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MONGU CENTRAL MP HON OLIVER AMUTIKE IS LIKELY TO GET MORE THAN 30,000 VOTES FOR MONGU CENTRAL IN 2026 DUE TO MASSIVE DEVELOPMENT IN HIS CONSTITUENCY

MONGU CENTRAL MP HON OLIVER AMUTIKE IS LIKELY TO GET MORE THAN 30,000 VOTES FOR MONGU CENTRAL IN 2026 DUE TO MASSIVE DEVELOPMENT IN HIS CONSTITUENCY-

24th January,2025.

Mr Makai, Mongu Constituency Secretary who has presided over as constituency secretary for 10 years, believes that the developments he has witnessed in Mongu since 2021 will allow Honorable Amutike to receive more than 30,000 votes as MP and more than 50,000 votes for President Hakainde Hichilema in the 2026 General Elections.



WHY WILL HONORABLE AMUTIKE  GET MORE THAN 30,000 VOTES IN MONGU IN 2026?

-Honorable Oliver Amutike is the first Mongu Central MP to use CDF and honour the people of Namasho ward by facilitating the construction of a clinic and school. A first since Zambia became independent.

-Honorable Amutike is the first MP in Mongu history to provide full scholarships for Mongu school graduates to study in Algeria.



-The first MP who ensured that a new mortuary, staff house and water reticulation systems were built in Namushakende ward and Yeta ward is OLIVER AMUTIKE.

-The people of Kama Ward are fortunate to have an MP like Honorable Oliver Amutike, who, thanks to an increase in CDF brought about by PRESIDENT HAKAINDE HICHILEMA, built the first ever 1 by 3 classroom block known as the Ngalama Community School.



A police station, hospital and a High school are also being built in Kama ward.

-Honourable Amutike will receive more votes in Mongu Central than he did in 2021 because he is the first MP in Mongu to commission a state-of-the-art Local Court at Mabumbu as well as upgrade Mabumbu Centre with new infrastructure at the Primary School and clinic.

-Honorable Amutike remembered the people of the floodplains when he accelerated the construction of Nakaywe Primary School.



-Honorable Amutike, who serves on the Media and ICT committee, is the first MP in Mongu to establish a computer classroom at Tungi Primary School using CDF.

HONORABLE AMUTIKE IS THE FIRST MP IN MONGU CENTRAL TO GIVE PRESIDENT HAKAINDE HICHILEMA 35,089 VOTES IN 2021 AND WILL GIVE EVEN MORE VOTES IN 2026.


– Under Hon Amutike, we have seen the Mongu – Lusaka road being upgraded including the dual road from Shoprite and Lyambai, Libinda roads and the completion of the Mongu-Limulunga road

– A new road will. Soon start from Tapo to Kama as funding is being secured.

– All our local markets in Mongu are receiving upgrades with CDF, such as the Maunyamo market and Mandanga markets, which are already completed.


As a Mongu resident, I am confident that Mongu will continue to develop if we all support the visionary  Honorable Oliver Amutike to represent the people of Mongu Central in 2026 and beyond.

✍️ John Makai
Mongu Central Constituency Secretary.

MALE TEACHERS CAUGHT FIGHTING OVER PROMISED CREDIT FACILITY

MALE TEACHERS CAUGHT FIGHTING OVER PROMISED CREDIT FACILITY

Two male teachers from Lusaka were yesterday detained by police after fighting over the promised credit facility.



According to information available, two teachers from Lusaka identified as Mulubwa Benson, 48 and Lubasi Nkosi 50, today fought cats and dogs after differing on the issue of credit.



It is reported that Mr. Mulubwa who owes Mr. Nkosi close to K10,000 Kaloba money was in the staffroom bragging about the way he would use the loan if only the promised credit facility was to be established in good time.

Mr. Nkosi was seated in the corner listening to the drama nodding his heard to disapprove whatever the  friend was saying knowing him very well.



After several minutes, Mr. Nkosi felt like someone was pricking his butt with a hot wire. A person who has failed to pay back credit for two years bragging about finishing his house and buying a car was not different from mocking him.



In anguish, Mr. Nkosi said if people like you with chicken brains will be given access to that money then the credit facility will collapse in fives years because it will lose its capital in no time.



You know the behaviour of teachers, the staffroom was filled up with noise. Others who know Mr. Mulubwa does not pay back credit were shouting why not just name the credit facility ‘Mulubwa’.



Mr. Mulubwa was overpowered by the devil. People realized he had moved from his position when they saw Mr. Nkosi on the floor with a single shoe on.

Witnesses have confirmed that Mr. Nkosi and Mr. Mulubwa later challenged themselves to a fierce fight which went uncontrollable.

The two teachers continued to exchange knuckles without talking. The only sound which could be heard was that of knuckles…popo papa..tata….dudu…


Meanwhile, if it was not for the intervention of the police, one would have died. Teachers could not dare come close to them seeing how a Science teacher that tried to separate the two walked out of the staffroom in seconds with a swollen eye.

The two teachers are currently detained at the police station. Schools are back in swing!

TD

Zambia Embarks on a Game-Changing Agricultural Journey with US$340 Million Phosphate Plant

Zambia Embarks on a Game-Changing Agricultural Journey with US$340 Million Phosphate Plant



In a historic move that promises to revolutionize Zambia’s agricultural landscape, the country officially broke ground on the Integrated Phosphate Products Beneficiation Plant, a US$340 million investment initiated by Sino Great Chemical Company Limited. Located in Chilanga District, this plant is poised to dramatically reduce the cost of farming inputs, particularly fertilizers, which are critical for boosting agricultural productivity in Zambia.


At the groundbreaking ceremony, Dr. Nicholas Mainza, Acting Agri-Business and Marketing Director, representing Permanent Secretary for Technical Services Mr. John Mulongoti, took the opportunity to underscore the significance of the project. Dr. Mainza stressed that the new facility would not only promote local fertilizer production but also enhance food security across the country.


“This project aligns seamlessly with our Ministry’s goal of building strategic partnerships that drive agricultural productivity and strengthen food security,” Dr. Mainza remarked. “By reducing Zambia’s reliance on imported fertilizers, we are setting the stage for greater self-sufficiency in agriculture and stabilizing the supply of essential farming inputs.”



The launch of this new fertilizer plant marks a pivotal moment in Zambia’s agricultural history. For years, the country has struggled with the high cost of fertilizers, a challenge that has placed a significant strain on local farmers, particularly smallholders who make up the backbone of Zambia’s agricultural sector. The plant is set to address this issue by producing affordable, locally made fertilizers.



With the new facility, the Ministry of Agriculture envisions a future where fertilizers are more accessible to farmers across the country, leading to a dramatic boost in agricultural productivity. This aligns perfectly with the government’s overarching goal of enhancing food security and making Zambia self-sufficient in its food production.



According to experts, the fertilizer plant’s impact will be far-reaching. By providing locally sourced fertilizers, the plant will reduce Zambia’s dependence on international imports, which often fluctuate in price and availability. This will help stabilize the market, ensuring that smallholder farmers, who have long struggled with rising input costs, can access fertilizers at more predictable and affordable prices.



Commerce, Trade, and Industry Minister Chipoka Mulenga, who represented President Hakainde Hichilema at the ceremony, echoed this sentiment. Minister Mulenga highlighted that the plant’s development is a clear demonstration of the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth and reducing Zambia’s reliance on external markets.

“The creation of this fertilizer plant is a step toward industrializing our agriculture sector and ensuring that Zambia’s farmers have the tools they need to succeed,” said Minister Mulenga. “This project will not only lower the cost of production but will also create jobs, boost productivity, and stimulate the growth of the agricultural value chain.”


One of the standout features of the Integrated Phosphate Products Beneficiation Plant is its potential to lower the cost of fertilizers, which have long been a significant financial burden for farmers. By producing fertilizers locally, Zambia can ensure that smallholder farmers, who often face financial constraints, can access these vital inputs at more affordable prices, thereby increasing their yields and enhancing food security.

The plant will also play a key role in addressing the challenges posed by climate change. With weather patterns becoming increasingly unpredictable, reliable access to quality fertilizers becomes even more critical for farmers aiming to maintain productivity. The new plant promises to be a crucial component of Zambia’s strategy to adapt to climate change and secure a stable, sustainable food supply for its citizens.



As Zambia faces the daunting challenge of feeding a growing population, the development of this plant is seen as a critical step in the country’s efforts to become a regional food powerhouse. With a population of over 20 million people, many of whom depend on maize as their staple food, Zambia has long been recognized as the “food basket” of southern Africa. However, this status has been threatened in recent years by climate change and rising import costs for agricultural inputs.


To meet these challenges, the Zambian government has set an ambitious goal: to increase the country’s annual maize output to 10 million tons, a significant leap from the current 3 million tons. The new phosphate plant is expected to be instrumental in achieving this goal by ensuring that fertilizers are both affordable and available in the quantities needed to support higher yields.

With this project, Zambia is also aiming to reduce its annual fertilizer import bill, which has been estimated at over US$1 billion. The Integrated Phosphate Products Beneficiation Plant will not only cut down on this expenditure but will also create opportunities for export, allowing Zambia to sell locally produced fertilizers to neighboring countries, further strengthening the nation’s position in the regional agricultural market.


The partnership between Zambia and China in this venture reflects the growing collaboration between the two countries in various sectors. Sino Great Chemicals, the company behind the project, has invested heavily in cutting-edge technology to ensure that the plant operates efficiently and sustainably. The facility is also expected to meet international environmental standards, contributing to Zambia’s broader efforts to tackle climate change.

The plant’s environmentally friendly design will help mitigate the carbon footprint traditionally associated with fertilizer production. By embracing green technologies, the project also supports Zambia’s commitment to sustainable development and climate-resilient agriculture.


In addition to its environmental benefits, the plant is expected to generate thousands of jobs, both directly and indirectly, providing much-needed employment opportunities in Chilanga District and surrounding areas. Local communities are set to benefit from increased economic activity, new infrastructure developments, and an overall improvement in the standard of living.


As Zambia moves forward with this groundbreaking initiative, the government remains focused on building a stronger, more resilient agricultural sector. Through strategic partnerships like the one with Sino Great Chemicals, the country is positioning itself to not only meet its own food needs but also to contribute to regional food security, ensuring that its agricultural legacy endures for generations to come.


In conclusion, the launch of the Integrated Phosphate Products Beneficiation Plant is a game-changer for Zambia’s agriculture. It is a bold step towards self-sufficiency, job creation, and sustainable economic growth. As the facility takes shape and begins production, the country’s farmers can look forward to a brighter, more prosperous future, with access to affordable inputs and the promise of a more secure and sustainable food supply.


Key Highlights:

US$340 million fertilizer plant to reduce input costs and improve agricultural productivity.

Local production of fertilizers to decrease Zambia’s reliance on imports.

Government’s commitment to strengthening food security and agricultural sustainability.


Creation of thousands of jobs and stimulation of local economies.

Strategic partnership between Zambia and Sino Great Chemicals.

Kumwesu January 25, 2025

Jamie Foxx has split from his girlfriend Alyce Huckstepp after recently joking that he is done dating white women

American actor and singer, Jamie Foxx has split from his girlfriend Alyce Huckstepp after recently joking that he is done dating white women.

A source close to the Oscar-winner, 57, told PEOPLE on Thursday, January 23, that he and Huckstepp are no longer together after dating for a year and a half.

They were first romantically linked in 2023 following Foxx’s six-year relationship with actress, Katie Holmes, 46, which came to an end in 2019.

Foxx and Huckstepp were last photographed together on October 30, 2024, during a romantic trip to Mexico.

Huckstepp and Foxx went public with their romance just months after he suffered a stroke caused by a bleed on the brain in April 2023.

The blonde beauty proved to be a ‘great’ presence in the actor’s life as he recovered from the health scare that left him in a coma for 20 days, an insider told the outlet last year.

But things changed in the couple’s relationship following their October 2024 Mexico trip as less than two months later Foxx joked that he’d been ‘cured’ of white women and that he was ‘back on the black side of town’.

He made the joke in his new Netflix special What Had Happened Was…, which was released on December 10.

Sitting down at a piano, Foxx sang: ‘Sisters, I’m here to tell you, I’ve been cured.

‘I’ve been cured of everything, no more white girls. I’m serious, no more white girls. No more white girls. No more. No more white girls.’

As audience members applauded and leapt out of their seats, Jamie continued: ‘I’m back on the Black side of town!

‘No more white girls. No more potato salad and raisins. No more white girls. No more spray tan, no more big t*tties no ass, no more white girls.’

He’s a ‘demon’ – Diddy’s ex Kat Pasion speaks out 

Diddy’s ex-girlfriend, Kat Pasion is speaking out on her own alleged experience with the disgraced music mogul, claiming he once forced her into a nonconsensual s£xual act and threatened her.

The model who first met Combs in 2013 but didn’t start dating him until after his split from Casandra “Cassie” Ventura in 2018, said on Investigation Discovery’s upcoming four-part series, “The Fall of Diddy,” that she witnessed several warning signs leading up to the alleged ass@ult.

“I’m trying to do things differently this time,” she claimed the “Bad Boy for Life” rapper once told her.

However, in 2018, Pasion claimed that he hovered his arm around her neck during a dispute.

“Don’t you f–king dare because I’ll call the police” she claimed she then told him, adding that Combs just “started laughing” and played it off like it was “a joke.”

Pasion claimed that another red flag was when they were watching an R. Kelly documentary that profiled the convicted s£x offender‘s history of abusing young women.’

Combs’ ex claimed the “Last Night” rapper told her at the time, “There’s a little bit of R. Kelly in all of us.”

The relationship did not last long, and by 2019, they broke up.

Pasion claimed that Combs told her after their split, “You don’t want to end up like my ex Cassie“ and that was his way of “threatening” her.

Pasion said she reunited with Combs in 2021 at his house in Malibu, Calif., where things allegedly took a turn for the worst.

According to the model, the Bad Boy Records founder allegedly forced himself on her when he was unable to sleep one night.

