Breaking News : “Doomsday Plane” Spotted at Andrews AFB Hours Before Trump’s Address to Congress Amid Heightened Global Tensions
The U.S. Air Force’s Boeing E-4B Nightwatch famously known as the “Doomsday Plane” was observed descending toward Joint Base Andrews near Washington, D.C., just hours ahead of President Donald Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress (State of the Union equivalent) on February 24, 2026.
This nuclear-hardened airborne command post, designed to ensure continuity of government operations even in the event of a catastrophic attack destroying ground-based facilities, drew immediate attention from aviation trackers, defense observers, and social media.
The E-4B’s arrival aligns with standard precautionary measures during major events where key government leaders gather in one location, but it sparked speculation given ongoing U.S.-Iran standoffs and regional military positioning (including carrier strike groups).
While officials have not confirmed any direct link to an emergency, the timing coinciding with the president’s high-profile speech has fueled widespread discussion about readiness protocols. Credible sources confirming the sighting and timing include:
Real-time flight tracking and aviation reports shared by accounts like @TheInsiderPaper, @MarioNawfal, and @PenguinSix on X (formerly Twitter).
Multiple eyewitness and OSINT posts from February 24, 2026, documenting the aircraft’s approach and landing from bases such as Barksdale AFB.
This is a developing story stay tuned for updates. Routine or something more? The “Doomsday Plane” reminds us how seriously the U.S. takes continuity in uncertain times.
📚 Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi Sparks Debate After Proposal To Introduce Swahili, Mandarin And Shona Languages In Schools To Boost Skills, Trade Opportunities And African Integration
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has ignited nationwide discussion following remarks about expanding language learning in schools, with plans that could see learners exposed to Swahili, Mandarin and Shona alongside existing subjects.
The proposal is linked to government efforts to prepare young people for a changing global economy while also strengthening African unity and regional communication. Supporters say introducing Swahili could help South Africans connect with East Africa, Mandarin may open doors to trade and business opportunities with China, and Shona could improve social and cultural integration given the large Zimbabwean community living and working in South Africa.
Advocates argue that multilingual education can enhance employment prospects, tourism, cross-border trade and diplomatic relations, while also promoting cultural understanding among learners from different backgrounds.
However, the idea has sparked mixed reactions. Some parents and education stakeholders have welcomed the proposal as forward-thinking and practical, while others worry about curriculum overload, teacher shortages and whether schools already struggling with basic resources can successfully introduce new languages.
Education experts say any rollout would require proper planning, teacher training, learning materials and consultation with communities to ensure implementation does not disadvantage learners.
The discussion has now widened into a broader national conversation about the future of language education, the importance of African languages in schools and how South Africa can balance global competitiveness with local identity.
👉 Do you support the introduction of Swahili, Mandarin and Shona in South African schools, or should the focus remain on strengthening existing languages? Share your views.
BREAKING: Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum is FIRING BACK after Elon Musk’s smear linking her to cartels — and now Mexico is ready to lawyer up.
Elon Musk just lobbed a social media grenade at the president of Mexico — and it may land him in court.
After Mexican forces captured and killed notorious Jalisco New Generation Cartel boss “El Mencho,” Musk took to X to respond to an old video of President Claudia Sheinbaum discussing cartel violence. Without offering a shred of evidence, Musk claimed she was “saying what her cartel bosses tell her to say.”
Cartel bosses?
That’s not a policy disagreement. That’s an accusation of criminal conspiracy against a sitting head of state.
Sheinbaum didn’t laugh it off. She announced Tuesday that her government is reviewing potential legal action. “We are considering whether to take legal action,” she said during her morning press conference.
The video Musk referenced showed Sheinbaum arguing that returning to a full-scale “war on drugs” — like the bloody military offensive launched in 2006 — would be outside the legal framework and would only fuel more violence. That war splintered cartels and triggered years of turf battles, contributing to Mexico’s still-high homicide rate.
But nuance doesn’t trend. Outrage does.
Musk’s comment came at a tense moment. In the wake of El Mencho’s capture, cartel members launched roadblocks and arson attacks. Sheinbaum insisted the government is seeking “peace, not war,” and denied any shift toward a more militarized strategy.
Meanwhile, leaders from her MORENA party fired back hard. Party president Luisa Alcalde reminded Musk that “wealth does not give moral authority,” and suggested he focus his platform on fighting drug consumption, disinformation, and narco culture — especially since much of the demand and many of the firearms fueling cartel violence originate north of the border.
Mexico is grappling with more than 130,000 missing persons tied largely to cartel violence. In that context, tossing around baseless cartel allegations isn’t just reckless — it’s inflammatory.
Now the world’s richest man could find himself answering to lawyers instead of followers. Turns out, when you accuse a president of working for drug lords, there may be consequences beyond the algorithm.
Fr Mukosa notes Hichilema’s Ndola Catholic church visit as a blessing
CATHOLIC priest, Fr. Chewe Mukosa has described President Hakainde Hichilema’s recent visit to the Catholic Church in Ndola as a profound blessing, one that should inspire unity rather than division among Zambians.
Speaking in the wake of mixed reactions from some stakeholders who expressed displeasure over the President’s visit, Fr. Mukosa, director Dignitatis Humanea Social Teacher, condemned sentiments seeking to politicise the visit.
He emphasised that the Head of State’s interaction with the Church should not be viewed through partisan lenses, but as a symbol of cooperation anchored in national development and shared values.
“The visit should unite us as a people,” Fr. Mukosa stated. “We may hold different views, but we can unite in Christ, harmonise, and work together for the betterment of the Zambian people.”
The clergyman underscored that the Church and the State have distinct yet complementary roles.
According to him, the Church cannot operate in isolation from government structures, especially in areas that directly touch people’s lives.
He observed that Catholic-run hospitals, clinics, schools, orphanages and other human dignity initiatives thrive largely because of collaboration and support from the State.
Fr. Mukosa further noted that any political party, regardless of affiliation, should prioritise working hand in hand with the government of the day to achieve socio-economic development objectives.
He cautioned against mixing partisan politics with the Church’s core mission of promoting justice, human rights, and human dignity.
He also extended gratitude to Fr. Lewis Mutachila, Vicar General of the Ndola Archdiocese, Fr. Matthew Kasongo and Fr. Steven Chishala for warmly welcoming the President to the Church, describing the gesture as a demonstration of the Church’s openness and commitment to constructive engagement.
Fr. Mukosa stressed that the relationship between the Church and the State is founded on mutual respect, collaboration, and self-governance.
Such engagement, he explained, enables the Church to fulfil its prophetic mission while encouraging transparency, accountability, and good governance in public life.
ANALYSIS | Kalaba-Makebi-Mundubile: What the EMV Poll Really Says, & What It Doesn’t
The headline is tempting. A PF-aligned online poll on Emmanuel Mwamba’s EMV platform shows Makebi Zulu at 42.86%, Harry Kalaba at 38.78%, and Brian Mundubile at 12.24%. A source is quoted saying “delaying the inevitable won’t help any of them.” The argument is simple: merge the three, pool the strengths, and “upset” President Hakainde Hichilema.
Here is the sober read.
First, treat the numbers as political temperature, not electoral mathematics. An online poll on a PF-dominated platform is not a national sample. It measures enthusiasm, name recognition, factional energy, and mobilisation capacity among a self-selecting audience. It can tell you who is “hot” inside a particular political neighbourhood. It cannot reliably tell you who wins Zambia.
Second, the distribution itself suggests vote overlap more than vote expansion. The three names being tested are “PF children” split by ambition, ego and succession fights. If the respondents are mainly PF-leaning, they are choosing between variations of the same political family. This means the poll is likely slicing the same base into smaller pieces, not capturing new voters from the centre, the youth swing, or non-aligned urban voters.
Third, the Makebi lead in that environment is consistent with a sympathy narrative rather than a tested national platform. He is framed as “carrying the ECL sympathy vote” and as someone who “stayed with late former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu in his final days and defended his legacy in death.” Sympathy can mobilise a base, especially in certain old PF bases. However, sympathy rarely substitutes for a governing offer on jobs, prices, power, and public services across provinces. Kasama mayoral By-election is a good example.
Fourth, Kalaba’s strength in such a poll is the more interesting signal. If a “non PF presidential hopeful” can pull 38.78% on a PF-heavy platform, it suggests two possible things: PF voters are shopping for an exit from PF litigation, or Kalaba has built acceptability beyond his party label. Still, acceptability is not transferability. A coalition is not a simple addition of percentages. When leaders merge, some supporters disengage, some protest-vote, and some relocate to other camps. Coalitions often lose votes before they gain them.
Fifth, Mundubile’s 12.24% should be read with care. Low numbers in online polls can reflect weak digital mobilisation rather than weak ground structures. KBN TV claims he “commands PF structures.” If that is true, his value in a coalition would show in ward-level machinery, candidate selection discipline, and polling-day organisation, not necessarily in a platform poll dominated by factional emotions.
