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For Once Lets Be Happy As A Country- Kabuswe

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For Once Lets Be Happy As A Country- Kabuswe

Mines and Minerals Development Minister Paul Kabuswe has urged Zambians to celebrate the recent partnership between Mopani Copper Mines (MCM), a subsidiary of ZCCM-IH, and Investment Resources Holding (IRH) of Abu Dhabi. Minister Kabuswe expressed concern over continued propaganda attempting to overshadow the positive developments stemming from this collaboration, which led to the relaunch of operations at MCM by President Hakainde Hichilema.

Mr. Kabuswe emphasized the importance of acknowledging the progress made in mining towns such as Kitwe and Mufulira as a result of the Mopani partnership. He urged citizens to focus on the benefits to Zambians rather than perpetuating negative sentiments.

Responding to inquiries, including one from a radio caller named Mr. Mwale, who questioned the use of a Gulfstream aircraft to transport investors from Abu Dhabi to Ndola, Minister Kabuswe dismissed such claims as propaganda. He clarified that IRH had used its private plane for transportation and criticized those spreading false information, alleging that images had been manipulated to discredit positive achievements.

“This is a time to be happy,” stated Minister Kabuswe. “We have attracted investment to Mopani, resulting in improved conditions for miners, suppliers, and contractors. Mopani, once troubled like Glencore, is now a free asset under a joint venture with IRH, with Zambians playing a significant role in its management.”

Minister Kabuswe emphasized the need for sincerity and factual communication among citizens, cautioning against embracing negative publicity. He highlighted the positive impact of the Mopani partnership on the economy, stressing the importance of celebrating achievements amidst challenges such as electricity shortages and drought.

Minister Kabuswe urged Zambians to unite in recognizing and celebrating the successes in the mining sector, emphasizing the tangible benefits brought about by the Mopani partnership and the positive prospects it holds for the country’s future.

Zambia Army Will Not Compromise Training Of Its Recruits – Lt. Gen ALIBUZWI

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Zambia Army Will Not Compromise Training Of Its Recruits – Lt. Gen ALIBUZWI

Commander Zambia Army, Lieutenant General Sitali Dennis Alibuzwi says Zambia Army will not compromise training of its Officers and Soldiers to suit some people’s imaginary standards.

Lt Gen Alibuzwi says there are conditions at Zambia Military Academy (ZMA) and Recruit Training Centres (RTCs) which Cadets and Recruits respectively,should meet for them to be declared ready for commissioning and passing-out.

Lt Gen Alibuzwi said at Army headquarters in Lusaka during the official opening of the 2024 first quarter Command Council on Tuesday, 2 April, 2024 that training should always meet the desired results.

“When we asses ourselves how far we’ve gone and we find that we are not ready, it’s not about the time frame but content which is important. Therefore Command will not be rushed into passing out half-baked recruits until the lessons are attained. We have our own syllabus which we follow and we shall stick to that,” he said.

Lt Gen Alibuzwi has since warned those circulating false information on the pass-out of recruits to stop henceforth.
The Commander added that because of its set standards, Zambia Army has continued attracting the attention of other defence forces in the region, one of which being the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force.

Lt Gen Alibuzwi said during his visit to Zambia, Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force Commander, Gen Moses Fakudze expressed delight at the high training standards Zambia Army has set and that arrangements are underway to have personnel from Eswatini trained under Zambia Army Command.
He revealed that one of the brigades in Eswatini Defence Force is commanded by a female Brigadier General who was trained at Zambia Military Academy, stating that from such good tidings, Zambia Army will always endeavour to set higher training standards.

By Buffalo Reporter

The Collapse of Investtrust Bank:A new model of managing national assets urgently needed!

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The Collapse of Investtrust Bank:A new model of managing national assets urgently needed!

On Tuesday, April 2, 2024, the Bank of Zambia (BOZ) took possession of the management and control of Investrust Bank Plc (IBP). Apart from Zambia Industrial Commercial Bank (ZICB), IBP is the only other truly indigenously owned and controlled bank in Zambia. For contexts’ sake, as of June 30, 2023, close to 95% of the banking assets in Zambia are foreign owned and controlled. With the sad news at IBP, this paltry stake we hold in the ownership of financial assets has been diluted further to near zero. Every patriot must be worried about this. You cannot be truly sovereign if the financial and banking assets are controlled and owned by foreign interests.

In our view, the problems at IBP are symbolic of what happens in any industry when state actors throw their national’s interests and assets to the wolves of international monopoly capital. In the Socialist Party, we will heighten support to state owned banks and encourage indigenous Zambians to own and manage banks and financial institutions.
The government must support local banks unapologetically.

The takeover of IBP is primarily because state institutions, which are key institutional investors, do not have a deliberate policy to support local banks and local financial institutions. The rise of Nigeria as an economic giant in Africa can be traced to decisions made in the late 1980s under the leadership of Gen Ibrahim Babangida where all federal and state finances were to be deposited (not in foreign banks) but in newly created Nigerian owned banks. The result is a robust Nigerian financial and banking system, which has now made Nigeria the banking and financial services Mecca of Africa. Patriots, imagine for once that NAPSA, NHIMA, Workers Compensation funds were exclusively deposited in local banks like ZICB, IBP, Zanaco, Indo Zambia, NATSAVE and ZNBS? I am not even talking about ministries and spending agencies in government! In 5 years’ time, these institutions will become market leaders and control the economic barometer of our land. Today, the top 5 banks by asset and earnings in Zambia are overwhelmingly foreign. This is a ticking time bomb. There is no economy where a government flirts and dates with all things foreign. Are the leading banks in Egypt foreign owned? Are the major banks in South Africa and Ethiopia foreign owned?

We know that by the time BoZ was making this decision, they had several engagements with the shareholder ZCCM-IH, which falls under CDC chaired by the President. Why did IDC not intervene and bail out a local bank? Who bewitched us!
The UPND’s chaotic monetary policies are worrying.

The IBP failure also exposes the UPND’s chaotic monetary policy of siphoning liquidity through increased Statutory Reserve Ratio (SRR) to 14.5%. At the same time Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) was increased to 12.5%. When you add the mopping up of nearly K2bn in January 2024, these knee-jerk reactions were bound to cause unimaginable disaster. This has milked away all the cash in the market.

Today, there’s no support for local businesses worth talking about.
It has been worse for our local banks whose main clients are local contractors whose invoices have never been paid for nearly 3 years. Whilst international banks are well funded and capitalised, you can’t say the same for our local unsupported banks. Also don’t forget that most local businesses who bank with local banks have been shunned by the UPND government in preference for foreign companies. The government must reverse the draconian monetary policy that has crippled the banking industry before more local banks and financial institutions are swept away in the way of bank failures. The government must also settle the billions of money they owe local contractors and suppliers on the pretext that they are PF cadres. These are the businesses that transact with local banks. The big multinational foreign investors bank with their own foreign banks.