“It was just scary, to be honest, because his whole tone, everything changed,” she said on “The Fall of Diddy” without going into too much detail out of not wanting to “relive” the incident.

“It wasn’t consensual and he … the person who came out of that bathroom and woke me up was someone that — I didn’t even recognize him, and I knew that I was never going to see him again.”

Pasion claimed she felt “numb” afterwards and “suppressed” her alleged experience.

“You feel so small and insignificant because this person has so much power and resources, and all of these people. It’s just very intimidating,” she said. “Also, at the same time, I feel like I should’ve known better. That’s the shame, though.”


To add insult to injury, Pasion alleged Combs later called her to “threaten” her and her “livelihood.”

She claimed he told her, “I can call the embassy and get you deported back to Canada, you don’t know who you’re f–king with, you don’t know what I can do to you.”

Pasion further alleged that “towards the end of the conversation,” which she says was under a few minutes, she told Combs, “You’re a demon,” which prompted him to hang up.

“Karma’s a bitch, and where is he sitting today?” Pasion concluded in the special, referencing her ex’s host of legal issues and the fact that he is currently behind bars for a federal trial.

In response to Pasion’s allegations, Reps for Combs said: “As we’ve said before, Mr. Combs cannot respond to every new publicity stunt, even in response to claims that are facially ridiculous.

“Mr. Combs has full confidence in the facts and the integrity of the judicial process. In court, the truth will prevail: that the accusations against Mr. Combs are pure fiction.”

The rapper’s reps also slammed Investigation Discovery’s doc and others like it, stating they are “rushing to cash in on the media circus surrounding Mr. Combs.”

“The producers failed to provide sufficient time or details for his representatives to address unsubstantiated claims, many from unidentified participants whose allegations lack context,” they claim.

“By withholding this information, they made it impossible for Mr. Combs to present facts to counter these fabricated accusations. This production is clearly intended to present a one-sided and prejudicial narrative.”

Combs’ team concluded, “As we’ve said before, Mr. Combs cannot respond to every publicity stunt or facially ridiculous claim. He has full confidence in the facts and the judicial process, where the truth will prevail: the accusations against him are pure fiction.”

The doc will premiere during a two-night event beginning Monday, Jan. 27 at 9 p.m. ET.

Combs is currently facing a minimum of 15 years in prison or a maximum life sentence for multiple charges, including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution.

He is also being sued by several men and women who alleged he has sexually assaulted them. Ventura, 38, was the first to sue the rapper for rape and reach a substantial settlement with him.

NGOs vow massive resistance to Mnangagwa third term bid

Civic organizations under the Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition banner have pledged to resist any attempts by President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his allies to extend his tenure beyond the two-term constitutional limit.

Mnangagwa, who assumed power in 2017, is constitutionally allowed to serve until 2028 after completing two five-year terms that officially began in 2018. However, recent months have witnessed a growing push for the controversial “ED2030 agenda,” driven by loyalists advocating for the 82-year-old leader to remain in office beyond his mandated term.

While Mnangagwa has publicly denied any ambitions to stay in power past 2028, critics accuse him of discreetly backing the initiative. The agenda has reportedly received support from some legislators within the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC). Extending Mnangagwa’s rule would require a series of constitutional amendments and two national referendums, each requiring a majority “Yes” vote.

In a communique issued after a meeting held on Wednesday, the Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition declared its determination to block any move to alter the constitution. The meeting, attended by representatives from various sectors, including labor unions, the church, business leaders, war veterans, political parties, and youth groups, resolved to take collective action against the proposed amendments.

The coalition announced plans to mobilize citizens across political affiliations to protect the constitution and uphold democratic principles. It also resolved to convene a national stakeholders’ convention to strategize a unified response, including organizing a “VOTE NO” campaign should a referendum be called.

The coalition accused Mnangagwa’s loyalists of pursuing personal interests at the expense of the nation’s democratic framework. It stated that any efforts to amend the constitution to extend the president’s tenure would be vigorously opposed through legal action, public demonstrations, and community mobilization.

This latest development sets the stage for a significant test of Zimbabwe’s democratic integrity. With widespread discontent brewing, civic groups and political stakeholders appear determined to thwart any attempts to undermine constitutional limits, signaling a potential showdown between the government and its critics.

Source – zimlive

Zanu-PF bigwigs fall over each other defending Mnangagwa on ED2030 mantra

ZANU-PF Politburo member Ziyambi Ziyambi has come to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s defence amid growing calls within the ruling party to amend Zimbabwe’s constitution and extend Mnangagwa’s term to 2030.

Speaking to party members in Mashonaland West, Ziyambi dismissed claims that Mnangagwa is personally pushing for the extension. Instead, he said the calls reflect the will of the broader ZANU-PF membership.

“At no time did President Mnangagwa say he wants this or that, about the issue of 2030,” Ziyambi said. “It is us as the people and general membership of ZANU-PF who expressed our desire about what we want him to do. He is not in the equation or this discourse.”

Ziyambi is the third high-ranking official in recent days to publicly defend Mnangagwa against accusations of seeking to prolong his presidency. His remarks follow similar statements from Information Minister Jenfan Muswere and Presidential spokesperson George Charamba, both regarded as Mnangagwa loyalists.

Muswere described the push to extend the presidential term as a “rightful and unquestionable obligation” of ZANU-PF and other stakeholders. Charamba, meanwhile, emphasized that Mnangagwa respects the constitutional process and the expression of public viewpoints.

These remarks come amid factional tensions within ZANU-PF, with loyalists of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga reportedly opposing efforts to extend Mnangagwa’s term. Amending the constitution would require two-thirds support in Parliament, as well as broader political maneuvering.

Calls for Mnangagwa to remain in power beyond 2028 have drawn criticism from opposition groups, civil society, and religious leaders. The Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations (ZHOCD) recently urged Mnangagwa to honor the 2013 Constitution and step aside when his current term ends.

“The designated role of the President of Zimbabwe in such situations is not to tamper with expressions of viewpoints from the citizenry; rather, it is to allow those viewpoints free play for as long as they remain within the remit of our Constitution,” said Charamba in response.

Despite distancing himself from the matter during ZANU-PF’s last People’s Conference, Mnangagwa’s allies in key provinces, including his home province of Masvingo, have continued to advocate for constitutional amendments to extend his rule.

As ZANU-PF navigates internal divisions, the debate over Mnangagwa’s future reflects broader questions about leadership succession and democratic governance in Zimbabwe. Whether these calls translate into formal constitutional amendments remains to be seen, but they have already reignited discussions about the balance of power within the ruling party and the nation’s political landscape.

Source – newzimbabwe

Putting Zimbabwe’s Proposed Presidential Term-limit Amendments on the Spot Light: Is it possible to Amend the Supreme Law on Presidential Term-Limit?

By Lenon Itai Rwizi

Introduction

In recent weeks, Zimbabweans have witnessed growing public calls for amendments to the Constitution of Zimbabwe, 2013, and in the process, extending President Mnangagwa’s stay as President of the Republic. It should be noted that, though on several occasions, President Mnangagwa has publicly declared disinterest in extending his stay in power, the conversation has stimulated enough interest to make it worth examining the constitutional changes that would have to take place for the President to be allowed to serve a third term.

This writeup seeks to provide a simple step-by-step, explanation of the provisions of the Constitution of Zimbabwe that speak to Presidential term limits and changes to the same.

Vital Steps for the Incumbent to Change the Two Term Limit

According to section 91(2) of the Constitution:

A person is disqualified for election as President or appointment as Vice-President if he or she has already held office as President for two terms, whether continuous or not, and for the purpose of this subsection three or more years’ service is deemed to be a full term.”

By the 2028, President Mnangagwa will have served two full terms, so he will not be eligible to stand for election as President or Vice-President.  Therefore, the Constitution would have to be amended before the President can legally serve another term in office as President or Vice President.

Which provisions of the Constitution would need to be amended?

The first amendment would be to section 91, which as can be seen sets out the current presidential term-limit.  The amendment would entail repealing section 91(2) (if the intention is to completely remove presidential term-limits) or changing the words “two terms” to “three terms, or however many terms a President will be allowed to serve (if it is decided to extend the number of terms rather than scrap the limits completely).

The steps needed to amend section 91 are set out in section 328 of the Constitution:

  •      The Speaker must publish “the precise terms” of the proposed amendment in the Gazette, and the amendment cannot be introduced in Parliament until 90 days after that publication [section 328(3)].
  •       The staff of Parliament must immediately invite the public to comment on the proposed amendment, through written submissions and public hearings convened by Parliament [section 328(4)].  In practice these hearings are convened by the Portfolio Committee on Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, and written submissions from the public are sent to that Committee.
  •       The Bill containing the amendment must be passed by a two-thirds majority at its final reading [i.e. the Third Reading] in both the National Assembly and the Senate, and when the Bill is sent to the President for assent the Speaker and presiding officer of the Senate must certify that it has received the requisite majorities [section 328(5) and (10) of the Constitution].

If these steps are taken, section 91 will be amended to allow a President to serve more than two terms in office.

There is a catch, however:  the amendment will not apply to President Mnangagwa.

Section 328(7) of the Constitution

The reason why the above amendment would not apply to President Mnangagwa lies in section 382(7), which was designed to make it difficult for incumbent office-holders (particularly Presidents) to extend their terms of office.  It states:

Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, an amendment to a term-limit provision [Note: section 91(2) is a term-limit provision] the effect of which is to extend the length of time that a person may hold or occupy any public office, does not apply in relation to any person who held or occupied that office, or an equivalent office, at any time before the amendment.”

Put simply this means that an amendment to section 91 of the Constitution extending presidential term-limits will apply only to future Presidents.  It will not allow an incumbent or past President to extend the period he may hold presidential office.  So, if section 91 were amended by following the steps we outlined above, President Mnangagwa could not benefit from the amendment and could not legally be elected for a third term.

To enable him to be elected for a third term, section 328(7) itself would have to be amended or repealed.  To do this, a Bill amending or repealing section 328(7) would have to go through all the steps we outlined above – the Bill would have to be published in the Gazette for 90 days, it would have to be passed by two-thirds majorities in the National Assembly and the Senate, and so on.

BUT after that, within three months after being passed, the Bill would have to be submitted to a national referendum and approved by a majority of the voters casting their votes.  This is set out in section 328(9) of the Constitution.

Brief Procedure for Extending the Current President’s Term

To sum up the procedure that would have to be followed if it is decided that President Mnangagwa should be able to stand again for election, the following steps would have to be taken.

  •       A Bill amending both section 91 and section 328(7) of the Constitution would have to be published in the Gazette for at least 90 days.
  •       Parliament would have to invite public comments, written and verbal, on the proposed amendments.
  •       The Bill would have to be passed by two-thirds majorities at its final readings in both the National Assembly and the Senate.
  •       Within three months, the Bill would have to be put to a referendum and passed by a majority of the voters who cast their votes.

Conclusion

The Constitution of Zimbabwe, 2013, makes it relatively easy to alter Presidential term-limits so long as one can muster two-thirds majorities in both Houses of Parliament, but makes it rather more difficult to extend those term-limits in order to benefit an incumbent President.  This is not an accident – it was deliberate as we publicly heard on several occasions from the late Dr. Alex Magaisa.

Lenon Itai Rwizi is a Registered Legal Practitioner of the Superior Courts of Zimbabwe and can be contacted on+263 774 159 146 or +263 713 967 341 lenonrwizi@gmail.com. The above does not constitute formal legal advice, and neither does not create any type of attorney-client relationship. Please seek legal advice from your own by contacting the writer https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057530166769 ) or any attorney of your choice.

Man is turning himself into a reptilian by inserting silicone implants into his skull

A man is turning himself into a reptilian by inserting silicone implants into his skull and his latest surgery was done on Jan. 17, 2025.

The 25-year-old, who goes by the online name InkedJuliusz, has been gaining media attention through his remarkable appearance which includes a split tongue, eyeball tattoos, inked lips and metal hair spikes implanted in his dome.

Now the goal is to be a reptile, which will need silicone implants above his eyebrows and a series of triangular ones on the side of his skull.

“The overall idea of a reptilian look […] is very important to me,” the content creator, who boasts 37,000 followers on TikTok, told What’s The Jam.

“It shouldn’t look random or uneven, it should look cohesive, like a lizard’s natural appearance.

“My long-term goal remains clear: to make the implants as close as possible to The Lizard Man’s design.

“Of course, I don’t want an exact copy; I want to keep my own unique style.”

InkedJuliuz, from Düsseldorf, Germany, had originally planned for larger implants, but he agreed with his artist that a gradual approach would be better.

He underwent the procedure on January 17, 2025, costing £500.

The body modification fanatic said: “Larger implants would have caused more pressure, significantly more pain, and made the healing process much harder.

“While the procedure was still intense and painful, the smaller size made it more manageable.

“[It] was a unique experience.

“After the procedure, I was pleasantly surprised that the swelling and pain were less severe than I had expected.

“But I’ve been careful to minimise movement to ensure the implants stay in place, as they could still shift slightly at this stage.

“It’s similar to the feeling of a new piercing or like having a clothes peg clipped onto your eyebrows.

“These sensations will fade over time, and I’m already getting used to them.

“I expect to complete the entire project, including the implants and final look, within the next two years.”

InkedJuluisz, who knew from the age of eight that he wanted to get inked, previously revealed that he hopes to cover his entire body in tattoos.

Ziyambi Ziyambi Reveals True Source of Pressure for Mnangagwa to Extend Presidency Beyond 2028

“It’s Not Mnangagwa, It’s Us”: Ziyambi Ziyambi Reveals True Source of Pressure for Mnangagwa to Extend Presidency Beyond 2028

Zanu-PF Politburo member Ziyambi Ziyambi, who also serves as the Minister of Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, has clarified that President Emmerson Mnangagwa does not want to amend Zimbabwe’s Constitution to allow him to extend his second and last term beyond 2028.

