GUEST ARTICLE: ECL’s Gifts To His Son Dalitso Declared Proceeds Of Crime By The State
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Today, I read some breaking news that the gifts, which ECL granted to his son Dalitso have been seized by the state.
This seizure follows a court judgement which declared those assets as proceeds of crime.
ECL was emphatic in declaring that he is the one who gave those assets to his son. And for all I know, ECL was never tried by any court of law in Zambia. But unfortunately those assets have nevertheless been declared as proceeds of crime.
Who acquired those assets through what the state considers as crime? It should be ECL.
In effect, ECL has been certified as a criminal. I say so because only criminals obtain assets through crime.
If this is true, then the public interest argument in the burial of ECL should now be closed. I say so because no public interest can be retsined in a life of a state certified criminal. This is now time for the state to go and withdraw the case involving the burial of ECL in South African courts.
The only interest thst the state can legitimately have as I see it, in the remains of ECL is to come and try him posthumously. Since as things stand, he is now a certified criminal, let the state withdraw its interest from the body and allow the family to burry their state certified criminal.
ECL could be a criminal in the mind of state, but his family hold him extremely dear to their hearts. In that case, let them be left to burry their dear relative while the public is saved from participating in the burial of someone considered as a criminal by state.
I am very sad for what has happened to the reputation of ECL. Though this has opened a window for government to withdraw their interest in the body of ECL.
Why should government continue its interest in the body of a criminal? There is no reason. Unless the state can tell us that their interest now is to come and subject him to court process in his dead state. Otherwise the case should now be closed.
Let us leave the family alone, close the matter and move on.
FDD CALLS ON CHURCH, FAITH GROUPS TO PRAY AHEAD OF 2026 POLLS
By Constance Shilengwe
THE Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) has called on the Church and other faith groups to stand firm as Zambia prepares for the general elections on 13th August, 2026.
FDD National Spokesperson Anthony Chibuye says the Church has a responsibility to speak against injustice and abuse of power, noting that Zambia has affirmed the sovereignty of God.
Mr. Chibuye has urged the Church, the Muslim community and the Hindu community to unite in prayer for the country, claiming that many Zambians are struggling while national interests are being surrendered to foreigners.
He has further raised concern over the enactment of Act Number 13 of 2025, rising poverty levels, and alleged political interference in the Electoral Commission of Zambia.
Mr. Chibuye says addressing these issues will require both political courage and spiritual intervention to safeguard Zambia’s democracy.
THE Development People’s Party has given the Electoral Commission of Zambia 48 hours to suspend the 2026 Constituency Delimitation Exercise, citing lack of transparency and consultation.
In a letter dated February 9, DPP President Dr. Kafula Mubanga says the ECZ has proposed increasing constituencies from 156 to 226 without clearly explaining how the new boundaries were determined.
The party claims political parties and civil society were excluded from the process and is demanding a detailed technical report and a clear consultation timeline.
Dr. Mubanga warns that failure to respond within 48 hours will force the DPP to seek legal redress in the Constitutional Court.
WE STRONGLY OPPOSE REMOVAL OF OFFICIAL MARK ON BALLOT PAPERS
The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) strongly objects the proposal by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to remove the official mark on ballot papers and submits that this amendment poses a serious and unnecessary risk to electoral integrity and public confidence.
Article 46 of the Constitution guarantees citizens the right to vote in free and fair elections. This right necessarily encompasses the existence of effective, verifiable safeguards that protect the authenticity and integrity of the ballot. The official mark on ballot papers constitutes a critical electoral safeguard that directly supports the realisation of this constitutional right.
🔹 The official mark authenticates ballot papers issued by the Electoral Commission of Zambia 🔹 Prevents the introduction of counterfeit or unauthorised ballots 🔹 Provides polling agents, observers, and courts with an objective means of verification of ballot papers
Its removal weakens the chain of custody of ballot papers and exposes the electoral process to avoidable risks of malpractice.
Electoral legitimacy is derived not only from declared results, but also from public confidence in the process by which those results are achieved. In a competitive electoral environment, the official mark reassures voters and stakeholders that ballots issued are genuine and that ballots counted are those issued by the Commission.
While the proposed Electoral Process Bill places reliance on hand-marking of voters and administrative controls, these measures are inherently dependent on human compliance and discretion and do not provide the same level of objective and verifiable protection as a ballot security feature.
Comparative electoral best practice, particularly within emerging democracies, favours strengthening multiple layers of ballot security rather than their reduction.
Antonio Mourinho Mwanza DPP President 10 – 02 – 26
We Can Forgive But We Shall Not Forget Who Sold Bill 7
By the Independent Political Correspondent
There comes a time in a nation’s life when forgiveness must be tempered with memory. Zambia is at such a moment today. We may be a forgiving people, but we are not a foolish one. We cannot, and must not, forget who sold Bill 7.
Just over a month ago, a group of Members of Parliament presented themselves as defenders of democracy. They sat with Civil Society Organizations, listened attentively as Mrs. Katebe clearly articulated why Bill 7 had to be stopped, and nodded in agreement as concerns were laid bare. The message was unambiguous: Bill 7 was not progressive. It was dangerous. It was designed to entrench power in the hands of one man and weaken democratic safeguards.
The same warnings were echoed by church leaders. Priests and other clergy took time to explain, patiently and firmly, why Bill 7 posed a threat to Zambia’s democratic future. They cautioned that if the opposition in Parliament failed to put their heads together and reject the Bill, they would be midwives to dictatorship. The language was sobering, the appeal moral, and the expectation clear.
In those meetings, these MP’s assured the nation, civil society, and the Church that they would not support such a Bill. They spoke with conviction. They wore the mask of principle. They claimed to stand on the side of the people.
What the CSO’s and church leaders did not know then—but what the nation now knows—is that these assurances were hollow. Even as they condemned Bill 7 in public forums, the reward for supporting it had already been secured. Their loyalty was not to the Constitution, nor to the people, nor to the Church that trusted them. It was to personal gain.
With Bill 7 out of the way, the same individuals have now conveniently bundled themselves into an alliance, acting as though the people of Zambia have forgotten. They behave as if betrayal has an expiry date. They assume collective amnesia, hoping that time, noise, and rebranding will erase their treachery and their shameful betrayal of the Church’s trust.
Their conduct is disturbingly familiar. It mirrors that of Judas Iscariot—who walked with Jesus, spoke the language of loyalty, and even kissed Him on the cheek. To unsuspecting onlookers, Judas appeared the most devoted of the apostles. Yet he was the betrayer. Today, we see the same theatre: smiling faces, holy company, and public displays of virtue—even walking alongside the Archbishop to the DEC—as if intentions were pure. Yet these were the very people who sold out the cause they publicly claimed to defend.
We now know better.
What is most intriguing, and indeed insulting, is the extent to which these same actors have tried to convince Zambians that they mean well, without ever explaining why they voted for Bill 7. Silence has become their strategy. Evasion their shield. How does one claim to be the head of the opposition in Parliament and yet conveniently stay away during such a crucial vote? What leadership is this? What accountability does it reflect?
The people of Zambia are not blind. They see what is happening. Just as they rejected the PF in 2026 because of corruption, treachery, and savage behaviour, they will again reject the UPND and any formation that is merely a ruse designed to disguise a rejected PF. Political cosmetic do not change character. No amount of lipstick can turn a pig into something it is not; it remains a pig. In the same way, a corrupt thug remains a corrupt thug, no matter the alliance, no matter the branding, no matter the borrowed moral language.
The road to rebuilding trust is long, and forgiveness is a virtue of a strong people. But amnesia is a luxury a democracy cannot afford. We shall forgive in time, but we shall never, ever forget who sold Bill 7. Our votes will be our reminder to those who betrayed our trust.
MULWANDA CRITICISES OPPOSITION OVER CALLS TO ECZ ON NEW CONSTITUENCIES
By Pride Nyirenda
KENNEDY Mulwanda, the UPND presidential campaign team Luanshya District Vice Chairperson, has castigated opposition political leaders for what he described as undue pressure on the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) to immediately list the 70 new constituencies.
Speaking to RoanFM News, Mr Mulwanda said opposition figures such as Economic Freedom Fighters President Mwenda Kasonde should be the last to call upon the ECZ, noting that they were among those who opposed the enactment of Bill 7 into law.
