DEC SWOOPS INTO NATIONWIDE DRUG BUST, NABS HIGH-PROFILE TRAFFICKERS
The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), in collaboration with various law enforcement agencies, continues to intensify its operations in curbing drug trafficking activities across Zambia. In a series of recent arrests spanning across several provinces, DEC officers apprehended several individuals involved in drug trafficking, seizing significant quantities of cannabis, cocaine, and other illegal substances.
In Eastern Province, DEC officers, working closely with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW), and Forestry Department officials, have arrested Justine Ngoma, male aged 26 from Yatamu Village, Lundazi District. Ngoma was apprehended in Nyimba District while aboard a bus en route to Lusaka. He was found in possession of 121.9 kilogrammes of dry loose cannabis concealed in sacks, which were discovered during a routine check at the Unya Unya checkpoint.
In a separate joint operation, DEC officers arrested Josias Phiri, male aged 35 from Yohane Village in Kasenengwa District. Phiri was also apprehended aboard a bus at the Unya Unya checkpoint and was found with 60.5 kilogrammes of dry loose cannabis.
Further arrests were made in Luapula Province, where DEC officers intercepted Jonas Bwalya, male aged 24 from New Mufulira, Mansa District. Bwalya was found with 800 sachets of high-grade cannabis weighing 1.46 kilogrammes and seven bottles of Benylin with Codeine at the Luamfumu Zambia National Service (ZNS) checkpoint.
In Lusaka Province, DEC officers conducted an operation at a named Fuel Station in the Lilayi area, leading to the arrest of two (2) individuals involved in trafficking cocaine. Kingsley Dominic Uche, male aged 36, a Nigerian national residing in Chalala area, and Andrew Phiri, male aged 39 from Chilenje South, were found with 23.98 grammes of cocaine concealed in a transparent plastic. A Toyota Mark X motor vehicle (registration number BAZ 7838) used in the illegal drug activities, along with K2,950 suspected to be proceeds of the drug transaction, were also seized during the operation.
In Central Province, DEC’s operations led to the arrest of Samson Mwale, male aged 48 from Chikumbi Village in Mungule, Chisamba District. Mwale was found in possession of dry loose cannabis, along with 124 packs of dry cannabis weighing a total of 1.27 kilogrammes. An additional 2.41 kilogrammes of abandoned cannabis were also recovered during the operation.
The DEC also conducted a series of operations along a stream in Syejumba area, Zimba District, in Southern Province, leading to the discovery of 25 kilogrammes of dry loose cannabis concealed in banana leaves, and more than 10 tonnes of fresh cannabis plants abandoned by persons who are currently at large. A manhunt has since been launched to facilitate the arrest of suspects.
The Commission wishes to appeal to citizens living near water bodies to desist from illicit cannabis cultivation and to utilise the water for productive ventures which will contribute positively to human and social development.
Lastly, in Western Province, the DEC successfully apprehended a notorious drug trafficker, Muyunda Liboma, male aged 26 who has been on the Commission’s Watch List for some time. Liboma, along with his accomplice, Gift Nyambe, male aged 26, was found with high-grade cannabis weighing 909 grammes. The DEC has also launched a manhunt for Barnwell Kabeleka, male aged 25 who escaped arrest in Luampa District, abandoning 80 kilogrammes of dry loose cannabis.
The DEC remains committed to curbing drug trafficking and related criminal activities across the nation. We call on the public to support these efforts by reporting any suspicious activities to the nearest DEC office. The DEC will continue to collaborate with other law enforcement agencies to strengthen operations and enhance the fight against drug trafficking in Zambia.
DEC SWOOPS INTO NATIONWIDE DRUG
The MK Party and the contestation of history
An angel of history is haunting the ANC – the spectre of the historical uMkhonto Wesizwe. The announcement of the MKP on December 16, 2023 by President Jacob Zuma conjured certain spirits or the ghosts of the fallen uMkhonto Wesizwe whose death was almost rendered in vain by the rise of markets in the discursive detour and possible policy trajectory in the ANC.
The establishment of the uMkhonto Wesizwe Party invokes the militant and radical tradition in the history of the liberation struggle thereby inaugurating a contestation of history. It also revealed who owns the history of the liberation struggle. It questions the ownership of the history as such. Akin to Walter Benjamin’s assertion that the victors write history. The 30 years of apartheid-free South Africa have been marked by the ANC-ification of the history of the liberation struggle that desired to erase other anti-apartheid forces.
It’s a fact taken for granted that there’s another breakaway of the ANC, and the ANC would fight to tighten its grip on history while rewriting its history. There have been five breakaways since the establishment of the ANC. Does that mean that the history of the ANC is fragmented into five versions?
The Pan-Africanist Congress of Azania took away from the ANC’s history the radical Afrikanist dimension that was going to suffer with the adoption of the Freedom Charter because the Kliptown Congress was to open the ANC to the Communist Party of South Africa, the Indian Congress, and the Coloured Congress thereby enacting a nonracial ANC.
Outside the ethnic nationalism, it is difficult to locate the Inkatha Freedom Party in the ideological trajectories of the ANC. However, the late Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi claimed the name of the president of the ANC, Chief Albert Luthuli, as his mentor.
In the aftermath of the 2007 Elective Conference in Polokwane and the subsequent recall of President Thabo Mbeki, COPE has extracted the Kliptown Congress of the People as their own identity with its nonracial ethic. In the wake of the Marikana Massacre, the Economic Freedom Fighters arose. The EFF contested the radical history of the ANC with uMkhonto Wesizwe’s militant lexicon. Finally, the inception of the uMkhonto Wesizwe Party exposed the neocolonial and neoliberal agenda of the broad-church ANC that reduced itself to the watchdogs of the “markets”.
The emergence of the MK Party in the political landscape of South Africa has revealed the hunger of the ANC to monopolize the history of the liberation struggle. They still contest the history of uMkhonto Wesizwe in the courtrooms and claim trademarks, overlooking the idea behind the People’s Army and the struggle itself. This shows the liberalism of the ANC for thinking that the struggle of the people is a privately owned property.
This is also the attitude of the ANC these days with its surrogate arrogance, a white arrogance that they are hot-spotted by the white capital with its anti-black media. This forms part of the long history of colonial racism that criminalizes black bodies without court trials, the same media that insults and humiliates President Zuma for being “uneducated”, according to colonial standards of what it means to be educated. But it ironically affirms John Steenhuisen who equally doesn’t have a university education. The MK Party is subjected to scrutiny with the fallacious claims that it doesn’t have policy documents and the constitution.
These things happen because the media’s fight against the MK Party is a way of protecting the now-liberal ANC. When the ANC abandoned its liberator character as the people’s vehicle for shelter and food, it lost the support of the people. The 2024 general elections were the wake-up call but like many former liberation movements, the ANC made desperate moves to hold onto state power. The act of entering a coalition with the DA suggests that the ANC is no longer the vehicle for a better life for all.
What does it mean then for the ANC to marry the anti-black Democratic Alliance that strives to humiliate black professionals like Dr John Hlophe and others? Does it mean the ANC has given up the burden of being a liberation movement by taking on a different political identity, one that is agreeable to the DA and the white capital? It seems the ANC is exhausted by the burden of history; hence it is reluctantly handing over the baton of history to the MK Party.
I imagine Benjamin’s angel of history, this elusive figure, who looks at history spellbound and agape. I see Jacob Zuma on that fateful December 16 as the angel of history standing in awe before the dung heap of history of all that has gone wrong in the ANC while it blows him to the future of South Africa way beyond him.
————
Sankara Bizela, MK Party Cape Metro Spokesperson
Who won the Harris-Trump presidential debate?
Donald Trump and Kamala Harris met for the first time on the presidential debate stage in Philadelphia on Tuesday, September 10, 2024 night.
They may have shaken hands, but they did not hit it off.
In a fiery 90 minutes, Harris frequently rattled the former president with personal attacks that threw him off message and raised the temperature of this highly-anticipated contest.
Her pointed digs on the size of his rally crowds, his conduct during the Capitol riot, and on the officials who served in his administration who have since become outspoken critics of his campaign repeatedly left Trump on the back foot.
The pattern for much of this debate was Harris goading her Republican rival into making extended defences of his past conduct and comments. He gladly obliged, raising his voice at times and shaking his head.
Americans should go to a Trump rally, Harris said during an early question about immigration, because they were illuminating. “People start leaving the rallies early out of exhaustion and boredom,” she said.
That barb clearly rattled the former president, as he then spent most of his answer – on a topic that should have been one of his main areas of strength – defending his rally sizes and belittling hers.
Trump went from there to an extended riff on a debunked report that Haitian immigrants in the town of Springfield, Ohio, were abducting and eating their neighbour’s pets.
If debates are won and lost on which candidate best takes advantage of issues where they are strong – and defends or deflects on areas of weakness – Tuesday night tilted in favour of the vice president.
A snap CNN poll of voters watching said that Harris performed better and betting markets said the same.
This is a snapshot that could be momentary but the Harris tactic of putting Trump on the defensive was clear early in the evening when the topics covered were the economy and abortion.
Public opinion surveys indicate many Americans are unhappy with how the Biden administration – of which Harris is a key member – has handled inflation and the economy.
But Harris turned the topic to Trump’s proposed across-the-board tariffs, which she labelled a “Trump sales tax”, and then brought up Project 2025, the controversial independent conservative plan for a future Republican administration.
As he has in the past, Trump distanced himself from the project and defended his tariff plan, noting that the Biden administration had kept many of the tariffs in his first presidency. They were valid points, but it kept him from hammering the vice-president on inflation and consumer prices.
On abortion, Trump defended his handling of the issue, saying that Americans across the spectrum wanted Roe v Wade abortion protections overturned by the Supreme Court – a statement that polling does not support. He struggled to make his position clear and his answer was at times rambling.
Harris, meanwhile, took the opportunity to make an impassioned, personal appeal to families who have faced severe pregnancy complications and have been unable to receive abortion care in states that have banned the procedure – states with “Trump abortion bans”, as she called them.
“It’s insulting to the women of America,” she concluded.
It was a carefully modulated message in an area in which she has a double-digit advantage over Trump.
Time and time again as the evening progressed, Harris put Trump on the defensive with jabs and barbs that he could have ignored but seemingly felt compelled to address.
At one point, Harris was asked about the liberal positions, such as those on oil shale fracking, that she took during her failed 2019 presidential campaign and has since abandoned. Her deliberate prodding continued and she ended her answer by noting that she did not take handouts from her wealthy father.
Again, the former president took the bait. Instead of hitting the vice president on her shifting views – a clear area of weakness – he opened his response by talking about the “tiny fraction” of money he took from his father.
On the Afghanistan withdrawal, another weak point for Harris, the vice-president shifted the conversation to Trump’s negotiations with Taliban officials and inviting them to Camp David. It was a pattern that played out over and over and proved very effective.
Republicans are already complaining about what they say was the favouritism the ABC moderators, David Muir and Linsey Davis, showed toward Harris. Both of them pushed back and fact-checked assertions made by Trump on several occasions.
In the end, however, it was Trump’s responses and eagerness to take and devour whatever bait Harris set out for him that was the story of the evening.
And that played out in the faces of the two candidates. Whenever her opponent was talking, Harris took on a studied look of bemusement or incredulity. Trump, for his part, mostly scowled.
Up until now, the Harris campaign had been coy about whether she would agree to another debate. Almost immediately after this one ended, they called for a second presidential debate before November.
That alone should indicate how well the Democrats think Tuesday night went for Harris
PRESS STATEMENT BY HON RAPHAEL NAKACINDA SECRETARY GENERAL PATRIOTIC FRONT.
PRESS STATEMENT BY HON RAPHAEL NAKACINDA SECRETARY GENERAL PATRIOTIC FRONT.
10/09/24
Good afternoon fellow country men and women, members of the press.
Today, l am here to address three national issues.
1. Demanding more transparency and accurate information on the health condition and life of Zambia’s Chief Justice, Mr. Mumba Malila
As Patriotic Front, we are deeply concerned about the life and health conditions of our Republican Chief Justice, Hon. Mumba Malila who was involved in a traffic accident under very strange circumstances few weeks ago.
Following his tragic accident, we saw a scanty, disorganised and hurried presser by Media and Information Permanent Secretary, Mr. Thabo Kawana and other UPND officials laboring so hard to down play the accident as a minor RTA and was receiving treatment locally.
To everyone’s shock, we were later informed that Hon Malila was evacuated to South Africa because the accident was bad and his condition warranted an urgent need to seek special medical care which he couldn’t access here. Why is the UPND government so contradictory? In one minute, they are saying he is stable and recovering and the next minute, they are saying his condition has worsened and needs evacuating? Why hasn’t the police issued a proper and detailed statement? Where is the person who caused the accident? What is the condition of the driver who caused the accident? Is this person arrested or in hospital?
Zambians want clear answers on the accident and condition of their Chief Justice.
Is it true that our Chief Justice may be indisposed for over 6 months? Is government hiding some important information about the chief Justice? Is the Ministry of Justice being just and fair to the office and life of the chief Justice? What we know is that the Ministry responsible for all lives here in Zambia is Ministry of Health. But why is the ministry of health so mute on the health condition of our chief justice?
As PF, we want to appeal to the family of our chief justice to be extremely attentive to details surrounding thier relative’s condition and life circumstances because we now believe that there is more than what the eyes and ears can meet. We are also calling upon our security wings to keep a close eye on this issue and provide factual information to the public. As citizens, we demand government to provide a comprehensive statement on the status of Hon. Mumba Malila this week and the status of the one who caused the accident at hand.
2. PF’s concerns on political partners undermine President Edgar Chagwa Lungu and the party’s position on alliances
As PF, we are resolved and committed to work with other like minded political parties in our quest to remove the oppressive UPND government in 2026. We believe that in 2026, we need to join hands with other political parties and stakeholders to ensure that president Hichilema is democratically voted out of power by the Zambian people. This is why PF is in the United Kwacha Alliance (UKA) and will continue to be in this alliance.
The PF does not have reservations or problems to be in UKA through our party president, Dr Edgar Chagwa Lungu. The Sixth Republican President has PF and Zambia at heart which makes him a critical player in UKA on behalf of the party. However, the party is concerned by some UKA members who seem to be abusing and exploiting President Lungu’s availability and grace to physically interact with them.
As PF, we are sad and horrified by some known UKA members as well as leaders who have made statements that are deliberately designed to disrespect, undermine and discredit the Sixth Republican President. Known individuals from known political parties within UKA have issued voice audios and written statements either in the names of the alliance members or their proxies to discredit and undermine both president Lungu and PF. This is certainly unacceptable behavior in any political marriage!
Therefore, we want to warn our political partners to desist from issuing statements either directly or indirectly aimed at attacking and undermining the PF president. Dr Lungu is our party flag bearer and as a party, we have a brave responsibility to defend, protect and preserve him. We shall closely monitor and later assess the behavior of our political partners in UKA towards the former president and will determine future actions. PF believes in UKA and will remain UKA.
In like manner, the PF is open to engage and willing to engage with other political alliances. We have heard of “The Zambia We Want”, Perhaps Pact as well as “Tonse Alliance”. From the party point of view, we are open to all coalition options available as long as they fit into the PF agenda. That is why we are closely studying the terms of references of the Tonse Alliance as they have been shared with us and are in public domain.
Since the party has been approached to join this alliance, a task force under my office will be set up to critically review and evaluate the core objectives, membership criteria, political benefits and other relevant issues around “Tonse Alliance” in relation to PF constitution, manifesto and our 2026 political agenda. Thereafter, the party shall decide whether to join or not. This is our approach and position on all political marriages and coalition politics.
To us, this is important because Patriotic Front is most talked about party in Zambian politics today within an alliance context. The fact is that Patriotic Front remains the most attractive and formidable force to mount a worthy challenge to the UPND in 2026 than any opposition party. On any occasion, it is unrealistic to discuss a genuine alliance without the mention of PF.
Secondly, it is also clear that the Zambian people have resolved that going into the next elections they expect to see a united opposition that will take over from the UPND. And as PF we shall answer to this call and we will not disappoint the Zambian people. We as Patriotic Front are ready to partner with like minded opposition political parties that are serious and progressive in answering the call of the zambian people.
We shall genuinely participate in progressive alliances that are centered on liberating the Zambian people from the jaws of oppression and adverse suffering of our people under the leadership of Mr Hakainde Hichileme. This we are committed to, however we shall do this in an organised, responsible and accountable manner in the interest of our nation. Patriotic Front exists for contestation in elections and as such as a political party we are willing to subdue our organisational interest so long as the purpose is national interest.
3. Discipline in the party as we approach 2026.
Lastly, let me address my fellow members of the Patriotic Front on party discipline and unity of purpose. My principle is unity of purpose. Patriotic Front is the main opposition political party and the alternative govt in the country with over 50 members of parliament with structures across the country. With a huge following and sympathisers. So we are a major stakeholders. As your Secretary General my first duty main responisbility is protect and defend our institution and organise our party to be viable and attractive. That is why I was appointed and to those our brothers and sisters who thought I would be compromised on this duty you will have difficulties to deal with me, that’s why am urging all Patriotic Front members to follow procedure and laid down rules as enshrined in our party constitution. Yes we may have to enter into alliances, its part of democracy but as an SG my core duty is to make sure my party is being safeguarded and the interests of our party are promoted regardless of who we interact with. When I call you our members to order its my responsibilty as dictated by the party constitution. It doesn’t matter whether we can have internal challenges and squabbles but we should never lose focus on what our party stands for and ensuring that the party survives beyond us and our emotions. While we appreciate working relationships with other political parties, anything to do with Patriotic Front or our members must be subjected to the collective. Because one cannot wear two hats. As your SG I am going to support ideas that have been endorsed by the collective through laid down procedures and acceptable by our structures. I want people to understand this, any progressive idea which has been collectively agreed it shall be supported anything outisde that as your Secretary General my duty and responsibilty is to protect the party and our president.
