The Champion

27/05/2026

FIRST DAY AT THE OFFICE: Newly appointed FAZ General Secretary Charles Chakatazya in his office at Football House this morning.

26/05/2026

BREAKING NEWS:

By Crown TV Zambia

The Lusaka Magistrate’s Court Court has sentenced Francis Kapwepwe popularly known as WHY ME to TWO years imprisonment with hard labour to justify the seriousness of the offence.

26/05/2026

“I'm on my knees, I am asking President Hakainde Hichilema, the vice president W.K Mutale Nalumango and people of Southern province to forgive me for insulting them” - ‘Why Me’ tells court in mitigation

26/05/2026

IBA Moves to Tighten Election Broadcast Coverage

…restricts campaign interviews, prediction of results on polling day, and opinion polls without disclosure of sponsors, sources, and sample sizes…

By Choode Chanda

The Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) has introduced strict election coverage guidelines ahead of the August 2026 General Elections, in a move aimed at promoting responsible journalism and curbing misinformation, hate speech, and political bias on radio and television stations.

Speaking at a news conference in Lusaka, IBA Director General Webster Malido said the new guidelines are intended to strengthen professionalism, fairness, and ethical conduct among broadcasters during the electoral period.

Under the new directives, broadcasting stations have been instructed to provide fair and balanced coverage to all political parties and candidates through equitable allocation of campaign advertising airtime.

Media houses are also expected to maintain professionalism, neutrality, and impartiality in political interviews and debates.

Mr. Malido further stated that broadcasters will only be permitted to announce verified and officially confirmed election results.

The authority has also prohibited campaign interviews and prediction of election results on polling day, as well as the publication or broadcast of opinion polls that fail to clearly disclose sponsors, sources, and sample sizes.

The IBA has additionally warned broadcasters against airing hate speech, tribal remarks, incitement to violence, and unverified election-related content that could undermine peace, stability, and national unity.

According to Mr. Malido, the guidelines were approved during the Authority’s 45th Board Meeting held on May 20, 2026, and will apply to all broadcasting stations across Zambia. He noted that the measures are in line with the Electoral Process Act No. 35 of 2016.

26/05/2026

Elita Nyirenda Backs David Phiri’s Mkaika Parliamentary Bid

Former Mphangwe Ward Councillor Elita Nyirenda has thrown her weight behind United Party for National Development (UPND) aspiring parliamentary candidate David Phiri in Mkaika Constituency, pledging loyalty to both the party and its adopted candidate ahead of the 2026 General Elections.

Ms. Nyirenda, a respected civic leader in Eastern Province, said her decision to support Mr. Phiri was motivated by the need to promote unity within the ruling party despite not being adopted during the selection process.

Ms. Nyirenda said political maturity and loyalty to the party were more important than personal ambition, adding that there was honour and dignity in standing by the party’s decision.

She stressed that once the adoption process had been concluded, party members should rally behind the chosen candidate and work together towards victory in the upcoming elections.

Ms. Nyirenda further urged UPND members and supporters in Mkaika Constituency to remain united and avoid divisions that could weaken the party’s chances.

She said the focus should now shift towards mobilising support for the party and ensuring continued development under the leadership of Hakainde Hichilema.

26/05/2026

The Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) has dismissed reports alleging that it issued a directive instructing any media house to stop airing an interview featuring former Zambia Security Intelligence Service officer, Xavier Chungu.

25/05/2026

25/05/2026

FAZ APPOINTS CHAKATAZYA AS GENERAL SECRETARY, CONFIRMS LENGWE AS DEPUTY

Press Statement
For Immediate Release
Football Association of Zambia
Football House, Lusaka
25th May 2025

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has with immediate effect appointed seasoned football administrator Charles Chakatazya as General Secretary.

Chakatazya takes over from Machacha Shepande, who has left FAZ on mutual terms after taking up an international assignment.

The FAZ Executive Committee has also confirmed Iva Lengwe as Deputy General Secretary following his period in an acting capacity.

FAZ President Keith Mweemba has since congratulated the two officials on their appointments and expressed confidence in their ability to contribute positively to the growth of Zambian football.

The appointments were approved during an Executive Committee meeting convened today to deliberate on the matter.

“Today, the Executive Committee of the Football Association of Zambia met to deliberate on the appointment of the new General Secretary and the confirmation of Mr. Iva Lengwe as Deputy General Secretary following his acting role. On behalf of the Executive Committee, I wish to congratulate Mr. Charles Chakatazya and Mr. Iva Lengwe on their appointments,” said Mweemba.

Mweemba said both officials bring valuable experience and leadership to Football House.
“Mr. Chakatazya is a well-known football administrator who has served the game diligently at both local and international level. He has previously served as Chief Executive Officer for Nkana, Kabwe Warriors and NAPSA Stars Football Clubs. His vast experience from some of the country’s top Super League clubs will greatly benefit the association,” he said.

Chakatazya is a member of the Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants (ZICA). He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA), a Bachelor of Accounting and Finance from Mulungushi University and a Diploma in Accounting from Evelyn Hone College.

He also holds a FIFA Diploma in Club Management obtained in Zurich, a Certificate in Senior Leadership Development from the University of Cape Town and is currently pursuing the CAF Executive Football Management Programme.

Meanwhile, Mweemba thanked outgoing General Secretary Shepande for his service to the game during his tenure at Football House.

“I wish to thank Mr. Machacha Shepande for the service he rendered to the game and wish him well in his new endeavours. Even as he leaves, he remains an important member of the football family,” said Mweemba.

He further encouraged the outgoing official to remain available to serve football in other capacities in future.

FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF ZAMBIA
NKWETO TEMBWE
Head – Media and Communications

24/05/2026

Twenty years ago today, Zambia lost a courageous son and visionary leader, Anderson Kambela Mazoka. Affectionately known as Andy, he was not only the founder of our party, the UPND, but a true patriot who dreamed of a united and thriving nation.

As those who follow in his footsteps, we carry the responsibility of fulfilling his vision for a better Zambia.

He remains deeply missed. May His Soul Rest In Peace.

Hakainde Hichilema,
President of the Republic of Zambia.

23/05/2026

Congratulations Carol Kanyemba’s U17 girls