When UNZASU Leadership Fails to Question: The Silent Erosion of Student Democracy

By Dr Mwelwa

It is shocking—unsettling, even—that the UNZASU leadership has welcomed the constitutional amendments without first seeing and critically analyzing the draft. A Constitution is not a piece of cloth to be tailored to the whims of the powerful; it is the foundation upon which justice and democracy stand. To endorse something unseen is not leadership—it is servitude disguised as engagement. The greatest betrayal of intellect is to surrender thought for convenience, to trade inquiry for blind acceptance.

A student body that should be the pulse of political thought is now content with entertainment and shallow slogans. Elections that should be battlegrounds of ideas have become mere spectacles where the loudest, not the wisest, win. Allowances that should be stepping stones toward self-sufficiency have been weaponized into tools of obedience. Now, a constitutional amendment appears—veiled, secretive, its true purpose unknown—and instead of skepticism, we see applause. The political elite have perfected the art of control—not through force, not through open dictatorship, but through manipulation, pacification, and the slow erosion of independent thought.

History whispers its warnings. When rulers amend constitutions in secrecy, when laws are rewritten under the guise of progress, when those in power suddenly claim to be the champions of the very people they have long ignored, beware. The frog in the well believes its world is vast—until the waters dry up. The ox that enjoys its master’s hand does not realize that same hand holds the knife. The greatest illusion of power is to make the oppressed believe they are free. And if the brightest minds of the nation refuse to see through the deception, who then will?

Has it escaped our notice that this same government, which now speaks of youth and women’s empowerment, had every opportunity to uplift them but chose not to? The problem has never been the Constitution—it has been the will of those in power. If they have failed with the current Constitution, what convinces us they will suddenly change with a new one? Confucius warned that when a ruler changes laws without involving the people, he does not seek justice—he seeks control. Are we so naive as to believe that the same government that ignored our struggles will now miraculously deliver us justice?

Education that does not teach one to challenge, to question, to demand accountability is no more than an expensive form of domestication. If a university is no longer a place where minds are sharpened but instead a factory for compliance, then it is no longer an institution of higher learning—it is a breeding ground for servitude. Laozi once said, “To see things in the seed—that is genius.” A true intellectual does not wait for oppression to manifest before speaking out. But what do we see here? A student body so engrossed in trivialities, so distracted by their immediate comforts, that they have lost the ability to perceive danger before it strikes.

The tragedy is not that those in power seek to manipulate the Constitution for their own ends. That is expected. The real tragedy is that the very people who should see through this charade have chosen to be blind. They have not been defeated by oppression; they have surrendered willingly, offering their intellect as a gift to those who seek to rule unchallenged. The price of refusing to think critically is to be ruled by those who prey on ignorance. If this is the caliber of leadership emerging from our universities, then the future of Zambia is not one of democracy, but of quiet submission.

When history looks back at this moment, it will not remember the politicians who engineered this amendment. It will remember the students who let it happen. And when the consequences arrive—when the Constitution no longer protects, when democracy is but a memory, when the voices of the people are drowned by the dictates of the powerful—there will be no one to blame but those who refused to think when it mattered most.

*_For what is more terrifying than an unjust ruler? A generation that no longer recognizes injustice._*

SHAKAFUSWA WRITES ECZ OVER 2021 ELECTORAL DATA

Subject: Final Notice – Urgent Request for Statistical Data on the 2021 Elections

Dear Chairperson,

I hope this letter finds you well.

I am writing to express our deep concern regarding the total lack of response to our initial request for the statistical data from the 2021 elections, which was submitted on [25 February 2025, copy attached]. As of today, despite the critical importance of this data for public transparency and electoral integrity, we have yet to receive any acknowledgment or response from the Electoral Commission of Zambia.