Mr Mulwanda observed that some districts, such as Lufwanyama, are vast and require deliberate interventions to enhance representation and service delivery. He said only well-meaning leaders can appreciate the importance of Bill 7 and the vision of President Hakainde Hichilema to take development to every district and corner of the country, unlike leaders who, in his view, do not prioritise inclusive development.
He further said Zambians should by now clearly understand the character of the opposition, noting that just a few days ago they rejected Bill 7, yet today they want to champion provisions they never supported. Mr Mulwanda described this conduct as hypocritical and misleading to the public.
BRIEFING | Court Orders Forfeiture of Lungu Assets in Major Proceeds-of-Crime Ruling
The Lusaka High Court’s Economic and Financial Crimes Court has ordered the forfeiture of properties worth more than K24 million belonging to Dalitso Lungu, son of late former President Edgar Lungu, after finding that the assets were reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime.
The ruling, delivered under Zambia’s non-conviction based forfeiture framework, results in the State taking possession of over 69 motor vehicles and 23 pieces of land located across the country.
In its judgment, the court noted that investigations into Mr. Lungu’s financial capacity raised serious concerns, particularly regarding his compliance with tax obligations. The court heard that the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) records reflected repeated submission of nil tax returns, suggesting no declared income from employment or business activity that could reasonably explain the scale of the acquisitions.
The court found that the funds used to purchase the properties were “reasonably suspected” to have been obtained through unlawful conduct, including money laundering and tax evasion, and that the failure to establish legitimate income sources rendered the assets tainted.
The forfeiture application was brought by Director of Public Prosecutions Gilbert Phiri, who pursued the matter through a civil process that allows the State to recover assets without requiring a criminal conviction, provided the court is satisfied that the property is linked to illicit activity.
The court ordered that the forfeited assets be applied as the DPP deems fit, within the confines of the law.
The decision is one of the most significant forfeiture rulings involving the family of a former head of state in recent years, and it comes at a politically sensitive moment, with former President Lungu having died in South Africa on June 5, 2025, and remaining unburied eight months later.
Across PF-aligned social media networks and WhatsApp groups, supporters have framed the ruling as insensitive, arguing that the State is targeting the former first family during a period of mourning. Some have sought to fold the forfeiture into funeral rhetoric, portraying it as political punishment rather than a legal process.
However, the court’s decision underscores a key reality: forfeiture proceedings are judicial actions grounded in evidentiary thresholds, not executive pronouncements. The judgment was not issued by State House, but by a court applying Zambia’s financial crimes and asset recovery laws.
Since taking office in 2021, the UPND administration has pursued an aggressive anti-corruption posture, marked by high-profile arrests, prosecutions, and asset seizures involving several former PF officials. Critics describe the campaign as selective or politically charged, while government argues it is part of restoring fiscal discipline and accountability after years of debt distress and institutional weakening.
This latest ruling therefore sits at the intersection of law, politics, and public emotion: a court-driven forfeiture process unfolding in the shadow of an unresolved burial dispute, and in an environment where corruption enforcement is increasingly interpreted through partisan lenses.
The broader question now is whether Zambia’s anti-corruption drive can maintain legal credibility, institutional fairness, and public confidence, even when it touches the most politically sensitive families in the country.
GPZ PROPOSES PROVINCIAL MINISTERS, DEPUTY AND ASSISTANT MINISTERS
THE Golden Party of Zambia has unveiled a bold proposal to restructure the Cabinet, ensuring greater regional representation and improved governance across the country.
Speaking to journalists on Thursday, GPZ President Jackson Silavwe said the party intends to propose that each of Zambia’s ten provinces have a full Cabinet Minister appointed by the President from outside Parliament.
“Each provincial minister will be an indigenous person and a resident of the province they represent,” Mr. Silavwe said.
“This will guarantee that every province has a voice in Cabinet and ensure that national policies are effectively communicated to local communities.”
Mr. Silavwe also proposed the reintroduction of Deputy Ministers and the creation of Assistant Deputy Ministers.
“A minister needs support to manage large ministries efficiently. That is why we are proposing a three-tier political leadership structure: Minister, Deputy Minister, and Assistant Deputy Minister,” he explained.
He addressed concerns about costs, noting that “the question is, has the situation improved after the removal of deputy ministers? Ministries are huge, and having deputies ensures better implementation of government policies and our party’s manifesto.”
According to Mr. Silavwe, the proposals are aimed at addressing tribal and regional representation in Cabinet, improving information dissemination, and ensuring efficient political oversight of all ministries.
The GPZ President said the party will engage with Zambians to seek support for these constitutional reforms.
CHANODA NGWIRA JOINS TONSE ALLIANCE, TAKES UP LABOUR & SOCIAL SERVICES ROLE
…pledges fearless fight for workers’ rights
Veteran labour crusader Chanoda Frackson Ngwira has accepted his appointment as National Chairman for Labour and Social Services in the Tonse Alliance, vowing to robustly champion the rights and welfare of Zambian workers.
Mr Ngwira, a seasoned figure in Zambia’s labour movement, brings decades of hands-on experience, having worked with key unions including the Grain and Meat Workers Union of Zambia (GRAMUZ), the Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) and the Zambia Union of Government and Allied Workers (ZUGAW).
Speaking after accepting the role, Ngwira said his long service in both public and private sector labour spaces has grounded him in the real challenges workers face.
“I am well conversant with conditions of service in both the public and private sectors, and I appreciate the realities on the ground,” he said.
He added that he accepts the responsibility with humility and resolve.
“I pledge to execute my duties diligently, without fear or favour, in the best interests of workers and the nation at large.”
Political observers view Ngwira’s appointment as a strategic boost to the Tonse Alliance’s labour and social services agenda, particularly at a time when workers continue to grapple with rising living costs, job insecurity and strained social protections.
Widely respected across the labour movement, Ngwira’s entry into the Tonse Alliance has ignited renewed optimism among workers and trade unions, many of whom are hopeful his leadership will translate into concrete policy action and improved working conditions.
MORE TRANSACTIONS REVEALED IN GUNTILA MULEYA MURDER TRIAL
By Darius Choonya
More money transactions have surfaced in the murder trial of former Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) Director General Guntila Muleya, who was killed on July 23, 2024. Mr. Muleya was allegedly murdered by two police officers, a civilian, and IBA accountant Francis Chipyoka
Testifying before the Lusaka High Court, State witness Nunel Mulenga has told the court that a payment of over K549,000, allegedly meant for the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA), was prepared on July 24, 2024, a day after Mr. Muleya’s death. He said the payment was prepared by his then supervisor Peter Hambiya while Mr. Chipyoka was attending a meeting in the boardroom.
Mr. Mulenga’s testimony follows that of Sydney Mfuya, IBA Head of Procurement, who earlier told the court that a K400,000 transaction to Veriedian Dynamics was disguised as a statutory payment to ZRA.
Mr. Mfuya said the company is owned by Samuel Dokowe, one of the accused persons in the murder trial.
Mr. Mulenga further testified that he became suspicious after questioning the earlier payment and was told IBA owed ZRA over K7 million.
He however says days later, during a forensic audit at IBA, he discovered that the bank statements used by auditors differed from those previously given to him by Mr. Hambiya.
SALARY INCREMENTS UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF PRESIDENT HAKAINDE HICHILEMA
By Shalala Oliver Sepiso
1. 2022: A 12% basic salary increase was awarded to all civil servants, effective 1st January, 2022.
2. 2023: A 10.5% basic salary increase was agreed upon and implemented, effective 1st January, 2023
3. 2024: Civil servants received an increment of K550 across the board, effective 1st January, 2024. This was described as a 15% increase in negotiations, though the flat amount meant the actual percentage varied by salary scale.
4. 2025: A further increase of K500 across the board was awarded, effective January 1, 2025. Allowances such as meal and repatriation allowances were also increased. 5. 2026: K700 of basic salary.
Please note that K700 increase of basic salary means a higher amount of gross salary since allowances like Housing, Hardship, Transport etc are percentages of Basic Salary.
This means most civil servants will see an actual increase of more than K1,000 on their payslips.
DR CONGO PRESIDENT, FELIX TSHISEKEDI ALLEGEDLY IMPREGNATED HIS FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTER!!!
The President is reportedly under pressure following allegations of an affair with Foreign Affairs Minister THERESE KAYIKWAMBA WAGNER, 43, who is said to be pregnant end by him.
According to several online reports, the issue has caused tension within the presidential household, with First Lady DENISE NYAKERU TSHISEKEDI reportedly calling for the minister to resign.
