ATTORNEY General Mulilo Kabesha says the Zambian Government will respect and abide by whatever judgment is delivered by the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) in South Africa regarding the repatriation and burial of former president Edgar Lungu.

The SCA yesterday reserved judgment in a case in which the Lungu family is challenging a Pretoria High Court ruling that granted the Zambian Government the right to repatriate the late former president’s remains for a State funeral and burial in Zambia.

The August 8, 2025 ruling also directed Two Mountains Mortuary to release Mr. Lungu’s remains to representatives of the Zambia High Commission to facilitate their return to Zambia.

Following the hearing, the SCA indicated that the matter would be treated as urgent and that both parties would be informed once a judgment date is set.

Speaking after the proceedings, Kabesha said the matter had reached a stage where it was now entirely in the hands of the court.

“Where we have reached now, we can only leave it to the court,” Kabesha said.

“At this point, it’s not about who will attend or participate in the burial.”

The Zambian Government, through its legal representative Ben Stoop, maintained before the court that it has a legal and constitutional obligation to repatriate Mr. Lungu’s remains because he served as Zambia’s Head of State.

Stoop argued that the burial of a former president is a matter of public interest, national legacy and State protocol that transcends personal or political considerations.

He submitted that the Government has a responsibility to ensure that a former Head of State receives a burial befitting the office he once held.

However, the Lungu family, represented by senior advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi, argued that the late former president had expressed a clear wish to be buried privately in South Africa and did not want the Zambian Government involved in his funeral arrangements.

Ngcukaitobi told the court that Mr. Lungu’s personal wishes should be respected and that his remains should remain in South Africa for burial.

The court is expected to deliver its ruling at a later date.

TONSE Pamodzi Alliance presidential candidate Brian Mundubile says he does not have a predetermined empowerment programme for youths and will instead consult them directly to understand their needs before implementing any interventions.

Speaking on his vision for young people, Mundubile said his government would avoid imposing programmes that may fail to make a meaningful impact on the lives of youths.

“I am not coming in as a Bally, but as a big brother to the youths. That is why I am saying I will have to sit down with them, get first-hand information on what they exactly need and then pick it up from there,” Mundubile said.

He acknowledged that youth unemployment, which he said stands at over 20 percent, remains a national emergency that requires urgent attention.

Mundubile said a government under his leadership would prioritize youth empowerment by ensuring that programmes are designed based on the actual needs and aspirations of young people.

He further revealed that he intends to move the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts closer to State House in order to accelerate decision-making and the implementation of youth-focused programmes.

According to Mundubile, youth empowerment would also be integrated across various sectors of the economy to create more opportunities for young people.

“We are also deliberate in placing the youth in leadership positions so that they can help us come up with ideas on how to help their fellow youths,” he said.

The presidential candidate stressed that involving young people in leadership and policy formulation would ensure that government interventions are relevant and responsive to the challenges they face.

The Department of Fisheries and Livestock in Mpulungu District of Northern Province has arrested nine people in connection with trading and transportation of fish during the ongoing Lake Tanganyika annual fishing ban.

Mpulungu District Director Fisheries Livestock and Veterinary Services, Mpundu Ng’andwe, has revealed that the nine were arrested on May 27, 2026 after a joint operation by the Department of Fisheries, Zambia Police, and the Department of National Parks and Wildlife in Mpulungu.

 Mpulungu today, Mr Ng’andwe disclosed that the suspects include seven females who were apprehended while trying to sale assorted dry fish including Kapenta, and two male suspects who were apprehended while trying to transport dry fish using motorbikes to unknown destinations.

He revealed that 75 kilograms of assorted dry fish and two motorbikes were seized in the process, adding that the suspects are detained at Mpulungu Police Station awaiting trial.

“The Department of Fisheries would wish to inform the general public that the 2026 annual fishing ban on Lake Tanganyika started on May 15, and will end on August 15, 2026, and that during the period the public is cautioned against engaging in any type of fishing activities,” he explained.

Mr Ng’andwe said the department has noted with concern the unscrupulous people circulating and misleading the public on the extension of trading in fish.

He clarified that only five days were given to traders who had stocks in their cold rooms and depots and that the grace period expired on May 20, 2026.

Mr Ng’andwe stated that with the end of the grace period, anyone found engaging in illegal activities such as fish trading and fish transportation will be arrested and prosecuted according to the law.

