The Government of the Republic of Zambia has announced that it will take over the funeral expenses of Abasano ba Mfumu, the wife of His Royal Highness Mwine Lubemba, Paramount Chief Chitimukulu of the Bemba people, who died in a road traffic accident.

Senior Government officials visited the funeral house in Northern Province to mourn with the Royal Family. The delegation was led by the Minister of Technology and Science, Felix Mutati, who represented President Hakainde Hichilema.

Speaking at the funeral house, Mr. Mutati said the late Abasano ba Mfumu was a supportive figure within the traditional institution and to the Paramount Chief. He conveyed condolences from the Government to His Royal Highness and the Royal Family.

Special Assistant to the President for Political Affairs, Mr. Levy Ngoma, also offered prayers for strength and comfort for the bereaved family. He said the loss was significant and called for divine comfort for the family.

Meanwhile, Paramount Chief Chitimukulu thanked the Government for the support rendered to the Royal Family during the mourning period. He said the gesture reflected the Government’s support for traditional leadership.

The Chief further expressed gratitude to President Hakainde Hichilema for the message of condolence and for sending Cabinet Ministers to the palace.

The ministers who attended the funeral house included Elias Mubanga, Paul Kabuswe, Elvis Nkandu, Collins Nzovu, Nason Musonda, Leonard Mbao, Kasama Central Patriotic Front (PF) Member of Parliament Sibongile Mwamba, and UPND Kasama mayoral aspiring candidate Bywell Simposya.

The United Church of Zambia (UCZ) in Northern Province has joined the nation in mourning the death of Bernadette Mwamba, the wife to Paramount Chief Chitimukulu, who died in a road traffic accident in Mungwi District.

United Church of Zambia Northern Presbytery Bishop George Sindaza conveyed a message of condolences to the Bemba Royal Establishment following the sudden death of Paramount Chief Chitimukulu’s wife.

Speaking in an interview with the media in Kasama, Bishop Sindaza described Mrs Mwamba as a motherly figure to the wider community.

He noted that her passing was not only a loss to the royal family but also to the church and the people of Northern Province and the country.

“We are deeply saddened by this tragedy. Bernadette Mwamba was a woman of faith and compassion. Her life was dedicated to uplifting others,” he said.

Bishop Sindaza urged the community to stand together in prayer and solidarity with the bereaved family during this painful time.

“Her absence will be profoundly felt, we urge the community to stand together in prayer and solidarity with the Chitimukulu family during this painful time,” Bishop Sindaza added.

And former Northern Province Minister Chungu Bwalya called on the Bemba Royal Establishment and the wider community to find solace in God following the tragic death.

Mr Bwalya noted that while the loss was deeply personal to the royal family, its impact had affected the entire nation.

“This tragedy has not only shaken the Bemba Royal Establishment, but has touched the entire country. Bernadette Mwamba was a respected figure whose presence extended beyond the royal palace. In moments of grief, we must turn to the Lord for comfort and strength,” Mr Chungu said.

He further called on residents to mourn her with dignity, stressing that the late Ms Mwamba’s life should be remembered for her compassion, cultural stewardship, and dedication to community service.

Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) says it will use the Shanghai Metals Market (SMM) platform hosting more than 3.8 million subscribers to aggressively Market Zambia’s investment potential in China.

ZDA Director General, Albert Halwampa says the Agency will leverage its collaboration with Shanghai Metals Market to promote value addition in critical minerals such as cobalt, copper, lithium, manganese and other metals.

The media reports that Mr Halwampa said this when a delegation of officials from the Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU), Ministry of Energy, National Assembly and ZESCO met top management officials at the Shanghai Metals Market in China.

The Shanghai Metals Market has a huge network of subscribers that connects upstream and downstream industries, notably in metals and electric car batteries which is crucial for our minerals value chain,” he observed.

Mr Halwampa noted that President Hakainde Hichilema would like to see a quick shift from the continued export of raw materials to value addition in resource areas for the growth of local economies.

He said the Head of State has been working hard to ensure that Zambia’s investment climate is conducive and that this should be supported by a robust investment programme.