The news has reignited a past scandal that happened 2 years ago in which then Education Minister TONY MWABA KAZADI impregnated his deputy minister AMINATA NAMASIA. The minister later on admitted the incident and said it happened by accident.
BOB MARLEY FOUND THE MAN WHO GAVE HIM HIS FIRST GUITAR — 30 YEARS LATER, ON STAGE – 15,000, HE CRIED!
London, June 3rd, 1978. BOB MARLEY was in the middle of No Woman, No Cry when he stopped singing. He walked to the microphone and said something that confused 15,000 people. There was a man who changed my life. He gave me my first guitar 30 years ago in Jamaica. His name was Mr. THOMPSON. I never got to thank him.
I don’t even know if he’s still alive. Then from the back of the LYSM theater, an old man stood up, his voice shaking. He shouted four words that made BOB MARLEY cry on stage. ROBERT, I’m right here.
Hit that notification bell because we uncover the hidden gems that shape the legends we know today. To understand this moment, you need to go back 30 years back to 1948. Back to a place most people in that LONDON theater had never heard of. FRENCHTOWN, KINGSTON, JAMAICA. FRENCHTOWN wasn’t a neighborhood. It was a wound. The poorest, most desperate part of KINGSTON.
Families crammed into government yards, tin roof shacks, dirt floors, children running barefoot through streets that smelled like sewage in desperation. Most kids in Trenchtown had two futures: crime or death. Sometimes both. But there was a small wooden schoolhouse on the edge of Trenchtown. And in that schoolhouse, every Saturday afternoon, a man named Joseph Thompson taught music.
JOSEPH was 42 years old in 1948. He’d been a professional musician once, played piano in KINGSTON hotels for tourists, but an injury to his hand ended that career. So, JOSEPH became a teacher, not a wealthy one. He made barely enough to survive. But every Saturday, he opened that schoolhouse and taught music to any child who wanted to learn for free.
Always free. Most weeks, 10 or 15 kids showed up. They had no instruments. Joseph brought what he could. An old piano missing keys. A damaged guitar with three strings. A harmonica with holes rusted through. The children didn’t care. For 2 hours every Saturday, they weren’t poor. They were musicians. One Saturday in April 1948, a new boy showed up.
Small for his age, maybe 13 years old. mixed race, light-skinned, which made him an outsider, even among the poor. The other kids looked at him suspiciously. He sat in the back corner and didn’t speak. JOSEPH walked over. What’s your name, son? ROBERT, the boy said quietly. ROBERT NESTA MARLEY. You want to learn music, ROBERT? The boy nodded.
勞KAGAME TAKES THE COURT: RWANDA’S LEADER SHOWS YOUTH HOW IT’S DONE
President Paul Kagame traded the boardroom for the basketball court, proving leadership isn’t just about policies—it’s about inspiration. Lacing up his sneakers, he joined local players in a pickup game that had the crowd on their feet.
This wasn’t just a photo op. Kagame’s message was clear: sports build character, unite communities, and shape Rwanda’s future. His jump shots and defensive plays demonstrated the teamwork and discipline he champions nationwide.
Rwanda’s President sees basketball as more than a game—it’s a tool for youth empowerment, social change, and national pride. By stepping onto the court himself, Kagame sends a powerful signal: leaders lead by example.
The energy was electric. Young Rwandans watched their President compete, inspiring them to stay active, dream bigger, and build a stronger nation through sports.
ENERGY CONSULTANT SAYS LOCAL FUEL PUMP PRICES DROPPED BY AN AVERAGE 27% THE PAST 12 MONTHS
By Chamuka Shalubala
Energy Consultant Dr. Johnson Chikwanda says fuel pump prices in the country have fallen significantly over the past year despite international fuel prices declining at a slower pace.
Dr. Chikwanda says while prices on the global market dropped by an average of 14 percent, local pump prices fell by a combined average of 27 percent.
He attributes the bigger reduction mainly to the strong performance of the Zambian Kwacha saying the currency appreciated by more than 30 percent over the last 12 months, helping to reduce the cost of fuel imports.
He adds that the open access policy on the diesel pipeline also played a role, contributing an estimated five percent to the overall reduction.
On fuel consumption, Dr. Chikwanda says diesel consumers saved an estimated K2.0 billion over the past year, while petrol users saved about K647 million.
He further indicates that international fuel prices are expected to remain relatively weak in the coming months, adding that if the exchange rate remains stable or improves further, fuel pump prices are unlikely to rise sharply unless there are major changes on the global market.
The people of Kabwe have every reason to smile as the town edges closer to regaining its industrial glory. Acting UPND Kabwe District Chairman, Garry Domingo, has extended heartfelt appreciation to the UPND government under the leadership of His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema for championing economic revival in the district.
In a message shared from the Chairman’s Desk, Mr. Domingo highlighted the recent visit by the Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Hon. Chipoka Mulenga, to Zambia–China Mulungushi Textiles. The company is preparing to resume operations, marking a pivotal moment in Kabwe’s industrial resurgence. “This milestone signals the government’s determination to restore Kabwe’s industrial heritage and drive inclusive economic growth,” he said.
Kabwe Central Member of Parliament, Hon. Christozer Phiri, welcomed the development, emphasizing that the reopening of Mulungushi Textiles will play a vital role in creating employment opportunities and boosting the local economy. Mr. Domingo also acknowledged the support and guidance of the Provincial Minister, Hon. Mwabashike Nkulukusa, Permanent Secretary Dr. Milner Mwanakampwe, and District Commissioner Mr. Lennox Shimwambwa in ensuring that the benefits of industrial revival reach the people of Kabwe.
The Chairman further applauded the resilience and patience of Kabwe residents, whose unwavering hope for the return of industry has been crucial in achieving this milestone. “Your belief in progress has been instrumental in reaching this moment,” he remarked.
Concluding his message, Garry Domingo reaffirmed the Kabwe District UPND’s commitment to supporting the government’s industrialisation agenda, urging the community to remain united in protecting these gains, supporting ongoing development, and building a prosperous future for Kabwe and Zambia.
In the year 2009, after the after the former president of Ghana John Kufuor’s presidential mandate had ended, there was a new candidate who was up for the presidential election and his name was Atta Mills who is of late.
He was a presidential candidate for the 2009 elections and the most popular. He was an attendee of TB Joshua’s Church.
Ahead for the 2009 elections, TB Joshua sent John Chi to Ghana to go give a special invitation to Atta Mills, after he had a revelation about late Ghana president Atta Mills. John Chi went and came back from Ghana. Atta Mills later honored TB Joshua’s invitation and went to the SCOAN.
Atta Mills was prayed for by TB Joshua and he returned to Ghana. Fast forward to the elections, the results came out and Atta Mills won the elections.
After winning, he returned to the SCOAN and gave a testimony before the all church. He later gave TB Joshua a huge amount of money as thanksgiving for the miracles of God upon his victory at the elections.
When he gave TB Joshua this money, John Chi who was sent to go invite Atta Mills became entitled and expected to be given his own share of the money. After back and forth happening for a while, John Chi left the SCOAN, travelled to Ghana to meet Atta Mills claiming he was being sent by TB Joshua.
It should be noted that, all these entitlement started coming up when he was publicly declared as a Wise Man by TB Joshua.
When he went to Ghana claiming he was being sent by TB Joshua, he tricked Atta Mills with lies and was given a huge amount of money. Chi went back to the SCOAN and got into serious arguments with TB Joshua and that was how he left the SCOAN in 2012, returning to Buea.
When he arrived Buea, John Chi went ahead opening a church and naming it SCOAN. This church was a replication of TB Joshua’s church and the name. John Chi’s aim for to make people think the Church was opened by TB Joshua and that it was a SCOAN branch in Cameroon.
Informations about the Church got to TB Joshua and he sent a strict warning to John Chi to close the church with immediate effect. That was when John chi closed the church and later on created his own church The Ark Of God.
Chi kept on using TB Joshua to gain publicity. But from today, know that since Chi left the SCOAN in 2011 till the day TB Joshua died, they were not in good terms and they weren’t in contact with each other.
IT’S SCANDALOUS TO BE POOR WHEN YOU HAVE MINERAL RESOURCES – WHAT THE MINING INDABA REMINDS ME OF
By Kellys Kaunda
Every time the Mining Indaba takes place in South Africa, our leaders talk of value-addition.
