From Mockery to Mandate: One Man’s Fight to Ensure Disability is Not Inability in Livingstone

CHALI MULENGA

Livingstone

For Abel Chiluti, the journey from a childhood of ridicule to a seat at the decision-making table has been defined by a single, unwavering principle: a person with a disability has the same rights as anyone else.

Born with a physical disability on January 12, 1987, in Libuyu township, Mr Chiluti, 38, recalls a childhood marked by mockery from peers and a community that viewed disability as a condition to be pitied rather than one to be understood and accommodated.

The second-born in a family of six, he says the challenges extended beyond his personal struggles, placing an emotional and practical burden on his parents, who had to balance providing care for him with raising the rest of the family.

“During my childhood, it was not easy because I was being mocked by my colleagues,” Mr Chiluti said in an interview.

“At that time, the community looked at disability as a case. So for a person with a disability to interact with able-bodied people, it became something of mockery. It lowered my self-esteem.”

That trajectory began to shift when his family relocated to Zimba District, where he encountered Madam Janet Chisupa of the Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD), a meeting he describes as life-changing.

“After having a discussion with her, I was motivated and I regained my self-esteem. I came to accept that being a person with a disability is not something that can hinder me from doing what an able-bodied person can do,” he said.

Motivated by this renewed confidence, Mr Chiluti went on to complete his secondary education, obtaining his School Certificate after reaching Form Five.

Today, he serves his second term as the representative for persons with disabilities on the Ward Development Committee (WDC) for Simatobolo Ward in Libuyu township, Livingstone Constituency, a position he was recommended for in 2021.

In this voluntary role, Mr Chiluti has become a key advocate for inclusion, particularly in the utilisation of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), one of the government’s main tools for community development.

He has undergone training supported by UNICEF through its partners in community development and social services, equipping him with the skills to effectively represent persons with disabilities in local governance structures.

His advocacy has already yielded tangible results. Among his notable achievements is influencing the construction of accessible public infrastructure in his ward.

He successfully pushed for the inclusion of a ramp in a newly constructed ablution block, ensuring that the facility could be used by everyone, including persons with disabilities.

“When the contractor was building the ablution block, I made sure that a ramp was included to ease access for persons with disabilities,” he said.

“Without a ramp, how do you expect a person with a disability to use such a facility? It would mean the facility is of no use to them.”

Beyond infrastructure, Mr Chiluti has taken steps to empower others in his community. He helped mobilise and establish the Chikondi Club for Persons with Disabilities, a registered group that has since applied for a CDF grant to support its members.

He also plays a direct role in helping persons with disabilities access CDF opportunities, including skills training programmes and bursaries. Recognising that application processes can be complex, he assists applicants in filling out forms and ensures that information reaches those who need it most.

“When opportunities are announced by the local authority, I make sure I sensitise people living with disabilities and share the information with them,” he said.

“I also help them fill in the forms because sometimes they can be technical.”

Despite these efforts, Mr Chiluti acknowledges that stigma and exclusion remain significant barriers. He notes that persons with disabilities are often overlooked when it comes to community responsibilities and are largely absent from political participation.

He is now calling for deliberate and inclusive measures to ensure that persons with disabilities are not sidelined in governance and leadership.

“Let able-bodied people not demean those living with disabilities,” he said.

“We must be given space as a constitutional right to stand and contest in any elective position. Space must be created deliberately so that we also participate.”

Economic challenges further complicate the situation. Mr Chiluti himself dreams of studying information technology, but his ambition has been hindered by financial constraints and eligibility limitations, including the age cap of 35 for CDF-supported skills training programmes.

He has since appealed to well-wishers and stakeholders to provide targeted support that would enable persons with disabilities to acquire relevant skills for the modern economy.

“What limits us as people living with disabilities is finance,” he said.

“If there is deliberate empowerment, it can change lives. My appeal to well-wishers is that, if resources allow, they should support persons with disabilities to access education and skills training.”

His interest in information technology, he says, is driven by the need for self-reliance and effective advocacy.

“Knowledge is power. When you have knowledge, you are able to defend yourself and your rights,” he said.

Away from advocacy, Mr Chiluti is also an entrepreneur. He runs a small restaurant business where he prepares and sells food to customers on order, demonstrating both resilience and determination to build a sustainable livelihood.

Looking ahead, he remains optimistic about the future. With adequate support, he hopes to expand his business, further his education, and continue championing the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities in his community.

From a childhood overshadowed by stigma to a leadership role in local governance, Mr Chiluti’s stands as a powerful reminder that disability is not inability, but a condition that society must learn to accommodate with dignity, equity, and opportunity.