Mr Halwampa disclosed that the Agency’s partnership with SMM will lead to an actualisation of an agreement and signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with SMM that will help unlock Zambia’s mineral wealth and position the country for greater competitiveness on the global stage.

“We aim to bring investors listed on the SMM platform to Zambia, our plan is to establish factories closer to the source of these critical minerals. This approach will significantly lower production costs and stimulate local economies,” he said.

Shanghai Metals Market Chief Executive Officer Logan Lu said his company will soon set up offices in Lusaka to facilitate Chinese investment in manufacturing especially in areas that include energy and electric car batteries.

Mr Lu emphasised that SMM’s engagement with Zambia will play a significant role in promoting investments, particularly given the historical ties between the two nations in sectors such as infrastructure and energy.

“With approximately 800,000 daily page views from Chinese manufacturers, SMM is well-positioned to act as a communication bridge between Zambia and potential investors,” he said.

The Shanghai Metals Market is one of the most comprehensive intelligence companies benchmarking the prices of non-ferrous, ferrous and new energy materials.

President Hakainde Hichilema has commended the church for its continued partnership with the government in advancing national development.

Speaking when he met leaders of the Catholic Church in Southern Province at his Harmony Farm in Choma, the Head of State thanked the Catholic Church for working with the government in supporting the provision of health and education services to the Zambian people.

The media reports that President Hichilema said the collaboration between the church and the state was essential for the well-being of all citizens.

 He also called on the church to contribute towards production by encouraging its members to be involved in agriculture.

 “I encourage the church to actively participate in agriculture to support national food security.” President Hichilema said.

He further encouraged the church to offer prayers of thanksgiving for God’s abundant grace, particularly for the generous rainfall the country has been  blessed with this season.

“We must thank God for the rains that will sustain communities and strengthen our agricultural productivity, God has really been gracious to us, ” he added.

President Hichilema also praised the church’s leadership in guiding communities with faith and resilience during the period of drought that saw all Zambians sustained.

 He underscored how collective prayer and community engagement had helped Zambia overcome challenges and sustain essential agricultural and social programs.

Speaking on behalf of other priests present, Bishop Valentine Kalumba, reaffirmed the church’s commitment to continue working closely with the government.

He emphasized that the partnership between church and government strengthened initiatives across multiple sectors.

 “We remain steadfast partners with government, supporting health, education, and social services for our people,” said Bishop Kalumba

The Bishop commended President Hichilema for his exemplary leadership, noting that he led not only in words but also through action.

He said that by choosing to spend his holiday at his farm rather than elsewhere, the President demonstrated fiscal responsibility while actively contributing to national food production.

Bishop Kalumba further observed that President Hichilema’s actions set a powerful example for citizens and fellow leaders alike, showing how prudent management of resources can directly support national priorities.

Among the Catholic leaders that met President Hichilema were Bishop Valentine Kalumba, of the Catholic Diocese of Livingstone, father Cletus Mwiila and father Gregory Mulobela from the Catholic Diocese of Monze.

Northern Province Minister Leonard Mbao Has Visited   Chitimukulu’s Palace to Mourn Wife’s Passing.

Mr Mbao said government was deeply saddened by the tragic loss and joined the Royal Establishment and the people in mourning with the Chitimukulu during this difficult period.

‎Mr Mbao disclosed this when he visited the palace for the Mwine Lubemba in Mungwi district.

‎The Minister said President Hakainde Hichilema and the entire government conveyed a message of condolences to the royal family.

“The death is a great loss not only to the Bemba royal establishment and the Bemba people but also to the nation at large. “he said.

Mr Mbao has called for unity, love, and support for the royal family during this period of mourning.

He further called on members of the public to conduct themselves in a respectful manner and put it to mind that the province was in mourning.

‎“As we mourn our dear departed mother, let us conduct ourselves in a respectful manner despite the many activities taking place in the province. Let us respect this period,” he said.

Meanwhile, Senior Village Headman Koni described the death of Chitimukulu’s wife as a devastating blow to the family.

The traditional leader said the late chief’s wife was a devoted family person who always put her family first.

The senior headman also thanked the government for standing with the royal family during the time of mourning.

‎He added that further funeral arrangements would be communicated by the Royal Establishment in due course.

