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Don’t walk into Mwamba’s trap; he’s seeking sympathy to get asylum in America

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According to our impeccable sources, PF chief propagandist Emmanuel Mwamba is currently in the States where he’s squatting with an elderly lady of Caucasian extraction in Mesa, Arizona.

Our former diplomat to Ethiopia seems to be deliberately stirring up the hornets’ nest in order to invite trouble from the powers that be so that at the end of the day, he can grovel and prostrate himself before the State Department and cry that he risks being persecuted on political grounds if he’s sent back home!

Controversy seems to be part of Mwamba’s DNA…..for instance, in the past he has come under scrutiny on social media on what he knows about the actual cause of the demise of former President Frederick Chiluba, especially that postmortem wasn’t conducted. As if this isn’t enough, he recently ignited a wave of speculation on social media about the health status of our beloved President and let alone went on to lie about the presence of the police at Flava radio and TV station in Kitwe as the UN rapporteur was paying a visit.

And despite meeting his match in the name of non other than Information & Media Permanent Secretary, Thabo Kawana who confronted him in front of the TV cameras and blasted him for lying that the State had prevented a PF delegation from visiting the hospitalised former Cabinet minister Chishimba Kambwili , Mwamba seems to have continued on the same trajectory, undeterred.

Commenting on the impending State visit of President Hichilema to Japan in the coming weeks, Mwamba writes as follows, “Japan also holds some of the best EV battery manufacturing companies such as Panasonic. In fact, Japan, China and South Korea industries are leading in this sector in the world which makes Zambia, which has copper, manganese, cobalt, nickel, essential critical minerals to the revolutionary EV technology, an inevitable critical bilateral partner…..or like how Japan has some of the world’s best hospitals including the best Stroke and Neurosurgery Centres.”

Mwamba deliberately chooses to spice up his ranting by roping in issues of neurosurgery in his discourse so as to simply touch a raw nerve. He’s obviously expecting government agencies and party functionaries to come out guns blazing, baying for his blood!
In case others can’t read between the lines, this PF vuvuzela is simply trying to build up his case and gather enough evidence to attract sympathy from the Trump administration so that he may be granted political asylum, pronto!
Consider his following assertion, “some UPND officials or supporters, not to be outdone, have outrightly threatened my life, calling for my “liquidation” or that I should be thrown in prison.”
Imwe ba UPND and those of you in government, can’t you surely see what Mwamba is trying to achieve? Avoid walking into his trap so that he may have every reason to smile. Try to ignore him for once and let his troubled past continue haunting him! It was even out of order for Jack Mwimbu, the Minister of Home Affairs or indeed the police to issue stern warnings about those peddling falsehoods…..let the system deal with these saboteurs and merchants of death, quietly.
Prince Bill M Kaping’a
National Coordinator
HH Mpaka 2031 People’s Alliance

Kamanga Gives His 2023 AFCON Review

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FAZ President Andrew Kamanga says Zambia must build on its performance at the Africa Cup and look forward to future competitions.

In his weekly column, Kamanga accepted that the nation is disappointed with Chipolopolo’s first-round elimination from the Africa Cup.

He said there are many positives to build on from the Africa Cup experience.

“We came to this tournament on the back of having missed out on three editions and had to summon everything we had to be at par with the big guns on the continent. Most of our players were making their debut appearance at the AFCON and needed the exposure on the big stage going forward,” Kamanga wrote.

Zambia exited the AFCON with two draws and loss in Group F.

“We will not delve into the technical review of the tournament just yet as the technical bench will duly present a report that will be reviewed. Overall, there are a lot of positives to build on from the tournament that will see us return better at the next edition. Special thanks to hordes of Zambians that rallied behind the team during our matches,” he stated.

UPND will be voted out in 2026 – PF

Former Government Chief Whip in the Patriotic Front (PF) regime Stephen Chungu says the people of Zambia have resolved to vote out President Hakainde Hichilema and his UPND Government in the 2026 General Elections.

Mr. Chungu, the immediate past Luanshya Member of Parliament, said Zambians will vote out the UPND administration because it has failed to govern the nation accordingly.

He cited the high cost of living, unemployment, high fuel prices, mealie meal crisis and declining democratic space as failures of the UPND regime.

Mr. Chungu said all the UPND strategies that include the ten-point plan, the calculator, the graphs and ‘increasing in order to reduce’ plan have failed.

