Youth Revolution: Empowerment Initiative Ignites Namatama Ward

In a bold leap for youth empowerment, the New Hope Waves-ZOE Empowers Programme is shaking up Namatama Ward  with a dynamic rollout designed to transform lives. 

Executive Director Auldridge Chibbwalu announced the launch with unmistakable energy, emphasizing that this is not just another project—it’s a game changer.

At the event, Mr Chibbwalu thanked local officials, community leaders, pastors, and parents for opening doors and lending support. 

“We came to your office to report our progress, and today we celebrate the fruit of that vision,” he declared. 

The programme, already lighting up 11 countries, has set its sights on empowering 200 youths and 8 mentors through a powerful package: 41 startup kits worth K4,000 each, 167 microgrants of K3,000 apiece, and specialized training provided by local experts to 32 beneficiaries.

Mr Chibbwalu’s message was punchy and clear: this is only the beginning. 

“This dream, once thought impossible, is now a reality in our community—and we’re ready to take it further,” he proclaimed. 

With the financial boost and hands-on mentorship, the initiative aims to spark a wave of entrepreneurship that will ripple through neighboring communities, inspiring more young people to take charge of their futures.

The atmosphere was electric as community leaders and stakeholders rallied behind the programme.

 With such robust backing, Mr Chibbwalu assured everyone that the momentum in Namatama Ward will soon spread, promising an even brighter future for Zambia’s next generation.

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PASTORS ABANDON REAL HELP – DRUG ADDICTS AT RISK!

Livingstone’s National Assembly office is sounding the alarm: some pastors and self-styled “men of God” are choosing deliverance sessions over life-saving medical treatment for drug addicts.

Kerron Hanongo, Personal Assistant to MP Rodney Sikumba, slammed the trend at a Play Forward stakeholders meeting. “It’s disturbing that addicts are taken to pastors for spiritual fixes instead of proper medical care,” she declared. Hanongo pressed for training that would empower religious leaders to steer those in crisis toward professional healthcare and rehabilitation.

Divine Fire Cathedral’s Pastor Sam Majoni echoed the call for balance. In a candid interview, he broke addiction recovery down into three essentials: physical help, psychological counseling, and, only then, spiritual support. “Before we focus on deliverance, addicts need hospital detox and real counseling. Skipping these steps isn’t salvation—it’s harm,” he warned.

Pastor Majoni also cautioned that some religious leaders, eager to grow their congregations, risk worsening addicts’ conditions by misdiagnosing drug dependency as mere spiritual possession. “We must recognize the difference. Failing to refer addicts for proper medical care compromises their well-being,” he asserted.

The message is clear: religious institutions must partner with healthcare providers to tackle substance abuse head-on, ensuring that salvation doesn’t come at the cost of a life.

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TEACHERS WARN: DEADLY DRUG MANIPULATION CRISIS ROCKS LIVINGSTONE SCHOOLS! Blue tooth of sharing blood

 Teachers in Livingstone have been urged to remain vigilant for students involved in substance misuse, as cases of drug abuse among young people continue to rise.

Speaking at a training workshop for teachers, Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) officer Reuben Zulu highlighted alarming trends in drug abuse among learners and called for increased vigilance and peer education initiatives in schools.

Mr Zulu revealed that some individuals are deliberately manipulating their friends into drug addiction. 

"There are people intentionally driving their friends to madness and exploiting them for their own gain," he said.

One disturbing development he pointed out is that drug dealers are using mentally ill patients to obtain drugs from Livingstone's mental hospital. 

"Some people are acquiring drugs from mental patients, while others are sending individuals with mental illness to collect drugs on their behalf," Mr Zulu explained.

To combat this, the DEC has implemented measures to monitor and curb drug abuse in schools.

 Mr Zulu urged teachers to be proactive and report any suspicious behaviour among students to the authorities.

 He reassured educators that the DEC does not arrest individuals who come forward seeking help with drug-related issues.

Mr Zulu warned about the increasing use of Nsuko, a powdered tobacco mixed with cannabis, which has become highly addictive compared to traditional tobacco products. 

"The Nsuko available today is different from what was used in the past. This modern version can quickly lead to addiction," he cautioned.

He noted that several prescription and over-the-counter drugs are also being abused by students, including Berilyn with codeine, which induces extreme drowsiness. 

"When children take these drugs, they become so sleepy that they could even fall asleep in court," Mr Zulu stated.

He explained that other commonly abused substances include mojo drink, which is being mixed with drugs in juice bottles at school. He said that Valium (Diazepam), known among students as "blue mash", is a sleeping tablet widely misused by learners.

He also mentioned Piriton BH5, an antihistamine misused for its sedative effects. Furthermore, he noted that low-grade cannabis is referred to as "cheese" among peers, while high-grade cannabis—containing higher THC levels—is more potent.

