THE CHANGING TIDES OF LOYALTY IN ZAMBIA’S POLITICAL ARENA
…as Dr Mwelwa cautions Hichilema that the same hands clapping for him today could one day celebrate his downfall
Lusaka… Monday February 10, 2025
Dr. Lawrence Mwelwa has issued a statement questioning the nature of loyalty and self-preservation within Zambia’s political landscape.
Referring to recent developments involving members of the Patriotic Front (PF), he painted a picture of shifting allegiances and opportunism that has sparked widespread debate.
Dr. Mwelwa expressed skepticism about the motivations of several PF members who have joined the ruling party under President Hakainde Hichilema.
He mentioned names such as Andrew Lubusha, Elias Daka, Chabingas, Jonathan Daka, Menyani Zulu, Misheck Nyambose and Anthony Mumba, accusing them of prioritizing their survival over genuine loyalty or principles.
He reflected on the past, pointing out that these individuals once benefited from the privileges of PF rule under former President Edgar Lungu.
According to Dr. Mwelwa, they had “basked in wealth and privilege” but now find themselves aligning with President Hichilema to escape the justice system’s reach.
Dr. Mwelwa likened their actions to an ancient proverb, saying, “A man who sells his master for silver will sell his new master for gold.”
He questioned whether the President should trust those who were once his fiercest rivals and warned against embracing individuals who had proven to shift their allegiances based on power dynamics.
The statement emphasized that their urgency to prove loyalty stems from fear rather than belief.
He suggested that their sudden allegiance to the ruling party is a calculated move to secure safety and avoid the law’s consequences.
Dr. Mwelwa also issued a caution to President Hichilema, stating that the same hands clapping for him today could one day celebrate his downfall.
He described the actions of these politicians as self-serving, noting that they may abandon their newfound loyalties when political tides inevitably change.
In closing, he raised important questions about the future.
He urged the President to reflect on whether these individuals are true allies or simply opportunists seeking refuge under his leadership.
With the 2026 elections drawing nearer, Dr. Mwelwa warned that the same politicians who profess allegiance today might once again shift their loyalties, following the scent of power rather than principles.
BREAKING NEWS……NEW CURRENCY TO HIT THE MARKET AS GOVERNMENT ORDERS BOZ TO PRINT DIFFERENT KWACHA NOTES……
By KBN TV Reporter The Bank of Zambia has printed a new currency and will be phasing out the current notes in the early part of this year, KBN TV can reveal.
Impeccable sources have told KBN TV exclusively that the currency change operation has been a tightly guarded secret that very few Central Bank employees are aware of the detail.
Anonymous sources have revealed that the President ordered a change to the currency on suspicion that the former regime may be holding on to starches of the current notes out of circulation.
“This explains why today Zambia has a lot of soiled Kwacha notes in circulation because BoZ has been working on a plan to phase out the current print of the local currency instead of reprinting,” the source said.
Financial experts have said once the currency change is effected, anyone found in possession of large amounts of the current print of the Kwacha will have to justify the source.
“This change to the currency is targeted at punishing some criminal elements within the former PF regime who are suspected of keeping a lot of cash out of circulation,” the source said.
However, a BoZ financial security expert argued that “if there are new notes, it’s to improve features and durability. Changing notes doesn’t solve the problem of people holding on to old currency. You simply cannot put a short time frame because it’s the rural people who suffer. They have to travel long distances to banks to change very small amounts,” he said.
Based on experience, the source added “I am sure you have witnessed the intense publicity by BoZ each time there are changes to features. There are posters everywhere and even physical public sensitisation.”
He cautioned that changing a currency purely on speculation that some people were keeping large amounts of money was unfounded as the suspected persons may not even be holding kwacha but dollars.
“Even assuming there was such an order to change the currency, the new notes will run parallel to the old notes for a considerable period,” said the source.
Concerns are rife that while it’s believed the BoZ has started receiving the new currency, members of the public as well as the market in general are not aware that a new currency is about to be introduced.
KBN TV understands that the Central Bank of Zambia Governor, Dr. Danny Kalyalya, will soon address the nation to explain the rationale behind the introduction of a new currency.
According to experts spoken to, changing currency features is mostly dictated by security upgrades all depending on the new developments in the industry to prevent counterfeit currency. In that case, the public is always told when there are changes to features. A massive sensitisation is undertaken and a gazette notice is issued.
A senior figure familiar with BoZ operations warned that the administration is going about it the wrong way adding that “even if people have hidden currency, they will still go and exchange it with the new currency and still keep it out of circulation. Today, the Kwacha is traded in Tanzania and Malawi, what can stop people from exchanging the new currency,” questioned the source, adding that “they will just create unnecessary complexities which will not solve the problem they’re trying to solve,” he said.
He said currently, there is a lot of unbanked cash in the informal sector because of unnecessary restrictions. He suggested that BoZ should give a 3 to 6 months amnesty where people can deposit cash without banks asking questions.
“There is absolutely no need to introduce a new currency unless we are just doing enhancement of features to prevent counterfeit money. Right now, it appears there is a shortage of cash in circulation because all soiled notes are being shredded at the Central Bank, but they are not being replaced because so far, the last known print was in 2022, if you look at the bottom left circle of the notes in circulation.”
Some stakeholders talked to have expressed shock that the UPND Government is trying to sneak in a new currency without following the due process of the law.
Citizens First President Harry Kalaba said even though Bank of Zambia Act empowers BoZ to print and mint, the Government can’t just wake up and decide to change the currency without sensitizing the public and gazette notice being issued.
A press query sent to the Central Bank went unanswered by Press time.
Mr Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND’s continued selective regulation of digital and social media platforms reeks of tyranny and hypocrisy.
Today, the intimidation, arrests and imprisonment of Mr Hichilema critics is a daily occurrence in Zambia. The courts, police and other law enforcement agencies are all fully occupied with cases involving Mr Hichilema’s critics. Presently, the majority of his critics that are aligned before the courts are either facing sedition, espionage, tribal hate-speech or other ridiculous cyber-crimes charges, this spiteful government can think of. Definitely, they are abusing the police and the court system without restraint or shame.
It is evident that Mr Hichilema wants to suppress free political expression to prevent political opponents and private citizens from holding him accountable. They want to suppress public discourse, which they undeniably know is against them. Things are not up to scratch and Zambians are beginning to fearlessly voice out their frustration and anger. But Mr Hichilema thinks he can dodge responsibility by silencing citizens through draconian laws and persistent arrests and imprisonment of critics. We are not shocked because Mr Hichilema is on record admitting how he personally spies on citizens, who engage in political expression through various social media channels such as the WhatsApp messaging application.
Mr Hichilema and the UPND’s hypocrisy is actually scandalous. How can people who rode on the back of rogue media like Zambian Watchdog and Koswe, which operated on Facebook and other digital platforms to malign and maliciously defame private citizens as a way to put the UPND in power be this ruthless and declare war against free political expression on digital and social media platforms? Why do they think they have a reserved seat to act as they wish towards others but the same should not be done to counter them? What is so special about them?
They want to arrest and imprison critics so that they gain control of people’s opinions or political expression by controlling social media. Mr Hichilema doesn’t want anyone to offer contrary views. He only wants people to be reading and following what is published by his State House media team through the Koswe and Zambian Watchdog. That hate and malice is what he wants to be feeding people with daily? He wants to arrest and imprison almost all active online criticizers, except his media team at State House, which manages Koswe and Zambian Watchdog.
It is obvious that Mr Hichilema is resolved to blatantly apply the law selectively. We have seen how the political affiliation of accused persons has made many UPND members and sympathizers less vulnerable to arrests and prosecution. The police can’t arrest them. They are above the law.
But this is a huge mistake because selective justice is no justice at all. It is nothing but injustice, and when the law is applied selectively, it weakens the competence of the criminal justice system. A society where the rich and politically connected evade justice through the interference and facilitation of the executive, degenerates into lawlessness and unconstitutionalism.
The dysfunctionality of the criminal justice system becomes an inevitable reality because the practice and institutionalization of selective justice paves way for the politically connected to get away with crime. It also erodes public trust and confidence in the criminal justice system.
SOLUTION
Mr Hichilema must know that throughout history, societies that applied justice selectively never survived because access to justice or equal application of the law is essential to the rule of law, democracy and constitutional order. Therefore, this government must guarantee citizens equality before law without preferential treatment of the selected few or else, their endless desire of applying the law selectively as a means of political survival and control will boomerang soon.
Responding to the USAID Health system crisis: Potential irreparable damage that we must prevent!
By Prof Wilbroad Mutale, MD, MPhil, PhD
The past few weeks have caused tremendous confusion and uncertainty globally, in this
article our interest is what this means for Zambia.
Having worked in the health sector for over 20 years and at the center of service
delivery, research, training and policy advocacy, it seems right to share my thoughts and
my understanding of what has happened and what the implications are based on
experience and literature.
While Zambia has faced many health emergencies, most of them are disease specific crisis, for example the cholera epidemic and covid epidemic. There are also natural disasters like drought that we have experienced affecting food security and electricity.
However, what we are experiencing now following the aid freeze by the US government
support especially to the health sector, is a “system-wide emergency” that we are not
used to. The closest situation relatable to this crisis is when structural adjustment
programs were introduced in the late 1980s by the World Bank, whose consequences
have left our health system permanently weakened.
In fact, Kaunda and his team started their free fall from grace following that “system emergency” and we were not ready for that. Consequently, our health system faltered and only started picking up
much later, especially when the US government introduced programmes such as
PEPFAR ( HIV program) and the Global fund came into the picture.
While it has been argued that subsequent governments have tried to invest in the
health system, the sector depends on donor support with the US contributing a
significant amount, especially to HIV treatment and care, supporting procurement of
HIV drugs.
Quoting former minister of health Masebo in 2023,
“I would like to state that the performance of the Ministry, which I am about to highlight, has been largely facilitated by domestic resources and contributions from partners. In 2023, the total budget for Ministry of Health was K16.1 billion, representing a percentage increment of 30%, out of which K14.7 billion was from GRZ and K1.3 billion from Cooperating Partners.
The Personal Emolument was allocated K7.7 billion while the Non-Personal Emolument had a total budget of K8.4 billion which is inclusive of K1.3 billion from Cooperating Partners through their direct budget support. It is important to note that several donors provide off-budget support which also made significant contributions to the success of the Ministry this year”
The statement “budget support” is an important one and makes it almost impossible
to estimate how much donors have contributed directly and indirectly, but it should suffice to say that our health system is heavily donor reliant. Another large contributor to the health sector is the Global fund, which itself depends largely on funds from donors like the US, which is the largest donor.
The US is also the largest contributor to the WHO from which it has pulled out. Another thing to note from the former minister’s statement is that government contribution is mainly to human resource and salaries.
So put in a sentence, we are in a system crisis of a generation that cannot compare to
what we have seen before in the health sector. This requires a completely different
approach, calling for innovation and long-term plans.
A little bit about the health system can help us imagine what crisis we are in, just in case
you are among those “burying” their heads in the sand. The health system has six (6)
building blocks; these are human resources, leadership, health information, medical
supplies, finance and service delivery.
These are related and if you could imagine how square roots multiply the effect with a short-change, that’s how complicated it can become if you imagine that each building block impacts the other and that if one
malfunctions then the whole thing is in reverse gear and self-destruction. Let me add two more points about the health system, then I will return to the issue at hand.
The health system is resistant to change and often there are delays in “cause” and “effect”.Meaning that in the current crisis, those entrusted with the management of the health system, might refuse to listen and continue business as usual when they need to change course!
The delays between cause and effect means that if we delay to act and fail to plan,
“hasty/emergency interventions” won’t help, as the system will need time to change.
Finally, on the health system, there is what is known as “unintended consequences”. This simply means that you might do a very good action you hope will affect the health system, but it might carry “contaminants”! Things you don’t even expect, for example closing ART clinics and integrating them into routine care given the USAID aid freeze, might look reasonable, but doing so might kill even the little services that are being offered!
Back to the crisis, responding to crisis or disaster, we can be guided by literature and
experience from other sectors. While government has put out statements to calm
people down and assure patients on HIV treatment, this falls short of the scale required
to get ready to avert the crisis at least from what I can see and hear. Let’s imagine some of the consequences of this aid freeze by building blocks:
Human resources: about 16,000 highly skilled health workers are directly impacted by
the USAID freeze. These offer services and support families and communities. These
are on the streets and cannot offer their skills and this directly impacts service delivery.
The second building block I want to highlight is the medical supplies: this is a complex
one. It requires forecasting and excellent logistics especially for ARVs and related labs.
Delays in procurement can easily cost 1.2 million lives which is the number of people
depending on these medications in Zambia.
Those providing assurance, must be seen to act to finding alternative resources and systems for service delivery. Like I mentioned above, delays can cause disruption permanently, such that even when drugs arrive later, drug resistance has occurred and some people would have died and babies would
have been infected, these cannot be reversed.
What can we do about this?
My suggestion is summarized in a Bemba proverb: “I chakukonka ulubilo, naiwe,
uchikonke ulubilo” (If something comes rushing at you, you must reciprocate!)
The aid freeze is very sudden and immediate, this should be replicated by our sense of
urgency and crisis preparedness. We cannot act in a business as usual manner, in fact I
dare say the system we have in place, might be insufficient to respond to this in time
and so, we must look outside the box.
It must be noted that even if US Government funding resumes, the system is
permanently changed by the disruption. To tackle the sudden, current US induced crisis in HIV/AIDS management, we propose an approach borrowed from the field of disaster preparedness and emergency
response, with the aim of implementing an eBective, structured response to mitigate
damage by leveraging Incident Command Centers (ICCs) and developing resource
allocation strategies to rapidly respond for immediate harm reduction and to build a
sustainable approach moving forward.
The ICC can guide a strategic and integrated approach to five key emergency response
areas most relevant to this scenario: 1) human resources, 2) data, 3) commodities, and
4) information sharing and coordination. For each area, in the immediate term, it will
assess what is working, what is needed, resource options, and a framework for rational
resource allocation.
It will also craft clear messaging for community, institutional, and
regional audiences to limit the harmful misinformation that often thrives in an
emergency. In the long term, it will support transition to sustainable systems. Following
emergency response good practices, the ICC can be a formal coordination mechanism
with defined members and roles.
It can seek representation from critical constituencies
but will remain agile to facilitate the rapid decision making required in an emergency. It
can be led by the Zambian National AIDS Commission or the Zambia National Public
Health Institute in collaboration with other partners. The ICC will limit immediate harm
and support transitions to a sustainable future.
We propose the following specific objectives of the ICC:
1. Develop and implement an Incident Command Center framework to
coordinate Zambian national and regional HIV response efforts.
2. Assess and optimize critical response streams, including human resources for
health, data management, commodity distribution, and information sharing.
3. Strengthen resource identification, management, and allocation
mechanisms to mitigate immediate negative impacts of funding loss through
alternative financial strategies and resource coordination.
4. Enhance communication and advocacy to counteract misinformation, engage
policymakers in sustainable funding discussions, and involve communities,
including HIV advocates, NGOs, neighborhood health communities, faith
organizations, and others, to guide decision-making and foster trust required for
successful action.
5. Facilitate the transition from emergency response to long-term HIV service
sustainability by integrating response measures into existing healthcare
structures.
NB: This approach can be replicated to other sectors affected by the USAID aid freeze,
but here we focused on the impact and mitigations for HIV response.
Conclusion:
The future is in our hands, this aid freeze crisis can be an opportunity which we should
be prepared to leverage. We have the brains and experience to steer the ship safely to
the harbor, but this requires “all hands’ on deck. The government should facilitate
setting up of such a crisis center or similar structure and should be willing to work with
people outside the government payroll. We have work to do before it is too late, lets
avert the disaster but also let’s learn from this. No one can be trusted to look after your
health, we need to do it ourselves.
HH’S LAND-LINKED POSITION ABOUT ZAMBIA UPLIFT LAKE TANGANYIKA CORRIDOR STATUS
9th February 2025
MBALA – The Lake Tanganyika Corridor for International Municipals Association, Network and Opportunities is excited about President Hakainde Hichilema’s new position on Zambia being a land-linked country departing from the long held view of land-locked since 1964.
Mbala Chamber of Commerce and Industry President, Christopher Mengo Siame who is also Lake Tanaganyika Corridor Coordinator thanked Mr Hichilema for recognising the region as the sleeping economic giant whose time to rise cannot be delayed any longer.
Mr Siame stated that the good policies and political will by the UPND New Dawn Government under President Hichilema will enable the region to pursue commerce, trade and investment opportunities across the five (5) member countries and beyond.
