Kwenje 89.3Fm Chama

01/04/2023

Kwenje Fm.ll
01. 04. 23.
By White Luhanga.

Family rescued from collapsed house in Chama district after heavy rains.

A family of 5 has been rescued from a collapsed house by the neighbors in Chief Lundu Chiefdom after the heavy rains experienced in the area last night.

In an interview with Kwenje Radio, Luangwa Ward Councilor Peter Kangwa , who confirmed the development said the incidence happened this morning around 02; 00hrs in Malabiba village.

Mr. Kangwa said the house collapsed at the time when the whole family was asleep.

He said the neighbors came to the rescue of the family after they heard a cry from one of the children in the house.

The Councilor said the neighbors managed to rescue Kanan Longa aged 30, a head of house , his wife and all the three children from the collapsed house.

Mr. Kangwa said Mr. Longa who complained of some body pains after been rescued was later rushed to Lundu Rural Health Center for medical attention and later got discharged in the afternoon.

The Councilor said the wife and his children had not complained of any body pain.

Malabiba Village in Chief Lundu Chiefdom last night received heavy rains.

END……….Kwenje Fm .

01/04/2023

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent
about things that matter.

10/12/2022

TSHALA MUANA DIES

Congolese singer Élisabeth Tshala Muana Muidikayi, known by the stage name Tshala Muana died on Saturday December 10, 2022, her husband announced via social networks, without giving details on the cause of her death, her husband confirmed the news via social networks

30/11/2022

We've started process of selling Gulfstream G650 - HH

PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema says his government has started the process of selling the Gulfstream G650 presidential jet in order to recover the US$193 million which was spent on it.

And President Hichilema says everyone is accountable to someone, which is why Zambians can remove UPND from power during the next election if it doesn’t perform well.

Credit: News Diggers

30/11/2022

KANYE WEST TO PAY KIM KARDASHIAN $200,000 PER MONTH IN CHILD SUPPORT AS DIVORCE SETTLED

(BBC) Kanye West has been ordered to pay Kim Kardashian $200,000 (£167,000) per month in child support in a divorce settlement.

The former rapper and reality TV star will share joint custody of their four children.

Kardashian filed for divorce in 2021, after eight years with West, who has legally changed his name to Ye.

It comes after several companies cut ties with Ye over controversies including antisemitic comments.

Both parties were declared legally single in March, with Kardashian also dropping "West" from her last name.

Issues around the division of property and custody of their children were resolved in court documents filed on Tuesday.

The two parties should consult with each other on major decisions about their children's welfare, the documents state.

Expenses for the children's security, school and college will be shared.

In addition, Ye is expected to pay $200,000 a month in child support - which the New York Post reported is because the children will spend the majority of their time with Kardashian.

The couple have four children: North, 9, Saint, 6, Chicago, 4, and Psalm, 3.

In several statements submitted earlier, Kardashian, 42, had said she "very much" wanted the marriage to be ended, adding that this would "help Kanye to accept" that the relationship was over.

Ye, 45, had previously fought against the separation.

He has faced controversy in recent months, and has been dropped by several brands, including Adidas, Gap and Balenciaga.

Earlier this week, Ye announced his intention to run for US president in 2024.

He previously ran in 2020, but gained just 70,000 votes.

Credit: BBC

30/11/2022

Good morning

19/07/2022

Am Still Giving Out Free Jersey To All Those Who Are Going To Share This Post And Follow My Page.
Lungu Comps Irene
❤️

14/06/2022

KABWATA MP KILLER GETS 12 MONTHS SIMPLE IMPRISONMENT

A Lusaka man who killed Kabwata UPND lawmaker Levy Mkandawire, Alick Jeta Kalenga has been sentenced to 12 months simple imprisonment.

High Court judge Ruth Chibbabbuka, who handed down the verdict a short while ago, ruled that Kalenga did not waste court's time, remorseful and pleaded guilty to the offense.

The offense of causing death by dangerous driving attracts K9,000 fine or up to five years imprisonment.

(Source: Zambia Daily Mail)

25/04/2022

Kwenje Fm.
24th April 2022.

Chama North area Member of Parliament Yotam Mtayachalo says Elephants are on rampage in mwalala ward of Chama north constituency which he said are eating crops such as maize, rice and groundnuts.

Mr. Mtayachalo says as such food security and human life are under very serious threat if urgent measures are not taken to bring the animals under control.