Ziyambi Ziyambi Reveals Mnangagwa Has No Plans to Extend Term Beyond 2028
Speaking to Zanu-PF Mashonaland West Province Provincial Coordinating Committee members last weekend, Ziyambi stated that any push for constitutional changes to allow President Mnangagwa to remain in power past 2028 comes from the party’s general membership, not the President himself.

“At no time did President Mnangagwa say he wants this or that, about the issue of 2030. It is us as the people and general membership of Zanu PF who expressed our desire about what we want him to do. Now if you hear someone saying anything about our President that he has done this or he intends to do that, tell them that it is not him, but it is us as the people and as Zanu PF. He is not in the equation or this discourse,” Ziyambi said.

Distancing Mnangagwa from the Debate

Ziyambi elaborated that even during private meetings with the president, he does not discuss the constitutional amendments, saying the matter is entirely driven by party members.

“Even if I am to meet with him, I will tell him that ‘we are seized with our issues as the general membership of the party which has nothing to do with you, I do not even want to hear about your views about it,’ I do not even talk to him about it because it is our issue. We are now in the process of fulfilling our issue and desire as Zimbabweans, we now need to be united because it’s us who have expressed this desire,” he added.

Zanu-PF Urged to Start Mobilising for Referendum

Ziyambi called on Zanu-PF members to begin mobilising citizens to support constitutional amendments when the matter goes to a referendum. He encouraged members to start campaigning immediately.

“Once we start the programme and it goes through Parliament to amend the Constitution to fulfil our objective, once it comes back to the people during the Referendum, starting today let’s mobilise people telling them that Zimbabweans want President Mnangagwa to remain in office until 2030. This is our desire as Zanu PF,” he said.

Scammers using my face to con people – Namibia’s ex-first lady warns

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Namibia’s former First Lady Monica Geingos has released a video message warning people that fraudsters are using her name and likeness to target unsuspecting citizens.

Manipulated clips circulating for some time on social media appear to show her asking people to invest in a foreign exchange (forex) scheme.

There have been many victims, including one woman who was swindled out of her retirement savings, a spokesperson for Mrs Geingos told the BBC.

The former first lady’s team have been raising the issue for almost two years, but this is the first time Mrs Geingos has made an appeal in person as the volume of fake messages has “gotten worse over the past two months”.

Mrs Geingos’ husband, Hage Geingob, was Namibia’s president from 2015 until he died in office last year.

In Thursday’s video message, the lawyer and businesswoman said she was asked to make a public appeal in person as the problem had become “ubiquitous… across social media platforms”.

There are a large number of accounts on TikTok, Instagram and X that look at first as if they belong to her – using her profile image and a handle that is very similar to her name.

People are also being contacted directly.

“Recently, someone received a video call purportedly of me convincing them to invest in some kind of weird forex scheme,” Mrs Geingos said.

“I’m not a forex person; I’m not on any social media platform asking for any money or giving any loans out or whatever you’re being told.”

She urged people not to “communicate with these fake accounts” but to report them.

The TikTok clips used genuine footage of Mrs Geingos speaking dubbed with a voice that sounded like hers. The bank account details and phone numbers provided are all Namibian.

Mavis Elias, the former first lady’s executive assistant, said that “the most susceptible to this type of activity are those that are driven by what they see”.

She said that her office had been inundated with messages from people who had been defrauded – large amounts have been involved in some cases.

“At this juncture, it’s just a concern [over] the fact that it’s gotten worse over the past few months.

“That is distressing because it means that the more accounts are being made and the more people are becoming susceptible to it, the more people lose their hard-earned money,” Ms Elias said.

These types of scams have become a “widespread threat in Africa and… internationally”, according to Craig Pedersen, a cyber-security expert at South African company TCGForensics.

He told the BBC that while several reports suggested the scams were being run from South Africa, they now appear to be “globally spread”.

Mrs Geingos is not the only high-profile person whose image and voice has been manipulated.

In South Africa, well-known figures such as wealthy businessmen Johann Rupert and Patrice Motsepe as well as President Cyril Ramaphosa have been caught up in similar schemes to trick people out of their money.

“Scammers frequently use celebrities in their scams to lull their victims into a false sense of confidence and to encourage the victim not to ask too many questions,” Mr Pedersen said.

Dr Thembekile Olivia Mayayise, an expert in this field at South Africa’s Wits University, echoed this, saying she had come across numerous videos online using a celebrity’s likeness.

People are urged to be “more cautious with investments” and scrutinise any suspicious communication they receive – especially from well-known figures.

“Ultimately the consumer needs to become more distrusting of celebrity endorsements – particularly with regards to investments,” Mr Pedersen said.

A Warning from History: Militarizing Mining in Zambia Risks Repeating Past Mistakes

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A Warning from History: Militarizing Mining in Zambia Risks Repeating Past Mistakes

The Zambian government’s decision to deploy the army to “sanitize” illegal mining operations raises serious concerns about transparency, accountability, and the true intent behind this move. While illegal mining undeniably poses challenges, history has shown us the dangers of militarizing resource management—particularly when such actions are taken without addressing the deeper issues of corruption and political interference.


Deploying the army into mining areas does not guarantee a halt to illegal mining. On the contrary, in many cases, it creates an opaque environment where illicit activities can continue unchecked under the cover of military operations. When the military is placed in charge, civilian oversight is often sidelined, leaving the public in the dark about what is really happening.


We’ve seen this play out before. In another African country, the deployment of the army to Chiadzwa diamond fields led to widespread abuses, with soldiers violently displacing local miners. Initially, this was presented as a measure to restore order. However, it soon became clear that the move had less to do with protecting resources and more to do with consolidating control.

Shockingly, despite the military presence, illegal mining continued—and on an even larger scale. When questions arose about $15 billion in diamond revenue that was unaccounted for, the head of state at the time famously declared, “I don’t know where it went.” This admission exposed the devastating reality: the deployment of the army had done little to prevent resource plunder and had instead allowed it to happen behind a veil of secrecy.


Zambia is now at risk of walking the same dangerous path. By involving the army, the government is creating a scenario where illegal mining could persist, but without the public having any insight into who is benefiting or how much is being lost. The lack of transparency surrounding the sugilite reserves, which were recently declared depleted without proper accountability, only heightens these concerns.

Instead of restoring order, militarizing mining operations could Increase corruption: Just as in the Chiadzwa case, military personnel could exploit their presence to profit from illegal mining, extorting locals or directly participating in illicit activities.


With the military’s involvement, politically connected individuals who benefit from illegal mining could continue their activities unchecked, shielded from scrutiny.

The Zambian people are already demanding answers about the sugilite depletion. Adding a military layer of secrecy will only deepen suspicions and mistrust.


The lessons from Chiadzwa are clear militarizing mining operations does not stop illegal activities it institutionalizes them. The sudden involvement of the army often serves as a means of consolidating control over resources rather than ensuring their equitable management.

Moreover, this approach ignores the root causes of illegal mining, such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of alternative livelihoods. Chasing away artisanal miners without providing viable economic alternatives merely shifts the problem elsewhere—or allows it to fester under the radar.


The timing of this decision is deeply troubling. It comes on the heels of revelations that Zambia’s sugilite reserves—an immensely valuable resource—have mysteriously been “depleted.” To date, there has been no public explanation of how this happened, who was involved, or where the proceeds went.

Introducing the army into mining areas at this moment raises the question: is this truly about stopping illegal mining, or is it about controlling the narrative and covering up deeper issues? The government’s failure to address the sugilite controversy only fuels speculation that this militarization is less about justice and more about power.


If Zambia is to avoid repeating the mistakes of others, the government must take a different approach which is investigate and publicize the Sugilite Scandal. The public deserves full transparency about how Zambia’s sugilite reserves were managed and why they are now depleted. Without this accountability, militarizing mining operations will only deepen mistrust.

Civilian institutions, not the military, should lead the fight against illegal mining. Law enforcement, regulators, and local authorities must be empowered to act transparently and independently.


Politically connected individuals who benefit from illegal mining must face justice. The public must see that no one is above the law.

Illegal mining will persist as long as poverty and unemployment remain unaddressed. The government must invest in alternative livelihoods for mining communities.


Any military involvement must be accompanied by strict oversight and transparency. The Zambian people must be kept informed of what is happening in mining areas.

Zambia’s mineral wealth is a national treasure that belongs to all its citizens, not a select few. Deploying the army without addressing the deeper issues of corruption, accountability, and transparency risks turning this treasure into a curse.


The government must remember the lessons of the past. Militarizing mining operations is not a solution—it is a band-aid that hides the wound while allowing it to fester. The people of Zambia demand better, and they deserve better.


Justice, transparency, and fairness must guide the country’s resource management policies, not secrecy and militarization. Anything less will betray the trust of the Zambian people and squander the nation’s potential

Ephraim Shakafuswa
Member – Tonse Alliance Council of Leaders

KELVIN PHIRI NARRATES HOW THE STATE COERCED HIM TO RESTART JAY JAY BANDA CASE

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 KELVIN PHIRI NARRATES HOW THE STATE COERCED HIM TO RESTART JAY JAY BANDA CASE

….but he refused that he already forgave him for the offense that happened 9 years ago



Petauke…. Friday January 24, 2025

Socialist Party (SP) Member of the Central Committee Kelvin Phiri, who was supposed to be the main complainant in the Emmanuel Jay Banda aggr@vated r0bbery case, says he received a lot of phone calls as the State wanted to restart the matter.


Mr Phiri has narrated how senior government officials were calling him to restart the case but declined saying he already forgave the then Petauke Central Member of Parliament Hon Emmanuel Jay Jay Banda.

He wondered the State’s interest in the matter which happened nine (9) years ago and he had already forgotten about the issue.



He said this when he, SP President Dr Fred M’membe and the party candidate JULIUS MWALE featured on Pasme Radio Station in Petauke, ahead of the constituency by-election slated for 6th February, 2025.

“This case they restarted, I was directly involved. All this happened in 2015 (in Vubwi), it’s an old case. When you critically look at this matter, there are a lot of lies tied to it. I received a lot of phone calls from well known officials (in this government) whose names I can’t mention here urging me to restart the same case. But I told them that after all these years you want me to restart this case? What is your interest? Even if it means appealing against the case, it’s the complainant and not the officials who should do that,” he said.


“I asked them, if my brother Jay Jay was not an elected Member of Parliament, would you still pursue this case with the same zeal and energy? I told them that I forgave Jay Jay Banda a long time ago and further asked them why they were concerned and wanted to refresh the case. They failed to answer my questions.”


He said they (government officials) arranged transport for him from Chipata to Lusaka to meet them face to face unlike previously where they phoned him.

“Even then, I asked them… Why are you concerned when I was the one who was offended by my brother Jay Jay Banda and I already forgave him? If I take my brother to court or jail, what will it benefit me? So I told them to contact my Lawyer Dr Fred M’membe but they said Dr M’membe is a leader of a political party and not a lawyer to represent me,” he said.



Prior to the 2016 general elections, journalist Peter Sukwa and Kelvin Phiri from then Feel Free Radio were allegedly attacked by Hon Banda while on an assignment in Vubwi district.

“She came under our invitation!” -Calling a Fire Tender to Your Burning Home is an Inevitable Choice- Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba

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“She came under our invitation!” -Calling a Fire Tender to Your Burning Home is an Inevitable Choice

Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba Wrote;

The UPND Government has deep trouble explaining to the country, how a supposedly democratic and rule-of-law abiding government whose President won an election with popular mandate, is now a negative subject of numerous international human rights reports and is now under investigations for human rights abuses by the United Nations.



Their narrative is totally lost. They started with; “No it’s the Patriotic Front cadres that abused citizens and practiced violence.”

To justify this, they flooded the media with pictures of political violence and unleashed talking heads and useful idiots like Nevers Mumba to parrot the view.



Now that the narrative has failed as the United Nations holds accountable and responsible the State and its actors, such as the police, law enforcement agencies, Parliament, the Judiciary, the election body, they now have introduced a new narrative; “We invited her”, to shoMw their “innocence” or “transparency”.

How absurd!

Calling or inviting a fire tender or an ambulance to your burning home is not a patriotic act or friendly or welcoming option.

It’s an emergency. It’s a desperate act to save life or property.



We must remember that the emergency in this case, is the United Nations Report of Experts and UN’s earlier strong findings published on August 29th 2024 world-wide, that brings the presence of the Human Rights Council Special Rapporteur to Zambia;

“Zambia must immediately halt downward spiral of infringements on fundamental freedoms:” UN experts read the indictment on 29th August 2024.


The UN Independent Experts catalogued the multiple allegations of arbitrary arrests and detentions on charges of unlawful assembly, espionage, hate speech and seditious practices against opposition political party leaders and members, parliamentarians, human rights defenders and activists, as well as restrictions on gatherings, meetings, peaceful protests and rallies in Zambia.

The Special Rapporteurs requested the Government of Zambia to respond to the allegations within sixty (60) days of receipt of their communication, after which a report would be prepared by the Special Rapporteurs to the United Nations Human Rights Council.


The Government has since given a response, a feeble excuse of a report dated 4th October 2024.

So the presence in Zambia, on behalf of the United Nations independent experts, of Ms Irene Zubaida Khan, a Bangladeshi British lawyer and human rights activist who is serving as the United Nations Special Rapporteur for freedom of expression and opinion, is an emergency act to save lives and not a happy-go-lucky tourism trip.


A fire tender doesn’t come to your house at your invitation. It’s the fire that makes you call 911.
Stop the fire burning in the country.
Stop abusing human rights.
Stop harrasing political opponents.
Stop destroying the Patriotic Front with your actions at the Registrar of Societies, the Judiciary and Robert Chabinga.
Stop arrests and harrasment of the Opposition and Critics.
Allow picjets, protests, demonstrations, public meetings, political rallies. That’s how people express themselves.
Stop arresting young people expressing themselves in social-media audios and TikTok videos.


Stop abusing the Zambia Police and law enforcement agencies.
Stop the abuse of Parliament. Allow freedom of expression to thrive in Parliament.
Stop the clear abuse of the Judiciary.
Stop the abuse of the Electoral Commission of Zambia. Free and Fair is the strongest guarantor of national peace and security.
Stop the torture of suspects.
Stop the prolonged detention.
And stop those extra-judicial killings being done by the Zambia Police, the numbers have risen now look like a murder or assasin ring.