Sixth, the historic problem for PF-aligned opposition is not shortage of names. It is shortage of expansion. PF’s traditional regions have been shifting, fragmenting, or becoming competitive terrain. By-elections in Zambia often show a pattern: incumbency, state visibility, and local bargaining can reshape loyalties quickly, especially where the opposition is disorganised. If the same PF base is divided across multiple brands, the opponent, UPND, does not need to “convert” the whole base. It only needs the opposition to keep leaking and splitting.
Seventh, incumbency changes the arithmetic. Hichilema’s advantage is not just popularity. It is agenda control, policy visibility, and the ability to nationalise programmes through state machinery. Any “winning ticket” must do more than unite PF factions. It must also convince voters outside the PF emotional corridor that it offers stability, competence, and a credible economic route. Without that, a coalition becomes a reunion tour rather than a governing alternative.
So what does the poll suggest, factually and neutrally?
It suggests PF-aligned voters are still split across personalities and succession stories. It suggests Makebi currently attracts the strongest emotion in that space. It suggests Kalaba is competitive in PF-leaning circles, which may reflect hunger for a “fresh face” without reopening PF baggage. It suggests Mundubile’s coalition argument will lean on structure, not sentiment.
What would make a coalition genuinely competitive?
A single presidential candidate with a clear running mate and a clear division of labour, one message, one legal vehicle, and one candidate list. A policy offer that speaks to cost of living, jobs, energy reliability, mining taxation stability, and youth opportunity, not only “PF unity.” A disciplined approach to the Lungu legacy that respects mourning but does not turn into permanent campaign fuel. Voters can smell “ghost politics,” and they punish it.
Bottom line: this poll reads like a warning flare, not a victory forecast. It shows a crowded PF family house with one meal and too many plates. If they do not reorganise soon, they will not lose with injuring margin because they lacked numbers. They will lose because they lacked timing, cohesion, and expansion beyond the old map.
It is immoral for anyone with a clear political bias or affiliation to purport to conduct an opinion poll on the suitability of rival candidates.
Any such poll is inherently compromised, politically manipulated to suit predetermined outcomes, and therefore devoid of credibility. It is not an opinion poll in any meaningful or professional sense; it is a tool for perception management.
A credible opinion poll can only be conducted by an independent research organisation, not by political parties, campaign structures, or individuals with known political persuasions.
For a poll to merit consideration by any organisation of repute, it must meet basic, non-negotiable benchmarks. These include clear independence from politicians, candidates, and funders.
There must be full transparency regarding funding sources; and professional management by qualified researchers and statisticians using recognised scientific methods.
The methods applied in the so called EMV opinion poll fall far short of these standards and should be dismissed for what they truly are—an attempt to manufacture reality rather than measure public opinion.
My advice to all opposition leaders is simple to exercise caution and restraint. Do not give legitimacy to engineered opinion polls whose outcomes are already predetermined by those conducting them.
The Tonse, BM8 team, must officially disassociate itself from this fake Poll and direct all it’s supporters not to participate in the sham polls.
Mark my words, you will see many more so called opinion polls producing wildly varying results, most of them conveniently skewed in favour of those bankrolling them.
These exercises are not designed to measure public opinion but to shape it, serving the interests of their sponsors rather than the truth.
A REBUTTAL TO MR. SEAN TEMBO’S MISLEADING MANIFESTO: SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT ON THE UPND’s RECORD OF DELIVERY
Dear President Tembo,
In every vibrant democracy, the role of the opposition is constitutionally sacrosanct. It is the duty of those not in government to ask the hard questions, to hold the executive to account, and to offer alternative visions for the national good. Mr. Sean Tembo, as leader of the Patriots for Economic Progress (PeP), is entitled to his voice in this competitive space. That is how democracy is supposed to work.
However, with that right comes a corresponding responsibility: the responsibility to be truthful. The Zambian people deserve a discourse rooted in facts, not fabrications; in evidence, not exaggeration. It is from this standpoint—a commitment to truth and factual accuracy—that we undertake this point-by-point rebuttal of Mr. Tembo’s recent missive.
We do so not to silence dissent, but to ensure that the public record is corrected. The people of Zambia have witnessed firsthand the transformation occurring in their communities. They do not need to rely on the selective amnesia of armchair critics; they see the schools being built, they feel the impact of social protection, and they are experiencing the macroeconomic stability that forms the foundation of our future prosperity. For the benefit of those who may have been misled by Mr. Tembo’s narrative, we present the verifiable achievements of the New Dawn administration.
1. On the Question of “Tangible Economic Development”
Mr. Tembo draws a false dichotomy between “theoretical” and “visible” economic development, suggesting that macroeconomic gains have no bearing on the lives of ordinary citizens. This is a fundamental misunderstanding of economics designed to mislead the unsophisticated reader.
The truth is that macroeconomic stability is the enabling environment for visible development. You cannot have sustainable infrastructure, you cannot have jobs, and you cannot have improved living standards without a stable fiscal foundation. Under the UPND, Zambia has recorded average GDP growth of 5.2% over the past four years, despite inheriting a debt-distressed economy and navigating the global shocks of COVID-19 and the devastating 2021/2022 drought . The 2026 budget projects growth to accelerate to 6.4%, targeting the creation of more formal employment and business opportunities .
But let us move from the “theoretical” to the tangible, as Mr. Tembo demands. Where is the “visible” impact? It is in the 1.3 million households currently benefiting from the Social Cash Transfer programme—a direct injection of cash into the pockets of the most vulnerable . It is in the 540,000 vulnerable farming households that received the Food Security Pack, enabling them to till their land and contribute to national food security . It is in the 2.2 million citizens who received Emergency Cash Transfers during the recent drought, ensuring that no Zambian died of hunger . These are not statistical abstractions; these are real people, in real villages, receiving real support.
Mr. Tembo claims the cost of living is disconnected from inflation. In reality, the government’s prudent economic management has brought inflation down from the dizzying heights inherited in 2021, and the 2026 budget is explicitly structured to continue reducing the fiscal deficit to 2.1% of GDP to ease pressure on prices . The lives of the masses are the central focus of every budget and every policy. To claim otherwise is to ignore the massive social protection architecture this administration has built.
2. On the Alleged “Lack of Vibrant Party Structures”
Mr. Tembo attributes the UPND’s 2021 victory to a “social media wave” and claims the party has neglected grassroots structures. This analysis betrays a profound ignorance of the mechanics of Zambian politics and is an insult to the thousands of UPND cadres who have worked tirelessly in the wards, branches, and constituencies for decades.
If the party lacked structures, how does Mr. Tembo explain the party’s performance in parliamentary by-elections? The UPND has successfully defended and, in some cases, captured seats across the country precisely because its grassroots machinery is functional and energized. The very “fracas in Chawama” that Mr. Tembo cites as evidence of disorganization is actually evidence of a vibrant, living party where members are engaged and passionate about resource mobilization.
https://youtu.be/_Kwmkk6ATPU?si=Hk3cd7eMCfvKm5Yi
Furthermore, the government has deliberately moved away from the PF-era model of “cadreism”—where uneducated party militants were unleashed to terrorize the public and extract resources. Instead, the UPND has focused on institutionalizing its presence through development. When a government delivers CDF-funded projects in every ward, that is the most powerful “structure” a party can have. The people see the ruling party not through the lens of a social media post, but through the classroom their child now sits in, free of charge.
3. On the Role of the Police and Public Order
This is perhaps the most disingenuous point in Mr. Tembo’s entire article. He attempts to equate the UPND’s enforcement of the law with the PF’s history of violent cadreism. Let us be clear: there is a world of difference between a government using its lawful authority to maintain order, and a government allowing armed party militants to run riot, beating up opponents and demanding kickbacks from contractors.
The Zambian people lived through the nightmare of PF cadreism. They remember being extorted at roadblocks by “party youths,” they remember businesses being disrupted by political thugs, and they remember the fear of walking in certain areas, Mr Tembo himself was a victim of PF violent rule. The UPND government has restored the principle that only the state, through the Zambia Police Service, has a monopoly on the use of force. This is not harassment; this is the restoration of the rule of law.
Regarding specific incidents Mr. Tembo mentions, it is important to note that the police act independently based on intelligence and legal provisions. No government “disowns” its police; instead, it ensures they act within the law. The alternative—a return to PF-style lawlessness—is something no peace-loving Zambian desires.
4. On Empathy, Kindness, and the Late President Lungu
Mr. Tembo’s use of the tragic passing of former President Edgar Lungu to score political points is, with respect, beneath the dignity of the discourse we should have as Zambians. To suggest that the UPND government lacks “empathy” based on a complex legal and international dispute regarding the burial of a former Head of State is a bridge too far.
First, the facts must be clarified. The family of the late President Lungu, through their legal representatives, have publicly and formally dismissed allegations of foul play and have confirmed their cooperation with legal proceedings . The idea that the government is “keeping the body frozen” out of malice is a simplistic and false narrative. The government has consistently stated its position: as a former President, Comrade Lungu deserves a state funeral with full honours, repatriated to his homeland. The government has respected the legal process, both in Zambia and South Africa, and awaits its finalization, by the way, the said frozen body is not being kept by Zambian or South African Authorities.