When you hear something too many times, but the experience of life remains the same, you lose trust in political leaders.
If they walked as they talk, mineral-rich nations like Zambia would in practice belong to the premier league of nations.
Copper, our God-given capital is to be found in cell phones, smartphones, computers, television sets, refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, dryers, microwaves, household heating elements and plumbing systems.
Beyond household goods, copper is to be found in weapon systems, planes, and much more.
Modern life would not be possible without copper.
So, if we are talking about value-addition, we are talking about creating industries to manufacture any of the above products.
But to do this, we need to train our own people in skills related to such products and the industries that manufacture them.
If we take stock of the skills available in Zambia right now, do we have enough that can handle value-addition of one or two products?
Do we have skills’ training institutions targeting Zambia’s minerals?
Is our education system oriented towards value-addition?
Can our graduates manufacture a fridge, a smartphone, heating elements, etc,?
Countries that talked value-addition immediately embarked upon value-addition.
They didn’t wait years. They climbed down the podiums from which they made the speeches and went on the ground to put up infrastructure and began training their citizens and began making things.
Here, we like planning too much and waiting until we cross every “t” only to end up with policy documents!
Currently, we are on the Eighth National Development Plan.
What do we have to show for the past seven national development plans?
How many mining indabas have we attended and how many products have we manufactured as a result?
Nothing!
We need political leaders with a mindset of a businessman who is not afraid to fail.
Stop making big speeches and stop attending conferences and put your hands to the plough.
TANZANIA OPPOSITION ARRESTS RAISE RIGHTS CONCERNS AHEAD OF OCTOBER ELECTION
OPPOSITION pressure is mounting in Tanzania following the arrest of Chadema deputy chairperson John Heche, who was detained by police outside the High Court in Dar es Salaam.
Heche had gone to attend the ongoing treason trial of Chadema leader Tundu Lissu, who was arrested in April and could face the death penalty if convicted. His detention has drawn sharp criticism from opposition figures and rights groups, who accuse the government of intensifying political repression.
Lissu’s lawyer, Dr Rugemeleza Nshala, says restrictions on the opposition leader have significantly worsened. Speaking outside court, Nshala said Lissu has been denied confidential access to his legal team since November 1, 2025, alleging that prison officers monitor conversations between Lissu and his lawyers. He added that senior Chadema officials and party members have now been barred from visiting him in prison.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been accused by critics of overseeing a renewed crackdown on dissent, despite earlier promises of political openness. Lissu has claimed the pressure has effectively forced him into exile, an allegation strongly rejected by the government.
In a separate statement, Heche alleged authorities had attempted to secure Lissu’s release on condition that he leave the country. He said the opposition leader had refused, insisting he would not accept any deal that forced him into exile.
President Hassan is seeking re-election on October 29, having taken office in 2021 following the death of her authoritarian predecessor, John Magufuli. While her early tenure was welcomed for easing restrictions on media and political activity, human rights organisations now warn that arrests, intimidation and legal actions against critics are increasing ahead of the vote.
“DINNER-TABLE POLITICS!” Zuma Family Grip on MKP Sparks Youth Fury
Fresh controversy has erupted inside the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) after Duduzane Zuma was appointed to the party’s powerful Presidential Task Team, reigniting claims that the movement is being run as a Zuma family project.
The MKP announced the 11-member task team on 6 February 2026, saying it would drive party operations ahead of the upcoming local government elections. But critics say Duduzane’s inclusion reinforces fears that real power lies not with members, but with former president Jacob Zuma and his inner circle.
Afrika Mayibuye Youth president Keamogetswe Masike slammed the move, claiming key decisions are “taken at a dinner table” before being imposed on the party. He described the MKP as “a family trust and a surname project,” warning it no longer represents genuine liberation politics.
Masike argued that while the ANC is fading, the MKP has become a family-run extension rather than a democratic alternative deepening divisions in an already crowded and volatile political landscape.
Gauteng Police Confirm Nigerian Man Shot Dead by Xolani’s Security Team During TV Production
Gauteng police have confirmed that the security team working with ActionSA’s Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate, Councillor Xolani Khumalo, shot and killed a Nigerian man during what was described as an anti-drug operation while filming an episode of the Moja Love television programme Sizok’thola on Sunday in the Windsor East area of Johannesburg.
Police spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko said authorities were called to the scene after community unrest erupted following the shooting. “Preliminary investigations indicated that a production company was filming in the area and that shots were fired, allegedly by the production team’s security,” Sibeko said, adding that a murder case has been registered and investigations are underway.
ActionSA confirmed that Khumalo was present during the incident, with the party’s statement framing the operation as part of efforts to confront organised crime. “For too long, drug syndicates have terrorised our communities through violence, intimidation and total disregard for the law,” ActionSA said, signalling support for what it described as “decisive and lawful measures to dismantle this scourge.”
The incident drew sharp criticism from opposition party the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). EFF spokesperson Sinawo Thambo said the shooting raised serious concerns about political parties involving themselves in operations that result in deaths. “If ActionSA is allowed to have its mayoral candidates lead ‘anti-drug’ operations and form part of the killing of suspects, then all political parties will think a successful campaign means you must buy guns and shoot those you suspect of crime to prove your commitment,” Thambo said.
The identity of the man killed and the specific circumstances that led to the shooting remain under investigation. Police said no arrests had been made at the time of reporting.
The incident adds to scrutiny around Khumalo’s involvement in high-profile anti-drug operations. Earlier legal matters linked to his role on Sizok’thola prompted a murder investigation in 2023, though charges were later provisionally withd
IS THE SUPREME LEADER AFRAID OR BEING SMART IN THE FACE OF DANGER??
IRAN’s Supreme Leader ALI KHAMENEI did not attend the annual February 8 meeting with army air force commanders, breaking a 37-year precedent since assuming leadership.
Instead, chief of staff of the armed forces ABDOULRAHIM MOUSAVI met with the army air force commanders on Sunday.
The annual meeting marks the anniversary of February 8, 1979, when a group of air force officers pledged allegiance to RUHOLLAH KHOMEINI, founder of the Islamic Republic and KHAMENEI’s predecessor as Supreme Leader. The encounter became a symbolic event, and air force personnel and commanders have met IRAN’s leader on the same date each year since.
KHAMENEI has observed the tradition annually since becoming Supreme Leader in 1989. He had previously maintained the annual meeting even during the pandemic.
His absence comes as tensions between TEHRAN and Washington have escalated, with the U.S expanding its military presence in the region.
Maxwell Signals Deal to Trump: ‘I Can Clear You’ If Clemency Comes First
Convicted Epstein accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell has sent a stunning message to Donald Trump: spare her from prison, and she says she can wipe his name clean in the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.
The explosive offer was revealed Monday by Maxwell’s attorney during her virtual deposition before the House Oversight Committee, instantly reigniting one of Washington’s most toxic political firestorms. Maxwell is serving a 20-year sentence for conspiring with Epstein to sexually abuse minors.
Her lawyer said Maxwell “alone can explain why” certain events unfolded, adding that the public “is entitled to that explanation”language widely seen as a not-so-subtle appeal for clemency. Trump has not ruled out a pardon or commutation.
Lawmakers reacted with fury after Maxwell pleaded the Fifth. Oversight Chair James Comer called it “very disappointing,” while Democrats accused her of trying to trade silence for freedom. Both Trump and Bill Clinton, whose names appear in DOJ-released files, deny any wrongdoing. The Epstein saga, it seems, is far from over.
U.S. hijacks another Venezuelan oil tanker in the Indian Ocean — “legalized piracy”
The United States military has seized a Venezuela-linked crude oil tanker in the Indian Ocean after tracking the vessel from the Caribbean for weeks. The ship was reportedly carrying about 700,000 barrels of oil when American forces boarded and took control of it.
Washington says the operation is part of enforcing sanctions and a naval blockade ordered by President Donald Trump against Venezuela’s oil exports. However, critics argue the vessel was intercepted in international waters, thousands of kilometres from U.S. territory, raising serious questions about international law and sovereignty.
The Pentagon openly stated its forces can enforce its will “halfway around the world”, signalling that any tanker linked to Venezuelan oil could now be targeted regardless of location.
Venezuela and several analysts have condemned the action, describing it as economic warfare and legalized piracy on the high seas.
South African authorities have intensified operations targeting undocumented migrants as part of a renewed effort to address border control, crime and pressure on public services.
