Lusaka, Zambia — Finance and National Planning Minister, Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane, has urged citizens to reframe the national conversation on constituency delimitation, describing it as a critical development imperative rather than a political maneuver.

In a message directed at the public, Dr. Musokotwane explained that modernizing electoral boundaries is essential for fair representation and equitable access to public resources. He argued that Zambia is currently governed using a constituency map designed for a much smaller and differently distributed population, leading to inefficient service delivery and overburdened communities.

“We’ve outgrown our current constituency layout,” Dr. Musokotwane stated. “When the population expands but the map stays the same, people end up competing harder for the same limited services. That’s not sustainable.”

The Minister highlighted the practical strain on large constituencies, where a single Member of Parliament must serve a vast population. This, he noted, results in excessive demand for Constituency Development Fund (CDF) projects, overwhelmed bursary applications, and stretched empowerment programs, leaving community needs inadequately met.

Dr. Musokotwane emphasized that the issue is structural, not personal or partisan. He directly addressed concerns that delimitation could be used for political advantage, asserting that the process is constitutionally mandated and will be executed by the independent Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) using transparent, technical criteria.

“This is about strengthening representation,” he clarified. “It’s about giving every community a fair chance to be heard and served.”

He pointed out that young people, in particular, would benefit from “right-sized” constituencies, as they enable leaders to engage more directly with communities, supervise projects more effectively, and ensure opportunities reach more households. “Smaller and more balanced constituencies reduce congestion in bursary systems, improve project supervision, and give local residents more frequent interaction with their elected representatives,” he added.

Linking the exercise to broader governance goals, Dr. Musokotwane stated that delimitation is fundamental to successful decentralization, arguing that the impact of CDF and other resources becomes clearer and more equitable when constituencies reflect current demographic realities.

The Minister concluded by calling on Zambians to approach the boundary review with an open mind, cautioning against misinformation. He framed the process as a long-overdue step toward a more responsive, inclusive, and modern system of representation for the nation.

Lusaka, Zambia — Maxwell Chongo, the national youth chairperson of the Citizens First party, has been taken to court by a widow and her son over allegations that he fraudulently seized their late relative’s property and secretly transferred ownership into his name.

In a statement of claim filed at the Lusaka High Court, Priscillar Ng’ambi, widow of the late Frank Ng’ambi, and her son Chilumba Ng’ambi, acting as administrators of the estate, have sued Chongo, his wife Rozyna Mumba, the Commissioner of Lands, the Attorney General, and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

The plaintiffs allege that Chongo fraudulently changed the ownership of Property No. L/12576/M/C, which belonged to the late Frank Ng’ambi. According to court documents, the family only discovered the alleged fraud when they conducted a search at the Ministry of Lands. The land register reportedly showed that Chongo had purchased the property and had been issued a certificate of title.

The court filing further states that Chongo’s wife, Rozyna Mumba, placed a caveat on the property claiming to be an “intending purchaser.” The ACC had also placed a restriction notice on the title, flagging the manner in which Chongo allegedly acquired it. While the ACC initially investigated, the matter was later taken over by the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), which now holds the relevant ownership documents.

Before the alleged illegal transfer, the family claims they were collecting K14,259 monthly in rent from students occupying the house. They assert that the tenants have continued residing there but have been paying rent to Chongo for the past 62 months, amounting to K883,500—a sum the plaintiffs are now seeking to recover.

The administrators are seeking several court orders. They want the caveat and the ACC restriction notice removed and the certificate of title issued to Chongo cancelled, with the property reverted to the estate. They are demanding payment of K883,500 for the rental income allegedly collected by Chongo, along with damages for fraudulent acquisition of title. The family has also requested an interim injunction to stop Chongo and his wife from collecting further rent and is seeking interest on all claimed amounts.

The case highlights serious allegations of property grabbing and exploitation of vulnerable families, now set for judicial scrutiny in the Lusaka High Court.

Lusaka, Zambia — Education Minister, Hon. Douglas Syakalima, has underscored the indispensable role of the media as a partner in driving educational quality and accountability across Zambia.

Speaking at the 2025 ZANEC Education and Skills Sector Media Awards in Lusaka on Tuesday, the Minister stated that the media is crucial in ensuring government reforms translate into tangible improvements for learners.

“As media, you have the power to expose gaps in school infrastructure, teacher deployment, financing, and learning outcomes. You also hold the key to promoting accountability in higher education governance and academic freedom,” Hon. Syakalima said.