Governance and management weaknesses at IBP should also not be ignored.
Of course, we are aware that IBP has had historical governance weaknesses and management incompetencies. We are aware of how high impact and productive senior management were frustrated and sidelined out of the bank. The bank was not short of cronyism, tribalism, and even outright abuse and fraud by stakeholders. If the boards and management of IBP in years gone by had made more professional decisions, the course of the bank would be different. We are also aware of the corporate wars that happened at the bank. We are also aware of how ZCCM-IH was literary forced to acquire that shareholding against internal ZCCM-IH management and board due diligence. There was no value in the deal, and Rupiah Banda’s State House forced that deal on ZCCM-IH. But this is a story for another day.

Incompetence at the Bank of Zambia should not also be ignored.
Where is the Bank of Zambia in all this? Can it be said that BoZ was not aware of the systemic problems at IBP until now? We don’t think so. When did IBP last publish its financial statements as required by the Banking and Financial Services Act 2017? The leadership challenges at the central bank are in public. At a deeper level, we have a central bank that is inept and an acolyte of Western and textbook monetary policies that have no meaningful value for our local industry and our people. Under Socialist Party, the Bank of Zambia will be reformed to make it an instrument that helps to elevate the standards of living for our people. What use is double-digit GDP and single digit inflation if our people are hungry and poor? If our people are excluded from participating in commerce and enterprise through artificially propped up interest rates? The reforms at BoZ are long overdue.

Under the SP, we will identify financial institutions and support them to run profitably, but these must be Zambian owned and controlled. State resources will be banked in the local banks as part of the deepening of our local financial systems.
For now, and as a matter of national urgency and emergency, we demand that the government and the central bank move in to forestall financial sector confidence. The mounting loss of confidence in Zambian owned financial institutions is a serious national risk to our financial system. If this is not done, we shall see contagion risk spread to ZICB, NATSAVE, Zanaco, and ZNBS. We cannot afford to lose these national assets and institutions regardless of their weaknesses. SP already has a master plan to come revive our own local financial houses. We will use this critical artery to catalyse a national economic renaissance that is rooted in our own people, our own systems, and for our own national, not monopoly capital interests.

Fred M’membe
President of the Socialist Party

President Hichilema Committs to Ensuring Prudent Utilization Of Resources

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President Hichilema Committs to Ensuring Prudent Utilization Of Resources

President Hakainde Hichilema has announced the successful completion of debt restructuring processes, marking a crucial step towards stabilizing the country’s financial landscape. The President, speaking in a press statement, highlighted the administration’s commitment to prudent resource management and combating corruption in the post-restructuring era.

Under the leadership of the United Party for National Development (UPND), the government engaged in rigorous negotiations with both official and private creditors over the past two and a half years. These negotiations, including discussions with bondholders, have resulted in a restructuring agreement that will see the country’s debt burden reduced over an extended period, saving billions of dollars in the process.

President Hichilema emphasized the significance of this achievement, stating that it fulfills a major promise made to the Zambian people by his administration. He attributed the unsustainable debt situation to excessive spending, mismanagement of resources, maladministration, and corruption under the previous government. The President vowed that such practices would not be tolerated under his leadership.

With the completion of the debt restructuring, President Hichilema sees an opportunity to shift the collective mindset towards more responsible governance. He stressed the importance of fostering investor confidence and ensuring efficient resource management across all government sectors.

Addressing concerns about corruption, President Hichilema issued a stern warning to potential wrongdoers. Regardless of political affiliation or status, he made it clear that those who engage in corrupt practices will face swift and decisive action from law enforcement and prosecution authorities. As part of the government’s anti-corruption efforts, the judiciary’s capacity to prosecute cases will be enhanced, with a target of resolving cases within a five-month timeframe.

Looking ahead, President Hichilema expressed optimism about Zambia’s future, pledging his administration’s unwavering commitment to improving the lives of all Zambians. He assured the public that better days are on the horizon as the government focuses on economic growth and development.

The successful debt restructuring and renewed commitment to fighting corruption signal a new chapter for Zambia under President Hakainde Hichilema’s leadership, with hopes for a more stable and prosperous future.

Re-alignment of National Health Insurance Management Authority(NHIMA) to Ministry of Health applauded

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Re-alignment of National Health Insurance Management Authority(NHIMA) to Ministry of Health applauded

The Medicines Research and Access Platform (MedRAP) has supported the decision by the Government to re-align the National Health Insurance Management Authority (NHIMA) from the Ministry of Labour back to the Ministry of Health (MoH).

MedRAP Executive Director Liyoka Liyoka believes this shift will allow vulnerable Zambians, including those that are not in formal employment to access good quality health services without having to pay out of pocket.

Mr. Liyoka noted that placing NHIMA under the Ministry of Health will ensure that the government adequately provides appropriate policy oversight for a health entity and gives NHIMA the supervisory role.

“Prior to the National Health Insurance scheme (NHIS) only 4% of Zambians had access to good quality health care through insurance. The rest of the 96% faced financial barriers compelling them to pay exorbitant health services out-of-pocket hence pushing many families into abject poverty as well as increasing the morbidity and mortality burden in our communities. For those who had finances, the prospect of poor service, lack of diagnostics and laboratory equipment, and perennial shortages of medicines and medical supplies deterred them from obtaining optimal health services from both public and private facilities alike,” Mr. Liyoka said.

In a media statement issued by MedRAP Communications Officer Tinkerbel Mwila, Mr. Liyoka further advocated the decentralisation of the national drug budget.

“In this case, Health facilities will make their own budgets and purchase medicines and medical supplies from ZAMMSA on a cash basis. In turn, the health facilities will recoup their drug expenditure funds and other services through the NHIMA reimbursement system. These funds can then be used to purchase more medicines and other medical supplies from ZAMMSA. In turn, ZAMMSA can also use these funds to procure more medicines, hence creating a sustainable cycle. This mechanism will automatically transfer the responsibility of purchasing and maintaining commodity stock level to the facility,” Mr. Liyoka said.

“It is in our considered view that a well-defined decentralized drug budget system, a commercialized ZAMMSA, and a fully rolled out NHIMA reimbursement programme must constitute the initial key components of a new and sustainable medicines supply chain strategy. This is necessary to ensure achievement of Universal Health Coverage through the Vision 2030, which envisions a prosperous country where all Zambians have access to quality health services, including medicines,” he concluded.

From the Cemetery to the Synagogue

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From the Cemetery to the Synagogue

The usual suspects had converged at the cemetery – a coterie of bitter, envious, desperate and vengeful individuals still reeling from the shock of defeat, August 2021, at the hands of one villager from Bweengwa; otherwise better known as Kachema. During their last convocation, they had resolved to give ‘birth’ to the United Kandiles Alliance (UKA) to try and wrestle the coveted crown from Kachema!

