Posts

Freedom Won, Nation Still Building

Image
Saunders Reflects on Zambia’s Independence Journey, Calls for Unity, Respect and Stronger Foundations By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24 — 7-7-2026 - Political activist Dante Saunders says Zambia’s attainment of independence was a major victory, but the country still has a long journey ahead to build stronger economic foundations and preserve the values that shaped the liberation struggle. In his Unity and Heroes Day message, Saunders thanked God for protecting Zambia from civil conflict since independence, saying the country had been fortunate to maintain peace despite challenges faced over the years. Saunders paid tribute to Zambia’s freedom fighters, including, Dr. Kenneth Kaunda, Simon Kapwepwe, Mainza Chona, Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula and Nalumino Mundia, saying their courage and sacrifices helped secure the nation’s independence. He said many ordinary Zambians also played a role in the struggle for freedom, adding that the contributions of those who fought against colonial rule sh...
Post a Comment
Read more

Campaigns Sell Policies, Not hatred

Image
AIPAC Urges Political Parties to Focus on Manifestos and Avoid Misleading Voters By Francis Maingaila Lusaka, Zambia24 July 7, 2026 — The Acton Institute for Policy Analysis Centre (AIPAC) has urged political parties contesting the August 13 general elections to focus their campaigns on explaining their manifestos instead of using divisive rhetoric and misleading statements. AIPAC Executive Director Solomon Ngoma said political parties should use rallies and public meetings to present their policies and vision for the country, arguing that manifestos are the basis on which voters should judge whether parties are capable of delivering meaningful change. Ngoma also expressed concern over what he described as misleading statements by some sections of society regarding voting rights.  He said Zambia's Constitution allows voters to elect an independent parliamentary candidate while also voting for a presidential candidate from a political party, adding that no one should mislead citiz...
Post a Comment
Read more

Peace at Risk Before Polls

Image
TI-Z Urges Political Parties to End Violence and Intolerance By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24 — 7-7-2026 - Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) has warned that rising cases of political intimidation, violence and restrictions on political activities could undermine the credibility of the August 13, 2026 General Elections. According to TI-Z Executive Director Maurice Nyambe, the organisation recorded 12 cases of political intimidation, 11 incidents of violence, 11 tense situations likely to escalate and 10 cases involving restrictions on political activities during its electoral monitoring period. In its third elections update under the Kuteteza Masankho Project, TI-Z said its monitoring between May and June recorded 218 electoral events across the country, with 159 being peaceful while others involved intimidation, violence and political tensions. Nyambe said some of the reported incidents included the destruction of campaign billboards and vehicles belonging to inde...
Post a Comment
Read more

A Wake-Up Call on Debt

Image
JZAP Urges Urgent Financial Education Campaign Following Tragic Loss of Teacher By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24 — 7-7-2026 - Justice for Zambian Citizens Against Predatory Lenders (JZAP) National Leader and Coordinator Daimone Siulapwa has described the death of Kabwe teacher Ms. Lucy Konkola as a wake-up call on the need for urgent financial education and stronger support systems for citizens facing debt challenges. Siulapwa expressed condolences to Ms. Konkola’s family, colleagues, learners and the education fraternity, saying the tragedy highlights the serious impact financial distress can have on individuals who feel overwhelmed and without adequate support. Siulapwa said there was a need for a nationwide financial literacy campaign to help Zambians understand responsible borrowing, debt management, budgeting and the dangers of predatory lending practices. Siulapwa has since urged the Government, through the Bank of Zambia, to lead a sustained financial education pr...
Post a Comment
Read more

Civil Service Under Threat

Image
Hikaumba Warns Public Workers Against Intimidation Ahead of 2026 Elections By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka, Zambia24 — 7-7-2026 -- The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) has warned public service workers to take seriously what it describes as threats against them ahead of the 13 August 2026 general elections, saying intimidation of civil servants could undermine the professionalism and independence of the public service. MDC Vice President and former Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) president Leonard Hikaumba said civil servants are a critical part of the governance system and must be allowed to serve the government of the day professionally, regardless of which political party is in power. Hikaumba said it was concerning for any political leader to threaten public workers because of their professional duties or their association with an elected government, warning that such conduct raises questions about the protection of public institutions. He said Zambians must carefu...
Post a Comment
Read more

Enough of the Excuses

Image
Hapunda Demands Immediate FRA Maize Price Announcement, Warns Delays Are Hurting Farmers By Francis Maingaila Choongwe, Zambia24 — 7-7-2026 — Socialist Party Chongwe West aspiring Member of Parliament Brian Hapunda has called on the Government and the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) to immediately announce the floor price for a 50-kilogram bag of maize for the 2025/2026 marketing season, warning that continued delays are exposing farmers to exploitation. Hapunda told Zambia24 that the explanation that the government is waiting for the moisture content of maize grain to reduce before announcing the FRA buying price is not convincing and has left farmers uncertain about the value of their produce. "The narrative that the government is waiting for the moisture content of maize grain to go down before the FRA can announce the floor price does not make sense. Farmers need certainty, and they deserve to know how much their maize will fetch," Hapunda said. He urged the government t...
Post a Comment
Read more

Debt Comments Draw Swift Union Rebuttal

Image
NUPPEZ says Copperbelt provincial leader spoke without authority, announces disciplinary action and reaffirms its commitment to addressing teachers' welfare through official engagement with government. By Francis Maingaila ♥️ Lusaka , Zambia24  —  7-07-2027 --- The National Union of Public and Private Educators of Zambia (NUPPEZ) has publicly disowned remarks made by its Copperbelt Provincial Chairperson, Penza Simon Siame, on civil servant debt, declaring that the comments were unauthorised and do not reflect the union's official position. NUPPEZ Public Relations Officer Mirriam Kayemba Mbuta said Siame issued the remarks without consulting the union's national leadership and had no mandate to speak on behalf of the organisation. She said NUPPEZ remains guided by its established communication structures and that only authorised officials are permitted to issue public statements on matters affecting the union and its members. Mbuta further disclosed that the union wo...
Post a Comment
Read more