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Pali Akantunse, Kitwe (2026)

20/05/2026

I RATE THE PERFORMANCE OF THE UPND SAME AS THE PF AT 4.5 OUT OF 10.

~Social Anthropologist Dr. James Musonda

14/05/2026

THE BITTER TRUTH ABOUT OUR MINERALS: WHO I
WAS THE “NEW DAWN” ACTUALLY FOR?

By James Musonda

The Zambian government targets a production of 3 million tones by a certain date. Recently, the minister of mines bemoaned a reduction in production. We are told that increasing mineral production is the key to our salvation. But look closer at the ground beneath our feet. For the average Zambian, this "growth" is a ghost.

1. Our Youths are Treated Like Criminals
When "sons of the soil" discover minerals on their own ancestral lands, they aren't met with support or formalization. They are met with police, handcuffs, and sometimes, even bullets. These are the same youths who, when they have access to a mine, send their siblings to school and feed their families. By driving them out, the government is forcing them back into poverty—and some, in desperation, into petty crime.

2. Profits for Them, Pollution for Us
We have rolled out the red carpet for foreign investors who:

a). Pay minimal taxes through "incentives."

b). Externalize every Ngwee of profit to offshore accounts.

c). Leave us with the "internalized" costs—poisoned water, cracked houses, and ruined land.

3. Statistical Growth vs. Empty Stomachs
The UPND government talks about GDP and production targets. But growth is MEANINGLESS if the person living next to a billion-dollar mine can’t afford a bag of mealie meal. You cannot eat a copper cathode.

We are sacrificing our people to satisfy foreign shareholders. We are trading our children's future for a "New Dawn" that only shines in the boardrooms of the elite.

I have a few questions for our leaders:

1. Why is a Zambian a trespasser on his own ancestral land, while a foreigner is an investor"?

2. Why is it easier for a multinational to get a tax break than for a local youth to get a mining license?

3. If we reach 3 million tonnes of copper but our youths are in jail or in the streets, what have we actually won?

4. Who is this growth really for? Because it clearly isn’t for the poor who are struggling to make ends meet.

This election is an opportunity to demand a mining policy that puts ZAMBIANS first, not just production figures.

14/05/2026

DEFENCE PS IMPRESSED WITH ZAMCAPITOL INNOVATIONS DURING FAMILIARISATION TOUR

Ministry of Defence Permanent Secretary, Maambo Haamaundu, has commended Zamcapitol Enterprise Limited for its growing innovations aimed at boosting agriculture, food security, and job creation in Zambia.
Mr. Haamaundu visited the Ministry of Defence-owned company to familiarise himself with its operations and ongoing projects.

During the tour, Zamcapitol Enterprise Limited General Manager, Brigadier General Kathavia Banda, showcased the company’s various innovations and explained that the enterprise currently holds over 100 types of agricultural products designed to help farmers grow, process, and preserve their produce.

The Permanent Secretary was also taken to the company’s tomato plantation, where a significant portion of the crop has been cultivated as part of efforts to enhance agricultural production.

Speaking after the tour, Mr. Haamaundu expressed satisfaction with the progress being made at the company, describing the innovations as a direct response to President and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Force, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema’s call for innovation-driven national development.

He noted that the investments being undertaken by Zamcapitol Enterprise Limited would contribute significantly towards improving food security and creating employment opportunities for local people.

Mr. Haamaundu further praised the company for equipping more than 80 civilian employees with valuable skills that would enable them to work in various sectors of the economy.

The visit forms part of efforts by the Ministry of Defence to strengthen oversight and support innovation among institutions operating under its portfolio.

14/05/2026

HEALTH MINISTER DR. ALEX KATAKWE BIDS FAREWELL, HAILS HEALTH SECTOR REFORMS

Outgoing Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Alex Katakwe, has praised the strides made in Zambia’s health sector between 2021 and 2026, describing the period as a transformative chapter focused on building a resilient and people-centred healthcare system.

Speaking during a farewell meeting with Ministry of Health senior management, Dr. Katakwe expressed gratitude to President Hakainde Hichilema for entrusting him with the role, stating that it was a privilege to serve at the close of the 13th Session of Parliament and towards the end of the UPND government’s first term.

The Minister paid tribute to his predecessors for laying a strong foundation in the health sector and highlighted key achievements recorded under the government’s reforms. These included the expansion and upgrading of more than 3,500 health facilities, deployment of thousands of health workers, improved availability of essential medicines, strengthened emergency and referral systems, and expansion of NHIMA coverage.

Dr. Katakwe further noted that investments in mini hospitals, health posts and specialised treatment centres had brought healthcare services closer to communities while improving access to advanced medical care.

He also commended Ministry staff for successfully pushing through 11 health related bills in Parliament, including the long-debated To***co Control Bill, which had stalled for over 15 years. The Minister urged health workers to remain disciplined, united and professional as the country heads towards elections, stressing that the Ministry of Health must continue serving as a pillar of stability and integrity.

Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary for Administration Mrs. Joma Simuyi described Dr. Katakwe’s tenure was impactful despite its short duration, saying his leadership had inspired ministry staff to remain focused on building a stronger health system.

Mrs. Simuyi praised the Minister’s role in launching the National Health Policy and implementation framework, overseeing the 2025 Health Worker Recruitment process, and making bold decisions at ZAMMSA. She also acknowledged President Hakainde Hichilema’s commitment to healthcare, while recognising the contributions of former Health Ministers Sylvia Masebo and Elijah Muchima in strengthening the sector.

