STATE HOUSE BEHIND PF SEATS NULLIFICATION, NAKACHIINDA TELLS COURT
By Fox Reporter
RAPHAEL Nakachinda has told court that President Hakainde Hichilema’s Political Advisor, Levy Ngoma has been behind attempts to have PF seats nullified and that State House was behind a plot to temper with the judiciary.

Giving his defence, before Magistrate Ireen Wishimanga, Nakachiinda said that Levy Ngoma started pressuring Banda to leave PF and contest on the UPND ticket to the extent of warning him that if he went ahead to contest on the PF ticket the State will deal with him.

“After the adoption was concluded, Patrick Banda was adopted to be the candidate for the PF, but a few days before the nomination I carried the candidate and on our way Levy Ngoma called on his phone. Patrick Banda then informed me that Levy has called and I requested Patrick to put the phone on loud and my hearing of Levy Ngoma said, weo Patrick mukwasu ne kucita advise kuti sebenza naise chipani chili muboma, boma ni boma nanga uzafiling’a nomination ulinamwayi. Ndaba bakapokola ndise tilanganila. Ba Court bose tilanganila, ndaba mwacita ivo mukwasu suzankalamo mu cemba mula. (You Patrick, I advised you to work with us in government because government is government and if you will manage to file in your nomination you are luck. Police is under our charge, Courts are under our charge and if you go ahead to file your nomination, you will not enter that Chamber). And he wished him well,” he explained.

Nakachiinda explained that among the people that threatened Patrick Banda was Eastern Province Minister, whom he said at one point drove him (Banda) to Lusaka where he met, Ngoma, Minister of Justice Milambo Haimbe, Christopher Mundia (President Hakainde Hichilema’s legal advisor) among others.

He said among the issues that were discussed in the meeting that Patrick attended was the issue of how UPND and State House were controlling the judiciary, police and other state institutions and the plan about how petitioned seats would be nullified.

“…Because the issues that had started where just the beginning to the extent of telling him that we have instructed their candidate to petition, even if you appealed you will not succeed. When I received the information, I informed the party. The petition that was lodged by the UPND was made in their favour. The following day, Patrick Banda called me, and said he had been called by Ngoma together with Christopher Mundia (Legal Advisor to President Hichilema) on Ngoma’s phone. And in their conversation, Ngoma told him that, have you seen what I told you that we are in control?… I asked Banda to travel immediately to Lusaka and we instructed that he should appeal the nullification. Among the information, Ngoma and Mundia told him that his seat has been nullified even if he appealed, he will not win the appeal, judges are under us, Magistrates are under us and I am calling you from State House, this was on 2nd December, 2021. And he said even MPs you will see what will happen. The Speaker of the National Assembly has been instructed to remove Bowman and others whose seats have been nullified. Five days later, the speaker made a ruling to which MPs whose seats have been nullified despite appealing to the ConCourt, were ejected from the house. I saw that it was collaborating with threats issued by those at State House,” he said.

And Nakachinda told Magistrate Wishimanga that in the first week of May, 2022, when he appeared in Court over the same matter under a different magistrate J Bwalya, UPND cadres (led by Lusaka Province youth chairperson Anderson Banda) victimized him and was only served by Police who moved him through the court tunnel to the cells.

He explained that after the matter was adjourned, UPND cadres converged at the Court grounds and accused Magistrates of being PF before demanding for their transfers.
Nakachinda told court that two days later, over ten magistrates were transferred including the Court that was handling his matter at the instigation of the UPND cadres.

He said after looking at how the events were collaborating with the information, he got about attempts to compromise the judiciary and mutilate democracy, he had no option but to offer checks and balance by revealing the information he had received.

“When we went to the high Court, I mean myself, vice president Given Lubinda, Deputy Party secretary general Nickson Chilangwa and other MPs especially those who were affected by the decision by the Speaker, among them Mutotwe Kafwaya and Lusambo, in view or the collaborating incidences, I felt duty bound in defence institutions of governance such as the Judiciary, in defence of democracy to air out these manoeuvres that came to my attention, believing that persons appointed to save in the presidency represent the view and position of the President. Your honour, the incidences that followed is that I was arrested and charged for the offence I am here for,” he said.

And during cross examination, Nakachinda denied having defamed President Hichilema saying he did not bring the name of the President into hatred, ridicule and contempt as alleged by the State and that the sentiment made on MUVI Television news was misunderstood.
He said he was merely defending democracy and the integrity of judges.

Nakachinda said while Muvi television reported that he had said that President Hichilema was summoning judges at his community house, Crown television was correct when it reported that he said he received information to the effect that the President was intending to begin summoning judges to his community house.

He argued that his statement did not say that President Hichilema was summoning judges but that he received information that the President was intending to begin to summon judges and he uttered the words to protect the democracy and integrity of the judiciary.

The president’s five-point plan to stay in power at all costs

BY SISHUWA SISHUWA – JUNE 1, 2023

Zambia’s next general election is not due until 2026, but President Hakainde Hichilema, elected in August 2021, has already devised a five-point plan for securing re-election at all costs. There is nothing wrong with planning ahead. The problem is that his plan, if successfully implemented, risks undermining Zambia’s hard-won democracy.

Broadly speaking, the plan rests on five objectives.

1) Contain the Catholic Church

The first involves containing the activities of the Roman Catholic Church, which has long played an important role in consolidating democracy in Zambia. Unlike its religious counterparts, the Church enjoys financial independence, protecting it from state intimidation and patronage. Its priests often take messages of political change to the Sunday pulpit and deliver them accessibly. Meanwhile, its bishops provide regular, mostly critical, pastoral letters on the state of the nation in a way that shapes public opinion. In opposition, Hichilema benefited from the unofficial support of the Church, which denounced his detention on the bogus charge of treason. Now in power, he looks determined to reduce its influence.

There appears to be a plan hatched at the highest level to contain the activities of the Church. This includes instigating divisions in the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) to weaken its political influence; discrediting individual members of ZCCB by linking them to former president Edgar Lungu and his Patriotic Front (PF); and finding incriminating material on outspoken bishops and priests to diminish their public standing. The diocese in the capital Lusaka seems to have been specifically identified as a key target because it is headed by Archbishop Alick Banda, who is generally perceived to be an ally of Lungu.

Earlier this month, a sequence of developments gave the ruling UPND the opportunity to set a plan in motion. On 18 May, Hichilema held his first press conference of 2023 at which he suggested that minimal improvement in GDP and increased pledges of foreign direct investment were evidence of a growing economy. In response, journalist Virginia Chilongo listed some examples of unfulfilled promises before asking: “Citizens continue to complain that you merely speak without action – my question to you, Mr President, is how do you respond to such assertions?” Hichilema’s mumbled response left many unsatisfied. A few days later, Fr. Anthony Salangeta, a Catholic priest in Lusaka used his homily to portray the president as elitist and argued that macroeconomic growth means little to the poor if it does not reduce their cost of living. “Sometimes these politicians are liars,” he said. “You will find them talking about GDP and Millennium Development Goals, which some of us don’t even understand. They would even draw graphs.”

Hichilema, hypersensitive to criticism, hit back, denouncing Salangeta as an ignorant joker who should re-enrol in secondary school and benefit from the government’s free education policy. Other figures from the UPND joined in, saying the priest should “be taken to Rwanda and visit the museum where they have custody of results of inflammatory statements”. The leader of the Catholic Church in Lusaka, Alick Banda, defended Salangeta and vowed to “defend all priests in the archdiocese of Lusaka”. He added: “I ask the people of God to judge who is a real joker [between] a priest and a liar?”

This time, the reaction was even more swift and vicious. UPND Secretary-General Batuke Imenda condemned the archbishop as “the Lucifer of Zambia” and “a well-known PF political conman”. He called the use of the pulpit as a “political podium” a “devil scheme and a satanic philosophical tactic”. Finally, he announced the “UPND will consider the two [Salangeta and Banda] as political opponents, not as priests”. In what appears to be coordinated moves, traditional rulers and non-Catholic church leaders went on state media to join in the denouncements.

These attacks are not accidental but part of a long-planned assault on Catholic influence. Their aim, in this instance, is to isolate Banda and Salangeta from the wider Church, discredit them in a way that may result in their replacement, and send a warning to other bishops and priests. Former president Lungu employed a similar strategy when dealing with Banda’s predecessor prior to the 2021 election. That former archbishop – the forthright and upstanding Telesphore Mpundu – is now being attacked by the UPND for similarly criticising Hichilema’s leadership.

In terms of the election, the UPND is particularly worried about its electoral prospects in Lusaka and the Copperbelt, both won by Hichilema in 2021 for the first time and with a difference of only about 100,000 votes. These areas are home to large numbers of urban voters and have a significant Catholic Church presence.

2) Co-opt influential elites from civil society

The second element of the plan involves capturing influential elites from Zambia’s civil society, which has served as a check on power since the early-2000s. When Lungu undermined democracy, for instance, the actions and words of principled individuals – from academia, professional associations, churches – helped shape public opinion and contribute to his downfall. When Hichilema was elected, he moved to appoint many of these civic leaders to public bodies. While this may have benefited those state agencies, the co-optation of so many experienced figures weakened civil society to the point it is now largely unable to challenge the executive on governance.

In opposition, Hichilema promised to tackle corruption, enact constitutional and judicial reforms, and protect the environment. In power, he has hardly done any of these and, in some cases, has performed U-turns. For instance, when the PF was about to start industrial mining in one of Zambia’s greenest national parks, civil society successfully opposed the plan. Hichilema, eager to associate himself with popular causes, claimed he too was against the move. Now in government and having depleted civil society of its most effective leaders, however, his administration has proceeded to approve mining in the same park.

