OPPOSITION ALLIANCE IS DEVOID OF ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS – SIMUUWE
March 3,2025
LUSAKA – UPND Consultant Mark Simuuwe has said that the opposition alliance lacks vision and real alternative solutions.
Mr. Simuuwe stated that the recent joint press briefing by Tonse Alliance members was a strategy driven by political desperation rather than a platform offering credible alternatives to Zambia’s challenges.
Speaking at the Anderson Ng’ambela Mazoka House UPND Secretariat, Mr. Simuuwe dismissed the opposition’s claims against independent institutions, arguing that their statements reflect a lack of understanding of governance and policy formulation.
“The opposition does not seem to appreciate how independent institutions operate,” Mr. Simuuwe said.
He further stated that the opposition is attempting to discredit legitimate processes simply because they do not favor their political narrative.
Mr. Simuuwe said such actions only expose their lack of vision and failure to offer alternative policies that could benefit Zambians.
He also questioned the effectiveness of opposition alliances, suggesting that they are more about political survival than national progress.
Mr. Simuuwe argued that even if all opposition parties had united in the 2021 general elections, they still would not have defeated the UPND.
“The opposition is engaging in mere political theatrics,” he stated. “They hold press conferences to appear relevant, yet they have no solid agenda for the country’s development.”
He further labeled opposition figures as “tired politicians” who had their chance in government but left the economy struggling.
Mr. Simuuwe urged Zambians to focus on development instead of being distracted by leaders who, in his view, lack fresh ideas.
“Zambians must reject recycled leadership,” he said. “The country needs progressive policies, not the same old politics of blame and empty rhetoric.”
Compensate farmers and Communities Affected by the Sino Metals Pollution of Mwambanshi and Kafue Rivers
…ALFS is now running the $40million Environmental Protection Fund and must immediately release funds to affected communities….
Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba Wrote;
In a contraversial move, in August 2023 Government announced that it had appointed African Life Financial Services Limited to manage over US$40 million Environmental Protection Fund.
African Life Financial Services were appointed as Fund Managers of the $40million Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) previously managed by the EPF Committee under the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development.
Each mine license holder in the mining sector is obliged to contribute, through a fee or premium, to meet sustainable environmental management in the operations of the mining sector in Zambia.
The Fund was anchored on two objections as provided under the Mines and Minerals Development Act Number 11 of 2015 which was: 1. to provide assurance to government that the developer shall execute the Environmental Impact Statement in accordance with the law.
2. to provide protection to the government against the risks of having the obligation to undertake the rehabilitation of the mining and other related facilities of any mining and non-mining activities.
The fund is also primarily used to strengthen Zambia’s capacity to manage hazardous chemicals and waste, a critical environmental concern.
Besides tackling chemical pollution and waste management, the Fund must support initiatives that improve the health and well-being of communities affected by asverse effects of mining.
On Tuesday, 18th February 2025, the collapse of the a tailings dam collapsed at the Sino Metals Leach Zambia Limited that has caused extensive pollution of the Mwambashi and Kafue rivers and the effluent has killed fish, vegetables and other crops grown alongside the river banks.
The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock has cautioned the public against consuming fish from the Kafue River and other polluted streams.
Further, water was cut for Kalulushi, Chambeshi and Kitwe towns for many days and these communities have been suffering loadshedding…no water, no electricity for weeks.
Mines and Mineral Development Minister Paul Kabuswe said government’s preliminary report shows Sino Metals Leach Limited neglected critical issues leading to the spillage of acids into Mwambashi and Kafue Rivers.
The Environmental Protection Fund must contribute to the compensation of the communities affected by the dangerous chemical pollution and whose livelihoods depend on the Mwambashi and Kafue rivers.
NKAFWANAYO: THE LEGENDARY ZAMBIAN GOALKEEPER WHO WAS BURIED IN A STADIUM
By Puncherello Chama
Many among the faithful of Zambian football have sung praises of the great custodians of the net—Kennedy Mweene, Efford Chabala, James Phiri—men of courage and renown.
Yet, there is one whose name stands above them all, whispered as legend, veiled in mystery.
His name was Nkafwanayo.
Nkafwanayo emerged in the late 1960s and early 1970s, a beacon of hope for a fledgling footballing nation.
It was in one match that he carved his name into the annals of legend.
Zambia stood against the mighty warriors of then-Congo Kinshasa (now the Democratic Republic of Congo), a formidable foe whose prowess struck fear into the hearts of many. The memory of their devastating 10-1 victory over Zambia in an international friendly loomed large, a wound upon the nation’s pride.
Yet, in the face of despair, Nkafwanayo stood firm.
On that day, the match in Congo saw Zambian hearts beat in unison while they listened to the radio commentary. With each passing moment, Nkafwanayo defied fate, casting away the strong shots of the Congolese.
The match stood goalless and Nkafwanayo’s influence in the game was huge.
Then came the dreaded penalty shootout.
But then, a shadow fell upon Nkafwanayo, He ran away from the first three shots from the Congolese shocking his team mates
When they asked him what was wrong, he spoke with fear:
“ Im seeing trains coming towards me every time the Congolese players shoot the ball.”
They pleaded for him to save the fourth goal but he ran away again.
Zambia was only saved by the fact that they had also scored all their four penalties.
Zambia converted its fifth penalty.
Now, all that remained was for Nkafwanayo to make a save. But he would not stand in goal.
Zambians now started panicking as they thought they would forfeit the game.
Then the most unlikely person intervened. It was the late President Kenneth Kaunda himself who called the stadium and asked Zambian team member to deliver a message to Nkafwanayo:
“Stand strong, Nkafwanayo. You do not stand alone. You bear the hopes of your people. Defend the goal, and let Zambia triumph.”
And so, with great reluctance, Nkafwanayo entered the goal. As the Congolese player approached, Zambians stood still.
Then, with a cry that is still remembered, Nkafwanayo shouted his own name: *“Nkafwanayo!”*—and he saved the ball and thats how Zambian players celebrated while in Zambia people danced and sang everywhere.
As his teammates rushed to embrace their hero, they found him motionless, arms still wrapped around the ball. Nkafwanayo had fallen, giving his final strength to his nation’s victory.
The Congolese were so touched that they honored Nkafwanayo by burying him at the center of the stadium.
IS THE NKAFYANAYO STORY TRUE?
For those who grew up in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, Nkafwanayo was more than a tale; he was an immortal figure, a symbol of resilience and courage. Yet, as time unraveled the mysteries of the past, the truth emerged.
Nkafwanayo never existed.
No records bore his name. No club claimed him as their own.
The earliest penalties in African football were introduced only in 1975, after his supposed heroics. And yet, the legend remained.
WHERE DID THE NKAFWANAYO MYTH COME FROM
Perhaps Nkafwanayo’s story was born from Zambia’s humiliating 10-1 loss to Congo, a myth woven to soften the sting of defeat.
Its quite possible players spoke of seeing visions during that match, giving birth to a tale greater than any single man.
Regardless of its origins, the legend of Nkafwanayo did what truth alone could not—it inspired.
It stirred the hearts of goalkeepers for generations, urging them to defy the odds, to stand tall in the face of overwhelming might.
Though the story may fade, the spirit of Nkafwanayo endures.
Maybe it would be a good idea to make a movie out of the incredible myth.
*“Nkafwanayo.”*
As Narrated on Phoenix FM’s FULLTIME SHOW ( Every Monday 9:00 -10:00)
Miles Sampa’s recent article claiming that the discovered mineral in Chunga, Matero, might be gold is a reckless and irresponsible attempt to create chaos and destruction. As a leader, Sampa should be advocating for the safety and well-being of his constituents, not spreading misinformation and fanning the flames of speculation.
The fact that residents were using magnets to collect the mineral should have been a clear indication that it was iron ore, not gold. Sampa’s call to engage private sector metallurgists to test the mineral is a desperate attempt to justify his earlier claims. However, as many have pointed out, geologists, not metallurgists, are the experts needed to survey the mineral deposits.
Sampa’s actions are a clear indication of his lack of leadership traits and his inability to prioritize the safety and well-being of his constituents. He is defending illegalities and advocating for lawlessness, which is a recipe for disaster.
Even if there was gold in the area, mining activities should not be conducted in residential areas. The potential for criminality, mass destruction of the environment, and loss of life is too high. It’s irresponsible for Sampa to ignore these concerns and instead create a false narrative.
Sampa’s lack of understanding of basic environmental science is astounding. His article is an example of his ignorance, and his refusal to listen to experts is a clear indication of his arrogance.
Sampa’s article is a perfect example of how not to lead. His misguided ambitions, lack of understanding of basic environmental science, and inability to prioritize the safety and well-being of his constituents make him unfit to lead. It’s time for Sampa to take a step back, reflect on his actions, and prioritize the needs of his constituents.
The people of Matero deserve better than a leader who is more interested in creating chaos and destruction than in serving their needs. Sampa’s gold rush fiasco is a clear indication that he is not fit to lead, and it’s time for him to step aside.
DELIMITATION: A NECESSARY STEP FOR BETTER SERVICE DELIVERY Lusaka, Zambia – 2 March 2025
I fully support President Hakainde Hichilema’s call for the delimitation of Zambia’s vast constituencies. This is not about politics; it is about ensuring effective service delivery, equitable development, and efficient governance.
Many constituencies are simply too large for MPs to manage effectively. As a result, we see delayed development, inefficient service delivery, and underutilized resources. The real question is: are MPs overwhelmed by the size of their constituencies, or are they failing to align with the government’s development agenda?
A Data-Driven Justification for Delimitation
The 2023 Constituency Development Fund (CDF) utilization report, as highlighted in the Auditor General’s findings, exposes glaring disparities in how funds are absorbed across constituencies. While some areas have maximized their allocations, others have significantly lagged behind, raising concerns about governance capacity and service delivery.
Top-Performing Constituencies (Near or Above 100% Utilization in 2023):
✔️ Chongwe, Chipangali, Luangeni, Malambo, Monze Central, Feira, Nyimba, and Chipata Central
Low-Performing Constituencies (Struggling with Utilization in 2023):
❌ Kabushi, Malole, Sinazongwe, Serenje Central, Chinsali, Kabwe Central, and Mbala – Utilization between 7% and 8% ❌ Solwezi Central, Kabwata, and Dundumwezi – Utilization at 4%, 0.4%, and 0.3%, respectively These figures make it clear: some constituencies are making full use of their resources, while others remain stagnant. This is why delimitation is critical. No constituency should be so large that it becomes unmanageable, and MPs must be positioned to deliver tangible development.
Are some MPs struggling because their constituencies are too vast? Is development slow because monitoring and evaluation are difficult? Or is there deliberate sabotage to create the illusion that the government is failing? These are critical issues we must address.
Recognizing Leadership in Development
I want to commend the constituencies that have demonstrated efficiency in CDF utilization, particularly in Eastern Province, where even opposition figures acknowledge the impact of President Hichilema’s leadership. A great example is the endorsement of the UPND candidate in the Petauke by-election by Team Hon. Andrew Lubusha MP, a notable opposition figure.
This is what true leadership looks like—putting people above politics. The New Dawn Administration has shown that development is for all, regardless of political affiliation. Leaders who genuinely care about progress align with policies that work.
Addressing Concerns on CDF Utilization and Governance Weaknesses
While Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) has raised concerns about CDF underutilization in the 2023 Auditor General’s report, cutting CDF allocations is not the solution. The priority should be ensuring that MPs and local structures are capacitated to fully utilize these funds for the intended purpose.
The report highlights governance inefficiencies, with some constituencies struggling to implement community projects despite available funds. But instead of reducing allocations, we must address structural weaknesses through delimitation and enhanced oversight. Delimitation allows for manageable constituencies, ensuring that no area is too vast to receive proper attention.
A Call to Action: Supporting Delimitation for a Stronger Zambia
I urge all stakeholders—policymakers, traditional leaders, civil society, and the general public—to rally behind the delimitation process. This is not about individuals; it is about Zambia’s future. It is about efficiency. It is about deliverables. Let’s create a governance structure that truly serves the people.
Building a Vision for a More Efficient Governance System
As I continue advocating for governance and development, I remain committed to ensuring that our governance structures are designed for efficiency and impact. My call for delimitation aligns with President Hichilema’s vision for a more effective Zambia, where service delivery is rapid, efficient, and equitable.
As Zambia moves forward, we must keep the conversation on governance reforms rooted in facts. I stand firm in my belief that delimitation is a necessary step for a stronger, more efficient Zambia.
Dr. Cosmas Zyaambo Medical Doctor, Public Health, Advocate and Philanthropist
MISA Zambia Rejects Government’s Brutal Attempt to Censor the Media ……….”there is no place for state control of media in a democracy”
The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Zambia has delivered a scathing condemnation of the government’s recent threats to introduce statutory media regulation, labeling it a dangerous and brutal attempt to stifle press freedom in the country.
Chief Government Spokesperson and Minister of Information, Cornelius Mweetwa, made the alarming suggestion in a report by The Mast Newspaper on 28th February 2025, where he proposed that statutory regulation might be necessary to “tame alarmists” in the media.
This remark has triggered outrage from journalists, media advocates, and civil society organizations who see it as a direct attack on the freedom of the press.
MISA Zambia Chairperson Lorraine Mwanza Chisanga strongly rejected the suggestion, warning that such moves are not only unconstitutional but represent an outright assault on democratic values.
“These statements are not just deeply concerning; they are a blatant and brutal effort to control the media, suppress critical voices, and undermine the very foundation of press freedom in Zambia,” Mrs. Chisanga said.
“In a democracy, the press must remain free and independent to hold those in power accountable, inform the public, and foster progress. What we are seeing now is a clear attempt to silence the media and restrict the flow of information, which is unacceptable.”
The call for statutory media regulation comes at a time when journalists in Zambia already face significant challenges. These include restricted access to information, harassment, and increasing threats to their safety.
Introducing further government control through statutory regulation, Mrs. Chisanga argued, would only escalate these difficulties, creating an atmosphere of fear and oppression where journalists could no longer operate without fear of political retribution.
“Statutory regulation would open the floodgates for greater censorship, with journalists vulnerable to punishment for simply doing their job. This would be a devastating blow to the media’s role as a check on power and a voice for the voiceless,” she stated.
MISA Zambia is advocating instead for a self-regulatory approach within the media sector, which they believe would ensure ethical journalism standards are upheld while preserving the media’s independence.