Allow Freedom to reign, Allow citizens to exercise their rights. Allow Freedom to reign.

Government recovers K28,000 social cash transfer gambled by Choma teacher

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Government recovers K28,000 social cash transfer gambled by Choma teacher

GOVERNMENT has recovered K28,000 that was misappropriated by an overzealous Choma deputy headteacher in Southern Province who saw an opportunity to enrich himself before delivering the funds to the vulnerable.


https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CWh25z34F/?mibextid=oFDknk

50 year old Sylvester Malumani gambled away the money in an online casino game called Aviator, hoping to multiply the funds.

Instead of doubling or tripling the amount as he likely imagined in his betting, the only thing he gained was a date with the police and lost the whole K28,000 to the gamblers.


Malumani was entrusted with distributing the money to 33 vulnerable beneficiaries under the Social Cash Transfer Programme.

According to police reports, the money was handed over to Malumani on January 8 by Choma District Social Welfare officer Kazembe Zyambo who was attending a workshop.



Days later, when beneficiaries began complaining of non payment, an investigation was done which uncovered Malumani’s attempt to play Aviator with the funds.

The Ministry of Community Development and Social Services has since recovered the full amount and immediately stripped Malumani of his role as Pay Point Manager.



He is now on police bond, awaiting further investigations into his misguided financial experiment.

The Ministry’s principal public relations officer  Glenda Nachinga confirmed the recovery of the money in a statement.

To avoid such embarrassing episodes in the future, the Ministry has announced plans to fully digitise cash transfer transactions to eliminate unnecessary human handling of funds which will in turn reduce fraud and ensure that every Kwacha reaches its intended recipient.


“It must be noted that the Ministry is this year accelerating the digitisation of financial transactions, which minimises human contact in handling funds and reduces the risk of mismanagement or delay in the disbursement of funds.”

“Digital platforms offer a more secure, transparent, and efficient means of disbursing resources to the rightful beneficiaries, ensuring that assistance reaches those who need it without delay or risk of mismanagement,” read the statement.


The Ministry further urged the public to remain vigilant and report any misconduct to prevent public resources from ending up in the hands of would-be gamblers or other opportunists.

By Catherine Pule

Kalemba, January 24, 2025

History and meaning of Emthenguleni

History and meaning of Emthenguleni

THE songs of the Mphezeni Angoni Nation immortalise a place called ‘Mthenguleni’. The Ingoma dancers emotionally sing about this land which is about 25 kilometers from the city of Chipata, Eastern Zambia.



https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1A95iVbT34/?mibextid=oFDknk

In fact, every last February, the buzzword among the Ngonis is Mthenguleni. So why is this so? What is eMthenguleni and why is the place a ‘sacred sanctuary’ for the Mphezeni Ngonis?


The flying hair incident and original name of eMthenguleni

To answer this question, effectively, one needs to go back in time, a time not when the Ngonis where in constant skirmishes with the Chewas of Mbangombe. But a time even before the birth of Nthuto Mphezeni in present day Mozambique where he would also be named Sabangwa.

So the story begins from the infamous flying hair incident. To recap, Zwangendaba had demanded beer from the wives of Emveyeyeni –  correct is Emveyeweni or Ekuveleleni ‘meaning place of prominence’- owing to the fact that this was the Queen Mothers village. So this was the village of the Ndwandwe sisters, MaNdlunkulu Loziwawa and Soseya.


When the beer was presented to the King, behold there was flying hair which in those days was interpreted as a sign of witchcraft.

A simple interpretation was that the wives of Emveyeyeni village wanted to kill the King. Incensed, Zwangendaba ordered that the village of Emveyeyeni and all its inhabitants be wiped out of the surface of the earth.



The execution group was led by Nduna Gwaza Thole. When they arrived in the village of Emveyeyeni, they found Queen Soseya to have been pregnant.

Thus, Gwaza instructed his men to carry out the order of the King but he spared the pregnant Soseya and hid her.

He forbade his men against telling the King what had happened. Queen Soseya was then placed in the village of Loangweni.


Gwaza returned to the King to give a report that he had carried out the task. He even gave the large portion of the cattle and other livestock from the village.

He even gave the large portion of the cattle and other livestock from the village to the King.


For three years,  Inyandezulu Zwangendaba was kept in the dark. But they say lies have short legs. Zwangendaba soon got wind of the truth. The boy and his mother were then presented to the King. Instead of being angry with Gwaza, Zwangendaba was in fact overjoyed.

He welcomed his son and the mother with joy. He even gave out a command that the village of Emveyeyeni be REBUILT and that the Nwandwe sisters and the Prince should live in it again.


This is the genesis of eMthenguleni. Whilst the ‘new village’ retained its old name, for some the village would be called EMTHENGULENI, from the verb ukuthungula, meaning to rebuild.

It is this village that was the principal village which threw all its weight on Nthuto during the succession wrangles that engulfed the Angoni nation after the death of Zwangendaba.

This was the main village that sided with Prince Sabangwa and never left his side. As this group moved, so did its head village and it never changed its name. At Matambazi, Mthenguleni was also there, at Mkoma it was still there and even at Cheronga, the village of Mthengeluni was still there.


eMthenguleni birthed a lot of villages/ empires. Soon, even King Sabangwa Mphezeni Jele left Mthenguleni and went to settle in the present day Luangeni area (Lowengweni is the correct term) where he set up his new capital. His bloodline still rules from this area at a village called, Efeni.

Today, Mphezeni’s nation has grown with a number of historically important areas and yet none can rival the village of eMthengeluni.



This place is indelible in the minds of the Nguni Nation of Mphezeni. Its a sacred village which will continue glorifying a kingdom.

The famous Ncwala ceremony takes places in the village of Mthengeluni.


Attached: Ngoni Amakhosi at the Mthenguleni arena during Incwala that is presided over by Inyandezulu Inkosi Yamakhosi Njengembaso KaKhuzwayo.

By Gumbi Kaziguda Jele

Kalemba January 24, 2025

UMG Files Motion To Dismiss Drake’s Legal Petition In Texas

Drake’s legal battle with UMG and Spotify continues. The rapper turned heads when he withdrew the legal petition he filed in New York. Then, a day later, he filed a proper lawsuit against the companies with the intention of examining their streaming data.

Drake believes UMG and Spotify colluded to boost the streaming numbers for Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” diss. The rapper filed a petition in Texas once he filed in New York. A lawsuit hasn’t been filed in the Lone Star state. UMG has, however, taken steps to try and sweep the petition under the rug.

On Friday, UMG filed a motion to dismiss Drake’s Texas petition. The motion was 144 pages, and sees the label deny any allegations of foul play. They deem Drake’s legal actions to be “retaliatory,” and ask that the petition be dismissed. UMG also requested a suspension of discovery and legal fees.

Basically, they don’t want to pay for Drake’s accusations. The documents accuse the Toronto superstar of using “strategic legal retaliation against UMG and others.” They also pointed to an “apparent effort to limit the distribution of ‘Not Like Us.'”

The motion was filed mere days before the scheduled hearing date. The hearing between UMG and the rapper’s legal team is scheduled for January 28 in Bexar County, Texas. It’s worth noting that Drake is a resident of Texas as of August 2024. The rapper shared a photo of his new ID on Instagram. The rapper was clowned for doing his duck face in the photo, but the point stood. Drake is a Texas resident, and he has been praising the Lone Star State in his music his entire career. One of his breakout songs is called ‘Houstatlantavegas.”

It’s also worth noting that Drake is currently suing UMG. There’s no love lost between these two entities. UMG was recently granted a 34 to respond to the rapper’s defamation lawsuit. The extension was given due to the wildfires that broke out in Los Angeles. “We request this extension,” said UMG lawyer Nicholas Crowley. “Because wildfires in Los Angeles have greatly impacted [the] defendant’s executive and legal teams.” The case is slated to resume on March 17.

Oprah Winfrey reveals how weight-loss drug helped her realize the truth about ‘thin people’

Oprah Winfrey has revealed that taking weight-loss medications helped her understand the truth about “thin people” and challenged her initial beliefs on the subject.

Back in 2023, the 70-year-old media mogul admitted to using an undisclosed GLP-1 medication—commonly prescribed for type 2 diabetes yet also effective for losing weight, to shed close to 50 pounds after decades of yo-yo dieting.

Oprah’s admission came as a surprise to many fans, as she had previously criticized the use of such drugs, and even labelled them an “easy way out.”

Oprah is now nearing her goal weight of 160 pounds (72 kg) and chose to open up about her experience with GLP-1 medications and what it taught her about weight and willpower.

In a recent episode of her podcast, the 70-year-old spoke with Dr. Ania Jastreboff about the function and safety of these drugs, and it changed her perspective on the matter.

“One of the things that I realized the very first time I took a GLP-1 was that all these years I thought that thin people had more willpower,” Winfrey said. “They ate better foods. They were able to stick to it longer. They never had a potato chip.”

However, after she began the medication, Winfrey says what she had perceived as “willpower” was actually an absence of intrusive hunger thoughts, in what people often call “food noise.”

GLP-1 medications, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, can reduce cravings and slow digestion and help to eliminate these constant urges to eat.

“They’re eating when they’re hungry and they’re stopping when they’re full,” Winfrey said. “It doesn’t work that way if you struggle with obesity, which is a disease.”

Winfrey also reflected on her past experiences with weight and how she managed to deal with public scrutiny.

“Every week, I was exploited by the tabloids. Anytime any comedian wanted to make a joke about it, they would make a joke about it. And I accepted it because I thought I deserved it,” she said. “Now I realize my size did not make me ‘less than’ others, and I didn’t deserve that treatment.”

Although she initially denied using weight-loss drugs, Winfrey publicly acknowledged that she was on a GLP-1 medication in December 2023.

Oprah Winfrey shared that it helped her avoid a significant amount of weight gain during the holiday season, and credited the drug for only causing her to gain half a pound rather than eight.

She also went on to emphasize that her fitness routine in regular hikes and the WeightWatchers program has been key to her health success.

“I had an awareness of [weight-loss] medications, but I felt I had to prove I had the willpower to do it. I now no longer feel that way”, Oprah said.

1,772 Black South African servicemen who died in WWI finally honored

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After more than a century of neglect, 1,772 Black South African servicemen who died in World War I have finally been honored with a memorial in Cape Town.

These men, members of the Cape Town Labor Corps, served in non-combat roles on the Allied side, transporting supplies and building infrastructure in the African theater of the war. Racial discrimination during British colonial rule and South Africa’s apartheid regime denied them recognition for their sacrifice.

The memorial, located in Cape Town’s oldest public garden, features their names engraved on upright African hardwood poles, symbolically reaching for the sun. An inscription on a granite block reads: “Your legacies are preserved here.”

Denied the right to bear arms because of their race, these servicemen were confined to support roles in battles across former German colonies in Africa, including present-day Namibia, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi. Despite making the ultimate sacrifice, their contributions were erased from history until researchers unearthed evidence of their service a decade ago.

On Wednesday, Britain’s Princess Anne, president of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC), inaugurated the memorial, AP reported. The CWGC, which built the tribute, said the project was aimed at correcting a historical injustice.

“It ensures the names and stories of those who died will echo in history for future generations,” Princess Anne said during the ceremony. Her speech was followed by a lone soldier playing “The Last Post,” commemorating the servicemen 106 years after the end of World War I.

While South Africa has long commemorated its white soldiers in war memorials, the contributions of Black servicemen had been overlooked for decades.

David McDonald, the CWGC’s operational manager for South Africa, explained that the discovery of army documents revealed the identities of more than 1,700 Black servicemen. The commission also traced the families of six of the deceased, and four of those families attended the ceremony.

Elliot Malunga Delihlazo, whose great-grandfather Bhesengile was among those honored, expressed his family’s emotional reaction: “It made us very proud. It made us very happy. Although it pains us that we can’t find the remains, at last, we know he died in 1917. Now, the family knows. Now, at last, we know.”

Drugs were slipped into my drink – Lamar Odom opens up about his 2015 near-death experience

Lamar Odom, the former NBA star, has opened up about his brush with death during a candid appearance on The Kyle & Jackie O Show.

Reflecting on his 2015 overdose, Odom, now 45, shared the hazy memories he has of the ordeal and how his battle with addiction—and one fateful drink—brought him to the brink before his journey to recovery began, according to PEOPLE.

“I do remember, but I don’t really remember because I was in a coma,” he began. “I remember being upset that I didn’t have any cocaine to take to the brothel. I had just signed the divorce papers and I thought I was just gonna go all the way in,” he said, referring to his split from ex-wife Khloé Kardashian.

Odom explained that he put a certain amount of money onto his credit card, hoping to “keep this a secret.” He recalled “having a drink and then waking up three days later with it all over the news.”

Odom revealed that while he hadn’t taken drugs himself, hospital staff informed him that drugs were found in his system when he regained consciousness after his overdose.

“I don’t know what they were able to slip into my drink or what,” he added. “When I woke up, I couldn’t walk or talk. So it took you know, it took some months of rehabilitation and a lot of prayers, a lot of determination.”

“Now my mission is probably to help people who have the same problem who couldn’t help themselves be able to understand addiction and understand that it’s a brain disease,” he said. “It’s important for people to really understand and educate themselves.”

Jackie O questioned Odom on whether he viewed his near-fatal overdose as a chance for personal growth.

“Yeah,” he replied. “You have nothing to do after you beat your death.”

On October 13, 2015, Odom was hospitalized after being found unconscious in a Nevada brothel with cocaine and opiates in his system. Kardashian stayed by his side throughout his four-day coma. Reflecting on the incident years ago, the former Lakers star acknowledged how fortunate he was to have survived.

“All my doctors that see me say I’m a walking miracle. I had 12 strokes and six heart attacks when I was in a coma,” he said during an interview with Kevin Hart in 2018. “Every day, I’m alive. It’s much better than the alternative.”

