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Zambia Women’s Lab Launched

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Zambia Women’s Lab Launched

The Zambian Women in Film and Zambian Short Film Festival has launched the Zambia Women’s Film Lab that is aimed at empowering 25 filmmakers with skills and training necessary to navigate the film industry.

Speaking at the event, Founder of Women’s Film Club, Jessy Chissy, said the skills that will be attained will also enable the women to amplify their voices on issues that affect and influence policy making.

And National Association of Media Arts (NAMA) Vice President, Mufaweli Mwambo, added that the training will help females take up leadership roles in film and help fill the gaps in gender equality.

Ms. Mufaweli added that the four-day training workshop will also help in discovering untapped talent in women and bring about diverse perspectives and ideas.

Meanwhile, National Arts Council (NAC) Director, Adrian Chipindi, said his organisation is working on establishing the National Film Commission in order to restructure the sector and sustain the talents.

Mr. Chipindi added that NAC also signed a memorandum of understanding with National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA) which will ensure that artists are taken care of in time of retirement through a monthly contribution of K60.

“The MOU will be effective in June and also cover for female artists on maternity leave,” said Mr. Chipindi.

Zambia’s Post-Election Unity Pledge Falters as Rift Between Hichilema and Lungu Deepens

Lusaka Times Editor
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Zambia’s Post-Election Unity Pledge Falters as Rift Between Hichilema and Lungu Deepens

Zambia’s Post-Election Unity Pledge Falters as Rift Between Hichilema and Lungu Deepens

Three years after Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema extended a public olive branch to his predecessor Edgar Lungu, promising to “look after” him in a gesture of post-election unity, the relationship between the two leaders has deteriorated into open hostility, exposing deep political fractures in Africa’s second-largest copper producer.

The collapse of civility, confirmed this week by Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Getrude Imenda, a senior member of Hichilema’s ruling United Party for National Development (UPND), underscores the challenges of sustaining democratic reconciliation in a nation still grappling with economic stagnation and polarized politics.

From Unity to Discord
Imenda, in an exclusive interview, recounted Hichilema’s conciliatory tone during his first post-victory press conference in August 2021, when he directly addressed Lungu: “We will look after you, sir.” The remark, she said, was intended to signal a departure from Zambia’s history of post-election retribution. “It was a moment of respect,” Imenda stated. “We hoped it would inspire a new political culture.”

But within months, tensions flared. Sources close to both camps confirm that Lungu interpreted the pledge as disingenuous, particularly after Hichilema’s administration launched anti-corruption investigations targeting Lungu-era officials. Lungu, who conceded defeat after a disputed 2021 election, has since accused the UPND of conducting a “political witch hunt,” a charge the government denies.

Lungu’s public withdrawal from state functions, including the annual Independence Day celebrations marked a turning point. “He felt sidelined and disrespected,” a former aide to Lungu, speaking anonymously, told Lusaka times. “The relationship became irreparable.”

Political Fallout and Public Divisions
The rift has reverberated through Zambia’s institutions. Parliament sessions have grown increasingly combative, with lawmakers from Lungu’s Patriotic Front (PF) boycotting debates and UPND members accusing the opposition of obstructing reforms. Civil society groups report a surge in tribal rhetoric, particularly online, with supporters of both leaders trading accusations of authoritarianism and incompetence.

Economic pressures have compounded frustrations. Despite Hichilema’s pledges to restore fiscal stability, Zambia’s currency, the kwacha, remains volatile, and inflation hovers near 13%. Public sector workers, including teachers and nurses, have staged protests over delayed salaries a vulnerability the PF has seized upon to criticize the UPND’s governance.

Analysts: A Missed Opportunity
Political historians argue the breakdown reflects systemic flaws. “The initial goodwill was a chance to model transitional cooperation in Africa,” said Dr. Chanda Mwape of the University of Zambia. “Instead, we’ve reverted to a winner-takes-all mentality that undermines institution-building.”

Data from the Lusaka-based Centre for Policy Dialogue reveals that over 30 PF officials, including former ministers, have been arrested since 2021 on charges ranging from corruption to abuse of authority. While the UPND insists these are lawful accountability measures, PF spokesperson Emmanuel Mwamba calls them “targeted persecution.”

Citizens Caught in the Crossfire
For ordinary Zambians, the feud has tangible consequences. At Lusaka’s sprawling Soweto Market, trader Grace Mulenga lamented, “Our leaders are fighting over power while we fight for basics.” In Eastern Province, a Lungu stronghold, farmer Boyd Zulu echoed resentment: “They’ve forgotten the voters who brought them to power.”

2026 Looms Large
With general elections two years away, tensions are escalating. Lungu, who initially vowed to retire from politics, has recently hinted at a comeback, telling supporters in May that Zambia “needs rescue from failed promises.” The UPND, meanwhile, faces growing scrutiny over unmet campaign pledges, including job creation and debt restructuring.

