes over a dozen films that feature the entertainment mogul himself. It also includes his long-running STARZ show, Power.

In related news, 50 Cent is set to expand his already vast business empire with a new sports and entertainment venue in Shreveport, Louisiana.

50, who is already leasing a huge film and TV studio in the city, was given the go-ahead last month for his new venture at a Shreveport City Council meeting.

The rapper and businessman will take out a decades-long lease on the Stageworks building, with the plan to turn it into a state-of-the-art sports and entertainment venue.

The venue will undergo a partial renovation so that it can host basketball, volleyball, boxing and MMA events, as well as concerts, car shows and conventions.

50 has been granted a 30-year lease on the building which can be extended by another 15 years, with his G-Unit Films & Television company paying a rent of just $200 per month.

He will also be responsible for all maintenance and operational costs.

fter he was granted the lease, 50 said at the meeting: “I just want to say, in the short period of time, I’ve come to like the people of Shreveport in a different way. It feels like home for me, and eventually it’ll be home because I have some work to do.

“I remember [Councilman] Alan [Jackson], the first time I spoke to him after Humor & Harmony, the first thing he said was, ‘Well, what’s next?’ And I was like, ‘I think I need to talk to tourism. I think I need to talk to all of these other people to build it out.’”

He added: “I’m excited about building those things and I want to say openly to [Councilman] Jim [Taliaferro] that — I haven’t had to talk to you directly — I promise you, I’ll over deliver with Shreveport.

Eddie Cross apologies to Mnangagwa

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President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s former economic adviser Eddie Cross has apologised following his public claims that the First Family is involved in corruption. Cross revealed that he met with the President, First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa, and their three sons after making the allegations in a televised interview.

In a statement released this week, Cross recounted the sequence of events, beginning with his interview on March 31 with a South African television station. During the broadcast, he cited widespread corruption in Zimbabwe as one of the causes behind a national stay-away protest that took place that day. He further claimed that members of Mnangagwa’s family were among those implicated in corrupt activities.

“On Monday the 31st of March I gave an interview to a South African television station regarding the stay away that took place that day across the country,” Cross said. “In that interview, I stated that one of the reasons for this event was dissatisfaction with the very substantial corruption taking place across the country. I also stated that the President’s family were involved.”

Following the interview, Cross sought an audience with the President to address the comments. He admitted to having overstepped by directly implicating the President’s family and issued a formal apology.

“On Tuesday, I requested a meeting with the President and told him that I recognised that I should not have involved his family, and I apologized unreservedly,” Cross said. “He expressed concern about the substance of my general allegations on the magnitude of corruption and asked that I substantiate this. I agreed to provide him with a dossier of what I understand is going on.”

Cross also confirmed that the President specifically asked him to name the family members he believed to be involved in corruption. Cross identified three of Mnangagwa’s sons.

On Wednesday, Cross returned to State House and met with the three sons to elaborate on his claims. However, he admitted that he was unable to provide concrete evidence and had only heard unverified reports.

“I outlined what I was hearing but could not provide firm evidence to support these allegations and rumours,” Cross stated. “I again apologized and said I would withdraw my statement on this matter.”

The development adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing national discourse on corruption, a topic that has increasingly come under the spotlight during Mnangagwa’s presidency. While the President has repeatedly vowed to root out graft, critics argue that enforcement remains selective and insufficient.

As of now, neither President Mnangagwa nor members of his family have issued a public response to Cross’s initial allegations or his subsequent apology.

Kanye West Unveils Controversial ‘WW3’ Artwork As Album Fails To Drop

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Kanye West‘s new album WW3 has (unsurprisingly) failed to be released as planned, but the rapper has unveiled the controversial artwork for the project (also not a surprise).

It was claimed by Akademiks that WW3 was set to arrive on Thursday (April 3), but the album has so far failed to materialize in any form.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Ye offered something of an update on the record by revealing what he claimed was the album’s cover.

The image depicts two people, each wearing Ku Klux Klan outfits and one holding flowers, stood in front of bales of hay.

It’s unclear when WW3 will be released, if it all, and whether it will be available on streaming services, given Kanye’s past comments about potentially boycotting traditional platforms with his music.

The album was announced earlier this week, despite the Chicago native just recently leaking an unfinished version of his 11th solo LP Bully as an extended music video starring his son Saint.

Alongside drawings of swastikas, Kanye shared the handwritten tracklist on social media on Wednesday (April 2), which featured controversial song titles such as “Heil Hitler,” “Free Diddy,” “Virgil Let Me Down,” “Cosby,” “Nitrous” and “Hitler Ye and Jesus.”

Dave Blunts, the up-and-coming rapper who has gone viral in recent months for his obesity-related health issues and codeine anthem “The Cup,” is the sole guest on the 11-song album.

WW3 also includes a track called “Bianca,” on which West reveals that his wife has left him over his recent string of inflammatory social media rants.

After pleading for his wife to “come back to me” on the hook, Ye raps in a high-pitched voice over a soul sample: “She’s having a panic attack and she is not liking the way that I tweeted / Until Bianca’s back, I stay up all night, I’m not going to sleep.”

He also reveals that Censori tried to get him “committed” to a hospital, presumably a mental health facility, and raps about tracking her down through his phone.

“I really don’t know where she’s at / I’m tracking my bitch through an app / I’m tracking my bitch through the city / I guess we the new Cassie and Diddy,” he spits.

Censori has yet to respond to the song, but the couple have been plagued by divorce rumors in recent months amid Kanye’s increasingly controversial antics.

$8 Billion Paradox: Who Really Benefited from Donor Aid to Zambia?- Dr Mwelwa

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$8 Billion Paradox: Who Really Benefited from Donor Aid to Zambia?- Dr Mwelwa

$8 Billion Paradox: Who Really Benefited from Donor Aid to Zambia?

By Dr Mwelwa

Ambassador Gonzales’ remarks are a sobering reminder of the challenges and contradictions that lie at the heart of donor-recipient relationships. His assertion that Zambia has received US$8 billion in aid, yet remains mired in poverty and inequality, carries emotional and political weight—but it also demands a closer, more nuanced examination of how those funds are actually structured, controlled, and spent. The suggestion that Zambia has “failed” to invest or reform assumes that the recipient has full agency over how aid money is deployed. In reality, that is rarely the case.



Much of the money described as “donations to Zambia” never truly enters the Zambian economy in a way that reflects national priorities or empowers local systems. A significant portion of these funds—sometimes up to 70%—is absorbed by donor-country consultants, project overheads, administrative costs, and parallel systems created outside of government frameworks. The Zambian people often become spectators to projects funded in their name but implemented under conditions that limit their involvement and dilute their ownership. The vehicles of change are chosen abroad, the drivers trained elsewhere, and Zambia is simply told to fasten its seatbelt and hope for the best.


This is the heart of the contradiction in aid-led development. Donors arrive with resources but also with detailed blueprints—prepared by their own experts, based on external models, shaped by their own political interests. Aid is often conditional not just in policy terms, but in execution. Funds are tied to procurement from donor-country firms, reporting formats that marginalize local institutions, and performance indicators that reflect donor optics rather than ground realities. It becomes incredibly difficult for governments to reorient these funds toward what they know will move the needle: long-term investments in governance, local production, food systems, education reforms, or institution building.



When a donor commits US$20 million to address food insecurity, as the Ambassador cited, it is worth asking: how much of that money actually supports Zambian farmers, traders, logistics systems, or storage infrastructure? How much of it goes instead to expatriate-run NGOs, imported grain, or third-party evaluators who leave once the project cycle ends? And when a government tries to step in with its own procurement, as seen with the grain import deal from Tanzania, it is immediately judged by market metrics or cost deviations—often without full insight into the political, logistical, or regional dynamics involved. Zambia is rarely allowed the luxury of learning from its own decisions; it is scrutinized for every misstep, while the structural inefficiencies built into donor systems go unquestioned.



Ambassador Gonzales spoke of the need for Zambia to “make tougher reforms,” but reform is not a one-way demand—it is a collaborative process. Real transformation cannot take root in soil that is constantly being dug up and replanted by foreign hands. If donors truly want to see growth, they must begin by trusting the countries they claim to support. That means funding accountability institutions directly—without excessive intermediaries. It means supporting domestic tax reforms, not just providing stopgap funding when leaks appear. It means being flexible with how aid is used, allowing governments to experiment, adapt, and yes, sometimes fail, in the pursuit of long-term national progress.



Zambia is not without fault, and the government acknowledges that systemic weaknesses remain. But it is disingenuous to lay the failure of an entire development model at Zambia’s feet, while ignoring the strings that come with every dollar. True partnership means co-creating change—not dictating it. The Zambian government is now actively working to harmonize donor contributions, reduce duplication, and align external funding with national development plans. This is not the work of a government asleep at the wheel—it is the work of a country attempting to reclaim its agency within a system that too often denies it.



If we are to speak of failure, let us do so with humility and honesty. The failure is not Zambia’s alone. It is the failure of a development model that continues to confuse control with compassion. It is the failure of good intentions executed without trust. It is the failure of a system where the donor dollar, more often than not, returns home before it ever touches the lives it was meant to transform.

UPND advises Archbishop Banda to declare political interests

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UPND advises Archbishop Banda to declare political interests

UPND advises Archbishop Banda to declare political interests

UPND Chairperson for Religious Affairs Chairman, William Njombo has implored church leaders to openly profess their political affiliations and stop hiding behind pulpits.



Reverend Njombo said Lusaka’s Archbishop, Alick Banda’s criticisms of the constitution amendment bill are calculated and unfounded, claiming that the Bishop was using his religious authority to covertly promote the political interests of the Patriotic Front.



Njombo was speaking when he addressed journalists in Lusaka yesterday at Anderson Kambela Mazoka House.

He dismissed Archbishop Banda’s objections, arguing that his apparent opposition was merely a smokescreen to conceal his partisan leanings.



“Bishop Banda has never been supportive of anything initiated by the UPND and his objections are politically motivated. His rhetoric does not reflect a genuine concern for the people but rather serves to confuse his political agenda.”

“We demand that Bishop Banda steps out from behind the veil of the church and engage in politics without masquerading his political beliefs as spiritual guidance,” he said.



Njombo sad Bishop Banda’s opposition to such crucial democratic principles especially given his stature and presumed commitment to justice is both perplexing and deeply concerning.

“Because for a person of his position to discredit initiatives that would empower the people’s voice in government is a grave disappointment,” he stated.



Njombo therefore affirmed government’s commitment to collaborate with the church despite some hostile criticism from clergymen, emphasizing the importance of a united front in service of the people’s best interests.

He noted the significant role played by the church in offering spiritual and moral guidance to communities and as well as the nation.



Meanwhile, Upnd Media Director, Mark Simuuwe denounced comparisons between the current constitutional reform efforts and the previously failed Bill 10, terming such comparisons as misleading and an affront to the intelligence to Zambians.



Simuuwe highlighted key differences between the two proposals, citing elements of Bill 10 that encroached upon morality and fairness such as issues surrounding church attire, the abolition of the Industrial Relations Court and proposals for a coalition government without the required support.



“Previous attempts to regulate traditional leadership and to elect the Chairperson of the House of Chiefs were backward and are not part of the current proposals,” he said.


“Suggestions under Bill 10 to reintroduce deputy ministers and grant the President more powers to create or merge provinces are the exact opposite of the current reforms that promote inclusivity through delimitation and proportional representation.”

By Sharon Zulu

Kalemba April 05, 2025

Zambia Losing $3 Billion Annually to Illicit Financial Flows, Says U.S. Ambassador

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Zambia Losing $3 Billion Annually to Illicit Financial Flows, Says U.S. Ambassador

Zambia Losing $3 Billion Annually to Illicit Financial Flows, Says U.S. Ambassador

Zambia’s economic stability is under threat, with up to $3 billion lost each year due to illicit financial flows, according to U.S. Ambassador to Zambia, Michael C. Gonzales. This alarming figure represents 20% of Zambia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), posing a significant challenge to the country’s development and economic growth.


Gonzales’ remarks have sparked fresh concerns over the governance and financial management of foreign aid and national resources. The ambassador’s comments come at a time when Zambia continues to grapple with systemic inefficiencies and corruption.


Gonzales pointed out that a large portion of the country’s economic woes could be attributed to corrupt practices and poor financial oversight, which drain billions from the economy annually. “The $3 billion lost each year through illicit flows is a massive burden on Zambia’s economic prospects,” Gonzales said, highlighting that this figure accounts for a substantial portion of the nation’s wealth.



In addition to this worrying statistic, Gonzales also addressed the issue of inflated maize imports, a scandal that has further eroded Zambia’s financial stability. He questioned why the country paid 48% more for imported maize than the prevailing market price, highlighting inefficiencies in procurement and trade practices.



“Paying 48% higher for your grain than you should and not even taking delivery? That’s an obvious red flag,” Gonzales remarked. The United States, a key donor, had contributed $20 million to Zambia’s food security efforts, only for the funds to be potentially mismanaged or misallocated in deals like these.



The maize importation issue has raised questions about the transparency and accountability in Zambia’s food procurement processes, especially as the nation struggles with food security challenges.


While international donors, including the United States, have provided significant funding to address these challenges, the question remains: where is the money going, and how much of it is actually benefiting Zambian farmers and consumers?



This situation is symptomatic of broader governance challenges in Zambia, where foreign aid often gets diverted into inefficient or corrupt systems that fail to reach the intended recipients.

Despite substantial contributions from international partners, Zambia continues to struggle with poverty, inequality, and underdevelopment, much of which can be traced back to poor financial management and the outflow of resources through illicit means.



The U.S. Ambassador’s call for greater accountability and transparency echoes a growing frustration with the way foreign aid and national resources are managed in Zambia. To address these challenges, Gonzales urged the Zambian government to strengthen its institutional capacity to combat corruption and illicit financial flows.

He also stressed the importance of aligning aid with national priorities, ensuring that resources are used effectively to support sustainable development and the empowerment of local systems.



“The failure to address these systemic issues means that Zambia will continue to lose billions in revenue every year. The government must prioritize reforms that tackle corruption and ensure that foreign aid supports long-term growth and self-sufficiency,” Gonzales added.

April 5, 2025
©️ KUMWESU

ABOUT THE RISE IN DEFILEMENT AND INCEST CASES: KEY DRIVERS AND POSSIBLE INTERVENTIONS

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ABOUT THE RISE IN DEFILEMENT AND INCEST CASES: KEY DRIVERS AND POSSIBLE INTERVENTIONS

ABOUT THE RISE IN DEFILEMENT AND INCEST CASES: KEY DRIVERS AND POSSIBLE INTERVENTIONS



By Sean Tembo – PeP President & TONSE ALLIANCE Spokesperson

1. Why would a grown man have sexual relations with a child? Worse still, why would a father have sexual relations with their own daughter? This has become a huge menace in the past 12 months or so. It has always been a problem since time immemorial, but of late, it has become a worse problem. About 15 years ago when the penalty for defilement was stiffened to a maximum of 35 years imprisonment with hard labor, the cases of defilement dwindled significantly, but there is now a serious upswing.