Empathy is not demonstrated by throwing out the rulebook; it is demonstrated by respecting the law while treating the bereaved with dignity. The government has facilitated every step of this difficult process. To weaponize a family’s grief for an election campaign, as Mr. Tembo is doing, reveals a profound lack of the very “kindness” he purports to champion. The true empathy of this administration is shown daily in its social protection programmes and its commitment to uplifting the vulnerable.
5. On Party Financing and Internal Management
Mr. Tembo points to “discontentment” over campaign financing as a sign of weakness. In reality, it is a sign of a maturing political institution. The UPND has transformed from a perpetual opposition party into a governing party. This transition comes with growing pains, including managing the expectations of long-serving members. President Hichilema’s hands-on approach—such as deploying senior aides to oversee by-elections—demonstrates not dysfunction, but prudent management.
By acknowledging the challenges and putting in place mechanisms to ensure resources reach the grassroots, the President is building a sustainable party machine. This is far superior to the PF’s approach, which was to look the other way while funds were stolen, leaving a legacy of corruption that the UPND is still cleaning up.
6. On the Fallacy of “Tribal” Appointments
Mr. Tembo resurrects the tired and divisive accusation of tribalism in public appointments. He claims the President has “tilted public appointments in favor of his tribe.” This is a dangerous falsehood that seeks to undermine national unity for political gain.
President Hichilema has repeatedly and consistently appointed individuals based on their merit, competence, and integrity. The government’s focus is on finding Zambians who can deliver, regardless of their province of origin. To suggest otherwise is to ignore the numerous appointees from Eastern, Luapula, Northern, and other provinces who hold key positions in this administration. The President’s vision is for a “Zambia united in diversity,” a phrase he has turned into a policy reality by ensuring that the civil service and parastatal bodies reflect the face of the nation.
The 2021 election result was indeed a national endorsement. The President has repaid that trust by governing for all Zambians, not by retreating into regionalism as Mr. Tembo cynically suggests. Those who peddle the tribal narrative are the ones seeking to divide us.
7. On Government Integrity and Communication
Mr. Tembo alleges a “credibility crisis” based on isolated instances of differing statements. In a complex government of dozens of ministers and hundreds of officials, occasional miscommunication can occur. What matters is the correction of the record and the delivery of results.
The UPND government has distinguished itself by being open to public scrutiny. When mistakes are made, they are acknowledged and rectified—a far cry from the previous regime, which would simply deny reality. The public trusts this government because they see the work: debt restructuring is progressing, the economy is stabilizing, and services are being delivered. Propaganda cannot build a road, pay a farmer, or educate a child. Delivery does.
8. On Visible Infrastructure Development
This claim is easily refuted by a simple drive around the country. Mr. Tembo claims there is “no visible infrastructure,” yet the facts speak otherwise. The government has not only continued but massively expanded the infrastructure agenda.
Beyond the Lusaka-Ndola road, major projects are underway across the nation. A landmark $50 million agreement with BADEA has been signed to construct the Kalabo-Sikongo-Angola Road, a transformative project that will open up Western Province and connect Zambia to Angolan trade routes . In education, the government has constructed 3,000 new classrooms and delivered 1.4 million desks to address overcrowding . At the University of Zambia and other public institutions, new student hostels are rising, a direct investment in the future of our youth .
Mr. Tembo’s comparison of debt figures is also misleading. The PF borrowed recklessly, accumulating unsustainable debt with little regard for repayment capacity, while the UPND has borrowed strategically—and at far more concessional rates—to invest in critical infrastructure that was neglected for years. The difference is not in the borrowing; it is in the management of the resources and the transparency of the process.
9. On Internal Party Resentment
Mr. Tembo paints a picture of a divided UPND, with members “gleeing with envy.” This is a projection of his own political aspirations onto the ruling party. The UPND remains the most cohesive and ideologically aligned political force in the country. While there will always be individual ambitions within any large organization, the party is united behind the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema and the shared mission of transforming Zambia.
The mention Kalimanshi is particularly ironic. The UPND believes in building a broad Party. By welcoming individuals from other political backgrounds who are committed to the national development agenda, the party demonstrates maturity and inclusivity. This is not a sign of division; it is a sign of expansion.
10. On “Stepping on Toes”
Mr. Tembo warns that the government has made too many enemies. What he calls “stepping on toes,” the UPND calls accountability. For too long, powerful individuals in this country operated as if they were above the law. The UPND government has made it clear that no one—however powerful—is beyond the reach of justice.
Whether it is recovering public resources, enforcing tax compliance, or investigating corruption, the government has a duty to act. Yes, this has made enemies of those who benefited from the old, lawless order. But it has endeared the government to the ordinary Zambian who has suffered under that order for decades. Mr. Tembo’s “Eastern Province saying” cuts both ways: the people will not forget that the UPND stood up for them against the bullies.
Conclusion
Mr. Sean Tembo is entitled to his opinion, but he is not entitled to his own facts. The record of the UPND government over the past four and a half years is one of stabilization, recovery, and delivery. We have laid a foundation that will serve Zambia for generations.
The “Future is SET”? Indeed it is. It is set on a path of economic resilience, social justice, and infrastructural development. As we approach the August elections, we urge the Zambian people to look beyond the tired propaganda of the past and look at the evidence before their eyes. The UPND has delivered, and under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema, the best is yet to come.
The reported interception of Brian Mundubile, President of the Tonse Alliance and his entourage, by the Zambia Police Service on his way back to Lusaka from Mongu, following a successful engagement with the Litunga, smacks of outright totalitarianism.
This conduct raises profound concerns about the selective, overzealous, and politically skewed application of the Public Order Act (POA), particularly in an election year when democratic space should be expanding, not shrinking.
It is deeply troubling that political leaders are now being questioned, or even detained, for holding indoor meetings. The POA was never intended to criminalise private engagements. Its purpose was to regulate public assemblies that might disturb public order.
Extending police oversight to indoor political meetings amounts to a dangerous expansion of executive power and a direct assault on freedoms of association and political organisation.
Even more disturbing is the timing and context of this interception. One is compelled to ask whether Mr Mundubile’s treatment is linked to the warm reception he reportedly received in Western Province, including a five-hour courtesy meeting with the Litunga, Lubosi Imwiko II.
This brings into focus an even more sensitive issue: the treatment of a guest of the Litunga.
Under long-standing cultural norms and protocols, individuals granted audience with the Litunga under the auspices of the Barotse Royal Establishment enjoy recognised courtesies and privileges.
The decision by the police to pursue, intercept, and question such a guest immediately after a royal engagement reflects a troubling disregard for Zambia’s customary institutions and the delicate relationship between the state and traditional authorities.
Critically, what law was allegedly broken?
A courtesy meeting with a traditional leader held indoors and without any public procession does not, by any reasonable interpretation, constitute an offence under the POA. If such meetings are now being reclassified as unlawful assemblies, then the Act is being stretched beyond recognition.
The broader implications are alarming. For what appears to be the first time in Zambia’s democratic history, routine Political Party structures like Districts, Constituencies, and Wards are effectively being told to seek police permits to hold their regular internal monthly or weekly meetings.
This is not law enforcement; it is administrative suffocation of political competition.
In an election year, political mobilisation should be facilitated, not frustrated. Democracy demands that political leaders freely engage their members, organise their structures, and communicate their messages without fear of harassment or intimidation.
The current posture of the police suggests an institution overly eager to enforce the POA not in the genuine interest of public order but in a manner that risks undermining political pluralism and eroding public confidence in the neutrality of law enforcement.
If left unchecked, this conduct sets a dangerous precedent, one in which the Police become arbiters of political acceptability rather than impartial enforcers of the law.
Democratic Union(DU) Leader Ackim Anthony Njovu says it could be imperative if the body of former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu is put to rest before the August 13th General elections.
Mr Njovu said it is regrettable that Zambia has not yet burried it’s sixth President.
Mr Lungu died in June last year in South Africa but the stand off between Government and his family leading to a court case has delayed his burial.
Mr Lungu’s family want to bury the former President privately while Government want to give him a State burial, having served as Republican President for seven years.
Speaking in an interview, Mr Njovu said it was unfortunate that eight months down the line, Mr Lungu’s remains were still in the South African mortuary.
https://youtu.be/_Kwmkk6ATPU?si=Hk3cd7eMCfvKm5Yi
According to the DU leader, failure to bury the sixth President within time was an embarrassment to the international community who feel the country has failed to govern itself.
He said there was need for reconciliation and forgiveness to prevail between Government and the Lungu family while calling for the withdrawal of the case in the South African court.
” I urge the Government to continue engaging the family so that they agree on something and withdraw the case. It would be good if the former President is buried before the August elections,” Mr Njovu said.
ActionAid Zambia Country Director Faides Tembatemaba has criticized Finance Minister Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane’s warning that economic progress could stall if the UPND does not retain power in the August 13th general elections.
Ms. Tembatemaba says such sentiments risk personalizing national development, arguing that Zambia’s economic trajectory should rest on strong institutions, not the fortunes of a single political party.