“Self-regulation allows the media to govern itself, holding journalists accountable to ethical guidelines without the stifling hand of government interference,” Mrs. Chisanga explained. “A free and independent press is the cornerstone of any thriving democracy, and it must be protected from political influence.”
The organization has called on the government to abandon any plans for statutory regulation and instead engage with media stakeholders to develop a legal framework that upholds press freedom, protects journalists, and fosters greater transparency and accountability.
“There is no place for state control of the media in a democracy. We will not allow this government to destroy the foundations of press freedom in Zambia,” Mrs. Chisanga concluded.
The government’s threat to regulate the media comes amid a larger debate on the shrinking civic space in Zambia, with growing concerns that the government is increasingly clamping down on dissent and freedom of expression.
SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT: A REBUTTAL TO THE UKWA AND TONSE ALLIANCE’S BASELESS CLAIMS
By Timmy
The recent article published by the Ukwa and Tonse Alliance on Zambia Whistlerblower is a perfect example of opposition parties’ desperation to discredit the UPND government. The alliance’s claims are not only unfounded but also a deliberate attempt to mislead the public.
Firstly, the alliance’s assertion that the government is trying to manipulate the census data is a blatant lie. The Zambia Statistics Agency (ZamStats) is an independent body that conducts its operations without any interference from the government. The agency’s report is a true reflection of the country’s demographic situation.
It’s surprising that the alliance is questioning the credibility of ZamStats when, in fact, the agency has been producing accurate and reliable data for years. The alliance’s attempt to discredit ZamStats is a clear indication of their lack of trust in the country’s institutions.
Furthermore, the alliance’s claim that the government is trying to hide something by not releasing the ethnic composition and language data is unfounded. The summary report released by ZamStats is just that – a summary. It’s not meant to contain all the detailed information, which will be released in the full report.
The alliance’s demand for an independent investigation into the census report is a mere publicity stunt. What evidence do they have to suggest that the government is manipulating the census data? None. They’re just trying to create confusion and mistrust among the public.
Moreover, the alliance’s accusation that President Hichilema’s government is trying to alter the census data for political gain is a baseless claim. The government has been transparent in its dealings, and there is no evidence to suggest that they are trying to manipulate the census data.
In addition, the alliance’s assertion that the government’s reaction to the census report is a sign of desperation is a clear indication of their own desperation. The government’s response to the report is a normal part of the democratic process, and it’s not uncommon for governments to request clarification or additional information on certain issues.
The alliance’s claim that the government is trying to undermine the independence of ZamStats is also unfounded. The agency is independent, and its operations are guided by the Statistics Act. The government has no authority to interfere with the agency’s operations.
It’s also worth noting that the alliance’s demand for the government to release the full census report is premature. The report is still being finalized, and it will be released in due course.
The Ukwa and Tonse Alliance’s article is a classic example of opposition parties’ desperation to cling to power. Their claims are unfounded, and their attempt to discredit the UPND government and its institutions will not succeed.
We urge the public to see through the alliance’s propaganda and to trust the institutions that have been put in place to serve the country.
What do you think about the Ukwa and Tonse Alliance’s claims? Share your thoughts by commenting, liking, and sharing this post!
Does this page ever report anything positive about the government? It seems like they’re always trying to discredit the UPND administration.
Beyani and the man pushing this agenda should have conducted the census themselves instead of trying to overturn a professional work. Karma hits hard, and it’s clear that they’re reaping what they sowed.
The Ukwa and Tonse Alliance’s behavior is a perfect example of the saying “old wine in new bottles.” They’re just a bunch of old men who can’t seem to get tired of eating government resources. Nothing new can come from them.
Their attempt to create confusion and mistrust among the public will not succeed. The UPND government is committed to transparency and accountability, and they will continue to work in the best interests of the Zambian people.
DR CONGO DEFIES PRESSURE OVER TALKS WITH REBEL M23
Despite growing international pressure, the Democratic Republic of Congo is standing firm on its decision not to have direct talks with the M23 rebel group that has made major advances in the east of the country in recent months.
Last week, the UK government added to calls for the group to be part of an “inclusive dialogue” to help find a political solution to the conflict.
But in an interview with the BBC, DR Congo Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka said her government wants to negotiate with neighbouring Rwanda, which it accuses of backing the M23.
At least 8,500 people have been killed since fighting escalated in January, according to the Congolese authorities.
Hundreds of thousands have also been forced from their homes amid the chaos triggered by the fighting, in which UN experts and others see Rwanda as having a key role.
“The fact remains that the aggressor of the territorial integrity and of the sovereignty of the Democratic Republic of Congo is Rwanda,” Suminwa Tuluka said, citing a UN experts’ report from last year that stated that between 3,000 and 4,000 Rwandan troops had crossed into Congolese territory and were fighting alongside the M23.
Peace talks brokered by Angola hit a deadlock last December after Rwanda demanded that the Congolese government talk directly to the M23.
The rebel group then advanced swiftly, taking control of the cities of Goma and Bukavu in January and February.
At a joint East and Southern African mediation effort last month, regional leaders called for a ceasefire, the exit of “uninvited foreign armed forces” from Congolese territory and also urged for direct negotiations between “state and non-state parties… including M23”.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame did not deny the presence of his troops in DR Congo when asked about it. “I don’t know,” he said in a CNN interview.
The conflict across the border has seen his country, often viewed as a darling of the West, now lose favour fast across the board.
Pressure is mounting on it to withdraw its forces from Congolese soil.
“But it has not yet effectively done so,” Suminwa Tuluka said.
She welcomed US sanctions imposed on Rwandan government minister James Kabarebe, saying they would help “put pressure on the aggressors”. Rwanda, however, dismissed them as “unjustified and ineffective in resolving the crisis”.
The European Commission for its part has suspended “defence consultations” and placed “under review” a memorandum of understanding it signed last year with Rwanda on raw materials.
The Congolese prime minister welcomed the EU Commission’s decisions, saying that “the illegal exploitation of resources – that is one of the causes of the conflict”.
DR Congo accuses Rwanda of illegally exploiting its mineral deposits in the east of the country, which Rwanda denies.
Adding to the chorus against Rwanda, the UK said last week that among other measures it would pause aid except the money meant for the poorest and most vulnerable groups, unless the country withdraws its troops, engages “meaningfully” in talks and a ceasefire is achieved.
Rwanda described the decision as “punitive”, saying it was unreasonable to expect it to compromise its national security.
The Congolese prime minister said that Rwanda was ignoring all the calls to withdraw its troops.
“So, who is standing in the way of [resolving the conflict]? It is not the Congolese government,” she argued.
Rwanda has previously acknowledged deploying its forces “defensively and offensively” during the ongoing conflict, claiming the right to defend its territory.
It has also repeatedly accused the Congolese government of harbouring and working with the militant group the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), whose members include fighters from the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
Asked about that, Suminwa Tuluka denied that the Congolese army works with FDLR rebels, but said her country would engage in a process of “neutralising” the militants.
When it came to what would solve the problem if direct talks with the M23 were ruled out, the prime minister said that along with negotiating with Rwanda, the answer was simple for what would guarantee a ceasefire.
“Ensure that Rwandan troops withdraw from Congolese territory and that their M23 stop killing the Congolese populations,” she said. [BBC News]
POLICE in Zimbabwe are seeking the incarceration of a woman accused of facilitating the release of armed robbers from prison and harbouring them at her house.
Theresa Chenjerai (49) was arrested on Thursday on bribery charges after she allegedly connived with another robbery suspect, Munyaradzi Zakkaria and offered US$150 to a detective to testify in favour of their colleague, who is facing 15 counts of robbery at Norton Magistrates Court.
Chenjerai and Zakkaria were not asked to plead to the charges when they appeared before a Norton magistrate on Saturday.
They were remanded in custody to Monday, March 3 for bail application.
According to the police, Theresa Chenjerai is wife to suspected armed robber Andrew Chenjerai, who is currently out on bail, facing two counts of the violent crime and is the one who masterminded her husband’s release from prison.
Andrew will be appearing before a Harare magistrate on March 11 for an armed robbery trial.
The police also allege that Theresa facilitated the release of Zakkaria from prison on two counts of armed robbery and has been harbouring him at her house hence pushing for their further detention pending trial.
It is their belief Chenjerai is gathering a criminal gang of armed robbers with potential to destabilise the city through organised crime hence they should be locked up.
The police further say the two have capacity to interfere with investigations and obstructing the course of justice as demonstrated in the US$150 offer to a detective to derail cases of robbery in court.
Circumstances are that on February 27 the two connived and offered US$150 to detective sergeant Kwashira for him to testify in favour of their friend one Nickson Tapuwa Mazaranye so that he would be acquitted on 15 counts of robbery he is facing at Norton Magistrates Court.
Reports are that the detective went and advised his Officer-ln-Charge Detective Inspector Ndofirepi, who then set a trap, putting a team on surveillance, monitoring the suspects’ meeting with the detective.
Zakkaria was then arrested at Norton Police Station when he allegedly gave the detective the US$150 and upon interview, he then confessed that Theresa Chenjerai was the one who had sent him with the money to facilitate the release of Mazaranye.
According to the State, further investigations showed the two were working together after their call history was checked.
Joint Statement by Opposition Political Parties and Civil Society on the 2022 Census of Population and Housing
Protea Hotel, Lusaka, 2 March 2025
Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. You are welcome to this extraordinary press conference, called by the opposition political parties and civil society organisations represented here.
Ladies and gentlemen, the issue that has brought together these organisations is the unfolding crisis surrounding the government’s reaction to the dissemination of the 2022 census findings. The press as well as social media has over the past week reported about the negative, threatening, and outfight panicky reaction of the UPND government to the dissemination of the findings of the 2022 Census of Population and Housing that was conducted between 18 August and 21 September 2022.
It is standard practice to release a summary report of the main census report after completion of data cleaning and analysis. It was therefore commendable and nothing unusual that the Zambia Statistics Agency (ZamStats) released and presented the summary report of the 2022 census of population and housing at Mulungushi International Conference Centre on Tuesday last week. What was not standard was what happened on the day.
During the presentation of the summary report, a dispute erupted between senior officials of ZamStats and Ministry of Finance, on the one hand, and the chairperson of the Civil Service Commission, Dr Choolwe Beyani, on the other. According to the press reports and witnesses who attended the dissemination of the census report, Dr Beyani, a trained historian, disputed the census findings and questioned why ZamStats was in a hurry to release the census data. He scolded the ZamStats leaders, reserving his strongest rebuke for the board chairperson Mr Oliver Chinganya who until his government appointment was the Director of the Africa Centre for Statistics and Chief Statistician at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).
It is the first time in Zambian history that government leaders are discrediting a census report conducted by the same administration. The issue at hand is immense, disruptive, and has the potential to fatally undermine the integrity of the 2022 census. It is worth noting that the 2022 report is the sixth census to be conducted since the achievement of independence in 1964 following the 1969, 1980, 1990, 2000, and 2010 census reports.
Accurate census data is essential to understanding the different populations in different parts of a country, the social and living conditions of citizens, the changing patterns of rural to urban movement, to planning for the adequate provision of social services such as housing, education, water, electricity, and health. Such data is also critical to understanding the demographics of the county including age, gender, and income, as well as the number of people who qualify to register as voters in each area and indeed the whole country. A census therefore also has a significant bearing on both general and occasional elections.
Like previous efforts, the 2022 census was a product of a huge collaborative effort of multidisciplinary teams. It is in light of the importance of census data to national planning and the concerning developments around the 2022 census report that we demand clear answers on three issues.
The pre-release of the report to State House
During the launch of the summary report at Mulungushi International Conference Centre, the chairperson of the Civil Service Commission, Dr Choolwe Beyani, disclosed that the report was first presented to the President of Zambia and the Civil Service Commission during a meeting held at State House on an undisclosed date.
Dr Beyani also stated that during this meeting, President Hakainde Hichilema expressed dissatisfaction with the report, alleging that the report had serious anomalies that needed correction. According to Dr Beyani, the President directed the ZamStats board to not proceed with the planned launch of the summary report until such a time when the alleged anomalies would have been corrected.
Arising from these revelations, and in the spirit of transparency – a constitutional value and principle – we demand answers to the following questions:
1. Why was the Census of Population and Housing Summary Report first given to President Hichilema and the Civil Service Commission when, according to the law, the ZamStats Agency which falls under the Ministry of Finance, is only answerable to its board of directors?
2. When was the State House meeting between President Hichilema, Dr Beyani, and the ZamStats board held?
3. Who asked for this State House meeting and why?
4. What criteria was used to identify and invite attendees to this meeting?
5. Can State House publish or furnish the public with the official record and minutes of the meeting, including the full list of the participants who attended it, the directives that President Hichilema issued to ZamStats in the meeting and the source of authority for issuing such directives?
6. Why was the State House meeting at which this summary report was discussed a closed-door event, hidden from the media and the wider public?
7. How many other meetings between the named parties have been held since the conclusion of the report, and why? Who attended such meetings, how were they identified, and are there records of the same?
The absence of critical information: ethnic composition and predominant language
The document that was launched on 25 February 2025 was dubbed as a Revised Summary of the whole report. A summary is just that: a brief account of the main points of something whole. When we read the summary report, we noted the glaring absence of critical information in the form of the widely used languages and the ethnic composition of the Zambian society.
Previous census reports including the most recent one in 2010 contain data on widely used languages of communication and ethnicity, presented by sex, rural/urban, province and by census year. Of course, the previous reports have made it clear that the predominant language of communication looks at the language use, and that the number of language users does not necessarily reflect the number of people that belong to an ethnic grouping. None of this vital information is to be found in the summary report.
Arising from this glaring omission, and in the spirit of transparency – a constitutional value and principle – we demand answers to the following questions:
1. What version of the report was presented at the State House meeting, the original or the revised? Why?
2. What information in the original report has been changed in the latest version to warrant the use of the word “Revised” report?
3. Given that what was launched on 25 February 2025 is a summary of the whole report, why doesn’t the 2022 Census of Population and Housing Summary Report contain data on language use and ethnicity?
4. Assuming that this information would be released separately, how was it decided that it should be left out of the summary report? Who decided this and why?
5. When exactly would this information on ethnic composition and language use be made publicly available?
6. What other critical information, if any, was omitted from the summary report, why was it left out, and when will the same be produced?
