Chali Mulenga

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 ...

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...

  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 mea...

  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 ...

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 attrac...

 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...