2. The worst part of it all is that there does not appear to be a coherent and structured intervention by Government, to address this problem, other than grandstanding rantings designed to achieve political mileage. I was amazed when l saw the Minister of Justice, Princess Kasune, tell the men in Parliament, a few weeks ago, that she is available to sleep with them, so that they do not have to go after young girls. Well, l think that is a simplistic approach to the issue, but thanks for letting us know about your availability, Honorable Minister!!!


3. My considered view is that the problem of defilement and incest is one that is fueled by societal beliefs and practices, especially among the less privileged in our society. My understanding is that the initial epidemic of defilement cases, which broke out in the late 1990s and early 2000s, was driven by the mistaken belief among some men that when they sleep with a minor, they will be cured of their HIV/AIDS illness. This was around the time when HIV/AIDS was at its peak, and people had very little understanding of it, so the Traditional Healers took advantage of the situation and started prescribing fake solutions to desperate people infected with HIV/AIDS.



4. Even during the first epidemic of defilement cases, I did not see any tailored programs by Government, designed to achieve behavioral change in our society, and specifically meant to dispel the then belief that one could be cured of HIV/AIDS by having sexual relations with a child. In my view, what saved the situation then was the advent of ARVs. As more and more people began to realize that they could lead a perfectly normal life with HIV/AIDS, provided they consistently took their ARV medication, the less people believed the false prescriptions of Traditional Healers.


5. But then, what has driven this second wave of defilement cases, which appears to be intertwined with incest cases? From what l have gathered on the ground, it is again Traditional Healers who are at the center of the problem. I hear that Traditional Healers are giving false prescriptions to people that they can have sudden riches if they have sexual relations with minors and also their own children!!! And with the current economic hardships, coupled with people’s laziness and appetite for sudden riches, these factors are seriously driving the problem of defilement and incest to epidemic proportions, especially among the underprivileged in our society.



6. The new twist to the current epidemic of defilement and incest cases however, is that the women are as much involved as the men. While the act of defilement and incest is itself perpetrated by the man, it often has the blessings and approval of the wife !!! Both man and wife often buy into the false prescriptions by Traditional Healers for quickly getting rich, and they are selfishly willing to use their children as sacrificial lambs!!! This situation presents a unique problem because it makes it extremely difficult for cases of defilement and incest to be discovered and successfully prosecuted in a home. Oftentimes, it is only when the minor child is impregnated that the crime is revealed to the public.



7. It is because of such conspiracy between the man and the wife, that l was not surprised with what transpired at Kabwata Police Station the other day, whereby three wives were arrested for attempting to bribe Police Officers so that they can release their husband, who was in custody for defiling his minor daughter. If the three wives were not aware, and did not approve of the man’s defilement of his daughter, l doubt that they would have moved with such speed to mobilize K4,800 to go and attempt to bribe the Police Officers so that they could drop the case against their husband. If they were not part of the scam, natural human behavior dictates that they should have been angry towards the man for defiling the daughter, and if they did forgive him, it should have happened months along the way, and not the following day.



8. Even in cases of gender-based violence, after the wife is assaulted, she will want the husband to be locked up in the first few days. It is only after a few weeks, with the intervention of relatives, that she may consider forgiving him and withdrawing the case from the Police. It would be extremely rare that a wife is panel-beaten today, and husband is locked up, then the following day, she desperately wants to have the husband released from custody and case dropped, to the extent of trying to bribe Police Officers. Therefore, the Kabwata case is indicative of the fact that the defilement and incest of the daughter was taking place with the full knowledge and approval of the three wives. Arresting and prosecuting the offenders is a simplistic approach to this issue. Government should take an interest to investigate why this is happening, so as to forestall future occurrences.



9. In Chewa, there’s a saying that “..tifuna chatsetsa dzaye, kuti njovu ityoke mnyanga..” Loosely translated, this means “… we want to know what caused the coconut to drop from the tree, for the elephant to break it’s tusk ..”. In other words, it is important for the Government to properly investigate the root causes of the current epidemic of defilement and incest cases, so that they can implement appropriate interventions.



10. In my considered view, the current penalties for defilement and incest are stiff enough. But why are they not able to discourage would-be offenders? I have heard of suggestions that defilement and incest offenders should be castrated. But l doubt that even such a punishment would arrest the problem of defilement. We may just end up with a society with a lot of men without penises. I think what is really needed are interventions that would bring about behavioral change. Interventions that would dispel the false prescriptions of Traditional Healers and their fake get-rich-quick schemes.

For example, we have television shows such as Mpali and Zuba, which are watched by a significant portion of our population. Government could use such platforms to achieve the desired behavioral change among the population, so as to reduce cases of defilement and incest. Of course there will still be exceptional cases of men who are driven to defilement because they fail to approach and convince a grown woman. In such cases, the Honorable Minister of Justice could always be called in to assist. Anyway, the Future is SET ✌️ ✌️ ✌️

///END

SET 05.04.2025

“THE TRUTH ABOUT THE UPND GOVERNMENT: A RESPONSE TO KASONDE MWENDA’S ALLEGATIONS”

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“THE TRUTH ABOUT THE UPND GOVERNMENT: A RESPONSE TO KASONDE MWENDA’S ALLEGATIONS”

“THE TRUTH ABOUT THE UPND GOVERNMENT: A RESPONSE TO KASONDE MWENDA’S ALLEGATIONS”

By Timmy

Kasonde Mwenda’s recent article accusing the UPND government of corruption is a baseless attack that lacks concrete evidence. The allegations of stealing $20 million meant for relief maize from Tanzania are unsubstantiated and misleading. The Zambian government, under President Hakainde Hichilema’s leadership, is committed to transparency and accountability in all its dealings.



The maize in question was purchased from Tanzania at the correct price, with no evidence of corruption or wrongdoing. The Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) dismissed reports of a contract awarded to First Quantum Minerals (FQM) to transport 650,000 metric tonnes of maize from Tanzania to Zambia. Instead, FQM voluntarily offered to transport 4,000 metric tonnes of maize at no cost to the government, bearing the transportation cost of $500,000.



The UPND government has demonstrated its dedication to ensuring food security in Zambia. Maize imports purchased through the DMMU have arrived in the country, addressing the drought. This initiative showcases the government’s commitment to prioritizing citizens’ needs. Some notable achievements include:
– Education: Reinstated student meal allowances, introduced free primary and secondary education, and increased access to higher education
– Employment: Created thousands of jobs in teaching, local government, and the defence force
– Energy: Invested in solar panel initiatives and energy diversification projects
– Human Rights: Abolished the death penalty and introduced laws to protect human rights


Does Kasonde Mwenda really think the President and the UPND government would risk Zambians’ lives by stealing money meant for relief maize during a drought? The answer is no. The UPND government’s actions demonstrate their commitment to transparency and accountability.


The UPND government’s commitment to transparency and accountability is unwavering. Unsubstantiated allegations and sensationalized articles only undermine progress. Let’s focus on fact-based discussions and constructive dialogue to build a better future for Zambia. The Zambian National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) reported on August 9, 2024, that the DMMU had dismissed reports of a contract awarded to FQM and that maize imports had started arriving in the country.

WAGON MEDIA

21 CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS APPLAUDED FOR REJECTING FLAWED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT ROADMAP

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21 CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS APPLAUDED FOR REJECTING FLAWED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT ROADMAP

21 CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS APPLAUDED FOR REJECTING FLAWED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT ROADMAP

Lusaka… Saturday April 5, 2025

Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have received widespread commendation for their firm stance against the proposed constitutional amendment roadmap, following a joint press statement they issued yesterday.


The statement, which rejected the current reform process, was described as a bold and necessary intervention by Socialist Party member and activist, Thompson Luzendi.

In a statement to the media, Luzendi praised the CSOs for what he called a “historic stand” in defense of democracy.



He said the 21 organisations had demonstrated clarity, courage, and conviction at a time when the country’s political landscape demanded it most.

According to Luzendi, the CSOs’ refusal to be co-opted into a process he described as “lacking credibility, inclusiveness, and transparency” was a reflection of their commitment to democratic principles.


He warned that the proposed constitutional amendments were being rushed through in a manner that appeared to serve the interests of a single political party, rather than the broader Zambian public.

“The CSOs’ rejection of the roadmap is not just a political act,” Mr. Luzendi stated. “It is the right thing to do by any law-abiding organisation. The soul of our democracy must not be auctioned off through non-contentious reforms that disguise partisan motives.”



He said the statement issued by the CSOs echoed the concerns of millions of Zambians who were increasingly worried about democratic backsliding, the manipulation of institutions, and threats to the rule of law.

He reiterated the long-standing position that any constitutional reform must be people-led, participatory, and grounded in genuine national dialogue.



Mr. Luzendi criticised the roadmap for being vague and rushed, and for failing to address core national concerns such as electoral integrity, the separation of powers, and effective local governance.

He asserted that by rejecting the flawed process, civil society had placed itself on the “right side of history.”



“In moments like these, silence is complicity,” he said. “These brave organisations have chosen to speak out, and in doing so, they have stood with the people, with democracy, and with the future of this nation.”

He also issued a call to action to youth, activists, faith-based leaders, academics, and citizens, urging them not to remain passive.



“This is your moment too,” he said. “Engage. Mobilize. Defend the Constitution—not because it is perfect, but because the process to change it must be.”

Addressing the government, Luzendi warned President Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND administration not to misinterpret the public’s peacefulness as submission or indifference.



He said Zambia had risen before to protect its democracy and would not hesitate to do so again.

Mr. Luzendi concluded by applauding the CSOs involved, including Chapter One Foundation, ActionAid, Civil Society for Poverty Reduction, Alliance for Community Action, Transparency International Zambia, Media Institute for Southern Africa, People’s Action for Accountability and Good Governance, Women in Law and Development in Africa, PANOS Institute Southern Africa, Zambia Alliance of Women, Foundation for Democratic Process, Centre for Environmental Justice and many others.



He described them as the “conscience of the nation” and emphasized that history would remember their courage during a time of political uncertainty.

“When history is written,” he said, “it will record that at a time of great uncertainty, these organisations chose courage over convenience and people over politics.”

ZAMBIAN YOUTHS MUST NOT BE REDUCED TO HANDOUTS …says Sconel Lusambo as he condemns initiatives designed to keep the youth silent, idle, and broke

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ZAMBIAN YOUTHS MUST NOT BE REDUCED TO HANDOUTS

…says Sconel Lusambo as he condemns initiatives designed to keep the youth silent, idle, and broke



Lusaka… Saturday April 5, 2025

The Socialist Party’s National Youth Deputy Spokesperson, Sconel Lusambo, has strongly criticized the UPND government, stating that it is deliberately reducing the future of Zambian youths to short-term poverty relief initiatives rather than offering lasting empowerment.



In a statement, Lusambo contended that the ruling administration had chosen to keep young people dependent on “Cash for Work” and Social Cash Transfer programs, which he described not as tools for development but as mechanisms of control.



He argued that these initiatives were designed to keep the youth “silent, idle, and broke.”

According to Lusambo, the government had demonstrated no real interest in fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, or skills development among the youth.


He maintained that what Zambia needed were policies aimed at unlocking the potential of its young citizens, not programs that merely “buy silence.”

“Giving a youth K200 today without a plan for tomorrow is not empowerment—it’s economic sabotage,” he reportedly said, emphasizing that the current approach undermines long-term progress and self-reliance.


He further expressed concern over a national crisis of youth unemployment, criticizing the government for celebrating what he termed “the distribution of crumbs.”

He questioned the absence of significant investments in sectors such as industry, agriculture, technology, and the creative arts, which he believes could serve as genuine engines for youth empowerment.


Mr. Lusambo also accused the UPND of intentionally keeping the youth poor in order to use them as political tools during elections.

He urged young people across the country to recognize this pattern and reject “poverty politics.”


In his call to action, he urged the youth to demand leadership that prioritizes empowerment, productivity, and opportunity over dependence and charity.


He concluded by asserting that the best solution was to remove the UPND government in the next general election, advocating for a leadership that believes in the potential of Zambia’s youth.

Ohio teacher arrested for allegedly handing student $2K to kill estranged husband

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Asubstitute teacher in Ohio has been arrested for allegedly handing a high school student $2,000 to kill her estranged husband in a plot that was thwarted by the mother of the teenager.

On Wednesday, 44-year-old Stephanie Demetrius was arrested on first-degree conspiracy after the mother of the teenage student saw the texts between her son and the Ohio teacher at Academy for Urban Scholars High School.

The boy’s mom then contacted police, as per court documents obtained by WSYX, and that led to Demetrius’ arrest.

“This particular teacher was attempting to groom this young person into committing murder,” Sgt. James Fuqua, of the Columbus Division of Police, told WSYX.

“Without their help, some of this might not have come to light. This was a situation where a parent was able to capture things inside this young person’s phone and contact authorities.”

Police revealed that on March 26, the substitute teacher approached the student at the Columbus school and offered him the cash bounty to kill her soon-to-be ex-husband, handing out $250 as a down payment.

A recorded phone call between Demetrius and the teenager indicated the Ohio teacher confirming the remainder of the payment, stating she owed an additional “15,” the outlet reported.

Demetrius, who was in the process of divorcing her husband she married in 2004 also told the student her estranged spouse worked from home and gave details about when her kids wouldn’t be home.

“When asked if the neighbors would hear the gunfire, she advised that they don’t care about the neighbors,” court documents obtained by The Columbus Dispatch stated.

On Thursday, the mother of four appeared in Franklin County Municipal Court where her public defender denied the allegations and deemed the claims a ‘fabrication’, the outlet reported.

Prosecutor Parker Schwartz stated that Demetrius showed “possessive and controlling behavior,” citing previous homicidal threats levied against her husband that had him obtain a protection order.

Now, Demetrius is being held on a $150,000 bond and has been prohibited from having any contact with her husband and the minor involved in the case, as per reports.

The arrested Ohio teacher is expected to be back in court for a preliminary hearing on April 11, and the Academy for Urban Scholars High School as of Thursday was yet to issue a statement on the matter.

Judge rejects bid to jail Young Thug over viral post that sparked uproar

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Ajudge in Atlanta has rejected prosecutors’ request to revoke Young Thug’s probation and send him to prison. However, the judge cautioned the rapper about his social media activity after a viral post triggered backlash against the district attorney’s office.

The 33-year-old rapper, who pleaded guilty in October to gang, drug, and gun charges, had been released from jail. In a court filing Wednesday, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis argued that Young Thug’s online actions “directly threaten the safety of witnesses and prosecutors, compromise ongoing legal proceedings, and warrant immediate revocation of probation.”

Despite this, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Paige Reese Whitaker ruled Thursday against revoking his probation.

“While the Court does not find that the cited social media post rises to the level of a violation of Defendant’s probation, it may be prudent for Defendant to exercise restraint regarding certain topics,” Whitaker wrote in a footnote to her order.

Prosecutors alleged that Young Thug reposted an image of a district attorney’s office investigator with a caption calling her “the biggest liar in the DA’s office.” The post went viral, garnering over 2 million views and sparking thousands of comments and shares.

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According to the filing, the investigator’s home address and that of her parents were later posted online, leading to threats against her and her family—including one post that explicitly threatened Willis’ assassination.

Young Thug denied any malicious intent.

“I don’t make threats to people. I’m a good person,” he wrote Wednesday on X. “I would never condone or participate in threatening anyone. I’m all about peace and love.”

