Movement For Democratic Change

21/02/2026

The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) is deeply saddened to announce the passing of our former Vice President for Administration, Ms. Shery Thole.

​To many of us, Shery was more than a leader; she was a guiding light, a dear friend, a mother and an elder sister whose contribution to our party and the nation of Zambia was immeasurable. She led with a rare combination of grace, integrity, and intellectual depth.

​Shery’s professional journey was a masterclass in dedication. She began her distinguished career at the Bank of Zambia, rising through the ranks to the level of Director.

Her transition to the private sector was equally impactful, where she served as:

1. ​Managing Director of Intermarket Banking

2. Corporation

3. ​Chairperson of the Bankers Association of Zambia (BAZ)

4. ​President of the Institute of Directors

​Because her expertise was so profound, she was called back to public service to serve the nation as Permanent Secretary, a role she held with the same excellence that defined her entire life.
​
​Shery Thole was an asset to the future, leaving behind a legacy of service that will inspire generations of Zambians. Her commitment to a better, more prosperous Zambia remained unwavering until the very end.

​As a party, we extend our deepest prayers and heartfelt condolences to her family and the entire MDC fraternity. We mourn with you, but we also celebrate a life exceptionally well-lived.

​May we find solace in the lives she touched and the standard of excellence she set for us all.

​Go well, Shery. Rest in Eternal Peace.

21/02/2026

Former MDC Vice President Sherry Thole Dies

13/01/2026

MDC President and UPND Alliance Council of Presidents member Felix Mutati speaking in Chawama

13/01/2026

FORMER PF AND SOCIALIST PARTY STRONGMAN INNOCENT KALIMANSHI LEADS OVER 3,000 DEFECTORS TO UPND AHEAD OF CHAWAMA BY-ELECTION

Former Patriotic Front (PF) and Socialist Party (SP) strongman Innocent Kalimanshi has led more than 3,000 defectors from various opposition political parties to the United Party for National Development (UPND), just days before the Chawama parliamentary by-election.

UPND officials said about 1,500 of the defectors are leaders, drawn from different opposition parties, a development the party says reflects growing confidence in President Hakainde Hichilema’s leadership and the performance of the UPND government.

The defectors are coming from several political groupings, including the PF, Socialist Party (SP), Citizen First (CF), and Zambia Must Prosper.

Senior UPND leaders led by Secretary General Hon. Batuke Imenda, Lusaka Province Chairman Obvious Summerton Mwaliteta, National Youth Chairman Gilbert Liswaniso, and other party officials formally received Mr Kalimanshi and the defectors in Chawama Constituency.

Speaking after joining UPND, Mr Kalimanshi described his decision as a “return home,” appealing for forgiveness and acceptance from the party leadership and members. He said defections from both the PF and the Socialist Party were continuing, with more members expected to join UPND in the coming days.

UPND said the mass defections demonstrate growing support for its development-driven and inclusive agenda, and signal strong momentum as the party heads into the Chawama parliamentary by-election.

©️ UPND Media Team

13/01/2026

12/01/2026

MDC Secretary General Amb Joyce Musenge at the Rally yesterday where she was the host.

12/01/2026

MDC Choir at the Chawama ward 3 rally yesterday in support of UPND candidate for the Chawama By elections Morgan Muunda

13/09/2025

MDC President Felix Chipota Mutati writes:

On behalf of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) Lusaka District, we extend our deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Hakana.

We were all deeply saddened by his passing. Mr. Hakana was a valued member of our party, and his dedication will be remembered.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this incredibly difficult time. May you find strength and comfort in the memories you share.

This morning, Amb. Joyce Musenge led party officials from across party structures in paying their last respects to their friend, brother, and colleague. MHSRIEP

25/08/2025

The League of African Ambassadors Ramps Up for Lusaka’s Diplomatic Spectacle — Date TBA, Buzz Guaranteed

Amb. Anthony Mukwita reflections-
25 Aug 25.

As the clock ticks toward a launch date shrouded in mystery — “one or two months, give or take,” as one insider winked, the League of African Ambassadors (LAA) is turning up the diplomatic heat in Lusaka.

The capital is abuzz with whispers of what’s being dubbed “a big, beautiful diplomatic engagement”, the kind even POTUS Trump might call “tremendous.”

Today’s planning meeting, held behind closed doors but leaking charm and gravitas, featured the usual “diplomatic suspects”

: Ambassadors Ominyi Nwanne interim president, Mundanda, Samakayi, Musenge, Mukwita, and Counselor Jowel Joseph. With coffee flowing and metaphors flying, Amb. Nwanne declared, “This is the A-list diplomatic club Africa has been waiting for. Diplomacy isn’t dying — it’s evolving.”