Imenda, while critical of Lungu’s withdrawal, urged a return to dialogue: “Zambia’s stability depends on leaders prioritizing the nation over personal grievances.” Her appeal comes as regional bodies, including the African Union, monitor Zambia’s democratic health amid fears of backsliding.

A Test for Democracy
Zambia’s 2021 election was celebrated as a rare example of an African opposition victory achieved through the ballot box. But the unraveling of Hichilema and Lungu’s relationship now poses a critical question: Can a nation once hailed as a beacon of peace sustain its democratic gains amid entrenched polarization?

As both sides dig in, the answer much like the broken promise of that August day remains unresolved.

Chief Madzimawe Urges Politicians to Prioritize Development Over Politics

Lusaka Times Editor
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Chief Madzimawe Urges Politicians to Prioritize Development Over Politics

Chief Madzimawe Urges Politicians to Prioritize Development Over Politics

Chief Madzimawe has issued a clarion call to political leaders across Zambia to shift their focus from rhetoric to results. Speaking candidly about the state of development in various communities, the traditional leader expressed concern over persistent infrastructural challenges, particularly potholes, that remain unresolved even after new governments assume power.

“If you are a political leader and you find that there is a pothole there, when you get into government that pothole should not remain a pothole,” he said. His remarks are a clear indictment of the political culture that often emphasizes blame over solutions.

Chief Madzimawe stressed the need for genuine interventions that uplift communities, urging leaders to not just critique but provide meaningful alternatives. He reiterated that true leadership is about creating lasting impact rather than scoring political points. His comments reflect a growing public sentiment that demands accountability and visible progress from elected officials.

Traditional leaders like Chief Madzimawe play an influential role in governance, often acting as a bridge between rural communities and the state. His statements come at a time when citizens are increasingly vocal about their dissatisfaction with the pace of development.

Analysts suggest that his message is particularly relevant as the country approaches another electoral cycle. Many Zambians have expressed fatigue over repeated campaign promises that fail to translate into real improvements in healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

Development economist Jane Banda notes that Chief Madzimawe’s remarks should not be taken lightly. “He is voicing what many ordinary Zambians feel. There is a pressing need for a development-focused governance model that transcends political affiliations.”

The chief’s emphasis on proposing alternatives rather than merely opposing government actions could serve as a guiding principle for the political class. Constructive criticism, when paired with actionable solutions, can foster a more collaborative political environment.

His message also aligns with broader regional calls for inclusive development strategies. Across Africa, traditional leaders are increasingly speaking out on issues ranging from environmental conservation to public health. Their grassroots connection gives them a unique perspective on what works and what doesn’t.

Chief Madzimawe’s plea for politicians to focus on real issues rather than political theatrics resonates strongly with a population yearning for change. His words serve as both a challenge and a roadmap for leaders who claim to represent the people. As Zambia continues its journey toward economic and social development, voices like Chief Madzimawe’s are more crucial than ever.

His statement may very well mark a turning point in how political leaders engage with the electorate shifting from empty rhetoric to meaningful, community-driven progress. Whether the nation’s political actors heed this call remains to be seen, but the message is clear: development must take center stage.

Water Crisis Deepens in Zambia: Government Turns to Private Sector for Solutions

Lusaka Times Editor
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Water Crisis Deepens in Zambia: Government Turns to Private Sector for Solutions

Zambia’s Minister of Water and Sanitation, Collins Nzovu, has raised the alarm over the country’s deepening water crisis and unveiled an ambitious plan to modernize the sector through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).

“Our infrastructure is stuck in the past,” Nzovu declared during a keynote speech at the Zambia Water Forum. “While our population has doubled since 2000, investment in water systems has stagnated.”

Today, 4 million Zambians lack access to clean water, and 60% of urban water systems are operating at half capacity, hampered by outdated infrastructure and frequent power shortages. According to the 2023 National Water Policy, 70% of Zambia’s water treatment plants, most of which were built in the 1980s, are now obsolete.

In Kitwe, residents endure 72-hour water rationing cycles, forcing many to rely on contaminated wells. “Cholera outbreaks are inevitable without intervention,” warned Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO’s regional representative.

Nzovu’s PPP initiative aims to attract $500 million in investment by 2025, focusing on upgrading water purification plants, drilling new boreholes, and improving distribution networks. A pilot project in Ndola, funded by a €20 million EU grant, has already shown promising results—reducing water leakage by 30%.

However, the proposed privatization model has drawn criticism. “Private firms prioritize profit over people,” said Paul Hakoola, Director of a local NGO. “We’ve seen tariff hikes in Kenya and Ghana under similar models, pricing out low-income families.”