This continued silence is not only unacceptable but also raises serious questions about the Electoral Commission’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and public access to information. As an organization dedicated to supporting democratic processes, we cannot overlook the gravity of this situation. Without this crucial data, the public, political stakeholders, and civil society cannot conduct proper analysis, hold authorities accountable, or plan for future electoral processes. The lack of transparency is detrimental to the democratic health of our country.

The absence of a response deepens public skepticism and undermines the integrity of the electoral process.

We must make it clear: if we do not receive a formal and comprehensive response to this request by [25 March 2025], we will not hesitate to escalate this matter. We are prepared to organize a peaceful public demonstration to demand that the Electoral Commission uphold its responsibility to provide the requested information. This action will be a genuine call from the people who deserve transparency and accountability from their elected institutions. The Zambia Police will be notified of our intentions accordingly.

It is not our preferred course of action, but the lack of response leaves us with no other choice. The public has a right to know, and we will ensure that their voices are heard if necessary. We strongly urge the ECZ to address this issue promptly before this situation escalates further.

We remain hopeful that the Commission will take this final opportunity to fulfill its obligations in a timely and transparent manner. Should you require further information or clarification, we are happy to cooperate, but we expect a prompt and substantial reply by the deadline mentioned above.

Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter.

Ephraim Shakafuswa
Member – Tonse Alliance Council of Leaders

SEPARATING FACT FROM Fiction: A REBUTTAL TO MUSA MWENYA’S MISCONCEPTIONS  CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

By Timmy

Musa Mwenya’s recent article on constitutional amendments has sparked intense debate, with some of his claims generating unnecessary fear and misinformation among Zambians. As a concerned citizen, I feel compelled to set the record straight and provide a more balanced perspective on this critical issue.

Contrary  to Musa mwenya’s ssertions, the government is not imposing constitutional amendments on the people of Zambia. Instead, they are following the law and initiating a process that will involve wide consultation and consensus. At this point, we don’t even know what the proposed amendments will look like.

The government has assured us that the constitutional amendment process will be transparent and inclusive. This means that all stakeholders, including citizens, civil society organizations, and opposition parties, will have a chance to participate and provide input. Musa Mwenya and his group should focus on constructive engagement rather than inciting protests and unrest.

Musa Mwenya also raises concerns about the government’s plan to buy new vehicles for additional constituencies. However, this is not a significant problem. In fact, it’s a step in the right direction to benefit the people. The government is working within the law to ensure that the constitutional amendment process is transparent and inclusive.

Let’s not forget that the current Constitution is the best Zambia has had since independence, with progressive clauses like the 50%+1 vote clause and the running mate clause. These clauses have enhanced Zambia’s democracy, and there is no indication that the government plans to remove them. The opposition’s claims to the contrary are nothing but propaganda aimed at turning the people against the government.

Musa Mwenya’s concerns are understandable, but he should engage in constructive dialogue rather than spreading misinformation. The government is committed to following the law and ensuring that the constitutional amendment process is transparent and inclusive. As citizens, let’s focus on promoting a more informed and nuanced discussion on this critical issue. It’s important to note that the president of zambia means well for the nation of zambia and we just have to support him.

WAGON MEDIA

“PRESIDENT HICHILEMA STRENGTHENS TIES WITH CATHOLIC CHURCH, PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT”

By Timmy

President Hakainde Hichilema has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working closely with the Catholic Church, emphasizing their shared vision for national development. Speaking at Chikuni Mission, the President praised the Church’s invaluable contributions to education, healthcare, and social services, highlighting its impact on Zambia’s economic growth.

“We view the Church as a vital partner in national development, and no one can separate the Church from the UPND government,” President Hichilema said. He commended the Catholic Church for its role in promoting social justice, education, and healthcare, while calling for improved infrastructure to boost economic growth.

The President also announced plans to upgrade the road from Rusangu to Chikuni Mission and extend it to Gwembe, Chisekese, and Magoye to bituminous standards. Additionally, he confirmed that the government will establish a solar power station to provide reliable electricity to Chikuni, Rusangu, and surrounding communities.