He has since advised traders wishing to trade in fish originating from other water bodies to ensure they acquire certificates from the Department of Fisheries indicating where the fish is coming from.

Mr Ng’andwe warned that any fish from other water bodies other than Lake Tanganyika that will be found being traded in Mpulungu without a certificate of origin, will be confiscated and destroyed.

He further disclosed that the Department of Fisheries has heightened surveillance and continued with water and market patrols, as well as road checkpoints to ensure that law and order is observed during the annual fishing ban.

Mpika District Commissioner, David Siame, has emphasised the need for sustainable utilisation of land and natural resources as a critical measure in mitigating the adverse effects of climate change in Muchinga Province and the country at large.

Mr Siame said this during a two-day stakeholders’ meeting held in Mpika that brought together participants from Kanchibiya, Lavushimanda and Mpika Districts to discuss climate-resilient, land governance and sustainable natural resource management.

The District Commissioner noted that the meeting was important as it provided stakeholders with an opportunity to explore ways of supporting community-led initiatives aimed at promoting climate resilience and implementing adaptation priorities in targeted areas.

Mr Siame said prudent utilisation of land remains one of the most effective ways of addressing the challenges posed by climate change and safeguarding natural resources for future generations.

“We want stakeholders to know how best to address issues of climate change through prudent utilisation of land,” he said.

Mr Siame commended the People’s Process on Housing and Poverty in Zambia (PPHPZ), working in partnership with WeForest Zambia, for their continued support towards promoting sustainable land use and conservation of natural resources in various parts of the province.

He further urged participants to engage in meaningful discussions and identify practical approaches to sustainable forest utilisation that would benefit both local communities and the environment.

Mr Siame also praised traditional leaders among them Senior Chief Kopa, Chief Luchembe, Chief Mpumba and Chief Chikwanda, for their leadership and commitment to promoting sustainable land management practices in their respective chiefdoms.

Meanwhile, WeForest Zambia Country Director, Fainess Lumbwe, stressed the importance of developing community adaptation plans to strengthen resilience against climate change in the four chiefdoms represented at the meeting.

Dr Lumbwe said WeForest remains committed to supporting the development of adaptation plans in the four chiefdoms to guide sustainable utilisation of forests and other natural resources.

She explained that adaptation plans provide communities with a framework for managing natural resources responsibly, while enhancing environmental conservation and livelihoods.

Dr Lumbwe added that her organisation has been conducting capacity-building programmes for community members in the four chiefdoms to equip them with knowledge and skills on sustainable forest management.

She expressed satisfaction with the enthusiasm shown by communities towards developing their own land-use plans tailored to their unique needs and opportunities within their areas.

Dr Lumbwe explained that the land-use plans would enable communities to determine the type of investments and development activities suitable for their localities.

Speaking on behalf of community members, Mubanga Lewison of Luchembe Chiefdom, commended WeForest for organising the stakeholders’ meeting, describing it as a valuable platform for enhancing knowledge on sustainable land and natural resource management.

Mr Lewison encouraged participants to apply the knowledge gained during the workshop for the benefit of their communities.

The Ministry of Community Development and Social Services has handed over 31 bicycles to community volunteers in Luangwa District of Lusaka Province to improve mobility and enhance the delivery of social protection programmes.

 Speaking during the handover ceremony, Luangwa District Commissioner, Luke Chikani, said the bicycles were meant to help volunteers overcome transportation challenges that have affected service delivery in remote communities.

Mr Chikani noted the long distances volunteers travel while carrying out their duties, stating that the government had taken deliberate steps to address the challenge.

“Your noble work in mentoring savings initiatives has been hindered by long distances and lack of transport. Government, through the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services, is taking deliberate steps to address these challenges, and all we need is your commitment and dedication to service delivery,” he said.

The District Commissioner urged the volunteers to use the bicycles for the intended purpose and ensure that more communities benefit from social protection programmes.

He further called on the beneficiaries to properly maintain the bicycles to ensure their longevity and continued service to communities.

Meanwhile, Luangwa Community Development Assistant Officer, Cynthia Chilufya, said the ministry has been implementing life-skills programmes for women in the district to enhance productivity and improve livelihoods.

Ms Chilufya disclosed that the volunteers, who received the bicycles were among 712 beneficiaries who underwent a 21-day business skills training programme and later received productive grants to venture into various income-generating activities.

