Join our community of SUBSCRIBERS and be part of the conversation.
To subscribe, simply enter your email address on our website or click the subscribe button below. Don't worry, we respect your privacy and won't spam your inbox. Your information is safe with us.
The Bank of Zambia has noted that weakening economic growth, load shedding and tightening liquidity in Zambia are threatening financial stability in the market.
And the Central Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee has maintained the policy rate, a key determinant in lending rates, at 10.25 percent.
BoZ Governor Denny Kalyalya says the committee took into account projected inflation remaining above the upper bound of the 6.8 percent target range, tightened liquidity and reduced production owing to electricity challenges.
Dr. Kalyalya noted that increased food prices owing to droughts in the last farming season have also had a negative toll on inflation.
He says the above factors required the upward adjustment for the policy rate but the Central Bank had to hold it pending some measures by the Ministry of Finance.
Speaking during the MPC quarterly briefing in Lusaka today Dr. Kalyalya noted that global growth has equally weakened with demand for copper by China having reduced owing to decline in investment in emerging markets and reduction in global trade due to ongoing trade tensions between the USA and China among others.
And Bank of Zambia Deputy Governor Operations Francis Chipimo said access to finance has remained a challenge for private sector growth and investment.
Dr. Chipimo however said there are a lot of developmental issues being undertaken aimed at enabling the financial sector mobilize savings and lend money to investors with ideas.
HH and President Lungu meet at late Munkombwe’s burial in Choma
By Chimwemwe Mwanza
Vicious, vindictive and vengeful aptly describes the Zambian political arena. Former Presidents, Kenneth Kaunda, Rupiah Banda and the late Frederick Chiluba all have scars to prove this. In the 80’s, Kaunda locked up Chiluba on flimsy charges that failed to hold in a court of law. After he became Head of State, Chiluba retaliated by sending Kaunda to Mukobeko maximum prison.
The irony for Chiluba is that his handpicked successor, Levy Mwanawasa motivated Parliament to waive off the latter’s immunity thereby exposing Chiluba to several graft charges formulated by the now defunct Task Force on Corruption. With his legacy tainted by a skewed narrative, only death saved Chiluba from possible jail time. To erase his predecessor’s legacy and ensure his humiliation, the late Sata’s PF re-created this trend by consigning Rupiah to a life of court appearances.
Off significance to this conversation, UPND leader, Hakainde Hichilema (HH) served time in Lilayi prison on a laughable treason charge – this at the hands of the current PF regime. For a fact, HH has never hidden his disdain for President Edgar Lungu and his stint in a tiny Lilayi prison cell has probably served to reinforce the UPND leader’s contempt for the President.
Just why such vindictiveness and blatant abuse of power seems to gratify incumbents is hard to understand. In the absence of reason, one might well speculate that this show of brutality is all about a naked flexing of political muscle – a bit more like, ‘can I show you who is the boss’. Whatever the reason, the difficulty is that this trend erodes the very democratic tenets and political maturity that Zambia is renowned for in the rest of Africa and the world over.
Which makes 2021 an interesting contest. Other than bread and butter issues, the fore mentioned factors will weigh heavily on the minds of both President Lungu and HH heading closer to the polls.
Who is likely to win?
The tiny but seismic shift in fundamentals on the ground seem to suggest that this will be a closely fought contest. Besides, recent electoral predictions across the globe – even by the most experienced pundits have gone against the grain making it even more difficult to provide an accurate outcome.
For example, in 2012, several analysts predicted an outright victory for Rupiah’s MMD only for the PF to spring a surprise. Suffice to acknowledge that, while characteristics of the Zambian electoral landscape may differ in comparison to mature democracies, there are similarities to draw from – especially in elections where the voter’s desire for change outweighs any other considerations.
Unaware of a groundswell desire for change, an over-confident former British Premier, David Cameroon called a snap referendum to determine Britain’s future in the European Union (EU). He was stunned at the outcome. Against odds, the British electorate voted for Brexit thus paving the way for what has now become Britain’s messy divorce from the EU trade block.
Humiliated by a razor thin loss to Brexit supporters, Cameroon was forced to call his time as leader of the conservative party. In yet one of the biggest election upsets of the 21st century, Donald Trump steam-rolled establishment candidate, Hillary Clinton to become the 45th President of the US. Therefore, the notion that either the PF or UPND might have an edge over the other heading towards 2021 is fallacious. Truth is, this is an election that could swing either way.
Why ECL will be desperate to win
Despite the PF’s public show of confidence, their determined focus on HH and constant whip-lashing of his perceived tribal inclinations, best illustrates their genuine fears and by extention their desperation. Rightly so, they can’t afford to be complacent. 2021 will be a referendum on their ten years in power. Be rest assured that this is one election where the PF’s well – oiled propaganda machinery will likely throw both the sink and kitchen at the UPND bearing in mind what is at stake. In fact, the proposed amendment to the constitution is intended to disadvantage the opposition ahead of the polls.
What troubles the mind is that the current constitution which the PF is attempting to discard was signed into law by the sitting President amid a jam-packed Independence stadium. Three years later, it’s tempting to ask. What has changed to warrant an amendment to this sacred document? By now, PF knows too well that the much-punted humility of their candidate might be a hard-sale more so to an electorate that appears too desperate for change. They can’t afford lethargic arguments such as they being the only party with a manifesto. Need they be reminded that having a manifesto is one thing and delivering on its content is another.
What about the promise that they would lower taxes and put more money in the pockets of the working class? Did they deliver on such including creation of job opportunities? You be the judge. The President is aware that he will be facing an electorate that is weary of rising food costs. A persistent drought over the last two seasons has only compounded the hunger situation – more so in outlying areas of the country. In addition, the policy uncertainty in mining taxation and the stand – off between government and sections of the mining community is taking its toll on economic growth. Perceptions around inaction on corruption might not help his cause either. While some of these challenges might not be, the PF’s making, the electorate always tend to punish a sitting government for their suffering – sometimes unfairly so.
Never mind whether HH has genuine or has yet to formulate charges against the PF, he has consistently warned that the PF leadership will be called to account for wrong doing once he becomes President. The tacit implication of this threat is that, HH is already extending bed spaces at Chimbokaila, Kamwala Remand and possibly Lilayi prisons for use by the PF leadership. And knowing fully well what is at stake, a possible loss is too ghastly for the PF to contemplate. For President Lungu, there will be no better motivation to win the polls than lose to a sworn rival.