I also want to thank our party president, our vice president, the Central Committee, members of parliament, mayors,councillors,the general membership including independent MPs for the resilience through this troubled waters despite the challenges they are going through for standing firm in defending our party and beyond our democracy from collapsing at the hands of this fully blown dictator. We are all aware of the schemes of the UPND govt trying to destroy our political party by sponsoring internal wrangles, has UPND forgotten what Part 7 of the constitution says about protecting and defending the rule of law and the democracy as enshrined in our constitution of Zambia.
I have faith in the power of the Zambia peoples resolve to deal with the attrocities of the UPND. UPND have tortured the Zambians and they have continued to torture the minds of PF and sympathisers because of their continued hold PF right to participate on the political discourse of this country through the Registrar of Societies and ECZ.
As a party we will defend all our elected officials from members of parlaiment, mayors and councillors who represent our party and to ensure that we retain those seats and more. As your SG am available for progressive engagement on developing and growing our party. As your SG you have my full protection and we shall not allow any schemes to undermine you and you also shall not be allowed to undermine the party.
I want to appeal to all loving members of the Patriotic Front that mean well, not to be carried away. I know that we are almost entering into a political period and our enemies will be very aggressive to create unnecessary political theories among our members of parliament in order to distract us on the bigger picture and main goal of forming govt in 2026. Let us remain united we only have one agenda to answer the clear call from the Zambian people to form govt in 2026.
I thank you!!
Raphael Nakachinda
PF Secretary General
WHERE IS UKWA GOING?
WHERE IS UKWA GOING?
Since his opposition days, Hakainde Hichilema ensured that he remained focused and never shaken by all manner of threats that were being thrown at him.
He is the clear version of “If you know what you want, stay focused, stay put, don’t look at every barking activity”.
Unless another can claim otherwise, Hichilema could be among the few leaders who has been in UPND without jumping from it to another or from another to UPND.
And if anything, Hichilema understands the the role of Alliances in politics because one’s network is their networthy.
However, the current opposition in Zambia is not inspiring to even their own children. It is a group of power hungry, dishonest, corrupt and pure opportunists.
We have stated this because of how UKWA GROUP is fast dying. This group is BID. There is no leadership amongst themselves. And the reason is simple; Kalaba knows Edgar inside and outside because he resigned from his PF government, Saboi knows the PF very well and Edgar knows these fellows very well.
At this juncture, we can part the back of Fred M’membe’s head for seeing what we saw immediately we saw Edgar announcing that he needed to fight for himself and his children because not even Kalaba, Saboi, Jackson, Sikota, Sean, and the rest were doing so.
Now the loose ends are here for all to see. Raphael Nakachinda who we once in while address as Gunyu Masaka has come out strongly telling UKWA members to stop exploiting Edgar.
By definition, exploiting can be explained as:
1. Make full use of and derive benefit from (a resource). For example “500 companies sprang up to exploit this new technology” And in similar, we can say exploiting is to: Utilize, make use of, put to use, use to good advantage turn/put to good use make the most of, capitalize on,
benefit from, turn to account, draw on
profit from/by make capital out of
cash in on milk
2. Make use of (a situation) in a way considered unfair or underhand.
“The company was exploiting a legal loophole”
Having said that, it is now clear that what we have been getting told about UKWA and the feel from some PF Faction members is true. Lungu’s PF faction feels that Kalaba, Saboi, Jackson, Sikota, Sean and all are simply after Lungu’s money and them using Lungu for political capital.
In fact, some Lungu’s PF faction members have been complaining that the UKWA GROUP members have more access to Edgar Lungu’s resource envelopes compared to them.
While on the other hand, some UKWA GROUP members have also been very firm that a group of thugs that lost an election with over 1 million votes cannot push that their losing candidate leads the UKWA group and be on the ballot paper because the wounds such a one inflicted on the country may still be fresh to turn into one’s votes.
We agree with both sides. The Lungu’s and the UKWA but whatever the case, Lungu will beat these fellows hands down and it will be too late for even Kalaba to mobilise for himself.
When Lungu was leader of Zambia, his thugs caused havoc but never said anything and today he has sent Nakachinda to warn UKWA GROUP members because that is how he operates.
This warning from Edgar through Nakachinda must be taken serious by all those UKWA GROUP members because if they will not accept, surely they will be beaten by this PF faction and we mean real beating at the very place where they will want to pick a different person as UKWA leader other than Edgar.
As Koswe, we can only lay it bare and say that Edgar won’t let go easily of that UKWA thing and while Kalaba and others are using him and his money, he will surely also use them big time and if they refuse, they will be brutally beaten.
Can a divided house offer credible, sober and act as an alternative government to that of Hakainde Hichilema? Certainly not the UKWA group and certainly none of the current opposition. They need to think twice and currently the UPND government’s only credible opposition parties are Zambians themselves and especially those who voted for the party otherwise UKWA GROUP has been BID from birth.
REALITY CHECK:POLITICAL ALLIANCES IN ZAMBIA
REALITY CHECK:POLITICAL ALLIANCES IN ZAMBIA
By Chishala Chilufya (Political and Social Analyst)
A political Alliance is a cooperation of members from different political parties who come together to promote a common agenda.
This usually involves formal agreements between two or more political parties.
Today, our country is facing a very difficult situation in which individuals do not understand alliances because some of the political parties have no members and structures countrywide.
Secondly, some of these political parties have no executive committees which are what we call structures on the ground.
What is strange in Zambia today is that political parties that have no structures and members are the ones that want to decide how an alliance should work and operate.
These are jokes,to say the least.
We need to be serious, realistic and honest with each other especially when we want to discuss about United Kwacha Alliance (UKA).
The formation of UKA is a well designed program which many Zambians have embraced, though there is a lot of insincerity and dishonest among the political players as they are conducting politics of “ututapula” (politics of traps).
The current political environment in Zambia is like the 1990 World Cup which was held in Italy in which Cameroon was pronounced as flag carrier for Africa.
Cameroon however was in a crisis because they didn’t have a number 9 such that they had to recall Rodger Miller from retirement.
Rodger Miller was not just exposed but was a skilled player with experience and had a record of scoring goals and,he performed.
In the Zambian political setup,there is no single politician who is an institution apart from Edgar Lungu.
He has governed this country for seven years,and he has the knowledge and experience.
He knows where to start from ,he knows the mistakes he made and now he has capacity to correct them.
He is a main opposition leader with his party being one of the biggest political parties in this country with more than 50 members of parliament whose political structures across the country are intact.
PF as a party is known by every Zambian .
He is only past President who Zambians can make a comparisons to the current President, Hakainde Hichilema.
In this case, PF and President Lungu are bringing a big share of political advantages to the alliance.
At the moment Zambia is in the situation of the indomitable lions, Cameroon were they need somebody to score and win.
So,UKA members have to accept that there can only be one person to lead just like in football there can only be one captain or one number 9 at once.
At the moment it is the UKA members who need President Lungu and PF because PF is the one bringing a big share into this alliance.
I just want to tell you that UKA members need to be honest with each other ,they should stop the tendency of personalizing how UKA started ,whether it was started in someones house,the reality has to come out and this is the time Zambians need to learn how to speak to each other honestly.
The Patriotic Front cannot trade or negotiate with political players in the eyes of the Zambian people who do not exist on the ground .
Honestly, how can President Lungu who is an institution himself with one of the largest political parties in this country with more than 50 members of parliament including some of the independent MP’s , Mayors council chaipersons and over 200 councilors countrywide start to negotiate with political parties who have no single councilor on who is going to be the presidential candidate of UKA.
The recent alliances which succeeded in Africa are:
1. In Kenya,the alliance between President Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto was formed. An alliance were President Kenyatta who was leading a largest oppositon political party become a flag bearer and eventually won the elections.
2. In Malawi, Tonse alliance was formed between President Lazarus Chakwera and the late Vice President Saulos Chilima.
MCP for President Chakwera was the largest opposition political party in that country and President Chakwera was the flag bearer of the alliance and eventually they won the elections.
3. In Zambia, the UPND alliance was formed towards the 2021 General elections which invloved Felix Mutati of MDC and Charles Milupi to mention a few .
President Hichilema and the UPND were the largest opposition political party in the country and President Hakainde Hichilema was the flag bearer and they won the elections.
UKA should learn from these examples i have given them that each alliance has a flag bearer and the qualification is to be a largest opposition political party in the country.
And this is the case it is President Lungu and the Patriotic Front ,this is not negotiable its a reality .
Currently, Zambia is in the situation of the indomitable lions of Cameroon were we need somebody to score and win!
Lastly, Counsel Sakwiba Sikota SC needs to guide opposition leaders in UKA that to get power from a government like UPND you need numbers on the table,you need experience and you political connection in the region and resources.
If these political parties can not pave way,let the PF consolidate and find its way out it happened before in 2010 leading to the 2011 elections.
The is a repetition of history-wina azakalila!
Open Letter to Former President Edgar Lungu
Open Letter to Former President Edgar Lungu
By Osward Bwali
Dear 6th Republican President, Edgar C. Lungu
I hope my letter finds you well.
You are probably wondering why you are waking up to a long letter when you are a mere former head of state.
Well, the short answer is that you left a mess, such a mess that the incumbent president, Dr Hakainde Hichilema (three honorary PhDs, and counting) and his disciples say that the buck doesn’t stop at him but at you for this mess. Debt, Lungu. Loadshedding, Lungu. K400 mealie meal price, Lungu. Exchange rate, Lungu. By-elections, Lungu. Honorary PhD gala, Lungu. Violence, Lungu. Corruption, Lungu.
Secondly, and ironically, you are the most popular politician in the country right now. From shame in Heroes Stadium on 24th August 2021, to thunderous and exuberant crowds everywhere you go. Like the Legend of the Phoenix. Man of the Moment. Dr Hichilema can’t string four sentences together without inserting in your name somewhere. When he gets some little sleep, he wakes up soaking wet. “It’s another Lungu nightmare, my dear Mutinta.”
There’s a way in which you are to blame for all the mess the country is in. Your borrowing pace was not matched with prudent spending, transparency, and repayment capacity. Many procurements had a stench of kickbacks around them. Government workers went years and months without receiving their terminal dues or salaries, while your cadres engaged in wanton conspicuous consumption. Those complaining or suffering were just bitter, disgruntled, lazy, or opposition hired guns.
You poorly managed the 2016 election. The Constitutional Court let you off the hook for what was, in the eyes of many reasonable people, most likely a rigged election. Then you unleashed the reign of terror on the opposition and the citizens through the Zambian Police Service and your party cadres. Innocent people died.
Your appointments were mostly from your ethno-regional base to the near total eclipse of the Zambezians.
Amidst the teargassing, incarceration, court cases, restriction of freedoms assembly, movement and speech, Hichilema’s numbers increased steadily beyond his Tonga and ethno-political auxiliary support base of Western and North Western Provinces. Your government’s brutality won him tens of thousands of sympathy votes.
Your harshness against your former allies like Chishimba Kambwili and Geofrey Mwamba led them to the UPND. Hichilema and camp quite possibly despised these men, but they adopted and deployed successfully a use-and-dump strategy. This helped cleanse Hichilema of his tribalistic entrance and sustenance in politics. Like a hungry chameleon, Hichilema camouflaged himself well long enough to scam the Bemba/Nyanja speaking voters into believing he was a benign nationalistic statesman.
The question I always ponder is, were you your own man as Republican President or you were a hostage of Michael Sata’s relatives and close associates like Mr Alexander Chikwanda and Mumbi Phiri? Your cabinet had a disproportionate number of Bemba-speaking ministers. Then you settled for Nkandu Luo as running mate. She was literally the last nail in your coffin. Unlike Levy Mwanawasa who quickly formed his own government and political persona, you were surrounded by Sata’s men and women. Though Sata wielded sufficient personal power over his people, you seemed to have folded under theirs.
Some of the people you inherited from Sata resorted to tribalistic politics against Hichilema. In so doing, they played into the hands of the Grand Master. Hichilema had over the years managed to radicalise a pliant ethno-political base into an unshakable voting bloc. If some Southern Province constituencies gave around 90-95% of the vote to ANC’s Harry Nkumbula, Grand Master had an easy job of stoking old fears and playing the ethnic victimhood card every so often it became an eternal truth in the minds of his supporters.
With the ethnic conviction and master-mind of Hichilema, Southern Province was impenetrable by any outsider challenging a chosen Bantu Botatwe. You stood little chance. It is much easier for a camel to enter through the eye of a needle. Even Levy Mwanawasa, a fellow Bantu Botatwe, could not penetrate. He lamented in Chikankanta: “We have only one MMD member of parliament in Southern Province and I have difficulties finding a person I can appoint as Minister of the Province. I gave you … a Lamba, then … a Luvale or Chokwe and you are lucky that I did not give you a tribe you dislike.”
Now you let members of the ‘disliked’ tribe run an anti-Tonga campaign. You even adopted one as running mate. Many Bembas were unhappy with this and decided to gamble with Hichilema. A gamble that has gone horribly wrong.
Where you were naive or weak and as a result condoned tribal behaviour, Hichilema has the accolade of being the reigning patron saint of tribalism in the world. He fans it and flourishes in it.
Contrary to his promises, the vast and disproportionate majority of key or close appointments are tribesmen and women or tribal cousins. It doesn’t take much imagination or observation to see that such appointments are likely to be followed by waves of appointments and promotions along ethnic lines. It is a crass, shameless slap in the face of Zambians who grew tired of ethnic exclusion under your regime.
Hichilema’s ethnic persecution has extended beyond those who served under your government but to businesses and activists from other tribes. Young people and old people critical of him are arbitrarily thrown into detention and kept there for lengthy periods of time without being charged.
Many are charged with dubious offenses and transported into Southern Province hinterlands for trial by Hichilema’s tribesmen. Where members of what Levy called the ‘disliked tribe’ are legally tried in Lusaka or Luapula, their cases are usually allocated to judges or magistrates from Southern Province or the auxiliary provinces. It all looks like an ethnic orchestra.
You may be wondering why I am accusing your successor of biased ethno-political persecution. Kafue Mayor, Buumba Malambo, has not received so much of a rebuke from Hichilema for her tribal remarks. Minister of Education, Douglas Syakalima said Bemba-speaking people of Luapula were mentally retarded. He was not fired, has not been reprimanded and his prosecution has been stopped by a judicial system that answers to Hichilema. His tribesmen accused of kidnapping Member of Parliament for Petauke Central, Jay Emmanuel Banda, are roaming freely without so much as a police call-out.
While the likes of Chishimba Kambwili and Francis “Why Me” Kapwepwe are facing jail time, those from Hichilema’s ethno-political group who insult you and other tribes daily without provocation are free angels. His ethnic appointees who are accused of incompetence or corruption are defended to the hilt.
The President threatens to strangle opponents and promises to rule by hook and crook. His Minister, Charles Milupi, incites party youths to violence against critics of the President. His political advisor, Levy Ngoma, has assured that those opposing the president will be trampled. These are Hichilema’s angels.
As a result of Hichilema’s abysmal failure to rectify your economic and governance shortcomings, he is very likely to lose the next election. Unless he rigs them. With your remarkable record of infrastructure development, Zambians found you wanting. Unfortunately, due to Hichilema’s failures at ethnic inclusion, even surpassing yours, the 2026 is going to be largely an ethnic census.
Because of ethnic appointments, he is unlikely to lose much, if at all, from his ethno-political bases. This will restrict Hichilema to the 2011 support base which came very short, behind Sata and Rupiah Banda. Many easterners and northerners in and outside government have realised or been exposed as useful idiots.
Many are victims of the
UPND use-and-dump strategy. A few like Andrew Banda, Mutale Nalumango and Patrick Mucheleka are largely sidelined spent forces drawing their retirement pay checks as ethnic tokens. Nervers Mumba and Felix Mutati are self-representative eaters with not political clout.
This is where you come in. Despite sinister machinations by Hichilema against you and the Patriotic Front, your party remains intact and has probably grown! Only after your ousting have you suddenly emerged as your own man. With courage and character that can appeal beyond the PF family, you have a very rare opportunity to rectify your failures and leave posterity a worthy legacy.
Unite selflessly the opposition, the Zambians. Create an ethnic-inclusive shadow cabinet. Devise a merit-based, ethnicity-blind plan for inclusive recruitment and appointments in Zambia and abroad. This should not be about you or the PF bouncing back. It should be about Zambia bouncing back. A Zambia where a Timbuktu, Ushi, Nkoya, Ila does not feel any personal opportunities or misfortunes are down to their ethnicity.
If it takes an Ubuntu truth and reconciliation that indemnifies Hichilema and his government, we must consider it. End the cycle of ethnic retribution or exclusion, real or merely perceived. Without the cover of ethno-political impunity, we can open a new era of political and economic accountability, and a chance for a prosperous real One Zambia, One Nation.
From me
Osward Bwali
ZRA BOARD APPROVED SALE OF VEHICLES, WITNESS TELLS COURT
ZRA BOARD APPROVED SALE OF VEHICLES, WITNESS TELLS COURT
Read verbatim.
SEPTEMBER 11,2024
A state witness has testified in the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court that the sale of Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) motor vehicles was approved by the ZRA governing board, with no procedural breaches found during the approval process.
Suzyo Ng’andu, a former board secretary at ZRA, confirmed during cross-examination that all necessary approvals were obtained for the sale of the vehicles. This was during the ongoing trial of former ZRA Commissioner General Kingsley Chanda and former Director of Administration Calistus Kaoma, who are charged with willfully failing to follow procedure in the disposal of 22 obsolete motor vehicles between 2017 and 2020.