The Minister outlined specific areas where media awareness is vital, including national policies on free education, the re-entry policy, early childhood development reforms, and the student loan and scholarship system. He emphasized that the government has adopted a holistic approach to education delivery from early childhood through university to ensure accessibility for all.

Hon. Syakalima urged the media to actively help build an education system that uplifts every child and secures the nation’s future.

Echoing the call for deeper engagement, ZANEC Chairperson, Mr. Henry Kabwe, encouraged journalists to move beyond surface-level reporting. He advocated for analytical journalism that provides critical context to developments within the education sector.

The ceremony served to honour media professionals for their exemplary work. Awards were presented to winners from several institutions, including ZANIS, the Daily Mail, and Money FM, recognizing their outstanding contributions to education reporting.

Lusaka, Zambia — A somber gathering of hundreds filled the Chainama Seventh Day Adventist Church on Friday to pay their final respects to Tamara Zimba Malambo, a Zambia National Service (ZNS) civilian employee who died suddenly earlier this week.

Mourners, including ZNS personnel, family, friends, and fellow church members, came together to honour the life of Malambo, who passed away on Monday after collapsing at her place of work.

Her death sent shockwaves through her community, coming just one day after she participated actively in the Eagles Marathon. Colleagues and friends recalled her cheerful and energetic presence at the event, where she proudly earned a medal. Her sudden collapse the following day left many, especially her ZNS colleagues, in profound disbelief. She was remembered at the service as a dedicated employee who was full of life.

ZNS Commander, Lieutenant General Engineer Maliti Solochi, delivered an emotional tribute during the funeral service, describing her passing as a significant loss. The Commander, who is also an elder at the Chainama SDA Church, attended in civilian attire as a mark of respect.

“As a Service, we have lost. For me personally, her passing struck my heart,” Lt. Gen. Solochi said.

Tamara Zimba Malambo served as an Information Technology Clerk under the ZNS Administration Branch. Beyond her professional role, she was a pillar of her church community, holding leadership positions as the Head Deaconess and Dorcas leader at the Chainama SDA Church.

She is survived by her husband, two daughters, and a son.

, Tuesday — A Livingstone magistrate has sentenced a businessman and a serving traffic police officer to two years’ imprisonment each for attempting to defraud an insurance company of K1 million using forged accident documents.

Livingstone magistrate Leah Kabalata on Tuesday convicted Eric Mayanda, 42, a businessman, and Keynes Mukuwa, 43, a traffic police officer, after finding them guilty of conspiracy, attempted fraud, and forgery.

The two were facing five counts related to a fabricated insurance claim for a Toyota Land Cruiser, registration AEB 2625 ZM.

In her sentencing, Magistrate Kabalata singled out the conduct of the officer. “The conduct of the officer was particularly unacceptable because he was expected to uphold the law, not break it,” she stated.

The court heard that on May 21, 2022, the two men conspired to defraud Professional Insurance Corporation Zambia (PICZ) by claiming the vehicle had been involved in a road accident.

On the same date, they attempted to defraud the insurer by presenting a forged traffic accident report to support the claim.

Further details revealed that a day earlier, on May 20, 2022, in Kalomo, Officer Mukuwa forged a Zambia Police Service traffic accident report, a receipt bearing number Q205656, and an admission of guilt form numbered 0989402, to give the claim a false appearance of legitimacy.

The two will now serve a two-year jail term.

Lusaka Province Minister Sheal Mulyata has directed heads of departments to intentionally undertake programmes that will contribute to poverty reduction, economic diversification and promote human development in 2026.

Ms Mulyata says key national objectives need to be at the centre of implementing programmes in the New Year.

She was speaking in Lusaka when she virtually opened the Third Quarter Provincial Development Coordinating Committee (PDCC) meeting.

The Provincial Minister explained that aligning programmes to national objectives will strengthen collective impact and ensure provincial initiatives remain relevant and responsive to the broader national agenda in 2026.

“As we deliberate today, let us remain aligned with the broader national development agenda while maintaining focus on our local priorities. The development of Lusaka Province requires a unified, coordinated approach across all sectors, departments and stakeholders,” Ms. Mulyata said.

The Minister further highlighted successes that the Lusaka Province Administration achieved during 2025.