Nzovu responded by assuring the public that affordability safeguards, such as subsidies for vulnerable groups, will be built into all PPP contracts. “PPPs must serve the public interest,” he emphasized. The ministry is also exploring decentralized water solutions, including solar-powered community kiosks.

Meanwhile, the European Union has increased its funding for Zambia’s water sector by 30%, signaling international confidence in the reforms.

Despite these strides, significant hurdles remain. Bureaucratic red tape and corruption scandals,such as the 2022 misallocation of $4 million intended for borehole development—threaten to derail progress. In response, Nzovu has promised to “clean house,” launching an anti-corruption task force within the ministry.

“Failure is not an option,” Nzovu concluded. “Water is life.”

A Wedding that has Sparked the Debate about the Rich, the Extremely Wealthy and the Poor in Zambia

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A Wedding that has Sparked the Debate about the Rich, the Extremely Wealthy and the Poor in Zambia

Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba wrote;

One of Africa’s music top stars, Diamond Platnumz (Naseeb Abdul Juma Issack), had over the weekend traveled to Zambia.
He was in Zambia to perform at a private wedding of the daughter of emerald mining giant Grizzly Mining Chairperson Abdoulaye
Ndiaye, Kadi, and the groom Jimmy Karabassis.

This immediately attracted huge social media attention and fierce debate.
“….we have wealthy people in Zambia, but do not make noise…”
“…money doesn’t talk, it walks…..

Clearly, this was not your regular weekend wedding.

The amount whispered to have been spent on the preparations, decorations, the opulent wedding, on artists and guests, had set tongues wagging.
“You mean Zambia has such very wealthy people?”

A POOR PEOPLE
You see, Zambia is one of the poorest countries in the world and is ranked the sixth poorest countries after Niger, Malawi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, and Somalia.But Zambia also makes it to another ranking.
It’s on top of the most unequal country in the world, were there is a group of a few rich and extremely wealthy people living amongst some of the poorest people in the world.

An unequal country is one where there’s a significant disparity in income, wealth, resources, or opportunities among different groups within the population.
Zambia is therefore among the top six most unequal countries in the world,based on income distribution, alongside South Africa, Namibia, Colombia, Eswatini, Botswana, and Zambia.
These countries consistently rank at the top of list, measuring inequality using the Gini coefficient, which indicates the extent of income distribution within a country.
Zambia’s national poverty rate stands at 64.3%, with approximately 12.9 million people living on less than $2.15 a day.

ZAMBIA A WEALTHY COUNTRY
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia are often cited as among the wealthiest nations in the world in terms of resource endowment, specifically regarding minerals while.

The two countries depict the paradox of a rich country with a poor people.its people remain amongst the poorest in the world.

GRIZZLY MINING

In this wedding, the brides father, Abdoulaye Ndiaye is the pioneering founder and Chairman of Grizzly Mining Limited in Kitwe.
Abdoulaye started his mining career in Zambia in 1972, hustling and trading emeralds in Lufwanyama, located in Zambia’s Copperbelt Province.

The Senegalese born mining executive and entrepreneur acquired the Grizzly Mine twenty-five years later. For nearly thirty years, he has been leading the way at Grizzly Mining, qualifying as a gemologist whilst Grizzly Mining produced some of the world’s largest high-grade emeralds.

Through the creation of employment for more than 4,000 workers at their mining operations Grizzly Mining.
Employees of Grizzly Mining Limited engage in the production and processing, as well as grading, marketing, and supply of emeralds and beryl.
The company is best known as the source of some of the largest high-grade emeralds globally.

Abdoulaye was born in 1952, in the village of Médina Gounass, Senegal, where he attended an Islamic school.
His nickname “Gounass”, is from the town where he grew up.

Nearby Kagem and Grizzly have made Zambia topple Columbia as the largest producers of emerald in the world.
The mine produces approximately 60 million carats of emeralds annually. The Kagem emerald mine next door, is considered the world’s largest single emerald mine. It is estimated to produce approximately 25-30% of the world’s total emerald supply.
75% of the mine is owned by Gemfields Group and 25% is owned by the Zambian government through ZCCM-IH and IDC.
Gemfields is a foreign owned entity.The major shareholders are include Assore Holdings Proprietary Limited, Rozendal & Associates Holdings Ltd, Ophorst van Marwijk Kooy Vermogensbeheer N.V., and Sean Gilbertson, the CEO.

LARGE-SCALE MINES IN ZAMBIA
Large-scale mines in Zambia are owned by foreign entities or multinational corporation.
When Zambia privatised the mines in the 1990s, it reserved an insignificant shareholding of 20% in legacy mines; Kansanshi Copper and Gold Mine, Konkola Copper Mines, Kagem, Luanshya Mines and Mopani Copper Mines.However, Government holds no shareholding in mines like Kalumbila.