Its State House or bust for HH
PF has over-exposed the country to a mountain of debt that will outlive generations to come. It is precisely why the 2021 polls will boil down to the economy. As a businessman, HH knows too well the implications of our foreign debt on the fiscus. Zambia can’t afford to keep borrowing to fund consumption and expenditure on non-productive sectors of the economy.
This is the message he has been selling the grassroots. For a fact, he has the support of the broader investment community, including some global mining giants. Most important though, the International Monetary Fund appears to have factored in his possible victory in 2021 hence their reluctance to engage the current government on a possible economic rescue package.
The question is, has the UPND leader’s message of change found resonance with the electorate? While he appeals to the affluent and middle class in Parklands, Kansenshi and Kabulonga, the grassroots in Mandevu, kwa Nagoli and Chamboli seem to be struggling to grasp his vision for the country. Be reminded that he desperately needs this voting block to win the elections.
Against the backdrop of challenges, this looks like HH’s election to lose. Fact is, he can’t afford a record of 4 election loses on the trot. Such a scenario will certainly cast him into political wilderness and the glue that’s bound the UPND together over the years will finally loosen. Is this what he wants?
It’s entirely up to him and how he manages his campaign otherwise it might just well be that he will once again fall short of expectation and hand the PF another 5 years in power. And him being such a vexatious litigant, our Supreme and Constitutional courts will likely be kept busy. Watch this space.
The author is an avid reader of political history and philosophy. He loves Nshima with game meat. For feedback contact him on kwachaoneATgmailDOTcom
In a democracy, scrutiny is not a threat; it’s a necessity. President Hakainde Hichilema’s recent remarks equating public criticism with hatred risk mischaracterizing legitimate dissent as something malicious. It’s a disservice not only to the critics but to the democratic ideals that brought him to power.
On June 24, 2025, during a meeting with civil society organizations, President Hichilema lamented that, unlike his predecessors, he is viewed with suspicion and malice. His remarks came in response to widespread criticism over his administration’s intent to amend the Zambian Constitution ahead of next year’s general elections. He expressed frustration, claiming that previous administrations amended the constitution during election years without facing the same backlash.
While it’s true that UNIP, MMD, and PF each altered the constitution during their time, it’s misleading to invoke these precedents as a justification. Zambians elected Hichilema not to replicate the past, but to break from it, to fix what was broken, not to follow the same path.
Amending the constitution in an election year is a sensitive and consequential act. Citizens have every right to question its timing and motive. That’s not hatred; it’s democratic engagement, which should be welcomed, not condemned.
The president’s claim that he is judged differently, or more harshly, raises concerns. Whether intended or not, it implies that criticism may be driven by personal or even regional bias. This kind of narrative is dangerous. It shifts attention away from policy substance and toward emotional deflection. It invites division when what the country needs is unity.
Critics are not attacking President Hichilema because of who he is; they are challenging what he’s doing. That distinction matters. When citizens raise their voices, they do so out of a desire to protect democratic processes, not to undermine them.
Unfortunately, this is not the first time Hichilema’s administration has deflected criticism by pointing to past governments. This “they did it too” defense dilutes accountability and contradicts the spirit of change that Hichilema promised. It’s not leadership, it’s deflection.
Zambia must not normalize constitutional manipulation as part of its political cycle. If every administration justifies its actions based on historical precedent rather than principle, then progress becomes impossible. We end up in a loop, amending, undoing, amending again, without ever strengthening the foundation of our democracy.
To be clear: the opposition to constitutional amendments is not a personal attack on the president. It’s a call for caution, transparency, and long-term thinking. Zambians don’t hate their leaders; they hold them accountable. It’s a legacy of civic responsibility that should be honored, not misinterpreted.
President Hichilema has a rare opportunity to lead differently, to break the cycle, to build trust through humility and open dialogue. But that will only happen if he hears criticism not as an insult, but as an invitation to improve.
Democracy flourishes not when voices are silenced, but when they are heard. Scrutiny is not a threat in a healthy democracy; it’s a necessity. President Hakainde Hichilema has the wrong interpretation. Criticism is not synonymous with hatred.
In a groundbreaking shift toward energy independence and economic self-determination, Zambia has secured a 26% equity stake in Angola’s Benguela (Lobito) oil refinery, signaling a new chapter in intra-African collaboration. The deal, announced by energy ministers from both countries, marks Zambia’s bold transition from a fuel-importing nation to a strategic co-owner in one of the continent’s most promising energy projects.
The refinery, currently under construction in Angola’s coastal city of Lobito, is expected to become operational by 2026. Its completion will be paired with the Lobito–Lusaka fuel pipeline, which will directly connect the refinery to Zambia—cutting transportation costs, reducing dependency on overseas imports, and enhancing fuel security for one of Southern Africa’s landlocked economies.
From Passive Consumer to Strategic Partner
Zambia’s participation in the refinery goes far beyond fuel procurement. By purchasing a 26% ownership stake, Zambia becomes an equity stakeholder in production and distribution—an unprecedented step for a country that has historically been at the end of the fuel supply chain. Energy Minister Peter Kapala described the move as “a turning point in our pursuit of energy sovereignty and regional value creation.”
“This isn’t just about fuel. It’s about control, ownership, and building an Africa that keeps its value chains on the continent,” Kapala said.
Energy Security Meets Economic Vision
With the new refinery and pipeline in place, Zambia stands to benefit from:
Lower fuel prices due to shorter supply routes
Job creation through refinery operations and pipeline maintenance
Reduced forex demand, as the need for fuel imports from Europe or the Gulf declines
Stronger regional trade, in alignment with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)
The deal also aligns with Africa’s broader push for local beneficiation—ensuring that natural resources are refined and processed locally, rather than being exported in raw form.
A Blueprint for a New Africa
The Zambia-Angola partnership reflects a new model of pan-African development: equity over aid, cooperation over dependency. It shifts the narrative from Africa as a recipient of foreign investment to Africa as a proactive investor in its own future.
“This is not just an oil deal,” said regional economist Dr. Naledi Mwamba. “It’s a test case in how African countries can break the cycle of dependency and lead on their own terms. If this model is adopted in agriculture, mining, and telecoms, it could rewrite the continent’s development story.”
Next Steps
The construction of the Lobito–Lusaka pipeline is expected to begin in early 2026, following the refinery’s commissioning. Financing agreements are reportedly being finalized between Zambia, Angola, and several regional financial institutions, with support from the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and the Development Bank of Southern Africa.