The farewell meeting brought together senior Ministry officials to reflect on progress made and reaffirm commitment to sustaining ongoing reforms in Zambia’s health sector.

14/05/2026

GOVERNMENT MOVES TO CURB TRADE UNION FRAGMENTATION THROUGH NEW LABOUR REGULATIONS

The Zambian Government has introduced new measures aimed at strengthening workers’ representation and promoting unity within the labour movement through Statutory Instrument No. 30 of 2026 signed by Minister of Labour and Social Security Brenda Mwika Tambatamba under the Industrial and Labour Relations Act.

According to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, the reforms, which introduce stricter conditions for the registration of trade unions in Zambia, are intended to address growing fragmentation in the labour movement, amid concerns that some individuals were prioritising personal interests over the welfare of workers.

The government says the new measures were developed following consultations with trade unions and employers, who raised concerns over the increasing number of fragmented unions operating across sectors.

Under the new regulations, any group seeking to register a trade union will now be required to obtain support from at least two unions within the same sector and two unions outside the sector before registration can be approved. The reforms also introduce integrity measures barring individuals associated with financial misconduct, dishonesty, abuse of union funds, bankruptcy, legal disqualification, or repeated union fragmentation from participating in the registration of new unions.

In addition, de-registered unions whose cancellation resulted from misconduct by union leadership will not be allowed to re-register. The government maintains that the reforms are not designed to suppress freedom of association, but rather to strengthen accountability, stability, and effective representation within the labour movement, while remaining consistent with International Labour Organisation (ILO) standards and the Constitution of Zambia.

The Ministry further stated that provisions have been made to accommodate emerging sectors that currently do not have existing trade unions. The government says it remains committed to protecting workers’ rights and ensuring that trade unions remain organised, credible, and responsive to employees across the country.

This is according to a statement issued by Mwaka Ndawa, Principal Public Relations Officer Ministry of Labour and Social Security.

14/05/2026

“YOU CANNOT MIX SALT WITH POISON” — JAMES MUSONDA QUESTIONS UPND’S REPORTED PF ADOPTIONS

Political and Social Anthropologist Dr. James Musonda has challenged the United Party for National Development (UPND) over reports that the ruling party could adopt former Patriotic Front-PF members ahead of the August 2026 elections.

Dr. Musonda says the UPND was elected on promises of change, integrity and a break from the past, warning that bringing in former PF figures would betray the very voters who demanded reform.

“You cannot claim to fix what is wrong while hiring the architects of the mess. As the saying goes, ‘you cannot mix salt with poison,’” he said.

He further urged the ruling party to distance itself from PF defectors, arguing that such alliances risk diluting the values of the “New Dawn” government.

Question of the Day: Do you think political defections are necessary for 2026, or is the UPND losing its way?

20/01/2026

Wife to Paramount Chief Chitimukulu of the Bemba speaking people has died, barely a year after losing two sons! - Lutanda Radio

20/01/2026

POWER DYNAMOS PREP FOR RIVERS UNITED CLASH

Power Dynamos have received a timely confidence boost ahead of their CAF Champions League Group Stage encounter against Nigeria’s Rivers United following an impressive run in the MTN Super League.

After 17 league matches, the Kitwe-based side sit top of the table with 35 points, four clear of second-placed Red Arrows, who have two games in hand. Power Dynamos head into continental action on the back of three consecutive league victories.

They began the year with a 2–0 win over Mutondo Stars at Arthur Davies Stadium on January 10, followed by a 1–0 victory against Green Eagles four days later. The momentum continued on January 18 with a narrow 1–0 win away to Mufulira Wanderers at Shinde Stadium.

The strong domestic form has lifted confidence within the squad as they prepare to host Rivers United at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.

While league performances suggest Power Dynamos are finding consistency and tactical discipline, the Champions League presents a different challenge.

The Zambian champions are still searching for their first win in the group stage after losing their opening two matches, making the clash against Rivers United crucial. Translating domestic form into continental success will be key if Power Dynamos are to revive their campaign and remain competitive in the group.

16/01/2026

CEC Unionized Workers Get 14% Salary Increase

Unionized employees at Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) have been awarded a 14 percent salary increment for 2026 following the conclusion of salary negotiations between the Mine Workers Union of Zambia (MUZ) and CEC Management.

The agreement was signed on Friday at Garden Court in Kitwe.

MUZ Deputy General Secretary John Silungwe said the salary increment was aimed at improving the welfare and livelihoods of workers, describing the outcome as a positive step arising from continued engagement between the union and management.

Mr. Silungwe noted that the increment was achieved against the backdrop of economic challenges facing the industry, adding that the union appreciated CEC Management’s recognition of workers’ contribution and sacrifices.

He further commended CEC Management for the cordial and constructive negotiations, which he said were important in promoting industrial harmony, productivity and mutual respect at the workplace.

Mr. Silungwe urged union members to remain positive, disciplined and committed to their duties, while maintaining high standards of productivity, safety and professionalism.

The Mine Workers Union of Zambia reaffirmed its commitment to protecting and safeguarding the rights and interests of workers, and to advocating for improved conditions of service for mine workers across the industry.

Pali Akantunse

20/05/2026

14/05/2026

14/05/2026

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14/05/2026

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