The Kalumbila Mine, also known as the Sentinel Mine, is 100% owned by First Quantum Minerals (FQM), The Lumwana copper mine is owned by Barrick Gold based in Toronto, Canada. It is operated by Lumwana Mining Company Limited (LMC), a wholly owned subsidiary of Barrick Gold.Similarly over 95% of commercial farmers in Zambia are mostly foreigners or foreign entities.
Zambia, there are an estimated 740 commercial farmers, operating on land larger than 100 hectares. Additionally, there are approximately 400,000 medium-scale farmers (20-100 ha) and 1.6 million small-scale farmers.

This is the same story to industries and manufacturing entities.Clearly this makes Zambia’s means of production to be in foreign hands and therefore its economy is mostly foreign-owned.

FACTORS
A combination of poor government policies, poor leadership, system of education, a well-entrenched neo-colonial system, lack of empowerment tools, corruption and other inherent factors prevent Zambians from owning these resources but participate as workers or by-standers.
Time to change is now.
What’s your view?

Government Boosting Smallholder Livestock Investment – Kapala

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Government Boosting Smallholder Livestock Investment – Kapala

Minister of Fisheries and Livestock Peter Kapala has commended the progress made under the Jersey Breed Focused Dairy Development in Zambia (JBFDDZ) Project, highlighting its potential to transform the dairy sector and uplift smallholder farmers.

Speaking during the 2024 Jersey Herd Competition Awards Ceremony at Tutatu Farm in Chongwe, Eng. Kapala said the project, implemented by ADRA Zambia with support from Jersey Overseas Aid (JOA), has facilitated the availability of 13,590 high-quality Jersey cattle breed semen straws. These will be distributed to smallholder dairy farmers in Southern, Lusaka, Central, and Copperbelt provinces.

“This is a strategic opportunity for our farmers to upgrade their dairy herds and scale their farming operations,” said Eng. Kapala. “The project aligns with the government’s goal to make smallholder livestock investment a key driver of economic diversification and rural empowerment.”

He emphasized that the government remains committed to creating an enabling environment for livestock production—one that boosts productivity, improves nutrition, creates employment, and generates wealth in rural communities.

Eng. Kapala also congratulated Ms. Zewelanji Mbao, proprietor of Tutatu Farm, and other dairy farmers for their exemplary performance in the Jersey herd competition.

Meanwhile, Jersey Island’s Minister for International Development and JOA Commission Chairperson Carolyn Labey said the JBFDDZ project, launched in 2022, demonstrates the strength of international collaboration between Jersey and Zambia.

She stressed the need for continued investment in dairy farming, citing its potential to tackle food insecurity, especially in the face of climate change.

The event underscored the growing importance of livestock development in Zambia’s rural economic agenda and the role of strategic partnerships in achieving sustainable agricultural growth.

Lumezi Man in Critical Condition After Hyena Attack

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Lumezi Man in Critical Condition After Hyena Attack

A 26-year-old man from Lumezi District is battling for his life after being mauled by a hyena in the early hours of May 17.

Eastern Province Police Commissioner Roberson Mweemba confirmed the incident to the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS), identifying the victim as Gladwell Banda of Chizindile Village. The attack occurred around 03:00 hours and was reported to Lumezi Police Post at approximately 07:00 hours.

According to police reports, Mr. Banda and his friend, Derrick Muhoni (25), had traveled to Sikatengwa for a piece of work. After completing their task late in the day, Muhoni suggested they spend the night there. However, Mr. Banda declined, stating he had transport money and would return home via Chitala.

“He managed to find a vehicle heading to Chitala,” said Commissioner Mweemba.

Further information reveals that Mr. Banda, reportedly in a drunken state and carrying a piece of meat, disembarked in Chitala around 02:00 hours and began walking home. As he neared his village, he was attacked by a hyena.

The victim’s cries for help were heard by his brother, who rushed to the scene and rescued him. However, by the time help arrived, Mr. Banda had already suffered severe injuries — including an open wound to the stomach with protruding intestines, and the loss of several toes on his right foot.

He was rushed to Lumezi District Hospital in an unconscious state and has since been referred to Chipata General Hospital for further treatment. His condition remains critical.

Police are continuing to monitor the situation as medical personnel attend to the victim.

President Hichilema Worships with Times of Refreshing International Ministry Choma , Commends Role in Unity and Morality

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President Hichilema Worships with Times of Refreshing International Ministry Choma , Commends Role in Unity and Morality

President Hakainde Hichilema on Sunday joined congregants at the Times of Refreshing International Ministry Church in Choma, where he expressed deep appreciation for the church’s continued efforts in fostering peace, unity, and moral integrity across Zambia.