“It is only President Hakainde Hichilema who has come in office and recognised the region as a sleeping economic giant. So for us, the new position of Zambia being land-linked is an opportunity to explore the economic avenues in trade, commerce and investment with the member countries. This private sector driven initiative links Zambia to the rest of the Great Lake Region including Congo DR and Malawi,” Mr Siame Said.
The lake Tanganyika Corridor boasts of a giant market with established robust focal centers operating under the acronym SU-MB-BU-KA-CH i.e. Sambawanga – Tanzania, Mbala – Zambia, Brujumbura – Brundi, Kalemie – Congo DR and Chitipa – Malawi.
However, to unlock the opportunities and potential in the region member countries need to work on effective communication chief among those is the air, water and road network.
“Zambia on her part should urgently work on the road from Kasama to Mbala. But, firstly the stretch between Mbala district and Zombe border needs to be upgraded to a bituminous standard. And the one-stop border posts have to be built at both Zombe and Lumi for they are designated border posts in Mbala. Zambia also needs to upgrade the Mpulungu Habour which is key to enhanced sustainable trade with countries on the Lake Tanganyika Corridor. The Zambian Government should also consider investing in the Passenger ship, Merchant and Commercial vessels,” said Mr Siame.
The Mbala Chamber of Commerce and Industry remains optimistic that more national resources will be channeled to productive areas of the economy as opposed to consumption while maintaining that Zambia cannot progress without production.
Mafinga Residents Accuse MP Chabinga of Neglect, Prioritizing PF Power Struggles
Residents of Mafinga Constituency have expressed disappointment in their Member of Parliament, Robert Chabinga, accusing him of neglecting his duties while engaging in political fights over the leadership of the Patriotic Front (PF). Constituents say their MP has abandoned developmental projects and is more focused on party battles than addressing the pressing needs of the people who elected him. Many residents believe that his obsession with politics is the reason Mafinga remains one of the most underdeveloped districts in Zambia.
Concerned residents noted that key infrastructure such as roads, schools, and banking services remain inadequate, forcing people to travel long distances to neighboring districts such as Isoka and Nakonde just to access basic services. “Every rainy season, students at Muyombe Day School and Muyombe Boarding School struggle to get to school because of the terrible road network,” one parent lamented. “We have an MP, but his focus is elsewhere.”
Another resident criticized Chabinga for failing to utilize the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) effectively, saying there are no major projects to show for his time in office. “Other MPs are making good use of their CDF allocations to improve their constituencies, but here in Mafinga, Chabinga is busy ‘dancing for CDF’ instead of working for the people,” said a visibly frustrated youth. “We see MPs in other districts building roads, clinics, and schools. Why is Mafinga left behind?”
Many residents also questioned how Chabinga was awarded a leadership certificate in the UK, considering his lack of visible achievements in his constituency. “What kind of good leadership is being recognized when your people are suffering?” asked one community leader. “We are tired of MPs who only talk but fail to deliver. Chabinga is more interested in power struggles within PF than ensuring that Mafinga gets the development it deserves.”
The constituency’s lack of financial services remains a major challenge, with locals having to travel long distances to access banks. “Imagine risking your life on bad roads just to withdraw money,” said another resident. “Can Zambia develop when MPs like Chabinga ignore their communities and focus on personal political ambitions?” The frustrations come at a time when the government has emphasized the need for MPs to use CDF for grassroots development, something residents feel Chabinga has failed to do.
With the 2026 elections fast approaching, Mafinga residents are calling on their MP to refocus his priorities or risk being voted out. “We are tired of suffering,” a resident concluded. “If Chabinga cannot put Mafinga first, then he does not deserve another term in office.” Residents are urging the government to intervene and ensure that the constituency receives the attention it desperately needs before more damage is done.
JACKIE SEWELL, FIRST ZAMBIA NATIONAL TEAM CAPTAIN AND CITY OF LUSAKA LEGEND.
Jackie Sewell was an experienced England international inside forward who joined City in October 1959, a few weeks into the 1959/60 season. His arrival coincided with a serious dip in form for Bob Brocklebank’s Tigers and Sewell managed only two goals before the end of the calendar year in defeats at Stoke and Plymouth. Jackie scored a third goal in a mid-April 3-1 win over Derby County, but by then relegation was unavoidable and City dropped into Division Three. City’s form perked up in the lower division but Sewell was on the fringes of the first team until a brief spell in the starting XI in late October yielded two goals. In December 1960 the absence of locally born forward Eric McMillan handed Sewell a chance to perform in the first team and in thirteen starts he scored four goals. However he lost his place again in March 1961 and left the club in the summer at the same as manager Brocklebank was replaced by Cliff Britton.
John “Jackie” Sewell was born in Whitehaven on the Cumbrian Coast and after impressive form in local schools football he joined local side Kells Miners Welfare while working as a milkman and then a coal miner. By 1944 he was playing for Whitehaven Town and attracting the attention of Notts County, managed by future City boss Frank Buckley. Sewell played wartime fixtures for the Magpies at weekends after spending the week down the pit – he also played occasional wartime fixtures for Workington and Carlisle United. In 1946 Jackie signed professional terms for Notts County as the Football League resumed and he quickly developed a big reputation for goalscoring and finding killer passes to set up attacks and goals. Sewell was County’s top League goalscorer three times in five seasons and in 1950 he won a Division Three South champions medal. After 100 goals in less than 200 starts for Notts, Sewell joined Sheffield Wednesday in March 1951 for a world record transfer fee of £34,500.
The Owls were languishing at the foot of the First Division table and Sewell quickly made the adjustment to top flight football, netting six goals – however Wednesday were relegated in May 1951 on goal average. Wednesday had a squad peppered with England internationals as they launched a successful promotion push in 1951/52, and Sewell joined the international ranks in November 1951 before winning a Second Division champions medal in May 1952. Jackie was part of the Owls’ squad that reached the FA Cup Semi Final in 1953/54 and was Wednesday’s top scorer in the First Division in 1952/53 and 1954/55 – the latter season ending in another relegation. After netting 13 times in 16 starts when back in Division Two Sewell moved to First Division Aston Villa in December 1955 for a £20,000 fee, having scored another 100 goals for Sheffield Wednesday. His four seasons at Villa Park pinnacled in May 1957 when he played in the FA Cup Final side that defeated Matt Busby’s renowned Manchester United side 2 goals to 1. Sewell suffered in third career relegation in 1958/59 and he left Villa after only two starts in 1959/60 to join Hull City.
On leaving the Tigers in the summer of 1961 Sewell embarked on a remarkable 12 year stint in African football. He joined Northern Rhodesia side Lusaka City as player-manager and played on for four more years, quickly becoming a Zambian international and captain (Northern Rhodesia was renamed Zambia in 1964). Giving up playing in 1965, Sewell went on to manage the international sides of Zambia, Rhodesia and Zaire before returning to Nottingham in 1973 to work as a motor car salesman. He spent the last 35 years of his live living in a modest bungalow on the southern fringes of Nottingham and still attending Notts County matches well into his 80s. Jackie died in September 2016 at the age of 89.
After touring Canada with an FA XI in the summer of 1950, Sewell won 6 senior international caps for England and scored three goals. His first start came in a November 1951 win over Ireland and he added three more caps in 1952, scoring goals against Austria and Switzerland. His final goal came in the infamous November 1953 match against Hungary where England, previously invincible on home turf, were thrashed 3-6 – at the time of his death in 2016 Sewell was the last survivor to have played in that game. Jackie’s final cap for England came in May 1954, a return fixture against Hungary in Budapest that the Magyars won 7-1.
When he moved to Zambia in the early 1960s Sewell was quickly able to qualify for the Zambian international side, for whom he won a further ten caps and scored 7 goals.
Was the Japan trip worth it? …‘it could be another waste of tax-payer money’
09.02.25
It has been almost a week since President Hichilema left Zambia on a very expensive trip to Japan but as citizens, we have barely seen any significant economic announcement coming out of the trip.
As Citizens First President, I am beginning to wonder whether this trip was economically important or just another waste of ‘taxpayers’ money when starving Zambians need the resources the most.
For those that do not know, this latest trip by Mr Hichilema is described in diplomacy language as an “Official Working Visit” and NOT a “State Visit” and the difference is simple.
This is also made clear on the government website of Japan. With the visit Mr Hichilema undertook with his huge expensive entourage, Zambian tax payers money is used to fund his stay and luxury living along with his friends that included at least three cabinet ministers and dozens of handlers.
If this were a “State Visit” normally organised by the hosting country six months ahead, the Prime Minister, head of government or head of state would meet him over a period of at least three days and typically foot his bill and that of his friends.
A State Visit, which this one was not’ would have attracted a 21 gun salute, a red carpet, a banquet, exchange of gifts and a number of binding MoU’s would be signed.
Mr Hichilema would have also been accommodated at the Presidential palace or the equivalent unlike this working visit, all things being equal. Mr Hichilema, if he was genuine and financially prudent, would have sent a cabinet minister and a few business brokers to meet with Toyota or some such, he did not have to attend this meeting.
PRESIDENT HICHILEMA MEETING WITH JAPAN PM ISHIBA SHIGERU
It is a shame that after spending so much money and skipping an important SADC meeting of heads of states in neighbouring Zimbabwe to resolve the raging conflict in the Congo, President Hichilema was given ‘an only 40 minute meeting mostly for photos with the Japanese Prime Minister Mr. Ishiba Shigeru’ according to a Cabinet Public Affairs Office of Japan memo.
“On 6 February commencing at 2.02 pm for approximately 40 minutes Mr Ishiba Shigeru Prime Minister of Japan held A Summit Meeting with H.E Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia who was on ‘ his’ Official Working Visit to Japan,” read the official Cabinet statement.
In my view just does not cut it compared to the money spent on the trip… was it worth it given our high poverty levels, 40 minutes of pictures and a handshake?
I must hasten to say that it is commendable that Mr Hichilema’s team according to the Japan Cabinet memo, Japan committed to ‘ deepen bilateral relations’ with Zambia, enhance regional and international relations etc according to a ‘ Fact Sheet’ Japan has posted on its FA ministry website, Cabinet Public Affairs Office of the government of Japan.
It’s also commendable that at the very last minute, Mr Hichilema was granted a meeting with the revered Emperor of Japan His Majesty Naruhito. My observation is that this was one of the ‘ worst and wasteful diplomatic’ trips ever undertaken by President Hichilema with a super global economic giant in his four years.
Next time Mr President you must send Mr Mulambo Haimbe or Mr Situmbeko Musokotwane to represent you, it’s a shame to spend taxpayers money for a 40 minute photo op in our view as Citizens First.
I was a Minister of Foreign Affairs of Zambia for a long time, I must know the difference and importance between an “Official Working Visit” and “State Visit.”
Mr HH should have stayed home and attended the SADC heads of states meeting to resolve the conflict in the Congo and solved the poverty problems of Zambians instead of taking train rides with Jito.
Given Lubinda has stirred up a hornet’s nest on social media by encouraging Francis Kapwepwe A.K.A Why Me, a wayward anti-government critic, to continue his sewer-kind and vulgar approach to politics.
The Edgar Lungu aligned PF yesterday Kapwepwe, a hate speech convict to continue his insultious campaign against government while urging young people to emulate him.
After spending a year behind bars for hate speech, Kapwepwe walked straight into the warm embrace of Lubinda and other PF members who declared him a freedom fighter.
“Why Me, you have graduated from being a blogger to being a freedom fighter. You are now a freedom fighter. You fought the battle. Those who thought that they are going to break you must be ashamed because they have failed,” he said.
To ensure there is not shortage of sewer-kind of insults and political discourse on social media, Lubinda assured Kapwepwe of the Edgar Lungu led PF’s support in his distribution of insults.
“Continue writing. Continue to write, don’t give up because if you give up, those guys will win. Continue to write and write as you will,” Lubinda encouraged Kapwepwe.
He further declared that anyone arrested for hate speech would now belong to the PF family regardless of their political affiliation.
Lubinda accused the UPND of being against anyone who tries to criticise it in any way.
He said despite the outcome of their consequences, young people must always embrace the Why Me kind of writing and talking in their discourse.
“Now if you don’t say, who will? So you young people, we want want to encourage all young people to emulate Why Me nangu bakukaka ukafuma (even if they jail you, you will be released. Tell Hakainde that Why Me is back and he shall no longer be called Why Me, he shall be called Because Of Me,” bragged Lubinda.
In response to Lubinda’s encouragement, Why Me said government should focus on arresting the dollar instead of individuals like him who insult.
Lubinda was Kabwata Constituency member of parliament from 2006 to 2021 but in the last few months of his tenure, he could not walk the streets freely as members of his of party, PF had resolved that best way deal with his poor leadership was to beat him up.
Umconfident that he would retain his parliamentary seat, Lubinda did not seek re-election and the PF adopted Denny Yenga who lost the seat to a ruling party candidate.
Given Lubinda was Kabwata Constituency member of parliament from 2006 but his 15-year reign came to a dramatic end in 2021.
The final months of Lubinda’s tenure were marred by painful irony, as his own comrades from the PF, had resolved to turn him into a free-for-all punching bag as way of dealing with what they perceived as poor leadership from him.
Lubinda’s situation had become so dire that he dared not step foot in Kabwata’s streets, lest he invite a beating or a slap from disgruntled constituents.
With his popularity in free fall, Lubinda wisely chose not to seek re-election serving himself from humiliation. Instead, the PF pinned their hopes on Danny Yenga, a popular Kabwata businessman. Unfortunately for Yenga and the PF, their bid for the parliamentary seat was unsuccessful.
MWAMBA CALLS ON THE ACC TO INVESTIGATE THE APPOINTMENT OF THE ZAMBIA RAILWAYS MANAGING DIRECTOR
Lusaka – Saturday, 8th February 2025
Patriotic Front Chairperson for Information and Publicity, Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba has called on the Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate the illegal appointment of Mr. Cuthbert Malindi as the new Managing Director of Zambia Railways.
Mr. Mwamba said despite the public outcry about this illegal appointment, the Zambia Railways Board has neglected to correct the issue and has done nothing to reverse it.
In a letter dated 7th February 2025 written to Anti-CorruptionCommission, Mr. Mwamba says information had emerged that Mr. Malindi was a board member of the Zambia Railways and infact, chaited and conducted the interviews of other prospecting candidates for the job.
He also stated that there was no communication or Information to show that Mr. Malindi had declared interest in the job.
He says this action denied other qualified Zambians who participated in the process, believing it was fair.
Mr. Mwamba also called on both the Zambia Railways Board Chairperson and the IDC Board to ensure that Mr. Malindi was suspended and a fair and transparent process for the appointment of the new Managing Director was embarked on.
Below is his letter to the ACC;
From the Desk of Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba
7th February 2025
ILLEGAL APPOINTMENT OF ZAMBIA RAILWAYS MANAGING DIRECTOR
The Director General Anti-Corruption Commission, Kulima Towers, Katunjila Rd, Lusaka 10101, Zambia
RE; ILLEGAL APPOINTMENT OF MR. CUTHBERT MALINDI AS ZAMBIA RAILWAYS MANAGING DIRECTOR
On 12th December 2024, the Zambia Railways Limited Board of Directors officially announced the appointment of Mr. Cuthbert Malindi as the new Managing Director of the railway firm, effective from January 2, 2025.
Until now, Mr. Malindi was a board member of the Board of Directors of Zambia Railways.
It didn’tt take long before facts emerged that this appointment was highly irregular and was blatantly illegal.
Mr. Malindi participated in the interview process of other prospecting candidates without declaring personal interests in the position, and his role was, therefore, of a sabortuer to other candidates.
This is because, as a board member, there is no information or communication to show that Mr. Malindi expressed interest or declared interest in the position of Managing Director.
Further, remarks attributed to the Board Chairperson, Mr. Emmanuel Hachipuka have reinforced the fact that this appointment was irregular, breached corporate good governance, and the succesful candidate, traded in insider information and disadvantaged other qualified Zambians who applied for the position but have been denied an opportunity by this flagrant abuse of the law.
Despite public concerns expressed by institutions such as Transparency International Zambia, this illegal appointment has not been reversed to allow for a fresh, fair, and transparent process.
I therefore call upon your Commission to immediately investigate this appointment and prosecute all those that have facilitated the breach of the law.
I have also copied this letter to the Board Chairperson of Zambia Railways, Mr. Emmanuel Hachipuka, and the IDC Board, hoping that the process making Mr. Malindi MD will be halted and will be suspended as new Managing Director to ensure that investigations are done in a fair, objective manner and without undue interference.