Mpundwi had just finished invoking the heavens above when they noticed a couple of hefty men in dark suits and sun glasses swiftly sweeping around the premises…..they were carefully examining litter strewn all over the place for any evidence – empty bottles of champagne and Jameson, disposal plates and cups, folks and serviettes!

“Look at what I just found…..” one of the men wearing white gloves waved a used condom at the others.

“I knew it!” exclaimed their supervisor; a stout, heavyset balding man in an over-sized suit which made him look awkward. “Let’s keep on digging; we’ll find something to pin them down…..”

The Kandiles were unsettled…..they were now panicking. They had now suspended the deliberations and studying the men in dark suits and sun glasses, coyly. Had their lid been blown off? Who could’ve snitched on them? Could it be Sin or Fredo since they were reluctant to join them?

“We could perhaps relocate to one of the Synagogues” Mpundwi suggested, trying hard to remain calm. “I know of a few ‘men of gold’ equally willing to help us champion our agenda……”

They exchanged glances surreptitiously as the men in dark glasses and sun glasses inched closer.

“If only his excellency could be considerate enough to pamper them with brown envelopes,” Imbhoila chortled at her own pun. “their hearts would obviously be filled with overflowing glee….”

Jagwa let out a loud guffaw and quivered hysterically as he wagged a warning finger in her direction. This seemed to have had magical influence on the others. They chuckled exuberantly as they slapped themselves on their backs, playfully.

“I can assure you colleagues……” Jagwa had finally found his voice, trying to sound as sober as possible, “Am not called kasaka kandalama for nothing…..”

This elicited further laughter as the men in dark suits and sun glasses looked on, amused.

The Kandiles quickly ambulated to their waiting SUVs which they had left on idle, as fuel wasn’t a problem for them, thanks to the bottomless wallet of Jagwa. They reversed and whipped their machines onto the highway and sped-off towards one of the shanties; tossing empty bottles of Jameson and Blue Label and empty packets of jiggies through their windows in the process! In the meantime, Mpundwi and Puree were busy making frantic phone calls on their iphones which Jagwa was kind enough to gift them on his birth-date.

“We’re almost there…..” Puree had burst into his irritating laughter as usual.

In due course, they found themselves at a spectacular Synagogue nestled between tin-roofed shacks. They were quickly ushered-in and made to sit on the front pews. The military jungle boots, favoured by the gadas, which the ‘man of gold’ was sporting immediately grabbed their attention.

“He’s one of us…..” Cha’ngra whispered. “No doubt about it…”

Puree subtly passed a bulging brown envelope to one of the ushers who in turn handed it to the ‘man of gold.’ He quickly slid into his socks without even bothering to check the contents for he already knew.

He smiled gaily and flashed a thumbs-up at the Kandiles and nodded as a way of assuring them everything was under complete control.

The church service usually entailed singing of hymns, reading some scripture followed by a sermon based on lections assigned for the day. The ‘man of gold’ of course had no qualms straying from the established norms and practices. He rushed the congregation through a single hymn and neglected to refer to any scripture!

“As you can see; there’s no power in the Synagogue today…….” he was smiling, his voice pregnant with sarcasm. “Our ladies can’t even enjoy twerking anymore!”

The gathering was shocked, save for Kandiles who obviously relished his powerful message and clapped.

“How much is aka bunga?” he studied their faces to gauge if the message was sinking in. “Today, you’ve to sweat to put food on the table! If you are keeping an extended family like nephews, nieces and uncles…..send them back to the village as you can’t afford to feed them, anymore!”

He went on to remind them how they can’t afford bus fares to see them anywhere, and bemoaned the rising number of street kids as “if there’s no government in place”.

“Has this government delivered on the jobs they promised you,” his eyes was desperately searching the pews for any nurses and teachers who may have been deployed recently. “Next time they come pleading for your votes with ‘ifitenge,’ ignore them!”

Jagwa was impressed, of course. As they were ushered out to rush for another programme, he instructed that another envelope be allocated to the ‘man of gold’ “for the job well done.”

Their motorcade was soon wounding its way out of the sprawling settlement to find their way to another shanty compound much closer to the city where most street vendors resided. They found some of the faithful waiting to welcome them at the gate.

“You can’t eject vendors from the streets without providing them alternative trading spaces,” the ‘man of gold’ had suddenly digressed and pushed the Bible aside to impress his benefactors.

“You used to make a lot of money from the streets…..Are you still making money today? No!” He quickly proffered an answer before anyone would dare contradict him. “You’re suffering; you can’t even afford to give tithes and offering!”

Jagwa and his entourage couldn’t hide their happiness. This was definitely what they expected to hear. Someone to keep reminding the masses that they are suffering.

“Why must you go hungry in the name of keeping our streets clean?” Of course no one was going to answer the question for such wasn’t allowed in the Synagogue.

“Especially you the marketeers,” his face had turned serious. “You’re the ones they come to sweet-talk with their sugar coated language!”

He warned everyone against doing chipwena once ‘aba Red’ came their way, but instead embrace the Kandiles.

“Our Creator is so angry with this government that He has decided to switch off the supply of rains!

A handful of students from YUNZA could be seen fidgeting and shaking their heads. Before the service, they were at pains trying to convince some of the congregants that the the entire region was affected by El Nino – a warming of the ocean surface, or above-average sea surface temperatures, in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, hence the persisting drought.

“I don’t care if you choose to disagree with me or not!” he exploded. “What am saying to you is from God!”

He was so peeved-up that he hastily concluded the service without offering a closing prayer! He summoned the Kandiles to come with him to his office where he was a proud recipient of a generous supply of brown envelopes which they tasked him to share with like minded ‘men of gold.’

Prince Bill M. Kaping’a
Political/Social Analyst

Lake Tanganyika Hits A 50 year Record High Rise Of Water Levels

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Lake Tanganyika Hits A 50 year Record High Rise Of Water Levels

Lake Tanganyika in Nsumbu Northern Province

Lake Tanganyika, for the first time in about 50 years, has recorded a record high water rise of about 2.5 meters attributed to the high rainfall experienced, currently standing at 1748mm as of March 20, 2024, against the usual rainfall average of 1250mm every year in the Northern Region.

This is affecting offices, companies, power lines, communities on the lakeshore, and water gadgets that are slowly being submerged in the lake.

Lake Tanganyika Development project has advised stakeholders to consider constructing smart climate infrastructure in the wake of climate change.

Project Coordinator Dora Kamweneshe explained that many people were previously constructing infrastructure without considering the effects of climate change.