Ng’andu testified that while she was not involved in every aspect of the disposal process, her role was to ensure that all board resolutions, including asset disposals, were implemented according to procedure. She also stated that she had no knowledge of Lusaka Archbishop Alick Banda purchasing any of the vehicles, nor did she see any receipt or gate pass indicating that he collected one.
Under cross-examination by defense lawyer Wynter Kabimba, Ng’andu revealed that although the disposal process was approved and managed according to ZRA procedures, internal investigations later found that some vehicles were unaccounted for, with no evidence of payment. However, she admitted that the investigations did not establish that Chanda or Kaoma personally breached the procedures.
Kabimba questioned whether Ng’andu was aware of all details surrounding the sale of the vehicles, to which she responded that certain aspects, particularly after the board approvals, were beyond her involvement.
Below is a summarised verbatim of the cross-examination:
Kabimba: You told this court earlier in your testimony that during the period 2017 to 2020, you were the secretary at ZRA board, right?
Ng’andu: Yes.
Kabimba: And that in the turn of events in ZRA asset disposal it’s only those two gentlemen (Dr Chanda and Kaoma) that breached procedure?
Ng’andu: I do not know.
Kaibimba: At the conclusion of those investigations, did you establish that only those two gentlemen breached the procedure?
Ng’andu: No.
Kabimba: Who was the legal advisor to the board?
Ng’andu: The Director – legal.
Kabimba: In the board, your job was to take down minutes?
Ng’andu: No, I also performed other duties.
Kabimba: Tell the court those other duties?
Ng’andu: To ensure that board resolutions were implemented according to procedure.
Kabimba: Did you do that in the past also?
Ng’andu: Yes.
Kabimba: And if that did not happen, what did you do?
Ng’andu: It’s to report back.
Kabimba: Please tell the court, who are these three non-members of staff who bought ZRA motor vehicles?
Ng’andu: Derick Mpundu, Heart of Mercy, Bishop Alick Banda.
Kabimba: Tell the court how these three paid for these vehicles.
Ng’andu: I’m not able to know.
Kabimba: At what stage did you discover this as board secretary?
Ng’andu: After internal affairs communicated its investigations.
Kabimba: Your minutes to the board for these vehicles would include the name of the person who has purchased, motor vehicle registration number, and the amount, am I correct?
Ng’andu: Yes.
Kabimba: Tell the court how these minutes were structured?
Ng’andu: We would simply say the disposal has been conducted, but we would not include the details.
Kabimba: And what details do you include in recommendations for sale?
Ng’andu: Make of the vehicle, book value, registration number, year of registration, and the year of purchase.
Kabimba: And this would be your list before the board?
Ng’andu: Yes.
Kabimba: And your evidence is that once the vehicles were sold, you just wrote one line ‘motor vehicles sold’?
Ng’andu: Yes.
Kabimba: If that is correct, what documents did you have to show that Mr Derick Mpundu, a non-ZRA employee, had purchased a vehicle?
Ng’andu: There was a gate pass under which he collected the vehicle.
Kabimba: Is the gate pass the same as a receipt?
Ng’andu: In my understanding it’s not.
Kabimba: What does a gate pass do?
Ng’andu: It confirms that authority has been given for that particular asset to be moved from ZRA.
Kabimba: It doesn’t mean it can only be moved by the purchaser, correct?
Ng’andu: Yes.
Kabimba: Were all the vehicles disposed of sold through the same process?
Ng’andu: Yes.
Kabimba: Do you know Mr Mulozi (Sitali Mulozi, the first state witness in the matter)? Did you work with a Mr Mulozi?
Ng’andu: Yes, I did.
Kabimba: He said some of these vehicles were sold by direct bidding. What do you say?
Ng’andu: I’m not aware.
Kabimba: And you are not aware because you were not involved at that stage?
Ng’andu: No, I was not involved.
Kabimba: So there are certain things that happened in this process that you are not aware of?
Ng’andu: As board secretary, yes.
Kabimba: Did your investigations establish that there was a gate pass and receipt in the name of Heart of Mercy?
Ng’andu: No.
Kabimba: Did your investigations establish that there was a gate pass and receipt in the name of Alick Banda?
Ng’andu: No.
Kabimba: Did the issue arise in any board meeting that some of the vehicles were sold to non-members of staff?
Ng’andu: No, it didn’t arise.
Kabimba: So, as far as you are concerned, all the documents relating to the sale are perfect?
Ng’andu: Yes, the approval procedure and the sale.
Kabimba: Do you remember telling this court that, in fact, there was a breach of procedure? At what stage was this procedure breached?
Ng’andu: At the point of sale.
Kabimba: Do you know that even at that point of sale, there were one, two steps; do you know that?
Ng’andu: Yes.
Kabimba: You know that before purchasing a vehicle, somebody had to get the money to go and deposit, right?
Ng’andu: I don’t know.
Kabimba: You don’t know that somebody had to get a receipt for payment?
Ng’andu: Yes.
Kabimba: And your report established that nobody got a receipt after purchase?
Ng’andu: No, we did not establish that.
Kabimba: What else did your report establish apart from what the whistleblower blew?
Ng’andu: It established that there was no evidence of payment for some vehicles.
Kabimba: In other words, some vehicles were stolen?
Ng’andu: Yes.
Kabimba: Did your investigations establish that those vehicles were stolen by those two gentlemen (Dr Chanda and Kaoma)?
Ng’andu: No.
Kabimba: At what stage did your investigations establish that Kingsley Chanda, A1 (accused number one) did not follow procedure?
Ng’andu: It didn’t establish that.
Kabimba: Neither did it establish that accused number two (Kaoma) breached procedure?
Ng’andu: It did establish.
Kabimba: Explain to the court?
Ng’andu: There were some vehicles…
Kabimba: And he was personally responsible?
Ng’andu: I can’t confirm that he personally did that.
Kabimba: Because you don’t know?
Ng’andu: I wasn’t involved.
Kabimba: And you were not involved because that was not your responsibility, right?
Ng’andu: No, it was not my responsibility.
Kabimba: No further questions, your honour.
The trial continues as the court seeks to determine whether any procedural breaches occurred during the disposal of ZRA’s obsolete vehicles.
Credit @Mbili Media
Press Statement: Immediate Payment for Kanchibiya Farmers is Urgent
Press Statement: Immediate Payment for Kanchibiya Farmers is Urgent
Date: 11th September 2024.
We call upon the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) to urgently address the delayed payments to farmers in Kanchibiya who sold their maize to the agency. The prolonged delays in receiving payment, particularly due to contracted banks running short on funds, have left many farmers stranded and struggling to meet their daily needs.
These delayed payments risk reversing the hard-earned gains our farmers have made. Without prompt compensation for their produce, many are now forced to borrow money, plunging them into unnecessary debt. This is unacceptable.
Timely payments, just like the early and adequate distribution of agricultural inputs to small-scale farmers, are critical to maintaining a motivated and productive agricultural sector. Our farmers’ success directly impacts the food security and economic growth of the nation. We must not let bureaucratic delays undermine the dedication and hard work of those who feed us all.
Recommendations Moving Forward
To avoid these recurring issues, we propose the following measures:
1. Improved Payment Systems: The FRA should streamline and strengthen its payment mechanisms to ensure funds are released promptly. This could include direct payments to farmers via mobile money platforms to avoid delays caused by banking inefficiencies.
2. Contractual Clarity: Agreements between the FRA and contracted banks must include clear timelines for the release of funds to ensure that payment delays do not occur in the future.
3. Priority in Budgeting: The government should ensure that allocations for farmer payments are prioritized in the national budget and disbursed on time to allow the FRA to fulfill its financial obligations without unnecessary delays.
4. Early Input Distribution: As we move forward, it is crucial that the government also ensures timely and adequate distribution of agricultural inputs, including seeds and fertilizer, to small-scale farmers. This will not only improve yields but also motivate farmers, boosting productivity and national food security.
Our farmers are the backbone of Zambia’s agricultural economy, and their livelihoods should not be compromised by inefficiencies in the system. The FRA must prioritize releasing funds to ensure that our farmers in Kanchibiya and across the country receive their dues without further delay.
We urge the FRA and all stakeholders involved to act swiftly and implement these recommendations to create a more resilient and productive agricultural sector, one that supports Zambia’s food security and the development of our rural communities.
Signed:
Sunday Chilufya Chanda
Member of Parliament, Kanchibiya Constituency
INDO ZAMBIA BANK LAUNCHES ITS FIRST KAPIRI MPONSHI BRANCH
INDO ZAMBIA BANK LAUNCHES ITS FIRST KAPIRI MPONSHI BRANCH
Kapiri Mposhi… Wednesday September 11, 2024
Zambia Indo Bank has launched its first Kapiri Mposhi branch in Central Province.
Speaking during the launch in Kapiri today, Dr. Michael Gondwe, Indo Bank Chairperson, said the decision to open the new branch in Kapiri Mponshi district was a board decision to position the bank in the district and harness the benefits of ongoing developmental initiatives undertaken by the government in the district.
Dr. Gondwe stated that the bank’s board shares in the government’s agenda and it is part of the bank’s duty to play its role in fostering national development.
He added that the bank’s strategy is to support the agriculture sector to enhance food security and diversify the economy.
Dr. Gondwe also mentioned that the bank aims to target micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the population in surrounding areas of Kapiri.
Dr. Gondwe recognized the positive measures by the Bank of Zambia (BOZ) aimed at strengthening the conduct of monetary policy to support and accelerate the government’s attainment of targeted macroeconomic objectives in challenging conditions.
He reiterated the bank’s commitment to continue formulating and implementing strategies and policies that will ensure growth and development of the bank, customer-oriented and professionally managed, and profitable to ensure sustained dividends to the government as shareholders through the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC).
Speaking at the event, Central Province Minister Mwabashike Nkulukusa applauded the Indo Zambia Bank board of directors for taking the strategic decision to open a branch in Kapiri Mponshi district.
He said Kapiri and the entire province stand to benefit from the products and services offered by the bank, which will complement and foster the ongoing government efforts in unfolding economic and social development in the district and province.
Mwabashike disclosed that Indo Zambia Bank has continued to be a commendable partner of the government through administering programs such as the Sustainable Agriculture Financing Facility (SAF), where 235 farmers benefited in 2023, and in the current year, the bank has processed and disbursed K7.7 million for CDF loans through the Kabwe and Serenje branches.
Indo Zambia Bank Managing Director Mr. Kowdichar Shashidhar said Indo Zambia Bank is a shining example of a successful joint venture between the government of the Republic of Zambia and the Government of India. In a span of 40 years, the bank has grown manifold.
Shashidhar added that the new Kapiri branch is equipped with products and services catering to all segments of business and community.
He appealed to the public to inquire about accessing various services such as Indo Micro Finance, Indo SME and MSME Finance, Indo Invoice Discounting, Indo Auto Finance, Indo Working Capital Finance, Indo Afro Finance, and Indo Asset Finance.
Meanwhile, Kapiri District Commissioner Frank Hasalama appealed to the bank to consider employing at least 40% of its employees from within the district.
Kapiri has faced challenges in banking, with a limited number of banks making it difficult for businesses, especially farmers, who travel to nearby towns such as Kabwe and Serenje to access services like FISP and other banking services.
By Alexander Mwaba
CLIMATE CHANGE IN AFRICA: A GROWING CONCERN
CLIMATE CHANGE IN AFRICA: A GROWING CONCERN
By Alexander Mwaba
Climate change is having a devastating impact on the African continent, with far-reaching consequences for the environment, economy, and human livelihoods. As a Zambian journalist, I have witnessed firsthand the effects of climate change on our nation and the wider region.
Human activity is the leading cause of climate change in the 21st century, with activities such as deforestation, land clearing, and burning fossil fuels contributing to the destruction of the ozone layer. The greenhouse effect, resulting from burning fossil fuels, is a significant contributor to climate change.
In Zambia, climate change has led to poor rainfall, resulting in extreme hunger situations, low water levels affecting power supply, and load shedding, which has negatively impacted businesses. The effects of climate change are widespread, with low water levels, poor harvests, diseases, load shedding, hunger, and increased poverty being just a few of the consequences.
The government has declared a national disaster due to the prolonged drought facing the nation, but critics argue that this declaration has come too little, too late. The effects of climate change are already being felt, with over 6 million people exposed to absolute hunger.
Reporting on climate change is challenging, with funding being a significant constraint. Journalists need to travel to cover stories, and capacity building is essential to effectively report on climate change. Lack of knowledge on reporting on climate change matters has been an impeding factor, constraining some journalists from publishing stories.
Expert information from scientists, government officials, climate change experts, and academicians is crucial in reporting on climate change. Localizing content and using local languages, pictures, and videos can help explain complex climate change concepts to a wider audience.
The call for climate justice comes about because Africa is suffering more from climate change than the major contributors to climate change. Climate financing, or climate action financing, is essential to address the impacts of climate change.
Identifying areas of climate change affected by local communities and using local examples can help explain complex climate change concepts. Allowing participation of local people and highlighting actions that can cause climate change can help bring about mindset change and preventive practices.
Climate change is a pressing issue in Africa, with far-reaching consequences for the environment, economy, and human livelihoods. As journalists, it is essential to effectively report on climate change, using local languages, pictures, and videos to explain complex concepts. Funding and capacity building are crucial to address the challenges of reporting on climate change. Together, we can bring about climate justice and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Taylor Swift endorses Kamala Harris for President
Pop superstar, Taylor Swift announced her endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris moments after the conclusion of a debate between the Democratic nominee and her Republican opponent former President Donald Trump on Tuesday night, September 10.
Her endorsement comes after she received criticism online over her not being more clear sooner. The election is less than 60 days away, and voting has already begun.
“Like many of you, I watched the debate tonight,” the TIME Person of the Year wrote in an Instagram post on Wednesday morning.
“I’m voting for @kamalaharris because she fights for the rights and causes I believe need a warrior to champion them. I think she is a steady-handed, gifted leader and I believe we can accomplish so much more in this country if we are led by calm and not chaos.”
?I?ve made my choice? – Taylor Swift endorses Kamala Harris for President
Swift’s post, which featured a photo of her with her cat that was taken from her TIME cover photoshoot last year, was signed off with her name, followed by “Childless Cat Lady”—a reference to Republican vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance’s controversial comments about his Democratic opponents and women who choose not to give birth.
By contrast, Swift added that she was “heartened and impressed” by Harris’ selection of running mate Minn. Gov. Tim Walz “who has been standing up for LGBTQ+ rights, IVF, and a woman’s right to her own body for decades.”
The endorsement came after months of speculation of an impending endorsement from Swift, who previously endorsed the Biden-Harris ticket in the 2020 election and slammed Trump that same year for defunding the U.S. Postal Service and threatening police violence amid racial justice protests.
In her post, Swift also debunked posts shared by Trump last month, including some generated by AI, that suggested she supported Trump.
“It really conjured up my fears around AI, and the dangers of spreading misinformation,” Swift wrote. “It brought me to the conclusion that I need to be very transparent about my actual plans for this election as a voter. The simplest way to combat misinformation is with the truth.”
Criticism of Swift swelled over the weekend at the U.S. Open, where she was spotted exchanging a hug with suspected Trump supporter Brittany Mahomes, the wife of NFL player Patrick Mahomes, a teammate of Swift’s boyfriend Travis Kelce.
“I’ve done my research, and I’ve made my choice,” Swift wrote on Tuesday. “Your research is all yours to do, and the choice is yours to make.”
U.S. Soccer Federation has appointed Mauricio Pochettino as the new head coach
The U.S. Soccer Federation has appointed Mauricio Pochettino as the new head coach of the U.S. Men’s National Team.
The 52-year-old started his managerial career with Espanyol in 2009, and he has also been in charge of Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea since retiring as a player in 2006.
Surprisingly, he left Chelsea at the end of last season, and he will now manage a national side for the first time in his career.
Addressing the press, Pochettino said, “The decision to join USMNT wasn’t just about football for me; it’s about the journey that this team and this country are on.
“The energy, the passion, and the hunger to achieve something truly historic here – those are the things that inspired me.”
U.S. Soccer Sporting Director, Matt Crocker, who led a global search process and made the final decision to appoint Pochettino as head coach, said:
“Mauricio is a serial winner with a deep passion for player development and a proven ability to build cohesive and competitive teams,” said Crocker.
“His track record speaks for itself, and I am confident that he is the right choice to harness the immense potential within our talented squad. We are thrilled to have Mauricio on board as we embark on this exciting journey to achieve success on the global stage.”
“The decision to join U.S. Soccer wasn’t just about football for me; it’s about the journey that this team and this country are on,” Pochettino said.
“The energy, the passion, and the hunger to achieve something truly historic here — those are the things that inspired me. The opportunity to lead the U.S. Men’s National Team, in front of fans who are just as passionate as the players, is something I couldn’t pass up. I see a group of players full of talent and potential, and together, we’re going to build something special that the whole nation can be proud of.”
“Mauricio is a world-class coach with a proven track record of developing players and achieving success at the highest levels,” said U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone.
“His passion for the game, his innovative approach to coaching, and his ability to inspire and connect with players make him the perfect fit for this role. We are excited to have him leading our Men’s National Team.”
“Hiring Mauricio is a step forward in our mission to compete at the highest level and make a lasting mark on the global soccer landscape,” said U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson.
“His deep knowledge of the game, his commitment to developing talent, and his relentless drive for excellence are exactly what we need as we prepare for the 2026 World Cup. Mauricio understands the unique potential of this team and this country, and he shares our belief that U.S. Soccer is on the cusp of something truly special.
“This announcement is part of a historic era for U.S. Soccer, coming on the heels of our Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center groundbreaking, launching the Soccer Forward Foundation, hiring Emma Hayes to lead our Women’s National Team, and winning Olympic gold,” Batson continued.