His attorney, Brian Steel, dismissed the prosecution’s claims as misleading, asserting that Young Thug had not violated his probation.

Young Thug, whose real name is Jeffery Williams, was indicted in May 2022 alongside more than two dozen others for alleged violations of Georgia’s anti-racketeering law. The indictment accused him of cofounding a violent street gang linked to murders, shootings, and carjackings, with the gang’s activities allegedly promoted through music and social media.

Grand Corruption at Unprecedented Levels – Cover Up, Injustice? (Part 5)- Rev Walter Mwambazi

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Grand Corruption at Unprecedented Levels – Cover Up, Injustice? (Part 5)- Rev Walter Mwambazi

By Rev Walter Mwambazi

Grand Corruption at Unprecedented Levels – Cover Up, Injustice? (Part 5)

Meantime, Bloomberg has written two articles that question our president on his fight against corruption. What makes the fight questionable is the continued persecution of whistleblower Grandy Ntumbo yet the accused persons continue to operate in spite of the cases being in the courts of law.



Recently, I just learned that the life of the whistleblower is in danger (brakes on his vehicle were deliberately removed), beside other such tactics to bring about misadventure.



I ask once again, why is the whistleblower under such persecution? Is this how we treat people that should be hailed as heroes really?

May justice prevail.

PS: April makes it now 27 months with no pay. He is owed over K400,000 in back pay. The lawyers dealing with this case so far have cost $19,000! That fee has been paid by a special organization that deals with the protection of whistleblowers worldwide.



Imagine those who don’t even have such connections. The cases would just die a natural death.

Below is a curated summary of one of the two articles I show here by Chat GPT AI. BLOOMBERG charges for it’s write ups and so one must subscribe to read the whole article.





Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema came to power in 2021 with strong promises to combat corruption, but four years later, his commitment is being questioned. Though he initially gained international praise, particularly from the IMF for economic reforms and debt restructuring, his anti-corruption stance appears inconsistent and selective.



Central to this concern is the case of Grandy Ntumbo, a former Finance Ministry auditor who exposed large-scale corruption involving the misuse of World Bank funds and the abuse of a Treasury account by over 70 government officials. Despite submitting detailed reports, letters, and evidence, Ntumbo faced harassment, threats, and retaliation rather than protection. Although the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) confirmed some of his claims and ordered safeguards, these were largely ignored. He remains locked in a legal struggle and without pay or proper protection.



Meanwhile, the ACC arrested 18 officials from the Finance Ministry in 2023, but no prosecutions have followed. President Hichilema has not publicly addressed Ntumbo’s allegations and continues to insist that his administration is serious about accountability. However, observers—including foreign diplomats and analysts—criticize the lack of follow-through and political will.



Hichilema’s strained relationship with investors has worsened due to surprise policy changes, including increased state control over mining and currency restrictions, raising corruption concerns. Ordinary citizens, grappling with inflation and currency depreciation, are also losing patience.



The Ntumbo case has become a symbol of Zambia’s broader struggle with corruption. A recent court decision allowing a judicial review of his treatment may yet force institutional accountability. Until then, both Ntumbo and Zambia remain in limbo, waiting for real reform.

Catch the two full posts in the comments section

A CRITICAL BREAKDOWN OF THE UPND’s CONCERNS OVER THE RISKS THE PROPOSED LAW POSED TO ZAMBIA INSTITUTIONS AND PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY—UNTOLD CONSEQUENCES OF REMOVING CRUCIAL CHECKS AND BALANCES FROM GOVERNMENT

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A CRITICAL BREAKDOWN OF THE UPND’s CONCERNS OVER THE RISKS THE PROPOSED LAW POSED TO ZAMBIA INSTITUTIONS AND PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY—UNTOLD CONSEQUENCES OF REMOVING CRUCIAL CHECKS AND BALANCES FROM GOVERNMENT

…. A CRITICAL BREAKDOWN OF THE UPND’s CONCERNS OVER THE RISKS THE PROPOSED LAW POSED TO ZAMBIA INSTITUTIONS AND PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY—UNTOLD CONSEQUENCES OF REMOVING CRUCIAL CHECKS AND BALANCES FROM GOVERNMENT….

By Francis Maingaila

Lusaka, (05-04-2025)

The ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) has sharply criticized the failed Bill 10 proposal, emphasizing the dangers it posed to accountability, public oversight, and democratic principles.



Mark Simuwe, UPND Media Director, told journalists at a press briefing that Bill 10 represented a serious threat to Zambia’s democratic processes and public accountability.

He urged continued vigilance in safeguarding these principles, particularly among the younger generation, who must understand the significance of these issues as Bill 10 continues to be a point of contention in national discourse.



Simuwe’s primary concern centered on Bill 10’s proposal to remove the requirement for Permanent Secretaries at the Ministry of Finance to appear before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to justify government spending.

“The architects of Bill 10 wanted to scrap accountability, not improve it,” Simuwe stated. “This wasn’t about reform; it was about regression.”



He warned that removing such accountability mechanisms would have paved the way for chaos and unchecked government expenditures, undermining trust in public institutions.

Additionally, Simuwe voiced alarm over Bill 10’s attempt to weaken the independence of crucial oversight bodies, such as the Auditor General’s Office.



The proposal to alter the tenure security of the Auditor General, he argued, would have compromised the fight against corruption.

“Weakening the Auditor General’s Office means weak public oversight. Without it, corruption thrives,” he emphasized, noting that in countries where similar institutions were undermined, accountability was practically non-existent.



Another disturbing feature of Bill 10, Simuwe highlighted, was a provision that would have protected incompetent office bearers from action until the expiration of their term.

He criticized this as an undemocratic move, saying, “It’s like electing an MP who fails to represent the people and being told to wait five years before you can do anything about it.”



This, he argued, would entrench a lack of accountability in government, ensuring that ineffective leaders remained in power.

Simuwe also addressed the issue of delimitation, which he said had been misrepresented by some quarters, including certain UPND supporters.



While the Constitution mandates delimitation every ten years, there were efforts to override this by pushing a political narrative that questioned the timing.

“That’s not just unconstitutional; it’s dangerous,” Simuwe asserted, pointing out that Parliament, not political forces, should determine the timing of such changes in line with constitutional guidelines.



He also took aim at the proponents of Bill 10 who touted proportional representation for women, youths, and persons with disabilities as a positive element.

While acknowledging the merit of such provisions, he cautioned against cherry-picking parts of the bill to justify its many problematic sections.



“You cannot isolate one attractive clause and ignore the 90% of provisions that would have undermined our democracy,” Simuwe warned.

Simuwe further responded to recent comments by Bishop Alick Banda, who had expressed disappointment over the rejection of Bill 10, calling it a missed opportunity.



“You cannot praise a bill that was overwhelmingly rejected. What was rejected was an attempt to undermine checks and balances,” Simuwe stated, reiterating that Bill 10 was a dangerous proposal for the nation’s governance framework.

On the topic of the constitutional crisis and presidential election petitions, Simuwe pointed to the Constitutional Court’s ruling that fresh nominations must be held in certain circumstances.



He argued that some were in denial about the crisis, which had practical implications for governance.

He also criticized the 14-day limit for presidential election petitions, asserting that it was insufficient time to address such a significant issue properly.



“We must revisit this clause for the sake of fairness and justice,” he urged.

Simuwe emphasized the importance of considering long-term implications when making constitutional changes.

He warned against making amendments based on short-term political gains, noting that the law must outlive all political leaders. “The law must be made for tomorrow, not just today,” he said.

Simuwe concluded by addressing the role of the Church in national discourse.

While acknowledging the Church’s right to comment on political matters, he urged that constructive responses should be expected when politicians engage with the clergy.

“The Church is not a political party, but it is made up of citizens, and politicians are also citizens,” Simuwe stated, emphasizing that democracy thrives when there is open, respectful dialogue.

Zambia’s ongoing constitutional debates have revived discussions around Bill 10, with some claiming that recent proposals echo its controversial provisions.

Simuwe, a key voice in the matter, has sought to clarify the misinterpretations surrounding the proposed amendments, emphasizing the importance of understanding the process and the real issues at stake.

Simuwe highlighted that constitutional amendments are not subject to selective voting on individual clauses. Instead, Parliament votes on the entire document as a package.

This means that Members of Parliament must either accept or reject the bill in its entirety at various legislative stages. “This principle is crucial,” Simuwe stressed. “You cannot selectively approve or reject individual clauses.”

A significant point of contention with Bill 10 was its attempt to enshrine Zambia as a “Christian Nation” in the Constitution.

While some saw this as aligning the nation with Christian values, Simuwe and his allies rejected the proposal, asserting that Zambia is a multi-religious state.

He explained that including such a provision would infringe on fundamental rights, particularly freedom of religion, by imposing one faith’s principles over others.

Another contentious provision in Bill 10 sought to replace the concept of general morality in the Constitution with “Christian morality.”

Simuwe argued that this would be divisive, as even within Christianity, moral values can vary significantly across denominations.

Imposing a single moral code on a diverse, multi-faith population, he noted, would be impractical and unjust.

Simuwe also pointed to Bill 10’s proposal to repeal Article 189(2), which safeguards the pensions of retirees by ensuring they remain on the payroll until they receive their benefits.

Removing this protection, he said, would undermine the financial security of retirees, particularly in a country where government institutions struggle to meet their obligations.

Bill 10 also proposed limiting civil servants’ participation in politics by requiring them to resign two years before elections.

Simuwe criticized this provision as an unnecessary restriction on the right to participate in public affairs, a core democratic principle.

The proposed abolition of several vital commissions, such as the Teaching Service Commission and the Local Government Service Commission, was another key concern.

Simuwe warned that these institutions play essential roles in ensuring government accountability and upholding the rule of law.

The proposed removal of the Industrial Relations Court, which expedites the resolution of employment disputes, would have denied workers timely access to justice.

Another controversial aspect of Bill 10 was its proposal to replace the presidential runoff system with a coalition government model if no candidate secured more than 50% of the vote.

Simuwe noted that while coalition governments may work in some contexts, they have often led to instability in African countries like South Sudan. He argued that such a change could be dangerous for Zambia’s political stability and democratic principles.

Bill 10 also contained provisions that would have weakened the judiciary.

Simuwe pointed to a proposal that would allow Parliament to determine the number of judges on the Supreme and Constitutional Courts, which would have compromised judicial independence.

Furthermore, the bill sought to politicize traditional leadership by giving Parliament control over the recognition and confirmation of chiefs, undermining Zambia’s dual legal system.

Bill 10 included provisions that would have granted the President the power to alter provincial boundaries without parliamentary approval, which Simuwe argued would have undermined parliamentary oversight and promoted executive overreach.

Additionally, the proposal to reintroduce Deputy Ministers—who were abolished in 2016 due to redundancy—was criticized as a wasteful and unnecessary cost.

Simuwe concluded by addressing the misconception that current constitutional discussions are a return to Bill 10. He clarified that the current proposals are distinct and should not be conflated with the previous bill.

“What we are discussing now is a different conversation,” Simuwe said. “It is our responsibility to inform citizens truthfully and protect the values that preserve our democracy.”

In closing, Simuwe urged the public to engage with the ongoing constitutional debates based on facts, avoiding political theatrics, and focusing on the core issues that truly impact the future of Zambia’s governance.

William Njombo, Religious Affairs Chairperson for the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND), has clarified the party’s position on constitutional amendments, particularly in light of debates surrounding Bill 10.

Speaking to the media, Njombo emphasized that constitutional amendments in Parliament are voted on in their entirety, not clause by clause.

He dismissed comparisons between the current constitutional review process and Bill 10, stating that the UPND remains committed to democratic principles.

Njombo addressed the rejected proposal in Bill 10 to declare Zambia a “Christian Nation.”

He argued that Zambia is a multi-religious society, and prioritizing one religion would violate the right to freedom of religion.

He also criticized attempts to replace national morality with “Christian morality,” pointing out the lack of a universal definition even within Christianity.

He opposed the proposed repeal of Article 189(2), which protects pensioners by ensuring they remain on the payroll until their benefits are processed.

Njombo said the clause is vital for safeguarding retirees’ financial security.

On civil service participation in politics, Njombo rejected the requirement for civil servants to resign two years before an election, arguing it infringes on citizens’ right to participate in public affairs.

He also criticized Bill 10’s proposal to abolish institutions like the Teaching Service Commission and Local Government Service Commission, warning that this would weaken checks and balances.

Additionally, he condemned attempts to allow Parliament to determine the number of judges in the Supreme and Constitutional Courts, saying it would compromise judicial independence.

Njombo rejected the idea of replacing presidential runoffs with coalition governments, citing instability in countries like South Sudan.

He also opposed proposals to remove parliamentary oversight in creating or merging provinces, which he said would give the President excessive power.

On the reintroduction of Deputy Ministers, Njombo said the positions were abolished in 2016 due to redundancy and cost, and restoring them would be wasteful.

He also praised the current proposal requiring ministers to vacate office 90 days before elections to promote fairness—unlike Bill 10, which allowed them to stay in office during campaigns.

Njombo concluded by reaffirming that the current constitutional reform efforts aim to protect rights, strengthen institutions, and uphold democracy, urging citizens to engage with facts rather than political rhetoric.

Lusaka man tricks sister into having sex, impregnates her

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Lusaka man tricks sister into having sex, impregnates her

Lusaka man tricks sister into having sex, impregnates her

An 18 year old young lady has narrated before the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court that her 23-year- old biological brother had sexual intercourse with her on three occasions and threatened to kill himself if she refused.



https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EJ6FWHZQM/?mibextid=oFDknk

She also revealed that the brother told her that he was told by someone to sleep with the sister in order to get rich.

“My brother threatened to kill himself if I refuse to sleep with him,” she told Resident Magistrate, Kawama Mwamfuli.



She said on a date she can’t recall, her elder brother followed her to her bedroom, held her hands very tight and had sex with her.

Only identified as EP, the young lady said her brother also confessed to her how he has been putting some medicine in the drinking water for them not to notice anything.



EP was testifying in a matter where SP, her biological brother is charged with incest contrary to the laws of Zambia, the charge he denied.

Allegations are that, on dates unknown but between May 5, 2024 and October 25, 2024 in Lusaka, SP had unlawful carnal knowledge of a female named EP, knowing the same to be his biological sister.



“I was born in a family of six and I am a third born, my brother SP is the first born. On unknown date which I can’t recall very well when he entered my bedroom and found me sleeping with my younger sister. He woke us up and we started chatting after chatting for about 20 minutes he later left,” she said.

She said the following morning, he followed her again, and slept where she was sleeping.



“He started removing his clothes, when I asked why he was doing that he told me to keep quiet, he then held my hands very tight that I couldn’t move them, I tried to shout but he held my mouth, he went ahead and had sex with me, after he was done, he said if I tell anyone he will kill himself,” she said.

She said he followed her to the bedroom again, for the second time and had sex with her.



“After he finished he started narrating to me how someone told him to sleep with his sister for him to get rich, he later said he had been putting some medicine in our drinking water for us not to notice anything.”

“I discovered I was pregnant for my brother in September 2024, I later decided to go and inform my aunt, upon reaching she noticed that I was pregnant. She called my mother who was by then admitted in hospital,” he said.