She says the narrative has now changed due to the climatic changes, which call for people to build infrastructure which is resilient.

Ms Dora Kamweneshe told ZANIS in an interview in Mpulungu that the rising water levels in Lake Tanganyika is an eye opener for houses, offices, and companies on the lake shore to build climate smart infrastructure to prevent flooding.

She said the prevailing situation, where offices and houses are slowly being swallowed by the rising waters, could have been prevented.

Ms Kamweneshe said designs that are climate-smart take care of the effects of climatic conditions, thus standing the test of time even in eventualities.

About Lake Tanganyika

Tanganyika’s waters lap Tanzania, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia. It is the longest freshwater lake in the world and the second deepest after Lake Baikal in Russia. The immense depth is because it lies in the Great Rift Valley, which also has created its steep shoreline. It reaches a depth of 1 433 / 4 700ft, which is an astounding 642m / 2 106ft below sea level.

Although Zambia can only lay claim to 7% of its surface area, it stretches north to south a distance of 677km / 420mi and averages about 50km / 31mi wide. The clear waters host more than 350 different species of fish and is well known for aquarium fish exports and excellent angling.

The fertile circulating surface water, although not tidal, provides abundant plankton for its inhabitants which in turn provides much needed protein for both the local and export markets. The stiff winds that blow off the surrounding mountains aid the continual movement which inhibits the spread of bilharzia, the parasitic disease carried by shallow water snails.

A Landlocked Sea

Tanganyika is essentially a landlocked sea but in years of heavy rain the lake overflows into the Lukuga River which in turn feeds the DRC’s Lualaba River.

Despite the ferocious surface storms that occur, driving waves up to 6m / 20ft high, no mixing of the lower relict waters occurs. The bottom 1 200m / 3 937ft of the lake remains ‘dead’ – either too high in hydrogen sulphide or too low in oxygen to support life. This ‘fossil water’ may be as old as 20 million years. By contrast the oceans, because of currents and upwellings, have life forms even as low as 11 000m / 36 080ft.

Lake Tanganyika has a remarkably uniform temperature. The lower regions are only a mere 3°C / 3.6°F colder than the surface. The reason for this strange phenomenon has yet to be discovered.

Tropical fish

Lake Tanganyika boasts over 350 species of fish of which most are endemic. Like Lake Malawi, Lake Tanganyika is extremely old, and the combination of its age and ecological isolation has led to the evolution of unique fish populations. Since new species are being discovered continually in these remarkable lakes, it is difficult to determine which has the highest diversity, but they at least share the distinction of being the top two lakes in the world in terms of biodiversity, while Tanganyika has the highest proportion of endemicity, concentrated mainly in the Zambian side.

The Lake Tanganyika Biodiversity Project works to ensure that its biological diversity is maintained. Its aim is to produce an effective and sustainable system for managing and conserving the biodiversity of the lake.

Species of particular note include the giant Nile perch (Lates angustifrons) and small Nile perch (Luciolates stappersii) which are important commercial and angling species; goliath tiger (Hydrocynus goliath) and the English fish or Lake Tanganyika yellow-belly (Boulengerochromis microlepis) which are important angling species (the latter being especially prized for its good eating).

In addition, the lake supports kapenta (Limnothrissa miodon) which is an important source of protein in Zambia, the rare bichir (Polypterus congicus), and a great variety of endemic cichlids.

Read more about the Lake Tanganyika Cichlids

Biologically Unique

Regarded as one of the most biologically unique habitats on earth, Lake Tanganyika is also an evolutionary showcase due to its great age and stability. Ninety-eight percent of the lake’s cichlids (which comprise two thirds of all the lake’s fish) are unique to Tanganyika. Also endemic are all seven of its crabs, five out of the 13 bivalve molluscs, more than half of its gastropod molluscs and 11 of its 33 copepod crustaceans.

Sport fishing is very popular here and catches include the goliath tigerfish and Nile perch. Crocodiles inhabit most of the shoreline, except around Mpulungu, probably due to the noise of people and motorboats. Swimming in the lake (in the Mpulungu area only!) is an absolute treat. Warm, clear, salt-free water that changes from silky stillness, to high waves for a great body surf – usually with no apparent reason for the change. Storms from way up north probably cause the still waters in the south to agitate.

Bank Of Zambia takes over “insolvent” Investrust Bank PLC

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Bank Of Zambia takes over “insolvent” Investrust Bank PLC

The Bank of Zambia has announced that it has taken over the running of Investrust Bank Plc because the ban is now insolvent.

The action is in line with Section 64 of the Banking and Financial Services Act No. 7 of 2017.

In a statement, the Central Bank says the possession of the bank from April 2nd 2024 has been necessitated by its insolvency.

“The Bank of Zambia has had numerous engagements with the shareholders to recapitalise the bank. Unfortunately, the shareholders have been unable to resolve the insolvency. Under the circumstances, the Bank of Zambia has had to exercise its authority under the law to safeguard financial stability and the interests of the public,” the statement read.

The Bank of Zambia said it is also working with key stakeholders, including the Government, on mechanisms for depositors not to lose any of their money.

“Therefore, depositors are hereby urged to remain calm as implementation of the resolution mechanisms are being worked upon.”

“An announcement to this effect will be made as soon as the arrangements are finalised. During the possession period, the Bank of Zambia shall, in accordance with the law, prepare a statement of affairs of the bank and take any other action deemed necessary.”

It said, “the purpose of the statement of affairs is to establish the full extent of the insolvency of the bank and serve as a basis for the full resolution of the matter.”

Poverty: Is it the Government or the Zambian people responsible for it ?

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Poverty: Is it the Government or the Zambian people responsible for it ?

Community Transformation Network Executive Director Steven Chewe has urged Zambians to pray for Government leaders so that God can give them solutions to the economic woes the country is currently going through.

Speaking in an interview, Mr Chewe said Government leaders should not just be blamed for the poor economy but should be prayed for so that God can give them good ideas that can liberate Zambians from economic shackles.

He said Zambia need visionary leaders, that are able to make a way where there is no way.

“Zambians have been wallowing in poverty for 60 years ,so we need to find the root cause. Is it the Government or is it the people? We need to remove ignorance from the people, the bible says my people are perishing because of lack of knowledge,” he said.

Mr Chewe also observed that there is high levels of social injustice in the country adding that this the main hindrance to development.

He noted that there is a big gap between the rich and the poor in Zambia.

He appealed to Government to come up with good economic policies that should protect Zambians.

Mr Chewe wondered why Government should be giving tax holidays to foreigners when Zambians are highly taxed.

Meanwhile former Government Chief Whip Steve Chungu has charged that the UPND Government has completely failed to manage economic and social needs of Zambians.