“We are building a program that not only wins on the global stage but inspires the next generation of American soccer players and fans, and we’re thrilled to have Mauricio play a key role in that journey.”
As part of the transition process, Crocker appointed Mikey Varas to serve as interim head coach for the matches against Canada last Saturday and New Zealand tonight.
50 Cent to drop his defamation suit against ex Daphne Joy after she accused him of r@pe and physical abuse
American rapper, 50 Cent is ready to drop the defamation lawsuit he filed against his ex-girlfriend Daphne Joy.
The 49-year-old hitmaker and actor filed legal documents requesting a judge dismiss his lawsuit, TMZ reported on Tuesday, September 10.
The controversial businessman originally filed the lawsuit in May after Joy, 37, accused him of ‘r@ping’ and ‘physically abusing’ her in the past.
She made the claims in an Instagram post after her ex called her a ‘sex worker’ in March in response to a lawsuit filed against the rap mogul Diddy by an alleged victim of sexual abuse amid a slew of damning allegations made against him in recent months.
The request to dismiss 50 Cent’s lawsuit will need to be approved by the judge overseeing the case, but it will almost certainly be approved.
The In Da Club rapper, who shares son Sire, 12, with Joy, launched a lawsuit against his former partner in May after she made the shocking allegations in a lengthy post, which also saw the star claim he was an absent father.
Rapper 50 Cent to drop his defamation suit against ex Daphne Joy after she accused him of r@pe and�physical�abuse
50 Cent denied her allegations in a statement at the time.
Daphne reportedly deleted the allegation post in order to restore harmony with the rapper for the sake of their son, according to a source who spoke with TMZ. The Power producer also removed his posts about Daphne.
The pair had been embroiled in an online battle after music producer Rodney ‘Lil Rod’ Jones alleged in a sex trafficking lawsuit filed against Diddy that Joy was a sex worker who had been paid by the Bad Boy Records founder.
She has denied the lawsuit’s claim that she was a sex worker and has branded it ‘character assassination.’
Joy made the rape claim after it emerged that 50 Cent was seeking sole custody of their pre-teen son.
In a text written over a black background on Instagram, Joy slammed her ex: ‘Let’s put the real focus on your true evil actions of raping me and physically abusing me. You are no longer my oppressor and my God will handle you from this point on. You have permanently damaged the last hope I had for you as a father.’
‘Curtis James Jackson,’ she began, addressing him by his full name.
‘Everything is a joke to you until our safety is compromised, which is happening now. You are wreaking real havoc, frenzy, and chaos onto people’s lives. How would u feel if Sire was the one in handcuffs? For nothing,’ she wrote.
‘We moved to New York to give you the opportunity to be a father to your son and you saw him 10 times out of the 2 years that we lived 1 mile away from you. I am tired of upholding and protecting an image to our son that you have never even earned,’ she added
‘Let’s put the real focus on your true evil actions of raping me and physically abusing me. You are no longer my oppressor and my God will handle you from this point on. You have permanently damaged the last hope I had for you as a father to preserve our family with these last and final false claims made against me. You have broken our hearts for the last and final time.’
Jackson’s representative released a statement on his behalf to DailyMail, denying the accusations: ‘The disturbing allegations in the sworn pleadings recently filed in a court case related to Daphne Joy the mother of my twelve-year-old child, has required me to take all necessary legal actions to protect my son Sire.’
Although 50 Cent labelled his son as ‘twelve’ in his statement, Sire was only 11 at the time.
‘The most recent false and baseless accusations by Daphne Joy are clearly in response to my decision to seek sole custody of my son. My son Sire is my main priority and keeping him in a safe environment is my only focus at this time,’ he said.
In an Instagram post 50 Cent wrote to his ex, seemingly as a response to her words: ‘You moved a mile away in hopes of having another baby with me but I was busy. So you moved back and then you started receiving money from Brother Love. Now here we are, little sex worker.’
DECLARE LOAD SHEDDING A NATIONAL DISASTER – KALABA
Presidential Address to Parliament. CF Press Release.
As President Hichilema addresses Parliament this Friday, Citizens First under the able leadership of President Harry Kalaba is asking the President to take this opportunity to declare the power deficit in the country as a NATIONAL DISASTER.
The President should also inform Parliament of the need to channel all CDF funds including money still sitting idle in banks into procuring affordable solar energies which should be made available to all households. They must also think of Wind as another good alternative source of energy and invest in it by using the CDF and other funds.
This UPND government must take the current energy crisis in this country as a disaster and a very serious matter that needs leaders to make radical decisions to mitigate it.
In the next two weeks or so at end of this month, we are expecting the minister of finance to present the 2025 National Budget. We do not expect any growth in the economy with a 3 hour supply of electricity. If no radical measures are taken to mitigate this Crisis now, the minister should not even go to Parliament to present an ambitious budget that will not even be achieved.
Currently the alternative sources of energy have proved to be expensive in Zambia. No ordinary citizen can afford installing solar energy at current market price even if government is able to offer loans to civil servants through the public service micro finances. This is the reason government must come in and make solar panels available by importing them and subsidizing them as well.
This UPND government has also refused to subsidize fuel so that small businesses using Gensets can survive. This same government has also refused to stop exporting power due to the energy crisis we are experiencing as a nation. We would like to know who signed these power agreements and details of Exit Clauses
Must be made available for us to know in whose interest this was signed. There is no contract that does not talk about exit or termination of contract unless it’s a bad contract. Government must show leadership here and go back to discuss on saving the interest of our nation.
The UPND government must respond and act on our advise above to enable this nation come out of this energy crisis. The President must not go to Parliament to entertain the nation or castigate the previous regime but instead offer Solutions with the many challenges this nation is facing including the high cost of living which this government has failed to address. He must avoid talking about MOUs he signed in China. We want solutions now and not promises or good speeches.
From the time we got into this energy crisis, this government has not shown any seriousness in dealing with this problem apart from hopeless statements citizens receive from them through Zesco. We must learn to attend to emergencies as they arise and come out strong.
Zambia needs a radical leader like President Kalaba who is able to make decisions that will benefit citizens and not foreigners. Together we can come out of this crisis and develop our nation. Government is advised to listen to advise even from us the opposition and many other stake holders.
Issued by;
Frank Sichone
Citizens First Spokesperson
UKA Member
10th September, 2024
Mimbula paid me US$350, 000 for finding it customers to buy dumps – Lusambo
Mimbula paid me US$350, 000 for finding it customers to buy dumps – Lusambo
FORMER Lusaka province minister Bowman Lusambo said he was a sales person for Mimbula Mining Consortium and was paid US$350,000 for finding it clients to purchase its mineral dump in Chingola on the Copperbelt province.
In his defense before magistrate Faidess Hamaundu, The Bulldozer said in 2015 he was appointed as a consultant by the company and was paid for his services.
Lusambo said some time in 2013, he was approached by small mining associations on the Copperbelt which formed a consortium called Mimbula Mining consortium, which has dumps in Kapisha area in Chingola.
“I had discussions with the Board of Directors and they requested me to find them a buyer who could buy one of the dumps called OB. I accepted and they appointed me as their Consultant and discussions started in 2013 and was appointed in 2015,”Lusambo said.
“I started working, looking for the buyer in 2015. I came across a company called Tikumbe operating as Zomran Mining and Exploration Limited. I had a discussion with the Chairman for Zomran and the directors they were interested to see what the OB damp was like in Chingola.”
He said the board agreed to assess the damp in Chingola and they met the Board Chairman Albert Kabungo.
“We went to view the dump and Zomran invited us for a meeting in Lusaka after expressing interest. I was given instructions by Mimbula Mining that I can sale the damp at the price of my choice. Mimbula as company wanted to sell the damp at US$2 million and told me to get US$350,000 as consultancy fee,” Lusambo said.
“After the negotiations Zomran mining Exploration Limited they told me to reduce the price from US$2 million and would give me a commission. And we reduced from US$2 million to US$1.4 million and Zomran gave me K6 million Kwacha cash in 2015.”
He said Mimbula gave him part payment of US$ 150,00 as consultancy fee and put it in writing that it owed him US$250,000
Lusambo said the aggregate sum was US$350, 000.
Earlier, the Bulldozer said following his transfer on February 14, 2018 as Lusaka province minister, he was entitled to a salary, housing allowance, fuel and he was getting allowances for whenever he travelle.
“As Lusaka province minister I took trips outside the province and the country aswel. I had a trip into DRC, Germany, USA, as minister of the province and allowances were paid. Presidential assignments within the province were also paid for,” Lusambo said.
“We had a twinning program for the 10 provinces with the provinces in China. All provincial ministers had a 21- day duty in China and allowances were paid to me and other ministers. After coming back as Lusaka province minister I went back together with my team to a province called Shandong to go and strengthen our twinning program which had started between Chongwe Council and Shandong province.”
He said the permanent secretary for Lusaka province paid him his allowances for 10 days.
“I participated in many programs under my province, the office of the vice president , DMMU, to engage in programs when this country was faced with floods and droughts,” Lusambo said.
“We had Covid programs under the office of the vice president, I was required to coordinate my team, the DC, provincial health office to come up with programs to sensitize the people on the dangers of COVID-19 and how we can protect ourselves.”
He said during pandemic he worked 24/7 to ensure that the pandemic was controlled and he worked with government departments, Police, health officers, and DMMU.
“As Bowman Lusambo I did some consultancy, but before coming to consultancy I want the court to know that I have served Kabushi as MP for three terms. Allowances and salaries were paid, gratuity was paid and committee allowances. I was a chairman of the committee and I was getting more than other committee members,” said Lusambo.
Lusambo is facing 10 corruption-related charges before the Economic and Financial Crimes Court; among them one count of corrupt acquisition of public property, five counts of possessing property suspected to be proceeds of crime, three counts of tax evasion and one count of conspiracy to defraud.
He is jointly charged with his wife Nancy Manase for possessing four houses in Silverest Gardens, Chongwe which were suspected to be procceds of crime.
Defense is still underway.
By Mwaka Ndawa
Kalemba September 10, 2024.
KUDOS TO ECL FOR PUTTING HIS FOOT DOWN, PF REMAINS IN UKA
KUDOS TO ECL FOR PUTTING HIS FOOT DOWN, PF REMAINS IN UKA
A KBN TV EDITORIAL
This morning, we watched a press conference addressed by Patriotic Front faction Secretary General Raphael Nakachinda where emphatically stated that PF believes in the United Kwacha Alliance (UKA) and will remain in UKA.
Obviously, credit must go to the Sixth Republican President, Edgar Chagwa Lungu (ECL) for standing his ground to resist machinations and manipulation by those who wanted to divide a well-intended political grouping and thought they could force him to jump into another formation called Tonse Alliance.
This is the reaction we expected from the PF leadership under ECL; to give him the respect he deserves and not to use his name to champion a political agenda that is devoid of national interest but one that is steeped in personal preservation. We are aware that many people within PF misunderstood us when we questioned machinations that we suspected lacked the backing and support of ECL. They accused us of attacking the man but the truth is we were merely smoking out those who thought they had captured him for self-preservation. ECL is a national treasure!
ECL is our Statesman, the only living legend from the Hall of Fame in the order of former Heads of State. On that score alone, he has his name and reputation to protect. People shouldn’t think that they can reduce the former head of state to a Yoyo man and expect him to jump from one alliance to another. That’s not fair to the former head of state. He has made it very clear that he is back to unite the opposition and if they think he is the man for the job, he is available. Nothing has changed!
We all know that PF is a major stakeholder in the journey to 2026 general elections but that does not give them the right to attempt to overrun and ridicule other equally important stakeholders in the process.
Someone accused us of being conflicted in this matter, by no means! As a media house, we have never hidden our support for democracy and pluralism. We think UKA is a good addition to Zambia’s democratic discourse and presents an interesting case study for the future; as lawyers say, please note our interest.
Yesterday, UKA Chairperson State Counsel, Sakwiba Sikota, issued a very measured statement and the message was very loud and clear, to put in check those UKA members who seem to be losing focus and falling for machinations of character assassination and name calling. If some members of the Council of Presidents (COP) feel inadequate to win an election, they shouldn’t impute it on others. They should stick in there and allow an internal democratic process to be followed exhaustively to choose the flag bearer rather than grandstanding to externally instigate a process whose outcome they have already predetermined.
We are fully persuaded that the rumoured Tose Alliance didn’t just fall from the blues. It’s the creation of the same people who were hoping and thinking they could arm-twist ECL to suit their bidding. We say so because in the aftermath of our recent editorial in which we questioned PF’s sincerity to rebrand, a VERY Senior Member of PF sent us this message and we quote: “You have successfully killed the chance for UKA with this insulting article.” End of quote.
Our question is why would anyone insinuate that we can kill UKA’s chances through an editorial? We can only assume that they had Tonse Alliance on their minds as an alternative where they wanted to divert ECL. It’s good to hear the SG succumbing to ECL’s decision to remain in UKA. It’s not his intention to kill the alliance.
It’s for this reason that we commend ECL for resisting such unnecessary pressure and showing leadership to everyone in the opposition. There is need to look at the bigger picture for the nation. Well done, Sir!
Our advice to the PF as a key stakeholder is that they should fully support the presence of ECL in the alliance and desist from issuing divisive statements. PF has a duty to itself to prove that treachery is not the experience they talk about bringing to the table! Zambians graduated a long time from that kind of experience of dishonesty and treacherous behavior. Anyone embracing those traits will find themselves standing alone.
While we agree with the fact that ECL is a huge factor and is capable of winning an election, we are also aware that he has raised capable sons whom he ably trained to lead the party and the nation going forward. It’s for this reason that his well-trained sons like Greyford Monde, Emmanuel Mwamba, Mutotwe Kafwaya, Brian Mundubile, Chitalu Chilufya and others did not struggle to raise the K200, 000 nomination fee to contest the party’s presidency.
The sellable anointing and grace that rests upon ECL, the same he can transfer to any of his sons like Greyford Monde, Emmanuel Mwamba, Mutotwe Kafwaya, Brian Mundubile, Chitalu Chilufya through an endorsement so that they too can become sellable!
If by any chance he finds his sons inadequate, he has the right and privilege to anoint one of his colleagues in the alliance. His responsibility as the Father of the Nation is huge and we all must support him to be the national voice both in our land, SADC and the entire African Continent.
Deep calls unto deep. We must learn to understand times and seasons and avoid being copycats. If the Alebwelelapo song is louder in Malawi, doesn’t mean Zambia should answer the chorus. Allow ECL to enjoy his well-earned status as a true statesman who is above partisan politics. Unless it’s himself that wants it badly, that’s a totally different story. As much as we need him, his family needs him much more at this critical hour.
In the same breath, we believe President Hakahinde Hichilema has a bigger role to play in restoring dignity back to ECL and his family. Through your privileges as Head of State and Government, we plead with you to spare ECL’s family and name, for the sake of his years of service to the nation. KBN believes that HH and ECL can still sit on the table of brotherhood.
WHY IT IS CLEAR THAT PRESIDENT HH IS LOSING IN 2026 WITH OR WITHOUT THE OPPOSITION ON THE BALLOTS
WHY IT IS CLEAR THAT PRESIDENT HH IS LOSING IN 2026 WITH OR WITHOUT THE OPPOSITION ON THE BALLOTS.
Elijah Temboh
Edgar Lungu was voted out of power with a 25kg bag of breakfast mealie meal fetching at K130.
What makes UPND think HH will survive the axe in 2026 with the same bag of mealie meal fetching at K400 today. Hunger is the greatest opposition HH has now.
Edgar Lungu was voted out of power in 2021 with the price of fuel fetching at K17. What makes UPND believe that HH will survive the knife in 2026 with fuel price at K34? Cost of commodities and cost of doing business is another opposition for HH.
Edgar Lungu was voted out of power with the dollar trading at K15 to $1. So what makes UPND cadres think HH will not be voted out in 2026 with the dollar at K26? Another opposition is the inflation rate.
Edgar Lungu was voted out of power despite ending loadshedding. So what makes UPND think that HH will survive the chop board with 24 hours of loadshedding mwebantu? The other biggest opposition is loadshedding; businesses are closing and people are losing employment.
Edgar Lungu was voted out of power with prices of fertiliser at K750. What makes UPND cadres think that with fertiliser fetching at K1,200 HH will survive? The Cost of farming is another opposition.
Edgar Lungu was voted out when he was giving farmers farming inputs early and each farmer was receiving 6 bags at K400. Now that no farmer receives 6 bags except medas of fertiliser and seeds very late, what makes UPND supporters think HH will win 2026 elections? Late delivery of inputs and readjustments is an opposition.
Edgar Lungu was voted out of power despite building schools, hospitals, clinics and roads. What makes UPND supporters think HH with zero infrastructure development will survive the chop board in 2026?
Edgar Lungu with few cases of corruption that he entertained was voted out of power. What makes UPND supporters think HH will survive the wrath of electorates with rampant corruption cases at every stage of his government?
Edgar Lungu was voted out of power despite stocking drugs in hospitals and clinics. What makes UPND supporters to think that HH will survive the uproar in 2026 with hospitals and clinics without drugs?
Edgar Lungu always strived to tell the nation the truth but he was voted out of power. So what makes UPND cadres think that HH will hold on to power with so many lies told to the nation so far?
Edgar Lungu declared a national day of prayer and fasting and had Christians for Lungu but he was voted out of power. What makes UPND cadres think HH will remain in power beyond 2026?
Edgar Lungu had at his disposal the ECZ, ZP, Zambia Army, ZAF, ZNS and all wings of government but he lost the elections. What makes UPND cadres think these can aid HH remain in power?
Edgar Lungu with stubborn cadres were removed from power. What makes these cadres think that they will fight for HH even on the ballots in 2026?
Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba, Chishimba Kambwili, Enock Kabindele are among prominent and Influential politicians that joined Edgar Lungu but he failed to win. What makes UPND cadres think un Influential and finished wynter kabimba will help them win elections?
2026 is time for change.
Paradox; Banks doing very well but economy tanks!
Paradox; Banks doing very well but economy tanks!
Imwe ba Inkonomist, come and explain why banks make huge profits even when there is a downturn in the economy?
I shared this from;
Daniel Nathaniel Onyambu
Let us assess the top banks for FY2023 using different financial metrics, considering that these results reflect last year’s performance and the landscape has shifted since then.
1. By Revenue/Market Share:
Top performer: Zanaco
Zanaco dominated in revenue, capturing 22.29% of the market share, followed by ABSA at 17.00% and Stanbic at 16.08%. Zanaco also held the largest balance sheet, with average total assets of ZMW 41.7bn, compared to ABSA’s ZMW 28.4bn and Stanbic’s ZMW 35.6bn, showing Zanaco’s ability to generate and maintain a significant market presence.
2. By Return on Equity (ROE):
Top performer: Stanchart (52.52%)
Stanchart posted an impressive 52.52% ROE, followed by Atlas Mara at 50.84%, Zanaco at 45.82%, and First Capital Bank at 38.71%. These banks demonstrated strong profitability relative to equity. However, their high leverage ratios—Stanchart (13.25), Atlas Mara (14.92), Zanaco (10.16), and FCB (11.57)—suggest heightened sensitivity to SRR (Statutory Reserve Ratio) changes and potentially, the directive to transfer government deposits to the central bank, where compliance remains low.
3. By Return on Assets (ROA):
Top performer: FNB (5.29%)
FNB led in ROA, reflecting the bank’s efficient use of assets to generate profit. ABSA (5.04%) and Citi (4.51%) followed closely, with all three banks maintaining lower-than-average leverage ratios, showing a conservative approach to risk while maximizing returns.
4. By Profitability (Net Income/Operating Income):
Top performer: Bank of China
Bank of China achieved the highest profitability ratio at 48.21%, followed by ABSA at 41.32% and Citi at 37.47%. These banks efficiently turned revenue into profit, indicating strong cost management. ABSA was the most cost-efficient bank, with a CIR of -39.63%, followed by Citi (-40.38%) and Bank of China (-40.54%), reflecting their ability to generate income while keeping costs low.
5. By Efficiency (Operating Income / Average Total Assets):
Top performer: Bank AB
Bank AB displayed exceptional efficiency, with a ratio of 28.32%, well above the market average. However, high costs significantly impacted its net income. FNB (15.60%) and Zanaco (14.03%) were also efficient but managed their costs more effectively.
6. Provisions for Loan Losses:
Critical Insight: Stanchart’s provision ratio of 13.25% was significant, highlighting the bank’s risk management in addressing potential loan defaults, impacting their bottom line.
7. Leverage:
Critical Insight: Leverage played a crucial role in amplifying returns, but it also increased sensitivity to regulatory changes. Stanchart, Atlas Mara, First Capital Bank, and Zanaco had high leverage, likely making them vulnerable to this year’s SRR hikes and potentially non-compliance with the directive to transfer government deposits to the central bank. As of the end of July, compliance with the directive remained low, with only ZMW 3.4bn transferred from the expected ZMW 12bn. Conversely, FNB, ABSA, Stanbic, and Citi maintained lower leverage ratios, signaling a more conservative approach and better preparedness for regulatory shifts at the end of 2023.
Summary
1. Most Balanced Banks: ABSA, FNB, and Zanaco emerge as the most balanced banks across different metrics. ABSA performs well in revenue, efficiency, ROA, ROE, and profitability while maintaining relatively conservative leverage. With conservative leverage, FNB performs well in ROA, ROE, and efficiency but is not as cost-efficient. Zanaco has strong revenue performance with the highest market share (Zanaco also has the most extensive balance sheet), good ROE, ROA, and efficiency, but operates with higher leverage.
2. Strong Performers with Higher Risk: Stanchart and Atlas Mara are standout performers, particularly in ROE, but they carry higher leverage, which increases their sensitivity to regulatory risks such as SRR hikes and potentially the transfer of government deposits to the central bank.
3. Efficiency and Profitability Leaders: Bank of China and Citi are highly efficient and profitable but are less balanced across all other metrics like leverage and equity management (ROE).
These metrics provide a snapshot of bank performance in FY2023, offering a balanced view of how different banks excelled across critical indicators. Remember, these results reflect past performance and current market conditions have evolved since then. These are just a few metrics to evaluate performance. Other factors, such as asset quality, transformative deals, and innovation, should also be considered when determining the best bank overall. Nonetheless, the above criteria provide a transparent and quantitative framework for comparison.
#zambia #banking
Daniel Nathaniel Onyambu
I Let God Down: Tyrese Gibson Opens Up About His Divorce
Actor Tyrese Gibson seems to blame his ex-wife, as he feels he has “let God down” by filing for divorce. He recently appeared on a podcast early this week to share his views on the subject.
During the conversation about his upcoming film 1992 and album Beautiful Pain, he reflected on the obstacles that could have marred his career, such as his divorces from Samantha Lee and Norma Mitchell.
He said it was challenging dealing with the false news about him in relation to the divorce cases, stressing that “a lie will always be more popular than the truth.”
Tyrese Gibson was married to Norma Mitchell from 2007 to 2009. He then married Samantha Lee in 2017, however, their marriage ended in 2020.
The Hollywood star had stated that he was not “devastated” when his marriage ended, however, he felt like he let God down on a “biblical” promise.
“…I got married because I wanted to do it for the rest of my life because I loved the way I felt and what I had in my marriage and my family,” he stated.
The Fast & Furious actor also advised “independent women” who say they don’t need a man.
“Here’s a memo to all the beautiful women in the world… nobody needs to go home to a poodle and a vibrator…Nobody needs to be alone. Nobody should be alone. This concept of being alone is bullsh–t,” the 45-year-old star stated in part of the interview.
The actor recently opened up about his pains when he appeared on The Breakfast Club talk show. He got emotional on the program as he reflected on losing several loved ones in the past 11 years.
“I’m doing the best I can with every 24 hours I get,” he told the host when asked how he handles grief. When tears started falling down his face, he continued, “I don’t need no tissue… Black men cry.”
His appearance on the show attracted mixed reactions on social media, with some people expressing sympathy.
“I know people make fun of him but vulnerability is a sign of strength. One thing you know is that he’s gonna tell you how he really feels and no one has to wonder,” a user wrote.
“He needs therapy, not to continue these podcasts or his social media. I wish him well…“Sending him nothing but healing energy. Grief has no time limit. I pray he heals,” other followers noted.
T.I. Prepares For Another Grandson As His Son King Harris Expects First Child
Rapper T.I. says his son King Harris will soon be expecting a baby boy. He disclosed this when he stopped at the studios of Hot 107.9 FM.
According to him, King Harris is delighted about the upcoming child and his fatherhood journey.
“I got two granddaughters, I got a grandson on the way,” he said, referring to his daughter Zonnique’s child and his son Doman’s child. “I got a grandson on the way; King’s about to have a son,” he added.
In December 2020, T.I.’s daughter Zonnique welcomed a baby girl. The All She Wrote rapper shared a picture of himself holding his new granddaughter, portraying himself as a family man.
With another grandson coming soon, T.I. said he could not wait to see his grandchild put King through the hell he experienced raising King.
“I told him ima make this the greatest gangsta of all time…I will raise this child to torture you the way you tortured me. There will be an indictment in this young one,” he stated jokingly.
King Harris expects to gather some parenting lessons as he prepares to raise his first child and share the joy and excitement with the baby’s grandfather.
In July this year, T.I. and Tameka ‘Tiny’ Harris pleaded with a California judge to dismiss a lawsuit accusing them of sexual assault and battery.
According to court documents that surfaced online, the couple contested the merits of the civil complaint filed by a woman identified as Jane Doe.
T.I. and Tiny’s legal team argued that the claims were time-barred because the statute of limitations expired over sixteen years ago.
They emphasized that the complaint failed to establish facts supporting the allegations. The couple also requested the dismissal of all claims for failing to state a valid cause of action, highlighting that no remedy existed for the alleged deficiencies.
The lawsuit, filed in January, accused the couple of sexual assault, battery, negligence, false imprisonment, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. She alleged that the T.I. and his wife drugged and sexually assaulted her in 2005.
The Harrises consistently denied the allegations, asserting that the plaintiff attempted to extort them before filing the lawsuit. They maintained their innocence, stating that the plaintiff had threatened to file the lawsuit for three years.
Malia Obama shares terrifying moment on red carpet to promote her film
Malia Obama, the 26-year-old daughter of former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, attended the 50th annual Deauville American Film Festival in France on Friday, where she presented her short film and directorial debut, The Heart.
At the festival, Malia was awarded the Young Spirit award and noted that she was not accustomed to the red carpet experience, as reported by PEOPLE.
“I’m so excited. I mean, I’ve never done anything like this … so of course [I’m] a little bit terrified, but mostly just excited,” the filmmaker told Paris Match in a TikTok clip cited by PEOPLE.
For the event, Malia donned a distinctive Vivienne Westwood outfit featuring a blue and white plaid layered skirt paired with a red and black off-the-shoulder corset-style top.
Malia told Paris Match of her look, “Vivienne Westwood, Queen.”
“It’s cool,” she added. “I don’t know as much about fashion, but I’m happy to be wearing it.”
Malia produced her film The Heart under the name Malia Ann, using her middle name.
Per a synopsis, The Heart — which is 18 minutes long — tells the story of, “A lonely man [who] grieves the death of his mother after an argument about groceries and an odd request in her will,” according to the Deauville American Film Festival’s website.
Another message on the festival’s site added, “For this 50th anniversary edition, the Deauville American Film Festival wanted to celebrate the new figures of tomorrow’s cinema, by awarding a prize to an emerging talent, specially created for the event.”
“In this exceptional year, the Young Spirit Award goes to director Malia Ann, in her presence, for her first short film, The Heart,” it continued.
Malia’s latest appearance follows the screening of her film The Heart at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, where it was featured among U.S. short fiction films in January.
While being interviewed by the film festival in a segment called “Meet The Artist” at the time, Malia said of the project, “The film is about lost objects and lonely people and forgiveness and regret, but I also think it works hard to uncover where tenderness and closeness can exist in these things.”
“We hope you enjoy the film and it makes you feel a bit less lonely, or at least reminds you not to forget about the people who are,” she added.
Malia initially worked as a writer on the Prime Video thriller series Swarm. In a March 2023 interview with Entertainment Tonight, showrunner Janine Nabers praised Malia as an “incredible writer” who “brought a lot to the table”.
“She’s really, really dedicated to her craft,” Nabers told the outlet.
“We sure can’t have it in the White House” – Obama on Project 2025
Former U.S. President Barack Obama has shared his views on Project 2025, criticizing the conservative agenda and warning that the plan is designed to take away Americans’ freedoms.
Obama expressed his thoughts after appearing on the “I’ve Had It” podcast with hosts Jennifer Welch and Angie “Pumps” Sullivan. During the episode, the former president played a game of “Had It or Hit It?” with the hosts, who asked for his opinion on the project.
“We’ve had it with the ideas in this agenda — for those unfamiliar with it, but you guys have been educating them — this is a plan designed to systematically strip away rights and freedoms that many of us take for granted. It would dismantle critical programs and services, like the Department of Education,” Obama said.
“It’s not the kind of America I think we want to live in,” he added.
READ ALSO: Chilling details of the KKK’s assassination plot on Barack Obama and how it was foiled by an insider
Although Project 2025 is perceived as a hard-right policy blueprint for the next GOP administration, Donald Trump and his campaign have tried to distance themselves from it.
Despite this, the Harris campaign has continued to argue that the outline reflects what a second Trump term could look like.
In the podcast episode, which aired Thursday, Obama expressed concern that Project 2025 could undermine Americans’ rights and freedoms.
“If you’re a patriot and you believe in freedom, well, part of that freedom we’ve fought and died for is ensuring that everyone is treated equally — that women have control over their own bodies, and that everyone has the opportunity to work hard, get a job, and make something of themselves,” Obama said.
“And when someone falls on hard times, we come together as a community to support them. That’s not what Project 2025 stands for, and we can’t afford to have it in the White House,” the former president continued.
READ ALSO: Check out the two African artists featured in Barack Obama’s 2024 summer playlist
When asked if he saw the “Project 2025 HQ” projection on the Chicago Trump Tower during the Democratic National Convention last month, Obama joked with the hosts: “I didn’t see it. I had nothing to do with it.” The hosts then called it a “high-quality troll.”
Below is a video of the episode featuring Obama.
My wife takes care of my business, without her, I wouldn’t be in this position” – Lebron James
Lebron James has revealed he would not be where he is today as a serial winner in professional basketball, if not for the support of his wife, Savannah James.
James is not only regarded as one of the greatest NBA players of all time, but also one of the most decorated athletes in sports history.
According to him, Savannah has been immense in contributing to his current position, raising his daughter Nova and two sons Bronny and Bryce, who have threaded an identical path to that of their father in basketball.
Per a report by ANDSCAPE, after clinching the gold medal and MVP award at the just-ended Paris 2024 Olympics with Team USA, James insisted the significance of Savannah’s incredible support for his journey, indicating it as crucial to where he is today.
“My wife takes care of the business, man, She’s the best. Without her, I wouldn’t even be in this position to be able to do what I do and love the game”
The all-time NBA scorer would not have featured at the Olympics this year if not for Savannah’s go ahead as he had not been with the team during the 2023 FIBA world Cup. Nonetheless, she gave the green light although it seemed the best moment to spend time with her husband in the off season, and Team USA have Savannah to thank for that.
James and Savannah dated for close to a decade and have been married for over 20 years. To him, her sacrifice and dedication in looking after his family is all he could ask for.
“I love it. So, to have my wife and my two boys and my daughter here and the rest of my family here, it was everything”, he added.
James’ consistency and accolades won indicate how much time and work he has put into his career, but Savannah remained affectionate and understanding across all phases of his journey, equally knowing the challenges and quality time the game could take away from her.
James also expressed that his family was his main driving force during what was probably his last Olympic participation.
“It means everything. It’s why I do it. I do it for my family.”
Although James is 39-years-old, his current level could see him feature for a few more years, potentially by his sons before he retires.
For a mother and wife who has invested so much into the success of her family, Savannah would be absolutely thrilled to see it become a reality.
Witness implicates Bishop Alick Banda in dubious ZRA car case
Witness implicates Bishop Alick Banda in dubious ZRA car case
A COURT witness in the Economic and Financial Crimes Court has implicated outspoken Catholic priest, Bishop Alick Banda, naming him as a recipient of a free vehicle, from the Zambia Revenue Authority.
The vehicle is said to be among the 22 cars that were illegally disposed of by two senior-most officials, at the Revenue Authority.
In her evidence in chief before principal resident magistrate Sylvia Munyinya, former Board secretary at ZRA, Suzyo Ng’andu said that the Revenue Authority received a complaint that some vehicles were sold without following procedure.
Ng’andu said investigations were instituted in the matter, in accordance with the internal disciplinary procedures to establish whether the cars were disposed of in accordance with the law.
She said the period under review was from 2017 to 2020.
“We looked at the first batch of vehicles put up for disposal in 2017, we discovered that there were 29 vehicles put up of which, seven were not advertised for sale out, the vehicles were sold to staff but not through the recommend process,”Ng’andu said.
“The next batch was approved for sale in 2018, they were 14 vehicles approved by the board and three of the 14 were sold to non members of staff, infact they were not sold but just given to Derick Mpundu, Heart of Mercy and Bishop Alick Banda.”
She told the Court that investigations further revealed that some members of staff purported to have bought eight vehicles, expressed ignorance about having purchased any vehicles.
“In 2020 there was another of 14 vehicles to be disposed off, our investigations led us to those vehicles, three were not advertised and they were removed from the list, of which they ended up with a charity organization called the Heart of Mercy and one was given to Bishop Alick Banda from the Catholic Church,”Ng’andu disclosed.
She said the vehicles were supposed to be sold to members of staff, through an internal tender.
“The board that gave authority to the disposal of motor vehicles were in two sets: the first set was board chairperson Chileshe Kapwewe, AJ Lungu, Mr Musukwa,Mrs Zimba; the next set of the board was chaired by Bwalya Chiti, Mr Miti, Dr Kalyalya, lyamba, Mrs Otten and the commissioner general during this time was Mr Kingsley Chanda,” Ng’andu said.
She said there was a procedural breach in the manner the cars were disposed of.
During Cross examination by lawyer James Mataliro the witness said she does not know when the disposal policy was approved by the board.
When asked about the issues raised by the whistle blower, the witness said according to the whistleblower some vehicles were sold without being advertised.
She said the responsibility for the disposal of the cars was under the director administration Calistus Kaoma.
When asked if she was aware that Mpundu was given the vehicles so that he could fix them from his garage, the witness denied.
Ng’andu was further asked if at all Mpundu breached the law by taking his client’s vehicles to the garage for fixing but, she responded in the negative.
She also confirmed that for the vehicles received by Heart of Mercy, and Bishop Banda, there was no policy that vehicles bought by members of staff should not end with third parties.
During cross examination by Wynter Kabimba
the witness maintained that three vehicles were given to Derick Mpundu, Heart of Mercy and Bishop Alick Banda.
She said the gate pass indicated that Mpundu picked the vehicles from ZRA.
Ng’andu said she was not aware that some of the vehicles were sold through direct biding.
Asked if Chanda breached procedure, the witness denied saying it was Kaoma who did not follow the laid down procedures.
