This morning we are compelled to share excerpts from same as we strongly believe the current crop of politicians can learn a lot from it:

Mwanawasa seemed to love his country so much that he went out of his way to leave behind a pre-recorded ‘will’ in a video statement which was broadcast on national television on March 23, 2005. Mwanawasa stressed the values that guided his public life and expressed gratitude for the various opportunities that came along his way in life. He implored the future governments to continue on the trajectory of the fight against graft. Here under is the full speech:

“I am grateful to all of you, for giving me the opportunity during part of my life to serve you as President. It was a privilege that I cherished up to my death. I did my best to improve the standards of living of you my people. I strove to attend to the production of sufficient food for domestic consumption and export. I worked hard to encourage investments, both local and foreign, to create jobs and to enhance the growth of our economy.

I believed that national development could only be sustained if good governance, respect for the rule of law and democracy were encouraged and not taken for granted. To spur these virtues, the fight against corruption had to be waged relentlessly and without treating anybody as a sacred cow. I regret that in my zeal to facilitate this fight, I lost friendship with a number of some of my best friends and at many times my own life and that of my family members were threatened. I want to assure the nation that no malice or ill will was intended in these initiatives.

I was driven purely by love for my country and the urgent need to transform it from poverty to prosperity. I have always been grieved to see so much poverty, hopelessness and anguish in the faces of our children, the leaders of tomorrow. It has always been my belief that nobody has the right to take away what we should be giving to these children and keep them in their selfish pockets. I do hope that the party, the Movement for Multiparty Democracy, can continue with this vision for our nation pursuing the fight of zero tolerance to corruption.

I was sad when some of you our members appeared to embrace corruption and criticized me for fighting the scourge. This vice will not develop our country. It is my desire that all future governments will continue to wage this fight. If in my endeavours to provide only the best for my country I offended some of my compatriots, all I can ask is that they should find a place in their hearts to forgive me as no deliberate intentions to harm their feelings without just cause was intended.

To those who attended my funeral and to those who mourned with my family, I say I am extremely grateful to all of you. I am certain that I speak on behalf of my family that their burden has thereby been lightened.”

Mwanawasa will forever be remembered for his sound policies that helped usher in strong economic growth, averaging 5 percent over six years, while inflation declined to single digits in April 2006, for the very first time in decades!

Rest in power our people’s lawyer aka icibumba…..the bulwark!

Prince Bill M Kaping’a
Political/Social Analyst
Zambezi

Kalaba Urges Govt to Apologize to South Africa for Diplomatic Blunder

Lusaka, Zambia — July 9, 2025:
Opposition leader Harry Kalaba has called on the Zambian government to issue a formal apology to South Africa following a diplomatic gaffe that saw President Cyril Ramaphosa publicly humiliated during a recent Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit.

Kalaba, president of the Citizens First Party and a former Minister of Foreign Affairs, described the incident as a “shameful embarrassment” to Zambia’s international reputation. He said the government’s failure to properly manage diplomatic protocol has not only strained bilateral ties but also exposed a lack of professionalism within the current administration.

“We embarrassed the president of the Republic of South Africa. And it is not only shameful it is diplomatically catastrophic,” Kalaba said in an interview with Daily Revelation. “I was a foreign affairs minister myself. There are certain things that should never happen at that level.”

The controversy stems from an apparent scheduling mishap during a high-level SADC meeting. President Ramaphosa, a key regional ally, was made to wait for over 30 minutes while Zambian officials were engaged elsewhere. Sources close to the event allege that the South African delegation was kept uninformed about delays, creating an awkward scene and prompting Ramaphosa to express visible frustration.

Kalaba questioned whether this was a deliberate slight or simply a reflection of poor governance, saying, “You don’t embarrass a whole president like that. Was it sabotage? Or just incompetence? Either way, someone needs to be held accountable and the South African government deserves an apology.”

As a seasoned diplomat, Kalaba underscored the critical importance of protocol in international relations. “Diplomacy is not just handshakes and dinners. It’s about respect, punctuality, and communication. Failing in those basics sends the wrong signals to our friends and allies,” he said.

Government officials have so far remained tight-lipped on the incident, offering no public statement or clarification. But political analysts warn that the silence may worsen the damage, particularly at a time when Zambia is working to deepen trade, security, and energy ties within the SADC bloc.

“This is a missed opportunity to show leadership and humility,” said Professor Thabo Chileshe, an expert in international relations at the University of Zambia. “An apology would not be a sign of weakness it would be a sign of maturity.”

Kalaba’s criticism did not stop at the diplomatic front. He linked the incident to a broader pattern of what he described as “governance rot” under the UPND government.

“This is the same administration that came into power promising a new dawn and diplomatic professionalism,” Kalaba said. “Yet here we are, disrespecting regional leaders and undermining years of goodwill.”

