The Insider

  By Thandiwe Ketis Ngoma Traditional ceremonies are sacred cultural events, meant to unite people, preserve heritage, and celebrate traditions.  However, under the increasingly desperate rule of the UPND, these once-honored gatherings have been hijacked and turned into political circus shows, where self-serving politicians trample over cultural values to advance their failing agenda. The 2025 Nc’wala Ceremony was a clear and shameless example. Instead of being a celebration of Ngoni culture, it was converted into an embarrassing UPND rally, where the spotlight was on Hakainde Hichilema rather than Nkhosi Yama Nkhosi! WHY HAS THE UPND TURNED TRADITIONAL CEREMONIES INTO POLITICAL ENDORSEMENT RALLIES? Look at what truly characterized this year’s Nc’wala Ceremony: President Hichilema overshadowed the entire event, making it feel more like a campaign rally than a cultural festival. Endorsements were staged and orchestrated, as if the Nc’wala Ceremony was UPND’s official launch for...

  Credible sources within UPND have disclosed that fired Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security Permanent Secretary Joseph Akafumba was trying to meet President Hakainde Hichilema but was curtailed by his security detail. The security comprises the very Police whom Akafumba was commanding and dictating before his fate yesterday. Akafumba was removed as PS and has been put on "waiting to be deployed" list which is obviously a demotion. He is likely to be shunted somewhere as a diplomat. However, the sources who are within the ruling party but are happy that Akafumba's wings have been trimmed, say they are elated by President Hichilema's move because the NDC faction leader became big headed and stopped picking calls from ordinary party members. "These are results of being pompous and thinking you're the Boss. Akafumba has not been adding value to the party. In fact he has been making the President look bad" a UPND member who opted not to be mention...

  By Thandiwe Ketis Ngoma Easterners, it is time to wake up! Chief Mukuni from Southern Province has allegedly been making rounds in Eastern Province, moving from palace to palace, lobbying for votes for his “son,” President Hakainde Hichilema, ahead of the 2026 elections. His mission? To convince traditional leaders that HH understands their struggles, that he is “trying his best” to work, and that he should be given a second chance to “finish what he started.” But let’s be honest—what exactly has he started, and what has he finished for the people of Eastern Province? Chief Mukuni’s Political Tour ▪️February 19, 2025 – He was in Chipangali, visiting Chewa palaces. ▪️February 20, 2025 – He arrived in Lundazi. ▪️February 21, 2025 – He went to Chipata. This raises serious questions: Why does a chief from Southern Province feel the need to campaign for HH in Eastern Province? Why is he lobbying Eastern Province chiefs on behalf of a president who should be judged by his performance, ...

  Yesterday Outgoing Dictator  Hakainde Hichilema posted on his Facebook page “ Fellow citizens, Kindly note that we have made the following changes. Hakainde Hichilema  President of the Republic of Zambia”  This announcement comes barely a day after after Laura Miti, a staunch supporter of Hichilema, posted on her Facebook page that “the current President is the most dissapointing for me.  I mean, corporate background and all. How can he be so bad at hiring and firing, or so at ease with incompetence?” Is it a coincidence or the President is reacting to Laura Miti's comments, or she knew what was coming and wanted to make her disappointment known before Hichilema made new appointments to avoid injuring the man who is believed to have  a very fragile ego. But the extent of changes announced clearly show that this is another opportunity missed for Hichilema to demonstrate that he is capable of  hiring the right people and firing non-performers.  Bu...

  In a bold move to enhance efficiency and strengthen governance, President Hakainde Hichilema has announced sweeping changes in both ministerial and permanent secretary appointments. The reshuffle, effective immediately, underscores the President’s commitment to aligning his leadership team with the nation’s strategic priorities and ensuring improved service delivery. The reshuffling comes at a crucial moment as President Hichilema intensifies his focus on revitalizing the country’s leadership apparatus. In a statement released by his Principal Private Secretary, Bradford Machila, the President confirmed the termination of key appointments, which includes high-profile figures across several provinces and ministries. Key Changes in Government Leadership The reshuffle saw the termination of the following officials: Honourable Henry Sikazwe MP , Minister for Muchinga Province Honourable Gregory Ngowani MP , Government Deputy Chief Whip Mr. Henry Mukungule , Permanent Secretary for Mu...

  By Thandiwe Ketis Ngoma The rise of President Hakainde Hichilema’s United Party for National Development (UPND) administration was met with high expectations for unity, economic recovery, and a fair governance system. However, instead of fostering national cohesion, the administration has entrenched tribal divisions, raising serious concerns about its commitment to an inclusive Zambia. One of the most alarming aspects of this administration is its blatant and aggressive tribal favoritism.  Appointments to key government positions, distribution of national resources, and access to justice have been overwhelmingly skewed in favor of individuals from the Southern, Western, and Northwestern provinces—regions considered strongholds of UPND support.  Meanwhile, Zambians from other ethnic backgrounds, particularly Bembas and Easterners, are being systematically sidelined, persecuted, and unfairly targeted through government institutions such as the courts and the police. ...