Zambia’s investment in Angola’s refinery is more than a strategic move—it’s a symbolic pivot. A pivot toward ownership. Toward African-led development. And toward a continent determined to create, refine, and distribute its own wealth.
As Zambia co-owns its energy future, it sends a message that’s louder than oil: Africa’s future is in African hands.
Three weeks ago, I issued a statement on behalf of the Republican Progressive Party (RPP), and in my capacity as Party President, commending the UPND Government on the positive economic developments our country is beginning to experience. Today, even as we mourn former president Edgar Lungu, we cannot overlook the encouraging signs of economic resilience and progress.
Fellow citizens, despite these dark days of mourning, the Zambian economy has continued to show signs of resilience and stoicism against emerging challenges. For instance, the Kwacha has appreciated to levels below K23 for the first time in 16 months, while fuel prices have been trending downwards on the domestic market.
This has happened even in the face of heightened geopolitical and geo-economic tensions,particularly in the Middle East, which pose risks to the recent economic gains our country has recorded. Notably, Bloomberg—a globally respected media outlet—has ranked Zambia as one of the fastest-growing economies on the African continent, with the Kwacha being recognised as
the second-best performing currency in Africa.
Furthermore, the United Nations in Zambia released the 2025 Human Development Report last week, revealing that Zambia has improved its Human Development Index (HDI) from 0.551 in 2014 to 0.588 in 2024. This reflects notable progress in areas such as access to education, health, and improved living standards for our people.
Policies such as free education, the massive recruitment of teachers and health workers, and the unlocking of domestic resources to clear longstanding arrears and pensions are beginning to bear fruit. As RPP, we commend the UPND Government for their continued fiscal discipline,resilience, and steadfast policy direction under extremely challenging global circumstances.
We are hopeful that the recently announced ceasefire in the Middle East will help bring stability to that region and prevent possible hikes in global oil prices, which could otherwise reverse the gains we have seen in reducing fuel prices locally.
At the same time, we remain watchful of international copper market developments.
The deepening copper squeeze and historic backwardation, caused by falling inventories, potential US tariffs, and pricing crises at smelters, are likely to drive copper prices to record highs in the medium term. As a copper-producing nation, Zambia is poised to benefit significantly from these developments.
In conclusion, even as we mourn, let us remain hopeful, prayerful, and focused on preserving peace, unity, and the progress we are making as a nation.
The 1xBet brand offers gambling fans a wide selection of games in all popular genres, exciting tournaments with huge prize pools, as well as regular promos and generous bonuses. In the 1xBet Casino section, you will find everything you need for relaxation and entertainment!
Wide selection of slots
The 1xBet Casino section contains thousands of gambling slots – from time-tested hits to the latest releases. Among numerous games, you will find:
Crystal
Crash
Under and Over 7
Western slot
Indian Poker
Apple Of Fortune
Solitaire
21
Vampire Curse
Burning Hot.
To make it easier for players to choose a slot they like, the games are grouped into categories, including popular, new, and exclusive. The section also features convenient filters that allow you to select slots by provider (e.g., Evolution, Spinomenal, 3 Oaks), mechanics (such as cluster, cascade, or crash), theme (like Africa), and other parameters. The best slots can be added to Favorites – they will be displayed at the top of the section.
Live casino
The Live Casino section allows you to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of elite casinos in Monte Carlo and Las Vegas without leaving your home. Choose poker, blackjack, baccarat, roulette, or any other game, and our dealers will happily play with you in real time.
Tournaments, promos, and bonuses
1xBet Casino regularly hosts exciting tournaments with huge prize pools. The mechanics of each competition are different, but the essence remains the same: players earn points for their activity in selected games. The number and amount of bets, received multipliers, and winnings, as well as other indicators, are taken into account. The more active participants are, the higher they rise in the leaderboard. In the end, players receive a well-deserved share of the prize pool.
1xBet offers gambling fans numerous bonuses:
Welcome Package – up to 41 000 + 150 FS for the first four deposits for new players;
VIP-cashback – loyalty program with cashback on casino bets;
Loyalty Pays Off – up to 100 FS + 50% bonus on the tenth deposit in slots.
In order not to miss new generous promos and tournaments in 1xBet Casino, subscribe to the bookmaker’s social media!
If you like gambling, 1xBet Casino is exactly what you need. Here, you will find everything for a quality rest: popular slots, top tournaments with cool prizes, and regular generous promos for players!
We wish to state that the decision by President Hakainde Hichilema to direct the Minister of Justice to defer Bill 7 comes after serious backlash and after wholesome rejection of the proposed constitutional amendments.
However, we must remain alert and not fall for this gimmick.
The proposed constitutional amendments must be abandoned as there is no adequate time to establish public consensus as general elections are near and sadly the process has been driven by the President and his UPND party instead of a process led by the people.
We wish to warn that the deferment is not well-intentioned and remain a trick up his sleeves as shown by similar gesture in the recent past.
Zambians must remember that President Hakainde Hichilema did the same to the Cyber Crimes and Cyber Security Bills purporting that they needed wide consultation only for the bills to be reintroduced and quickly passed as law without due regard to any public and stakeholders’ concerns.
We also wish to register serious concerns regarding the remarks made by the President when he met some civil society grouping where he alleged that he had noted that his policies and constitional proposals are vehemently met with serious and unjustified opposition because he is a “pariah ” and because he comes from a certain region.
These remarks were unfortunate and the victim-hood posture he assumes is dangerous as it is NOT based on the Truth.
The cyber laws, the proposed constitutional-making process and for example the sale of Mopani Copper Mines were opposed because they did not meet minimum public consultations, or publicly accepted processes and consultations.
The President must desist from making tribal or regional statements that serve only to divide the country or continue to polarise the divide, threatening national unity.
Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba
Chairperson Information and Publicity
PATRIOTIC FRONT
President Hichilema has guided the Minister of Justice, Hon Princess Kaune MP in consultation with Parliament, to defer the ongoing process on Bill No.7 of 2025 to allow for more consultations with the Zambian people.This decision underscores the governments commitment to fostering a participatory and consensus driven process in shaping transformative legislative reforms.
