Pulse Of The Zambezi

09/08/2026

Siamwenya warns against social media misinformation

LIVINGSTONE — United Party for National Development (UPND) Livingstone District chairman Christopher Siamwenya has warned social media users against spreading unverified information ahead of the August 13 general elections, saying false reports could trigger anxiety and political violence.

Mr Siamwenya said social media actors should ensure that information published during the election period was accurate, while members of the public should verify reports before acting on them.

“My advice to those people is that they should give the correct information because giving false information creates anxiety; it creates violence. That is where violence is being bred,” he said.

He said members of the public should not allow themselves to be provoked by information circulating on social media without first establishing whether it was genuine.

“Before they do any action, they must ensure that they verify this information because acting on social media information will put them into problems,” Mr Siamwenya said.

He advised people to ignore unverified information that could cause alarm or provoke them into taking action.

The UPND district chairman's warning comes as political parties intensify campaigns ahead of the August 13 polls, with the party urging its members to remain peaceful before, during and after voting.

Mr Siamwenya said the UPND had instructed its members to respect rival political parties and allow them to campaign freely.

“We are not the only players. We are not the only people asking for votes from electorates. Other people are doing the same, so we should give room to other players also to ask for votes from members of the public,” he said.

He said democracy required political tolerance and acceptance of opposing views.

Mr Siamwenya said the party had so far not experienced major challenges during campaigns apart from alleged incidents of opponents pulling down its posters in some areas.

“So far, I cannot say we have any major challenges because our teams are doing everything that they are required to do, except that in some areas we have the challenge of our opponents pulling down our posters,” he said.

He said the party had chosen not to take the matter seriously because it had enough campaign materials to replace the posters.

“But as a party which has been in this process for a long time, we are not taking serious offence over this because we have enough posters, so we replace them,” Mr Siamwenya said.

He said party members who violated UPND rules or instructions were liable to disciplinary action.

“We have systems in our party which we use in disciplining members who go against the party rules. We have a disciplinary committee at all levels, starting from the branch, the wards, the constituency, the district and upwards,” he said.

“We do not spare anybody, even during hard times like this. If they go against our instructions, they are subject to disciplinary action.”

Mr Siamwenya also warned youths against allowing themselves to be used to perpetrate political violence, saying they were usually the ones who faced arrest while politicians remained free.

“My message is that youth should not be used by politicians to cause problems because at the end of the day it is them who are arrested and put in cells, and make their relatives, their parents, suffer taking food to them to the cells,” he said.

He urged youths to remain peaceful after casting their votes and wait for the announcement of results.

“Let them ensure that after they have cast their votes they should do as I have advised — linger around peacefully to wait for the results, not involving themselves in acts of violence because that will put them into problems,” he said.

On polling day, Mr Siamwenya said UPND members should cast their votes early but remain at polling stations to witness the counting process without disrupting other voters.

“They must be part and parcel of what is going on at the polling station after they have cast their votes. Of course, we don't encourage them to disrupt or to cause problems to those who have not yet voted,” he said.

He said the party expected its members to remain calm after voting and patiently await the official declaration of results.

“We have informed our members to be calm, to wait patiently without any acts of violence for the announcement of the results,” Mr Siamwenya said.

“We are not encouraging anybody to be wild, to be violent because our president, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, has advised us to uphold the rule of law.”

Mr Siamwenya, however, appealed to Livingstone residents to vote for the UPND, claiming that the party had delivered “unprecedented development” within a short period.

“Vote for UPND because UPND has brought unprecedented development in a short period of time compared to other parties that have ruled this country for many years,” he said.

He said the UPND had a vision for the country and appealed to voters to support the party on August 13.

“We expect to win the elections, but during this period to the polls people must freely campaign, and during the poll day there must be peace. During and after the poll day, that peace should continue prevailing,” Mr Siamwenya said.