On other measures too, Hichilema is free to act knowing there are few left to hold him to account effectively. Official reports indicate increasing corruption in government, but the focus of the anti-corruption fight remains on former officials. The president phones independent media to complain whenever they carry stories that are critical of his leadership – a subtle form of intimidation. And Hichilema has refused to release the value of his assets and liabilities, despite being elected on a platform of accountability and transparency.

A cabinet minister told me the UPND has also hatched a scheme to use rogue websites – linked to State House – to discredit the credibility of the few remaining independent voices such as Brebner Changala, Telesphore Mpundu, and myself. “Soon, they will unleash UPND cadres to attack you and the others I have mentioned”, said the minister. “Their strategy is to use Facebook pages and websites that have been set up for malicious purposes to scandalise individuals who criticise the government and refuse to be co-opted into the government. These pages are operated by people linked to State House who cannot be touched by the police or ZICTA [Zambia Information and Communication Technology Authority, the government body that regulates communication services].”

3) Capture the electoral body and pack the courts

The third element involves the capture of two formal institutions that are critical to the management of elections: the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) and the judiciary. In opposition, Hichilema expressed dissatisfaction with the state of both and vowed to enact reforms that would strengthen and safeguard their independence. He promised a departure from the Lungu-era appointment of judges and ECZ commissioners devoid of public participation and vetting.

In power, Hichilema has reneged on these pledges and done precisely what he once opposed. Instead of implementing a transparent mechanism for appointing ECZ commissioners and judges, he has simply replaced Lungu’s picks with his own commissioners and hired 20 judges including to the Constitutional Court, which has final say on election disputes and where those seen as Hichilema allies now constitute the majority. The result is decreasing public confidence in the capacity of both the electoral body and the courts to arbitrate political contests fairly and impartially.

Hichilema and the UPND have demonstrated their readiness to manipulate not only the rules and norms of the democratic game but also the electoral body and the judicial process to secure political advantage. Last year, the ECZ – with the help of the courts – excluded key opposition candidates from taking part in two parliamentary by-elections on the Copperbelt. The polls were consequently won by the UPND. Well in advance of the 2026 elections, the stage has already been set for a possible disputed outcome.

4) Weaken opposition parties

The fourth element involves weakening opposition parties, mainly the PF and Socialist party led by Fred M’membe. Since losing the 2021 election, the PF has not crumbled for several reasons. First, the party has not held a convention to elect Lungu’s successor. This has kept the different factions jockeying for the leadership within its ranks in the belief they each have a chance. Second, MPs are disincentivised from leaving their parties as the constitution would bar them from running in the by-election. Third, the former ruling party retains a stable base both among the electorate, especially in the northern and eastern parts, and in parliament, where 56 of the 57 seats held by opposition parties belong to the PF. These factors – alongside an uncertain economic outlook and an incumbent seen as promoting ethnic-regional appointments – have left the PF confident of regaining power, whether in alliance with other parties or under new leadership.

Fearful of this prospect, Hichilema has sought to destabilise the PF. The government has threatened to deregister the main opposition party for alleged failure to submit the list of office bearers to the Registrar of Societies. It has brought charges against some leading leadership hopefuls for violations such as unlawful assembly. And the PF has also accused the government of working with one of its presidential candidates who has sued the party’s interim leaders for delaying holding the convention. The objective of the suit, the PF insists, is to weaken its leadership, keep the party in court at great cost, and force it to choose Lungu’s successor who the UPND can then target with more tailored charges.

The government is also targeting the Socialist Party (SP), which has won a string of ward by-elections in recent months. The SP is slowly coming to be seen as a viable alternative by voters who are unwilling to return to the PF and disillusioned by the UPND. Nonetheless, the small party has much work to do given that it lacks parliamentary representation, a distinct power base, a diverse team beyond its key leaders, and a language with which to connect its political agenda with the concerns of the electorate. It has, however, started positioning itself to win these votes. For instance, M’membe – who traces his left-leaning politics to his days in the South African Communist Party and African National Congress – has noted Hichilema’s pro-Western stance and has instead moved to establish close ties with China and Russia.

If the 64-year-old manages to transfer the attention he has secured on the international front to domestic politics, he could easily build momentum, especially if he forms a coalition with the PF and others. Fearful of this prospect, police sources disclosed that the government plans to arrest M’membe on a trumped-up gun-related charge aimed at securing a conviction that could disqualify him from running in 2026. Zambia’s constitution bars anyone serving a sentence of imprisonment or who has, in the immediate preceding five years, served a term of imprisonment of at least three years from standing for president.

5) Cover corruption tracks

The final element of the re-election strategy involves hiding corruption. Hichilema knows voters despise graft – a key reason they ejected Lungu – and he is determined to prevent not so much corruption itself but the perception of it.

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has been investigating both high-profile figures associated with Hichilema and Lungu. Its approach, however, has varied. With the latter, the ACC’s investigations have been high-profile. By contrast, soon after the ACC promised to disclose the outcome of its investigations into some of the former in March 2023 it went silent.

It is likely Hichilema fears that if a minister is arrested for corruption, they may expose their colleague’s graft, defect to the opposition, and undermine the bid for a second term. It is notable that the government’s anti-corruption strategy emphasises asset-tracing and recovery rather than prosecution and punishment. This approach has the effect of seeming to forgive corruption provided the thieving officials return part of the loot. It is one that has created a rift between State House and the ACC, whose highly regarded board chairperson, Musa Mwenye, may be frustrated into leaving the institution. “We must fight present corruption now and we must do it by showing that there are no sacred cows,” he recently told state-owned ZNBC. “The idea of recovering money is a good thing for getting money into the purse; it is not entirely good for detecting corruption, for fighting corruption.”

Hichilema also fears that arresting serving officials might open a pandora’s box and upset some of his powerful backers. For example, when prima facie evidence emerged that the Auditor General Dick Sichembe and the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance Mukuli Chikuba had illegally received K1.4 million ($72,000) and K4 million ($200,000) respectively, the state arrested the easily disposable Sichembe but not Chikuba. In addition to claims that Chikuba was not touched because he comes from the same ethnic group as Hichilema, a well-placed source at State House pointed to the possible influence of private interests. “The fight against corruption is selective. Some people are not being touched because of possible state capture,” said the source. “[Chikuba] is being protected by a very powerful businessman of Asian origin who wields huge influence on the president and may bring him down if he is not careful. I know there has been talk of tribalism and that this [permanent secretary] may turn into a state witness, but the real reason is that the boss is unsure of how this businessman may react to the arrest of someone very close to him.”

The fear of exposing corruption among current officials also explains why the state is procrastinating in passing a law on access to information (ATI) – also demanded by the International Monetary Fund – that would enhance transparency and assist the media and civil society in fighting corruption. Such a law has been promised by successive governments who have then dragged their feet. Hichilema’s has now joined them. In over a year, his administration has not even got as far as producing a Draft Bill, despite talk that the legislation will be ready this June.

Why Hichilema is desperate to retain power

There are three reasons behind Hichilema’s early desperation to secure a second term.

The first is the fear of what might happen to his extensive businesses were he to lose power. Hichilema has refused to publish his assets and liabilities, which makes it difficult to work out to what extent his policies are benefiting companies in which he has an interest. Once he leaves office, however, a new government can revisit the subject and seek his arrest for possible corruption or on other charges such as his controversial decision to allow private companies with links to him to audit the security wings.

The second is that Hichilema wishes to avoid the embarrassment of losing power after just one term. During his decade-and-a half in opposition, he cultivated close ties with private supporters – local and external – who backed his election bid and would wish to recoup their investments. This includes local businessmen, multinational corporations in the extractive sector, and the Johannesburg-based Brenthurst Foundation, a creation of the Oppenheimer family, that appears to have undue influence on the president and direction of policy especially in mining. Given the escalating rivalry between major powers, Western countries would also prefer having Hichilema in office as a gateway to a region that is still dominated by liberation parties and a counter to the growing illiberal influences of China and Russia.

Third, Hichilema appears to see himself primarily as the leader of Zambians from one half of the country. Many people from Southern, Northwestern, and Western provinces believe they have been historically marginalised by their counterparts from the Eastern and the Bemba-speaking provinces of Northern, Luapula and Muchinga. As was the case under Lungu, the binary between us and them has been sharply drawn under Hichilema’s leadership and found expression in the skewed distribution of appointments to public office.

As well as heading the executive, parliament and the judiciary, Zambians from Hichilema’s region dominate the key ministries, the leadership positions of all five security services, the justice system, electoral commission, foreign service, and most posts in the civil service and parastatal bodies. Hichilema – the first president from his region since independence in 1964 – does not see anything wrong with this, believing he is simply addressing historical imbalances. Fearful that a leader from the other region would reverse the trend were he to lose, the solution is to remain in power until 2031 and then organise a successor from his region who can consolidate its hold on power.

Hichilema’s legacy

After nearly two years in office, the reality is slowly dawning on many people that Hichilema is not the leader he claimed he would be when he was in opposition. He has looked out of his depth on many key issues and only appears positive in contrast to his disastrous predecessor.

History will forever remember Hichilema as the vessel Zambians used to get rid of the PF, as the first Tonga (a long marginalised ethnic-language group) to become president, and the leader who increased the Constituency Development Fund from K1.6 million ($90,000) to K28.3 million ($1.45 million) – a significant step towards decentralisation and local participation that gives each constituency autonomy to decide how to spend its allocation. Herein lies his legacy. For structural and radical transformative change, Zambians will have to look elsewhere.