President Hichilema reiterated his commitment to revamping Chikuni Ranch, ensuring its continued role in livestock production and food security. As part of his support, he donated ten heifers and one bull, encouraging other stakeholders to contribute towards the sustainability of the initiative.

Bishop Raphael Mweempwa of Monze Diocese echoed the President’s sentiments, urging unity and collaboration to tackle national issues. He commended the government’s efforts in empowering local communities through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and praised the government’s proactive response to climate challenges.

The partnership between the Church and the government is not new; it has existed since 1906. There is no animosity between us,” Bishop Mweempwa said. “We must stand in solidarity with the Catholic Church and pray for Pope Francis.”

President Hichilema’s commitment to strengthening ties with the Catholic Church is an example of his administration’s dedication to promoting national development and unity. As Zambia continues on its path to progress, the partnership between the Church and the state will play a vital role in shaping the country’s future.

What are your thoughts on this development? Share your comments, like, and share this article to join the conversation.

WAGON MEDIA

“A PARTNERSHIP FOR PROGRESS: CATHOLIC CHURCH AND NEW DAWN GOVERNMENT UNITE FOR ZAMBIA’S DEVELOPMENT”

By Timmy

The Catholic Church and the New Dawn Government, led by President Hakainde Hichilema, have reaffirmed their commitment to working together to bring development and prosperity to the people of Zambia. This partnership is built on a foundation of mutual respect, trust, and a shared vision for a better future for all Zambians.

President Hichilema has consistently emphasized the importance of collaboration between the Church and the state, stating, “We have a cordial relationship with the Church, and no one will separate us because we are not in competition with the Church but rather partners in social and economic development”.

The Catholic Church plays a vital role in shaping moral values and providing spiritual guidance to individuals and communities. Through its charitable works, education, healthcare, and assistance to the less fortunate, the Church supports society and promotes peace, unity, and social justice.

This partnership is not new; the Catholic Church has a long history of working with the government to promote development and social justice in Zambia. President Hichilema has acknowledged the Church’s role as a “beacon of hope” and “a barometer of our nation’s conscience”.

The Church’s commitment to education, healthcare, and social services has been instrumental in promoting development and improving the lives of Zambians. The government has recognized the importance of this work and has pledged to continue working with the Church to address the country’s development challenges.

As the partnership between the Catholic Church and the New Dawn Government continues to grow, it is clear that this collaboration will play a critical role in shaping Zambia’s future. By working together, the Church and the government can leverage their collective resources and expertise to drive development, promote social justice, and improve the lives of all Zambians.

What are your thoughts on this partnership? Share your comments, like, and share this article to join the conversation.

WAGON MEDIA

Sabotaging Development Through Low CDF Utilisation: The Case of Chawama Constituency

By Dr. Martin Mushumba

A recent report by Transparency International Zambia (TIZ) has exposed a troubling reality: Chawama Constituency ranks among the lowest in utilizing Constituency Development Funds (CDF), with a dismal uptake of just 20-30%. For a community grappling with a 74% poverty rate and urgent developmental needs, this failure to harness critical resources is nothing short of a betrayal. 

As a proud resident of Chawama, I carry this constituency in my heart. Its struggles are my struggles, and its stagnation under poor leadership keeps me awake at night. How can we accept such apathy when our children are denied educational bursaries, our youth lack skills training, our people drink water from shallow wells, our community has no drainages, and our families remain trapped in cycles of poverty? The answer is clear: we cannot. 

The root of this crisis lies in the absentee leadership of the area Member of Parliament (MP) Tasila Lungu Mwansa. Suffice it to state that the Council cannot approve community projects in the absence of the area MP.

While our community cries out for action, Tasila Lungu has repeatedly prioritized personal interests over public duty—including an extended, year-long maternity absence during her term, leaving Chawama’s needs unattended. During her absence, desperate parents flooded our offices with pleas: Why are CDF-funded skills programs stalled? Why are our children denied bursaries for boarding schools? Her silence echoed loudly. 