In an interview with Phoenix News, Ms. Tembatemaba states that in a democratic setup, government institutions are anchored by technocrats who drive policy implementation and ensure continuity beyond election cycles.
She has stressed that the executive is mandated to make decisions, but institutions must outlive political transitions.
https://youtu.be/_Kwmkk6ATPU?si=Hk3cd7eMCfvKm5Yi
Ms. Tembatemaba has since challenged the UPND to be ready to pass on the baton if Zambians decide otherwise in the August 2026 poll, emphasizing that national development should not be tied to one party’s fate.
Her statement follows remarks by Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane, who has warned that economic progress could stall if the UPND does not retain power in this year’s general elections.
MPEZENI REJECTS PROPOSED DELIMITATION MAP OF RE-ALIGNING LUANGENI WARDS
By Samuel Khwawe
Paramount Chief Mpezeni has rejected the proposed delimitation map which suggested the isolation of some wards in Luangeni and Chipata Central Constituencies and named the new constituency Nsingo
Paramount Chief Mpezeni and his sub-chiefs summoned the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) Chipata District Electoral Officer, Dulani Phiri, to Ephendeni Palace together with Ngoni chiefs, expressing disapproval of what was resolved on 16th February 2026 during the delimitation sitting and stating that the chiefs were not consulted.
Chief Kapatamoyo and Sairi accused politicians of being disrespectful to the chiefs, who are custodians of the land and the people.
THE SCHOOL FEEDING PROGRAMME IS NOT CHARITY. IT IS STRATEGY.
Some critics have found a clever line. “Stop giving fish. Teach them how to fish.”
It sounds wise. It sounds disciplined. It sounds like something you would frame and hang in a business seminar.
But here is the problem.
You cannot teach a hungry child how to fish.
A child who has not eaten is not thinking about economic theory. They are thinking about nshima. They are thinking about whether the stomach pains will stop. They are thinking about how to survive the school day.
And when we say government must first “improve the economy so parents can thrive,” we are pretending that national transformation happens in one budget cycle.
It does not.
Let us step back and speak plainly.
The School Feeding Programme is not about handouts. It is about keeping children in class long enough to become the fishermen critics dream about.
You do not build a productive workforce on empty stomachs.
EVEN RICH COUNTRIES FEED THEIR LEARNERS
Some Zambians speak as though feeding children is a sign of poverty. As though it is something done only in struggling economies.
Let us look at countries that have already “learned how to fish.”
UNITED STATES
The United States runs the National School Lunch Program, feeding tens of millions of children every single school day. Not because America is poor. Not because parents cannot work.
But because research shows children learn better when fed.
The richest economy on earth still provides food in public schools.
Are Americans refusing to teach their children how to fish?
UNITED KINGDOM
The United Kingdom provides free school meals for millions of pupils. Even during economic hardship, the programme is expanded rather than cut.
Why?
Because education policy in serious nations understands one fact. Nutrition is part of learning.
You cannot separate them.
FINLAND
Finland, regularly ranked among the best education systems in the world, provides free school meals to all learners.
Not just the poor.
It has done so for decades.
If feeding learners was laziness, Finland would not lead global education rankings.
FEEDING IS NOT THE OPPOSITE OF ECONOMIC REFORM
Critics say, “Fix the economy so parents can thrive.”
That is correct.
But it is not an either-or choice.
You improve the economy while protecting the most vulnerable.
If a country says, “Let us pause feeding children until GDP improves,” it is not discipline. It is negligence.
The School Feeding Programme does three things at once:
It increases school attendance.
It improves concentration and performance.
It reduces dropout rates, especially for girls.
That is not charity. That is human capital investment.
You want a stronger economy? Feed the future workforce.
THE REAL QUESTION
The real question is not whether children should be fed.
The real question is whether Zambia is willing to invest in long-term productivity instead of arguing in short slogans.
A hungry Grade Five pupil in Mongu is not waiting for macroeconomic stability. A learner in Chipata cannot eat fiscal discipline. A child in Mwinilunga does not process structural reform without breakfast.
We must learn to walk and chew sugarcane at the same time.
Economic growth takes years. Childhood does not.
If we miss these formative years, no amount of later “fishing lessons” will recover the loss.
WHEN ALL IS SAID AND DONE…
A nation that feeds its learners is not weak.
A nation that refuses to feed them in the name of ideology is.
Teaching a child how to fish is noble.
But first, make sure the child can stand.
And sometimes, that begins with a simple plate of food in a schoolyard.
Judge Timothy Katenekwa was one of the longest serving High Court Judges in Zambia. Complaints were filed against him at the Judicial Complaints Commission (JCC) by some litigants. After investigations and hearing by the Commission, he was found wanting and the JCC recommended to the President to remove him as Judge. Acting on the Report, the President fired him as High Court Judge.
However, the Judge filed an application in the High Court for leave to commence Judicial Review on the grounds, among others, that he had already reached retirement age when the JCC sat to hear his case. Simply, he had retired by the time his cases were heard by JCC.
The High Court heard the application and refused to grant it on the ground that the case involved constitutional issues that can only be determined by the Constitutional Court. The Judge said the High Court lacked jurisdiction to decide the case.
Unsatisfied, Judge Katenekwa renewed his application in the Court of Appeal where he reiterated that his case for Judicial Review should be heard and determined as he had reached retirement age when the JCC sat. He also questioned the proceedings of the JCC that found him wanting.
A panel of five Judges sat to hear the application. After thorough review, four Judges agreed that their fired colleague at the bench should be allowed to be heard and therefore leave should be granted. One judge disagreed and delivered a dissenting opinion.
The Four Judges ruled thus;
“Firstly, the Applicant is alleging that, JCC did not have statutory jurisdiction to hear and determine the complaint, as he had attained retirement age and had in fact retired which, in our view, is an allegation requiring proof,” the Judges ruled.
“In our view, this is an appropriate and fit case for granting leave to commence Judicial Review proceedings and the same is accordingly granted,” the Judges said.
The four judges opined that the mere reference to the constitution does not take away powers of the High Court in Judicial Review as such reasoning may lead to the “death” of Judicial Review in our country.
“Therefore, in our view, the Constitution will not, in any Judicial Review proceedings, be the centre of scrutiny,” they noted.
The question whether a judge who has reached retirement age can be fired will now be determined by the High Court. It is contended that Judge Katenekwa had remained with few months before retirement when he was suspended and by time of hearing his case, he had actually reached retirement age.
However, Judge President disagreed with his colleagues.
“It is clear that the Applicant intends to ultimately have the decision of the Republican President to remove him from office of High Court quashed,” the Judge said.
“I have, however, found no merit in the application on all the grounds,” he said.
Case citation – Timothy Katenekwa v JCC & Attorney General- CAZ/8/596/2024 and Ruling delivered last week 18th February, 2026.
Lecture Notes;
1. For one to file Judicial Review, you need permission (Leave) from Court unlike other cases. You must first show the Court that you are affected by the decision and that you have a case that needs to be heard in full. In this case, the 4 Judges agreed that the Judge had interest and that his argument about being retired requires to be heard in full with evidence. At that point, a decision will be made whether he can be fired or not.
2. Judicial Review is not concerned with the merit or demerit of the decision. However, it deals with whether the process was followed in his removal and that the body that recommended his removal had such powers (jurisdiction).
🟦 GILBERT LISWANISO CALLS FOR UNITY AMONG SOUTHERN PROVINCE STRUCTURES
Gilbert Liswaniso has delivered a message centred on unity and discipline during an engagement with UPND supporters in Southern Province, urging grassroots leaders to remain focused on community mobilisation. Addressing party structures, he emphasised that ward and constituency teams carry significant responsibility in sustaining programmes introduced at national level.
Supporters attending the meeting described the address as firm, with repeated emphasis placed on loyalty and organisational cohesion. Provincial leaders were encouraged to maintain clear communication with national offices while strengthening outreach activities within their communities.
Regional engagements have become an important feature of political mobilisation, allowing party officials to connect directly with supporters and reinforce shared priorities. Organisers say the meetings help ensure that messaging remains consistent while giving local teams an opportunity to discuss challenges faced on the ground.
Participants noted that discussions centred on discipline and collaboration, with members encouraged to avoid actions that could weaken organisational unity. Liswaniso’s remarks also highlighted the role of community engagement in linking policy initiatives with residents, positioning grassroots leaders as key voices in explaining development programmes.
The gathering reflects a broader push to maintain strong organisational networks in Southern Province. Party officials indicated that further meetings are expected as mobilisation efforts continue, reinforcing the importance of unity and coordinated engagement across the region.
UNZASU VICE PRESIDENT DENIES BEING PAID TO ATTEND GOVERNMENT EVENTS
University of Zambia Students Union (UNZASU) Vice President, Jemimah Mwaba, has dismissed allegations that she is paid to attend and speak at Government-organized events.
Speaking on Tuesday’s edition of The Phoenix Breakfast show with Chimweka and Hope Tha Duchess, Ms. Mwaba clarified that the only financial support she receives relates to logistical expenses such as transport, meals and accommodation – an arrangement she believes is not unique to her only.