The girl said on October 24,2024 her brother forced himself on her for the third time.

During trial, one of the witnesses said when they took the victim to the hospital and discovered she was pregnant, they asked for termination because it was an abomination to keep such a pregnancy in their culture.


The court has since reserved April 7, 2025 for Judgement, after she found the accused with a case to answer.

By Lucy Phiri

Kalemba April 5, 2025

EFF’s plan to join Government of National Unity (GNU)  gaining traction as coalition tensions escalate

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EFF’s plan to join Government of National Unity (GNU)  gaining traction as coalition tensions escalate

EFF’s plan to join GNU gaining traction as coalition tensions escalate

Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has been outspoken about his strategy to position his party within Government of National Unity (GNU), particularly as tensions within the coalition escalate.



Malema’s plan is based on the belief that the current GNU comprising the African National Congress (ANC), the Democratic Alliance (DA), and smaller parties is unsustainable and will eventually collapse, presenting an opportunity for the EFF to step in.


Malema’s analysis of the GNU’s instability centers around internal conflicts, particularly between the ANC and DA over key policy issues, such as the 2025/26 National Budget and the BELA Bill.



He has expressed satisfaction at signs of this fragility, including the ANC passing the budget now in April 2025 without the DA’s support, which Malema views as a sign of the coalition’s impending failure. “I’m happy that we were able to prove to South Africans that there is nothing called the GNU, it collapsed in front of us,” Malema stated, underscoring his belief that the coalition will not survive much longer, particularly with the 2027 ANC elective conference looming as a potential breaking point.



Malema’s strategy involves waiting for the inevitable deterioration of the ANC-DA relationship, driven by ideological differences and policy disagreements. He has emphasized that the EFF is ready to govern and would consider joining the GNU, but only if the DA is excluded, citing the DA’s opposition to progressive policies such as land expropriation without compensation. “We are waiting. We are going to enter this thing of government, we are just waiting. When they start fighting with Helen Zille, siyangena (we are entering),” he said, suggesting that a potential rift involving DA leader Helen Zille could trigger the EFF’s entry into the coalition.



Recent developments, such as the April 2025 budget vote in which the ANC relied on smaller parties instead of the DA, appear to validate Malema’s claims of a fracturing GNU.



He views this as evidence that the ANC could eventually reconfigure the coalition, potentially bringing the EFF

Zanu-PF laughs off Geza’s bid to remove Mnangagwa

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Zanu-PF laughs off Geza’s bid to remove Mnangagwa

Zanu-PF has dismissed war veteran Blessed Geza’s bid to oust President Emmerson Mnangagwa, presenting a united front despite growing signs of factionalism within the ruling party. Geza, a former Central Committee member, has been vocal in his criticism of Mnangagwa’s leadership, accusing the government of corruption and mismanagement, and has called for nationwide demonstrations, which led to a stayaway on Monday.

Geza, who was expelled from the party, has been at the forefront of efforts to challenge Mnangagwa’s leadership, even pledging to remove him from power. However, his calls for action have been mocked by the ruling party, with Zanu-PF officials asserting that the demonstrations were a failure and lacked popular support.

Zanu-PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa addressed the issue during a recent press conference in Harare, emphasizing the party’s unity despite the ongoing internal rifts. Mutsvangwa suggested that Geza’s attempts to challenge the leadership were part of a broader trend of individuals within the party testing the waters with new ideas, but emphasized that the party remained resolute and united behind President Mnangagwa.

“Zanu-PF is a mass party; we are not a vanguard party. Along the way, in a mass party, there are bound to be other individuals who may have certain ideas, and every once in a while, they may try to test their mettle along those ideas. But in this instance, the party has shown that it is very much united,” Mutsvangwa said. “We are proceeding with the affairs of the party in a united way, and the rejection of that individual and his agenda of thuggery – of unprocedural removal of leadership from power – was rejected by the people.”

While Zanu-PF leadership projects an image of unity, reports of factionalism within the party have been circulating. One faction is said to be advocating for an extension of President Mnangagwa’s rule beyond the constitutionally mandated two terms, while another faction is pushing for leadership renewal within the party. Geza is said to be leading the group that believes Mnangagwa should step down before the end of his final term.

The internal divisions, however, have not been publicly acknowledged by the party’s top leadership, which continues to emphasize the party’s cohesiveness in the face of growing discontent among some party members and Zimbabweans in general. Despite the official rejection of Geza’s actions, observers have pointed to the stayaway as a sign of discontent within the country, fueling speculation about potential challenges to Mnangagwa’s presidency in the future.

Source – NewZimbabwe

Understanding the impeachment process of a sitting president in Zimbabwe

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Understanding the impeachment process of a sitting president in Zimbabwe

President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s political nemesis Blessed Geza, until recently a Zanu-PF central committee member before his expulsion, has claimed that he and a faction of independence war veterans will shortly go through the motions of removing him as president through an impeachment process in parliament. Geza claims the proposal has support among MPs and senators, but doubts linger.

So what is impeachment? Lawyer METHOD NDLOVU, an advocate in Zimbabwe’s superior courts, explains the complex process of impeaching a president:

Zimbabwe is a constitutional democracy. The architecture of the state is set out in the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (Number 20).

In terms of section 88, executive authority vests in the President who exercises it, subject to the Constitution, through a Cabinet.

A president must be elected by the people within the period specified in section 158 of the Constitution. In terms of section 95(2)(b) the person elected as president holds office – unless s/he resigns or is removed from office – for a period of five years, though a term of three years is deemed a full term.

Impeachment is a process of laying a charge/s against the President by the Legislature which may or may not result in a removal of a president from office by Parliament – that is, the National Assembly and the Senate, acting jointly.

There are different grounds which may be used for removal of a President from office following a successful impeachment process. These are set out below.

Section 97 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe 2013 provides for Removal of President or Vice President from office on stated grounds. It states in subsection (1) that: “The Senate and the National Assembly, by a joint resolution passed by at least one-half of their total membership, may resolve that the question whether or not the President or a Vice President should be removed from office for — (a) serious misconduct; (b) failure to obey, uphold or defend this Constitution; (c) wilful violation of this Constitution; or (d) inability to perform the functions of the office because of physical or mental incapacity; should be investigated in terms of this section.”

Standing Order 1(1) of Appendix A of the Standing Orders of the National Assembly
provides for the convening of a joint session of Parliament in various situations envisaged in the Constitution. This also includes the question of removal of a President or Vice President from office provided for in section 97 of the Constitution.

In terms of Standing Order 1(2) of the Appendix, the Speaker and the President of the Senate are obliged to make the necessary arrangements for the joint sitting.

In terms of Standing Order 2 of the appendix, in all such joint sittings, the Speaker has to preside. In his/her absence, the President of the Senate has to preside. In terms of Standing Order 3 of the appendix, a relief officer can also chair the session if so requested by the Speaker.

In terms of Standing Order 4, the joint session is to be held at any place taking into account the public interest, security or convenience. In terms of Standing Order 5, members of Parliament are entitled to receive from Clerk of Parliament seven days’ notice of the joint sitting. The Clerk does so by placing it on the Order Papers of each House or by way of announcement of such notice by a presiding officer during the sitting of a House. The Clerk can give such notice in a manner determined by the Speaker.

In terms of Standing Order 6 of the appendix, one half of the total membership of Parliament should constitutes a quorum for any joint sitting. That is 180 members of Parliament should suffice to transact the business of a joint sitting.

Standing Order 7 of the appendix provides that unless stated in the Joint Standing Orders, Rules relating to Order in the House (National Assembly) in respect of debate, divisions and any other relevant provisions in the National Assembly and Senate, shall apply with appropriate modifications (mutatis mutandis), in the joint sitting.

The Standing Orders for the National Assembly sets out the rules relating to debate, divisions and other processes of the House. All questions proposed for decision in the House must be determined by a majority of the votes of the membership present and voting, per Standing Order 78(1) for the National Assembly. The Standing Orders for the Senate is to similar effect.

The proposed question of impeachment of the President or Vice President is thus a
question for decision to be made by Parliament (in a joint sitting, in which ordinarily Standing Order 78(1) must apply) with necessary modifications.

Standing Order 78(1) of the National Assembly is made subject to the Constitution of Zimbabwe. As such, instead of a majority making a resolution to impeach, it should be half
of the total membership.

As such, the first step in the impeachment of a President or Vice President envisaged in section 97 of the Constitution, is the movement of the motion to impeach before the joint sitting of Parliament. When the motion has been moved, it has to be seconded. If the motion is seconded, the next step is triggered.

The next step (second step) involves the making of a resolution, which is in the
affirmative, for the impeachment of a President or Vice President by half the total membership of Parliament. This is in terms of section 97(1) of the Constitution.

What constitutes the total membership of a joint sitting of Parliament is different from those present and voting – what constitutes the total membership was determined in Innocent Gonese & Jessie Majome v The Speaker of Parliament & Ors CCZ4/20 – it means the total membership as prescribed in the Constitution as amended by amendment Number 2 of 2021, as set out in sections 120 and 124.

In essence, a majority of the total membership of Parliament is not required to pass a resolution of the impeachment of the President or Vice President. What is required is half of the Parliamentarians when the National Assembly and Senate is taken as one (or added together).

In terms of the Constitution, the constitution of the Senate and the National Assembly shows that they have a total membership of 360. Half of these members is 180. The Constitution thus requires that 180 parliamentarians
have to resolve (in the affirmative) to pass the impeachment resolution. The half does not matter whether the majority is from the Senate or the National Assembly. It is half of both chambers combined.

The manner of carrying out the vote commends itself for elucidation. Contrasted with Standing Order 6(1) which stipulates that the election of a Speaker must be done by secret ballot, the manner in which the impeachment vote is to be carried out, is open for decision by the joint session.

It is thus a question for decision to be made by Parliament (albeit in a joint sitting, in which ordinarily Standing Order 78(1) must apply) with necessary modifications.

It is thus open for the joint sitting by a simple majority to resolve the question of the manner of voting. It can be by a show of hands. It can be those in support of the motion standing on one side, those against it on the other and those abstaining standing on their own. It
can be by the different sets lining up on their own in the categories set out above. It can be by secret ballot.

There is no single way that is set out and as it is open to be determined by the joint sitting itself. The decision in Jonathan Moyo & Ors v Austin Zvoma N.O & Ors SC28/10 will not apply unless there is a resolution that the vote is to be conducted by a secret ballot.

If the vote for impeachment is in the affirmative, the third step follows in terms of section 97(2) of the Constitution. Section 97 (2) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe 2013 then provides that: “Upon the passing of a resolution in terms of subsection (1), the Committee on Standing Rules and Orders must appoint a joint committee of the Senate and the National Assembly consisting of nine members reflecting the political composition of Parliament, to investigate the removal from office of the President or Vice President, as the case may be.”

Once the resolution on the impeachment is jointly passed, there is an organ from
parliament that must then take matters into its hands in accordance with the provisions of the law. This organ is called the Committee on Standing Rules and Orders. It is provided for in the Constitution.

Section 151 (2) of the Constitution then provides that: “The Committee on Standing Rules and Orders must consist of the Speaker and the President of the Senate and the following Members of
Parliament— (a) the Deputy Speaker; (b) the Deputy President of the Senate; (c) the Minister responsible for finance and two other Ministers appointed by the President; (d) the Leader of Government Business in each House; (e) the Leader of the Opposition in each House; (f) the chief whips of all the political parties represented in each House; (g) the President of the National Council of Chiefs; (h) two Members who are not Ministers or Deputy Ministers, one being a Senator appointed to the committee by the President of the Senate and one being a Member of the National Assembly appointed by the Speaker; and (i) eight Members who are not Ministers or
Deputy Ministers, four being elected to the committee by the Senate and
four being elected by the National Assembly.”

The functions of the Committee on Standing Rules and Orders are then provided for in the same Constitution. Section 151 (1) of the Constitution sagaciously provides as follows: “(1) Parliament must appoint a committee to be known as the Committee on Standing Rules and Orders for the purpose of— (a) supervising the administration of Parliament; (b) formulating Standing Orders; (c) considering and deciding all matters concerning Parliament; and (d) exercising any other functions that may be conferred or imposed on the committee by this Constitution or by Standing Orders or any other law.”

Also relevant is Order 14 of the Standing Rules National Assembly Standing Orders,

  1. It mirrors section 151(1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe 2013. The current members who constitute this Committee are therefore clear and is not the concern of this document. It is all political and regard may be had to the judgment of the High Court in Citizens Coalition for Change & Ors v Tshabangu & Ors HH-11-25 and the subsequentappeals filed against the said judgment.

The involvement of the Committee on Standing Rules and Orders in the process of removal of a President or Vice President is provided for in section 151 (1) (d) of the Constitution as: “exercising any other functions that may be conferred or imposed on the committee by this Constitution or by Standing Orders or any other law.”

This function is imposed by section 97(2) of the Constitution.

I turn back to the steps to be taken on impeaching a sitting president per the law having dealt with the Committee on Standing Rules Orders. This takes one back to section 97 (2) of the Constitution.

When the CSRO receives the joint resolution from both the joint sitting of Parliament, it must appoint a joint committee of the Senate and the National Assembly consisting of nine members reflecting the political composition of Parliament, to investigate the removal
from office of the President. Currently, Parliament is composed by two political parties, that is the Zimbabwe African National Union (Patriotic Front) (ZANU-PF) and Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC). Statistically, this entails that share of each party in these nine members must be calculated by taking into account the share of each party’s seats in Parliament.

In other words, they should be proportionate to such seats. It seems that is what is meant with ‘reflecting the political composition of Parliament.’ This is a mathematical issue that should not be difficult to calculate.

Keeping with chronology, the fourth step is for that nine-member committee to carry out an investigation on the suitability of the President to hold office, in this instance the question of mental incapacity. Ordinarily, this will require the examination of medical records and ideally the testimony and examination of at least three medical practitioners. At least two of these would have to affirm the allegations of mental incapacity.

The next and fifth step is provided for in terms of section 97(3) of the Constitution in particular sub paragraph (a) which states that: “If— (a) the joint committee appointed in terms of subsection (2) recommends the removal from office of the President or Vice President,” the process goes back to the joint sitting of Parliament.

However, before that, it may be worthwhile examining the import of the phrase. It means that, the joint committee which is tasked by CSRO to investigate the question of impeachment of the President/Vice President, must then make recommendations. It may recommend impeachment or the opposite. This will trigger the sixth step which is outlined
below.

Following a recommendation for the removal of the President/Vice President by the nine-member committee, then paragraph (b) of section 97 (3) of the Constitution is engaged. It provides
that if “the Senate and the National Assembly, by a joint resolution passed by at least two-thirds of their total membership, resolve that the President or
Vice President, as the case may be, should be removed from office; the President or Vice President thereupon ceases to hold office.”

The above is the most critical stage and constitutes final step or sixth step. The joint sitting will have to vote by a two thirds of their total membership to affirm that recommendation. The procedure or manner of carrying out the vote will be in accordance with what the joint sitting would have resolved by a simple majority as envisaged in Standing Orders 78(1) of the Standing Orders of the National Assembly, applied, mutatis mutandis – that is, instead of the application of Standing Order 78(1) being restricted to
the National Assembly, it will apply to the joint sitting.