Law enforcement agencies have increased inspections, arrests and deportations in several provinces, while officials say the move is aimed at restoring order to the immigration system and enforcing existing laws.
Authorities say a significant number of undocumented migrants originate from neighbouring and regional countries, including Abegistan, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Lesotho, Malawi, Ethiopia and Somalia, among others.
Government representatives maintain the campaign is not directed at any specific nationality but focuses on illegal entry, expired permits and undocumented residence. The operations are also linked to broader plans to strengthen border management and tighten immigration compliance.
The development comes amid growing public debate in South Africa over unemployment, social services and national security, with officials insisting legal migrants and visitors will not be affected.
AFRICAN LEADERS ABANDONED MUHAMMAD GADDAFI AND BLAME THE LIBYAN PEOPLE FOR HIS DEATH!
MUAMMAR GADDAFI, an icon of AFRICA and a champion of AFRICAN sovereignty, was betrayed by the very people who claimed to defend the continent.
When LIBYA was ättäcked and destabilized, no major AFRICAN leader came to its defense. Worse still, some blamed the Libyan people for the fall of their leader, forgetting history and friendship.
Concrete examples:
In 2011, BURKINA FASO’S President BLAISE COMPAORE, despite being close to GADDAFI, ultimately distanced himself to avoid opposing Western pressure.
CHADIAN President IDRISS DEBY, who had been an ally of Libya, also tacitly accepted foreign intervention.
Many other AFRICAN countries chose to side with NATO and Western powers, leaving Libya to face the invasion alone.
GADDAFI was never abandoned by his people, but by those who called themselves his African brothers. His dream of a united and strong AFRICA was betrayed by those who should have supported him.
Today, history reminds us that AFRICA can only count on solidarity when it is courageous and independent. Let leaders remember: betrayal is never forgotten.
-Yusuf Buhari, son of Late Nigeria’s President explains what life has become after he left the corridors of Power
“After Goodluck Jonathan made that call to my dad to congratulate him on his victory as Nigeria’s next President, I used to receive up to 2,000 calls a day from different people. The calls would start coming in as early as 4 a.m. — from old classmates, acquaintances, extended family relatives, former maids, and servants who had once worked for the Buhari family at some point.
There were also callers with bogus, untraceable explanations, but my assistant would simply come up with polite excuses to end those conversations quickly!
But the moment my dad left power and handed the baton to His Excellency Bola Tinubu, the calls dropped dramatically to about 100 a day.
After my dad was buried, they reduced even further to around 20 daily — usually just from siblings and business associates.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Court has ordered the forfeiture of 79 vehicles and 23 properties belonging to DALITSO LUNGU, the son of former President EDGAR LUNGU, after ruling that the assets were proceeds of crime.
The Court found that the Director of Public Prosecutions -DPP, GILBERT PHIRI, had successfully established a case for non-conviction forfeiture of the properties under the law.
Judges further ruled that the evidentiary burden placed on the interested parties had not been discharged, in accordance with the Forfeiture of Proceeds of Crime Act No. 19 of 2010.
The judgement was delivered by PIXXIE YANGAILO, ANNIE ONONUJU and IAN MABOLOBOLO, sitting as judges of the Economic and Financial Crimes Court.
The ruling follows an application brought under Section 29 of the Forfeiture of Proceeds of Crime Act No. 19 of 2010, seeking the non-conviction forfeiture of DALITSO LUNGU’s assets.
In an affidavit filed in opposition, DALITSO LUNGU stated that his wealth was not acquired from proceeds of crime, a position the Court did not accept.
ZNBC
National prosecution authority write:
DALISTO LUNGU’S ASSETS FORFEITED TO THE STATE IN HIGH COURT DECISION
Lusaka | February 9, 2026 – The Economic and Financial Crimes Division of the High Court in Lusaka has ordered the forfeiture to the State of extensive assets worth over ZMW 24 Million belonging to Dalitso Lungu, son of former Republican President the late Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, after finding that the properties were proceeds of crime under Zambia’s forfeiture laws.
In a judgment delivered today, the Court held that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had successfully established a case for non-conviction based forfeiture under the Forfeiture of Proceeds of Crime Act No. 29 of 2010. The Interested Parties, who were Dalitso Lungu as the 1st Interested Party and his company Saloid Traders Limited, failed to provide a credible, consistent, and verifiable explanation showing lawful acquisition of the assets.
The forfeiture order covers 79 motor vehicles and 23 parcels of land and real estate, including a shopping mall and filling station in Jack Compound, double storey luxury apartments and an executive residence in Salama Park, Lusaka.
The Court carefully reviewed Mr Lungu’s work history and earnings. Records show that he worked briefly at Varun Beverages Zambia Limited in 2012, earning approximately ZMW5,407 over less than three months. He later worked at the Zambia Revenue Authority for about 34 months, earning a total of approximately ZMW132,396, while also servicing a personal bank loan.
The Court concluded that these earnings, even cumulatively, were insufficient to justify the acquisition of the extensive fleet of vehicles and real estate.
Investigations into Saloid Traders Limited, the company owned by Mr Lungu, revealed that its financial statements, tax returns, bank records, and NAPSA contributions did not demonstrate the capacity to lawfully acquire or maintain the properties.
Claims that the assets were financed through commercial farming, other business income, or family assistance were rejected due to lack of documentary evidence such as bank transfers, tax filings, or lawful property conveyancing instruments.
The Court confirmed the legal principle that, once the State demonstrates reasonable grounds to suspect that property is tainted, the burden shifts to the property holder to prove lawful acquisition, a burden that the Interested Parties did not meet.
The Court ordered that all cited assets be forfeited to the State and directed that they be managed by the DPP in accordance with the law. The Interested Parties were also condemned in costs.
This decision emphasises the State’s authority to recover unexplained wealth and reinforces the principle that property ownership carries a responsibility to demonstrate lawful origin.
The images below provide a glimpse of some of the forfeited assets. More photos and comprehensive details will be shared in due course.
..continued failure to resolve this matter is creating dangerous precedence…
RECOMMEND IMMEDIATE REPLACEMENT OF MEMBERS DEFECTING TO OTHER POLITICAL PARTIES AND FORMATIONS
..those endorsing candidates that no longer belong to the Patriotic Front are engaged in defections and must be replaced immediately as the Party prepares delegates’ list to the General Conference….
Monday 9th February 2026
1. ON FUNERAL AND BURIAL OF ECL
The Patrtic Front Party remains deeply concerned that the mortal remains of the late President, Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, have not been put to rest eight (8) months after his demise in Pretoria, South Africa.
The Party has once again appealed to President Hakainde Hichilema to demonstrate leadership, and abandon all court processes, and actively engage in restarting credible negotiations in order to end this sad and unfortunate crisis.
This is to enable that all parties involved can facilitate and grant the wishes of the ECL family in this matter so that the late President can be put to peaceful rest.
Failure to resolve this matter continues to create a dangerous precedent as President Lungu diligently served the people of Zambia for seven years as President and therefore, deserves unequivocal respect and honour during his life and in death.
2. ON ENDORSEMENTS AND JOINING OTHER POLITICAL FORMATIONS
We have noted that some members of the Patriotic Front are announcing their endorsements or are joining presidential candidates that are no longer members of the Patriotic Front.
This will be regarded and treated as a defections.
To this effect the Provincial and District leadership are directed to immediately replace such individuals especially if they belong to leadership Party structures.
This should be done in liaison with the office of Acting Secretary General, Mr. Celestine Mukandila.
This is because the Party is currently preparing a delegates’ list for those eligible to attend the General Conference and the gathering will be drawn from bona fide party members.
3. COURT MATTERS
The matter of Consent Judgement to hand back the Patriotic Front to legitimate owners is coming before Lusaka High Court Judge, Justice Conceptor Chinyanwa Zulu on 25th February 2025. We hope that this matter will be settled once and for all.
4. GENERAL CONFERENCE
The Party leadership has made a decision that, notwithstanding any other legal or political factors, the General Conference will go ahead and will be held before the end of February 2026.
Further the Electoral Commission of the Party was appointed and has made extremely good progress and those eligible to vote are being contacted.
Further, the process is being handled in a manner that will produce a credible, legitimate and democratically elected leader of the Patriotic Front.