The Mp named the affected villages as Kapembe,Mulumbu, Tembwe Vilizi, Zobole and parts of Katangalika and Mbangandwe villages in Chama north constituency.

Meanwhile, Mr Mtayachalo says he has spoken to the Minister of Tourism and Art Hon. Rodney Sikumba and Chama District Area warden to immediately take measures to control the animals without further delay in order to protect people's crops and human life which are under very serious threat poses by elephants which are invading villages in search of food.

The Mp says both the Minister and the area warden have assured him that action will immediately be taken to bring the situation under control.

He has further appealed to the department of wildlife in the Ministry of Tourism and Art to send reinforcement to the district and consider cropping these animals which have multiplied in numbers in recent years

Mr. Mtayachalo added that the department of wildlife is under staffed and this has exacerbated cases of man-animal conflict in most villages and game management areas.

The Mp has also appealed to the government to compensate the affected people by providing them with food more importantly that people in Chama north Constituency faces starvation because of man-animal conflict, army worms and poor rainfall pattern during the 2021/2022 farming season.

He said government`s quick intervention in addressing the issues raised from his Constituency shall highly be appreciated by the people of Chama.

End....Kwenje Fm

25/04/2022

Former foreign affairs minister Dr Effron Chakupa Lungu has died,Mr Lungu served as foreign affairs minister in the Micheal Chilufya Sata administration,he was at the same time the PF area member of parliament for chama south.

23/04/2022

NEWS
23.04.22

United Party for National Development (UPND) in Chama District of Eastern province has appointed new Chama District Chairperson Mr. Newton Nyirenda .

Eastern province UPND provincial Chairperson Mr JOHABE MTONGA announced the appointment of Mr. Newton Nyirenda as New Chama District UPND Chairperson in Chama today.

Mr Mtonga is confident that Mr. Nyirenda will not only deliver on behalf of the Government but will also work tirelessly to build the party.

He added that the New District Chairperson should work towards uniting the people in the party

Mr. Mtonga appealed to all UPND members in Chama District to work together in mobilizing new members.

He said the UPND government has so far introduced free education, increased Constituency Development Fund -CDF from one point six million to 25-point 7-million kwacha and is paying retirees.

Mr. Mtonga Called on youths to form cooperatives saying government wants youths to be involved and empowered in the Skills and Agriculture through various agricultural youth empowerment programs.

The provincial Chairperson also says that Government will recruit the 30,000 teachers and 11,000 health workers this year as this is in the national budget.

He says the UPND Government remains committed to job creation both in the formal and informal sectors because it is one of the issues which is highlighted in the party’s manifesto.

And New Chama District UPND Chairperson Mr Newton Nyirenda who thanked the party for giving him the opportunity to serve as District Chairperson said the new position will require teamwork from all Members of the Party to enable him live up to the mandate and vision of the Party.

He also noted that he is aware of the many challenges members are going through and will continue to dialogue as way of resolving issues.

At the same event, Atleast 11 members from different political parties both Chama North & Chama South constituency defected to the UPND.

Meanwhile former Mphalausenga Ward councilor Sam Sichomba has join the UPND.

Mr. sichomba announced his decision in Chama District today during a UPND meeting held at FTC which he attributes to the exemplary and progressive leadership style of President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA.

He further said that President HICHILEMA has proved that he means well for the country.

And receiving the Defectors, Newly promoted UPND Eastern province trustee Mr. JOHN CHIBANGA said anyone that is willing to join the UPND is welcome.

Mr. Chibanga said the ruling party remains committed to the One Zambia One Nation motto regardless of tribe or political affiliation.

He urged them to feel free to contribute to the growth of the UPND in the District.

ENDS/Kwenje FM/E.N

23/04/2022

_Latest_

Chama District UPND Mr. Newton Nyirenda .
Meanwhile Mr. John chibanga has been promoted as trustee at provincial level.

While former mphalausenga Ward councilor Sam sichomba has ditched the rebranding PF to join ruling party UPND.

23/04/2022

Remarkable people deserve remarkable things! We hope that nothing but amazing things occur in your life and that your year ahead is filled with nothing but joy and wellness. We hope to spend many more days, months, and years working with you! A very happy birthday to you
Royd mwansa

22/04/2022

RIP

21/04/2022

*PRESIDENT DATES THE PRESS, SAYS DIDN'T GIVE ANYONE IMMUNITY AGAINST PROSECUTIONS*

President Hakainde Hichilema writes below...

Fellow citizens.

Mutinta and I took advantage of the Easter holidays to visit our farms in Namwala, Kalomo and Choma of Southern province.