Addressing the congregation, President Hichilema reaffirmed his belief in the unifying power of faith, stating, “The body of Christ is one—united in faith and purpose. We are grateful for the church’s unwavering commitment to national unity and spiritual guidance.”

The President highlighted the church’s vital role in reinforcing the family unit and nurturing values that serve as the foundation of a cohesive and productive society. “Through its teachings, the church strengthens families and helps uphold the moral fabric of our nation,” he noted.

President Hichilema encouraged the church to remain steadfast in spreading messages of love, peace, and diligence, emphasizing that each citizen has a role to play in Zambia’s progress.

“We must all give our very best in everything we do,” he urged. “Let us build a culture of hard work and collective responsibility that will shape a brighter future for our country.”

The visit underscored the government’s recognition of the church as a key partner in national development and a pillar in the social and moral upliftment of Zambians.

President Hichilema Pays Tribute to the Late Dr. Mwene Mwinga, Hailing Him as a National Icon

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President Hichilema Pays Tribute to the Late Dr. Mwene Mwinga, Hailing Him as a National Icon

President Hakainde Hichilema visited the family of the late Dr. Mwene Mwinga to personally extend his condolences and pay tribute to a man he described as a “true national icon and cherished mentor.”

Dr. Mwinga, remembered for his visionary leadership and lifelong dedication to public service, was hailed by the President as a guiding force whose contributions left a lasting impact on Zambia’s development and the lives of countless individuals.

“Dr. Mwinga’s exemplary service and unwavering commitment to this nation have left an indelible mark,” President Hichilema said during the visit. “His wisdom and support touched the lives of many, including ourselves. His legacy of tireless dedication will continue to inspire us to strive for greater heights.”

The President also used the occasion to urge citizens to reflect on the value of time spent with loved ones, emphasizing the importance of connection in an increasingly busy world.

“As we honor Dr. Mwinga’s memory, let us also remember to treasure the moments we share with family and friends,” he said. “His extraordinary spirit should serve as a reminder to live purposefully and compassionately.”

The late Dr. Mwinga is mourned by many across the nation as a beacon of integrity, humility, and service. His passing marks the loss of a revered leader whose contributions will be remembered for generations.

“May his soul rest in everlasting peace,” concluded President Hichilema.

Mweemba Salutes U-17 For Winning COSAFA Title

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Mweemba Salutes U-17 For Winning COSAFA Title

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has congratulated the Under-17 Women National Team for winning a record third Cosafa crown.Zambia beat Malawi 3-0 in the final played at the Hage Geingob Stadium in Windhoek to earn back-to-back titles.
FAZ president Keith Mweemba has hailed the Copper Princesses for honouring him with his first trophy since assuming office last week.

“Congratulations to the team, technical bench and support staff for earning Zambia a record third Cosafa title at U17 level for women. As an executive and the entire football family, we are very proud of you,” he says.

“It is now time to focus on the forthcoming assignments, particularly the FIFA World Cup. Let this inspire the team to aspire for greater things especially at the World Cup.”

Record Cosafa winners Zambia were champions in 2021 and 2024 with runners-up spots in 2020 and 2022.Zambia has already secured its ticket to the FIFA World Cup, which will take place in Morocco from 17 October to 8 November 2025. It will be Zambia’s
third appearance after the 2014 and 2024 editions.

For and on behalf of:
FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF ZAMBIA
Sydney Mungala
COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

Mandela Was Watching Over Me

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Mandela Was Watching Over Me
Nelson Mandela was watching over me

I first slept away from home 70 years ago in 1959 when I was 6 years old. My mother and I were travelling from Lundazi to Chasela Primary School and spent a night in Lundazi before we were to catch the Central African Road Services (CARS) bus service the following day. We slept in the Lundazi Council Rest House opposite the present day Lundazi Bus station. It was 3 pence or tiki to sleep downstairs and susu or six pence to sleep upstairs. It was noisy all night. This was during the British colonial Northern Rhodesia which is now independent Zambia in Southern Africa. Since that time, I have spent numerous nights in rural Zambia Rest Houses and motels. I have slept in motels and lodges in Lusaka and the Copperbelt.

Mr. John Chanda of Chandaland Services Apartments

I have spent nights in hotels in Johannesburg, London in the UK, in Amsterdam in Holland, in Jamaica, and in the United States. As the popularity of Airbnbs has exploded, the popularity of Serviced apartments has also exploded in Lusaka. What I love about them is not only that they have laundry, cleaning services, and comfortable living arrangements, but I get to cook my own food. I stayed at a Serviced Apartment for a month when I decided to go and visit relatives in Lundazi and Chipata. When I returned the Service Apartment was fully booked. I found another one at the Upland Apartments along Leopard Hill Road.