The uncalled-for attacks on ZamStats by the UPND
During the launch of the 2022 Census of Population and Housing Summary Report, Dr Beyani launched an astonishing attack on the report, describing it as illegal and therefore null and void. The chairperson of the Civil Service commission disputed the figures in the census report, contending that the statistics pertaining to 15 wards in Southern Province were false because they did not tally with the records of registered voters contained in the voters’ roll produced by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ).
Dr Beyani disclosed that one of the directives that President Hichilema made to ZamStats during the private meeting at State House was the correction of this alleged anomaly. Based on their failure to do so, Dr Beyani reprimanded the ZamStats officials for proceeding to launch the report against the directive of President Hichilema.
Arising from these developments, and in the spirit of transparency – a constitutional value and principle – we demand answers to the following questions:
1. Can the government confirm the capacity in which Dr Beyani attended the launch of the census report at Mulungushi international conference centre: in his capacity as chairperson of the Civil Service Commission or as Director of Research of the ruling party? 2. Can the Government confirm that the voters’ roll that Dr Beyani was referring to is the one that was used for the 2021 election? 3. Can the government confirm that three ZamStats directors – namely Mulenga Musepa, Chola Nakazwe, and Goodson Sinyenga – were dismissed from the agency last year?
4. If confirmed, can the government furnish the public the reasons that it gave for the dismissal of the trio? 5. Can the government confirm or deny reports that it previously blocked the launch of the summary report including in December 2024? 6. Can the government name the 15 wards in Southern Province that are said to have more voters than the people who were counted? 7. Can the government explain the correlation between the number of registered voters and those appearing in the census report in the said wards?
8. How were these people identified as belonging to 15 different wards when the census report does not contain names of wards nor those of the people who were counted? 9. Can the government confirm that there were no other anomalies that it found in the 2022 census report except those pertaining to Southern Province? If so, how was this outcome determined?
Free and fair elections form the heartbeat of any truly democratic process and should be sacredly guarded to prevent fraud or abuse.
On the face of it, this matter requires investigation. This must be undertaken impartially and should be in the interests of all stakeholders, not least the citizens of Zambia, to determine the true position on this matter.
We call for an independent investigation to be undertaken by a team of experts made up of or appointed on behalf of representatives of civil society, political parties, and representatives of the Church mother bodies.
Now, the concerns raised regarding the Census Report are a tip of the iceberg of a more fundamental problem that we, as Zambians, need to address urgently. This fundamental problem is simply the collapse of moral values in our country. How did we get to get to this dark space, sad space?
Critical government agencies such as the Zambia Statistics Agency, which feeds in the Ministry of Finance – Budgetting and Planning Department, as well the delimitation of constitutes and wards and polling stations – that is the whole electoral process are vital in ensuring the smooth running of these institutions.
In order to maintain confidence in our electoral and governance system, it is important that there is no political manipulation. Good governance is non negotiable therefore integrity, transparency, and accountability should be the fulcrum to sustain the peace and unity we have lived to cherish since Independence.
Conclusion
The concerns we raise in this statement are very serious. The answers that we seek from the government have the potential to build or erode public trust, and to seriously affect the integrity and credibility of the 2026 general election. We therefore implore the Government to adequately respond to the questions we have posed here with sobriety and seriousness. We do not want to see Zambia burning come next year owing to potentially manipulated census and electoral data. One way of preventing such a possibility is for the government to show transparency in its conduct and engagements with the citizens.
Signed:
1. Dr Fred M’membe, President – Socialist Party 2. Mr Sakwiba Sikote, President – United Liberal Party 3. Mr Brebner Changala, Civil Rights Activist 4. Mr Sean Tembo, President – Patriots for Economic Progress 5. Ms Chishala Kateka, President – New Heritage Party 6. Ms Saboi Imboela, President – National Democratic Congress 7. Prof. Dan Pule, President – Christian Democratic Party 8. Hon. Given Lubinda, Vice President – Patriotic Front 9. Mr Ernest Mwansa, acting President – Zambia We Want 10. Bishop Trevor Mwamba, President – United National Independence Party 11. Mr Muhabi Lungu, Zambia We Want 12. Ms Exhildah Mwenya, President – New Era Democratic Party
OPPOSITION POLITICAL PARTIES PUT UPND GOVERNMENT ON TRIAL OVER ACCUSATION OF ELECTORAL DATA MANIPULATION
1. Why was the summary report given to President Hakainde Hichilema and Service Commission and not the ZAMSTATS Board as per law established?
2. When was the State House meeting held? 3. Who asked for the State House meeting and why? 4. What was the criteria for inviting the attendees? 5. Can State House Publish minutes of meeting?
6. Why was it a closed door meeting? 7. How many meetings have been held over this matter, who attended and are there any records?
8. What version of the report was presented at the State House meeting…. original or revised…why?
9. What information in the original report was revised to call the Mulungushi launch revised report?
10. Why doesn’t the revised report contain widely used languages and ethnicity? 11. When will this information on ethnic groupings and languages be made available to the citizens?
12. Can Government confirm that in 15 wards of Southern Province, there were more voters than the registered voters? 13. Condemn the uncalled for attacks on ZAMSTATS by UPND through Dr. Beyani Beyani who called the report illegal, null and void .
14. Can the Government confirm the capacity in which Dr. Beyani attended the Mulungushi meeting whether as director of research for UPND or a Government official?
15. Can the Government confirm that 3 ZAMSTATS directors were dismissed last year? 16. Can Government confirm that it previously blocked the initial launch of the report and why?
16. Can Government confirm that there were no other anomalies in the census report except those from Southern Province?
17. Called for an independent investigation by a team comprising Church mother bodies, CSO, and representatives from opposition political parties
18. Can the Government address the concern on the abandonment and collapse of moral values in the country 18. Can the Government urgently respond to the questions raised with sobriety because failure to do so erodes public trust 19. We don’t want to see Zambia burning next year owing to manipulation of statistical and electoral data.
M’membe, Lubinda Slam Flawed Census and Voter Data”
The storm surrounding Zambia’s 2022 Census has exploded into a political crisis, with two prominent opposition leaders Socialist Party President Fred M’membe and Patriotic Front Acting President Given Lubinda fiercely condemning what they call a dangerous manipulation of both population data and voter registration records.
Their scathing remarks have laid bare the deep cracks in the country’s democratic foundation.
Speaking during a joint press briefing by opposition political parties, civil societies and faith based organisations Fred M’membe did not mince his words, accusing the Zambia Statistics Agency (ZAMSTATS) of betraying the public trust by releasing what he called a “deeply flawed” revised census summary.
He argued that the omission of data from 15 wards, dismissed by ZAMSTATS Chairperson Oliver Chinganya as a mere 0.03% error, was not a trivial mistake but a deliberate act of distortion. “Elections rely on numbers population figures, registered voters, and resource distribution and if those numbers are manipulated, so are the elections,” M’membe declared.
M’membe, stated that consequences of such statistical deceit extend far beyond elections. He warned that inaccurate data leads to unfair resource allocation, allowing certain regions to be overfunded while others are deliberately starved.
“This is not just about rigging elections it’s about rigging the entire system. When you inflate figures, you misallocate resources and punish the very people who need help the most,” he said, drawing a chilling link between flawed statistics and rising inequality.
In a brutal critique of the government’s handling of the matter, M’membe cautioned that the erosion of public trust in statistical data could trigger civil unrest.
He pointed to both Zambia’s own history and neighboring countries’ experiences, noting that when people stop believing in the fairness of elections, chaos is never far behind. “We are playing with fire,” he warned. “Without transparency, democracy becomes a dangerous illusion.”
Given Lubinda, taking an even more direct approach, dropped a political bombshell: in 15 districts, the number of registered voters exceeded the total population. “How is it possible that more people voted than actually live in these areas?”
Lubinda demanded, his voice rising with disbelief. He described the revelation as “damning evidence” of electoral fraud, calling into question the legitimacy of the most recent election results.
Lubinda didn’t stop there. He pointed to widely circulated videos showing chaotic scenes at polling stations, including allegations of people being physically stuck inside ballot boxes.
“This is not democracy this is daylight robbery of the people’s will,” he said, accusing the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) of either gross incompetence or deliberate collusion.
The Patriotic Front leader argued that these discrepancies were no coincidence but part of a well-orchestrated scheme to rig the electoral process. “We are witnessing the systematic theft of our democracy,” Lubinda stated. “The numbers don’t lie but those in power do.”
Both M’membe and Lubinda have called for immediate action. M’membe is demanding an independent audit of the census data and voter registration rolls, warning that without a full investigation, the nation risks further democratic backsliding.
Lubinda echoed this call, insisting that any government unwilling to address these glaring irregularities is, by default, complicit in the fraud.
The silence from key government officials, including Finance Minister Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane and Labour Minister Brenda Tamba Tamba who jointly launched the revised census report has only deepened public suspicion.
Their refusal to confront the statistical chaos head-on has left many wondering: are they simply negligent, or are they active participants in a larger scheme to manipulate Zambia’s democratic processes?
As outrage grows, the people of Zambia face a critical question: if population data can be fabricated and voter numbers inflated, can the results of any election truly be trusted? Both M’membe and Lubinda have drawn a clear line without transparency and accountability, Zambia’s democracy risks becoming nothing more than a hollow spectacle.
The time for silence is over. Zambians deserve answers and, as both opposition leaders have made clear, they deserve them now.
THE CREDIBILITY OF NATIONAL DATA CRUCIAL FOR ZAMBIA’S PEACE AND DEMOCRATIC GROWTH
With Zambia preparing for the 2026 general elections, concerns are mounting over the integrity of national data a cornerstone for ensuring free, fair, and credible polls.
Business and political analyst Francis Chipili has sounded the alarm, stressing that the credibility of data from key government institutions, particularly the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) and the Zambia Statistics Agency (ZamStat), is non-negotiable for the country’s democratic progress.
Chipili pointed to the recent public fallout between ZamStat and Civil Service Commission Chairperson Dr. Choolwe Beyani over the 2022 census report, warning that such disputes pose a direct threat to election integrity. “The public rejection of census data by Dr. Beyani should not be brushed aside. It raises serious questions about the accuracy of national databases, which are vital for voter registration and constituency mapping,” he said.
According to Chipili, the 2022 census was meant to provide a clear demographic picture of Zambia, guiding everything from resource allocation to electoral boundaries. “ZamStat has conducted population and economic censuses since independence without facing such public opposition. The current discord signals an unsettling departure from established norms,” he added.
He further warned that conflicting data within government agencies could undermine public confidence in the electoral process. “If the ECZ’s data contradicts that of ZamStat or any other institution, it will fuel suspicions of manipulation a dangerous path that could jeopardize Zambia’s peace and stability,” Chipili stated.
The analyst called on Zambians to actively defend the credibility of national institutions, urging citizens to resist any form of intimidation against ZamStat. “The people must stand firm in safeguarding the integrity of ZamStat and all data-driven institutions. Attacks on their credibility are, in essence, attacks on democracy itself,” he emphasized.
Chipili also reminded the ECZ of its critical responsibility, urging it to ensure that all electoral data is transparent and verifiable. “The ECZ cannot afford to present conflicting statistics. Unity and accuracy in data across all government agencies are fundamental for credible elections,” he said.
As Zambia inches closer to the 2026 polls, Chipili stressed that patriotic duty lies not only with political leaders but also with public servants. “All government officials, civil servants, and public officers must uphold the highest standards of professionalism and patriotism. The future of our democracy depends on it,” he concluded.
With rising public scrutiny, the coming months will test whether Zambia’s institutions can align their data and maintain public trust — a key ingredient for peaceful and democratic elections.
“STOP LAMENTING AND START ACTING” OYV SLAMS GOVERNMENT
Operation Young Vote (OYV) has launched a scathing attack on the government, accusing it of failing to address the recurring crisis of loan defaults from public funds such as the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and the Citizen’s Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC).
In a strongly-worded statement, OYV Executive Director Guess Nyirenda expressed outrage over the government’s repeated complaints about beneficiaries not paying back loans, labeling the situation as a reflection of deep-rooted corruption and poor economic governance.
“It is absolutely disheartening to witness President Hakainde Hichilema and Minister Garry Nkhombo publicly lament about loan defaults instead of taking decisive action. This is not leadership it is mere noise,” said Nyirenda. “How can we expect different results when the same mistakes are repeated by every regime?”
Nyirenda accused the government of perpetuating a cycle of political favoritism, alleging that most of the loans are handed out to ruling party cadres who lack the business skills to use the funds effectively. “These loans are treated as payback for political loyalty rather than as a means to empower capable youth, women, and persons with disabilities. It’s a mockery to deserving citizens,” he charged.
The OYV leader didn’t hold back, pointing out that the trend of loan defaults has persisted through multiple administrations, from former Presidents Rupiah Banda and Edgar Lungu to the current government. “History keeps repeating itself because our leaders refuse to learn. This isn’t just negligence it’s a deliberate failure to enforce accountability,” said Nyirenda.
He further criticized Minister Nkhombo for what he described as empty rhetoric. “Instead of complementing the President’s lamentations, the Minister should be announcing solid strategies for loan recovery. Talk without action is a waste of time,” he said.
Nyirenda called on the government to stop protecting politically connected defaulters and start enforcing loan agreements. “We demand that leaders stop this hypocrisy and invoke the full force of the law. Revolving funds should benefit all citizens, not just a select few with party ties,” he added.
According to OYV, there are countless young people, women, and disabled individuals with strong business plans who are denied funding simply because they lack political connections. “The government needs to shift focus from rewarding cadres to supporting genuine entrepreneurs. Anything less is an insult to the nation,” Nyirenda stated.
As frustration grows, OYV has vowed to continue pushing for transparency and accountability, insisting that the time for mere lamentations is over. “The solution is simple stop the talk, recover the loans, and invest in those who can actually grow Zambia’s economy,” concluded Nyirenda.
Many people have wondered why Tonga is the only tribe in Zambia with most names start with H. Have you ever asked yourself this question: why?
If you wondered, don’t put on an apparel of stress. Know it that you’ve discover all what you wanted in this article. I am going to tell you something which you’ll never hear from any Tonga apart from me. You hear it today from me and never again.
Examples of Tonga names that start with H: 1. Habeenzu 2. Hakalyamba 3. Hamoonga 4. Hamapande 5. Hakainde 6. Hamweemba 7. Hangoma 8. Halyapanga 9. Habazoka 10. Hamududu etc
Nothing that happens without any sound reason.