The wife of the Chitimukulu died in a road traffic.

Police in Lusaka have arrested and charged a 37-year-old Egyptian national, Khalid Elsayed, for obtaining money by false pretences after allegedly defrauding a fellow Egyptian.

Police Deputy Public Relations Officer Chipo Kaitisha said the suspect allegedly obtained USD 10,000 from Muhammed Abouzid, 36, of Barlastone Area, Lusaka, on the pretext that the funds would be used as capital to establish a furniture business in Zambia.

Kaitisha explained that the incident is believed to have occurred in January 2022, when the two men, who come from the same village in Egypt, discussed a business opportunity in Zambia. The complainant reportedly handed over the money in cash, believing the representation to be genuine. However, after receiving the funds, the suspect allegedly disappeared and could not be traced.

On January 21, 2026, at around 12:40 hours, the complainant spotted the suspect at East Park Mall in Lusaka and immediately alerted the police. Officers responded promptly and apprehended him, taking him to Matero Police Station for further investigations.

The suspect is currently in police custody and is awaiting a court appearance.

Zambia National Service (ZNS) Commander Lieutenant General Maliti Solochi has warned youths against falling victim to fake recruitment schemes that demand money in exchange for jobs.

Speaking during a courtesy call on Central Province Permanent Secretary Milner Mwanakampwe ahead of the in-service pass-out parade on Friday at Kabwe Training School, Lt Gen Solochi said some fraudsters are using social media and phone calls to trick young people into paying for non-existent positions.

“Anyone claiming to offer ZNS employment in exchange for money is operating illegally and no one should fall for fake social media accounts or fraudulent schemes. The Service does not and will never sell positions,” he said.

Lt Gen Solochi added that recruitments into the Service are strictly merit-based and fully transparent. He noted that ZNS continues to create permanent employment opportunities for young Zambians and is converting some civilian staff into uniformed roles to strengthen operations.

The public was urged to ignore individuals promising instant uniforms, pay slips, or fast-tracked recruitment and to report anyone demanding payment to the nearest police station.

Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary Mwanakampwe commended ZNS for its focus on youth development, highlighting that the Service has employed young people nationwide based on merit rather than connections or background.

“Through this initiative, young people are employed on skill and mental tenacity, giving hope to those who had previously struggled to find opportunities,” Mwanakampwe said.

ZNS confirmed it will continue working with law enforcement to clamp down on recruitment scammers and protect vulnerable youths from exploitation.

President Hakainde Hichilema has attributed Zambia’s record 70 percent Grade 12 pass rate to the free education policy introduced by his administration. The milestone marks the first time since independence that the country has recorded such a high success rate.

Education Minister Douglas Syakalima announced on Tuesday that 70.26 percent of Grade 12 candidates obtained the School Certificate in 2025, up from 68.19 percent in 2024.

In a video shared on his social media platforms, President Hichilema said the achievement is a result of free education, combined with the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), which has enabled many pupils to access boarding schools their parents could not afford.

He highlighted that his administration has also recruited teachers and implemented the school feeding programme, which encourages pupils to attend school and perform well.

“Because we care for them, we deliver free education. For the young people who have done well in school, we want to thank the teachers for the good work you have put in, because education is an investment. For many years in opposition, we used to say education is not a cost but an investment,” President Hichilema said.

“People thought I was playing with words. Now see the results of proper planning and hard work. These policies, coupled with CDF, have enabled children to attend boarding schools their parents cannot afford. There are no exam fees, teachers are available, pupils have desks and flushable toilets, and the learning environment has improved. Education is indeed the key to unlocking Zambia’s future.”

The President also urged children to reject messages of hatred and division, saying, “Our children must not listen to polluted brains. Do not spoil our children. Allow them to love one another and the country will be better to live in for all, not just a few.”

On Independence Day last year, President Hichilema announced plans to introduce a law that would compel future presidents to continue providing free education. The Ministry of Education submitted proposed amendments to the Education Act of 2011 to the Ministry of Justice last month, ahead of their expected presentation to Parliament next month.

Since the introduction of free education by the UPND administration, more than 2.3 million children who had previously dropped out of school due to financial constraints have returned to class.