When I entered the gate, the first thing I noticed was the sound of construction. It looked like 5 apartments were completed. Many more were under construction. The landscape around the front of my apartment was gorgeous with beautiful flowers. When I entered the apartment, the first thing that surprised me was that all the furniture in the whole apartment was unique and different like nothing I had seen before. There was a huge TV in the living room. The tables, kitchen cabinets, chairs or the furniture just looked very odd and different. I had never lived in a place where nearly everything inside seemed to challenge almost everything I had experienced about an apartment or even a house.

I cooked my dinner, took my shower, and went to bed. When I woke up in the morning, I boiled a big mug of tea and was walking to the living room couch or sofa when something just hit me. High above the living room wall above the sofa was a very large, odd picture frame with a large photo of some man raising his fist high in the air as a symbol of defiance. Within a split second, I recognized the man; it was the iconic photo of the great Nelson Mandela. How did I miss it the previous night? Numerous questions exploded in my mind. Who puts the photo of Mandela in a Serviced Apartment? Why? Who was the foreign owner of the apartments who did this? Was he trying just to ingratiate himself with Zambians or Africans? What did it all mean? Is it why I had slept so well because the revolutionary heroic spirit of Nelson Mandela was always guarding and watching over me? Was the spirit of Mandela bathing over me as I innocently slept during my first night in the apartment? Whose mind was behind the uniquely artistic creative aura of the whole apartment? I was overcome with curiosity with numerous questions.

I talked to a young employee who gently broke the news to me. The owner of the Upland Service Apartment was a Zambian, Mr. Chanda. I was stunned. How could a Zambian do something so unique in which he was not just following what foreigners especially Europeans or bazungu had already done? When I finally met Mr. Chanda, we immediately laughed and hit it off. We went into friendly tribal Zambian banter of mbuyaship between Bembas and Ngoni Easterners. During the few days, there were loud sounds of construction as a large number of over 30 young men worked all day.

Before I left for Kenneth Kaunda International airport on my last day, I was able to talk to Mr. John Chanda and take a tour of the construction site. The 57-year-old told me he had been to the United States where he obtained his master’s degree in business administration. When he returned to Zambia, for many years he co-owned and was a CEO or Managing Director of a large truck transportation company. He decided to build service apartments employing his own unique style which I loved. He obtains Rosewood and Teak wood from villagers in rural Zambia. All the unique furniture was made on site providing carpentry and other skilled jobs to the local Zambian population.

I cannot wait to spend time again at the Chandaland Serviced Upland apartments . My biggest challenge now is how can I build my own Serviced Apartments and call them Temboland apartments so that I can beat this Bemba man from Kasama?

By Mwizenge S. Tembo, Ph. D.

Emeritus Professor of Sociology

Top Road Safety Rules from Our Celebrities

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Top Road Safety Rules from Our Celebrities

Road Safety Starts with You

From sports stars to everyday pedestrians, each of us faces daily risks on the road. That’s why 1xBet ambassadors have joined the “Safety on the Road” campaign to share their essential safety rules, simple yet life-saving.

Despite their diverse backgrounds, all our ambassadors agree on key principles: caution, respect, and responsibility. These aren’t just theories; they’re practices that can save lives every day.

About the “Safety on the Road” Project

“Safety on the Road” is a social initiative by 1xBet in Zambia, in collaboration with public organizations and opinion leaders. The goal is to reduce road accidents, enhance road behavior culture, and make responsibility the new norm for everyone, not just drivers but also pedestrians who face daily risks on busy streets.

In 2024, the campaign reached thousands of Zambians through quizzes, public events, and educational activities. This experience laid the foundation for an even more extensive continuation in 2025.

This year’s highlight: for the first time, the campaign includes both drivers and pedestrians. This comprehensive approach allows for a more holistic discussion on road safety and engages a broader audience.

Key focus areas of the initiative include:

  • Engaging recognizable ambassadors: musicians, athletes, football stars;
  • Creating new educational formats: videos, quizzes, interactive content;
  • Working with youth, fan communities, and local schools;
  • Personalizing rules through real-life stories and advice from well-known individuals;
  • Involving pedestrians in special activities, quizzes, and educational formats.

To encourage active participation, the campaign includes a prize fund, with a total project bank of 100,000 ZMW.

“Safety on the Road” is more than just an educational initiative. It’s a tangible influence on behavior and a collective effort to protect lives, whether you’re behind the wheel or simply crossing the street.

What Do 1xBet Ambassadors Say?

Magnate – Entrepreneur, Lecturer, Responsibility Ambassador

Magnate is an ambassador who doesn’t just represent the brand but actively changes the approach to road safety in Zambia. As an entrepreneur, UNZA lecturer, and founder of an educational platform, he joined the project to promote a culture of responsible driving through personal example.

“Every day, we face risks on the roads. Through media, public events, and personal example, I want to be part of the solution.”