5. MRS. BRENDA NYIRENDA-CHISOPA
Presidential candidates have expressed alarm that the former Acting Secretary General, Mrs. Brenda Nyirenda-Chisopa has not surrendered administrative, financial records and assets of the Party despite repeated requests by the Secretariat.
The Presidential Candidates have stated that they participated in a process commissioned and directed by the Central Committee led by Acting President, Hon. Given Lubinda and expressed deep concerns that this matter remain unresolved. They urged the Party leadership to immediately resolve this matter so as to expedite preparations of the General Conference.
6. ON TONSE ALLIANCE
The Party has stated with emphasis that the only legal and legitimate Tonse Alliance is the one created by the late President, Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu. President Lungu appointed Hon. Given Lubinda and Hon. Raphael Nakacinda to head the Alliance in their capacity as leaders of the Patriotic Front as the Party was the anchor of the Alliance as provided in founding documents and subsequent signed Memorandum of Understanding by our partners.
Therefore, the leadership of Tonse Alliance remains one led by Patriotic Front Acting President, Hon. Given Lubinda and Secretary General, Hon. Raphael Nakacinda.
The Party is aware of a grouping that has broken away and purport to belong to another purported Tonse Alliance. This is regarded as a fraudulent and illegal process by the Party.
Members are encouraged to remain steadfast and loyal to the wishes of the late President and await further guidance to be given.
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
The Party has reported the Government of President Hakainde Hichilema to SADC and the Africa Bar Association for his attacks against democracy, the rule of law, and human rights violations.
This is to inform and highlight the regional bodies of the intense attacks and threats against Democracy occuring in Zambia and perpetrated by President Hakainde Hichilema and his associates.
Further this is to also alert them about the UPND’s clear intentions to undermine and steal the 2026 General Elections through the various schemes the Hichilema government is engaged in to manipulate democratic institutions and undermine the integrity of the electoral system.
The Party will continue to alert and report the crisis facing Zambia’s democracy to more international bodies.
WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT As a Party, we have a sacred duty to defend, honour and protect the legacy of both President Michael Chilufya Sata and President Edgar Chagwa Lungu.
We wish to assure our members to remain calm, steadfast and wait for official guidance on matters relating to the Party, its association with political alliances and general guidance.
The Party leadership has thanked the members for their continued loyalty and steadfast as the Party weathers the challenges it faces in order to give the people of Zambia credible and alternative leadership to the failing UPND government.
ISSUED BY; Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba Chairperson of Information and Publicity Member of the Central Committee PATRIOTIC FRONT
NYIRENDA WONDERS HOW PF WILL HOLD CONVENTION AGAINST COURT ORDER
LUNDAZI PF MP Brenda Nyirenda has wondered how the PF will hold a convention when the courts have restrained the party from holding any meetings or conferences in the name of PF.
Nyirenda has also accepted her appointment as Deputy Secretary General in charge of politics for the Brian Mundubile-led Tonse alliance.
However, PF faction Chairperson for Information and Publicity Emmanuel Mwamba says PF has continued to hold meetings despite the court orders and the convention will not be any different.
On Thursday, Mwamba announced that the party had appointed an Electoral Commission to host the general conference slated for the end of this month. Mwamba also said Nyirenda had been tasked with surrendering the preparatory minutes, documents and funds related to the preparation of the conference.
Responding to this in an interview, Friday, Nyirenda said the party needed to wait for the matters before court to be concluded before discussing issues to do with the convention.
“What I know is that anything that is being done is contemptuous so I can’t make any comment on things which are before the court. The matters are in court, so when matters are in court, we need to wait for the final judgment. How can we start running around when we have been guided by the court that nothing should be done? Honourable Nyirenda does not hold any of those things; they remain with the office. So how can they say I must surrender when was I removed from that office? I was removed a long time ago, on the 27th, three days before we were supposed to hold the convention. From that time, this is when they want handover notes from me? I don’t owe anyone any money,” she said.
And in a Facebook post, Nyirenda thanked Mundubile for the appointment and pledged to work hard for the betterment of the nation. Nyirenda was among the 20 members appointed to different portfolios of the alliance on Saturday.
“I wish to thank the Tonse Alliance and incoming 8th Zambia’s president, Brian Mundubile, together with the Council of Leaders for appointing me as Deputy Secretary General in charge of politics in the Tonse Alliance. I wholeheartedly accept the appointment with a resolve to work hard for the betterment of our nation. It’s now time to put our foot on the ground ahead of the big day in August,” wrote Nyirenda.
In a separate interview, Mwamba said the party would proceed to hold the convention and engage in other activities, stating that it would not be stopped by any court processes.
“What we are doing is for the party to survive and to keep the name of the Patriotic Front and our members active. Despite those court orders, we’ve always held meetings, we think that the general conference, which is a convention, is just one of the meetings that we hold. It’s not different from what we hold. We held a central committee meeting last week, we keep on engaging in activities as the Patriotic Front. You saw our team was in Mpika and for us the issue of the general conference is just a meeting like any of these political activities that we are engaged in and will not be hindered or stopped by any court process. The issues of court processes will be done by our lawyers,” Mwamba explained.
“Because we are living in unprecedented times, you have the state that is determined to kill, steal and destroy the Patriotic Front. We will proceed to hold the conference, we think that we have obeyed, we have stalled, we have stopped, it doesn’t yield any good results for us especially that we are just a few months away from filing of nominations and participating in the elections. The PF has to be ready to participate and one of the key issues is to pick its leader. We could have picked a leader through the conclave, we can go to the general conference, [and] we’ll pick a leader. The process in Kabwe or anywhere else, they are welcome and they are being handled by our lawyers but for political purposes, we have to do what is necessary politically not legal”.
He added that PF would do whatever was necessary to survive politically while leaving legal issues to the lawyers.
“We have always stated that the PF is under attack from the state and they are using illegal and political instruments to ensure that the PF doesn’t appear on the ballot. So we stated that we’ll fight this through legal and political means. So, the legal matter and legal part will be handled by our lawyers. As politicians, we’ll do what is required to be done in a political manner.
If you see, there’ve been court orders and court injunctions; we have refused to respect those. We proceed with appointments, with meetings, with participation, we’ve won the Petauke, Chawama and we did very well in Kasama despite the PF not appearing on the ballot and despite those court orders. So, for us, the issues of the legal fight are left to our lawyers. We’ll do what is necessary for us to survive as the Patriotic Front,” said Mwamba.
PEOPLE’S Pact Movement Vice President Robert Sichinga says he will back Socialist Party President Dr Fred M’membe in the August 13 general election.
Sichinga said he was too old to vie for the presidency and would, therefore, campaign for Dr M’membe because he had demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities.
He said he had confidence in Dr M’membe’s leadership style and given a chance, he was capable of delivering social and economic change from bad to a real stable outlook.
“I have known Fred M’membe for 47 years. He was a young man coming from university. So, when his name was mentioned, I had no problem because I knew him as a man of integrity,” Sichinga said .
He said this during a joint press briefing in Kitwe.
Sichinga said he would do everything within his powers to ensure Dr M’membe became president of Zambia.
He said he could vouch for Dr M’membe’s credibility and leadership qualities and that he was clear that the socialist leader was a visionary.
Sichinga said the country needed a young man who was qualified and fit to run the country.
“I supported Mr Hichilema in 2016 when he was approached by the party leadership and even in 2021, I supported Hichilema,” he said.
Sichinga said he was disappointed with President Hakainde Hichilema’s governance style.
He said the Socialist Party and the People’s Pact Movement were the solution to the various problems the country was facing, created by the United Party for National Development (UPND) and previous governments.
Sichinga urged Zambians to rally behind Dr M’membe as he had contributed to the democratic and human rights reforms in the nation.
Sichinga also expressed his disappointment with Hichilema’s handling of Bill 7, which was later en acted as the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Act No 13 of 2015.
Dr M’membe is the presidential candidate of the SP and the People’s Pact Movement.
LUNGU FAMILY VOWS NOT TO DEFAULT APPEAL AGAINST REPATRIATION ORDER
By Nelson Zulu
The family of former late President Edgar Lungu has disclosed that it will not default on filing its appeal in the Supreme Court of South Africa challenging the earlier High Court judgement last year that ordered the repatriation of his remains to Zambia.
In an interview with Phoenix News, family spokesperson Makebi Zulu has confirmed that preparations are underway to lodge the appeal on or before the 11 February, 2026 deadline and that the family remains committed to pursuing avenues that will secure a dignified burial for the former President.