Mr Chungu who is former Luanshya Member of Parliament noted that there are no medicines in the hospitals , roads can not be worked on adding that the UPND Government can not even build schools.

He said the UPND Government has not initiated any new project saying that most of the schools that are are those the Patriotic Front government had signed for under the World Bank .

“Our hospitals have no medicines, our roads cannot be worked on,there has never being any new project that has been initiated or contracted by the UPND,” he said.

He said the economy of the country is not going to improve under the UPND Government adding that Zambians should not expect things that are not attainable.

BRE unveils 2024 ceremony programme, Guest of Honour is Mwinelubemba

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BRE unveils 2024 ceremony programme, Guest of Honour is Mwinelubemba

The Barotse Royal Establishment has announced that this year’s Kuomboka ceremony will be graced by Mwinelubemba Chitimukulu Kanyanta-manga II of the Bemba Speaking People.

Ngambela Mukela Manyando made the announcement today in limulunga Royal Village during a news briefing.

Ngambela Manyando said the invitation of Mwinelubemba to grace the Kuomboka this year results from the the invitation which was extended to His Majesty the Litunga, King of Barotseland last year in which Litunga was the Guest of Honor at the Ukusefya pa Ng’wena ceremony of the Bemba speaking in Northern Province.

Ngambela Manyando underscored the importance of cultural exchange among traditional systems of Zambia which are critically beneficial. Ngambela Mukela Manyando also appealed to the people of Barotseland and community to give visitors a good hospitality during their visit at this year’s kuomboka.

Kuomboka ceremony is the movement of the Litunga, King of Barotseland, from the flood plains Lealui (the Winter capital) to the higher ground in Limulunga (the summer capital), paddled in a gaint traditional boat called Nalikwanda.

As a result of drought, this year’s Kuomboka ceremony will take place from Lealui to Mulamba harbour in Mongu on 20th April, 2024.

Africa: Zambia epitomizes the New Scramble for Africa

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Africa: Zambia epitomizes the New Scramble for Africa

Africa , a continent endowed with massive natural resources has always attracted interest from beyond its shores

“As the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Countries Join Band Wagon”

By Mwansa Chalwe Snr

There is a 21st-century version of the “Scramble for Africa” that is currently taking, which is similar to the one that occurred 140 years ago. In 1884, Seven Western European powers held a conference in Berlin, Germany, which marked the starting point of the Scramble for Africa. This entailed the conquest, invasion, occupation, division, and colonization of the African continent.

The motivation for the new scramble for Africa is the same: hunger for the continent’s massive natural resources. The only difference today is that it is with the consent of the continent’s leaders, and previous colonial masters of Britain, France, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Belgium and Germany have been overshadowed by new players.

China -West Rivalry in Africa

The West lost interest in African countries after they attained independence in the 1960s and virtually abandoned the continent. At the beginning of this century, China took advantage of the vacuum. China formed the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) as a vehicle for cooperating with Africa and poured billions into the Continent for infrastructure development.
The United States of America recently reacted to Chinese influence in Africa by enacting the Strategic Competition Act of 2021.There has been a growing realisation in Washington that Africa represents important opportunities in trade and investment.

“The United States firmly believes that it’s time to stop treating Africa as a subject of geopolitics and start treating it as the major geopolitical player it has become,” Antony Blinken said when he visited Nigeria in 2021.

The European Union joined the race for African influence in 2021.To counter Chinese influence, the EU  announced a plan to invest €300 billion (US$340 billion) in global infrastructure, which European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen boasted would be better than China’s Belt and Road Initiative due to EU’s priorities of a green economy and digital technology.

“Countries [had] their experience with the Chinese investments and they need better and different offers,” she said. “We want to show that a democratic, value-driven approach can deliver on the most pressing challenges.”

India’s vaccine Diplomacy

India has been quietly making economic inroads into Africa under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The country is now Africa’s third-largest trading partner at $70 Billion, and the fifth largest investor with $64Billion of FDI.

“In recent years, India has sought to position itself as a global powerhouse. Newly minted as the world’s most populous country – as well as its fifth largest and fastest growing economy,” wrote Jonathan Yerushalmy, the Guardian Australia Editor in an Op-Ed in the Zambia Daily Mail.

And indeed, during the Covid-19 Pandemic when the West ignored Africa and was reluctant to provide excess Vaccines or give manufacturing licence, India was one of the first movers in an UN-backed global Covid-19 response, earning respect across Africa by supplying 24.7 million “Made in India” Covid-19 vaccines and COVAX supplies to 42 countries in Africa.

In 2018, India had 29 diplomatic missions in Africa, but in 2019, it had planned to add another 18 missions which was to bring the total to 47. India believes that it has a competitive advantage over China in Africa due to its shared colonial past, the English language, and the over 3million Indian diaspora in Africa.
Russia is back in Africa, as Turkey flexes its muscle
In 2019, Russia hosted 43 African heads of state at the Russia-Africa Summit in Sochi, where several agreements were signed. “We are not going to participate in a new ‘repartition’ of the continent’s wealth,” President Vladimir Putin said at the summit. “Rather, we are ready to engage in competition for cooperation with Africa. We have a lot to offer our African friends.”

Already, Russian state-owned energy companies Gazprom, Rostec and Rosatom are active in Africa, with key investments in the oil, gas and nuclear sectors in Algeria, Egypt, Uganda, and Angola.

Turkey is also expanding its footprint on the continent. It increased the number of embassies in Africa, from 12 in 2009 to 43 in 2021. In the last decade, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited more than 28 African countries and 38 times in total, which is a reflection of his ambitions on the continent. And in the past 20 years or so, trade between Turkey and Africa has grown from US$5.4 billion to US$25.3 billion.

This competition for influence should generally be welcomed by African countries as it provides them with more choices. It is an opportunity for Africa to fast-track its development by leveraging its resources and its market of 1.2 billion people, most of them young.

The African Union officials have been cautious on the new “invasion”. African Union’s Commissioner for infrastructure and energy, Amani Abou-Zeid commented: “Africa’s focus is about securing financial access to fund development for its fast-growing population. We need serious partners; we need people who can deliver. We have had bad experiences and good experiences with literally everybody.” And her boss Moussa Mahamat, Chairman of the African Union commission once said: “Africa refuses to be the theatre for playing out of rivalries between Chinese, Americans or Europeans.”
Zambia, the epicentre of the scramble for Africa
Zambia has been the poster child of 21st Century scramble for Africa. Since his election as President in August 2021, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, has marketed the country aggressively for investment as part of his strategy of economic diplomacy.

Zambia has hosted unprecedented number of high-level officials from influential countries during the last two years. These have included USA Vice President, Kamala Harris and Treasury Secretary, Janet Yellen, Chinese Agriculture Minister, the Saudi Arabia Agriculture Minister, and many others. And recently, a United States Congressional delegation (CODEL), led by Senator Patty Murray, accompanied by Senators Chris Coons, Gary Peters, Catherine Cortez, and Peter Welch visited Zambia and met with President Hakainde Hichilema.