Nigerian DJ Big N Shot in South Africa During Armed Hijacking

Nigerian DJ Big N Shot in South Africa During Armed Hijacking Incident

Famed Nigerian disc jockey Nonso Temisan Ajufo, popularly known as DJ Big N, has survived a harrowing hijacking incident in Johannesburg that left him injured and deeply shaken.

The DJ, best known for his hit How Many Times, recounted the near-fatal experience during his visit to South Africa.

Ambushed at Gunpoint
The incident occurred after DJ Big N spent a Sunday night socializing with friends at a Johannesburg lounge. He decided to head to another club with an acquaintance when tragedy struck.

“On the way, at a traffic light, we were ambushed by two cars carrying six armed men with automatic rifles,” he shared.

In the chaos, DJ Big N attempted to escape but was shot in the leg.

“One of the robbers put the gun to my head and demanded my watch, which I struggled to remove, along with my chain and other jewelry,” he added.

Miraculous Survival
Bleeding profusely from the gunshot wound, DJ Big N managed to get back into the car, and the driver rushed him to the nearest hospital. Doctors described his survival as miraculous, noting that the bullet narrowly missed a major artery and bone.

“The doctors called me ‘lucky.’ I credit my survival to divine intervention and my mother’s prayers,” DJ Big N said

A Life-Changing Experience
The traumatic event left the DJ reflecting deeply on his life.

“I lost a lot of valuables that day, but I realize material possessions mean nothing. Life is fragile, and validation is meaningless,” he said.

The experience has inspired him to live more authentically and appreciate life without undue stress.

Despite the ordeal, DJ Big N expressed his admiration for South Africa, stating,

“I met so many wonderful people and visited beautiful places. Like any other country, there are bad eggs that paint the nation badly.”

PRESIDENT HICHILEMA’S  ATTACK ON THE UNITED NATIONS DELEGATION CONSTITUTE  AN ALARMING ATTEMPT TO INTIMIDATE AND MANIPULATE THE RIGHTS ABUSE INVESTIGATIVE PROCESS – Kasonde Mwenda

Urgent PRESS STATEMENT

PRESIDENT HICHILEMA’S  ATTACK ON THE UNITED NATIONS DELEGATION CONSTITUTE  AN ALARMING ATTEMPT TO INTIMIDATE AND MANIPULATE THE RIGHTS ABUSE INVESTIGATIVE PROCESS – Kasonde Mwenda C-EFF President



JANUARY 24, 2025

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) strongly condemns yesterday’s remarks by President Hakainde Hichilema directed at the United Nations delegation investigating Zambia’s adherence to international standards of freedom of expression. The comments, made during the Presidential Annual Greetings for Members of the Diplomatic Corps on January 23, 2025, are not only unwarranted but constitute an alarming attempt to intimidate and manipulate the investigative process.


President Hichilema’s claims that the UN delegation is “misunderstanding the situation” and his directive for the UN system to focus on “early warning measures” reveal a clear intent to undermine the delegation’s independence and credibility. These remarks, cloaked as concern, are nothing more than a thinly veiled attempt to deflect scrutiny from the numerous allegations of human rights abuses that have plagued his administration since he assumed office in 2021.


*A DISTURBING PATTERN OF MANIPULATION*

President Hichilema’s administration has consistently exhibited a disturbing pattern of interfering in serious matters of governance, justice, and human rights. His repeated habit of commenting on matters before the courts, as seen in the controversial eligibility case of his predecessor Edgar Lungu, undermines judicial independence and the rule of law.


Now, he has extended this interference to the UN delegation, led by the highly esteemed Irene Khan, an internationally recognized advocate for human rights and social justice. Such actions raise serious concerns about the sincerity of this administration’s commitment to upholding democratic principles and respecting international standards of governance.



A GOVERNMENT IN DENIAL OF HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS

President Hichilema’s assertion that “the fight against corruption is not equivalent to the loss of human rights” is a blatant attempt to trivialize and dismiss genuine concerns about the erosion of freedoms in Zambia. While the fight against corruption is important, it must never serve as a pretext for stifling dissent, silencing journalists, or infringing on the rights of Zambians to express themselves freely.


The UN delegation’s mission is clear: to evaluate Zambia’s adherence to international standards concerning freedom of opinion and expression. This includes examining media freedom, the safety of journalists, and the legal frameworks governing expression. President Hichilema’s unwarranted criticisms and attempts to dictate the terms of their investigation only serve to validate concerns about the state of human rights under his watch.


*EFF DEMANDS ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY*

The Economic Freedom Fighters demand the following from President Hichilema and his government:

1. An Immediate Apology to the UN delegation for the inappropriate and undermining remarks made during the Diplomatic Corps event.



2. Unfettered Access for the UN delegation to carry out their investigations without interference, intimidation, or influence from the government.

3. A Commitment to International Standards by implementing the recommendations that will emerge from the delegation’s report to the UN Human Rights Council.



The Zambian people deserve a government that prioritizes their rights and freedoms over public relations exercises and manipulative rhetoric. President Hichilema must remember that he is a steward of democracy, not an autocrat.


The EFF stands in solidarity with the Zambian people and the international community in holding this administration accountable for its actions. We will not allow the principles of freedom and justice to be eroded under the guise of governance.

Wherever we want to go our feet will take us there.

SIGNED:
Kasonde Mwenda C
President
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF)

KBF’S ZAMBIA MUST PROSPER JOINS TONSE

Congratulations to Zambia Must Prosper National Crusade Team and President Kelvin Fube Bwalya (KBF) on Their Decision to Join the Opposition Tonse Alliance

On January 22, 2025, the Zambia Must Prosper Party’s National Executive Committee, known as the National Crusade Team, convened and unanimously voted to join the opposition Tonse Alliance. This decision followed careful deliberations, weighing the pros and cons, with the goal of addressing the serious challenges facing Zambia.

*The Importance of Unity in Freeing Zambia from the Shackles of Poverty and Misrule*

A central consideration for the Zambia Must Prosper Party was the immense suffering experienced by the Zambian people under the current New Dawn Administration. Citizens are enduring widespread poverty, human rights abuses, tribalism, regionalism, hunger, high costs of living, electoral malpractice, and the persecution of opposition leaders, alongside an impartial justice system. These issues drove the National Crusaders to set aside their personal interests and join the Tonse Alliance in the fight to defend Zambia’s democratic values, which are under threat due to UPND’s mismanagement.

*Setting Aside Party Interests for the Greater Good*

President Kelvin Fube Bwalya (KBF) and his National Advisory Team recognize the importance of opposition unity at this critical juncture. The decision to join forces with other well-meaning opposition parties is a testament to their selflessness. The Zambia Must Prosper Party, one of the fastest-growing opposition forces in the country, is leading by example in prioritizing Zambia’s future over individual party interests. Their commitment to defending democracy and protecting the national economy from further damage by the UPND government is commendable.

*Why All Opposition Parties Should Unite Under One Umbrella to Defeat UPND*

The UPND government has made it clear that its primary goal is not to develop Zambia but to undermine democracy, silence opposition, and maintain power indefinitely. They have resorted to targeting opposition parties, using state institutions such as the police, courts, the National Assembly, and the Electoral Commission of Zambia to crush dissent. UPND has politicized key governance institutions and the Human Rights Commission, making it nearly impossible for any political party to function. For this reason, it is critical for opposition parties to set aside their egos, unite, and first focus on defeating UPND. If left unchecked, UPND will continue to destroy national unity, and there will be no democracy or economy left to save after 2026.

*A Call for Unity Among Opposition Parties*

To unseat the authoritarian UPND, opposition parties must put aside their differences and follow the example set by the Zambia Must Prosper Party by joining forces with others in the Tonse Alliance. If opposition parties fail to unite, UPND will have an easy victory in the 2026 elections, as seen in recent by-elections where opposition vote-splitting led to UPND victories. It would be better to be led by a united opposition alliance than to continue under UPND’s rule. It is essential that UKA and Tonse Alliance members reconcile and unite. Leaders like Mr. Kasonde Mwenda, Dr. Fred M’membe, and others should also consider joining the alliance.

*Imagining a Government Led by United Opposition Leaders*

A government formed by all opposition parties in unity would be the best way forward for Zambia, given the diverse knowledge and experience of the leaders involved. A coalition government would offer fresh perspectives and solutions to the country’s challenges.

*A Call for Tonse to Extend Invitations to Other Opposition Parties*

Just as the Tonse Alliance extended an invitation to Zambia Must Prosper Party, it is crucial that the same gesture be offered to other opposition parties, including the Socialist Party, EFF, and MMD factions who disagree with Nevers Mumba. This inclusive approach will ensure Zambians are not confused about who to vote for in 2026, and will present a united, formidable opposition to challenge UPND.

*Zambians Are Ready for Change in 2026*

Zambians have made it clear that they want to vote out UPND and President Hakainde Hichilema in 2026. Citizens are asking opposition parties to unite under a credible candidate. Once the opposition selects a strong and reliable leader, defeating UPND will be achievable.

*Beware of UPND’s Efforts to Divide the Opposition*

Opposition parties should be wary of UPND-sponsored propaganda designed to sow division. While opposition parties work to form alliances, UPND continues to discourage opposition leaders from uniting, particularly against the backdrop of their campaign to discredit former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu. UPND’s strategy is to prevent opposition unity and to disqualify Lungu from contesting the 2026 elections, but they cannot erase his experience and popularity among the people.

*The Role of Former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu in Opposition Unity*

Despite UPND’s attempts to disqualify former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu from the 2026 race, his experience and popularity among the suffering masses make him a valuable asset to the opposition. Lungu is well-placed to help unite the opposition against UPND and contribute to the defeat of the New Dawn government.

*Conclusion*

Once again, congratulations to President Kelvin Fube Bwalya (KBF) and his team for their decision to join the Tonse Alliance in the fight to save Zambia from UPND’s destructive policies. Congratulations also to former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu for remaining steadfast in the face of the oppressive UPND regime. Finally, congratulations to all opposition parties for surviving the challenges imposed by UPND and to the Zambian people who continue to hope for change in 2026. The time for unity and action is now.

K – CIRCLES
23.01.2025

IGNORE THESE FRAUDULENT, DECEPTIVE, USELESS POLLS- Fred M’membe

IGNORE THESE FRAUDULENT, DECEPTIVE, USELESS POLLS



As the August 2026 elections are approaching, we will start to witness a deluge of polls. There’s  desperation for those losing popularity to try to choke up their standing and suppress  that of their key competitors. They will even try to boost the standing of political nothings to undermine the standing of their real competitors. This is what is happening with these polls you are seeing. They are nothing but a fraud, a lie. It’s all rubbish and not worth participating in or paying attention to.

It’s important to be aware that many of these, particularly online, might be influenced by automated bots.



These bots are programmed to sway public opinion on various topics or political candidates and are prevalent on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Discord, Reddit, and others. Their results are often picked up and circulated by news organisations, amplifying their impact.


With advancements in AI, poll bots are increasingly able to replicate human voting behaviours, making them more challenging to detect. Understanding poll bots is crucial for maintaining an informed perspective in the face of potential manipulation in online polls and surveys.



What is a poll bot?
A “poll bot” is a software programme or bot designed to automatically participate in online polls. These bots can be programmed to cast votes repeatedly in an online poll, usually to sway the results in favour of a particular option. Poll bots are often used in situations where the outcome of an online poll is seen as significant or beneficial to certain groups or individuals.


They can skew the results of a poll, making it unreliable as a measure of genuine public opinion or preference. In some cases, their use can also be illegal, especially if they are used to manipulate public opinion or for fraudulent purposes.


The technology behind these bots can vary, but they typically operate by simulating human interactions with a website, such as clicking on a specific option or filling out a form. Advanced poll bots might use techniques to bypass security measures like CAPTCHAs or IP address checks, which are designed to prevent automated voting.


To make multiple votes possible, poll bots often employ tactics to bypass common online poll security measures. These measures might include CAPTCHA tests, which are designed to distinguish between humans and bots, or systems that track IP addresses to limit the number of votes per user. Advanced poll bots might use optical character recognition to solve CAPTCHAs, or they might employ a network of proxy servers or VPNs to mask and change their IP addresses, allowing them to vote repeatedly without being detected.


In some cases, poll bots are part of larger networks called botnets, which use many computers to generate a high volume of votes. This scalability makes them particularly effective at swaying poll results.

Ignore these useless, rubbish, and fraudulent polls.

Fred M’membe
President of the Socialist Party

IT WAS TRIBALISM INTERNATIONAL UNDER PF – Elias Munhsya

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IT WAS TRIBALISM INTERNATIONAL UNDER PF – MUNSHYA

Elias Munhsya has dismissed the opposition PF assertions that President Hakainde Hichilema is assembling a tribal government.


The PF has gone to town calling out the Hichilema administration of being tribal. They have published names of people appointed in government departments and those promoted saying they hail from Southern and Western provinces.


But Munshya who serves as Zambia High Commissioner to Australia and hails from Luapula Province has described the tribalism under PF as international. He said what PF assembled was like a family saying President Hakainde Hichilema has done extremely well.


He said this in an article below seen by Zambian Eye in reaction to the published names of appointed and promoted Civil Servants:

Let’s address this tribalism talk, bane, because it’s getting out of hand. Ati New Dawn Administration is tribalist? Iyo, ba PF! You’re accusing the New Dawn of something that looks like it was patented during your time in power. Some of these accusations are so funny, they belong to the king’s best expression “lekefyo” on stage at a comedy night.


But anyway, duty calls, so let’s set the record straight.

First things first, President Hakainde Hichilema’s cabinet is so balanced it could win a “Most Inclusive Team” award. Honestly, if this cabinet were a plate of nshima, it would have just the right ratio of meat, vegetables, and supu. But PF wants to pretend they don’t see it. It’s so balanced that even people who are allergic to facts would struggle to deny it.