This is more than negligence—it is sabotage. By willfully neglecting her mandate, Tasila Lungu has stifled progress, weaponizing CDF underutilization to spite political opponents at the expense of suffering families. To Tasila Lungu, utilising the expanded CDF threatens her father, former Presdent Edgar Chagwa Lungu’s return to politics.  To her, the low utilisation of CDF brightens things for her father to convince the masses of the failures of the New Dawn Government.

Chawama, situated in the heart of Lusaka, should be a beacon of CDF’s transformative potential. Instead, it stands as a symbol of wasted opportunity. Tasila Lungu has made sure that there is nothing to show for CDF in Chawama.

2026 is our turning point. We must liberate Chawama from the grip of complacency and elect a leader who embodies accountability, presence, and vision. Imagine a constituency where CDF revitalizes schools, empowers entrepreneurs, upgrades clinics, and fuels youth employment. This is not a distant dream—it is achievable with leadership that prioritizes people over politics.

 

Tasila Lungu’s tenure has proven her a threat to both Chawama’s progress and Zambia’s national development. The time for change is now. As Chawama residents, let us unite to vote out indifference and vote in a leader who will fight tirelessly to: 
– Maximize CDF absorption to fund community-driven projects. 
– Restore transparency in resource allocation. 
– Deliver education, healthcare, and economic opportunities to every doorstep. 

Chawama deserves more than empty promises. It deserves a future. Together, let’s demand better—and build it.

As 2026 dawns, the hour to act is here. Vote for progress. Vote for Chawama. Remove selfish leaders.

The author is a Public Policy Analyst

FISHO MWALE writes:

The announcement by the President regarding the installation of CCTVs at universities should be met with trepidation. The immediate concern, as a former UNZA student,is the threat posed by a surveillance system linked to the National Intelligence System, which threatens not only individual student liberties but also the university community as a whole.

A university is an environment that thrives on the unfettered exchange of ideas, creative thought, robust discourse, and the freedom to question politics and society, all without the watchful eye of a “Big Brother.”

I believe we already have the $200m Safe City Project with Command centre and over 200 cameras on major roads, including at the entrance of Unza providing surveillance.

Traditionally, most universities provide their own on-campus security services. The involvement of a state security apparatus on a university campus during peacetime raises significant questions about the state’s motives.

Is crime or unresolved murders prevalent on these campuses? Are we to assume that social crimes, such as those committed by so-called “Sugar Daddies,” are so endemic that they warrant such a substantial investment in CCTV systems—especially when we may not have the resources to maintain them, leading to their eventual redundancy? What about the freedom of association and interpersonal relationships among consenting adults on campus? Should these be subjected to surveillance? Given the prevalence of social media, these connections (with SDs)are essentially unmanageable by CCTV systems.

Moreover, modern drone technology is so advanced that traditional CCTV is becoming obsolete. Alternatively a cheaper but efficient system is biometric gate passes which authorises residents only.

Manje ma cameras muzaona maloza yapa break time.

My concern is that CCTV aimed at monitoring students is intrusive to the healthy intellectual environment that a university community fosters. The President’s announcement raises further concerns about deeper issues that we may not yet understand.
Maybe “ hot politics on campus ?”

IT’S GERRYMANDERING, MEANT TO BENEFIT ONE PARTY

By Musa Mwenye,SC

The Constitution must never be imposed upon or bequeathed to citizens by the leaders, the citizens must give themselves the Constitution and it must be formulated through wide consultation and consensus. That is why, the very first words of the Constitution of Zambia are “WE, THE PEOPLE OF ZAMBIA”.