And for the first time in Zambia’s history, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have shown interest to compete for investment in Zambia. The cash-rich oil countries of United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia are aggressively pushing to secure critical minerals supply in Zambia in their bid to diversify their economies and engage with energy transition.

In February,2024, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Al Fradley visited Zambia looking for investment opportunities in crop farming, livestock, and aquaculture. The Saudis are already constructing a $102 million, 820 bed capacity women and children specialist hospital in Lusaka.
In March,2024, the United Arab Emirates’ International Resources Holdings (IRH), a subsidiary International Holdings Company (IHC), officially took over Zambia’s Mopani Copper Mines by investing $1.1 billions in return for 51% ownership of the business, through its subsidiary, Delta Mining Limited (Delta).
One of the clearest signs of Zambia epitomising the Scramble for Africa has been the composition of its debt. Zambia owes Eurobond holders, China, India, Israel, Britain etc. The protraction of the G20 Framework debt restructuring talks-which were only resolved in March,2024-can mainly be attributed to the geopolitical rivalry between China and the West, with Zambia as a battleground.
On the 7th of February 2024, Chinese Ambassador to Zambia, Du Xiaohui, announced that Chinese investors had proposed to invest over $1billion in the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) under a public private partnership (PPP) model. In the same week, United States of America and its partners were involved in the Lobito Corridor Private Sector Investment Forum, which was convened by the G7’s Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI) and the USA government Agency, International Development Finance Corporation (DFC).

Recommended Strategy for Africa and Zambia

At continent level, the African Union (AU) should take a Leadership role by creating a unified African vision on how to work with the foreign powers. There is need to strike a balance between resource nationalism and collaboration. Africa can assert ownership (resource nationalism), while collaborating with foreign investors for expertise and capital.

At country level, Zambia should focus on value addition by ensuring that raw materials are processed into finished or semi-finished goods before export and get directly involved in marketing a share of its minerals. Zambia should negotiate better deals with foreign investors than it has done in the past and avoid being arm twisted to secure a larger share of revenue, technology, and skills transfer.

In general, Zambia should engage local thinkers to craft a strategy and roadmap for this 21st Century opportunity to fast-track development. The country cannot afford to rely on foreign institutions like the United Nations agencies, World Bank, IMF, Chinese institutions and individuals, to work out a strategy for taking advantage of this phenomenon,because they are highly conflicted.

It is to Africa and Zambia’s advantage that China, the US, EU, Russia, India, and other world powers should be jockeying for influence, as it can bring critical investment for development. But it should be wary of being caught up in the crossfire of geopolitical and economic competition which can degenerate into conflict.

Mwansa Chalwe Snr is a Chartered accountant, an independent financial commentator and analyst. He is the author of the book, China-West Battleground in Africa: Debt ridden Zambia.
Contact: pmchalweATgmailDOTcom

Set-Pieces and Transitions – Using Football Analogies in National Governance

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Set-Pieces and Transitions – Using Football Analogies in National Governance

By Dr Roy Moobola

In the sport of football set-pieces refer to predetermined plays or situations in which the game momentarily pauses to allow for a specific action, such as a free kick, corner kick, or throw-in. These moments offer teams the opportunity to execute rehearsed plays or strategies designed to create scoring opportunities or defensive stability. Many a football fan will know whether their team has a strength for or weakness against set-piece situations and look forward to or dread these occasions. This season, following the appointment of a dedicated set-piece coach, Arsenal have led the English Premier League in numbers of goals scored from set-pieces.

Football transitions, on the other hand, refer to the fluid moments in the game when possession of the ball changes, either from defence to attack or vice versa. These transitions occur rapidly and require teams to quickly adjust their shape, mentality, and tactics to capitalise on opportunities or prevent counterattacks. Teams like Liverpool and Manchester City are good at transition tactics such as the high counter-press which are used to great effect when the team loses the ball.

In the realm of national governance, navigating challenges often resembles the strategic decisions and tactics observed in the sport of football. Governments must adeptly respond to both anticipated events and unforeseen crises. The recent experiences of the Zambian government offer a compelling analogy. Its response to debt restructuring and instigation of socio-economic initiatives mirrors set-piece events, whilst grappling with emergent situations such as a cholera outbreak and a severe drought resembles the transitions of play often seen in football.

Set-Piece Events

Much like a well-rehearsed football set-piece play, the Zambian government’s response to debt restructuring has incorporated careful organisation and strategic execution. Over the course of nearly three years, the government has engaged in extensive negotiations with international lenders, satisfying diverse bilateral and multilateral requirements and striving to achieve equality of treatment across different types of debt. This deliberate approach reflects a set-piece strategy, characterised by structured planning and predefined actions.

Additionally, the government’s implementation of increased decentralised funding in the form of the constituency development fund (CDF), recruitment drives for teachers and health workers, and provision of meal allowances to university students further exemplify set-piece events. These initiatives have been meticulously planned and executed to meet specific objectives and address key priorities in local production, education, healthcare, and social welfare.

Transitions

In contrast, emergent situations in Zambia such as the recent cholera outbreak and the El Nino-induced drought have presented dynamic challenges that require a nimble and adaptive response akin to transitions in football. Like a sudden change in possession on the football field, these crises have necessitated swift adjustments and flexible strategies to effectively address evolving circumstances.

The government’s response to the cholera outbreak, for instance, required rapid mobilisation of resources, deployment of healthcare personnel, and implementation of public health measures to contain the spread of the disease. Similarly, the onset of drought prompted the government to enact mitigation measures, such as crop irrigation efforts, direct support for affected communities, and introducing electricity load shedding across the country.

The Zambian government has encountered formidable challenges in grappling with these unexpected crises. Despite the government’s best efforts, the inability to effectively anticipate and plan for these emergent events underscores the need for greater risk awareness in national governance. The lessons learned from these experiences serve as a stark reminder of the importance of agility and preparedness in navigating the complexities of governance in an ever-changing climate and geopolitical landscape.

Government Risk Management

Analogies between football transitions and risk management in government can provide valuable insights into how governments can effectively navigate unforeseen challenges and adapt to changing circumstances.