02/08/2026

Mundubile Lacks International Profile to Sustain Mining Investment, Says Machobani

By CHALI MULENGA

Former Kazungula South Constituency aspiring Member of Parliament and now a member of the Presidential Campaign Team (PCT), Gift Machobani, has appealed to voters, particularly in the Copperbelt and North-Western provinces, to re-elect President Hakainde Hichilema, saying the country's growing mining investment is the result of years of deliberate engagement with the international investment community.

Mr Machobani said the more than US$19 billion worth of investment actualised since 2021 did not come by chance but was the culmination of efforts President Hichilema began while he was still in the opposition.

He said the President consistently attended international investment platforms, including the Mining Indaba in Cape Town, South Africa, where he promoted Zambia as a preferred investment destination and built relationships with global mining investors.

"The investment we are witnessing today was carefully planned. It was intentional and methodical. President Hichilema travelled extensively and attended Mining Indaba meetings and other international investment forums long before he became Head of State," Mr Machobani said.

He questioned whether opposition presidential candidate Brian Mundubile had built similar international networks capable of sustaining investor confidence.

"Has Mr Mundubile attended any Mining Indaba or international investor conference in the United Kingdom or elsewhere? Is he known by the global investment community? Investors are cautious about where they commit their capital and prefer leaders with whom they are familiar and have confidence," he said.

Mr Machobani said Zambia should not gamble with the Presidency at a time when the country was recording significant gains in attracting foreign direct investment.

He warned that a loss of investor confidence could slow investment in the mining sector, particularly in the Copperbelt and North-Western provinces, where mining remains the backbone of economic activity.

He said reduced investment would negatively affect mine workers, contractors, suppliers, transporters, marketeers and thousands of households that depend on the industry.

Mr Machobani said increased mining investment had translated into higher tax revenues, enabling Government to finance key social and economic programmes.

He said increased revenue had supported the implementation of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), free education, the Social Cash Transfer Programme, procurement of medicines and improved public service delivery.

Mr Machobani further warned that failure to retain investor confidence could result in some investors scaling down or withdrawing their investments, thereby weakening the country's tax revenue base and reducing resources available for national development.

He appealed to Zambians to give President Hichilema a second five-year mandate in the August 13 general election, saying continuity in leadership was essential to preserving investor confidence, sustaining economic growth and protecting jobs in the mining sector.

Mr Machobani said maintaining policy consistency and Zambia's international credibility would remain critical to attracting further investment and consolidating the gains made since 2021.

02/08/2026

Local youths must benefit from Chambishi mines, says Kaleta

By CHALI MULENGA

INDEPENDENT Chambishi parliamentary candidate Kaleta Chikabala Mulenga says the constituency's young people have been denied their fair share of employment opportunities despite more than US$10 billion being invested in the local mining industry.

Mr Mulenga said it was unacceptable that many youths in Chambishi remained unemployed or were confined to low-paying jobs while multinational mining firms operating in the area continued recruiting workers from outside the constituency.

He said addressing youth unemployment would be his top priority if elected in next month's parliamentary by-election.

"Our young people should be the biggest beneficiaries of the investments taking place in Chambishi because this is where the minerals are being extracted. Instead, they are being left behind while people from elsewhere are taking the jobs," he said.

Mr Mulenga alleged that in many cases qualified local youths were overlooked in favour of job seekers from other towns.

He said out of every 10 young people in Chambishi, only about two were employed, with many of those working in low-paying positions despite the area's status as one of Zambia's major mining centres.

Mr Mulenga further claimed that miners in Chambishi earned significantly lower salaries than workers performing similar duties at mining operations in North-Western Province, despite producing the same commodity for the international market.

He said many miners remained trapped in debt because their earnings were insufficient to meet the cost of living and support their families.

Mr Mulenga pledged to advocate for localisation of employment by ensuring qualified residents of Chambishi were given priority in recruitment before employers considered applicants from outside the constituency.

"We are not saying others should never be employed, but our young people must be given the first opportunity because they are the ones living with the effects of mining activities in this community," he said.

Mr Mulenga, who said he previously studied in China, also urged mining companies to improve workers' welfare, saying the conditions under which some employees were working did not reflect the standards he had observed elsewhere.