End

LICAF Boosts Culture, Regional Unity — Muhanga

Chali Mulenga

 Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism Evans Muhanga says the Livingstone International Culture and Arts Festival (LICAF) is promoting unity and showcasing Zambia’s cultural identity.

Speaking as he welcomed Tourism Minister Rodney Sikumba, Mr Muhanga said the festival has attracted participants from all ten provinces and neighbouring Botswana and Zimbabwe.

He said the presence of diplomats, including the Botswana Ambassador, reflects the festival’s growing international status.

“This festival brings Zambians together to showcase and learn their culture,” he said. “It also shows we are one people despite our diversity.”

Mr Muhanga said LICAF now serves as a platform for cultural exchange and regional cooperation.

He praised collaboration among Zambia, Botswana and Zimbabwe, saying joint performances highlight shared heritage.

He said gastronomy tourism is a key feature, with traditional foods attracting visitors.

“You can taste Zambia’s diverse foods during the festival,” he said.

Mr Muhanga said pre-festival activities, including a parade through Livingstone and Dambwa, were peaceful.

He said the events drew strong public interest, especially among young people.

“There were no negative incidents recorded,” he said.

Mr Muhanga thanked organisers and partners for a successful event.

He said Government will continue using festivals like LICAF to promote tourism and economic activity.

The festival continues in Livingstone with more performances and exhibitions expected over the weekend.

LICAF as a key driver of cultural unity -Sikumba

 Tourism Minister Rodney Sikumba has hailed the 2026 Livingstone International Culture and Arts Festival (LICAF) as a key driver of cultural unity, sustainable development and regional integration.

Speaking during the official opening of the two-day festival in Livingstone yesterday, Mr Sikumba — who is also Member of Parliament for the tourist capital — described the event as Zambia’s emerging “cultural heartbeat” and an important platform for promoting heritage as an economic asset.

The minister apologised for arriving late, attributing the delay to circumstances beyond his control, and joked that “ministers are never late, they are always delayed,” drawing laughter from the audience.

Mr Sikumba said LICAF, which dates back to the late 1990s and early 2000s, has grown into one of the country’s flagship cultural tourism events, showcasing music, dance, cuisine and handicrafts from Zambia and other countries in the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

He said the festival continues to benefit from shared regional heritage, making collaboration among participating countries seamless.

“This festival is not only about preserving traditions but also about creating opportunities, empowering communities and driving sustainable economic growth,” he said.

Mr Sikumba noted that this year’s theme, Celebrating Cultural Diversity through Sustainable Development, aligns with Government’s broader agenda of leveraging culture for socio-economic transformation.

He linked LICAF to the Ministry’s Pamozi Carnival initiative, which is aimed at promoting indigenous cuisines, cultural heritage and creative industries from all the 10 provinces.

Mr Sikumba also paid tribute to festival organisers, choreographers, performers, sponsors, the private sector, cooperating partners, the District Commissioner and the media for their continued support.

He further highlighted the role of cultural diplomacy, citing a recent exchange with Ghana that gained widespread attention following the introduction of the traditional “fugu” attire.

Mr Sikumba announced that Zambia will undertake a reciprocal cultural visit to Ghana, noting that such engagements demonstrate the power of culture in strengthening international relations.

Meanwhile, the minister urged Zambians to promote domestic tourism by attending the nearly 99 traditional ceremonies supported by Government across the country.

“There is no better person to market Zambia than a Zambian,” he said, encouraging citizens to explore different parts of the country and appreciate diverse cultures.

Mr Sikumba also called on festival-goers to support local exhibitors by purchasing handicrafts and sampling traditional foods.

He said Government, under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema, remains committed to fostering unity and inclusiveness under the motto *One Zambia, One Nation, One People*.

The festival, being held at Maramba Cultural Village, features a Culture Street Carnival and has attracted participants from across Zambia and the SADC region. Organisers say the event is designed to boost cultural tourism and position Livingstone as a leading cultural destination.

Judiciary warns against attacks, calls for legal ethics reform

By CHALI MULENGA

Livingstone, March 7, 2026

CHIEF Justice has warned that sustained attacks on the Judiciary risk undermining the rule of law, eroding public confidence and destabilising the country’s economic prospects.

Speaking at the official opening of the Bar-Bench Conference in Livingstone yesterday, Dr Malila said judicial independence remains one of the most critical but misunderstood pillars of Zambia’s democracy, requiring constant protection from unwarranted interference and public hostility.

He said the doctrine, anchored in Article 18 of the Constitution, guarantees every citizen the right to a fair hearing before an independent and impartial tribunal, and is central to sustaining democratic governance and economic growth.

“Judicial independence is not an abstract ideal but a practical necessity. Without it, the rule of law collapses and public confidence in the justice system is severely weakened,” Dr Malila said.