Today, 21st April, 2022, we were received by our mother at the Kalomo farm. We were delighted to see her in high spirits and her counsel that we must place Zambia first. We assured her that just like we were honest in our early years, we are taking honesty to the public offices.

Fellow citizens. We now use this opportunity to categorically state that WE HAVE NEVER MET OR GIVEN ANYONE IMMUNITY AGAINST PROSECUTION.

We are aware that this country had gotten used to backdoor way of running public affairs but not anymore.

In the same vein, we wish to announce that on Monday 25th April, 2022, we will address the nation through the press and tackle most of the issues that you may have. We are here to serve you and not the other way round. This is the reason we are making a date with you, our citizens.

We have said this before, talk to us and not shout at us because we have to all get involved and get it solved as we only have One Zambia, One Nation.

Zambia is getting better and indeed will be better.

May God bless you all.

Hakainde Hichilema
President of the Republic of Zambia.

12/04/2022

Incase you don't know Kwenje Radio 📻 89.3fm now operates from 05:00hrs to 00:00hrs,

Do a business with us!! Found in Chama District - Eastern province.

The only radio station that is physically present in the district !!!!!

12/04/2022

NEWS
12.04.22

By EMMANUEL NKHATA

Kamphemba ward Area councilor Saphira Mashonga says the release of Constituency Development Fund -CDF will be a game changer that will transform the ward.

Hon. Mashonga has since challenged young people with no skills to tap into the Fund and grow their businesses that will transform the district especially in her Ward.

Ms. Mashonga says young people should ensure they venture into businesses that will not require skills for them to thrive and improve their income.

She was speaking in an interview with Kwenje Radio News Today saying that Chama North Constituency received five million kwacha.

Ms Mashonga has encouraged Youths and women to form cooperatives as to benefit from government CDF program’s.

Government released over 805 million kwacha to the ministry of local Government and Rural development for community projects and youth and women empowerment under the Constituency Development Fund -CDF-.


ENDS/Kwenje FM/E.N

12/04/2022

*RURAL DEVELOPMENT UNDERWAY - HH*

President Hakainde Hichilema writes below...

Fellow citizens.

It is gratifying to be in any part of our country without being met with harassment or intimidation. This is the freedom you, fellow Zambians wanted and which we continue to deliver.

Today while interacting with our people in Malekani and Palangoto areas of Lukutu ward in Lubansenshi constituency, Northern Province, we were happy to see citizens freely expressing themselves including their joy about free education and employment of over 30, 000 teachers and over 11, 000 health workers. It is good to see that our fellow citizens in rural areas value the collective efforts we are putting in place to ensure a better Zambia.

We want to encourage our citizens to go back to your various home towns and begin investing there. Indeed as a government that’s what we have embarked on, by taking quality facilities and jobs like in health and education among others.

As a people that believe in moving forward and not in reverse and bring back violence and other vices, we encouraged the people of these particular areas to vote for our UPND ward councillor candidate Peter Chanda as our vision carrier.

Citizens in areas with by-elections must vote for their choice of candidates. Whatever the outcome may be, it will represent the local people's will.

Zambia is getting better and indeed will be better.

Hakainde Hichilema
President of the Republic of Zambia

08/04/2022

*HH ARRIVES IN MONGU, SAYS LET'S PLANT THAT SEED*

President Hakainde Hichilema writes below...

Fellow citizens.

Earlier today we arrived in Mongu, Western province of Zambia ahead of tomorrow's Kuomboka Traditional ceremony of the Lozi people and later officiated at the opening of the Country Milling Company.

We are thankful to you bana ba bulozi kaufela for your warm welcome and continued support. During the official opening of Country Milling, we emphasised that jobs and business opportunities will come from both the public and private sector and this why we have embarked on a public and private partnerships journey.

Jobs will come from planting that seed, harnessing it, harvesting it, turning into an end product and eventually placing it on the table as a meal because that is the chain of production and ultimately jobs and jobs and business opportunities for all.

Zambia is getting better and indeed will be better.

Once more! Thank you fellow citizens and May God bless you all.

Hakainde Hichilema
President of the Republic of Zambia.

23/03/2022

Government has handed over a solar powered borehole of 10 Thousand capacity tank to Zuku women`s club under the Transforming Landscape for Resilience and Development (TRALARD) Project in Dungulungu Village Chief Kambombo`s Chiefdom

Speaking during the handover ceremony Chama district commissioner Mr. Yobe Goma who also presented the club with a certificate has thanked Zuku women`s club for their hard work which he said has made them to be given the solar powered borehole under the Transforming Landscape for Resilience and Development (TRALARD) Project .