The President will cease to hold office when a joint resolution is passed by at least two thirds of their total membership to resolve.

The above captures the crucial steps that must be taken in order for a sitting President or for completeness, a Vice President, to be impeached and removed from office. It is clear that the most powerful organ in the process is the Committee on Standing Rules and Orders together with the final two thirds of total members of the Senate and National
Assembly, sitting jointly (the issue of a quorum contemplated in section 137 of the Constitution and Standing Order 58 of the National Assembly and Standing Orders, ninth edition, 2020 does not arise at all).

The success or otherwise of any impeachment process in Zimbabwe depends with the composition of the Committee on Standing Rules and Orders and ULTIMATELY, the two thirds required from Parliament. Whether this is easy or difficult depends on the angle from which one is standing.

However, in a nutshell, it is not a stroll in the park. It is a mammoth exercise.

It is so opined.

Source – zimlive

Chiwenga-faction escalates Mnangagwa impeachment moves

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Chiwenga-faction escalates Mnangagwa impeachment moves

The succession battle within Zimbabwe’s ruling party, Zanu-PF, has escalated sharply as Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga’s faction, in alliance with prominent war veterans led by Blessed Geza, has reportedly initiated a move to impeach President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

At the heart of the explosive development is a draft impeachment document circulating within the party, which alleges that President Mnangagwa is medically unfit to continue in office, citing vascular dementia as the cause of his alleged incapacitation.

Vascular dementia is a serious condition that affects thinking, memory, and reasoning skills, caused by restricted blood flow to parts of the brain. Sources within the faction claim that Mnangagwa’s alleged cognitive decline has impaired his judgment and decision-making ability.

“We can no longer ignore the president’s deteriorating health and its impact on governance. The country needs decisive leadership, not uncertainty,” said a source aligned with the Chiwenga faction.

The impeachment push is reportedly being spearheaded by war veterans’ leader Blessed Geza, who has increasingly positioned himself as a vocal critic of Mnangagwa’s leadership. Geza and his allies accuse the president of clinging to power despite his alleged declining health and ignoring calls for a structured transition.

This bold move signals a deepening rift within Zanu-PF, pitting the military-backed Chiwenga camp against loyalists of Mnangagwa, who has ruled Zimbabwe since November 2017 after the ousting of Robert Mugabe.

Insiders say the plan is to table the impeachment motion in Parliament, using Zanu-PF’s two-thirds majority — if sufficient support can be garnered among MPs weary of Mnangagwa’s leadership and emboldened by internal dissent.

So far, there has been no official comment from the Office of the President, though presidential spokespersons are expected to respond to the allegations in the coming days. Health issues concerning the president have previously been dismissed by officials as baseless rumours.

Analysts warn that this latest development could trigger a full-blown political crisis, especially if the impeachment bid gains momentum ahead of Zanu-PF’s elective congress expected next year. Some suggest it may be a high-stakes power play by Chiwenga to force Mnangagwa to step aside or negotiate a succession deal.

The coming weeks are expected to be tense as internal party dynamics and public speculation swirl around the health and future of the 82-year-old president, who has remained tight-lipped on whether he will seek another term.

More to follow as the story develops.

ActionSA demands deportation of Nigerian pastor acquitted of r@pe in South Africa

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ActionSA demands deportation of Nigerian pastor acquitted of r@pe in South Africa

South African Political organisation, ActionSA, has called for the deportation of South Africa-based Nigerian televangelist, Timothy Omotoso, following his acquittal on r@pe charges by the Gqeberha High Court.

Omotoso, along with his co-accused, Lusanda Sulani and Zukiswa Sitho, were released on Wednesday, April 2, after spending eight years in detention.

The 66-year-old senior pastor of Jesus Dominion International Church in South Africa, Omotoso, faced allegations of r@ping and trafficking young women, including members of the gospel group, Grace Galaxy and school-aged girls.

Arrested in 2017, Omotoso was charged with multiple offences, including s£xual ass@ult and human trafficking.

His church, located in the coastal city of Port Elizabeth, was eventually shut down after angry crowds gathered around the building in protest.

According to IOL, a South African news outlet, the country’s National Prosecuting Authority is considering all possible options to ensure justice for the complainants.

The NPA spokesperson, Luxolo Tyali, explained that the prolonged legal proceedings had affected witness participation.

“The delays caused some witnesses to no longer want to proceed with giving evidence, as they indicated they have since moved on with their lives and are not interested in reliving their experiences in court,” Tyali stated.

Reports also suggest that Omotoso will be deported to Nigeria following his acquittal, although no official confirmation has been provided.

Meanwhile, ActionSA, a political organisation founded by former Johannesburg Mayor, Herman Mashaba, has called for Omotoso’s immediate removal from South Africa.

In a statement, the group condemned individuals who exploit faith for personal gain and insisted that Omotoso had no place in the country.

“ActionSA firmly opposes the infiltration of South Africa by dubious entrepreneurs and self-proclaimed ‘biblepreneurs’ who prey on hard-working and unsuspecting citizens. These individuals exploit faith and desperation, robbing people of their innocence and hard-earned money,” the statement read.

“Our concern lies with those who, like Timothy Omotoso, have entered our country and swiftly become entangled in criminal activities,” the statement continued.

“Omotoso, in particular, has been accused of heinous crimes, including human trafficking, sexual assault, and racketeering involving vulnerable women and underage children.”

Describing his acquittal as “a devastating blow to victims and a glaring indictment of our immigration services, the criminal justice system, and the National Prosecuting Authority’s ongoing failure to deliver justice”, ActionSA emphasised the need for accountability.

The organisation further demanded that Omotoso and his associates be added to the national sex offenders’ register and barred from any roles that grant them access to vulnerable individuals.

“Furthermore, we call on immigration authorities to revoke Omotoso’s residency status and immediately deport him to Nigeria. South Africa cannot be a refuge for those who exploit and harm its people,” the statement concluded.

Why is Zimbabwe’s President Mnangagwa facing pressure to resign?-Al Jazeera

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Why is Zimbabwe’s President Mnangagwa facing pressure to resign?-Al Jazeera

Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa is facing what experts say is the biggest threat to his rule yet as a succession battle erupts ahead of general elections scheduled for 2028.

Recent manoeuvrings by the president and his supporters to extend his rule to 2030 have led to calls and protests from within his party for the president to step down or be forced to do so. The upheavals have seen the dismissal of top security officials, a move experts say Mnangagwa is taking to avoid being overthrown in a coup.

The president has long faced criticism from Zimbabweans, but dissent within his Zanu-PF party is rare, and public calls for demonstrations against him are unprecedented. On Monday, demonstrators took to the streets in protests called by a top Zanu-PF member.

Zimbabwe has for decades been mired in political crises that have led to economic stagnation, a dearth of jobs, and general government dysfunction. Hyperinflation over the past two decades has pushed the South African country’s economy to its knees and wiped out the savings of common people.

“Zimbabweans are tired and need a messiah,” Blessing Vava, director of human rights group Crisis Zimbabwe, told Al Jazeera.

Here’s what to know about the latest crisis:

What’s the problem with Zanu-PF?

An internal split within the ruling Zanu-PF party, which has held power since Zimbabwe’s independence in 1980, is driving the current crisis.

Two main factions are at loggerheads, one supporting a prolonged term for Mnangagwa, 82, and another one supporting the ascendancy of Constantino Chiwenga, his 68-year-old vice president.

Mnangagwa came to power in 2017 amid promises of democratic and economic reforms. However, critics say corruption levels have remained high, the opposition has been targeted, and the economy has continued to slide.

Can Mnangagwa rule beyond 2028?

Zimbabwe’s constitution has a two-term limit for presidents. Mnangagwa is currently in his second elected term, which ends in 2028 when elections are due.

However, some members of the Zanu-PF party have been chanting a “2030 agenda” since last year, saying the president should stay in power for a third term to continue his reforms, although that would violate the constitution.

At a conference in December, the party officially adopted a motion to extend Mnangagwa’s rule till 2030. That’s subject to the approval of the Senate and a national referendum, but the motion has prompted nationwide debate and controversy.

Who is Blessed “Bombshell” Geza?

Within Zanu-PF, a dissenting faction led by Blessed “Bombshell” Geza, a liberation war veteran and senior party member, has since held conferences to speak out against Mnangagwa. He has accused the government of being corrupt and called on people to protest. In one video published on social media, he regretted supporting the president’s rise to power.

“As soon as he [Mnangagwa] had the taste of power, he escalated corruption, forgot the people, and only remembered his family,” Geza said. The politician said Mnangagwa would be forced out and accused him of “surrendering” power to his wife and kids, who he said are powerful behind-the-scene actors in the president’s third term bid.

First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa, alongside her husband and several other government officials, were sanctioned by the United States in March 2024 for alleged involvement in illicit diamond and gold networks. In 2023, an Al Jazeera investigation revealed that Zimbabwean officials were using smuggling gangs to sell the country’s gold to soften the impact of sanctions.

However, Geza’s critics point out that he, too, is part of the establishment that has long controlled Zimbabwe. Analyst Takura Zhangazha told Al Jazeera that Geza’s opposition is gaining broader traction only because it comes at a time when the country’s national economy is also struggling – which Zimbabweans blame on the ruling government. Any support that Geza’s calls for Mnangagwa to resign gets is not because people believe he will fight for them, he added.

“Mr Geza is representative of [the government] in the public eye,” Zhangazha said. “So he does not have an organic or popular authenticity.”

Zanu-PF officials, as well as Mnangagwa, have called Geza’s taunts “treasonous”. The politician, who has now reportedly gone into hiding, was ousted from the party on March 7. He is wanted by the police on several charges, including “undermining the authority of the president” and for allegedly inciting public violence.

Meanwhile, Mnangagwa has shuffled the country’s national security leadership. General Anselem Sanyatwe, commander of the presidential guard, was fired last week. Earlier, Godwin Matanga, chief of police, and Isaac Moyo, head of the intelligence service, were dismissed.

What happened on Monday?

Geza had, in recent weeks, called for mass demonstrations this week against President Mnangagwa. By Friday, security officials had poured onto the streets, conducting stop-and-search on vehicles in the capital, Harare.

On Monday, some demonstrators gathered at the city’s Robert Mugabe Square, even as social media videos showed armoured tanks rolling down the streets as security was beefed up.

Most people, however, chose to stay at home to avoid potential violence. Businesses and offices were completely shut down across the country, as a result, although authorities had urged people to go to work. Vava, of Crisis Zimbabwe, said many Zimbabweans are fed up with Zanu-PF’s power struggles, but that they had protested in their way.

“Zimbabweans feel cheated, and they don’t want to be used again,” Vava said. “But the shutdown was also a success. By choosing to stay at home, what we saw was also Zimbabweans demonstrating, saying that we don’t want to be dragged into your internal battles.”

Meanwhile, those who gathered were forcefully dispersed with tear gas. Police also arrested dozens of others. On Tuesday, officials said they had arrested 95 protesters on charges of “public violence” and “breaches of peace”. Officials said some people were arrested at the site of the demonstrations, while others were picked up because of their social media posts.

State-owned newspapers, such as the Zimbabwe Herald, reported that the protests were a “failure”. Reacting to the low numbers, government spokesperson Farai Muroiwa Marapira said in a post on X that the demonstrators were “put to shame”.

Why is the current crisis evoking memories of Robert Mugabe’s ouster?

To many, the current crisis is reminiscent of the fall of the late Robert Mugabe, who held onto power for 37 years before being deposed in a coup in 2017.

Mugabe, who was forced out at the age of 93, led the country’s fight for independence. However, his subsequent rule was characterised by the repression of opposition members, election rigging, corruption and economic stagnancy. He refused to give up the presidency for decades.

Mnangagwa was a longtime ally of Mugabe and served as defence minister and then vice president in the final years of Mugabe’s rule. He had close ties to the military.

However, the two men fell out over who would succeed Mugabe: Mnangwaga was backed by the army on the one hand, while Mugabe wanted to hand over to his wife Grace Mugabe on the other.

On November 6, 2017, Mugabe dismissed Mnangagwa, triggering the beginning of his downfall. A week later, the armed forces seized control, and Mnangagwa took power.

Now, the president, too, appears caught in the same spiral. Although he had once promised to hand over power to Vice President Chiwenga, who was a major player in the Mugabe coup, Mnangagwa has since changed his tune, analysts say.

Chiwenga, who Geza claims to be speaking for, has not publicly stated his desire to run for president or spoken out against Mnangagwa.

Mnangagwa is unlikely to be successful in prolonging his rule because of a citizenry fed up with political machinations and because of the deep internal splits in Zanu-PF, Vava told Al Jazeera.

“People don’t want the 2030 agenda,” he said. “It will be a battle for survival for Mnangagwa.”

Source – Al Jazeera

Police Hunt Deputy Headmaster Accused of S0d0m!s!ng 35 Pupils

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Police Hunt Deputy Headmaster Accused of S0d0m!s!ng 35 Pupils

Police Hunt Deputy Headmaster Accused of Sodomising Over 35 Pupils at Masase High School

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has launched a manhunt for a deputy headmaster accused of sodomising over 35 pupils at Masase High School in Mberengwa.

Police Hunt Deputy Headmaster Accused of Abusing Over 35 Pupils
The accused, Anywhere Gumbo, reportedly fled the school on Friday, 4 April, after police arrived to investigate the allegations. Gumbo, who worked at the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Zimbabwe (ELCZ)-run school, is still on the run.

Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, the spokesperson for the Midlands provincial police, confirmed that Gumbo has not been arrested yet. Sources say that Gumbo lured pupils to his office where he sexually abused them. The police, along with officials from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, visited the school after receiving an anonymous tip-off.

“The police and officials from the Ministry of Education have been on the ground after they received an anonymous letter from one of the teachers over the issue,” said a source.

Tight Reporting Policies Prevent Early Disclosure
According to reports, the abuse had been going on for some time but was not reported earlier due to the headmaster’s strict reporting policy.

“The school head has a very tight policy which requires pupils to talk to him if they want to report anything, and this has seen the majority of the pupils being sodomised in silence,” said a parent whose child is among the victims.

Accusations of Cover-Up and Headmaster’s Response
Some parents and teachers have also accused Mr. Albion Masukume of trying to cover up the abuse. In a letter to parents, Mr. Masukume confirmed that the allegations had been reported but denied any involvement.

“I write with sorrow to inform you that allegations of child abuse by one of our staff members were reported. Currently, thorough investigations by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and the police are underway,” he said in the letter.

Fatal shooting a Chinese owned mine sparks violent protests in Zimbabwe

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A fatal shooting in the gold-rich Premier area, just outside Mutare, occurred yesterday morning, resulting in the death of an artisanal miner at the hands of a security guard. The tragic incident has led to widespread unrest, with local residents expressing their outrage through violent protests at the Sino Africa Hui Jin Holding premises.

By the time our news crew arrived at the scene, police had already intervened to restore order, although tensions remained high within the community. After securing the body of the deceased, police officers were seen holding a closed-door meeting with the mine’s management for about 30 minutes at the company’s premises.

Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, confirmed the shooting, but directed further inquiries to his superior, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, who was unavailable for comment at the time of publication. The identity of the deceased could not be released as his next of kin had not yet been notified.

Efforts to obtain a statement from Sino Africa Hui Jin Holdings were unsuccessful. The company’s senior employee, identified only as Nyasha, repeatedly declined media requests for an interview, citing urgent work commitments.

“I am too busy to talk to you,” Nyasha said when approached by The Manica Post.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the security guard responsible for the shooting, along with the mine manager, was taken to the hospital after being attacked by a mob of angry locals. Reports indicated that both individuals suffered injuries during the violent protests at the company premises.

Community members were quick to voice their anger, with some calling the actions of the security guard “unwarranted” and “senseless.” One of the protesters, Mr. Samuel Mutidzawanda, emphasized that the community had had enough of what they described as “trigger-happy” security guards who act with impunity.

“We demand answers and accountability for the senseless killing of our community member. This is unacceptable. This is not the first time that we have witnessed an unwarranted loss of life at this mine. This should come to a stop. We will revolt against their presence here because one can only imagine if the deceased was from their family,” said Mutidzawanda.

Other protesters echoed similar sentiments, demanding justice for the deceased and calling for immediate action to be taken against those responsible.

“We are aware that there was a grudge between the security guard and the shot artisanal miner. In fact, the late artisanal miner was negotiating with other guards to pay a small amount of money to be allowed into the mining area and do his work. This is when the trigger-happy security guard came and started arguing with the deceased, leading to the fatal shooting,” said another protester, Mrs. Miriam Sithole. “However, we cannot condone the needless use of weapons to kill defenceless people in our peaceful community and country. This was a needless loss of life.”

As of now, police are continuing their investigation into the shooting, while the community remains on edge, calling for justice and accountability for the fatal incident. The unrest at Sino Africa Hui Jin Holding is a stark reminder of the tensions between mining companies, security forces, and local communities in the region, particularly in the context of artisanal mining activities.

Source – The ManicaPost

5 South African Hitmen Jailed 50 Years in Zimbabwe for Plot to Kill Businessman

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5 South African Hitmen Jailed 50 Years in Zimbabwe for Plot to Kill Businessman

A magistrates’ court in Zimbabwe has sentenced five South African hitmen to a total of 50 years in prison for their role in a kidnapping and assault plot against Zimbabwean businessman Oliver Tendai Chipindu.

5 South African Hitmen Jailed 50 Years in Zimbabwe
The hitmen—Moses Monde, Malvin Manzinde, Malvin Tatenda Nyamuranga, Norbert Muponda, and Joshua Mapuranga—were found guilty of assault and conspiracy to commit kidnapping. Each was initially sentenced to 12 years, but two years were suspended for good behavior, meaning they will serve 10 years each.

The case stemmed from a botched deal involving liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tankers, in which Chipindu was defrauded of $800,000 by a man named Obrian Mapurisa, who remains at large. According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Chipindu signed an agreement with Mapurisa to purchase LPG tankers worth $800,000 but struggled to obtain the necessary paperwork.

A Business Deal That Turned Sour
Between November 2022 and January 2024, Chipindu repeatedly tried to get the necessary paperwork for the tankers, but Mapurisa avoided him. Eventually, Chipindu contacted the company in Turkey, only to learn that Mapurisa had paid nothing beyond the US$132,000 deposit. When Chipindu confronted Mapurisa, he was told that the funds had been diverted, but Mapurisa promised to pay once he recouped the money.

Frustrated by Mapurisa’s lack of cooperation, Chipindu traveled to Turkey in February to make alternative arrangements for the delivery of the tankers. This angered Mapurisa, who then allegedly hired the South African hitmen to kill his business partner.

The court heard that Mapurisa provided the hitmen with a photo of Chipindu and his address in Mt. Pleasant. When Chipindu returned to Zimbabwe, he learned from a friend that Mapurisa had sent people to kill him.

Chipindu and his friend then reportedly lured the hitmen back to Zimbabwe, where they were arrested after booking accommodation in Avondale.

Choppies exits Zimbabwe with US$1 million loss

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Botswana-based retail giant Choppies Enterprises Limited has confirmed it incurred a loss of P14 million (approximately US$1.02 million) following the disposal of its Zimbabwean operations in December 2024, citing persistent economic instability and currency volatility.

The development was revealed in Choppies’ unaudited interim financial results for the six months ended December 31, 2024. The company disclosed that its Zimbabwe segment had become a financial liability, with dwindling returns and mounting operational costs.

“The Choppies Zimbabwe segment foreign currency translation reserve and hyperinflationary reserve were reclassified to retained earnings on disposal,” the group stated.

Choppies’ departure from Zimbabwe was attributed to high inflation, an unstable local currency, and persistent foreign currency shortages – challenges that have plagued many retailers operating in the country.

Choppies’ Zimbabwe unit had been part of the group’s southern African retail network, trading under Nanavac Investments (Pvt) Ltd. At the time of its exit, the subsidiary operated 31 stores across Zimbabwe and employed 1,051 people.

The supermarket group reported that expenses rose 22.9% during the period under review, driven in part by the costs of new store openings, inflation, and the loss from the Zimbabwe unit’s disposal. Even when excluding the impact of exchange losses, business sales, and impairments, expenses still increased by 21.8%.

Total operating expenses for the group reached P815 million (US$59.44 million).

Further contributing to Choppies’ losses was an P8 million (US$583,273) hit from lease modifications and terminations associated with the Zimbabwe exit.

Revenue from Zimbabwe was also on the decline, falling to P260 million (US$18.95 million), down from P278 million (US$20.26 million) in the same period the previous year.

At the time of sale, Choppies Zimbabwe had a debt of P89 million (US$6.48 million), representing a 13% increase from the previous financial year. Its assets included P29 million (US$2.11 million) in property, plant, and equipment and P37 million (US$2.69 million) in inventories – both down from the previous year.

Trade receivables, however, remained unchanged at P4 million (US$291,670).

The buyer of the Choppies Zimbabwe operation was confirmed as Sai Mart, a local retail chain owned by Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce, Raj Modi. Sai Mart has been expanding its footprint in southern Zimbabwe, and the acquisition is seen as a strategic move to grow its retail market share.

The retailer said its decision to dispose of its Zimbabwe unit and other non-performing ventures – including a medical distribution business – is part of a broader strategy to streamline operations and focus on profitable segments.

“We will also benefit from the remaining segments in the group, which are all performing or in a strong turnaround stage,” Choppies stated.

While the company has cut ties with Zimbabwe, it maintains a strong presence in Botswana, South Africa, Zambia, and Namibia, where it aims to consolidate its market position amid challenging regional economic conditions.

Source – the independent

‘Mental health is no excuse’: Nota slams Riky Rick again

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‘Mental health is no excuse’: Nota slams Riky Rick again

Nota Baloyi is no stranger to controversy. The outspoken music executive never hesitates to share his unfiltered opinions. He recently reignited a debate about mental health and personal responsibility. Nota reshared an old post criticizing the late rapper Riky Rick, claiming mental health is no excuse for suicide.

His remarks have once again divided social media. While some support his tough stance, others believe he lacks compassion. Nota’s bold statements often spark heated discussions, and his views on Riky Rick’s passing continue to provoke strong reactions from the public.

Nota Slams Riky Rick

When Riky Rick tragically took his life, many mourned his passing. However, Nota refused to sympathize. He criticized the rapper’s decision, stating that a “deadbeat dad is better than no dad.”

Nota recently reshared his original post, reinforcing his belief that suicide causes generational trauma. He argued that role models should respect life, not end it.

He even referenced African traditions and the Bible, suggesting that suicide is not celebrated in any moral or cultural teachings. His remarks angered many, but others praised his honesty about the harsh realities of mental health struggles.

Riky Rick’s Legacy

Despite the controversy, Riky Rick’s influence on South African music remains undeniable. He was a pioneer in the industry, blending hip-hop with kwaito to create a unique sound.

His hit songs, such as Boss Zonke and Sidlukotini, dominated the charts. He also founded Cotton Fest, a festival celebrating music, fashion, and culture.

Beyond music, Riky Rick mentored young artists, helping them rise in the industry. His impact extended beyond entertainment—he inspired a generation with his creativity and vision. While his life ended tragically, his legacy continues to shape South African music.

Mzansi reacts
After Nota reshared his old post about Riky Rick and mental health, fans could not believe it.

@Naimah “it’s important to acknowledge (as a man, who has been called unstable) that men have a huge responsibility to show up as stable all the time that they fail to speak up when they are not. Having statements like from someone who assumably should know better, not only prevents people from asking for help for fear of being called dead beat or seen as less of a man. Dont be another reason someone feels like they have to face life alone. You’re not helping the progress we’re trying to make in building supportive communities and preventing acts like suicide. Posts like these hurt more than help the point you’re trying to make. I’d reconsider or rephrase”

@A S H L E I G H O G L E “Sadly. A lot of people won’t understand what you’re saying here pah, hopefully after this album he will finally rest 🙏🏼❤️🕊️”

@Lehlo Nolo “Insensitive to post/forward such , thers no place in the bible where a human flesh is authorised to judge another, wheels can very quick my man , pasop wena di dot dot”

@Thony Youngin👑 “My dad got me arrested to get me kicked out”

CHINGOLA RIOTS WERE CAUSED BY HUNGER — NAKACINDA

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CHINGOLA RIOTS WERE CAUSED BY HUNGER — NAKACINDA

STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE.
04/04/25

CHINGOLA RIOTS WERE CAUSED BY HUNGER — NAKACINDA

We noted with shock the abrupt disruption of businesses in the sweet clean town of Chingola as riots swiftly erupted in the town yesterday.


Residents of chingola especially the youths and women resorted to vandalizing shops and homes because government has failed to engage them and to create opportunities for their involvement in mining activities and damp sites. Hence the residents have been actively earning a living from some pits where they were allegedly chased yet again forcing them to riot.


Firstly we want to make the remark that Chingola people are respectfully hardworking and peaceful and what we witnessed yesterday is very alien and extremely regrettable and we call upon all well meaning Zambians to condemn in the strongest terms.



Chingola and the entire Copperbelt people only know how to work hard to earn a decent living and their main economic activities throughout our history as country has been mining and general stone dealings. And any sane government that expects peace on the Copperbelt ought not to temper with.


The only times we witness unrests and civil disobedience on the Copperbelt it is only associated with politically motivated greedy policies that favor the elite or those in power to disadvantage the majority and their families thereby masculating hunger among our people especially the youth and our mothers.



Judging by yesterday’s activities on the Copperbelt, one can easily or logically deduce that there is no connection between a closed pit and breaking into private shops, looting and vandalism. There is absolutely no correlation. The simplest reason is that there is visible hunger on the Copperbelt due to the failed policies of the UPND even for the blind to see. And we can only but urge government to quickly arrest the situation before it is too late. We need this solution as soon as yesterday lest we lose lives. I want to borrow the words of President Hakainde Hichilema while in opposition, he once said, “hungry people are angry people,” hope he has not swallowed these words together with the hefty corruption money they are getting from the mine investors as kickbacks.


We want to inform this government  as a responsible opposition that we don’t support unrests from anyone and whatever motivates them. But it is also true that we equally don’t support the new dawn government policies on mining as they are motivated by corruption, greedy, elitism, neo colonialism and simply aimed to enrich the top UPND leadership especially President Hakainde Hichilema himself. Because it is a proven fact that the policies of UPND in mining have failed and any interventions made have equally yielded no results but have worsened the situation thereby making the lives of the people on the Copperbelt a near death crisis and disaster.



We want to inform them secondly that the Copperbelt is in a tense situation and on a knife edge such that if we both the opposition and ruling don’t act responsibly, we may lose lives.


We note with shame the two statements made by Mines minister and Copperbelt minister on the riots as lacking substance and shallow and very hollow to say the least. The ministers were very casual and provided no immediate solutions and ended up exposing the complacent lack of seriousness with which President Hakainde Hichilema places with matters of a sensitive province as the Copperbelt.



We call upon the people of the Copperbelt to remain calm and peaceful, and patiently wait for 2026 which is around the corner to remove President Hakainde Hichilema and his failed UPND who have no solutions for the problems facing the Copperbelt. The UPND is not a solution but the TONSE ALLIANCE formula that is coming will prioritize the Zambians first and not the back door corruption envelopes the current regime is collecting from mine investors thereby abandoning their own people. That’s why they are failing to act and move in as government to stop the exploitation and abuse of our people and preferential awarding of contracts in the mines. People have no jobs, mines are malfunctional, yet the same government goes ahead to close pits that are the only source of income for our suffering masses the youths and our mothers.



As the TONSE ALLIANCE we are preparing to visit the Copperbelt in a few weeks led by our Chairman Sixth Republican President Dr. Edgar LUNGU to hold a series of meetings with various stakeholders including small scale miners(JERABOS), chiefs, church leaders, investors , union leaders and civil society to explain our programs for the province in terms of mining, agriculture , tourism etc and to give hope to the suffering masses.



We also want to come and appeal for dialogue, calm, peace and unity as a responsible opposition with a leadership that has a proven track record on the Copperbelt in terms of economic development, job security in the mines and job creation in the supporting sectors.



Issued;
Hon. Raphael Mangani NAKACINDA
PF/TONSE ALLIANCE SG

PR GIRL MEDIA TO HOST THE 8TH ANNUAL BEERVILLE IN A DANCEHALL EDITION THIS SATURDAY, 5 APRIL 2025!

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PR GIRL MEDIA TO HOST THE 8TH ANNUAL BEERVILLE IN A DANCEHALL EDITION THIS SATURDAY, 5 APRIL 2025!

PR GIRL MEDIA TO HOST THE 8TH ANNUAL BEERVILLE IN A DANCEHALL EDITION THIS SATURDAY, 5 APRIL 2025!

The annual Beer Festival popularly known as BEERVILLE returns this Saturday 5th April 2025 at the East Park Mall Piazza from 12pm to 10pm. Introduced in 2017 by PR Girl Media as an event that gathers food and beer enthusiasts in an afternoon of entertainment – The Beerville 2025 themed Dancehall promises to be a colourful display of Caribbean music, food and culture.  In this exciting 8th edition of the beer festival, PR Girl Media is calling on attendants to channel Jamaican vibes through their outfits in a fun fusion of fashion and music.


The Managing Partners of PR Girl Media Monde Nyambe and Chishimba Nyambe stated that the Beerville – Dancehall Edition is an opportunity for DJs in the genre to showcase their talent. “Beerville was created as a platform to boost the community of DJ performers. Over the past 8 years, the Beerville event has been an ardent feature on Zambia’s entertainment calendar and we are honoured to have a contributing role to the development of performing arts in Zambia”.

The Beerville 2025 line-up of DJs will feature renowned performers DJ Twizie, DJ Zen, DJ Superstar Hussein alongside various DJs who were selected in a national contest held in Lusaka.  DJ Benvito, DJ Sassy, DJ MS Kid, DJ Kingston, DJ Chichi and DJ Easy D were selected to participate in the event which is considered as one of Zambia’s biggest musical stages. Chart-topping musicians T-Sean and Kanina Kandalama will take on the electrifying stage to close off the festival hosted by DJ Cosmo, another undeniable star in the genre of Dancehall music.