Now, let’s talk about the diplomatic corps. Ama PF bloggers, why are you cherry-picking names like you’re harvesting kandolo? Ati, “Oh, look, southern and western names!” Meanwhile, you’re ignoring all of us from Luapula, Muchinga, Eastern, and Northern who also represent Zambia on the world stage. Come on, be serious. This government has people from everywhere, but you just want to see what fits your narrative.


And let’s not forget where we’re coming from. Ba PF, why were your appointments looking like a family gathering? It was “tribalism international,” and now you want to point fingers? Awe sure, it’s like someone who burnt the nshima now blaming umwinko.

Just admit that this New Dawn Administration has set a new standard and move on.



The funniest part is when PF claims they’re the ones who can recognize tribalism. Aha! These are the same people who used to hold press conferences with photos and Facebook posts of southern-sounding names while conveniently ignoring everyone else. Why? Because it’s easier to lie than to face facts. Ba PF, let’s not pretend you didn’t specialise in picking and choosing for your propaganda.


My fellow Zambians, ignore these lies. These accusations are just noise from people who are trying to stay relevant. The truth is, this government is working hard, and tribalism isn’t even on the agenda. President Hakainde Hichilema has built a team that looks like Zambia. We’re moving forward together, not backwards with divisive politics.


Ba PF, a little advice: instead of making noise, try contributing something constructive. And if you can’t, just sit quietly.

For now, I’m busy working for this diverse, beautiful Zambia. So, I leave you with this: let’s keep moving forward as one. Those who want to talk, let them talk, but the rest of us? We’ll just focus on development.

Twatotela nga nanshi!

WE REALLY MISS THE “WIDER” DEMOCRAIC SPACE WE ENJOYED UNDER PF – Dr Nevers Mumba Mocks PF

Movement For Multi-party Democracy (MMD) President Dr Nevers Sekwila Mumba writes ✍️

HE IS CALLED A DICTATOR TODAY BECAUSE HE SENT BA YUYI WITH A GRINDER TO OPEN THEIR GATE AND ASK THEM TO ANSWER SOME QUESTIONS AT THE POLICE STATION AND EVEN GET POLICE BOND.THIS IS THE SAME MAN THEY SMOKED OUT USING A FULL BLOWN MILITARY AND WAR STRATEGY IN THEIR TIME AND SENT HIM ON A PATH TO THE DEATH PENALTY.


————————————————————————————
In a heart-stopping, chaotic night, then opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema’s home was under siege by police officers clad in riot gear. The air was thick with the acrid smell of tear gas as canisters rained down, shattering the calm.



Doors were being brutally broken down, and anyone daring to defend him was met with vicious assaults. Even the UPND youths who stood vigil through out were not spared. The sound of shattering glass and screams still echoes through the memories of that fateful night.



As the events unfolded, I can still rember myself shaking as I sent through a desperate cry for help on my facebook page : “Please help, HH’s house under attack.” The fear was palpable, the uncertainty suffocating. UPND supporters, including Mubita Nawa, and Honourable Gary Nkombo among others endured unimaginable beatings and torture, their bodies and spirits broken but not their resolve.


Women’s voices, laced with worry and fear, cried out for HH’s safety as Moreland more, his life hung in the balance. Only the newly built home’s safety features proved to be his guardian angel, shielding him from the chaos.



Around 03 in the morning, after withstanding a total onslaught, and in a stunning turn of events, HH voluntarily surrendered, putting an end to the ordeal for his staff and family members,  But little did he know, the night would only get darker. He was arrested and slapped with the death penalty carrying charge of treason, leaving the nation in tears, before an entire world in shock.


At that time, they were sure they broken him completely and finished his internal resolve.



WE REALLY MISS THE “WIDER” DEMOCRAIC SPACE WE ENJOYED UNDER THEM. ALA BA PF, LESA ALEMIPALA….

PRIVATE SECTOR LED ECONOMIC PROJECTS BEING ACTUALISED UNDER THE NEW DAWN GOVERNMENT – Alexander Nkosi

PRIVATE SECTOR LED ECONOMIC PROJECTS BEING ACTUALISED UNDER THE NEW DAWN GOVERNMENT

By Alexander Nkosi

The strategy is to increase production, grow the economy, increase exports earnings, strengthen the domestic currency, bring down inflation and create jobs and economic opportunities for our people. Below is a list of private sector economic projects were actualisation has commenced:



✅MINING
1. Mimbula Minerals – $200m
2. Huan Yu Mining – $11m
3. FQM Trident – $2.25b
4. KCM – $312.9m
5. KoBold – $250m
6. Mopani -$220m
7. Luanshya Copper Mines- $76m
8. Lubambe Copper Mine- $75m
9. Zambia Gold Tiger- $200,000


10. Zejun Investment Ltd – $3.5m
11. Mkushi Kashime copper project- $200m
12. Kasamba open cast mine- $200m
13. NFCA Mine Chambishi- $500m
14. Barrick Lumwana- $2b
15. Kalengwa Mine- $20m
16. Kitumba Mine- $600m
17. Kasenseli Gold Mine- $10.6m



✅MANUFACTURING
18. Unified Chemicals – $228m
19. Wintop Industry- $15m
20. Tuff Boards Limited – $906m
21. United Capital Fertilizer- $600m
22. Shape It Adhesives- $403m
23. PDV Metals Limited – $130m
24. African Feeds Limited- $98m
25. Wilmar Industries Limited- $81.7m
26. Solar Explochem Zambia- $27m
27. Sacoza Industrial Limited- $5m


28. Boxpack Zambia Limited- $985,236
29. Chilanga Cement Expansion- $20m
30. Crown Millers Expansion- $6.7m
31. Badiye Expansion- $1m
32. Pipe Masters Expansion- $1m
33. Tianyu Expansion- $500,000
34. Jewel of Africa Expansion- $1.6m
35. Java Foods Expansion- $275,000
36. Sunbird Bioenergy Expansion- $110m
37. Kuma Investment Expansion- $6.9m


38. Metalloy Expansion- $5.9m
39. Elsewedy Electric Expansion- $4.2m
40. Zambia Breweries Expansion- $4.1m
41. Zen Industries Expansion- $500,000
42. Gold Snacks Expansion- $250,000
43. AirumiNew Energy Plant- $600m
44. Zamtrans Electrical Limited – $7m



✅AGRICULTURE
45. CAMCO Demonstration Farm- $6m
46. Leopards Investment- $2m
47. Ross Breeders Expansion- $25m
48. Nyamanza Farming Expansion- $1.7m
49. Zambeef Mpongwe Expansion- $100m
50. Zambia Farm to Market Compact – $491m


✅ENERGY
51. Falcon Gas Zambia Limited- $1.5m
52. Vivo Energy Zambia Limited- $40m
53. Star Energy Expansion- $6.2m
54. Wendit Group 50 MW solar project
55. Virunga Power Holdings 16.8MW Chipili and 6MW Chilongo hydropower project
56. IIB-DG Genniz Engineering Ltd 175MW waste to energy power project 
57. B&W Consulting Ltd 25MW hydro and solar hybrid power project  
58. Synergy Contracting Zambia Ltd 18.3MW hydroelectric project 
59. Texxon Energy Ltd 30MW Wamba hydroelectric power project
60. Chamana 72MW Coal Fired power project


61. Sevenyrds Energy Ltd 50MW solar PV power project  
62. MSR Power Solutions 250MW Maposa solar PV power project
63. Atlantic Commodities Ltd 12MW Kapamba hydroelectric power project – $37.9m
64. Ultra Green Corporation Zambia Ltd 300MW solar PV power project – $336m
65. Upepo Energy Zambia Limited 150MW solar and wind ~ $200m
66. Mphepo Power Ltd 200MW Unika I Wind power project – $350m


67. Western Solar Company Ltd 25MW Ilute solar PV power project -$8m
68. Phase II 300MW Maamba Coal Fired power project – $400m
69. Western Power Company Ltd 180MW Ngonye Fall hydroelectric power project -$100m
70. Zesco 100MW Chisamba solar project – $102m


✅TRANSPORT AND CONSTRUCTION
71. Ballore Transport and Logistics- $170m
72. Nimble Resources Ltd Expansion – $1.5m
73. Golden King Investment Expansion- $1m
74. Shire Motors Ltd Expansion- $1m
75. Eastchl Transport Expansion- $600,000
76. Mansur Investment Expansion- $300,000
77. Songwe Transport Ltd – $33.1m
78. Tyche Global Logistics Ltd – $7m
79. MOIC-LN: Lusaka – Ndola dual carriageway – $650m


80. Sandstone Consortium Limited: Construction of 85 Km of the Lumwana to Kambimba Road and Boarder Post- $118.9m
81. Lutembwe Consulting Company: Re-construction of 55 Km Katete to Chanida Road and Border Infrastructure- $79.8m
82. Jaswin Ports Limited: Sakania Border Post and Ndola to Mufulira Road – $76.1m
83  Turbo Ka-Chin Investment Consortium: Chingola to Kasumbalesa Road -$31.4m
84. Baroste Highway Limited (BHL): Mutanda to Kaoma Road – $326.4m
85. Borderway Capital Investments: Solwezi to Kipushi Road and Border Post- $145.3m


86. Jasworld Ports Limited: Mufulira to Mokambo Road and Boarder Post- $56.7m
87. Turbo-Kachin Consortium Ltd – $39m
88. Unik Construction Engineering- $5m

✅SERVICES
89. Victoria Drilling and Exploration – $250,000
90. JV Chantete Earthworks Ltd – $11m
91. Barloworld Equipment Ltd – $54m
92. Don Feng Motors Zambia Ltd – $1m



✅REAL ESTATE
93. Springbuck Inc – $10m

✅TOURISM
94. Pamodzi Hotel PLC – $16m
95. Protea Hotel Zambia Ltd – $67m
96. Best Western Plus Hotel- $2m

✅ICT
97. IHS Zambia Ltd – $336.2m

Thank you

#alexandernkosi2025

The Injustice Against Mumbi Phiri, Jean Chisenga, and Celestine Mukandila Must Not Be Buried-  Tonse Alliance

The Injustice Against Mumbi Phiri, Jean Chisenga, and Celestine Mukandila Must Not Be Buried

The appalling treatment of Hon Mumbi Phiri, Hon Jean Chisenga, and Lawyer Celestine Mukandila has revealed the depth of systemic rot within our justice system—a rot that seems to have flourished under the quiet nod of the executive. Their arrests were not mere accidents or procedural errors; they were deliberate acts of political persecution. These actions were calculated to serve as distractions, conveniently shifting the national conversation away from the alleged theft of an election in Kawambwa.


This is not justice. This is tyranny disguised in the clothing of democracy. And we must not allow it to stand.

While the police and National Prosecution Authority (NPA) are at the center of this scandal, we cannot ignore the larger, more uncomfortable truth: such brazen abuses of power do not occur in isolation. These institutions do not act independently when politically sensitive cases arise. Their actions—or inactions—are often dictated by higher powers. It is time for the executive to answer one critical question: who orchestrated this?



Mumbi Phiri’s detention, along with that of Jean Chisenga and Celestine Mukandila, was not the result of a simple “failure to do the work,” as the police would have us believe. It was a deliberate misuse of power, enabled by those who stand to benefit from silencing dissent and diverting public attention. The executive’s silence on this matter is deafening, and its refusal to condemn or take action against these injustices reeks of complicity.



The Zambian people will not be placated by weak apologies or vague statements. We demand real action and accountability. Anything less will confirm what many already suspect: that our institutions are no longer protectors of the people but tools for the powerful.



We demand a full and independent investigation into the circumstances that led to the arrests of Mumbi Phiri, Jean Chisenga, and Celestine Mukandila. This investigation must uncover the political forces behind these fabricated charges.


Those who falsified charges, those who carried out the unlawful arrests, and those who gave the orders must all face the full force of the law—regardless of their position or political connections.

The UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights, currently in Zambia, must meet with the NPA and police leadership to demand answers. The Rapporteur should also seek an audience with the executive to understand why such abuses are allowed to persist in a democratic country.


The findings of any investigation must be shared openly with the Zambian people. No more secrecy, no more backroom deals. The people have a right to know the truth.

Mumbi Phiri, Jean Chisenga, and Celestine Mukandila deserve full restitution for the harm inflicted upon them. Their reputations, freedoms, and rights were stolen in the name of political expediency.


Let us be clear: the people of Zambia are watching. The executive’s inaction or indifference to these injustices will be interpreted as tacit approval of such abuses. While the police and NPA may execute the orders, the ultimate responsibility lies with those at the top. History will judge this government not by the rhetoric of reform but by its willingness to protect the innocent and punish the guilty—no matter their rank or affiliation.


The injustice against these three individuals is a symptom of a much larger disease. The justice system has been weaponized, and the checks and balances meant to protect citizens from such abuses have been eroded. The executive must take ownership of this reality and act decisively to restore public trust in these institutions.

Failing to address this issue will only deepen the cracks in Zambia’s democracy. It will embolden those who seek to manipulate the system for personal or political gain and silence those who dare to speak out against injustice.


Zambia is not a dictatorship; it is a democracy. The people will not be silenced, and they will not forget. The executive must decide whether it will stand on the side of justice or continue to enable those who abuse power for political convenience.



Justice for Mumbi Phiri, Jean Chisenga, and Celestine Mukandila is not optional—it is a litmus test for the soul of this nation. Will the executive rise to the occasion, or will it hide behind silence while Zambia’s democracy is eroded piece by piece?



We demand answers. We demand action. And we will not stop until justice prevails.

Ephraim Shakafuswa
Member – Tonse Alliance Council of Leaders

ZISC General Insurance gets new director general

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ZISC General Insurance gets new director general

A MAN with over 20 years experience in insurance management has been appointed as director general for the government owned insurance company ZISC General Insurance.



https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18tyBzPZ6w/?mibextid=oFDknk

Trevor Jengajenga’s appointment was effective Monday, January 20, 2025, as communicated by the Board of Directors of the Insurance company.



Jengajenga was until his appointment, the CEO of his own insurance broking firm called Westfield Risk Services Limited which he is said to have founded in 2021.