Mr Zulu also warned about the rising use of crystal methamphetamine and the dangerous practice known as "Bluetooth", where users inject drugs and share blood with others to pass on the effects.

According to Mr Zulu, some students have turned to unconventional substances to get high. 

"Young people are smoking tea leaves, sniffing cleaning detergents, and inhaling powdered sweets such as Sweet Aid," he said.

 He added that some even extract powder from fluorescent bulbs, unaware of the potential health hazards. He further cautioned the public about counterfeit money schemes being used to deceive unsuspecting individuals.

And Reach All Funding Raising Officer Priscallar Mwambo stated that collaborative efforts between government, educators, and community stakeholders are essential to turning the tide on this crisis. 

"I am heartened to see the decisive measures taken by the DEC and local educators. Our funding is dedicated to supporting early intervention and prevention programmes that protect our youth from falling into the trap of drug addiction,” she said.

Ms Mwambo, who is also the Play Forward Programme officer, stressed the significance of empowering students. 

"Peer education is one of our strongest tools against drug abuse," she said. 

"When students are taught to look out for one another, we create a supportive environment where early signs of drug misuse can be identified and addressed promptly. Our peer-led initiatives aim to build resilience and awareness among young people." She said.

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Livingstone district commissioner Paul sensele issue 48 hour ultimatum

 Livingstone District Commissioner Paul Sensele Issues 48-Hour Ultimatum Over Allegations

Livingstone District Commissioner Paul Sensele has given a 48-hour deadline to the administrator of the "Munyaule" Facebook page to retract allegations implicating him in the leaking of sensitive information to First Lady Mutinta Hichilema. ure to comply, Sensele warns, will result in legal action.

In a statement released earlier today, Sensele expressed his intention to pursue legal recourse against the individual behind the "Munyaule" page, accusing them of defamation. He emized that he has never been to the community house since the current administration took office and questioned the credibility of the allegations.

"I haver been to the community house. From the time that they won the election, they don't know where we meet from," Sensele stated. He furtherllenged the accuser to provide evidence supporting their claims, suggesting that the allegations are baseless and intended to tarnish his reputation.

The controvyenters around claims that Sensele, along with other individuals, has been leaking information to First Lady Mutinta Hichilema. Sensele vehemendenies these allegations, asserting that they are unfounded and malicious.

"How do you say aied person that has a girlfriend, a boyfriend, in the name of Kevin Bale? And Kevin Bale is also a married man. I know all these people. I'll make sure I meet them and we sue," Sensele remarked, referring to one of the individuals mentioned in the allegations.

The "Munyaule" Facekage administrator has yet to respond to Sensele's ultimatum. The situation remains f, and further developments are anticipated as the deadline approaches.

This incident highlightsengoing challenges of misinformation and defamation in the digital age, underscoring the importance of verifying information before dissemination. It also raises questions abohe responsibilities of social media users and the potential legal consequences of spreading unverified claims.

As the deadline looms, all eya on the "Munyaule" page administrator to see whether they will comply with Sensele's demands or face legal action. The outcome could set a significarecedent for how similar cases are handled in the future.

Double Standards Worry Social Worker as Government Faces Scrutiny Over Energy and Healthcare Crises

Social worker Joseph Moyo has expressed deep concern over what he describes as government double standards in handling critical national issues, particularly the ongoing energy crisis and the state of public healthcare.

Mr Moyo criticised the government for misleading the public about electricity tariffs and energy supply. Despite three tariff hikes since the United Party for National Development (UPND) took office—each justified as necessary for improving power supply—Zambians continue to endure prolonged load shedding.

“The government and ZESCO assured the public that emergency tariff increases were necessary to import electricity and stabilise supply,” he said. “However, despite citizens paying higher electricity costs, the situation has not improved. This amounts to obtaining money from the public under false pretences—it is both deceptive and unjust.”

He accused the government of shifting its justification for tariff increases over time—first claiming they were needed to attract investment, then to boost ZESCO’s capacity, and now for importing electricity. Yet, none of these measures have brought the promised relief.

Healthcare System Under Pressure

Beyond the energy crisis, Mr Moyo, who suffers from a chronic medical condition, raised concerns about the deteriorating healthcare system. He accused the government of misrepresenting the availability of medicines, saying that many hospitals remain critically understocked despite official claims to the contrary.

“Patients are being turned away from hospitals because there are no medicines, yet the authorities insist there are no shortages,” he said. “We cannot continue to tolerate a government that fails to provide for its people while pretending everything is under control.”

Demand for Accountability

Mr Moyo also pointed to what he called the government's hypocrisy in enforcing laws on misinformation. While ordinary citizens can be arrested for spreading false information, government officials and state-owned enterprises appear to face no consequences for misleading the public.