He said economic development in Chambishi would only be meaningful if local communities directly benefited through decent employment, fair wages and improved living standards.

Mr Mulenga also pledged to lobby Government to grant Chambishi district status, saying decentralising public services would reduce the burden on residents who currently travelled to Kalulushi to access essential Government services.

He said residents spent about K400 travelling to obtain National Registration Cards (NRCs) and other services, while teachers lost between five and seven hours travelling to the District Education Board Secretary's office to correct administrative errors.

Mr Mulenga said nurses also had to leave their work stations to resolve payroll-related matters, affecting service delivery in health facilities.

He said creating a district would bring Government services closer to the people and improve efficiency in schools, health institutions and other public offices.

The independent candidate also urged voters to elect leaders with strong local ties, saying only residents who had experienced the constituency's challenges firsthand could effectively champion its development.

Drawing on the Biblical account of the Israelites crossing the Red Sea, Mr Mulenga likened some of his opponents to Pharaoh, saying those who had opposed Chambishi's separation from Kalulushi during the 2019 delimitation process should not be allowed to "cross over" and lead the constituency.

"We want leaders who belong to this community and understand our struggles. Chambishi deserves representation that will fight for its young people, its workers and its future," he said.

Mr Mulenga first contested the parliamentary seat as an independent candidate in 2016 before standing on the UPND ticket in 2021. He is among the candidates contesting next month's Chambishi parliamentary by-election.

01/08/2026

Sophia Jani Acquitted in CDF Conflict of Interest Case

The Livingstone Magistrates' Court has acquitted former Katombora Constituency Development Fund (CDF) Committee chairperson Sophia Jani of a corruption-related charge after ruling that the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that she did not declare a conflict of interest before excusing herself from committee deliberations.

Delivering judgment yesterday, acting chief resident Magistrate Tabitha Muleya said the central issues before the court were whether Jani had a personal interest in an applicant for CDF funding, whether she disclosed that interest and whether she remained in the meeting and participated in deliberations after making the declaration.

"The issues for determination are whether the accused had a personal interest, whether she declared that interest and whether she participated in the deliberations after making that declaration," Magistrate Muleya said.

Jani, 46, a farmer of Mukobela Village in Kazungula District and former Katombora CDF Committee chairperson, was charged with Failure to Disclose Interest.

During the trial, the prosecution called six witnesses while the defence called two.

Among the prosecution witnesses was 37-year-old Nhimunya Siatanga, a Kazungula District AIDS advisor, who told the court that members with a conflict of interest were expected to leave the meeting, although officers performing critical duties could in some cases remain.

He testified that he saw Jani walk out of the June 19, 2023 meeting but admitted he could not tell the court whether she left because she had declared a conflict of interest or whether her departure had been recorded in the minutes.

Another prosecution witness, Ian Chilale, 37, councillor for Bombwe Ward, gave evidence that supported the defence's case.

He testified that after declaring her interest, Jani relinquished the chairmanship of the meeting to then vice-chairperson Peter Shakafuswa before leaving the council chamber.

"Madam Jani handed over the chairmanship to Mr Peter Shakafuswa. After that, she left the meeting and went to sit under a mango tree," Chilale said.

He said Jani remained under the mango tree instead of taking part in the committee's discussions on applications for CDF funding.

Director of Planning Martin Munyinda testified that members were required to declare any conflict of interest before deliberations commenced, while committee clerk Rex Kacholola told the court that declaration of interest was an agenda item but admitted the minutes did not indicate whether Jani had declared an interest.

In her defence, Jani testified that she declared her interest before the meeting considered the applications and immediately excused herself.

She told the court that she remained seated under a mango tree outside the meeting venue until the deliberations concerning the applications had concluded before returning later.

Jani further said she signed the committee minutes without verifying whether they accurately reflected what had transpired during the meeting.

Defence witness Raphael Mundia testified that Jani completed the prescribed conflict of interest declaration forms before leaving the meeting.