  1. Anticipation and Preparedness: In football, teams anticipate transitions and prepare accordingly by maintaining defensive shape and positioning players strategically to quickly regain possession or launch counterattacks. Similarly, in risk management, governments must anticipate potential risks and threats to public welfare and economic stability. By conducting risk assessments, scenario planning, and preparedness exercises, governments can enhance their ability to respond effectively to unforeseen events and crises.
  2. Agility and Adaptability: Football teams demonstrate agility and adaptability during transitions by swiftly adjusting their tactics and positioning based on the flow of the game. Likewise, governments must be agile and adaptable in responding to emerging risks and changing circumstances. This involves having flexible policies, decision-making processes, and resource allocation mechanisms that enable rapid responses to evolving threats and challenges.
  3. Communication and Coordination: Effective communication and coordination are crucial during football transitions, as players must quickly convey information and instructions to teammates to capitalise on opportunities or mitigate risks. Comparably, in government risk management, clear communication and coordination among relevant stakeholders are essential for ensuring timely and coordinated responses to crises. This includes inter-agency collaboration, public engagement, and information sharing to facilitate effective decision-making and timely resource mobilisation.
  4. Learning and Improvement: Football teams analyse transitions and review game footage to identify areas for improvement and refine their tactics and strategies. In the same manner, governments should engage in post-event analysis and lessons learned exercises to evaluate the effectiveness of their risk management efforts and identify opportunities for improvement. By learning from past experiences and incorporating feedback into future planning and decision-making processes, governments can enhance their resilience and capacity to manage risks effectively.

Overall, the analogies between football transitions and risk management in government highlight the importance of anticipation, agility, communication, and learning in effectively navigating uncertain and complex environments. By embracing these principles and applying them to their risk management practices, governments can enhance their ability to anticipate, mitigate, and respond to a wide range of threats and challenges, ultimately safeguarding the well-being and prosperity of their citizens.

If, on the other hand, a government excels mainly at set-piece events but continues to struggle with transitions, the end result can be the governance equivalent of Everton football club, not thriving but constantly battling for survival.

Tragic Bus Accident Claims Lives of Botswana Travellers on Easter Pilgrimage

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Tragic Bus Accident Claims Lives of Botswana Travellers on Easter Pilgrimage

A bus carrying worshippers from Botswana to South Africa for Easter festivities careened off a bridge in northern South Africa, claiming the lives of at least 45 people. The tragic accident occurred as the bus, filled with thirty-one female and fifteen male Botswana passengers, plunged 50 meters (164 feet) into a ravine before bursting into flames upon impact with the rocky ground below.

The sole survivor of the devastating crash is an eight-year-old girl, who sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving medical attention. The incident, which unfolded near the town of Mokopane, approximately 200 kilometers (125 miles) north of Pretoria, has left communities in mourning and authorities scrambling to address the aftermath.

Expressing profound sorrow and solidarity, President Hakainde Hichilema extended heartfelt condolences to His Excellency Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, the Government, and the people of Botswana. “On behalf of the Government, people of the Republic of Zambia, and indeed on my own behalf, we wish to convey our sincere and heartfelt condolences…on this tragedy and loss of life,” remarked President Hichilema.

The bus, which bore a Botswana license plate, was en route to Moria in Limpopo, South Africa, for a popular Easter weekend pilgrimage associated with the Zion Christian Church. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa conveyed his condolences to President Masisi, pledging support and assistance in the wake of the catastrophe.

As rescue operations continue amidst the harrowing scene, authorities grapple with the daunting task of identifying victims, many of whom were burned beyond recognition or trapped inside the vehicle. The cause of the accident remains under investigation, with Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga emphasizing the need for heightened road safety measures during the Easter weekend.

Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga, who went to the scene of the incident, extended her “heartfelt condolences to the families affected by the tragic bus crash”.

She said the South African government would help repatriate the bodies and hold a full inquiry into the cause of the crash.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time,” she added. “We continue to urge responsible driving at all times with heightened alertness as more people are on our roads this Easter weekend.”

South Africa has a poor road safety record.

Ms Chikunga told eNCA the road the bus fell from is “winding with sharp bends, hairpin bends, a road that I’d never advise any person who is driving a heavy vehicle such as a bus, such as a truck, to use”.

Botswana’s President Mokgweetsi Masisi offered his “deepest condolences” to the pilgrims’ relatives, as well as the church they belonged to, following the “heartbreaking” crash, a statement from his party said.

UKA should support Edgar Chagwa Lungu (ECL) as the paramount political figure for 2026

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UKA should support Edgar Chagwa Lungu (ECL) as the paramount political figure for 2026

UKA United Kwacha Alliance members

UKA and PF must not betray their only Nelson Mandela & Donald Trump for 2026 in ECL: Why miss the winning penalty when there is no a goalkeeper?

1. In Brazil, Lula de Silva saved two terms left power. In his retirement, sitting President Bosonalo maliciously persecuted him for corruption and sent into jail after conviction. In 2023, Lula was out of prison and majority Brazilians asked to contest again. He convincingly defeated the man who arrested and today, Lula is president again.

2. Today, Edgar Lungu sits as Brazil’s Lula in Zambia. Many voters regret voting ECL out because HH is a Bosonalo, one who over promise, persecutes rivals and fails to deliver. Therefore, PF and UKA must not allow anyone to fight or betray their Lula in Lungu: he is the only 2026 winning password.

3. Despite the apartheid regime parading him as a terrorist and imprisoning him for 27 years, the ANC and South Africans remained focused in believing that Nelson Mandela was their lead political hope and emancipation hero. In PF and UKA today, it is shocking to learn that there are some people who think that they are politically better placed to contest and redeem Zambians from the chains of UPND and HH in 2026 outside Lungu.

4. In the ANC, challenging Nelson Mandela was deemed betrayal to liberation because he was the most popular, powerful and internationally recognized politician among them. Let PF and UKA members emulate ANC leaders going into 2026.

5. In the US, most Republicans are very clear and firm about Donald Trump as the only candidate who can forcefully compete with Joe Biden and win in December this year. They treasure his experience as a Republican President, his media punch, his capacity to fundraise and his global political stature.

6. In Israeli politics, Benjamin Netanyahu takes the same place. In Russia, Vladimir Putin is respected as such.This is the place of Lungu today in Zambian opposition politics: I appeal to PF and UKA supporters to run with this gospel always going into 2026.

7. Let everyone in PF and UKA know that, in Zambia today, only Edgar Lungu has the political stature of Brazil’s Rula De Silva, Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu, South Africa’s Nelson Mandela, US’s Donald Trump, Rwanda’s Paul Kagame or Russia’s Vladimir Putin. We are talking about someone deemed the symbol of state fatherhood, political hope, freedom, citizen empowerment, happiness, national unity and peaceful coexistence.

8. Even President HH does not come close to this political stature of Lungu because most Zambians generally take Bally for a liar, failure, western puppet, traitor, conman, hypocrite, fake, selfish and too proud.