Source: http://africanarguments.org/2023/06/zambia-president-hichilema-five-point-plan-stay-power/

LUAPULA CHIEF EXTREMELY HAPPY WITH HH’S CDF AS RONALD CHITOTELA SAYS MORE DEVELOPMENT GOING TO PAMBASHE UNDER THE UPND GOVT

…The traditional leader blessed the new vehicle bought using CDF funds to monitor CDF projects in Pambashe Constituency…

Opposition PF Pambashe Member of Parliament Ronald Chitotela this morning presented the new vehicle procured for monitoring Constituency Development Funds (CDF) projects to senior Chief Mushota.

Chitotela was in the company of Kawambwa Town Council Secretary Isaac Mwale.

And Chitotela informed the senior chief that in the next two months or so, they are expecting another vehicle for the police as the UPND government has begun rolling out the decentralisation programme anchored on the CDF.

“Your Royal Highness, this is not the only vehicle we are expecting, in the next two months or so, we will receive another vehicle for the police. And of course, we will bring it here so that you bless it,” said Chitotela who is also former Minister of Tourism and Arts in the PF regime.

He emphasized that in line with President Hakainde Hichilema’s vision, the driver for the new vehicle will be employed from within Pambashe Constituency as a way of empowering local people.

And Senior Chief Mushota welcomed the development saying it will no doubt add value and help in bringing development closer to the people.

The traditional ruler also requested that the vehicle remains in the Constituency and not at the Kawambwa Town Council.

So far, only Brian Mundubile of PF is failing to explain the CDF story to the people of Mporokoso Constituency.

Almost all normal opposition members of parliament have realised that President Hakainde Hichilema is making their job easier as far as delivering development and possible re-election in 2026 as area Members of Parliament but gullible ones don’t want to admit this gesture which their party leader when in government couldn’t distribute to all Constituencies.

Koswe advises Members of Parliament from both the ruling and opposition to make use of the CDF by monitoring development in their areas if people are to vote for them in 2026, failure to which, there will be the first casualties at a time when Zambia had a President who delivered unprecedented CDF to all constituencies at the same time, same day, same hour.-Koswe

HICHILEMA SHOWERS CHALALA TRADERS WITH K100,000

HICHILEMA ‘CONGESTS’ TOKYO WAY WITH 100 PIN.

THERE was a “congestion” of smiles on a section of Tokyo Way in Lusaka yesterday when traders received K100,000 cash from President Hakainde Hichilema for them to further boost their businesses.

The given amount will be treated as a revolving fund for people who trade along Tokyo Way (Ring Road) from Mosi oa Tunya traffic lights to Community House (President Hichilema’s home) in New Kasama area.

The President’s finance and investments advisor Jito Kayumba handed over the amount to a group of thrilled traders who gathered, near Mosi oa Tunya traffic lights yesterday.

The group’s chairlady, Catherine Ng’ombe, received the K100, 000 from Kayumba.

The traders, who have organised themselves, will share the amount and invest it in their businesses.

As he is classily driven from Community House to State House for work, President Hichilema usually throws air kisses to traders in his neighbourhood.

One day, he made a stop-over to briefly chat with some of the traders and it is then when he promised to organise “ka samfing” for them to augment their businesses.

Yesterday, Bally paid and all the proud and free traders could do is smile and sing, in support of President Hichilema.

Ng’ombe then gave a short speech to the group, coming out almost like a financial literacy trainer.

“We thank the President for this amount of money that he has given us. But my word to every one of us who will receive is that let us use this money to grow our businesses,” said Ng’ombe.

“Let us invest it in our businesses. It is not money for anyone of us to go and start buying chickens for relish at home.”

Meanwhile, Wezzy Zulu gave a vote of thanks and thanked President Hichilema for delivering the amount, through Kayumba.

“The President knew us even when he was still an opposition leader. We thank the President and the first family. May he continue helping not only us but other people in other parts of this country,” said Zulu.

In response to a recently circulated video clip featuring President Hakainde Hichilema’s address to party members regarding the National Day of Prayers and Reconciliation, the Chief Communications Specialist at State House, Mr. Clayson Hamasaka, has emphasized that the president’s commitment to Zambia as a Christian Nation and the importance of the national day remain steadfast and unchanged.

The video clip in question dates back to the period leading up to the 2021 elections and was intended as a response to a rhetorical question. However, it has resurfaced and has been shared widely, causing some confusion and speculation among the public.

Mr. Hamasaka clarified that the National Day of Prayers and Reconciliation is still officially recognized and remains gazetted in the Zambian statutes. The president’s unwavering dedication to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and his service to the people of God are resolute, unaffected by any attempts at manipulation or schemes. President Hichilema’s commitment to Zambia as a Christian Nation remains incredibly strong.

The National Day of Prayers holds significant importance in shaping the nation’s character, and its relevance and significance remain unchanged. It is a gazetted instrument that allows the nation to come together in unity, reflecting on past challenges and seeking divine intervention for the future.

This recent circulation of the old video clip should not be misconstrued as an indication of any change in President Hichilema’s stance on the National Day of Prayers and Reconciliation. The video’s resurfacing seems to be a deliberate attempt to stir controversy or mislead the public.

As the country’s leader, President Hichilema continues to prioritize the well-being of Zambia and its people, fostering unity and emphasizing the importance of spiritual reflection and reconciliation. The National Day of Prayers and Reconciliation stands as a testament to the nation’s values and aspirations, aiming to bring about healing and understanding among its citizens.

Mr. Hamasaka concluded by urging the public to remain focused on the president’s unwavering dedication to the Christian principles that guide his leadership and to disregard any attempts to misinterpret or manipulate his words. The government remains committed to upholding the National Day of Prayers and Reconciliation as a vital part of the nation’s fabric.

It didn’t have to take Pope Francis to whip belligerent Archbishop Banda into line

By David Zulu.

In a profound and significant statement, Pope Francis I, the Bishop of Rome and Head of the Catholic Church expressed deep concern over certain factions that claim to be “Catholic” and their utilization of social media platforms and pulpits to sow division rather than fostering unity, which contradicts the fundamental principles of a Christian community. This phenomenon, referred to as “digital tribalism,” is characterized by extreme polarization, the dissemination of violence, abuse, and misinformation, ultimately impeding meaningful dialogue.

“As devout followers of Christ, it is incumbent upon us to embody His teachings by reflecting upon them thoughtfully and not yielding to impulsive reactions. We must exercise caution, ensuring that we do not fall prey to the hidden snares of intentionally crafted content that seeks to instigate conflict and elicit emotional responses”, said Pope Francis in a 20 page Document.

This sacred message comes at a time of deep division, caused by an ongoing exchange of hostile words between Archbishop Alick Banda and Father Serengeti directed at President Hakainde Hichilema. The discord stems from the President’s utilization of illustrative graphs to explain his economic vision to the citizens.

Observing Archbishop Alick Banda employing the Catholic platform to propagate a militant doctrine that strays from the principles of pastoral dialogue, reconciliation, and humility for which the Catholic Church is esteemed, is disheartening and scandalous. His partisan approach, veiled with tribalistic undertones, is unmistakable. Of greater concern is his persistent attempt together with his political surrogates and certain Zambian Newspapers, to present this divisive ideology as a universally endorsed position within the Catholic Church. This is a shame.

In earnest prayer, let us implore the Divine to ensure that Pope Francis’ wise counsel guides Bishop Banda towards restraining his aggressive demeanor and prompts him to engage in self-reflection. May he respond to the call to proclaim the Gospel of reconciliation, peace, and love towards all members of humanity. We hope that he will relinquish his involvement in political matters and extend a hand of fraternity and dialogue to those who hold diverse opinions. It is crucial that he distinguishes his political pursuits from his sacred pastoral responsibilities.

Bishop John Mambo has volunteered to arrange a meeting between Archbishop Banda and President Hakainde Hichilema. The Bishop has twice shunned to meet the Head of State under the auspices of the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops. This is regrettable.

Pope Francis’ statement:
Dzikomo (Thank you).

I WAS DEFENDING DEMOCRACY AND THE INTEGRITY OF JUDGES NAKACINDA TELLS COURT AS LUBINDA’S BIRTHDAY CASE FAILS TO TAKE OFF ===========

Lusaka….Wednesday, 31 May 2023 ( GrindStone Television Zambia )

PATRIOTIC Front (PF) Chairperson for Information and Publicity, Raphael Nakacinda has told the Lusaka magistrate court he did not bring the name of President Hakainde Hichilema into hatred, ridicule and contempt as alleged by the State and that the sentiment he is alleged to have issued on MUVI Television was misunderstood.

This is in a matter he is charged with one count of defamation of the President.

Nakacinda said he was merely defending democracy and the integrity of judges.

When the matter came up for continuation of Defense, Nakacinda alleged that Muvi television misunderstood the meaning of his sentiment.

He said another Private Television Station Crown Television Reported the correct things of what he said.

In his comparison to the statements, Nakacinda said while Muvi television reported that he had said that President Hakainde Hichilema was summoning judges at his community house, Crown television was correct when it reported that he said he received information to the effect that the President was intending to begin summoning judges to his community house.

Nakacinda said that in his statement, he did not say that Mr Hichilema
was summoning judges but that he received information that the
President was intending to begin to summon judges and he uttered the
words to protect the democracy and integrity of the judiciary.

During Cross Examination, Nakacinda insisted that he did not defame the President as alleged but was protecting democracy and integrity of the judges.
He said he had no intention of bringing the name of the President into disrepute as alleged but the intention was to defend democracy and also to protect the integrity of Judges from any attempt to either undermine or manipulate or interfere with the operation of judiciary but also judges stating that he believes that the consciousness of the nation lies in the judiciary.