Meanwhile, Ms. Mwaba has noted that many students fear a repeat of 2016 when the University was closed indefinitely following unrest over meal allowances. She said this has motivated the Union’s decision to adopt a more engagement-driven approach rather than disruptive tactics such as riots.
https://youtu.be/XKocNo0EXpc?si=fgqBsbwGPO40Pam0
Ms. Mwaba added that maintaining cordial relations with Government has so far contributed to quicker responses to some challenges affecting students. She expressed optimism that ongoing engagements will yield further results that will be seen beyond her tenure which ends in eight months.
TERM LIMIT WAR ERUPTS! Lawyer Slams ‘Propaganda Machine’ Over Presidential Tenure
A constitutional storm is brewing and prominent lawyer Dr Justice Mavedzenge is firing back.
The constitutional lecturer says he is “debunking toxic propaganda” allegedly being pushed by political heavyweight Jonathan Moyo, Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, and the ruling party ZANU PF over Zimbabwe’s presidential term limits.
At the centre of the explosive debate is the Constitution of Zimbabwe specifically Sections 95(2)(b) and 91(2).
Section 328(1) defines a “term limit provision” as one that limits the length of time a person may hold public office. According to Mavedzenge, the answer is straightforward: Section 95(2)(b), which fixes a single presidential term at five years, is the true term limit clause because it directly regulates how long a President may serve.
Section 91(2), he argues, does something entirely different. It bars a person from running for President after already serving two terms. That provision governs eligibility to apply for the job not the duration one may hold it.
“It’s about qualification versus tenure,” Mavedzenge insists.
He cites the landmark Constitutional Court ruling in Marx Mupungu v Minister of Justice, where all seven judges declared that Section 95(2)(b) is “undoubtedly” a term limit provision and therefore cannot be amended without a national referendum.
For Mavedzenge, the legal position is settled and untouchable without the people’s direct vote.
“No amount of propaganda,” he warns, “can override the Constitution.”
As political temperatures rise, the battle over presidential tenure is shaping up to be one of the fiercest constitutional showdowns yet
Iran Poised to Acquire China’s Deadly CM-302 Supersonic Missiles – A Game-Changer in Naval Warfare Amid US Tensions!
In a major escalation of military capabilities, Iran is reportedly on the verge of sealing a deal with China to purchase advanced CM-302 supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles. These missiles boast a 290 km range, fly low and fast to dodge ship defenses, and could pose a significant threat to naval vessels, including US warships in the region.
This development comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions and deepening Iran-China ties, potentially reshaping dynamics in the Middle East. No delivery timeline has been set, but sources indicate the agreement is nearing completion.
Source: Reuters (exclusive report based on six knowledgeable sources). Stay tuned for updates! #BreakingNews #IranChinaDeal #Geopolitics
Temba Mliswa Backs Presidential Term Extension, Calls It ‘Extra Time’ for President Emmerson Mnangagwa
Former MP Temba Mliswa has publicly supported the proposed extension of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term.
He argued that disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and Cyclone Idai justify what he described as “injury time” for the presidency.
Extra Time Analogy Speaking on the Big Talk segment of Citizens Voice Network about the rationale for extending President Mnangagwa’s term beyond 2028, Mliswa likened it to “extra time” in football. He explained that it would allow the government to accomplish goals that were delayed due to crises like the pandemic and Cyclone Idai.
“The presidential term extension is justified because we had Covid-19 and Cyclone Idai, which means time was lost,” Mliswa said.
Costa challenged the analogy, noting that in football, injury time compensates for specific stoppages. Mliswa responded that unforeseen events continually arise, impacting the ruling party’s ability to deliver fully on its manifesto promises.
Framing the Debate Within Democracy Temba Mliswa stressed the importance of constitutionalism and democratic procedures in considering the bill.
He highlighted that democracy allows the majority to make decisions while giving the minority a voice, and that the Constitution contains provisions for lawful amendments.
“The current government should be commended for allowing open discussion and debate on the bill,” he said, contrasting it with past administrations.
He added that democratically elected leaders make decisions affecting all citizens, whether they voted for them or not.
Also Read: Zimbabwe To Scrap Presidential Elections Under Planned Constitutional Amendments For 2030 Agenda
An African American man who owns a lawn care business said he faced racism when a white homeowner canceled his services mid-job after realizing he was Black. The encounter, captured on video, shows the woman calling the police while he continued working to mow her lawn.
TikTok user @heaintthatfunny shared the video showing the woman refusing his work in a quiet residential neighborhood, as reported by Atlanta Black Star. He said the situation started because she said she had no idea she was hiring Black workers and became upset when she realized she had done so.
The video pans between the woman on her phone, apparently calling authorities, and parts of the lawn already trimmed. The landscaper points out, “We’ve already started. Look how much we’ve cut already.”
While waiting for the police, the woman snapped pictures of his license plate and reportedly used a racial slur before declining further work. His two sons watched the encounter unfold. He also said the homeowner found him through a third-party app that clearly showed his name, face, and work vehicle, yet she hired him anyway.
When police arrived, the officer listened to both sides, then apologized to the landscaper and even asked for his business card for future services. “I didn’t deserve for her to treat me like that. There is no defending her. Wrong is wrong,” he said.
The video went viral on TikTok in 2024, gaining nearly 800,000 views, drawing comments highlighting the incident as disrespectful and racist. The business owner continues to grow his company while holding a full-time job, sharing the incident to highlight discrimination in everyday services.
The Government has directed relevant ministries to discontinue negotiations with the United States over a proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under the America First Global Health Strategy (AFGHS).
In a letter dated December 23, 2025, Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Ambassador Albert Ranganai Chimbindi, advised the Secretaries for Finance and for Health and Child Care that President Emmerson Mnangagwa had ordered an end to discussions on the proposed framework.
The correspondence indicates that the United States was promoting the MoU as a future framework through which Washington would provide health support to Zimbabwe under specified terms and conditions.
However, according to the letter, the President directed that negotiations cease, citing concerns that the proposed agreement was “clearly lop-sided” and could compromise Zimbabwe’s sovereignty and independence
The letter was copied to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Professor Amon Murwira, and the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr Martin Rushwaya.
MAYHEATHER–PACQUIAO II: THE $678 MILLION REMATCH RETURNS TO VEGAS!
Las Vegas is set to explode on September 19 as Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao II is officially on! The rematch boxing fans begged for back in 2015 is finally becoming reality — eleven long years later.
When Floyd Mayweather Jr. first faced Manny Pacquiao, the world stopped. Mayweather claimed victory by decision in a fight that shattered records, generating a jaw-dropping $678 million — the most profitable bout in boxing history. But despite the payday, millions felt the rivalry was left unfinished.
Now, the two legends return to the bright lights of Las Vegas for one more chapter in their historic feud. Pride, legacy, and unfinished business are on the line.
Will Mayweather remain unbeaten? Or can Pacquiao rewrite history?
The fight the world has waited over a decade for is finally here.
Sidney Dearing and his family, the first African American homeowners in the city of Piedmont, California, were forced out of their home within a year nearly 100 years ago because of racism. Their great-grandchildren are now suing the city, seeking justice for the lost home and the generational wealth it could have provided.
In January 1924, Sidney Dearing, a successful businessman from Oakland, bought a house in Piedmont. At the time, local laws made it nearly impossible for Black people to own property. To work around this, his white mother-in-law bought the house for $10,000 with Dearing’s money and transferred ownership to the family, according to ABC 7 News.
The Dearings’ life in the home was marked by constant threats. Hundreds of neighbors protested, mobs gathered outside, bombs appeared near the property, and the family received letters threatening lynching. Within just a year, the city moved to condemn the property, claiming it needed the land for a road that was never built.
Two weeks ago, the family filed a lawsuit arguing the city used eminent domain to forcibly evict them because they were Black. The complaint highlights how the eviction blocked other Black families from owning homes in Piedmont for decades.
“This is a wealthy enclave. And the people who were not forced out of Piedmont have been able to enjoy the value of their home. The municipal services that come with living in that community. That high-quality education that comes along with living in that community,” said Leah Aden of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, representing the family.
Experts and former city officials say the case shows how deeply racism shaped Piedmont and other American cities. While the city has supported a memorial to acknowledge the past, the family says that is not enough. The house is now worth more than $2 million. The lawsuit seeks compensation for lost wealth, opportunities, and benefits of homeownership that Sidney Dearing never received.
Aden said Sidney Dearing died in poverty despite his success, and the lawsuit aims to correct the historic injustice and recover what the Dearings were unfairly denied.
Slovakia stops sending emergency electricity to Ukraine over Russian Oil
Slovakia has suspended emergency electricity exports to Ukraine as tensions escalate over the transit of Russian oil through Ukrainian territory.
Bratislava says the move follows disruptions affecting the Druzhba pipeline, a key route supplying Russian oil to Central Europe. Slovak officials argue the situation threatens national energy security and requires immediate protective measures.