The guidance by the President follows further consultations with the Church , Church Mother Bodies, and over 30 civil society organisations,held at State House on Tuesday the 24th of June 2025,where diverse perspectives were shared. To ensure additional stakeholder input,the President has guided the Minister of Justice to work closely with the church,civil society and other stakeholders to review the currrent roadmap and proposed amendments. this is premised on the President’s duty to listen to the citizens.
Additionally, President Hichilema reaffirms the government’s commitment to reviewing the NGO Act and the NGO Bill to safeguard the independence and operations of non-governmental organisations.He underscores the critical role of a vibrant and autonomous civil society in strengthening Zambia’s democracy.
The government remains steadfast in its pursuit of reforms that reflect the aspirations of all Zambians.By prioritising dialogue and inclusivity,the government hopes the national conversation can now focus on the substance of the proposed amendments , ensuring they delivery meaninful change for the nation.
Issued by Clayson Hamsaka
Chief communications Specialist State House
ECZ Greenlights Lumezi By-Election After Correcting Ballot Omission
Newsroom | June 26, 2025
LUMEZI, EASTERN PROVINCE — The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has confirmed that the by-election in Lumezi Constituency will proceed as scheduled, following the correction of an earlier ballot paper omission that excluded the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) candidate.
The oversight, which sparked controversy last week, had raised concerns over electoral transparency and the credibility of the Commission’s processes. However, ECZ officials moved quickly to rectify the error and reassure the public of the institution’s readiness to conduct free, fair, and peaceful polls.
In a press briefing, ECZ Chief Electoral Officer Brown Kasaro stated, “We have completed the reprinting of ballot papers, including all validly nominated candidates. Logistics and security arrangements have also been finalised to ensure a smooth voting process.”
The Lumezi seat fell vacant following the nullification of the previous Member of Parliament’s election due to electoral malpractice. The upcoming by-election will see a competitive field of candidates, with the UPND hopeful now reinstated and opposition parties, including PF and independent contenders, eager to capture the seat.
The ECZ’s prompt correction has been welcomed by observers, though some civil society organisations have called for a thorough review of internal procedures. “While we commend the ECZ for acting swiftly, we urge them to investigate the root cause of the omission and implement safeguards to prevent future errors,” said Grace Mulenga of the Electoral Rights Alliance.
Security in the constituency has also been heightened ahead of voting day. Eastern Province Police Commissioner Limpo Liywalii confirmed the deployment of additional officers to ensure peace and order. “We have increased patrols and will be monitoring all political gatherings to prevent potential flare-ups,” he said.
Political parties have resumed campaigns, and voter education programs have been stepped up to encourage turnout. The ECZ has dispatched civic educators to Lumezi to remind citizens of their rights and the importance of peaceful participation.
Local residents expressed mixed feelings. “I’m glad the UPND candidate is back on the ballot. We need to hear all options,” said farmer Joseph Tembo. Others voiced skepticism about the electoral process. “They say it was a mistake, but who’s to say it won’t happen again?” asked trader Miriam Banda.
The UPND has vowed to intensify its campaign efforts in the final stretch. Party spokesperson Joseph Kalimbwe said, “This seat is critical, not just for Lumezi but for national representation. We will leave no stone unturned.”
The outcome of the Lumezi by-election is expected to serve as a bellwether for voter sentiment ahead of the 2026 general elections. Analysts say a UPND victory could be seen as public endorsement of the ruling party’s policies, while a loss may signal dissatisfaction in key rural constituencies.
As the nation watches closely, ECZ’s handling of the by-election — from correction of errors to enforcement of peace will also serve as a litmus test for the Commission’s credibility and independence.
Bill 7 Sparks Heated Parliamentary Debate Over Constitutional Reforms
Newsroom | June 26, 2025
LUSAKA — The presentation of Constitution Amendment Bill No. 7 to Parliament has stirred political tension and public scrutiny as lawmakers begin debating a range of proposed changes to Zambia’s supreme law ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Justice Minister Princess Kasune tabled the bill this week, outlining reforms that include the expansion of the number of parliamentary seats, structural realignments of government institutions, and the enhancement of oversight mechanisms. The bill has been referred to the relevant parliamentary committee for scrutiny, but its unveiling has already generated a flurry of debate among stakeholders, civil society groups, and opposition figures.
During her address to the National Assembly, Minister Kasune emphasized that the bill is part of the government’s broader strategy to modernize Zambia’s governance architecture and strengthen democracy. “This is a progressive step meant to realign our constitutional values with the realities of a growing and dynamic nation,” she said.
However, opposition parties and civil rights activists have sounded alarms over the timing and content of the proposed amendments. Party for National Unity and Progress (PNUP) leader Highvie Hamududu warned that the reforms risk undermining constitutional stability so close to a general election. “Any amendments that are not grounded in widespread consensus will be viewed with suspicion,” he said.
Civil society organisations including Chapter One Foundation and Transparency International Zambia (TIZ) have also questioned the public consultation process. They argue that the bill was introduced without adequate national dialogue, and that the perceived haste could erode public trust in the legislative process.
Editorials in independent newspapers such as News Diggers have called on lawmakers to reject the bill unless major revisions are made. “Bill 7 has not passed the test of inclusivity. Its content and context appear tailor-made to suit short-term political ends rather than long-term national interest,” the paper wrote.
Proponents of the bill within the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) insist the reforms are necessary to ensure smoother governance and more efficient representation, especially in rural and newly demarcated constituencies. UPND Chief Whip Stafford Mulusa said the changes would enable better public service delivery.
The bill also touches on electoral reforms, judicial restructuring, and decentralisation, areas that have historically been sensitive in Zambia’s political discourse. Analysts warn that any missteps in handling these reforms could inflame political tensions and provoke voter backlash in 2026.
Meanwhile, constitutional law experts remain divided. Professor O’Brien Kaaba from the University of Zambia notes that while some proposals may be legitimate, their credibility is undermined if the public perceives them as top-down. “If constitutional changes are perceived as being politically motivated rather than people-driven, they will fail to endure,” he warned.
Speaker of the National Assembly Nelly Mutti has urged decorum and comprehensive debate. She reminded MPs that the integrity of the legislative process must remain above partisan interests. “Our constitution is the foundation of the Republic. It must be treated with reverence,” she said.
As the committee prepares to receive public submissions, all eyes are on how Parliament will balance political ambition with constitutional integrity. Whether Bill 7 will be adopted, amended, or rejected remains uncertain, but its introduction has already marked a pivotal moment in Zambia’s legislative and political landscape.