I also hope that this matter will be investigated to facilitate redress and offer a fair opportunity to those qualified Zambians who applied for the job, participated in interviews believing they were engaged in competitive and fair process for the job.
Yours Faithfully,
Signed;Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba 7th February, 2025
Mr. Emmanuel Hachipuka Board Chairperson, Zambia Railways Limited
The Board Chairperson, The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) Group of Companies.
Hakainde Hichilema Declares Violent By-Elections “Peaceful” – A Masterclass in Selective Blindness
By Thandiwe Ketis Ngoma
Ah, democracy in Zambia—where the President sees peace while the rest of us are left to contend with flying machetes, broken bones, and burning houses. President Hakainde Hichilema, in his infinite wisdom, has reassured the nation that the Petauke and Pambashe by-elections were “peaceful,” despite an avalanche of evidence that screams otherwise.
Yes, dear citizens, do not trust your lying eyes. Those viral videos of political cadres beating opponents senseless? Friendly handshakes. The reports of opposition members being beaten, intimidated, and chased from polling stations? Just spirited political debates. And the blood on the streets? Oh, that’s just tomato sauce from a well-prepared nshima meal.
The Art of Presidential Optimism
Let’s give credit where credit is due: President Hichilema’s ability to see tranquility where others see terror is nothing short of miraculous. It takes real talent to witness armed gangs terrorizing entire communities and still describe the situation as “a shining example of democratic progress.” Perhaps he mistook the gunshots for fireworks, celebrating the beauty of a free and fair election.
Or maybe, just maybe, he has mastered the art of selective blindness.
✔ Violence by UPND cadres? What violence? ✔ Opposition members chased from polling stations? Never happened. ✔ Voter intimidation? Nonsense. They were just encouraging people to vote wisely (for the ruling party, of course).
One has to admire the consistency. The same man who vowed to end political violence now pretends it doesn’t exist. It’s almost poetic.
When “Peace” Looks Like a War Zone
Let’s break down the so-called “peaceful” by-elections:
In Petauke, opposition campaign teams were beaten and chased from villages by UPND thugs moving door to door, ensuring that only the “correct” votes were cast.
A car belonging to Hon. Chisopa was shot at in Petauke. But don’t worry, President Hichilema assures us this was all part of the “peaceful democratic process.”
Mutayachalo’s car was smashed in Petauke—another piece of “political art,” creating a perfect backdrop for a peaceful democracy.
In Pambashe, UPND cadres attacked opposition members in broad daylight, with the police standing idly by, watching the violence unfold. Surely, nothing says “peaceful election” like police inaction, right?
Reports of ballot box tampering, voter suppression, and armed cadres surfaced across both constituencies. Yet, according to President Hichilema, these by-elections were calm, orderly, and an example of democracy at its best.
What’s next? Will he declare a drought “a season of plenty”? Or perhaps describe a power blackout as “innovative energy-saving techniques”?
The Deafening Silence of the Police
And where, pray tell, were our ever-vigilant Zambia Police Service?
Ah, yes. They were busy perfecting the art of ignoring violence. While opposition members screamed for protection, the police stood by, watching the chaos unfold—perhaps waiting for an official order to act (which, shockingly, never came).
Had the violence been against the ruling party, you can bet the police would have swung into action with riot gear, teargas, and mass arrests. But since it was UPND cadres wreaking havoc, the officers simply “didn’t receive any reports”—because, as we all know, if you don’t acknowledge a problem, it doesn’t exist.
Hichilema’s Legacy: From “Bally Will Fix It” to “Bally Sees Nothing”
Once upon a time, Hakainde Hichilema stood on a podium, promising Zambians that under his leadership, political violence would end.
Fast forward to today, and he now presides over the very chaos he once condemned. His once-powerful speeches about fairness and democracy have been replaced with empty declarations of peace—even as the streets of Petauke and Pambashe tell a very different, far more violent story.
The question now is: Does President Hichilema truly believe his own words, or is he simply hoping that we, the people, are as blind as he pretends to be?
Either way, one thing is clear: In this new Zambia, “peaceful” means violent, “fair” means rigged, and “justice” is reserved only for the politically correct.
So, dear citizens, the next time you witness political violence unfold before your very eyes, do not panic. Just remember that, according to the President, you are actually witnessing peace.
When Political Desperation Replaces Facts, It Equals Shakafuswa’s Clueless Rants on Energy Crisis
By Magret Mwanza
Ephraim Shakafuswa’s open letter to the UPND government regarding the energy situation in Zambia is a classic case of political grandstanding without substance. While it is easy to sit on the sidelines and throw accusations, real leadership requires an understanding of the facts, an appreciation of the challenges, and a commitment to pragmatic solutions. Unfortunately, Shakafuswa’s letter is devoid of all three.
The most glaring omission in his argument is the severe drought that has devastated Zambia’s hydropower generation capacity. This is not a crisis of UPND’s making; it is a direct consequence of climate change, which has drastically reduced water levels in the country’s major reservoirs. Kariba Dam, which supplies a significant portion of Zambia’s electricity, has been operating below capacity due to insufficient water inflow. Instead of acknowledging this indisputable fact, Shakafuswa conveniently ignores it, preferring to peddle political rhetoric.
Shakafuswa further accuses the government of exporting electricity while Zambians endure load shedding. This is a misleading and simplistic argument. Electricity trading is a standard practice in the energy sector. Zambia, like many other countries, has long-term power supply agreements with neighboring nations, which cannot simply be terminated overnight without severe financial and diplomatic consequences. These contracts generate revenue that supports infrastructure development and maintenance, something Shakafuswa conveniently forgets.
Additionally, the government’s decision to import electricity is not a contradiction but a necessary measure to mitigate the effects of the power deficit. Zambia imports power to bridge the shortfall caused by low hydropower generation—something that should be seen as a responsible intervention rather than a failure. Instead of applauding efforts to keep businesses running and prevent a total blackout, Shakafuswa mocks the government for taking decisive action.
Shakafuswa’s opposition to ZESCO’s proposed tariff hikes reflects either a lack of economic understanding or a deliberate attempt to mislead the public. The reality is that Zambia’s energy infrastructure has suffered from years of neglect, and if the country is to transition to a stable power supply, investment is required. Tariff adjustments are a necessary evil to ensure the sustainability of the sector.
For years, electricity tariffs in Zambia have remained artificially low, leading to financial strain on ZESCO and discouraging private investment in energy generation. Without cost-reflective tariffs, Zambia will struggle to attract investment in renewable energy solutions, which Shakafuswa himself ironically advocates for. The government is not imposing tariff hikes simply for the sake of it; rather, it is creating an environment where Zambia can develop a stable and self-sufficient energy sector.
While Shakafuswa pays lip service to the need for renewable energy, he seems oblivious to the fact that the UPND government is already implementing initiatives in this space. The administration has prioritized the expansion of solar and wind power projects to reduce reliance on hydropower. Deals have already been signed with independent power producers (IPPs) to accelerate the country’s transition to renewable energy.
It is hypocritical for Shakafuswa to demand action on renewable energy while ignoring the investments already being made. Does he expect solar farms to be built overnight? Rome was not built in a day, and neither is an energy transition. Instead of making baseless accusations, he should acknowledge that the government is taking tangible steps toward a sustainable energy future.
Shakafuswa claims that the government is wasting time on political rallies and by-elections instead of solving Zambia’s problems. But let’s be clear—governance does not stop because there are elections. The UPND is a ruling party, and part of its mandate is to ensure political continuity and electoral participation. Attending by-elections does not mean the government is not working.
Moreover, if Shakafuswa is truly concerned about political distractions, he should look in the mirror. His own statement is nothing but a political stunt designed to score cheap points rather than offer solutions. If he were genuinely interested in addressing the energy crisis, he would be engaging constructively with policymakers instead of issuing public statements filled with half-truths and misrepresentations.
Tonse Alliance should spend its energy celebrating the Petauke by-election win instead of engaging in political noise. It is evident that their attempts to discredit UPND are driven by political desperation rather than genuine concern for Zambians. The government remains committed to delivering lasting energy solutions, and no amount of baseless criticism will change the fact that progress is being made.
Ephraim Shakafuswa’s criticisms are not only misplaced but also reveal a fundamental lack of understanding of Zambia’s energy challenges. The UPND government inherited a power sector that was already struggling due to years of mismanagement. It is now working to address both immediate and long-term issues through strategic interventions, including power imports, renewable energy investments, and infrastructure upgrades.
Instead of fueling public anger with misinformation, Shakafuswa should educate himself on the realities of the energy sector. Criticism is welcome in a democracy, but it must be grounded in facts, not political posturing. The Zambian people deserve better than reckless statements that serve no purpose other than to mislead and misinform.
ZAMBIAN ARTISTS CAN BARELY MAKE A 100 USD FROM YOUTUBE SAYS DJ MZENGA MAN
Top Zambian DJ – DJ Mzenga Man said its difficult to make a 100 USD from YouTube, but how really true is that?
When it comes to revenue generation, there’s a notion that most of the revenue that Zambian artists make is from events and brand collaborations – most online research say that an artist can earn anywhere from a 1000 USD to 5000 USD (28000 Zambian Kwacha to 139,000 Zambian Kwacha) per million streams on digital streaming platforms such as YouTube and Spotify with reasons for the difference in revenue generation being the creatives’ niche, audience demographics, ad type and monetization strategies.
Top Zambian DJ Mzenga Man was noted on a post by Kiss Jay making a comment to prevent misinformation of how much artists make on digital streaming platforms, the renowned producer said that young and upcoming artists shouldn’t be mislead because the issue of an artist making 3,000 USD (83,986 Zambian Kwacha) on Spotify was not true especially in a country like Zambia.
The producer said in part, “the issue of spotify making $3000 per 1million stream is not true especially here in Zambia. Its important that we dont confuse young and upcoming artists with false beliefs because such leads to frustrations and more confusion. Spotify $3000 per 1M streams is ONLY paid in countries that have consumers who are PAID UP SUBSCRIBERS on spotify.”
He further added that an artist in Zambia could barely make 100 USD on YouTube as it wasn’t easy and attributed the reasons to being in a region where most users of the platform where people use free version of the platform and said that he had evidence to prove it in plain sight.
On 29th November, 2023 owner of Kazadi Music label made a post on his Facebook where he said that knowledge was power and Zambia could be monetised, David Kazadi had attached a screenshot of his Google Adsense account that showed a gain of 3,000 GBP (104,569 Zambia Kwacha at today’s rate), showing how much he had made from his YouTube channel Kazadi Films. For context this was five months after his former artist Mordecaii had been released his breakthrough single FIRE.
MDA KaliBoy an up and coming Zambian rapper took to his Facebook on 4th August, 2024 to share a screenshot of his earnings on Distrokid which is a music distribution company which artists use to submit music to various digital streaming platforms, the rapper had earned over 1,000 USD (28,000 Zambia Kwacha in today’s exchange rate) in a post he advised his fellow up and coming artists to keep working because it was possible even though the artist didn’t reveal how long it took the artist to make those earnings. The rapper had over 500,000 spotify streams in 2024 and has accumulated over 1.5 million views on his YouTube channel.
So how true is it that Zambian artists can barely make a 100 USD on platforms such as YouTube? Many are perplexed whether to take the word of a Zambian music veteran producer or believe the artists and label owners who actually shared their earnings. Can up and coming artists in Zambia really benefit from digital streaming platforms to make a living?
Even though there are other videos on Kazadi Films YouTube channel, Mordecaii’s FIRE was and is the most performing content on the channel. What is clear at the moment is that truly Zambian creatives can make a living from money earned from digital streaming platforms.
Namibia’s ‘foundations shaken’ as founding president, Sam Nujoma, dies
By Alan Cowell
Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025
Sam Nujoma, the founding president of an independent Namibia, who led a Soviet-backed guerrilla army in an uneven fight against the vastly superior forces of white-ruled South Africa in a victory that owed much to the dynamics of the Cold War, died on Saturday. He was 95.
Mr. Nujoma died in Windhoek, Namibia’s capital, according to the country’s current president, Nangolo Mbumba, who announced the death on Sunday. His statement did not give a cause of death but said that the former president had been hospitalized with an illness for three weeks.
This was the announcement;
Announcement of the Passing of the Founding President of the Republic of Namibia and Founding Father of the Nation, His Excellency Dr. Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma
Fellow Namibians
The foundations of the Republic of Namibia have been shaken. Over the past three weeks, the Founding President of the Republic of Namibia and Founding Father of the Namibian Nation was hospitalized for medical treatment and medical observation due to ill health. Unfortunately, this time, the most gallant son of our land could not recover from his illness.
It is therefore with utmost sorrow and sadness that I announce this morning of the 9th of February 2025 to the Namibian people, our African brothers and sisters and the world at large, about the passing of our revered freedom fighter and revolutionary leader, H.E. Dr. Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma. President Nujoma passed on at the age of 95 on the 8th of February at 23h45 in Windhoek, Namibia.
Our Founding Father lived a long and consequential life during which he exceptionally served the people of his beloved country. Our Founding Father heroically marshalled the Namibian people during the darkest hours of our liberation struggle until the attainment of freedom and independence on the 21st of March 1990.
As Founding President, His Excellency, Dr. Sam Nujoma provided maximum leadership to our nation and spared no effort to motivate each and every Namibian to build a country that would stand tall and proud among the nations of the world. In that vein, our venerable leader, Dr. Nujoma did not only blaze the trail to freedom – but he also inspired us to rise to our feet and to become masters of this vast land of our ancestors.
During this period of national mourning, we should be comforted by the unmatched leadership and extraordinary contributions of President Nujoma to the liberation struggle, the development and unity of the Namibian people.
I would like to thank the medical staff who cared diligently for our treasured leader. Also, I would like to thank Namibians and friends of Namibia who extended messages and prayers of recovery to our Founding Father and Founding President, His Excellency, Dr. Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma.
On behalf of the people and the Government of the Republic of Namibia, I convey my sincere condolences to the Founding First Lady of the Republic of Namibia, Her Excellency Kovambo Nujoma, Honorable Utoni Nujoma, the children, as well as the entire Nujoma and Kondombolo Family.
Following consultations with the Nujoma and Kondombolo family, the Government of the Republic of Namibia will announce a period of national mourning and burial arrangements.
The United Nations has called for efforts to prevent the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) from spreading across the region.
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk warned on Friday that the “worst may be yet to come” as he addressed an emergency meeting of the Geneva-based Human Rights Council. However, while he urged all parties to help halt the violence, the DRC and Rwanda continued to deny responsibility, instead blaming one another.
The DRC has been embroiled in a crisis since March 23 Movement (M23) rebels and allied Rwandan troops seized the city of Goma last week. Thousands of people have died and many more have been displaced as they have overtaken swaths of the mineral-rich region in the latest episode of decades-long turmoil in the east of the country.
“If nothing is done, the worst may be yet to come, for the people of the eastern DRC, but also beyond the country’s borders,” Turk warned. “All those with influence must act urgently to put an end to this tragic situation.”
Nearly 3,000 people have been killed and 2,880 injured since the M23 entered Goma on January 26, the UN official said, while adding that the real casualty numbers are likely much higher.
The DRC had called for the meeting, asking for an urgent investigation into the widespread human rights violations that it accuses the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels of committing.
“It is urgent to exert international pressure so that Rwanda ceases its support of the armed groups and withdraws from the Congolese territory as soon as possible,” Kinshasa’s Minister of Communication Patrick Muyaya said.
However, the ambassador of Rwanda to the United Nations in Geneva James Ngango refuted that his country is responsible for the conflict.
He warned instead that Rwanda itself is at risk of attack from across the border.
“We categorically oppose the DRC’s attempts to portray Rwanda as being responsible for its instability in the eastern DRC,” he said.
“What is clear, however, is the imminent threat the current situation poses to Rwanda. Following the fall of Goma, new evidence has come to light regarding an imminent, large-scale attack against Rwanda,” he alleged, referring to a stockpile of weapons around the city’s airport.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame and DRC President Felix Tshisekedi are due to attend a summit in Tanzania on Saturday as regional powers try to defuse the crisis.
al African leaders to the mournful ceremony. The street-renaming project is expected to prominently feature the Tirailleurs.
However, some Senegalese say that while they appreciate this remembrance of history, the project could also be a distraction. Faye and Sonko not only promised a stronger Senegalese identity, but they also pledged to improve and boost the economy, which has been hit by a combination of pandemic aftershocks, supply bottlenecks in the wake of Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine and the global economic downturn.
Thousands of young people, especially men, in recent years have abandoned the declining fishing industry in search of a better life in Europe. Hundreds have died attempting the deadly crossing across the Atlantic to the Spanish Canary Islands.