Let me fly you back to 1623. Southern province that time looked like a national park. No school, no church, no market, only trees and small villages. They didn’t have permanent shops to buy clothes from. They mostly depended on mobile sellers who would sell everything from one place to another.
In 1623, 19 June, came from America a white man, Frank Douglass, who began to teach young children how to read. For the love of education to the people of southern, Douglass talked to elders of most villages, starting from the east which is Sikalongo village, Mwiinde village, Sakalyati village, Nangoma mubotu village up to Delemuka village of head man Moonga, the most feared witch in southern province who boasted himself as Chienda usiku whose head looked like a drum of local wine known as seven days with eyes like a surprised Lusaka prostitute, very short but stubborn.
Marrying a girl from the head man’s village, one needed to pay 15 cattle, 10 females and 5 males. Marrying the head man’s daughter, the professed lover would pay 20 cattle, 13 females and 7 males. It’s for this rationale that tongas have had many cattle from time immemorial. Now, they don’t keep as many cattle as centuries back because lozis attacked them, fought them, defeated them, grabbed over 75% of their cattle and wives. These guys were so rich in cattle that one chap, no matter how foolish he was, could marry up to 10 or more wives. They couldn’t pay money, but cattle as dowry. They bore beautiful daughters because of mabisi. It’s for that reason that they produce most beautiful women in Zambia.
That aside, Douglass was given a farm in Shimabala village and 400 cattle. In order to appreciate them, he told them he would be thrilled to see their children know how to read and write. He chose among them valiant men who would go to America to study that when they would return, they would teach their communities how to read and write.
By that time, there was no name starting with H. 5 men were chosen: 1. Mweemba 2. Beenzu E. Lwiindi 4. Moonga 5. Basimbi 6. Malambo
They travelled to America. When they arrived there, they received the shock of their lives. They saw many different people most of whom were whites. Tall buildings left their mouths widely open that even if a fly wanted to enter their mouths, it would enter without any single problem. By that time there were no modern cars. Mostly were wagons driven by horses.
The only thing they suffered was to speak English. Douglass’s wife, Michelle Douglass, welcomed them and gave them a room each one of them where they would spend all the days of their stay in America.
When they would see something that would surprise them, you would hear them, “Ha! Moonga, kobona chi building echi. Ha, chipati!” The word ‘Ha’ was always heard whenever they would see something astonishing beyond their understanding.
Every morning, Mrs Douglass would greet them going from room to room, “Hi Moonga,” “Hi Mweemba!” “Hi Beenzu,” just like that!
The word ‘Ha’ is used to express fear or surprise .
When they returned from United States, they began to go round teaching people how to read and write. When they would tell their story about the things they saw in United States, the word ‘Ha’would always be used before anything or before a name of a person. For example, “Ha! Mweemba, did you see that?” “Ha, Moonga, that was amazing!”
Especially these guys who went to America, the word ‘Ha’ was on their lips most of the time. And you know how people are. They name or nickname people according to the things they like doing or saying.
If you are a tailor, they would call you Mr Tailor. If you are a shoe repairer, they will call you Mr Shoe Repairer. If you like responding “Sure Sure”, they will be saying, “I’m going to see Mr Sure Sure,” just because you like using that word. That’s how a human being is.
Likewise, these Tonga American dudes were nicknamed Ha. You would hear them say, “I’m going to see Ha Mweemba or Ha Lwiindi.” If you see one of them passing, you would say, “Ndababona ba Ha Beenzu.
As the days went by, that sounded like a name: Ha Mweemba, Ha Lwiindi, Ha Beenzu, Ha Moonga, Ha Basimbi. As the passage of time, as that sounded like a full name yet the ‘Ha’ was just a nickname, people couldn’t trace or know that it was just a nickname, they began to use it thinking it’s a name. And when writing, the space between Ha and the name was ignored. For example, instead of Ha Mweemba, they would write Hamweemba, Hamoonga, Habasimbi etc.
That’s why today, you find that most names have ‘Ha’. Then you would wonder. This is how it came into existence. These guys are capable of stealing any name from other tribes and add Ha and it will sound Tonga. For instance, Ngoma is a name from Chipata. They would get it and add Ha before it and it will be Hangoma. N’gandu is also from Chipata. They’ll add Ha and it will be Hang’andu.
And then, as they were being greeted by Mrs Douglass every morning, Hi, they developed it as a habit. You would hear them, “Hi Moonga,” “Hi Mweemba.”
So all this was developed and added to their names. Instead of Hi Moonga, a greeting they heard from a white person, they wrote it as Himoonga. They would steal names from other tribes and add Hi to it and it will sound Tonga. For example, Monde is a lozi name, they would get it and add Hi and it will be Himonde.
Previously, there was nothing like Hamweemba, it was Mweemba. Nothing like Hamoonga, it was only Moonga. Know these things.
So that’s how Ha and Hi in some Tonga names are found— were gotten from a surprise (Ha ) and from a mere greeting ( Hi ). There’s no way all the names are “Haharing.” It doesn’t make sense at all. That’s why today we have people with such names: Minivah Halyapanga , Candy Himoonga , Chrispin Hamapande , Mutinta Cecilia Hankede , to mention but a few. 藍藍藍藍.
The writer writes for pleasure. I’m tired of teaching these tongas.
Alfred A FL Nyambe One Lozi Man Mbuya: Chief of the Tonga People.
ANOTHER LUSAKA WOMAN LOSES MARRIAGE OVER EX BOYFRIEND
IS MARRYING A PERSON OF THE SAME TRIBE A GUARANTEE TO AN EVERLASTING LOVE?
By Alfred A FL Nyambe
Marrying on tribal radicles, a certain marriage has fallen apart after ex boyfriend decided to have a sip from the bowl of honey which was once his.
38 year old Samuel Nalikena of Lusaka’s Kanyama compound has divorced his 35 year old wife on infidelity grounds.
Nalikena whose parents are Nyengo by tribe, Lozi ethnicities, from Nyengo land’s Nashikunju village caught his wife red-handed sleeping with another man.
As he was searching from among the daughters of Jezebel, he found a beautiful maiden, daughter of Sarah, Bemba by tribe, a damsel born and grew up in Lusaka.
However, his parents and family at large put on an underwear of opposition against his choice of marrying a bemba woman. “As parents, we’ll never allow such a thing to happen, to marry a woman of a different tribe but a woman of our own tribe…”
According to them, the reason why they stopped him from marrying another tribe is because they tend to end their husbands lives once they see that he has money and property in order to inherit it and become landladies. It’s for that rationale that most landlords in Lusaka are women.
They said marrying a bemba woman was the worst thing he could ever do. For they inherit property and children even before the husband dies.
Not only that, it’s a bad idea to marry from cities. For most of city ladies are not marriage materials. Many of them are not faithful to their husbands. They also love money so much that they are fond of running way from their men once they go broke.
Suffocated by such coercion with no support from the entire family, Nalikena succumbed to their pressure, and according to them, marrying from the village was the best. For village girls are marriage materials.
Nalikena found from among his tribe a dazzling maiden from Nanda village, Nyengoland, and they got married in August, 2022.
Last week , Nalikena ‘nd wife received a visitor from the village who the wife claimed to be her cousin (brother).
Nalikena entertained him as ‘Mulamu’ with a Zero Knowledge that he was his counterpart in the antipathy diversion.
Knocking off late that day, struck by coldness mercilessly, hoping to warm himself between the legs of his sweetheart to eliminate the frigidness, Nalikena stood tall at the door as he heard his wife screaming with excitement from inside, “Oh, yeah! Oh, yeah! You wanna kill me!”
He pushed the door to see who was killing his wife! Only to find her legs gallivanting in the air, and a curious dude, a person he knew as his wife’s cousin, enveloping and pounding her on the sofa.
This drained his strength and his temperature rose to about 39°C due to shock and blood began to flow backwards. “My wife, why?” Were the only words he could pronounce and he collapsed.
After being cross-questioned, Liseli, Nalikena’s wife, confessed that the young dude was not her cousin but ex boyfriend and they said their relationship would not end, and they would continue with their pastime regardless of her being married.
Nalikena is picking the broken pieces of his heart broken by his adulterous wife crying against his parents for stopping him from marrying the woman he had loved with all his lungs and kidneys based upon different tribes. While Liseli has been sent back to her parents in Nyengoland.
In streets, in Courts of law, even in church; in places of work, even in institutions of higher learning, tribalism has been seen stepping its foot unfurling confusion and planting seeds of hatred. Hearts are taught to discriminate and judge, to unlove persons of the different tribes that no matter how much you love that person, you should not marry them because they are of a different tribe.
While it may look like tribalism theliz no, it has ripened into active revolt.
A lorry driver has been jailed for 14 years after he took his condom off during s£x without consent.
Laurence Rafter, 43, from Barnet, north London, contacted the victim, 32, on a dating app in July 2021 posting as a man called “Jay Lincoln”.
They met at the woman’s home address in Islington, when Rafter had s£x with the victim who requested he wear a condom.
However, mid s£x, he removed the condom without her consent.
As he left the address, he told her he was HIV positive, which was later revealed to be a lie.
Rafter was found to have set up a false address and bank statement, as well as using a pre-paid mobile in an attempt to avoid police detection.
He also claimed to live in a multi-million pound house, but in reality was living in a flat.
A jury found him guilty of r@pe in October, and he also pleaded guilty to harassing the victim.
In February 2022 he plead guilty to malicious communications and threats to disclose a private image towards two separate victims.
Rafter had also used a fake name and had met the woman online, and became threatening towards them after meeting them.
Following Rafter’s sentencing, Detective Chief Inspector Paul Ridley said: “I would like to commend this survivor for the bravery she demonstrated in this case and the evidence she provided.
“The robust sentence delivered by the judge clearly demonstrates the significant dangerousness that this man poses to women.
“The investigation team carried out an expansive, diligent and relentless investigation to identify Rafter and secured the evidence to bring him to justice ensuring that the victim was supported throughout.
“Rafter is a predatory offender who exploited social media to facilitate his violent and abusive behaviour.
“He devised a fictitious profile posing as a wealthy businessman with multiple businesses around the world in a calculated campaign to violate, threaten and harm the women he met.”
Against a backdrop of skyrocketing transfer fees and inflated player valuations, it’s astounding to discover that some of football’s most iconic legends never commanded a transfer fee.
When even average players are sold for staggering amounts, securing top talent on a free transfer is a truly rare and remarkable achievement.
Yet, there exists a unique group of footballers who, by a combination of fortune, timing, or extraordinary skill, never had a price tag attached to their name.
These players’ careers tell intriguing stories—whether fate, unique circumstances, or their unmatched abilities made them priceless assets to their teams.
The five players who never came with transfer fees
5. Steve McManaman When he joined Real Madrid on a free transfer in 1999, he became only the second Englishman to play for the club after Laurie Cunningham, These Football Times reports.
After nine years at Liverpool, he won the Champions League in his first season with Madrid, scoring in the final and endearing himself to the Spanish fans.
In 2003, Macca returned to England with Manchester City after his Madrid contract expired.
He played two seasons there before retiring, all at no cost to the clubs he joined.
Esteban Cambiasso The standout midfielder never commanded a transfer fee throughout his illustrious career.
After starting at Real Madrid, he rejoined them after a stint in Argentina.
In 2004, he moved to Inter Milan for free, spending a decade there and making over 400 appearances.
In 2014, after leaving Inter, Cambiasso signed a one-year deal with Leicester City, helping them avoid relegation.
He declined an extension and ended his career with Olympiacos, missing Leicester’s historic Premier League title.
George Best Despite his talent and numerous club moves, football’s original superstar spent 11 peak years with Manchester United, winning it all before leaving in 1974 as the club faced relegation.
After United, he joined South Africa’s Jewish Guild, marking the start of many brief stints.
As noted by The Guardian, Best’s post-United career saw him play in the UK, Ireland, and the U.S., including spells with Stockport County, Cork City, Fulham, and several American teams.
His later years were marked by short-lived transfers, with most stints lasting just a season, before retiring in the mid-1980s.
Raul Gonzalez Raúl González, a Madrid native and a Los Blancos academy product, is the epitome of a club legend.
Debuting in 1994, he spent 16 years with the club, winning six La Liga titles and three Champions Leagues.
With 323 goals, he ranks third on Real’s all-time scoring list, as noted by Transfermarkt.
In 2010, Schalke signed Raúl on a free transfer after his Real Madrid contract expired.
He later played for Al-Sadd in Qatar and New York Cosmos in the U.S., all on free transfers.
Raúl’s career is a testament to his legendary status, achieved without ever commanding a transfer fee.
Lionel Messi Messi’s move from Newell’s Old Boys to Barcelona at 13 was famously agreed upon with a handwritten note, per NPR.
Over two decades at Barcelona, he became widely regarded as the greatest player ever.
Despite fans’ wishes for him to retire at Barca, financial issues in 2021 led to his contract expiring and him becoming a free agent.
His high wages limited European options, so he joined Paris Saint-Germain for two seasons.
The 2022 World Cup winner then made headlines by signing with Inter Miami on a free transfer.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been given a clear reason Lionel Messi dominates the GOAT debate, with Angel Di Maria declaring what sets the Argentine icon apart as “the best.”
Di Maria, one of the few players to have shared the pitch with both legends, brings unique insight to the discussion.
At Real Madrid, he achieved significant success alongside Ronaldo, clinching six major trophies, per Goal.
On the international stage, he’s celebrated Copa America and World Cup triumphs with Messi.
This rare perspective makes Di Maria uniquely qualified to weigh in on the rivalry, and the seasoned winger unsurprisingly sides with his countryman, praising Messi’s unmatched brilliance.
In an interview with Juan Pablo Varsky on Clank, Di Maria said:
“I’ve always said the same thing – they are the two best in history. But it’s obvious that the best, by far, is Leo. It’s not just because of the eight Ballon d’Or awards he’s won, but because of everything else. Cristiano is about work, work and work. But Messi, he’s pure talent, a gift from God. He doesn’t need to do anything extra to be the best.” The ex-Argentina international went on to say:
“Cristiano had to train hard, spend hours in the gym, perfect his finishing, and always push himself. But Leo, it’s like he’s just playing with friends. That’s why the difference between them is so big. Leo is unmatched.”