The news emanating from South Africa around the issue of former president, Edgar Lungu makes sad reading. For instance, the South African government has confirmed that the Lungu family had permanent resident status of that country. Where’s the sense of patriotism here? How can a President maintain unbreakable ties with another country to the extent of even acquiring identify documents, let alone massively investing in that country? Isn’t that worst betrayal of one’s country?
From the time ba Lungu found himself a tenant in State House, his nationality has been a matter of intense debate, and as controversial as it could get! There are conflicting accounts of where he was born – Kitwe’s Chimwemwe township and Ndola ‘Central’ Hospital in 1956…..How can a human being be born in two different places?
What is now known as Ndola Central Hospital was called Ndola Hospital and it was a whites only facility prior to Independence! How is it possible then that ba Lungu was born in Ndola Hospital?
Was ba Lungu really one of us……or even a patriotic citizen?
Let’s us put this in a proper perspective: Our first President, Kenneth Kaunda traced his roots back to Chinsali in the present day Muchinga province; Frederick Chiluba always reminded us of having his umbilical cord buried kwa Musangu, Luapula province while it is common knowledge Levy Mwanawasa hailed from kwi Lamba, Ndola rural.
Although he is said to have spent part of his youthful days in Zimbabwe, there’s no doubt about it, Rupiah Banda’s parents came from Chipata, Eastern province where he briefly settled after saying ‘adios’ to politics. And everyone of us knows Micheal Sata was from Chitulika village in Mpika, Northern province where his father happened to be a village headman before he had enough of making tea for the muzungus.
Incumbent President, Hakainde Hichilema is from Bweengwa, Southern province. All of us have been privy to this have even before he set foot into the colonial mansion at Plot 1 Independence Avenue!
The 1 billion Kwacha question is, who knows about ba Lungu’s village? What about his Chief or village headman? How come his blood relatives – brothers, sisters, uncles and aunties are still missing in action when one Makebi Zulu, his lawyer, has stolen the show? During his presidency for instance, did we ever see anyone from his village claiming to be his relative? Where has that so-called sister of his come from at this late hour?
What is the genuine identify of ba Lungu, imwe mwe bantu?
Mike Mulongoti and his colleague, Fresher Siwale tried to put matters to rest when they came up with earth shattering claims ba Lungu was masquerading under stolen identity….his real name was Jonathan Mutaware of Malawian or Mozambican extraction whose parents came to Northern Rhodesia to work in the mines on the Copperbelt in the early 50s.
Of course, this matter came up in court in 2018. But lo and behold, Mulongoti passed on mysteriously before the nation could get to know the truth while Siwale is battling illness somewhere in Lusaka after being brutally tortured while in prison.
What about Social media reports are getting he was in possession of a Zimbabwean passport, two different diplomatic passports from two other countries and two green passports at the time of admission to hospital?
Ba News Diggers naimwe, you aren’t reputed for investigative journalism for nothing. Can’t you smell anything fishy here? Please assign someone with a good nose for news to sniff around this issue.
Is the burial of former Zambian President Edgar Lungu in South Africa the end of the drama? Far from it. It is just the latest chapter in a saga that continues to grip Zambia’s deeply polarized political landscape. To bury a former head of state outside his own country is not only unprecedented—it is, in many eyes, a national embarrassment. For President Hakainde Hichilema, it marks more than a misstep. It is a political defeat.
As long as Lungu’s remains lie outside Zambian soil, his story remains unfinished—and President Hichilema’s image will be stained by accusations. In a country where cultural belief eclipses legal process, the Lungu family’s refusal to allow his burial in Zambia—despite repeated government overtures—carries enormous social and political capital.
For the opposition Patriotic Front (PF), this is not just a burial; it is a political opportunity. The party has framed the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) as bitter and vindictive, accusing it of denying Lungu not just medical attention in his final days but also the dignity of a final resting place among his people. The PF’s story is clear. President Lungu, silenced in life, is now a political martyr—buried in exile, but resurrected in legacy.
No doubt the PF lost a president but gained a cause. Lungu may have failed to defeat Hichilema on the 2026 ballot, but in death, the public could bring him back—not in body, but in spirit, memory, and possibly through reburial under a future administration. Expect to hear “Lungu alebwela”—Lungu is returning—as a campaign refrain in the run-up to the 2026 elections. This time, however, the return will be more than political; it will be spiritual, symbolic—and possibly literal.
Beyond the campaign, however, lies something disturbing–the dangerous personalization of Zambian politics. When death becomes a political battleground, the nation crosses a moral threshold. Disagreement is democratic. Dehumanization is not and shouldn’t be. Have we forgotten that public figures are also human beings—fathers, mothers, spouses, siblings? When they die, their families remember every insult, every humiliation and every threat. In moments of mourning, words that wound haunt. Even sincere condolences may no longer suffice.
Toxic polarization is not new to African politics, but it is another thing once intertwined with traditional beliefs surrounding death. In many African cultures, rarely is death accepted as natural. It is believed to be caused by enemies, spiritual forces, or unseen powers. Within this worldview, grief morphs into suspicion, and suspicion into blame. Lungu’s death must be seen through this cultural lens. We are, after all, Africans with African beliefs. Some even whisper of ubwanga—witchcraft—playing a role in his death. However irrational such claims may seem, belief is not dictated by fact. It is shaped by emotion, history, and trauma. To some, the very calls for state control over Lungu’s remains have only deepened public mistrust. The optics of the state versus the bereaved are not just politically damaging—they are morally indefensible.
What, then, do we learn from this somber event? That power, even at its most absolute, is fleeting. Lungu—once Zambia’s most powerful man—died without securing what should be a basic right for any citizen–the right to be buried at home. It is a tragic irony that casts a long shadow not just over his legacy, but over the current government’s moral standing.
Whether Lungu gains posthumous political capital remains to be seen. But what is certain is that his death, and its handling, has left a lasting mark on our nation. He will be remembered not only as a former president, but as a man whose final resting place became a symbol of national division.
No number of official statements can undo the political damage. This is a moment of reckoning for President Hakainde Hichilema. It proves that even presidential power ends at the grave. Because ultimately, a burial is not just about where a body lies. It is about what the act represents.
Nonetheless, by choosing to bury Lungu outside Zambia, we have also made a public confession as a nation–we are divided, and dangerously so. Thanks to the late president, and President Hichilema, we can no longer pretend otherwise.