He also expressed concern about how such errors could impact Zambia’s foreign policy standing and investment potential. “Foreign investors watch how you treat your partners. If we can mishandle a state visit from a key ally like South Africa, what message are we sending to potential business partners?”

The diplomatic fumble comes at a time when Zambia is working hard to position itself as a hub for regional cooperation and economic growth. President Hakainde Hichilema has made re-engagement with global and regional partners a cornerstone of his administration’s strategy.

But Kalaba argues that goodwill cannot be taken for granted. “Relationships are delicate. They require constant nurturing. A single misstep especially one of this magnitude, can undo years of progress.”

He urged the government to not only apologize but also to conduct an internal review of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its protocol procedures.

“Zambia has long been respected as a diplomatic anchor in Southern Africa. We must not lose that standing through avoidable blunders,” he said.

As calls for accountability grow louder, all eyes are now on State House to see whether it will respond to the diplomatic fallout—or remain silent as Zambia’s reputation hangs in the balance.

Police Pocket K20,000 Daily in Gold Mine Bribes – Masumba Alleges

Mufumbwe, Zambia — July 9, 2025:
Former Member of Parliament for Mufumbwe, Steven Masumba, has dropped a political bombshell, accusing police officers stationed at Kikonge Gold Mine of receiving daily bribes totaling up to K20,000 from illegal gold miners. Masumba claims that these bribes are funneled through mobile money platforms, enabling officers to profit handsomely while corruption festers in one of Zambia’s most contested mining areas.

Speaking in an interview with Daily Revelation, Masumba alleged that the officers involved deposit between K15,000 and K20,000 into their mobile money accounts every day via Airtel booths located in Mufumbwe.

“These are not rumors anymore,” he said. “The faces of the officers are known. The people have seen them at mobile money booths making these massive deposits. But no one knows where the money is going or who else is involved.”

The allegations have ignited public outrage and deepened concerns about law enforcement integrity in Zambia’s mineral-rich North-Western Province. The Kikonge Gold Mine has long been a flashpoint for clashes between artisanal miners and security forces, with recent violence leading to fatalities and injuries on both sides.

Masumba, visibly frustrated, called on President Hakainde Hichilema to intervene directly, stating that the police should no longer operate independently in such sensitive areas.

“My appeal to the President is clear,” he emphasized. “Establish a joint operations committee that includes the Zambia Army, the Zambia National Service, and the Office of the President. Without it, this situation will spiral into chaos.”

According to Masumba, tension in Mufumbwe has reached a boiling point. He warned that officers risk mob retaliation if they continue to engage in perceived acts of impunity, particularly in the wake of a gold miner’s death, allegedly at the hands of the police.

“I had to personally contribute K5,000 to help with funeral arrangements for the miner. The police showed no responsibility, no empathy,” Masumba said, adding that their conduct has overshadowed positive strides made by the ruling UPND government, such as increases in Constituency Development Funds.

In response, North-Western Province police commander Brighton Siwale acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations but maintained that they are currently under investigation.

“These claims are subject to a full investigation,” Siwale stated. “But I also urge the public to recognize the complexity of the situation. Our officers are vastly outnumbered by illegal miners, many of whom come from all corners of Zambia—and even beyond our borders.”

Siwale confirmed that three illegal miners were killed during recent confrontations, challenging anyone disputing the figure to visit local hospitals and mortuaries. He also noted that at least one officer suffered a fractured skull during the same clashes.

“If people are truly bribing their way in, then why are they still clashing with police?” Siwale questioned. “This suggests the situation is not as black-and-white as it’s being portrayed.”

Still, the incident has reignited national debate over police professionalism, mining policy, and rural governance. Civil society and local leaders have urged the government to not only probe the corruption allegations but also to address the deeper socioeconomic issues fueling illegal mining across the country.

As Zambia continues to grapple with balancing mineral wealth and public accountability, the developments at Kikonge may serve as a critical test of the Hichilema administration’s resolve to uphold the rule of law and rebuild public trust in state institutions.

Chief Mukungule of the Bisa People in Mpika District has raised concern over the illegal gold mining activities taking place in Mukungule Game Management Area GMA in his chiefdom.

The traditional leader said illegal miners have invaded Kaluba and Mupamadzi farming blocks in Mukungule Game Management Area causing significant damage to the wildlife sanctuary.

He expressed concern that if the situation is not addressed, it will cause significant damage to the land and water pollution in the nearby streams around the area.

Chief Mukungule was speaking through his representative, Mr Makaliki Chilumba, during a stakeholders meeting held at Northern Rock Hotel in Mpika District.

He implored government authorities to take a keen interest and stop the ongoing illegal gold mining activities before the situation gets out of hand.

“We understand that our people want to earn a living, but it should not be through illegal mining activities in a game management area,” he said.

Meanwhile, Kapamba Ward Councillor John Chali said, despite several warnings, the illegal miners have continued conducting mining activities in the area.