Meanwhile, Patriotic Front Vice President Hon. Given Lubinda’s case in which he was accused of an offence of failing to appear before Parliamentary Privileges Committee on 8th December 2022 couldn’t take plea as the state wasn’t ready.

In giving the duo solidarity Former Mines Minister Hon. Richard Musukwa led senior party leaders who included among others, Mambilima Member of Parliament Hon. Jean Chisenga, Milanzi Member of Parliament Hon. Melesiana Phiri and Mfuwe Member of Parliament Hon. Maureen Mabonga.

Others were Former DMMU National Coodinator Chanda Kabwe, former Western Province PS Danny Bukali , former District Commissioner for Itezhi tezhi Hendricks Kaimana and PF Eastern Province IPS William Phiri.

📸 GrindStone Television Zambia

May 29, 2023, 1:19 PM EDT / Source: Reuters

VATICAN CHASTISES BISHOPS WHO STOKE DIVISION ON SOCIAL MEDIA

By Reuters

The Vatican urged bishops and high-profile lay Catholic leaders on Monday to tone down their comments on social media, saying some were causing division and stoking polemics that harmed the entire Church.

The appeal was part of a 20-page document by the Vatican’s communications department titled “Towards Full Presence. A Pastoral Reflection on Engagement with Social Media.”

The document, addressed to all Catholics, warned of the dangers of fake news on social media and other forms of abuse that had turned people into commodities whose data is sold, often without their knowledge or consent.

It condemned polarisation and extremism that had led to “digital tribalism” on social media, saying individuals were often locking themselves in silos of opinion that hindered dialogue and often led to violence, abuse and misinformation.

“The Christian style should be reflective, not reactive, on social media. Therefore, we should all be careful not to fall into the digital traps hidden in content that is intentionally designed to sow conflict among users by causing outrage or emotional reactions,” the document said.

“The problem of polemical and superficial, and thus divisive, communication is particularly worrying when it comes from Church leadership: bishops, pastors, and prominent lay leaders,” it said.

A number of conservative Catholic bishops and high-profile commentators, particularly in the United States, have criticised Pope Francis on Twitter, with some having endorsed fierce, far-right video attacks on the pontiff.

“Unfortunately, broken relationships, conflicts, and divisions are not foreign to the Church. For example, when groups that present themselves as ‘Catholic’ use their social media presence to foster division, they are not behaving like a Christian community should,” the document said.

It said particular attention would have to be paid to advances in artificial intelligence (AI) in coming years, urging Catholics to beware machines “that make our decisions for us”.

In 2020, the Vatican joined forces with tech giants Microsoft and IBM to promote the ethical development of AI and call for regulation of intrusive technologies such as facial recognition.

Credit:Reuters

By Patriotic Front – PF Media

THE TRUTH ABOUT THE FAKE TERRORISM CHARGES… THE REAL TARGET IS FORMER PRESIDENT EDGAR LUNGU

….the fabricated charges against Zumani Zimba is meant to punish him and build fake charges against former President Lungu…

…the case is old, as the boys were previously arrested in 2020…..

….Lusaka High Court ordered the release of the four being held for over 27 days but the Police thwarted the court order and rushed to charge the suspect with terrorism charges….

On Monday, the Lusaka High Court ordered the release of four persons being detained for over 27 days without charge on fake charges of having articles of terrorism.

As soon as the State became aware of the high court order, they rushed to arrest former State House Special Assistant for Politics, Zumani Zimba and jointly charged him with Patriotic Front members, Given Phiri, Marlone Banda and Portipher Gwai.

Facts are that in 2020, the boys that have been arrested were in Sinda and Petauke Districts to help mobilise the former ruling Patriotic Front party.

However the boys apparently expressed interest in buying gold from artisanal small-scale miners as gold is prevalent in the areas of their political operation; Chipata, Sinda, Petauke and Nyimba.

While they were in Sinda there was a reported case of the community mob beating two Mozambicans.

The two Mozambicans where beaten by the community on allegations that there were involved in gassing.

But the two Mozambicans were allgedly found selling mercury to gold miners.

Elemental mercury is used in artisanal and small-scale gold mining.

Mercury is mixed with gold-containing materials, forming a mercury-gold amalgam which is then heated, vaporizing the mercury to obtain the gold.

Police later released the Mozambicans after verifying the issue of Mercury with a business lady in Sinda who was interested in the substance.

When the boys were returning to Lusaka, Police in Petauke impounded their car on allegations and reports that their vehicle was seen in Sinda were the incidence of mob justice beating “gassers” occurred.

The boys explained that they were in Eastern Province to surveil on the strength of the PF party as it was during preparations for NRC issuance, voter registration as the new new electoral roll would replace the 2005 voters’ register.

When they were searched, police seized a bottle of cough mixture and used oil ( the boys had just serviced their car in Petauke).

The boys told the Police that they could verify with Mr. Chris Zumani, State House Political Advisor, who was aware of the party mission to check on the strength of the party in Eastern Province.

The trio were later released.

It is this convoluted story and the file that State House have dusted up and have tried to incriminate Zumani Zimba and former President Edgar Lungu.

This is a holding charge first to detain and punish Zumani Zimba without bond or bail.

Recently, Zimba, reacting to President Hichilema’s press conference, likened him to “a cat that couldnt catch mice”.

And infact, burning of markets and gassing activities was an illegal operation associated with the UPND to raise security alarm in the nation and those close to the operation of the UPND have repeatedly disclosed this.

Dr. Zimba of farm number 100 in Chongwe, Given Phiri, 37, of an unknown house number in Lusaka’s Misisi compound, Marlone Banda, 36, of plot number 811 in 12 Miles area and Portipher Gwai, 44, of plot number 194/17 Mtendere compound in Lusaka, have been charged for the offence of being in possession of articles for terrorism or proliferation purposes, contrary to Section 25 of the anti- terrorism Act number 6 of 2018, as read with Section 2 of the amended anti–terrorism Act number 6 of 2023.

According to the Police, it is alleged that the accused jointly, and whilst acting together with others unknown, did possess offensive articles, namely Deep 600 and Halothane and others, with intent to endanger life.

When inhaled by a human being, Halothane acts as an anaesthesia.

“The incident occurred in February, 2020 in Petauke district, in Eastern Province of the Republic of Zambia,” stated Hamoonga.

“The accused are currently detained in police custody and will appear in court soon.”

Lawyers for the 3 men are returning to the High Court to demonstrate that the Court Order was disrespected and will raise contempt charges against the Inspector General of Police. – Patriotic Front – PF

By Prince Bill M Kaping’a Political/Social Analyst

On March 20, 2017, Pope Francis asked for forgiveness for the Catholic Church’s role in the 1994 Rwandan genocide in which over 800, 000 ethinic Tutsis and moderate Hutus were slaughtered like pigs!

The sins and failings of the church and its members had disfigured the face of Catholicism, the influential The Guardian Newspaper quotes him as saying.

In the same article, it is estimated that 5,000 people were killed at the Ntarama Catholic church on 15 August 1994: the site is now one of six major memorials in Rwanda. One priest, Father Athanase Seromba, ordered his church to be bulldozed with 2,000 Tutsis sheltering inside. Another, Father Wenceslas Munyeshyaka, helped draw up lists of people to be killed and raped young women, according to charges issued by the UN’s international criminal tribunal for Rwanda in 2005.

The article further goes on to articulate that the Catholic church was compromised by its longstanding political ties to the ruling Hutu elite. Archbishop Vincent Nsengiyumva sat on the ruling party’s central committee for nearly 15 years even as it implemented policies that discriminated against Tutsis.

Why are we saying all this?

Lately, Bishop Alick Banda and Fr. Salangeta have been vociferous in bashing or aiming barbs at President Hichilema. Listening to the two speak, one would think that this country is grappling with a crisis worse than the nightmare we had to endure from PF for some 7 donkey years!
Why is it that they seem to be so worked out against Hichilema? Is it because he has departed from the “culture of brown envelopes” as was the case with the previous administration? Is it that he is not trying much to address the challenges of our people? What are those shortcomings that we deserve to learn about? What is motivating these attacks on the president? Is it because of his ethnicity?

House of Chiefs Chairman Dr. Chief Chisunka says it is regretable to witness politically motivated statements coming from certain religious leaders, especially when such messages lead to divisions among the people. He further observes that this poses a significant threat to our nation. The Chief could not have put it more succinctly than this! The manner in which the two priests are conducting themselves is stoking tribal sentiments in the nation.

Just in case this article is misconstrued, may we hasten to clarify that we are not in any way referring to the Catholic church in its entirety but we are rather singling out 2 specific individuals!

Just as some priests were complicity in the genocide in Rwanda, some priests in this country conviniently chose to keep quiet and looked the other side as citizens were being gassed; citizens were being brutalised in markets and bus stations; capital projects were being delivered at inflated prices; cabinet positions were being allocated to specific tribes and certain regions were being denied of meaningful development.
Why didn’t the duo voice out reservations then as much as they are doing today?

Only an infant or a dimwit would fail to appreciate that the relationship between President Lungu and the said priests was like that of “a simcard and a handset!” The two can’t do without each other. Obviously, whatever array of fringe benefits that could’ve with such associations have since been taken away. It’s therefore possible that frustrations are eating up the duo since they are just human beings like the rest of us, hence the tantrums!

As many would attest, Alick Banda was a frequent visitor at State House during the previous regime, he undoubtedly enjoyed a cordial relationship with President Lungu. His support for Lungu was so unwavering that he had to cross swords with the indefatigable Archbishop Telesphore Mpundu (retired) for siding with the masses and standing up to the PF brutal regime!