Apart from the thrilling entertainment, PR Girl Media has collaborated with the local hospitality industry by bringing together the city’s most vibrant restaurants and bars to set up pop-up versions of their venues. Sox Enterprise, The Old Crow, Mpoto Yatu, Proper Burger, Bar Three, CN Liquor store and VIPs Mobile Bar will be serving delicious Caribbean-inspired meals and beverages to an expected attendance of over 2, 000 people.



Corporate sponsors of the Beerville 2025 are Big Tree Beverages with Brothers Mixers, Crown TV, Heineken Beverages, 4th Street Wines and Binto Noodles. Tickets are available at K200 per person through the BGS Tickety Whatsapp on +260961696458. Further details of the event can be found on social media via hashtag
#Beerville2025.

UPND GOVERNMENT SILENCE ON KAPATA, LUBINDA AND TASILA MUKULA SAGA IS WORRYING

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UPND GOVERNMENT SILENCE ON KAPATA, LUBINDA AND TASILA MUKULA SAGA IS WORRYING

UPND GOVERNMENT SILENCE ON KAPATA, LUBINDA AND TASILA MUKULA SAGA IS WORRYING



April 4, 2025
Press Statement – For Immediate Release

A few years ago, News Diggers exposed a powerful Mukula cartel that robbed Zambia of billions of dollars, particularly affecting the people of Luapula Province, where this precious timber was illegally harvested. Instead of benefiting local communities, the proceeds were pocketed by a few corrupt senior officials in the previous PF government.



When confronted with these allegations, former ministers Given Lubinda and Jean Kapata attempted to silence the media by suing News Diggers. However, their legal action backfired, ultimately implicating themselves in wrongdoing. A court judgment passed months ago provided clear evidence of their abuse of authority. Yet, despite this, the UPND government has shown little interest in pursuing justice, raising serious concerns about its commitment to fighting corruption.



From the Mukula cartel scandal, we now hear that sugilite is being stolen. This is the result of the government’s failure to address corruption decisively. Had the Mukula cartel been properly prosecuted, those involved in the theft of sugilite would have been deterred by the fear of facing legal consequences.


Where Are Lubinda, Kapata, and Tasila Now? Since losing their court case, Lubinda, Kapata, and Tasila Lungu have gone silent on the matter. Gone is the enthusiasm they displayed when they tried to intimidate the media for exposing their corruption. It is also deeply troubling that discrepancies exist between the Mukula revenue figures declared by the PF administration and those reported by countries like China, where the timber was exported. Yet, no one has been held accountable.



I call upon the UPND government to act decisively and investigate these criminals. Additionally, I urge all traditional leaders, lawmakers, and civil society organizations in Luapula Province to demand justice. The communities where Mukula was stolen remain underdeveloped lacking basic infrastructure, clean drinking water, and job opportunities while those responsible for this plunder live in luxury.


UPND’s Pledge to Fight Corruption Must Be Upheld.  While in opposition, the UPND was vocal about the Mukula scandal and promised to bring those responsible to justice. However, despite overwhelming evidence and the staggering financial losses suffered by the country, these cases have not received the attention they deserve. If the UPND government fails to act, it risks setting a dangerous precedent that could allow new corrupt actors to emerge under its administration.



Jean Kapata, in particular, committed serious offenses as Minister of Lands and Natural Resources. In Nyawa Chiefdom Kazungula District, she attempted to seize 100,000 hectares of land for Chinese nationals. This was another  serious land scam by the PF administration. Fortunately, vigilant community members and traditional leaders resisted, preventing what would have been an outright land grab. The situation surrounding the exploitation of special wood and other natural resources was handled in a dubious manner.



In Nyawa chiefdom, had we, as locals and indigenous people, remained passive, we would have undoubtedly suffered the same fate as Luapula province. We had to step in and advise the chief about the long-term repercussions, which led to the halt of these plans. It saddens me to see that many of our elected leaders seem to prioritize personal gain and family interests, rather than serving the people. Day after day, they rush to cut deals for themselves, yet there is little to show for the community’s well-being.



It is shameful that individuals who once held public office would exploit their own people for personal gain.

Luapula Leaders, where Is your voice? The underdevelopment of Luapula Province is directly linked to the plundering of its natural resources by individuals like Lubinda, Kapata, and Tasila. Yet, civic leaders, traditional authorities, and elected representatives from the province have remained silent. Where is the outrage? Where is the demand for accountability?



Hon. Binwell Mpundu, MP for Nkana, has often spoken about Luapula’s lack of development, but has he addressed the root cause the blatant theft of Mukula by his former PF colleagues? This timber could have transformed the province, yet those responsible continue to enjoy impunity.



I challenge all Luapula MPs: Why are you silent on the Mukula cartel judgment? Are you protecting those who robbed your own people? Petition the government to act, or admit that your loyalties lie with the criminals rather than the communities you were elected to serve.



The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and other investigative bodies must break their silence. The exploitation of ZAFFICO and the illegal trade of Mukula under the PF administration are well-documented. Corruption whether past or present must not be tolerated. The government must prove its commitment to justice, or risk speculation that certain individuals within the current administration are protecting those involved in the scandal.



The people of Zambia demand answers. Those responsible for this grand theft must be prosecuted and held accountable. Justice must prevail.



Signed,

Sikaile C. Sikaile
Good Governance and Human Rights Activist
Amnesty International

TONSE ALLIANCE YOUTH CHAIRMAN SET TO VISIT CHINGOLA

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TONSE ALLIANCE YOUTH CHAIRMAN SET TO VISIT CHINGOLA

TONSE ALLIANCE YOUTH CHAIRMAN SET TO VISIT CHINGOLA

…as he reechoes that his movement has mobilized legal teams in every province to support young people facing persecution, harassment, and intimidation



Chingola… Friday April 4, 2025

Tonse Alliance National Youth Chairman Celestine Mambula Mukandila has announced that he will be visiting Chingola in five (5) days’ time, as part of a nationwide campaign to address what he described as rising political intimidation and economic hardship under the UPND government.



Speaking during a recent address in Kabwe, Central Province, Mukandila reiterated that his movement had mobilized legal teams in every province to support young people who were facing persecution, harassment, and intimidation from the UPND.



He called out government officials for abandoning their constitutional duties, and turning themselves into Jerabos on the Copperbelt, labeling the trend as a disturbing abuse of office.



Mr. Mukandila contended that instead of empowering unemployed youths and creating opportunities, political leaders had become direct competitors in the artisanal mining sector, turning what should be a platform for youth development into a space for personal enrichment.



He further condemned what he described as a culture of corruption and mismanagement, saying that the government had failed to live up to its promises of transparency and accountability.



According to Mukandila, procurement scandals and misuse of public funds had become rampant, eroding public trust in the administration.

The Youth Chairperson also expressed concern over the continued rise in unemployment and the escalating cost of living.



He said that many families were struggling to afford basic commodities and accused the government of failing to implement effective economic policies.

“The economy is suffocating,” he said, “and our young people remain jobless, frustrated, and abandoned.”



Mr. Mukandila called for urgent government action, demanding the removal of officials involved in artisanal mining, prosecution of those engaged in corrupt practices, and the creation of youth-focused employment strategies, especially in mining towns like Chingola.

He also urged the administration to take immediate steps to alleviate the cost of living for ordinary citizens.



He emphasized the importance of recognizing artisanal miners as vital to local economic development and insisted they be granted fair access to the country’s mineral resources.



In a statement, he criticized what he termed as selfish leadership, warning that the current administration’s time was limited.



Mr. Mukandila concluded by expressing confidence in the resilience of Zambia’s youth, declaring that they would rise and thrive despite the challenges they faced.

A Critical Look at the Controversial Lusaka Archdiocese Letter

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A Critical Look at the Controversial Lusaka Archdiocese Letter

A Critical Look at the Controversial Lusaka Archdiocese Letter

A recent letter circulating under the Lusaka Archdiocese’s name has raised significant concerns, primarily due to the absence of Archbishop Dr. Alick Banda’s signature. In Catholic tradition, official statements especially those involving political or national matters must be issued or explicitly endorsed by the diocesan bishop. The lack of this clear ecclesiastical authority raises questions about the legitimacy of the letter and the intentions behind it.



In Catholicism, church protocol is sacrosanct. Canon law stipulates that official positions on national matters must be signed by the bishop, ensuring that they are representative of the diocese’s official stance.



The absence of Archbishop Dr. Alick Banda’s signature on this letter is not just a procedural oversight; it’s a fundamental deviation from established Church practices. As Fidelis Solomon Ngoma, Executive Director of the Acton Institute for Policy Analysis, pointed out:



“The Catholic Church must speak with one voice, rooted in authority and clarity. Any statement without the clear endorsement of the diocesan bishop is at best misrepresentative and at worst a direct challenge to the Church’s integrity.”



While the unsigned letter appears to confront the current government, this stance goes against the Church’s longstanding commitment to neutrality and reconciliation. The Catholic Church has always strived to be a voice for unity, advocating for peace and justice without taking sides in political conflicts. In a statement defending the Church’s broader approach to national issues, Ngoma emphasized:



“It is essential that the Church, in its role as a moral guide, remains neutral in the political arena. The Church’s mission is not to pick political sides but to promote justice, reconciliation, and peace, serving as a unifying force for all people, regardless of political affiliation.”



This concern over the Church’s neutrality becomes even more pressing with reports that Archbishop Dr. Alick Banda has distanced himself from the statement. If this report is accurate, it is clear that the letter in question did not come from the Archbishop or his office.



The failure to follow canonical procedures not only undermines the authority of the Archdiocese but also places the Archbishop’s position at risk. This potential for premature retirement is an unfortunate consequence of actions that deviate from the Church’s established norms.



Ngoma, reflecting on the need for transparency and alignment with Church teachings, starts, “For the Church to maintain its credibility and influence, it must ensure that its statements reflect its core values of dialogue, reconciliation, and unity. Any deviation from these values not only risks the Church’s reputation but also diminishes its moral authority in the eyes of both the faithful and the broader public.”



This situation also highlights the need for all members of the Church to respect its institutional procedures. While it is natural for individuals to want to speak out on national issues, it is critical that they do so within the framework of Church authority. Ngoma further clarified:

“The Church must safeguard its institutional integrity by ensuring that any statements made on behalf of the diocese are properly endorsed by its rightful leadership. To do otherwise is to invite confusion, division, and potential harm to the Church’s mission.”



As the controversy surrounding the Lusaka Archdiocese letter continues to unfold, it is crucial that the Church returns to its guiding principles of peace, unity, and moral clarity. The Church’s role is not to engage in political confrontations but to provide spiritual leadership and guidance that fosters reconciliation.



“The Church’s strength lies not in political posturing but in its unwavering commitment to the Gospel of peace and justice. If the Church remains true to these values, it will continue to be a force for good in Zambia, serving as a source of hope and moral guidance in times of national challenges.” Adds Ngoma

Having photos with all presidents doesn’t make Nevers Mumba a bootlicker – MMD

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Having photos with all presidents doesn’t make Nevers Mumba a bootlicker – MMD

Having photos with all presidents doesn’t make Nevers a bootlicker – MMD

THE Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) has dismissed claims that its leader Dr Nevers Mumba has been a political opportunist simply because he has been photographed with all the Zambian presidents.



In a statement, the MMD media team said some people have been twisting history by using Dr Mumba’s photos with past and present leaders to suggest that he has always aligned himself with sitting governments for personal gain.



The party described this narrative as misleading and unfair.

The MMD compared the issue of photos to assuming that football legend Kalusha Bwalya played for every team just because he took pictures with famous footballers.



The party also reminded the public that Dr Mumba’s political journey has not been easy as he was even persecuted during the PF’s time in power and had to fight many legal battles to retain control of the MMD.

“Dr Mumba suffered under the PF government for ten years. How can they now claim he was part of them and has betrayed them?” read the statement.



The party clarified that in his 25 year political career, Dr Mumba has only held two government positions and i.e. Vice President under Levy Mwanawasa from 2003 to 2004) and High Commissioner to Canada under Rupiah Banda from 2009 to 2011).

The rest of the time, he has funded his own political activities as revealed by the media team.



“The truth is that Dr Nevers Mumba is one of those Zambians who have simply worked hard at their craft and as a result, the reputation and personality he has built over time has often placed him at very high profile events and dates with both ordinary and prominent citizens alike.”



“He also remains one of the most recognisable personalities and voices in Zambia and it is this favour that has enabled him to interact closely and be photographed together with many prominent church and national leaders,” MMD reiterated.



The MMD media team dismissed claims that Dr Mumba had turned against the PF by working with President Hakainde Hichilema’s UPND administration.



According to the party, Dr Mumba has a history of recognising and respecting all Zambian presidents starting from first President Kenneth Kaunda to President Hakainde Hichilema because he believes in upholding national leadership not because he is seeking personal benefits.

By Catherine Pule

Kalemba April 4, 2025

U.S. ENVOY QUESTIONS ZAMBIA’s USE OF $8 BILLION IN DONATIONS

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U.S. ENVOY QUESTIONS ZAMBIA’s USE OF $8 BILLION IN DONATIONS

U.S. ENVOY QUESTIONS ZAMBIA’s USE OF $8 BILLION IN DONATIONS

…as Mwila reminds the UPND that there are only 497 days remaining before the 2026 general elections


Lusaka… Thursday April 3, 2025

Concerns have been raised regarding Zambia’s use of $8 billion in donations, following remarks by a U.S. envoy Michael Gonzales.



The diplomat reportedly stated that, despite receiving significant financial aid, the country has little to show for it. 

In response, Socialist Party Chairperson for Legal Affairs, Simon Mulenga Mwila, issued a statement questioning the government’s handling of the funds.



He suggested that Zambians should demand accountability, as no major infrastructure projects have been funded by the donations.

He also pointed to the country’s struggling economy, ongoing power shortages, and rising costs of essential goods as indicators that the aid had not been effectively utilized. 



Mr Mwila further criticized the government for celebrating minor projects, such as toilets commissioned on the Copperbelt, as major achievements.

He also noted that the Ndola-Lusaka dual carriageway, a crucial infrastructure project, is not being funded by donations but through a Chinese loan.



According to him, China is now recouping its investment through tollgate collections. 

Additionally, Mwila expressed skepticism about the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), arguing that the projects under this initiative did not reflect the large sums allocated to them.



He cited substandard classroom blocks as an example of alleged mismanagement. 

The opposition figure condemned the administration for failing to fulfill its promises of transparency and economic revival.



Instead, he stated that the country was witnessing increasing debt, worsening living conditions, and the suppression of critical voices. 



Mr Mwila concluded his statement by urging the government to stop blaming past administrations and to provide clear answers regarding the $8 billion in donations.



He also hinted at political consequences, noting that there were only 497 days remaining before the next general election.

I scan what is on social media, I see everything – Hichilema

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I scan what is on social media, I see everything – Hichilema

I scan what is on social media, I see everything – Hichilema

PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema says he sees and scans everything on social media but remains resolute in delivering for the people of Zambia.



President Hichilema said this to encourage the newly sworn in Local Government and Rural Development Minister Gift Sialubalo to focus on work and not what people say on socials.



The Head of State said despite the country undergoing the worst drought in living memory, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has grown by four percent.