The Constitution making process must be open and transparent because legitimacy, is the corner stone of constitution making and there can never be legitimacy, when the people are ambushed with a draft constitution. How the Constitution is made is as important, if not more important than the contents of the Constitution. In fact, an agreed and transparent process, protects the content and conversely, if the process is hidden, non inclusive and controversial, there is a high risk that the clauses that will be put in the Constitution will be meant to favour some sections of society and unfairly disadvantage others.

In any case, it is highly undesirable to amend a constitution just before elections especially if the process is contentious and, particularly if the amendments will touch on any clause that bears directly on the next general elections. This also applies to delimitation or increase of constituencies. Delimitation or increase of constituencies is a well known source of electoral controversy and potential electoral manipulation to the extent that, it has even acquired a technical term- gerrymandering!

Gerrymandering is the manipulation of electoral constituency boundaries so as to benefit one party. Where gerrymandering has been done, the number of constituencies in certain political party strong holds is increased by splitting existing constituencies on the pretext that they are too big, so that, that particular political party has an inbuilt majority of constituencies. In functioning democracies, because of the risk of gerrymandering, delimitation or increase of constituencies must only be done after the proposed new constituency boundaries are agreed to, by all the stakeholders.

It is doubtful that increasing constituencies and, consequently, the number of members of parliament who will be paid by the tax payer, is an urgent priority that cannot wait until after next year. Perhaps we should instead concentrate our efforts on making the Members of parliament we have now,  more effective. Looking at the state of our economy, it may be a bad time to increase the burden on the tax payer, by increasing the number of members of parliament who we have to pay allowances and gratuities to and buy Landcruiser VX’s for.

Finally, although it can be improved through an agreed and consultative process, the current Constitution is the best we have had since independence. Some of us campaigned for many many years, for the 50%+1 vote clause, running mate clause, fixing of the date of the elections in the Constitution, hand over of power to the speaker of the National Assembly, if elections are contested in court etc and these clauses are in the current Constitution. We must resist the temptation to remove these progressive clauses from the Constitution or even to water them down because they serve and enhance our democracy.

Who is Elvis Nkandu to Decide Who Belongs in Society?

By Thandiwe Ketis Ngoma

I recently watched a disturbing video clip of Hon. Elvis Nkandu, the Minister of Youth, Sport, and Arts, making an outrageous and dictatorial statement. Referring to Francis Kapwepwe, also known as “Why Me,” Nkandu arrogantly declared that some individuals do not deserve to live among us in society. His justification? That “Why Me” allegedly insulted President Hakainde Hichilema

This reckless and authoritarian statement is not just dangerous; it is an assault on democracy, freedom of expression, and the rule of law. Who is Elvis Nkandu to decide who has the right to live in society? Who granted him the power to play judge, jury, and executioner over Zambians?

A Dangerous Abuse of Power

Elvis Nkandu is a public servant, not a dictator. His duty is to serve the Zambian people, not to impose his personal opinions on who belongs in society. Zambia is a constitutional democracy governed by laws, not by the reckless declarations of power-hungry politicians who think they can exile citizens at will.

If Francis Kapwepwe broke the law, there are legal institutions in place to handle the matter. Zambia has courts, judges, and due process mechanisms. No minister has the authority to decide who can or cannot live among us. Nkandu’s words are not just careless; they are dangerous. They expose a mindset that seeks to rule through fear, intimidation, and suppression of dissent.

Selective Justice and Political Hypocrisy

Francis Kapwepwe’s alleged insults toward President Hichilema do not warrant Nkandu’s declaration that he is not needed in society. If Nkandu truly believes that insulting a sitting president is grounds for exile, why hasn’t he said the same about UPND cadres like Icibokolo and Moses Chijokela from North-Western Province, who have publicly insulted and mocked former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu?

Nkandu has conveniently remained silent on these UPND cadres, who continue to spew vulgarities and derogatory remarks against the former head of state. His selective outrage exposes the hypocrisy of the government. If Nkandu were a principled leader, he would condemn all political insults, regardless of who they target. Instead, he has made it clear that in his eyes, insults against President Hichilema are unacceptable, but insults against former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu are perfectly fine as long as they serve the UPND agenda.