“Assessing the UPND Government, I would quickly say it has failed in many areas because nothing has come to fruition from the many promises they had made. There was a time the UPND told Zambians that they would be buying a mealie meal at K50 and that we were going to buy fuel at K12 per litre and that the dollar was going to sell at a single rate. That promise of the Kwacha gaining from 10:00 hours to 14:00 hours I don’t know when it will come to fruition. Maybe the clocks on the walls have all gone off. They said they were not going to be travelling when there is a crisis but we have seen the President traveling all over even when there is a crisis like we have cholera at the moment,” Mr. Chungu said from Luanshya.

He has since advised opposition political parties to unite and field one presidential candidate in 2026 to dislodge the New Dawn Government, a regime he branded as a common enemy for all Zambians.

“Zambia is never short of leaders, even now we have leaders that are vying for these positions but they are being squeezed by the current Government. If the Zambian people have to decide I know for sure that they will make a decision and they have already made a decision, which I can tell you. The decision that they have made is to remove the UPND, though they have not placed their vote on any other party as at now, their vote is hanging, the sympathetic vote that made UNPD go into Government is still hanging.”

“The UPND must be aware now and I am telling them that the decision has already been made by the Zambian people who are just waiting for the time of voting to come. Zambians are very peaceful people. They are waiting for 12th August 2026 to go and vote against the UPND, that decision has already been arrived at whether the UPND like it or not UPND is on its way out. It is a fact because the Zambian people have already decided,” Mr. Chungu said.

Meanwhile, Mr. Chungu has declared that he is ready to serve the people of Luanshya Constituency again.

Evarine Katongo Joins Zambian Champs GBFC Womens FC

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Shepolopolo Zambia midfield star Evarine Katongo has joined FAZ National Women’s League champions Green Buffaloes.

Katongo recently left Lusaka side ZISD following the expiry of her contract.

Buffaloes over the weekend confirmed the capture of Katongo in a statement.

“We are delighted to announce the acquisition of Copper Queens midfielder Evarine Susan Katongo who joins the club on a long term basis,” the club announced.

Buffaloes and ZISD were earlier in 2022 engaged in a transfer wrangle over Katongo.

After returning from the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and COSAFA Cup, Katongo allegedly made attempts to switch to Green Buffaloes without the consent of ZISD.

Meanwhile, Katongo on Sunday made her debut for Buffaloes in the 3-1 league win over ZISD on Sunday at Independence Stadium in Lusaka

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Government can not do it alone – HPZ

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In a bid to foster grassroots development and reduce reliance on government interventions, The Hunger Project Zambia (HPZ) is calling on Zambians to actively engage in community-led development initiatives. Recognizing the limitations of government resources to address all development needs, HPZ National Programmes Director, Samuel Mutambo, emphasized the importance of citizens’ involvement in shaping the future of their communities.

Mutambo noted that the government, while playing a crucial role, cannot singularly deliver all-encompassing development across the country. To address this gap, a coalition of Civil Society Organizations in Zambia, led by the Hunger Project Zambia, is aligning with the global movement advocating for community-led development programs.

In an interview with ZANIS in Lusaka, Mr. Mutambo explained that the coordinated effort aims to empower communities to identify and leverage local resources for their own development. The organization intends to facilitate the creation of sustainable development programs that directly benefit the communities involved.

Highlighting the significance of community-led development, Mutambo stressed its pivotal role in Zambia’s pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals and the vision to become a prosperous middle-income country by 2030. By encouraging active citizen participation, the movement seeks to enhance the capacity of communities in the development process, contributing to a transformative shift in the country’s development landscape.

As Zambians are urged to take ownership of their development, the initiative marks a step towards fostering self-reliance and resilience in communities, ultimately contributing to the nation’s overall progress.

ZCCB offers solidarity on the Cholera situation

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The Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) has offered the message of solidarity and support to the nation in view of the persisting cholera situation that has affected the nation.

In a solidarity message on cholera situation the ZCCB, the conference stated that the recent months have seen an escalation in the number of cholera cases and deaths as well as a general disruption of the normal flow of life and business including postponement of the reopening of schools.

“We therefore wish to express our closeness and solidarity with those who are nursing the sick in the various treatment centres and to convey our condolences to families that have lost their loved ones. May those who have died in this outbreak be granted eternal rest,” the statement reads.

The ZCCB further stated that it recognises the concerted efforts and interventions of Government and various partners to bring this situation under control.

The statement further urged everyone to adhere to the preventive measures and guidelines provided by the Ministry of Health.

The ZCCB has also called upon various organizations and individuals to supplement Government efforts through generous donations and technical support.