She stated that the bicycles would motivate the volunteers and strengthen their ability to support communities through social and economic empowerment programmes.

“The donation is expected to improve outreach and facilitate the effective implementation of social protection initiatives across Luangwa District,” said Ms Chilufya.

Paramount Chief Mpezeni of the Ngoni people has died.

The revered traditional leader, who served as Paramount Chief of the Ngoni-speaking people of Eastern Province, passed away today, bringing to an end a significant chapter in the history of one of Zambia’s largest traditional kingdoms.

Paramount Chief Mpezeni was widely respected for his role in preserving Ngoni culture and traditions and for promoting peace, unity and development within his chiefdom and the country at large.

During his reign, he played a key role in strengthening traditional leadership institutions and remained a prominent voice on matters affecting local communities and national development.

His death has sent shockwaves across Eastern Province and the nation, with messages of condolences expected from government officials, traditional leaders, political figures and members of the public.

Further details regarding the cause of death, funeral arrangements and succession are yet to be announced.

More details to follow.

 Lusangazi District Commissioner, Margaret Zulu, has called for increased investment in agriculture to strengthen food security and create jobs.

Ms Zulu says agriculture remains a key driver of national development and poverty reduction.

 Speaking today when she officiated at the Chinika Block Agriculture show, held under the theme “Fostering Trade and Investment”, Ms Zulu said investment in irrigation and mechanisation systems are important in the agriculture sector.

“Technology, storage facilities and value addition is critical in improving productivity and creating opportunities for farmers and entrepreneurs.

“Trade and investment are essential drivers of economic growth. When we invest in agriculture, we invest in the future of our nation,” she said.

The District Commissioner noted that changing climatic conditions, increasing food demand and growing market competition require farmers to embrace innovation and modern farming methods.

She further encouraged local and foreign investors to support sustainable agricultural development aimed at empowering small-scale farmers, women and youths.

Ms Zulu also commended farmers, cooperatives, agribusinesses and other stakeholders for their continued contribution towards the growth of the agricultural sector.

She assured that the government remains committed to creating an enabling environment that promotes innovation and advancement in climate smart agriculture.

Chief Sandwe of the Senga people of Lusangazi advised farmers in the district to ensure household food security by avoiding selling all their maize and other agricultural produce immediately after harvest.

The Chief warned farmers against rushing to sell their produce to private buyers offering exploitative prices before the government announces the official maize purchasing price through the Food Reserve Agency (FRA).

The Ministry of Health in Nakonde District of Muchinga Province has intensified surveillance and preventive measures at the border entry point to guard against the risk of Ebola, even as Zambia remains free of any confirmed case.

Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting at the District Health Office today, Nakonde District Director of Health Services, Philip Munkonge, confirmed that no laboratory-confirmed Ebola case has been recorded in the district as well as in the country.

He said the heightened response is a proactive step, given that confirmed cases have been reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, both of which share regional travel links with Zambia.

Dr Munkonge stated that screening of travelers has been strengthened, with particular attention on those arriving from high-risk countries.

He disclosed that the health team at the border is conducting strict checks and monitoring for signs and symptoms that may indicate exposure.

Dr Munkonge added that the hand hygiene and sanitation protocols have been enforced at all key entry and clearance points to reduce transmission risks.

“Ebola is a deadly virus, but it is preventable with early detection and strict public health practices. Our teams are on high alert and we are working closely with regional partners to ensure no case enters undetected,” Dr Munkonge stated.

He noted that emergency preparedness meetings are ongoing and that the district has initiated cross-border engagements with Tanzanian health authorities to coordinate surveillance and response efforts.

Dr Munkonge further called on all stakeholders in the district, including traditional leaders, the media, the clergy and community members to remain vigilant and to actively support prevention efforts.

He said public cooperation will be key to keeping Nakonde and Zambia safe from the virus.

“We have this duty to ensure that we protect our nation. With our town being a border town, we all have these roles to play and we continue to appreciate that you always respond whenever you are called upon,” he said.

And Nakonde District Environmental Health Technologist, Cephas Mwanantesha, during his presentation, explained that Ebola is first transmitted from infected animals to humans and thereafter spreads between people through direct contact with body fluids.

Mr Mwanantesha listed blood, saliva, breast milk, and semen as potential transmission routes, noting that the virus can persist in semen for up to 60 days after exposure.

He urged communities to avoid contact with wild animals, while emphasising personal hygiene as the first line of defense.