Is it not Banda that vehemently refused to sign a Pastoral letter condemning the PF diabolical activities before the elections in 2021? Wasn’t Lungu invited by Banda, as the then Ndola Diocese Bishop, to officiate at the carpark fundraising walk? Lungu actually made a substantial donation himself. The Bishop obviously had no qualms about the source of that donation as long as it suited him!

As for that Fr. Salangeta, we are equally not surprised for the path he has taken……..he belongs to the same WhatsApp group as Banda! Apart from enjoying the privilege of attending state functions, he famously went to “bless” the office of newly elected Chawama Member of Parliament, Tasila Lungu, a daughter of the former president. Consider the recent video which has gone viral on social media whereby he is mocking the president for presenting graphs and talking about the millennium development goals at his last press conference. How can a priest habour such kind of ill feelings against someone?

Honestly, do we expect compromised individuals such as Banda and Salangeta to be impartial in their audit of the performance of the current government? Do you expect a fair assessment? Can they even spare a bit of time to discuss what has landed us in such a mess? How do you expect miracles from a government that has barely been in office for less than 3 years?

We expect Catholic priests who are seemingly neutral to be offering credible checks and balances to the current administration as opposed to individuals such as Banda and Salangeta!

ABOUT PUNISHMENT WITHOUT TRIAL: A CASE OF FIGHTING CORRUPTION WITH CRIMINALITY

By Sean E. Tembo – PeP President

1. For a society to thrive and prosper, it’s laws and enforcement thereof must be fair and equitable. However, oftentimes we never pay attention or care about unfairness until we are victims ourselves personally. Then we look for the tallest mountain to climb on, and shout on top of our voices complaining about the unfairness and injustice that we are being subjected to, oblivious to the fact that moments ago, others were standing on the same mountain complaining about unfairness and injustice but we did not pay attention or care, and yet we now want others to pay attention and care about our own plight.

2. Time and again, l have reiterated that l support President Hakainde Hichilema’s fight against corruption provided it is done in a fair, equitable and just manner. The natural course of justice is that you take a suspect to court and if they are convicted, you punish them. Any punishment exerted on a suspect before a conviction is extra-judicial and a violation of that person’s constitutional rights. However, President Hakainde Hichilema’s fight against corruption is structured in such a way that it begins with punishment even before a person is arrested or charged or prosecuted or convicted. That is not enforcing the law. That is abusing the law.

3. Various individuals might have been involved in corrupt activities under the previous PF administration, but the mere fact that they are suspected of committing offences does not entitle the State to impose extra-judicial punishment on them by forfeiting their property in the absence of an arrest, prosecution and conviction. The case of former Mines Minister and Chililabombwe MP, Richard Musukwa is one of several cases where the State has seized property and forfeited it to itself in the absence of any conviction. The other day, the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) was boasting that they have, in the past 20 months or so, forfeited money and property worth more than K2 billion.

4. What DEC omitted to disclose in that press briefing is that none of these forfeitures were as a result of a conviction in a court of law. All of these forfeitures were arbitrary. Property taken away from the Zambian people without any due process of the law as enshrined in the Constitution. It is also worth mentioning at this point that in the majority of these forfeitures, the victims were never arrested, charged or prosecuted. As soon as DEC forfeited the properties and monies, they closed the cases. They didn’t want to arrest and charge these individuals and risk an acquittal in court. Maybe these individuals are guilty, maybe they are not, but the bottom line is that for as long as they are not subjected to a trial in a court of law, we shall never know.

5. Maybe President Hakainde Hichilema has good intentions to fight corruption and give back to the Zambian people what was stolen from them, but the bottom line is that the way he is going about his fight against corruption makes his Government look like a mafia criminal gang, with ZP, ACC, OP and DEC as his criminal muscle with the objective of financially crippling the opposition so that come 2026 general elections, the opposition will have no financial muscle to wage a decent political fight. In other words, l am beginning to think that President Hakainde Hichilema’s fight against corruption is not really a fight against corruption but a fight against democracy and a ploy to create a de-facto one party state.

6. If President Hakainde Hichilema’s corruption fight was genuine, he would have waged it within the confines of the law by respecting the constitutional rights of citizens. No matter how guilty a person might appear on the surface, the law requires that such a person must be subjected to a trial where evidence against them is adduced and they are given an opportunity to defend themselves. Only after a conviction should a person be punished, and never before. Evidently, President Hakainde Hichilema sees the law as an inconvenience in his “fight” against corruption. He has therefore decided to create a personal gang of ZP, ACC, OP and DEC officers under the auspices of the so-called Joint Investigations Team (JIT) to circumvent the law and disposes certain people of their property with neither an arrest, charge, prosecution nor conviction. Indeed, some people might have stolen under the PF regime, but under the current circumstances, President Hakainde Hichilema himself is the criminal together with his band of thugs from ZP, ACC, OP and DEC.

///END

SET 31.05.2023

Tensions Between UPND and the Church in Zambia: A History of Insults and Political Interference.

The relationship between political parties and the Church in Zambia has been tense for decades, with numerous instances of insults and political interference in religious affairs. Recently, the United Party for National Development (UPND) has faced backlash from the Catholic Church over their disrespectful remarks towards Archbishop Alick Banda. However, this is not the first time a political party in Zambia has been accused of insulting the clergy.

In 2005, the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) was accused of insulting Archbishop Telesphore Mpundu for his criticism of the government. The party’s spokesperson at the time, Benny Tetamashimba, called him a “lost sheep” and accused him of seeking political power. The remarks sparked outrage from the Catholic Church and led to a boycott of the National Day of Prayer and Fasting.

In 2013, the Patriotic Front (PF) faced similar backlash from the church when they accused Bishop John Mambo of being aligned with the opposition. The party’s spokesperson at the time, Chanda Mfula, called Mambo a “political bishop” and accused him of influencing voters to support the UPND. The remarks were condemned by the church, who called for an end to political interference in religious affairs.

The recent insult on Archbishop Alick Banda by UPND secretary general Batuke Imenda has also caused an uproar from the Catholic Church. The Archbishop is a highly respected figure in Zambia and known for his advocacy for peace and unity. The UPND’s remarks have been widely criticized, with many calling for an apology and an end to political interference in religious affairs.

These instances of insults and political interference in religious affairs in Zambia have highlighted the need for greater respect and tolerance towards religious leaders. The Church plays a crucial role in the country’s social, economic, and political development, and insulting or interfering with the clergy only serves to undermine their efforts.

Lastly, political parties in Zambia should exercise restraint and uphold the dignity of religious leaders. Insults and political interference in religious affairs should not be tolerated, and all parties should work towards promoting religious tolerance and respect. The Church should be allowed to continue playing its crucial role in the development of the country without fear of political interference or insults.

Mwansa Chama
Governance Expert

THE CHURCH, THE STATE and THE PEOPLE

…the precarious relationship in Zambia

Amb. Anthony Mukwita wrote:

30th May 2023

The conflict between the church, the people and the state is an age old one sometimes unfortunately scrolled in blood especially if we go back to the days of Jesus.

It (conflict) is older than Zambia as a country, because before colonisation, Zambians like several precolonial Africans had their own religions, they worshiped their own ´gods´.
They had ´sun´ gods, ´rain´ gods etc.

After the arrival of missionaries, however, many of us were boxed into groups of either, catholic or Muslim, Pentecostal or evangelical but nevertheless we embraced new religions that have since become our new way of life.

This brings me to the elephant in the room—the stand-off between the largest church in Zambia, the Christian catholic church vs the administration or new government of President Hakainde Hichilema that assumed office in August 2021 after an election under the UPND.

IS THIS A STORM IN A TEA CUP?

To those visiting or reading on Zambia for the first time, the current stand-off sparked after an 18th May presser, where President Hichilema used graphs and numbers to illustrate how well his administration is fairing since he assumed office.

In reaction Fr. Anthony Salangeta of Chawama in Lusaka lightly stated that President Hichilema must have probably taken the bull by the horn during the press conference:

• He should have addressed in basic terms how government would bring down the prices of the staple maize meal.
• High prices of fuel
• Shortage of essential drugs in hospitals and expensive agro inputs

In a local language, Fr Salangeta suggested that the President, if he wished to hit a home run message with ordinary Zambians, the majority living on about US$2 per day for all basic needs, he should have addressed the issue of alleged scarce access to expensive food.

“Abaku Misisi na ku Chawama, lutoshi lwabwali nit graphs,” meaning, “the people of Chawama and Misisi understand nshima (food) not graphs.”

President Hichilema did not find the ´joke´ funny, he took a personal swipe at the padre whom he advised, without mentioning names, that he should go back to school to understand ´numbers´ and graphs.

Just like that, a mini ´civil war of words´ erupted in serene Zambia compelling the Archbishop of Lusaka, the respected Dr Alick Banda, also without naming names publicly supporting his priest under fire.

By now the whole country was fired up with talk-back radio hosts having a tough time keeping tempers from across the divide down and calm.

“The priests were wrong the President was right,” one caller said, “the President was wrong he must get a thicker skin as a leader,” another caller shouts.

From 18th May to the day of penning this missive the acrimonious and fractious relationship between the clergy from the catholic church and the state hit a new low low note.

On 29th May in a no holds barred video and script, Mr Batuke Imenda, a senior member of the ruling UPND cast aside diplomatic decorum and lashed out at the emeritus archbishop Dr Banda along with Fr Salangeta and dubbed the two respected clergy as “Con men”, “Lucifer´s”, in a move unprecedented in Zambia, a Christian nation by constitution.

In a highly emotive speech gone viral, Simenda suggested that it was because of ´con men´ like archbishop Banda and Fr Salangeti that scourges like the 1994 genocide of Rwanda flared up. Zambians were shocked.