The decision comes amid a broader regional dispute, with Hungary also blocking major EU financial aid to Ukraine over the same transit issue. Kyiv has warned the suspension could strain its energy system, particularly during periods of high demand caused by ongoing damage to infrastructure.
The disagreement highlights how energy routes and wartime sanctions are increasingly affecting relations between Ukraine and some of its European partners.
Zimbabwe Turns Down US$350 Million Health Funding Deal Over Sovereignty Concerns — What This Decision Means for Zimbabwe’s Healthcare System and the Lessons South Africa Can Draw About Aid, Independence and National Interests
Zimbabwe has reportedly stepped away from negotiations for a proposed US$350 million health funding agreement with the United States after raising concerns about conditions attached to the deal.
According to government officials, authorities felt some of the requirements — including extended access to sensitive health data and broader oversight elements — could compromise national sovereignty. As a result, leadership chose to halt talks, prioritising control over national systems despite the potential financial benefits.
What this means for Zimbabwe The decision could have mixed consequences: • Zimbabwe may face short-term pressure on health programmes that rely on external funding, particularly HIV and public health services. • However, the move signals a strong stance on protecting national data, policy independence and strategic resources. • It may push the country to explore alternative funding partners, strengthen domestic financing, and accelerate health system self-reliance.
What South Africa and other African countries can learn This development highlights important regional lessons: • Foreign aid often comes with conditions that governments must carefully assess. • Balancing financial support with sovereignty and data protection is becoming a major issue globally. • Investing in local healthcare funding and infrastructure reduces vulnerability to external policy shifts. • Transparent negotiations and public communication are essential when dealing with international partnerships.
Ultimately, Zimbabwe’s decision reflects a broader debate across Africa: how to secure vital development funding while maintaining policy control and protecting national interests.
What are your thoughts — should countries prioritise funding opportunities or sovereignty when the two appear to clash?
KEY DRC-BURUNDI BORDER REOPENS AFTER TWO MONTH CLOSURE
A vital border crossing between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi reopened Monday, more than two months after it was shut during an offensive by Rwanda-backed M23 rebels in eastern DRC, sources on both sides confirmed.
The Kavimvira post on Lake Tanganyika, crucial for regional trade along the main road linking Bujumbura to Uvira, was closed in December as M23 advanced toward Uvira.
The offensive aimed to cut Burundi’s military support for Congolese forces, experts said. Tens of thousands fled into Burundi during the fighting.
M23 withdrew from Uvira in January, citing a U.S. request amid Washington’s mediation efforts between Kinshasa and Kigali.
With the Congolese army back in control, South Kivu Governor Jean-Jacques Purusi confirmed reopening at 8:00 am Monday.
“We can see a lot of Congolese returning home,” a Burundi border police official said.
Other crossings in M23-controlled zones remain closed.
The mineral-rich region has suffered three decades of turmoil, with M23’s resurgence in 2021 sparking the latest crisis.
SIBIYA IN THE HOT SEAT! WARRANT LEAKS, ‘AFTER 9’ CLUBS & IMPALA MYSTERY ROCK MADLANGA COMMISSION
Suspended SAPS Deputy Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya found himself under intense pressure as dramatic testimony unfolded at the Madlanga Commission, with bombshell claims involving arrest warrants, private security links and late-night “after 9” clubs.
The hearing zoomed in on businessman Cat Matlala, General Shibiri, Brown Mogotsi and controversial blogger Musa Khawula, whose arrest has triggered a storm of questions.
At the centre of the drama is an arrest warrant allegedly shared with Matlala before Khawula’s detention. Evidence presented to the commission shows Sergeant Fannie Nkosi sent Matlala a copy of the warrant. Sibiya conceded that such an act would be improper but flatly denied ordering it.
Nkosi, however, claims Sibiya instructed him to pass it on because Matlala’s security company allegedly knew the venues Khawula frequented on weekends. Sibiya dismissed this as “untrue,” insisting he would never involve a private security firm in police operations.
Eyebrows were further raised when Sibiya described the locations as “after 9 clubs” widely understood to mean late-night gay venues even jotting the term down before confirming it aloud.
Commissioners also grilled him over why he appeared to receive real-time updates on Khawula’s arrest, including messages when the blogger was detained in Sandton cells. Sibiya maintained he routinely monitors operational matters involving warrants and denied any personal interest.
But the twists didn’t end there. Messages were revealed suggesting arrangements to deliver impalas to Sibiya’s home. He firmly denied ever receiving such deliveries, despite acknowledging that the WhatsApp number in question belongs to him.
The high-stakes inquiry resumes today, with Sibiya expected to wrap up testimony as public scrutiny intensifies.
Mkhwanazi Heads to Durban High Court to Force Businessman Calvin Mathibeli to Retract Social Media Statements
SAPS KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi is at the High Court in Durban today for his urgent legal battle against businessman Calvin Mathibeli.
The case stems from a public feud in which Mathibeli accused Mkhwanazi of harassment and ordering raids on his properties.
As if that were not enough, Mathibeli made allegations that the commissioner describes as baseless attempts to tarnish his reputation amid ongoing investigations into alleged corruption and criminal ties.
Court papers show Mkhwanazi is seeking a declaration that Mathibeli’s statements are false and defamatory, an interdict preventing the repetition of these claims, and the removal and retraction of posts on social media, radio, and television.
The courtroom showdown is being closely watched as there have been two attempts by national SAPS to raid Mathibeli’s offices from Fourways to Durban’s Umhlanga as well as his house.
Mkhwanazi filed his urgent court papers on Friday in the Durban High Court, and proceedings have now begun.
Iran Secures Russian “Aircraft-Killer” Missiles as U.S.–Iran Tensions Escalate
Amid rising U.S.–Iran tensions, Iran has reportedly agreed to a secret €500 million arms deal with Russia to acquire advanced shoulder‑fired Verba surface‑to‑air missiles, capable of threatening low‑flying aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and drones.
Leaked documents suggest the agreement, signed in Moscow in December 2025, will deliver 500 man‑portable launch units and 2,500 9M336 missiles over a three‑year period (2027–2029). The Verba’s mobility and infrared-guided seekers make it a significant threat to low-altitude aircraft, though not decisive against a major power.
Reports indicate that Hezbollah’s missile capabilities may now be under Iranian command, and regional experts warn this strengthens Tehran’s strategic position while raising regional security risks.
Malawi has been ranked among the top 10 best-governed countries in Africa in the latest 2026 Governance Assessment a milestone that underscores the country’s strides in democratic governance, political rights, and press freedom.
The ranking, reported by governance researcher Adekunle Agbetiloye on February 21, 2026, places Malawi at position eight on the continent. The report highlights steady democratic gains across Africa, with more countries embracing political openness and institutional reforms.
The development comes under the administration of President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, who assumed office in October last year. Observers say the recognition signals growing international confidence in Malawi’s governance trajectory.
According to the assessment, Malawi has made notable progress in strengthening public institutions, enhancing accountability, and promoting citizen participation in governance processes. The report further indicates that while political rights and press freedom are improving across Africa, weak rule of law and corruption control remain persistent challenges affecting overall governance performance.
Malawi’s placement among the continent’s top performers demonstrates a positive trajectory compared to several countries still grappling with systemic governance constraints.
Political and governance commentator George Chaima has welcomed the news, applauding the current administration’s commitment to good governance.
“This is good news to hear. I believe that this shows that the current government is performing well as compared to the previous regime. We changed government because the previous one was not performing according to the expectations of citizens. It is important for the government to fix other bottlenecks which are thorns in the throat,” said Chaima.
The latest ranking is expected to spark public debate, with governance experts urging authorities to consolidate gains by intensifying the fight against corruption and strengthening the rule of law.
The escalating feud between hip-hop heavyweights T.I. and 50 Cent has taken a dramatic turn, with T.I. issuing a stern warning for his family to be left out of the ongoing clash.What began as tension over a proposed Verzuz battle has now spiraled into a war of words and records with T.I. dropping a fiery diss track aimed squarely at his longtime rival.
In the explosive song, T.I. accuses 50 Cent of avoiding the highly anticipated Verzuz showdown, branding him a “keyboard warrior” and even suggesting damaging allegations that challenge 50’s street credibility. The track includes a bold claim that he possesses paperwork from prison allegedly mentioning 50’s name a statement likely to intensify the already heated standoff.
The friction reportedly started after T.I. claimed that 50 had privately agreed to a Verzuz battle but backed out once talks went public. Instead of confirming the event, 50 took to social media with jokes and memes, choosing to troll rather than step into the musical arena.
But things escalated further when 50 Cent allegedly posted an image of T.I.’s wife, Tameka “Tiny” Harris, making remarks about her appearance. That move prompted a sharp response from T.I.’s son, King Harris, who stepped into the fray defending his mother and warning 50 to leave family members out of the dispute.
What started as industry shade over a potential Verzuz clash has now turned intensely personal, drawing in family members and raising the stakes beyond social media banter.
With both camps standing firm and reputations on the line, the hip-hop world is now watching closely waiting to see whether 50 Cent responds with his own track or continues the battle online.