“For me, changing street names is not a priority at all,” Mouhamadou, a young Senegalese in Dakar who said he has unsuccessfully attempted the Atlantic crossing, told Al Jazeera.
“The priority should be lowering the cost of living. We’re tired. The prices of rice and cooking oil have risen again. Yet Sonko promised to change our condition within three months of their arrival in power. It has now been over 10 months since their arrival. I don’t see any real change,” he said.
Faye’s Senegal 2050 plan promises to raise average wages by 50 percent over five years, focusing on local production and investments in the energy sector. In the months since he took office, the economy has rebounded somewhat. The International Monetary Fund projected that Senegal’s economy grew by 7 percent in 2024 and growth would reach 10 percent in 2025. Much of that expansion is fuelled by new oil drilling projects signed by Sall but renegotiated and started under Faye’s watch.
However, for many Senegalese like Mouhamadou, those proceeds have yet to translate into real job opportunities or physical money. The young job seeker said he is close to giving up and would rather the administration prioritise economic results first.
“I fought for President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko, but right now, the situation in the country doesn’t reassure me at all,” he said. “They have to lower the cost of living before they do anything.”
“Brutal” load shedding has immediately returned to Petauke – Munir Zulu
He writes:
PETAUKE ABANDONED, SO SOON
A few hours after the good people of Petauke demonstrated their loyalty to my brother Emmanuel JJ Banda, they started experiencing punishment from the government of Mr. Hakainde Hichilema and his group.
During the campaign period in the just ended by-elections, Petauke was indeed PetaUK. Loadshedding ceased. People started receiving free maize, and cows were slaughtered for them. Then, farmers were lied to that they re-apply for SAFF loans for their farming inputs and told to shift their accounts to Zanaco, apparently, because Natsave had reached it’s limit. All of a sudden, there were social cash money meetings meant to entice the voters.
But while all these machinations took place, the people of Petauke remained focused and resolved. They voted for their choice and were not influenced by a few material things that … took to Petauke.
However, by 18 hours yesterday, Petauke started experiencing brutal Loadshedding. Clearly, all these days, this place was not loadshedded because this group of Mr. Known it all, and bashi Promise only wanted to fool voters.
This is a lesson that many Zambians must learn. As we gravitate towards the 2026 , Bashi Promise, and his jackals, his minions will dangle so many goodies to the people. They will embark on tuchawa. I forsee, they will even reduce the cost of fuel , mealie-meal and all essentials to fool Zambians. Don’t be fooled. Judge them for the most time they have ruled you and not for the few months of trying to appease you.
As we speak today, Petauke has been in the dark since 18hrs yesterday yet, for the entire by-election period, there was no single day that this place did not have electricity.
Again … stopped dishing out free mealie-meal, free maize, and they have stopped slaughtering cow
As for known political prostitutes – those known pendulums who betrayed JJ and Edgar Lungu, in their bid to have themselves protected from many criminal activities they engaged into in the past- I Munir Zulu is coming after you on this platform. I will now go on and give details of your criminal dealings. This is regardless of the fact that some of you helped us with vital information during the by-election period. For me personally, you helped us Yes but the very way you have been betraying and stabbing your new found friends in UPND by supplying to Tonse Alliance very critical information is the same way you’re probably betraying us behind our back.
SP CONGRATULATES NCP FOR WINNING PETAUKE CENTRAL PARLIAMENTARY SEAT
….says the victory for the opposition does not however mean the by-elections were free and fair
Petauke… Saturday February 8, 2025
The Socialist Party (SP) has congratulated the opposition National Congress Party (NCP) for winning the Petauke Central Parliamentary by-election.
SP Chief Presidential Advisor Brian Hapunda says the victory does not however mean the by-elections were free and fair.
Mr Hapunda says there was no level playing field in the just ended by-elections.
“As SP, we would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the opposition NCP for having won the Petauke Central Parliamentary seat. This victory comes at a time when all of us in the opposition did face difficulties to campaign in Petauke especially that there was no level playing field. This victory also demonstrates that nothing can stop decided people and that the UPND cannot win an election by depending on weaponising public funds, the ECZ and police,” he said.
“While many will be celebrating that democracy has won, the truth is that this victory is as a result of people getting frustrated and are annoyed by the UPND to deliver farming inputs on time, reduce mealie meal prices to K50 per 25kg as promised, reduce fuel prices to K10 per liter as they promised and loadshedding and many other promises that they made.”
He said it is unfortunate that District Commissioners have continued to campaign for UPND candidates during by-elections against the ethics of the civil service.
“So the fact that the victory had been recorded by the opposition does not mean in any way that the election was free and fair. It is on record that District Commissioners from across Eastern Province were in Petauke abusing their authority and yet this is against the civil service ethics as they are not allowed to campaign for political cadres. So this is the slap in the face of President Hakainde Hichilema and also the entire UPND leadership because they have been misleading themselves in the previous by-elections,” he stated.
UNZA HOSTELS TO BE COMPLETED AS MINISTRY OF YOUTH, SPORTS & ART STEPS IN
The University of Zambia (UNZA) has received a significant boost from the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Art, which has pledged to complete the long-abandoned hostel project, popularly known as COJA hostels at the Great East Road campus. The project, which was aimed at building a Sports Village, stalled due to funding and is now back on track, with Good Life Company, a reputable construction firm, as the lead contractor.
These hostels have remained unfinished for years, forcing many to seek alternative, often inadequate, accommodations. However, with the ministry’s intervention, the project is progressing, and students can anticipate having suitable housing.
Mr. John Zulu, Director at the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Art, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to investing in educational infrastructure.
“The ministry recognises the importance of providing a conducive learning environment for students,” he stated. “Completing this hostel project demonstrates our commitment to supporting the education sector and ensuring our students have access to modern amenities.”
UNZA Registrar, Theresa Chalwe, expressed delight that the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Art has partnered with the university to address this urgent need.
“We look forward to creating a vibrant and supportive university community that fosters academic excellence and personal growth,” she said.
Mr. John Mukombwe, Dean of Students, emphasised the critical need for improved student accommodation at UNZA. He highlighted the challenges students face when seeking off-campus housing, including safety concerns, high costs, and the negative impact on their academic performance.
Applauding the ministry’s commitment, Mr. Mukombwe said, “This is a significant investment in the future of our students, and we are grateful. We will work closely with the contractor to ensure the project is completed to the highest standards, providing our students with safe, comfortable, and modern accommodation.”
UNZA Students Union President, Dixion Mutambo, welcomed the development, and expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Art.
“This is a major victory for UNZA students,” he stated. He noted that the student union had been advocating for improved accommodation for years and is thrilled that the ministry has responded.
“We look forward to working with the university administration and the ministry to ensure this project is completed on time.”
About 4 more By Elections in Eastern Province next 90 Days
MBS08.02.2025
All things being equal, there will be 4 more by elections in the Eastern province within next 90 days. This is however subject to how the Speaker of Parliament Madam Nellie Mutti will decided in her Ruling to a pending Point of Order coming Tuesday.
4 MPs of Kumawa blatantly crossed the floor or pledged publicly their allegiance to another party other than the one that sponsored them into Parliament. They were sponsored by the PF but pledged their allegiance to the ruling UPND. There is enough exhibit of pictures and videos taken by individuals or by the ZNBC.
They knowingly and voluntarily executed acts of resignation from the PF to the UPND and by dictates of the Zambian Constitution article 72. Article 72(2)(d) states.. “ The office of Member of Palriament becomes vacant of the member- (d) resigns from the political party which sponsored the member for election to the National Assembly”. When this happens, It means that our Speaker Madam Nellie Mutti then needs to declare a particular seat or seats vacant and elections held within 90 days.
There is precedents set on this score in the past instances when Speaker Patrick Matibini declared Miles B.Sampa, Chishimba Kambwili and GBM seats vacant when they flirted with DF, UPND and NDC respectively. A bit of ignorance was at play in these instances but the 3 MPs went out of their way to exhibit their resignation from the PF to joining the UPND. They dressed in the UPND colours and went to Petauke and attended a UPND party closed meeting which they addressed pledging allegiance. It was well thought out action.
Further down the history lane, there is a landmark Supremce Court ruling of 1994 in the case of the MMD vs Akashambatwa Mbikusita Lewanika & 5 Others. The judgment has been the authority on what happen to current MPs that goes to do politics with a political party other than one that sponsored them into Parliament.
A distinction has to be made however and there are landmark judgements to the effect that association with the republican President events does not amount to resignation from own opposition political party. The President was never in the Petauke campaigns and it was the UPND national, provincial and district party officials present where the 4 MPs freely offered their resignation acts.
Even as we promote democracy in our Country, it must be played within the enshrined rules otherwise it become a game of lawless and anarchy. There is no way FAZ would be quiet when a Maite Mufurila Wanderers player leaves Mufken overnight and next day seen addressing media at pachilata (Nkana stadium) dressed in Red attire training with Kalampa (Nkana).That player would immediately get sanctioned by both FAZ and FIFA for the conduct.
There are rules to follow and consequences that arise when a player or politician decide to change membership from one club to another. If and when the Speaker Mutti decides to declare Msanzala, Chama South, Chipangali and Chadiza vacant, then the UPND will have a chance to redeem their loss in Petauke central yesterday. They could win them all or lose them all. Equally the Opposition could win or lose them all. That is however what is called democracy under the confines of the Rule of Law.
Do I personally want the by-elections? Maybe not but neither do I want to be part of a government that does not obey what the Constitution of Zambia dictates. The Constitution is paramount law of our land and must be adhered to without fear or favour. The opposite is anarchy.
Hakainde Hichilema’s Fatal Misstep: Blocking Edgar Lungu Won’t Save Him From the People’s Wrath in 2026
By Thandiwe Ketis Ngoma
President Hakainde Hichilema may believe that blocking former President Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu from contesting the 2026 elections through the Constitutional Court has solidified his grip on power. In his mind, eliminating his strongest competitor clears the path for his victory. But Hichilema has made a colossal mistake—one that will haunt him when the people of Zambia rise in 2026.
The 2026 elections are not about Edgar Lungu. They are about the Zambian people—millions of citizens who have been betrayed, exploited, and oppressed by a regime that has lost all connection with the people it was supposed to serve. The UPND’s arrogance, lies, and abuse of power have pushed Zambians to the brink. And in 2026, they will rise in defiance, and they will not be stopped.
It’s Not Edgar Lungu Who Is Strong—It’s the People!
President Hichilema may have thought that removing Edgar Lungu would clear the way for an easy win. He has failed to recognize the real source of his downfall—the people of Zambia. It is not Edgar Lungu who is strong; it is the people who have been pushed to their limits by Hichilema’s oppressive government.
Under Hichilema’s rule, Zambia has become a country of suffering, fear, and broken promises. For four years, he has ruled with arrogance, deceit, and brutality. He has crushed the hopes of Zambians, using law enforcement to silence dissent, harass, arrest, and imprison political opponents. Innocent citizens like Jay Jay Banda have been abducted by State House operatives—a clear indication that Hichilema has no regard for the rule of law or human rights.
The UPND government has betrayed the very people who put them in power. The people have been subjected to unbearable economic hardship, with soaring inflation, skyrocketing costs of living, and promises left unfulfilled. Zambians are tired. They are tired of watching their country be torn apart by a leader who governs with cruelty and arrogance. And the reality is this: Zambians will not be silent any longer.
A Revolution at the Ballot Box
President Hichilema can deploy all the police he wants. He can send as many security forces as needed to intimidate voters and arrest opposition members. But no force—not the police, not the courts, not even the Electoral Commission—will be able to stop the will of the Zambian people.
History is clear—when people decide to rise, no dictator can suppress them:
☑️ Dictators fall when the people unite. ☑️ Oppressors are overthrown when the people have had enough. ☑️ The power of the people cannot be overruled by any government or institution. ☑️ Zambians have had enough.
To those who still believe Hichilema’s grip on power is unshakable, wait for 2026. The people of Zambia are organizing, mobilizing, and preparing to take the country back from a failed regime. There will be an uprising at the ballot box that will send shockwaves through the entire nation.
The People’s Power Will Break the System
President Hichilema and his corrupt allies at the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) may try to manipulate the system. They may attempt to intimidate voters, rig the process, and use all the power at their disposal to maintain their stranglehold on the country. But the power of the people cannot be stopped.
In 2026, millions of Zambians will rise—and the scale of their mobilization will overwhelm any attempt to rig the election. The sheer number of people who will flood the polling stations will send a clear message: Zambia belongs to the people, not to any single dictator.
The people of Zambia will demand their country back. They will no longer tolerate a president who prioritizes foreigners over his own people, who silences dissent and punishes those who dare speak out.
This election is no longer about political parties. It is no longer about power struggles. It is about: ☑️ Justice—holding Hichilema accountable for his abuses. ☑️ Freedom—liberating Zambia from a government that has crushed its people’s hopes. ☑️ Reclaiming Zambia—taking back the nation from a leader who has sold out his own people.
Hichilema’s Downfall Is Inevitable
President Hichilema thought that by blocking former President Dr. Edgar Lungu from the race, he would secure an easy victory. But in reality, he has only sealed his own downfall. By eliminating one competitor, he has made himself the focal point of the people’s fury. The Zambian people will not forgive him for his arrogance, his lies, and his ruthless abuse of power.
The people of Zambia are furious. They know that their country has been misled, manipulated, and stripped of its dignity under Hichilema’s leadership. The moment of reckoning will come when millions of Zambians show up at the polls, determined to reject a president who has betrayed them at every turn.
President Hichilema may have thought he could sideline his competitor, but he has miscalculated. The Zambian people will not be ignored. They will rise, and they will ensure that Hakainde Hichilema is remembered as the president who lost his nation—not to a competitor, but to the people.
2026: The Final Chapter of Hichilema’s Presidency
In 2026, Hichilema will kiss the presidency goodbye. He will learn the hard way that power does not belong to the courts, the police, or a dictator. Power belongs to the people, and the people are coming for him.
Zambia will witness the rise of a new political force, one driven by the will of the people and guided by the vision of a better future. And Hichilema’s regime will become a dark chapter in Zambia’s history, forever remembered as the time the people rose up to reclaim their country from an oppressive government.
The 2026 elections will mark the beginning of a new era in Zambia, an era of justice, accountability, and change. The people of Zambia will reclaim their country, and in the process, they will send President Hakainde Hichilema into political oblivion.
2026 will be the end of Hichilema’s presidency. The people are coming for him, and no amount of court orders, police deployments, or electoral manipulation will stop the tide of change that is coming. Power belongs to the people, and the people are ready to take back what is rightfully theirs.
A Tale of Two Provinces: Betrayal in Luapula, Loyalty in Eastern Province
Dr. Mwelwa
In the heart of Zambia, where the rivers carry the whispers of history and the soil remembers the footsteps of those who have walked before, two provinces have etched their fate into the book of time—one with the ink of betrayal, the other with the ink of unwavering loyalty. Luapula has traded its warriors for a bowl of Jacob’s soup, while Eastern Province has refused to sell its own.
It is said among the elders, “A man who sells his brother today will be sold by his children tomorrow.” And yet, in Luapula, this wisdom has fallen on deaf ears. They have turned their backs on Nickson Chilangwa and Ronald Chitotela, two men who once stood at the forefront of their cause. They have handed over their destiny to the very hands that have shackled them, choosing to feast on the promises of those who see them only as pawns in a grander game.
How does one explain a people who cry out for justice one day and kneel before their oppressors the next? Have they not heard the wisdom of old—that “A goat that rejoices at the butcher’s kindness does not know that its fate is sealed”? Those who danced in Luapula, celebrating their newfound allegiance, will soon realize that they have merely placed themselves on the altar of sacrifice.
While Luapula has dined at the table of betrayal, Eastern Province has stood tall, rejecting the temptations of temporary riches.
They have refused to abandon their son, Jay Jay Banda, a man who has borne the brunt of injustice and persecution. Unlike their northern counterparts, the people of Eastern Province have shown that some things cannot be bought—not with silver, not with grain, and not with the false promises of those who seek to control them.
It is said, “A river that forgets its source will dry up.” The people of Eastern Province understand this well. They know that when a brother is taken and silenced, the whole village suffers. They have refused to drink from the same cup of forgetfulness that has been passed around in Luapula. Their message is clear: “You may take one of us, but you will never take our spirit.”
The elders remind us, “A tree with strong roots laughs at the storm.” Petauke, Chadiza, and the rest of Eastern Province have proven that their roots run deep. They have seen through the games, through the deceptive handouts, through the false smiles of those who come bearing gifts only when elections are near. They have refused to trade loyalty for momentary relief, choosing instead to hold onto their dignity and their truth.
