Chali Mulenga

By Chali Mulenga LIVINGSTONE – Aspiring Livingstone Central Constituency parliamentary candidate Dilon Mayangwa has praised President Hakainde Hichilema for his continued commitment to infrastructure development, saying the policy direction provides a strong foundation for local solutions to emerging urban challenges. Mr Mayangwa said the New Dawn Government has demonstrated political will in addressing national development concerns, but stressed that effective local leadership is now required to translate that vision into tangible results on the ground. “President Hichilema has set a clear development agenda anchored on economic growth and improved service delivery. What is required now is focused and coordinated leadership at constituency level to ensure these programmes deliver for the people,” he said. He said leaders must act as managers and agents of development, ensuring that national policies are effectively implemented to address pressing challenges such as water stress in Liv...

By Chali Mulenga LIVINGSTONE – Aspiring Livingstone Central Constituency parliamentary candidate Dilon Mayangwa has praised President Hakainde Hichilema for creating a stable economic and policy environment, but says there is need for strong local leadership to translate the vision into tangible development outcomes in the tourism capital. Mr Mayangwa said while the New Dawn administration has laid a solid foundation for economic recovery and growth, Livingstone requires “practical managers and agents of development” to unlock its full tourism potential. “President Hichilema has set the tone for economic transformation, but at constituency level we now need effective managers who can implement and deliver results,” he said. Mr Mayangwa expressed concern over what he described as a widening gap between Livingstone’s vast tourism potential and actual economic returns. He noted that the city is endowed with world-class attractions such as the Victoria Falls, the Harry Mwanga Nkumbula Inte...

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 ...

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 t...

 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...

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...

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 c...

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 ...