REACTIONS TO REMARKS AGAINST CATHOLIC CLERGY

Condemnation against the strongly worded undiplomatic and apparently divisive speech by Mr Imenda reverberated on and offline dominating the airwaves and print publications in Zambia. Without exception, everyone condemned Mr Imenda unequivocally.

“Even if the Archbishop and Padre might have ´over stepped´ in counselling the President,” one caller said, likening them to Lucifer, conmen and genocide was totally out of order and uncalled for.

In Zambian tradition, clergy at the level of Archbishop Banda are not only highly respected, but they are also revered almost to a status of deities as they lead a huge flock of people, especially the poor majority that fill up churches every Sunday.

HOW WIDESPREAD IS THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN ZAMBIA?

The catholic church has been building schools, clinics, and hospitals for as long as Zambia has existed as a nation state.

Loosely put, 9 out of 10 Zambians have a relative that went to a catholic school, got treated in a catholic clinic or personally attended a catholic school.

The church exists in places in the neck of wood where government offices do not exist, providing services through priests and nuns that governments sometimes cannot provide.

The church has also been the biggest critic of successive governments offering checks and balances fearlessly regardless of who the President of the day since 1964.

have also immensely supported previous administrations in the past, take for instance the role it (church) played in transitioning from one party politics to multi-party politics ahead of 1991 seamlessly and bloodless?

Presently, Mr Imenda, as a leader of the ruling party has not apologised as the battle of words raged high, a PR nightmare over an issue that could have been resolved over a cup of tea, glass of wine and a prayer.

Albeit this conflict the ´ecclesiastico-political primacy´ is not uniquely Zambian, it needs to come to an end with one side reaching out to the other and other accepting because after all, we are all Zambian.

WHAT IS THE WAY FORWARD?

Going forward, analysts suggest that President Hichilema, an eloquent speaker must perhaps listen more and respond less to criticism.

There´s also suggestions that as a father of the nation when the President sees it fit to respond, as he often does, he must use the opportunity to unify rather than gas light.

The church on the other hand according to punditry must be given free reign to speak and offer counsel (when they see ills) as they have done since the birth of Zambia without being labelled conmen or Lucifer.

Lucifer is the other name for Satan or the devil hence some pundits feel Imenda´s decision to dub Archbishop Banda and Fr. Salangeta crossed the line in this fractious divisive war of words.

For those capable of reading my essays to the end I always say, whenever there´s differences in the country, “we must continue talking and talking until we find a solution.” Raise your argument, not your voice.

At the crux of the latest feud in our beautiful country in my humble view is something simple, many agree with; reduce food, fuel, and agro-input prices and all will be good.

Bringing feuding partners to the table of brotherhood and restoring the name of Zambia as the last bastion of democracy in the sub region will be but a bonus.

Also there´s subtle warning doing the rounds in political historians of Zambia that it´s perhaps never a good idea to engage in a ´war´ with the church but the jury is still out.

You will find some of the referenced material in this essay in my new book, “China in Africa, the Zambia story” currently performing very well in the top African book’s sections on Amazon and other online bookstores.

Police in Lusaka have Jointly charged and arrested Dr. Christopher Zumani Zimba (43) of farm number 100 in Chongwe and three others for being in possession of Articles for terrorism.

The three others are Given Phiri (37) of unknown house number in Misisi Compound, Marlone Banda (36) of Plot number 811 in 12 miles area and Portipher Gwai (44) of Plot number 194/17 Mutendere Compound in Lusaka.

Zambia Police Spokesperson Rea Hamoonga tells Byta FM News the four have been charged for the offence of being in Possession of Articles for terrorism or proliferation purposes Contrary to Section 25 of the Anti- terrorism Act number 6 of 2018 as read with Section 2 of the Amended Anti–terrorism Act number 6 of 2023.

“It is alleged that the accused jointly and whilst acting together with others unknown did possess offensive articles namely Deep 600 and Halothane and others with intent to endanger life,” reveals Hamoonga.

“The incident occurred in February, 2020 in Petauke District, in Eastern Province of the Republic of Zambia.”

The accused are currently detained in Police Custody and will appear in Court soon.

According to Pharmacist Jerome Kanyika, Halothane is a controlled drug used as a general inhalation anesthetic used for the induction and maintenance of general anesthesia.

What happens if you smoke halothane?

Halothane is a clear colorless highly volatile liquid.Exposure can cause you to become dizzy, lightheaded and confused. Higher levels can cause you to pass out. Breathing Halothane may cause nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure and abnormal heartbeat.

Police statement:

30th May,2023-Police in Lusaka have Jointly charged and arrested Dr. Christopher Zumani Zimba aged 43 of farm number 100 in Chongwe, Given Phiri aged 37 of unknown house number in Misisi Compound, Marlone Banda aged 36 of Plot number 811 in 12 miles area and Portipher Gwai aged 44 of Plot number 194/17 Mutendere Compound in Lusaka for the offence of being in Possession of Articles for terrorism or proliferation purposes Contrary to Section 25 of the Anti- terrorism Act number 6 of 2018 as read with Section 2 of the Amended Anti–terrorism Act number 6 of 2023.

It is alleged that the accused Jointly and whilst acting together with others unknown did possess offensive articles namely Deep 600 and Halothane and others with intent to endanger life.

The incident occurred in February,2020 in Petauke District, in Eastern Province of the Republic of Zambia.

The accused are currently detained in Police Custody and will appear in Court soon.

Rae Hamoonga
POLICE SPOKESPERSON

MILES SAMPA IS AN ENEMY OF PF – FORMER PF SG MWILA

IF Miles Sampa is man enough, he should withdraw the court matter then we can discuss, as of now he is our enemy, says former PF secretary general Davies Mwila.

And Mwila says although he holds no grudge against the Matero PF member of parliament, he also can’t go for his women because they are equally not his type.

Sampa recently questioned why Mwila hates him as if they once fought over a girl when they were both younger, adding that “his girls are not my type”.

But reacting to Sampa’s remarks in an interview, Monday, Mwila said the party can’t be in good books with Sampa not until he withdraws his court case.

“We attack him because he has taken the party to court. If he is man enough, let him try to withdraw the matter from court and then we will sit as brothers and sisters and discuss the matter. But as [of] now, he is the enemy of the party. So since we are staunch members of the party, he is an enemy to us. The way we treat UPND that’s the way we will treat him, let him just withdraw the case then we sit. Then we will be sitting, chatting and drinking wine together. Failure to do that, we can’t be in good books. Just an appeal let him just withdraw the case and he will see that that friendship will come back,” he said.

“I have no grudge against him and we can’t go to the same women, he knows that. Even I can’t go to his women, they are not my type. You look at the age and you look at what we do of course and even the thinking. The way he is doing things, he’s not thinking properly. So I have no hate against him but it’s the behaviour. All men like women, we are married to women, so there’s nothing he is just politicking. I can’t take him seriously, he is not a serious guy”.

Mwila said if Sampa can’t change his behaviour, then the two can’t be friends again.

“Who brought him to the party? You should ask him. He went and formed the party but when he was coming back no one wanted Miles Sampa except my office. I had to use my influence and until he wrote a letter to the central committee because the constitution is that if you resign, for you to come back it has to take about five years. So we had to use article 71-72 by the discretion of the president.

So I forced the matter to the central committee, it was tabled. Miles Sampa was returned back to the party. And you should also ask him who pushed him for mayorship. No one wanted him to be mayor because he was a newcomer. I used my influence as Secretary General of the party by that time and he became mayor,” said Mwila.

“After that, you ask him who was in the forefront supporting him as an MP in Matero? So there is no hatred, it’s his behaviour. He is my young man, we started the party together but I can tell you that as long as he doesn’t change his behaviour, we are not going to be friends.

That’s where we have differed because first and foremost you can’t take your own party to court. It’s like taking your father to court, and don’t expect that the relationship between you and your father will be good, no. So as staunch members of the party, some of us are not happy.

And when he went further to go and praise Hakainde Hichilema, it was me who raised the motion in the central committee that he be suspended. I have nothing to hide, I’m a straightforward person, unless he changes his attitude towards the party, he will [not] be my friend. As long as his behaviour is like this, he will never be my friend”.

(News Diggers)

ABOUT GOVERNMENT & PRIESTS CONFLICT

By Miles B. Sampa, MP (30.05.2023)

There is clearly a standoff between some Catholic Church leaders and the ruling party UPND (and it’s government).

I was born Catholic and grew up as a mass server little boy supporting Priests on the alter every Sunday as they conducted their mass. As a past Mayor of Lusaka, I have potentially attended mass in all catholic parishes in the City of Lusaka and they are many.

Despite being Catholic but as an elected leader , I have come to learn to periodically worship with other various residents in their respective churches as long they worship the same God as I do.

The bare knuckle strong exchange to and from from the ruling government and some catholic priests is apparently all due to the words ‘graph’ and ‘ulutoshi’. Clearly there was some undercurrent brewing and now come to the surface.

There is need for some intervention to get the two sides onto a table and discuss their differences. Discussing a problem is half way to resolving it. I remember the late Father Charles Chilinda (MHSRIP) was very proactive in bridging conflicted sides onto a discussion or negotiating table and more so at highest levels. We talking of the President of Zambia and his SG here and the Archbishop of Lusaka and his Priest at Chawama parish. Bigwigs on both sides. Ideally KK would have been ideal to intervene and pacify but he is no more.

Evidently our Country is short of proactive gurus to help broker peace as needed in the current situation.

Whichever way, our government and catholic spiritual leaders need to resolve their differences if any. The cho-chise (constant arguement) we witnessing is not healthy for the country. When elephants fight, it’s the grass that suffers. The majority people of Zambia most struggling with economic challenges want to hear and see top level engagements towards resolving their plight and not otherwise.