An Attack on Free Speech and Democracy

Nkandu’s statement is not just an attack on “Why Me”; it is an attack on every Zambian. It sends a chilling message: criticize the government, and you could be declared unfit to live in society. If insulting a president—whether proven or not—now means someone should be cast out of society, then we must ask: are we still a democracy, or have we entered a dictatorship?

This is how tyranny begins. Today, it is “Why Me.” Tomorrow, it could be any journalist, opposition leader, civil rights activist, or ordinary citizen who dares to voice dissatisfaction with those in power.

A Minister Who Has Abandoned His Responsibilities

Instead of focusing on his actual job—empowering youth, creating jobs, and strengthening sports development—Nkandu is busy issuing threats and behaving like a political enforcer. His position is not to police people’s opinions, nor is he in charge of deciding who gets to live in Zambia.

The youth of this country are struggling with unemployment, lack of opportunities, and a collapsing economy. Yet, instead of addressing these urgent matters, Nkandu is obsessed with silencing critics. Is this what leadership looks like? A government more concerned with controlling speech than fixing the problems affecting its citizens?

Elvis Nkandu Must Be Held Accountable

Nkandu’s remarks are not just unacceptable; they are a disgrace. They expose a leadership that is insecure, intolerant, and afraid of public criticism. A government that fears its own people has already failed.

Elvis Nkandu must explain himself to the Zambian people. He must apologize and be reminded that Zambia belongs to all its citizens, not just those who sing praises for the ruling party. His words are not just an insult to democracy; they are a direct attack on the fundamental rights and freedoms that this country stands for.

The power to decide who lives in society does not belong to Elvis Nkandu, nor any politician. Zambia is not a dictatorship. It belongs to all Zambians, not just those who agree with the government.

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH: A TOWERING PILLAR OF INTEGRITY IN ZAMBIA’S POLITICS

By Timmy

In the intricate landscape of Zambian politics, one institution has consistently stood out as a beacon of integrity, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to the values of justice, equality, and compassion – the Catholic Church. Despite numerous attempts by desperate politicians to manipulate and exploit the Church for their own gain, the Catholic Church has remained a steadfast and unshakeable pillar of moral guidance and leadership.

The recent attempt to use the Church to flame Hon. Michelo Kasauta, a dedicated public servant committed to unity, respect, and national progress, is just the latest in a long series of failed attempts to politicize the Church. The false allegations against Kasauta are nothing but a desperate attempt to tarnish his reputation and undermine his efforts to promote the common good.

But the Catholic Church is not a stranger to the machinations of politicians. We’ve seen it all before – the failed attempts to use prophets, witchcraft, and wizards to further political agendas. The UKA and Tonse alliances, the divisive tribalism, the protests that fell on deaf ears, and the eventual flight of politicians from the country when they realized their chances of winning the next election were slim to none.

Throughout it all, the Catholic Church has remained a constant and reassuring presence, providing moral guidance, promoting social justice, and advocating for the rights of the marginalized and vulnerable. Under President Hakainde Hichilema, the UPND Government has continued to work closely with the Catholic Church, as well as other faith-based organizations and the Muslim community, to promote peace, development, and a better Zambia for all.

The Catholic Church’s role in Zambia’s political history is well-documented. From its involvement in the country’s independence movement to its current stance on social justice and human rights, the Church has consistently demonstrated its commitment to the values of compassion, justice, and equality.

As the people of Zambia, we must recognize and appreciate the vital role that the Catholic Church plays in our nation’s life. We must support and celebrate its efforts to promote peace, justice, and development, and we must reject and condemn any attempts to politicize or manipulate the Church for selfish or partisan gain.