The Dc said the water system will also provide water to all the surrounding areas of the village apart from being used for gardening, provision of water to the fish ponds.

Mr Goma said all government programs and projects are meant to alleviate poverty levels in communities.

The DC called for sustainability of the facility and urged them to put it into good use.

Mr. Goma said government is ready to support clubs, cooperatives in the district.

He has called on other clubs and cooperatives in the disatrictto emulate what zuku women`s club has been doing in the district by being involved into different livelihood programs such as Agriculture ,livestock keeping which can change their lives..

The Dc said he was happy to see for himself a number of projects the club is engaged into such as Poultry Farming, Fish farming, gardening among other notable projects.

And Transforming Landscape for Resilience and Development (TRALARD) District Operations Officer Elias Miti has expressed happiness with Zuku Women`s club for having successfully implemented the Fish Farming ,Gardening and Poultry Subprojects by Transforming Landscape for Resilience and Development (TRALARD).

Meanwhile, Zuku women`s club chairperson Esther Kasanga has thanked government under the Transforming Landscape for Resilience and Development (TRALARD) for providing them with a solar powered borehole.
The Chairperson said apart from watering their gardens and provision of water for their fish pounds, the people in the village will also be provided with clean drinking water from the same solar powered borehole.

Zuku women`s club based is Dungulungu village in Chief Kambombo`s Chiefdom is involved into a number of projects, the club has got 7 fish ponds, a poultry with over 150 chickens.

The club has got a garden and also a cassava farm

End// …Kwenje fm// White Luhanga.

12/03/2022

09/03/2022

There is no money in circulation because of ‘stingy’ govt - Mundubile

THERE is no money in circulation because the government is failing to dismantle local debtors perceived to be PF sympathisers, leader of the opposition in Parliament Brian Mundubile has said.

Mundubile reminded Government that its resolve not to pay local contractors and suppliers is costing the country's economy.

He said government should have prioritised the need to dismantle the local debt to save the economy from collapsing.

"There is no money in circulation because suppliers and contractors are not paid. This is punishing your own people of course.

"The cost of living in the previous government was high but in the past six months we have seen an unprecedented increment," Mundubile said.

Credit: Daily Nation

09/03/2022

LATEST: Mkushi North Constituency nullification has been reversed and the election of PF’s Christopher Chibuye has been upheld. - Daily Nation

09/03/2022

Former Chama council secretary, 2 CDF
officials jailed 2yrs for abuse of office

By Christopher Miti

THE Lundazi Magistrates’ Court has sentenced former Chama Council secretary and two Constituency Development Fund (CDF) committee chairpersons to two years simple imprisonment for corruption involving over K700,000.

Magistrate Edward Chisanga jailed Yaphet Simpamba, 64, of Serenje district who stood charged with one count of abuse of authority of office.

Simpamba was arrested and jointly charged with Chama North CDF chairperson Ancrate Gondwe, 59, of Chama; and Chama South CDF chairperson Sam Lungu, 43, of Chama with two counts of willful failure to follow laid down procurement procedures and guidelines.

Details of the offence in the first count are that Simpamba as Chama district council secretary on dates unknown but between September 1, 2012 and March 31, 2013, did abuse the authority of his office by receiving payments in the sum of K10,455 under the CDF as subsistence allowance for his travel to the United Kingdom to procure a grader and a tipper, which were not delivered.
According to a statement issued by ACC spokesperson Queen Chibwe, details in the second count were that Simpamba and Gondwe on dates unknown but between September 1, 2012 and March 31, 2013 in Chama district and being public officers, jointly and whilst acting together with persons unknown, did willfully fail to comply with laid down procurement and CDF procedures and guidelines when they fraudulently facilitated the payment of K350,000 CDF for Chama North Constituency to purchase a grader and a tipper truck, which were not delivered.
Details in the third count were that Simpamba and Sam Lungu on dates unknown but between September 1, 2012 and March 31, 2013 in Chama district, being public officers, jointly and whilst acting together with persons unknown, did willfully fail to comply with laid down procurement and CDF procedures and guidelines when they fraudulently facilitated the payment of K350,000.00 CDF for Chama- South Constituency to purchase a grader and a tipper truck, which were not delivered.

