Zambia National Service

02/09/2026

CJAX 2026 EXERCISE UHULU OPENS IN LUSAKA TO STRENGTHEN AFRICA’S PEACE SUPPORT CAPABILITIES

The 2026 Combined Joint African Exercise (CJAX) whose code name is exercise Uhulu officially opened on Monday at the Defense Services Command and Staff College in Lusaka.

Defence Services Command and Staff College Commandant, Brigadier General Philemon Samatamba who graced the opening ceremony, said CJAX is a significant initiative organized by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) on behalf of the African Union (AU) and the African Conference of Commandants.

Brig Gen Samatamba said the programme, was a classroom-based exercise designed to equip senior military personnel undergoing a Joint Senior Command and Staff Programme (JSCSP), with the necessary knowledge and capability to plan or command a Peace Support Operation (PSO) in a multinational environment.

“The exercise aims to strengthen cooperation and understanding between SADC staff colleges. It further focuses on preparing military personnel to handle complex peace support operations that involve multiple countries and agencies.

“The exercise is designed to align with the AU's goal of building a strong African Standby Force to respond to regional conflicts adding that the exercise has become a cornerstone in the training of senior military officers across the region,” Brig Gen Samatamba said.

The Commandant said the aim of the programme is to improve teamwork and coordination among African military staff colleges as well as build stronger ties and better preparedness among African military forces.

He said the peace support operations planning package is concurrently running in Malawi, South Africa, Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe, with participants drawn from the whole SADC Region. Angola, Tanzania and Mozambique are participating as observers.

“CJAX emanated from the African Conference of Commandants (ACoC) held in 2007 and focuses more on Armed Forces within the SADC,” he said.

Brig Gen Samatamba said the programme, will run up to 4 September, 2026.

02/09/2026

01/09/2026

PRESIDENT HICHILEMA SWORN IN FOR SECOND TERM, PLEDGES SERVICE TO ALL ZAMBIANS

President Hakainde Hichilema has officially begun his second term after taking the Oath of Office and being formally sworn in as President of the Republic of Zambia and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Force.

President Hichilema was sworn in alongside Vice President W K Mutale Nalumango today, 1st September 2026 and outlined the Grow Zambia Agenda as the focus of his 2026–2031 term.

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony at the National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka, President Hichilema said the country is moving from economic stabilisation to growth, with emphasis on expanding prosperity, creating opportunities and ensuring that more Zambians benefit from economic development.

He said Government will continue with its reform agenda while focusing on shaping a growth-oriented economy anchored on key sectors such as mining, agriculture, tourism, energy and industrial transformation.

President Hichilema also called on Zambians to embrace a culture of production, saying the country should not only be a nation of consumers but also producers.

He thanked God and the Zambian people for renewing his mandate and pledged to continue serving as President for all Zambians, regardless of their political affiliation or background.

The ceremony brought together several African Heads of State, including Presidents from Kenya, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Tanzania, alongside other high-ranking international representatives.

The Presidents of Zimbabwe and Kenya pledged to strengthen cooperation with Zambia and deepen bilateral relations, with a shared commitment to expanding areas of mutual interest and ensuring that enhanced partnerships continue to contribute to the development, prosperity and well-being of the people of the three countries.

Also in attendance was the Zambia National Service (ZNS) Commander, Lieutenant General Eng Maliti Solochi II, among other Service Chiefs and senior government officials.

President Hichilema and Vice President W K Mutale Nalumango were sworn in for the 2026–2031 term, with the President calling on citizens to remain united and committed to building a more prosperous Zambia.

The Head of State concluded by urging Zambians to move forward together in unity, hard work and shared purpose under the Grow Zambia Agenda.

31/08/2026

MONDAY MOTIVATION

A new week is a reminder that God is still writing your story. Don’t let yesterday’s disappointments dictate today’s expectations. What feels delayed is not necessarily denied,keep moving with faith.

“Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.” Proverbs 16:3 (KJV)

There will be moments when the path ahead is unclear, but clarity is not a requirement for obedience. Take the next step, even when you cannot see the whole staircase. God can guide you one step at a time.

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD and he delighteth in his way.” Psalm 37:23 (KJV)

This Monday, choose faith over fear, consistency over excuses, and purpose over distraction. Walk into this week knowing that you are not walking alone. God is ordering your steps. 🙏🏽✨

24/08/2026

MONDAY MOTIVATION

“But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57 (NIV)

This Monday, remember, the battle may be real, but so is your victory in Jesus! You may face pressure, opposition, delays, or storms, but you do not face them alone. God is fighting for you, strengthening you, and leading you through.

Stand firm. Pray boldly. Keep moving forward. What comes against you does not have the final word, Jesus does!

Walk into this week with faith, courage, and confidence, you are not fighting for victory; you are fighting from victory.

Have a victorious Week! 🔥🙌

21/08/2026

ZNS Patrols Bring Calm to Soweto and Buseko Markets

Zambia National Service (ZNS) personnel have continued to maintain peace in Lusaka’s Soweto and Buseko Markets through frequent patrols following recent incidents that disrupted trading activities.

A patrol conducted today found the situation at both markets calm, with traders going about their businesses and security personnel maintaining a visible presence.

At Soweto Market, traders welcomed the continued patrols but said they remained apprehensive about their safety once the troops leave.

Some traders, who declined to be named for fear of reprisals, said they had allegedly been warned not to become too confident because of the presence of ZNS troops, claiming that the cadres would return once the troops withdrew.

The traders therefore appealed for continued and frequent patrols, saying the presence of ZNS personnel has given them confidence to conduct their businesses peacefully.

“May God continue blessing you,” one trader told the ZNS personnel during the patrol.

Another described the presence of the troops as “the kind of government we want,” while another appealed: “You should be coming here every day.”

The sentiments reflect both the relief brought by the security presence and the lingering fear among some traders who remain concerned about what could happen in the absence of the troops.

Meanwhile, ZNS personnel also patrolled Buseko Market, where incidents were reported the previous day.

Speaking during the patrol, Constable Chanda of the Lusaka City Council Police said the situation at Buseko Market had remained calm since the security patrols were introduced.

Constable Chanda said he would cooperate with the security personnel and do his part to assist traders and ensure that they are able to conduct their businesses peacefully.

The patrols form part of continued efforts to maintain peace and public order while providing reassurance to traders and members of the public.

For the traders at Soweto, the message was clear: the presence of ZNS has brought a sense of safety, and they want the patrols to continue.

ZNS personnel will continue to maintain vigilance and conduct frequent patrols at the markets as part of efforts to sustain peace and safeguard the wellbeing of traders and members of the public.