The Chief Justice cautioned that while constructive criticism of the courts is necessary for institutional improvement, an increase in what he described as “groundless, speculative and malicious attacks,” particularly on social media, poses a serious threat to the Judiciary.

He said such criticism has a “chilling effect” on judges, who are bound by professional ethics and judicial restraint from responding publicly, leaving them vulnerable to sustained reputational damage.

Dr Malila criticised individuals he termed “peddlers of political roguery” and warned against the growing tendency of issuing what he described as “unlawful social media directives” to judicial officers.

He said judges must be allowed to determine cases impartially, free from external pressure, in line with international principles governing judicial conduct.

The Chief Justice further stressed that the Judiciary must be treated as a separate but equal arm of the State, complementing the Executive and Legislature, and not subordinated to political or public pressure.

On the role of the legal profession, Dr Malila expressed concern at what he termed a decline in ethical standards among some practitioners and a weakening of solidarity between the Bar and the Bench.

He said historically, lawyers defended the integrity of the Judiciary, but noted that there is now “eloquent silence” or, in some instances, active participation by lawyers in criticising judges in public forums.

“The Bar and the Bench share a common destiny. When one is weakened, the other inevitably suffers,” he said.

Dr Malila called on the (LAZ) to take a leading role in restoring discipline within the profession by identifying and sanctioning lawyers who undermine judicial institutions through misinformation or unethical conduct.

He also urged legal practitioners to uphold integrity, avoid making disparaging remarks about judges, and promote respect for the justice system, especially when engaging with the public.

The Chief Justice said the legal profession must remain a beacon of ethical conduct, characterised by honesty, humility and a commitment to justice, while also guiding clients away from unlawful behaviour.

He further raised concern over the growing number of law graduates entering the profession, warning that the oversupply has resulted in unemployment and underemployment among young lawyers.

Dr Malila said there is need for innovation within the legal sector to absorb new entrants and ensure the profession remains sustainable.

He called for renewed cooperation between lawyers and judges, anchored in mutual respect and a shared responsibility to uphold judicial independence and ethical standards.

The Bar-Bench Conference is being held under the theme: “A Future-Ready Justice System: Safeguarding Judicial Independence and Ethical Practice in a Changing Legal Landscape.”

Water Crisis Grips Livingstone Central Hospital: Staff Forced to Use Methylated Spirit for Handwashing as Surgeries Are Adjourned

Health workers at Livingstone Central Hospital, now elevated to University Teaching Hospital status, are resorting to methylated spirit to wash their hands amid a crippling water shortage that has forced the postponement of life-saving surgeries and left pregnant women delivering in dire conditions.

The revelation came from Patriotic Front (PF) Livingstone Media Director Mr Chilufya Mwewa, who painted a grim picture of the crisis gripping Southern Province’s flagship health facility and the broader Livingstone community.

“It’s very bad,” Mr Mwewa told journalists. “In these times, a woman who is pregnant goes to the hospital and during delivery there’s no water. In some cases the hospital is even adjourning some surgeries. The situation is worse.”

He added that the water shortage has reached such desperate levels that medical staff are now using methylated spirit – a harsh industrial alcohol normally reserved for disinfection – as a substitute for basic handwashing.

Mr Mwewa said the crisis is not confined to the hospital but affects homes across Livingstone, where residents receive erratic or no piped water supply. Yet it is the hospital’s plight that has sparked widespread outrage.

“All Zambians are cross,” he declared. “This facility does not only benefit politicians. That facility is meant to look after our welfare.”

The hospital, once the pride of the Southern Province, now operates as a University Teaching Hospital, making the water failure even more scandalous, Mr Mwewa stressed.

“We cannot have a university teaching hospital that doesn’t have the continuous supply of water,” he said. “This is our pride. We need to come on board as Livingstone community – not politicians – and sort out the water problem at Central Hospital.”

Mr Mwewa appealed directly to ordinary residents, bypassing political channels, urging the community to unite and resolve the crisis.

“This is my appeal, not just to politicians. This is an appeal to the Livingstone community. Let us come together as one and resolve the water crisis at our biggest hospital in Southern Province.”

The PF media director’s remarks come as residents report worsening conditions, with taps running dry for days on end and health services stretched to breaking point. No immediate comment was available from water utility authorities or the Ministry of Health on when the situation would be resolved.

Mr Mwewa’s comments were made while addressing recent PF internal party matters, but he returned repeatedly to the water emergency, insisting it demanded urgent collective action from all Livingstone residents.

The hospital serves thousands daily, including referrals from across the province. With no reliable water, basic hygiene protocols have collapsed, raising fears of infection outbreaks and further deterioration of maternal and surgical care.