But what of those who believe that power is eternal? Have they not learned from the mighty who have fallen before them? The ancestors whisper warnings in the wind, telling us that “A king who does not listen to the people will one day be carried away by the same crowd that once cheered him.”
Will Luapula awaken before it is too late? Will they realize that they have placed their future into the hands of those who see them only as votes, not as people? Or will they continue on this path, only to wake up and find that their so-called victory was but a well-decorated defeat?
And what of Eastern Province? Will they hold the line, standing firm in their defiance, or will they be tempted when the stakes grow higher? Will they remember that “A man who refuses to sell his brothers today secures the future of his children”?
The days ahead will test the hearts of many. The drums of 2026 are already beating, and when the time comes, Zambia will once again be faced with a choice. The people of Luapula have already written their chapter—for now. Eastern Province has chosen its side.
But in the end, history will remember one thing: A people who trade their dignity for a bowl of soup will always find themselves hungry again. And when that hunger comes, when the promises fade, when the reality of their choices dawns upon them—who will they blame?
For the will of the people is like a river. You may try to dam it, to change its course, to buy its silence. But in the end, it will always find its way.
Dr. Mbita Chitala’s Outdated and Misleading Analysis of Zambia’s Economy
By Magret Mwanza_
Dr. Mbita Chitala’s recent article, “Zambia Continues to Be a Victim of Wizard Economics,” is yet another example of his tendency to rely on outdated, socialist rhetoric rather than providing a clear, evidence-based economic analysis.
Instead of presenting alternative solutions to Zambia’s economic challenges, Chitala resorts to scare tactics, using phrases like “voodoo economics” and “indirect genocide” to manipulate public sentiment. However, a closer look at his arguments exposes their lack of economic logic and their deliberate distortion of facts.
Chitala attacks the government’s efforts to reduce the budget deficit from 3.1% of GDP in 2025 to 0.7% in 2027, arguing that this will “under-develop” Zambia.
This claim is absurd. Fiscal discipline is a key principle in economic management, and reducing deficits ensures long-term sustainability. A bloated deficit means excessive borrowing, which would only sink Zambia deeper into debt. Does Chitala propose that we return to reckless deficit spending, which fueled inflation and economic stagnation during the PF era?
Furthermore, he claims that lowering government spending from 26.6% to 24.8% of GDP is disastrous. However, he fails to acknowledge that a significant portion of government expenditure in the past was wasted on corruption, inflated contracts, and an unsustainable wage bill.
Fiscal consolidation is not about starving the economy but about ensuring efficient spending. Unlike the PF regime, which prioritized patronage networks, the UPND-led government is prioritizing developmental expenditure that actually benefits Zambians.
Chitala’s argument that increasing domestic revenue collection amounts to “indirect genocide” is not just irresponsible but outright misleading.
No government in the world can function without taxation. The proposed increase in domestic revenue from 18% to 21.2% of GDP is aimed at improving public services, infrastructure, and social welfare programs. Chitala deliberately ignores that this tax collection increase is largely based on efficiency—closing loopholes, improving compliance, and ensuring that corporations (including mining companies) pay their fair share.
Moreover, his claim that mining taxes have been reduced is dishonest. The UPND government has adjusted mineral royalty tax policies to attract investment while still ensuring revenue collection. Under the previous regime, mining companies faced erratic taxation policies that deterred investment, leading to job losses and reduced production.
A stable and predictable tax regime is essential for long-term economic growth, something that Chitala should understand if he is truly interested in development rather than scoring political points.
Chitala also criticizes Zambia’s ongoing debt restructuring efforts, falsely claiming that the government has marginalized China and Russia. This is an outright lie.
In reality, Zambia has engaged all its creditors—including China—through the G20 Common Framework, which has led to significant progress in debt restructuring negotiations.
The challenge has not been Zambia’s lack of diplomacy but the complex nature of debt resolution, which requires coordination among multiple lenders. Chitala conveniently ignores that under the PF government (which he once supported), Zambia borrowed recklessly without clear repayment plans, leading to the current debt crisis.
It is also worth noting that Dr. Chitala himself was a key figure in Zambia’s economic mismanagement in the 1990s and 2000s, having served in various economic and diplomatic roles.
He was part of the leadership that made Zambia over-reliant on debt and inefficient parastatals. His credibility on economic matters is therefore questionable, as his past policies contributed to Zambia’s economic struggles.
Another glaring flaw in Chitala’s article is his attack on monetary policy. He criticizes plans to increase interest rates, claiming that this will stifle investment and cause a recession.
What he fails to mention is that Zambia is battling inflation, and raising interest rates is a necessary tool to stabilize the economy. The alternative—keeping interest rates artificially low—would lead to uncontrolled inflation, devaluing people’s incomes and savings.
No serious economist would suggest ignoring inflationary pressures just to encourage reckless borrowing. Furthermore, his argument that increasing reserve requirements will reduce money supply and destabilize banks is misleading.
Reserve requirements are adjusted to ensure liquidity is controlled in a way that prevents economic overheating. The government and Bank of Zambia are taking calculated steps to balance growth with financial stability. Again, Chitala offers no alternative policy—just alarmist rhetoric.
The real issue with Dr. Chitala’s economic thinking is that he remains stuck in a 1960s developmental state model that has been proven unsustainable.
He advocates for excessive government intervention and deficit spending while ignoring the realities of a modern, globally integrated economy.
The notion that Zambia can just “spend its way out of poverty” without regard for fiscal discipline is outdated and reckless. Chitala’s nostalgia for socialist-era economic policies is misplaced.
Countries that have successfully lifted millions out of poverty—like Rwanda and Ethiopia—have done so through a mix of sound economic policies, private sector growth, and targeted government interventions.
They did not rely on outdated economic models that focus on government expansion at the expense of efficiency.
Instead of attacking the government without offering solutions, Chitala should acknowledge that Zambia’s economy needs long-term reforms.
Some of the necessary steps include economic diversification—moving beyond mining and expanding into agriculture, manufacturing, and technology; investment in human capital—strengthening education and vocational training to equip Zambians with the skills needed for modern industries; strengthening fiscal discipline—ensuring that government spending is efficient and focused on growth-oriented projects; and supporting SMEs—encouraging entrepreneurship by reducing bureaucratic barriers and ensuring access to credit.
Unlike Chitala’s empty rhetoric, these are practical steps that will help Zambia achieve sustainable economic growth. The UPND government has already shown commitment to these reforms, and while challenges remain, the focus should be on solutions rather than outdated socialist fantasies.
Dr. Mbita Chitala’s article is nothing more than a political hit piece masquerading as economic analysis.
He deliberately misrepresents Zambia’s fiscal and monetary policies, ignores economic realities, and provides no credible alternatives.
His outdated economic thinking is part of the reason Zambia struggled for decades with inefficiency and debt.
If he truly cares about Zambia’s economic future, he should engage in constructive dialogue instead of peddling sensationalism and misleading narratives. Zambia needs modern, evidence-based economic policies—not Chitala’s 1960s nostalgia.
Who Was Clayson Hamasaka Referring to When He Said, “These Idiots Shouldn’t Cry Human Rights When They Are Nabbed?”
By Thandiwe Ketis Ngoma
Mr. Clayson Hamasaka, the State House Chief Communications Specialist, has once again exposed the arrogance and intolerance that has come to define the UPND government. In a shocking and reckless statement, he declared:
“These idiots shouldn’t cry human rights when they are nabbed.”
This is not just an offhand comment—it is a chilling reflection of a government that believes it can rule through fear, intimidation, and suppression of rights.
Who Exactly Was Hamasaka Referring To?
Was he targeting opposition leaders? Because we have seen the government weaponize law enforcement to silence and jail political opponents.
Was he referring to journalists and activists? Because those who dare expose corruption, misgovernance, and injustice are increasingly facing harassment, censorship, and unlawful arrests.
Or was he talking about ordinary Zambians? Because under this regime, anyone who questions the government is labeled an enemy.
No matter who he was addressing, the message is clear: This government does not tolerate dissent.
State House: A Fortress of Arrogance and Impunity
Instead of tackling the real issues facing Zambians—skyrocketing food prices, a crumbling economy, and rampant corruption—officials like Hamasaka have chosen to insult, threaten, and belittle the very people they are supposed to serve.
Does Hamasaka believe human rights are a privilege granted only to UPND supporters?
Does he think calling citizens “idiots” will silence their frustration?
Has he forgotten that democracy is built on debate, criticism, and accountability?
A government that fears its people is a government that has already lost legitimacy.
Human Rights Are Not Up for Debate
Hamasaka’s words reveal a deep-seated disregard for constitutional rights. Let’s make this clear:
✅ Arresting people for their political views is oppression. ✅ Silencing critics through intimidation is dictatorship. ✅ Using state institutions as weapons against citizens is abuse of power.
The government may believe it is untouchable today, but history has shown that those who trample on human rights always face the consequences.
Zambians Must Reject This Arrogance
This country belongs to the people—not to a few individuals in government who believe they are above accountability.
Hamasaka must be reminded that his job is to serve, not to insult. His statement is an insult to democracy and a slap in the face to every Zambian who believes in justice, fairness, and the rule of law.
If the UPND truly believes in democracy, it should start acting like one.
✔️ Listen to citizens, not insult them. ✔️ Defend human rights, not violate them. ✔️ Govern with humility, not arrogance.
Zambians, This Is Your Fight!
We cannot afford to be silent. The moment we allow this level of arrogance to go unchallenged, we open the door to even greater abuse of power.
Speak out. Stand up. Demand better. Because today, it’s an insult—tomorrow, it could be something far worse.
UPND and ECZ Must Stop the Manipulation of Elections—Zambians Will Not Be Fooled Again! By Rev Dr Kelvin Mugala
The continued manipulation of elections by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) in collusion with the UPND government is a direct attack on democracy and an insult to the intelligence of the Zambian people. The by-elections being conducted under UPND’s leadership have been marred by blatant voter suppression, intimidation, rigging schemes, and institutional bias, proving once again that HH and his regime have no intention of allowing free and fair elections.
🔴 We must sound the alarm! The Zambian people fought hard for democracy and will not stand by as their votes are stolen. UPND came into power under the guise of restoring order and fairness, but their actions have shown that they are worse than any government before them. They are systematically weakening state institutions and turning ECZ into a political tool to guarantee their continued rule—whether the people want them or not!
How ECZ and UPND are Rigging Elections:
✅ Disenfranchising opposition strongholds – Voter registration and election logistics are manipulated to favor UPND while disadvantaging opposition areas. ✅ Use of police intimidation – The police, instead of ensuring free elections, are being used to harass and suppress opposition leaders and their supporters. ✅ Bribery and inducements – Government resources are openly used to buy votes and mislead citizens into supporting a failed administration. ✅ Compromised ECZ officials – Instead of being neutral, ECZ is working in favor of UPND, making decisions that undermine free and fair elections. ✅ Blocking opposition campaigns – UPND is abusing state power to prevent opposition leaders from freely campaigning while its own cadres operate without restriction.
Zambians, Open Your Eyes!
If we allow UPND to continue manipulating the system, there will be no democracy left by 2026! The failure of this government is evident in the high cost of living, economic collapse, reckless borrowing, and the erosion of fundamental freedoms. The only way they can remain in power is through corruption, intimidation, and electoral fraud.
Call to Action: Demand Electoral Transparency!
We call on all opposition parties, civil society, and international observers to expose and condemn the manipulation of elections by ECZ and UPND. Zambians must remain vigilant and refuse to be used or intimidated. The power to decide the future of Zambia belongs to the people—not corrupt politicians and their enablers!
🔹 Vote Wisely, Defend Your Democracy! 🔹 Zambia Must Prosper—Say NO to UPND’s Electoral Fraud! 🔹 Demand Accountability from ECZ—No More Rigged Elections!
GOVT’S ACTIONS TO ADDRESS PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE IRREGULARITIES AND ILLEGALITIES IN PROCUREMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF DRUGS AND MEDICINE SUPPLIES.
Highlights from a statement issued by the Minister of Information and Media and Chief Government Spokesperson Hon. Cornelius Mweetwa today.
✅ Government will soon disclose the findings of a forensic audit which was commissioned following revelations about procurement irregularities at Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency ZAMMSA.
✅ In this regard, comprehensive investigations and audits into ZAMMSA’S procurement processes have been initiated to identify malpractices and hold those responsible accountable.
✅ Officials implicated in the irregularities have already been suspended pending the outcome of investigations.
✅ Meanwhile, the 2025 procurement plan remains on track to secure drugs and essential commodities in a timely manner, with adequate funds allocated to support this objective despite steps to overhaul the leadership at ZAMMSA.
✅Government is implementing strengthened oversight mechanisms to ensure compliance with procurement regulations, including establishment of a dedicated task force to monitor activities.
✅ Additionally, Government will enhance transparency by publishing procurement plans and contract awards for public scrutiny as well as conduct training programmes for ZAMMSA staff to improve their knowledge of procurement laws and ethical practices.
✅ Comprehensive reforms will be undertaken to prevent future irregularities including revising procurement policies and procedures.
✅ Advanced technology solutions will be adopted to streamline procurement processes and minimise the risk of errors, corruption and pilferage.
✅ Government remains steadfast to its commitment to restore public trust in ZAMMSA and ensure highest standards of integrity and accountability in the procurement and management of drugs and medical supplies.
#stayinformedGOVT’S ACTIONS TO ADDRESS PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE IRREGULARITIES AND ILLEGALITIES IN PROCUREMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF DRUGS AND MEDICINE SUPPLIES.
Highlights from a statement issued by the Minister of Information and Media and Chief Government Spokesperson Hon. Cornelius Mweetwa today.
✅ Government will soon disclose the findings of a forensic audit which was commissioned following revelations about procurement irregularities at Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency ZAMMSA.
✅ In this regard, comprehensive investigations and audits into ZAMMSA’S procurement processes have been initiated to identify malpractices and hold those responsible accountable.
✅ Officials implicated in the irregularities have already been suspended pending the outcome of investigations.
✅ Meanwhile, the 2025 procurement plan remains on track to secure drugs and essential commodities in a timely manner, with adequate funds allocated to support this objective despite steps to overhaul the leadership at ZAMMSA.
✅Government is implementing strengthened oversight mechanisms to ensure compliance with procurement regulations, including establishment of a dedicated task force to monitor activities.
✅ Additionally, Government will enhance transparency by publishing procurement plans and contract awards for public scrutiny as well as conduct training programmes for ZAMMSA staff to improve their knowledge of procurement laws and ethical practices.
✅ Comprehensive reforms will be undertaken to prevent future irregularities including revising procurement policies and procedures.
✅ Advanced technology solutions will be adopted to streamline procurement processes and minimise the risk of errors, corruption and pilferage.
✅ Government remains steadfast to its commitment to restore public trust in ZAMMSA and ensure highest standards of integrity and accountability in the procurement and management of drugs and medical supplies.
Econet Wireless Zimbabwe Hit by ‘Data Breach’ as Hacker Threatens to Sell Customer Database
Econet Wireless Zimbabwe, one of the country’s leading telecommunications providers, has reportedly fallen victim to a significant data breach.
A threat actor claims to be selling a database containing the personal information of 852,791 Econet customers.
The leaked data allegedly includes full names, email addresses, physical addresses, Twitter handles, mobile numbers, and potentially more sensitive information.
This breach, if confirmed, could have far-reaching consequences for both the company and its customers.
Details of the Alleged Breach The threat actor announced the breach on a popular hacking forum, BreachForums, claiming to have access to Econet’s customer database.
A screenshot of the threat message was shared by FalconFeeds.io, a reputable cybersecurity alert service, on X (formerly Twitter). The message reads:
“Hello BreachForums Community, Today, I am selling the database econet.co.zw Breach. Data breach: 13/1/2025. Data contains: 852,791 customer [records].”
The hacker did not specify how the data was obtained or whether it includes financial information.
However, the inclusion of personal details such as email addresses, phone numbers, and physical addresses raises serious concerns about potential identity theft, phishing attacks, and other forms of cybercrime.
Econet’s Silence Fuels Uncertainty At the time of writing, Econet Wireless Zimbabwe has not released an official statement regarding the alleged breach.
Social media users are urging Econet to act swiftly to verify the claims, secure its systems, and communicate transparently with affected customers.
Social Media Erupts with Reactions News of the alleged breach has sparked a flurry of reactions on social media, with many customers expressing concern over the safety of their personal information.