It has further called upon Zambians to find permanent solutions that prevent recurrence of this outbreak in future.

The ZCCB has since saluted the frontline medical personnel, the volunteers and other stakeholders that have selflessly responded to this emergency situation.

DR Congo Stuns Egypt in AFCON Last-16 Shootout Drama

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In a thrilling Africa Cup of Nations last-16 clash at San Pedro on Sunday, DR Congo emerged victorious against seven-time champions Egypt in a nerve-wracking penalty shootout, securing an 8-7 win after a tense 1-1 draw in regular time.

The high-stakes encounter saw Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed Abou Gabal missing his penalty, hitting the crossbar, while DR Congo’s Lionel Mpasi sealed the win with his confident strike. The epic victory propels DR Congo into the quarter-finals, where they are set to face Guinea in Abidjan on Friday.

Meschack Elia gave DR Congo the lead with a close-range header, but Egypt responded with Mostafa Mohamed’s penalty just before halftime. The absence of injured talisman Mohamed Salah and Egypt midfielder Mohamed Hamdy’s red card in extra time added to the challenges for the Pharaohs.

Despite Egypt’s efforts and the historic significance of the encounter, DR Congo’s Yoane Wissa, Dylan Batubinsika, and Mpasi played pivotal roles, securing their place in the next round. The shootout unfolded with tension, with both teams missing early on, but it was Mpasi’s 18th penalty that ultimately ended Egypt’s AFCON journey.

With the shock exit, Egypt, led by coach Rui Vitoria, concluded the tournament winless, reminiscent of their fate in the 2021 final. The Leopards’ victory adds to the underdog success stories in this year’s AFCON, setting the stage for an exciting quarter-final clash against Guinea at Abidjan’s Alassane Ouattara Stadium.

Give Chipolopolo Another Chance

In the aftermath of the 2023 AFCON tournament, the government has urged football fans to be patient and allow the current Chipolopolo squad to mature, following their early departure from the competition. Sports Minister Elvis Nkandu emphasized that this was the team’s first appearance at such a high level, with the exception of seasoned defender Stopilla Sunzu, a key player from the 2012 championship-winning squad.

Minister Nkandu has called upon the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) to maintain the current technical bench, citing its potential to guide the nation to AFCON 2025 and the World Cup. Despite the early exit, he expressed confidence in the coaching staff’s ability to develop the team further.

In his appeal, Nkandu advised the Avram Grant-led technical bench to engage in scouting efforts abroad, focusing on players with Zambian roots. He urged Grant to consider injecting young talents into the squad to strengthen the team for upcoming tournaments. The minister highlighted the government’s commitment to supporting such initiatives, citing the example of facilitating the inclusion of U.S.-based Zambian defender Aim Mabika.

Nkandu emphasized that the government is prepared to provide necessary resources, mirroring the assurance from FAZ patron President Hakainde Hichilema. He affirmed that President Hichilema would ensure the availability of resources for training camps and athlete payments, underlining the administration’s dedication to the development and success of Zambian football.

How clean is your fuel?

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By Chimwemwe Mwanza
A liberalised fuel and lubricants market has its prons and cons. Thanks in part to the ever-increasing number of entrants, an industry that was once considered a bastion of multi-national heavyweights among which include Engen, Sasol, Puma (formerly BP), and Total Energies is opening up.

Enter Mount Meru – a diversified energy products distributor, Harvest, an ambitious energy outfit that is eating market share from the established guard and behaving pretty much like a baby born with teeth, Petroda, Surya, Afro, and Oryx Energies among others, the Zambian consumer is spoilt for choice.

On count, the spread for fuel stations on one stretch from Woodlands shopping center, through Lewanika mall into the ring road heading towards New Kasama, averages a new fuel station for every 2km covered. The more the merrier, so goes an adage – especially for some consumers who at times have had to walk some distance to re-fuel mulika – 5L container just in case utu mafuta twapwila munshila and then have to circle back to the trouble scene.

Even the Presidential motorcade has options too. On its daily commute from Community to State House, it can either swing by Surya, Spectra or Puma – in the event that the refuelling stations at State House run out. To be precise, it’s raining fuel stations in Zambia – never been this good. I’m sure tuchili tule dabwa, come end of 2024. This off course is the upside of liberalisation.
The downside? To what benefit is the flood of new fuel stations to the consumer if the pump prices are still hurting the pocket, makes you wonder. On reflection, it’s fair to suggest that souring petroleum prices are not unique to Zambia. And this is largely a reflection of the impact of geo-political tensions in both the Middle East and Eastern Europe. Surely, can’t some people knock some sence into Putin and Zelensky, so this conflict comes to an end? For goodness sake, this is 2024, a New Year for that matter.