The Catholic Church in Zambia is a towering pillar of integrity, wisdom, and moral leadership. Its commitment to the values of justice, equality, and compassion is unwavering, and its role in promoting peace, development, and a better Zambia for all is indispensable. Let us celebrate and support this remarkable institution, and let us reject and condemn any attempts to undermine its integrity or manipulate its influence.

WAGON MEDIA

KBN TV EDITORIAL – WHAT WAS POISON THEN, IS NOW BEEF STEW: THE COSTLY PRICE FOR INCONSISTENT LEADERSHIP
Realizing that time has run-out to build consensus on the proposed constitutional amendment, suddenly everyone has woken up to speak in the hope of salvaging something.

Like the Law Association of Zambia has opined, we don’t have a problem with any constitutional amendment if the process is clear, transparent, consultative and inclusive. We share similar concerns with LAZ about the ill timing of this proposal, a year before an election.
Our other major concern is the levels of deception and inconsistencies revealed through the current attempt at proposing constitutional amendment. One just needs to read a few screenshots below to realize the depth of deception.

As a nation, we should get serious and demand accountability from our leaders. That’s the democracy we chose for ourselves. Anyone who wants to lead the nation, must be ready to respond to the desires and wishes of the people.
No citizen should feel intimidated to question the actions of our servants called leaders. They are in charge of our national purse, therefore, they should remain accountable to us as citizens.

Let’s do the right thing and stop hiding in the name of doing politics; this is a nation and the lives of God’s people are at stake! As such, the quality of decisions that our leaders make should be inspiring rather than deceptive.

A few years back, the PF in power assembled a technical team, published a roadmap for constitutional amendment which gave birth to Bill 10. They held several consultative meetings with various stakeholders including the Church, opposition political party leaders, women, differently abled persons and the youths.

Throughout that transparent process, the PF advanced Bill 10 which to a certain degree and with hindsight, contained some very progressive propositions such as proportional representation.
We recall that while in opposition, President Hakainde Hichilema never spared a moment to denounce Bill 10, calling it poison. He failed to point out what exactly was wrong with the Bill, but succeeded at a wholesome condemnation.

When the Bill finally collapsed on the floor of the House, President Hichilema hosted a celebration at his Community House.
Shockingly, after so much talk about the UPND’s constitutional amendment desire, the President has denied harbouring any intentions to extend the presidential term limit or removing the 50+1 or scrapping off the running mate clause.
The question that begs an answer now is, after everything is said and done, what’s the big deal, what’s new about the much tauted constitutional amendment? Guess what the noise is all about, we have now come to learn, it’s all about proportional representation!
Are you kidding me? How can something that President Hichilema so passionately condemned, calling it poison, suddenly become beef stew to serve the public?

Where is the rationale? proportional representation proposed by the PF is poison, but the same proposed by Mr. Hichilema is a sumptuous beef stew meal! Amazing!
Truly wonders shall never end! In four years, the President has proven to be dangerously inconsistent and totally untrustworthy. At every turn, he has proven that keeping his word is a costly impossibility.

The very thing that he denounced in Bill 10 is what he wants to introduce through a secretly drafted document.
How can he justify that out of all the Zambian Missions abroad as shown in the table below, only 10 women are serving as Ambassadors, and he should now say we need to change the constitution to accommodate more women?

How come, out of his constitutional prerogative of nominating 8 members of Parliament, no single youth was nominated to Parliament, and today, he should tell us that we need to change the constitution to have more youths in leadership?
With all the opportunities before him, President Hichilema failed to demonstrate commitment to what he is pushing for now through constitutional amendment.

The fact that he has been wantonly inconsistent on many issues in the past and now, makes it impossible to trust his beef stew theory!
It’s not surprising that a growing list of his loyalists are beginning to question what they believed and supported, and they are now openly speaking out on social media in their numbers.

Clearly President Hakainde has lost a huge chunk of his loyalists, that’s the costly price you pay for inconsistent leadership.