Here are some of the reactions;
@PhilChard:
This is scary. Most Zim banks still send login OTPs via text and their apps don’t allow for 2 Factor authentication.
@dingiilizwe;
Eh! This is surprising and terrifying because Econet is the largest service provider and financial institutions haven’t evolved from OTPs Even then, I doubt this data will be worth an awful lot to the hackers
But I wouldn’t be surprised if Econet just ignored all this lol 😂
Kendrick Lamar is an American rapper born on June 17, 1987. Inspired by Tupac Shakur and Dr. Dre, Lamar started rapping while in elementary school and even released his first mixtape at the age of 16 while still in high school.
Since then, he has not only redefined the boundaries of hip-hop but has also built an impressive financial empire through his craft. As of 2025, his net worth is estimated to be between $85 million and $140 million, solidifying his status as one of the wealthiest and most influential artists in the music industry.
Lamar’s journey to financial success began in the streets of Compton, California, where he honed his craft as a young rapper under the nickname K.Dot. His early mixtapes, such as “Youngest Head Nigga in Charge” (2003) and “Overly Dedicated” (2010), laid the foundation for his eventual breakthrough.
Signing with Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) and later partnering with Dr. Dre’s Aftermath Entertainment earned him further acclaim, with albums like “good kid, m.A.A.d city” (2012) and “To Pimp a Butterfly” (2015) achieving both critical acclaim and commercial success.
Lamar’s wealth is a testament to his ability to diversify his income streams. Here’s a breakdown of how he makes his money:
Album Sales and Streaming
Lamar’s albums have sold over 17.8 million copies worldwide, with “DAMN” (2017) and “Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers” (2022) being particularly lucrative. His music also generates substantial revenue from streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, with hits like “HUMBLE” and “Not Like Us” breaking records.
Touring and Live Performances
Lamar’s tours are a major source of income. His “DAMN Tour” grossed $41 million, while “The Big Steppers Tour” (2022) became the highest-grossing rap tour of all time, earning $110.9 million.
Endorsements and Brand Partnerships
Lamar has collaborated with major brands like Nike, Reebok, and American Express, earning millions through endorsement deals, as per Forbes. His partnership with Nike, in particular, has been highly profitable, with exclusive merchandise and sneaker lines.
Business Ventures
Beyond music, Lamar co-founded pgLang, a multidisciplinary creative company, and holds stakes in Top Dawg Entertainment. Also, he is an investor in the start up EngineEars.
Film and Soundtracks
Kendrick’s work on the “Black Panther” soundtrack (2018) not only earned him critical acclaim but also contributed significantly to his earnings. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and showcased his versatility as an artist.
Real Estate Investments
In addition, Lamar is also into real estate. He has many properties, including a $2.65 million home he owns in Calabasas, Calif. In 2014, he purchased another home for $523,400. He also owns a $9.7 million mansion in Manhattan Beach.
Philanthropic activities
Lamar’s financial success has enabled him to give back to his community. Through his foundation, he has funded youth programs, educational scholarships, and initiatives aimed at reducing violence and inequality in Compton. He has also been a vocal supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement, using his platform to advocate for social justice .
Awards
In total, he has won 22 Grammy Awards. The rapper was once named one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People.
At the just ended 67th Grammy Awards, he walked home with five trophies, including two in the “Big Four” categories. Lamar won Record of the year, Song of the year, Best music video, Best rap song and Best rap performance for his track “Not Like Us:”
Lamar is also the first non-classical or jazz musician to win a Pulitzer Prize for Music for his album “Damn”. Also, his feature on the remix of “Bad Blood” by Taylor Swift in 2015 won them a Grammy for Best Music Video and an MTV Video Music Award for Video of the Year.
Authorities in Uganda said a 17-year-old male killed his 64-year-old father during a family altercation over meat that the deceased victim bought for visitors he was expecting.
According to the Monitor, Kigezi region police spokesperson Elly Maate on Tuesday said that the incident occurred in Kisoro District’s Central Ward. Authorities said that the meat bought by the deceased victim John Nsenga was prepared by his wife Brandinah Niringiyimana on February 1.
“However, on February 2 at around noon, the wife cooked beans, Irish potatoes and matooke (bananas). The husband refused to eat, saying that he wanted meat yet it had got finished the previous day,” Maate said. “When the wife explained to him, he failed to understand and instead poured the food he had been served.”
The couple’s son got involved in the incident when he came home after fetching water and saw his parents fighting over the meat .
“After the son put down the water jerrycan, the father allegedly attacked the son with a panga asking where the meat was. The father used the said panga to cut his son Ntwari and injured him on the ear and the annoyed son retaliated by picking a stick which he used to hit his father on the head. Ntwari ran away,” authorities said.
Maate said Nsenga reported his son to authorities before he succumbed to his injuries. “He was issued with a police medical form for examination, but when he reached Kinanira Health Centre III, he collapsed and was rushed to Mutolere Hospital where he was pronounced dead,” he said.
Authorities also said the suspect has since been arrested and “will be arraigned upon completion of investigations.”
Moirah Kampire, who is the Kisoro District probation officer, expressed worries over the increase in defilement and murder-related cases in southwestern Uganda, explaining that the suspects linked to such incidents were either on drugs or had consumed alcohol when they committed those crimes, the Monitor reported.
“Recently a man defiled his 13-year-old daughter and on interrogation after arrest, he confessed that he was under the influence of drugs. We shall continue to use radio station air waves to sensitize the masses about the consequences of drug abuse and alcoholism since they are the driving factors in domestic violence cases that usually result in death,” Kampire said.
Media personality Oprah Winfrey has discussed the complex relationship she had with her mother, Vernita Lee.
She said past emotional struggles continue to affect her decades after becoming a celebrity and a billionaire. The show host made this known in an episode of The Oprah Podcast, where she discussed childhood trauma, among others.
During the discussion, she recalled a moment she was asked to speak about her mother at a church event but struggled to find the words.
“…I had become ‘Oprah Winfrey’ and everybody knew she was my mother…“I’ve been asked to come to church to just give all these accolades about my mother and I couldn’t think of one thing.”
Oprah Winfrey said she listened to the account of another girl in the church, and that reminded her of her own “void,” due to a lack of relationship with the woman who brought her to earth.
“This girl told the story of how her mother would make lunch, especially in the rain; she would pack it in a special lunch box and she would put their galoshes with those little yellow boots at the front door and then if you’d be home to take them off….
“I was like, ‘Oh my God, I don’t have one memory; I don’t have one single thing,” Oprah stated. Nonetheless, she expressed gratitude to her mother for giving her life.
“I thought well, what do I have to be grateful for? She didn’t abort me. She did the best that she knew…
“The best that she knew was not enough to feed what I needed, was not enough to make me feel whole, was not enough to make me feel valued or seen or important to her.”
“It was not, but it was the best that she could do, and I gave up the hope that it could have been anything other than what she had,” Oprah said.
Her openness attracted mixed reactions from followers on social media. Some urged parents to stay with their children.
Born in 1954, Oprah Winfrey is said to have been separated from her mother, who moved to Milwaukee for work while leaving her daughter with her grandmother in Mississippi.
According to accounts, she joined her mother at age 6 and later lived with her father in Tennessee during her teenage years.
On Wednesday, January 29, 2025, Oprah Winfrey turned 71. To commemorate the day, she posted a reflection on Instagram, appreciating the different facets of her life and stressing that people can grow to become whatever they believe.
“…I much later realized you don’t become what you want, not even your greatest desires. You become what you believe,” she stated.
Kanye West took to social media on Friday to lay his feelings bare over Sean “Diddy” Combs’ legal woes and demanded his release from custody.
In several posts on X, Kanye, 47, expressed his support for the embattled music executive and registered his displeasure over some of his colleagues remaining tight-lipped about Combs’ prosecution.
“FREE PUFF,” the rapper and fashion mogul initially wrote. “ALL THESE CELEBRITY NiAS AND BIES IS PUY YALL A WATCH OUR BROTHER ROT AND NEVER SAY SHT.”
Kanye also condemned the “woke” agenda and called for something to be done instead of people being “addicted” to complaining. “WE ALL WATCHED THEM TRY TO CANCEL CHRIS BROWN AND AINT NOBODY DO NOTHING I WAS PU**Y THEN TOO CHRIS BROWN ITS [sic] TIL [sic] THE WHEELS FALL OFF,” he said.
Kanye in another post also wrote that “slavery is a choice” before adding, “THEY TRYNA PROVE A POINT AND YALL KNOW THAT YALL FKNG KNOW THAT AND SITTING LAUGHING AT THE FKNG INTERNET ON INSTAGRAM THIS MAN GAVE HIS LIFE TO US THIS MY IDOL THIS MY HERO.”
He continued: “WHAT YALL GONE DO CANCEL MY SNEAKER DEAL CANCEL MY RECORD DEAL FREEZE MY ACCOUNTS FK ALL YALL NIAS SLAVERY IS A CHOICE IM SPEAKING MY MIND NOW I AINT EDITING SH*T AGAIN EVER.”
The controversial rapper subsequently announced a Sean John collaboration that he and Combs supposedly “spoke about before they locked him up.” “We splitting the profits 50/50,” he claimed.
Kanye in other posts shared photos of Yeezy – Sean John T-shirts and said they were available on his website. “JUST FOR CLARITY THEY TYRING TO MAKE AN EXAMPLE OUT OF PUFF ME AND MY BROTHER HAD OUR ISSUES BUT THESE WHITE PEOPLE TRYING TO USE PUFF TO SCARE NI**AS IM [sic] NEITHER SCARED NOR BRAVE THIS JUST ME,” he claimed in another post.
The College Dropout rapper also said he was going to send Combs’ share of the proceeds to his son Justin because he found out the embattled music executive is barred from collecting or making money while he’s locked up.
“WHOS [sic] EVER AFTER PUFF WE GOTTA FIND OUT EXACTLY WHO THEY ARE OK COOL PLAY OFF THE GRID,” he also wrote. “PUFF WE LOVE YOU.”
Kanye also took to Instagram to share a FaceTime call with Combs’ son King Combs. As previously reported by Face2Face Africa, Combs was arrested by federal agents on September 16 and charged with sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and transportation to engage in prostitution. Combs, who entered a not-guilty plea, is being held without bail at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. His trial date has been set for May 5, 2025. But the Bad Boy Records founder is additionally facing multiple sexual assault lawsuits.
The embattled music executive’s legal woes started after CNN shared a video of him assaulting his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura at a Los Angeles hotel in 2016. The rapper and music executive had initially denied allegations of rape and abuse from Cassie. But he later issued an apology on social media after the circulation of the video.
Lil Wayne won’t attend Super Bowl LIX after being passed over for the halftime show, but instead he’s crashing the party with a Cetaphil commercial that also reveals the release date for Tha Carter VI.
Premiered three days ahead of the big game on Thursday (February 6), the ad spot finds Weezy reacting to missing out on the halftime show before embracing a gig for the lotion company instead. He playfully promotes the product in “dry” and “sensitive” situations, with the date 6/6/25 appearing throughout.
In the final scene, Wayne declares he won’t attend the Super Bowl as a sign reads, “DO NOT DISTURB ‘TIL 06-06-2025” with a handwritten CARTER VI.
There’s been a bit of friction between Lil Wayne and Kendrick Lamar leading up to Super Bowl LIX on Sunday (February 9).
After Kendrick was announced as the halftime show headliner last year, the Young Money legend expressed his disappointment at being passed over for the gig, which he had openly coveted, and did not congratulate his “Mona Lisa” collaborator.
The Compton rapper then addressed Weezy’s comments on his album GNX, rapping: “Used to bump Tha Carter III, I held my Rollie chain proud / Irony, I think my hard work let Lil Wayne down.”
That prompted a prickly response from Wayne, who wrote on social media: “Man wtf I do?! I just be chillin & dey still kome 4 my head. Let’s not take kindness for weakness. Let this giant sleep. I beg u all. No one really wants destruction,not even me but I shall destroy if disturbed. On me. Love.”
The New Orleans native later revealed that he spoke to Kendrick on the phone and “wished him all the best and told him he better kill it.”
He also admitted that he had not heard K.Dot’s aforementioned lyrics about him, but shared his initial reaction to them.
“He didn’t let me down,” Wayne said in an interview with Skip Bayless. “There was no explanation that was needed for that. I think I understand those words. His hard work is the reason why he made it there, and obviously that part about letting me down is me just being upset and disappointed about not getting that spot.”
Where Does Hon. Cornelius Mweetwa Get the Audacity to Speak Against the Endorsement of Former President Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu as the Tonse Alliance Presidential Candidate for 2026?
By Thandiwe Ketis Ngoma
Hon. Cornelius Mweetwa, the Chief Government Spokesperson, has once again demonstrated his blatant disregard for democracy and constitutional order—this time by attempting to silence discussions around former President Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu’s candidacy in the 2026 general election.
Without hesitation, Mweetwa declared that it was illegal to endorse former President Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu as a presidential candidate, citing a supposed final ruling by the Constitutional Court. His remarks, however, are not only misleading but also a direct attack on the independence of the judiciary, which is the only body with the authority to interpret the Constitution.
But the real question is:
Who gave Mweetwa or the UPND government the power to declare this issue closed?
Since when did a government spokesperson become the ultimate authority on legal and constitutional matters?
Mweetwa’s Attempt to Act as Judge, Jury, and Executioner
Mweetwa’s arrogant and undemocratic behavior suggests that he now sees himself as the Constitutional Court, the Electoral Commission, and the Chief Justice—all in one.
His attempts to silence public debate on former President Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu’s eligibility expose the UPND administration’s growing fear of competition. If former President Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu is truly ineligible, as they claim, why the desperation to stop discussions about his candidacy?
Let’s set the record straight:
1. Mweetwa does not have the power to declare that the Constitutional Court ruling is final. That authority belongs to the judiciary, not a government spokesperson.
2. The Tonse Alliance has the full right to endorse former President Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu as its presidential candidate. Political parties are independent entities and do not require government approval to select their candidates.
3. The question of former President Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu’s eligibility remains a legal and constitutional issue—one that should be handled by the courts, not dictated by political figures seeking to control the narrative.
4. The people of Zambia—not Mweetwa, not the UPND, and certainly not a government spokesperson—will decide who leads them in 2026.
Mweetwa’s reckless abuse of authority is not only a threat to democracy but also an insult to the intelligence of Zambians. His statements suggest that the UPND is not confident in its ability to win a free and fair election, so it seeks to eliminate competition before the race even begins.
Government Cannot Dictate Public Opinion
The issue of former President Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu’s eligibility is not for Mweetwa or the UPND government to decide. It is a political and legal matter that will be resolved through the right channels, not through propaganda or threats.
So why is the UPND government so desperate to silence discussions about former President Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu’s potential candidacy?
Are they afraid of his political influence?
Are they panicking because they see their growing unpopularity?
Do they realize that the Zambian people are rejecting them?
If Mweetwa is so confident that former President Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu is ineligible, why is he issuing threats instead of letting the legal and electoral processes play out? Why does the UPND government feel so insecure about a candidate they claim cannot contest?
The Constitutional Court Ruling Was Flawed, Illegal, and Unconstitutional
The ruling that Mweetwa and the UPND cling to was not a true reflection of justice—it was a politically motivated decision designed to eliminate a strong opposition candidate before the 2026 election.
This ruling was:
Flawed – It did not follow the principles of constitutional interpretation and fair judicial process.
Illegal – It contradicted previous legal precedents on presidential eligibility.
Unconstitutional – It violated the democratic right of Zambians to choose their leaders freely.
The UPND government must understand one thing:
If they thought they could use the courts to block former President Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu’s candidacy without resistance, they have gravely underestimated the Zambian people.
History Is Repeating Itself – The Precedent Has Been Set
Mweetwa and the UPND government should not pretend to be unaware of the very precedent they themselves created.
Not long ago, the UPND insisted on challenging former President Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu’s eligibility—despite the fact that the Constitutional Court had ruled on the matter multiple times. They continued reopening the case even when there was no fresh evidence.
By doing so, they established a dangerous precedent: No ruling is ever final if there is a strong political will to challenge it.
Now, that very same precedent is coming back to haunt them.
If they could repeatedly question a settled ruling, why should they expect former President Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu’s supporters to stay silent now?
What is good for the goose is good for the gander.
Let them be ready for it. How it will be done is none of their business.
Mweetwa Must Sit and Learn—Zambia Is Not His Personal Property
Mweetwa must understand his place.
Zambia does not belong to him. Zambia does not belong to the UPND. Zambia belongs to the people—and the people will decide their future, not a government spokesperson drunk on power.
No amount of propaganda, misinformation, or intimidation will silence the will of the people.