Rule: “Protect others as you would yourself”

“I always remind myself: it doesn’t matter if you’re behind the wheel or just crossing the road, your actions affect others. I’ve seen how inattentiveness has cost people their health. That’s why I treat everyone with respect, drivers, pedestrians, passengers. Don’t drive with headphones on, don’t touch your phone. This isn’t just about rules, it’s about humanity.”

“Don’t think you’re alone on the road. Your decisions can cause someone else’s pain, or help avoid it. Respect for others isn’t weakness; it’s maturity.”

Kabwe Warriors F.C. Players – Discipline Begins on the Road

Kabwe Warriors players understand that discipline, concentration, and teamwork aren’t just about footbal l— they’re also about daily behavior on the road. As a partner of 1xBet with a long-standing collaboration based on shared values, social responsibility, love for the game, and support for local communities, the club actively participates in the “Safety on the Road” campaign.

This isn’t just an initiative, it’s part of the culture that Kabwe Warriors and 1xBet are building together to make sports and life around them safer. If this campaign can save even one life, that’s a true victory.

“Driver, pedestrian, passenger, it doesn’t matter. On the road, we all are responsible for each other. Behavior is also a choice. Choose safety.”

Rule: “The road is a game where mistakes aren’t forgiven.”

“On the field, I’m focused until the last second. The same concentration is needed on the road. One phone call, and it doesn’t matter how fast you were. Driving is your match with life. Don’t play carelessly.”

Rule: “Move cautiously near schools and stadiums.”

“I see children running out after training or classes. If you see a school or stadium, slow down! You have time; they don’t.”

 

Safety Is Our Shared Journey

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RPP Welcomes China’s Support in Strengthening Zambia’s HIV Response

Chief Editor
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RPP Welcomes China’s Support in Strengthening Zambia’s HIV Response

The Republican Progressive Party (RPP) acknowledges the critical importance of collaborative partnerships in addressing Zambia’s public health priorities, including the fight against HIV, malaria, and related health challenges.

We commend the commitment by the Chinese government, delivered through the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Chinese Embassy in Zambia, Mr. Wang Sheng, to support Zambia’s HIV response with a donation of 5,000 rapid testing kits and enhanced cooperation in the health sector. This gesture reflects the value of international cooperation and Zambia’s continued engagement with development partners in pursuit of national health goals.

As a party, we emphasize the importance of not only external support but also local innovation. And as a party, we believe local and traditional remedies in the fight against disease should be explored through rigorous scientific research. We therefore urge the government to continue prioritizing investments in science, technology, and research to find sustainable, homegrown solutions to health and development challenges.

The RPP also commends the government’s ongoing commitment to tackling corruption.We anticipate the outcomes of the final audit report and call on relevant institutions to take timely and decisive action where any misuse of resources is uncovered. Upholding transparency and accountability remain essential for national development and for fostering trust among citizens and partners alike.

Leslie Chikuse
President
Republican Progressive Party (RPP)

BanaPromise Nalumango: Changing Government is Key to Poverty Eradication

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BanaPromise Nalumango: Changing Government is Key to Poverty Eradication

When I first read the headline, “Changing Governments Is Not, In Itself, A Solution To Poverty,” at Lusaka Times, I assumed it was mere satire. It wasn’t. It came from Leslie Chikuse, the self-styled president of the Republican Progressive Party, agreeing with Vice President Mutale Nalumango’s remarks at the Regional Poverty Reduction and Climate Resilience Conference.

I have spent my academic life studying the intersections of governance, corruption, and climate justice. In “God’s Family, God’s Earth,” I argue that corruption isn’t a marginal concern—it’s the systemic rot at the heart of both poverty and ecological collapse. This isn’t abstract theory. It’s a lived Zambian reality, where poverty and environmental degradation are not parallel crises but interconnected.

Take charcoal burning, for example. One cannot discuss its environmental toll without engaging the economic plight of those who rely on it. The rural poor cut and sell; the urban poor buy and cook. Meanwhile, load shedding drives demand. This vicious cycle is not just ecological—it is political. You cannot solve Zambia’s climate vulnerabilities without addressing the poverty that makes them inescapable.

Which brings me to the center of the Vice President’s misleading claim. Poverty is not apolitical. To pretend otherwise is to insult both scholarship and lived experience. Throughout history, political leadership and poverty have been entangled. Governance either disrupts poverty or entrenches it. Here, who governs matters. In this case, poverty eradication (not just reduction) is not ideologically neutral. It is shaped by policy—and policy is shaped by power.

Consider President Hakainde Hichilema’s decision to open the Lower Zambezi to mining. This was not a technocratic decision; it was political. The ecological and social repercussions will be felt for generations. Ask the people of the Gwembe Valley. They are still living with the anthropological insults of the late 1950s when the Kariba Dam was built.