The appeal follows a December 23, 2025 decision by the South African Court of Appeal granting the family permission to challenge the earlier Pretoria High Court judgement by Judge Aubrey Ledwaba that ordered Mr. Lungu’s repatriation, after rejecting the family’s request to bury the former President in South Africa and initial denial of permission to appeal on the basis that there was no reasonable prospect of success.
The case has since evolved into an eight-month long legal and political standoff, set against a backdrop of a long-running feud between Mr. Lungu and his successor, President Hakainde Hichilema, and the family’s assertion that the late President expressed wishes about attendees at his funeral.
TONSE PROBLEMS ENDED WHEN I WAS ELECTED PRESIDENT – MUNDUBILE
TONSE Alliance faction President Brian Mundubile says the alliance’s problems ended when he was elected leader.
Mundubile says those who accuse him of being a UPND project are actually the ones doing paid-for tricks with the ruling party to cause confusion in the opposition.
Meanwhile, Mundubile says the current ECZ cannot be said to be independent and has demanded that changes be made to remove “UPND cadres” from running the commission.
Speaking when he appeared on BM8 Unfiltered, Mundubile said as Tonse president, he was talking to PF members and those outside to work with him.
“Problems in Tonse ended. There was a congress last week on 28 January where president Brian Mundubile was elected Tonse president. The process was credible, transparent and accountable, that is where all Tonse problems ended. There could be others who are trying to [bring confusion] but don’t worry about that. As regards Tonse, the fact that it went through a conference and a leader was elected means problems in Tonse ended. What is important to know is how we are going to work with other political leaders. As president of Tonse, who was elected at the congress, I have started talking to other leaders, those we are with in PF and those outside. We have started talking so that we can come together and work,” he said.
“I know that many others want to see the UPND out of power, it’s urgent. The UPND should be removed from power but we can’t guarantee an environment which will be perfect, very quiet, no noise. Because the same people we want to remove from power are the ones who are going behind to sponsor people, that’s why there isn’t total calm. But we will try to unite, that’s why we made sure that we went for the congress and chose a leader, but we can’t achieve that 100 per cent because the people who are sponsoring confusion are the same people who want to remove government through an election, so that is likely to continue”.
Mundubile accused some senior opposition leaders of holding meetings with the UPND to cause confusion in the opposition, adding that they would be flushed out soon.
“You would be very disappointed where we are going. You will find that even senior leaders are compromised. They have been meeting with UPND doing imingalato and when they come around, they want to point at us innocent ones that we are a project [of the UPND]. The same ones saying that, check them properly, they are causing confusion because they are funded by the UPND. So you must be very careful, look out for such leaders who are causing confusion, they are actually funded, those are the ones on a project and they are in the habit of calling others projects, yet they are the projects themselves. So, through my leadership we will ensure that we flush out these elements to stop causing confusion in the opposition,” he said.
“And we will be able to make progress as opposition political parties together with other like-minded people. People who would want transparency, people who would want to act above board, people who would like to provide checks and balances as it were. So check your leaders, try to interrogate them, especially those that are in constant confusion, check them”.
Meanwhile, when asked to comment on recent remarks by President Hakainde Hichilema that the country would have free and fair elections, Mundubile claimed that from the time UPND got into government, the country had never had free and fair elections.
“You have ECZ that is headed by a known UPND cadre, member of the Central Committee of the UPND, madam [Maria] Zaloumis. She’s been a member of the UPND. There is another gentleman who attempted to stand in Chirundu. So it’s managed by party cadres. When we talk about free and fair elections, when you talk about credible elections, what exactly is the President talking about? From the time that they got into government there has never been credible elections held under the UPND, there has never been a free and fair election held under the UPND,” he said.
“Some of the reasons are the reasons I’m giving you. If you have your commissioners coming from a Central Committee of a political party, whether or not they are acting independently, the independence that we expect to see from an electoral body is not enough. To be independent, it should be seen to be independent. In this particular case, you cannot say that you see ECZ to be independent on account of the people that are running it, and by conduct we have seen a number of things go wrong”.
Mundubile demanded that some changes be made at ECZ to ensure that it was run by independent people.
“If you look at the comments that came from the Ghanaian President, I don’t want to put words in his mouth. We live in a global village and the fact that we know what happens in Ghana, what’s going on in Ghana, it’s also possible that the Ghanaians know what’s happening in Zambia.
It’s possible that the Ghanaians have been concerned with how the country is being run. It’s possible that the Ghanaians could be worried with how ECZ is being run. So the statement by the President of Ghana, we really take our hats off to him. The statement is very timely and I hope that government will move in swiftly to make certain changes. We demand that changes be made at the Electoral Commission of Zambia to bring in neutral people, preferably retired judges, people who are going to come in and work and discharge their duties with impartiality,” said Mundubile.
UPND MAY DRIBBLE THEMSELVES WITH ELECTION MINGALATO, WARNS KAMPYONGO
SHIWANG’ANDU PF MP Stephen Kampyongo says it makes government look untrustworthy when a government spokesperson brags about manipulating citizens during elections through mingalato.
He adds that the ruling party could end up “dribbling themselves into a net,” as history has shown that even those who considered themselves master dribblers eventually dribbled themselves.
On Thursday, Information and Media Minister Cornelius Mweetwa, who is also Chief Government Spokesperson, said “mingalato” would be in high gear in the August general elections, stating that “after all, there’s no strong opposition”.
In an interview, Kampyongo said it was regrettable that people had cheapened governance.
He added that Mweetwa should be discussing policy issues not how government would deceive citizens in order to be re-elected.
“It’s just regrettable that people have cheapened governance. The spokesperson for government must be discussing matters of policy, to give hope to Zambian citizens who have experienced enormous challenges. He should be talking about how the government intends to alleviate the poverty levels of our people other than capitalising on their poverty levels by manipulating them. He should wait and see how clever and intelligent Zambian people can be. Let him wait. It makes the government look untrustworthy because you can’t have government priding itself in dribbling, in manipulating citizens because that’s what he’s simply meaning. Mingalato is deception and hope that people will be so dumb, so dull, to continue being dribbled by those they entrusted with authority to govern them,” Kampyongo said.
“But I can tell you, people of Zambia may look dull, may look docile [but] they are more clever than what the government spokesperson thinks and they are bound to teach his government a lesson. He should, by now, be talking about the checklist of the undertakings they made, the promises they made to the people and how they’ve fulfilled them, and how that should be the basis for them to seek re-election back into office. It shows you that they’ve done nothing and they are betting on mingalato for people to give them a fresh mandate, who thinks like that? Does he really think all of us citizens are so dull to see through their manipulation? They may end up just dribbling themselves into the net. We have seen this before in the political history of this country. Even those who thought they were master dribblers ended up dribbling themselves”.
He highlighted that it did not matter how President Hakainde Hichilema mobilised resources for his election campaign because winning an election was not entirely determined by how much resources one put in.
“It’s not about how much resources they mobilise, how much they put in, people have demonstrated that even with the resources put in, if you don’t give them hope and if you have demonstrated that you cannot keep your promises to them, no matter how much resources are mobilised, people are able to make resounding decisions that will kick the UPND out of government. It doesn’t matter the resources you mobilise, it will boil down to the people’s livelihoods. You promised them never to experience loadshedding, how many years of loadshedding did they experience? No matter how you deceive them now, people know how much they’ve suffered. It’s not about the opposition, it’s about the people. The biggest opposition in this country is the people themselves,” said Kampyongo.
“Even when you brag about free education, which free education when children are going to school on empty stomachs? They end up in crowded classrooms where a teacher to pupil ratio is beyond the required standard. The mining sector itself, now, is something else. Mopani, which you have sold for nothing, where shares were moved for nothing, these are the things that he should be speaking to. Yes, you can manage to manipulate and dribble the people with regards to the Constitution amendments, which you have not even budgeted for. You manipulate, you look clever, by changing the Constitution yet you have no money to implement those changes because the budget has already spoken to the activities that you are supposed to undertake, so where are you going to get the money to fund those activities? The delimitation of constituencies and increasing the number of members of parliament comes at a huge cost. The budget that we approved for 2026, there’s no budget line speaking to go to those activities, you can’t continue running a country on mingalato”.
MUNDUBILE RIPS HICHILEMA OVER “INSULTING” K700 PAY RISE
….what good will it do to poor workers?