  When President Hakainde Hichilema assumed office, many were hopeful that his corporate background would bring a breath of fresh air to Zambian governance. After all, Hichilema’s success in the business world was heralded as evidence of his ability to make tough, calculated decisions, including managing teams and building effective organizations. Sadly, this hope has been slowly eroded by a series of questionable appointments and a failure to hold key figures accountable in his administration. Human rights commissioner Laura Miti recently made headlines by describing President Hichilema as the most disappointing leader in recent memory. Her concerns are not without merit, as Zambia finds itself facing a growing crisis of poor governance and questionable leadership appointments. The people appointed to critical positions are, more often than not, loyalists rather than individuals with the skills, competence, or qualifications to effectively govern. Reflecting on the MMD era, from P...

  February 20, 2025 Brenda Nyirenda, the Deputy Secretary General of the Patriotic Front (PF), has sharply criticized the government over its recent inquiry into former President Edgar Lungu's health, calling it both unnecessary and mischievous.  Nyirenda's remarks came after a directive was issued by First Deputy Speaker Attractor Chisangano on Tuesday, instructing Health Minister Dr. Elijah Muchima to provide an update on Lungu’s well-being. The PF leader questioned the government's motivations, asserting that Lungu is no longer in office and has not been receiving any support from the government.  "It makes no sense for the government to inquire about his health when he is no longer their property," Nyirenda declared, arguing that such actions could be seen as an unwarranted intrusion into the former president's private life. Lungu, who served as Zambia's sixth president from 2015 to 2021, has largely remained out of the political spotlight since losing...

  Citizens First leader Harry Kalaba has criticized the government for attempting to exploit former President Edgar Lungu's health for political gain. Kalaba believes that statements regarding Lungu's condition are part of an effort to make "cheap political capital" and called for Health Minister Elijah Muchima to clarify the issue in the National Assembly. In a recent statement, Kalaba emphasized that the public disclosure of Lungu's health should be avoided, as he is no longer a public figure with entitlements to state support.  He pointed out that the government had previously withheld funding for Lungu's medical reviews, questioning the moral integrity of using his health as a tool for political advantage. Kalaba expressed disbelief at the apparent hypocrisy of the government, with the Health Minister commenting on Lungu's condition after allegedly refusing to finance his medical expenses.  He argued that, since Lungu has been stripped of his president...

  Zambia's health sector is bracing for potential challenges as the country faces the looming threat of a U.S. aid freeze. In an official statement, Minister of Health, Dr. Elijah Muchima, revealed that his ministry's technical team is currently assessing the potential fallout from the freeze, whether it affects the sector in full or part. Dr. Muchima expressed concerns over the impact but reassured the public that the government is actively addressing the situation. Despite the uncertainty surrounding U.S. aid, Dr. Muchima was quick to highlight Zambia’s gratitude toward the American government for its continued support. He emphasized that, while the aid freeze could create challenges, Zambia remains hopeful and committed to exploring alternative solutions. In the wake of this potential disruption, World Bank Country Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, Nathan Belete, echoed Dr. Muchima's concerns. During a recent courtesy call on the Minister of Health, Belete warned...

  Lusaka, Zambia – February 2025 Recently released TikToker Francis Kapwepwe, popularly known as “Why Me,” has urged President Hakainde Hichilema to prioritize addressing Zambia’s economic challenges, including the volatile exchange rate. Kapwepwe, who had been sentenced to 12 months in prison for hate speech against the Tonga people, was released immediately after the court ruling, having already served his sentence due to prolonged detention. Magistrate Thabita Mulenga-Muleya convicted and sentenced Kapwepwe for issuing divisive remarks deemed to incite tribal hatred. Despite the court’s ruling, his extended pre-trial incarceration meant he had effectively completed his sentence at the time of judgment. Upon his release, Kapwepwe was warmly received in Lusaka by Patriotic Front (PF) Vice President Given Lubinda and PF Central Committee Member and Chairperson for Legal Affairs George Chisanga. The opposition figures welcomed him as a “voice of the people” and encouraged him to con...

  Petauke, Zambia – The Tonse Alliance has emerged victorious in the highly contested Petauke Parliamentary By-Election, with its candidate, Simon Banda, securing the seat in a resounding triumph. The victory marks a significant milestone for the alliance and further solidifies its growing political influence ahead of the 2026 general elections. Despite alleged attempts by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), under its chairperson Mwangala Zalomous, to delay the official announcement of the results, the Tonse Alliance leadership and campaign team remained steadfast, maintaining a vigilant presence throughout the process. It was not until around 10:00 hours that the ECZ finally declared Simon Banda as the duly elected Member of Parliament, a moment that sent the Tonse Alliance supporters into jubilation across Petauke. Following the announcement, PF and Tonse Alliance Secretary General Raphael Nakacinda led a victory procession through the Petauke Central Business District, jo...