The ACC has since sternly warned all Council officials countrywide that it would arrest and prosecute any individual found to have abused the CDF or failed to follow the guidelines and procedures.

06/03/2022

06/03/2022

As we continue to commemorate the international Children's day of Broadcasting a pupil from chama primary school Carol Chikomazga who read the News at 06:30hrs on Kwenje radio has been awarded with a K50 from a person who watched the said News in an appreciation.

05/03/2022

For all the good work you have done, it’s not enough to say that you are just a good employee. It’s decided- you are (to put it simply) a great person! May every day be filled with happiness, good health, and marvelous luck. Enjoy your birthday and a great year ahead. Bashi Diet

03/03/2022

Russian businesses man puts $1m bounty on Putin

A Russian businessman has placed a $1m bounty on Vladimir Putin’s head and urged the country’s military officers to bring the president to justice.

Entrepreneur Alex Konanykhin made the promise in a post on social media site LinkedIn and called it his “moral duty” to take action and help Ukraine following the unprovoked attack.

“I promise to pay $1,000,000 to the officer(s) who, complying with their constitutional duty, arrest(s) Putin as a war criminal under Russian and international laws,” wrote Mr Konanykhin.

“Putin is not the Russian president as he came to power as the result of a special operation of blowing up apartment buildings in Russia, then violated the Constitution by eliminating free elections and murdering his opponents.”

His post included a photo of Mr Putin, with the caption, “Wanted: Dead or alive. Vladimir Putin for mass murder.”

And he added: “As an ethnic Russian and a Russia citizen, I see it as my moral duty to facilitate the denazification of Russia. I will continue my assistance to Ukraine in its heroic efforts to withstand the onslaught of Putin’s Orda.”

The word “Orda” is Russian for “horde.”

Credit: The Independent

03/03/2022

(UPDATED) PICTURE STORY: Teachers recently employed but not on payroll take to the streets to protest against delays by government to have them on the payroll.

02/03/2022

Hichilema holds talks with ECZ, writes...

We held a round of fruitful discussions with the Electoral Commission of Zambia team, led by it's Chairman Judge Esau Chulu, today at State House.

We exchanged views on the need for electoral reforms and other matters affecting the Commission, among them the institution's need to enhance transparency and accountability inorder to win public confidence, and the trust of all stakeholders in future electoral processes.

Other subjects discussed centred around proposals and plans to extend the right to vote to Zambians in the diaspora, the continuous voter registration and decentralization among many other matters.

Hakainde Hichilema,
President of Republic of Zambia.

02/03/2022

OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SUMMON OPPOSING S MOUTH PIECE RAPHAEL NAKACINDA

but rejects the summons!"

But Mr. Raphael Nakacinda has refused to be dragged to a Committee of Parliament saying he is not a Member of Parliament and the Standing Order can't compell him to appear at Parliament Thursday 3 March 202

01/03/2022

President Hichilema to address the nation on National Values and Principles

Lusaka, March 1, 2022, ZANIS--- President Hakainde Hichilema will On Friday March 11, 2022 address the nation on the application of National Values and Principles in Parliament.

National Assembly Clerk, Roy Ngulube stated that the Head of State will address Parliament on the application of National Values and Principles on Friday, March 11, 2022 at 09:00 hours at Parliament building in accordance with Article 9, Clause 2 and Article 86 clause 2 of the Constitution of the Republic of Zambia.

Mr Ngulube has since urged members of the public and various stakeholders to follow the address by the President on various media platforms on the said date and time.

‘’Members of Parliament and invited guests are expected to be seated by 08:30 hours. Stakeholders and members of the public are encouraged to follow the address on parliament Radio and Television, the National Assembly Facebook and various media bodies,’’ stated Mr Ngulube.

This is according to a press release made available to ZANIS in Lusaka today issued and signed by the Clerk of the National Assembly, Roy Ngulube.

01/03/2022

😭😭😭💔💔💔
HIS NAME IS BARRY CHANDA, POLICE SAY HE HAS COMMITTED SU***DE BECAUSE HIS HOUSEHOLD GOODS WERE GRABBED BY A SHYLOCK AND HIS BUSINESS HAS COLLAPSED

Mr Chanda, a contractor of Kitwe’s Natwange, parked his Toyota Rav 4 on the roadside in Kalulushi and went on to take his own life.

Copperbelt acting commanding officer Tresphord Kasale said his wife Dorica Kalundo revealed that her husband has been planning to kill himself after his business collapsed and had his household goods grabbed from him by the Shylock and other court issues.