Ms Mulyata cited the scaling-up of the School Feeding Programme which reached out to six hundred and sixteen thousand, sixty-five (616,065) learners as well as the procurement of over six hundred thousand (600,000) desks, to ensure improved quality education in schools.

The Minister also added that a historic maize bumper harvest of fifty-five thousand, eight hundred and fifty (55,850) metric tonnes against a target of twenty-two thousand (22,000) during the 2024/2025 farming season in Lusaka Province, was recorded.

“This was achieved through our collaborative efforts between the government institutions and all the key stakeholders including the traditional leadership. The province has further witnessed a number of roads being worked on among many other developmental projects being implemented in the province,” she said.

Meanwhile, Lusaka Province Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary, Gideon Mwanza stressed the importance of unity of purpose among stakeholders, in order for the provincial administration to implement programmes successfully.

Chilanga Town Council Chairperson Champion Tembo has expressed happiness with the return of the Cash for Work programme.

In an interview with the media, Mr Tembo has noted that the participants receive a set amount for completing a certain number of days of work per month, which is a form of temporal income support that empowers them to buy necessities like food and other basic needs.

He said the programme makes a significant difference in the lives of people who are facing economic hardships.

“The return of this programme showcases the government’s commitment towards uplifting the lives of vulnerable citizens. Every job created restores dignity and fosters self-sufficiency. Thank you, President Hakainde Hichilema, for championing lives’’, the Chairperson emphasised.

The Cash for Work programme provides financial assistance to vulnerable individuals in communities in exchange for participating in community development projects, such as unblocking drainages, market clean-ups, and other community improvement initiatives.

The Revised Cash for Work programme has been expanded to all 116 districts of Zambia, up from the 87 districts previously covered.

Ministry of Tourism Director for Cultural and Traditional Affairs, Bessie Chelemu, has urged young people to take an active role in preserving the country’s cultural heritage, noting that they are central to the future of Zambia’s identity.

Featuring on the the media programme My Government, Dr. Chelemu said youths should participate in cultural activities, adding that the department supports partner-run workshops, internships and mentorship programmes aimed at nurturing young talent.

She explained that the department collaborates with various ministries because culture cuts across all sectors and does not operate in isolation within government.

Dr. Chelemu also revealed plans to strengthen observance of International Mother Language Day through enhanced collaboration with the Ministry of Education, especially in areas of curriculum development and the teaching of local languages.

“We want to strengthen our inter-ministerial collaboration even further, especially around International Mother Language Day. We are planning to bring on board the Ministry of Education, particularly because of their role in curriculum development and the teaching of local languages,” she said.

She added that the department continues to support the creative industry by facilitating platforms, partnerships and opportunities for growth.

Minister of Transport and Logistics, Frank Tayali, has commissioned a new Total Energies Filling Station at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA), describing it as a major milestone in government’s efforts to build a modern, efficient and fully integrated transport system.

Speaking during the commissioning, Mr Tayali said the station is the first development under the Airport Land-Use Plan and a clear example of how public private partnerships can accelerate national growth.

He emphasised that fuel remains a critical enabler of mobility across all modes of transport, adding that placing a filling station within the airport precinct will improve both road and air connectivity for travellers, airport staff and service providers.

Mr Tayali said Zambia’s National Transport Policy aims to transform the country into a regional transport and logistics hub anchored on safe, reliable and well-connected networks.

He further noted that the government has continued to invest heavily in aviation and related infrastructure to position KKIA as a future aviation hub for the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.

“Achieving that status requires more than world-class airport buildings. It demands strong partnerships, coordinated planning and meaningful private sector participation,” Mr Tayali said.

The minister further said the government views the new facility as a development that will enhance service efficiency and strengthen essential support systems which are required for an effective transport and logistics ecosystem.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting private sector driven projects that complement public infrastructure and stimulate national economic growth.

Meanwhile, Zambia Airports Corporation Limited (ZACL) Managing Director, Urvesh Desai, said the future of airport development depends on strong collaborations between government, private sector players, local communities and the aviation industry.

Mr Desai said ZACL remains committed to fostering more partnerships aimed at enhancing airport services and infrastructure.

And Total Energies Marketing Manager, Salamata Ball, said the company will continue to support communities across the country.

Ms Ball said apart from providing fuel services, Total Energies has been distributing helmets and educating motorcyclists on safety in Chipata, an area known for high motorbike accident rates.

She has reiterated the company’s dedication to quality customer service and community-focused initiatives.