Posts

PF Suffers Major Setback

Image
Matero councillor Lee Mukupa defects to UPND, pledges to mobilise support and strengthen ruling party structures in the constituency By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia — April 11, 2026 The Patriotic Front (PF) has suffered a major setback in Matero following the defection of one of its most influential councillors to the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND), a development that further exposes growing cracks within the former ruling party’s structures. Lee Mukupa of Muchinga Ward 32 said when he crossed over to the UPND that his decision to abandon the PF was driven by what he described as a need to align with a political organisation grounded in unity, discipline, and structured leadership. He stated that over time, he had observed stronger coordination and inclusiveness within the UPND, in sharp contrast to what he implied were challenges within his former party. Mukupa said his departure from the PF reflects deeper frustrations among grassroots leaders who f...
Post a Comment
Read more

ZWW Rejects Unconstitutional Claims

Image
The Council Ms. Bupe A. Ponga, Mr. Kapembwa Simbao, and Mr. Murari Lungu violated internal political rules of engagement and insisted the action was within its constitutional mandate By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia – (10/4/2026) — The Zambia We Want (ZWW) Party has rejected claims that its decision to terminate the membership of Ms. Bupe A. Ponga, Mr. Kapembwa Simbao, and Mr. Murari Lungu was unconstitutional, insisting that the action was carried out strictly within its constitutional and disciplinary framework. The party maintains that the affected former members engaged in unauthorised collaboration with other political parties, a move it says contravened internal rules and automatically triggered cessation of membership under its Constitution. Addressing the media, Information and Publicity Chairperson and Party Spokesperson, Charles Mwila Matambala, said the National Leadership Council acted within its mandate and followed established procedures in resolving the matter...
Post a Comment
Read more

Judiciary Picks praised

Image
The NGOCC c alls appointments a step forward for gender equality and inclusive governance By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24. --- (April 10, 2026 ) - The Non-governmental Gender Organisations’ Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has welcomed the appointments of 28 women out of 40 nominees to the Supreme Court, Constitutional Court, Court of Appeal, and High Court, describing the development as a significant step toward addressing long-standing gender imbalances within Zambia’s judiciary. NGOCC Executive Director Ms. Anne Mbewe-Anamela said the judicial appointments announced by State House on April 9, 2026, reflect notable progress in promoting gender equality and inclusive leadership within the country’s justice system. She said the increased representation of women demonstrates growing political will to advance merit-based appointments and recognition of the availability of qualified female professionals capable of serving at the highest levels of the judiciary. Ms. Mbewe-Anamela ...
Post a Comment
Read more

NCC Sets Quality Bar

Image
Call for accountability and improved construction standards By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24 – (10 April 2026) – The National Council for Construction (NCC) has called for strengthened accountability, professionalism, and improved construction standards across Zambia’s construction sector, as government and industry stakeholders push for higher quality infrastructure delivery, expanded skills development, and increased local participation in major projects. Speaking during the 12th Combined Graduation Ceremony held on 10th April 2026 at the New Government Complex in Lusaka, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, Prof. Albert Malama, said government is actively addressing structural challenges limiting Zambian contractors from fully participating in large-scale infrastructure projects. He said although most registered contractors are locally owned, their involvement in major projects remains limited, a situation he said requires...
Post a Comment
Read more

Procurement Gains, Gaps Persist

Image
ZIPS cites progress in CDF and infrastructure delivery but flags delays, weak compliance and skills shortages By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24 – The Zambia Institute of Procurement and Supply says procurement and supply professionals are contributing to national development through improved project delivery, accountability and economic growth. However, it warns that major gaps still exist in the sector. ZIPS President Daniel Kabamba said positive results are being driven by improved use of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), better infrastructure implementation, and growing professionalism among practitioners in both public and private sectors. He said local authorities have recorded progress in CDF utilisation, crediting procurement professionals for improving transparency and efficiency in project execution. Kabamba noted increased infrastructure development and improved service delivery, supported by stronger procurement systems and adherence to procedures. He als...
Post a Comment
Read more

Media Freedom in Doubt

Image
Report links fear, threats and weak information access, concern over laws, access to data and safety of journalists to shrinking freedoms but the Zambian government questions reliance on international standards in assessing press freedom By Francis Maingaila ♥️  Lusaka, Zambia24 — (9/4/2026) — Media freedom in Zambia is increasingly under scrutiny, with a new Freedom of Expression (FoX) Report indicating that fear, threats against journalists, weak access to information, and restrictive laws are contributing to shrinking freedoms, although government has challenged the report’s reliance on international standards in assessing the situation. The latest FoX Report, launched by the Media Institute for Southern Africa (MISA) Zambia Chapter, reveals that about 62 percent of respondents believe the media in Zambia does not operate freely, citing persistent challenges such as limited access to information, harassment of journalists, and a growing climate of intimidation. MISA Zambia Chapter C...
Post a Comment
Read more

Matero Suspension Justified

Image
National Union of Public and Private Educators of Zambia backs school’s firm action, warns against rising indiscipline among pupils By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24 -- (9/4/2026) -- The National Union of Public and Private Educators of Zambia (NUPPEZ) has justified the suspension of over 200 pupils at , backing management’s decision and opposing acts of indiscipline in schools, stating that the learners deliberately defied a clearly communicated and mandatory school programme. NUPPEZ Executive President Victor Muyumba described the pupils’ conduct as unacceptable, noting that the school acted within its rights in responding firmly to what he termed a clear disregard for authority. The suspensions follow an incident during the Easter period in which more than 200 learners failed to attend a scheduled school mass. Mr. Muyumba said school rules exist to guide behaviour and maintain order, stressing that learners who deliberately ignore such regulations must be prepared to fa...
Post a Comment
Read more