Di Maria’s first taste of glory alongside Messi came at the 2008 Olympic Games, where they secured gold in Beijing.
Both players later achieved international milestones, earning over 100 caps each for Argentina.
Di Maria retired from international duty after helping the team clinch the 2024 Copa America.
Speculation has emerged about a potential reunion with Messi at MLS side Inter Miami, though Di Maria continues to ply his trade with Benfica for now.
While it may not seem like it today, given the current state of their squad, Manchester United used to be a football club that prided itself on having the most exciting talents in the game wearing their famous red jersey.
Whether they were technically savvy or young livewires with the world at their feet, Old Trafford was a place where fans could appreciate some of the very best there was to offer.
For the time being at least, gone are those days. This gives us the opportunity to take a trip down memory lane and evaluate who were the most talented Devils to appear at the Theatre of Dreams. Note that this isn’t necessarily about whether or not a player has legendary status at the football club. This ranking is purely based on ability with a football. That’s why someone like Roy Keane just misses out.
Ryan Giggs (1990-2014) Ryan Giggs was a constant and indispensable figure under Sir Alex Ferguson, playing a key role in the club’s success for over two decades. While his career was marked by incredible longevity, it was his exceptional skill and versatility that truly made him a standout in his early years and is why Ferguson labelled him as one of the few world-class players he ever coached.
Starting as a dynamic winger, Giggs could terrorise defences with his pace and dribbling, but as he aged, he adapted his game and moved into a more central role, proving his flexibility. One of the most memorable moments of his career came in the 1999 FA Cup, when he scored a stunning solo goal against Arsenal, showcasing his remarkable talent. With 13 league titles among his many achievements, Giggs was not only one of United’s most consistent performers but also one of the most talented players to ever grace the Premier League.
Wayne Rooney (2004-2017) Wayne Rooney’s Manchester United career was nothing short of legendary. After his £30 million move from Everton, the English forward quickly became the focal point of Sir Alex Ferguson’s attack. Known for his relentless energy, technical skill, and clinical finishing, Rooney played a pivotal role in United’s success during his time at the club.
A versatile forward, Rooney could operate in various attacking roles, solemnly was he the true number nine as he often led the line with his work rate and creativity, while others profitted in terms of goals. Over the years, he helped the club secure numerous trophies, including five Premier League titles and the 2008 UEFA Champions League, becoming United’s all-time top scorer in the process.
Rooney’s leadership qualities were evident when he was named club captain, and he continued to perform at a high level even in the later years of his career, transitioning deeper and showcasing his prowess with vision that even the best would be jealous of. His impact as a Red Devil, ensured his place as one of the club’s greatest-ever players.
Paul Scholes (1992-2011& 2012-2013) Paul Scholes was a maestro on the ball, a player whose vision and creativity set him apart as one of the best playmakers of his generation. His exceptional technique and passing range made him the perfect fit for any midfield, and his style of play would have seamlessly slotted into teams like Barcelona under Pep Guardiola. Scholes was often preferred by the Spanish manager over other English midfielders, as his subtle yet effective approach to the game mirrored the traits of Barcelona’s possession-based philosophy.
At Old Trafford, Scholes was a central figure for over two decades, excelling in multiple roles. Whether orchestrating play from central midfield or operating just behind the striker, his ability to dictate tempo and make decisive passes was unmatched. He had a knack for scoring spectacular goals, particularly his powerful shots from distance, and was instrumental in United’s 2008 Champions League victory, including a memorable strike against Guardiola’s aforementioned Los Cules that proved that even when Scholes mishit the ball, he could do no wrong. Even as he entered his late 30s, Scholes reinvented himself as a deep-lying playmaker, continuing to influence matches with his unrivalled technique and footballing intelligence.
George Best (1963-1974) George Best is simply a true pioneer of natural talent and is deserving to be at the top of this list. As a club legend, Best captivated audiences with his extraordinary dribbling and ambidextrous ability, making life impossible for defenders. His off-field persona, marked by a magnetic and rebellious charm, earned him celebrity status, but it was his unmatched skill on the pitch that placed him in a league of his own.
At just 22, the Irishman’s brilliance was recognised with the prestigious Ballon d’Or in 1968. Over his career, he secured six major trophies with United, including their first European triumph in 1968. His talents were celebrated internationally, with Brazil’s Pele, a three-time World Cup winner, even suggesting that Best’s style of play was more Brazilian than British. That in itself tells you all you need to know about ‘El Beatle.’
Eric Cantona (1992-1997)
Eric Cantona’s move to Leeds United in 1992 marked the start of the Premier League era, and it didn’t take long for the French forward to make an impact. Known for his fiery temperament, Cantona quickly silenced critics with his electrifying performances. He made history by scoring the first-ever Premier League hat-trick while at Leeds before moving to Manchester United, where he would become a true icon of English football.
Although primarily a forward, Cantona thrived in a deeper role, using his exquisite ball control and vision to orchestrate play and set up his teammates. His arrival in the Premier League helped usher in a new generation of skilled, technically gifted players as the Class of ’92 rose to prominence.
Cristiano Ronaldo (2003-2009 & 2021-2022) Cristiano Ronaldo caught the attention of Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United players in 2003 during a pre-season friendly against Sporting, despite being just a teenager. His incredible talent quickly translated to the Premier League after he joined United, where his dazzling dribbling and lightning-fast feet made an immediate impact. Over time though, he became more effective, swapping his silky skills which he had in abundance, with an obsession with finding the back of the net.
Known for his ability to take on defenders with quick shifts, feints, and intricate stepovers, Ronaldo’s skills were unmatched. What truly set him apart was his constant drive to improve, transforming from a tricky winger into one of the world’s most lethal goalscorers over the course of his career, including his short return to Old Trafford in 2021.
Nigeria’s former military ruler Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, known as IBB, has released a new autobiography including several revelations about the turbulent times while he was in charge of the country from 1985 to 1993.
A Journey In Service has got Nigerians talking and reflecting on what might have been if things had turned out differently – especially the controversial decision to annul the 1993 elections, and the execution of a childhood friend.
Babangida has a mixed record. While some praise him for the infrastructural development Nigeria he oversaw, others say there was massive corruption during his time.
Here are four takeaways from the book:
The 1993 elections annulment
This is the biggest talking-point as it touches on a topic which many believed altered Nigeria’s history. Some say the country still hasn’t really recovered from the annulment of the 1993 presidential elections.
In the book, Babangida, now 83, for the first time expressed deep regret for cancelling that election.
The poll was supposed to bring an end to military rule after 10 years and the cancellation of the outcome threw the country into turmoil.
The date of the vote – 12 June – is now remembered in Nigeria as Democracy Day.
Gen Babangida was forced to resign.
Moshood Abiola, widely believed to have won the election, was later imprisoned and his wife assassinated.
Nigeria’s current President, Bola Tinubu, said at the book launch that Gen Babangida had shown courage by admitting what took place.
“That accident of history is most regrettable. The nation is entitled to expect my expression of regret,” Babangida writes.
Gen Babangida, popularly known as IBB, acknowledged that Abiola, who died in 1998, won the election.
However, in 1993 as results were being collated, the military government abruptly stopped the process – an action that triggered widespread protests and a political crisis.
At the time, he cited the issue of vote-buying, as well as the need to protect the country’s judiciary as reasons for the annulment.
Abiola’s son Jamiu said the acknowledgment by Gen Babangida that his father had won the election came as a welcome surprise to him and some of his family members.
”Perhaps General Babangida was looking for peace,” he told the BBC Focus on Africa podcast.
Civilian rule was eventually restored in 1999, 11 months after the death of another military ruler Sani Abacha.
Execution of a childhood friend
General Mamman Vatsa and Babangida grew up together, were in the same class in school and rose alongside each other in the military. His execution in 1986 after he was convicted of a coup plot is another major talking-point of Babangida’s presidency.
“We were very close friends,” Babangida recalls.
“We had grown up together in Minna and had been classmates in Bida. We did several things together as peers. My wife recalled that we used to share a room as bachelors. We would reach out for whatever shirt was available, irrespective of whose it was, and just wear it and head out! We were that close.”
However, he says now realises that Vatsa had been jealous since when they were teenagers.
“With the benefit of hindsight now, I recall that a constant part of our relationship as teenagers and young men was a continuous and recurrent peer jealousy on his part towards me. He was always envious of my achievements, especially when he thought I was progressing better than him, either in school or our military career path.”
Vatsa and nine others were executed in March 1986. They were said to have planned a coup, which according to Babangida would have plunged the country into darkness.
“I had to choose between saving a friend’s life and the nation’s future,” he writes.
Nigeria’s first coup
Another contentious issue has been the 1966 coup which overthrew Nigeria’s first government following independence from the UK. Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa was killed, along with other high-ranking national and regional leaders.
The fact most of the coup plotters were from south-eastern Nigeria meant the coup became known as an “Igbo coup” – a label Babangida rejects.
He highlighted the role of Major John Obienu, an ethnic Igbo officer, who played a key role in quelling the coup, revealing that many senior Igbo officers were also killed in the mutiny.
The book also sheds light on the involvement of members of other ethnic groups, notably Yorubas, many of whom he said had participated in the military takeover.
The former leader confirmed that the original intention of the coup plotters was to release politician Obafemi Awolowo from detention and install him as president.
Babangida writes: “It was a terrible time for the Nigerian military. As I have said elsewhere, as a young officer who saw all of this from a distance, probably, ethnic sentiments did not drive the original objective of the coup plotters.
“For instance, the head of the plotters, Major Kaduna Nzeogwu, was only ‘Igbo’ in name. Born and raised in Kaduna, his immigrant parents were from Okpanam in today’s Delta State, which, in 1966, was in the old mid-western region. Nzeogwu spoke fluent Hausa and was as ‘Hausa’ as any! He and his original team probably thought, even if naively, that they could turn things around for the better in the country.
The association of Igbos with the coup led to attacks on members of that community around the country and ultimately to the civil war in which some Igbo leaders tried to secede from Nigeria in 1967. At least a million people were killed in what became known as the Biafran war.
The love story with Maryam Babangida
Many Nigerians see Babangida’s wife Maryam as the country’s most iconic and influential First Lady. From 1985 to when they left office in 1993, their love story captivated a lot of people. She died in 2009 and the ex-head of state has never remarried.
“She was stunning. Her ebony beauty set off enchanting eyes, and her dazzling smile showed off a lovely set of teeth; when she smiled – and she often smiled – her face lit up, and her eyes danced,” he writes.
“We both saw our marriage as our freedom and agreed to sort things out ourselves if we quarrelled. We were very compatible; indeed, I can only recall two occasions on which we quarrelled, and neither of us was afraid to apologise to the other. In all our years of marriage, it was never necessary for anyone to mediate between us over a misunderstanding because of that original meeting of minds.”
“I never imagined that Maryam would pass away before I did, but the gift of life is in Allah’s hands, not in humanity’s. I am grateful for the life Maryam and I shared and for the fruit of our union. Coping without her has not been easy, but it has been made much less demanding by the memories of our life together and the length of her shadow,” Babangida says.
He describes Maryam as a devoted wife, mother, homemaker, and passionate advocate for rural women. Above all, he saw her as a true partner.
Former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president Amaju Pinnick has strongly criticized ex-England and Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher over his controversial remarks about the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Carragher, now a Sky Sports pundit, sparked outrage while discussing Mohamed Salah’s chances of winning the Ballon d’Or.
The 47-year-old claimed that AFCON is not one of football’s major tournaments, a statement that has been widely condemned.
Pinnick, who is also an Executive Council member of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), dismissed Carragher’s comments as “myopic” and emphasized AFCON’s growing global stature.
Speaking on SuperSport’s Soccer Africa, Pinnick defended the tournament’s prestige and assured fans that the upcoming 2025 edition in Morocco will be even bigger than the recent event in the Ivory Coast.
“I think it is a very myopic opinion, and you can see the wave of attack because the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is growing beyond the imagination of so many people, and he might be talking subjectively.”
The former NFF boss also highlighted George Weah’s historic Ballon d’Or win in 1995, noting that Liberia did not qualify for AFCON that year, yet Weah’s stellar performances for AC Milan earned him the prestigious award.
“When George Weah in 1995 won the Ballon d’Or, Liberia were nowhere close to the AFCON. He won the award due to his performance when he was with AC Milan, and you look at what Mohamed Salah has done this season. That is super iconic.
“The players are playing so well, and it is even beyond the coach. It is not about tactics, and that should be the spirit to resonate in Africa, and that should be the spirit among African players that we can do it. In the last AFCON, give it to CAF because solidarity about 60 million dollars went to Cote d’Ivoire, and that was the first time, and just wait and see what will happen in Morocco this year.”
He further stressed AFCON’s importance to African players, emphasizing the pride and prestige that come with winning the competition.
“African players know how important it is to win the Africa Cup of Nations, and the medal and trophy alone is something every player will cherish,” he added.
Meanwhile, Salah has been in phenomenal form, scoring 25 goals and providing 16 assists in the Premier League. With 182 goals to his name, he is just two away from breaking into the league’s all-time top five scorers.
The Egyptian star has also excelled in the Champions League, netting seven goals to help Liverpool top their group. His combined 51 goals and assists across Europe’s top five leagues currently lead all players, strengthening his case for the Ballon d’Or.
If Salah clinches the award, it will be a landmark moment for African football, further cementing his legacy as one of the continent’s greatest-ever players.
The army of the Democratic Republic of Congo has accused Rwanda of dressing up prisoners in military uniforms in an effort to pass them off as newly-captured rebels linked to the Rwandan genocide.
It comes after Rwanda-backed M23 rebels in eastern DR Congo said they had captured fighters from the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) – a militia founded by ethnic Hutus who took part in the 1994 genocide against Rwanda’s Tutsis.
But the DR Congo military said a video allegedly showing the handover of 20 FDLR rebels at a border crossing was “faked”.
M23 fighters have been advancing through eastern DR Congo since January, seizing Bukavu and Goma, the biggest city in the region.
The fighting has forced about 500,000 people from their homes, worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis, according to the UN.
In its statement, the Congolese military said the Rwandan video was a “faked incident in poor taste orchestrated with the sole aim of discrediting our army”.
It said Rwanda had taken old FDLR prisoners and dressed them in new military uniforms to claim they had been newly captured in Goma.
“This is part of the Rwandan strategy to justify the invasion of parts of the DRC’s territory,” it added.