He comes with over 20 years experience in the insurance industry in which he dedicated the first 12 years of his career to the international financial risk mitigation firm, Aon, where he rose to the role of Divisional Manager in Retail Brokerage and Business Development.



The new director general holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from DPU Pune in India, a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Lusaka and a Diploma in Accounting Technicians.

He is also an Associate of the Chartered Insurance Institute (ACII) of the United Kingdom and a Fellow of the Insurance Institute of Zambia (FIIZA).



Jengajenga also subsequently established Phoenix of Zambia Assurance Company Ltd as a Greenfield operation in 2010 where he served for 10 years as Chief Executive Officer.

He is also the past Vice President of the Insurers Association of Zambia and past Vice
Chairman of the Zambia Pension and Insurance College Trust.



ZSIC General Insurance Board Chairperson David Matongo revealed that the Board is optimistic that Jengajenga will deliver to expectations and ensure that ZSIC GI remains a profitable member of the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) Group of Companies.



“As a Board, we trust that Mr. Jengajenga will ensure that ZSIC General Insurance remains a
profitable member of the IDC Group. We are certain he will lead the company in fulfilling
objectives set in the 2024 to 2026 Strategic Business Plan.”



“We are also keen to see ZSIC
General Insurance grow its market share under the leadership of the newly appointed
Managing Director,” said Matongo.


This is according to a statement issued by ZISC General Insurance Limited communications officer Pennipher Sikainda.

By Catherine Pule

Kalemba, January 23, 2025

Kanye West Credits Daughter For Helping Him Return To Music

Top star Kanye West has credited his daughter North West as a motivating factor in his decision to start making music again.

He made an Instagram post early this week, praising his daughter for the positive impact.

“This little girl made me love music again…She asked me to make beats for her I got back on the ASR chopped up beats for her album and chopped every beats with my bare hand for [the album] Bully,” he wrote.

North West was featured on Kanye’s Vultures 1 record and also appeared in some music videos, and previously announced her debut album, Elementary School Dropout.

Last year, Kanye West featured his children, North and Chicago, in the music video for his song titled Bomb. The visuals for the song arrived on Thursday, November 28, 2024, and were part of his new Vultures 2 album.

In the music video, the eldest daughter North and third-born Chicago appeared in open-wheel vehicles used for racing as they were chased around the desert by giant monsters.

In September 2024, the award-winning artiste settled a complaint of battery filed against him by a photographer, who claimed he had been humiliated over the singer’s autograph.

An autograph dealer was said to have waited outside a Los Angeles warehouse, expecting the singer to emerge so he could get a signature. However, the complainant, named Justin Poplawski, later alleged that Kanye exited the warehouse, hurled profane language, and threatened him to leave.

The photographer alleged that he asked the See Me Now artist to apologize, but he refused, leaving him “confused” as he [Justin] has always gotten autographs from the musician on previous occasions.

For this reason, Justin reportedly sued Kanye. He alleged that he was left with medical bills and emotional trauma as a result of that encounter. Both parties said they settled their differences amicably.

Prior to the resolution, Kanye had maintained that he did no wrong but only acted to protect himself. His lawyers at the time also defended his actions.

Wife Faces Jail for Snooping on Husband’s WhatsApp Messages – 3 Years In Prison

Viewing Husband’s WhatsApp Messages Lands Woman in Court – Faces 3 Years in Prison

In a case that’s shaking eSwatini, a woman is facing up to three years behind bars for allegedly snooping on her husband’s WhatsApp messages. Dumsile Dludlu, accused of accessing her husband’s account without his consent, has become the latest person to fall foul of the country’s strict Computer Crime and Cybercrime Act of 2022.

The Act, which has sparked heated debates since its introduction, makes it illegal to access any part of a computer system without justification. For those who breach security measures, penalties can reach a staggering E500,000 (equivalent to R500,000) or up to five years in prison.

“I Didn’t Mean to Break the Law”

Dludlu appeared in the Mbabane Magistrates Court, where she pleaded not guilty to the charge of unauthorised access.

However, she admitted to insulting her husband, Samukeliso Matse, based on the messages she allegedly read.

“I did insult him, but it wasn’t as severe as what’s in the police statement,” Dludlu told the court.

Principal Magistrate Fikile Nhlabatsi remanded Dludlu out of custody, with her trial set for March 10. This case has ignited heated debates about privacy and trust in relationships.

A Growing Trend of Digital Disputes

This isn’t the first time the Cybercrime Act has made headlines in the Southern African country. Recently, Nontsikelelo Lebohang Gina was arrested for allegedly harassing and insulting a woman she suspected of having an affair with her husband. Gina reportedly posted the woman on a Facebook group, accusing her of using sicitfo (a traditional charm to separate couples) and imbume (a charm to harm men’s manhood).


In another shocking incident, a woman was arrested for allegedly undressing and recording another woman in a revenge attack over a relationship dispute. The survivor, whose identity is protected, was reportedly threatened with a sharp object and forced to remove her clothes.

What Does the Law Say?

Section 3 of the Computer Crime and Cybercrime Act states:

“A person who intentionally and without lawful excuse accesses or destroys any computer data, for purposes of concealing information necessary for an investigation, commits an offence and is liable, on conviction, to a fine not exceeding E5,000 or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding three years or both.”

Prince Mvilawemphi, CEO of the Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM), confirmed the law’s reach, warning citizens:

“Viewing your love partner’s cellphone is now a crime in eSwatini. The E300,000 fine is the maximum, but a lenient judge may impose a E5,000 fine.”

As Dludlu’s case unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the fine line between curiosity and crime in the digital age.

M23 rebels seize key eastern DRC town of Minova

M23 rebels have seized the town of Minova in eastern DR Congo, a key supply route for the provincial capital Goma, authorities said.

The provincial governor of South Kivu, Jean-Jacques Purusi, on Tuesday confirmed the capture of Minova, adding that the rebels have also captured the mining towns of Lumbishi, Numbi and Shanje in the same province, as well as the town of Bweremana in neighbouring North Kivu province.

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC’s) army acknowledged that the rebels had made “breakthroughs” in Minova and Bweremana. It did not say if the towns had been captured.

M23, or the March 23 Movement, is an armed group composed of ethnic Tutsis who broke away from the Congolese army more than 10 years ago. Since its resurgence in 2022, M23 has continued to gain ground in eastern DRC.

It is one of about 100 armed groups that have been vying for a foothold in mineral-rich eastern Congo, in a decades-long conflict that has created one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises.

Since 1998, approximately six million people have been killed while roughly seven million have been displaced internally.

More than 237,000 people have been displaced by the fighting in eastern Congo since the beginning of this year, the United Nations refugee agency said in a report on Monday.

The DRC and the United Nations accuse Rwanda of supporting M23 with troops and weapons – something Rwanda denies.

Battles near Goma

Fighting has been taking place on several fronts around Goma and hundreds of thousands of people are displaced around the outskirts of the city, which was briefly captured by the M23 in 2012.

Speaking from Goma, Al Jazeera’s Alain Uaykani said that “people in Goma are worried about bombs from the front line reaching neighbourhoods in the city.”

Many routes leading to Goma have been cut off by fighting, and people often cross Lake Kivu with supplies on overloaded boats. Shipwrecks are frequent on the lake.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said that most international organisations and NGOs based in Minova have temporarily suspended their activities.

Zimbabwean Women’s ‘Pregnancy Scam’ Exposed: Diaspora Men Duped Out of Thousands in Elaborate Con

Zimbabwean Women’s ‘Pregnancy Scam’ Exposed: Diaspora Men Duped Out of Thousands in Elaborate Con

Popular entrepreneur Kuda Musasiwa has issued a warning to Zimbabwean men living abroad about a troubling scheme he calls the Zimbabwean Pig Butchering Scam (ZPBS). This scam involves a woman in Zimbabwe who allows a man visiting from the diaspora to have a one-night stand, then claims to be pregnant once he returns overseas.

Taking to his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, Musasiwa shared a harrowing account of a victim who was duped into sending thousands of dollars through Mukuru. The scam unfolded with fake baby scans, sham bookings with top gynaecologists, and emotional manipulation. The victim even bought the alleged mother of his child an iPhone and a car, making a staggering 29 Mukuru transactions since June last year.

Musasiwa revealed how a reverse search of the pregnancy scan image returned hundreds of Pinterest and Google images of the same picture.

Musasiwa, who is working with a recent victim, promised to name and shame the woman at the centre of the scam if she didn’t ‘do the right thing’.

“If the lady who we have now communicated with doesn’t do the right thing, we will be doing a full exposé with receipts using all channels willing,” Musasiwa wrote.

Musasiwa also uncovered that the same woman was running the same scheme on over 15 other diasporan men, including some married individuals. She alternated between seduction and blackmail, threatening to expose her victims to their wives unless they paid up.

“The sad thing is that we uncovered that the same woman had over 15 diasporan men in her web. Some happily married in the UK. She used honey and vinegar. In my follower’s case she used seduction. He was planning to come a “marry” in May. To another, she was using threats to expose to his wife. It’s very very dark,” he added.


Musasiwa detailed the common script used in the scam

“The story is always :

1) I love you
2) I’m pregnant
3) my phone battery is dead I need a new one
4) I’m having difficulty with pregnancy I may lose baby
5) I can’t walk I need a car
6) I need best Gynaecologist money
7) My parents are politically connected chefs and I need to get married
8) they hire some old ballies and women to masquerade as Baba , Tete and relative
9) Fly down for sham marriage
10) I lost the baby I need money for funeral

Etc etc,” Musasiwa disclosed.

The scam grows darker for married victims, as the woman resorts to blackmail, threatening to reveal the alleged pregnancy to their spouses via social media unless paid to remain silent.

He urged men in the diaspora to be cautious and advised anyone who finds themselves in a similar situation to reach out to him, as they may be victims of this scam.

“Men, be careful. Your British accent doesn’t make you suddenly more charming and Brad Pitt. They want and will take all your money. If you are currently in this type of situation DM me. You may be getting played. They have entire WhatsApp groups full of women strategically doing this Pig Butchery Scam. BE Warned,” Musasiwa said.

Diddy sues a man claiming to have videos of him engaging in s£xual activities

Diddy is suing a man claiming to have videos of him engaging in s£xual activities.

On Wednesday, January 22, the 55-year-old rapper filed a $50 million defamation lawsuit in New York targeting Courtney Burgess, his lawyer Ariel Mitchell, and Nexstar Media.

In a lawsuit filed in New York federal court Wednesday, Combs said he was defamed by a man who allegedly testified in front of a grand jury for Combs’ federal criminal case.

The lawsuit named Courtney Burgess, Burgess’ attorney Ariel Mitchell and NewsNation, the broadcaster that aired an interview with the two in October, as defendants. Burgess has alleged in public appearances that he possessed videos purportedly showing Combs s£xu@lly ass@ulting minors, including celebrities.

“Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is taking a stand against the malicious falsehoods that have been fabricated and amplified by individuals seeking to profit at his expense,” Erica Wolff, one of Combs’ attorneys, said in a statement.

“These defendants have willfully fabricated and disseminated outrageous lies with reckless disregard for the truth. Their falsehoods have poisoned public perception and contaminated the jury pool,” the statement continued.

“This complaint should serve as a warning that such intentional falsehoods, which undermine Mr. Combs’s right to a fair trial, will no longer be tolerated.”

Burgess had claimed to have received 11 flash drives that belonged to Combs’ late ex-girlfriend Kim Porter, which allegedly contained eight videos showing celebrities being victims of sex crimes.

Combs’ lawsuit alleges there are “no such tapes” showing Combs s£xu@lly assaulting people at his so-called “freak offs,” making the defendants’ claims “false and defamatory.”

The hip-hop mogul is seeking $50 million in damages and says Burgess and Mitchell’s claims about having “freak off” footage has “poisoned the minds” of people who might serve on Combs’ jury when his trial starts.

“The unrelenting tide of negative publicity and threatening social media posts resulting from Defendants’ lies have caused and will continue to cause Mr Combs severe reputational harm,” his lawsuit reads.

Combs is currently in jail after being denied bond multiple times and is scheduled to head to trial for his s£x trafficking and racketeering charges on May 5.

He has maintained his innocence amid more than two dozen civil lawsuits over the past year that have accused him of r@pe, trafficking, and s£xu@l abuse from the 1990s to 2024.

Gabon heads for April 12 presidential polls in bid to end military rule

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Gabon’s council of ministers announced that presidential elections would be held on April 12, ending the military rule that began with a coup in 2023.

A ministerial cabinet meeting minutes confirmed the scheduling of the presidential election.

“Under the terms of this decree, the electoral college is convened for Saturday 12 April 2025,” the minutes of Wednesday night’s meeting read.

Gabon’s interim President Brice Oligui Nguema seized power in a coup, the eighth in West and Central Africa between 2020 and 2023, that ended the longstanding rule of his predecessor Ali Bongo and his family over the oil-rich but impoverished nation.

In November, Gabon voted yes in a referendum on a new constitution, delivering on a promise by the military coup leaders to take steps towards restoring constitutional rule.

The new constitution provides for a maximum of two seven-year presidential terms, no prime minister and no dynastic transfer of power.

However, some observers fear that the ruling military government may use the process to remain in power.

On Monday, a new law allowed military officials to stand in elections, subject to certain conditions.

That means that Nguema, the transitional leader who made no secret of his ambitions to be elected as president, gets an exception to run.

The oil-rich Central African country had been under the rule of the Bongo family for 55 years until the August 2023 coup.

Ali Bongo ruled for 14 years until he was overthrown moments after being proclaimed the winner in a presidential election the military and opposition declared fraudulent.

He took office on the death of his father, Omar, who had ruled for more than 41 years.

The opposition and the military coup leaders accused Bongo’s regime of widespread corruption and poor governance.

Transitional President of Gabon General Brice Oligui Nguema (right) has made no secret of his ambitions to be elected as president after leading a coup in 2023

PRESIDENT HICHILEMA FIRES POLICE DEPUTY IG MILNER MUYAMBANGO

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Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba writes:

What we need are Police Reforms

President Hichilema Fires Deputy Inspector General of Police

In order to please his master, Deputy Inspector of Police, Milner Muyambago was personally at Mulungushi International Conference and supervised and protected the illegal Patriotic Front Extral-Ordinary General Conference that was being held there on 24th October 2024.