In her judgment, Magistrate Muleya found that the defence evidence was consistent and supported by documentary evidence which the prosecution failed to rebut.

"The absence of a declaration in the minutes is not conclusive proof that the accused failed to declare a conflict of interest," she said.

The magistrate observed that prosecution witnesses themselves admitted that omissions and errors could occur in committee minutes.

"The evidence that the accused declared her interest, handed over the chairmanship and excused herself from the meeting remained unrebutted," she said.

She added that Jani's absence from the deliberations after declaring her interest raised reasonable doubt over the prosecution's allegation that she participated in the discussions.

"The prosecution has failed to prove all the essential elements of the offence beyond reasonable doubt. The accused is accordingly found not guilty and is acquitted," Magistrate Muleya ruled.

The State was granted leave to appeal against the acquittal.

31/07/2026

IF YOU GIVE YOUR MAN THESE THINGS HE IS YOURS FOREVER

1. Respect.

This one is number one for a reason.

Men can survive without many things
But disrespect? It breaks them.

Respect him in public.
Respect him in private.
Respect him when you’re angry.
Respect him when you disagree.

Don’t insult him.
Don’t talk to him like he’s your mate in the street.
Don’t correct him like you’re his mother.

When a man feels respected, he feels valued.
And when he feels valued, he protects that relationship with his chest.

2. Good, intentional S••x

Let’s not pretend.

Physical connection matters.

Passion.
Desire.
Energy.

Make him feel wanted.
Not like he’s begging for what is supposed to be mutual.

A man who is satisfied at home doesn’t move around looking for validation outside.

Simple truth.

3. Peace.

Yes. Peace.

If every day is argument…
Every discussion turns to fight…
Every small issue becomes World War 3…

He will get tired.

Men deal with pressure outside work, money, responsibilities, expectations.

When he comes home, he wants calm.
He wants a safe space.
He wants someone who understands him, not someone competing with him.

Peace is powerful.

A woman who gives a man respect, intimacy, and peace?

He will think twice before risking that.

Now listen carefully

This is not about worshipping a man.
It’s about understanding what makes him feel secure and emotionally connected.

Same way women want love, attention and reassurance
Men want respect, intimâcy and peace.

30/07/2026

UPND challenges Mundubile to hand over Solwezi video to police

The United Party for National Development (UPND) has challenged National Restoration and Progressive Union Party (NRPUP) presidential candidate Brian Mundubile to submit to police video footage he claims identifies people behind an alleged altercation involving musicians in Solwezi.

The ruling party says the Zambia Police Service should be allowed to conduct a thorough, swift and impartial investigation into the reported incident without political interference.

In a statement issued yesterday, UPND Media Director Mark Simuuwe said the party does not shield lawbreakers and that anyone found to have engaged in assault, political violence or any other criminal activity should face the law regardless of political affiliation.

"The UPND does not shield criminals. If any individual, whether a member of the UPND, NRPUP or any other organisation, engages in assault, political violence or lawlessness, they must face the full force of the law," Mr Simuuwe said.

He said the party had noted a statement posted by Mr Mundubile on Facebook linking President Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND to the alleged incident in Solwezi.

Mr Simuuwe said since Mr Mundubile had claimed that his party possessed video footage identifying the alleged perpetrators, he should immediately surrender the unedited recording to the Zambia Police Service.

"If Mr Mundubile is sincere about seeking justice rather than orchestrating a political stunt, we challenge him to immediately submit this unedited footage directly to the Zambia Police Service," he said.

Mr Simuuwe said using an alleged criminal incident for political mileage before police conclude investigations risks prejudging the outcome and heightening political tensions ahead of the August 13 General Election.

He said the UPND Government remains committed to protecting the rights of all Zambians, including artists, musicians and performers, to freely associate with any political party without fear of intimidation.

Mr Simuuwe also said President Hichilema has consistently directed party structures to uphold peace, order and democratic discipline throughout the election campaign.

He urged political parties to allow the police to execute their constitutional mandate without interference and called on the opposition to focus on presenting policy alternatives to the electorate instead of engaging in what he termed political sensationalism.