In this matter former ZRA director general Kingsley Chanda and Calitus Kaoma are charged with abuse of authority of office for disposing of 22 vehicles belonging to ZRA without following guidelines and prejudicing government.
Among the vehicles are 13 Mitsubishi pajeros, a Nissan hardbody, a Nissan Tida, Nissan microbus, a Toyota Corolla, four Toyota Hilux, and a Toyota prado.
Trial continues on September 17.
By Mwaka Ndawa
Kalemba September 10, 2024.
KAMANGA CALLS OUT FANS TO TURN UP AS CHIPOLOPOLO SEEKS REDEMPTION
KAMANGA CALLS OUT FANS TO TURN UP AS CHIPOLOPOLO SEEKS REDEMPTION
Football Association of Zambia ( FAZ) President Andrew Kamanga has called for massive support to the Senior National Football Team during the Africa Cup qualifier against Sierra Leon tomorrow in Ndola.
Kamanga says the country needs to put behind the disappointing defeat in Bouke, Ivory Coast against the host team who are the reigning champions and instead focus on the remaining qualifiers.
He says the Group G Morocco 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at home to Sierra Leone is an opportunity to demonstrate the resilient spirit of the Chipolopolo.
“ We all need to put behind the disappointment of the defeat in Bouake to African champions Coted’voire. We are lucky that we will be in a position to rebound within four days of defeat…The Group G Morocco 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at home to Sierra Leone is an opportunity to demonstrate the resilient spirit of the Chipolopolo, “ said Kamanga on his facebook page.
He observed that part of the drive for Ivory Coast in Bouake was the incredible home support they received throughout the match, which he said must be replicated by the Zambian fans tomorrow.
“ The massive support no doubt helped spur the elephants to victory. We have an opportunity to show our lads some love by turning up in numbers and cheer them on as they face the Leone Stars tomorrow, “ he says.
He adds that his executive has done its best to ensure that the Chipolopolo was granted smooth passage back home through a chartered flight adding that the onus now was on the team to deliver to the expectations of the over 18 million Zambians.
“Our call is for every Zambian to rise up and support the Chipolopolo as we chase our second straight Africa Cup of Nations qualification, “ said Kamanga.
Meanwhile, the under-16 boys have concluded a momentous participation in the FIFA Talent Development program that attracted six nations.
Kamanga said FAZ is happy that the lads won all their three games whose primary goal was exposure and development.
“ We will not tire of exposing our junior teams to high level competitions as it is in tandem with our 10-year strategic plan. Congratulations to the team and technical bench for giving a respectable show of our great nation, ‘ said Kamanga.
Meanwhile, the under-17 girls have intensified preparations for the Dominican Republic FIFA World Cup which kicks off next month.
The local camp is almost coming to an end with the squad shifting base to Europe.
Kamanga said that a number of friendlies have been lined up before the team leaves.
“ We have no doubt that with good preparation, the team will give a good account of themselves on the biggest world stage,”.
Mother of shooting suspect called school and drove 200 miles after getting alarming text – Family members
The mother of the teenager suspected of killing four people during a shooting at a Winder, Georgia, high school called to warn a school counselor before the attack, according to the suspect’s aunt and grandfather.
Colt Gray, 14, apologized to his mother, Marcee Gray, on the morning of the mass shooting at Apalachee High School — sending an alarming, cryptic text Wednesday that prompted the mother to warn the school that something could be wrong, his grandfather told CNN, confirming information he first provided to the New York Post.
“I’m sorry, mom,” the text read, according to Marcee Gray’s father, Charles Polhamus, who said he was standing near his daughter at his home in Fitzgerald, Georgia, when she received the message.
The mother called the school about an unspecified “extreme emergency” involving Colt Gray sometime before the shooting began, Marcee Gray’s sister Annie Brown told the Washington Post and later confirmed to CNN.
A 10-minute call was placed from Marcee Gray’s phone to the school at 9:50 a.m., the Washington Post reported – about 30 minutes before police were notified of the shooting.
According to the Post, Brown has a shared phone plan with the family, which allowed her to see a log of the calls made by her sister.
After a 10-minute phone conversation, Polhamus said, his daughter and her mother then began the 200-mile drive from Fitzgerald to Winder.
Marcee Gray later confirmed the call to the Washington Post, which reported she “declined to elaborate on what had prompted her to call in the warning to the school, but said she had shared that information with law enforcement.”
“I am so, so sorry and can not fathom the pain and suffering they are going through right now,” she told the Washington Post in a text.
Colt Gray has been charged with four counts of murder after committing the mass shooting, prosecutors said. He will be tried as an adult and is expected to face additional charges in connection with the wounded and injured victims.
Marcee Gray broke her silence Saturday, apologizing to those affected for the “absolutely horrific” shooting.
The Barrow County School District did not return CNN’s request for comment. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation referred CNN’s request for comment to the Piedmont Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office.
CNN has reached out to the Piedmont Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office Saturday evening. CNN has also reached out to Barrow County Sheriff Jud Smith, who previously said he had no knowledge of any phone call to the school before the shooting.
Here’s what we know about the shooting – the 45th school shooting of 2024, and the deadliest US school shooting since the March 2023 massacre at The Covenant School in Nashville:
- The four people killed:
- Nine injured are expected to make a full recovery: Of the nine other people injured, seven of them – six students and a teacher – were shot, the GBI said Thursday. The other two – both students – suffered other injuries, the GBI said.
- Suspect was questioned about online threats: In May 2023, law enforcement officials questioned Colt Gray and his father, Colin Gray, about “online threats to commit a school shooting” that included photos of guns, according to a joint statement from FBI Atlanta and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. Colt Gray, who was 13 at the time, told investigators during that interview that “someone is accusing him of threatening to shoot up a school, stating that he would never say such a thing, even in a joking manner,” authorities said. Authorities could not substantiate the threats and the investigation was closed, according to the sheriff’s office.
- Suspect’s father charged: Two law enforcement sources with direct knowledge of the investigation said Colin Gray, 54, told authorities he purchased the AR-style rifle used in the school shooting as a holiday present for his son in December 2023 – just months after authorities initially contacted the father about the online threats. Colin Gray faces four counts of involuntary manslaughter, two counts of second-degree murder and eight counts of cruelty to children.
- Suspect had writings on past school shootings: During questioning, Colt Gray told investigators, “I did it,” according to the Barrow County sheriff. As authorities searched his home, they found documents that they believe he wrote referencing past school shootings, including references to the 2018 massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida, a law enforcement source told CNN.
- Shows of support: Ahead of the Georgia Bulldogs’ kick-off against the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles Saturday, a moment of silence was observed to honor those affected by the shooting. Also on Saturday, in front of the high school, more than 100 motorcyclists from different motorcycle clubs staged a rally to show their support. The Atlanta Falcons on Sunday wore Apalachee Wildcats T-shirts during pregame warmups for their NFL game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
- Students recount harrowing shooting: In one classroom, a 14-year-old said she kept the suspect from getting through the door when she saw him holding a gun. And after a teacher in another classroom was shot, students say they pulled him back inside and used the shirts off their backs to try and stop his bleeding while barricading the door with desks and chairs. One teenage boy said he raced to close his classroom door to prevent the shooter from entering – only to realize he had been shot.
A community grieves
Victims’ families wiped away tears or clutched stuffed animals as they sat in the Barrow County courtroom Friday during Colt Gray’s arraignment, where he declined to enter a plea to the charges against him.
Because of his young age, the maximum penalty Gray could face is life in prison with or without parole, Judge Currie Mingledorff told the teenager in court. In 2005, the US Supreme Court ruled no one can be put to death for crimes committed before the age of 18.
The next step in the case against Gray will be a grand jury meeting on October 17. This will be followed by a scheduled arraignment before the trial process is started, Barrow County District Attorney Brad Smith said. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for December 4, Mingledorff said.
Separately, Colin Gray faces a maximum sentence of 180 years in prison for the charges brought against him. An arrest warrant for Colin Gray alleges he gave his son a firearm “with knowledge he was a threat to himself and others.”
“I’m just trying to use the tools in my arsenal to prosecute people for the crimes they commit,” District Attorney Smith said.
Colin Gray also declined to enter a plea at his first court appearance Friday, and neither he nor his son asked for bail to be set at their hearings.
CNN has sought comment from the public defenders representing Colt Gray and his father.
For survivors and others, a community recovery center will open in Barrow County on Monday to offer financial assistance, legal services and spiritual and mental health care, the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency announced Friday.
In the meantime, it’s unclear when classes will resume at Apalachee High School. Officials are still determining the next steps, though plans are being finalized for people to pick up their belongings from the school on Monday, principal Jessica Rehberg said in a letter to students’ parents, a copy of which was obtained by CNN.
“We are determining the right way to move ahead, and we are compassionately planning the details of our future,” Rehberg wrote in the letter Sunday.
The rest of the Barrow County school system is expected to return to class Tuesday.
Student says she didn’t open the door after spotting a gun
Bri Jones, 14, was in second period Wednesday when Colt Gray left the classroom, Jones said. “We didn’t notice he left,” Jones said, adding that he was “always quiet.”
But Gray came back and knocked on the door, Jones said.
Bri said she peeked out the door before she opened it because that’s what her mom taught her to do.
“As I was looking at the door, he was pulling his gun out, and then I froze up, like I froze up and I said ‘no’ to myself,” she said.
The teacher asked for the door to be opened, Bri said, “because she didn’t know he had a gun because she was at her desk.” As she went to open the door, “I was like, ‘No, he has a gun,’” Jones said.
Then, the shooter looked up at them before turning and firing shots, Jones said.
“He was looking at me, my teacher, and then somebody was in the hall,” she said. “He turned his head and he just started shooting.”
The students then ran to the back of the class and the teacher turned off the lights, Bri said.
“Once he started shooting, it’s like he kept going, it was so many gunshots after gunshots,” she said. “It felt like he was just shooting forever.”
If she had opened the class door, Bri said she believes the suspect “would have got every single one of us in that class.”
Another student, 14-year-old Ronaldo Vega, immediately took cover under his desk when the shooting began in his second-period math class, he said, believing he heard four to six shots. After, he stood up and quickly closed the classroom door so the shooter “couldn’t come back,” he said.
Only after seeing one of the bullets behind the teacher’s desk did he realize he had been shot and was bleeding, Ronaldo said.
Students took the shirts off to try to save their math teacher
Richard Aspinwall, a math teacher, heard commotion outside his classroom and entered the hallway to see what was going on. When he did, he was shot in the chest by the 14-year-old suspect, according to family friend Julie Woodson, who cited accounts by Aspinwall’s students.
“We had to watch our teacher come back in the classroom holding himself like he’s been shot, and fell to the floor,” 17-year-old Malasia Mitchell said. “And as he kept going, my teacher was shot again.”
Students in the class say they pulled Aspinwall back into the classroom and used the shirts off their backs to try and stop their teacher’s bleeding, according to Woodson.
Meanwhile, the students closed the door and protected themselves with desks and chairs, Mitchell said.
Woodson said Aspinwall “died as a hero trying to save his students’ lives.”
“If he didn’t walk out and take the bullet … who knows what would’ve happened,” Woodson said.
Malasia remembered her teacher as a “great guy” with “such a happy spirit” — someone who wouldn’t want her to ever give up.
“He wouldn’t want me to just stop coming to school,” she said. “He would want me to keep going.”
Ethiopia warns against invasion amid regional tensions
Ethiopia’s Prime Minister has warned that anyone planning on invading his country should “think 10 times” before doing so because, he said, any attack would be repelled.
Abiy Ahmed did not direct his comments at any particular nation, but they come at a time of rising tensions with e Somalia and Egypt.
Somalia has described a maritime pact that Mr Abiy’s government signed with the self-declared republic of Somaliland in January as an act of “aggression”, and has responded by forging closer military ties with Egypt.
Somaliland broke away from Somalia more than 30 years ago, but Mogadishu regards it as part of its territory.
Egypt has been involved in a long-running dispute of its own with Ethiopia over Addis Ababa’s decision to build a large dam on a tributary of the River Nile.
It is reportedly planning to send troops to Somalia following the signing of a military pact between the two governments last month.
In a televised address marking Ethiopia’s Sovereignty Day, Mr Abiy said the east African nation had no intention of creating conflict.
However, he said that “those who are afar and nearby” should know that “we usually embarrass and repel those who dare try to invade us”.
“Anyone intending to invade Ethiopia should think not just once but 10 times because one great thing we Ethiopians know is [how] to defend ourselves,” Mr Abiy added.
Somalia has been angered by landlocked Ethiopia’s decision to reach a deal with Somaliland to give it access to a port.
Somaliland has also said that it could lease a section of the coast to Ethiopia’s navy, in exchange for Mr Abiy’s government becoming the first to recognise it as an independent state.
Tensions in the region escalated last month after two Egyptian C-130 military planes arrived in Somalia’s capital to mark the strengthening of ties.
Egypt reportedly plans to send up to 5,000 soldiers to join a new-look African Union (AU) force in Somalia at the end of the year, with another 5,000 to be deployed separately.
An AU force has been in Somalia since 2007 to help the government fight al-Shabab, a jihadist group waging a brutal insurgency in the country.
Ethiopian troops are part of the force, but Somalia has announced that they will have to withdraw next year.
For its part, Egypt has accused Ethiopia of threatening its supply of water from the River Nile following the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (Gerd) in the northern Ethiopia highlands, from where 85% of the Nile’s waters flow.
The Gerd is Africa’s biggest hydroelectric dam project, and Ethiopia sees it as vital to meeting its energy needs.
How South Sudan became the ‘last’ country in the world to gain Independence
In a world where borders have been drawn and redrawn countless times, South Sudan stands out as the most recent country to declare independence.
On July 9, 2011, South Sudan officially seceded from Sudan, becoming the world’s newest nation. The move marked the end of decades of civil war, ethnic tensions, and political struggle between the predominantly Arab north and the African south. It was a hard-fought victory for a people who had long been marginalized and whose desire for self-determination had been forged in the fires of conflict.
The birth of South Sudan was met with widespread celebration, both within the country and across the globe. However, the challenges of building a stable and prosperous state have been daunting. While independence brought hope for peace and a fresh start, the nation has been plagued by internal conflicts, economic difficulties, and a humanitarian crisis that continues to affect millions of its citizens.
A Tumultuous Path to Independence
The path to South Sudan’s independence was long and fraught with conflict. During British-Egyptian colonial rule, policies favored the Arab Muslim north, neglecting the predominantly Christian and Animist south. This imbalance led to discontent, escalating into two major civil wars: the first from 1955 to 1972 and the second from 1983 to 2005.
The Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), signed in 2005 between Sudan’s government and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), ended the second civil war and set the stage for South Sudan’s secession. A pivotal referendum in January 2011 saw 98.83% of South Sudanese vote for independence. On July 9, 2011, South Sudan officially became a new nation.
Challenges of Nationhood
South Sudan’s independence was initially celebrated with high hopes for peace and prosperity. However, the realities of nation-building quickly emerged. The new country faced deep ethnic, political, and economic divisions. While oil wealth promised potential development, it also fueled disputes with Sudan over revenue sharing and border issues.
Internal unity proved difficult, with the country soon facing severe challenges. In December 2013, just two years after independence, South Sudan descended into a civil war between President Salva Kiir and former Vice President Riek Machar. The conflict, marked by ethnic divisions between Kiir’s Dinka tribe and Machar’s Nuer tribe, resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and displaced millions, creating a severe humanitarian crisis.
The Ongoing Search for Stability
Efforts to restore peace have been ongoing, with various agreements, including the President Salva Kiir This deal saw Machar return as vice president in a unity government, bringing some stability. However, peace remains fragile, with occasional violence continuing.
Despite these setbacks, South Sudanese resilience remains strong. The country has made incremental progress in rebuilding infrastructure and establishing government institutions, though challenges persist. Widespread poverty, limited access to basic services, and food insecurity continue to affect the population.
South Sudan’s Global Role
As the newest country, South Sudan symbolizes hope and self-determination, but it also underscores the complexities of nation-building. International support, including aid and peacekeeping from the United Nations and other organizations, has been crucial in stabilizing the country.
South Sudan’s story is part of the broader narrative of African nations pursuing self-determination. Its independence represents a significant moment in post-colonial history, highlighting both the achievements and ongoing struggles of new nations.
South Sudan’s independence was a landmark achievement, but the journey since 2011 has been marked by both progress and hardship. As it continues to face challenges, the world watches closely, hopeful for a brighter future for this resilient new nation. South Sudan may be the “last” country to gain independence, but its story is far from complete.
BA MATERO SPEAKS OUT ON FATHER’S NEGATIVE PROPHECY AGAINST HIM
BA MATERO SPEAKS OUT ON FATHER’S NEGATIVE PROPHECY AGAINST HIM
…From the time I started being Ba Matero, I forgot some scriptures, he says
By Beatrice Chabaya
Last week, Facebook was awash with negative comments targeting “prophet” John General, following the prophecy he did on his son “Ba Matero.”
Among the comments, which were mainly from Ba Matero’s fans, were that the father was jealous of the son’s success.
But featuring on Diamond TV’s “on the table,” Ba Matero said he wouldn’t join his fans in insulting or issuing degrading comments against his father.
“Even if he “my father” was mad, and then I start pointing fingers at him, getting angry that ‘elo batukana ba Matero, tiyeni tibashombe… then I start throwing stones saying ‘atase bakazitukana ine ba daddy?’ It doesn’t make sense,” he said.
Ba Matero asked his fans to forgive his father.
Jokingly, while imploring fans to forgive his father, he said “issue mwamene inangenela ya u Matero nama scripture yenangu tayamba kuibala.”
“He (John General) is the one to bless me. Even the bible says honour your parents…”
However, the plea for his fans to forgive his father did not stop him from sharing how the prophecy made his wife feel.