The LAA, a non-profit, non-political collective of serving and “out-of-office” diplomats, is registered in Zambia but proudly pan-African in spirit. “It’s not a Zambian initiative,” one Balozi emphasized. “It’s an African collective — a mosaic of experience, vision, and unity.”

The League stands on five sturdy pillars:
1. Peace-building & Mediation
2. Public Diplomacy & Image Crafting
3. Youth & Leadership Mentorship
4. Continental Integration & Cooperation
5. Crisis Communication & Strategic Advisory

These aren’t just buzzwords — they’re the scaffolding of a new diplomatic architecture for Africa. As Amb. Mukwita reflected, “Ambassadors are like wine — they only grow better with age. And in diplomacy, there’s no substitute for experience.”

Past high-level meetings have included closed-door sessions with regional and government blocs, strategic dialogues with AU envoys, and memorable roundtables in Lusaka and beyond another envoy quipped between ginger tea, “We may be retired, but our Rolodexes are very much alive.” Expect many more to come — and not just in boardrooms.

The LAA is planning town halls, youth forums, and even a few diplomatic-infused evenings to remind Africa that diplomacy can be both serious and soulful.

Counselor Jowel Joseph summed it up best: “Diplomacy isn’t just about handshakes and protocol. It’s about storytelling, bridge-building, and showing Africa’s best face to the world — even when the world isn’t watching.”

So while the launch date remains positively elusive — “TBA,” as the official line goes — the momentum is unmistakable. Lusaka is preparing not just for an event, but for a movement. And if today’s planning session is any indication, the League of African Ambassadors is ready to uncork the future.

“Diplomacy,” said Amb. Samakayi with his captivating grin, “is Africa’s quiet superpower. And we’re about to turn up the volume.”

Balozi Lazarous Kapambwe said, “Great diplomatic achievements are like cooking a village chicken (free range) the process is long and tedious but OMG the final taste…”

Amb. Solomon Jere just crooned one of his best gospel hits!
The diplomatic clock ticketh.

Source: LAA, Lusaka Planning Committee.

Pictures Credit Bwalya Kalimanshi.

20/08/2025

League of African Ambassadors Pays Courtesy Visit to Mayor of Lusaka

The League of African Ambassadors (LAA) recently paid a courtesy visit to the Mayor of Lusaka, Her Lordship Chilando Chitangala, as part of its outreach and engagement efforts with key stakeholders in Zambia. The LAA delegation, led by its Founding President, Amb. Nwanne OMINYI, met with the Mayor to discuss the League's initiatives and objectives.

During the meeting, the Mayor pledged her support for the LAA's initiative, recognizing the importance of harnessing the experience and expertise of retired professionals for the development of the continent. She also lamented the lack of re-circulation of human resources waste, emphasizing the need to leverage the skills and knowledge of retired professionals to contribute to national and continental development.

The Mayor commended Amb. Nwanne OMINYI and his colleagues for their wisdom in founding the LAA and encouraged other professionals to emulate this initiative. The LAA delegation consisted of Amb. Lazarus Kapambwe, Amb. Anthony Mukwita, Amb. Bobby Samaria, Amb. Charity Charamba, Amb. Joyce Musenge , and Barr. Joel Joseph, the Legal Adviser to LAA.

The meeting was productive, and the Mayor's support for the LAA's initiative is a significant step towards realizing the League's objectives. The LAA looks forward to working with the Mayor and other stakeholders to promote the development of Zambia and the African continent.

The LAA will also continue to engage with other stakeholders, including government officials, private sector leaders, and civil society organizations, to build support for its initiative.

The League is confident that its initiative will make a positive impact on the development of Zambia and the African continent in general.

07/08/2025

This morning the Movement for Democratic Change - MDC family, led by party Secretary General, Amb. Joyce Chembe - Musenge and Lusaka Province Chairman Mr Lungu led mourners to pay their last respect to former MDC Lusaka Province Secretary, Emmanuel Kalasa who died a few days ago and was interred this afternoon at Mutumbi cemetery.

The MDC family will remember Mr Kalasa for his contributions to the party as one of its founding members, beyond that he became a friend, a brother and a father to many in the party structures, who offered counsel and guidance on many issues.

As a party, we send our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and everyone touched by his passing. We pray God gives us all the strength, courage, and wisdom to navigate through this difficult time.

Also present at the funeral was Permanent Secretary in the ministry of information and media, Mr Thabo Kawana and MDC founding member, Mr Chris Banda.

Emmanuel Kalasa was until the time of his demise Lusaka Province Chairman for the New Heritage Party, a party he joined in 2024.

May the Soul of the departed, Rest In Peace.

Issued by: MDC Media Team.