“Currently the body is deposited in Kitwe Teaching hospital awaiting postmortem,” Mr Kasale said.

01/03/2022

That is kambombo center in kalinkhu Ward. The school, clinic and community houses are also affected.

28/02/2022

Petrol K 21.96n effective Midnight.

28/02/2022

President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya has endorsed political rival, opposition leader, Raila ODINGA to be the country's next president.

28/02/2022

FUEL PUMP PRICE MIGHT GO UP IN THE WAKE OF UKRAINE TENSIONS-STATE HOUSE

The President and the whole administration are observing with keen interest the possible ripple effects the tensions in Ukraine could have on key global commodity prices such as oil and fertilizer , because both play such a significant role in the positioning of the Zambian economy.

It is important to note, that our ability to import cheap oil into the country remains utterly critical in ensuring that general economic costs associated with the use of various forms of fuel are kept at an affordable minimum for our citizens.

It must further be noted, that a disruption to the global fertilizer supply chain has the potential to adversely affect agriculture production for the 2022/23 farming season if suppliers do not have sufficient buffer stocks to meet the demands of the forthcoming farming season.

The President has, therefore, put on high alert all line ministries and ministers to ensure that strategies are in place to rapidly anticipate and appropriately respond to these challenges, should they arise, and mitigate them accordingly.

The administration will continue to take active steps aimed at lowering the cost of living as already seen by the over 200% positive performance of the Kwacha against the Dollar over the past 6 months, with inflation down from 24% to 14% over the same period; while basic salaries are up by 12% and another 13% improvement in the tax exempt amount for lower income earners.

Issued: Anthony Bwalya
Presidential Spokesperson
28 February 2022

27/02/2022

NEWS
27.02.22

By EMMANUEL NKHATA

Over 70 houses have collapsed in Chama District Mabinga Ward on the Chama South Constituency following heavy rains that characterised the district.

Mabinga Ward Area Councilor Lameck Zimba who visited the area to appreciate the situation, is saddened by the extent of the disaster.

Kwenje Radio reports that Mr. Zimba said it is unfortunate that people have been left homeless and have had their properties damaged due to the heavy rains.

A civic Leader has urged the victims to remain calm as the matter is being escalated to relevant offices.

And Mr. Zimba has appealed to government to help the victims with accommodation and foodstuff stating that they are squatting in their neighbors homes.

ENDS/Kwenje FM/E.Nkhata

27/02/2022

SEVEN PEOPLE DIE IN ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENT INVOLVING A BUS FROM NAKONDE TO LUSAKA

THE Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) recorded a fatal road traffic accident yesterday at about 22:29 hours along the Great North Road in Mpika District of Muchinga Province involving a bus in which seven (7) passengers died on the spot while 35 others sustained serious injuries.

27/02/2022

What really happened at the Nc’wala traditional ceremony?

By Sishuwa Sishuwa

• Was Given Lubinda ordered to leave the Nc’wala traditional ceremony?

Lubinda was advised to leave the VVIP pavilion reserved for dignitaries, not the ceremony. The decision to leave the ceremony was independently made by the PF leadership, perhaps in protest at being asked to go and sit elsewhere.

• Who ‘chased’ Lubinda?

It was members of the President’s security detail. Hakainde Hichilema was not personally involved in the decision to remove Lubinda from the VVIP area. In fact, when he was briefed about what had transpired, the President reportedly expressed shock that his security detail could do such a thing. He even offered to meet Lubinda during the ceremony but was informed that the acting leader of the main opposition party had already left.

Since the President cannot escape responsibility for the actions of officers whom he appointed and who report to him, the buck ultimately stops at him.

• Wait, who is a VVIP?

Well, tags like VVIP, VIP or ordinary persons are not permanent. They are determined by event organisers. Any person, depending on the event and its organisers, can find themselves as VVIP or ordinary on a given day. Being a cabinet minister, for instance, does not automatically make one a VVIP or VIP. This explains why we have seen international events where ministers do not even make the list of those classified as VIP (forget VVIP). As stated, the event and its organisers decide who is what for any event based on the criteria set by themselves. Lubinda, in this case, was considered a VVIP by the organising committee of the Nc’wala traditional ceremony.

• So, what triggered the incident?

It may have been the overzealousness of the President’s security detail. Note that Lubinda was properly seated, having been ushered in the designated area by a member of the Nc’wala organising committee in recognition of his position as leader of a political party.

CAPTION: File picture for illustration