Chali Mulenga

 Livingstone PF Condemns Mundubile Over Alleged Constitutional Breach The Patriotic Front (PF) in Livingstone has condemned Porokoso Member of Parliament Brian Mundubile for allegedly flouting the party constitution by aligning with the opposition Tonse alliance. PF Livingstone Constituency Chairman, Thomas Kabanda said the party operates strictly under its constitution, which guides the conduct of members and the election of leaders. He said the recent developments in the Tonse alliance, which saw the PF’s patriotic branch reportedly removed, raise serious legal and ethical concerns. “The patriotic branch, which was an anchor party in the Tonse alliance, has been removed by Danipules, Zimba, and others. Now, one of our members of parliament has been elected to lead that alliance, yet the party that sponsored him does not belong there,” Mr Kabanda said. He said the PF constitution requires the election of leadership through a convention, scheduled for later this month, and until th...

By CHALI MULENGA in Livingstone PATRIOTIC Front (PF) Livingstone Constituency chairperson Thomas Kabanda has questioned the state of the economy, saying rising living costs have made it difficult for many families to afford basic necessities. Mr Kabanda said if the economy was performing well, ordinary citizens would be able to afford three meals a day without struggle. “In a country like ours, why should our people fail to afford three meals a day if the economy is performing well?” he asked. He expressed concern over the financial pressures facing civil servants, arguing that recent salary increments are insufficient to cushion them from the high cost of living. Mr Kabanda cited a K700 increment for some workers, saying statutory deductions such as Pay As You Earn (PAYE), National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA) contributions and union fees significantly reduce the net amount. “If you take out deductions like NAPSA, PAYE and union contributions, what remains? It is something t...

By CHALI MULENGA in Livingstone PATRIOTIC Front (PF) Livingstone Constituency chairperson Thomas Kabanda has urged Zambians to rise above political differences and uphold democratic principles as the country heads towards the next general elections. Mr Kabanda said citizens must “fly above” their problems and divisions for the sake of national unity, in line with the One Zambia, One Nation motto. “Above our problems, we must all strive to fly above our differences together for the sake of our mother Zambia,” he said. He noted that President Hakainde Hichilema has repeatedly emphasised unity under the theme “One Zambia, One Nation, One People,” adding that such unity must be reflected in decision-making and governance. Mr Kabanda said democracy is anchored on equality, freedom and respect for divergent views. “Through our history, the most important aspect of democratic life has been the principle of individual equality and freedom,” he said. “Citizens in a democracy must be entitled to...

By CHALI MULENGA in Livingstone PATRIOTIC Front (PF) Livingstone Constituency chairperson Thomas Kabanda has called for the depoliticisation of the electoral process and urged stakeholders to work together in ending political violence. Mr Kabanda said Zambia’s national values and principles, as enshrined in Article 8 of the Constitution of Zambia, should guide the conduct of political players ahead of forthcoming elections. He said the country cannot speak about democracy and development without safeguarding life and human dignity. “Nothing can have value without life. When we talk about national values and principles, we must start by protecting life,” Mr Kabanda said. He cited morality and ethics, patriotism and national unity, democracy and constitutionalism, human dignity, equity and social justice, good governance and integrity, and sustainable development as key pillars that must be upheld. Mr Kabanda urged political parties to bury differences and focus on fostering unity under ...

  By CHALI MULENGA Livingstone THE (PF) in Livingstone has criticised President ’s recent address to the nation, saying it did not adequately address the continued delay in the burial of Zambia’s sixth Republican President, , and the rising cost of living. PF Livingstone constituency information and publicity secretary Edward Miti said in an interview that while the President emphasised unity, peace and love, he did not mention the status of the late Mr Lungu’s burial. Mr Miti said many Zambians remain concerned about the matter and feel the country is still in mourning. “As Zambians, we are still in a state of mourning because the former Head of State has not yet been laid to rest. We expected that the President would address that issue,” he said. He said it was important for leaders to demonstrate unity through actions, particularly during periods of national grief. Mr Miti also questioned Government’s assertion that the economy is improving, stating that the reported de...

By Chali Mulenga The acquittal of Livingstone Mayor Constance Muleabai by the Economic and Financial Crimes Court has reignited an old and uncomfortable national debate: can a judgment be legally correct yet leave the public dissatisfied? On the face of it, the ruling by Magistrate Trevor Kasanda was firmly anchored in law. The court repeatedly returned to one foundational principle of criminal justice — that the burden of proof lies entirely with the prosecution and that guilt must be proved beyond reasonable doubt. Where the State failed to meet this threshold, acquittal was inevitable. From a purely legal standpoint, the judgment is difficult to fault. The prosecution framed its case around the allegation that the mayor solicited and received money from a specific source. Yet evidence led the court to conclude that the funds passed through intermediaries and were not obtained in the precise manner alleged. In criminal law, the court cannot convict on suspicion or assumption, nor can...