Burkina Faso’s gold boom boosts economy as IMF backs Traoré government
Ibrahim Traoré’s strategy to place gold at the center of Burkina Faso’s economic policy is beginning to show measurable results, as the country records a major mining surge.
Burkina Faso produced a record 94 tonnes of gold in 2025, increasing state revenues and helping unlock a $33.2 million disbursement from the International Monetary Fund after a positive economic review. Despite persistent security challenges, the country’s GDP growth is estimated at about 5% for the year.
Authorities say the stabilisation plan focuses on improving mining tax collection, controlling inflation and keeping public debt manageable. The IMF has also approved an additional $124 million package aimed at supporting climate-resilient agriculture.
However, the Fund cautions that risks remain. It is urging stronger oversight of the mining sector and continued governance reforms to ensure the economic momentum can be sustained.
HH MUST REVEAL HIS INCOME, HE NEVER DONATED HOSPITALS AS AN OPPOSITION LEADER – MUNDUBILE
TONSE faction President Brian Mundubile says President Hakainde Hichilema must disclose the source of his income, even as he makes huge donations.
Mundubile has questioned why President Hichilema is making huge donations such as hospitals, when he never did so as an opposition leader.
Last week, Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Minister Charles Milupi visited the newly constructed health facility in Kalangu area of Mongu district, which according to him, was funded by President Hichilema’s family.
Milupi said the construction of the hospital was done in memory of the 2017 incident, when President Hichilema was charged with treason.
Commenting on this development in an interview, Mundubile further wondered why the personal resources were not seen during President Hichilema’s opposition years, questioning where the money came from.
“We have a situation today where some of our rich leaders, our wealthy leaders, never gave out such big donations to the community while in opposition. So these wealthy leaders are only giving big donations now, so the question is where is the money coming from? Because if they were wealthy then, like they are wealthy now, why didn’t you see them giving out such gifts when they were in opposition? We have seen government go after leaders from the previous regime who did similar things. We are wondering now, with them, they can give out these gifts and claim they are from their personal resources, which personal resources we didn’t see when they were in opposition. The question people are asking, are these personal resources only available now? And if so, where are they coming from and for what reason are they acquiring these resources in the manner they are doing?” Mundubile asked.
https://youtu.be/_Kwmkk6ATPU?si=bFLmTXpNKtZaktfA
He added that this was why citizens had been urging President Hichilema to declare his assets.
“And that is the reason why citizens have been pushing for him to declare assets, so that when he claims to have made such donations, citizens can then know that it is from his wealth that he is making these donations. In the absence of that, it becomes very difficult, because when people are campaigning, they are very, very generous when they are campaigning. So when President Hichilema was campaigning, he could have made similar donations even to other regions. But we never saw him make any such donations. But today, President Hakainde Hichilema makes donations in millions to churches, and he’s donating to schools and hospitals. Where has that wealth come from suddenly? So the reason we demand for him to declare his assets is exactly that,” Mundubile said.
“Citizens, even those that are receiving donations to the churches, must be comfortable that they are receiving these donations from him and from his own resources, because we would have known his wealth better. But as it is now, nobody knows. Nobody knows what the President really had, or what he had when he got into State House, and what he’s got five years later. So the only thing we know is that he has only been able to make these donations now, which donations he didn’t make before. So we don’t know whether that wealth existed then, or it has just come into being now”.
Mundubile also questioned how President Hichilema could have reacted if he had been in late former president Edgar Lungu’s position during the Mongu treason incident.
“So if you talk about memory of the Mongu incident, President Hakainde Hichilema should watch that video when he interfered with the motorcade of the President [then], and ask himself one question, what could he have done if he was the one in the presidency then and an opposition leader did what he did? What would have happened to that opposition leader today? We have cases of Ronald Chitotela, Chilangwa and Kalumba who have been incarcerated with offenses of arson and damage to property arising from some electoral violence. Which cases were experienced all over the country perpetrated by UPND and yet only Chilangwa and Chitotela found themselves incarcerated. So we are comparing, we are looking at the gravity of this matter. Has he looked at the gravity of that matter?” asked Mundubile.
“I would like him to watch that video and ask himself that question. What would have happened to that opposition leader had he been the one in the presidency? Given that colleagues like Chilangwa and Chitotela are now serving jail sentences in cases where they were not even anywhere near the violence that happened. So as leaders, we have to be sincere. Leaders have got to be sincere in the manner that they do things. They should be sincere by disclosing the source of their income even as they are making these big donations because we never saw them make such big donations even when they were competing in opposition. So we ask the question, has this work just come now? Is this work just coming in now? Or is it coming from their personal resources? And the application of the law, is it selective? Why is it that the only people who are found wanting are people belonging to other political parties and not others?”
The Patriotic Front aligned EMV platform online poll results last night confirmed some high-level study conducted some four months ago and seen by KBN TV, suggesting that Harry Kalaba, Makebi Zulu and Brian Mundubile could be a winning ticket if they worked together.
According to Emmanuel Mwamba’s EMV platform, a non PF presidential hopeful, who is also Citizens First President, Harry Kalaba, polled 38.78 percent on a PF dominated platform, while Makebi Zulu, the man seen to be carrying the ECL sympathy vote polled 42.86 percent.
Tonse Alliance Presidential candidate Brian Mundubile came third placed and got 12.24 percent of the tally.
A political analyst who sought anonymity, believes the trio could upset President Hakainde Hichilema if they worked as a team, saying, “delaying the inevitable won’t help any of them.”
An impeccable study seen by KBN TV says the three brings unique traits to the 2026 polls with a moderate Kalaba, regarded as key to the swing vote from those within UPND, those undecided and those unhappy with the return of the PF to power.
Mundubile is regarded as one with the command of PF structures while Makebi Zulu, who stayed with late former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu in his final days and defended his legacy in death, is perceived to bring a sympathy vote to the equation.
To unseat President Hakainde Hichilema who commands the power of incumbency, Kalaba, Makebi and Mundubile must consider working together, the report said.
Emmanuel Mwamba endorses Malukula for president, Joke of the Day
A storm of skepticism has followed Emmanuel Mwamba after he unveiled what he described as a “public choice” endorsing Malukula for the presidency — a result critics argue was engineered long before any supposed vote took place.
The endorsement emerged from Mwamba’s own online platform, where months of glowing promotion had already shaped the narrative and, detractors say, preconditioned his audience’s response. What was presented as a democratic expression of public will has instead been condemned as a tightly controlled exercise in image-building.
Observers note that the outcome appeared inevitable: a candidate heavily praised for months is then “validated” by a poll conducted within the same echo chamber that amplified him. To critics, the process raises troubling questions about credibility, transparency, and intent — suggesting not an open contest of ideas, but a carefully staged confirmation of a predetermined conclusion.
What was billed as verification has, in the eyes of opponents, only intensified accusations of manipulation and self-serving political theater.
Amb Emmanuel Mwamba writes:
ZAMBIA DECIDES
From Online Comments on Emmanuel Mwamba’s Facebook Page
Impressions 56,000
Comments- 5,540 Sample from 1000 direct mention of candidates.
Analysis by Brian Matambo
Looking through 1,002 comments, I’ve gone through and counted each unique person’s most clearly stated vote preference (not counting the same person twice, and skipping observations/reactions that weren’t actual votes).
Here’s the tally from this sample:
●MZ8 — Makebi Zulu: ~175 votes ●HK8 — Harry Kalaba: ~100 votes ●BM8 — Brian Mundubile: ~52 votes ●Fred M’membe: ~12 votes ●KBF8 (various comments mention this candidate): ~11 votes ●Given Lubinda: ~9 votes ●JS8: ~3 votes ●Others (Sean Tembo, John Sangwa SC, Miles Sampa, Given Katuta, Fube Bwalya): ~5 votes
A few important notes:
Many people commented multiple times — I counted each person only once. A large chunk of the 1,002 comments were observations, reactions, or general discussion rather than explicit votes, so the actual voter count is lower than 1,002.
This is also just 1,002 of 5,554 total comments,so roughly 18% of the full sample. The actual phone-in votes (which the host said were being tallied separately) are a different count entirely.
From 340 live direct answered Phone Calls
The results as percentages are approximately:
● Makebi Zulu: 42.86% ● Harry Kalaba: 38.78% ●Bran Mundibile: 12.24% ●Dr. Chitalu Chilufya : 4.37% ●Dr. Fred Membe: 0.58% ● John Sangwa: 0.58% ● Given Lubinda: 0.58%
CITIZENS First (CF) President Harry Kalaba has branded the ruling UPND as a “failed project”, urging voters to critically examine the credentials of those seeking the presidency.
“I am not pompous, I am principled,” Kalaba says as he appeals to Zambians to “dump the UPND”.
Speaking on LAKA FM Radio in Lusaka, Kalaba accused the UPND government of favouring foreign companies over local entrepreneurs, particularly in the mining sector.
“Zambians must avoid costly experiments such as UPND. They gave tax holidays to foreigners while locals got nothing. That is wrong,” he charged.