Tempting but on spiritual grounds I choose not to put fuel to the fire but instead call for immediate dialogue between the government and the catholic priests. A stand off benefits no one parties involved inclusive. Meeting and talking over it is the best if not only way out. May it be so.

MBS29.05.2023

By CIC

MAKAYI QUESTIONS FATHER SALANGETA’S UNDERSTANDING AND PROCESSING OF COMPLICATED SPIRITUAL MESSAGE OF GODLY REALMS IF HE CAN’T UNDERSTAND A SIMPLE GRAPH IN GOVERNANCE SYSTEM.

You can make funny of his graphs but in those very graphs he made sure NAPSA partial withdraw is plotted to 20% successfully, rectuitment of Teachers, Nurses, Doctors, defense chiefs, ended violence and working to reduce debts.

I feel ashamed to note that a person who has been to university and understands how important graphs and numbers are can mock the head of state in that manner to impress a criminal before him stained with blood of innocent souls calling for justice killed under his useless administration. HH is running a very clean and sober government that Father Salangeta can’t manage and will never manage.

It will take a century or Millennium for Zambia to ever have a sober and clean president like HH. Its very unfair to attack him in that manner to impress a jail candidate who wrecked our economy over someone trying very hard to restore dignity of the country from the economic outlook to the restoration of rule of law. Mum is Catholic I have nothing against the church but that Father Salangeta of Chawama is neither dull to understand what a graph is nor is he ignorant with his degrees and masters documents to still fail to decode government fundamental functions and how things work to explain to the masses the truth. He is simply a wrong chap in a right place and must be removed to avoid dragging the name of the church into ridicule like other priests caught having girlfriends and kids in orphanages and I speak with spiritual authority I know God is ashamed of him too that was way foul from a priest many people look up to for vital information and whom their trust to prepare their heavenly salvation is entrusted. He is a misfit, a nicompoop and a refraf.

If simple earthly equations are difficult to process by such a priest with all the wasted education on him surely he can’t process spiritual understanding of Godly realms which are so complicated God has exposed him and he must be treated as a fool not a priest. These are evil priests contaminating the good name of Catholic Church and must be retrained lest they deceive Chawama masses away from holy message.

Onething I was trained at university after receiving classfied and advanced trainings of ICT in Engineering is never to take advantage of the people due to their ignorance in the field they are not aware of because WE Engineers posses knowledge and understanding of technical things at a deeper level thence misunderstandings are normal and are likely to be caused due to different levels of understanding on particular issues between a client and an engineer. UPND is a political organisation forged in violence and perseverance for 23 years fighting on therefore you don’t attack their leader unfairly like that and expect respect just because you are a priest they will take you on because you started it so face it.

DICK SICHEMBE’S CREDIBILITY HINGES ON HIS OPINION CONTAINED IN THE 2022 AUDITOR GENERALS REPORT.

By Mutotwe Kafwaya

I know that the Auditor General has and is still going through a lot of unfair treatment. And this has been so for a few other selected victims of maladministration, regionalism and ethnic hatred.

We must all rise above these divisive evils. Let administration, unity and love beyond borders reign supreme in this land of the living.

MY issue today is that, I will always support the office of the Auditor General and it’s occupants for what the offices means to the country. But Dr. Sichembe’s credibility hinges on his opinion as contained in the 2022 audit report which is constitutionally due on the 30 September, 2023.

The content of this report will reveal to some of us as to whether the AG’s office is still independent and has retained its capacity to form credible opinions on the public financials going into the future.

Dr. Sichembe let me remind you some of the highest risky areas which have been extremely contentious in the period under review. Such that if you failed to report on these issues, then your office would have in my view become moribund and you deserve to be fired.

Sir, you should be fired if you fail to explain to the people on the alleged corruption involving the the purchase of 50,000 metric tones of fertilizer where it is believed that over $15 million dollars was stolen instant by the engagement of Alpha Commodities.

It is believed that Alpha Commodities was given a contract to supply 50,000 metric tones of fertilizer at $1,502 per tone while at the same time Nitrogen Chemicals was given a contract to supply 10,000 metric tones at $952 per tone. Now this reasoning beats all manner of economic theory – not even economies of scale can justify this. Unless we were looking ahead from the rear mirror.

Please put this to rest.

It would be conclusive and a bonus to the country if you could also add as to why a newly formed company called MVC with no consultancy experience is believed to have been given a consultancy contract understood to be in the region of K13 million to assess fertilizer distribution.

In this regard, what tender process was followed would be good to understand and also whether there was a needs assessment pointing to the fact that the ministry of agriculture was unable to undertake this assessment. I think that the allegation of backdating registration will be determined by a computer audit, may be at a relevant time in the near future.

Dr. Sichembe, I will be extremely surprised if your report will have nothing on the contracted illegal audits by the Ministry of Finance and National Planning. I say so, because the law provides that all internal audit reports should be copied to the Auditor General. As such, even if in future you claimed not to have been involved, yet you should have received progress and or reports. Unless your illegal clients continue to act illegally.

Remember the minister of finance said on the floor of the house that you were consulted on the contraction of these illegal audits.

Sir, if you will not report on the perceived wasteful expenditure at the cabinet office, I will be sad and disappointed with you. It is alleged that over 400 officers are on holding position at cabinet office. These officers continue getting salaries without working at all.

Remember one of your directors who was recently replaced but still existing is getting a salary while the new old guy is also getting a salary creating an impression of a matrix salary structure.

If you will, kindly give out some information on the VVIP travel. You know there has been lots of talk about VVIP travels – people have questioned the presidents tours, the president has questioned the ministers tours. But interestingly for me, the president has declared no salary for him and no imprest for his travels.

Kindly show us whether the president gets no allowances too on travels and whether there is no imprest as has been declared. But also the general administration of the account.

Do you remover the surrender of ownership of Kansashi mine? Do you recall the acrimony over AFRICOM? Do you also still remember the illegal cancellation of Hunting Concession Agreements? I hope you do.

While I continue with my support for your office. I would urge your firing if you failed to do the minimum. And if like me, you studied risk management in your modules, these are open risky areas.

God bless the Auditor General

Restoring EVERYTHING PATRIOTIC.
MK30.05.2023

THE COUNTRY MUST BE VERY CAREFUL AND OBSERVANT ON ECL’S DARK POLITICAL MOTIVES…***

By Stembridge Sikalundu

We are being reminded from what the priests did when they asked ECL to rig elections in order to continue benefiting from him , most media houses are doing business with the PF to promote an agenda of anti UPND .

We have seen how some people in govt that were left in influencial positions that are loyal to ECL have been doing to expose confidential and secrets of the UPND govt . we have seen how some institutions of govt particularly the judiciary ,how they were dancing to the PF trombone .

We have seen how ECL has been visiting super markets and asking photographers to capture him while he holds a bag of mealie meal , and asking people like TAYALI to express his political views , which is not strange because we have seen all this happen when ECL used anything against president HAKAINDE HICHILEMA . We saw how a break in at ECL’s residence brought attention in the country to dimonise the UPND govt .

If these activities are being supported by ECL , he is likely to be declared a risk to peace and national security of this country . The catholic priests are messengers of ECL’s campaign strategy because they are the same priests who used the church services to ask ECL never to give up power if he lost the election .

Zambians should be very critical of what ECL is capable of doing in this country , the catholic Church may get divided because he wants easterners and bembas to denounce the UPND govt , he has done this before so what can stop him now when he has become a more enemy to the president for roving him from power .

One of the major principles of ECL is divide and rule , what the priests are doing is divide the country , later they may get to the chiefs and so on , as long as UPND remains in govt , ECL can not support unity in this country , he would rather see economic sabbotage , media controls etc , we urge those closer to the president to ensure there is particularity in the way ECL is being understood as former head of state because his charecter is shrewd .

It is very important to realise that zambians were gassed and to this day ECL pretends he does not know who terrorised this country under his constituitional authority , ECL can’t be trusted and he has never been one , when his carders were killing people , he gave them protection and money , when president HAKAINDE HICHILEMA was almost assassinated by PF assassins , ECL was pleased with mutness . They almost killed president HAKAINDE HICHILEMA at community house , his priests were silent but when they carried s peaceful search at ECL’s residence, the priests were back at it in church .

What we are seeing in this country are conspiracy theories being used by cartels which supported ECL and the main objective is to ensure the country is ungovernable , that is what is going to please ECL and his minions because they know they can’t win a ligitimate and democratically organised election , the UPND govt should be feared by these mafias by becoming firm and harsh to protect the interests of the country , zambia is our mother and we can’t allow the mafias to destroy the unity of purpose , it is no longer about democracy with these schemes by PF mafias that can easily breed anarchy , there must be no freedom guaranteed after a bad speech . Tame ECL first and the country will be governed orderly , deregistering PF in zambia will not change the beauty of this country by the savages who want power back wrongfully . God bless mother Zambia .

I CRY ZAMBIA IS MY BELOVED COUNTRY

Bond failure, NAPSA Skips participation,3rd time in a row

By Matthew Hill and Taonga Mitimingi
(Bloomberg)

Early Pension Bonanza Is Hitting Zambia’s Finances at a Bad Time

Debt restructuring has scared off foreign bond buyers

IMF is withholding $188 million payment in lieu of debt deal

By Matthew Hill and Taonga Mitimingi
(Bloomberg) — Zambia’s decision to allow citizens to cash out part of their pensions early is having an unintended consequence: it’s hitting a key source of government financing as the squeeze from a long-delayed debt restructuring continues to tighten.

New legislation enabling people to access 20% of their pension savings has seen the National Pension Scheme Authority, or Napsa, so far pay out 5.8 billion kwacha ($300 million) since it was signed into law April 17, spokesman Cephas Sinyangwe said on state TV on Sunday.