The People Will Decide—Not Mweetwa, Not UPND
Mweetwa and the UPND can continue issuing threats, spreading false narratives, and trying to manipulate public discourse—but they cannot change reality.
Zambians are watching.
Zambians are discussing.
Zambians will decide in 2026.
If the UPND truly believed in democracy, they would allow free political debate—not panic and attempt to silence the opposition.
But no matter how hard they try to control the narrative, the movement has already begun.
And no amount of threats, intimidation, or propaganda will stop what is coming.
History Will Be Written – The People Will Remember
Zambians do not forget.
History will record the arrogance of this government. History will remember the threats made against free speech. History will expose those who manipulated the judicial system for political gain. And history will judge those who tried to silence the people.
This is not the first time a government has tried to suppress opposition through unconstitutional means.
But history has shown that no government can suppress the will of the people forever.
Zambia’s Legal System Weaponized to Silence Dissent, Says Zulu.
Zambia’s legal system is increasingly being weaponized to silence dissenting voices, a disturbing trend that has surfaced through recent actions against journalists, activists, and ordinary citizens who dare to challenge the status quo. The government has made it clear that criticism will not be tolerated, and it is using the full force of the law to intimidate those who attempt to hold it accountable. This dangerous erosion of democratic principles is a direct assault on Zambia’s commitment to freedom of expression and human rights.
The recent imprisonment of prominent Kitwe-based pastor, Duncan Simuchimba, serves as a stark reminder of the government’s tightening grip on free speech. Simuchimba, who was arrested under the charge of unlawful assembly, is being punished not for any crime, but for expressing his views on issues that directly impact the public. His critical remarks on market inefficiencies and government actions were seen as a threat to those in power. Instead of engaging in meaningful dialogue, the government has opted for intimidation and repression, sending a chilling message to others who might consider speaking out.
Unfortunately, Simuchimba is not an isolated case. Across the country, voices of dissent are being increasingly silenced under the pretext of “law and order.” The government’s use of vaguely defined laws, particularly those dealing with public order and misinformation, is becoming more frequent. These laws, which should serve to protect citizens, have instead become instruments of control, used to target individuals who disagree with the government’s narrative. It is clear that the government’s primary interest lies not in justice, but in the suppression of any opposing viewpoint.
Lungisani Zulu, the president of the Law Association of Zambia, has condemned these actions, stating that the legal system is being manipulated to suppress free speech, undermining the country’s democratic foundations. The United Nations has weighed in on Zambia’s troubling trend, urging legal reform to bring the country’s laws into line with international human rights standards. A key recommendation is to stop prosecuting individuals simply for expressing differing opinions. Laws that criminalize free speech, especially in online spaces, are a violation of international standards. The government’s response to misinformation should not be to punish those who speak out but to focus on ensuring the public has access to accurate and truthful information. Unfortunately, this approach seems to be lost on the authorities, who prefer to silence voices rather than confront the issues at hand.
The Zambian government must also reckon with the dysfunctional implementation of the Access to Information law. While the law itself is a step in the right direction, it is essentially meaningless if the institutions responsible for upholding it remain underfunded and politically influenced. Citizens continue to face significant barriers in obtaining accurate and timely information, which undermines their ability to make informed decisions. If the government is truly committed to transparency, it must allocate the necessary resources to ensure that the law is fully operational and accessible to all.
Media freedom, which should be a cornerstone of any democracy, is rapidly being eroded in Zambia. The media has a critical role to play in holding the government accountable, yet it is under constant threat of being shut down or censored. Journalists who dare to report on corruption or government misconduct face harassment, arrest, and in some cases, violence. Instead of fostering a free and independent press, the government is fostering an environment of fear and silence, where the media is either compliant or cowed into submission.
The time for reform is now. Zambia’s legal system is failing to protect its citizens’ most basic rights, and the government’s disregard for the rule of law is deepening the country’s democratic crisis. If Zambia is to continue its path toward true democracy and human rights, it must urgently address these systemic issues. The world is watching, and if the government does not act, it will further isolate itself from the international community, proving that it has no interest in building a society where freedom of expression and justice truly matter.
MRS KENNEDY FACES CHARGES OF ABDUCTION, ASSAULT AND HARASSMENT, POLICE SAY
SOCIAL media influencer, Wendy Natasha Mutale who is popularly known as Mrs Kennedy has been arrested for alleged abduction of her husband’s mistress.
Ms Mutale aged 26 has been arrested with two other friends Ennie Chifwalo aged 30 and Cynthia Longwani aged 31.
The trio are alleged to have abducted, beat up and locked up Lucy Mushabati aged 26 and Nchimunya Malambo aged 32 at Mrs Kennedy’s residence.
Ms Mutale now faces charges of Abduction, Harassment Utilizing Means of Electronic and Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm.
Police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga said the incident was reported by a victims support officer.
“The Zambia Police Service wishes to inform the public of the arrest of three suspects in connection with the case of abduction reported on February 04,2025 at Chilenje Police Station,” he said.
Mr Hamoonga explained that according to the report, Ms Mushabati and Ms Malambo (32) were allegedly abducted on February 4th,2025 around 12:00 hours in the Kabwata-Chilenje area by Mrs. Kennedy.
He said the victims were taken to the suspect’s residence in Vona Valley, Meanwood, where it is alleged that they were beaten, locked up and had their phones confiscated.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the abduction stemmed from allegations by the suspect that Lucy Mushabati was romantically involved with her husband. The situation was exacerbated by a video posted on Facebook by the suspect on February 03,2025, where she reportedly issued threats and insults directed at the victim,” he said.
Mr Hamoonga said on February 5th, at 16:30 hours, police detained Ms Mutale.
Mr Hamoonga said that further investigations led to the arrest of two additional suspects, Ms Chifwalo and Ms Longwani.
“The Zambia Police Service is committed to ensuring justice is served in this matter and protecting the rights and safety of all individuals. Investigations into this case are ongoing, and further updates will be provided in due course,” he said.
HUBBY FOUND GUILTY OF DEFILING 9 YEAR OLD STEP DAUGHTER
A significant victory for justice has been achieved in the ongoing fight against Gender Based Violence. The convict has been found guilty of Defilement of a Child, contrary to section 138 (1) of the Penal Code.
Due to the provisions of the Children’s Code Act, the name of the Convict will not be divulged as it would lead to the disclosure of information of the Child victim in question.
The disturbing incident occurred on a rainy night when the convict, after a night of drinking with his wife, snuck out of their bedroom and into the living room where his 9-year-old stepdaughter was sleeping. Under the pretext of reading the bible, he removed the light bulb from the bedroom and took it to the living room, creating an opportunity for the heinous crime.
The child victim’s mother noted that there was no light in the bedroom nor the living room when she woke up to drink water. At around 03 hours, she woke up to find her daughter on the couch with her underwear removed and a foul smell emanating from the underwear. When she went back to the bedroom, she discovered that the convict’s hands also had the same foul smell.
The following day, she noted that the convict did not go for work and instead was practically joined to the child victim’s hip. When the child victim was finally away from the convict, she revealed to the mother what had transpired, and explained how the convict went with a knife and threatened the victim before engaging in the unlawful carnal knowledge of his stepdaughter.
Despite the convict’s attempt to deny the allegations and claim false implication occasioned by his wife, the court found him guilty. The Resident Magistrate, Honourable C. Hampungani, noted that the convict did not raise the statutory defence provided for under section 138, and that the evidence presented by the prosecution, led by Senior Public Prosecutor Grace Katoka Muhumpu, was sufficient to prove his guilt, beyond reasonable doubt.
The case has been committed to the High Court for sentencing, where the convict faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years. This conviction sends a strong message that Gender Based Violence generally, and child abuse specifically, will not be tolerated and that perpetrators will be held accountable for their actions.
We commend the bravery of the child victim and her mother, as well as the tireless efforts of the prosecution team, for bringing this perpetrator to justice. Let us continue to work together to protect our children and create a safer, more just society for all.
PLAN B WILL NOT BE INTIMIDATED, IT HAS WORKED FOR PETAUKE AND WILL WORK NEXT YEAR IN 2026, EDGAR CHAGWA LUNGU SAYS
Fellow citizens,
Yesterday, we participated in two by-elections on the same day. While benefiting from state resources—including media coverage and logistical support—the UPND, through their branch, the ECZ, deliberately scheduled two parliamentary by-elections and two ward elections on the same day. This was a calculated strategy to dilute opposition efforts, overwhelm their capacity, and secure victory on their usual mingalato terms. But their tactic failed. Tonse Alliance lost in Pambashe but still won in Petauke amidst structured violence and heavy rigging schemes.
This is an embarrassment to the UPND and a signal from the people of Zambia that going forward, the UPND mingalato will no longer work to distort results and win falsely. From the citizen voting patterns and patriotic voter determination to confront and expose UPND rigging schemes in both Pambashe and Petauke, it is a clear that most Zambians are angry and decided to ensure that the New Dawn regime is a one term government!
In Petauke, I am happy to announce that Tonse Alliance stands on the firm ground of victory— not just any victory, but a resounding victory. The people of Petauke Central have spoken. They have declared, in one voice, that when mingalato are silenced, the will of the people cannot be bought, threatened, or stolen. Congratulations to our new Member of Parliament, Honourable Simon Banda!
Unlike in Pambashe, in Petauke, we participated with a number of governance CSO players that decided, on their own, to deploy their resources and manpower in the constituency to ensure democracy prevails. With this addition, we were able to fully implement Plan B. This difference shows the nation that when the electoral environment is supported by well-meaning actors, such as CSOs and the Church, the difference in outcomes is evident.
In Petauke, UPND’s usual rigging tricks were blunted by our first full implementation of Plan B, which ensured that every voice was heard and every vote that was cast was counted. This is how Plan B shall win and deliver victory countrywide next year. Plan B cannot be intimidated, manipulated, bought or silenced. When UPND deployed their usual tactics of violence, the people and partners met them with unshakable unity, peace, vigilance and the unbreakable commitment ensure that all polling stations were secured for transparency to protect the democratic process. In Petauke, our Plan B has proved that no force—no manipulation, no coercion, no machinery—can extinguish the power of the Zambian people.
Tonse Alliance did not walk this path alone. We thank the churches for their moral and ethical presence during the campaign and voting period. We thank the CSOs for their tireless advocacy and monitoring. We thank the international community for providing resources and standing firm in defense of our democracy. With your support and presence, mingalato was cancelled and democracy won. To all who supported us in whatever way in Petauke, your presence and your voices helped shine a light where darkness sought to prevail. DZIKOMO!
Once again, I call upon our friends in the opposition—let us work together. Tonse Alliance was launched on 7th November, 2024, exactly 90 days today by parties, civil society and advocates that desired to create a united opposition front with a common goal of ensuring regime change in 2026. In Tonse Alliance, everyone is welcome and we look forward to receiving everyone and secure regime change next year. The political wind from most voters is blowing towards Tonse Alliance: it is the people’s movement and we want you to come on onboard.
Next year, victory is certain if we bring our collective strengths and unite with one purpose as a united opposition. Let us prove that we, though coming from different backgrounds and political stand points can work together, emerge stronger and victorious in the name of democracy in 2026.
PETAUKE CENTRAL PARLIAMENTARY BY-ELECTION RESULTS UPDATE
FINAL RESULTS
1. Severian Lungu ( UPND)- 11,093
2. Banda Simon ( Tonse/ NCP)- 13,180
3. Mutale Nkole (IND)- 247
4. Mwale Julius ( SP)- 578
5. Phiri Moses ( DU) – 75
6. Tembo Joshua ( LM)- 338
7. Chama Carlos (CF)- 1,040
PETAUKE CENTRAL BY-ELECTION COUNTING IN PROGRESS.
105 OUT OF 109 POLLING STATIONS COUNTED SO FAR.
Simon Banda – New Congress Party (Tonse Alliance) 13, 085
Severian Lungu – UPND 10, 822
Carlos Chama – Citizens First 1, 022
Julius Mwale – Socialist Party 569
Joshua Tembo – Leadership Movement 335
Mutale Nkole – Independent 236
Moses Phiri – Democratic Union 74
101 OUT OF 109 POLLING STATIONS
Simon Banda – New Congress Party (Tonse Alliance) 12, 745 Severian Lungu – UPND 10, 223 Carlos Chama – Citizens First 993 Julius Mwale – Socialist Party 525 Joshua Tembo – Leadership Movement 311 Mutale Nkole – Independent 227 Moses Phiri – Democratic Union 67
PETAUKE CENTRAL CONSTITUENCY BY-ELECTION RESULTS
NTUMPA PRIMARY SCHOOL
Simon Banda(NCP)-239
Chama Carlos(CF)-16
Severian Lungu(UPND)-100
Julius Mwale(SP)-09
Mutale Nkole(IND)-00
Moses Phiri(DU)-01
Joshua Tembo(LM)-04
Rejected -09
PETAUKE CENTRAL CONSTITUENCY BY-ELECTION RESULTS
MWAMBULAZUMBA PRIMARY SCHOOL
Simon Banda(NCP)-303
Chama Carlos(CF)-05
Severian Lungu(UPND)-131
Julius Mwale(SP)-07
Mutale Nkole(IND)-02
Moses Phiri(DU)-00
Joshua Tembo(LM)-09
Rejected -04
PETAUKE CENTRAL CONSTITUENCY BY-ELECTION RESULTS
MUMBI PRIMARY 01
Simon Banda(NCP)-189
Chama Carlos(CF)-09
Severian Lungu(UPND)-152
Julius Mwale(SP)-05
Mutale Nkole(IND)-00
Moses Phiri(DU)-00
Joshua Tembo(LM)-00
Rejected -05
MGON’GO PRIMARY SCHOOL
Simon Banda(NCP)-65
Chama Carlos(CF)-06
Severian Lungu(UPND)-166
Julius Mwale(SP)-13
Mutale Nkole(IND)-01
Moses Phiri(DU)-01
Joshua Tembo(LM)-02
Rejected -09
PETAUKE CENTRAL CONSTITUENCY BY-ELECTION RESULTS
ESTHER LUNGU PRIMARY SCHOOL
Simon Banda(NCP)-136
Chama Carlos(CF)-03
Severian Lungu(UPND)-62
Julius Mwale(SP)-04
Mutale Nkole(IND)-01
Moses Phiri(DU)-00
Joshua Tembo(LM)-10
Rejected -03
PETAUKE CENTRAL CONSTITUENCY BY-ELECTION RESULTS
CHILEKA PRIMARY SCHOOL
Simon Banda(NCP)-291
Chama Carlos(CF)-11
Severian Lungu(UPND)-125
Julius Mwale(SP)-09
Mutale Nkole(IND)-03
Moses Phiri(DU)-01
Joshua Tembo(LM)-07
Rejected -05
PETAUKE CENTRAL CONSTITUENCY BY-ELECTION RESULTS
CHANDEMA RCZ CHURCH
Simon Banda(NCP)-245
Chama Carlos(CF)-09
Severian Lungu(UPND)-79
Julius Mwale(SP)-06
Mutale Nkole(IND)-02
Moses Phiri(DU)-00
Joshua Tembo(LM)-02
Rejected -03
PETAUKE CENTRAL CONSTITUENCY BY-ELECTION RESULTS
KANG’AMBWA PRIMARY SCHOOL
Simon Banda(NCP)-200
Chama Carlos(CF)-00
Severian Lungu(UPND)-50
Julius Mwale(SP)-01
Mutale Nkole(IND)-01
Moses Phiri(DU)-00
Joshua Tembo(LM)-01
Rejected -02
PF are doing very well in polling stations in Town but it looks like farmers in the village are turning to the Red ♥️ Family.