Monday, 9 February 2026 — Lusaka
Presidential aspirant Hon. Brian Mundubile has launched a blistering attack on President Hakainde Hichilema’s UPND government, condemning the recently announced K700 ($35) pay rise for Zambia’s public workers as “an insult” to the nation’s back-bone.
“Such a pay rise is an insult to our hardworking public workers who break their backs to save lives in hospitals or teach our children in overcrowded classrooms. President Hichilema is insensitive,” declared Mundubile, the lawmaker from Mporokoso and official Leader of the Opposition.
Mundubile, who was recently elected president and chairman of the influential Tonse Alliance, is set to challenge Hichilema in the upcoming 13th August polls.
He argues that the government’s gesture shows a lack of respect for Zambia’s civil servants, who continue to struggle under crushing economic realities.
Why Mundubile Calls HH “Insensitive”
The Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) breadbasket shows a family of six needs K11,500 ($575) monthly just to survive on basics.
A 25kg bag of mealie meal costs K350 ($17.50), monthly electricity bills average K800 ($40), and transport for two school-going children is about K1,000 ($50).
Most public workers earn around K4,500 ($225) before the raise. Mundubile asks: “What will K700 do to tip the scale?”
Sharp Rebuke “It’s not a good thing to mock starving Zambians, more than 70% of whom live in abject poverty on less than $2 per day. The President should have done better with his government than mock Zambians,” Mundubile said, emphasizing his empathy and reputation for championing the poor.
He accused Hichilema of betraying campaign promises, saying:
“Zambian children today sleep on empty stomachs under President Hichilema, who promised manna from heaven but delivered nothing.”
Mumbi hails Mutubila’s remarks over Kasama vote, while saying HH is relying on votes from his region
Former PF secretary general Mumbi Phiri has referred to veteran journalist Frank Mutubila as a “statesman” after he congratulated the people of Northern Province for showing the country how to vote in the manner the people of Kasama voted in the just ended Kasama mayoral by-election, which resulted in the UPND victory.
But Phiri said this was opposed to President Hichilema’s remarks to the people of Southern Province that votes from that area ‘should be kept for him.’
Phiri also charged that President Hichilema must not attribute his “lies” to the Africans, whom she said had the dignity not to lie.
Commenting on the remarks by veteran journalist Frank Mutubila who thanked the people of Northern Province for showing how the country must vote in the just ended Kasama mayoral by-election, Phiri referred to Mutubila as a statesman.
”He’s not like the President who is relying on the votes from his own https://dailyrevelationzambia.com/mumbi-hails-mutubilas-remarks-over-kasama-vote-while-saying-hh-is-relying-on-votes-from-his-region/
🇿🇲 EDITOR’S NOTE | When Parties Become Personal Estates
Zambian politics has long struggled with a structural weakness that is rarely named plainly: many political parties are not institutions in the full democratic sense. They are personal vehicles, built around a founder’s charisma, sustained by loyalty networks, and held together less by ideology than by proximity to one individual.
When that individual exits the stage, the party often enters a succession crisis, not because leadership renewal is impossible, but because the organisation was never designed to outlive the founder’s personality.
The Patriotic Front remains the clearest example. When President Michael Sata died in October 2014, the party did not transition smoothly into an institutional order. It fractured into contestation, improvisation, and myth-making. Edgar Chagwa Lungu’s rise was not merely a political process. It was framed as a spiritual inheritance. Songs were composed. Prayers were organised. Prophecies were sponsored. The narrative was carefully constructed that Sata had “anointed” Lungu as his successor.
This framing mattered because it replaced procedure with mysticism, and party rules with emotional legitimacy.
Fast forward. PF lost power in 2021. Edgar Lungu died in 2025. And the same script has returned almost intact. Competing factions within PF and the Tonse Alliance now speak again in the language of succession by blessing rather than succession by constitution. Different figures are presented as the late president’s preferred heir. Kelvin Bwalya Fube. Makebi Zulu. Brian Mundubile. Each name circulates within its own ecosystem of loyalty, each anchored to the same claim: that Lungu “anointed” someone.
From a sober political standpoint, this is less history than packaging.
Neither Sata nor Lungu formally anointed successors in any binding institutional manner. What is being marketed as legacy is often a tactical instrument, deployed to borrow the emotional capital of the dead for present-day power struggles. It is a politics of inheritance without accountability, and of continuity without consent.
The deeper problem is that parties remain tied to personal brands. In PF, aspiring leaders must position themselves as disciples of Sata, custodians of Lungu, or inheritors of an imagined mantle. The party becomes a shrine of memory rather than a platform of policy. Politics becomes biography.
This should worry all serious democrats, not only PF supporters.
Even the ruling UPND, often praised for organisational resilience, must confront the same institutional question. The party outlived its founder, Anderson Mazoka. President Hakainde Hichilema sustained it through fifteen years in opposition and ultimately led it to power. This is no small achievement.
But the question that defines mature political systems is never only survival under one leader. It is whether the party can survive beyond him.
Democracy requires parties that are larger than individuals, with internal rules that are respected, succession plans that are credible, and ideological anchors that do not depend on funeral narratives. Political movements cannot remain estates administered through loyalty and posthumous symbolism.
Zambia cannot build durable democracy on anointment politics. Parties must learn to outlive their founders, not by myth, but by institution.
We have a deep problem, as a country, which is that just about everyone and their cousin wants to be President.
A deeper crisis is that the clamour for State House is almost entirely fueled by disgustingly selfish motivations.
I mean, it is now an open secret that the good of Zambia is, at best, a periphery consideration for the large majority of politicians seeking elected office – across parties.
Individuals enter politics simply because they want a turn at the feasting table.
So, yes, we are now in the deep end of the insanity that takes hold ahead of every election.
Rather amusing, if tragically so, is that even ordinary citizens get caught up in the mindless frenzy to decide who will continue or take over the self enrichment project our politics are.
Politicians are allowed to loudly declare their deep desire to hold office without so much as making half a convincing argument on the why?
Why the F… do you want office???
But it’s not August 2026, I want to talk about. President Hichilema is going to win this election.
It is 2031, that I have a low key and rising sense of panic about.
What will happen when the current President is constitutionally barred from standing for another term? When an internal UPND stampede for succession will add to the ongoing opposition chaos?
You see the UPND has a weak to absent internal democracy. That combined with a President who is both overwhelmingly dominant over the party and then has no recognisable transition plan makes for a totally mad 2026 – 2031 term of office.
Point is, once the next election is over, we will find ourselves in a place we have not been in since President Chiluba – with a sitting President who cannot stand for the next election.
We know, of course, how it went with FTJ, and, dear God, we hope HH will not put us through another – I want to stay change the constitution for me – migraine.
The point, simply, is 2031 will be unchartered territory. A real test of our democracy.
Will any of the political entities have their house in order by then and be able to democratically choose a candidate to contest the election, in an orderly fashion??
Or is the madness we are seeing in the opposition also engulf the ruling party樂?
Citizens First (CF) President Harry Kalaba on Sunday received a thunderous welcome when he toured Bauleni Market in Lusaka, where hundreds of traders and residents turned out to greet him.
Kalaba, accompanied by senior party officials, moved freely through the busy market as enthusiastic marketeers chanted slogans and expressed confidence in his leadership, describing him as their preferred presidential candidate ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Several traders said Kalaba’s message of economic renewal and good governance had resonated strongly with ordinary citizens struggling under the high cost of living.
“Harry Kalaba understands our problems. We are suffering with high prices, and we believe he is the right person to fix the economy,” said one marketeer, who identified herself as Mary Phiri.
Another trader, Mr Joseph Banda, said the crowd’s reception was a clear sign that the people were ready for change.
“The welcome you have seen today is not staged. It is organic. Kalaba is our candidate because he speaks for the poor and the hardworking Zambians,” Banda said.
Addressing the crowd, Kalaba thanked the people of Bauleni for the warm reception and pledged to prioritise the welfare of marketeers and small-scale traders if elected into office.
“I am humbled by the love you have shown me today. This confirms that Zambians want leadership that listens, leadership that serves, and leadership that puts the people first,” Kalaba said.
He added that markets play a critical role in the country’s economy and must be protected and empowered.
“When we form government, we will ensure that marketeers operate in a safe, clean and supportive environment because you are the backbone of our economy,” Kalaba said.
The visit to Bauleni Market is part of Kalaba’s ongoing nationwide engagement with communities as he consolidates support ahead of the next general elections.