That’s curbed its ability to lend money to the government, S&P Global Ratings analysts including Max McGraw said.

“If relief on external debt and a subsequent resumption of some foreign financing is not agreed in the near future, the government’s ability to remain current on domestic currency obligations could weaken,” McGraw said in a report published May 26. “Napsa has not participated in the last three local-currency bond auctions, while domestic banks’ exposure to the government is already large and it remains unclear how much additional debt issuances they will be able to absorb.”

Zambia is waiting for official creditors to agree to a restructuring deal that it’s been trying to achieve since 2020, when it became Africa’s first pandemic-era sovereign defaulter. The International Monetary Fund is withholding a $188 million payment to the country until they reach a deal.

Foreign buyers of local-currency debt have mostly shunned auctions this year, fearing the securities will face restructuring too, even though the government has repeatedly said they won’t.

Napsa expects to pay out 11 billion kwacha in total to people partially cashing in their pensions, Sinyangwe said in reply to questions May 8.

Zambia continues to largely depend on the domestic market to fund its elevated general government deficit, that’s set to reach 7.7% of gross domestic product this year, S&P said. Bonds and Treasury bills account for more than one-third of pension fund investments in Zambia, according to government data.

At the last government bond auction May 26, the central bank only raised 391 million kwacha out of the 2.6 billion kwacha on offer. Still, the Napsa withdrawals aren’t having an out-sized effect on government-security auctions, Bank of Zambia Governor Denny Kalyalya told reporters May 17.

“At a broader level, we don’t really see that tipping the scale,” Kalyalya said. “Obviously, Napsa has been preparing for this coming. It will settle at some point.” To contact the reporters on this story:
Matthew Hill in Mbombela at mhill58@bloomberg.net;
Taonga Mitimingi in Lusaka at tmitimingi@bloomberg.net

Press statement for immediate release from Bishop John Mambo
A call for sobriety and a respectful national conversation
30th May 2023.

I would like to commend His Royal Highness Senior Chief Dr. Chisunka, the Chairperson of the House of Chiefs, for courageously offering wise counsel to our religious leaders who have disregarded dialogue in addressing national issues.
In support of His Royal Highness’ call for unity and respect for dialogue, particularly directed towards priests who have chosen confrontation over love and respect, I would like to begin by quoting Colossians 4:6: “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”

My intention is not to sermonize or patronize anyone, but to express my deepest concern regarding the belligerent and antagonistic approach adopted by my Catholic brother, Archbishop Alick Banda, in addressing national affairs, particularly his confrontational attitude towards President Hakainde Hichilema.

We cannot effectively address the current issues of hunger and poverty without addressing past instances of treasury looting. Similarly, we cannot tackle prevailing poverty without examining the reckless borrowing that has led to a debt trap, hindering meaningful development and job creation for our citizens.

Indeed, we cannot claim to speak for the people of Chawama now, if we failed to question the incidents of gassing that suffocated and claimed the lives of their fellow citizens less than two years ago, or the fatal shots fired at Nsama Nsama and Joseph Kaunda. If His Grace Archbishop Alick Banda remained silent during these tragic situations and many more, his current combative and acidic attitude exposes his true stance.

If Fr. Sangaleta fails to acknowledge that among his Chawama parishioners are parents whose children are now receiving free education, and retirees who, under the PF stood in pouring rain at former Justice Minister Given Lubinda’s office demanding their retirement benefits and have since received their dues, then the priest has a problem that needs to be addressed, and citizens have the right to know what it is.
I strongly disagree with the false narrative that Archbishop Alick Banda’s opinions represent the stance of the Catholic Church. If so, then does his silence and failure to condemn atrocities, human rights abuses, and rampant corruption during the previous regime reflect the position of the Catholic Church? I don’t believe so!

I therefore appeal to my two brothers to seek dialogue with the President, and if they have any concerns about doing so, I offer my assistance in facilitating their engagement.
Bishop John Mambo
Chikondi Foundation.

The Food Reserve Agency (FRA) has apologized to the farming community following its decision not to buy soya beans in the 2022/2023 marketing season.

FRA Board Chairman Kelvin Hambwezya says the agency is sorry for the inconvenience it has caused to the farmers by not buying soya beans from them.

Mr Hambwezya stated that the agency reached the decision not to buy soya beans from the farmers with a heavy heart.
“Ideally, crops that are supported by FISP, it is a natural expectation that the FRA will procure them, soya beans is one such crop and it is with a heavy heart that as an agency we made that decision, it is not pleasing,” He said.

Mr Hambwezya however said the agency won’t sit idle but rather work with other stakeholders in the soya beans sector and assist farmers sell their soya beans.

“It was abrupt, I am very sorry of course for the inconvenience this could have caused to the farmers but what I would like to say is that we are not going to sit idle. We are going to work with other stakeholders and make sure that we assist farmers,” He said.
Mr Hambwezya said this last evening when He featured on ZNBC weekly Sunday interview programme on TV 1.

And when asked whether the decision not to purchase soyabeans was made abruptly after issuing a government gazette indicating that the agency would buy 50 thousand metric tons of soybeans?

Mr Hambwezya in response refuted claims that the decision not to buy soya beans was made abruptly.

He explained that the gazette indicating that FRA would buy 50 thousand metric tons of soyabeans was issued by management who were later guided by the board that the agency was not going to buy soyabeans as published in the press.

“No the decision was not abrupt, you know as FRA we don’t announce what we do on a daily basis to the public,” Mr Hambwezya stated.

The FRA Board Chairman admitted seeing the gazette issued by management however indicate that the matter is now water under the bridge.

“Yes management we want and issued the gazette, I saw it in the press anyway that’s water under the bridge. The truth was that the board guided management that we would not buy soya beans, the reasons that I gave you,” Mr Hambwezya.
Meanwhile FRA has assured soya beans farmers that it will move in to buy soya beans once it offloads the correcting stocks it is holding in the national reserves.

Mr Hambwezya said the agency will definitely move in to buy soya beans from the small scale farmers should it find the market for the soya beans it holds in the reserves.
“If we manage to offload the soya beans we have now there is no doubt we will go into the market to buy soya beans,” He said.
Mr Hambwezya expressed optimism during the live programme that soon FRA would soon sell the carryover stocks of soya beans.
He hinted that the agency was today 29th May Monday expected to meet a delegation from Indian and other groups that want to buy the soya beans from FRA.
“Will be selling it very soon. There is a delegation from India that we will be talking to tomorrow (Monday 29th ) and other groups that are coming around, we are hoping to sell that soya beans, if we sell it very soon we will enter the market to buy soya beans,” He indicated.
And FRA has implored soya beans players in the private sector not to exploit the small scale farmers but rather buy at a fair price and export outside the country.

Mr Hambwezya revealed that the Ministry of Agriculture is offering an open door to anyone wishing to export soya beans outside Zambia.

“However, this is an opportunity for the private sector not to exploit the farmers but to buy the soya beans from the small scale farmers and take it for export, the Minister of Agriculture is clear, the doors are open for export for soya beans only, “he added.

He stressed that the private sector has a huge role to play in the buying of the soya beans from the small scale farmers.

The FRA Board Chairman said this year the country is expecting seven hundred and 80 thousand metric tons of soybeans.

He disclosed that the current local consumption of soya beans for both domestic and industrial standards is three hundred thousand metric tons.

Mr Hambwezya said the country has an excess of up to six hundred thousand metric tons of soya beans sitting with the farmers.

PROFLIGHT WELCOMES FIRST BOEING 737 AIRCRAFT

LUSAKA, ZAMBIA

Proflight Zambia, the leading airline in Zambia, is celebrating the arrival of its first 126-seat Boeing 737-500, marking a significant milestone in the company’s history and reaffirming its commitment to delivering exceptional air travel experiences.

The introduction of the Boeing 737 represents a major advancement for Proflight, enhancing its ability to cater to its expanding customer base with increased comfort, reliability, and efficiency.

The aircraft has six abreast seating and large overhead baggage stowage that will offer a superior journey to passengers with an improved level of comfort.

The Boeing 737 will be the third Jet added to Proflight’s fleet since emerging from the pandemic in 2022.

Proflight’s fleet with the addition of the Boeing 737 will now consist of eight aircraft: including three 50-seater Bombardier CRJ-100/200 jets, three 29-seater Jetstream 41 aircraft, and one 18-seater Jetstream 32 aircraft.

Captain Josias Walubita, Proflight Director of Flight Operations, expressed his excitement about the arrival of the Boeing 737, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome the Boeing 737 aircraft to our esteemed fleet. This momentous occasion represents a significant milestone for Proflight Zambia, further emphasizing our commitment to providing exceptional service to our cherished customers. The advanced features of the Boeing 737 will enable us to offer an even more comfortable and enjoyable travel experience.”

Proflight Zambia remains dedicated to continuously enhancing its services and expanding its network to meet the growing demands of its valued customers. The addition of the Boeing 737 to its fleet demonstrates the airline’s unwavering commitment to delivering world-class travel experiences while contributing to the development of Zambia’s aviation industry and efficient regional transport.
The airline eagerly anticipates the numerous opportunities and growth that this aircraft will bring, firmly believing that it will strengthen its position as the preferred regional carrier. Although the new Boeing 737 arrived ahead of schedule, it is expected to commence operations and make its inaugural flight in a few days, pending regulatory approvals.
As Proflight Zambia ushers in this new era with the arrival of its first Boeing 737, the airline remains committed to its core values of safety, reliability, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. Travelers can look forward to enhanced air travel experiences and a continued dedication to excellence from the airline.