“I see what is on social media, I always scan, what’s going on. Focus on the work at hand, don’t be disturbed by social media, tik tok, if I was disturbed by those things, we would have not done the things we have done. In a difficult year, the worst drought in living memory we have still delivered growth of four percent in GDP,” said the President.



“Because of the ingenuity, many things we did including bringing in energy to allow the mines, to increase production from around 700,000 thereby to 820,000 metric tonnes amidst the drought. If we hadn’t reformed the energy sector, we would have never done it.”



The President further reminded Sialubalo to remain loyal to the people of Zambia through the presidency.

“Little message for you sir, swearing and repeating the message, oath of office and allegiance to the nation through the nation [is] to the president. You can’t have a scattered array of allegiance.”



“Oath of secrecy… some people develop a knack, [once they get wind of] confidential issues… the following day, they are on social media. But there only six of us in that meeting. How had this happened. You must have self censure. We are servants we are not masters sir, some of your freedoms are gone. We must act as servants of the people,” he said.



President Hichilema told the new minister that the entire Cabinet was going to support him in carrying out his duties.



“Let’s support this colleague, support each other, we are one team. You have my full support, if you need help, please reach out,” said the Head of State.

By Catherine Pule

Kalemba, April 1, 2025

REFRAIN FROM MEDDLING IN FAZ AFFAIRS, BANDA URGES GOVERNMENT

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REFRAIN FROM MEDDLING IN FAZ AFFAIRS, BANDA URGES GOVERNMENT

REFRAIN FROM MEDDLING IN FAZ AFFAIRS, BANDA URGES GOVERNMENT

…says football leadership should be determined solely by the footballing community, not by political actors seeking control



Lusaka… Friday April 4, 2025

Former Kasenengwa Member of Parliament, Sensio Banda, has raised serious concerns over alleged political interference in the recently held FAZ elections in Livingstone.



In a statement, Banda emphasized the importance of safeguarding the integrity of FAZ leadership and ensuring that elections are conducted within constitutional frameworks.

According to Banda, any attempts to manipulate the electoral process—whether through political pressure, legal loopholes, or external involvement—constitute unethical and fraudulent behavior that could derail the progress of Zambian football.



He insisted that the outcome of the elections should have been determined by the democratic will of the delegates, not influenced by underhanded tactics.

He expressed particular concern over what he described as the “fraudulent procurement” of a court injunction ahead of the elections, noting the suspicious ease with which it was later dismissed.



Mr. Banda suggested that this incident pointed to possible third-party interference aimed at influencing the outcome in favor of certain interests.

A deeper analysis, he stated, indicated that the Ministry of Youth and Sport, along with the National Sports Council of Zambia (NSCZ), may have played a role in interfering with the electoral process.



He argued that the questionable circumstances surrounding the granting and dismissal of the injunction hinted at undue influence over the judiciary.

Mr. Banda lamented that FAZ president Andrew Kamanga was facing more than just a contest against rival candidates, stating that Kamanga appeared to be up against powerful government entities working covertly to affect the results.



During an inter-parte hearing related to the injunction, Humphrey Musonda Mwape, the plaintiff, disassociated himself from the case, revealing that he had never engaged the lawyers who filed the matter on his behalf.



Their failure to explain the situation, Banda said, exposed the desperation of those seeking to interfere with the elections.

He further argued that if the preferred candidate of these external actors had genuine support, there would have been no need for legal manipulation.



He welcomed the High Court’s dismissal of the case against Kamanga and his General Secretary Reuben Kamanga and noted that the implicated lawyers now face charges of professional misconduct.

However, Banda warned that the issue extended beyond the legal realm, stressing that global football governing body FIFA maintains a strict policy against political interference in football affairs.



He cautioned that FAZ could face serious sanctions if these allegations were proven, potentially affecting the future of Zambian football on the international stage.

To preserve justice and fairness, Banda called on the judiciary to ensure that courts are not used as tools for electoral manipulation.



He said that those responsible for undermining the process must be held accountable, adding that addressing the lawyers alone was not enough.

He urged the Ministry of Youth and Sport and the NSCZ to reflect on their alleged roles and to refrain from further interference in FAZ matters.



Mr. Banda concluded by stating that for football to thrive in Zambia, elections must be free, fair, and transparent, and the game should be governed solely by the footballing community, not political actors.

“ABASH to interference in Zambian football,” he declared.

MINISTRY OF ENERGY PS URGES MORE WOMEN TO JOIN THE ENERGY SECTOR

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MINISTRY OF ENERGY PS URGES MORE WOMEN TO JOIN THE ENERGY SECTOR

MINISTRY OF ENERGY PS URGES MORE WOMEN TO JOIN THE ENERGY SECTOR

The Ministry of Energy Permanent Secretary- Electricity, Mr. Arnold Simwaba, today officiated at the Women in Energy Network-Africa (WEN-Africa) Conference 2025 in Lusaka, an event aimed at advancing women’s empowerment and promoting gender equality in Africa’s energy sector.



The conference gathered key stakeholders to explore practical solutions for increasing women’s participation and shaping a more inclusive and sustainable energy future for the continent.



Mr Simwaba acknowledged the historical male dominance in the energy sector and emphasized the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to change this. He stressed that empowering women in the energy industry is essential not only for gender equality but also for driving sustainable development, fostering innovation, and improving decision-making. The speech was read by Acting Director of Energy Mr. Mafayo Ziba.



Mr Simwaba also highlighted Zambia’s commitment to inclusive energy development, citing the 2022 re-establishment of the Zambia Gender and Energy Network, which aims to increase women’s participation in the energy sector, enhance access to clean energy, and support rural communities.
He noted that these efforts are in line with Zambia’s broader national goals of achieving universal access to electricity and advancing the use of renewable energy sources.


The conference also focused on the critical need for fostering partnerships between governments, private sectors, and international organizations to support women’s leadership and innovation within the energy sector. Discussions centered on key initiatives such as capacity building, mentorship programs, and leveraging technology to open new entrepreneurial opportunities for women.


Additionally, participants explored strategies for scaling up renewable energy projects, such as solar, wind, and hydropower, to ensure a sustainable and equitable energy future for Africa.



The event further emphasized the central role of women in driving Africa’s energy transition. With the World Bank’s ongoing support, efforts are being made to create a more gender-inclusive energy sector that prioritizes sustainability, innovation, and economic growth. Mr. Simwaba concluded by reiterating Zambia’s commitment to gender equality and sustainable development, stressing the importance of collective action in achieving these goals.


The WEN-Africa Conference 2025 serves as a powerful platform for advancing gender integration within Africa’s energy sector.
By bringing together thought leaders, industry experts, and policymakers, the event fostered meaningful discussions that are essential for driving inclusive growth and ensuring that women play a central role in shaping Africa’s energy future

#theenergyrevolutionishere #renewableelectricity #renewableenergy #SustainableGrowth
Ministry of Energy Zambia
Energy Regulation Board- ERB

Ivwananji deletes all posts about his cheating wife, Natasha and his alleged infidel friend, Norman

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Ivwananji deletes all posts about his cheating wife, Natasha and his alleged infidel friend, Norman


IN CASE you want to visit Ivwananji Mwamba’s Facebook account to refresh your memory on how a young Zambian lover boy took to social media to announce that his best friend Norman Mulenga, mined cobalt in his open pit matrimonial bedroom, the embarrassing and heartbreaking posts are no longer there.



Like Chingola illegal miners, Ivwananji reported to the Nation last month that Norman had been extracting precious minerals from his sacred mine, TV Yatu learned.



Shortly after he recovered from his attempt at end his life, Ivwananji yet again resumed posting more information about Natasha saying he had lost both his job and marriage following his actions.

This attracted some criticism from some social media commenters who advised that he turns away from further posting on his issues.



When Ivwananji announced his arrival in Zambia, he threatened he would deal with anyone that would say anything suggesting that he focused on healing.

In a turn of events, United States based Zambian George Mtonga announced that he was in touch with Ivwananji and that he was guiding him on how to navigate the unfortunate that has befallen Mr. Romantic.



In his post attached with Ivwananji’s picture and monitored by TV Yatu, George popularly known as Papa-G, said, “I’m directly in touch with him. We will provide the donations numbers once i interview him and also make sure he gets the mental health he needs. He will need time. My hope and requirement is that he doesnt post anything related to his experiences. He needs to start healing. I dont want this to be one of these drama thing on drama blogs. He needs to follow a specific path to recovery thats focused on himself. I will advise by EOD tmr.”



He further posted saying, “If he turns this into a social media frakas i will not work on the case. I have specific guidelines i follow and we are not trying to make this into social media entertainment. This for Zambian men to see that we support their mental health and we will come in for them when they are down. If it turns into drama i will wash my hands.”



George said, “I will do my best to guide him. But this process because it involves public money should be approached with specific demands. Thats just how it works.”



A few moments later, it is believed, Ivwananji wiped clean, his Facebook wall of his wife’s cheating story with Norman who people say despite the allegations, remains unconcerned as he is from time to time spotted in night clubs, jiving to Yo Maps’ song, Uwamunandi.

Follow TV Yatu for more…

©️ TV Yatu April 4, 2025.

Museveni in Juba for talks with Kiir amid tensions

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Museveni in Juba for talks with Kiir amid tensions

Museveni in Juba for talks with Kiir amid tensions
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni- Courtesy
April 3, 2025
JUBA
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni arrived in Juba on Thursday for talks with South Sudanese leader Salva Kiir, as tensions escalate in the world’s youngest nation.



The visit aims to bolster bilateral ties and address South Sudan’s crisis, which has drawn international condemnation following the house arrest of First Vice President and opposition leader Dr. Riek Machar.



Museveni was received by Kiir at Juba International Airport in what officials described as a working visit. The Ugandan leader later confirmed his arrival in a post on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, saying:


“I look forward to our discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing cooperation between our two nations.”



Museveni has been a key mediator in regional peace efforts, including brokering South Sudan’s 2018 peace deal that ended a brutal civil war. However, Uganda’s recent military deployments in South Sudan have drawn criticism from opposition figures, who accuse Kampala of meddling in internal affairs.



The talks come amid rising unrest in South Sudan after Machar and some of his allies were detained. Their arrest has sparked violence in Rejaf, Wunaliet, and Upper Nile State. The government accuses Machar of plotting rebellion, a claim his allies deny.



The United Nations, African Union, and regional leaders have condemned Machar’s detention, warning it risks destabilizing the fragile peace in the world’s youngest nation.



South Sudan’s government sought military assistance from Uganda amid the tensions. Uganda’s Defence Minister Jacob Oboth told parliament that Kiir made an urgent request on March 10 for support to avert a potential security crisis.



“Following this request, the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) was deployed on a peace enforcement mission to stabilize the situation,” Oboth said, defending the move as aligned with Uganda’s values of patriotism and Pan-Africanism.



Museveni’s visit follows a mission by Kenya’s special envoy Raila Odinga, who met Kiir last week. Odinga claimed his request to meet Machar was denied and that Kiir referred him to Museveni—an assertion dismissed by South Sudan’s presidential press secretary, David Amuor Majur.



“The suggestion that His Excellency General Salva Kiir Mayardit requested Right Honourable Raila Odinga to meet the President of Uganda misrepresents diplomatic principles,” Majur said in a Monday briefing. “It is essential to clarify that the Right Honourable Odinga’s mission to Uganda was pre-arranged and not at the direction of President Kiir.”

At Least 16 Dead As Migrant Boats Sink Along Greece, Turkey Coasts

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At least 16 people, including three children, lost their lives after two migrant boats sank off the coasts of Greece and Turkey on Thursday, according to AP.

The accidents occurred hours apart in the narrow waters of the Aegean Sea between the Greek island of Lesbos and the Turkish mainland.

In the first incident, a dinghy boat carrying migrants from Turkey to Greece began taking on water and sank in the morning.

According to Greece’s coast guard, they rescued 23 people and recovered the bodies of seven victims, including three women, two boys, a girl, and a man.

The survivors were taken to a migrant camp on Lesbos, while search and rescue operations continued into the afternoon, as the total number of passengers on board remained unclear.

Meanwhile, Turkish authorities reported that a separate boat sank in the same region.

The Turkish Canakkale governor’s office said the Turkish coast guard responded to an emergency call and deployed three boats and a helicopter.

According to them, Rescuers saved 25 people and recovered nine bodies, while the search for one missing person continued.

Despite favorable weather conditions, the tragedies highlight the persistent dangers faced by migrants attempting to reach Europe.

Greece remains a key entry point into the European Union for refugees fleeing conflict and hardship in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Many attempt the perilous journey from Turkey in overcrowded and unseaworthy boats, often leading to fatal accidents.

Greek authorities have intensified sea patrols to curb illegal crossings, pushing smugglers to seek alternative routes, including longer voyages from North Africa to southern Greece.

In 2024, over 54,000 migrants traveled the eastern Mediterranean route to Greece, while more than 7,700 crossed its land border with Turkey. The U.N. refugee agency reported 125 people dead or missing that year.

As of March 30, more than 8,000 migrants have arrived in Greece by sea, with 755 crossing by land, according to the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees.

Bali bans ‘menstruating tourists’ from entering their temples

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Authorities in Bali, Indonesia have unveiled a new policy banning “menstruating tourists” from entering temples over concerns that “dirty” period blood will contaminate their holy sites.

This unorthodox law is included in a list of policies the tropical island’s governor, Wayan Koster, imposed on March 24 to clamp down on “misbehaving tourists” overrunning the paradise, per a report from Metro.

“I am implementing this circular as an immediate measure to regulate foreign tourists while they are in Bali,” declared the honcho.

Under the new rules, women would be prohibited from entering Balinese temples while on their period out of fear that menstrual plasma is “dirty” and would “make the temple become impure,” Visit Bali reported.

According to stories passed down from “generation to generation, there are negative effects if you are determined to enter the temple during menstruation,” the site warns.

“Many women experience pain and faint while in the temple. Reportedly, there are also mystical events that can befall menstruating women in temples, such as possession.”

And it wasn’t just the menstruating women who were affected, per the site, which declared that “residents around the temple could be affected by natural disasters and diseases” prompted by a period.

“If you are menstruating while on holiday in Bali, don’t worry!” they concluded. “There are many other entertainment spots around the temple, such as watching traditional dance performances.”

They didn’t specify how they plan to check whether a woman is on her period.

These weren’t the only rules unveiled to preserve the “cultural integrity and sacred sites” on the majority Hindu island.

The guidelines mandate that visitors should “dress appropriately when visiting temples, tourist attractions, or public spaces,” and won’t be permitted to “enter sacred temple areas unless they are worshippers wearing traditional Balinese attire,” Timeout reported.

Other prohibited behaviors, per the new mandate, include using single-use plastics like plastic bags and straws, being rude to locals, swearing and littering.

To enforce these laws, Bali has formed a special task force whose job it is to monitor visitors and punish “naughty” violators with penalties ranging from fines to jail time.

“We issued a similar regulation before, but as things change, we need to adapt,” announced Koster. “This ensures that Bali’s tourism remains respectful, sustainable, and in harmony with our local values.”

“Bali is a beautiful, sacred island, and we expect our guests to show the same respect that we extend to them,” he added.

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