Tasila lungu during the requiem mass held in Johannesburg
A Pretoria court this morning issued an emergency order halting the private burial of Zambia’s former president, Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, just hours before the ceremony in Johannesburg was due to commence. The legal move follows a last-minute application filed by Zambia’s Attorney General in a bid to repatriate Lungu’s remains for a state funeral in Lusaka
Zambia’s Attorney General Mr. Mulilo D. Kabesha, SC,lodged a case in the Gauteng Division of the High Court, urging the court to issue an interim interdict to stop the burial pending a full hearing scheduled for August 4. The state insists that, by law, a former head of state qualifies for a full state funeral at Embassy Park—a site reserved for Zambian presidents.
Deputy Judge President Aubrey Phago Ledwaba confirmed that both the Zambian government and Lungu’s family have agreed that no burial should proceed until the August hearing. Although mourners gathered at Johannesburg’s Cathedral of Christ the King, transport of the body was halted as the legal case unfolded, forcing family members to attend the hearing in funeral attire
The Lungu family allege that The late President Edgar Lungu requested that current President Hakainde Hichilema his political rival,be excluded from his funeral.The government, however, argues that personal preferences cannot supersede national protocols that designate state funerals for former presidents. Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha said Zambia has already prepared a presidential grave at the national cemetery and asserted that public interest demands full military honors, regardless of family wishes.
A memorial Mass was held at the cathedral in lieu of the planned burial. Pretoria’s interim ruling leaves the body in South African custody until the full hearing on August 4.
Attorney General Kabesha expressed optimism that negotiations with the family would resume and emphasized, “He’s not a refugee,” indicating the Zambian governments expectation to retrieve Lungu’s body and relocate it to Lusaka.
Autoflower cannabis strains are known for their speed, simplicity, and ability to thrive under various light schedules. But even the best genetics won’t perform if your grow gets off to a shaky start. Germination, the process of awakening a cannabis seeds, is the very first, and perhaps most crucial, step in the life of your plant.
Autoflowers have a limited life cycle and don’t rely on light schedules to flower. That means every day counts. If you start your grow with weak or improperly germinated seeds, your plant’s potential is already compromised.
This guide walks you through how to properly germinate autoflower seeds, from choosing a method to avoiding rookie mistakes, so your grow begins with strong, healthy sprouts every time.
What You Need Before You Start
Before you get your seeds wet, make sure you have everything you need to create a clean, stress-free environment. Autoflower seeds are resilient, but good preparation improves success rates dramatically.
Autoflower Cannabis Seeds
Start with high-quality autoflowering seeds from a trusted seed bank. Avoid seeds that are pale, cracked, or too small they may not sprout.
Clean Water
Use distilled or filtered water, free of chlorine and other harsh chemicals. Tap water can harm delicate seeds.
Germination Medium
Depending on the method you choose, you’ll need either:
Paper towels and plates
Root cubes or peat pellets
Light seed-starting soil
Containers or Bags
Ziplock bags (for humidity)
Small cups or trays (for support)
Tweezers (for gentle handling)
Warm, Dark Environment
Seeds prefer 70–80°F (21–27°C) and darkness. A cupboard, closet, or germination dome works well.
Step-by-Step Germination Methods
Method 1: Paper Towel Germination (Most Popular)
This classic technique is simple and effective. You’ll need two paper towels, two plates, and your marijuana seeds.
Steps:
Optional Soak: Soak seeds in a glass of clean, room-temperature water for 12–24 hours. This softens the seed shell and speeds up the process.
Prepare Towels: Dampen two paper towels (not soaking wet). Place one on a plate.
Add Seeds: Place your seeds an inch apart on the towel.
Cover: Lay the second towel on top and cover with the second plate to keep out light.
Store: Place in a warm, dark area (like a kitchen cupboard).
Check Daily: Within 1–5 days, the seed will crack and a white taproot will appear.
Ready to Plant: Once the taproot is about ½ inch long, gently move the seed into its final grow container.
Pro Tip: Handle germinated seeds with clean tweezers to avoid damaging the root.
Method 2: Starter Cubes or Peat Pellets (Low-Stress Option)
Starter plugs like Rapid Rooters or peat pellets simplify the process and reduce the risk of damaging the taproot.
Steps:
Hydrate the Cube: Soak the plug or pellet in clean water until fully expanded.
Insert the Seed: Drop your seed into the center hole about ¼–½ inch deep.
Keep Warm & Moist: Place in a tray with a humidity dome or ziplock bag.
Wait: Germination occurs within 2–7 days.
Transplant: Once the seedling pops through the top, transplant the plug directly into its final container.
Bonus: This method avoids transplant shock because the roots stay undisturbed.
Method 3: Direct-to-Soil (Natural but Riskier)
This approach mimics how seeds grow in the wild but requires more care to get conditions right.
Steps:
Prepare the Soil: Use a light, airy seed-starting mix in a small pot.
Plant the Seed: Place the seed ½ inch deep and gently cover it.
Water Lightly: Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
Keep Warm & Dark: Use a dome or cover until the seedling emerges (2–7 days).
Note: Autoflowers don’t like being transplanted, so it’s best to start in the final pot if using this method.
Ideal Germination Conditions
Getting the environment right is key to quick and successful sprouting. Here’s what your autoflower seeds need to thrive when growing cannabis seeds indoors:
Temperature: Keep it between 70–80°F (21–27°C). Too cold = slow germination; too hot = potential rot.
Humidity: Germinating seeds like high humidity (70–90%). Use a dome or ziplock bag to create a mini-greenhouse effect.
Darkness: Seeds naturally germinate underground, darkness signals them to sprout. Avoid exposing them to light until they break the surface.
Moisture: Keep your medium damp but not soaked. Oversaturation can suffocate seeds or cause mold.
When to Transplant Your Seedlings
Once the taproot is around ½–1 inch long, and you see the first green shoot or leaves (cotyledons), it’s time to transplant. This is a delicate step especially for autoflowers that dislike root disruption.
Best Practices:
Avoid touching the taproot. Use tweezers and handle the seed casing or stem.
Use final containers early. Autoflowers don’t need transplanting if you start them in their forever pot.
Plant gently. Taproot down, about ½ inch below the surface.
Water lightly. Don’t drown your new seedling just enough moisture to settle the soil.
Common Germination Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced growers slip up. Avoid these common pitfalls to protect your seeds:
Overwatering: Too much water deprives the seed of oxygen. Keep things moist, not wet.
