19/10/2025
Mr Mwewa Condemns Hypocrisy in Tonse Alliance, Calls for PF Unity
By Chali Mulenga, Livingstone
Mr Chilufya Mwewa, widely recognised as “the voice from Chifwema,” has issued a strong call for unity within the Patriotic Front (PF), condemning what he described as “high levels of hypocrisy and betrayal” among some leaders of the Tonse Alliance and a few selfish PF members. Speaking during an online briefing today, Mr Mwewa said such conduct undermines national cohesion and threatens the PF’s ability to provide credible leadership.
“It is disheartening to witness the level of pretence and betrayal within the Tonse Alliance, particularly after a day dedicated to prayer, reflection, and reconciliation,” Mr Mwewa said, referring to the Dunamis National Day of Prayer and Reconciliation, held yesterday. “Leaders must speak truth to power and act with integrity. Anything less is a betrayal of both the people and our democratic process.”
Mr Mwewa’s comments come amid heightened political tension following the purported reconciliation meeting between Tonse Alliance leaders and PF officials, intended to ease growing disputes and foster collaboration. While the meeting was widely publicised, Mr Mwewa cautioned that reconciliation must go beyond public gestures.
“Reconciliation is not a matter of ceremony or optics,” he said. “It must be backed by genuine commitment, honesty, and the willingness to put the nation and the party above individual interests.”
He urged PF members to stop focusing on internal wrangles and instead recognise the contributions of Hon Raphael Nakachinda and Hon Given Lubinda, both of whom he described as “pillars of the party”.
“What wrong have Nakachinda and Lubinda done to deserve criticism and persecution?” Mr Mwewa asked. “These men have served the PF tirelessly, often under challenging circumstances, and their work deserves acknowledgement and appreciation, not attacks.”
In his briefing, Mr Mwewa also raised concerns about the role of some senior PF figures in recent internal conflicts, mentioning Chris Zumani Zimba, Brian Mundubile, Miles Sampa, Kelvin Bwalya Fube (KBF) and the former Secretary-General, whose actions he said had stirred divisions and undermined party cohesion.
“We must honestly assess who has served the PF faithfully and who has allowed selfish ambitions to create discord,” he said.
Mr Mwewa stressed that unity is critical for the PF’s survival and ability to challenge the Tonse Alliance in future elections. He called on party members to rise above personal interests and prioritise collective goals.
“Let us learn to say thank you and recognise those who have carried the PF through difficult times. We are angry because we care — our anger is driven by our desire to see the party and our country succeed,” he said.
He also highlighted that the recent reconciliation initiative, while commendable, would only succeed if all parties approached it in good faith.
“True reconciliation cannot thrive in an environment of hypocrisy and selfish ambition. It requires humility, honesty, and a shared commitment to rebuilding the nation,” Mr Mwewa said.
He urged PF members to work together to strengthen the party, calling for “unity of purpose, appreciation of hard work, and compassionate engagement”. He warned that without such cohesion, the party risks losing credibility among Zambians and weakening its position in the political landscape.
“The PF needs strong, dedicated leaders like Nakachinda and Lubinda. Let us put aside differences, embrace unity, and focus on building a stronger party for the good of Zambia,” Mr Mwewa said.