“My wife was so scared. When I followed him (his father)in his office, he told me he was not seeing good signs, he said the same people you are found with will give you something that will affect you. Your popularity will be gone.
So, for you to continue, you need to be in prayers. My dad is used seeing me in church… I am a camera man in church. Maybe he used wisdom to say, to prophecy…” he said.
Ba Matero said his father didn’t do the prophecy for numbers, “I think even him didn’t know that it was online.”
“When my dad is in the spirit he says anything. There are certain prophecies in that church that sometimes make me feel like I can run away.”
He also shared how loving his father is to him.
“He is a loving father, even the car I am driving he is the one who bought for me,” he said.
“Maybe it was the will of God that my father should learn that not every prophecy that needs to be done in public. I know how much my fans love me, how much they support me…Because of me, forgive him.”
MP SUNDAY CHANDA CALLS FOR INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS TO EXPAND SOLAR ENERGY ACCESS FOR ZAMBIA’S POOR
MP SUNDAY CHANDA CALLS FOR INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS TO EXPAND SOLAR ENERGY ACCESS FOR ZAMBIA’S POOR
Amidst ongoing electricity generation challenges, Hon. Sunday Chilufya Chanda, Member of Parliament for Kanchibiya Constituency, has urged the Zambian government to implement innovative financing models that make solar energy accessible to the nation’s poorest households. This call comes as Zambia faces prolonged droughts that hamper hydroelectric power generation, highlighting the urgent need to diversify the country’s energy mix.
Despite Zambia’s abundant sunshine, approximately 54.4% of the population lives below the poverty line, according to the Zambia Statistics Agency (ZamStats). This economic reality leaves many households, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas, unable to afford the high upfront costs associated with solar energy installations.
“While government has made significant strides in improving access to electricity, over 60% of Zambia’s population remains off the grid,” Chanda said. “This has severe consequences for education, food storage, health, and overall economic productivity.”
Chanda pointed out that the average cost of a basic solar home system, estimated between ZMW 12,000 to ZMW 20,000, is far beyond the reach of most Zambians, particularly those earning less than ZMW 1,500 per month. He emphasized the need for affordable and flexible financing solutions to bridge this gap and proposed several measures to make solar energy more accessible:
1. Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) Solar Financing: Chanda proposed a PAYG model, allowing households to pay for solar systems in small installments over 3-5 years, with minimal upfront costs. This model has already proven successful in other African countries, such as Kenya and Tanzania.
2. Subsidized Solar Systems : He suggested that the government subsidize a portion of installation costs for low-income households, potentially through the Social Cash Transfer (SCT) program, to alleviate the financial burden.
3. Innovative Microfinance Solutions: The MP called for the development of micro-loan packages specifically designed for solar installations, offering low-interest rates and flexible repayment terms.
4. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Chanda advocated for PPPs between the government and solar companies to scale up distribution and reduce costs through bulk procurement of solar equipment.
Chanda highlighted the broader benefits of expanding solar energy access, including increased productivity, improved health and well-being, job creation, and enhanced environmental sustainability. He stressed that this initiative aligns with Zambia’s commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement and the goals of the Zambia National Energy Policy 2019.
“This is a critical moment in Zambia’s energy journey, and we cannot afford to leave anyone behind,” Chanda concluded. “The future is bright—let’s harness the power of the sun to light the way forward for all Zambians.”
Chanda’s call comes as government and various stakeholders continue to explore ways to ensure that all Zambians, regardless of income level, can benefit from clean, affordable energy solutions.
LEADERSHIP IN THE FACE OF POLITICAL-ECONOMIC CRISIS
*LEADERSHIP IN THE FACE OF POLITICAL-ECONOMIC CRISIS.*
It’s a growing trend in this country to use elections as means of supping power without critically analyzing what we will do for the nation once we form government. Politicians always determine how countries are ruled. They hold the key to the building of the nation or to the collapse of the same. The main call for this write up is the collapse of the nation and what causes such.
Any well meaning leader, politician etc,should focus on the following:
1. *STAMP OUT CORRUPTION.*
Corruption is a disease but curable when you have a selfless leader and preventable if the people vote out corrupt leaders. It is the duty of other politicians to inform the innocent masses of such devices so that people make a well-informed decision. However, corrupt leaders can amass so much wealth that bootlickers with a leadership jacket and academic hearts may go out convincing people that it’s okay to have a corrupt leader. The truth is, regardless of who is involved in corruption, it’s effects are disastrous.
2. *SPEAK AGAINST SOCIAL INJUSTICE* .
For a country to develope, social injustice must be condemned. Social injustice intimidates the nation thereby affecting economic production. Development thrives where social justice system is strong and implemented effectively. Now in countries like Zambia the social justice favors the ruling. Any president can be insulted except the incumbent. Any president can be threatened with matchets except the one in power. It trickles down to the opposition because it’s difficult to remain afflot in opposition and people need a bowl of soup, they are easily bought to an extent of forgetting what they stood for yesterday.
3. *SUPPORTING AN INDIVIDUAL OVER NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT(SELFISHNESS)*
This is the most critical one. The nation is sliding into economic depression and citizens are desperate looking for a person who has solutions to the high cost of leaving, social injustice, 23 and half hours of loadshedding etc. They are looking for that one person who will lead a team of experts both in their field of work and God given intelligence to reduce or eradicate the social problems.
My observation both from the ruling and some opposition leaders is, They will dress up to address the nation over a report written by UN on issues of human rights as false than explaining how they will speed up the distributions of medicines in the 65 containers which were lost but found. others will write long bootlicking articles praising their leaders of preference than condemning the incarceration of the two (2 )Gen Z advocates, Mwanza and the young lady over lone protest who have been in detention for 12 days now without charge.
The Citizens are interested in knowing the way forward, listening to the solutions that are achievable and attainable. Let’s not waste their data and drain their batteries in this loadshedding and high cost of living period over issues that are personal.
Citizens are willing to partner with any leader that puts the interest of the nation above self.
Faith Munthali
Citizens First
National Women Chairlady
‘ANDREW TATE RAPED AND STRANGLED US’ – WOMEN TALK TO BBC
‘TATE RAPED AND STRANGLED US’ – WOMEN TALK TO BBC
Two women who say they were raped and strangled by the controversial social media influencer, Andrew Tate, have spoken to the BBC about their experiences.
Another woman has alleged, for the first time, she was raped by Mr Tate’s younger brother, Tristan – also an influencer with millions of followers.
The Tate brothers, aged 37 and 36, currently face charges in Romania of human trafficking and forming an organised group to sexually exploit women. Andrew Tate is also charged with rape.
If found guilty, the two men could be jailed for more than 10 years. They strongly deny the charges against them.
* Warning: Contains distressing content and descriptions of sexual violence
Andrew Tate is currently under house arrest in Romania. In addition to the charges he already faces, prosecutors are considering new allegations against him, including having sex with a minor and trafficking underage persons. Both brothers are also being investigated for trafficking 34 more women.
Now, two British women not involved with the Romanian case against the Tate brothers, have given detailed first-hand accounts to the BBC, against Andrew Tate, of alleged rape and sexual violence. The allegations date back at least 10 years, to when Mr Tate was living in Luton.
Another British woman has made a new allegation of rape against Tristan Tate, saying he put his put his hands around her throat as he did so.
Anna (not her real name) told us she went out with Andrew Tate in Luton in 2013. After a few dates, she says she went back to his house.
“He started kissing me… and he just looked up at the ceiling and said, ‘I’m just debating whether I should rape you or not. Out of the blue he just grabbed me by the throat, smashed me to the back of the bed, strangling me extremely hard.”
Anna says he then raped her.
She says after the attack, Mr Tate sent her disturbing text messages and voice notes about rape and sexual violence.
“Am I a bad person? Because the more you didn’t like it, the more I enjoyed it,” he said in a voice note.
In a text he wrote: “I love raping you.”
Anna says he also tried to pass the strangulation episode off as a joke: “Are you seriously so offended I strangled you a little bit?”
When the BBC asked him about the messages, Mr Tate declined to comment.
In 2014, Anna told Bedfordshire Police about the alleged attack. Two other women made similar allegations, and a police investigation started.
In 2019, a file was sent to the Crown Prosecution Service, but it was decided there was not enough evidence to bring charges. (BBC News)
ABOUT PSYCHOTIC BEHAVIOR: A CASE OF SOME POLITICAL ALLIANCES WANTING ECL ON THEIR SIDE BUT NOT HIS PF PARTY- Sean Tembo
ABOUT PSYCHOTIC BEHAVIOR: A CASE OF SOME POLITICAL ALLIANCES WANTING ECL ON THEIR SIDE BUT NOT HIS PF PARTY
By Sean Tembo – PeP President
1. Ever since l decided to join active politics about 6 years ago, l have come across all sorts of politicians in both the ruling and opposition parties. Strange characters and occasionally very strange characters. And just when l thought l had seen it all, l now seem to have met a new breed; the unreasonable and unrealistic. Since 2021, the opposition have worked fervently to try and create various groupings and platforms in the name of alliances, which include the United Kwacha Alliance (UKA), The People’s Pact, The Zambia We Want, and more recently we hear that there is a new alliance being launched called The Tonse Alliance.
2. However, what l find strange about some of these alliances is the behavior of some of their members towards the 6th Republican President and his PF party. They seem overjoyed to relate to and be in the company of President Lungu, but they vilify and insult his PF party on a daily basis, either directly or through their paid proxies. Even when they take group photos, they fight tooth and nail to be the ones standing next to ECL, like children at a Christmas party wanting to stand next to Santa Claus. When they organize their tuma rallies, they rely on ECL to give them life by way of his political clout and financial backing. While in the same breath, they treat his Vice President, his Secretary General, his Party senior members like useless lepers, and can’t even see eye to eye with them. What hypocrisy!!!
3. The bottom line is that ECL is a leader of an organization, and that organization is called the Patriotic Front. Anyone who wants to engage in serious political business with ECL, must equally be ready to engage with and respect the organization which he represents; which is the Patriotic Front. Any alliance where some members believe that they can divorce ECL from his PF party and just use him to prop up their political standing, through their public association with him, is unlikely to go anywhere. Any alliance that thinks ECL is vulnerable and desperate for political association, simply because the UPND interfered with the registration status of the PF at the Registrar of Societies and installed stooges, is not going anywhere.
4. A serious alliance is supposed to treat President Lungu with the respect that he deserves, both as a former Head of State as well as the leader of the largest opposition political party in Zambia. And l dare say that despite the shenanigans of the ruling UPND, the PF has remained intact at grassroots level. In fact, the PF is stronger and more organized at grassroots level than even the ruling UPND party. And some alliance leaders think they can treat the leader of the largest opposition political party with contempt? Where is the logic in doing so? Unless of course they are being sponsored by the ruling UPND party to cause confusion in such an alliance?
5. Truth be told, any equation that will culminate into the removal of the ruling UPND party from office in 2026 will need to involve President Edgar Lungu and his PF party, in one way or the other. Either directly as a candidate or through his endorsement of a particular preferred candidate. Suffice to mention that President Lungu and the PF party are a package. Any alliance that decides to do business with ECL must equally be ready to do business with and respect his political party, the Patriotic Front. And to the extent that a particular alliance, either out of their own volition and poor judgement or through infiltration by the ruling UPND party, decide to disrespect ECL or try to tear him away from his PF party, then under those circumstances, ECL would reserve the right to divorce himself from any such compromised alliance, and seek any other alternative platform that would be available to him.
6. It is worth noting that ECL’s greatest currency is the fact that he is a former Head of State and leader of the largest opposition political party in Zambia. Any political player in Zambia who is worth their salt, would have come to the realization of the fact that the allegiance of PF structures across the country, to ECL, is cult-like. The two are inseparable. The ruling UPND have tried to sponsor confusion in the PF, even to the extent of changing it’s office bearers at Registrar of Societies and installing stooges. But all these machinations have failed, until the stooges started fighting amongst themselves. The PF structures have remained intact in their unwavering support and dedication to ECL. Rather admirable, wouldn’t you say?
7. But perhaps the unavoidable question that should be asked is; would President Edgar Lungu’s return to power be in the best interests of the nation? Well, if you asked me this question a year ago, my answer would have been a definite no. But today, l hold a different position. l do earnestly believe that President Edgar Lungu’s return to power in 2026 would be a very progressive development for the nation. Why do l say so? Well, to be honest with you, the first reason is that ECL is the only candidate who has the necessary critical mass to easily remove President Hakainde Hichilema from office. So it really depends on how badly you want HH gone in 2026. If you are as fed up as l am with President Hakainde Hichilema’s corruption, incompetence, vengeance and lack of patriotism, and you really want him gone in 2026, then ECL is the only tenable vehicle to be used. Now, you need to hear me clearly here; l am not saying that other leaders are completely incapable of removing HH from office in 2026. We are all capable, including myself. We are just less tenable. Other than ECL, none of us currently have the necessary critical mass to remove President Hakainde Hichilema from office in 2026. But l want you to mark my use of the word “currently” in the previous sentence. I am emphasizing the use of the word “currently” because in future, it is possible that one of us may be able to amaze the necessary critical mass needed to remove President Hakainde Hichilema in 2026, but such a candidate will only be able to acquire such critical mass through transmission, by way of endorsement by President Edgar Lungu. In other words, the most ideal person that can remove HH from office in 2026 is ECL, and the next most ideal person is the candidate whom ECL endorses.
8. At this point, am sure that some of you are itching to ask me what has changed about ECL’s governance in the 7 years prior to 2021? Something that l vehemently fought against, and yet today am saying that the nation would be best served with ECL’s return to office in 2026. Why? Well, l personally found ECL’s presidency inadequate because l measured it against my expectations, and l believe many Zambians did that as well. And l need to quickly add that our expectations of how a Government needed to perform were largely shaped by what the then Opposition Leader, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema told us. When the country was undergoing 6 hours load-shedding during the 2015 drought, HH told us that 6 hrs was unacceptable and that drought should not be accepted as an excuse for load-shedding. When the PF gave each farmer 6 bags of fertilizer as part of FISP, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema told us that the 6 bags were not enough. When fuel was at K17 a liter, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema told us that it was too expensive. When the President Lungu decided to buy back Mopani from Glencore so that it is state-owned, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema told us that it was a bad idea. And because of the false expectations that the then Opposition Leader, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema created among the Zambian people, the people, including myself, decided to judge President Lungu harshly.
9. In retrospect, Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu was a far better President than Mr. Hakainde Hichilema across all measures. Talk about the fight against corruption, President Lungu at least had four Cabinet Ministers prosecuted for alleged corruption in courts of law, whereas President Hakainde Hichilema is completely unable to do so, even when one of his Ministers is captured on video receiving wads of cash. Talk about caderism, President Hakainde Hichilema has simply replaced the panga wielding PF cadres with the gun wielding Zambia Police cadres. Personally, under PF l was assaulted by panga wielding cadres along Cairo Road, and under UPND, l was assaulted by gun wielding Zambia Police cadres who broke into my house, assaulted me in front of my children and proceeded to kidnap me and torture me for two days until l was discovered by my relatives at Balmoral Police Station in the outskirts of Lusaka. Talk about debt contraction, during his 7 years in office, President Edgar Lungu contracted about K60 billion of domestic debt, which moved from about K29 billion at the inception of his Presidency in January 2015, to about K89 billion when he handed over the instruments of power on 24th August 2021, but we were able to see tangible infrastructure projects across the country, including a total facelift of Lusaka City. On the other hand, President Hakainde Hichilema has contracted about K205 billion in domestic debt over a period of 3 years, which has moved from about K89 billion when he took office, to about K245 billion at present, and there isn’t a single infrastructure project to point at. The point that l am trying to make here, country men and women, is that President Lungu was a far better President than President Hakainde Hichilema. In fact, if l was allowed to rate the two, l would give ECL a 70 percent and HH a 15 percent. And on any day of the week, moving from 15 percent and back to 70 percent is a good deal for the nation.
10. In the premises above, President Edgar Lungu deserves respect by the entire nation for what he was able to achieve for Zambia during his stay in office, which President Hakainde Hichilema had promised us he will surpass, but which he has dismally failed to even match. Above all, ECL deserves respect from those political leaders who decide to congregate with him in the name of alliances. Any political leader who wants ECL’s company and association, but cannot stand his PF party, has no business with ECL, because ECL comes as a package and that package includes the PF party. As for me and my party, we have resolved to work with ECL and his PF party in order to ensure that President Hakainde Hichilema is removed from office in 2026, without fail. Our decision is premised on the fact that we are not naive. We know fully well that there can be no regime change without the involvement of ECL and the PF party. And we need regime change in 2026 at all costs. In order to achieve our 2026 goals, we shall ride on any appropriate alliance platform, whether it be UKA, Tonse Alliance, The People’s Pact or The Zambia We Want Alliance. The only precondition for our association on any alliance platform will be that it be composed of genuine opposition political party leaders who are serious about regime change, and not surrogates of the ruling UPND party who get brown envelopes from Community House every evening, with instructions of how to frustrate the candidature of ECL on the ballot in 2026. The only man whom the UPND knows is unquestionably capable of removing them in 2026. My message to these surrogates of UPND in some of these alliances is simple: there shall be regime change in 2026, the only question is whether you will be part of it or not.
Anyway, the Future is SET ✌🏼✌🏼✌🏼
///END
SET 09.09.2024
HYPOCRISY UNVEILED, UKA COUNCIL OF PRESIDENTS AND THE SHAM OF POLITICAL ALLEGIANCES- Chanoda Ngwira
HYPOCRISY UNVEILED, UKA COUNCIL OF PRESIDENTS AND THE SHAM OF POLITICAL ALLEGIANCES
By Chanoda Ngwira
Sean Tembo has said it all just like I did allude to a month or so ago about this sham called UKA. I spoke about the snakes in UKA who are prepared to kill Edgar Lungu politically in the hope of them being the obvious successors of the alliance.