Rwanda has used the presence of FDLR forces in eastern Congo to justify its support for the M23.
The country previously denied backing the M23, but it has also stressed that due to the FDLR presence in eastern Congo it has a right to take military action in eastern Congo.
UN experts have previously estimated that between 3,000 and 4,000 Rwandan troops are in eastern Congo.
UN experts also reported last year that the Congolese military had been using several armed groups, including the FDLR, as proxies in the fight against the M23.
The genocide in Rwanda took place over 100 days in 1994.
The ethnic Hutu militia involved in killing up to 800,000 people – the vast majority from the Tutsi community – fled to what is now DR Congo, some forming the FDLR.
Kagame, who headed the rebel Tutsi force that ended the killing more than three decades ago, sees this “genocidal militia” as an existential threat.
On Thursday, gunfire and explosions ripped through a rally held by rebel leaders in Bukavu, the second-biggest city in the east. Videos showed chaotic scenes with bodies on the streets after the crowd fled.
M23 rebels seized Bukavu from government forces last month following their rapid advance through the region.
The rally had earlier been addressed by Corneille Nangaa, the head of an alliance of rebel groups that includes the M23.
The rebels accused DR Congo President Felix Tshisekedi’s government of orchestrating the attack. However, Tshisekedi blamed it on “a foreign army” that he said was operating in the east.
The African Union and the UN have called for a ceasefire and for the rebels to withdraw from areas they now control.
UK international development minister Anneliese Dodds announced her resignation on Friday, February 28, over cuts to overseas aid ordered by Prime Minister Keir Starmer to boost defence spending.
“Ultimately these cuts will remove food and healthcare from desperate people,” Dodds said in a letter to Starmer posted on X.
On Tuesday, February 25, Starmer pledged to raise UK defence spending to 2.5 percent of GDP by 2027 but ordered the overseas development budget to be reduced from 0.5 percent to 0.3 percent of gross national income to fund the increase.
Dodds said while she agreed that defence spending needed to rise as “the post-war global order has come crashing down,” she had hoped for a collective discussion on securing the funds. “Instead, the tactical decision was taken for ODA to absorb the entire burden,” she said, referring to overseas development assistance.
Starmer admitted in his reply that cutting aid funding was “a difficult and painful decision.” “However, protecting our national security must always be the first duty of any government,” he added.
Starmer later announced that his long-time ally Jenny Chapman would take over as international development minister. Dodds expressed concerns that plans to assist people in Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan, as well as efforts to support climate change initiatives and vaccination programmes, would now be jeopardised.
“It will be impossible to maintain these priorities given the depth of the cuts,” Dodds warned. She added that the decision would “likely lead to a UK pull-out from numerous African, Caribbean and Western Balkan nations.”
Starmer sought to reassure her, stating that his government would “continue to protect vital programmes, including in the world’s worst conflict zones.” Dodds is the fourth minister to leave Starmer’s cabinet since Labour’s victory in last year’s elections, which ended 14 years of Conservative rule.
Earlier this month, Starmer sacked junior health minister Andrew Gwynne for making anti-Semitic, racist, and sexist remarks in a WhatsApp chat.
In January, anti-corruption minister Tulip Siddiq resigned after being named in graft investigations in Bangladesh. In November, Louise Haigh stepped down as transport secretary after it was revealed that she had pleaded guilty to a criminal offence before becoming a member of parliament.
The Israeli government has blocked all humanitarian aid from entering Gaza following the expiration of the first phase of its ceasefire agreement with Hamas.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, in a statement on Sunday, announced that Israel has halted the flow of goods and supply to the region after Hamas rejected a proposal by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff to extend the ceasefire which ended on March 1.
“With the end of Phase 1 of the hostage deal, and in light of Hamas’s refusal to accept the Witkoff outline for continuing talks—to which Israel agreed—Prime Minister Netanyahu has decided that, as of this morning, all entry of goods and supplies into the Gaza Strip will cease,” the statement said.
“Israel will not allow a ceasefire without the release of our hostages. If Hamas continues its refusal, there will be further consequences,” the statement read.
The Hamas spokesman condemned the move as “cheap blackmail” and urged international mediators to pressure Israel into restoring aid.
“Netanyahu’s decision to stop aid going into Gaza once again shows the ugly face of the Israeli occupation… The international community must apply pressure on the Israeli government to stop starving our people,” the group said in a statement.
On Saturday night, Netanyahu’s office said Israel had agreed to the US proposal for the ceasefire to continue for about six weeks during the Muslim Ramadan and Jewish Passover periods, within which a new phase of ceasefire would be agreed.
According to them, if the negotiations fail to yield a meaningful result, Israel would reserve the right to go back to war.
Hamas, on its part, stated that it would not agree to any extension of the ceasefire without guarantees from U.S., Qatari, and Egyptian mediators that the second phase of the agreement would be honored.
The initial ceasefire, which began on January 19, halted 15 months of conflict between Israel and Hamas. During this period, Hamas released 33 Israeli and five Thai hostages in exchange for approximately 1,900 Palestinian prisoners and detainees.
However, discussions on the second phase of the agreement, which involves the release of all remaining living hostages, have made little progress.
The war began on October 7, 2023, after Hamas launched a large-scale attack on Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages.
In response, Israel launched an air and ground campaign in Gaza, which the Palestinian health ministry said has killed over 46,000 people.
Three years after Cardi B won a $4 million defamation judgment against Tasha K, the two parties have reached a payment settlement plan.
The rapper and the gossip personality known for her YouTube series UnWinewithTashaK have agreed to a bankruptcy settlement payment plan.
This payment deal is set to see Cardi B being paid nearly $1.2 million over the next five years.
Per Rolling Stone’s report, a judge confirmed the Chapter 11 reorganization plan on Monday, February 24.
According to the bankruptcy plan obtained by the outlet, Belcalis Almánzar (Cardi B) will receive monthly installment payments over the next five years.
Kebe (Tasha K) is due to pay the rapper $176,532. In the first year and by the fifth year, she is due to pay the artist $318,653 over the 12-month period.
The plan does not require Cardi to refrain from speaking about Kebe.
But it requires the blogger and podcaster, whose real name is Latasha Kebe, to refrain from saying or publishing anything “derogatory, disparaging, or defamatory” about Cardi B, born Belcalis Almánzar, or any members of her family.
She further promised that no content whatsoever will appear on her social media accounts, websites, blogs, or other public channels, including The Wine Cellar Podcast or Tasha K Live, related to the Grammy-winning artist.
After the pronouncements of judgment, Cardi’s lawyer, Lisa Moore, said in a statement to Rolling Stone that,
“Today marks the end of a multi-year-long chapter of lies, deception, and fraudulent conveyance on the part of Tasha K, her husband, and their entities.
We are thrilled to put in place such an incredibly unprecedented and protective plan for Cardi.
I assume you will see the debtor and her counsel selling this as a win.
Trust me, for all of the reasons in the plan we insisted on to protect our client, that is not the case.”
“We don’t believe the false tears, and we protect against them.”
Even though the proposed plan covers less than the full $4 million judgment, Almánzar can still go after the remainder of the non-dischargeable award once the five years is over.
It also means Almánzar could again seek to garnish Kebe’s wages down the line, potentially forcing Kebe to seek another bankruptcy and another repayment plan.
This settlement is as a result of a defamation lawsuit that Almánzar (Cardi B) filed in March 2019 against Tasha K for an alleged “campaign of slander” involving demonstrably false allegations that she had herpes, used cocaine, and worked as a prostitute.
Taking the witness stand to plead her case, Almánzar (Cardi B) testified at the time that she suffered extreme “anxiety” and depression after Kebe (Tasha K) posted several YouTube videos with the false statements.
She told jurors that severe stress caused her weight to fluctuate and led to issues in her relationships, a courtroom according to a Rolling Stone Courtroom source
A lawyer for A$AP Rocky has rejected claims that Rihanna took the musician’s children to court to win the sympathy of the jury in a recent trial, in which he was acquitted.
The artiste on February 18, was found not guilty when he was arraigned in connection to a shooting incident in 2021. He would have served 24 years in prison if he was found guilty.
Rihanna supported her partner throughout the trial, showing up in court on some occasions. Addressing the claims about the Umbrella singer courting sympathy, the lawyer, Joe Tacopina, said the assertion was far from the reality.
“One day Rihanna brought the babies to court, and people were thinking it was a ploy, like some sort of maneuver to get the jury to feel sympathy. The jury’s not feeling sympathy; they know he has a wife and kids.”
“It was more because it was the last day of the trial… she brought them to court because that could’ve been the last time he’d seen his kids for a decade or more,” the legal representative stated on an episode of The Breakfast Club podcast.
The lawyer added that A$AP Rocky did not want Rihanna to attend the court sessions, let alone his kids.
“He didn’t want her there. He was very protective of her… But she [Rihanna] called me one day and she was like, ‘Joe, wild horses aren’t going to keep me away, so let him know I’m coming and deal with him,” he noted.
Following the not guilty ruling, the couple reportedly embraced each other, with A$AP Rocky thanking the jury for “saving” his life.
A$AP Relli, who was the alleged victim in the case, became a subject of social media ridicule, after the verdict. Seeing the endless comments attacking his credibility, Relli responded to the negativity.
“Gossiping is a form of entertainment for people who have no meaningful goals or purpose in life. Hate me, bring shame to my name, say bad things about me, I don’t care. Your existence doesn’t add any value in my life,” he wrote
RULE OF LAW IN ACTION: FORMER KASAMA LAWMAKER KELVIN SAMPA’S TRIAL EXPOSES FLAWS IN PROSECUTION
By CIC investigations.
Lusaka-28th February 2025.
The ongoing trial of former lawmaker Kelvin Mutale Sampa has become a defining moment for Zambia’s judiciary and the rule of law, with emerging evidence casting serious doubt on the case brought against him. Under the stewardship of President Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND administration, the trial is unfolding as a testament to the impartiality and integrity of Zambia’s legal system.
A Business Deal Gone Wrong or Criminal Deception?
At the heart of the case is a business transaction gone awry, involving Sampa and two Japanese nationals, Mr. Sakamoto and Mr. Kunihiro, who were in the process of entering a joint partnership with him for the purchase of purified gold. The arrangement saw Sampa contribute a significant sum of over $300,000, while his partners pledged $70,000 and $80,000. However, complications have since arisen, leading to Sampa’s current legal predicament.
The Turning Point: Testimony from the Arresting Officer
Today’s court session saw critical revelations that significantly weaken the prosecution’s case. Under cross examination, Detective Inspector Phiri, who led the arrest, admitted to making several errors during the investigation. Most notably, Phiri acknowledged that he arrested Sampa on the same day the complaint was lodged, without conducting a thorough investigation. Even more shocking was his revelation that Sampa had initially approached the police to report suspected counterfeit banknotes, yet, instead of being supported in his claim, he was arrested.
Inconsistencies in the Prosecution’s Case
Phiri’s testimony, under intense questioning, revealed several inconsistencies that undermine the credibility of the charges. He admitted to detaining Sampa for over a week before formally charging him, all while failing to visit the alleged crime scene until the day after Sampa’s arrest. Moreover, the prosecution has struggled to provide convincing evidence of fraud, with no banking records or signed agreements to support the claim of “obtaining money by false pretenses.”
A Business Agreement or Fraudulent Scheme?
As the defense presented its case, it became clear that what was portrayed as a criminal enterprise could, in fact, be a business deal that simply did not come to fruition. Witnesses confirmed that Sampa’s financial contribution to the venture was far greater than his partners’, suggesting that there was no intent to deceive. Furthermore, there is no evidence to suggest that Sampa received counterfeit money or engaged in fraudulent activity.
Procedural Failures and Concerns Over Due Process
A particularly troubling aspect of the case is the denial of police bond, which led to Sampa being held in custody for several days despite the lack of solid evidence. This has raised concerns about potential violations of due process and the integrity of the investigation. The High Court’s intervention, which led to Sampa’s eventual release, underscores the seriousness of these lapses and the importance of ensuring proper legal procedures are followed.
President Hichilema’s Commitment to Justice and the Rule of Law
This case is not only a test of Sampa’s innocence but also a clear demonstration of the UPND administration’s commitment to upholding the rule of law. Under President Hichilema’s leadership, the government has consistently stressed the importance of a transparent and impartial judicial system, where everyone, regardless of their political affiliation, is treated equally before the law.
Sampa’s case serves as a powerful example of the government’s unwavering stance on non-interference in legal proceedings. Even though Sampa is politically affiliated, his trial is proceeding without influence from state actors, highlighting the independence of Zambia’s judiciary.
Shifting the Narrative: A Case of Business Misfortune
The emerging facts point to a failed business transaction, rather than criminal activity. The defense team has meticulously dismantled the prosecution’s argument, exposing the lack of tangible evidence and pointing to procedural flaws that have only strengthened Sampa’s defense. As the case progresses, the focus shifts from criminal deceit to a dispute over a business deal that did not materialize as planned.
Looking Ahead: A Legal Test of Integrity and Fairness
As the trial continues, all eyes remain on the court to see if justice will prevail. The UPND administration has consistently promised that the legal system would operate without bias and this case serves as a crucial test of that commitment. With inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case and a strong defense challenging the charges, it is becoming increasingly clear that justice will be determined based on facts, not political influence.
In this case, it’s not just about one individual’s fate but about the integrity of Zambia’s justice system, a system that is now under the watchful eye of the international community, reaffirming the country’s commitment to fairness, due process, and the rule of law.
LUSAKA MAN SUFFERS BROKEN ARM AFTER HE WAS CAUGHT WITH SOMEONE’S WIFE!
SOMEONE’S WIFE IS A SNARE
By Alfred A FL Nyambe
Yesterday Saturday, a certain man was almost beaten to death in Lusaka’s Kanyama Compound.
He found pleasure in conning someone’s wife by enticing her with K500. The lady is very beautiful, average tall with long dark natural hair; wide hips and a big behind. Her eyes like that of a calf from West coast of North America, watery and white like a goat milk. No wonder the man couldn’t control himself but went on to propose this charming damsel. He didn’t care about her marital status, after all, no one knew him in that area.
At first, he was afraid of approaching her but an inner boy influenced and controlled his reasoning and feelings. The lady also gave him an indicator of willingness, of course after seeing the cash.