PETAUKE CENTRAL CONSTITUENCY BY-ELECTION RESULTS
MINGA STOP PRIMARY 01
Simon Banda(NCP)-140
Chama Carlos(CF)-11
Severian Lungu(UPND)-151
Julius Mwale(SP)-05
Mutale Nkole(IND)-01
Moses Phiri(DU)-00
Joshua Tembo(LM)-01
Rejected -03
PETAUKE CENTRAL CONSTITUENCY BY-ELECTION RESULTS
KALULU CATHOLIC CHURCH
Simon Banda(NCP)-56
Chama Carlos(CF)-48
Severian Lungu(UPND)-139
Julius Mwale(SP)-01
Mutale Nkole(IND)-02
Moses Phiri(DU)-00
Joshua Tembo(LM)-02
Rejected -13
PETAUKE CENTRAL CONSTITUENCY BY-ELECTION RESULTS
CHISONSO PRIMARY SCHOOL
Simon Banda(NCP)-198
Chama Carlos(CF)-14
Severian Lungu(UPND)-185
Julius Mwale(SP)-02
Mutale Nkole(IND)-02
Moses Phiri(DU)-00
Joshua Tembo(LM)-04
Rejected -06
PETAUKE CENTRAL CONSTITUENCY BY-ELECTION RESULTS
LUSOWE PRIMARY SCHOOL
Simon Banda(NCP)-199
Chama Carlos(CF)-06
Severian Lungu(UPND)-24
Julius Mwale(SP)-04
Mutale Nkole(IND)-00
Moses Phiri(DU)-00
Joshua Tembo(LM)-06
Rejected -03
PETAUKE CENTRAL CONSTITUENCY BY-ELECTION RESULTS
LUKWAZI PRIMARY 02
Simon Banda(NCP)-186
Chama Carlos(CF)-02
Severian Lungu(UPND)-129
Julius Mwale(SP)-04
Mutale Nkole(IND)-02
Moses Phiri(DU)-03
Joshua Tembo(LM)-05
Rejected -06
PETAUKE CENTRAL CONSTITUENCY BY-ELECTION RESULTS
MTUMBATA PRIMARY 01
Simon Banda(NCP)-90
Chama Carlos(CF)-06
Severian Lungu(UPND)-124
Julius Mwale(SP)-12
Mutale Nkole(IND)-01
Moses Phiri(DU)-01
Joshua Tembo(LM)-03
Rejected – 00
PETAUKE CENTRAL CONSTITUENCY BY-ELECTION RESULTS
MTUMBATA PRIMARY SCHOOL
Simon Banda(NCP)-92
Chama Carlos(CF)-12
Severian Lungu(UPND)-129
Julius Mwale(SP)-09
Mutale Nkole(IND)-00
Moses Phiri(DU)-00
Joshua Tembo(LM)-02
Rejected -04
PETAUKE CENTRAL CONSTITUENCY BY-ELECTION RESULTS
KAZULAMAME COMMUNITY SCHOOL
Simon Banda(NCP)-141
Chama Carlos(CF)-15
Severian Lungu(UPND)-78
Julius Mwale(SP)-09
Mutale Nkole(IND)-04
Moses Phiri(DU)-01
Joshua Tembo(LM)-09
Rejected -04
PETAUKE CENTRAL CONSTITUENCY BY-ELECTION RESULTS
MUSEWA COMMUNITY SCHOOL
Simon Banda(NCP)-114
Chama Carlos(CF)-02
Severian Lungu(UPND)-58
Julius Mwale(SP)-05
Mutale Nkole(IND)-00
Moses Phiri(DU)-01
Joshua Tembo(LM)-02
Rejected -04
PETAUKE CENTRAL CONSTITUENCY BY-ELECTION RESULTS
KAWERE PRIMARY SCHOOL
Simon Banda(NCP)-174
Chama Carlos(CF)-03
Severian Lungu(UPND)-145
Julius Mwale(SP)-04
Mutale Nkole(IND)-01
Moses Phiri(DU)-00
Joshua Tembo(LM)-04
Rejected -09
PETAUKE CENTRAL CONSTITUENCY BY-ELECTION RESULTS
KAMWANKUNKU
Simon Banda(NCP)-71
Chama Carlos(CF)-12
Severian Lungu(UPND)-106
Julius Mwale(SP)-06
Mutale Nkole(IND)-00
Moses Phiri(DU)-00
Joshua Tembo(LM)-00
Rejected -01
MALOWE PRIMARY SCHOOL
Simon Banda(NCP)-149
Chama Carlos(CF)-08
Severian Lungu(UPND)-198
Julius Mwale(SP)-09
Mutale Nkole(IND)-01
Moses Phiri(DU)-02
Joshua Tembo(LM)-03
Rejected -11
PETAUKE CENTRAL CONSTITUENCY BY-ELECTION RESULTS
KAZALA PRIMARY 02
Simon Banda(NCP)-143
Chama Carlos(CF)-02
Severian Lungu(UPND)-55
Julius Mwale(SP)-02
Mutale Nkole(IND)-01
Moses Phiri(DU)-00
Joshua Tembo(LM)-01
Rejected -02
PETAUKE CENTRAL CONSTITUENCY BY-ELECTION RESULTS
MLANJI COMMUNITY SCHOOL
Simon Banda(NCP)-130
Chama Carlos(CF)-02
Severian Lungu(UPND)-62
Julius Mwale(SP)-07
Mutale Nkole(IND)-00
Moses Phiri(DU)-00
Joshua Tembo(LM)-05
Rejected -03
PETAUKE CENTRAL CONSTITUENCY BY-ELECTION RESULTS
KALUBA PRIMARY 01
Simon Banda(NCP)-87
Chama Carlos(CF)-07
Severian Lungu(UPND)-229
Julius Mwale(SP)-03
Mutale Nkole(IND)-01
Moses Phiri(DU)-00
Joshua Tembo(LM)-01
Rejected -08
PETAUKE CENTRAL CONSTITUENCY BY-ELECTION RESULTS
SANGALALE 02
Simon Banda(NCP)-120
Chama Carlos(CF)-12
Severian Lungu(UPND)-125
Julius Mwale(SP)-04
Mutale Nkole(IND)-02
Moses Phiri(DU)-00
Joshua Tembo(LM)-05
Rejected -06
PETAUKE CENTRAL CONSTITUENCY BY-ELECTION RESULTS
KALUBA PRIMARY 02
Simon Banda(NCP)-95
Chama Carlos(CF)-04
Severian Lungu(UPND)-217
Julius Mwale(SP)-01
Mutale Nkole(IND)-01
Moses Phiri(DU)-00
Joshua Tembo(LM)-00
Rejected -05
PETAUKE CENTRAL CONSTITUENCY BY-ELECTION RESULTS
PETAUKE BOARDING 02
Simon Banda(NCP)-95
Chama Carlos(CF)-01
Severian Lungu(UPND)-41
Julius Mwale(SP)-03
Mutale Nkole(IND)-01
Moses Phiri(DU)-01
Joshua Tembo(LM)-00
Rejected -00
PETAUKE CENTRAL CONSTITUENCY BY-ELECTION RESULTS
MONDOLA PRIMARY
Simon Banda(NCP)-185
Chama Carlos(CF)-03
Severian Lungu(UPND)-84
Julius Mwale(SP)-64
Mutale Nkole(IND)-00
Moses Phiri(DU)-03
Joshua Tembo(LM)-06
Rejected -05
PETAUKE CENTRAL CONSTITUENCY BY-ELECTION RESULTS
CHISENGERE PRIMARY 01
Simon Banda(NCP)-129
Chama Carlos(CF)-19
Severian Lungu(UPND)-90
Julius Mwale(SP)-04
Mutale Nkole(IND)-10
Moses Phiri(DU)-00
Joshua Tembo(LM)-07
Rejected -07
PETAUKE CENTRAL CONSTITUENCY BY-ELECTION RESULTS
CHISENGERE PRIMARY 02
Simon Banda(NCP)-159
Chama Carlos(CF)-12
Severian Lungu(UPND)-104
Julius Mwale(SP)-08
Mutale Nkole(IND)-04
Moses Phiri(DU)-00
Joshua Tembo(LM)-06
Rejected -03
PETAUKE CENTRAL CONSTITUENCY BY-ELECTION RESULTS
MINGA STOP PRIMARY SCHOOL 02
Simon Banda(NCP)-150
Chama Carlos(CF)-13
Severian Lungu(UPND)-148
Julius Mwale(SP)-04
Mutale Nkole(IND)-04
Moses Phiri(DU)-02
Joshua Tembo(LM)-00
Rejected -09
Petauke update: 68 out of 109 polling stations UPND – 9,815 NCP/Tonse – 6,306
PETAUKE CHAONA Munzako Polling Station UPND 1,689 Tonse alliance 429
PETAUKE CENTRAL CONSTITUENCY BY-ELECTION RESULTS
KASONDE PRIMARY SCHOOL
Simon Banda(NCP)-123
Chama Carlos(CF)-01
Severian Lungu(UPND)-162
Julius Mwale(SP)-16
Mutale Nkole(IND)-00
Moses Phiri(DU)-01
Joshua Tembo(LM)-06
Rejected -08
PETAUKE CENTRAL CONSTITUENCY BY-ELECTION RESULTS
CHUMBE PRIMARY SCHOOL 01
Simon Banda(NCP)-206
Chama Carlos(CF)-12
Severian Lungu(UPND)-76
Julius Mwale(SP)-02
Mutale Nkole(IND)-01
Moses Phiri(DU)-00
Joshua Tembo(LM)-05
Rejected -03
PETAUKE CENTRAL CONSTITUENCY BY-ELECTION RESULTS
NSEKO PRIMARY 01
Simon Banda(NCP)-172
Chama Carlos(CF)-02
Severian Lungu(UPND)-22
Julius Mwale(SP)-04
Mutale Nkole(IND)-02
Moses Phiri(DU)-00
Joshua Tembo(LM)-03
Rejected -01
PETAUKE CENTRAL CONSTITUENCY BY-ELECTION RESULTS
MIZYU BASICL 01
Simon Banda(NCP)-118
Chama Carlos(CF)-02
Severian Lungu(UPND)-42
Julius Mwale(SP)-00
Mutale Nkole(IND)-06
Moses Phiri(DU)-00
Joshua Tembo(LM)-02
Rejected -04
PETAUKE CENTRAL CONSTITUENCY BY-ELECTION RESULTS:
PETAUKE PRIMARY SCHOOL -05
Simon Banda(NCP)-121
Chama Carlos(CF)-02
Severian Lungu(UPND)-53
Julius Mwale(SP)-01
Mutale Nkole(IND)-04
Moses Phiri(DU)-00
Joshua Tembo(LM)-05
Rejected -00
PETAUKE CENTRAL CONSTITUENCY BY-ELECTION RESULTS:
KAMVUMBE 01
Simon Banda(NCP)-51
Chama Carlos(CF)-33
Severian Lungu(UPND)-104
Julius Mwale(SP)-02
Mutale Nkole(IND)-01
Moses Phiri(DU)-03
Joshua Tembo(LM)-06
Rejected -09
PETAUKE CENTRAL CONSTITUENCY BY-ELECTION RESULTS:
NAKATUBA COMMUNITY SCHOOL
Simon Banda(NCP)-186
Chama Carlos(CF)-04
Severian Lungu(UPND)-75
Julius Mwale(SP)-02
Mutale Nkole(IND)-00
Moses Phiri(DU)-00
Joshua Tembo(LM)-02
Rejected -05
PETAUKE CENTRAL CONSTITUENCY BY-ELECTION RESULTS:
KAULU DAY 02
Simon Banda(NCP)-95
Chama Carlos(CF)-11
Severian Lungu(UPND)-121
Julius Mwale(SP)-08
Mutale Nkole(IND)-00
Moses Phiri(DU)-00
Joshua Tembo(LM)-02
Rejected -03
PETAUKE CENTRAL CONSTITUENCY BY-ELECTION RESULTS:
KAULU DAY 01
Simon Banda(NCP)-95
Chama Carlos(CF)-16
Severian Lungu(UPND)-121
Julius Mwale(SP)-06
Mutale Nkole(IND)-01
Moses Phiri(DU)-02
Joshua Tembo(LM)-06
Rejected -03
PETAUKE CENTRAL CONSTITUENCY BY-ELECTION RESULTS
MINGA DAY SECONDARY SCHOOL 02
Simon Banda(NCP)-100
Chama Carlos(CF)-26
Severian Lungu(UPND)-95
Julius Mwale(SP)-03
Mutale Nkole(IND)-01
Moses Phiri(DU)-02
Joshua Tembo(LM)-03
Rejected -05
PETAUKE CENTRAL CONSTITUENCY BY-ELECTION RESULTS:
CHAMANIKA PRIMARY SCHOOL
Simon Banda(NCP)-170
Chama Carlos(CF)-11
Severian Lungu(UPND)-61
Julius Mwale(SP)-03
Mutale Nkole(IND)-02
Moses Phiri(DU)-00
Joshua Tembo(LM)-00
Rejected -05
PETAUKE BY ELECTIONS Mbala Ward Total Votes NCP: 1842 Upnd: 860
Deep Lessons from Petauke -When the Will of the People cannot be Bought or Subverted
Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba Wrote;
● UPND sank in the biggest amount of resources in the Petauke by-election. State House civil servant, Levy Ngoma bought and brought PF MPs such as Andrew Lubusha, Jonathan Daka, Elias Eliboma Daka, and PF Structures, headmen and chiefs to support the candidature of the UPND.
● Levy Ngoma brought all Eastern Province District Commissioners to campaign for the UPND Candidate. The desperation was so high that this time they didnt even care if it was illegal to use government facilities or civil servants in the campaigns.
● The ECZ could not be left out in the mischief as it also sponsored youth groups and paid for the media.
● Levy Ngoma brought former Petauke area MP and former Minister of Information, Dora Siliya to beef up support for the UPND candidate.
● Ngoma bought all cyclists and bikers in Petauke town who regularly conducted road shows and painted the town red.
● Opposition candidates from Socialist Party and Citizen First participated in the by-election with analysts fearing a split in the Opposition vote.
● But the people of Petauke and Tonse Alliance candidate, Simon Banda kicked the UPND in the face, despite the heavy corruption and vote buying schemes displayed.
The lesson to President Hakainde Hichilema is that he will likely face the same fate unless he chooses to attend to the primary issues; ● hunger, ● failing agriculture sector, ● cost of living crisis, ● Stop harrasment of Opposition figures such as you did to Hon.Emmanuel JJ Banda and tried to dance on his grave on this by-election.
● stop tribalism and tribal appointments. This has left a general feeling of exclusion that the country belongs to a certain region only.
● stop destroying democratic and independent institutions as you have done to the Electoral Commission of Zambia, the Judiciary and Parliament.
● Stop Imingalato as the general elections, as seen in 1991, 2011 and 2021, presents too many moving parts for an incumbent government to manipulate.
Elections are 18months away, and as seen in Petauke, unless there is a significant change in the course of his trajectory, a candidate will emerge who will beat Hichilema pants down.
Pambashe goes red as UPND wins lion’s share of by-elections
THE ruling UPND has outshined its opponents with a dominating performance, winning three of the four by-elections held yesterday.
With the final result from the Petauke Central in Eastern Province still be awaited, ruling party candidates from Pambashe Constituency in Luapula, Ntanda Ward in Mpongwe and And Litawa Ward in Likwanda have already been confirmed winners by the Electoral Commission of Zambia.
In Pambashe, new war general Justin Kapema bulldozed his way to victory with a total of 5,067 votes against his closet rival, FDD’s Williams Mwenya who garnered a total of 2,614 votes.
Democratic Union (DU) candidate Honorato Kanunsha polled 1,722 votes while Socialist Party (SP)’s candidate James Chabi trailed with a meager 509 votes.
Announcing the results, Pambashe returning officer Michael Munsha declared Kapema as the duly elected member of parliament for Pambashe.
“I, Micheal Munsha, being the returning officer for Pambashe constituency, do hereby declare that I have in accordance with the law ascertained the results of the poll in the said constituency and that they have been given to Mulenga James, SP, 509, Kanunsha Honorato of DU, 1,722, Mwenya Williams of FDD, 2,614 and Justin Kapema of UPND, 5,067.
Munsha stated that 159 ballots were rejected as invalid, with a total of 10,071 votes cast from the 20,952 registered voters.
“I therefore declare that the said Justin Kapema is duly elected as the Member of Parliament for Pambashe Constituency,” added Munsha.
The Pambashe seat became vacant following the conviction of former Member of Parliament Ronald Chitotela who was sentenced to 10 years in prison for arson.
Meanwhile, the UPND through its candidate Gladys Kangumu has also emerged victorious in the Ntanda Ward by election in Mpongwe District after securing a total of 445 votes against the Socialist Party’s Clinton Sankayi who polled 64.
A total of 514 votes were cast, with five ballots rejected.
The by election was held to fill the vacancy left by the late UPND councillor Adrian Chilubwa who passed away last year.
Speaking after the results were announced, UPND deputy provincial information and publicity secretary Godfrey Kamangu attributed the party’s victory to its developmental agenda.
“Our party is committed to addressing all the challenges raised by residents, including the poor road network, among other issues,” said Kamangu.
In Mongu, Susiku Mwitumwa garnered 631 votes against his closet rival Mubyana Mutula of the Leadership Movement who managed a handful 67 votes.
Mwitumwa was declared winner by returning officer Jones Siang’andu at 21:30 hours last evening