Contaminated Hands or Tools: Use clean hands and sterilized tools to prevent fungus or bacteria.
Disturbing the Taproot: The root is fragile. Rough handling can stunt or kill the seedling.
Old or Low-Quality Seeds: Old seeds may be non-viable. Always buy from trusted breeders or seed banks.
Wrong Temperature: Cold slows growth. Hot environments may cook the seed or encourage mold.
Tips for a Strong Start with Autoflowers
Autoflowers are fast but need a head start. Here’s how to maximize their early growth:
Start in the Final Container: Avoid transplanting if possible. Use 3–5 gallon pots from day one.
Use Light, Airy Soil: Seedlings hate dense soil. Choose a mix made for seed starting or autoflowers.
Keep a Gentle Light On Hand: Once they sprout, they need light. A simple LED grow light or sunny window will work.
Watch for Stretching: If your seedling stretches too much, it needs more light intensity.
Label Your Seeds: Growing multiple strains? Label each seed to avoid mix-ups.
From Germination to Growth: What’s Next?
Once your seedlings break the soil, the focus shifts to growth. Here’s what to prepare for:
Lighting Schedule: Autoflowers don’t need 12/12 light cycles. 18/6 or 20/4 works great from seed to harvest.
Nutrients: Don’t feed seedlings for the first 1–2 weeks. Begin with diluted nutrients once true leaves appear.
Air Circulation: Use a fan to strengthen stems and prevent mold as they grow.
Final Thoughts
Germinating autoflower seeds might seem like a small step but it sets the foundation for your entire grow. Because autos grow so fast and flower on their own timeline, there’s no room for weak starts or transplant shock.
By choosing a reliable germination method, maintaining optimal conditions, getting your seeds from reputable online seed banks and handling your seedlings with care, you’ll set yourself up for a strong, healthy, and productive cannabis grow from day one.
Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned grower looking to optimize your setup, following the steps in this guide will help you germinate autoflower seeds with confidence and consistency.
Attorney General, Mr. Mulilo D. Kabesha, SC, has filed an urgent legal application in South Africa seeking to halt the planned burial of the late Sixth Republican President, Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, outside Zambian territory.
According to a Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) news report aired on Tuesday evening, Mr. Kabesha has submitted a public interest litigation to the Gauteng Division of the High Court in Pretoria. The move is aimed at securing an interim interdict that would prevent any burial proceedings until the issue of President Lungu’s final resting place is lawfully and constitutionally resolved.
The urgent application lists several members of Dr. Lungu’s immediate family—including former First Lady Esther Nyawa Lungu, and children Bertha, Tasila, Chiyesu, and Dalitso Lungu—as respondents. Also named are family associate Charles Phiri, lawyer Makebi Zulu, and Two Mountains Pty, the funeral services company currently holding the late President’s remains.
In his submission, the Attorney General argues that under Zambian law, the burial of a former Head of State is a matter of national interest and must follow state-sanctioned public and military protocols. Mr. Kabesha emphasized that the entombment of a national figure such as Dr. Lungu cannot be treated as a private affair, regardless of any alleged personal preferences.
“Even if, hypothetically, President Lungu had wished not to be buried in Zambia—which is denied—those wishes must give way to the broader national and legal expectations of a state burial,” reads part of the court filing.
Mr. Kabesha cited the precedent of Zambia’s first President, Dr. Kenneth Kaunda, whose stated desire to be buried at his personal residence was overridden by a court ruling that aligned with the public interest. Dr. Kaunda was ultimately laid to rest at the Embassy Presidential Burial Park in Lusaka, a site reserved for former heads of state.
The Attorney General is acting under the authority of Article 177(5)(c) of the Constitution of the Republic of Zambia, which mandates the Attorney General to represent the state and protect the public interest in legal matters.
The Pretoria High Court is expected to hear the interim interdict application at 08:00 hours on Wednesday, June 25, 2025.
This legal showdown marks a rare instance of a cross-border dispute over the burial of a former African head of state and underscores the political and constitutional weight attached to Dr. Lungu’s final resting place. The outcome could set a precedent for how the state balances personal wishes with national symbolism in such high-profile cases.
THE LUNGU FAMILY NEEDS CLOSURE RIGHT NOW BY BURYING IN ZAMBIA – NOT WAIT UNTIL 2026; THOUGHTS ON HOW TO END THE IMPASSE.
BY Dr Yobert K. Shamapande
Fellow Zambians: the country faces a monumental challenge – our 6th former president Edger Chagwa Lungu (ECL) is about to be buried in South Africa, away from his native homeland and the people he led for 7 years. This means that all that Zambia has stood for as a society, as the centre for peace and stability, and as the paragon of moral virtue in the region is now at stake.
It’s deeply troubling, and a time to speak out!
However, it is not too late to help the family out and reverse this terrible situation since the South African authorities have not yet publicly committed themselves on the matter.
Obviously, the Lungu family is grief-stricken and making difficult decisions under the intense fog of deep pain and desperation. But they will struggle mightily to find peace and closure after burying former president Lungu in South Africa while returning home without him. Their pain and sense of loss will only deepen and become more intense.
But there must be a way out. Below are my thoughts about how to help that family and end this unfortunate impasse:
First, remove all politics from this funeral saga. All this PF political declarations that “Lungu’s body to be repatriated immediately HH loses power in 2026 “ are just that, political gimmicks, speculative electioneering, that fail to address the family’s deep pain or their immediate best interests. Just as the PF’s meaningless declaration of seven days of national mourning was equally a hollow gesture, political gimmick when everybody knew that to be squarely a statutory government responsibility.
All political parties should take a back seat – to family and government — on this important national issue. This is the first time in Zambia that the funeral of a president or former head of state has been so politicized and subjected to a three-polar decision-making — the family, government, and the PF political party. Usually, that has been the province of only the family and sitting government.
And we have had clear precedents to draw on.
–When former president Frederick Chiluba passed on in June 2011, his political party the MMD (which was also happened to be in power at the time) did not declare seven days of national mourning nor get entangled up in his burial arrangements. Those matters were left entirely to the family and the state institutions.
— Further, after former founding president Kenneth Kaunda (KK) died in June 2021 (when PF under ECL was still in power), his party UNIP, did not get involved in declaring 21 days of mourning or other funeral issues. It was strictly a family and PF government matter. State institutions also overruled KK’s family concerning his personal will to be buried along side his late wife of 67 years mama Betty Kaunda.