Is your fuel free from contamination?

To more serious stuff, there is a potential danger lurking in the proliferation of fuel stations. While not visible to the naked eye this danger requires you the consumer to be extremely vigilant when re-fuelling your skedonks. Oil Marketing Companies (OMC) in cohorts with companies in the lower value-chain of distribution are known for rapacious profiteering. Add this to the fact that this industry has the most unscrupulous tax dodgers who care too little about the environment, human rights and other consumer related concerns, their transgressions are boundless.
If you dare argue, then look no further than the high number of energy companies that have had to settle with respective governments and consumers in some West and East African countries – for tax offences and violation of environmental regulations among other transgressions. It just doesn’t end there; some of these companies are known to sell adulterated products to unsuspecting clients – especially diesel – just so they bump up their profits.

How does this work? Fuel adulteration involves mixing diesel with foreign substances like paraffin. It’s a global scourge used to trick consumers into buying sub-standard fuel so traders can maximise profits without bearing the risky impacts of this activity. This has been known to happen in many parts of the continent – highly likely this is happening in Zambia especially given the rising costs of petroleum products.

The trouble though is that this practice could be a reason for the rapid deterioration of engines for many cars congesting our roads. Even worse, isn’t it strange that the average lifespan of an engine for a motor vehicle criss-crossing Zambian roads is lower than that of a similar vehicle purring the streets of Botswana? Never mind the fact that nearly 75% of motor vehicles on Zambian roads are second hand Japanese – owned vehicles, it can’t be that the plumes of smoke polluting Cha Cha Cha, Independence Avenue, Lumumba and Burma roads is all from pre-owned Japanese skedonks. Just wondering.

Is ERB doing its job?

Agreed, it’s not the consumer or end-user’s job to ascertain whether the quality of diesel, petrol or lubricants sold at these pumps is of acceptable standard. The consumer’s responsibility begins and ends with paying for the product delivered.
This responsibility falls squarely on the shoulders of Zambia’s Energy Regulations Board (ERB). But has the ERB ever conducted spot checks at any pump station to test the chemical composition of petroleum products on sale? If they do, how regularly do ERB inspectors conduct checks on the quality of petroleum products?

Asked differently, does the ERB even have the capacity to ensure compliance regarding the quality of fuel and other lubricants sold at these stations? More questions. What role do they play in ensuring that all new entrants in the market use quality material in the construction of fuel stations – and remember one can’t just wake up one morning and start building a fuel station in their backyard. Fuel stations store hazardous material hence the need to keep distance between a station and the next residential property.

Until or unless each of the fuel stations operating in Zambia begin to display authentic ERB endorsed certificates, it’s fair to accuse them of selling adulterated petroleum products. Prove otherwise, we may be right after all.
For feedback, email [email protected] *Mwanza was given a cream white Toyota Vitz to aid his mobility during the December festive break. What a vehicle, perfect engine, no smoke coming out of its rear. Takalya amafuta. Denny – change the front shocks. By the way, Au revoir and many thanks to an Anfield legend, Jurgen Klopp for the 8 memorable years at Anfield. A blessed 2024 to you all LT readers.

We are in an economic crisis – Fred Mmembe

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We are in a serious economic crisis, the Kwacha is free flowing, the fuel price is high, mealie meal prices are high, and the cost of living is generally in its extreme. What has happened to the promises he made below to the people? He needs to come out in the open and give the country direction on the way forward on this economic crisis. What is the way forward Hakainde Hichilema? The kwacha has hit K27 against the US dollar.

Fred M’membe
President of Socialist Party

Power Surge Causes Chaos at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport

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Kenneth Kaunda International Airport faced a major disruption on Friday night due to a power surge, leading to a series of complications affecting the airport’s systems. Transport and Logistics Minister Frank Tayali provided insights into the incident, highlighting the impact on aero systems and subsequent delays.

According to Minister Tayali, the power failure, attributed to a surge, damaged various aero systems at the airport. Despite the systems having the capacity to detect low or high voltage, they failed to identify the surge, resulting in temporary runway light outages. An Emirates flight from Harare was among the affected, circling the Zambian skies for over two hours before the situation was resolved.