He deployed and supervised over 200 police officers to secure and seal the area.

He ignored regulations requiring 21-days clearance for fingerprints and security clearance and filled the form to take to Chief Registrar of Societies in the night, to attempt to change and replace office bearers of the legitimate Patriotic Front from Edgar Lungu to the newly “elected” team.



Recently a Ndola businessman Floyd Malembeka accused Muambago of refusing to pay for a tractor he bought from his agricultural equipment company.

Instead he went to Floyd’s suppliers and accused him of failing to pay for the tractors to the supplier and criminalised the entire process.



Floyd was scandalised by the Zambia Police Spokesperson, and he was given multiple criminal charges in Kabwe, Ndola, Lusaka and Kalomo and was locked up and remained detained from May 2024 until we publicised his case in December 2024.

Such cops, together with his boss, Graphael Musamba, have given a bad name to the Zambia Police.



The Zambia Police has been cited in the United States Country Report on Human Rights Practices, Human Rights Watch International, Amnensty International, United Nations Human Rights Council Special Rapporteur Report and others, accused of committing extra-judicial killings, torture of suspects, inhuman treatment, corruption, prolonged detention and other misconduct.

The Zambia Police has also been turned into a commercial venture where the Traffic Department raises funds for a senior cartel and police stations have been turned into debt collectors to pursue “obtaining money by false presences”.


Everytime I was locked up in police cells, I found many victims of commercial transactions detained until they or their relative found the money,.signed settlement agreements before the charges of “obtaining” can be dropped.

Currently the Zambia Police is the negative flag bearer of bad governance, corruption and ilegalities in the government. In police rankings across the world, the Zambia Police is cited to be amongst the worst law enforcement agencies joining countries with the lowest law enforcement rate in the World and doing poorly on the Police Corruption Perceptions Index, ranked alongside, Venezuela, Somalia, Somalia, Myanmar , Libya DRC and Mozambique.


I don’t know the reasons for Muyambago’s dismissal but this is very good riddance from the Zambia Police.

I wish President Hakainde Hichilema could use this opportunity to clean up and implement robust reforms of the Zambia Police…but we know he can’t!



He needs the Zambia Police in that rogue state to carry out dirty schemes and assignments, as done by Muyambango, against his political opponents until after the 2026 elections.

My party’s manifesto on the economy is similar to UPND’s – Hamududu

My party’s manifesto on the economy is similar to UPND’s – Hamududu

PARTY of National Unity and Progress (PNUP) president Highvie Hamududu has shared that his party’s manifesto on the economy is similar to that of the UPND.



https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18eXn9LUNR/?mibextid=oFDknk

Hamududu said having a similar manifesto with the ruling party is one of the major reasons his party decided to join the UPND alliance.



He projected that Zambia’s economy will rebound in the next 18 months stating that he is so sure of that by virtue of him being an economist.


In an interview with Kalemba, the opposition leader stated that the economy had improved massively since the UPND took office hence his reason to join the alliance.

He lauded government’s policies on mining, debt and energy.



“So why the UPND alliance? Our manifesto on the economy is similar to the UPND. The UPND at macro level have scored. The debt restructuring is concluded and the economy is doing much better because investors now have confidence in our economy. Another thing that made us join the alliance is that of the UPND securing the IMF programme which I can tell you has brought so much confidence to the economy. The economy, I must tell you, I’m an economist, the economy could have been worse if the things I have pointed at were not  done,” he said.



He further explained that the increase in mining production is likely to be massive in 2025 because of the policy reforms being implemented by the government.

“The rebound in the mining sector will show in 2026. We can see already new mines are opening up. The mining sector is the backbone of the economy we know that right. The mining sector is being revived,” he said.


He added that the UPND administration has done their best in terms of providing alternative energy sources.

“There is adequate diversification on power sources. In the future we won’t be affected by climate change. In the next 18 months we will not be vulnerable to these challenges. The reforms that have been undertaken will rebound. You will see a rebound of this economy. That’s why we were convinced to join the UPND alliance and we should remember that we are in politics to solve problems. Ask me after 18 months on the performance of the economy and I can assure you we will be vindicated,” said Hamududu.

By Catherine Pule

Kalemba, January 23, 2025

Chrispin Chiinda Promises a Fresh Start for Munali Constituency

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Chrispin Chiinda Promises a Fresh Start for Munali Constituency

Aspiring Member of Parliament (MP) for Munali Constituency, Chrispin Chiinda, has boldly outlined his vision for the area, focusing on youth empowerment, transparency, and effective use of Constituency Development Funds (CDF). In a recent interview, Chiinda openly criticized the current state of affairs in Munali, calling for a much-needed shift in leadership.


A key focus of Chiinda’s campaign is skills development, which he sees as the cornerstone of youth empowerment. “A skill is everything. When you have a skill, you can survive anywhere. You don’t need a Grade 12 certificate or a degree to acquire a skill; all you need is the willingness to learn,” Chiinda remarked.

He went on to highlight several practical skills, including carpentry, plumbing, and ceiling board installation, as vital tools for economic independence. “With a skill, you can start your own business, generate income, and even employ others. This is how we build a sustainable future for the youth of Munali,” Chiinda explained.


If elected, Chiinda vowed to make skills training a priority, promising to establish accessible and affordable training centers across the constituency. “These centers will equip our young people with the tools they need to succeed,” he stated, emphasizing that creating such opportunities would address both unemployment and the lack of entrepreneurship among the youth.


Chiinda criticized the handling of the K36.1 million allocated annually to Munali through the CDF, pointing out the lack of transparency in how the funds have been used. “For years, young people have struggled to access these funds. We don’t even know how the money for 2021, 2022, and 2023 was used,” he said, expressing frustration at the absence of visible improvements on the ground.


He called for a thorough audit of the CDF allocation, stressing the need for accountability. “Every kwacha must be accounted for, and people deserve to know who is benefiting from these funds,” Chiinda asserted. He further criticized the lack of public awareness on how to access CDF, urging that the application process be simplified and better communicated to the community.


Chiinda painted a bleak picture of the situation facing Munali’s youth, noting that many are left to fend for themselves due to the lack of training, funding, and employment opportunities. “Our youth are sidelined, and this neglect is a betrayal of our future,” he said, warning that continued marginalization would only perpetuate poverty and inequality.


Looking ahead, Chiinda expressed optimism for 2026, outlining his plans to engage with every ward in Munali to ensure no one is left behind. “My vision is to build partnerships with local businesses, training institutions, and NGOs to create sustainable employment opportunities for the youth,” he explained.


In his closing remarks, Chiinda called on the people of Munali to demand better leadership, urging them to prioritize accountability and long-term development. “We need quality roads, schools, and clinics—projects that will serve us for generations, not quick fixes,” he stated. With the 2026 elections on the horizon, his message of change is gaining traction among residents eager for a fresh approach to leadership.

Kumwesu January 23, 2025.

WHO IS is BENEFITTING FROM THE the ABSENCE OF BOARD, MD AT ZESCO?

WHO IS is BENEFITTING FROM THE the ABSENCE OF BOARD, MD AT ZESCO?

How does one explain that at this time of the worst power crises in history, ZESCO is running without a board of directors and a managing director?



When Victor Mapani left his position as managing director last year, it was not unexpected – we all saw it coming three months before the expiry of his contract. The Board’s mandate also expired almost in tandem, and these events were easier to predict and planned for. It is not like one is attempting to predict the rainfall pattern!


Historically, ills of bad corporate governance have always plagued our state-owned enterprises and ZESCO is often the nerve-centre of this plague. Zambians have always prayed and yearned for the correction of this legacy problem.

In opposition, President Hakainde Hichilema campaigned to rein in this politically-engineered mess in management of public companies and simultaneously swab the accumulated rot.


The message resonated well with most voters! And who would have doubted HH given his vast experience in corporate governance as a member of the highly-respected Institute of Directors?
But certainly, this is not what we signed up for!



Zambia does not have a shortage of human capital to constitute a new board of directors at ZESCO, later a new MD! What is wrong with confirming Justin Loongo as ZESCO managing director? He’s well-rounded in ZESCO and possesses all the requisite requirements to manage ZESCO at this very difficult time…maybe he’s not politically correct????


It is increasingly frustrating that UPND and HH appear to have learnt nothing from the chaos and misrule of the PF. Maybe that’s why they use PF as a yardstick for their perceived improved governance record. PF was our lowest level of leadership, and you can never raise a bar of performance by outdoing the worst – that in itself is mediocrity!

Life does not provide for a vacuum for a long time. In the absence of positive and precise decisions, the vacuum at ZESCO will soon be overtaken by negative ones –assuming this is not already in motion!


Not too long we remember how a WHOLE Head of State signed a sovereign guarantee for ZESCO! You could say that was Edgar Lungu, but how many of such hazy and clandestine deals are being cut in the dark, of course powered by this confusion… Remember, politicians are cut from the same cloth!

Only a fool rests their hopes in a politician!
President Hichilema has proved to be the most indecisive in Zambia’s history, something outlandishly frustrating given his CV and track record!


Now you’ve a scenario where an obscure and improperly defined organization in the name of the Presidential Delivery Unity is remotely running ZESCO! This is not what we signed for!

The PDU may be President Hichilema’s favourite vehicle as its creator, but that thing cannot run ZESCO! In the current chaos, ZESCO needs seat-of-the-pants men and women to run it – and we have no shortage of that material, unless there are other considerations other than merit!

We cannot surrender ZESCO to some obscure informal task force whose primary obsession and assignment is to find ways to fire public workers, frustrate government programmes, all in the name of driving efficiency.



Look, if you can’t find qualified Zambians to constitute the ZESCO board and later a managing director, bring back Vickson Ncube and Mapani! After all, the IDC is already engineering to bring Mapani back even before it constitutes a new board of directors.

But the maneuvers to bring Mapani back to ZESCO could prove to be more daunting than the unscrupulous process of attempting to ‘find a lost lover.’


As MD, it appears like Mapani gained the world but lost his people. Mapani’s track record was impeccable: He was instrumental in the reviving and completion of the 750MW Kafue Gorge Lower; he managed to rein in the exploitive and unsustainable power purchase agreements with private power producers; he managed to get serious traction on the ZESCO debt, reducing it to $500 million!


You may not agree, but it was under his reign that ZESCO, for the first time, achieved a 1, 000 MW surplus, effectively making Zambia a net exporter of power.

Forget the current load shedding, our installed power generation capacity surpasses our peak demand.



But again Mapani was a highly divisive figure, according to those who were close to him. He had a frosty relationship with the Ncube-led board and on the other hand, ZESCO workers loathed him for introducing austerity measures while he ring-fenced himself.


In fact, to achieve efficiency, ZESCO migrated from robust operational vehicles – Land cruisers and Nissan Patrols to those new ‘yangos’ that fail to access certain areas of our shanties!

ZESCO needs serious leadership direction from President HH, which sadly is missing at the moment.

ZESCO is too important an institution to be allowed to run on autopilot, worse still being surrendered to an informal establishment whose mandate is solely to slash spending and bureaucracy.



No one would be faltered for attempting to walk back on a $25, 000 a month job, but a question on why Mapani “did not request for a contract renewal” will linger on.

Sadly, despite his many achievements, Mapani left ZESCO as the face of load shedding!

ZAMBIA’S MEMBERSHIP IN THE OECD DEVELOPMENT CENTRE

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ZAMBIA’S MEMBERSHIP IN THE OECD DEVELOPMENT CENTRE



…..a New Dawn for Economic Growth and Sustainable Development

On December 9, 2024, Zambia was officially admitted as the 56th member of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Development Centre in Paris, France.


Honourable Rodney Sikumba, Minister of Tourism, accepted Zambia’s admission to the OECD Development Centre on behalf of the Minister of Finance and National Planning during the 9th High-Level Meeting of the OECD Development Centre’s Governing Board in Paris, on December 9, 2024. In his remarks, Hon. Sikumba described the membership as a significant milestone that will assist Zambia in thriving in the global arena through better policy design and ensure consistent delivery of tangible economic progress at optimal cost.



This membership marks an important step for the nation, as it aligns with the Government’s goal of building a robust, sustainable economy through international partnerships and effective policy reforms.


The OECD Development Centre, founded in 1961, serves as a platform where both developed and developing nations converge to share policy expertise, foster dialogue, and exchange strategies for sustainable and inclusive growth.



Benefits of Membership:

✅Policy Support: Zambia will benefit from the Centre’s policy analysis and strategic support, focusing on sustainable economic development, governance, and social inclusion.



✅Economic Resilience: Insights from the OECD will assist Zambia in improving policy design, managing investments, and reducing poverty and inequality, promoting inclusive and green development.

✅Climate Change and Diversification: The Centre will support Zambia in creating sustainable, climate-resilient policies, especially in renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure, crucial for attracting investments.



✅Membership provides access to research on global trends and investment strategies, helping diversify Zambia’s economy and improve governance. This will enhance Zambia’s ability to secure international funding and foster multilateral trade partnerships.



✅Investment Policy Review: Zambia’s entry into the OECD Development Centre is timely, as the country is poised to embark on a second Investment Policy Review with the organisation. The first review, conducted in 2012, helped Zambia assess its investment climate and identify key areas for improvement. The new 18-month review, set to begin in early 2025, will focus on investment incentives, value-added manufacturing, and addressing climate and energy challenges. This review process, aligned with President Hakainde Hichilema’s strategy to use investment as a driver of economic growth and job creation, provides Zambia with an opportunity to refine its policies and enhance its attractiveness as an investment destination.



✅Through this collaboration, Zambia aims to engage in high-level policy dialogue and access tailored financing solutions to tackle its unique challenges, ultimately driving economic growth and job creation.

Naomi Mweemba

First Secretary Press at the Embassy of Zambia in France.