29/07/2026

24/07/2026

FRA Urged to Double Maize Purchase Target Amid El Niño Fears

An agriculture expert has urged the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) to increase its maize purchase target from 500,000 metric tonnes to at least one million metric tonnes, warning that Zambia risks food shortages if the anticipated El Niño weather phenomenon affects next season's harvest.

Dr Edify Hamukale said while the FRA's announced buying price of K347 per 50-kilogram bag was acceptable, the agency's procurement target was too low considering the country's annual maize requirements and the looming threat of drought.

"Regardless of storage inadequacies, the presence of 2025 carry-over maize stocks or budgetary considerations, I recommend that the FRA increases the purchase target from 500,000 metric tonnes to at least one million tonnes this marketing season," Dr Hamukale said.

He noted that Zambia consumes about 3.5 million metric tonnes of maize annually, making it necessary for the Government to build larger strategic food reserves.

Dr Hamukale warned that forecasts indicating the return of El Niño during the forthcoming rainy season could result in poor rainfall, reduced agricultural production and food insecurity in 2027.

"El Niño is on its way this rainy season and will bring with it drought and poor harvests in 2027, which could plunge the country into food shortages and force Government into panic maize imports at a much higher cost to the Treasury. We had better buy more maize now," he said.

On maize prices, Dr Hamukale welcomed the FRA's decision to raise the purchase price by K7 from last year's level, saying the increase was modest enough to avoid triggering higher mealie meal prices.

"The price of K347 per 50-kilogram bag is welcome because the increase was only a marginal K7 on last year's price. This means food prices will remain stable and predictable for a long time," he said.

His remarks come as farmers prepare to begin selling maize to the FRA during the 2026 marketing season, with stakeholders closely watching Government's grain procurement strategy amid concerns over weather-related risks.

22/07/2026

Three held after cattle herders allegedly beaten at Mukanda camp

Police in Livingstone have arrested two men in connection with the alleged assault of three cattle herders who were reportedly detained and beaten for several days after they accidentally entered a Mukanda traditional initiation camp while searching for stray cattle.

Southern Province Police Commanding Officer Moono Namalongo said the incident was reported to Libuyu Police Station on July 21 at about 20:40 hours and is being investigated as Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm (OABH).

Mr Namalongo said the alleged assault occurred between July 11 and July 16 at Natebe Settlement, where a Mukanda initiation ceremony was being conducted.

He identified one of the complainants as Wisdom Sikachele, 32, of Natebe Settlement, who allegedly sustained severe bruises on his back after being assaulted with sticks by eight men believed to have been participating in the traditional ceremony.

Mr Namalongo said Mr Sikachele, together with Wilson Mwiinga, 27, and Joseph Mundia, 35, had gone into the bush on July 11 at around 07:00 hours in search of stray cattle when they encountered the suspects.

"The three were approached by the suspects, who questioned them on why they had entered the restricted area. They explained that they were searching for their stray cattle, but their explanation was not accepted," he said.

He said the suspects allegedly apprehended the three men and escorted them to the Mukanda camp, where they were ordered to remove their clothes before being assaulted with sticks.

"The alleged assault continued for several days, resulting in injuries to the victims," Mr Namalongo said.

Police said Mr Sikachele escaped from the camp on July 20 at about 01:00 hours and hid in nearby bushes before reporting the matter to Libuyu Police Station.

Following the report, police officers rescued the two other victims, Mr Mundia and Mr Mwiinga, who were allegedly still being held at the camp.

All three victims sustained bruises on their backs, and police believe sticks were used during the assault.

Medical report forms have been issued to the victims, while three separate dockets for Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm have been opened.

Mr Namalongo said two suspects have since been arrested and are in police custody. They have been identified as Kapalu Kays, 50, of Dambwa Site and Service, and Steven Ntamba, also known as Kambewu, 23, of ZECCO Compound, both of Livingstone District.

He said investigations are continuing to identify and apprehend the remaining suspects allegedly involved in the assault.