End

Livingstone PF Youth Boss Slams Miles Sampa as Serial Rebel and “Paper President”

Patriotic Front Livingstone Constituency Youth Chairman Harrison Simakumba has launched a blistering attack on Deputy Secretary-General for Politics Miles Sampa, accusing him of being a habitual opportunist who has repeatedly betrayed the party, begged for forgiveness, and is now illegally claiming the PF presidency.

Mr Simakumba, who described himself as the constituency’s youth chairman, said he was compelled to speak out after Sampa held a press briefing a few days ago in which he once again declared himself president of the PF.

“To me, I want to call him the president because he is currently our Deputy Secretary-General for Politics,” Mr Simakumba told journalists here.

 “He presided over the conference we had. It was a conference of non-empathy. He was one of the organisers and took it to its conclusion.”

The chairman said it was “surprising” to hear Sampa later claim in Livingstone that the PF never held any conference.

 Yet, Mr Simakumba insisted, structures that broke away from the main PF participated in that same conference and elected Makebi Zulu as president of the breakaway faction.

“All the PF structures in Zambia that left PF and joined that group voted, and Mr Makebi Zulu was elected president,” he said. 

“Now, a few days ago, here is Miles Sampa declaring himself PF president again. Let’s not forget where we are coming from.”

Mr Simakumba then gave a detailed history of what he called Sampa’s pattern of disloyalty.

After the death of PF founder Michael Sata, Mr Simakumba said, Sampa wanted to become president but was overlooked.

 He turned rebel, formed his own party — the Orange Party — then joined the UPND campaign team. When that failed, he returned to the PF, apologised, and was forgiven by then-president Edgar Lungu, who even appointed him mayor of Lusaka.

“ He came back as a lost son. We welcomed him,” Mr Simakumba said.

When Lungu retired and the party prepared for a general conference to choose a new leader, Sampa applied but again went rogue. 

He organised what Simakumba described as an “illegal conference” guarded by police, attended by no official party structures.

 “He just picked people up and gave them money. Some of these people confessed,” he claimed.

That conference, Mr Simakumba said, was later declared illegal even by Sampa himself.

 The parties signed a consent judgment admitting the gathering was unlawful.

 “Everything that followed after that conference was illegal,” Mr Simakumba argued.

Yet, to the shock of many, the courts set aside the consent judgment and effectively legitimised Sampa’s conference. 

Mr Simakumba said the party expected Sampa to stand by his earlier admission and appeal the ruling.

“Instead, because he was excited to be called Mr President, he is now claiming he is the PF president,” he said. 

“Some people never change, no matter how many times you forgive them.”

Mr Simakumba disclosed that before Sampa’s latest press briefing, all 20 wards in Livingstone held meetings and unanimously rejected him.

“The PF that he claims to have is just on paper,” he declared. 

“The real PF is with the people. Our hearts are with Edgar Lungu. Our hearts are with Michael Sata.

 The real PF in our hearts is the PF of Sata, Edgar Lungu, Given Lubinda and Makebi Zulu.”

He warned that no amount of court rulings or police protection would bring PF structures anywhere near Sampa.

“Miles Sampa just enjoys being called Mr President by name,” Mr Simakumba said.

 “But the PF is with the structures. The PF is in the hearts of the people.”

End

fenete lauds imisepela app

By CHALI MULENGA

Livingstone

The student loan application window has opened, and a prominent entrepreneur and businessman in Livingstone is urging young people to take full advantage of it, alongside other government-backed empowerment programmes.

Evans Fenete said many youths across the country are missing out on life-changing opportunities due to lack of information or failure to act.

“The student loan is an important opportunity for young people who want to pursue higher education but lack financial support. I urge all eligible youths to apply and invest in their future,” Mr. Fenete said.

Mr. Fenete, who has built a successful career in business and entrepreneurship, highlighted the IMISEPELA initiative as a platform offering a wide range of opportunities, including jobs, funding, grants, investment prospects, and skills development programmes targeted at youths across the country.

He praised President Hakainde Hichilema, saying the head of state “means well” and has put in place several measures to empower young people, including financing, business support, and digital skills development.

“IMISEPELA is a key tool for addressing unemployment and equipping young people to actively participate in Zambia’s economic growth,” Mr. Fenete said.

He further encouraged youths to explore opportunities under Smart Zambia, which facilitates access to education financing, entrepreneurship support, and other digital platforms aimed at empowering young people.

Mr. Fenete emphasized that accessing these programmes is not automatic. Young people must take initiative, stay informed, and act decisively to benefit from them.

“Opportunities are available, but they will only help you if you step forward and make use of them,” he said.

He also urged parents, guardians, and community leaders to support youths in applying for the student loan and other empowerment schemes, stressing that such programmes are critical for Zambia’s long-term development.