Minister Tayali emphasized that the power surge also caused damage to aero bridge number five, rendering it non-functional. The investigation by electricians from the Zambia Airports Corporation Limited is focused on understanding why the system failed to detect the power surge and prevent the equipment damage.

In response to the incident, efforts are underway to restore stable power to the runway. The Minister clarified that the decision to wait for the restoration was at the discretion of Emirates, suggesting they could have opted for the nearest airport in Ndola.

The power voltage complications that led to equipment damage were identified as a lack of voltage on one of the three phases of power cables to the main supply. Zesco, the electricity provider, resolved the single phasing issue at 19:50, but subsequent investigations found faulty electronic cards on the regulators, causing further delays.

The Minister reported that the fault was resolved temporarily around 21:40, with the electricians manually starting a local generator to light up the runway, excluding edge lights. Ongoing efforts are focused on restoring a permanent power supply to prevent future disruptions.

The incident, which occurred around 18:00 on January 26, 2024, has raised concerns about the airport’s ability to handle power surges and the need for comprehensive measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Message For Today: Fire

Today’s Scripture

“When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.”
Isaiah 43:2, NLT

Fire

Friend, California’s magnificent sequoia trees can stand over three hundred feet tall and live over two thousand years. What’s significant is that the sequoia cones are full of seeds that are locked up inside. Fire dries out the cones, enabling them to crack open and deposit their seeds on the forest floor. Then the seeds are able to germinate and become what they were created to be. The fire is necessary for new growth.

In a similar way, there are seeds that are locked up in you—seeds of favor, greatness, and purpose. The only way they’ll come out is through fire—the business slows, a friend walks away, the medical report isn’t good. It’s easy to get discouraged, but God won’t allow a difficulty unless He has a purpose for it. There is potential locked up in you, gifts and talents that you won’t discover without going through times of adversity when it’s uncomfortable and you don’t understand. The fire is a part of God’s plan so you can become everything you were created to be.

A Prayer for Today

“Father, thank You for Your promise to be with me through life’s fires. I know that You’re here with me now, and I invite You into every challenging situation in my life. I believe that You are using the fire to unlock gifts and talents in my life so I can become what You created me to be. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

[Joel Osteen ministries]

Kachasu does not cure Cholera- Health Expert

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A health expert has advised the general public against abusing the local brew commonly known as Kachasu as a substitute for the cholera vaccine or treatment. This comes in response to myths circulating among community members that consuming the local brew can prevent one from contracting cholera.

Dr. Mweene Nseluke warns that the process of making Kachasu can be contaminated and may lead to cholera. He emphasizes that the consumption of Kachasu and other uncertified brews significantly contributes to the increasing cholera cases.

In contrast, Felix Chanda, a Kachasu brewer in Lusaka’s Misisi area, acknowledges the strong belief in communities that Kachasu can cure cholera.

PF parliamentarians released after brief detention

Patriotic Front Chilubi Member of Parliament, Mulenga Fube, and Independent parliamentarian Munir Zulu, were released after a brief detention at Lusaka Magistrate Police Post. Their detention followed their failure as sureties to produce fugitive former Presidential Political Advisor Kaizer Zulu before Lusaka Resident Magistrate Mutinta Mwenya.

Magistrate Mwenya imposed fines of 50,000 Kwacha each on Fube and Zulu for their inability to fulfill their pledge to produce Kaizer Zulu before the court. The two parliamentarians serve as sureties in a case where Kaizer Zulu faces charges of conversion of a motor vehicle, a violation of section 291 of the Penal Code Chapter 87 of the laws of Zambia.

The allegations state that between November 19, 2019, and March 25, 2022, in Lusaka, Kaizer Zulu unlawfully converted a Toyota Land Cruiser VX, Registration Number GRZ 759CL, valued at 955,000 Kwacha for his use. Despite being declared a fugitive, Kaizer Zulu has evaded trial since last year, with his sureties, Fube and Zulu, expressing optimism about bringing him before the court without success.

President Hichilema Removes Judge Timothy Katanekwa from Office

President Hakainde Hichilema has taken action, in removing Judge Timothy Katanekwa from the position of Judge of the High Court for Zambia. This decision comes in response to recommendations made by the Judicial Complaints Commission (JCC), as detailed in a statement released by State House Chief Communications Specialist Clayson Hamasaka.

Hamasaka clarified that the removal of Judge Katanekwa is in line with the powers granted to the President under Article 144 (5) (b) of the Constitution of the Republic of Zambia. The move underscores President Hichilema’s commitment to upholding the integrity of the judiciary and addressing matters raised by the JCC.