9. If your wedding knife boy takes the courage of urinating on the only cake for your life mass event for whatever reason, the only option left is to immediately and brutally red card him out of the event. For me, I see UKA betraying their only political cake for winning 2026 in ECL by allowing Luckson Mulusa to continue as their SG after insulting and attacking both Edgar Lungu and PF on Diamond TV. For now, he is still a big spoiler to the UKA end game because he is malicious to their winning formula.

10. Even after publicly disrespecting and intentionally denouncing Lungu and PF, the most important, popular and powerful stakeholders in UKA, there is no one in UKA who condemned their SG or compelled him to openly apologize, show remorse and restore credibility to the injured people. This gesture alone is treacherous and dangerous for UKA going into 2026.

11. They are dearly carrying an SG who does not respect their only Mandela, Trump, Netanyahu, Putin and Lula for 2026. To many stakeholders in PF and Zambia, this is seen as a calculated act of betrayal.

12. To some extent, the decision of appointing and keeping Mulusa in UKA as SG today is not different with the decision of brining back Miles Sampa in PF in 2017 after he voluntarily left in 2015. And later, PF made Miles both Lusaka Mayor and Matero MP. Mr Mulusa openly disrespected President Lungu when he was his cabinet minister. Today, the same Mulusa is still disrespecting Lungu in UKA as SG.

13. Who brought him in UKA and what is their key agenda? Why should UKA miss the last and winning political penalty in 2026 when the goal keeper has run away? By appointing unrepentant Mulusa who disrespects Lungu and PF as their SG, UKA is betraying everything good for them going into 2026.

14. In UKA and with that unapologetic attitude, Lucky Mulusa is their Miles Sampa in the making. How on earth can an alliance of political parties bring an SG who does not belong to any of the alliance political parties? This decision is one of the most dangerous one for such alliance.

15. In such alliances, key positions are for members of alliance parties. Where is the political loyalty and allegiance of Lucky Mulusa if he does not belong to any party in UKA? This is how good players miss penalties by thinking that they have already scored before kicking the ball.

16. This is where PF is shocking everyone. In UKA, PF MPs and Members of Central Committee (MCC) are watching as bystanders or distant observers of the alliance. They have a duty to engage ECL, submit their views and actively support Lungu to make UKA work and deliver victory in 2026. Ultimately, PF is the main beneficiary of UKA because it’s the largest party in the alliance.

17. Any senior PF member who opposes UKA is opposing rebranding and betraying the needed stakeholder partnership to dislodge UPND and HH in 2026. PF must cherish UKA and UKA must cherish PF: this is the golden rule going into 2026. In fact, it is bigger betrayal if PF MPs and MCCs fail to speak out and defend their lion’s share inside. PF is UKA and UKA is PF.

18. PF MPs and MCCs must not endorse a misplaced model in UKA that “all political parties and presidents in the alliance are equal”. There is a workable model called “UPND alliance”: the biggest party takes the lion’s share. PF leaders must guide UKA members to stop hypocrisy. Many UKA members bring only themselves into the alliance while PF brings a former republican president and a party with MPs, Councilors and members countrywide. This thinking of “equal rights and powers in UKA” is treacherous to UKA itself and everyone.

19. Shockingly, there are some senior PF members who covertly oppose UKA and think PF came bounce back in 2026 on its own. This is misplaced thinking and dangerous political betrayal. PF needs alliance members if PF is to wage a winning political battle for 2026. PF must open doors too wide and allow more stakeholders to enter: even Luck Mulusa if he shows true repentance towards PF and Lungu.

20. UKA is the best political vehicle PF needs and must cherish. Any PF leader or MP who opposes UKA is betraying everyone. UKA brings new faces, UKA brings more numbers, and UKA brings PF rebranding. Thus, PF needs UKA and UKA needs PF. This political honest is vital and crucial going into 2026.

21. In 2011, HH would have become Republican Vice President had he accepted to form an alliance with Micheal Sata and become his running mate. But arrogant HH refused to humbled himself and wanted Sata to be his vice president. That’s how PF leaders like Winter Kabimba rubbished everything and the PF-UPND alliance collapsed. However, PF through Micheal Sata ended up winning on their own and arrogant HH was left in the losing cold.

22. I hope that PF and UKA leaders will not miss the ECL train going into 2026. Political honest demands that they all front Lungu as their leader and in him or through him, they push for regime change in 2026.

23. Both PF and UKA must not act spiritual and diplomatic by assuming that winning 2026 will be automatic. They face king Saul, Pharaoh and Nebuchadnezzar in HH, he is brutally vicious and politically cruel to stay in power. Therefore, PF and UKA must be sober, honest, intelligent, brave and avoid digging their own graves.

24. While UKA will surely grow bigger, it is important to know that some among them will defect and others will become true Judas Iscariot and Miles Sampa soon or later. Therefore, before key decisions are made, UKA leaders must always engage and consult their parties. This is how they will insulate themselves from betray or mitigate digging risky holes in UKA and their respective parties.

25. In conclusion, it is crucial for UKA members to understand that big political parties should have their deserved bigger shares in the alliance and smaller political parties must equally gain their reciprocal smaller shares. This is the only way UKA under the leadership of PF will score that last penalty to win in 2026 with either ECL as the presidential candidate or someone else fully backed by Lungu. It’s wrong and betrayal to politicize straightforward politics.

Patriotic Front Facebook post
Author unknown

150 PF members defect to UPND

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150 PF members defect to UPND

Over 150 members of the former ruling party, the Patriotic Front (PF) and other political parties, in Kabulonga Ward 19 of Lusaka Central Constituency, have defected to the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND), following government’s successful restructuring of Zambia’s debt.

Receiving the defectors in Lusaka’s Bauleni Township, Lusaka Central Member of Parliament Mulambo Haimbe, sayid the successful debt restructuring, is only a tip of the iceberg, of what Zambians can achieve when they are united.

Mr Haimbe, who is also Minister of Justice and Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, says the restructuring of the debt has created a breathing space for the government to effectively undertake other economic programmes such as investing in education through bursaries.

“We can only achieve much as a nation if we work together towards a common goal and President Hakainde Hichilema has shown us the way,” Mr. Haimbe said.

Mr Haimbe indicates the people who have joined the UPND have seen for themselves the good leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema.He has called for the whole Lusaka to join hands and demonstrate, by marching in solidarity with President Hichilema’s good leadership.He has also encouraged the defectors to freely participate in the activities of the government.

Kabulonga Ward Councillor, Kosamu Tembo says the country is in the right move in recovering the economic status, through a number of interventions that government is implementing.

Mr Tembo has explained that the UPND government is a democratic government that is working with the Zambian people, beyond tribe and political affiliation, hence the magnetic attraction to members of the opposition to join the ruling party.

Meanwhile, a representative of the defectors Mupeta Mwape appreciated the warm reception from the ruling party and assured of cooperation with the existing structures in serving the Zambian people.

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