News Digest - Monday, September 8th, 2025

Zambia's Electoral Commission announced that holders of 2021 voter cards need not re-register for the upcoming exercise, while the family of late President Edgar Lungu returns to court over his burial dispute. National attention focuses on the Chipolopolo's crucial World Cup qualifier against Morocco in Ndola today.

Main Stories

1. ECZ Voter Registration Policy
   The Electoral Commission of Zambia states individuals who voted in the 2021 general election or possess 2020-issued voter’s cards do not need to re-register for the upcoming mass registration. Chief Electoral Officer Brown Kasaro confirmed this measure aims to manage costs and streamline the process.

2. Edgar Lungu Burial Dispute Appeal
   The family of late former President Edgar Lungu returns to the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria on Monday, appealing the judgment allowing Zambia to repatriate his remains for a state funeral. This follows their failed bid for direct appeal in the Constitutional Court.

3. Zambia Hosts Morocco in World Cup Qualifier
   Zambia faces Morocco today at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola in a decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup Group E qualifier. While Morocco has secured qualification, Zambia aims for a second-place finish to advance to the next round.

4. MMA Zambia World Championships Team
   MMA Zambia named an 11-member national team for the 2025 IMMAF World Championships in Tbilisi, Georgia (September 27–October 4). The squad includes flyweight world number one Miracle Chipito and Gilbert Ndlovu, following Zambia’s medal haul at the Africa Championships.

5. Kapalala Market Fire Tragedy
   One person died and goods worth millions of Kwacha were destroyed in a fire at Kapalala Market in Ndola’s Main Masala area on Saturday night. The blaze originated in a makeshift wooden stall, according to eyewitnesses.

6. Kalusha Bwalya Inspires Chipolopolo
   Kalusha Bwalya, recently appointed Vice Chairperson of FAZ’s Technical Sub-Committee, expressed honor in rejoining the national team setup ahead of the Morocco clash. He praised the squad’s motivation and spirit during preparations at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.

7. Digital Literacy on International Literacy Day
   This year’s International Literacy Day (September 8) theme, "Promoting literacy in the digital era," highlights digital tools as key learning channels for 739 million non-literate youth and adults globally. MultiChoice Africa noted its platforms bridge digital divides through regional streaming and flexible payments.

8. Lobito Corridor Export Potential
   A World Economic Forum report identifies the Lobito Corridor as pivotal for unlocking export potential in Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The corridor is termed a "game changer" for these mineral-rich nations.

Other Notable Stories

• Governance & Justice:

  • Transparency International Zambia Executive Director Maurice Nyambe criticized politicians for unfounded claims about TIZ funding, stating all funder information is public.
  • Infrastructure Minister Charles Milupi urged citizens to report corruption firsthand, emphasizing it requires national collaboration beyond ministerial action.

• Sports:

  • FAZ president Keith Mweemba called for patriotism from Chipolopolo players during his visit to their Ndola camp ahead of the Morocco qualifier.
  • Kalusha Bwalya declared Morocco "beatable," citing Zambia’s hunger to reach North Africa’s football level during yesterday’s training session.

Key Takeaways & Watchpoints

• Outcome of Zambia’s World Cup qualifier against Morocco at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
• Gauteng High Court proceedings in Pretoria on Edgar Lungu’s burial dispute appeal.
• Implementation of ECZ’s non-re-registration policy for existing voter card holders.