Poverty is about fairness, too. Why are marketeers—overwhelmingly poor women—subject to daily local government taxes, while elite traders in emeralds, gold, and other precious stones enjoy tax holidays? Why do foreign investors receive generous incentives that local businesses are denied? And why do our politicians get “tax-free this and that”? These are not economic accidents; they are deliberate political choices. They expose whose interests the government protects, and whose it abandons.

So yes, political transitions matter. Governments campaign on concrete promises to fix roads, create jobs, and end poverty. If changing leadership had no bearing on poverty, why hold elections? Leadership change alone won’t fix everything—but it is the first step to ending poverty.

I feel for the Vice President’s bind. With 2026 approaching, perhaps she’s managing expectations. But in doing so, she alerts us to the problem. If we continue treating politics as a popularity contest, changing parties will not change outcomes.

I believe Zambia doesn’t just need a new president. We need a new political culture. We must dismantle the ‘ngatwesheko” mindset—the dangerous belief that anyone deserves the presidency simply because it’s “their turn.” You wouldn’t hand the car keys to someone blindfolded, no matter how many times you change the driver. Visionless leadership, no matter how often rotated, will only reproduce failure.

So let us be vigilant. Ask the hard questions. Demand concrete plans. If a candidate cannot clearly articulate a strategy during their campaign, what makes us think they will lead effectively once in office?

Is BaShiPromise Hichilema, alongside BaNaPromise Nalumango, not already proof of the cost of vague rhetoric over visionary leadership?

It is time to stop gambling with our national future. Poverty is not simply a developmental challenge—it is a failure of leadership. Unless we confront it head-on, the slogans may change, but our Poverty will not.
Kapya Kaoma

Two Zambian Roads Named After Late Namibian Presidents

Chief Editor
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Two Zambian Roads Named After Late Namibian Presidents

Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has paid glowing tributes to the Zambian Government for hosting former leaders during the independence struggles especially those from the Southern African region.

Dr Nandi-Ndaitwah says Lusaka hosted many liberation freedom fighters, such as the African National Congress of South Africa, ZANC of Zimbabwe, Emperor of Angola as well as the South West People’s Organisation (SWAPO) of Namibia where they planned the struggle for independence of their respective countries.

ZANIS reports that the Namibian President was speaking in Lusaka during the renaming ceremony of two roads in Lusaka in honour of the two late Namibian Presidents, Sam Nujoma and Hage Geingob.
The road situated near Levy Mall formerly, Sadzu Street, has been renamed after Dr Hage Geingob and the former Kasama road in Chilenje has been named as Dr Sam Nujoma.
The Namibian Head of state commended President Hakainde Hichilema and the Zambian government for honouring late Namibian leaders.
“The renaming of the roads has re-energised the warm and cordial relations the two countries enjoy,” she said.
She revealed that the late Geingob and herself both lived in Zambia for a long period of time.
And speaking at the same occasion, former Namibian first lady and wife to Dr Geingob, Monica praised President Hakainde Hichilema for exhibiting true testimony of belief in Pan-Africanism for former leaders in the Southern region.
She remarked that Lusaka in particular became the second home of her former late husband.
“The former president never got tired of telling everybody that Zambia was his second home,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of the Nujoma family, President Nujoma’s grandson Prince Nujoma, expressed gratitude to the people of Zambia for honouring his grandfather.
Mr. Nujoma said the road naming gesture is a sign of shared values and principles propounded by the two founding fathers of the two nations and emphasised that the values should be embraced by the two countries.
After unveiling the road names, President Nandi-Ndaitwah and Mr Nujoma proceeded to plant a tree which they related to Namibia’s newly established annual tree planting ceremony on the anniversary of Dr. Nujoma’s birthday.
Lusaka City Council Mayor, Chilando Chitangala said the renamed roads symbolise the legacy of the late Namibian Presidents.
Meanwhile, the visiting Namibian President also planted a red mahogany tree, an indigenous while Mrs. Monica Geingob also planted the same species.
Geigbob lived in Zambia where he headed the United Nations institute for Namibia in Lusaka from its inception in 1976 until his return to Namibia from exile in 1989.
Dr Hage formed a line of southern African development community leaders who lived in Zambia.
The Namibian President, has since departed Zambia for Namibia after a two- day working visit.
President Nandi -Ndaitwah was seen off by President Hakainde Hichilema at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport at exactly 18:17 hours Zambian time.
While at the Airport, President Ndaitwah was accorded a 21- gun salute and later inspected a guard of honour mounted by the Zambia Army.
Among others that saw her off at the airport were Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Mulambo Haimbe, Lusaka Province Minister, Sheal Mulyata, Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa and Lusaka Mayor Chilando Chitangala.
Zambia and Namibia have continued to enjoy cordial relations since the establishment of the two countries bilateral ties in the early 1990s.

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