“If the public spreads falsehoods, they are arrested. But when government officials and state-owned enterprises spread misinformation, there is no accountability,” he said.

He urged the government to engage in transparent communication with citizens and take responsibility for the failures in public services.

“The government must stop misleading the public about electricity, healthcare, and other vital services,” he said. “Zambians deserve truth and accountability, not endless excuses.”

Mr Moyo warned that continued misinformation would further erode public trust and worsen the struggles of ordinary citizens.

“Zambians are tired of empty promises,” he said. “It is time for the government to be truthful, take responsibility, and start delivering real solutions.”

The University of Zambia and Allied Workers' Union Plans Expansion and Membership Growth

 University of Zambia and Allied Workers' Union (UNZAAWU), President Giancarlo Gasi says

the union aims to recruit more members from private universities and unrepresented government institutions.

Mr Gasi said however, the union faces stiff competition in it's membership drive.

He noted the union’s strategies and in overcoming the challenges. 

As Zambia approaches the 2026 elections, Mr Gasi reiterated the importance of maintaining political neutrality. 

“We support the government of the day, but I urge members to support their political parties silently without public displays,” he stated, reinforcing the union's position as a non-partisan body serving government workers.  

One of UNZAAWU’s major goals is to expand its reach. Over the past year, the union successfully integrated middle management employees at the National Museum Board and the Tropical Diseases Research Centre (TDRC).

 This includes professionals such as doctors and managers who were previously not unionised.  

“At Mulungushi University, we were late as the Copperbelt University union had already recruited members,” Mr Gasi acknowledged.  

In terms of bargaining for improved benefits, Mr Gasi emphasised the union’s reliance on supplementary grants to secure salary increments.

 “These are grant-aided institutions. If government grants are insufficient, we push for supplementary grants to ensure our members are taken care of,” he said.  

When asked about his confidence in the union’s team, Mr Gasi expressed optimism. 

“Elections are challenging, and not everyone can be part of the leadership team, but I am excited about the members’ choices and confident we will deliver.”  

As UNZAAWU continues its journey, its focus on growth, member welfare, and strategic planning highlights its commitment to representing and supporting its diverse membership.

The newly elected office bearers for the University of Zambia and Allied Workers Union are President Giancapio Gasi, Vice President Tom Simukoko, 

General Secretary Moonga Mupuna, Deputy General Secretary (finance)

 Richard Hanguwa,  Deputy secretary general (administration) Moonde Mungandu  and National Trustees Siishi Kamenda, Lucy Phiri, Kaumba Chinyama, and Makala Chikumba.

Call Us by Our Names, Not Our Disabilities: Advocates Demand Respect and Inclusion

 “We are tired of being called by our disabilities instead of our names.” 

This was the rallying cry at a community meeting organized by the Trust Foundation for Persons with Disabilities, where advocates and individuals shared their experiences of discrimination and called for respect and inclusion. 

 Rita Simulumba, a passionate advocate, highlighted the dehumanizing language often directed at persons with disabilities. 

“Even when people know your name, they choose to call you by your disability. 

This is disrespectful and unacceptable,” she said.

 Simulumba urged attendees to report such behavior to the authorities.

 “We have had enough. It’s time to stand up for ourselves and demand to be treated with dignity.” 

 The call for respect resonated throughout the meeting, with Rita Makoye emphasizing the importance of inclusion. 

“Disability does not mean inability. We want society to see us for our abilities and contributions, not our limitations. Respect begins with recognizing us as individuals,” she said. 

The event also shed light on the broader challenges faced by persons with disabilities.

Dorothy Velemu, Executive Director of the Trust Foundation, highlighted the organization’s efforts to empower individuals through cooperatives.

 “We are here to break the stigma and show that persons with disabilities can thrive. 

Mujala Cooperative is one of our success stories, securing K32,000 in funding.

 We are expanding our cooperatives to help more youths benefit from the Constituency Development Fund,” Velemu said.  

However, systemic issues persist. Friday Nachihyango recounted his struggles with law enforcement, alleging corruption and lack of support. 

“I reported being duped, but instead of helping, the police demanded a bribe. Even with resources like a CDF vehicle, they are failing us,” he said. 

 Businesswoman and philanthropist Mwangala Sililo brought a message of hope, distributing stationery to Grade 8 and 9 students.

 “Education is the key to breaking barriers. We want to support your journey and remind you that your potential is limitless,” she said. 

 Shungu Ward Councillor Samson Kandala reinforced the importance of unity and equality.

 “We are one Zambia, one nation. Everyone has value, and no one should feel left out. The president’s vision for unity includes all of us, regardless of ability,” he said. 

 The meeting concluded with a renewed determination to challenge stigma and discrimination, starting with something as simple yet powerful as calling people by their names. 

As the participants emphasized, respect and inclusion are not optional – they are fundamental rights.