–Similarly, following the death of former president Rupiah Banda (RB) in March 2022 (while UPND under Hakainde Hichilema was in power) the handling of his funeral fell to his family and the government, and all sailed through smoothly. RB’s political party, the MMD, never interfered in any way. And we hear that RB facilitated his own funeral by leaving clearly written burial instructions or guidelines.
So, why has ECL’s funeral suddenly turned into a confusing political football of scoring points and electioneering?
That brings me to my second point: faithfully honour ECL’s written Will, if one exists. What did he write about his funeral and burial? He was a political figure with patriotic instincts. I very much doubt he could have instructed to be buried in South Africa or elsewhere upon his death. At this critical hour, ECL’s own guidance would be indispensable to break this funeral logjam.
Finally, a last-ditch intervention. Since the relationship between the family and government has become toxic, it’s now time to salvage Zambia’s reputation. Dispatch to South Africa a non-government delegation comprising V J. Mwaanga— a seasoned diplomat who knows all the players there to attend to any remaining diplomatic wrinkles; Senior Chief Mumbi of Petauke – to appeal to the family’s cultural instincts and persuasions; and clergy, the Bishops – to prayerfully embrace the family, console their broken hearts and assure them that all will be well to repatriate their beloved Lungu’s remains back home.
And once the body is back home, it should be the mission of the clergy to guide the family throughout the funeral. Let them choose where they want to bury, either in Ndola, his birthplace or Petauke, his ancestral soil. As awkward and uncomfortable as it may be, President Hichilema can superintend this effort from a distance – allowing only two government institutions to play supportive roles: the Secretary to the Cabinet to provide logistics, and the military forces that must honour their former Commander-in-Chief no matter where he will be put to rest in the country.
Ultimately, this would be a win, win, win all around – the Lungu family will find peace and real closure; the sovereign State of Zambia will preserve its international and regional reputation intact; the Zambian people will remain standing tall as the proud paragons of ethical virtue. And Zambia will have met this moment once again – One Zambia, One Nation!
Yindaba ushaya inyoka ifile kudala? Loosely translated, this powerful Zulu idiom questioning one’s wisdom in beating a dead snake best describes President Hakainde Hichilema’s (HH) predicament. The President is in a pickle – a mild verdict in retrospect but one that aptly captures the lay of his political fortunes. Had he heed this warning; he probably wouldn’t be facing this conundrum.
Government’s spirited attempts to repatriate Edgar Lungu’s mortal remains to Zambia is an embarrassing fiasco. At play is the political implications of burying Zambia’s sixth Republican President in a foreign land. Whichever way one looks at this, the Lungu family’s decision to inter his remains in South Africa is a political masterstroke. On the flipside, is this how low we have stooped as a country that bickering over a corpse now almost seems to be an obsession or preoccupation of a sitting government?
Put more succinctly, this debacle is an indictment on HH’s political legacy. More worrying perhaps for the incumbent is that Zambia goes to the Presidential polls in a year’s time and the likelihood of Lungu’s ghost looming over HH’s quest for a second term is haunting the UPND. Curiously, how Lungu has suddenly become a political martyr baffles the mind. How we got here is perhaps a more appropriate question?
Lungu’s tainted legacy
Truth be told, Lungu was by no means a serpent, but neither was he a saint. Humiliated at the polls in 2021, he was left for dead. Politically, he was interred at Heroes stadium when thousands of Zambians jeered him out of the stadium shortly after handing power to his successor. To be precise, he had no snowball chance in hell to mount a political comeback. So, what has stirred this nostalgia and outpouring grief that a leader who was resoundingly defeated at the polls is now being immortalised? Off course, death has a way of cleansing the departed.
To his credit, he presided over the country’s biggest infrastructure development programmes – albeit using borrowed monies. Under his reign, schools, hospitals and tarred road networks, mushroomed across the country. Yet it was under his reign that Zambia became the first country in the world to default on its debt servicing obligations during the Covid era – a factor that effectively consigned the country’s economy to junk status.
In contrast to this public persona, his opponents held a different view. Lungu, they argue was ruthless. His humble façade masked a vindictive veneer that was intolerant to criticism. Under his watch, Zambia became a cadre state. That the late President had authoritarian leanings is evident in the fact that he on more than a dozen occasions deposited then opposition leader HH into the gallows on trumped up charges – the gravest of which saw HH spend more than 100 days in solitary confinement in a local prison.
How HH’s failures resurrected Lungu
Just like the late Lungu, President Hichilema is autocratic but not totalitarian, which isn’t just a difference of degree. He is affable and able to articulate himself in public. In addition to his charm, HH has an ingrained affinity for making aurally pleasing political statements – which is how he became a darling of the media. But try as he might to spin the metrics, the economic hardships facing Zambians are palpable. The cost of living has skyrocketed under his watch. Households are taking strain from irrational power supply.
Liquidity is in short supply and small businesses are choking to inflation. The local bond market – which is a key determinant to measuring a country’s investment credibility is in a state of flux. These factors have effectively conspired against the hopes of a weary electorate that bet their fortunes on his Presidency. For much of his four-year reign, this government has seemed in denial about the economic hardships facing Zambians.
In addition, the UPND’s fixation on retribution against the PF leadership including Lungu as opposed to addressing the hardships facing the general populace largely contributed to the former President’s political resurrection. And with Lungu’s ill-treatment at the hands of the UPND government, hopes of HH breaking the country’s vindictive cycle of political retribution dissipated with speed. Don’t forget, memories of former President Frederick Chiluba harassing Dr Kenneth Kaunda – Zambia’s founding President, and Levy Mwanawasa haranguing his political benefactor Chiluba or Micheal Sata’s PF, ill-treating Rupiah Banda are firmly etched in our collective psyche.
Just why such vindictiveness and blatant abuse of power seems to gratify incumbents is hard to fathom. In the absence of reason, one might well speculate that this show of brutality is all about a naked flexing of political immaturity. Whatever the reason, the difficulty is that this vicious cycle continues to erode the very democratic tenets and political maturity that Zambia is renowned for in the rest of Africa and the world over.
Those in the know will agree that Lungu’s flailing health is well documented which is why it would be unfair to completely apportion Lungu’s death on the HH led government. Yet we can still argue and rightly so that the incumbent government ought to have treated the former head of state better. That said, there was no need to keep beating a politically dead man, you should have let him be. May your soul rest in peace, son of the soil.