In the murky world of politics, authenticity often takes a back seat to opportunism and self-serving agendas. This sentiment rings particularly true within the UKA Council of Presidents, where a web of hypocrisy and insincerity has entwined the professed loyalty to President Edgar Lungu. Contrary to their public proclamations of adulation for Lungu, a closer inspection reveals a disconcerting truth. Some members of the UKA are mere pretenders, using the President as a stepping stone for their own political gains.
The purported affection and allegiance bestowed upon Edgar Lungu by certain UKA members stand as a facade, an elaborate charade crafted not out of genuine admiration, but rather as a strategic ploy to leverage his name for personal advancement. These individuals, akin to serpents biding their time, wait for the opportune moment to strike at Lungu’s political legacy, anticipating endorsement once he exits the stage, all the while concealing their true intentions behind a veil of false loyalty.
Ironically, while Edgar Lungu is purportedly surrounded by allies within the UKA, the gravest threats to his political survival emanate not from rival factions but from within his purported circle of trust. The treachery and deceit lurking within the UKA ranks paint a stark picture of opportunism at play, where loyalty is transactional and principles are sacrificed at the altar of personal ambition.
Amidst these convoluted power dynamics, the Patriotic Front (PF) leaders find themselves marginalized, deleted from the equation and disrespected by these political vultures who prioritize personal gain over UKA allegiance. Edgar Lungu’s tether to the UKA is intrinsically tied to the PF, yet the very individuals who claim to champion his cause demonstrate a flagrant disregard for the foundational principles of the party. This betrayal of party values underscores a broader crisis of integrity and fidelity plaguing the UKA’s political landscape.
As the machinations of these duplicitous actors unfold, it becomes evident that their purported loyalty to Edgar Lungu is but a means to an end. It is a tool wielded to propel themselves to greater heights at the expense of principles and UKA unity. The veil of hypocrisy shrouding the UKA Council of Presidents serves as a cautionary tale, laying bare the ruthlessness and cunning that can pervade the corridors of power, ultimately revealing that in the near future, Egdar Lungu may just be pronounced dead politically and these people are determined to use Edgar Chagwa Lungu even on his death bed politically to get an endorsement.
In short, very few UKA members especially from a committee of top brass leaders are genuine to the cause of UKA and indeed to Edgar Lungu himself. That said and needless to rempahasise, Edgar Lungu must up his game and open his eyes to see for himself…
(Chanoda Ngwira is a public Administrator, Teacher, Politician, writer and Political commentator. For private engagements, email: orisonconsult@gmail.com/chanodangwira@yahoo.com)
Asking the President to honour campaign promises is now considered an offence in Zambia- Sishuwa Sishuwa
Asking the President to honour campaign promises is now considered an offence in Zambia
By Sishuwa Sishuwa
This is Jason Mwanza (see image attached), a 28-year-old unemployed youth activist in Zambia. He has been in police detention without charge for almost two weeks now. His offence? Conducting a peaceful lone protest against acute unemployment, continued high-level corruption in government, the cost-of-living crisis, rolling power blackouts formally lasting a minimum of 21 consecutive hours a day, and the perceived failure of President Hakainde Hichilema to honour his campaign promises on these issues.
After completing secondary school in 2016, Mwanza, who grew up in an orphanage in Lusaka after his dad died when he was 9 months old, went on to study hospitality management and graduated in the expectation that he would find a job. In 2021, he voted for Hichilema who promised to create employment opportunities for young people like him. Three years later, he remains unemployed and has had to withdraw from further studies due to financial constraints. Deprived of a formal job and with his ability to make ends meet curtailed by crippling load shedding (officially, ordinary Zambians only have a maximum of up to 3 hours of electricity per day), Mwanza notified the police, as per the law, about his intention to hold a one-person peaceful protest against the status quo that threatens his very survival or life.
As if to convey an enlightening statement, he chose the Freedom Statue as the venue for his lone protest. The Freedom Statue – a 12-foot sculpture constructed in 1974 on the orders of Kenneth Kaunda to symbolise Zambia’s triumph from the chains of subjugation – was the same place where Hichilema, then in opposition, had conducted a lone protest (see image attached) before the 2021 election to draw attention to the same issues that Mwanza now sought to bring to President Hichilema’s attention. Unlike Hichilema, who was not arrested for his lone protest or for stating at time that corruption, load shedding, unemployment, and high cost of living are a result of poor leadership, Mwanza was arrested on accusations of unlawful assembly and seditious practices.
Two other youths – Thomas Zulu and a 30-year old unemployed female graduate of the University of Zambia named Chanda Chikwanka (see image attached) – who later expressed support for Mwanza’s right to protest, in the belief that they live in a liberal democracy that provides for free expression, were also arrested exactly eleven days today. They too remain in police detention without formal charges and have been denied police bond.
These latest infringements on fundamental freedoms have been aided by a pliant Judiciary that effectively operates as an extension of the executive and primarily sees its role as that of pushing the presidency’s agenda. The latest infringements also come in the wake of recent damning reports from the United Nations Human Rights Council and Human Rights Watch on the worrying state of human rights in Zambia today. The reports show growing intolerance for political opposition and dissent, cases of arbitrary arrests and detention, and continued violations of the rights of expression, peaceful assembly and protest.
For the @UN_SPExperts report, click here: ohchr.org/en/press-relea…
For the @hrw report, click here: hrw.org/world-report/2…
Embarrassed by the bad publicity generated by these reports, the Zambian government, instead stopping to supply the material that feeds that bad publicity, tried to dismiss the UN report, claiming that it was misleading and false. Yet around the same time when the government spokesperson was extolling its supposed commitment to protecting human rights, the police were arresting Mwanza, Zulu, and Chikwanka for reminding President Hichilema to fulfil his campaign promises. To read the government’s response to the UN report, click here: diggers.news/local/2024/08/…
To be fair, the Hichilema administration has commendably abolished the notorious law on defamation of the president, long used by successive incumbents to deter legitimate criticism through the threat of arrest and numerous convictions. However, it (the administration) has since employed other repressive laws that remain on the statutes to suppress human rights. A key example is the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act that inhibits the right to free speech. In opposition, Hichilema condemned this “bad law” and vowed to repeal it, if elected: “Our first task once you elect us this August will be to repeal this bad law!” To see Hichilema’s pre-election promise, click here: x.com/HHichilema/sta…
In power, his administration has deployed the same law he previously denounced as “bad” to arrest and imprison critics and political opponents on charges of hate speech, among others. The government has even announced plans to expand the restrictions of this law in order to curb what Hichilema recently called “the abuse of social media in the name of democracy.”
facebook.com/story.php/?sto…
As I have shown in greater detail elsewhere, the Hichilema administration has also regularly employed the Penal Code Act, a colonial-era relic that contains provisions that criminalise free speech, to arrest critics and political opponents on a variety of charges ranging from sedition and the use of insulting language to criminal libel. The modus operandi of these arrests is generally the same: arrest the activists and opposition leaders, keep them in detention for a period longer than authorised by law, and either release them on police bond without ever taking them to court or drop the charges after court appearance. Even members of the clergy have not been spared from this continuing onslaught on human rights. For instance, in January this year, police on the industrial Copperbelt arrested and detained pastor Duncan Simuchimba of Kings Church for speaking out in defence of marketers. For details, click here: zambianobserver.com/kitwe-pastor-d…
Arrests and court cases have a demonstrative effect on even those who are not caught up in them: the costs of participating in political activities deemed inappropriate by the government. Strongly discouraging them from challenging the government, activists and the opposition are made aware that at any time they could have their lives upended and spend weeks or even months in detention and protracted legal cases. For a detailed analysis of how Hichilema is abusing the law to achieve partisan goals, click here: mg.co.za/thought-leader…
For a long time now, several civic institutions and prominent individuals have repeatedly raised alarm about the increasing restrictions on human rights in Zambia. For instance, in March this year, the highly-regarded retired archbishop of Lusaka, Telesphore Mpundu, petitioned the United States to impose targeted sanctions on State actors seen as primarily responsible for this sustained assault on political and civil rights.
Earlier, in November 2023, the influential Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a strongly-worded pastoral letter in which it reprimanded the government for exhibiting authoritarian tendencies and failure to guarantee fundamental freedoms. A month before, in October, a consortium of 12 civil society organisations expressed deep concern about the spiralling infringements on human rights.
For retired Archbishop Mpundu’s petition, click here: diggers.news/local/2024/03/…
For the pastoral letter by signed by all the 12 Catholic Bishops of Zambia, click here: facebook.com/story.php?stor…
For the concerns of increasing repression raised by local civic groups led by @CofZambia, see here: dailynationzambia.com/2023/10/democr…
Under international human rights obligations, the Zambian state has three responsibilities: (a) to ensure that all persons under its jurisdiction enjoy their rights (b) promote human rights and investigate violations; and (c) punish violators of human rights. President @HHichilema is later this month scheduled to address the @UN General Assembly at which he is expected to extol (!) his human rights record. This realisation might explain why his administration is trying to discredit the fairly accurate UN report, even as the repressive actions of the Zambia Police Service continue to paint a more realistic picture.
Don’t mistake my silence for weakness, Mutati warns MDC rebels
Don’t mistake my silence for weakness, Mutati warns MDC rebels
MDC president Felix Mutati yesterday fired his National youth chairman Sam Moyo for causing anarchy within the party and warned that his silence should not be taken for weakness.
Last week, Moyo declared Mutati’s appointments in the party null and void, and called for his resignation on reasons that; he was never available for the party and only focused on his ministerial job.
Mutati who is minister of technology and science as an alliance partner in the UPND said, he will uphold the tenets of the party constitution and will not tolerate anarchy.
He warned against mistaking his silence for weakness.
“Sometimes because we are peaceful they take us for granted. Sometimes because we don’t talk, talk they think we are weak. Sometimes they think they have power which they don’t have,” he said.
Mutati proceeded to withdraw the chairmanship of the party from Moyo, as proposed by the National Executive Committee of the party.
“Nobody within the party can make a decision outside the constitution. We want to respect the constitution, the constitution has what is already elaborated by my colleagues. So I will exercise those powers as provided for in the constitution and nothing else,” said Mutati.
“This is the decision that you my senior members have made and you have requested me to implement. In the exercise of those powers am withdrawing the chairmanship of our party from Mr Sam Moyo. Mr Moyo is nolonger chairman of our party.”
His vice president Leonard Hikaumba advised those who do not want to heed to the party guidelines to form a party of their own.
“Those who don’t share the same values, those who don’t share the same aspirations, and those who think that the party has taken a different direction, I think the honorable thing is to take leave,”he said.
Hikaumba came to the defense of Mutati saying decision making is not done unilaterally within the party.
“At the last congress there are two things that NEC was authorized to do; there were changes to the constitution that were suggested, and those changes have been effected. Secondly the president was given powers of appointment and a good number of appointments have been made,” he said.
“Although those appointments have been made he has authority to make that appointment without consultations because, consultation is optional. But he (Mutati) has been very consultative.”
Hikaumba said it was unfair to suggest that Mutati was working in isolation.
“For those in politics if you are made of wax, don’t stand in the sun because you are going to melt. For those who think that they are very powerful in their individual capacity,” he said.
He explained that the MDC cannot conduct certain activities without adequate funding.
“We are not a party in power and therefore, we have to contribute, we have to make sacrifices in order to keep this party still running. So, you cannot seat back and start complaining that nothing is happening when you yourself have done nothing,” Hikaumba said.
“Just to come for a meeting, if you are not given ka something for fuel, then you won’t attend the meeting. What kind of patriotism is that to the party?
He said no member will be allowed to destabilize the peace within the party.
“In MDC, we want peace. In MDC we want unity. A county cannot be united if we ourselves are not united. Unity starts in our small units. If as a Party we are not united, then how do we hope to see our country united? It’s not possible. So if you are a confusionist at the party, what will stop you from being a confusionist at national level and distabilising the whole country?,”he wondered.
“Unproductive Criticism won’t take us anywhere, criticism should be meant to make things correct. Mr Mutati has never closed out anyone. Some people have been going to his house to hold discussions there. And then someone should say he does not make himself available to anyone what kind of hypocrisy is that?”
Hikaumba urged the members to take the lead in good leadership, which should be mirrored by the youth.
“We should show a good example as elders how are these colleagues (youths) going to politic if we the elders are doing the wrong things? It means we are not showing them a good example, we need to be a good example,”he said.
The MDC vice-president added that party privileges will be enjoyed by everyone, and not the founders only.
“And as I said, idea that because you were there at the beginning of the party, therefore you own the party is wrong. Anyone who has fulfilled the requirements to be a member must enjoy all the full benefits of the membership, even if this person joined only yesterday,” said Hikaumba.
“Because why should we invite people, and then you want to treat down on them and say no, we are the owners of the party. Then if you are the owners why did you invite us to come? So, that mentality, if they are any, who are still with us with them that mentality, please let that mentality die.”
By Mwaka Ndawa
Kalemba September 9, 2024.
‘Rape’ victim’s husband demanded K800,000 from Bishop John General
A COURT has heard that the woman who claims that John Nundwe, alias, Bishop General, raped her, wrote to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) asking that criminal allegations against the prophet be dropped.
The court also heard that the same woman’s husband allegedly demanded that Mr Nundwe pays him K800,000 after the alleged rape which purpotedly happened at the woman’s matrimonial home.
This came to light during cross examination of the woman’s husband who will be called Charles, aged ,33, to protect the GBV victim’s identity.
The victim will be refered to as Malita.
In this case, allegations are that Mr Nundwe,52, allegedly raped Malita,27, on November 22 last year at her house in Lusaka.
In his testimony, Charles told the court that on the material day, he had stepped out of his house but when he returned after about an hour, he found Mr Nundwe in the girl’s bedroom ordering his wife to stop wasting his time and open her legs.
He narrated that at the time, he found his wife was laying on the bed while Nundwe was on top of her, naked, having sex with her before the accused fled the house naked.
But during cross examination, defence
lawyer Yokonia Daka asked if there were reconciliation efforts over the issue.
In response, Charles said yes.
Asked why he was reconciled with his wife, Charles said he had to take his wife back after she explained what transpired.
Charles however maintained that it was wrong for his wife to allegedly have sex with Mr Nundwe.
“But you haven’t told court the real reason you and your wife were reconciled?” Mr Daka asked Charles who said “No”.
“That reason is that you actually demanded K800, 000 from my client who refused to pay and that caused a rift?” Mr Daka said.
But Charles said “no”.
The court also heard that after the alleged rape, Charles had met the accused in the presence of his lawyers for reconciliation.
“You agree that you did not tell this court that you have actually met with my client before or after the incident happened?” Mr Daka asked the witness who replied “yes”.
“Which means that you are not as truthful as you want to appear because you hide certain things you feel are not beneficial” the lawyer asked Charles who said “no”.
Mr Daka then presented a letter dated December 8, 2023, which was confirming that there were plans to have the case withdrawn.
“So, indeed, there is a letter written to withdraw this matter?” Mr Daka asked the witness who said “yes”.
“You are aware your wife equally wrote to the DPP to withdraw this matter?” Mr Daka asked.
“Yes, under the influence…” Charles said in response.
But Mr Daka asked Charles to just respond with a Yes or No and not add anything like “influence”.
Mr Nundwe’s comedian son Francis, alias, Ba Matero, was at court following proceedings.
Trials continues.
(Mwebantu, Monday, September 9th, 2024)
Being born with among LGBTIQ is not a curse but diversity in nature- Chilufya Tayali
Chilufya Tayali
·
WHEN IT’S CONVINIENT FOR US WE WANT TO FOLLOW THE LAW, OTHERWISE WE IGNORE IT
Many times I have found myself in trouble, because I look more on what is good, or just, or fair, than the law. I am not legalistic obstinate.
In Zambia when we talk about being tolerant to those who are naturally different from the majority, especially the LGBTIQ, many of you become so indignant and furious, quoting the law or the Bible, but when you fornicate (or adultery), doing your doggy styles and going down on each other, you never refer to the Bible on how s3x must be done.
I wonder if Jesus would be so unreasonable before the reality of LGBTIQ, because much as you deny it, this is a reality, albeit you refusing to accept it.
Such situations arose even at the time of Jesus, in Luke 6:6-11we read how Pharisees wanted to corner Jesus for breaking the law by doing good on a sabbath.
I know you will say, he was doing good, and not entertaining the LGBTIQ, but my point is LEGALISM at the expense of reason, justice, compassion, fairness, etc.
At the time of Jesus, being born with a deformity was considered as a curse, just like how we look at, or judge, the LGBTIQ, but Jesus never looked at this in the same way.
Calling the withered man into the center, Jesus said to Pharisees, ‘I put it to you: is it against the law on the sabbath to do good, or to do evil; to save life, or to destroy it?’
Similarly, I put it to you, “what sin do you commit for being kind, compassion, reasonable…to LGBTIQ?” Why judge them? What business is yours in NOT letting them be as they are?
I know you will be furious with me for this article, but even the Pharisees were, with Jesus, and you would want to stone me, but I believe it is unjust, unfair, cruel to judge and discriminate against people who are different from the rest of us.
Being born with among LGBTIQ is not a curse but diversity in nature. And I am strongly speaking for those who were born like that, not those who choose to change their orientation like women removing their natural eyebrows and eyelashes in the name of enhancing beauty (I wonder what the Bible say about that actually 🤔🤔🤔).
Lead me, Lord into your justice.
HAVE A BLESSED DAY AND I HOPE YOU WILL CHOOSE TO DO GOOD THAN USING THE LAW OR THE BIBLE TO COVER YOUR PREJUDICES.