Chali Mulenga

 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 previo...

 “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...

Lusaka —The New Heritage Party (NHP) has called out recent opinion polls circulating on social media, allegedly funded by the United Party for National Development (UPND). NHP Chief Spokesperson Mr. Brill described the polls as “fabricated and biased,” claiming they are designed to mislead the public and inflate the ruling party’s perceived popularity. A Fabricated Narrative “These opinion polls are a deliberate attempt to misrepresent the UPND's popularity,” Mr. Brill said. “They are a distraction from the real issues that Zambians are facing every day.” He urged citizens to remain vigilant and not be deceived by what he termed as “UPND-sponsored propaganda.” The Real Opinion Poll: Zambians’ Daily Struggles Mr. Brill argued that the true state of the nation is reflected in the hardships endured by the population. He highlighted these key points: “Over 60% of Zambians are living below the poverty line, struggling to afford even basic necessities.” “Youth unemployment is ala...

  Kazungula The Southern Province United Party for National Development (UPND) leadership has nullified resolutions made during a January 1 meeting in Kabuyu, Kazungula District. The meeting, which saw selected district, constituency, and ward officials pass a vote of no confidence against District Chairman Shebby Mushabati and appoint new office bearers, has been deemed unconstitutional. In a statement issued on January 3, Provincial UPND Chairman Mr. Billiard Makwembo described the meeting as unauthorized, saying, “The Provincial Committee was neither consulted nor informed of the meeting.” Mr. Makwembo cited Article 42(c) of the UPND constitution, which grants the Provincial Management Committee exclusive authority to supervise and coordinate district activities. “The only body allowed to sanction such a meeting is the Provincial Committee,” he said. He further highlighted procedural lapses, noting that Article 70, which outlines steps for addressing grievances and discipli...

Livingstone – Human trafficking is on the rise in Livingstone and surrounding areas, warned Sr. Grace Bwalya Katongo of the Little Sister of Saint Francis during Sunday Mass at Christ the King Catholic Parish in Libuyu Township. Addressing the congregation, Sr. Katongo highlighted the alarming prevalence of human trafficking, emphasizing the role of both close relatives and strangers in perpetuating the crime. "People's love for money blinds them to the harm they cause. This makes it easy for them to exploit others, even their own kin," she said. The nun stressed the particular vulnerability of children, who are often lured by traffickers with false promises. "Children can be easy targets. It’s our responsibility as parents and guardians to safeguard them and ensure they do not fall victim to this heinous crime," she added. Sr. Katongo called for massive sensitization campaigns to educate the public on the dangers of human trafficking and to foster a collect...

Bishop Valentine Kalumba of the Diocese of Livingstone delivered a heartfelt homily during the Christmas vigil mass at St. Theresa Cathedral Parish on Tuesday night, calling for renewed faith and reflection on the significance of Christ's birth.   Addressing a congregation gathered in the spirit of celebration, Bishop Kalumba reminded the faithful of the transformative power of God’s love, which he described as a profound and personal gift to humanity.   “This sacred day reminds us how deeply God loves each one of us. So deep, in fact, that He sent His only Son into the world to bring light, hope, and salvation,” Bishop Kalumba said.   The bishop drew parallels between the struggles faced by the people of ancient Israel and those experienced by individuals today. Quoting the prophet Isaiah, he said, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. On those dwelling in deep darkness, a light has shone.” He emphasized that the birth of Jesus fulfil...

 Mr. Gibson W. Limbalambala has refuted allegations made by Mr. Miles Sampa regarding the case of an individual known as "Why Me," accusing him of spreading misinformation and politicizing a sensitive matter for personal gain.   In a statement, Mr. Limbalambala clarified that the individual referred to as “Why Me” is not 17 years old, as alleged by Mr. Sampa, but is over 20.  He also dismissed claims that the detainee had been denied visitors, stating that he personally visited the individual in custody, provided food, and offered moral support.   Mr. Limbalambala criticized Mr. Sampa for what he described as “baseless politicking” and accused him of destabilizing the Patriotic Front (PF) during his brief and controversial leadership.  He argued that Mr. Sampa’s actions weakened Zambia’s primary opposition party and diminished its ability to represent marginalized communities.   Turning to the "Why Me" case, Mr. Limbalambala commended the Hum...

Small-scale traders across Southern Province are voicing concerns over delays in accessing Constituency Development Funds (CDF), despite fulfilling all application requirements.  According to Frederick Sakala, Provincial Coordinator of the Zambia Micro and Small Traders Foundation, no members of the foundation have benefited from the CDF allocations to date, leaving many traders frustrated and disillusioned.   Speaking in an interview, Sakala acknowledged that while 2024 has been a challenging year for traders, the foundation remains optimistic about the future.  “We have been sensitizing our members in Livingstone, Kazungula, Kalomo, and across the province to organize into groups and apply for CDF,” he explained. “Despite completing all necessary applications and meeting the conditions, none of our members have received the funds.”   The CDF initiative, designed to promote economic growth and empower local communities, has yet to make an impact for many s...

The Estrol Meleki Foundation has outlined ambitious plans for 2025 as it builds on the success of its Pad-A-Girl Campaign, a program dedicated to improving menstrual hygiene for girls in underserved communities.  Executive Director Estrol Meleki Mwape says the new year offers an opportunity to expand the initiative’s reach and deepen its impact.   “This year, we aim to reach more underserved areas, foster stronger partnerships, and advocate for policies that make menstrual health a priority,” Mwape said.  “Our mission remains ensuring that no girl is left behind because of limited access to menstrual products or education.”   The foundation’s 2025 agenda includes broadening its distribution of reusable and disposable menstrual pads to more schools and communities.  Education will continue to play a central role, with plans to increase awareness about menstrual hygiene and address the stigma often associated with menstruation.   “Education is ...

 The Justice for Southern Truck Drivers Union has called on the Zambian government to abolish the 90-day limit on business permits for foreign truck drivers, arguing that the policy has caused widespread job losses within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.   Union spokesperson Mr. Bernard Ndabambi described the restriction, enforced under the Immigration and Deportation Act No. 18 of 2010, as discriminatory.  He noted that similar laws do not exist in other SADC countries.  “Why has Zambia chosen to implement such a punitive measure when our neighboring nations do not impose such limits?” Mr. Ndabambi asked.   The 90-day limit has led to penalties for drivers who overstay, ranging from 15,000 kwacha in the past to 12,000 kwacha, and now 4,500 kwacha.  Mr. Ndabambi criticized the fees as unfair and unnecessary, emphasizing that Zambian drivers face no such restrictions in neighboring countries.  “These penalties are puni...