Kalaba cited challenges facing Zambians including persistent poverty and lack of incentives for local businesses; unemployment and underemployment, especially among youth; poor power supply; agricultural struggles with farmers unable to access affordable fertiliser and civil service hardships, particularly in rural areas where allowances are inadequate.
“Under CF, public workers will be prioritised. I know the woes of public workers because I was a civil servant for 10 years,” he said.
Kalaba promised a 100% basic pay hardship allowance for rural civil servants to encourage retention and service delivery.
On agriculture, he vowed to recapitalise the Nitrogen Chemicals of Zambia to produce fertiliser locally.
“We want farmers to access ample subsidised fertiliser. We want farmers to be dignified, not beggars,” Kalaba declared.
He also criticised the government’s handling of energy, alleging that the UPND is importing electricity as a campaign gimmick.
“Zambians must not be cheated regarding the temporary restoration of power six months before polls. Once elections are over, blackouts will return,” Kalaba warned.
He further promised reforms in governance, insisting that ministers under his administration would declare interests before engaging in business with the government.
“Zambia has been hijacked by government officials masquerading as businessmen. That will end under CF,” Kalaba said.
Meanwhile, Kalaba emphasised industrial revival, calling for Zambia to return to assembling vehicles in Livingstone and bicycles in Chipata while promoting food processing and value addition for exports.
“Stop calling people illegal miners. We will make illegal miners very legal,” he added.
Rejecting calls for opposition amalgamation solely to oust UPND, Kalaba insisted on a clear post-UPND agenda.
“This thing of saying let’s amalgamate and remove UPND is not good. We must agree on what happens next,” he said.
Kalaba urged voters to judge him by his record as minister of foreign affairs.
“My record speaks for itself. I am not pompous. I am principled,” said Kalaba, appealing to Zambians to “dump the UPND” and embrace CF’s vision of dignity, empowerment and economic revival.
🇿🇲 VIEWPOINT | Mundubile’s Vision: Repackaging Opposition or Redefining the State?
Brian Mundubile is not a political newcomer rehearsing theory from the sidelines. He is a former Provincial Minister under the Patriotic Front, a former Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, and now the Tonse Alliance presidential contender positioning himself as a reformist alternative to President Hakainde Hichilema in 2026.
His message is blunt. “The foundation of every nation is actually the youth,” he says, arguing that without deliberate empowerment Zambia risks hollowing out its future. He speaks of “political will” and a “big brother” leadership model to mentor young innovators. He proposes moving the Ministry of Youth and Sport under State House to accelerate implementation. He promises to integrate young leaders across sectors, beyond ceremonial youth committees.
The language is emotive. The structural question is whether it is transformative.
Zambia’s youth bulge is real. Over 60 percent of the population is under 25. Unemployment and underemployment remain stubborn. Yet institutional relocation alone does not create fiscal space. Moving a ministry to State House would not resolve the structural constraints of a debt-laden economy operating within tight macro-fiscal parameters.
On industrialization, Mundubile calls for a shift away from what he describes as overreliance on social protection toward large-scale production. He proposes allocating 15 percent of the national budget to agriculture and reviving farming blocks. He cites Ghana’s gold reforms as a model, arguing mineral revenues must yield a clearer “net benefit” for the national budget.
The ambition confronts arithmetic.
Zambia’s 2025 budget remains anchored in debt servicing obligations, social sector spending, and IMF-backed fiscal discipline. Redirecting 15 percent of expenditure to agriculture would require either deeper cuts elsewhere or expanded borrowing. Ghana’s gold reforms occurred within a different macroeconomic architecture, including distinct state equity frameworks and production profiles. Replication is not automatic.
Mundubile also attacks what he terms “selective accountability,” asserting that dismissals under the current administration reflect political calculations rather than ethical thresholds. “I’ve never known a president to fire people that are corrupt… it’s only corruption if it involves a leader or somebody from the opposition,” he argues. It is a sharp jab at President Hichilema’s anti-corruption narrative.
But the record cuts both ways. The PF administration under which Mundubile served faced its own corruption allegations and debt accumulation controversies. Public debt expanded sharply during that era, and governance weaknesses were cited in restructuring negotiations that followed. Any reformist posture must address that legacy.
He further criticizes digital regulation, suggesting online laws “gag citizens.” Civil liberties debates remain central to Zambia’s democratic identity. However, regulatory frameworks are not unique to Zambia. Globally, governments are recalibrating digital governance amid misinformation and cybercrime risks. The issue is balance, not abolition.
On mining, his proposal to reorganize the sector so proceeds are “banked locally” gestures toward resource nationalism. Zambia has oscillated historically between liberalized and state-heavy mining regimes. Excessive intervention risks investor flight; insufficient oversight risks revenue leakage. The equilibrium is delicate. The global copper market is currently driven by energy transition demand. Any restructuring must preserve competitiveness in a capital-intensive industry.
Where Mundubile’s rhetoric resonates most is in symbolic repositioning. He casts himself as the corrective to what he frames as complacency, dismissing official macroeconomic gains as “decorated figures.” He questions whether inflation improvements translate into lived experience. This taps into a political truth: macro stabilization does not automatically equal micro relief.
Still, Zambia in 2026 is not Zambia in 2015. Debt restructuring is underway. IMF engagement has restored certain external confidences. Copper output is climbing toward ambitious targets. Fiscal consolidation constrains grand spending pledges.
The critical test is implementation realism. Can a Tonse government expand agriculture allocations, reorganize mining revenue flows, accelerate youth leadership integration, and simultaneously maintain macro stability without reigniting debt distress? Can institutional restructuring occur without undermining investor sentiment in a fragile post-restructuring environment?
Mundubile’s past as Provincial Minister offers administrative experience. It also ties him to the previous governing architecture. The question voters may ask is not only what he proposes differently, but what he would have done differently when power was already in his coalition’s hands.
Election seasons reward clarity. His platform articulates energy, inclusion, and assertive economic nationalism. What remains to be detailed is the fiscal roadmap, the sequencing, and the safeguards against repeating past structural weaknesses.
Zambia stands between consolidation and disruption. Mundubile is offering disruption framed as renewal.
Come August, the electorate will decide whether it reads as correction or regression.
PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema can no longer be trusted to adhere to the national values and principles which he does not believe in, says All People’s Congress (APC) president Nason Msoni.
Commenting on Hichilema’s national address to Parliament on progress on National Values and Principles Friday, Msoni accused Hichilema of lacking sincerity in his public discourse.
“Hichilema’s actions don’t tally with his speeches, which have effectively shaken Zambians’ trust in the head of state. This disconnect between Hichilema’s words and deeds is his biggest weakness and evil to himself,” Msoni said.
He said that Hichilema’s administration in its current form cannot hold free and fair elections, pointing to perceived political patronage in key institutions of governance such as the police, Judiciary and Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ).
“Take a look at the key appointments at ECZ of known United Party for National Development (UPND) members, same with the judiciary and police service,” he said.
Msoni said Hichilema must cleanse the police service from the perceived tribal appointments.
He said this was the perception Zambians had about Hichilema and his government.
“For instance, let’s look at the police command’s top officials. We shall start with the Inspector General of Police, Graphael Musamba; his three deputy inspector generals are all from the same Zambezi region,” Msoni said.
“This is a fact. Let’s go to all the provincial commissioners of police. Eight are from the Zambezi region, while one is from the East and the other one from Muchinga. So, what national unity was he preaching about? So how can we talk about national unity? How can we talk about One Zambia One Nation?”
He said the continued scheming of imingalato by UPND leaders showed how deceitful and manipulative those in leadership were, despite the claim they were making about holding a free and fair election in August.
Msoni said Hichilema’s claims of national unity was a façade.
“Instead of fostering unity, this administration’s actions have deepened political fissures. The UPND government has systematically worked to sideline opposition voices and suppress dissent, which can lead to a feeling of exclusion for those who don’t align with the ruling party,” he said.
Msoni said the UPND administration was also advancing selective application of principles between opposition figures and its own members, creating a sense of injustice and further division.
He cited the handling of the death of the late former president Edgar Lungu as a missed opportunity for national unity.
Msoni said instead Hichilema had made it a war to win and bury his sworn enemy, a route that had exposed deep political divisions in the country.
“Opposition parties are often blocked from holding rallies due to what police say are security concerns, while those in the UPND are allowed to hold meetings and rallies openly without any reservations,” he said.
UPND associates and cadres were allowed to insult the late Lungu and his family at will without any action taken against them, but when it came from the other side of the divide, cyber laws were effectively implemented.
“Even when people have reported, the police will never move or act. There are also cases of arbitrary arrests and intimidation of opposition leaders and activists,” he said.
Msoni said Hichilema was the wrong person to talk about national values and principles when he had never practised any since he took over the government.
“Essentially, institutions, which are meant to be impartial guardians of democracy, are being used in a way that tilts the playing field in favor of the ruling party, making genuine free and fair elections a challenge,” he said.
Msoni said while emphasising transparency and good governance, Hichilema had failed to publicly declare his assets.
“We’ve also witnessed the insatiable desire by Hichilema’s government to change the Constitution against the will of the Zambians,” he said.