The guy bent down, grabbed the damsel and she found herself on the floor of an uncompleted building. He found himself between the smooth thighs of the sweet Lusaka married lassie. His front tail began to investigate matters in the woman’s lunch bowl full of milk and honey. “This might be the much talked about promised land!”, he thought excitedly. Soon he was taken in the spiritual realm of earthly pleasures. He forgot that she was someone’s wife. He began to roll, turn, drill, till, plough, cultivate, turn over and harrow, pushing himself in and out, pounding and grinding, his eyes were rolling like an Indonesian gorilla stealing bananas and he became dizzy like he had taken kantobo. But as he was about to reach his climax in finding himself in the sanctuary of sweetness and comfortability, he heard something very thick, strong and powerful resting on his back producing a cracking sound, “Kwakaaa!”
It was the owner of the wife who hit him hard!. “Iseni bonse kuno!”, he shouted.
We all ran to witness, only to find the man’s privati party gallivanting and we were able to see it. Unfortunately, it didn’t achieve its missionary purpose. It was intercepted by the owner of the kingdom.
I stood there and saw the mob rising like an army of Shaka Zulu. The adulterous fella attempted to escape like King Ahab escaping from the spear of the King of Assyria, but it was too late! He found himself on the ground as he was mercilessly hit, and before he realised it, his face became fat and his nationality immediately changed from Zambian to Chinese as his eyes became very small covered by a swelled up face. “He has met his match”, the onlookers shouted. His cloths were completely torn! The person who tore them, he knew him not.
They say when you die you go to heaven, though he didn’t die but he tested mini heaven, thanks to the Kanyama Clinic Doctors who resuscitated him. But his left arm got broken! “He will appear in court soon!” Says the owner of the wife.
These are the consequences of sleeping with someone’s wife. Men be very careful, stop admiring and enticing other people’s wives. Be content with what you have. The Bible says, “So is he who sleeps with another man’s wife; no one who touches her will go unpunished,” Proverbs 6:29.
Stay away from other people’s wives. Blessed are You!
THE INSTALLATION OF SIBBUKU BUTAMBO,A SYMBOL OF LEADERSHIP TRANSCENDING BOUNDARIES
March 2nd, 2025
BWEENGWA , Monze – An article has been brought to our attention where some opposition figures are quoting the Commonwealth secretariat Anti – bribery policy with regards to the gifting of 163 heads of cattle to newly installed Headwoman Butambo of Chief Hamusonde.
“An officer cannot receive Gifts of $20 per occasion, not to exceed $50 in a year from one source”.
“An employee or officer shall not SOLICIT or ACCEPT Gifts of immense value given because of his/her official position”
Take note that Headwoman Butambo did not receive those gifts in her capacity as Commonwealth Secretary General but rather as appreciation on her installation as a traditional leader whose duties and functions are in no way related to her official commonwealth portfolio.
Headwoman Butambo is a Kings Counsel or State Counsel as it might be in the Zambian legal context and has been at the helm of the Commonwealth Secretariat for a number of years and understands the cited legal provision better than her accusers whose basic legal knowledge is questionable.
As a native and subject of chief Hamusonde of the Lundwe- Ila people of Bweengwa, I wish to applaud the chief for recognizing Madam Scotland with that dignified title which raises the global status of the chiefdom and its people.
As the head of an organization spanning 56 countries and a combined population of over two billion people, the conferment of madam Scotland as a traditional leader in our chiefdom reaffirms President Hakainde Hichilema and Chief Hamusonde’s resolve to unite the different people of this world through tradition and culture. This recognition will further endear Zambia’s front-role position as a champion of global peace initiatives.
Gifting of animals to anyone is not anything new in our culture and tradition. It is the Ila culture to gift someone including newly born children with animals as means of being self sufficient in their new journey on earth and we therefore find it appalling that people would want to raise eyebrows over the gift given to our Headperson. We do that as a mark of respect and honor as our animals are our symbol of wealth and honor.
Twalumba ba mwami for realising and recognizing that leadership transcends beyond the boundaries of our vast grazing areas. We, your humble subjects are proud of you and your traditional council for being development focused for the good of our land. This will bring immense prosperity and benefits to us your subjects.
We recognise that this decision will allow our Headperson use her international connections in improving the welfare of us your subjects. Her experience in peace building and humanitarian activities will further lead to peaceful settlements of disputes in our chiefdom, making us the pride of the Ila dynasty. She will use her traditional role to help in improving and increasing our cattle breed which is the pride of the Ila clan. We, the Hamusonde subjects are elated with this installation because it will lead to improved livelihoods for us. Mwatambulwa ba Sibbuku Butambo. The daughter of the royal household in memory of our late great Queen Butambo.
Her role in securing the release of one of the Hamusonde subjects and current Republican President Hakainde Hichilema during his 127 days of incarceration under the PF using peaceful means goes to prove her skills in peaceful resolution of disputes which are needed among our people.
For all those that are aggrieved, we invite you to come and join in the dance as our traditional NGOMA YABUUKALI drum is sounded throughout the chiefdom because we have a cause to celebrate.
May even those herdboys that are out taking care of the animals in the plains hear the good news and join in the dance.
Ayilile ndandala
Issued by:
Cheelo Katambo Subject and Native of the Hamusonde Chiefdom
EDITOR’S CHOICE – PRESIDENT HICHILEMA’S DISREGARD FOR DR. SAM NUJOMA’S LEGACY
By Thompson Luzendi.
On March 1st, 2025, the African continent mourned the passing of Dr. Sam Nujoma, a true pan-Africanist, freedom fighter, and founding father of Namibia’s liberation. Leaders from across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) came together to honor this great son of Africa, recognizing his immense contribution to the anti-colonial struggle and the broader fight for African independence and unity.
Yet, in an astonishing display of political insensitivity and a lack of Pan-African consciousness, President Hakainde Hichilema chose not to attend this momentous occasion. Instead of standing in solidarity with fellow African leaders to pay tribute to Dr. Nujoma, President Hichilema prioritized attending the ceremonial coronation of Patricia Scotland as headwoman in Bweengwa—a decision that is not only baffling but deeply troubling.
By opting to attend a local chiefdom coronation rather than honoring a revolutionary giant, President Hichilema has sent a dangerous signal: that his administration places ceremonial pageantry over the collective history and struggle of the African people. His absence at Dr. Nujoma’s burial is a betrayal of the very principles upon which Zambia built its reputation as a bastion of liberation movements.
Zambia was once at the forefront of the African liberation struggle, providing refuge and logistical support to freedom fighters across the region, including Namibia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa to mention a few. Dr. Kenneth Kaunda stood shoulder to shoulder with icons like Nujoma, Tambo, Mugabe, and Nyerere in the fight against colonialism and apartheid. Today, that proud legacy has been undermined by President Hichilema’s failure to uphold the values of Pan-African solidarity.
The decision to sideline one of Africa’s greatest revolutionaries in favor of a representative of a colonial institution reveals a worrying lack of political consciousness and historical awareness. Pan-Africanism is not a mere rhetorical device—it is a commitment to honoring those who paved the way for the dignity and sovereignty of African nations.
For a leader who often speaks about economic liberation and Africa’s place in global affairs, President Hichilema’s choice exposes the contradictions in his approach. A leader who truly understands the importance of self-determination and unity would have stood with his fellow African presidents in Namibia, reinforcing the historical bonds that define our shared struggle for liberation.
President Hichilema must recognize that his role extends beyond domestic ceremonial engagements. As a leader of a nation that played a pivotal role in African liberation, he carries the responsibility of ensuring that Zambia remains aligned with the ideals of Pan-African unity, respect, and historical continuity.
Failing to attend the burial of Dr. Sam Nujoma is more than just a diplomatic misstep—it is an insult to the spirit of African liberation. If Zambia is to retain its status as a pillar of regional and continental solidarity, its leadership must prioritize the legacies of African freedom fighters over the remnants of colonial structures.
History will remember those who stand for the ideals of justice, unity, and self-determination—and it will also remember those who choose to neglect them. President Hichilema must reflect on this misjudgment and ensure that his future actions align with the true principles of Pan-Africanism. Rest in peace Cde President Sam Nujoma – Your legacy will live on. Aluta continua.-KBN TV
While he played “akalambe” and “wider”, African leaders gathered in Namibia to Honour a Struggle Icon, like many others, that lived In Lusaka
Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba Wrote;
What is clear is that President Hakainde Hichilema has displayed no sense of history, urgency or regional and Africa perspective during the discharge of his international and diplomatic duties.
For example, while SADC leaders convened in Harare, Zimbabwe in an emergency and extra-ordinary Summit to resolve the escalating crisis in the DRC he chose to host US comedian Steve Harvey, while his Minister of Home Affairs at the sane time, was hosting a parked live press conference seeking the capture and extradition of Petauke Central Member of Parliament, Emmanuel JJ Banda from Harare!
President Hichilema has taken over 65 international trips in 3 years, far higher than any Zambian President during the same period.
A casual check of his tours reveals that he chooses more to to undertake foreign trips that usually take him to exhibitions and shows than those key meetings that bring development or peace to Zambia and the region.
While he was seeking debt restructuring, It was imperative that he visits China ,probably many times,as China was Zambia’s largest single creditor, holding a significant portion of the country’s external debt.
He chose to travel to United Kingdom and France more to pursue debt cancellation.
He only traveled to China two years later…and the results have been seen…insignificant…no debt cancellation,no debt forgiveness, and expensive rescheduling!
He has signed more double taxation agreements and treaties with tax haven countries to exempt multinationals escape tax obligations than pursue and seek agreements and treaties such as the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a U.S. trade agreement that gives duty-free export access to the U.S. market for sub-Saharan African countries.
He has granted visa-free to more countries, not driven by tourism numbers, but for other interests..check the number of tax havens granted visa-free entrance into Zambia.
While countries like Ethiopia, Ghana and others are increasingly granting visa-free entry or on arrival for African countries, driven by the urgent need to honour the African Union’s (AU) Free Movement of Persons Protocol, Zambia’s focus is elsewhere.
Who would imagine, that Zambia’s head of state would be missing at the funeral of Sam Nujoma? Choosing to patronize and frolick with the Commonwealth Secretary-General?
Who or what is the Commonwealth?
What is clear is that there is nothing common about our wealth with our colonizer.
In Namibia, African leaders turned up to celebrate the life of Sam Nujoma.
Nujoma’s home was Lusaka! I guess all their talks were peppered by their lives and times in Lusaka.
Remember Zambia hosted numerous liberation movements, political exiles and refugees than any other country in the sub-region.
Zambia hosted the African National Congress( South Africa), ZANU and ZAPU( Zimbabwe,), Pan-Africanist Congress (PAC) ( South Africa), Movimento Popular de Libertação de Angola (MPLA) and South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO)( Namibia) among others.
Zambia also hosted liberation training camps and military wings of the struggke movements before the OAU approved the establishment of training camps in Tanzania.
Lusaka became the City of Accords, regularly hosting peace talks to find lasting peace and freedom.
Lusaka also became a hub of decolonisation to ensure that liberation movements achieved the struggle for black majority rule in Southern Africa.
We also hosted other liberation movements from Palestine and East Timor!
Apart from accommodating political exiles and liberation movements, Lusaka also hosted the Liberation Centre, a key institution that supported the liberation wars in the sub‑region.
Zambia also hosted the United Nations Institute for Namibia (UNIN), an educational institution established by the UN to prepare Namibians for roles in an independent Namibia.
Zambia holds the memories if the struggle and paid more sacrifices of liberation than any country I know in the region.
CASH FOR WORK WAS DESIGNED TO CUSHION HUNGER ARISING FROM DROUGHT – HH
March 2, 2025
Monze – President Hakainde Hichilema has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to addressing hunger caused by the drought, emphasizing that the Cash for Work program was designed to cushion its impact.
Speaking at Bwengwa Secondary School in Monze yesterday, after gracing Commonwealth Secretary-General Rt Hon Ms Patricia Scotland’s installation as Headperson in Hamusonde’s Chiefdom, Bwengwa, Monze District, he said:
“We designed Cash for Work to cushion and ameliorate the pain of hunger arising from drought. The initiative’s dual purpose is to provide financial relief while ensuring community development.
Moreover, it is not just about keeping our surroundings clean but also about empowering the Zambian people to sustain their livelihoods.”
Furthermore, the Head of State assured them of continued development efforts, including the installation of solar-powered boreholes and water dams to promote year-round farming.
As a president who loves his people, Mr. Hichilema said, “Across the country, we are striving hard to put up boreholes and water dams so that Zambians are able to cultivate food from January to December.”
Similarly, Hichilema urged farmers to build maize storage facilities to ensure food security. “Store your maize well so that even in tough times, you have enough to eat for up to two years,” Hichilema said.
In light of this, the President encouraged everyone to increase their production by adapting agriculture to climate change.
He explained, “The drought was brought by climate change, so we need to adapt our agriculture. You don’t need to plant 20 hectares, but you can have a few hectares, look after those, and increase the yield.”
Notably, coining the equation P – C = Surplus, he said that everybody must produce something. “If there is production and then consumption, the surplus is what we can sell to other towns and villages.”
Emphasizing the need for smart agriculture to adapt to climate change, Mr. Hichilema reiterated, “You don’t need to plant 20 hectares. Instead, focus on a few hectares, manage them well, and increase your yield.”
Additionally, he assured farmers of fair pricing when selling maize to the Food Reserve Agency, reinforcing the government’s commitment to continued agricultural support.
Finally, Mr. Hichilema called on leaders at all levels to serve all Zambians and urged young people to obtain national registration cards ahead of the 2026 elections.
Kasebamashila reminds HICHILEMA the case of Janet Rogan
WHEN UNDP RESIDENT COORDINATOR JANET ROGAN, 2018 WAS PF CADRE WHILE COMMONWEALTH SECRETARY-GENERAL HEADWOMAN BUTAMBO PATRICIA SCOTLAN, 2025 IS NOT UPND CADRE
— what if Rogan was also installed headwoman in EL Petauke district, Chief Kalindawalo —
PRESS STATEMENT
Friday 13th April 2018
JANET ROGAN IS A DANGER TO ZAMBIA’S PEACE AND SECURITY, SHE MUST GO IMMEDIATELY
From the revelations on the conduct of the UNDP Resident Coordinator Janet Rogan, it is clear that she is a highly compromised PF cadre not fit for the office she is occupying, least of all an International Civil Servant.
It is very clear that Janet Rogan, the U.N. chief in Zambia is a danger to our country’s peace and security, which goes against the Secretary General’s call for preventive diplomacy.
We had wanted to have a personal discussion with her so that we can iron out some of the things we know about her and some other U.N. staff members such as Mike Soko at UNDP offices in Zambia. As well as bring to her attention the things which she will not hear on public media which are leading to the tension in the country. But typical of a PF cadre, she has now rudely refused our request to meet her yet she has been having clandestine meetings with the PF leadership in Zambia. At the very least if our proposal was not acceptable, she would have given an alternative time.
Her refusal to meet us is uncharacteristic of a UN employee who must espouse integrity, honesty and above all NEUTRALITY. Every global citizen has the right to the UN because it was created for ALL and not a select section of society. Why is this employee then being a stumbling block in exercising our rights.
We are now left with no option but to engage her superiors in New York over her unbecoming conduct in Zambia which is further escalating the volatile situation in the country.
And from the leaked email published today, it confirms the information we have that she was part of the conspiracy to have our party President Hakainde Hichilema arrested and charged with treason, an offence that carries a death sentence in our statutes.
Patricia Scotland Should Decline this Award and Must instead hold Hichilema Accountable
Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba Wrote;
At a special investiture ceremony held at Pamodzi Hotel (very starnge! Where is State House?) President Hakainde Hichilema confered the Order of the Eagle of Zambia – 2nd Division upon the Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland, KC, Commonwealth Secretary-General.
On her last numerous trips to Zambia, Scotland was battling to unite and reconcile President Edgar Lungu and opposition leader, Hakainde Hichilema, who was in remand prison facing treason charges.
She also sought firm commitments from government to secure freer terrain for the Opposition facing violence from ruling party cadres, police harrasment and restrictions.
Scotland has visited Zambia having similar or worse conditions. President Hichilema has been on vicious campaign against his predecessor, harrassing and persecuting him and his family
The ruthless approach has been extended to the Opposition who have faced arbitrary arrests, harrasment and destabilised the work of the Opposition by banning political rallies, public meetings, pickets, protests and demonstrations.
He has further weaponised laws such as the Cyber Crimes and Cyber Security Act, Seditious practices, Criminal Defamation and Hate Speech to punish and persecute the Opposition.
Look at the case of the former ruling Party, the Patriotic Front. Hichilema has personally and under his stewardship, destabilised it and put stooges to lead the Party, in effect and by his publicly stated schemes of “Imingalato”, is the new defacto, who dictates the existence of the party and its leadership through illegal manouvres and machinations done at the Registrar of Societies, Parliament, Zambia Police and the Electoral Commission of Zambia.
The United Nations Humans Rights Council, the USA Country Report, the Human Rights Watch International and other international human rights organisations have catalogued Hichilema’s glaring human rights abuses and severe restrictions on democratic and media space.
It is therefore imperative that Scotland should have rejected the patronising award as it fights the very principles that brought her to Zambia to battle with the vices of misrule, authoritarianism and undemocratic tendencies.
As evidence has mounted, President Hichilema is actively engaged in manipulative and dirty schemes to undermine and rig the 2026 elections.
Let me remind her of her lofty words at Presidents Hichilema’s inauguration on 24th August 2025.
“This is indeed a high moment for the Commonwealth, Africa part or Zarnbia’s remarkable journey and the whole of the international community. Everyone has played their part. Zambia’s democracy is a feat to be admired and celebrated, and one which we hope to see emulated in the wider Commonwealth family.”
“The flame of peace, which was set alight by President Dr. Keneth David Kaunda, which was entrusted to each of his successors, nurtured and kept alive through some of the darkest of times by both former President Lungu and President Hichilema has brought us here today.”
“Many feared that this day would never come. That a peaceful election in Zambia was no longer possible. That It was an aspiration which could not and would not be fulfilled Feared that there was little upon which it could be based saved unrealistic and unachievable hope.”
“Zambia’s 2021 election will go down in history as an election with no losers. There were two winners. President Hichilema won the vote, and President Lungu won the hearts of every person who loves democracy and peace by gracefully transferring democratic leadership and extending his brotherly hand to President Hichilema”.
So tell me why she should accept such an award from a man who is abusing human rights and like a previously abused person is now abusing others.with a vengeance!
“ZAMBIANS CAN’T AFFORD ANOTHER FIVE YEARS OF LIES!” SHAKAFUSWA SLAMS GOVERNMENT
Outspoken Tonse Council of Leaders member, Ephraim Shakafuswa, has delivered a scathing rebuke of the current government’s handling of the economy, accusing President Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND of betraying the Zambian people with empty promises and catastrophic mismanagement.
In a hard-hitting address, Shakafuswa painted a grim picture of Zambia’s economic landscape, citing the skyrocketing cost of living, the government’s deafening silence on pressing issues, and the rising poverty levels calling the situation “a national disaster fueled by lies and incompetence.”
“Where are the jobs they promised? Where is the relief from the high cost of living? All we see is endless suffering while ministers parade themselves in luxury,” he thundered.
According to the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR), the Basic Needs and Nutrition Basket (BNNB) for a family of five in Lusaka hit ZMW 11,599.12 in February 2025 a staggering increase from ZMW 8,500.00 just two years ago in February 2023.
Shakafuswa slammed these numbers as a “cruel reminder” that the government has abandoned the very people it swore to uplift.
“How dare they tell us things are getting better when ordinary families are choosing between a bag of mealie meal and their children’s school fees? The cost of living keeps shooting up, and all they do is clap for themselves. This is criminal negligence at its peak!” he said.
He accused the UPND leadership of going into “hiding” whenever Zambians demand answers, pointing out that key government officials from district commissioners to cabinet ministers have gone silent on the economic crisis.
“Why are they running from the people? They made bold promises, yet today, they can’t even explain why a simple bag of mealie meal costs more than ZMW 300. When questioned, they either ignore you or blame the previous governments. Enough is enough!” Shakafuswa fumed.
In a brutal attack on the administration’s credibility, Shakafuswa warned that the growing discontent among Zambians could not be suppressed much longer.
“No one should dare steal the 2026 election. The people are watching. If they think they can cling to power through manipulation and rigging, they are playing with fire. Zambians are fed up!”
He further accused the ruling party of distorting data and manipulating statistics to paint a false picture of progress, calling it a “desperate attempt to fool the nation.”
In his fiery conclusion, Shakafuswa urged citizens to remember the legacies of Zambia’s former presidents Kenneth Kaunda, Frederick Chiluba, Levy Mwanawasa, Rupiah Banda, Michael Sata, and Edgar Lungu and to reject leaders who “thrive on lies and excuses.”
“As we approach 2026, let’s be clear: Zambia cannot afford another five years of broken promises. Let’s vote for leaders who fight for the people not those who exploit their pain,” Shakafuswa declared. The government has yet to respond to Shakafuswa’s remarks.
Zambia’s Debt; From $14.7billion in 2021 to $21.6 billion in December 2024
● Includes new IMF Loan of $1.8billion
● $750m from World Bank Group
● $750million fuel debt
Zambia: Fourth Review Under the Arrangement Under the Extended Credit Facility and Financing Assurances Review—Debt Sustainability Analysis
Zambia’s external public and publicly guaranteed (PPG) debt increased to US$21.6 billion by end-2023.
This reflected close to US$710 million in new foreign-currency denominated external debt disbursements to the central government – principally from the IMF and World Bank-and an increase in interest arrears on central government foreign currency- denominated external debt of about US$439 million in 2023.
Expenditure arrears (fuel and contractors) owed to non-resident suppliers, together with ZESCO’s arrears to external IPPs, were broadly unchanged at US$1.75 billion at end-2023. While further interest arrears of US$90 million accumulated on government guaranteed external debt, ZESCO’s non-guaranteed external debt was fully amortized in 2023 as it generated sufficient revenues to continue servicing it.
As a result, external PPG debt ended the year about US$639 million higher (see Text Table 2). However, NR holdings of domestic-currency debt declined in dollar terms to US$2.2 billion by end-2023 due to the exchange rate depreciation.
Zambia’s public debt is assessed as sustainable but remains at high risk of overall and external debt distress, compared to the June 2024 assessment indicating Zambia’s external and overall public debt as in debt distress, with unsustainable public debt.
The analysis is based on a full post-restructuring macro-framework, incorporating the treatment of official bilateral claims agreed with Zambia’s Official Creditor Committee (OCC), the completed Eurobond exchange, the agreements in principle (AIP) reached with some of the external commercial creditors, and under the assumption of treatment of the residual claims of other external commercial creditors in line with the authorities’ restructuring strategy and consistent with program parameters and comparability of treatment principles.
Under the baseline, there are remaining breaches of the overall and some external debt indicator thresholds.
Zambia’s debt indicators are projected to improve, consistent with a moderate risk of external debt distress in the medium term.
The present value of external debt-to-exports ratio is expected to decline below the 84 percent threshold indicating “substantial space to absorb shocks” by 2027 and the debt service-to-revenue ratio is projected to fall below the 14 percent threshold by 2025 and remain below this level on average over 2026–31.
The DSA suggests that shocks to export and combined shocks of the economy would present downside risks to the debt outlookThe Debt Sustainability Analysis (DSA) was prepared jointly by the staff of the International Monetary Fund and the International Development Association, in consultation with the authorities.
Note; Public Debt Coverage 1. As in the previous DSA, the coverage of Zambia’s public and publicly guaranteed (PPG) debt for the purpose of the DSA includes the following : i) central government domestic and external debt, including arrears to external suppliers (fuel and contractors) and central government guaranteed external debt;
ii) the non-guaranteed external debt of Zambia Electricity Supply Company (ZESCO), the fiscally important state-owned utility;2 and
iii) the domestic and external arrears of the same enterprise.
Central bank external debt (including outstanding Fund credit), together with the debt of social security funds guaranteed by the central government,are also included in the coverage.
FOOTBALL administrator Andrew Kamanga has reported former Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) committee member Pivoty Simwanza to the police, accusing him of threatening violence.
On Thursday, Simwanza, a former FAZ executive committee member, allegedly stormed into the Football House boardroom in Lusaka. Inside, Kamanga and four other individuals were engaged in a meeting. Simwanza, visibly agitated, confronted Kamanga and threatened to engage him in a physical altercation.
A video that quickly went viral on social media captured the intense moment when Simwanza charged aggressively towards Kamanga. Amidst the chaos, voices could be heard pleading with Simwanza, saying, “Pivoty, ngumfwilako [Pivoty, listen to me],” in an attempt to calm him down and diffuse the tension.
In a statement, Zambia Police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga has confirmed that a report of threatening violence has been filed at Woodlands Police Station in Lusaka although no arrest has been made.
“Woodlands Police Station is investigating a case of Threatening Violence reported on 27th February 2025 at 1454 hours by Mr. Andrew Ndanga Kamanga, aged 58, President of the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ).
“The suspect has been identified as Mr. Pivot Simwanza, a known male person.
Brief Facts of the matter are that on the material date and time, the complainant was chairing a meeting at Football House.
“During the meeting, Mr. Pivot Simwanza is alleged to have forcefully entered the boardroom and demanded an appeal letter from the FAZ Secretary General. When advised by Mr. Andrew Kamanga that he would be attending to after the meeting, the suspect became aggressive, shouted, and issued threats of physical violence against the complainant,” Mr Hamoonga said.
Mr Hamoonga said officers from Woodlands Police Station visited the scene and confirmed that normalcy had been restored.
“A Docket of Case has been opened, and investigations have commenced. No arrest has been made at this stage, but necessary legal action will be taken upon conclusion of investigations,” he said.
Family friend testifies in Shikapwasha murder case
A FAMILY friend testified in the Lusaka High Court on Wednesday, providing crucial details about the events leading to the death of former Zambia Air Force (ZAF) commander, General Ronnie Shikapwasha, who is believed to have been shot by his wife, Jane Lusengo.
When the matter came up for continuation of trial before Judge Concepter Zulu, Lusengo entered the courtroom clad in black, looking fresh and clean.
Prisca Daka, a long-time friend of the couple, recounted conversations she had with Lusengo, who told her she didn’t know what had happened to her husband, only that she found him lying on the floor after he had demanded she confess repeatedly to him.
Daka, who had lived with the couple, testified that Lusengo explained how Shikapwasha had been in a bad mood and forced her to confess, stating he would not have dinner until she did.
She added that after the confession, Lusengo saw her husband on the floor, seemingly unaware of how he ended up there.
Lusengo, 73, pleaded not guilty to the charge of murder in the death of her husband.
She is accused of shooting the former cabinet minister, Shikapwasha, 76, with a double-barrel shotgun at their home in Ibex Hill, Lusaka, on January 14, 2024.
After the shooting, Shikapwasha was rushed to Maina Soko Medical Centre, where he died the following day.
Daka’s testimony provided further insight into the day of the shooting.
She described how the family had attended church earlier that day, with Shikapwasha preaching.
After returning home, Daka went to her cottage while the deceased headed toward the main house.
Daka said it was around 15:00 hours when she last saw Shikapwasha.
She recounted receiving a call from the couple’s daughter, Vanessa, who informed her that her father had been shot.
Daka rushed to the house and was told by Lusengo that she had heard a “boosh” sound from the bedroom before calling her daughters.
She said the following day, she went to check on Vanessa if they could go to the hospital to check on Shikapwasha but was informed that Lusengo was coming home to refresh.
“Lusengo freshened up and ate as I accompanied her to her bedroom, she ushered me to the main bedroom and I sat on a chair, I asked what happened and she said Mai Daka you know your father and his moods, he told me if I don’t confess we are not going to have dinner.”
“She said he said we are not having our dinner until you confess and after that I don’t know what happened I saw him falling on the floor,” she narrated.
Daka said Lusengo then removed the deceased shirt and said they should pray together, according to Mark 11:23.
“But before I could start praying Vanessa walked in and we started praying together but Lusengo wasn’t with us she was standing beside the bed moving up and down, she picked a book and removed some pages, but I couldn’t pay much attention,” she said.
She said she threw the papers besides the bed, and upon seeing the papers, she was told to pick them.
The pages, which Daka later picked up, contained a “Certificate of Divorcement” and a Bible verse from Deuteronomy 24:1
She said later she saw former late first lady Maureen Mwanawasa entering the bedroom, chasing me that it was a crime scene.
The court adjourned the matter to April, 7 for continued trial.
